July 2017 Splash

JULY

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

2017

LOCAL GOLF PRO WINS AGAINST CANCER PAGE 2

FREE

CHALICH RETIRES AFTER ETERNITY AT CV PAGE 28

TOWN SQUARE BAKC FOR ANOTHER BALLOT PAGE 8

2 • JULY 2017

NEWS

they want to do. I was one of them.

I ended up moving from Pullman to Spokane in 1985 and went back to school, first at Spokane Community College then Eastern Washington University to finish. While finishing up school in Cheney, I wanted to find a place I could work and get free golf and range balls. I totally bugged Gary Lindeblad, the head professional at Indian Canyon, for two months at the start of the year before the course even opened. He had just got the position that fall.

I wanted a job in the pro shop but he only had a short order cook’s job available, so I took it. I worked in the restaurant for a month or so then moved in to the pro shop.

I’d always loved golf, and so when the end of the year came and Gary offered me the position of assistant golf pro, I accepted – and that’s how my golf career started.

The Park Bench

Staying the Course – Local golf pro Scott rallies to defeat cancer

By Craig Howard Splash Editor In late October 2015, with the foliage at Meadowwood Golf Course turning rustic shades of orange and yellow, nearly 400 people showed up to golf for Bob Scott.

The turnout was unlike anything most had seen before. Despite little notice and no history of the event, participation in the benefit tournament was so enthusiastic that Liberty Lake Golf Course across the street was added as a venue. Turns out that Scott, the Meadowwood head pro since 1996, had developed layers of friendship over the years that were now mobilizing quickly on his behalf.

Generally, friends and family go to bat for a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer. Scott’s entourage flocked to the tee. They soon realized that Scott was the one doing most of the encouragement.

“Bob took the news with the attitude he always does – positive,” remembers Chris Johnston, head pro at Trailhead Golf Course. “After talking to him, I was put at ease as though I really needed it! He was the one with cancer and yet it seemed like he just made me feel better. That is the kind of guy Bob Scott is – it’s never about him.”

Scott had not cried at all during the ordeal. That changed at the tournament when he saw a gathering that equaled the town of Colton there to offer support.

“It was really amazing,” he said.

Scott went to the driving range shortly before the event with his girlfriend Jo Siegel, but opted to put the clubs aside after his first three attempts went awry. The cancer had begun to affect his central nervous system and motor skills. Scott joked with friends that his golf game had gone so far south that no prospective student should be allowed in the vicinity.

The Splash

Bob Scott has been the head professional at Meadowwood Golf Course in Liberty Lake since 1996. Previously, he served in the same role at Liberty Lake Golf Course. In August 2015, Scott was diagnosed with brain cancer but battled back to beat the disease.

Photo by Craig Howard Scott’s treatment included shuttling between the hospital and home over a period of about three months. Full brain radiation was also part of the agenda. That fall, he told friends and family he was going to beat it, even though the initial diagnosis came back as inoperable. His mother, Louise, had passed away in 1993 after her own battle with cancer.

Scott began to feel like his old self again when his favorite college team, Washington State, was upset by Portland State in football that autumn and he found himself fretting over the state of the program. Gradually, golf came back, too.

“The No. 1 thing is to have a positive attitude,” Scott said.

Now cancer free, Scott says he will never take another day for granted. He celebrated his 58th birthday last month. Things that once brought on stress now slide away like a putt on a wet green. He gives credit to Siegel and friends like Doug and Sharon Matthews for helping him through the murky waters after his diagnosis.

He is quick to salute CancerCare Northwest for the attention he was given during treatment and lauds his Meadowwood colleagues who stepped up during his absence.

Things are looking crisp and clear again, although he’ll tell you his game still needs some work.

A native of Spokane, Scott grew

up in Pullman where his father, David, worked at the WSU School of Architecture, serving as chair of the department for 15 years. After helping to raise Bob and his three siblings, his mom worked the WSU Veterinary Medicine School.

Scott started golfing at 13 but played a variety of sports as a kid, including basketball, football, wrestling and tennis. He still plays a mean game of Ping Pong. As a senior at Pullman High School, he was on a golf team that included future PGA professional Kirk Triplett.

Scott’s first official job at a golf course was flipping burgers in the café at Indian Canyon in 1986. He transitioned to the pro shop later that year and was hired as assistant pro not long after. He worked at Indian Canyon until the fall of 1991 when he became head pro at Liberty Lake Golf Course. After longtime Meadowwood pro Kaye Walker retired in 1996, Scott took his clubs across Sprague Avenue and has been there ever since.

Q: When did you first think you might want to pursue golf as a profession?

A: I graduated from Pullman High School in 1978. I’d golfed through high school and my first two years at WSU, then dropped out of school for two years and took a job with a weatherization contractor. For many young adults, they jump into school, but really don’t know what

Q: Did you ever have visions of playing on the PGA Tour?

A: I’m pretty much a realist when it comes to playing the game of golf or any professional sport. A guy like Kirk (Triplett) can hit 300 balls a day and have a purpose to every shot. After 20 balls, I get bored. So no, I never really thought about it. Playing golf in the Northwest Section of the PGA is as competitive as it’s gotten for me. Great tournament schedule we have in our section. We play for the most money of all 41 sections in the nation.

Q: What are some of the traits it takes to be a good golf pro?

A: Number one and foremost is having people skills. To me the most important part of our job is getting the people to the first tee in a good mood. Golf is one of those games that if I make someone upset before they tee off, that can cause them to have a bad day.

Another important trait is the love of the game – not so much being a great player but just loving the game. In the old days, clubs wanted good players, now owners and bosses are looking for good managers. That’s the direction we are going. You also need to wear quite a few hats. You end up teaching, merchandising, handling tournament operations, accounting and so many other things. You end up multi-tasking every day.

Q: Shifting gears a bit, when did you first find out you had cancer?

A: We honestly can’t pinpoint an exact time, but the spring of 2014 seems to be when all my health

See SCOTT, Page 5

The Splash

JULY 2017 • 3

FREE FAMILY FUN!

Join us for Summer Movies at Mirabeau Park This summer the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department will host three Friday nights of free summertime family fun. Join the local Waste Management team as we host the movie Sing on Friday, July 28.

Activities for children, including the WM recycling challenge, will start one hour before sunset.

GET THE LATEST ON LOCAL RECYCLING & GARBAGE SERVICES

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Photographers Tandy Luhn & Hayley Schmelzer

Senior portrait sessions are $300 and include multiple locations, multiple outfit changes and a thumb drive with approximately 30 digitally edited portraits, complete with printing rights to www.tandyluhnphotography.com use at your favorite printer. facebook.com/tandyluhnphotography

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NEWS

Liberty Lake moves closer to flying community flag

By Tamara K. Williams Splash Correspondent

Considering all 63 entries received by community sponsors and the Spokane Valley Arts Council for the inaugural Liberty Lake Community Flag contest, this has not been an easy decision to narrow down.

When the open competition was announced last March, Liberty Lake City Council Member Dan Dunne, the catalyst for the idea, was overwhelmed by the response of so many talented individuals from all over the Inland Northwest that have included artists, graphic designers, cartoonists and the entire fifth grade class at Liberty Lake Elementary School.

When the decision was made to incorporate a flag for the Liberty Lake community, the criteria for judging came from an understanding of what a flag should symbolically represent whether it waves over a government building, a fire station, hospital or even a business or home. According to Vexillology, the scientific study of flags, a focus on history, symbolism and how flags are used are important to know before beginning a design. A flag’s design needs to be so simple a child can draw it from memory.

Symbolism should be meaningful, using colors, patterns or pictures relating to what it symbolizes.

Colors should be limited to no more than three basic colors in order to contrast well.

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

Although the sponsors of the contest had hoped to have a final decision before the end of June, Dunne says the process will take more time based on the number and quality of the entries.

Liberty Lake Children‛s Academy

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www.libertylakechildrensacademy.com • 1322 N Stanford Lane • Liberty Lake, WA 99019

The Splash

“As I curated the entries for consideration by the group of sponsors and the Spokane Valley Arts Council, I was humbled and thrilled by the creativity and imagination of the people who considered the task of how a flag could represent our community,” Dunne said. “The pride and love that people have for the place we call home was evident not just in the designs, but in the words and descriptions they provided about why features of their design were important.”

The committee of sponsors for the Liberty Lake Community flag are looking for the design that best represents the civic pride of the community and its residents. Each of the community sponsors will have a vote in closing the margins on so many creative designs. When judging is complete, the three finalists will be announced and each will receive $300 in prize money.

According to Dunne, the final decision will be announced sometime in August. He is now working to organize a display to be exhibited at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market over the Fourth of July weekend but for now, all flag entries are part of a makeshift gallery at the Council Chambers at City Hall during regular business hours. Dunne offered many thanks to the Spokane Valley Arts Council and all the community sponsors listed here who have helped in the process of choosing a flag to represent the community of Liberty Lake. Sponsors include: Itron, Consign Furniture, Washington Trust Bank, Yoke’s, Altek, Liberty Lake Portal, STCU, Comcast, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, Frencken, Liberty Lake Splash, Greenstone Homes, Liberty Lake Kiwanis and Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club.

Submission

by David Harden

Submission

by Alyson McGuire

Submission

by Jenne Hatcher

Submission

by Caroline Tertocha

Submission

by Rebekah Wilding

Submission

by Ayianna Hopkins

Above is a preview sampling of submissions that have been received.

The Splash

SCOTT

NEWS

Continued from page 2 issues started. I went to a local optometrist to check out my eyes and he sent me straight to see an eye surgeon at Spokane Eye Clinic.

At this point I had white blood cells accumulating in my eyes.

Two surgeries later, I thought everything was fine but then, over the next year, different health issues arose and we could not pinpoint a cause.

Finally in the summer of 2015, my memory pretty much was gone.

I would literally forget easy tasks that I had done for years. As I understand it, the gathering of all my friends and Jo got together and knew something wasn’t right. My last pro-am at Chewelah on Aug. 10, 2015, I literally couldn’t hit the ball. On Monday, Aug. 17 of that year, Jo admitted me into the hospital. When asked by to the admission people why she wanted to admit me she responded, “We don’t know, that’s what we need to find out.”

Q: What kind of response did the golf community have to your diagnosis?

A: The response from the golf

community was and has been unbelievable. Not a day goes by that someone doesn't ask how my health is. While in the hospital I would get quite a few texts. It really helped my cognitive functions. I tried to text as often as I could, probably to the point of bugging some of my friends. The response was the most humbling response one individual could ever have.

The tournament that my friends, employees and past employees put on for me was off the charts. The support I received and continue to receive is unbelievable. Chris Curran, Brent Walsh, Marty Woolf, Mo Vasquez and my entire crew did an awesome job.

Q: What did you learn about yourself and life in general through this experience?

A: Going through this experience has changed my perspective on life. I don't sweat the small stuff and everyday's truly a bonus. I've learned that everyone's body and chemistry is different. But probably most of all, I've found that I'm just one of the many in our community with this disease and if you know someone, do all you can to support them.

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Windermere Valley/Liberty Lake

Bob Scott played golf for two years at Washington State University. As a senior at Pullman High School, Scott was a teammate of future PGA pro Kirk Triplett.

Photo by Craig Howard

Cheryl Boisen 509-280-0652 cherylboisen@windermere.com

Doug Dietrich 509-951-8355 dougd@windermere.com

Ryan Gustafson

509-270-9675

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Matt Allen 509-995-5250

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Office : (509) 340-8000 • Fax : (509) 340-8010 • Libertylake@windermere.com •WindermereLibertyLake.com 695 N. Legacy Ridge Dr. Suite 200 Liberty Lake, Wa 99019

LIBRARY

6 • JULY 2017

The Splash

Let’s celebrate India by making paper lanterns! All ages welcome.

Please register at the library or via facebook.

Turnbull Wildlife Friday July 14th 10:30 am

Books ‘n’ Brew Book Club Thursday July 17th

Learn about Turnbull Wildlife Refuge and the animals that live there. Game and activities will be included. Register here >goo. gl/64zVZV

We are reading The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.

CHILDREN EVENTS

Library Mini Golf

Friday July 21st 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Bring the whole family down for a round of mini golf! Putters and balls provided.

Activities ADULT EVENTS

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (class 1) 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (class 2) Mandala closed.

Stones.

Registration

Tower Crusher Friday July 7th 10:30 am

Adult Yoga Night Farmer’s Market

Saturday July 1st 9:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Family craft and book give-aways will be held at the Liberty Lake Farmer’s Market. Stop by and see us!

Teams will build towers using cardboard boxes and then try to knock down the opposing team’s tower down using small balls, beanbags and more. Register here >goo.gl/WbwGQS

Thursday July 13th 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Come to the library and relax your cares away. Please bring a mat and a water bottle. Ages 14 and up. Register at the library or via facebook.

Tape Town

Wednesday July 12th 10:30 am

Family Crafts Adult Crafts

Thursday July 6th

Saturday July 15th 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Bring a toy car, your imagination and explore all of the wonderful sites to see around town! Visit the car wash, the grocery store and more. For ages 0-5. Check out our facebook event for more details.

Book Chat

Tuesday July 25th 3:00 pm

Our new non-traditional book club for 5th - 8th graders! Read any book(s) you want each month and share them with other book lovers in the group. Register here >goo. gl/DiLrOx

Battle of Hogwarts Monday July 31st 1:00 pm

Celebrate the boy who lives’ birthday by fighting in our Battle of Hogwarts trivia style! Since no wizard is complete without their wand, wand making will follow the trivia battle. Ages 8 and up.

Register here >goo.gl/8iGfS7

www.facebook.com/libertylakelibrary • www.libertylakewa.gov/library

The Splash

JULY 2017 • 7

The Lookout MEMO from the

Mayor

By Mayor Steve Peterson

“Embracing Innovation: What does it mean to cities?”

This was the title to our annual Association of Washington Cities keynote speech. The speaker was Pablos Holman. Pablos is a futurist and inventor who truly understands new technologies and the impact on our communities. “WOW” is an

understatement when it comes to Pablo’s glimpse into the future which will affect everyone of our lives.

Challenge the system he does not; he breaks it open and puts it back together right before your eyes. It is what will come to dominate the next 20 years.

Your shopping habits are beginning to change as you order online and shop from home. Your life begins to give up the old model of what you drive, where you live and what you will do for an income. You will be driven to embrace the experience of community, your neighbors,

responsibility for family and lifelong learning from a whole different perspective.

Think he is just another prognosticator? The answer is in his partnerships and companions, i.e. Bill Gates and Paul Allen of Microsoft along with Jeff Bezos of Amazon. He has been in on a number of big changes in just the last few years, including 3- D printing at Maker Bot, spaceships to infuse space exploration and travel., artificial intelligence systems, Wi-Fi seeking robots, laser use for disease eradication and much, much more. is message to us was disruptive

Welcome new city employees!

As the city of Liberty Lake grows and develops, the need for qualified employees grows with it. We are excited to announce some of the new faces that you will see at the library, City Hall, the police department and on projects around the city.

• The city recently hired two new police officers. Officer Mark Holthaus has over 15 years law enforcement experience with other agencies and comes fully certified as an instructor in several different areas. Officer Jordan Bowman comes to us from Pend Oreille County with five years’ experience and was known for being one of the most proactive law enforcement officers within the county.

• In May, Michelle Walker joined the Library as the library associate. Michelle has been a substitute for us and other library systems in Spokane County for a number of years and we are very glad to have her with us on a permanent part-time basis. Besides desk duties common to all library positions, she will be in charge of inter-library loan requests and procurement as well as processing and repair of new items.

Michelle will also substitute for children’s story times. She replaces Library Clerk Carissa Hale.

• Stephen Williams has joined city staff as a full-time Streets Section lead.

He will be responsible for care and operations of the existing streets as well as snow and ice removal in the winter.

We are always excited to welcome new employees to our team that add fresh ideas and new perspectives to daily operations.

July 2017 technology will change how we function in everyday life and we must adapt to those changes to prosper.

We will see it in our shopping, our building and energy needs as well as the growth of our communities and education of our children. We, as a community, will be focused on services and experiences augmented by technology that will enhance and challenge our life and thinking.

In Liberty Lake, “Spokane County’s Premier Address,” we will step up to meet these challenges head-on by “Imagining the Possibilities” and acting on them to capture our robust future.

New message board gets the word out

Keys to reserving park space

When you hear “Liberty Lake,” it isn’t a stretch to think of our own Pavillion Park. Boasting a covered picnic and entertainment pavilion, seven sports fields, a tetherball court, a little Frisbee golf course, a baseball field, basketball courts, tennis courts, a skate park and, of course, the splash pad, it’s no wonder Pavillion Park sees thousands of park-goers a season, and hosts dozens upon dozens of reservations.

What many might not know is that we have a second major park in city limits – Rocky Hill Park. Located off Mission, in the quaint yet up-andcoming Rocky Hill neighborhood, this simple park is anything but ordinary. With three large fields, a sheltered picnic area with barbecues on site, tennis courts, the Rocky Hill Gardens, historical barn and, of course, home to the city goats

throughout the summer, this park is a great family greenspace. Many a birthday and family gathering is held there, with the quiet surroundings and open areas for little ones to run.

Another potentially lesser known fact about our city’s parks is that they are available for rental. Renting park space as well as sheltered picnic space is easily done through the city. Rental rates are based on hourly space rental, as well as the day of week one chooses to rent space. Applicants are helped personally by a member of the Parks and Recreation Department, and while previous years allowed for online rental, adding the personal touch and doing away with the online option to reserve space has shown no decline in reservations.

The parks filled up arguably faster this year than in previous years.

While the sun is out and the weather is warm, we encourage those seeking information regarding rentals to call the city at 755-6700 or email thunter@libertylakewa.gov.

Standing tall on the corner of Country Vista Drive and Liberty Lake Road, our new message board is up and running. On top of a strong brick foundation, the bright messages inform residents and visitors of important reminders and events going on in Liberty Lake.

Community involvement and outreach is a major motivator here at the city, and not one we take lightly. This is why we are so excited about our new message board.

From Facebook to a very active city website, we are always looking for ways to get information to our residents.

When a community message board was proposed, the possibilities seemed to be endless and the benefits greater. Since the board went “live” on May 25, it has proven to be a useful tool for advertising community events and potential community hazards, important community information and engagement. The sign has already seen over a dozen different installments since its unveiling.

Whether one is looking for the daily time, or looking to see when a favorite community event is scheduled, we hope the message board is as beloved by our residents as it is by us.

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

8 • JULY 2017

Town Square by the numbers

By Craig Howard Splash Editor If Liberty Lake winds up passing the vote for a community center on its third attempt since 2008, the facility will be built by taxpayer dollars. The amount paid will hinge on the assessed property value within city limits, a number that includes four categories – commercial, multifamily, single residential and vacant.

As you might expect, the current assessed property value is slightly more than the change found beneath a couch cushion.

According to Liberty Lake Finance Director R.J. Stevenson, that number now stands at $1,317,920,058.

Commercial properties comprise 31.41 percent of that total at $414,002,700 while multifamily dwellings represent 8.76 percent at $115,458,228. Single residential homes take up the largest chunk at 58.46 percent, a dollar value of $770,433,228.

Vacant properties round out the assessed property pie chart at 1.37 percent or $18,025,740.

If approved by at least 60 percent of voters, the $9 million construction bond on the Aug. 1 ballot would be paid off over a period of 30 years through an increase of 38 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. With interest figured in, that means an annual payment of $560,000.

Broken down by property tax grouping, commercial would pay $175,915; multi-family $49,060; single residential $327, 366 and vacant properties $7,659.

In more digestible numbers, the property tax increase

NEWS

would impact a home valued at $270,000 by $8.42 a month. The median home value in Liberty Lake is currently $290,000.

As the population of Liberty Lake approaches 10,000, city officials have pointed out that continued growth – and the corresponding increase in overall taxpayers – will translate into the cost of the bond dropping over the years. In April, Stevenson told council that a $10 million bond starting at 42 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value would drop to 23 cents per $1,000 in 10 years with an annual growth rate of 2 percent.

Some questions have been brought up by residents as to whether or not apartment complexes and commercial properties will pay into the Town Square project if passed. The May Splash included a letter to the editor raising such concern.

Stevenson has mapped this out, as well, noting that an apartment complex valued at $16,726,830 would see an increase in monthly property tax of $592.

A large manufacturing facility – valued at $16,000,000 would pay an additional $567 a month while a credit union branch assessed at $5,867,030 would see an upturn of $207 a month.

There are provisions in place for property owners who fit within certain income parameters and have a disability and/or happen to be a senior. According to the Spokane County Assessor’s office, a household in either of the above categories that earns less than $40,000 per year qualifies for an exemption from the increase in property taxes if the bond passes. For more information or to apply for the exemption, call the assessor’s office at 477-3698 or visit www.spokanecounty. org/219/assessor.

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Voters to decide on community center/library

By Craig Howard Splash Editor It’s becoming a summertime tradition in Liberty Lake.

For the second year in a row, voters in Spokane County’s easternmost city will have the opportunity to support or oppose an initiative to build a community center and library on the Town Square property along Meadowwood Lane. Unlike last year’s ballot, the latest project does not include an aquatic center. This construction bond also has a lower price tag -- $9 million instead of the $12 million proposed in 2016.

Last year’s vote was close – 56.16 percent of voters supported the project, just short of the 60-percent supermajority required for passage of capital facility bonds. Voter turnout in Liberty Lake was above the average in Spokane County for last August’s primary election with just under 47 percent casting ballots as opposed to just shy of 34 percent countywide.

Still – over 2,700 ballots in Liberty Lake went unreturned.

Even among those voters who participated in the election, nearly 70 ballots were not marked either way on Town Square.

“We sure wish a few more people would have filled out their ballots,” said Mayor Steve Peterson after the election.

Prior to the vote, Tami Yager, a citizen who campaigned on behalf of the project, said she was concerned that “people won’t vote or be on vacation and miss it.”

Peterson has also noted that voters under 40 years of age were underrepresented last year. Others had issues with the aquatic center. Peterson spoke to one voter who opposed the project because the pool areas were not enclosed.

On April 11, City Council held a special workshop to discuss the Town Square project. What emerged was momentum for a serviceable building that would

The Splash serve as Liberty Lake’s long sought-after gathering place while allowing the library more space for an increasingly popular schedule of events, classes and activities.

“We don’t need to get real fancy,” Council Member Cris Kaminskas said at the workshop.

“We just need to make it usable and presentable.”

Talk has focused on a facility in the neighborhood of 25,000 square feet with the library occupying around 9,000 square feet, although that number could increase based on the library’s projections of city growth.

If approved, the bond would mean an increase of 38 cents per $1,000 of assessed property tax valuation. A home valued at $270,000 would pay $101 more in property tax per year or $8.42 per month.

Unlike last year, the months leading up to this bond election have been relatively quiet. The city took a “progressive design build” approach to the 2016 rendition, hiring highly regarded consultants like Graham Construction and Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture to craft a design of the facility. Between community open houses, council workshops, stakeholder meetings and workshops held by a probond citizens committee, nearly two dozen formal discussions were held prior to the vote last August.

The city budgeted $185,000 over two years to bring on the consultants with $147,000 being spent by the time ballots were cast on Aug. 1, 2016.

City Administrator Katy Allen said the city “has been working on getting the facts out” about the latest initiative. She added that while the blueprint developed last year “is a good starting point,” no decision has been made yet on exactly what design will be used if the supermajority is reached.

“If the bond passes, we will reassess the best way to deliver this project,” Allen said.

City Council voted 4-2 on May 2 to put the Town Square proposal back on the ballot. Council Members Odin Langford and Bob Moore were in the minority.

This will mark the third time Liberty Lake has gone to voters

See VOTE, Page 9

The Splash

Vote

Continued from page 8

for a community center/library.

In April 2008, only 38 percent of ballots were cast for a $9.8 million project that would have raised property tax by 57 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. Last year’s bond featured a hike of 50 cents per $1,000.

Allen made it clear that the topic of aquatics – while not part of an election appeal to voters – is still afloat. She said the latest discussion has reframed the term “aquatic facility” to “municipal pool” and has raised the possibility of something more practical than last year’s project.

Taxpayer money, Allen said, has not been brought up as a way to pay for the project. City Council has not committed any funds to this point for a municipal pool.

“We have to look at the entire playing field,” said Allen, referencing upcoming road projects and proposed improvements to the Trailhead golf course clubhouse. “The goal with a pool would be not to go to taxpayers. Any project would have to fit into our financing.

Right now, it’s too early to say.”

JULY 2017 • 9

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The Splash

10 • JULY 2017

City Council seeks replacement at dais

one of several around the dais who expressed concern over leaving the decision up to the county commissioners if no decision is made within the 90-day window.

Boutz said the vacancy must be filled by Aug. 29 to avoid such a scenario.

Severs suggested a possibility of “extending (applicant) interviews to late July or early August to widen the window a little and give us some options.”

By Craig Howard Splash Editor

With the general election several months away, it seemed any decision involving candidates for the Liberty Lake City Council would be relegated to an autumn ballot.

That changed when Council Member Jessica McGuire announced her resignation on May 31. The selfdescribed “stay-at-home-mom” was appointed last June to replace Keith Kopelson who had stepped down as representative in Pos. 6 for health and family reasons.

McGuire was one of nine applicants to interview for Kopelson’s seat, a record for any council appointment process. Those around the dais who supported her quest said McGuire – who had not held any previous elected office – would bring a fresh perspective to the governance process.

Prior to her resignation, McGuire declined against running as a candidate in the upcoming election to retain her position. Mike Kennedy and Dylan McGuire (no relation) will vie for Pos. 6 chair this November.

In the other two races for council,

SVFD Report – July 2017 From Splash News Sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 118 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from May 22 through June 25: • Emergency services - 86

medical

•

Motor vehicle accident – 6

•

Fire – 7

•

Building alarm – 3

•

Service call – 1

•

Water rescue – 1

•

Hazardous materials - 1

• Dispatched and cancelled en route - 13 *Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake Brush Fire – June 6 – Just before

incumbent Odin Langford will face challenger Jeanette Nall for Pos. 4 and Council Member Hugh Severs is running unopposed to retain his Pos. 2 seat.

At the June 6 council meeting, City Administrator Katy Allen and City Attorney Sean Boutz provided an overview of the options McGuire’s former colleagues have to address the void. Boutz reminded council members that any replacement must be a resident of Liberty Lake for at least one year and be a registered voter. Council has 90 days from the time of a resignation to fill the position. If no one is appointed, the responsibility is transferred to the Spokane County Board of Commissioners.

The governing board must decide who will become its seventh

6 pm, SVFD crews responded to a reported brush fire in the 24300 block of East Springdale Court.

The fire was about 25 feet from the home and starting to melt the vinyl fence. Liberty Lake Police Department arrived on scene first and reported the fire had been extinguished with a garden hose.

SVFD crews arrived on the scene, ensured the fire was out and determined the cause to be the resident using a torch to burn live weeds had caught a bush on fire.

Water Rescue – June 23 – Shortly after 11:30 a.m., SVFD swift water rescue crews responded to a report of an overturned canoe in Liberty Lake about 50 yards from shore. The canoe had two occupants who were not wearing life jackets.

The two were attempting to swim the partially-submerged canoe to shore when they became fatigued.

A passing civilian boat rescued the two and brought them to shore

representative for a space of just over five months. The winner on the Nov. 7 ballot will be sworn in Nov. 28, the day the general election is certified. The tenure for McGuire’s replacement will include critical discussions mapping out the budget for 2018.

“In my ideal scenario, a former council member would take the role during the interim,” said Council Member Cris Kaminskas.

One former council delegate has already thrown his name in the hat.

Kopelson and Kennedy were the only two to apply as of this writing.

The city will close the application process on June 30 and plans to hold interviews with prospective replacements at the July 18 City Council meeting.

Council Member Dan Dunne was

where arriving fire department crews assessed their medical condition. Both patients declined medical transportation.

Motor Vehicle Extrication – June 23 –SVFD crews responded to a motor vehicle accident on I-90 eastbound near milepost 296 just after 9 p.m. While fire department paramedics tended to the trapped driver, SVFD extrication units removed the roof of the car to safely extract the patient. The patient was moved onto a backboard and transported to the hospital.

Be Safe on the Fourth of July – As you, your family and friends plan for a festive Fourth of July, please leave fireworks in the hands of professionals. There are several public fireworks displays scheduled in the greater Spokane and Coeur d’Alene area for you to enjoy.

Fireworks in the hands of individual citizens – especially children – are not only dangerous, but illegal.

Both Kennedy and McGuire were in attendance at the June 6 meeting with Kennedy receiving an endorsement from a citizen during public comments. Langford said the application process for the interim council representative should be open for everyone.

“Let’s include everyone, even if it’s not a candidate for that seat,” he said.

Traditionally, council vacancies have been addressed with the city placing an announcement for the position, followed by the filing of applicants. Sitting council then interviews the field of hopefuls at an open meeting and announces the replacement after an executive session. The decision for McGuire’s stand-in is expected on July 18.

“It seems to me that we have rules and procedures that we have followed in the past,” said Council Member Bob Moore. “I don’t see why we shouldn’t follow them just because there’s an election coming up.”

Please enjoy a safe holiday.

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 ggency 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.

The Splash

Council fields feedback over proposed zoning change

By Craig Howard Splash Editor The theme of land use took center stage at Liberty Lake City Hall on June 20.

A workshop on recommended changes to municipal development regulations and a potential amendment to the comprehensive plan drew an overflow crowd at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Most residents showed up to hear the city’s latest take on multi-family housing.

At issue is a proposed change that would open up property south of I-90 and west of Madson along Appleway to apartment buildings.

Developer Lanzce Douglass appeared before council in April, presenting his idea for corporate multi-family housing that includes an RV park. If council approves the planning commission’s recommended amendment to the comprehensive plan, it would mean a developer like Douglass could apply for such a project since the zoning would allow for multi-family housing in areas now defined as “freeway commercial” and “light industrial.”

Gregg Dohrn, a consultant brought on last year by the city to streamline the comprehensive plan, made it clear that a zoning shift would not automatically mean more multi-family housing being built.

“This would not give the goahead to any project,” he said.

If the property in question did change to allow multifamily housing, a planned unit development would be allowed in the area. Dohrn pointed out that such developments “are intended to encourage innovation and added amenities like open space and public art above and beyond what normal development standards would provide.” Douglass attended the June 20 council meeting but did not speak.

Last year, a project to construct a sprawling apartment complex along Country Vista drew concern from many residents in the Legacy Village neighborhood just to the south of the project. Construction of the Legacy Villas development is

JULY 2017 • 11

now well underway.

down Sprague Avenue,” he said.

Emmylou Newell, a resident of Liberty Lake for the past 10 years, spoke first during the latest public hearing.

Council Member Bob Moore reminded those in attendance that the city complies to the state Growth Management Act (GMA) passed in 1990 which guides how municipalities navigate development.

“My concern is about apartments and more growth,” Newell said. “Is growth inevitable? Are we going to hit 25,000? Maybe this is what happens in a great community like this.”

Mayor Steve Peterson shed light on several of the topics, emphasizing that Liberty Lake is “an urban community with land zoned for different uses.” The mayor went on to say that this type of growth has been anticipated since Liberty Lake incorporated as a city in 2001.

“Growth is somewhat inevitable,” Peterson said. “We’ve tried to provide the zoning that serves a growing population. Our goal is to have a community we can be proud of.”

While saying that she was “not against multi-family housing or apartments,” Newell said she was “anxious” about more of the structures going up in Liberty Lake.

Her concerns about an increase in traffic were echoed by others during the hearing.

“I would encourage you to read the GMA, the comprehensive plan and development regulations,” Moore said. “We’re trying to do the best we can under the circumstances.”

Mike Kennedy, a candidate for City Council who once served on the city of Spokane planning commission, said Liberty Lake is recognized as a unique “hub concept” community that other cities hoped to be but couldn’t because, in Moore’s words, “they were already built out.”

“It’s about having grocery stores, trails, golf carts, restaurants and people getting out of their cars and walking,” Moore said. “In our (planning commission) meetings, this is what we envisioned. Liberty Lake was the one area in Spokane County that it would work because it had room to expand.”

In response to comments about lower cost multi-family housing bringing in a negative element,

Bill Prince, manager of Big Trout Lodge in Liberty Lake, encouraged fairness.

“We have to be very careful to not make this community exclusive,” he said. “You can’t start a club and close the door to others who want to be a part of that club.”

As one of the longest established apartment complexes in the city, Big Trout Lodge has rent costs that are comparable to many mortgage payments, Prince said. He said 40 percent of those who leave the complex buy a home in Liberty Lake.

After the public hearing was closed, council decided to leave the decision on the comprehensive plan amendment for another date. The discussion will resume at the July 11 meeting. Council did approve 19 changes to the development regulations recommended by the planning commission. The adjustments include disallowing any marijuana-related businesses within city limits. Other new requirements address lighting on commercial buildings (which must now be shielded and downward facing) as well as the type of siding material that can be used.

The mayor pointed out that the city has established a standard that seeks equilibrium between residential and commercial development along with greenspace, with each component comprising one-third of the community’s overall acreage.

“We want to keep that balance,” said Peterson who pointed to the city’s recent purchase of 20 acres that will be preserved as conservation land.

Jason Fierst, general manager of Liberty Lake’s Quality Inn and board president of Liberty Lake Center Owners, a group comprised of 31 property owners in the Appleway area, said his organization has reviewed the comprehensive plan and “doesn’t oppose it.”

“Our opposition is in land use,” Fierst added. “We just want a little more discussion before the decision is made on the right use for that land.”

Resident Rich Mays addressed the potential influx of commercial properties in certain areas and questioned what happens to land use accountability when businesses fail and storefronts change.

“It’s not that I don’t want to see things change, I’m just concerned about the kinds of commercial businesses we see as we drive

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12 • JULY 2017

Liberty Lake’s Best Friend – Local canines thrive in dog-centric community

By Craig Howard Splash Editor It begins as you’re driving eastbound on Country Vista Drive toward Liberty Lake.

Dogs are pulling their owners down the trail that parallels the street; some striding slowly, others trotting with faster-paced purpose.

As you cross city limits, Pawpular Companions Pet Supplies is on the right, followed shortly by Liberty Lake Veterinary Center. Across the way, down Stanford Lane, stands Legacy Animal Medical Center.

On the same thoroughfare, Crazy Beagle Coffee Co. serves as another reminder that you are officially in canine country.

Sorry Hillyard, the city of Liberty Lake has taken over as Spokane County’s official “Dogtown.”

“I think Liberty Lake is extra dog friendly,” says Nancy Hill, longtime executive director of Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) and a Liberty Lake resident since 2010.

“There’s plenty of greenspace

COVER STORY here, there are walking trails and neighborhoods have sidewalks. It’s a very walking friendly community.”

Hill and her husband live in the Rocky Hill neighborhood and take their lab/shepherd mix, “Zoey,” a SCRAPS’ rescue dog, to the nearby park often. Walks around the community are also part of the regular schedule. Hill said she gets to know her neighbors “by the dogs they walk.”

“People have their routes they go on,” she said. “You see them take their dogs to the parks, the Farmers Market and into Pawpular Companions. They become part of the family.”

Like all communities in Spokane County, Hill says Liberty Lake has room to improve when it comes to pet licensing. Still, she notes that the rate of strays here is lower; when a dog is lost, residents do their part to make sure it’s not for long.

“There are not a lot of loose dogs in Liberty Lake,” Hill says.

“People are responsible and a lot of community networking takes place to get any loose dogs back to their owners.”

“First Dog” of Liberty Lake In 2002, a year after Liberty Lake incorporated as a city, Mayor Steve Peterson and his wife Charmaine adopted a Chihuahua puppy named “Pecos.” Soon, the new addition was a regular at City Council meetings, curled quietly under Charmaine’s chair in the front row at City Hall.

Charmaine had grown up with a Doberman Pinscher and a German Shepherd, so the transition to the Taco Bell pocket rendition was a shift.

“I knew that if we got a dog, I wanted it to be able to go with us to the store, the farmers market or wherever,” Charmaine said.

In 2012, the Petersons added another Chihuahua, “Rico,” to the flock. The brothers regularly attend council meetings with Charmaine.

Over years of ordinances, public hearings, budget discussions and workshops, there has never been a single accident.

“Rico was a little restless (during meetings) at first,” Charmaine recalls. “But he does well now.”

The mayor also grew up with dogs and has seen the level of appreciation for pets when campaigning in his adopted hometown.

“You go doorbelling to 3,000 homes and see 4,000 dogs,” he said.

Like Hill, the Petersons meet people on the dog path. When the winter weather gets harsh, Charmaine transitions to Home Depot for the daily stroll.

“I don’t think there’s a day that goes by that we don’t take our dogs on a walk or to the park,” she said.

Charmaine tells a story that might lend some perspective to the importance of dogs in the Peterson household and Liberty Lake in general. In the early years of the

The Splash

city, Pecos quickly established himself as an ad-hoc member of the administrative team. One day, a municipal employee presented a framed picture of the Chihuahua sitting in the mayor’s chair with a caption below.

“It read ‘I am the mayor,’” said Charmaine. “That kind of sums it up.”

Danes of Our Lives When Tory Vail brings his Great Danes “Zula” and “Addie” to the Liberty Lake Farmers Market, surrounding dogs suddenly seem like potato bugs.

“It’s a great place for the dogs to socialize,” Tory said of visits to the open air market. “They do really well around everyone.”

At 120 pounds each, the towering creatures may overshadow the average household animal, but Tory is quick to point out that the breed is gentle and more likely to snooze at home than be out chasing down a Frisbee.

“Believe it or not, they actually make good apartment dogs,” Tory said. “They sleep most of the day, they’re very docile. They’re strong, so they need to be trained well, but they’re totally happy just to lounge around the house. They will also follow you everywhere.”

Tory and Emily Vail live in the Legacy Ridge neighborhood and, like many Liberty Lake dog owners, find exceptional walking paths just outside their door.

See DOGS, Page 13

(From left to right) Carl and Mara Crowell opened Pawpular Companions Pet Supplies in 2010 and quickly established the site as a "one-stop shop" for animal-related products. The Crowell's poodle, "Canvas" is a popular fixture in the story. Tom Specht and his dog "Monster" live not far from the shores of Liberty Lake. Specht served as chair of a trails committee that was formed in 1999 and helped pass a self-taxing construction bond that built many of the trail system now utilized by dogs and their owners in Liberty Lake. Mayor Steve Peterson and his wife Charmaine are proud owners of two Chihuahuas, "Pecos" and "Rico" who have found a second home at Liberty Lake City Hall. Finally, Legacy Ridge resident Tory Vail takes his Great Danes "Addie" and "Zula" to outdoor venues during the warm-weather months where he finds fellow residents well-schooled in etiquette around canines.

Photos by Craig Howard

The Splash

COVER STORY

DOGS

Continued from page 12

“It’s really been nice to have as many trails as we do, especially around our neighborhood,” Tory said. “Everyone is accustomed to just seeing dogs. Even when you come to the various stores in Liberty Lake, people seem fine with dogs.”

Tory looks for outdoor seating at commercial sites in the warm weather months, allowing Addie and Zula to bask in the sun. Often, people will approach and ask questions or simply greet the dogs.

Tory notes that most residents are well-trained in canine etiquette.

“Parents of children here are really good about telling their kids, “Ask first,” Tory said. “They don’t just go up to a dog without knowing it’s safe. At the same time, I think the dog owners in Liberty Lake make sure their dogs know how to act around people. They’re very socialized. They’re not going to bring their dogs out if they’re not ready to be out.”

The Vail family always had dogs in the house, Tory says. Now, with five kids away at college, the layer of animal reassurance might even mean more.

“The dog is always happy to see you when you come home from work,” Tory said. “No matter how bad of day you’ve had, the dog is there for you. They’re a lot smarter than we give them credit for as far as sensing emotions. It’s just good therapy to have that at the door.”

Terrier Treatment For 31 years, Geri Petersen worked as a nurse at Sacred Heart Medical Center. Looking back, some of her best memories are of the dogs that visited the hospital as part of a pet therapy program, cheering up both patients and staff.

“They have a definite effect on people,” Geri said. “They love you no matter what. If someone is going through a tough time, they know it.”

Petersen saw the healing impact again when bringing her dogs to a memory care unit as part of visits to her mom.

“Dogs just have personalities, they’re personable,” Geri said.

great so

Petersen moved to Liberty Lake with her husband in 1982. “Duke,” a Boston Bull Terrier was the family dog back then. Prior to the construction of the community’s

trademark trail network, Geri recalls walks with Duke being manageable but not the luxury they are now.

“We walked but the access wasn’t great,” she said.

These days, Geri takes “Wallace,” a rescue Scottish Terrier and “Eddie,” a West Highland Terrier, striding through the neighborhood on a consistent basis. The routine has resulted in something approaching celebrity status.

“Everyone knows them, I take them everywhere,” Geri says.

“They make me smile and laugh every day.”

Paving the Way for Paws When Tom and Kathy Specht moved to the Inland Northwest in 1983, they stayed in a temporary residence while their home was being built not far from the shores of Liberty Lake. One key aspect of the new dwelling was a custommade dog run. All the family lacked was a dog to go with it.

“I remember working on the dog run and telling Kathy it would be done that day,” Tom recalls. “By the end of the day, we had a dog.”

That was “Sundance,” an amiable yellow lab who grew up with the Specht’s daughter, Jessica. When Sundance faltered in her later years, Tom would carry her around.

Later, the family welcomed “Annie,” another lab who, like her predecessor, enjoyed walks around the lakeside neighborhood.

“This has always been a walking community,” Specht said. “Sprague was busy but people from the lake would come up this way and walk along the golf course.”

A cyclist and runner, Specht also realized that Liberty Lake could do better when it came to pedestrian amenities. The challenge back then for walkers, joggers, cyclists and dog walkers had to do with unpaved pathways that would turn muddy with rain or present safety issues due to lack of width.

“You couldn’t really have families walking out there on narrow lanes near the road,” Specht said. “Dogs were the same issue. You also had cars parking where people were walking.”

Specht chaired a citizen-led trails committee that formed in September 1999 and campaigned for a self-taxing Transportation Benefit District to fund a network of trails in the growing community.

In November of that year,

See MUTTS, Page 17

Vision Training – Family volunteers with Guide Dogs for the Blind

By Craig Howard Splash Editor On a breezy Saturday last month, Kim Walter and her daughter Halley led a yellow lab named “Anaheim” past rows of produce, plates of cookies, bottles of salsa and a booth stocked with fragile pottery.

By the end of their stroll through the Liberty Lake Farmers Market, it was clear that the visit was a success. For the most part, Anaheim had passed with flying colors – staying focused, listening to his owners and only occasionally pausing when another dog was in the vicinity.

In the future, Anaheim’s focus will prove critical for an owner who will rely on him down every pathway and around each corner.

The Walters volunteer for the local chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind called “Puppies of Promise.” They began with the program in February of 2015 when Halley told her parents – Kim and Dennis – she wanted a dog. The family has lived in Liberty Lake for the past 17 years and provided a home to two Labrador Retrievers. Kim was looking for a compromise that would allow Halley to have a pet but also learn the importance of service. Guide Dogs became the answer.

JULY 2017 • 13

earns his Guide Dog diploma, the Walters will have a chance to attend the ceremony.

Kim takes Anaheim to the Liberty Lake Athletic Club in the morning then along with her to work. If she goes to a restaurant for lunch, Anaheim tags along; same with the dentist. All of this and more will serve the dog well when he moves on to more stringent training that includes navigating downtown traffic, leading an owner through a pedestrian crossing or finding an open chair at a social event.

“What we’re trying to do is socialize him, so he’s accustomed to going out,” Kim said of the daily agenda for Anaheim, now 11 months old. “All of it is to prepare him to work with someone who is visually impaired.”

Founded in 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind matches Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Golden/Lab crosses with families like the Walters. There are currently around 2,200 active guide teams in the U.S. “They’re always looking for more volunteers,” she says.

“It’s extra work for sure, but it’s been a great experience.”

To learn more about Guide Dogs for the Blind, visit www. guidedogs.com. To reach the local chapter, call Joanna Myers at 362-4898.

“I’d heard of the organization,” Kim said. “We went to several meetings and met with the people there who were very nice.

They teach you what to do. It’s very well-organized with a lot of rules.”

The Walters received their first puppy in August 2015.

The typical training period with a family is 14-18 months after which the dog moves on to formal training at one of the Guide Dog facilities in Oregon or California. That instruction phase can last three months or longer, depending on the dog. When a prospect successfully completes all eight stages of training, the dog is matched with a visually impaired owner. If Anaheim

Liberty Lake resident Kim Walter (right) and her daughter Halley (left) volunteer with the local chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind, helping trainees like “Anaheim” prepare to work with people who are vision impaired. Photo by Craig Howard

COMMUNITY

14 • JULY 2017

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Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS July 3 | Friends of Pavillion Park Movie Night, “The Secret Life of Pets,” dusk, Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake July 4 | Alpine Shores Fourth of July Parade followed by food and games by the lake, noon, Alpine Shores neighborhood July 4 | Liberty Lake Fireworks, 10 p.m. over the lake. To support the display, go to www. libertylakefireworks.com

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July 4 | Friends of Pavillion Park Fourth of July concert featuring Robbie Christmas, 6 p.m., Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter. A fireworks display sponsored by the city of Liberty Lake will follow at 10.

July 8 | Friends of Pavillion Park Movie Night, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” dusk, Half Moon Park, 19995 E. Meyers Ave. (River District) Liberty Lake.

July 14 | Friends of Pavillion Park Movie Night, “Finding Nemo,” dusk, Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter

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July 15 | Italian Festival at Liberty Lake Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane, Liberty Lake. For more information on the market, go to www.libertylakefarmersmarket. com July 15 | Friends of Pavillion Park Movie Night, “Finding Dory,” dusk, Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter, Liberty Lake

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July 21 | Friends of Pavillion Park Movie Night, “The Boss Baby,” dusk, Rocky Hill Park, 24901 E. Mission, Liberty Lake July 22 | Friends of Pavillion Park, “Moana,” dusk, Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter, Liberty Lake

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The Splash

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 event facilitated by the city of Liberty Lake will feature barefoot soccer in the park hosted by the HUB Sports Center, a food truck rally, live music, bubble soccer, a bouncy house, vintage car show and activities for animals hosted by Pawpular Companions.

For more information about the two-day agenda, call Liberty Lake City Hall at 755-6700

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

MUSIC & THE ARTS July 5-20 | Music is Fun, class for children 8-12 Wednesdays, 12:301:30 p.m. July 5-30. Class includes musical games, drumming, a variety of instruments, singing and songwriting. $40 per student.

Taught by Carla Carnegie, Whitworth Music and Composition grad. Held at Willow Song Music Therapy Center. 21101 E. Wellesley #102. Otis Orchards, WA 99027. To register, contact Carla.carnegie@ gmail.com or call 592-7875 June 29-July 27 | Singing for Wellness and Joy for adults, Thursdays, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Come sing together in community just for the fun and health of using the voice! Learn pitches, reduce stress and increase respiratory function.

Includes a wide choice of genre and song selection. No experience needed or ability to read music. $40 per person for the entire program.

Drop in rate $8. Held at Willow Song Music Therapy, 21101 E. Wellesley #102. Otis Orchards, WA 99027. To register, contact Carla.carnegie@ gmail.com or 592-7875

RECURRING Drop-in Square Dance Lessons | 7 to 8:30 p.m. (through May

The Splash

JULY 2017 • 15

COMMUNITY

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.

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 July 8 | Liberty Lake Loop, starts at Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter. Adult race begins at 8 a.m.

(4-mile run/walk/stroller friendly course on scenic course with paved roads, several hills.) Aid stations at miles 2 and 3. Kids’ race following adult race, (1/4 - 1 1/2 mile, dependent on age). Course in and

around Pavillion Park. Registration is $20 with a shirt; $6 without.

Sign up at www.pavillionpark.org/ liberty-lake-loop.html or contact libertylakeloop@gmail.com with any questions July 18 | Do-it-yourself class featuring essential oils sans chemicals, summer skin cream made with essential oils, laundry fabric softener and bug spray, $9 per person. All materials provided.

Bring a friend for drawing for a lovely prize. Willow Song Music Therapy – E. 21101 Wellesley, #102, Otis Orchards. For more information, call 592-7875 or visit www.willowsongmusictherapy. com. New Nia classes continuing with the next five-week series beginning June 27 and running until July 27; Tuesday 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, 1 to 2 p.m.. Cost for five-week series $32. Drop-in rate is $10.

June 30-Aug. 4 | Pediatric Special Needs Group Music Therapy class for ages 5-15 to work on areas of appropriate social behaviors, increase attention span, areas of physical function through music and movement, areas of emotional regulation. Register by emailing Carla.carnegie@gmail. com. More info by calling 5927875. Provided by board-certified music therapists, Carla Carnegie, Kim McMillin. Classes at Willow Song Music Therapy – E. 21101 Wellesley, #102, Otis Orchards. For more information, call 592-7875 or visit www.willowsongmusictherapy. com.

Each Wednesday in July | Mindful Music and Movement, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This class is designed for those living with health conditions such as Parkinson's disease, in stroke recovery or coping with chronic illness. Addressing areas of function, supporting the body, mind and soul. Caregivers welcomed. Cost: $10 per person. Classes at Willow Song Music Therapy – E. 21101 Wellesley, #102, Otis Orchards. For more information, call 592-7875 or visit www.willowsongmusictherapy. com 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. 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.

See , Page 16

7TH ANNUAL

2017

A community cycling event for all ages and abilities.

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$21.99 Adults & $8.99 12 and under | Complimentary Mai Tai with meal purchase (21 and over) | Live music on the patio Featuring the Jimi Finn | Drink specials and prizes galore

Willow Song is pleased to announce a 16 • JULY 2017 NEW addition:

The Splash Willow Song is pleased to announce a of each month, CVSD NEW addition:

Nia Gentle Movement Class.

Nia is an exhilarating, body/mind practice based with the philosophy that exercise should feel good, and movement can optimize health and promote well-being.

Continued from page 15 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.

All photographs provided by Nia Technique (www.nianow.com) to noon Tues. and Thurs.; and 6 to 8 p.m. Wed. and Sun. $3/seniors ($5/non-seniors) • Classes including Kenpo Karate INFO See website and CONTACT Zumba Aerobics.

BEGINNING MAY 23, 2017 for cost and times.

Carla Carnegie, MT-BC, NMT

TUES. EVENINGS: 6:30-7:30 THURSDAY AFTERNOONS 1:00-2:00PM Taught by Holly Pena,

certified instructor, nurse-practitioner fromSERVICE! Coeur d' Alene ID. THANK YOU and FOR YOUR Hosted by Willow Song Music Therapy Center

Willow Song Music Therapy Center

E. 21101 CIVIC &Wellesley, #102 Otis Orchards, BUSINESSWA 99027

509.592.7875 (area code required) July 18 | Science Open House, carla.carnegie@gmail.com 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., West Valley www.willowsongmusictherapy.com Outdoor Learning Center, 8706 E. Upriverwillowsongmusictherapy Drive. This fun event for Icons from:feature http://www.wpzoom.com/simple kids will science activities teaching about properties and matter. Learn about the birds and animals at this unique venue.

Suggested donation is $5.

FREE OIL CHANGE FOR Combining dance, martial arts and mindfulness, VETERANS Nia tones your body while transforming your mind.

RECURRING

Central Valley School Board | 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth

Mondays administration building, 19307 E. Cataldo, Spokane Valley.

Nia Gentle Movement Class.

Liberty Lake City Council | 7 Niaand is an exhilarating, p.m. on the first third Tuesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. body/mind practice Country Vista Drive. based with the Liberty Lake Library Foundation | Noon the first Wednesday of that each philosophy month, 23123 E. Mission Ave. exercise should feel Liberty Lake Merchants movement Associationgood, | and 11:30 a.m.

Tuesdays, can Liberty Lake Portal, optimize health and 23403 E. Mission Ave., Suite 120. promote well-being.

More at 999-4935.

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

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

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

T

T

.

Hosted by Wi

Song is pleased Sunday July Willow 9th 10am to 3pm

to announce a We are proud to offer a freeNEW Basicaddition: Oil Change* to our Class.You! Movement Gentle Nia local veterans as our way of saying Thank

Comb Nia tone

Nia is an exhilarating, 1105 N Liberty Lakebody/mind Rd, Liberty Lake, WA practice based with the More than justMilitary a workout, Nia a holistic fitness practice Please bring your ID or that proofis of philosophy addressing each aspect of your military service. feellife - body, mind and soul. should exercise *Oil and filter, with up good, to 5 quarts conventional oil and movement NIA Gentle Movement Classes (specialty oil extra) Next 5 Week Session Beginning June 27th - July 27th can optimize health and Tuesday Evenings: 6:30-7:30 promote well-being.

BBQ lunch provided during your oil change.

FREE

Thursday Afternoons: 1:00-2:00 Willow Song is pleased to announceby a NEW Nia Gentle (www.nianow.com) Technique Niaaddition: provided All photographs Movement Class. Nia is an exhilarating, body/mind practice based with the philosophy that exercise should feel good, and movement can optimize health and promote well-being. Nia is a playful, integrative, self expressive approach to working out that fosters vitality, strength and flexibility. It is adaptable to every levelCONTACT of INFO fitness, every age and body type.

More than addressing

Liberty Lube BEGINNING MAY 23, 2017 Carla Carnegie, MT-BC, NMT Taught by Holly Pena, certified instructor and nurse-practitioner basic oil change Willow Song Music Therapy Center TUES. EVENINGS: 6:30-7:30 5 Week Pre-Pay Rate: $32 E. 21101 Wellesley, #102 on July 9th, 2017 1:00-2:00 AFTERNOONS THURSDAY $10 Drop in Rate PM WA 99027

Offer valid at Liberty Lube, 1105 N Liberty Lake Rd, Liberty Register At: carla.carnegie@gmail.com Lake, WA 99019, on Sunday, July 9, 2017 only, with proof of (509)592-7875 Pena, Taught by Holly military service. Basic Oil Change price will be subtracted www.willowsongmusictherapy.com instructor, and nurse-practitioner from Coeur d' Alene ID. certified from upgraded oil change service, if needed.

E. 21101 Wellesley #102 Otis Orchards, WA 99027 Hosted by Willow Song Music Therapy Center

Otis Orchards,

509.592.7875 (area code requ carla.carnegie@gmail.com

www.willowsongmusictherapy.com willowsongmusictherapy Icons from: http://www.wpzoom.com/

The Splash

JULY 2017 • 17

MUTTS

Continued from page 13 residents passed a $650,000 construction bond that would serve as the foundation for many of the pathways in place today.

These days, when Specht sees dog walkers or anyone utilizing the trail, he thinks back to the grassroots effort that helped establish one of the most pedestrian-friendly communities in the state. While local dogs – and many dog owners – may not recognize the impact made by the trails committee, Specht says the popularity of the network is reward enough.

“It’s great to see,” he says. “As far as dogs, go, the people you see on the trail are generally walking dogs. They help us stay in shape.

You may not feel like walking but your dog will get you out there.”

Mutt Hub Before they opened the area’s most distinctive pet supply store, Carl and Mara Crowell made their living in the building industry. Carl worked 38 years in construction before retiring in 2008 and Mara was business development director for Swinerton Builders out of San Diego before the couple realized that operating their own venture might be a good move.

Turns out they were right – just ask any dog or cat owner who shops at Pawpular Companions Pet Supplies.

After relocating to Otis Orchards in 2010, the Crowells started researching entrepreneurial avenues. At one point, they met with representatives of the city of Liberty Lake to find out what commercial start-up might do best in the community.

The answer? A place where pet

owners could buy high-quality supplies for their animals.

“We really felt when we were doing our market research, that Liberty Lake was so pet-friendly, a store like ours could really thrive,” Mara said. “We looked at Otis Orchards, Spokane Valley, Post Falls, but hands down, Liberty Lake was where we knew we should be.”

Get to know your Anytime Fitness!

INTRODUCING: BRAD BAILEY- OWNER Brad has been a member of the Liberty Lake Anytime Fitness for over 8 years and enjoys working out, visiting with members, and the Liberty Lake community. When not in the gym, Brad loves to be on the water fishing and enjoying the beautiful area we live in. He is excited to be in business with his wife Joni and looks forward to the clubs future!

Pawpular Companions opened on Country Vista Drive in September 2010. Three years later, the store doubled its floor space to 2,500 square feet. The location quickly established itself as the “go-to” shop for animal nutrition and all kinds of accessories. The Crowells also stepped up to support various 23505 E Appleway Ave, Liberty Lake, WA local causes, raising money for pet 23505 E Appleway Ave,99019 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 rescue groups and animal shelters. 509-891-6800 509-891-6800 509-891-6800 In 2011, they founded a summer anytimefitness.com event called “Mutt Strut” that anytimefitness.com raised funds for SCRAPS and other animal agencies.

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Expires 1.6.17 Pawpular Companions fitness as plan one of its pet licensing sites. The store also features a makeshift library of brochures and business cards providing information on resources such as pet adoption, veterinarian services, boarding, pet memorials, training and more.

“People ask us for referrals all the time,” Mara said. “We only recommend people we would trust with our own pets.”

When an animal in the area is lost or a pet passes away, Pawpular Companions is often the conduit for information.

“We tend to be the hub for lost dogs or cats,” Mara said. “This community cares about their animals. It’s something we all have it in common, something we all care about. When our customers lose their pets, it’s tough on us. It affects us, it affects our community.

We’re family.”

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The Splash

18 • JULY 2017

Library trustees rally on behalf of community center

By Staci Lehman

Splash Correspondent While it will ultimately be up to voters, the Liberty Lake Municipal Library Board of Trustees says it makes sense to vote “yes” Aug. 1 on the Community Center at Town Square, a project that would include a new library.

Ballots for the primary election will be out by the middle of this month.

A supermajority of 60 percent or higher is required for passage of the $9 million construction bond.

“The main reason is because now the space is too small,” said trustee Tricia Morgan of the current library.

“It isn’t about storing books – it’s the space to do programming. We do not have enough space. They cut off the number of people who can attend programs due to space.”

“And parking too, we’ve really just run out of space in general,”

said Trustee Mindy Howe.

Howe and other members of the Library Trustee Board voted in April to support the bond vote for the community center. A ballot initiative for a $12 million community center/library/aquatic facility garnered just over 56 percent of the vote last August. If approved this summer, City Council has talked about a more functional building in the range of 25,000 square feet that would be built on city-owned property adjacent to Town Square Park. Along with the library, it would include community meeting space.

Besides the price, library trustees say there is one big difference between the bonds.

“There’s no Lutzenberger.

pool,”

said

Pat

An extensive aquatic facility originally included in the community center plan has been scrapped, with Liberty Lake officials saying they will consider a more cost-effective “municipal pool” at a later date.

The $9 million price tag for the bond will cover the design and construction phases of the Community Center at Town

Square.

That amount would be spread among Liberty Lake property owners, including home owners, local business owners and apartment complexes within the city limits. It would cost taxpayers an increase of 38 cents per $1,000 of assessed property tax valuation.

For example, owners of a home valued at $270,000 would pay $101 more per year. That amount would drop over the 30-year life of the bond as the population grows and new residents start to pay in.

There is also opportunity to make money off the new community center and the existing library, according to trustees and city officials. R.J. Stevenson, finance director for the city of Liberty Lake, says the intent would be to lease out the building that houses the library now.

“Their current space is 9,500 square feet,” Stevenson said.”

If $10-a-square-foot could be achieved in a lease, that would be $100,000 a year to reduce the cost of a new community center.”

“Also, the community center facility could be rented for events,” said Howe.

The

available

space

for

public is one of the most important aspects of the project, according to the trustees.

“We don’t have a large meeting space in Liberty Lake,” said Lutzenberger.

The community center would be available for private events and community group meetings.

Events like bridal showers, birthday parties, business meetings and more could also utilize the space.

City Administrator Katy Allen says a tiered fee schedule would give Liberty Lake residents and groups the first chance to reserve rooms, at a lower rate than those outside municipal limits.

Estimated numbers show that combining the community center with a library could stretch the city’s money as well.

The library currently has a budget of about $475,000, according to Stevenson. The budget for a future community center, operating seven days a week,12 hours a day with six employees is estimated to be a minimum of $400,000. Separately, those budgets add up to $875,000.

Combined into a single building

the

See TRUSTEES, Page 19

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The Splash

JULY 2017 • 19

TRUSTEES

Continued from page 18 though, expenses could be shared on things like restrooms, parking lots, heating and cooling equipment, and staff. That would bring the total estimated operating cost for the center to $675,000, said Stevenson; about $200,000 less than running the facilities independently.

The community center’s maintenance and operations budget would come out of the city’s general fund and would not be an entirely new expense, as many of the activities and items that would be included in it are already in place at other locations.

“I think it’s important voters know that yes, the library is going to be there but there will also be space for their book groups, kids programs, club meetings and more,” said Howe. “The future of libraries is very different. The building that we have doesn’t work for the future.”

With new multi-family housing developments coming in on the north side of the river, the

Riverwalk District being expanded and the Trutina development under construction, along with the Liberty Creek K-2 school opening this fall, trustees say updated infrastructure and facilities are necessary to keep up with the growth. They emphasize that it’s not just to make sure there are enough books at the new library; trustees say books are only one part of the new model.

“Libraries Morgan.

are

changing,”

said

Rather than being the traditional place to study where talking isn’t allowed, libraries have expanded to focus on extended learning, offering adult education, speakers, financial fitness classes, “laboratories” for building things and even musical programs. Based on this new model, trustees believe it makes perfect sense for the library to collaborate with a community center.

Allen has said there has been no decision yet as to whether part of the design from last year – minus aquatics – could be used to some degree if the latest vote passes.

City officials have said any building plan will involve input from citizens related to amenities and layout.

Transfer a prescription and receive a $10 gift card

The current site of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library was once home to Northern Technologies before a massive renovation project transformed the space. By March 2009, the library and Liberty Lake Police Department had moved in and opened the doors. Library trustees, voicing concern about lack of space in the current building, have stepped up in support of a proposed construction bond on the Aug. 1 ballot that would fund a $9 million community center/library.

Photo by Craig Howard

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The Splash

20 • JULY 2017

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The Splash

JULY 2017 • 21

Farmers Market staple cultivates produce, opportunity

By Tamara K. Williams Splash Correspondent Saturday morning comes early for Zheu and Xhaw Xiong, owners of Sidewalk Floral and Produce in Otis Orchards as they prepare their harvests for the Liberty Lake Farmers Market.

One of the market’s original vendors, Zheu and Xhaw have risen with the chickens before most people have had their first cup of coffee.

Working silently, side-by-side in the cold dawn, the Xiong family load their van with the fresh-cut flowers and organic produce grown on their tiny single-acre farm to head to the market on Meadowwood Lane and begin their day.

Strolling casually through a market on a lazy Saturday morning, perusing locally grown produce and homespun wares is a lovely way to start the weekend and the Xiong family wouldn’t have it any other way. For them, the Liberty Lake Farmers Market has been another fulfillment of the hope they first dreamed of when they left their homeland of Hmong, Laos, with their tiny family in 1982, following the violent aftermath of the Vietnam War. While “brave” is not a word Zheu would use to describe himself, that is the word his oldest son Si Xiong, 36, uses to recount his father’s courageous decision to leave Hmong through the Vietcong-filled jungles and cross the dangerous Makong River, carrying his young son and his pregnant bride, one at a time, through the treacherous waters. Fleeing to a refugee camp in Thailand, the family spent two years in filthy, desperate conditions as they waited for sponsorship through the Lutheran Church that would provide visas, the promise of safety and the hope of a better life in the United States.

Eventually landing in Spokane, the Xiong family struggled to stay afloat when their limited educations could only provide them with minimum wage, assembly-line work and where speaking English wasn’t part of the job requirement.

Over the next 15 years, the Xiong family grew to three more. To help supplement the family income in the summer, the family of seven would rise at 4 a.m. to pick fruit all day on the Green Bluff farms. Si smiles with sad irony as he recalls his childhood summers.

Sidewalk Floral and Produce has been a fixture at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market since it opened in 2002. Zheu and Xhaw Xiong (left and right) are owners of a farm in Otis Orchards that generates the fruits, vegetables and flowers sold every Saturday from late May through mid-October under a signature yellow canopy. The Xiong’s oldest son, Si (middle), pitches in at the booth with his other siblings.

Photo by Craig Howard “Every fall, when school would start, the kids would talk about summer vacation with their families at the lake, summer camps and trips to see their grandparents,” he recalls. “I began to invent my family’s summers as if we’d done those same things, when in fact, we’d spent the summer picking berries.”

Si also remembers the summer work as a “source of pride.”

“I was contributing to my family’s income, even though our family never experienced a summer vacation like the ones I’d hear about at school,” he said.

According to Si, his parents never made more than $50 to $80 a day picking berries on the farms, until they realized picking huckleberries was more lucrative and brought in a little more.

“All of the money my parents and my siblings earned those summers picking berries was spent on new school clothes and saving for our education,” says Si. The Xiongs and their children picked berries every season for Howard “Lefty” Lewis and his wife Evelyn on their small farm in Bigelow Gulch. Then in early 1990, the Lewis family began thinking about retirement and offered the Xiongs an opportunity to have their own piece of the “American Dream.”

“The Lewis’s were like grandparents to us and because we had no other family and very little community – it meant a lot,” Si said. “They gave my parents the strawberry field, as well as a list of their existing customers. My parents purchased the equipment from

them and with that start, they were able to buy more land, pay off their home and help to send all five of us to college.”

Si remembers his parents emphasizing the importance of diligence in the classroom.

“Their education was limited, so it was important to them to instill in us the value of an education and how having one would be the key piece to even the playing field and compete with others in the workforce,” he said.

From 1999 to 2000, the Xiongs harvested their vegetables to sell at the Spokane Farmers Market but in 2002, they found their niche when they heard another farmers market was opening in the parking lot of the Liberty Square building in Liberty Lake. With the help of their children, they quickly put in their application to become a regular vendor selling floral bouquets and fresh, organic produce.

Si is quick to point out how the market’s founders, Jim Frank and Susan Parker, brother and sister, were very supportive of the participating farmers, making it affordable for the Xiongs and other small farms to grow their produce, bring it to market and make a small profit.

“We don’t focus on other markets anymore,” Si says. “We continue to grow and support the Liberty Lake Farmers Market. It’s been good to us, allowing us more opportunity to expand our farm by adding four more acres and experimenting with new varietals in flowers and vegetables with the changing of seasons.”

Many market goers have asked if Sidewalk Floral and Produce have organic certification to which Si responds, “We’ve looked into becoming certified but my parents have always had the mindset of focusing on the needs of the community and are sensitive to those who were of lower income.

Getting certified as organic is a lengthy and costly process. In order to have that label, that cost would reflect in our prices. We want to offer the advantage of eating locally and healthy, at a price people from all income levels can afford.”

Si adds that the family farm is “all about being open and ethical in our growing practices.”

“We use no pesticides or hormones and our produce is grown as naturally as possible, utilizing natural composting practices,” he said.

Every Saturday From late May through mid-October, Sidewalk Floral and Produce’s trademark yellow tent can be found at the front of the market with Xhau, Zheu, Si and maybe another sibling or two helping to bring a healthier dinner to your table. For more information on the Liberty Lake Farmers Market, visit www.libertylakefarmersmarket. com.

eal Estate Market Update INVENTORY

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The Splash

22 • JULY 2017

SUMMER FAMILY FUN! SEASON RUNS UNTIL SEPT 3rd

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ENROLL TODAY! Our coaches are passionate about gymnastics and focus on teaching quality gymnastics in a fun and safe environment. Classes run year-round with three 13-week sessions (Fall, Winter and Spring) and one 10-week summer session.

National Picnic Month Did you ever stop and think of where the idea of eating outdoors comes from?

The word comes from the French term “piquenique”, which began being used in the mid 1600’s, but outdoor feasts have been held since the Middle Ages. These feasts were typically only for the very

Caterpillar Kabobs WHAT YOU NEED: Red Grapes

wealthy. In France, picnicking became popular Green Grapes for all citizens when the royal parks opened to Yogurt the public for the first time after the French Skewers Revolution. The fad spread to London where the ‘Picnic Society’ was formed. In America, picnics were also a favorite pastime of the wealthy. After the Civil War, references show that they were enjoyed by all classes of people and continue to be to this very day.

The largest picnic ever stretched from coast to coast in France and was 600 miles long. It took

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Cut the Kabob skewers in half.

2. fill with green grapes. We used red for our head, but you can order them however you would like.

3. Use the yogurt to create eyes.

place in 2000 to celebrate the first Bastille Day of OPTIONAL: Use the yogurt to decorate your caterpilar with stripes, spots, or other designs. the new Millennium.

The Splash

24 • JULY 2017

National Rainier Cherry Day July 11 Rainier cherries were developed in 1952 at WSU by Harold Fogle. He crossed a red Bing and a red Van and created the champagne of cherries which surprisingly is beautiful yellow with blush patches. The original tree is still growing in Prosser, WA. They are very sensitive to weather so growers put up wind

barriers. Birds LOVE these cherries; about 1/3 of this crop is eaten by birds, so growers place nets around the trees to help protect the crop. It is one of the sweetest of all stone fruits.

Washington grows over 50 million pounds annually, so there’s plenty to be enjoyed.

The Splash

JULY 2017 • 25

PACE Trait Generosity

WEEKLY SUMMER CAMPS

Unselfish giving and sharing of resources, time and talents with others.

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.

Cork Rainier Cherries

MATERIALS: Paint - red and yellow Cork Green paint, marker, crayon, etc Paint Pallet (we used a paper plate) Glitter - optional Glue - optional INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Use the green coloring utensil of your choice to create a stem.

2. Place red and yellow paint next to each other on your paint pallet.

3. Dip your cork in to the paint, making sure to pick up some of each color.

4. Use cork like a stamp to create you cherry on each stem.

5. Allow to dry fully.

6. Lightly brush your cherries with glue.

7. Sprinkle glitter over the glued areas.

NOTE: You can utilize pearlized or glitter paint instead.

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Animal Facts

Cut them out and collect them all!

ANT - Found Worldwide - 1/4” - 2” - Queens can live up to 30 years. Workers 1-3 years. Males a few weeks.

- Up to 700,000 ants in a colony. When the queen dies, the entire colony usually dies.

- Can lift up to 20 times its own weight.

- 40,000 an brains equal one human brain.

- When ants fight it is to the death.

- Ants do not have lungs

The Splash

26 • JULY 2017

Cynthia grew up in the Appalachian region of West Virginia. She grew up in a very loving family in an extremely poor community. They had no power, running water or a vehicle. Playing outdoors was how she spent her time. There were no libraries or bookstores but she did get to read some comic books. She earned a B.A. from Morris Harvey College in Charleston and a M.A. from Marshall University majoring in English literature. After graduating, she worked as a librarian where she finally became acquainted with children’s books.

While teaching part-time she wrote her first book, When I Was Young in the Mountains based on her life. This picture book earned an American Book Award and was a Caldecott Honor book. A new career had been born. She continued working as a librarian and a teacher when moving from Virginia to Ohio to Oregon before settling in Washington.

Cynthia has written over 100 books that have won many awards including two Newberry Medals.

Author Spotlight t n a l y R a i h t n y C

The Relatives Came 2001 ages 3-7

A lovely book to capture how important family visits can be and also that it can be sad when the visit has to end. Perfectly illustrated by Stephen Gammill.

The Scarecrow 1998 ages 6-9

The scarecrow is very observant to the world around him. Lauren Stringer did the beautiful illustrations for this book. There are so many details to find.

I Had Seen Castles 2004 ages 12 and up

WWII as seen through the eyes of a 17 year old boy whose entire life changed with the decision to enlist instead of being viewed as a coward for being a pacifist. It is a short book but has a strong message.

You are The Splash Want to see your name in print (for all the right reasons, of course)? Or maybe you just want to help point out great ideas for content worth sharing with your neighbors? The Splash is a community newspaper, so if you are part of the Liberty Lake community, we want to know what’s important to you. We like to say there are eight of us, and there are more than 100,000 of you. Maybe one of the questions below applies to you? If so, you can help us out.  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

a Liberty Lake eatery? Before you clean your plate, get your picture taken with your order and send it to us. Include the place, order, cost and why you love it.

It’s just one more way we can point one another to all the best Liberty Lake offers.

You are The Splash. E-mail editor@ libertylakesplash.com so we can share the things that are important to you.

Wick Enterprizes

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“Honoring local communities and encouraging citizen involvement”

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The Splash

JULY 2017 • 27

Student of the Month When you’ve been part of three consecutive trips to the state 4A soccer final four, chances are there have been a few highlights along the way. For recently graduated senior Noah Whitmore, it could be the goal he saved against Davis as a junior in a 2-1, double overtime state playoff victory. Or the stop he made on a breakaway attempt against Ferris this season in a 3-2 overtime win, part of an undefeated league campaign for the Bears. Whitmore was recognized as the 2017 Greater Spokane League Defender of the Year as a center midfielder. Last season, he earned All-GSL first team honors. In the classroom, Whitmore was a 3.4 student and a member of the Leadership Team.

He will continue his soccer career at the University of Washington this fall on scholarship.

Citizen of the Month

& Thanks you for all you do in our community

As she graduated from Central Valley High School last month, Kelli England left a positive impact beyond her 4.0 grade point average. England was among the leaders of the Key Club program, contributing to efforts that helped local nonprofits like Blessings Under the Bridge. Between the annual food drive to preparing 400 blankets to compiling hygiene kits, England said she appreciated the “opportunity to help people.”

England also volunteers for her church, contributing to service projects at places like Spokane Valley Partners and Second Harvest Food Bank A member of the National Honor Society, Kelli was also a standout athlete at CV, competing all four years in both tennis and cross country.

She has also played the piano for the past 12 years. She plans to attend Brigham Young University in the fall and pursue a career in medicine.

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Athlete of the Month Now retired after 30 years with the U.S. Postal Service, Liberty Lake resident Louise Soles keeps delivering as a community volunteer.

Soles served as postmaster in Sandpoint and Veradale and is past president of the United Postmasters and Managers of America. A charter member of the Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary, Soles served as the inaugural president of the club and coordinates the program for the annual Memorial Day Breakfast benefiting local veterans. Soles says she appreciates “the balance of support Rotary provides to community and world causes.”

She also helps with the American Italian Club and attends St. Joseph’s Church in Otis Orchards where she volunteers for fundraising auctions. Louise and her husband Daryl have been married for 46 years. They have two sons and one grandchild.

Located at Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene 15515 E. 20th Avenue Spokane Valley, WA 99037 (509)926-1545

Toddler Class: T & TH Preschool Class: M/W/F Pre-Kindergarten Class: M-TH All classes meet 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Pre-registration is $45.00 Contact Carrie Murphy, Director at (509) 926-1545 for further information.

“Amazing Day Preschool will provide engaging and challenging learning experiences for students from the ages of 2.5 through 6 years old to promote Kindergarten readiness and Christian values.”

The Splash

28 • JULY 2017 Brought to you by

About and for Liberty Lake seniors

‘Mr. CV’ – Chalich retires after nearly five decades at alma mater

By Staci Lehman Splash Correspondent Stan Chalich is kind of a big deal in Spokane Valley.

“He’s a legend, everyone knows Stan – he’s like a father figure,” said Alison Ashlock, who, along with her husband and two kids had Chalich as a teacher at Central Valley High School. The family now counts Chalich as a neighbor.

Chalich retired at the end of this school year after nearly five decades of teaching at CV. He graduated as a Bear in 1963 when the school was still located in Greenacres and began teaching there five years later, a hire of then Principal Bill Ames.

Geri Bacheller, an assistant secretary at CV, worked with Chalich for 18 years and agrees with Ashlock.

“That’s why he’s the ‘Godfather of the Valley,’ he knows everybody,” Bacheller said. “He’s a great man, a true leader.”

Chalich shrugs off the praise, saying he taught in order to make kids better students while basing his teaching style on something his brother said.

“He told me one time that he

Stan Chalich retired in June after 49 years as a teacher and coach at Central Valley High School.

Contributed photo was asked what he teaches and he said, ‘I teach life.’”

Life has been interesting for Stan Chalich. His father, a miner from Serbia, died of a lung disease. Stan was the youngest of seven children raised by a widow.

He and his siblings learned the value of a stellar work ethic early on. All the Chalich kids, along with Stan’s children and many of his grandchildren, attended CV. When he graduated from Western Montana College of Education, despite having five other offers, Chalich went back to the school he knew.

Since then he has taught social studies, government, civics, economics and sociology and served as the senior class advisor for a number of years. He coached football, baseball, wrestling and tennis at various times. He has

Chalich coached a variety of sports at CV including basketball. The longtime Liberty Lake resident graduated from CV in 1963. He began his tenure at the school in 1968.

Contributed Photo

been named Teacher of the Year and was awarded the Flame of Democracy Award in 2009 by the Washington State Bar Association’s Council on Public Legal Education for his efforts to educate students on the law, the justice system and government.

Chalich also worked with the Close Up Foundation in Washington, D.C. to teach students about the democratic process, participated in mock trials with students and started a mentoring program for young people to attend local courts to see the legal system at work.

He started a Junior Statesmen of America (today known as Junior State of America), to help teenagers learn leadership skills and how to be effective debaters and civic participants.

Outside his work with students, Chalich put a lot of time and effort into improving his home of Liberty Lake. He served on the Liberty Lake Trails Committee that help establish the community’s vast network of pathways and worked to protect aquatic life and water quality in the early years of the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District.

Chalich is still involved in the community, currently running for a position as a Spokane Valley Fire commissioner.

“I’m retiring from teaching, not anything else,” he says. “I’m going to keep busy.”

Chalich’s wife, Leslie, also worked at CV, retiring from the counseling office two years ago. Despite this generation of Chalich’s no longer being at CV, the family name is carried on at the school. Grandson Zane Chalich will start at CV in the fall and another grandson, Ski, is a sophomore.

“I saw him in the halls,” said Ski. “It was fun to talk to him.”

Many of Chalich’s former students and co-workers attended a recent retirement party in Liberty Lake to honor him.

“I went into teaching because of him,” said former student and friend John Seefried. “I molded my teaching style after him. He wasn’t a good teacher – he was a great teacher. Stan was as good a teacher in his 49th year as in his first years.”

Tim Hattenburg, who taught with Chalich for many years, said

his friend “would help anybody.”

“He always introduced you (to students and classes) as a success story,” Hattenburg recalled.

People who know Chalich say he comes across as gruff at first but when you get to know him, he will do anything to help you. Hi own daughter-in-law, Kathy, was also scared of him before she met and married his son.

“I’ve known him for well over 40 years,” said Skip Bonucelli, former public information officer for the Central Valley School District.

“You’ll never find a better friend, never find a guy with a bigger heart. He is ‘Mr. CV.’” Teacher Robin Barnhart agrees.

“Stan is absolutely the heart and soul of CV,” she said. “He is going to be missed.”

“He just knows everyone and remembers you and makes you feel special,” said former student Todd Clark, class of 1984.

As for why he taught for so many years, Chalich says it’s simple.

“Do what you love and good things will come,” he said. “I’ve lived by that.”

Chalich’s older sister, Dorothy Burns, is just glad he’s taking some time for himself now.

“You mean my little baby brother Stan?” she said. “I think it’s about time.”

Chalich was a skilled athlete at CV known for his work ethic. He went on to graduate from Western Montana College of Education.

Contributed Photo

The Splash

JULY 2017 • 29

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The Splash

30 • JULY 2017

CV track season featured lessons in perspective

fall, moving up 47 spots to 14th at state and leading the Bears to second place as a team.

Track was a different story.

“I didn’t like running around in circles,” he said. “I never planned on being any good at it.”

Kline found himself as adept running in ovals as he was striding over trails. His sophomore times of 4:16.83 in the 1,600 meters and 9:26.88 in the 3,200 already approach school records.

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been.’” – John Greenleaf Whittier.

But as state neared, bronchitis laid him low prior to the regional meet ending his season a week early.

It might have been Central Valley’s boys’ track team, not Mead’s that won the state 4A championship at the end of May. Coach Chuck Bowden asserts the team had the wherewithal.

If only. Several athletes, Bowden said, had seasonal marks that would have provided the points necessary to contend for the state team title. After all, hadn’t the Bears won district and finished second in regionals with uncommon depth? But athletes who might have qualified for state picked the wrong time to have bad days.

It might have been, even likely, that sophomore Ryan Kline would place high in two distance races.

If only he hadn’t been ill. After all, hadn’t he run the Greater Spokane League’s fastest and second fastest 1,600 and 3,200 times respectively? If duplicated, he would have placed fourth and second at state.

It might have been, if only a couple athletes had not moved from CV after freshman years. One,

“I thought I’d be fine,” Kline said. “I was happy it wasn’t mononucleosis.”

Central Valley sophomore Ryan Kline (left) was one of the fastest long-distance runners in the Greater Spokane League this season. An illness sidelined Kline at the state meet. CV track coach Chuck Bowden (right) led his squad to a district championship and the second-place trophy at regionals.

Photo by Mike Vlahovich Jakobe Ford, won three individual state titles for Shadle Park.

“I was disappointed because I knew what we were capable of doing,” Bowden said. “We knew what we could do.”

But Bowden was able to put things into perspective. It’s hard to focus on the task at hand when you learn your father’s heart stopped beating. Chuck learned about the incident while coaching at a league meet. He split time between track coach and caregiver for his dad,

shuttling between CV and rehab in Prosser. Mel had suffered no heart damage, was fitted with a pacemaker and is recovering.

Kline’s story, meanwhile, is a revelation. “I was kind of forced into running,” the lanky youngster recalled of his middle school days.

But once he tried cross country, “It was a blast.”

As a ninth grader at CV, he surprised himself by making varsity cross country and finishing 61st at state. Kline made a huge jump last

His doctor recommended not competing at regional. By then, after a few sick days from school, he said he felt good. At the meet, however, it didn’t happen.

“I just couldn’t go,” Kline said.

“My legs wouldn’t go faster.”

Kline wasn’t cleared to run again until late June. But there’s always next year.

Bowden learned some important lessons from his mentor, former CV basketball coach Terry Irwin, years ago: You’ve got to have perspective; winning is secondary to the well-being of youngsters and, finally, this profound reminder – “We’re battling for the souls of young men and women.”

Unlike the poet Whittier, Bowden doesn’t fret over what might have been. Instead, he focuses on what they can be.

The Splash

Sports Notebook

four are seniors.

SPORTS

Geoff Arte had an inkling that the Central Valley girls track team could have a fair chance at a repeat trophy at the state 4A track meet.

One, distance runner, Kearan Nelson, accounted for 13 points with second and fifth places in the 3,200 (10:51.69) and 1,600 (5:02.23.) Sydney Johnson set a school record, clearing 11 feet in the pole vault for seventh. Anna Fomin ran on two placing relay teams and Sierra Brady finished seventh in the javelin.

“We’d been successful all the way from early March to May,” Arte said. “But it was just a great finish to the season.”

“Obviously they are good at track, but they’re better human beings,” Arte said of his seniors.

“We’re going to miss them.”

Not only did the Bears win their sixth straight Greater Spokane League championship, they advanced 13 girls to state and all chalked up points. That depth secured the third place trophy with 55 points.

Anna Pecha, a junior, finished third at 800 meters with a personal best 2:12.91 and was fifth in the 400 at 58.89.

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor

“Which is pretty much indicative of our numbers and quality,” Arte said. “Fifty five points would have been good enough to win more than half of the state titles. We had a phenomenal day.”

And of those point scorers, only

Final Point

Miller remembered as tough, caring mentor

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor Charlie “The Bull” Miller made it very clear in decades of coaching at West Valley and East Valley high schools – success as an athlete is great, but you better take care of business in the classroom.

In other words, don’t mess with The Bull.

Learning of Miller’s passing brought back the memory of that no-nonsense approach that emphasized accountability and tossed short-cuts and scapegoats out with the garbage. Over 50 years ago, I walked the halls at West Valley as a student and knew of Miller’s influence. It is still felt to this day.

Judging by the social media tribute posts by former wrestlers and students over his 30 years coaching and teaching, the tough lessons in responsibility steeled them to face grown-up realities.

“If you competed for him you knew you were ready,” said Rory McDonald, who wrestled

Seven girls in various combinations produced second place finishes in the 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 relays adding another 16 points. Besides Fomin, the teams included Ahna Duggan, Katie Hawkins, Hayden McAuliff, LacieHull, Erica Pecha and her sister, Anna.

The other points, nearly half the Bears’ total, came from field

for and coached with Miller. “To say we practiced hard was an understatement. He truly gave merit to the phrase ‘after you’ve wrestled, everything else is easy.’ ’’ Chuck (Charlie) Miller died last month at age 77. Although he wasn’t faint of heart, it was ultimately his heart that failed him.

A memorial tribute will be at West Valley High School, Saturday, July 29.

Miller had just come aboard WV as a young teacher and coach in 196061 when I was a junior. He assisted in football and was charged with developing a wrestling program, a sport in its infancy among area high schools.

When I began my sports writing career a half dozen years later, our relationship grew as peers. Chuck would be the man responsible for my one day being nicknamed “Mr. Rasslin’ ” by sports writing colleagues.

Miller’s coaching career was twofold. He spent 21 years at West Valley, until 1982 and produced eight individual champions – three in 1972 when the Eagles won the state 3A championship.

He left education for private business, but two years and a heart surgery later he was back to teaching at rival East Valley from 1985-94, taking up where he left

events.

“I think people throw those points away,” Arte said. “But they added up fast.”

Samara Nelson was second in the shot put with a personal record 41-10¾ throw. Also second was Hailey Christopher, who went from just making state a year ago to sharing the lead at 5-feet, 6 inches, missing a high jump title based on criteria.

“We had a phenomenal day, probably one of the best we’ve ever had at state,” said Arte. “We scored in 10 different events out of 18.”

He added that 13 in one meet is probably the most the school has had. And the vast majority of his 115 athlete roster returns.

“So many districts get so many (qualifiers),” Arte said. “We only got two berths. That’s about as high as I’ve ever seen from a school on this side of the state.”

Erik Fitzgerald took fifth in the javelin at 191-3 for the CV boys.

Third time, fourth place

off, mentoring four more individuals to six state titles. Son Myke was a rival of his dad and champion at EV in 1978.

Myke and brother Mark – who teaches and coaches at Shadle Park – had Facebook pages filled with condolences and tributes to their dad, some hilarious, others a testimony to Chuck’s influence; a blending of tough love and soft heart.

If you messed with the Bull, you heard about it, but he also was a shoulder to lean on.

Denny Jordan lived across from the Millers and transferred from East Valley to West Valley as a junior.

“He was my surrogate dad for many years,” Jordan said. “He taught me about being a man and accepting responsibility and made me into a pretty good high school wrestler.”

Back to the “Mr. Rasslin’ ” nom de plume: Chuck approached me one day and asked why I didn’t cover wrestling on the same scale I did basketball when at the Spokane Valley Herald. I joked (or at least thought it or I’d probably be extinct) because basketball was more important.

Truly, I had no answer, but pondered his words. It didn’t take

JULY 2017 • 31

It was merely a matter of which soccer team, Central Valley or Pasco would win the rubber match.

The Bulldogs had won the first match, the Bears in a sub-regional.

Sadly, the two were paired on the same side of the bracket and two west side schools were on the other side rather than intermixed or the two might have been playing for the title and not their playoff lives.

Pasco prevailed 3-2, outscoring the Bears 2-0 in the penalty kick shootout and CV wound up fourth following a 5-3 loss in their third straight trip to the state semifinals.

The scenario was familiar. The Bears fell behind at half, trailing Pasco 2-0 before forcing the shootout following goals by Devin Hauenstein and Luke Livingston on assists by Jake Levine and Rudy Stretch.

Against Glacier Peak, the locals were down 3-0 but closed to within a goal in the second half.

Levin scored all three CV goals; Hauenstein had two assists and freshman Clayton Crockett with the other. long to be sitting beside a wrestling mat pen and camera in hand for nearly 50 years. Lo, these many years later I still get called to cover a match or tournament for The Spokesman-Review.

Charlie Miller was one of a kind, not only as coach, but friend and ambassador who made wrestling a big deal in Spokane.

Chuck Miller’s state wrestling highlights WV state champions (one team, 13 individuals)

1971 – Mike Reed, 129 (eventual national collegiate champion at EWU); 1972 – Team title; individual champs: Tim Parcher, 148; Steve Gannon, 158; Jeff Doud, 168; 1976 – Jeff Kochman, 168; 1979 – Rudy Pazer, 190; 1980 – Todd Gaston, 129.

EV state individual champions 1987 and 1989 – Ray King, 122-129; 1987 – Nick Nastri, 108; 1993-94 – Chad King, 108; 1994 – Sofiane Hansen, 115.

The Splash

32 • JULY 2017

Market Statistics:

at Central Valley Performing Arts Center

Days on Market Days on Market Days onon Market Days on Market Days Market

25% 25% 25% 25% 25% 25%

Days on Market

Days on Market

From 65 YTD 2016 to 49 2017* From 6565 YTD 2016 to YTD 2017* From YTD 2016 to 49 YTD From 652016 YTD 2016 toYTD 492017* YTD2017* 2017* From 65 YTD to 4949 YTD From 65 YTD 2016 to 49 YTD 2017*

From 65 YTD 2016 to 49 YTD 2017*

Median Home Price

Median Home Price Median Home Price Median Home Price Median Home Price Median Home Price

5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5%

Median Home Price

From $190,000 YTDYTD 2016 to $200,000 YTDYTD 2017* From $190,000 2016 to $200,000 2017* From $190,000 2016 to $200,000 2017* From $190,000 YTDYTD 2016 to $200,000 YTD YTD 2017*

YTD toto$200,000 YTD From$190,000 $190,000 YTD2016 2016 $200,000 YTD2017* 2017* FromFrom $190,000 YTD 2016 to $200,000 YTD 2017*

Months ofof Inventory Months Inventory Months of Inventory

Months of Inventory

July 21 – August 6 Yvonne A. K. Johnson Music Direction by David Brewster

Directed by

August 2 | 7:30 P.M. ONE NIGHT ONLY! Directed by

Yvonne A. K. Johnson

Months ofofInventory Months Inventory Months of Inventory

20% 20% 20% 20%

20% 20%

From months YTD2016 2016to to 3.3 3.3 3.3 months YTD From 4.14.1 months YTD months YTD2017* 2017* From 4.1 months 2017* From 4.1 monthsYTD YTD2016 2016to to 3.3months months YTD YTD 2017*

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The Splash

Grocers’ Picnic once defined summertime amusement

By Ross Schneidmiller

Liberty Lake Historical Society To say the Grocers’ Picnic required planning by the entire Spokane community is misleading without some explanation. That is because every grocery store and butcher shop in Spokane was closed on the day of the annual event. Along with advertising that alerted would-be shoppers, many of the markets would stay open late the night before to accommodate their customers. Those who failed to plan provided good business for local eateries.

Special trains were arranged for the day to haul grocers, butchers and their families to the picnic site.

HISTORY Liberty Lake Park was often the location chosen to host the event.

Soon after the first six-car train reached the lake on a July morning in 1914, the first of two baseball games began. It was a lively occasion and became even more so when an ornery fielder punched a base runner. The game was won by the Armour Meat Packers over the Greenoughs Market, 12-9.

Each player on the winning team was awarded a sack of flour.

After a basket lunch was enjoyed for the midday meal, the second ballgame got underway. The TruBlu Nine of the biscuit company marched off with the sacks of flour, triumphing 11-7 over the Blodgett Mercantile.

By the end of this picnic the phrase, “To the victors go the spoils” underwent a slight change. The word “flour” would be substituted for “spoils” as four area flourmills donated sacks of their products to be awarded as

prizes for the event.

Along with boat rides and swimming, the afternoon was filled with a number of novelty races and dashes. The lead-off event was a race for men over 200 pounds.

This was entertaining largely because of a sizable pond of mud and water at the finish, through which three of the contestants wearing their Sunday best plowed face first, sending splatters of mud to all sides. Their long sleeve white dress shirts were no longer dry, white or clean but they may have been the lucky ones as the Inland Empire had been experiencing a heat wave.

The rule of the day was to have fun but that did not mean the contests were not competitive.

This was displayed most in the free-for-all 100-yard dash where practically all the runners were decked out in spiked shoes and tracksuits.

Some of the other afternoon

JULY 2017 • 33

contests included the single ladies race, running broad jump, grocers and butchers tug of war, ladies tug of war, sack race, potato race, pie eating contest, 50-yard swimming race, boat race with one set of oars and a contest to determine the biggest family on the grounds.

Starting at 8 in the evening, dancing was the most popular way of shelving the necessity of opening for the early morning trade at the market or store. The committee in charge reported that 4,000 single dance tickets were used. The last competition of the day was known as the “Prize Waltz.” The winning couple received a photo session for the lady and a new hat for the gentleman.

When the last dance ended, most returned by train to Spokane, many singing, laughing and reminiscing of the day’s events. Only when the late-night revelers departed on their neighborhood trolleys, did the picnic come to an end.

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Does my mom have options besides dentures?

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

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

— Dr. Timothy J. Casey

Liberty Lake resident Member, American Dental Association

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The Splash

JULY 2017 • 35

FOPP keeps wheels turning on Summer Festival

Summer Festival Etiquette

Friends of Pavillion Park reminds those attending the Summer Festival that “event etiquette” keeps each occasion safe and fun for everyone. The following reminders are from the FOPP website:

By Derek Brown

Splash Correspondent With summer well underway, the Friends of Pavilion Park (FOPP) Summer Festival is once again the season’s focal point featuring an impressive schedule of free movies, concerts and more.

“We try to provide events that the community can come together for,” said FOPP President Joe Frank.

“This summer we have several movies coming up and then we have “Shakespeare in the Park” again and we have two concerts this year.”

The festival kicks off on July 3 at dusk with a showing of the movie “The Secret Life of Pets.” On the Fourth of July, Robbie Christmas will perform at the pavilion at 6 p.m., followed by a city-sponsored fireworks show. And that’s just the start – for the rest of summer there are nine movies with titles such as “Star Wars: Rogue One,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” and “Finding Nemo,” just to name a few. More information about upcoming events can be found on the FOPP official website (www. pavillionpark.org) or their Facebook page. Finally, the Summer Festival will be capped off with the Lud Kramer Memorial Concert on Sept.

2 featuring the Spokane Symphony.

“We get anywhere from 150 to 500 to 600 people depending on how popular the movie is,” Frank said. “And the events are free for people who are attending.”

This year’s schedule also includes events at Rocky Hill Park and Half Moon Park. On July 8, FOPP will once again host the Liberty Lake Loop run, departing from Pavillion Park.

FOPP is a nonprofit organization created in 1992. Greenstone Homes and the Schneidmiller family, who had been instrumental in the construction of the park, were represented in the first incarnation of FOPP along with invested citizens.

In 1997, FOPP hosted the inaugural Summer Festival with four concerts on a makeshift stage. The park’s signature pavilion, patterned after a dance pavilion that stood on the lake in the early 1900s, wouldn’t be ready until 2000. It was that summer that movies were added

• Please pick up after yourself, your family and your pets – keep our park beautiful!

Friends of Pavillion Park introduced the Summer Festival in 1997 with four concerts on a makeshift stage. The group formed in 1992 as a way to fund the construction of the park that would eventually include the trademark wooden canopy covering a spacious stage.

File photo

to the festival agenda.

Funding for the Summer Festival comes in part from the annual Holiday Ball, an event held every December at the Davenport Hotel.

Local sponsors like Greenstone, STCU and other local organizations and individuals step up to support the cause. Some funding comes from the city of Liberty Lake’s tourism fund.

In the past, funding was limited to just a few sources.

“All of our money was raised at the Holiday Ball,” said Leslie Zilka, past president of FOPP. “And we just passed a hat around, so to speak, during concerts, but we didn't get very much money that way though.”

According to Frank, the cost of the Summer Festival runs between $40,000 to 60,000. On years where FOPP brings in a national act, the cost will be on the high end of that figure.

“The Holiday Ball raises about $25,000 a year,” Frank said. “A lot of years we will have to three concerts with one being a large national act. This year we didn't have the funds to do that.”

There has been talk recently of creating a Parks Advisory Board in Liberty Lake to help with funding future events, an idea that Frank supports.

“We've been in talks with the city about a Parks Board helping

out with funding and things of that nature,” Frank said. “And also as the city gets bigger and we have more and more public parks, I think that will be a bigger issue.

We absolutely support something like that.”

Zilka, too, thinks the time has come for a dedicated parks committee.

“As we've increased the number of parks in Liberty Lake I think it's a good idea,” she said.

The movies are licensed to be shown in the park. The board makes it a point to choose movies which are generally family-friendly.

As the city of Liberty Lake continues to grow so does the Summer Festival. According to Frank, upwards to 4,000 people attend the annual Fourth of July concert, though Frank does want to see more events happen in the future.

“We've had a similar board for quite a while now,” he said. “So our biggest thing has been trying to figure out how to get new people and new ideas to come onto the board and see if there is a little bit of an evolution.”

Zilka has seen the Summer Festival change quite a bit since her time as president in the early 2000s.

“The Summer Festival since I left has grown a lot,” she said. “It's grown beyond concerts. We had

• Feel free to bring lowbacked chairs and blankets if you would like to sit close during a concert or movie, but be prepared to sit off to the side or toward the back if you bring a regular-sized chair. This way, sight lines for everyone will be preserved.

• Bring a picnic or grab a hot dog and other snacks from the concession stand facilitated by the Liberty Lake Kiwanis. A friendly reminder that alcohol or smoking are not permitted in the park and the Liberty Lake Police Department and SCOPE volunteers have a presence at our events to enforce all local and state laws.

• The pavilion is reserved for staff, crew and performers during events. Please respect the areas around the pavilion during shows, and make sure your children are supervised at all times.

• Please respect our security personnel; most of them are volunteers and are working to keep our events safe for everyone.

Liberty Lake Days, which we’re not calling it by that anymore (now Barefoot in the Park) and car shows.

They've had the street dance over on Liberty Lake Road. I can't even begin to tell you how it's changed.”

Regardless of the changes, everyone seems to agree that the Summer Festival brings the community together. It’s a time for meeting neighbors and enjoying the park in the summertime.

“As somebody who lives in Liberty Lake, it’s part of what makes Liberty Lake different from all the other communities,” Frank said. “You know it's more than just a collection of houses, it's a community.”

The Splash

36 • JULY 2017

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or in the event of an emergency.

Assure that they know how to call 9-1-1 and when it is appropriate to do so. Also establish a schedule for the child to check in with mom or dad.

Establish rules for use of the computer, especially the Internet.

The computer can be a valuable learning tool but it is not a good babysitter. Make sure the child knows never to give out personal information on the computer.

Teach your children that it is best to be with a group of friends when

By Chief Brian Asmus going places. When using public Liberty Lake Police Department restrooms, go as a group. There is Your Liberty Lake 509.892.9284 Police safety in numbers.

Make Your Appointment Today Department has been planning and Parents should know the route preparing for this busy summer the child will be taking to and from season. Considering the numerous a given location. Remind the child scheduled events in conjunction never to take shortcuts or deviate with school being out of session and from the route agreed upon. the road construction projects, we Keep your garage door closed wanted to provide a few summer unless you need to access the safety tips that will help us all have garage. We have already responded a safe and fun summer. to several garage burglaries in the One of the best ways to stay safe community where items have been this summer is to wear a helmet taken from open garages. and other safety gear when biking, While working around your skating and skateboarding. Studies property, keep exterior doors that have shown that they can reduce the risk of head injury by as much are not in your line of sight locked.

Avoid leaving wallets or purses as 85 percent. near the front door or in plain view.

When jogging or walking with If you are planning a summer others on the roadway, run in single file. Utilize sidewalks and the vacation, cancel newspapers and trails where available and practical have your mail held at the post and always jog/walk facing traffic. office. Do not advertise your Use extreme caution when crossing absence by posting your vacation activities or plans on social streets and at intersections. networking sites.

Discharging fireworks within the Let trusted neighbors now that city of Liberty Lake is prohibited. you will be away and tell them Additionally, they are extremely what visitors you might expect on dangerous for young children to the property. Ask them to call the use. police if they see anything unusual.

If children are home alone and You can also call LLPD (755-1140) are allowed to answer the phone, and the SCOPE office (755-1143) they should never tell the caller to request a vacation house watch. that they are home alone. Make To report a crime not in progress, sure that the child has a list of contact Crime Check at 456-2233 phone numbers that they can call or www.spokanecounty.org/1076/ if they should become frightened Crime-Check.

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Other tips to protect your home while away include disabling the garage door opener and not storing jewelry or keys to vehicles in predictable places such as master bedroom dressers or, in the case of keys, near the front door. Store high value/sentimental jewelry in your safety deposit box or safe.

On the road, drive defensively, be courteous and patient as we navigate through the construction zones this summer.

Thank you for partnering with your police department in keeping Liberty Lake one of the safest cities in Washington. It is an honor to serve and protect.

The Splash

JULY 2017 • 37

Reflections from the Lake

By Leslie Zilka Skiing-check, hiking-check, boating-check.

biking-check, golfing-check,

These were must haves as we plotted our retirement years ago.

Sun River met all those criteria.

We had vacationed there for many years and loved the community.

Then we started looking at the reality of moving there. We were hours away from a major airport and hospital and the house prices had gone through the roof.

Spokane became an attractive option. Our list narrowed the options to Liberty Lake. We had skiing an hour away, the Centennial Trail was nearby. We had hiking trails galore and three golf courses.

We did lack a grocery store but we could shop on our way home from work.

It wasn't long before we decided to start our retirement living while still working. Our neighborhood in Spokane Valley had been threatened with wildfires and we wanted out.

In 1993 we built our current home.

The threat of wildfires was slim as we were now living on a beautiful green belt called “a golf course fairway.” At night we looked out over a dark meadow and life was good. Gradually the meadow filled with houses and shopping came to Liberty Lake.

The real incentive for moving here was the sense of community.

I taught at Greenacres Elementary and the children of Liberty Lake were included there. As I got to know the families through student conferences I liked what I saw.

Many of my parent volunteers came from this community. When I moved here those interactions became more frequent. In fact my husband hated going shopping at Albertson’s because it took forever with all my visiting with students and their parents.

The friendships I developed soon became a bridge to community involvement. After a successful bond campaign to fund the construction of walking and biking paths, I was appointed by the Spokane County Commissioners to serve on the

Your Local

Liberty Lake Transportation District Board. Our first trail linked the Meadowwood and Liberty Lake golf courses. That soon became part of our regular fitness routes.

More trails followed in the ensuing years. Thirteen years later our money (and lots of matching money) was spent on what you see today. It is my belief that the trail system has greatly benefitted the community in terms of health and fitness that is unmatched in this area.

Shortly after we moved in, we became aware of a campaign to build a park on 15 acres of donated land. Pavillion Park soon became a gathering place. A recent Splash article on the Summer Festival detailed all the activities that followed.

We now have many parks within walking distances of most homes.

Last year a bond drive for a community center at Town Square was conducted. It was my hope that yet another gathering place would materialize. I had hoped that all citizens from the River District to the lakeside would benefit. We have another chance this August to pass the Town Square Community Center.

Hangout Flip over our burgers and ice cream on our patio all summer long. You don’t have to golf to enjoy a family friendly dinner at The Grille at MeadowWood Golf Course!

Fun for the whole family to be had at our driving range and putting green! Quality service and a family friendly atmosphere!

24501 Valleyway Ave. Liberty Lake, WA. 99019 (509) (509) 288-4775 288-4775

Needless to say, the decision we made many years ago was the right one. All that we desired in an ideal community has been realized.

Leslie Zilka has called Liberty Lake home since 1993. She taught at Greenacres Elementary for 23 years before retiring in 2006. Zilka was one of the charter members of the Friends of Pavillion Park and contributed to the formation of the trail network in Liberty Lake as a volunteer and as an appointee to the Liberty Lake Transportation District Board.

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The Splash

38 • JULY 2017

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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.

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The Splash

JULY 2017 • 39

The Water Front

Balancing Water – The fascinating science of lake level maintenance

By BiJay Adams LLSWD Manager In July 1951, 51 property owners of land abutting Liberty Lake petitioned the Washington State Superior Court to fix the level of the lake, install appropriate control devices and maintain the level of Liberty Lake. On Oct. 15 of that year, the court entered a decree which fixed the lake level at an elevation of 2049.51 feet above sea level and ordered the construction of appropriate devices for controlling the level of the lake.

The decree ordered Spokane County to construct the control devices and ordered that the cost of such construction be assessed against the owners of property surrounding Liberty Lake. The decree further assigned the responsibility for regulating the lake level to the Department of Ecology (DOE).

Since the entry of the 1951

In October 2015, the level of Liberty Lake dropped nearly 3.5 feet below the adjudicated level of 2049.51 feet above sea level; it was the second lowest water mark since 1958.

Contributed photo decree, DOE maintained and controlled the level of the lake until 1991 when DOE filed a petition for modification. By 1991, no significant maintenance or repair of the outlet control structure, culvert or channel had been addressed since it was originally constructed.

Furthermore, DOE found itself in a position without legal authority either to expend its own funds to repair the control structures or to require any other party to pay for the cost of repairs and maintenance.

The 1991 petition by DOE requested an order to repair and renovate the control device and to assess the cost of such repairs against the appropriate parties.

DOE further requested that the court assign responsibility for maintenance of the outlet channel and control device as well as

assign financial responsibility for maintenance and operations.

In October 1993, the court ordered immediate construction and repair of the control device and assessment against the owners of property adjacent to Liberty Lake for the construction. Further, the court ordered that DOE has the authority to delegate its duties and obligations to maintain the lake level, including performance of construction and repairs, to another individual or entity. The Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District (LLSWD) agreed to and asked for an order authorizing the district to manage the construction of the control device and the drainage system.

The district accepted delegation from DOE and their duties to operate the control structure. On Oct. 12, 1993, DOE delegated such duties and responsibilities to LLSWD. The district has continued to operate and maintain the level of Liberty Lake and the outlet control structure since that delegation.

The lake outlet control device is located at the northwest side of Liberty Lake. Discharges from the lake are made through the operation of three slide floodgates built into a 12.5-foot concrete weir structure. The control device constructed in 1951 replaced the original rudimentary device used by former irrigation companies. The weir outlet structure passes flow from the weir crest and/or slide gates when opened to a 57-inch diameter concrete pipe that drains directly into Liberty Lake outlet channel. The lake outlet channel drains water through its 1-mile length where water then infiltrates into the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer through two 1-acre infiltration galleries. Liberty Lake contributes 3.78 billion gallons on average of water per year to the aquifer.

In accordance with the original decree, LLSWD maintains the level of Liberty Lake at or below the maximum elevation of 2049.51 feet above sea level. The outlet gates are opened annually to allow for runoff from snowmelt and spring rain.

Once the lake elevation stabilizes at or near the adjudicated level, the district suspends management of the elevation for the season and the lake is allowed to fluctuate naturally.

In October 2015, the level of Liberty Lake reached the second lowest mark recorded since 1958.

The levels had been charted over a space of 62 years. At an elevation of 2046.15, the lake was nearly 3.5 feet below the adjudicated level.

This year, with above average snowpack and abundant spring rain, the lake outlet was open for a total of 71 days. With more water and a good lake flush we hope for improved Liberty Lake water quality this summer.

who knew?

A single 1/2" wisp of milfoil can multiply into 250 million new plants in a year. — Washington State Department of Ecology

The Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District took over the responsibility of maintaining the level of Liberty Lake in 1993 from the Department of Ecology.

The lake outlet device is comprised of three slide floodgates pictured above.

Contributed photo

Milfoil can choke out fish, outboard motors and swimmers. Please check for milfoil when leaving every lake. Pick up fragments from your watercraft (or beach) and place in trash. Thanks!

www.libertylake.org

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

The Splash

40 • JULY 2017

Forrest Andresick

Resident od Liberty Lake for 14 years.

Graduated from the Oaks- A Classical Christian Academy.

Shannon Andrews

Daughter of Dave and Gina Andrews.

Attending the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York City.

Tyra Chalich

Jack Clary

Daughter of Ty and Kathy Chalich.

Son of Aaron and Alissa Clary.

Graduating from Gonzaga Preparatory School.

Attending Washington State University.

Plans on attending Washington State University.

Daughter of Brian and Linda Cooke.

Andrew Greer

Ryan Hagmann

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Will attend Hillsdale College this fall. Interested in pre-law, international

Alexis M. Fox

Blake Fillis

Daughter of Jesse and Amy Fox.

Son of Lloyd and Jennifer Fillis.

Will be attending Brigham Young University Provo, majoring in Graphic Design.

Attending Eastern Washington University majoring in Computer Science.

Kevin Harper

Trey Julian

Son of Steve and Hope Harper.

Son of Geoff and Stacy Julian.

Attending SFCC after graduation.

Will be attending Brigham Young University Idaho in September.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Madison Goldfeldt

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Daughter of John and Kim Goldfeldt.

Attending Boise State University.

Aubriane Knudsen

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Daughter of Ron and Jolene Knudsen.

She plans to attend SFCC and then Eastern Washington University for a degree in Mathematics/ Eduction.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Son of Todd and Michelle Greer.

Will be attending the University of Washington in the fall.

Samantha Cooke

Will attend Carroll College in Helena, Montana.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Son of Lono and Katie Hagmann.

Attending Western Washington University i nthe Fall to Study Chemistry in the Honors Program.

Amanda Lance Hailey McGill Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Daughter of Heather and Monte Lance, younger sister Haley.

Daughter of Larry and Laura McGill.

Attending Eastern Washington University, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Philosophy.

Will be attending Seattle University majoring in Film Studies.

The Splash

JULY 2017 • 41

Greta Merkel

Eric Mulligan

Daughter of Chris Merkel and Lori Peters-Merkel.

Son of Ryan and Nicole Mulligan.

Post graduation plans are to attend Eastern Washington University to participate in the Dental Program.

Attending University of Idaho in the fall.

Dylan Noon

Benjamin Thomas Norin

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Son of John and Kerry Noon.

He will ne attending the Plebotomy program at Spokane Community COllege in the fall.

Andy Reding

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Congratulations Class of 2017 from We appologize that not all graduates were included in the June Edition.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Sierra Grace Ohlsen

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Son of Tom and Sharilyn Norin.

Daughter of Nils and Christine Ohlsen.

Plans to attend Big Bend Community College for flight training and Central Washington University concurrently to pursue a professional pilot degree.

Will be attending Western Washington University.

Jared Parker

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Son of Steve and Sarah Parker.

Jared is excited to spend the summer fighting wildfire in the Hi-Country.

Shaylin Pennestri

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Daughter of Scott and Gail Pennestri.

Attending WSU in the fall to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Emma Romney Courtney Lynn Ryley St. John Graduating from Central Graduating from Central Segraves

Cierra Weber

Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Son of Ryan and Keri Reding.

Daughter of Ryan and Jessica Romney.

Son of David and Denise St. John.

Daughter of Rob and Susan Weber.

Plans to attend Gonzaga University.

Attending college at Brigham Young University Idaho.

Plans on attending Spokane Community College for Auto Repair in the fall.

Plans to attend North Idaho College.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Daughter of Rod and Melinda Segraves.

She plans to continue her education.

42 • JULY 2017

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.

(Clockwise from top left) Vintage cars were part of the setting at the 10th annual Soap Box Derby hosted by the Spokane East Rotary at Pavillion Park on June 17; warmer weather meant dogs and dog walkers on the slope at Pavillion Park while "Gus" celebrated his sixth birthday in festive fashion recently at Rocky Hill Park; the Soap Box Derby raised funds to support local nonprofit groups like Spokane Guilds School, Bambino Buddy Ball and Hope School.

The Splash

JULY 2017 • 43

Please send in this form with your donation to our 2017 fireworks display to:

Name: Address:

Liberty Lake Fireworks Fund P.O. Box 430 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Phone:

Help us continue this wonderful Liberty Lake Tradition!

L ibe r t y L a keFi rewo r ks. com Thank you to our generous LibertyLake fireworks donors: INDIVIDUALS Stephanie & Tom Agnew • Michael & Phyllis Ambrose • Bill & Kara Ames • Bruce & Sara Andre • Fred & Jaquelyn Aronow • Alison Ashlock • Linda Ashlock • Cameron and Jake Baumker • Buppha and Neil Begalman • Sheila Bell • Gary & Ellen Bernardo • Gary & Shirley Branson • Britney and Marcus Calkins • Duane & Beatrice Carroll • Ron and Wyonna Clelland • Ron & Beth Cocchiarella • Wilson & Constance Conaway • Duane and Daryl Cone • Bill Corell • Grace Criswell • Steven & Christine Dahlstrom • Brian and Annette Davis • Kirk & Rosemary Davis • James Dinneen • Gary Fiscus • Mark Hedman • Susan Filley • Gary Fiscus • Dave and Dale Flambouras • Lynn Fondahn • Dennis and Joanne Fox • Heidi & Joe French • Tom Gaynor • Herb and Lin Genteman • Roger & Janet Gores • William & Elaine Gotfredson • Terry & Rebecca Grimes • Craig & Joan Guell • Patty Guillet • Lance Halsey • Harley & Lorraine Halverson • Lois Hatch • Ranchers Harder • Kathleen and Alex Harper • Keith and Jan Harris • Robert and Melanie Heacock • Dale and Sandi Helman • Stan & Barbara Hilbert • Joe and Jodi Hoffman • Cornelius & Barbara Hogenhaut • Tim Homer • Paul and Lisa Humphreys • Fred, Trish & Abigail Itveldt • Gayle and Scott Jaqueth • Bob & Sharon Jayne • Kevin and Jehn Johnson • Gary & Karen Johnson • Stan and Karina Jochim • Lori and James Joy • Bob & Marilyn Keen • Jonathan Keeve • Margaret Keeve • Samuel & Sharon Kinard • Ron & Linda Knudsen • John and Lisa Klapp • Charles & Barbara Kogler • Richard & Karolyn Kosanke • Bobbie Larsen • Steve Larson • Victor & Kristine Leichner • Tim and Peggy Low • Kevin and Lisa Lundblad • LeRoy & Francis Lykins • Fran Mann • Dean Margell • Sarah and Robert Martin • Doug & Sharon Matthews • Dennis & Beverly McCoy • Don McManus • Brian & Beth Miller • Mike and Leslie Mitchell • Gaylord and Connie Momb • Jerry and Wendy Mquer • James Nania • Nata Natarajan • Alyce Newtson • Mike and Susan Nienstedt • John & Terri Ann Nystrom • Dean & Darlene Oaks • Richard & Kay Olsen • Kyle and Kathy Olson • Kevin & Beth Orenstein • Vern & Shirley Payne • PZ Pearce • Steven & Charmaine Peterson • Dave and Janet Pier • Mark Pinch • Richard & Barbara Pruitt • Daphne and Bill Pullan • Steve & Nancy Rasmussen • Gary and Judy Rasmussen • Thomas and Barbara Richardson • Jon and Kathleen Roche • Karen Ruef •Jay & Sandy Rydell • Richard and Karen Sayre • Michael Schneider • Kelli & Ross Schneidmiller • Brian Schreck • Stanly & Carol Schultz • George & Linda Shea • Robert and Janis Smith .• Stanley & Nancy Smith • Pauline Soderquist • Richard Steury • Glenn & Debra Stewart • Thomas Stewart • Chuck & Shirlene Strate • Gary Taitch • Mark & Carla Talbot • Art & Karen Toreson • Marlene & CR Trevaskis • Roy & Betty Twinning • John & Darlene Vickery • James Wilharm • Bill & Judy Williams • Wayne & Terina Williams • RM & Jackie Wills • James & Jackie Wolff • Fred and Vernice Zanco • Nicholas & Leslee Zilka BUSINESSES Albertsons • Beachcombers Garden Club • Big Trout Lodge • Inland Insurance • Kidds Dental • North Side Beach Club • Sandy Beach Mobile Villa • The Splash • 4th of July Parade NAMES UNDERLINED DENOTES GIFT OF $100 OR MORE.

Thanks also to Sandy Beach for the use of their docks and to all of the anonymous cash donors who drop money in the fireworks bucket at Albertsons each year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT TIM AND DENISE COYLE AT 255-6837.

44 • JULY 2017

OPINION

The Splash

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Ben Wick

Danica Wick

ben@libertylakesplash.com CO OWNER

danica@libertylakesplash.com

EDITOR

Craig Howard

craig@libertylakesplash.com OFFICE MANAGER GRAPHICS

Paula Gano

paula@libertylakesplash.com

Hayley Schmelzer

hayley@libertylakesplash.com

Dean Byrns

circulation@libertylakesplash.com

CIRCULATION

CONTRIBUTORS

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.

Dear Editor:

I would like to have on record my views regarding the proposed Liberty Lake Community Center.

On the August ballot there will be another vote for a proposed community center. I have attended many Liberty Lake City Council meetings in the last few years to understand as many details as possible. What I have learned is that to date is that most of the planning is still up in the air two months before the vote. Some attendees at the meetings show frustration that after two votes, one failed just a year ago, that we are still wasting time on this topic.

The two primary problems with the community center in my opinion are the need and the cost. The council members are up in the air if

the library needs to be included. At one meeting, a library trustee says the Liberty Lake Library is doing very well other than parking. The library has other options related to parking that would not entail a move.

Most of the services mentioned as possibilities would be competing with local facilities and businesses for revenue. Any food services, sports facilities, or meeting spaces would compete with local businesses and are just not a public need. As far as cost goes, sure it would be nice, but not to the tune of over $100/ year for an average house, not to mention higher tax on apartments and businesses. In turn, that will contribute to higher rent and higher prices at businesses if this passes.

In most of the meetings, attendees ask about parking for the project in general. At the special meeting on April 11, even a council member asked another if parking at a local grocery store would be the plan. There is no room for adequate parking period.

The underlying theme with the community center is the lack of planning, obvious by no solid architectural and financial numbers yet presented.

Right now the city is very profitable and some council members have questioned why a tax increase is needed to fund this project. I think that the citizens have spoken on this and the vote was last year. The community should demand that the city work on other pressing issues

that need attention today.

Sincerely, Chad Huron Liberty Lake

Dear Editor:

Vote yes for the community center/library. Why? Children's programs no longer fit in the meeting room.

Several months ago, a father was driving to the library to watch his child in a program. When he arrived at the parking lot there was only one parking space available.

After parking he rushed toward the meeting room where the program was being held. The hallway to the room was packed with parents unable to enter the room because it was full. There wasn’t even standing room!

He decided to leave and return to work. As he walked toward the parking lot he noticed that several cars were idling in the middle of the lot. When he backed out his car, he knew there would only be one lucky patron that would have a parking spot.

Our children need a space where they and their parents, grandparents and friends can meet to participate in children’s programs.

Dianne Murray President, Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advertising integrity Inaccurate

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

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

The Splash

JULY 2017 • 45

P R O U D LY S E R V I N G L I B E R T Y L A K E S I N C E 2 0 0 2

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

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Index of advertisers

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

•New 20 Foot Wide Paved Road to be completed in August • New gated community south of Liberty Lake • Power and natural gas at the property lines • Incredible views • Prices starting at $229,000

For private showing call Gerald at Park Street Group

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Amaculate Housekeeping 17 Amazing Day PreSchool 27 Anytime Fitness 17 Banner Furnace & Fuel 27 Casey Family Dentistry 34 City of Liberty Lake 7 Clark’s Tire & Automotive 3 Coldwell Banker - Rob Brickett 32 Cornerstone Pencostal Church 4 Courtney Hanks 21 Cullings Dentistry 45 Evergreen Fountain 29 Friends of Town Square 9 Greenstone 18 Inland Empire Utility CC 34 John L Scott - Pam Fredrick 19 Kiwanis of Liberty Lake 11 Liberty Lake Children’s Academy 4 Liberty Lake EyeCare Center 3

Liberty Lake Family Dentistry 5 Liberty Lake Farmer’s Market 36 Liberty Lake Fireworks Fund 43 Liberty Lake Municipal Library 6 Liberty Lake Orthodontics 36 Liberty Lake Petsitters 37 Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District 39 Liberty Lube 16 Meadowwood Golf Course 37 Michael’s Berry Farm 8 Mother’s Cupboard 34 North Idaho Dermatology 37 Northern Quest 48 Ott Knott Used Golf Carts 14 Park Street Group 45 RIM Ride 15 R ‘n’ R RV 8 Simonds Dental Group 48 Spokane Gymnastics 25

Spokane Indians 22 Spokane OBGYN 4 Spokane Transit Authority 20 Spokane Valley Summer Theatre 32 Stateline Plaza 46 Stolp Vision 17 Tandy Luhn Photography 3 Toe Tubs 36 The Business Center 17 True Legends 15 Valley Hospital 38 Valleyfest 20 Waste Management 3 Willow Song 16 Windermere 5 Yoke’s 19

Service Directory 46

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

The Splash

46 • JULY 2017

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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

Paper Weight – The value of preserving community journalism

By Craig Howard Splash Editor “The newspaper is a greater treasure to the people than uncounted millions of gold.”

- Henry Ward Beecher In the days before computers, printers and scanners, my grandfather Ed Howard published a weekly newsletter that was produced on a rudimentary handfed printing press.

The power for the machine was generated by a foot pedal. Content was translated from scrawled text on a notepad to the press where a patient typesetter – in this case, my dad Nathan – placed each letter, upside down and backwards.

Ultimately, the columns were ready and a page emerged – but not without meticulous concentration and uncommon effort. As far as I know, they met every press deadline.

I still have some of my grandpa’s newsletters, albeit those that were published later on a modern copy machine. His words of advice and wisdom still resonate. The copy typically featured a lesson or two, bolstered by scripture passages, anecdotes from his life and references to authors ranging from Shakespeare to O. Henry. For a well-respected concrete engineer, my grandpa understood the art of writing.

After I graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Journalism, my grandpa gave me a small plaque that read “Future Editor.” He lived out the final 25 years of his life in Spokane Valley, walking faithfully each day to a post office on Sprague Avenue to pick up his mail. He loved print, whether it was a newspaper or a letter from a friend.

While my grandfather passed in 2004 at the age of 90, I’m grateful he lived long enough to read some of the stories I wrote in my 10-year tenure with the Spokane Valley News Herald. One week, I honored him with a column about his work helping to build the Hoover Dam. If Ed Howard were still here, he would be a dedicated reader of the

ON THAT NOTE

JULY 2017 • 47

Valley Current and Liberty Lake Splash. He trusted newspapers and knew he could learn about his community and what mattered to his neighbors by reading the printed word. He would have agreed with Henry Steele Commager, the American historian and author, who once said, “The newspaper is the raw material of history; it is the story of our own times.”

That story is being told today in Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake because Ben and Danica Wick stepped up in late 2015 to purchase the Splash and Current from longtime publisher Josh Johnson. While nearly everyone agreed that the publications were of value to the community, only Ben and Danica came forward to keep them running.

The Splash has now been published without interruption since September 1999 while the Current celebrated its five-year anniversary in February and added another 15,000 direct mail copies this year to go with 10,000 already on the racks. Readers and advertisers continue to see the value of both papers which cover a civic niche in a way that can’t be found in any other publication.

Those who pick up our papers also know they can trust the content.

You won’t see any ads for marijuana retailers or inserts promoting pot shops. Parents can rest assured that the complimentary Current and Splash issues on stands at area businesses will always contain family-friendly material.

Both papers promote the good that is happening – from featured students, athletes and citizens to nonprofit causes that are having an impact. At the same time, we understand the watchdog role, keeping an eye on local government and issues that affect our neighbors’ quality of life.

“The whole adventure of being a publisher has been all about keeping it local and getting the news out about the community,” said Ben, a graduate of East Valley High School and Eastern Washington University. “Whether it’s politics, schools, business or other topics, it’s important to let people know what’s going on.”

Last fall, before the general election, the Current featured a comprehensive voters’ guide. In the June 2016 issue, senior pages produced by every greater Valley school appeared as part of a tribute to seniors. When the city manager in Spokane Valley was abruptly dismissed last year, the Current

Being a community newspaper magnate may not be as glamorous as many think. Above, Splash/Current Publisher Ben Wick tackles a mammoth stack of papers on delivery day. Ben and his wife Danica purchased both publications from Josh Johnson in late 2015.

Contributed photoe

quickly shifted gears on our cover story shortly before press time to feature the latest coverage and inform citizens of the change.

It also turns out that grandparents don’t comprise the entire readership of print publications. A recent report

by Media Audit showed newspapers in the U.S. reach 46 percent of the adults in local markets.

Adam Strunk is one newspaper advocate who knows a thing or two about local markets. The managing editor of Newton Now, a community paper in central Kansas, recently penned a column about the acquisition of several similar publications in his state by a large media conglomerate connected to a New York hedge fund. In referring to the resulting layoffs and dropoff in local stories, Strunk wrote that those who bought the papers “have never sold an ad or picked up a pen.”

He also emphasized that local news is best covered by reporters, editors and publishers who are invested in the community in a

way that goes beyond their bank accounts.

“How do you write about the news people care to read?” Strunk went on. “That’s simple – care about the community and have ownership that cares about the community enough to invest resources to cover it.”

In less than two years, Strunk and his colleagues started Newton Now from scratch, grew subscriptions and advertising and earned a place of trust among a growing readership.

“Journalism isn’t dying in Kansas,” Strunk added. “We’re the community’s voice, watchdog, friend and chronicle.”

The scenario sounds remarkable similar to the last 18 months of the Splash and Current where new owners have brought innovation and energy to both papers. To those cynics who still say it’s time for print journalism to turn the page, we invite you to pick up these community-rich publications and do just that.

The Splash

48 • JULY 2017

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