June 2018 Splash

JUNE

THE

LIBERTY LAKE

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

2018

FREE

COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

Liberty Lake Open for Business

Catching up with five new companies in our community, page 12 SALUTE TO THE CLASS OF 2018 PAGE 18

OTIS FOOD BANK SERVES UP SUPPORT PAGE 22

LL RESIDENT COMPLETES BLOOMSDAY AT 93 PAGE 28

NEWS

2 • JUNE 2018

The Park Bench

CV’s Mr. Music – Parker a fixture as Bear band leader

By Craig Howard Splash Editor When Eric Parker moved with his family from Southern California to Spokane Valley, he was a tentative eighth grader who played clarinet and hoped to latch on with the band at his new school.

“I’ve always been super shy,” said Parker. “As a kid, it was really, really difficult to make friends.”

Parker did find a buddy at Greenacres Middle School, but the student had an identical twin brother which presented another layer of challenges.

“I’d see this friend in the hallway but he wouldn’t acknowledge me,” Parker recalls. “I began to think he wasn’t my friend. Turns out it was his twin brother.”

Parker did find a social niche through music. He had been part of a pilot band program at his school in California, but this was different.

“When I came here, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “Band was cool with part of the population.”

announcement for his mom.

“It was a great day, the best first day ever,” Parker said. “I loved that there was a team there, helping me. There were former students helping out. I remember thinking, ‘This is going to be OK.’” By his junior year, Parker knew he wanted to be a band instructor.

He served as drum major his final two years at CV, learning some of the leadership and organizational skills that would carry over into his future profession.

After Parker graduated from CV in 1996, he enrolled at Eastern Washington University as a music major. While at EWU, he helped coach the CV band and was hired to lead the band program at East Valley Middle School in 2002 after earning his college diploma. By the start of the 2003-04 school year, Parker had been named band director at his high school alma mater.

“I look back at that first day at band camp,” Parker says. “I showed up ready to quit. I tell my kids in band all the time, ‘You just don’t know what you don’t know.’”

These days, Parker directs three concert bands, a jazz band and a symphony orchestra. He also teaches a percussion class and directs, co-directs or advises a slew of extracurricular programs, including music theatre pit orchestra, marching band and pep band, to name a few.

Parker has led the program to great heights during his tenure, including an appearance in Washington,

D.C., for the 2013 presidential inaugural parade and a prestigious title in 2011 at a regional marching band competition, one of many honors over the years. Beyond the accolades and trophies, Parker is known for cultivating energy and pride among those who call band home, something he learned long ago as a socially challenged middle schooler.

Parker and his wife, Lauren, are proud parents of two kids. The longest tenured band director in CV history has made it a point not to require his band kids to attend summer marching band camp – but he’s not disappointed if they do.

Q: When you moved to the Spokane Valley area with your family during your eighth-grade year, how much did music and your involvement with band help with that transition?

A: It immediately gave me a place to belong to. The culture was much healthier here regarding a student’s participation in music.

While you cannot pretend the aura of the band geek doesn’t exist, over half the school was in band.

So, if there were band geeks, at least we ruled the school. Music in middle school was inspiring, everyone cared about the group, we respected the teacher and we had goals. Looking back, belonging to a community that shared all of that at such a formative age was profound and probably is why I am who I am today.

Q: It's clear that students in band dedicate as much time and effort to their endeavors

A: The cliche of jocks versus us is laughable these days. No student is just an athlete in our school, they are much more complicated. In the band we have football players, basketball players, orchestra members, track stars, Green Club leaders and actors. I have taught Lilac Princesses, Spokane Scholars and professional ballerinas. There is no “us versus them,” they are all of them. For some reason the world tries to continue this agenda that high school is still like “Grease" the musical. But to answer the question, Central Valley High School does an awesome job of recognizing our program with the tools they have.

Our student body is amazingly kind to us at football games. They are actually mostly quiet and listen to the performers’ music. I have had guests from other schools come to games to watch our band and they get concerned why is it getting so quiet. When I tell them because they want to hear the band, our guests shake their head in disbelief that our whole school is bought into the success of other kids.

It’s certainly special. I wish our students knew they weren’t very normal. And I mean that in the most complimentary way.

Q: How would you describe the way "band kids" are perceived at CV? Have we finally moved beyond the "band nerd" personae?

Q: How do you think participation in some aspect of music can be beneficial on the academic side?

“My first goal was to quit band,” he says. “I thought I should be taking classes that would prepare me for a career in business.”

When Parker came home from camp that day, he had an

as students in other school activities such as sports. Yet the amount of attention often seems disproportional. As band director, does that concern you?

A: Yes and no.

Band kids aren’t nerds because they play an instrument or spin a flag. They think differently for sure.

And most of the time, when kids think differently, we need to categorize them. The band geek thing has stuck. Some take it as an endearing moniker that establishes what they belong to. But the word “band” means “together,” so any name you call us with the word band means, “I’m not alone.” So, what do they say about sticks and stones?

Parker’s family tree contains little to no musical lineage. He chose the clarinet because it was easy to carry to and from school. By the time he approached the ninth grade – his first year at Central Valley High School – Parker wasn’t so sure about music. He’d received word from CV’s band director Brad Constantine that all band students were expected to participate in marching band camp over the summer, a prospect that left Parker in a grumbling mood. After all, his aptitude tests said he had the skills and composition to become a businessman.

Parker’s mom convinced him to try band camp for at least one day.

If it didn’t work out, he could put the clarinet on the shelf.

The Splash

Eric Parker has been director of the Central Valley High School band program since the 2003-04 school year. The California native moved to Spokane Valley with his family as an eighth grader and quickly found a home as part of the Greenacres Middle School band.

Photo by Craig Howard

A: Studies after studies have proven that engaging in activities that simultaneously stimulate your brain’s left and right hemisphere creates neurological life. However, the effects of music on an academic outcome are somewhat over simplified. Listening to Mozart will

See PARKER, Page 3

The Splash

PARKER

Continued from page 2

not make you smarter. However, listening to Mozart, or any music, is proven to stimulate the brain with dopamine which will enhance your cognitive engagement. In today’s student climate, the need to engage the brain with this stimulus is so important. Kids need more to feel good about. They need to feel good about school, family, friends, life. Music is a powerful prescription and making music is exponentially more powerful.

Q: Your approach to symbolic representations of this program's success -- selling off trophies for $1 a piece and tossing others away -- has made it clear that compiling awards is not the objective here. Why is that important to you and what message do you hope to send?

A: We are here to create experiences.

Working hard in the summer will pay off in the fall. Looking for extra credit at the 11th hour will teach you to fail. The outcome is made in the preparation. Our kids “win” when the last note stops. They don’t wait for some stranger with a clipboard to tell them they won at a contrite award ceremony. You aren’t going to win a trophy in the real world for just working hard. Winning in life is not something you put on a shelf, it is an experience you have together that changes you forever.

It isn’t an easy message to sell to a culture of participation trophies, but when they see last year’s trophy getting sold for no more than $1 to a graduate, it helps.

Q: You were involved in a serious car accident and went through an extensive recovery as a young college student.

What did you learn from that experience?

A: To say “I love you,” now, soon and as often as possible. I don’t always remember this lesson. But when my leg is sore, I remember a little bit more. I learned about teamwork. Being in near-traction for a month, you have to rely on your teammates to do a lot of things. But when you let go of your ego and dignity and just say “Thank you” – you appreciate the job a nurse does, a night custodian and it trickles down to seeing not just the forest from the trees but the leaves on every little branch or every little happy tree.

Q: How do you hope the band represents CV and the Spokane Valley community as the various events and competitions you

JUNE 2018 • 3

EXCELLENCE IN THE EYES OF OUR PATIENTS

travel to throughout the school year?

A: I hope that we make our students and community proud. I hope we say to the kid who doesn’t have a team to call his or hers, “Come join us.” We have a spot for everyone. And I hope we make great music and exciting memories for everyone.

A band program is a pretty visible product of a school and community’s culture.

We wouldn’t survive without the support of both. Our school continually shows our students that what we do is important and our community through the support of our signature fundraisers says the band program needs to thrive.

Q: Staying motivated and on-task can be a challenge for any high school student. As band director, how do you help students stay focused?

A: Most students would say that I am hysterically funny. Maybe sometimes funny. In fact, they would say I am accidentally funny.

While making music is serious business to me, I do try to remember that they are going to remember how music made them feel. I am honest, caring and I am here for them. I work really, really hard for them. I don’t have a trick. It’s a lot of layers that reach different types of students. I borrow and steal strategies from various teachers and coaches in our community. I think the overall outcome is there is a lot of love everyone is putting in to this program. And human nature seems to respond kindly to that kind of kindness. Alliteration, thank you Karen Floyd (CV English teacher).

Q: Between your time as a student, an assistant teacher and band director, you've called CV home for the better part of over two decades. What is special to you about Bear Nation?

A: I would just say the way we all rally around celebrating each other.

For a school of 2,400 students, going on a million, it’s awesome that individuals can still feel like they have an identity. It isn’t perfect, and sometimes it may look like we have it all. But I assure you, our staff is fierce in doing better. You want to win a marching band show in your hometown? How about driving 20 hours to another contest and see what that’s like. You won a state basketball championship, can you rise up at the national level and win a national championship?

These ideals are everywhere in our building. Kids do have to work

See MUSIC, Page 5

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

Introducing

Accepting New Patients Comprehensive Eye Care for all ages Cataract | Glaucoma | Red or Dry Eyes Specialty Contact Lenses

DR. BRET ULRICH

DR. MICHAEL PARK

893.7574

24 Hour Emergency 869.9053

Liberty Lake Medical Center 2207 N. Molter, Suite 100

M, W & Th 8-5 • Tu 1-7 • F 8-1

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

WE’LL MEET OR BEAT COMPETITOR PRICES. WE WON’T BE UNDERSOLD! M-F 7am to 6pm Sat. 8am to 5pm As an official DIT Bridgestone CRE Firestone location,

O

ED

N EED we N are now accepting CFNA credit cards. ption ent o aym ble p y a 90 d availa

16010 E. Sprague Ave.

924-1681

www.clarkstires.com FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Proud to accept Goodyear credit cards

6 MONTHS SAME AS CASH O.A.C

Instant Credit • Same Day Service • Customer Shuttle • Nationwide Warranty • Certified Technicians

BE SUMMER READY!

AC SPECIAL

$

OIL CHANGE

95 $

89

PLUS TAX

Includes complete AC inspection and up to 2lbs refrigeration 134A

Most vehicles. Additional parts not included. Dye extra if needed. Not valid with other offers. Coupon required. Exp. 6/30/18.

19

95

ON MOST VEHICLES

Most cars/light trucks. Not valid with any other special offer.

Coupon required. Exp. 6/30/18.

Hearing a noise or rattle?

Check Engine light on?

Let us check your vehicle for FREE! Safety first.

Download our app from iTunes or for Android

4 • JUNE 2018

.com Corner of Sprague and Flora

ake We t NG HI T Y AN wn

17017 E Sprague Ave Veradale, WA 99037

as do nt e paym

509-255-7100

Credit Approval

Guaranteed

SPRING into our Grand Opening

2005 Elantra

129*

Stock # 154212A

Sale price: $4,995

2007

E350 4matic

36 months

197*

72 months

Stock # A0024

Sale price: $11,629

2008 Altima

Stock # A0002

Stock # A0007

48 months

164*

Sale price: $9,845

2014

204*

Cruze ECO

72 months

Stock # A0019

Sale price: $11,971

2016 Journey SXT Stock # A0015

272* 72 months

Sale price: $15,685

72 months

Sale price: $5,999

2008 Accent

48 months

129*

Stock # 154343A

Sale price: $4,987

2013 Impala

36 months

134*

Stock # A0001A

Sale price: $7,308

2010

Dodge Ram

60 months

285*

Stock # A0013

2013 Scion tC

72 months

Sale price: $16,365

219* 72 months

Stock # A0021

Sale price: $12,795

2008 Accord

127*

Stock # 154317B

152*

Sale price: $6,982

2016 Accent

2006 Sorento

146*

Stock # A0004 Sale price: $7,869

60 months

2014 Patriot Stock # A0020

276* 72 months

Sale price: $15,876

2013 Jetta TDI Stock # A0040

297* 72 months

Sale price: $16,999

*All payments include $1000 down and are based on 9.99% interest.

Payments are OAC and exclude tax, title, and doc fee.

www.GeeNWautoLending.com

NEWS

New approach bolsters CV Bears Boosters

By Tyler Wilson Splash Correspondent A revitalized booster club for Central Valley High School (CVHS) has raised almost $270,000 this year to benefit school activities and athletics.

The Central Valley Bears Booster Club formed in response to a splintering of fundraising activities throughout the school, according to CVHS principal Kerri Ames.

“There were a lot of little fundraisers happening, with parents being asked for $10 here or $10 there,” Ames said. “In talking to our advisors and coaches and teachers, they said they were struggling to keep up with the fundraising aspect of these activities.

Their passion is to coach and teach.”

Ames approached family friend Scott Gabbert to jumpstart a broader, parent-led booster club for the school. Gabbert, who has a daughter and son at CVHS, had coached his daughter’s soccer team alongside Ames’ husband.

Gabbert admits the idea of coordinating such a broad volunteer effort was daunting at first.

“It can be overwhelming,” he said.

“I thought back to when my parents helped with boosters when I was at the school, but they had such a positive impact.”

Gabbert proved capable to the task, establishing a club that directly addressed the prior concerns of parents and teachers.

“We told everybody up front our goal is for the kids to not have to fund raise so much,” Gabbert said.

The group also wanted to address all sports and activities fairly.

“One of the primary missions of the booster club is equity – everything is equal,” Ames said. “We did a threeyear data analysis and met with coaches and advisors individually asking, ‘What does it take for your group to be self-sufficient?’ We took an average estimate of what was needed across those three years to determine what each group would need and we tried to fund everybody in our first year by at least 75 to 80 percent.”

The initial goal was to raise about $150,000 in a year, Gabbert said.

To make it happen, he focused on inspiring parent involvement.

“We decided we were going to meet once a month and for no longer than an hour and a half,” Gabbert said. “The last thing I wanted was this booster club to be boring. We

The Splash

wanted it to be fun.”

Instead of numerous fundraisers throughout the year, the Bears Booster Club oversees three larger fundraising events – a student-led raffle for a new car, a spring dinner auction event and a summer golf tournament.

The car raffle is the only fundraiser facilitated by the Bears Boosters where students are encouraged to help raise funds. This year students sold $20 tickets for a chance to win a Ford Escape. Gabbert said Gus Johnson Ford gave the club a deal on the car to net more proceeds.

In March the booster club hosted a dinner, live and silent auction evening at the Davenport aimed at parents and supporters of the school.

Gabbert said the turnout of 350 attendees was considered a significant success. Positive energy defined the event, he added.

“For me, I prefer everybody to have fun regardless of what was purchased.”

Finally, a golf tournament is held in the summer. This year’s event is set for June 23 at Meadowwood in Liberty Lake.

Parents can buy a Bears Booster Club membership for $25, which comes with a group T-shirt. The Booster Club also oversees food and beverage concessions at CVHS events. The club has refocused that effort by having students in activities commit to handling a couple of events for other groups and sports.

Overall, the Bears Booster Club has raised close to $270,000. According to Gabbert, about $160,000 net funds have gone to directly support school programs after establishing a base fund cushion and paying operational expenses (purchase of the car, food costs, event operation, etc.).

Beyond the fundraising, Ames said the Bears Boosters have engaged the broader community to support the students at CVHS. “It has made more people want to get involved because we’re having a lot of fun too,” Ames said. “It has brought our community together but also our inside community because advisors and coaches are really working together. Before they were somewhat against each other. When you’re fighting for money it becomes about who can get their fundraisers out first.”

Gabbert sees greater success for the Bears Boosters in the future.

“This year there was a lot of catchup to do,” he said. “We learned how to run each event, so it will be smoother but I don’t want to be complacent.”

Follow or contact the Central Valley Bears Boosters on Facebook for more information or to support the cause.

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 5

PATIENT

MUSIC

GENER AL • COSME TIC • COMPUTER- GUIDED

Continued from page 3

a little harder to find them in the crowd.

Q: Finally, CVSD will have a third high school in the not-toodistance future. What sort of effect do you think this will have on your program and music in general across the district?

A: It can only enhance what is going on at every level. Improved safety, better ratios of teachers to students will lead to that personal touch and commitment to learning.

Of course, when everyone moves at first, culture shock will happen.

Yes, the teams and programs will have fewer kids to pull from for a while, but look around. Where in the Valley is our community not growing? In no time, we will get all of our buildings back up to overcapacity like we are all used to.

But then we’ll have three basketball teams at state championships and three amazing marching bands and three incredible Knowledge Bowl teams and probably 50 lacrosse teams. We are fortunate to be where we are. Change is supposed to be difficult. It will be hard. But just because something is hard doesn’t mean it won’t be great!

FOCUSED

• Same

Day Crowns Day Bridges • Same Day Implants • Same Day Extractions with Implants • Oral Surgery • Implant Supported Pediatrics Dentures • Root Canals Extractions • 3D CBCT X-Rays • Sedation • Nitrous/Laughing Gas • Periodontics • Same

MADISON MORRELL NO CAVITY CLUB WINNER!

Winner of a $25 Amazon gift card

Same Day Emergencies &

Saturday Appointments Dr. Ross Simonds • Dr. Cliff Cullings Dr. Amanda Roper • Dr. Erin Merri ield 22106 E. Country Vista Dr. Suite D

893-1119

www.LibertyLakeDental.com

VA LLE Y SYNTHETICS 509-924-3206 valleysynthetics.shopamsoil.com

100% Synthetic Oil Change Service

Save $115.52 Per Year

NO INSURANCE?

SAVE 20% WITH OUR MEMBERSHIP PLAN ASK US HOW

509-891-5001

Payment Plans Available Dental Savings Plan Discounted Fees Most Insurances Accepted

1328 N Stanford Lane Liberty Lake, WA W W W . L I B E R T Y L A K E F A M I L Y D E N T I S T R Y. C O M

YEARLY OIL CHANGE COST Competition: $191.98/Year* Valley Synthetics: $76.46/Year Savings

DENTISTRY

$115.52/Year

*Based on 12,000 mile/5000 mile drain intervals @ $79.99

4 SERVICE CENTERS TO SERVE YOU

VA LLE Y SYNTHETICS Give us a call for additional market details!

The Splash

6 • JUNE 2018

Friday, June 22, 2018 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, June 23, 2018 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COMPASSIONATE COMMON SENSE CONSERVATIVE ENDORSED BY Kim Wyman

WA Secretary of State

Ozzie Knezovich

Protecting Your Family and Your Tax Dollars

Spokane County Sheriff ★ Prioritizing Public Safety ★

Al French

★ Building a Strong Economy ★

★ Making Spokane County Government Work for You ★ County

Commissioner

electmarykuney.com

Tim Fitzgerald

Spokane County Clerk

Vicki Horton

Spokane County Assessor

Steve Peterson

Mayor of Liberty Lake

Shelly O’Quinn

former Spokane County Commissioner

Kate McCaslin

former Spokane County Commissioner

Sign up by June 15 to list your sale and information in the official guide.

Registration fees go to the Kiwanis Club Foundation and will be utilized as sponsorships for local graduates.

REGIST ER TODAY

Four registration options

1.

Online: $15

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

2.

Mail-in form : $20

3.

Commercial Vendors: (online only): $250.00

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

Join the festivities in the middle of it all at Pavillion Park by being a vendor. Commercial vendors are welcome and receive a 12-foot by 12-foot section at the park. This registration option is available at www.libertylakekiwanis.org , and it includes a listing in the official guide. Double the space is available for $500.00 Registered Pavillion Park sellers who decide not to come must notify organizers at least five days in advance in order to receive a refund. Contact information is at the bottom of the page.

4.

Artisan Vendors: (online only): $75.00

Join in the fun at Pavillion Park and showcase your handcrafted goods.

Artisan Vendors are welcome at the $75.00 price and receive a 10-foot by 10-foot section in the park. This registration option is available at www.libertylakekiwanis.org. Registered artisan vendors who decide not to come must notify organizers at least 5 days in advance in order to receive a refund.

Contact information is at the bottom of the page.

Name Phone Address Description (Not to exceed 20 words)

Organized by

Liber ty Lake

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

Restrooms: Portable restrooms are provided throughout the community for attendees’ convenience.

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

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

A listing “on the map”: Attract customers before the sale even begins by featuring your sale in the official event guide. A 20-word description of your sale is complimentary with your registration fee, and 10,000 copies of the guide will be distributed to not only every address in Liberty Lake — but at businesses and newsstands throughout the area in the days leading up to and during the sale. Returning this year will also be the interactive map, for easy access to listings on your mobile device!

Feature your business in the guide!

PRSRT STD ECRWSS

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

21st annua l

Over 250 part

icipating homes!

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

Major Sponsors

:

Liberty Lake

Event Organize

at Mission

Protecting Your Family and Your Tax Dollars ★ Prioritizing Public Safety ★ ★ Building a Strong Economy ★ ★ Making County Government Work for You ★

electmarykuney.com ELECTMARYKUNEY.COM Paid for by Friends of Mary Kuney P.O. Box 13103 Spokane Valley, WA 99213

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

Questions?  For registration-related inquiries, contact The Splash at 242-7752 or advertise@libertylakesplash.com.  For general yard sale inquiries or with vendor questions, contact Liberty Lake Kiwanis member Melissa Niece 509-850-0845.

Publishers of the official 2018 Yard Sale Guide

& Molte r

Advertising Deadline: June 1, 2018

rs:

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 7

The Lookout MEMO from the

Mayor

By Mayor Steve Peterson

School is out and let’s make sure we are keeping an eye out for the kids! They definitely will be out using the parks, trails, diamonds and any other worldly surface to play on including in our streets!

Be careful out there. These kids are preparing themselves for something greater! Which brings me

to the recent city proclamation for our Central Valley girls’ basketball team. First in their league, first in the state and now first in the nation! What an accomplishment.

What a team effort that went into these past few years. It is fun for our community to take such pride in those young ladies who worked so hard and stayed on task year end and year out.

They serve as role for the kids enrolling in Creek, attending class at Elementary transitioning

models Liberty Liberty though

middle school and entering high school. They are the leaders for tomorrow not just on the basketball courts but for board rooms, legislative hallways and communities across the country.

They have set a very high bar for basketball but I can guarantee you that the bar will be exceeded by those that are coming up. Our kids today will be inspired to try harder, do better and accomplish that much or more by those girls.

As adults, we need to focus on the good and be ready to help

June 2018 those coming up to achieve those same opportunities for success. In so doing, we create a sustainable community and country based on hard work and decency.

Caring and teamwork will be the standards we seek by working together. In hindsight maybe we are now growing the next greatest generation.

Let’s have a great summer in Liberty Lake. Be careful out there, watch for those kids and remember you are making the city of Liberty Lake Spokane County’s premier address! only specialized to that department.

Navigating through the information provided by these two departments should be much easier than before.

Please visit our new website and if you haven’t already created an account, do so now in order not to miss out on any important information coming from City Hall. By creating an account, you can choose to subscribe to the information that interests you only. For example, if you subscribe to “jobs” you will get a notification when new jobs become available at City Hall and if you subscribe to “emergency notices” you will be notified when emergency alerts go up on the website.

Breaking ground on Orchard Park

On May 15, the city officially broke ground on Orchard Park. We are so excited to be starting on this city park in the River District.

Orchard Park will include a pavilion, site lighting, maintenance building, parking lot and pathways, picnic shelters, a sport court, community garden, play structure and slide hill.

Liberty Lake is growing so fast and development on the north side of I-90 is the main component.

Construction will be complete in the fall of 2018 and the park will be finished by next summer. This gives the grass seed and shrubs time to grow strong and maintain the exceptional beauty that has become the standard in Liberty Lake.

City website has new, user-friendly look

Have you seen the new Liberty Lake city website yet? Check it out at www.libertylakewa.gov. We have the same website address and foundation, but with new user-friendly features, colors and navigation tools.

At the top of the page we still have the same drop down “mega menus,” so pages that you used to be familiar with are still easy to find. We have added the new bright colored “buttons” under the home page picture that provide shortcuts to commonly used pages like online permits, library, City Council,

Trailhead golf and the business directory. As you continue to scroll down you will notice the “City Spotlight” section that highlights important news and featured stories of happenings around Liberty Lake.

Continue scrolling down and you will see more familiar features like the “News Flash,” our streaming Facebook page and the calendar.

You will notice that we now have two tabs on the calendar, one for events and one for meetings. You will find all of the council and committee meeting information under the “meetings” tab.

We are excited to use our new and improved website to communicate and connect with citizens, businesses and visitors in Liberty Lake. If you have any questions or comments or feedback about the city website, please contact Tricia Prince at 755-6703 or pprince@ libertylakewa.gov.

The library and planning and building department both got new “department header” pages. They have the same user-friendly features that are found on the home page,

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

8 • JUNE 2018

Council sharpens focus on strategic plan

By Craig Howard Splash Editor The discussion about a long-term strategic plan for the city of Liberty Lake took a new turn last month as a City Council workshop distilled months of conversation into key priorities intended to form a road map for the future.

Interim Planning Manager Lisa Key led the conversation at the May 1 council meeting, describing her role as “an attempt to take your (council) ideas and put them in the framework of a strategic plan.”

“This is just representative of what you’ve talked about,” Key said. “We have the benefit of a lot of previous conversations.”

City Council News and Notes – June 2018

By Craig Howard Splash Editor • The city introduced a refurbished website last month intended to be more user friendly. The site includes tabs related to topics like government, community and resident services that link to informative, detailed menus. Icons connect visitors to information on City Council, the library, Trailhead golf, planning and building and a business directory. “City Spotlight” and “City News” sections provide the latest municipal updates while an expanded calendar alerts visitors to upcoming city and community events. The site can be found at the same URL – www. libertylakewa.gov.

• Council heard an update on construction of the crosswalk at Country Vista and Legacy Ridge at the May 15 meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Shane Brickner applauded the project but said the city needs to look at reducing the speed limit on Country Vista as an additional safety measure. He also supports the idea of a traffic light at the juncture of Legacy Ridge and Country Vista. “With the sun, eastbound motorists have an especially tough time seeing,” he said.

•

Library

Director

Pamela

The Splash

NEWS

Key told council that the city’s mission, vision and values would drive strategic initiatives in areas like sustainable finances, vibrant economy, safe community and quality facilities and infrastructure.

She presented condensed renditions of the mission, vision and values in “a more digestable” format, an approach that won support from those around the dais, including Council Member Mike Kennedy.

“I like the Reader’s version,” Kennedy said.

Digest

The city’s current vision statement comes from the comprehensive plan and checks in at 70 words.

The alternate take reduces themes to the following: “Liberty Lake is a safe, familyfriendly and engaged community.

We are known for our great civic pride, quality recreational and educational opportunities and abundant trails and green space. Our business environment Mogen introduced the concept of a “storywalk” at the May 1 council workshop. The idea is to place various elevated placards along a trail that would feature sequential excerpts of a complete book. Those on the trail would be able to follow the story as they walked along the path. Books would be changed out quarterly. Mogen said the library and the newly formed Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission are discussing the first storywalk implementation.

• The library Board of Trustees is heading up the search for a new director as Mogen is scheduled to retire at the end of October. The deadline for applicants is June 15.

Three finalists will be selected for in-person interviews with a new hire expected by September.

• Chief Brian Asmus told council on May 1 that his department received 599 calls for service in April, a significant increase from the same month last year. Asmus noted that speeding, reckless driving and road rage on Interstate 90 have all been on the increase.

• Asmus urged citizens to “keep garage doors shut and your belongings locked up” to avoid being victims of property theft.

He referred to the recent case of an apprehended burglar who told authorities he had picked Liberty Lake “because of all the open garage doors.”

• National Night Out – a nationwide event promoting community safety and collaboration

supports a diverse, sustainable and financially secure economic base.”

“I like it,” said Council Member Cris Kaminskas. “With the first one, I think people tend to zone out after the first few sentences.”

The current mission statement – “Provide services with integrity by developing partnership with residents and businesses which focuses on quality of life, environment and economic vitality” – would be replaced by: “Serving with integrity. Partnering with residents and businesses.

Preserving quality of life, economic vitality and sense of community.”

The refreshed list of municipal values would include: Integrity, Partnership, Civic Pride, Community Investment, FamilyCentered Activities, Quality of Life and Financial and Environmental Sustainability.

The

quartet

of

strategic

with law enforcement – will take place on Aug. 7 at various sites throughout Spokane County. More details on Liberty Lake locations will be included in the July Splash.

• The Friends of the Library will not be holding its annual tea fundraiser this year, instead opting to focus on a letter-writing campaign to generate support for the library.

• Mayor Steve Peterson responded to a citizen concern regarding various sidewalks in disrepair by saying the city would compile a master list of sidewalk issues and follow up by “talking to property owners and business owners.” Property owners adjacent to a sidewalk in question are responsible for its safe upkeep, although City Administrator Katy Allen said the city keeps a running list and can address problem areas based on available resources.

Peterson added that the city does make sidewalk repairs that fall outside auspices of private property. “If it’s our stuff, we’re going to take care of it,” he said.

• The city is considering bringing on lobbyists who would advocate for Liberty Lake priorities with the state legislature, particularly in the area of transportation funding.

There has been talk of the city sharing the cost with entities that would also benefit from the added voice in Olympia such as the Central Valley School District, Spokane Valley Fire Department and Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District.

initiatives, or “pillars” as Key called them, should be intertwined with the city’s established mission, vision and values both literally and symbolically. She presented two graphic design options, one of which showed the initiatives as actual columns with the vision as the roof, the values forming a foundation and the mission statement as a furling flag in between.

The second design portrayed the initiatives as banners backed by the values and pointing to the vision with the mission above.

Council Member Odin Langford offered a creative twist on this option, suggesting that the values be portrayed as a golf bag with golf clubs representing the initiatives.

Kaminskas applauded Key for her efforts in refining the diverse council conversations surrounding the strategic plan.

“It’s amazing how you were able

See COUNCIL, Page 9

• Council Member Cris Kaminskas gave a presentation on innovative community engagement and signage based on ideas presented at the Transforming Local Government Conference in Tacoma, April 3-6.

From “mobile meetings” that take municipal conversations into neighborhoods with the help of a city vehicle to solar powered kiosks that feature rotating messages about civic news and happenings, Kaminskas said the concepts involve “thinking outside the box about ways to get the message out to people.”

• The city issued a proclamation declaring May 15 as “Central Valley High School Girls’ Basketball Team Day” in Liberty Lake. In March, the Bears won their second state 4A championship in three years and followed it up by winning the title at the GEICO High School Basketball Nationals in New York.

CV finished undefeated for the season and was ranked first in the final MaxPreps Top 25 Writers’ Poll.

Players and coaches appeared at the May 15 City Council meeting to accept the honor.

• Council confirmed the mayor’s appointments of Tom Stanley and Anita Eylar to the Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission. Stanley will represent Position 4 (Pavillion Park) while Eylar will serve in an adjunct position.

• Allen announced that the city would be receiving $1.5 million toward the design of the Harvard Road bridge expansion.

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 9

NEWS

COUNCIL

will determine what staffing requirements will be,” he said. “I’d like that to be incorporated into the process.”

Continued from page 8

to take all of our gibberish and get to this point,” she said.

Langford said he supported Allen and the mayor moving ahead with the creation of the new department and corresponding hires.

Moving ahead, Key said the four strategic pillars – vibrant economy and progressive business environment; safe, active and engaged community; sustainable finances and quality facilities and infrastructure – include “a parking lot of ideas” that will need to be narrowed down.

“As far as what Katy and Steve say that the need, it makes good sense and it’s the reason there should be no questions about it,” Langford said.

“We still have all these ideas – some are goals, some are objectives and some are strategies,” she said.

“You will need to have consensus on these goals before you put those pieces together on how you achieve them.”

Kennedy said it would be prudent for council “not to get caught up in the minutia of all these meetings and lose sight of what we’ve already talked about.”

Mayor Pro Tem Shane Brickner agreed, pointing out that some of the discussions would ultimately form the city’s capital facilities plan “We really want to start these conversations now,” he said.

After initially deciding to focus on the economy and business environment, council switched gears and chose to concentrate on facilities and infrastructure with an emphasis on the Trailhead Golf Course clubhouse and banquet space.

“We need to figure out a way to pay for Trailhead,” Kennedy said.

City Administrator Katy Allen reminded council that $100,000 has been set aside in this year’s budget for the strategic planning process, providing the opportunity to bring in a consultant. For now, city staff will work on compiling a report on strategies for infrastructure/ facilities with input from council

Freddie Rehkow (right) accepts a proclamation from the city of Liberty Lake honoring the Central Valley High School girls’ basketball team last month.

Rehkow was head coach of an undefeated squad that won the 4A state title and the championship at the GEICO High School Basketball Nationals in March.

Members of the team and coaching staff were in attendance at the May 15 meeting where the proclamation was presented by Mayor Steve Peterson (left).

Photo by Craig Howard that will be presented at the first council meeting in June.

“I think I know what we’re doing and we’ll bring it back on June 5,” Allen said.

Staffing changes discussed The council meeting on May 15 featured talk of adding a new department and a new director.

With the departure of two longtime municipal employees – Andrew Staples, former city engineer, and Amanda Tainio, former planning and building services manager – over the last several months, the city is looking to fill gaps in fulltime staffing.

Allen told council that the plan is to create a new department titled “planning and building” and hire

a manager to oversee operations.

Another full-time employee would be brought as part of the department. She said the additions would not require a budget amendment.

FURNACE & FUEL, INC.

Kaminskas echoed the support.

“This is long overdue but I still think we need to think about a long-term plan for HR,” she said.

In going over proposed changes to the city’s organizational chart, Allen said they “were meant to depict different services that are delivered in different departments.”

Find us on Facebook!

Council Member Bob Moore said the city should focus first on the required levels of service.

“The level of service standards

NO HIDDEN FEES! NONO DELIVERY FEES! HIDDEN FEES! NONoHAZMAT FEE! Delivery Fee! No Hazmat Fee! NO HIDDEN FEES! MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAYFEES! FOR: NO DELIVERY · · · Delivery HAZMAT Installation Repairs Maintenance NO FEE! NO| www.bannerfuel.com HIDDEN FEES! 535-1711 | 122 N. Helena NO DELIVERY FEES!

anner

“I support it 100 percent,” said Brickner.

Currently, Key – former planning director for the city of Spokane – has replaced Tainio on an interim basis while Dennis Scott is filling in temporarily as city engineer.

BANNER FUEL

PROPANE!

Allen also noted that the city – which currently has no human resource director – could use help in that area as well. For now, she recommended bringing on a temporary employee who could help with the recruitment of the new planning/building manager along with a replacement for Library Director Pamela Mogen, who is retiring later this year.

/liber tylakesplash

** GRAND OPENING **

Razoredge Barber Shop Precision Cuts • Fades • High and Tights • Business Cuts • Taper Cuts • Caeser Cuts Neck Shaves Included with All Cuts Open Tuesday-Friday from 8-5 Saturdays from 8-1 Closed on Sundays and Mondays

CALL: 509-924-2885

18317 E Appleway Ave Spokane Valley, WA 99016 • Across From the Water Tower

The Splash

10 • JUNE 2018

www.autocraftspokane.com

(509) 924-8738

16911 E. Sprague Ave. Spokane Valley, WA 99037

Summer days are here to stay!

Friendly staff, cozy waiting room, courtesy shuttle vehicle, free loaner cars and more will make having your car serviced a breeze!

Autocraft is one of just a few shops in the Spokane area to service hybrid and electric vehicles and do battery pack rejuvenations

Summer trips and vacations are right around the corner.

Now’s the time to make sure your car is in tip-top shape.

A/C Service

$25 off

One coupon per visit. Not valid with other offer or special. Coupon must be presented in advance. Expires 06/30/2018.

Eye Exams Without the Air Puff!

City prioritizes pedestrian safety with latest technology

By Benjamin Shedlock Splash Correspondent Naturalist lore has it that American forests were once so dense a squirrel could walk from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River without touching the ground.

While this claim is disputable, it may be accurate to say that a resident of Eastern Washington can walk safely across the city of Liberty Lake, from the shores of its namesake body of water to the south bank of the Spokane River, west of North Harvard Road, without jaywalking.

On the surface, the journey is almost as improbable as the continental crossing. Pedestrians must cross North Molter and North Country Vista Roads and East Mission Avenue to reach the river. A concerted effort made by residents, the officials they elect and city administration has made the trek possible.

Going back to 2001, the year of Liberty Lake incorporation, pedestrian improvements have been an integral part of city planning and spending. “(Since incorporation), all developments have built in walkability,” said City Administrator Katy Allen.

Your Local Multifocal Contact Lens and Headache Expert!

Independently and Locally Owned!

Michelle Darnell, OD

509-210-0303

23505 E Appleway Ave #106 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

According to Allen, Liberty Lake’s unique, pre-existing infrastructure of connected trails gives the city a major advantage in walkability.

Designed in part to serve the municipality’s three major golf courses – Trailhead, Meadowwood, and Liberty Lake – the trail network is vast and wide enough to accommodate golf carts.

More recently, the city’s focus has shifted to creating safe pedestrian crossings.

“Five to six years ago, Liberty Lake saw it needed crossings for pedestrians, not just trails,” said Allen.

A growing footprint

pedestrian

As a result of its priority to create safe crossings, Liberty

Lake is completing three highprofile pedestrian crossing projects this year alone. The first, at East Country Vista Road and Wright Boulevard was completed this spring. A second is almost complete at Country Vista Road and East Appleway Avenue According to the city website, striping for the crossing will be completed in July.

The crossings use rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB), creating crosswalks that allow pedestrians to set off a series of lights that flash on alternate sides of the street while they cross. The word “rectangular” refers to the traditional pedestrian crossing traffic signs posted on both sides of the crossing and the rapid flash is visually similar to the emergency light pattern drivers might see on an emergency vehicle.

A third crossing has been installed on East Country Vista near Legacy Ridge, just south of Home Depot.

This crossing will provide a path across more lanes than the Country Vista-Wright Boulevard or Country Vista-Appleway RRFB installations, according to Allen.

To help pedestrians who cannot make it across the whole street at once, a safety island will be installed in the middle of the street, according to interim City Engineer Dennis Scott. An additional push button to activate the crossing lights are included on the island.

Most of the RRFBs cross a narrower stretch of road and only require push buttons each either side.

The city has emphasized the use of RRFBs because of the level of safety they provide pedestrians. The RRFB crossings can only be placed at locations with high volumes of traffic, and the Washington State Department of Transportation requires a traffic study to be conducted to justify installation of an RRFB. “They provide a safe way for pedestrians to cross busy streets,” said Scott.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, RRFBs significantly improve pedestrian safety when they supplement other traffic measures, such as traditional crosswalk markers and advancewarning yield signs. RRFBs cost less to design and install than traffic lights, making them a cost-effective way to increase pedestrian safety.

Mayor Pro Tem Shane Brickner

See SAFETY, Page 11

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 11

SAFETY

Continued from page 10 has been at least one voice to speak out in support of a traffic light at Country Vista/Legacy Ridge. He also spoken out in favor of lowering the speed limit – currently at 35 mph – on the busy arterial.

“I think it should be lower,” Brickner said. “Motorists can have trouble seeing on that road, especially when there’s sun.”

According to the city’s website, most beacons cost about $20,000.

The City Council had budgeted $75,000 for the crossing near the Home Depot, but the winning bid came in at $46,250 according to Scott. The above average price of this crossing is partially a result of adding the safety island.

These crossings are just the latest additions to Liberty Lake’s pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

According to Allen, the city installs two to three RRFBs each year.

Scott identified eight sites currently in the city, including the one at Country Vista/Legacy Ridge. The others are located at Country Vista and Mission, Country Vista and Madison, Country Vista and Molter, Country Vista and Appleway, Appleway between Madison and Molter, Appleway between Signal and Madison and Mission and Signal.

Footing the bill for walkability The city has maintained its focus on pedestrian accessibility at the same time it must pay for road improvements to accommodate increasing vehicle traffic. In 2016, a Network Analysis Transportation study was conducted for the city by the engineering consulting firm of ch2m hill which concluded by 2040, several key intersections would receive the worst possible ratings for traffic flow. The report identified up to $20 million worth of projects that would provide potential solutions of the short-term, midterm and long-term variety.

The city is already acting on these recommendations. $100,000 has been budgeted for initial planning and design for the Harvard Road Bridge Revision, a project that will “add an additional northbound lane over I-90 to remove the traffic bottleneck our city experiences every weekday afternoon… and reduce the very long lines of traffic we see on Liberty Lake Road and Appleway Avenue,” according to the city website.. The project is

A new crosswalk was recently installed near the juncture of Country Vista and Legacy Ridge, the latest upgrade by the city of Liberty Lake to improve pedestrian safety in a community known for its walkers, runners and cyclists. Like other crossings in town, this one allows pedestrians to alert motorists with illuminated beacons.

Photo by Craig Howard expected to cost $4.5 million, covered in part by state funding.

Allen announced last month that WSDOT had awarded the city $1.5 million toward design work on the project.

Despite the growing traffic volume and projected traffic costs, Liberty Lake remains committed to walkability. According to Allen, the priority is built into the identity of the city, going back to the citizenled campaign for trails prior to incorporation that led to the start of the community-wide network.

As for attracting state funding for pedestrian safety, Liberty Lake is a victim of its own success. Most state walkability improvement funding programs prioritize municipalities that have the greatest need.

Because Liberty Lake has created such a strong trail network, it often does not qualify for funding. As a result, according to Allen, Liberty Lake funds almost all of the RRFB crossings and other pedestrian improvements out of its general fund.

One potential exception has to do with school construction. According

to Allen, the city will apply for funding for school crossings for the community’s future middle school through the Safe Routes to Schools program which provides funding to create safe crosswalks for students at existing and newly constructed schools. Award criteria includes the project’s value and potential to serve a wide range of community members, as well as whether the proposed location is currently unsafe for pedestrians.

Voting with their feet For Brickner, the city’s emphasis on creating safe school crossings and similar pedestrian safety amenities underscores the degree to Liberty Lake is a family-oriented community.

“We moved here for that,” said Brickner, referring to his family’s decision to live in Liberty Lake.

Brickner explained how residents recently engaged local government to address a dangerous school bus drop off-site. One afternoon, residents at Legacy Ridge invited Brickner and other representatives from the City Council as well as the

Central Valley School District to observe how traffic on busy Country Vista Road put students in danger.

After seeing the problem for himself, Brickner helped convene the Legacy Ridge Homeowners Association and the school district to discuss the location. Within six weeks of that meeting, the bus drop-off site had been changed.

“I’m out in the community a lot,” says Brickner, who also serves as a volunteer police officer. “I see firsthand areas that are higher concern or higher traffic.”

Bricker said he views his role as bringing back to the council what he sees and hears in the community.

Brickner adds that he receives “very positive feedback” from the community on safety improvements like RRFBs. Sometimes residents give him the feedback directly, but as a part-time police officer, he always has an eye on a community that usually has their walking shoes on.

“It’s 20 degrees and snowing and I see people out on our trails,” he said.

12 • JUNE 2018

COVER STORY

All Business – Upstart companies welcome opportunities, challenges

By Craig Howard Splash Editor There was a time when business in Liberty Lake could be summed up by a corner gas station and a technology company in the middle of a sprawling field.

Things have changed since the Zip Trip on Appleway and Hewlett Packard’s rural campus defined the community’s commercial terrain over three decades ago.

Since then, companies like Telect, Huntwood, Greenstone Homes, Itron and others have cropped up, establishing a revised image of Liberty Lake as a certified business hub.

“Not only do you have the opportunity to get into business here, you have the opportunity to be part of something bigger,” said Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson.

“You have people that cheer for your success. Even if you fail, you’re going to learn something from it and make something better.”

Peterson came up with the idea of a business incubator during the early years of the city, working with Jim Frank, founder of Greenstone, to offer entrepreneurs a chance to develop their ideas in office space at the Greenstone building. The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce later transitioned the site into its own training ground for new business owners before moving its own headquarters into the location in 2012.

Peterson’s said Liberty Lake’s strategic setting – a convenient exit off a major interstate and halfway between Spokane and

Coeur d’Alene – makes it a draw for commerce. The community’s scenic surroundings don’t hurt either.

“You’re near a lake, trails, golf courses, mountains, the list goes on,” Peterson said. “Look back to the employees of Hewlett Packard who moved here years ago. HP pitched it as a chance to be close to a lake and all these great resources.”

As Liberty Lake verges on a population of 10,000, residential space may be at a premium but Peterson notes that commercial growth is just scratching the surface.

“Commercial follows rooftops,” he said. “As far as business goes, we’re just getting started.”

The Splash caught up with five new businesses that characterize the entrepreneurial spirit and initiative that keep the lights on and the doors open in Liberty Lake.

From network security to in-home care, from clean garbage bins to appetizing lunches and optimum vision, it’s clear this quintet means business.

Café 19 – Hidden culinary gem Those fortunate enough to stumble upon Café 19 on a Friday last month were treated to a scrumptious lunch of chicken pesto pasta, sautéed vegetables, green salad and a roll. That day’s rendition of the restaurant’s “Meal of the Moment” checked in at the bargain price of $7.

A breakfast version of the special is served each morning for only $5, part of an appetizing agenda that runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a 30-minute

The Splash

hiatus at 10 a.m. to set up for lunch.

customized menus with as many as eight prep stations.

“For the price, it’s a pretty good deal,” said says Matt Logan, operations manager and co-owner of Café 19 and Mangia Catering Co., also headquartered in the business park at 22425 E. Appleway.

“It was a great opportunity to move into a larger space where we have the opportunity to grow,” he said. “When we were in Post Falls, we were basically working out of an oversized home kitchen.”

The menu here includes freshly made burgers from a dedicated grill along with lasagna, pizza, Thai peanut bowls and more. Those in a hurry can grab a pre-made sandwich or wrap at an average cost of $5. A hearty salad bar offers over two dozen toppings while the soup special changes daily.

There are plans to utilize the Café 19 space – capacity of over 150 – as an event facility, particularly during the holidays, Logan added.

There was substantial remodeling that took place before the move last fall, including new carpet and paint.

Tucked away in a sprawling space at the Liberty Lake Business Park, Café 19 has become a favorite of employees at Bank of America, Telect and Insight who call the complex home. The general public is welcome here as well – it’s just a matter of finding the place.

“We’re still working on that,” said Logan. “Once people find out about it, they really like it.”

Since the site opened last September, there has been some signage on Appleway that directs people to the café, named after the office number that denotes it at the park. Logan said there will be additional efforts to make the space more accessible for those who don’t work here.

Mangia began as an Italian restaurant in the Spokane Valley Mall in 2008 before relocating to Post Falls. Founder Tim Mitchell eventually transitioned the restaurant to a catering business known for specialties like blackened salmon and authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza prepared in Mangia’s mobile pizza oven.

Logan said the move to the business park meant the luxury of a spacious commercial kitchen that provides the opportunity for

While catering is still the bread and butter here, Logan and Mitchell realize the diner in the cavernous cafeteria space has plenty of potential – and no shortage of room for mealtime.

“People can always find a place to sit,” Logan said.

Lilac Family Eye Care – New focus on optometry While not every client story Dr. Michelle Darnell tells is of the emotional variety, one brought a woman to tears – in a good way.

The proprietor of Lilac Family Eye Care was treating an elderly patient facing trouble with the production of tears, a necessary function to sustain the living cells on the eyes. After seeing another practitioner and going in frequently for treatment, the client found Darnell who was able to prescribe a medication that effectively addressed the issue.

“She’s been in once over the last six months and not having problems,” Darnell said.

Darnell opened Lilac Family Eye Care at 23505 E. Appleway last October in a space once occupied by a physical therapy business. The 2,600-square-foot location includes a spacious eyewear display area and three exam rooms.

“We have most of the newest technology,” said Darnell, an alumnus of the doctorate optometry program at Pacific University in Portland where she graduated with honors.

Lee Ann Antonioly, an optician with 20 years of experience, is the only other employee here, an advantage in certain respects, according to Darnell.

“When people come in for an hour-long exam, it’s all doctor time,” she said.

Located in the Liberty Lake Business Park, Cafe 19 opened last September and has developed a following among diners for its quality food and affordable prices. Matt Logan (far left) serves as the operations manager and co-owner of Cafe 19 and Mangia Catering Co. The restaurant's signature "Meal of the Moment" includes a breakfast version for $5 and a lunch rendition for $7.

Photos by Craig Howard

A Montana native, Darnell earned her undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University and was

See BIZ, Page 13

The Splash

COVER STORY

of on-site mobile shredding trucks, Denenny is president and partner at Lee & Hayes law firm and brings extensive experience advising entrepreneurs and companies.

“I remember growing up with smaller trash bins where you could actually use a garbage liner,” he said. “You can’t do that anymore.

The ones we use now are pretty much impossible to clean.”

Tidy’s had around 20 customers signed up before the first truck hit the streets throughout the greater Spokane area in May. The company launched on the west side of the state in March, serving communities like Issaquah, North Bend and Sammamish. While a dozen areas in the U.S. offer similar services, Tidy’s is the only company of its kind in the Northwest.

Richard’s uncle, John Denenny, has signed on to be Tidy’s first local truck driver.

Dr. Michelle Darnell opened Lilac Family Eye Care last October on Appleway.

The Montana native received her undergraduate degree from Gonzaga before studying optometry at Pacific University in Portland where she earned her doctorate.

Photo by Craig Howard

BIZ

Continued from page 12

not considering optometry as a profession until a career-changing conversation with her mother’s eye doctor.

“I didn’t know anything about optometry before then,” she said. “I learned how fundamental optometrists are to people’s quality of life.”

While at Pacific, Darnell contributed to AMIGOS Eye Care, a nonprofit whose mission is “to provide eye care to underprivileged people throughout the world.”

Darnell was part of a trip to Belize as part of the effort and says it reaffirmed her ambition to “help people live life to their fullest.”

From addressing vision-related causes of chronic headaches to the effect of systemic diseases like diabetes and lupus on eyesight, Darnell brings a comprehensive approach to her new venture. She bills both vision insurance and medical insurance and takes 30 percent off exams and glasses for those who don’t carry insurance.

“There’s a lot more to vision than how well you see,” she says.

Lilac Family Eye Care is also an urgent eye care resource, addressing everything from foreign particles in the eye to conditions like redeye and pinkeye.

“We can take care of everything

except major surgical procedures,” Darnell said.

Darnell lives close to her office and currently keeps limited office hours – Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment – while she works in outside optometrist capacities “until the practice can pay its bills.”

As a new business building up its client base, Lilac Family Eye Care offers unique advantages such as a “walk-in” feature for exams and expediting appointment inquiries.

“It’s such a positive product,” said John. “You can really see the difference. I think once people see that, it will really fly.”

Each Tidy’s truck includes a selfcontained system that produces highly pressurized, heated water up to 200 degrees, effectively killing swarms of bacteria that call the containers home. A sevenstep filtration method is part of the process. Denenny notes that, unlike the home rendition of cleaning receptacles with a garden hose, this approach keeps pollutants out of the aquifer.

“We’re getting rid of phosphates, oils and other things,” he said. “It’s way better for the environment.”

JUNE 2018 • 13

Denenny said Liberty Lake, with its history as an environmentally conscious community, is an ideal market for Tidy’s.

“We consider ourselves a Liberty Lake company,” said Denenny. “Our hope is that this can become a large-scale business.”

Denenny has committed to a fleet of five trucks that UltraShed will manufacture. He is planning on TriCities being the next market. The first cleaning with Tidy’s is free.

Subsequent service runs $9.99 per bin on a monthly basis.

Denenny said that a single truck can clean around 100 bins before emptying is required. Tidy’s works with a local car wash to dispose of the water refuse safely.

“It’s interesting – we wash our cars, we mow our lawns but we do nothing to clean our garbage bins where all this bacteria is growing,” he said. “This is brand new. We’re hoping it catches on.”

Home Care Assistance – Reinforcement under your roof It may seem a little unusual for an in-home care business to have a storefront. But if you talk to Cash Edwards, operations manager for the Liberty Lake office of Home Care Assistance, the format makes sense.

“This is a walking-friendly, golfcart community,” Edwards said.

“We have quite a few people who stop in and ask about home care.”

Home Care Assistance opened an office at 1314 N. Liberty Lake Road last August. An open house

See VOCATION, Page 17

“We like to say we can see people the same day they call,” Darnell said.

Tidy’s Beautiful Bins – A new level of clean The cheerful, gleaming garbage container that represents Tidy’s Beautiful Bins may not have a counterpart in the mascot world.

Some might say the unique symbol is a fitting calling card for a new enterprise that – at least for now – has a singular niche in the local business of cleaning waste buckets.

Tidy’s owner Richard Denenny is hoping a cost-effective, doorto-door approach to alleviating the odor, grime and general unpleasantness of garbage bins will take off here like it has in Great Britain since being introduced 25 years ago. Denenny, a resident of the Liberty Lake area, knows a thing or two about starting a new company. In addition to owning UltraShed, a leading manufacturer

Tidy's Beautiful Bins was introduced to the greater Spokane market last month as a mobile service that cleans the inside of garbage buckets. John Denenny, the first local driver for Tidy's shows how the truck operates. The company is owned by John's nephew, Richard Denenny, a resident of the Liberty Lake area.

Photo by Craig Howard

ES

COMMUNITY

14 • JUNE 2018

The Splash

Calendar of Events

U-PICK STRAWBERRIES Delicious flavor • No sprays

www.michaelsberryfarm.com

509.951.1750

6004 N McKinzie Road, Otis Orchards facebook.com/Michaels-Berry-Farm-597325543621919

COMMUNITY EVENTS June 1 l Mig-Tastic Evening, Friday 5:30 - 7 p.m. Come see our newest exhibit and listen to a brief history of the MiG. Cost is $20 for adults $10 for those under age 18.

Includes admission to museum, presentation and reception. Honor Point Museum, 6095 E. Rutter Ave, Spokane, WA June 2 l Neighbor Days/Open House Felts Field, Free family event open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vintage aircraft and more ! Felts Field, 6105 E Rutter Ave, Spokane, WA

R'n R¦ ¬ ­¬ R V¦ ¬ ­¬ C enter 23203 ¦¬ E. ¦¬ Knox ¦¬ Liberty ¦¬ Lake,¦ ¦¬ WA See our menu at RnRRV.com 509-927-9000 x190

YOU’RE INVITED! Movies • DVDs • Children’s Titles

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

P.O. Box 427 • Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Friday, June 22 • 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Stop by during the Yard Sales

Saturday, June 23 • 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

23123 E Mission Ave.

Serving the greater Spokane Valley since 1985 Residential and Office Cleaning Licensed and Insured Hourly Rates

June 10 | Word of Life Community Church in Newman Lake and Lakeside Church in Liberty Lake will formally merge as a new congregation called Lakes Community Church. The new church is inviting the public to a celebration on the morning of June 10, starting at 8:30 with music, games, a barbecue and two services. Lakes Community Church is located at 6703 N. Idaho Road in Newman Lake. For more information, visit www.wordlifechurch.org or call 226-5148 June 22 - 23 I Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library Book Sale, 23123 E Mission Ave., Friday 3 - 6 p. m., Saturday 8 a.m.

- 3 p. m.

June 22-23 | Liberty Lake Kiwanis Yard Sales, citywide – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 22 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 23.

Along with close to 300 sale sites, this year’s two-day schedule will include halfa-dozen food trucks and local artisans at Pavillion Park displaying crafts, paintings and other original creations. An interactive map of the Yard Sales homes will be included on the Kiwanis website at www. libertylakekiwanis.org.

Through Oct. 13 | Liberty Lake Farmers Market – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Town Square Park, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane. This popular open-air market features local food and farm vendors, artisan crafts and baked goods, music and more. The venue is open each Saturday through Oct. 13.

For more information, visit www. libertylakefarmersmarket.com.

June 30 | Newman Lake Fire Auxiliary Hot Dog and T- Shirt Sale – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Newman

Lake Fire Station #1, 9324 N Starr Rd. This is the auxiliary’s largest fund raiser of the year with proceeds benefiting Newman Lake Fire and Rescue, a volunteer fire department. The Blood Mobile will be there from 9 to 12:30 p.m. Call Linda Rivers at 991-7106 to make an appointment July 3 | Friends of Pavillion Park Movie Night, “Ferdinand” – 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 July 4 | Friends of Pavillion Park Fourth of July concert featuring Idle Poets, 6 p.m., Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter. A fireworks display sponsored by the city of Liberty Lake will follow at 10 p.m.

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 | 7 to 8 p.m., third Thursdays 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-Singles-Mingle DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Mondays, 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 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 Toastmasters, Liberty Lakers #399 | 5:45 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays at the Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake.

This is a speaking and leadership development club.

Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at Valley Assembly of God Church, 15618 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Open to all interested in sharing ideas and skills of our quilting craft. Participants have can access a comprehensive library, can engage experienced teachers and participate in community service projects. More at www. svqgspokane.com

MUSIC & THE ARTS RECURRING Pages of Harmony | 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road. If you

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 15

COMMUNITY

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 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

June 17 | Dad’s Day Dash – 9 a.m., Manito Park, Spokane. This sixth annual run is a chipped and timed event with prizes for top men and women placers as well as corporate teams. The event is a fundraiser for SNAP, Spokane County’s nonprofit community action agency. Complimentary food after the race courtesy of Yoke’s. To register, go to www.snapwa.org/5k.

June 26 | Medicare informational presentation – 1 to 3 p.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Are you turning 65?

Confused about Medicare insurance? Want to save money on prescriptions? Then come to our Medicare 101 to learn all you need to know and then some

• Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mon. through Thurs.; 10 a.m. to noon Tues. and Thurs.; and 6 to 8 p.m. Wed. and Sun. $3/seniors ($5/non-seniors) •

Classes including Kenpo Karate

See CALENDAR, Page 16

READY TO SWITCH TO BECU? Learn more about membership at becu.org/ about. Or, stop in to one of our two locations, including one in the valley on Sullivan.

Spokan e River

Spokane Valley NFC 615 N Sullivan Road Spokane Valley, WA 99037

Spokane Division NFC 916 N Division Street Spokane, WA 99202

EM

issio

n Av

e

E Broadway Ave

Spokane Valley NFC E Valleyway Ave

Sprague Ave

Federally insured by NCUA

800-233-2328 becu.org

N Conklin Rd

HUB Sports Center 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake.

Various activities and events occur throughout the week including:

LibertyLakeFireworks.com

N Moore Rd

RECURRING

TE DONA E! N I ONL

Sullivan Rd

Wednesday mornings | Mindful Music & Movement class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as: Parkinson's, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. Supporting body, mind and soul. $10 donation suggested.

Facilitated by board-certified Music Therapist, Carla Carnegie. Willow Song Music Therapy Center. 21101 E. Wellesley #102. Otis Orchards.

For more information, visit www. willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 592 7875.

Ov r-t e-l ke

N Progress Rd

June 5 and 18 | Pre-diabetes screening, INHS Community

June 15 | Opening Night for Spokane Indians’ baseball – 6:30 p.m., Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana, Spokane Valley. See the hometown team take on the Boise Hawks in the 2018 Northwest League opener. A fireworks display will follow the game. For tickets, call 343-6886 or visit www. spokaneindians.com.

N Adams Rd

June 5 | Quit for Good – Tobacco Cessation class. Have you tried quitting smoking before without success? INHS and Providence Health Care are teaming up to provide a free four-week program designed to help you have longterm success in quitting tobacco.

Tobacco cessation tools will be available to you as well as tobacco cessation experts.

The class includes Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) while supplies last when NRT is not covered by participant’s health insurance. This is a live, interactive webinar. Log in information will be emailed with your registration confirmation. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info.

Wellness Center, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane. This simple blood test provides information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past three months.

Immediate results are provided and can be discussed at the time of appointment with a registered dietitian and/or a certified diabetes educator. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info.

The Splash

16 • JUNE 2018

CALENDAR

Continued from page 15 and Zumba Aerobics. See website for cost and times Tuesday afternoons | Decreasing Anger Group, 3 to 4:30 p.m., the Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Eligibility: Combat veteran from all eras, military sexual trauma survivors, Contact Steve at 893-4746 to make an intake appointment.

CIVIC & BUSINESS

THE

N. Liberty Lake Road

RECURRING Central Valley School Board | 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, CVSD administration building, 19307 E. Cataldo, Spokane Valley Liberty Lake City Council | 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Liberty Lake Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m. on the first through third Wednesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

Fourth Wednesday, the club meets at noon at Barlows restaurant, 1428

LIBERTY LAKE

COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

Friends of Liberty Lake Municipal Library | 2 p.m., the last Wednesday of each month, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake Liberty Lake Lions Club | Noon to 1 p.m., every first and third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are at Barlow's Restaurant, 1428 N. Liberty Lake Road. For questions, call Mary Jo at 558-5426 Liberty Lake Merchants Association | 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Liberty Lake Portal, 23403 E. Mission Ave., Suite 120. More at 999-4935 Liberty Lake Municipal Library

Board | 10:30 a.m. the first Thursday of each month, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Liberty Lake Planning Commission | 4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Liberty Lake SCOPE (Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort) | 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District Board | 4 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, 22510 E. Mission Ave.

Did You Know You Can Read The Liberty Lake Splash Online?

Follow Us on Facebook To See it First! www.facebook.com/LibertyLakeSplash

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 five 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.  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! We will feature it in the “Local Lens.”  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 great assignments for people like you. Send some clips and your resume 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 publisher@ libertylakesplash.com so we can share the things that are important to you.

THE

LIBERTY LAKE

COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

Wick Enterprizes

Publishing House

“Honoring local communities and encouraging citizen involvement”

509-242-7752 | www.libertylakesplash.com

The Splash

VOCATION

Continued from page 13

and ribbon cutting hosted by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce took place last month.

The site is one of over 140 Home Care Assistance branches in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Jesse Walters, head of operations for the Palo Alto-based company, said the goal is to quadruple that number over the next two years.

With an ambitious mission of “changing the way the world ages,” Home Care emphasizes a level of care that enables clients “to live healthier, more independent lives at home.”

“It’s important that seniors be active participants in the aging process,” Walters said.

“We’re assessing care needs then identifying the right caregiver for the situation.”

With roots that go back to 2002, Home Care focuses on what it calls “a positive, balanced approach to aging” with connections to successful methods utilized in Japan. Pillars include a healthy diet, exercise, a sense of purpose, socialization and a consistent mental regimen.

Prior to the opening of the Liberty Lake branch, the closest Home Care Assistance office was in Bellevue.

Edwards says around 70 employees – mostly CNAs (certified nurse’s assistants) and HCAs (home care aides) – comprise the local crew here. Care ranges from a fourhour minimum with basic support all the way up to around-the-clock assistance. All clients have access to 24/7 support of a full care team.

“There’s a culture of excellence here,” said Edwards “We’re really

JUNE 2018 • 17

dedicated to helping people and improving their quality of life. We’re not just a home care company – we’re looking at the big picture.”

Edwards tells the story of one client who sought help from Home Care Assistance within the past year.

Edwards and his administrative team went the extra mile to visit the woman in her home, offering encouragement and support.

“She became Edwards said.

like

family,”

The woman eventually transitioned to an independent assisted living facility and is now thriving.

“She still stops by to see us,” Edwards said. “The care we provided helped stabilize her.”

The decision to open in Liberty Lake was a strategic one, Edwards said. The location is easily accessible off I-90 and is centrally located between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene markets “Plus, we know Liberty Lake is an up-and-coming area,” Edwards said. “There’s great energy here.”

Walters, who made the trip from the Bay Area corporate office for the May 9 open house, said he has been impressed by the reception since the Liberty Lake branch opened last summer.

“We’ve felt very welcomed by the greater Spokane community,” he said. “It’s been amazing.”

Cascade Defense – Stepping up the security There is a miniature basketball hoop propped in one corner of the office shared by Eric Foster, Steve Sims and Pete Johnson at the Liberty Lake Portal.

Based out of the Bay Area, Home Care Assistance opened an office in Liberty Lake last August, one of over 140 in the U.S., Canada and Australia. The company is focused on helping clients "to live healthier, more independent lives at home." The local administrative team, from left to right: Jennifer Taylor, Court Abell, Cash Edwards and Amy Grinwis.

Photo by Craig Howard

While it remains to be seen how proficient the trio is at launching three-point attempts off the plastic backboard, the team here has proven itself to be sensational at defense.

Cascade Defense opened last February, specializing in managed firewall and security services. The company works with a wide variety of clients, including cities, counties, school districts, libraries, credit unions and more – all of which share a goal of safeguarding their information.

“We’re finding creative ways to secure their environment and still fit their business needs,” said Sims, who brings 14 years of IT security operations to his role. “There has to be a lot of trust there. We’re dealing with a company’s date and their customers’ data.”

A solutions engineer, Foster spent 10 years at TierPoint, widely known as the Spokane area’s largest data center. Johnson, vice president of business development for Cascade Defense, worked at TierPoint for 11 years and Sims, a certified information systems security professional, also spent time there.

TierPoint started in Liberty Lake in 2007 and was acquired in 2012

by St. Louis-based Cequel Data Centers.

“When I started with TierPoint in 2007, we had 15 employees,” said Foster. “When I left in 2017, there were around 1,000.”

Along with growth, the emphasis of TierPoint shifted more toward cloud computing and data centers, opening the door for an enterprise like Cascade Defense.

“We saw an opportunity to focus on network security,” said Foster,

co-founder of Cascade Defense along with Sims. “We wanted to keep offering a service they no longer offer.”

“We definitely saw a niche,” Johnson said. “In a way, we’re getting back to our roots.”

While the parting with TierPoint was amicable for all three, Cascade Defense has picked up the ball and run with it, selling, configuring and managing security systems for commercial clients up and down the I-5 corridor. The name has suited the company well, considering business generated on both sides of the Cascades, as well as in Alaska and Oregon.

“We really wanted to focus on a customer’s location,” Foster says. “We’re a network security company focused on augmenting a company’s IT staff.”

Sims said clients need to count on Cascade Defense as a “trusted advisor.”

“We have to be dynamic in terms of our customer service because networks are dynamic,” he said.

Cascade Defense has a partnership with Fortinet, the fourth largest network security company in the world known for producing the latest in cybersecurity software, appliances and services.

“We wanted to sell one product and say, ‘This is our specialty,” Foster says.

As for the challenges of starting a business from the ground up, Foster says it’s been an educational experience.

“There’s definitely this awakening of what it takes to be a business owner,” he said. “It’s just a lot of learning.”

The employees that form the foundation for Cascade Defense, an information security company, all previously worked at TierPoint in Liberty Lake at some point in their careers. Cascade Defense has been in business since last February and is based in the Liberty Lake Portal building. From left to right: Pete Johnson, Eric Foster and Steve Sims.

Photo by Craig Howard

The Splash

18 • JUNE 2018

Billy Ames

Mitchell Axtell Martin Bekk

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend the University of California at San Diego.

Plans to pursue a Business/ Broadcasting Degree at Gonzaga University.

Plans to attend Washington State University Honors College in the fall to study Economics.

John Patrick Dunne

Thomas Edwards

Andrew Ferrero

Son of Bill and Kara Ames.

Son of Dunne.

Dan

and

Shanna

Plans to attend Gonzaga University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science in the fall.

Son of Mike and Brenda Axtell.

Son of Edwards.

Keven

and

Debbie

Plans to attend Seton Hall University in New Jersey on an athletic/academic scholarship.

Jacob Lewis

Daughter of Dave and Gina Andrews.

Attending the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York City.

Son of Ferrero.

Rob

and

Jennifer

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend SFCC to continue his studies and play baseball.

Plans to attend the University of Idaho and major in Mechanical Engineering.

Kelsey Gumm Brayden Daughter of Chris and Lani Hamilton Gumm.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Son of Bob and Sarah Martin.

Son of Ken and Marie Hamilton.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend Yakima Valley Community College to play Baseball for the Yaks and major in Engineering.

Hannah Lundblad

Son of Hamilton.

Joe

and

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Eastern

Son of Braileanu.

Farrah

Daughter of Scott and Michelle Carter.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Daily Bread Christian Academy.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend Washington State University t o study Finance and Accounting.

Plans to take courses from Liberty University Online while pursuing his interested in acting, ministry, and Christian psychology.

Hailey will be attending Washington State University in the fall.

and

Daughter of Stacey and Rob Goranson.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend Montana State University in the Engineering Program.

Plans to attend Washington State University for a degree in Marketing and Communications.

Charlotte Himebaugh

Hannah Hislop Nathan Leland

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend Eastern Washington University in the fall.

Plans to attend community college.

Micah Mason

Brian Munro

Graduating from Valley High School.

Graduating from Valley High School.

Plans to attend Eastern Washington University to study Secondary Education and play football. GO EAGS!

Greg

Bryce Gardner Sidney Gardner Sidney Daughter of Rick and Kelli Daughter of Tyler and Kris Goranson Gardner, sister Kate.

Gardner.

Daughter of David and Debbie Himebaugh.

Central

Kylen Braileanu Hailey Carter

Son of Elizabeth and Daniel Bosch.

Tabitha

Son of Casey and Amy Mason.

Daughter of Kevin and Lisa Lundblad.

Plans to attend Washington University.

Hunter Hamilton

Jeff Bosch

a

local

Son of Jeff and JoLynn Munro.

Central

Plans to attend Montana State University.

Daughter of Scott and Anja Hislop.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to University.

attend

Gonzaga

Graduating from Central Valley High School and EWU Running Start.

Plans to attend University in the fall.

Gonzaga

Graduating from Central Valley High School and SFCC with and Associate of Arts degree.

Plans to attend University in the fall.

Whitworth

Sarah Nicholls Gavin Daughter of Kevin and Karen Ostheimer Nicholls.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend the University of Notre Dame on a swim scholarship to puruse a degree in Applied Mathematics.

Son of Paul and Michelle Ostheimer.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend BYU in the fall, where he intends to earn a Bachelor’s in Finance and then attend Law School after completing a 2 year mission trip for his church.

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 19

Anna Pecha Erica Pecha

Daughter of Stacy and Doug Pecha.

Daughter of Stacy and Doug Pecha.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend the University of Idaho Honors College to study Anthropology and will be running with the Track and Field Team.

Plans to attend the University of Idaho Honors College to study Environmental Science and will be running with the Track and Field Team.

Jake Pedigo

Holland Pratt

Sheryl

Daughter of Gavin and Sarah Pratt.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to University.

Plans to attend the United States Military Academy of West Point.

Son of Pedigo.

Steve

and

attend

Whitworth

Congratulations Class of 2018 from Makena Dodd

Graduating from Gonzaga Preparatory School with a 3.96 gpa.

Plans to attend Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, joining their nursing program.

Tyler Rowell Cory Schmidt Mason Scott Son of Todd and Penny Rowell.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Will be going on a mission ans then plans to attend BYU!

Austin Tomlinson

Son of Tomlinson.

Gary

and

Jennifer

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend Boise State University Honors College to study Business and Economic Analytics.

Son of Schmidt.

Tim

and

Jennifer

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend the academy for The Washington State Patrol.

Son of Andy and Piper Scott.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend Washington University.

Plans to go to Gainesville, FL to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a Gator at the University of Florida.

Eastern

Kavina Turpin Hannah Daughter of Tim and Sudha Wampler Turpin.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend Washington State University in the fall.

Thomas “Reid” Stanley Jr.

Jack Ryan Wampler

Daughter of Steve and Laura Wampler.

Son of Wampler.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend Arizona State University to study Business, Sports and Media Studies.

Plans to attend the University of Arizona Honors College to study Mathematics and Political Science.

Steve

and

Laura

Zach Stocker

Son of Stocker.

Kevin

and

Brooke

Melissa Sweeney

Daughter of Michael Fonnetta Sweeney.

and

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend college and play golf after graduation. Destination unknown.

Plans to attend SFCC, then pursue a Library Science degree.

Madeline Wilson

Brenna Shanks

Daughter of Todd Tamara Wilson.

Graduating from Central Valley High School.

Plans to attend Washington State University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Sports Management.

Daughter of Mike and Laurie Shanks.

Will be attending Northern Arizona University in the fall after graduating from Central Valley High School and completing Running Start at EWU.

The Splash

20 • JUNE 2018

Congratulations Graduating Class of 2018

David Abdallah • Amariah Adams • Ashton Adams • Joshua Adams • Cristopher AguilarGomez • Yaqoob Al munshedi • Raj Al-Ghani • Adam Altamirano • Ahmad Ambon • William Ames • Amanda Anderson • Brandon Anglin • Kayla Apperson • Zered Arcef • Jocelyn Arguinzoni • Maisyn Arnold • Issac Arrotta • Gurjot Atkar • Abriel Austin • Mitchell Axtell • Carissa Ball • Lindsey Ballard • Jerone Baloy Bautista • Joshua Bambock • Kaelyn Barnes • Kira Barnes • Noah Barnes • Samantha Barrie • Joba Baso • Garrett Baxter • Asia Beale • Ricky Behl • Mark Bellagio • Max Bernstein • Alexander Biglin • Cameron Bonsignore • Jeffrey Bosch • Brianne Bowden • Noelle Bowden • Mason Bramer • Taylor Brennecke • Madison Britain • Elise Brockbank • Leann Brown • Taylor Brunett • Jada Bryant • Claire Buchheit • Jacob Burch • Leona Burk • Calvin Burnett • Hunter Burton • Jason Butler • Autumn Call • Ruth Call • Autumn Campa • Holly Caravello • Calista Carlson • Kylee Carlson • Sarah Cartee • Hailey Carter • Justin Carter • Maria Casillas • Max Chadwell • Selena Chen • Lindsay Chermak • Sadie Christensen • Hailey Christopher • Kennedy Clark • Peter Cleary • Garret Cocchiarella • Austin Coker • Hannah Conant • Bruce Conley • Preston Cooper-Hawkins • Emma Cooper-Hawkins • Ty Cornell • Tucker Cousins • Brianna Cozino • Hannah Craig • Victoria Crapo • Abigail Creach • Emily Critchlow • Kambree Crossette • Kalle Crouch • Christian Curran • Britton Curtis • Mallory Daines • Saphyr Dalton • Karissa Dautenhahn • Joshua Davenport • Alexa Davis • Cameron Davis • Brianna Davydenko • Spencer Dean • Tyler Degenstein • Stacia DeHamer • Fielding Demars • Curtis Denenny III • Makenzi Denniston • Cyrus DeReu • Juan Diaz III • Jason Do • Ryan Do • Dominick Dobson • Melissa Doege • Zachary Dornack • Nathaniel Dow • Madisyn Doyle • Bryce Drager • Noah Dreves • John Dunne • Michael Duty • Kody Easley • Hannah Eckel • Gabriel Eden • Sapphire Eden • Jase Edwards • Thomas Edwards • George Eliason • Hannah Ellis • Riann Elsner III • Jamal Erdem • Hunter Ergeson • Daniel Eubanks • Rachel Fassler • Sydney Fergen • Andrew Ferrero • Nathan Fightmaster • Jonathan Finn • Emily Fletcher • Alex Ford • Molly Ford • Kaelyn Frederick • Alissa Freeman • Jordan Freeman • Tyler Fridye • Sean Fullmer • Anna Gabbert • Logan Gaffaney • Keaton Gaffney • Kyra Gaffney • Maesyn Galloway • Alexis Garcia • Odalis Garcia • Bryce Gardner • Sidney Gardner • Blair Gasaway • Alan Gass • Rachel Gerdes • William Ghosoph • Camryn Gibson • Jacob Gillespie • Robert Gleason • Austin Glenn • Hernan Gonzalez • Uziel Gonzalez • Sidney Goranson • Caleb Grabowski • Ashley Griffiths • Jacob Grisafi • Noah Groves • Mason Guerdette • Hayden Guinn • Kelsey Gumm • Isak Gust • Elizabeth Gutierrez • Sean Hagerty • Shandra Haggerty • Kevin Hail • Madison Haines • Jaiden Haley • Brayden Hamilton • Hunter Hamilton • Lexus Hamilton • Brandon Hamry • Grant Hannan • Amanda Hanson • Grace Hardesty • Austin Harrington • Allison Hartshorn • Benjamin Harwood • John Hatcher • Devin Hauenstein • Katie Hawkins • Chang He • Gabrielle Heberlein • Harrison Heckerman • Brandon Henderson • Mercy Henry • Armando Hernandez De Los Santos • Benjamin Herndon • Thomas Heskett • Orion Hickson • Madeleine Higbee • Zachary Higginson • Anna

Class celebration page 21

Central Valley High School J U N E 9 AT 9 : 0 0 A . M .

G.U. MCCAR THEY CENTER 8 0 1 N C I N C I N N AT I S T, 9 9 2 0 2 Hilbert • Charlotte Himebaugh • Alyson Hinman • Nathan Hirt • Hannah Hislop • Caitlin Hodgkin • Angela Hoene • Austin Holman • Justin Holmes • Mercedes Hood • Ayianna Hopkins • Caitlin Hopkins • Alexandra Horton • James Hotchkiss • Kylee Huebschman • Lacie Hull • Lexie Hull • Justis Huston • Allie Jackson • Kylie Jackson • Logan Jackson-Brown • Alison Jacobson • Benton James • Tyler Jennen • Elsa Jensen • Jaleigh Johnson • Michelle Johnson • Nathan Johnson • Shaean Johnson • Brady Jones • Sophia Jones • Dawson Jordan • Javion Joyner • Sadie Justus • Noor Kaddoura • Pamelpreet Kang • Natalia Karptsov • Catherine Kartchner • John Keiser • Caitlin Kellar • Kassidy Keller • Dru Kellerman • Triston Kelley • Rachel Kempf • Kristina Kholostov • Ashley Kidder • Benjamin Kiehn • Grace Kienbaum • Riley Kindred • Kobe King • Haylee Kinworthy • Cassidy Kippenhan • Derek Knoll • Kirill Kolesnikov • Sami Kopelson • Brian Kovar • Madison Kramer • Dennis Kravtsov • Michaela Laabs • Alyssa LaBrosse • Emily Ladd • Jill Lambie • Anna Lamoreaux • Ian Larson • Jenna Lauer • Alina Lavrova • Krista Lehman Bosak • Nathan Leland • Jordan LeMay • Jacqueline Lemus • Desiree Lensing • Jacob Lewis • Sydney Linde • Jerry Liu • Joel Loepker • Nathaniel Lopez • Rolando Lopez • Hannah Louthian • Hannah Lundblad • Ryan Lybbert • Sara Lynn • Jerred Mace • Sydney Machovsky • Kate Madrian • Abdulhadi Mallah • Ammar Mallah • Trent Marker • Ryan Markofski • Steven Marshall • Bekk Martin • Matthew Martin • Riley Martin • Micah Mason • Noah Mathis • Ashton Matlock • Kimberlie Matteson • Noah Mayfield • Jacob McAndrews • Colton McAuliff • Lauren McCauley • Miya McClellan • Bridget McDonald • Natalie McGee • Kate McLelland • John McMahon III • Jackeline Medina • Ajnet Mejbon • Max Melville • Emma Metzger • Benjamin Michaelis • Brandon Miles • Cameron Miller • Hanna Miller • Mark Miroshin • Jordan Mitchell • Jordan Mitchell • Summer

Mizner • Victoria Modica • Noah Moffeit • Reagan Moon • Connor Moore • Daniyel Morris • Leanna Moua • Promise Mourar • Kali Mulligan • Brian Munro • Grace Nall • Peyton Nalls • Destiny Nason-Fuller • Alexandra Naves • Yevhenii Nechytaylo • Samara Nelson • J R Newton • Mai-Thy Nguyen • Sarah Nicholls • Scott Nicholson • Christian Nielsen II • Amanda Nigg • Cole Niles • Ashlee Nilsson • Britnee Nilsson • Ryan Noll • Daniel Norfolk • Tina Nye • Kathleen O’Dea • Ethan Ola • Elena Olsen • Ryan Olsen • Austin Olson • Mitchell Olson • Trey Orr • Cassandra Ortiz-Nelsen • Robert Osipenko • Gavin Ostheimer • Blake Page • Gabrielle Pagenstecher • Sarena Palacio • Adria Palmer • Anika Panattoni • Colton Panter • Madison Papich • Anna Pecha • Erica Pecha • Jacob Pedigo • Kaden Perala • John Petersen • David Peterson • Evelyn Peterson • Grant Peterson • Hannah Peterson • Brandon Phelps • Samuel Phillips • Joseph Piche • Seth Pierce • Brooklynn Pieroni • Preslee Pieroni • Lucas Potts • Holland Pratt • Taylor Pugh • Correy Quinn • Brayden Raab • Jaysn Raddatz • Christiaan Ramos • Mason Rawley • Madison Reese • Meggan Reimer • Brandon Reis • Rachel Rennaker • Jayden Richards • Nicholas Riggs • Chloe Robbins • Nicholas Rogers • Gabriel Romney • Alan Rose • Heather Ross • Izabella Roullier • Gabrielle Routt • Tyler Rowell • Luchiano Rubio • Brandon Ruegsegger • Hellen Saitoti • Carmela Salazar • Trystan Sampilo • Cole Sampson • Milan Saric • Ryne Saty • Benjamin Scanlon-Holmes • Jenna Scarcello • Sydni Schaefer • Cory Schmidt • Taylor Schwartzenburg • Mason Scott • Zoey Scott • Cailin Seimears • Connor Seimears • Sydni Seliger • Michael Semencha • Kendall Sessions • Brenna Shanks • Ryu Sharma • Jadon Sharp • Sophia Shaurette • David Shevchenko • Tatyana Sichkar • Austin Sihabout-Zabala • Luana Silveira Molinelli • Sanpreet Singh • Hannah Sipes • Aubony Slack • Jordan Smith • Zachary Smith • Megan Sola • Shianne Soles • Ashley Sommer • Andrew Sommerville • Riley Soots • Thomas Stanley Jr • Amia Stephens • Carsen Sterling • Samantha Stevens • Ethan Stewart • Zachary Stocker • Jaelyn Strand • Mariya Susina • John Swager • Melissa Sweeney • Emmaline Sylvester • Jesse Talafili • Christopher Tamayo • Marco Teslow • Ashlynn Thielen • Rylee Thompson • Angelina Thongdy-Sihabout • Shane Thornton • Bailey Tiffany • Mikaylah Tipton • Austin Tomlinson • Alexis Townsend • Daniel Troxel • Floyd Turner • Kavina Turpin • Jordyn Tuter • Grace Tyrrell • Juliana Ukrainetz • John Van Buskirk Jr • Jenna Van Sloten • Charis VanNote • Joseph Vargas • Jason Vasquez • Jennifer Wagstaff • Christopher Walsh • Troy Walton • Hannah Wampler • Jack Wampler • Logan Ward • Trevor Ward • Evanjalysta Warnock • Emily Wasson • Alexandra Weeks • Kylie Weiler • Jasmine Wengel Hood • Dean West • Evan West • Mandie West • Brittney Wheeler • Kaitlyn White • Josephine Whitsett • Bradley Wiggs • Breanna Wilde • Bryce Wilde • Aaron Williams • Alissa Williams • Bailey Williams • James Williams • Madeline Wilson • Emily Winter • Paige Wollan • Zachary Wood • Lijun Wright • Savannah Wright • Shane Yarnell • Elizabeth Yergen • Beaudry Young • Braunson Young • Alyssa Zadra • Tyler Zarecor • MaryCatherine Zartner-Isit • Hailey Zeutschel • Conner Zimbelman

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 21

The Splash

22 • JUNE 2018

OTT KNOTT GOLF CARTS

1/2 MILE WEST OF COSTCO IN THE SPOKANE VALLEY C l u b C a r | E z e - G o | Ya m a h a New and Used Cushman

at Central Valley Performing Arts Center PLAY IN A WEEK

SUMMER RENTAL SPECIAL!

$750

Into the Woods

Stephen Sondheim James Lapine

Music and lyrics by

SUMMER COURSES

Book by

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

LATE MODEL YAMAHA 48 VOLT | AUTO FILL BATTERY SYSTEM WILL TRADE, FINANCE or LEASE ONLY $2995

July 16 – July 20 The Stories of Dr. Seuss Grades 3 – 6 July 23 – July 27

48 VOLT CLUB CAR FACTORY REAR SEAT | LONG TOP NEW BATTERIES | SPLIT WIND-SHIELD CALL FOR SPECIAL PRICE!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Grades 4 – 8

SUMMER RENTAL SPECIAL!

$750

Register online at

SVSummerTheatre.com

July 13 – 29 Directed by

Yvonne A.K. Johnson Music Direction by

July 25 Special Fundraiser Event

David Brewster

www.svsummertheatre.com 509-368-7897

Presented by

LOOK! 48 VOLT CLUB CAR | NEW WHEELS & TIRES NEW SPLIT WIND-SHIELD | NEW BATTERIES NEW SEATS | SPECIAL PAINT BUY, TRADE OR LEASE

SUMMER RENTAL SPECIAL!

Evening Show Time: 7:30 P.M. • Sunday Show Time: 2:00 P.M. State-of-the-art theatre • Free parking • 821 S. Sullivan Road

Mirabeau Park Hotel

EZE-GO 48 VOLT | SPECIAL RED MATTE PAINT NEW TIRES | SPECIAL WHEELS | CUSTOM SEATS | LIGHTS | AUTO CHARGER CALL MIKE FOR DEMO!

David and Christina Lynch

$750

CALL MIKE (509) 951-4740 From Aces Eze- Go WWW.OTTKNOTT.COM

4508 E SPRAGUE SPOKANE VALLEY

The Splash

Gallant Grocer – Calkins named Yoke’s Associate of the Year

By Staci Lehman Splash Correspondent You may have a glimpse of greatness the next time you shop at Liberty Lake’s Yoke’s Fresh Market.

Employee Joy Calkins has been named Yokes' company-wide Associate of the Year for 2017 for her overall contributions to the company. Calkins said she had no idea she would receive the unique honor.

“I was really surprised,” Calkins said.

Calkins has been with Yokes for a total of 21 years and has been at the Liberty Lake location since it opened in 2015. She requested to work at the site because it is the closest to where she lives. She previously worked at several other stores, including at the Indian Trail location, Mead and East Sprague.

Calkins is acknowledged the brain and heart behind the Liberty Lake store’s home delivery program that brings groceries to the doors of

JUNE 2018 • 23

seniors for a very minimal fee of just $5.

"It's mostly retired and elderly people," Calkins said. "We shop it for them, ring it up and deliver it."

The Liberty Lake store is the only Yoke’s in Washington and Idaho that carries the program, thanks to Calkins.

"At our East Sprague store about 10 to 12 years ago, we weren't getting so much business so we reached out to the retirement community with a delivery program and it was really popular," she said.

After moving to the Liberty Lake store, Yoke's CEO contacted Calkins and asked if she was interested in re-starting the program. She agreed, as long as she could do it out of the Liberty Lake store as she recognized a need in that community.

The response has been popular enough to warrant providing Calkins with an assistant; the two run the entire program, from receiving orders to delivery.

"Mondays we take orders all morning long,” she said. “Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we deliver."

For Calkins, it's much more than just dropping off food to people though.

"They want to talk a little," said Calkins of her clients, many who are confined to their homes and don't

Joy Calkins was recently named company-wide Associate of the Year by Yoke's.

Calkins has worked 21 years for the Spokane-based company and is currently based out of the Liberty Lake store. She oversees a successful home delivery program that brings groceries to doorsteps of local senior residents.

Photo by Craig Howard

see many people all week. "They're in walkers or wheelchairs. We get kind of attached to them."

Calkins’ boss, store manager Dan DiCicco, encourages her to foster those relationships and is supportive of her work to build the program.

"Joy has a good soul, a good heart to take care of her people," he said.

"It's a good community service and it does help our business."

Calkins was picked as the top employee out of Yoke’s 17 stores located in Spokane, Tri Cities, Cheney, Spokane Valley and Post Falls. Calkins’ current home store opened on March 2, 2016 in the former Safeway/Haggen location.

Yoke’s was founded in Spokane in 1946.

As for how she came to be named the company's Associate of the Year, DiCicco played a large role in it.

"I nominated Joy and they made a good choice," he said of store officials who approved the honor.

Criteria for Associate of the Year includes contributing to the building of new business for the company, community involvement, customer service and overall attitude.

After nominations for the award are made, a company-wide meeting of store managers, the vice president and CEO is held to make the final decision. Each manager discusses why their nominee for Associate of the Year should be chosen.

For her part, Calkins recognizes the difference that the support of a great manager like DiCicco can make.

"He's been awfully encouraging," she said. "Of my 21 years (with Yoke’s), this has been the best one yet."

Calkins received a week’s paid vacation as part of the award. A plaque denoting the honor is now displayed on a wall at the store.

She also received a complimentary lunch courtesy of DiCicco.

Calkins’ efforts in the home delivery area have paved the way for other programs. Yoke’s will soon offer additional conveniences for shoppers, like online shopping and curbside pickup.

"What Joy is doing has prepared the store for it," said DiCicco.

Calkins says she sees the need for both services, based on busy lives and an aging baby boomer population.

"Families are so busy,” she said.

“They don't have time to shop for their parents. Families will tell me ‘Thank you,’ too. When we get those letters – that's my reward."

Where is the dirtiest place in your home?

It’s your Trash Bin! Let Tidy’s do the dirty Let Tidy’s Clean andwork!

Sanitize Your Bins!

1st MONTH FREE

Sign-Up NOW! Online @ www.tidysbeautifulbins.com

Eliminate Harmful Bacteria Eliminate Odor Keep Rodents Away Increase Curb Appeal

Early Bird Special

$9.99

Monthly Service

Dont Delay, Sign Up

Today! www.tidysbeautifulbins.com

The Splash

24 • JUNE 2018

Brought to you by

HAVE A PICNIC PICK FLOWERS BAKE PILLOW FIGHT MAKE MUD PIES PAINT A PICTURE GROW A SUNFLOWER MAKE PAPER PLANES

Things to do this Summer

GO SKIP STONES FLY A KITE TOAST MARSHMALLOWS TAKE A HIKE DRAW CHALK PICTURES CLOUD WATCH WRITE A LETTER PLAY HOPSCOTCH

WASH THE CAR GO FISHING PLAY DRESS UP MAKE A BOOKMARK BIRDWATCH CAMP IN THE YARD GO BERRY PICKING CREATE A BOARD GAME

DO A GOOD DEED PLAY IN THE RAIN PLAY A BOARD GAME HAVE A TEA PARTY DANCE MAKE ICE CREAM HAVE A WATER FIGHT WRITE A POEM

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 25

509-315-5433 2515 N. Locust Road Spokane Valley 99206

ow Sign Up N

www.spokanegymnastics.com

mps!

r Ca e m m u S r Fo

By Mahala Christensen Everyone grows up with a memory or two that shapes who they are.

Those moments are pivotal points in every person’s life because they provide a basis for the values of that individual and the foundation for their sense of integrity.

But what happens if that foundation is shaken or unstable? Is integrity something that can be relearned or re-established once it is lost?

Some may say, ‘No, it’s something you’re born with and it can’t be taught.’ While I don’t disagree that there are elements of integrity that occur naturally in many people, I also confidently stand behind the assertion that integrity can be learned, nurtured and developed no matter the circumstance.

I was blessed to grow up in a loving home with supportive parents, siblings and friends, combined with a strong faith that culminated in helping me develop my intrinsic set of positive values. There are many things that can be taken from a person but his or her sense of integrity isn’t one of them, or so I thought.

My sophomore year in high school, I was involved in an accident while playing softball which caused a brain injury and ultimately resulted in severe amnesia. This amnesia stole my long-term memory, along with what felt like my entire childhood and therefore all the values on which I had built the foundation of my integrity vanished. I was left feeling lost and uncertain. It wasn’t only that I couldn’t remember people’s names or memories from my past, I felt like I had lost my internal compass.

What a strange feeling, to be at odds with yourself over who you are and what kinds of decisions you should make. There were moments when I wasn’t sure if I would ever feel balanced as my whole self again.

It was a long and difficult recovery through which I was aided by many medical professionals who helped me adapt and grow. With their support and the love and patience of my family and friends, I was able to

formulate a new platform of values to stand on. If I hadn’t had their support, I am certain I would have struggled miserably to re-establish my value system.

Through this, I came to realize that I wanted to use my experience to help others, particularly children, who are struggling to define and establish their value system due to physical or emotional trauma.

A person’s integrity is at the core of who they are and everyone should have the opportunity to develop it and feel confident about it. This is why I think it is absolutely vital that a child be surrounded by a nurturing and supportive environment in the early years of life. If a child is deprived of the kindness and love that should be provided or if they suffer in a difficult circumstance, it is all too easy for their values to become compromised and their integrity to be underdeveloped.

Everyone, no matter their background, deserves the opportunity that I received – to regain balance for their values. Because of this, I am determined to become the support system that I was given.

I know how important a person’s integrity is to their self-confidence and to their identity. I want to help those who are struggling with this, to reset their compass. By providing this support and relying on my own past experiences, I am hopeful that I will be able to accomplish my dream of helping children in need and become a catalyst of good in their lives. I want to help develop and nurture their sense of integrity because it is a vital element in all of our lives; it is the essence of who we are.

Mahala Christensen is a senior at West Valley High School, graduating this month with a 4.0 gpa as one of three class valedictorians. She will be attending Brigham Young University in the fall. A few of her many roles include: West Valley’s ASB activities coordinator and National Honor Society vice president. Last month she was honored at the seventh annual PACE Awards for being a good character role model.

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

Ninja Zone • Bitty Bee Academy and Flippin’ Fun Movie Night • Parent’s Night Out • Open Gym for All Ages • Parkour and Breakdance Classes • CompetitiveTeams • Gymnastics Birthday Parties

Animal Facts

Cut them out and collect them all!

BABOON - Africa - 20 to 47 inches, 30 to 90 pounds, 30 years - Five species - A congress, cartload, flange or troop average 140 members, but can be as large as 750 members - Harems have one dominant male, up to nine females and their young - A female is half the size of a male

The Splash

26 • JUNE 2018

Liberty Lake SVFD Report – June 2018 From Splash News Sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 104 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from April 9 to May 16, including: • 74

Emergency medical services –

• Motor vehicle accidents – 7 • Fires - 5 • Building alarms – 3 • Service calls – 2 • Dispatched and cancelled en route – 13 *Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake Motor Vehicle Accident – Apr. 9 –Shortly before 2:15 a.m., SVFD crews responded to a motor vehicle accident on South Idaho Road near Lakeside Road. They arrived on the scene of a one-car head-on collision with a tree and found one patient on the road and two more patients located 15 feet down an embankment. Firefighters rescued

and treated the patients. All three were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. None were wearing seatbelts.

quickly went inside to alert his wife and together they safely evacuated with their two dogs and called 911.

Damage is estimated at $1,000.

Motor vehicle/pedestrian accident – April 18 – Firefighters were called to the 300 block of South Sandy Beach Lane at 4:50 a.m. They arrived to find a newspaper carrier who slipped and fell while delivering newspapers and was run over by her own car. Firefighters treated injuries to the woman’s lower legs before she was transported to the hospital.

Balcony fire – May 4 – SVFD firefighters responded to a reported balcony fire in the 25000 block of Hawkstone Loop shortly before 3:30 p.m. They were met by the apartment occupant who said there had been a fire in a bucket used for cigarette butts. A neighbor had poured water into the bucket and they had thrown the bucket away in the dumpster. Firefighters retrieved the metal bucket to ensure the fire was out. They then advised the apartment occupant to avoid placing the bucket near combustibles on the balcony (the bucket had been under a table with a plastic tablecloth).

There was no fire damage to the balcony.

House fire – April 26 – SVFD and Spokane County Fire District 8 firefighters responded to a residential structure fire in the 300 block of North Molter Road shortly after 2:30 p.m. Firefighters took an offensive approach to the fire, working inside the first floor and basement of the home as well as outside on the home’s roof to locate the source of the smoke and extinguish the smoldering fire. The SVFD fire investigator determined the cause of the fire was the failure of an attic ventilation fan motor. The fan and motor appeared to be over 20 years old, possibly original to the home. One of the two residents was outside in the yard, smelled smoke and noticed smoke coming from the roof vents of the home. He

2018 SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS

NBC Camps Complete Skills Basketball Camps

June 25-27, July 9-11, August 20-22 – 9:00am-3:00pm Ages 8-12 • $175/person

Service call – May 5 – Shortly before 11:45 a.m., SVFD firefighters were called to the Liberty Lake Portal building at 23403 E. Mission Ave. in response to a 10-year-old child trapped in an elevator on the second floor. The inner elevator car door was open but the outer car door was stuck. Firefighters accessed the elevator room to get the elevator key which was not the correct size and would not open the doors. They

contacted the elevator company and a maintenance worker quickly arrived with a key to open the door. The child was unharmed. The elevator was placed out of service.

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 17,280 emergency calls in 2017. Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), one of only a handful in the state of Washington. SVFD operates 10 stations providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, special operations rescue, fire investigation, fire prevention, commercial property inspection, CPR and fire safety training. SVFD provides free fire safety inspections and installation of free smoke detectors. For more information call 928-1700 or visit www. spokanevalleyfire.com.

Liberty Lake Dermatology offering these special services starting June 22!

Laser Hair Removal, Microneedling, Dermaplaning and Peels.

Skyhawks Basketball Camp June 18-22 – 9:00am-3:00pm Ages 6-12 • $149 /person

Nigel Williams-Goss Basketball Camps

Time slots will fill up fast as availability is limited.

Please call to schedule your appointment today!

Pat Powers Volleyball Camp

(509) 288-4775

Skyhawks Volleyball Camps

June 18-22, July 30-August 3 – 9:00am-12:00pm Ages 6-12 • $135/person

Runnin’ Jaguar Basketball Skill Camp June 19-21 – 3:00-7:00pm Ages 7-14 • $125/person

Skyhawks Mini-Hawk or Cheerleading Camp July 16-20 (MH), July 16-20 (CH) – 9:00am-12:00pm Ages 4-7 or 5-10 • $135/person

Breakthrough Basketball Camps - 4th-12th grade July 24-26 Skill Development – 9:00am-3:00pm - $245/person July 27-29 Youth Skills Camp – 9:00am-3:00pm - $195/person

Advantage Basketball Camps July 30-August 3 – 9:00am-4:00pm Ages 6-18 • $295/person

August 8-10 Youth Skills Camp – 9:00am-4:00pm - $225/person August 14-17 Elite High School Camp – 9:00am-4:00pm - $325/person August 11-12 – 9:00am-3:00pm Ages 12 to Adults • $135/peson

libertylakederm.com

NOW REGISTERING FOR ALL SESSIONS! For more details and registration information:

visit: www.hubsportscenter.org/summer-camps Call: (509) 927-0602 We provide events that have a positive impact on youth and the community!

A Clinic of North Idaho Dermatology

2207 N Motter Rd, Ste 203 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 27

Student of the Month Gabe Romney knew he had to place among the top three in the regional 3,200-meter run last month to qualify for state. So when the Central Valley senior got caught up in a tangle halfway through the second lap and fell chest first on the track, the likelihood of getting to Tacoma seemed slim. By the time he got to his feet, Romney was 70 meters behind the lead runners.

Yet reinforced by CV coach Chuck Bowden and teammate Fielding Demars, Romney calmly regained his stride and began to make up ground. By the last lap, Romney was not only running with the leaders, he was headed for a personal record. His time of 9:16 set a new individual best, earning the Liberty Lake resident second place and a trip to state.

“Looking back, I don’t know how I did it,” Gabe said.

Citizen of the Month

& Thanks you for all you do in our community

Whether she’s running track, studying AP biology or supporting a community cause, Kate Kartchner strives for excellence.

The senior at Central Valley maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a board member with the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society.

Kartchner has also been part of CV’s executive leadership team that organizes school events and activities. She played viola in the symphony orchestra for two years. The senior has taken eight AP courses while at CV. With her family, Kartchner has assisted nonprofit groups like Naomi and World Relief. Her family spent three months helping residents in El Salvador when Kartchner was in the seventh grade. She lettered in cross country for three years and track for four, running the 1,600 and 3,200 meters.

She will attend Utah State on scholarship where she intends to study biology.

The Community Box is brought to you by

“ IT’S

THE LAW ”

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

www.CallBeforeYouDig.org

1-800-424-5555 or dial 811 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council www.ieucc811.org

LIBERTY LAKE LUXURY HOMES! Athlete of the Month For a decade, Wendy Van Orman was integral to the process at Liberty Lake City Hall. She was an inaugural member of the City Council in 2001 and served as mayor from 2008 through 2011. She was part of the governance study committee that preceded the successful vote for incorporation in 2000. Van Orman is a founding member of the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club and has served as president and vice president. She contributed to the committee that established the Liberty Lake trails network and was the first organizer of the community Easter Egg Hunt as well as a longtime volunteer with Liberty Lake SCOPE (Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort). Van Orman serves as secretary of PACE (Partners Advancing Character Education) and was critical to the formation of the program in 2010. Wendy and her husband Darren have three children and five grandchildren.

,000

$937

POND VIEWS

1307 N King James Ln 5Bd/4Ba 5238sf

,970 $649,900 $749

UNIQUELY DESIGNED

1521 S McHenry Dr 4Bd/4Ba 3930sf

00

70,0

$1,0

WATERFRONT LIVING

1218 S Starr Ln 4Bd/4Bath 4242 sf

Call to Buy or Sell Today

Pam Fredrick, Broker (509) 370-5944

pamfredrick@johnlscott.com

For a Virtual Tour Visit: www.pamfredrick.com

The Splash

28 • JUNE 2018 Brought to you by

Evergreen

About and for Liberty Lake seniors

SE

NI

OR

Amazing Feat – LL resident crosses Bloomsday finish at 93

You might say the retired psychotherapist takes a “mindover-matter” philosophy to her busy life. And although she’s lived all over the country – from Texas to Montana – and explored he world, Stuart is thrilled to call Liberty Lake home.

A big part of what she loves about her community, she says, is that it offers ample opportunity to stay active with an abundance of trails, social events and, of course, the alluring lake.

“I can remember waterskiing around it without stopping,” Stuart says. “Now I walk and run and swim.”

So how does a woman who was born when Calvin Coolidge was president prepare herself for an event like Bloomsday? Exercise, and lots of it – often alongside a

TY

“She got up and walked three times (with Jack),” Nelli says. “It’s just amazing.”

Stuart, whose mother lived to be 102 years old, attributes her longevity to a healthy and active lifestyle, a positive attitude and surrounding herself with caring people.

At 93 years old, Stuart still loves taking a refreshing plunge into the water. Already this year, in fact, she’s jumped into Liberty Lake for a brisk, long swim.

“I’ve always been active,” she said. “My body is in good shape and I like challenges.”

NI

After the event, Stuart went out to lunch and then returned home to get some rest. But Nelli says her Bloomsday buddy was up early the next day – energetic as ever.

If there were a Fountain of Youth, Liberty Lake resident Grace Stuart would eagerly take a dip. Some might say she already has.

While covering the hilly 12-kilometer course may seem a daunting task for a person at any age, Stuart, who prides herself as a woman constantly on the go, took the demanding task in stride.

LIVING COMMU

says Nelli, who walked the Bloomsday course with Stuart.

“I was very pleasantly surprised on how well she did. She didn’t complain at all. It was delightful to be at her side. Grace is extremely caring and kind.”

By Keith Erickson Splash Correspondent

Stuart’s adventurous spirit doesn’t stop with a springtime splash, however. The energetic nonagenarian completed the 7.46mile Bloomsday course last month, making her the oldest person to participate – and complete – this year’s event, which attracted nearly 42,000 registrants.

Fountains

“I’ve never been sick a day in my life,” she says.

Liberty Lake resident Grace Stuart (left) became the oldest participant to complete Bloomsday 2018 last month at 93. Stuart's caregiver, Karen Nelli (right) walked the 7.46-mile course with Stuart, who says she would like to keep participating in Spokane's signature race until she is 100.

Contributed photo furry friend.

“I have a little dog that needs to be walked three times a day,” Stuart says.

Her four-legged companion, a curious Yorkshire Terrier named “Jack,” will undoubtedly be by Stuart’s side as she continues to dedicate herself to a relatively rigorous exercise routine. She’s already making plans to participate in next year’s Bloomsday – and beyond – with a goal of participating until she reaches the century mark.

“Yes, let’s try that,” says Stuart, who took part in her last Bloomsday 14 years ago (it was also her first Bloomsday outing).

When she lines up at the starting line next year, it’s a safe bet this determined senior will have tons of support, just as she did at this year’s event.

Soaking in enthusiastic encouragement from Bloomsday bystanders, volunteers and fellow participants, Stuart says the experience was exhilarating and rewarding. “It was a glorious day and the people were so friendly.

It was very well organized and everybody was so nice.”

Fittingly, Stuart’s career as a

Reflecting on the final stretch of Bloomsday, Stuart pauses.

“I was glad it was over but so happy to finish,” she said. “I’ll be ready for next year.”

psychotherapist allowed her to help improve her client's physical wellbeing and mental health. Along the way, she has inspired countless individuals and is determined to continue helping others in her own humble way.

“I’m not showing off but I want to be kind of an example,” she says.

“I want people my age to know they can do things like Bloomsday.”

Advancing age, she adds, should not be a deterrent.

Stuart’s commitment to helping and inspiring others starts at home according to her son, Rich Stuart of Westminster, Colorado.

“She been a great role model in terms of going out into the world and pushing you to make everything you can of yourself,” says Rich, 65.

“She’s changing the world for the better. She’s definitely set the bar high.”

Even into her 90s, Stuart remains notably independent. She does get a little assistance from “home helper” Karen Nelli, who visits once a week to help with small chores and grocery shopping. But Stuart is quite capable of taking care of herself, Nelli says.

“Grace is pretty self-sufficient,”

A day after Bloomsday, Grace Stuart was out walking with her Yorkshire Terrier, "Jack." She keeps in shape by walking, running and swimming and says a positive attitude is one of her keys to successful aging.

Contributed photo

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 29

SUDOKU

Phase II Addition Under Construction Now Pre-leasing - Opening Summer of 2018!

Independent Living • Cottage Homes • Assisted Living • Light Assisted Living

Daily Tours • Move-in Specials

Locally Owned and Operated by the Arger Family

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

The Splash

30 • JUNE 2018

Sponsored By:

Gumm pitches Bears to GSL title, state bid

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor The stats are impressive, perhaps even mind boggling: A .456 batting average, a team leading 28 runs batted in and three home runs.

As a pitcher, only one loss and a miniscule 1.08 earned run average with 208 strikeouts in 110 innings.

Academically, don’t forget the near-perfect grade point average with a schedule that includes AP classes.

Kelsey Gumm has it all. To say she is important to Central Valley softball success might be the understatement of the year.

“I just know that the kid is a workhorse,” Bears coach Joe Stanton says. “The amount of time she puts in is just mind-blowing.

I can’t really put the word on it.

She’s just an all-around amazing person.”

The statistics above back him up.

In April, Gumm tossed a no-hitter against Shadle Park, part of a 15-0 victory that included 13 strikeouts.

A few weeks later, in a 10-0 win over Ferris, the senior tallied the same number of strikeouts while driving in three runs at the plate.

The victory secured the Bears at least a share of the Greater Spokane League title that they would eventually win outright.

Central Valley made its second state trip to the state 4A softball tournament the last weekend in May during Gumm’s four years pitching with the varsity. Following graduation and a summer of travel ball she will be off to Division I Seton Hall in New Jersey to begin her college career that culminates a decade’s worth of work to reach her ultimate destination.

“That’s kind of like my goal,” Gumm said of her college pitching future. “Thankfully my parents put in all the time and money.”

That’s what it takes nowadays in order to improve and be seen

enough in order to attain that goal.

The girl who at one point aspired to play basketball (imagine if she had continued and been a member of CV’s unbeaten state and national champions?) then decided not to risk injury on the court after she discovered her softball calling.

The Liberty Lake athlete said she began playing softball at age 7, maybe earlier, and it blossomed from there: Tee ball and local recreational and select teams and ultimately for a travel tournament team out of Portland, Oregon last year.

rises.

Looking back on her Central Valley career, Gumm says she’s enjoyed every minute.

“It’s not something I’d want to change,” she said. “It’s bittersweet to have to leave and not play with

my friends.”

But it’s always been a goal to play in college and she said she’s grateful her parents were willing to sacrifice to make the dream a reality.

“I’m so thankful for that,” Gumm said.

“When I was really young I always wanted to play basketball and go to Tennessee and play for Pat Summit,” Gumm said.

Softball ultimately won out after “a couple” ankle sprains in seventh grade told her it wasn’t worth it.

As for eventually leaving the “tools of ignorance” behind and moving from catcher to the mound – “Everybody wants to be a pitcher,” she said.

Gumm originally caught Hannah Wampler. The two ultimately traded positions and today Wampler plays first base and had a team leading .547 batting average this season with 17 RBIs and 25 runs scored.

Gumm began pitching with help from her dad, Chris, throwing in the backyard at home. She eventually found a pitching coach and a career took off. Once at CV, Gumm shared pitching duties as a freshman. The next year she went 13-9 during the Bears’ state trip, their first in four years and fifth overall.

Last year she improved to 16-7 and this year lost just once in 21 games for the GSL champions.

Much of her progression had to do with her travel team that draws players from several states. She said she doesn’t practice with them much, but flies to various tournament sites for close to a dozen tournaments in the summer.

“Once I committed to Seton Hall I needed to play at a higher level,” she said. “My parents fly me down by myself. It’s lots of money.”

Over the years the hard-throwing Gumm added a number of pitches to complement her fastball, from curves to screwballs, changeups to

Liberty Lake resident Kelsey Gumm was the ace for Central Valley's league championship fastpitch softball team this season.The senior only lost one game as a starter, compiled a 1.08 earned run average and hit .456 at the plate.

Photo by Mike Vlahovich

The Splash

Splash Sports Notebook

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor The Central Valley fastpitch softball team is on the heels of the 2012 Bears that finished among the top eight in state.

That year the team won three straight games after losing in the opener before being ousted.

According to CV coach Joe Stanton this team had a chance to top it during the state tournament held the last weekend in May (after presstime) depending on the bracket.

This year Stanton said the Bears field a team “with all the tools in the tool box,” including a lineup that features bunters who can reach base as well as power hitters.

“But the best thing is I’ve got the best 7-8-9 hitters in the league,” he said. “I’ve got kids who are tough, tough, tough outs.”

The lineup, top to bottom, includes Suheyla Tanak at second base, Hanna Wampler at first, centerfielder Grace Stumbough and pitcher Kelsey Gumm at the top of

Final Point

Fastpitch softball faces dwindling supply of aces

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor “Those were the good old days.”

Singers recorded bygone appeared simpler.

over the years have their takes on those times when things to be better, happier and

I say this while looking back nostalgically with vested interest in fastpitch softball when those days there seemed to have been more depth of and better pitching a decade or two ago than today.

So, I sought a couple of coaches, one current, the other who got in on the ground floor when fastpitch began and lived up to its name and discovered I wasn’t delusional or a victim of faulty nostalgia.

When I was doing a story on Central Valley pitcher Kelsey Gumm I chatted with her and

SPORTS

the order. Jordan Williams plays catcher, Jaelyn Strand is at third and Gianna McCoy plays shortstop.

The Pieroni sisters, Preslee and Brooklyn, are in the outfield.

“Top to bottom this is probably the best team I’ve ever had,” Stanton said. “Another thing about this group is the chemistry. The kids like each other.”

CV posted a 20-2 record heading into the state 4A tournament at Dwight Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane, losing the district title to Richland 8-1 after beating Chiawana 5-0 and Walla Walla 2-1.

Top hitters during the regular season were Wampler at .547 with 17 runs batted in including eight doubles and 25 runs scored. Tanak hit .431 with 15 RBIs. Stumbough batted .424, scored 21 runs and drove in 28. Jaelyn Strand hit .390 and had 18 RBIs. Track girls stride to state After sharing the Greater Spokane League and district track championships, the CV girls’ track squad sent a wealth of talent to the state 4A meet in Tacoma (after presstime) with a good chance to bring home a team trophy.

The Bears are led by Hailey Christopher, high jumper Bears’ coach Joe Stanton. I later sought out University activities administrator Ken VanSickle, who ushered in the sport and handed off the baton to coach Jon Schuh in a sport that begat an amazing run of Greater Spokane League throwers, including during the Titans’ run that led to 10 straight state trips beginning in 1996 through 2005, including a state title in 2003 and state qualification again from 2010 through 2014.

Both Stanton and supported my thesis.

VanSickle

“We don’t have as many dominant pitchers (as back then),” said Stanton, who began coaching at CV in 2004 part of those halcyon times. “The pitching is definitely down – but I think we’d (have done) OK.” After watching Gumm throw, I’d concur.

Later, by chance, I was looking up a name of one of those hurlers in The Spokesman-Review and discovered an article I wrote in 2009 that had slipped my mind.

“Focus shifts away from pitching,” read the headline.

extraordinaire, Samara Nelson in the shotput/discus and Anna and Erica Pecha in the 800 and 1,600 runs as well as the relays.

In addition, multi-events qualifier Lacie Hull (long jump, javelin, relay) and Lexie Hull in the high jump can add points. Molly McCormick runs the sprints and 4 x 400 relay; Kassidy Keller and Aly Tolman are legs of the relay while Chloe Robbins is an alternate in the pole vault.

For the boys, Triston Kelly qualified in discus; Ryan Kline will chase state titles in the 1,600 and 3,200 distances. Gabe Romney joins him in the 3,200 and is also a likely medalist. Correy Quinn qualified in the shotput.

Baseball ousted in playoffs Under first-year coach Jeremy Maupin, CV won 12 of its final 14 games to reach the District 8 tournament where the team went 1-2, upsetting Gonzaga Prep 2-1 in the second round before being eliminated.

Thomas Edwards and Kyle Clay combined to record five shutouts among their nine collective wins and Jack Leary added three victories during the 15-8 season.

The team had offensive help from

Even back then I had hypothesized that maybe the “golden era of Greater Spokane League softball” – pitching in particular – was ushered in around 1998 when all four regional state 4A berths went to Spokane teams and began to fade following Shadle Park’s run with dominant pitcher Sam Skillingstad about 10 years later.

There was a year when six pitchers went on to play college ball, including Skillingstad, who took the Highlanders to three finals appearances including a title.

Skillingstad went on to Oregon but had her career cut short because of injury.

VanSickle has remained close to the sport since its beginnings.

The talent and numbers of pitchers began to decrease and now as depth declines, offense is skyrocketing.

Scores like 26-1, 25-0, 25-1 have become common. Schools are involved in double digit outcomes throughout the season. Granted, hitting has improved. Moving the mound back 2 feet is part of the reason. Still the evidence of the declining pitching depth in the area

JUNE 2018 • 31

Austin Tomlinson who was among the league leaders in home runs and RBIs. Dawson Jordan, Jase Edwards and Mitch Axtell were also major contributors at the plate.

No state in soccer Rare is the time an Andres Monrroy soccer team doesn’t make a state playoff. The boys have reached the semi-finals four times and, until this year, had missed only once in six years.

But this season the young team finished an uncharacteristic 7-7.

Seniors Conner Wold and Devin Haunstein carried much of the weight. CV had but four seniors along with seven sophomores and a freshman. Isaac Saitoti, Nikita Susin and Tyler Jones also were contributors.

State individual sports Senior Zach Stocker and freshman Brayden Miles qualified for the state 4A golf tournament (results after presstimeo. Stocker won the GSL tournament that included a round of 66. Freshman Kami Twining was the GSL Player of the Year and was joined by Courtney Jackson at state.

Dan and Evan West teamed up for the state tennis doubles tourney.

is undeniable given those scores.

“When fastpitch became popular, (pitchers) put in the time,” VanSickle said.

There were several respected pitching coaches in the area. I sat on an overturned bucket two days a week through the winter catching my daughter for hours in this dingy, poorly lighted basement of a nowdefunct Bon Marche building. She had a naturally live arm, but was raw but, in truth, likely to be called her junior year when moved up to varsity.

We were guided to pitching coach Steve Fountain who taught and refined the techniques and varied pitches. How I preserved my body from injury in the gloom of that basement was nothing short of a miracle.

The game has changed since then, what with the pull of other sports that function year around, select teams and travel clubs. And maybe the hitting has caught up, although you’d think that pitching would make an equal jump.

There are still the Kelsey Gumms, who put in the work. Just not as many.

The Splash

32 • JUNE 2018

Wednesday June 13th from 5:00pm-6:00pm

If you are looking for a non-surgical way to eliminate joint pain or neuropathy, this seminar is for you! You will learn about the latest applications and research using stem cells and how they can benefit you.

Call to reserve your seats today! (509)924-6199

Join us for a FREE Coolsculpting event on Tuesday June 26th from 5:00-7:00. We will have a presentation and will be completing assignments on the spot!

Healthy Living Liberty Lake

|

1431 N Liberty Lake Rd

|

(509)924-6199

|

www.HealthyLivingLL.com

50 CHEFS, 10 EVENTS, 1 DELICIOUS EXPERIENCE SIP, SAVOR & SAMPLE

SPOKANE VALLEY

Visionary chefs, artisan food providers, wineries, breweries & more!

Tickets start at $35 All-inclusive Pricing BUY TICKETS NOW

JULY 12th - 15th For more event details visit

www.CraveNW.com

The Splash

Seat of Liberty Lake – Benches stand as reminders of park’s past

By Ross Schneidmiller

HISTORY Liberty Lake Historical Society

from the East.

Husky men wearing calfskin gloves would have been needed the day the all-steel settees arrived by rail in Liberty Lake Park. Ordered in the dozens and forged out of wrought iron, these park benches were most likely fabricated in Spokane. They arrived complete ready for placement, unlike the unassembled ones that came

The workers could at least be thankful for that. A strong man could handle one of these 4-foot benches the same way he would carry a bale of hay. Less sore muscles but more calamity to the shins may befall two men trying to coordinate their movement.

Well-built, many of these iconic benches welcomed park goers

JUNE 2018 • 33

for over 50 years at Liberty Lake. (circa 1908-1962) Theses benches met many fates.

Some are at the bottom of the lake, used by skaters who failed to return them to shore before the ice thawed. A few are still around the community today, though mostly posing as yard art, they are a reminder of Liberty Lake’s past!

Liberty Lake Park purchased several wrought iron benches like the one in the color photo. Can you find 15 or 16 in this collage? You may need a magnifying glass.

Counterclockwise from top left: Two benches pushed together made a great place to store sack lunches ready for participants of the 1925 Grocers’ Picnic; finding some shade on the beach, 1920; Ferris wheel, 1926; manicured park grounds, circa 1912 and yard art shown in center photo, 2018.

Image courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society

The Splash

34 • JUNE 2018

2018 CV Bears Boosters 2nd Annual Golf Outing

Candidate filings set stage for election season

By Craig Howard Current Editor Vicky Dalton is well-aware of the challenges associated with a summertime ballot.

Saturday June 23rd, 2018

The longtime Spokane County auditor is already gearing up for the Aug. 7 primary election that will include a new feature thanks to a pilot program introduced by King County. After the Puget Sound quadrant showed an increase in ballot returns with the benefit of pre-paid postage, the state of Washington is following suit, with both the Secretary of State and Governor’s offices pitching in funds so all counties will have the same opportunity.

MeadowWood Golf Course Shotgun Start Registration begins at 12:00pm Golf begins at 1:00pm Dinner begins at 6:00 pm

While Dalton is enthused about the new approach, she also knows that counties throughout the state will need to move quickly on changes like reprinting envelopes and working to access the proper permits from the post office.

•Individual Golf - $150

•Dinner - $50 per person

•Foursomes - $500

• Foursomes with Dinner - $600

Enjoy the start of summer with some fun golf and great prizes, and a fantastic dinner to raise funds for athletics and activities at CV. There will be hole contests, silent auction items and plenty of fun! All for a great cause... the students at Central Valley. Golf includes free driving range, lunch, goodie bag & water. Dinner includes steak, potato, salad and one beverage.

to sign up go to https://cvbearboosters. schoolauction.net/cvgolf2018, spots are first come first serve For questions contact cvbbc@outlook.com or 509-710-4011

“It’s just for one election cycle only,” said Dalton, who noted that King County’s experiment showed an increase of 5 to 7 percent on ballot returns with the free postage.

“It’s a lot of work,” Dalton said.

“Spokane County will make it but I’m not so sure all the other counties will be ready in time for the primary election.”

The Spokane County Elections Office transitioned to solely mailin ballots in 2006, waving goodbye to voter booths and neighborhood election sites. By that time, Dalton says, around 70 percent of ballots were being mailed in anyway.

Dalton said it will be interesting to see how the pre-paid postage feature affects ballot response this summer.

“Turnout in the primary always tends to be lower than the general election but this year, things are going to be a little different.”

Candidates for this year’s ballot were required to file by May 18.

Races already gathering attention locally include Democrat Lisa Brown challenging Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers for the seat in Congress she has held since 2005.

Rodgers, a Republican, currently

represents the 5th District, which includes Spokane County and the eastern third of the state.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, who has represented Washington in the U.S. Senate since 2001, will face 28 challengers on the primary ballot.

Susan Hutchinson, former state GOP chair, is considered by many to be the incumbent Democrat’s most serious competition.

On the state legislative front, a pair of incumbent 4th District representatives will face challengers. Rep. Matt Shea, a Republican, is opposed by Ted Cummings, a Democrat for the Pos. 1 seat. Shea’s fellow Republican Rep. Bob McCaslin, Jr. will face Democrat Mary May in the Pos. 2 race.

Two of the three county commissioner positions will be contested on the ballot. Mary Kuney – who was appointed to replace Shelly O’Quinn last year after O’Quinn left to oversee the Inland Northwest Community Foundation – will be challenged by Rob Chase in District 2. Chase will wrap up his second four-year term as county treasurer in December.

The winner will complete O’Quinn’s unexpired term of two years.

Incumbent Commissioner Al French, a Republican, is opposed on the ballot by Democrat Robbi Katherine Anthony for District 3.

As in the past, voters can only cast primary ballots for candidates in their own district. The county commissioner races open up to the entire electorate for the Nov. 6 general election.

That process is set to change by the 2022 election cycle when Spokane County will transition to a five- commissioner system.

The new format will have commissioners running in their own districts on both the primary and general election ballots with a quintet of leaders in place beginning in 2023.

A Republican and a Democrat will by vying for Chase’s treasurer post this year as Michael Baumgartner (R), currently a state senator, will face off against David Green (D).

Other contested county races include assessor – Leonard Christian (R) against Tom Konis (R), clerk – Tim Fitzgerald versus Michael A. Kirk (D) and county sheriff - Ozzie Knezovich (R) against Dump Ozzie Dot Com. Ballots for the primary election will be mailed out July 20. General election ballots go out Oct. 19.

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 35

Yard Sales set for 25th anniversary as bargain bonanza

By Craig Howard Splash Editor Lorraine Halverson knew the Liberty Lake Community Yard Sales had reached a new level a few years ago when she and her husband Harley were vacationing in Central America.

While strolling through a museum in Costa Rica, the Halversons struck up a conversation with a New Yorker who had noticed Lorraine and Harley’s nametags indicating they hailed from Liberty Lake.

“Her grandparents lived in Liberty Lake and she would come out to visit them,” Lorraine recalls.

“She was there one summer for the yard sales and now makes it a point to be there every year.

Here we are in Costa Rica and we’re talking to someone from New York who loves the yard sales. Small world.”

Now known as the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Yard Sales, the latest rendition of the event will take place June 22-23. This year marks the 25th anniversary of a spectacle that is now promoted in North Idaho and Montana while drawing visitors from all over the country.

Melissa Niece of Liberty Lake Kiwanis said around 300 homes take part in the sales each year.

She notes that visitors and shoppers have flocked to the event from Minnesota, Arkansas, Wisconsin and a variety of other

Liberty Lake Kiwanis Yard Sales will celebrate its 25th year of dazzling deals June 22-23. The event draws bargain shoppers from all over the country and will include around 300 homes. The sales began humbly in 1994 with 20 homes in the neighborhoods of Alpine Shores and Liberty Lake Estates. states.

“It’s a kick-off for the summer,” said Niece. “It’s pretty amazing how many people plan their vacations around this.”

Niece says the event has gone through a rebranding effort with a new logo that incorporates some of the colors and themes of the new Liberty Lake community flag.

“We wanted people to know this is in Liberty Lake so we incorporated a few elements of the flag,” she said.

Halverson came up with the idea of a community-wide salute to bargain shopping after chatting with her friend Betty Button. The idea was to combine garage sales in the Alpine Shores neighborhood where Halverson lived with similar efforts in Liberty Lake Estates where Button resided.

“In talking with our neighbors, we just found out there were others who would like to have yard sales,” Halverson recalled.

“Why not have them on the same day?”

The Tree Nurse Tree Injections with Vitamins, Fertilizer and/or Insecticides. Our tree injections will help prevent diseases and kill off beetles, larvae, & borers

CAMILLE DIXON Certified Applicator

208-255-9464 camilledixon7@gmail.com

Control Your Beetles, Borers and Diseases!

The first event took place in 1994 with around 20 homes participating.

“We were so thrilled to have our own homemade signs that said, ’20 yard sales,’” Halverson said of the inaugural year.

Over time, the scale of the sales grew. Construction of another housing development south of Sprague – The Gardens – added a new dimension to the event. Before long, a yard sales committee was in place with a delegate from the local homeowner associations (HOAs).

“We did our own map, our own advertising,” Halverson says. “We’d encourage each representative from the HOAs to walk around their communities and talk about it.”

Liberty Lake Kiwanis has been coordinating the sales since 2010.

Proceeds go toward scholarships for local high school students.

Registration is a bargain at $15.

“The money is going to a great cause,” Niece said.

This will mark the third year the sales have spanned two days, a move made largely to reduce traffic congestion.

The schedule will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday the 22nd and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday the 23rd. Shoppers can now utilize Google Maps to make their dealfinding experience more efficient.

The Splash will also publish its annual Yard Sales Guide.

Niece said there will be a diverse lineup of food and artisan vendors in Pavillion Park with fare that includes tacos, wood-fired pizza, caramel corn, Kona Ice and more.

“We’ll have a good selection,” she said.

There will also be more signage throughout the community, helping visitors navigate their way.

“We’ve had complaints in the past that we didn’t have enough signs, so we’ve added signs,” she said.

Halverson said she appreciates how the sales have provided an opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other.

“I think it has helped to bring the community together,” she said. “I’m just delighted to see people out strolling the streets and greeting their neighbors.”

While Halverson has a layered history as a coordinator of the sales as well as a homeowner on the list of deal sites, she will take part in a reduced role this summer.

“I’ll be out there this year,” she said. “But only as a shopper.”

For more information on the 25th annual Liberty Lake Kiwanis Yard Sales or to register as a sales site or artisan vendor, visit www.libertylakekiwanis.org.

LOOK FOR IT! Official 2018 Liberty Lake Kiwanis Yard Sale Guide Available June 20th

The Splash

36 • JUNE 2018

Summer is Here! Protect Your Toys With Us!

Inaugural LL Youth Commission emerges as civic voice

By Staci Lehman

Splash Correspondent Liberty Lake has a new generation of civic volunteers.

The city’s new Youth Commission met for the first time in March and will work to enhance community awareness of and communication with young people, advocate for the interests of their peers, promote youth interest in culture and diversity and advise municipal staff and City Council on youth programs, recreational activities and other issues important to young people.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to involve the youth more in the community and have our say in it,” said Chloe Bryntesen, chair of the Youth Commission.

(509)598-8275 Mon-Sat: 10:30am-8:30pm Pho • Rice Dishes • Vermicelli Noodles • Stir Fried Yakisoba • Banh Mi Sandwhich

Ask Us About Catering Your Next Party or Event!

June Monday Special: Eye Round Steak Noodle Soup with Eggroll for only Banh Mi Sandwhich - Buy 5 Get 1 Free!

23505 E. Appleway Ave Suite 100 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Liberty Lake’s Newest Breakfast and Lunch Option!

(Inside the Liberty Lake Business Park)

Mention this ad for 25% off your purchase *See cafe for complete details

“They actually searched me out,” said Liberty Lake Finance Director R.J. Stevenson and staff liaison to the Youth Commission. “They found the application online before I was ready and said ‘Let’s do this.’”

The commission currently consists of seven members, all freshmen at Central Valley but will total nine when all positions are filled. The application is still on the Liberty Lake website at www. libertylakewa.gov for those who are interested in applying for the two open positions. In particular, at least one student from the River District is needed as the city tries to have each portion of Liberty Lake represented.

“Because (the River District) is north of the freeway and underrepresented,” said Stevenson.

Conveniently located at the corner of Liberty Lake Road and Appleway Ave

Open Monday-Friday 7am-2pm

Bryntesen and other students at Central Valley High School thought it was so important that they have a voice in how their community develops and prioritizes, they took matters into their own hands to make the Youth Commission happen.

Spokane Valley’s Finest Children’s Entertainment Company Specializing in birthday parties, charity appearances and special events! Ask about our special offer for Splash and Current readers!

Call To Book Today: 509-475-6292

www.facebook.com/wishuponastarevents | www.wishuponastar-events.com

Youth commissioners were appointed by Mayor Steve Peterson and confirmed by the City Council

recently after going through the application process.

“They were looking for people who wanted to give their time,” said Bryntesen of qualification requirements.

“They wanted leadership qualities and people that want to benefit Liberty Lake.”

According to the ordinance that established the Youth Commission, members must be in grades eight through 12 and live in the Central Valley School District. At least six commission members are required to live within the city limits of Liberty Lake.

The commission’s goals include finding solutions to youth problems, providing area young people with an outlet for expressing interests and opinions, raising awareness of the group to the general public, finding ways to improve the quality of life for young people and developing programs, initiatives and resources for kids and teenagers. Bryntesen says the group already has some ideas to accomplish these ambitious goals.

“We really want to have some sporting activities,” she said. “We want to do a golf thing. Golf is really big in Liberty Lake. We also want to have some activities at the library, crafting or things to get students not in sports more involved.”

Each youth commissioner will serve a two-year term, except students appointed during their senior year of high school. The group meets at Liberty Lake City Hall once or twice a month, but that could change as the group’s objectives and identity develop.

“As we plan events, we will meet more,” said Bryntesen.

Stevenson said he’s letting members set the schedule and frequency of their meetings and determine what they discuss.

“I’ve made it clear that this is their group so they will be running it and making the decisions,” he said.

Which Bryntesen says is fine with her and the other young people on the commission. She says all members are fully committed to their roles, ready to serve and listen to input.

“We really just want the community to know that if anyone has any ideas, we’re here,” she said. “We really want to make an impact.”

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 37

Farmers Market enjoys sun-drenched opening day

in Kendall Yards on Wednesdays.

The Crepe Café got its start in the early days of the market with original owners Steve and Charmaine Peterson. The business has passed through several owners since.

The Central Valley School District even had a booth, promoting its “Name the Schools” campaign. A new middle school at Mission and Harvest Parkway is scheduled to open in the fall of 2019 and a new high school at 16th and Henry in the fall of 2021. The question remains, though, what to name them. The survey had been out for about five days and the district already had more than 200 suggestions.

The school board will narrow them down and ultimately select the names.

By Linda Ball

Splash Correspondent About halfway through opening day of the Liberty Lake Farmers Market on May 19, the clouds parted and the sun began to shine on the crowd enjoying crepes, pizza, scones and a host of other delectable delights.

Going back to 2002, Liberty Lake has always featured a Farmer’s Market thanks to Greenstone Homes founder Jim Frank and Susan Parker, his sister. Parker had a floral shop in the Liberty Building bordering a parking lot that became the site of the market.

The two thought it would benefit the community to start a venue showcasing locally grown produce, artisan handiwork, live music and more.

Holli Parker, Susan’s daughter and Frank’s niece, is the longtime manager of the market.

The Farmers Market got its start outside Susan’s shop, growing over the years to include Meadowood Lane and then a few years ago, Town Square Park was added.

What started out as a thoughtful idea with a handful of vendors has blossomed into a market with 60-plus participants. Many of the vendors on opening day said they didn’t have all of their product yet, due to it still being early in the growing season, but there was still plenty to offer.

Maggie Campos, proprietor of Maggie’s Garden has been a regular at the market since day one. She was selling beautiful hanging floral baskets for $25 each. Her brother, Dan Condon, is a wholesale grower in west Spokane and she and her husband, Alex Campos, also have a greenhouse. She said the baskets would be gone in a couple of weeks since they had already sold several at the Spokane Community College Garden Show the previous weekend and at various fundraisers. After the baskets sell out they will focus on perennials and trees she said.

Vang Produce, owned by Xao Vang, has been selling produce at the market since 2004. Vang was showcasing salad mix, mustard greens, onions, rhubarb and mint

Lenny Munguia, proprietor of Jalapeno Heaven and Market Advisor on the Board of Directors, was one of the original vendors at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market in 2002. Munguia was back for opening day of the 2018 market last month with his trademark green and red trailer, selling a popular array of authentic Mexican food.

Photo by Craig Howard that smelled heavenly.

Premium cuts of all-natural beef and pork, with no added fat or fillers – basically gluten free – were featured at Susie David’s Cattle Co. The ranch uses no hormones, antibiotics, steroids or additives in raising its cattle. The owner’s son, Neil McCullough, was holding down the booth. He said they do use a whey product as a stabilizer to hold the sausage together.

Samples of the sausage were offered and were very tasty. The ranch is located at the base of Mt. Saint Michael, where they maintain a small herd of Angus, Hereford and Limousin cattle. In addition to what was at the Farmers Market, McCullough said they also sell half or quarters of whole beef.

Fischer, this is pretty much their full-time job, according to Sam. They named it Icebox Flats because, he said, it’s usually colder up there. The Fischers offered a wide variety of items including gluten-free cooking mixes, eggs from chickens they raise, grassfed beef, ham hocks, chicken and a host of other products.

The line at Crepe Café stretched well beyond the booth – no doubt because of the delicious crepes.

Sisters Ashley and Jessica Moon of Spokane Valley said it is a mobile business only with catering offered. In addition to the Liberty Lake Farmers Market, they also hold court at the Farmers Market

Other vendors included the Caramel Kitchen, which makes caramel in different flavors at the Silver Lake Mall, art by The Floating Gardens in its debut year, jeweler Two Birds Trinkets, Desserts by Sara and wood crafter Duncan Designs.

Rain or shine, the market will continue every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 13.

Holli Parker, who says she is the “logistics person,” said the market has only closed once due to high winds and concern about fires a few years ago.

The market board consists of community members, farmers and crafters. Holli said her mom is still involved by taking care of social media, but her uncle turned it over to the Parkers. Frank helped establish the Kendall Yards Farmers Market, Holli said, adding that he enjoys the process of getting markets off the ground.

From beef to bees – Bee Ranch, maintains a yard of 30 bee hives in Post Falls and a dozen more at owner Jeff Arneson’s Montana home. Arneson was at the Liberty Lake Farmer’s Market for the second year, but he purchased Bee Ranch from an individual who had been at the market the previous 14 years. Arneson, who is retired, said this is his “fun retirement job.” He was very enthusiastic about beekeeping and making his all-natural honey. Since it is never heated, it maintains all of its natural enzymes and pollen.

Icebox Flats Farm out of Colville is in its third year at the market.

Owned by Sam and Sharone

The Liberty Lake Farmers Market celebrated the opening of its 17th season on May 19. The venue will be part of the community's warm-weather agenda each Saturday through Oct. 13.

Photos by Craig Howard

The Splash

38 • JUNE 2018

Register Now! Liberty Lake Church

Vacation Bible School August 13-16

9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. at Liberty Lake Church For Kids Entering Kindergarten through 6th Grade

The Mr J Band is back!

Reflections from the Lake

By Lee Mellish I was hired in March 1993 by the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District Board of Commissioners comprised of Jack Blair, Frank Boyle and Harley Halverson. The district had a total of five employees at the time.

The Liberty Lake community looked much different than it does today.

There was no Country Vista Drive east or west of Liberty Lake Road. There was no Albertson’s shopping center, no Safeway shopping center and no development north of the freeway.

There were no traffic signals. The only business was a filling station at the corner of Appleway and Liberty Drive. We used the pay phone at the service station to communicate back to the office. The nine-hole golf course was also in operation. There was no incorporated city of Liberty Lake. Some people may remember a small tavern at Liberty Lake Drive and Melkapsi.

The district was formed by the Board of Commissioners in 1976

by Denny Ashlock, Skip Toreson and a Mr. Lancaster. Skip still lives at the Lake. Sue Kahn was the first manager.

The monthly meetings of the board were held at the community church on South Liberty Lake Drive. The district constructed the new office facilities on Mission Ave in 1998.

A whimsical story of a King who decided that he wants to be the “King Most High” and in the process loses his ability to rhyme and speak with the real KingMost-High. Children will sweep through the book of Psalms and learn what it means to worship the King Most High.

Think Shakespeare meets Dr. Seuss!

One of the first residential developers was the Bill Main Corporation, but the majority of the development north of the lake was by Jim Frank and Greenstone Homes. Much of the Meadowwood development was on agricultural land owned by Elmer Schneidmiller.

I have always thought that Jim Frank and Greenstone did a great job in development planning, with the neighborhood, people and families in mind. As a result, Liberty Lake is a special place to live, work and

recreate.

Aside from providing water and sewer service in the district, lake protection was a major emphasis for the district and residents. One of the first projects was to clean out the outlet channel, clogged with trees and debris. Many local residents helped with the cleanup. The district eventually purchased much of the canal property north of Settler Drive to the sump west of Liberty Lake Road.

Early in 2000s, Eurasian Water Milfoil was discovered in the lake. Chemical treatment was started to prevent spread of the weed. To reduce nutrients from entering the lake, the beach and leaf pickup program was started. Washington State University under contract was monitoring the lake and determined that the leaf pickup was successful in reducing phosphorus. Bijay Adams (presently LLSWD manager) was hired as the first Lake Protection manager.

The district was instrumental in creating the Eastern Washington Lake Protection Association. I organized the first meeting that included six people from six different lakes in Eastern Washington. The second year a total of 41 people attended the annual meeting. Today the attendance is well over 100 from various area lakes. Thanks to Beth Cocciarella and Keva Monson who spearheaded the continuation of these annual meetings.

The district is recognized in the state as a well-managed and progressive water and sewer utility. In 2002 the district received the District of the Year award from the Washington State Association of Water and Sewer Districts. Commissioner Tom Agnew accepted the award for the district.

Dan Grogg, chief operator of the Wastewater Reclamation Facility, was awarded the Operator of the Year in 2000 by the American Water Works Association, Pacific Northwest Section. I can’t say enough about the dedication, loyalty and expertise of the employees of the district.

Not everything was without problems. Ice Storm 1996 caused widespread power outages. The power returned to the north sections

Church Office: 255-6266

704 S. Garry Rd. Liberty Lake Free VBS Shirt with Donation!

Growth in the district caused another problem that became critical.

The district was running out of water rights. Water rights are issued by the Department of Ecology to water purveyors and allow how much water can be used by the utility.

Presently the Department of Ecology is not issuing any new water rights from the aquifer. Without additional water rights, a building moratorium could have resulted. Fortunately, Consolidated Irrigation District in the Valley relinquished a large amount of water rights to the district, giving LLSWD enough water for many years to come.

Growth and development had a significant impact on the sewage treatment facility. The district was running out of capacity and along with the growth and new regulations on phosphorus removal, a 1 milliongallon addition was accomplished in 2006.

I am appreciative of the support given to me by employees, the board and members of the community during my 20 years as your manager.

Lee Mellish served as general manager of the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District from March 1993 to March 2013. The Oregon native has a bachelor’s degree in general science from Oregon State University and master's and doctorate degrees in public health from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to leading LLSWD, Mellish worked for the Spokane Regional Health District for 27 years.

Under Mellish’s tenure with LLSWD, bans on phosphorous-based laundry soap and dishwashing detergent were established, policies that would have a national ripple effect. He also oversaw a major upgrade of the district’s treatment plant in 2006.

oops ... too much water down the drain?

Online registration:

www.libertylakechurch.com

of the district but many residents, especially on the west side of the lake, did not have power for nearly two weeks. Even though the district could provide water to these homes, without power the sewage pumps could not function therefore they could not use the toilets or take showers. The district operators provided temporary relief by using a portable generator to pump the household waste to sewer mains.

a dripping faucet

a running faucet (or shower)

a flush

gallons per minute

gallons per flush

3,280 5 to 7 1.5 to 7

gallons per year

a bath

(average size tub)

30

gallons per bath

(YOU PAY $14.27 EACH MONTH TO USE AN AVERAGE OF 240 GALLONS OF WATER PER DAY)

For more information please call: 509-922-5443

The Splash

Safety Scroll

JUNE 2018 • 39

logs/pellets. Other types of fires, such as disposal fires for yard/ garden debris, lumber/building materials and garbage are never allowed.

Here are the important requirements for you to consider when planning to have a residential fire:

Learn Before You Burn approach critical to summer safety

• Keep it small, not tall: Fires must be less than 2 feet tall (height), and 3 feet across (diameter). Don’t burn on windy days.

Spokane Valley Fire Department

• Stay clear of structures: Wood-fueled "open fire pits" must be at least 25 feet away from all structures – including fences - and other combustible material.

By Chief Bryan Collins

During the summer, more people are eating and entertaining in the great outdoors. Weekdays and weekends, meals are cooked on outdoor grills, kids are running through sprinklers and people gather around backyard fire pits to roast marshmallow s’mores.

An increase in outdoor residential recreational fires during the summer months results in more calls about smoke and illegal burning activities to the Spokane Valley Fire Department. This is why we are asking residents to “Learn Before You Burn!” By planning ahead and learning about where, what and when you can – and cannot – burn a residential fire, you will play a role in helping us be available to respond to more emergent calls.

The term “residential fires” includes campfires, cooking fires, backyard barbeques, fire pits and patio warmers that burn charcoal, natural firewood or manufactured

• Fuel it right: Only “approved fuels” may be used: charcoal, natural gas, propane, firewood.

Firewood must be dry, clean, and natural (untreated) or manufactured logs. Recreational fires cannot be used to dispose of anything, including paper, lumber, outdoor yard debris or garbage.

• Stand guard and extinguish: A person capable of extinguishing the fire must attend it at all times.

The fire must be completely extinguished before leaving it.

• Ask first: Permission from a landowner, or owner's designated representative, must be obtained before starting a recreational fire.

Other rules may apply to your fire, including homeowner association covenants and rental agreements.

• Be a good neighbor: It is always illegal to cause a nuisance to your neighbors with excessive smoke and odor. If smoke from your recreational fire bothers your neighbors, poses a threat or causes damage to their property, or otherwise causes a nuisance, you must put it out immediately. If this is a concern in your area, consider purchasing gas or electric devices

instead of wood burning units.

• Mind the burn ban: Most recreational fires are prohibited during a burn ban. Specific contained fires, such as barbecues and chimneas, may be allowed depending upon the burn ban type. Local fire officials can restrict outdoor burning based upon fire danger. State and local air quality agencies may restrict outdoor burning based on air quality concerns.

SVFD also wants you to stay safe around your recreational fire this

summer. Always have a water hose and/or fire extinguisher nearby and never let children play with fire or leave them unsupervised near a fire. Fire is fast; tragedy can occur in mere seconds.

For more information on rules and regulations on residential burning, fire pits and burn ban restrictions, please visit our website at www. spokanevalleyfire.com or call us at 928-1700. You can also visit the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency website at www.spokanecleanair. org.

Professional dentistry that makes you feel at home

“I would recommend Dr. Casey ESPECIALLY if you have issues with the dentist. His staff makes you feel welcome and calm. They will never get rid of me as a patient.”

– Alex

No one in my family cringes about going to the dentist.

My kids know their hygienists by name and look forward to catching up with them. I’m pretty sure I take this for granted thanks to Dr. Casey and his team.”

– Josh

“Dr. Casey’s ‘chair-side’ manner helped me commit to getting my cavities filled after not going to the dentist for six years.”

– Sarah

DR. TIM CASEY, DDS

Member American Dental Association | Liberty Lake Resident

Extractions• Nitrous Oxide Crowns (Caps) & Bridges Teeth Whitening •Cleanings Dentures/Partials • Implants Tooth Colored Fillings Porcelain Veneers Sedation Den-

927-9279

www.libertylakedentist.com 22910 E Appleway, Suite 5 In Liberty Lake

The Splash

40 • JUNE 2018

Greenstone netzero home sets pace for energy efficiency

By Laurie Allen

Splash Correspondent We all know its savvy to save, but what if everybody could cut their home energy bill to zero? Greenstone Homes, one of the area’s leading builders predicts that one day we’ll to do just that.

Sounds great, but how is it accomplished?

A net-zero, sometimes referred to as a “zero energy home,” is the answer. It’s just like any home – except better. A zero energy home combines advanced design and superior building systems with energy efficiency and on-site solar panels, resulting in renewable energy generated from the sun. Zero energy homes are ultra-comfortable, healthy, quiet, sustainable dwellings that result in energy savings and, therefore, have the ability to offer a greatly reduced or even a zeroenergy cost for its occupants.

Greenstone Homes, which has been building homes throughout the Inland Northwest since 1983, recently built a net-zero concept home in their Rocky Hill neighborhood, nestled on the east side of Liberty Lake.

The home produces enough energy onsite to meet the occupants’ needs.

Drew Benado, building division manager for Greenstone Corporation, says the home is creating a lot of interest. Fans of the local builder are not surprised they are one of the companies blazing the trail for “green” building in the Inland Northwest.

In addition to solar panels and increased and more complete insulation, Greenstone uses an advanced framing technology and

Liberty Lake-based developer Greenstone Homes has introduced a "net-zero" home in the Rocky Hill neighborhood of Liberty Lake. The home is characterized by energy saving features like on-site solar panels, advanced framing technology and more comprehensive insulation. The "net-zero" quality comes from the home's ability to produce as much energy as it consumes over a typical year, resulting in a net zero power bill and a carbon-free dwelling.

Photos courtesy of Greenstone Homes the company has been committed for some time to using lowemissions paints and carpeting to improve air quality. Building “green” involves a lot more than just the use of generated energy from elements such as sun or wind. Benado says there’s a big emphasis on completely insulating the home, and that even 5-Star energy appliances play a role in the endeavor.

These homes are so efficient that sometimes more energy is produced than needed. Tom Lienhard, Avista’s chief energy efficiency engineer, says that excess energy can be credited for future months when the occupant may need to use more power. Lienhard suggests thinking of Avista as a battery for energy, only using it when needed. At the end of the year, any leftover balance its zeroed out; hence, the moniker netzero homes.

Basically, these homes are regular grid-tied homes that, when built to “green” standards, are so airtight, well-insulated and energy efficient that they produce as much renewable energy as they consume over the course of a year, leaving the occupants with a net-zero energy bill, and a carbon-free home.

Lienhard recommends that if someone is interested in adopting

2018

renewable energy products such as solar grids into their life, the first step is to reduce their energy consumption. This is a smart prerequisite to investing in renewable products. After reducing consumption and making your home as energy efficient as possible, only then should one look at matching renewable products to the level of required energy left to tend to. Common ways to reduce your energy are turning off lights, buying appliances with a good energy rating and insulating your home from top to bottom.

Global climate change continues to be one of today’s most pressing issues on the international front. The U.S. Green Building Council claims that buildings alone are responsible for 40 percent of the primary energy used in the U.S. In addition, buildings account for 72 percent of the electricity consumption and are responsible for 39 percent of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Many say “green” building has the opportunity to reduce these staggering statistics dramatically with proponents pointing to zero energy homes as a cornerstone of a reduced carbon future — one that is not reliant on fossil fuels.

Owning a net-zero home puts you in control of where your home’s

energy comes from. Jim Frank, founder of Greenstone Corporation, knows renewable energy is the future of home building nationally.

Frank says that the state of California already has mandates in place for builders to exclusively build energy efficient homes by 2020. It is not known how soon Washington state will follow, but Lienhard reports that the state has good incentives and tax credits in place for homeowners and businesses to adopt renewables.

This summer, Greenstone is adding what may be the area’s largest solar ray system to Kendall Yards, the corporation’s thriving urban mixed-use neighborhood.

The 35-kilowatt community-based system will supply all the energy for the businesses and common spaces, which includes the business district street lights and charging stations.

Although Frank says the corporation wasn’t named Greenstone 35 years ago with “green” building in mind, it now seems quite appropriate as he assures us there’s more to come.

You can learn more about the Greenstone net-zero concept home located in the Rocky Hill neighborhood at 2101 N. Wolfe Penn St Liberty Lake. It is open for viewing, from noon to 4 p.m., weekly, Thursday through Monday.

No reservations required.

on! i s i v i D t a N e w Cl e

Out s U k c e Ch ook! e b e c a F On yLak o f L ib e r t

@barefo

th 4 d r 3 t s Augu

o t .2 0 18 .C

it y

3 vs 3 ! t s e B s ’ ton ac k W a s h i nogu r n a m e n t i s B Soccer T

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 41 S

Valleyfest Royalty reign with character, charisma

By Kyrie Woodard Current Correspondent The 2018 rendition of Valleyfest may be a few months off, but the noble court that represents the event is now in place.

Georgia Goff, a sophomore at University High School, has been named Miss Spokane Valley Queen.

Valleyfest Royalty princesses are Amy Bethmann, Kylie Nelson and Krystal Bates.

What does it take to earn the honor of bearing the Valleyfest name and tradition? To start – exceptional skill, poise, intellect and talent. Those selected are also doing their part to make our community a stronger place.

Goff is currently in her second year as a member of the National Honor Society. She is a representative for Washington Drug Free Youth and the Spokane Guilds School as well as a member of U-Hi’s ASB board. She also volunteers with Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) and Love11, which helps economically disadvantaged groups in Spokane.

Bethmann, a junior at University High, has been involved in the National Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl, community theatre and more.

She helped organize the Providence Sacred Heart Party and the Special Olympics event at Eastern Washington University this year.

Nelson is a sophomore at Freeman High School where she participates in soccer, basketball and the Conservation Club. She has worked with Tree of Sharing and Blessings Under the Bridge to help underserved populations in the area.

Bates is junior at University High and is part of her school’s debate and tennis teams, as well as color guard for band. She has also been involved in Divino’s “Canines on the Catwalk” to raise funds for different animal shelters around Spokane and Spokane Valley.

The Miss Spokane Valley program, also known as the “Valleyfest Royalty Pageant,” is an annual community event which allows young women to “represent and be an ambassador for Valleyfest and Spokane Valley.”

The program allows exceptional sophomore and junior girls to have the opportunity to demonstrate their talents, receive recognition for their achievements and participate in Valleyfest and other community events.

Valleyfest will take place Sept.

21-23, beginning with the Hearts of

Gold Parade down Sprague Avenue that will include the Valleyfest Court among many other procession participants. The bulk of community celebration will occur at Mirabeau Point Park and the CenterPlace Regional Event Center where Queen Goff and Princesses Bethmann, Nelson and Bates will also appear.

The Valleyfest Royalty Pageant is a traditional showcase that provides sashes and crowns and does require self-care. However, evaluation is also “based on leadership and poise and speaking,” according to longtime Valleyfest Director Peggy Doering.

As a result, the girls participating in Valleyfest Royalty competition must act as “poised leaders” Doering says and pertain to specific standards set by the Valleyfest organizers. These standards include the obtaining of a 3.0 grade point average or higher, having no criminal convictions and refraining from use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

Valleyfest Royalty protocol also assumes that girls involved in the pageant will maintain their public image by keeping their social media clean of any illegal substances or inappropriate content. This understanding of the expectations of these young women allows Valleyfest Royalty to identify truly exceptional girls who are capable of excelling in the real world and stand as positive examples for a younger generation.

All those who wish to participate in the Valleyfest Royalty Pageant must be able to complete a fiveminute talent presentation, which can include a performance or presentation. Candidates also give a short speech about “What Spokane Valley means to me” and answer various questions from judges.

They also must be able to attend all required events. The Valleyfest program provides formal dresses for the court after they are inducted.

The program supports participants in developing daily life skills, earning college scholarship funding, identifying individual strengths, making new friends and finding new interests. Participants also gain vast experience in individual interviews and in public speaking. Valleyfest Royalty begin their tour of events with the Lilac Festival and continue to travel through various areas of Washington, including Chewelah Fairfield and Deer Park, among other places.

Though Valleyfest Royalty may seem to be simply another pageant, it is recognized as a beneficial event which celebrates female leaders in Spokane Valley’s high school community. Doering says the program helps young women achieve further success and strive to continue as both community and global leaders.

E AT ED

VE SA

TH

FARMERS MARKET L i b e r t y

L a k e

Every Saturday 9am -1pm

Italian Festival July 14th • 9am-1pm

Pie Festival

August 18th • 9am-1pm

Art At the Market September 14th • 5pm-8pm September 15th • 9am-1pm

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

SPOKANE VALLEY 2018

42 • JUNE 2018

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.

This mother goose (upper left) was spotted leading her family through a marsh at Liberty Lake Regional Park on Mother’s Day. The site, overseen by Spokane County, features nearly 3,600 acres of wetlands. (Lower left) Mist drifts through the trees at the park last month. In addition to wetlands, the park includes montane forest, designated swimming area, boat launch, irrigated lawn areas, ORV park and more. The warm weather season brings visitors who utilize the campground and miles of back country trails, including the popular 8.3-mile Liberty Lake Loop Trail.

R'n R¦ ¬ ­¬ R V¦ ¬ ­¬ C enter 23203 ¦¬ E. ¦¬ Knox ¦¬ Liberty ¦¬ Lake,¦ ¦¬ WA See our menu at RnRRV.com 509-927-9000 x190

Liberty Lake resident Scott Tate (left), owner of Tate Technology presents a generous donation to Marcus Bresko, PTO president of Spokane Valley Tech, a school that teaches high school juniors and seniors technical skills in areas like engineering, computer science, sports medicine and more. This donation went toward scholarship awards at the fifth annual Tradeshow of Innovation at SV Tech last month.

The Splash

JUNE 2018 • 43

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

THE

lifestyle

TH E

YOU WANT

THE

quality

community

YOU L OVE

YO U DE S E RV E

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

|

44 • JUNE 2018

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

CIRCULATION Larry Passmore

circulation@libertylakesplash.com CONTRIBUTORS

Laurie Allen, Linda Ball, Bryan Collins, Nina Culver, Keith Erickson, Craig Howard, Staci Lehman, Lee, Mellish, Ross Schneidmiller, Benjamin Shedlock, Mike Vlahovich, Tyler Wilson The Liberty Lake Splash P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.libertylakesplash.com The Splash is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Liberty Lake area.

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

The Splash is brought to you by

Wick Enterprizes Submitted materials

OTIS FITNESS

*We proudly accept SilverSneakers, Silver& Fit and Optum Fitness Advantage health insurance members

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD GYM

to editor@libertylakesplash.com. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for best chance of publication in the following month’s Splash.

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

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

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

KEEP YOUTHS ACTIVE THIS SUMMER!

of that month.

Ages 9 to 14, begins June 26th

Total Conditioning for Youths:

story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing

Subscriptions

Member Access: 4 am - 10 pm everyday Staff Hours: M-Th 9:30 am - 5:30 pm • F-Sat 9:30 am - 1:30 pm Kid Commando Class:

Publishing House

Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and

Ages 11 to 18, begins June 18th

Hi-Performance Strength Training and Conditioning: Ages 11 to 18, begins July 16th

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.

For more information call or visit our website

MEMBERSHIP -

NO CONTRACT REQUIRED! $29 individuals, $50 couples

Advertising integrity

WWW.OTISFIT.COM

OTIS FITNESS 4707 N Harvard Rd Otis Orchards, WA 99027

509-922-8429

Inaccurate

or

deceptive

advertising

is

never

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

Copyright © 2018 All rights reserved. All contents of The Splash may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

The Splash

The Water Front

Grogg honored for 35 years of service with LLSWD

By BiJay Adams LLSWD General Manager Recently the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District (LLSWD) completed a $17.2 million upgrade to our Water Reclamation Facility.

This upgrade included advanced tertiary treatment through chemical addition and membrane filtration.

The improved treatment further reduces our phosphorous discharge by greater than 99 percent. Prior to this upgrade, the district was one of the first dischargers in the region to upgrade their facility to achieve enhanced phosphorous removal from its discharge to the river.

In 2006, LLSWD invested $11.6 million to convert the facility from an extended aeration process to a biological nutrient removal treatment process – a huge change in process and operation.

Who is behind the scenes to assure that our facility is operating at its best and our wastewater is cleaned to the highest degree possible?

The district has highly trained and certified personnel that make this possible, in particular, the district’s Water Reclamation Facility Chief Operator Dan Grogg.

He began working at LLSWD on March 21, 1983, meaning Grogg is the longest tenured employee in district history. Dan started working at the Water Reclamation Facility when the site had only been in operation for a little over a year.

Dan has always maintained the highest level of technological expertise even while the district was investing millions of dollars in advancements in treatment technologies.

The district discharges its treated effluent to the Spokane River through a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit governed by the

JUNE 2018 • 45

Washington state Department of Ecology and the Environmental Protection Agency. Dan has consistently operated the facility without any major violations to the district’s NPDES permit.

These accomplishments have earned Dan and the facility the following awards: • Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance Award a total of six times (1997, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2015 and likely 2017) • Wastewater Treatment Plant Innovation Solutions Recognition award (2006) • Three consecutive years of Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance Award • Most notably as an individual honor, Dan was awarded the Operator of the Year award by the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association (2010) Recently Dan celebrated his 35th anniversary with the district and the LLSWD Board of Commissioners recognized this accomplishment by passing Resolution 04-18 on May 14. All of us at the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District and the entire community we serve, have an incalculable debt of gratitude owing Dan Grogg and his staff Darrell Gamble and Greg Sattler for their commitment to the highest standards of community service and wastewater treatment.

Love The Splash?

Support our partners.

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

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

ENR

THE

Evergreen SE

NI

OR

lifestyle Fountains

LIVING COMMU

NI

YO U WAN T

TY

THE

quality

New homes in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Libe Gus Johnson Ford • Stateline Plaza Fieldhouse Pizza • Spokane Gymnastics

g re e n s t o n e h o m

Kiwanis • Liberty Lake Family Dentistry • Banner Fuel

Index of advertisers

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

Dan Grogg was recently honored by the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District for 35 years with the utility.

Grogg serves as chief operator for the district's Water Reclamation Facility.

In 2010, he earned the distinction of being named Operator of the Year by the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association.

Contributed photo

YO

Amaculate Housekeeping 14 AutoCraft 10 Banner Furnace & Fuel 9 BECU 15 Cafe 19 36 Casey Family Dentistry 39 City of Liberty Lake 40 Clark’s Tire & Automotive 3 Cornerstone Pentecostal Church 42 CV Boosters 34 Cycle Celebration 41 Eagle Rock RV and Boat Storage 36 Evergreen Fountain 29 Family Medicine Liberty Lake 32 Fieldhouse Pizza 43 Friends of the LL Municipal Library 14 Friends of Mary Kuney 6

Gee NW Auto Lending 4 Greenstone 43 HUB 26 Inland Empire Utility CC 27 John L Scott - Pam Fredrick 27 Kiwanis of Liberty Lake 6 Liberty Lake Baptist Church 46 Liberty Lake Church 38 Liberty Lake EyeCare Center 3 Liberty Lake Family Dentistry 5 Liberty Lake Farmer’s Market 41 Liberty Lake Fireworks Fund 15 Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District 38 Lilac Family Eyecare 10 Michael’s Berry Farm 14 North Idaho Dermatology 26 Northern Quest 48

Otis Fitness

44

Ott Knott Used Golf Carts

22

Pho Liberty

36

Radiant Nails

46

Razor Edge Simonds Dental Group

9 5, 48

Spokane Gymnastics

25

Stateline Plaza

46

The Tree Nurse

35

Tidy Bins

23

Valley Synthetics

5

Vision Marketing

32

Windermere 5 Wish Upon a Star Events

36

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 • JUNE 2018

SERVICE DIRECTORY Take exit 299 off of I-90, Just West of Cabelas

BICYCLE REPAIR AND SERVICE

pAINTING

REPAIR, REBUILD, RESTORE

INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, RESIDENTIAL, REPAINTS

THE BICYCLE MECHANIC AT LIBERTY LAKE

Tune Up Special $40 Make your appointment now.

Mechanic Tony Martin (509)998-2359 | f1man@me.com

EVENT & MEETING FACILITY HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP?

- Drive Thru -

SUPER LOW IDAHO PRICES ON FUEL TOBACCO & PREMIUM CIGARS

• WALK IN HUMIDOR • HOOKAH • E-CIGS • LOCALLY OWNEDSINCE 1983

- Celebrating 35 Years at State Line June 5th through June 19th

Check Out Our Facebook for Big Prizes, Savings, Giveaways & Specials!

A1- Smoke Shop (208)777-7778

The Tri Community Grange Event Hall is an affordable location for parties, receptions, dances, reunions and meetings. Full kitchen, stage, piano, tables and chairs, NEW AC, handicap accessible, large parking lot and free signage Meeting Times: 6:30 pm the first Wednesday of every month.

Phone: 509-270-6089

LAWN CARE SERVICES AERATION POWER RAKING Call us for your FREE quote on your weekly lawn maintenance, power raking, pruning, fertilizing aeration & irrigation needs! PRISTLC834BT. www.pristinelawnspokane.com 509-998-6181

MENS HAIR CARE RAZOREDGE BARBER SHOP

MENS PRECISION HAIR CUTS ALL HAIRCUTS $15 Open Tuesday-Friday from 8-5 and Saturdays from 8-1 Closed on Mondays, Sundays and Holidays.

CALL: 509-924-2885

18317 E Appleway Ave Spokane Valley, WA 99016

300+ Wines & 40+ Microbrews

Specializing in the painting of custom waterfront homes.

Over 15 years experience Senior discounts, free estimates Cont. Reg #ABSTRPL907D3

Call Kevin at (509) 312-9695

PILATES TRAINING ON EQUIPMENT PRIVATE DUETS WITH LARKIN BARNETT M.A.

Award winning author featured in the November Splash!

Strength • Balance • Fitness • Wellness CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT:

509-842-4321

www.larkinbarnett.com 22401 E. Clairmont Ln., Liberty Lake, WA

SMALL ENGINE REHAB & REPAIR NOW FIXING MOWERS, TILLERS, GENERATORS AND MORE. WE OFFER DELIVERY. FAST, EFFECTIVE AND AFFORDABLE. BRIGGS AND KOHLER CERTIFIED WWW.ENGINEREHAB.COM

509 481 5800

TREE SERVICE AFFORDABLE ARBORIST 83 ft. Backyard Lift • Removals • Thinning • Pruning Shaping • Lot Clearing • Stump Grinding Residential & Commercial • A+ Rated BBB Member Affordable Arborist Tree Care, Inc. 509-879-0577 • Veteran Owned & Operated WA Lic#AFFORAT935KG

The Cigar Loft (208)777-8110

facebook.com/LittleItalysWineBar Cigar Lounge

Little Italy’s Wine Bar (208)777-8110

facebook.com/LittleItalysWineBar

Simple but Tasty Menu

10 rotating taps & 14 HD TV’s

Be on the look out for our new app coming soon! www.StateLinePlaza.com

$3.50

Off of any purchase of $35 or more including fuel.

Valid at Liberty Stop N Go, Bear Necessities, A1 Smoke Shop, Little Italy’s Wine Bar, The Cigar Loft

Fast and Friendly Service Every Day!

Expires 05/31/2018. Coupon must be present. Not valid on lottery. Some additional conditions may apply.

• Manicures and Pedicures • Acrylic • Polygel • IBX Natural Nail Treatments • Nail Wraps •

10% Off of Your First Polygel Service - Expires 06/30/2018

The Splash

Otis Orchards food bank steps up to plate

ON THAT NOTE

JUNE 2018 • 47

By Nina Culver

Splash Correspondent The Otis Orchards food bank run

by The Intersection Church recently celebrated a grand opening after moving to a different building on its church campus.

The Intersection at the River Food Bank has been serving local residents since 2013, said the Rev. Gary Hebden. It’s housed in a pole building next to the old River of Life Open Bible Church at 22421 E. Euclid, which The Intersection owns. The church building on site is being used by another congregation.

At first, just a few people showed up at the food bank, which is only open on Thursdays from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Now there are 150 to 200 families waiting in line every week even though the church doesn’t advertise the food bank. It’s not unusual for people in Spokane or North Idaho to come for food, Hebden said.

“Over the last five years it’s just grown and grown and grown,” Hebden said. “It’s got to be word of mouth. There’s always a line of people waiting.”

The church first opened the food bank as a way to help people in a practical way. “As a church we care about people,” Hebden said. “If we can relieve a little bit of the burden, we are happy to help them and blessed to do so.”

Many food banks only allow people to visit once per month, but the Intersection at the River Food Bank doesn’t do that. Hebden says there is no limitation on the number of visits families and individuals make each month.

“We’re not going to determine your need, you’re going to determine your need,” he said.

At first the church operated the food bank on its own, but it soon started collaborating with Second Harvest, which distributes donated items to food banks throughout the area.

The church has 28 volunteers who keep the food bank running smoothly. They pick up donated food and operate the food bank when it is open. Hebden says the

The Intersection at the River Food Bank serves residents each Thursday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Up to 200 families are waiting in line for the food bank to open each week, including families from Spokane and North Idaho. The Intersection Church has around 30 volunteers who pitch in to help at the site.

Contributed photo dedicated crew of helpers goes to stores referred to them by Second Harvest as well as Second Harvest itself.

Those who come for food regularly know to bring their own bags or boxes and though there is always a line, people are able to move through efficiently. “It goes fairly smoothly,” Hebden said.

The church does need financial donations to help pay for the vehicles the volunteers use to pick up food donations each day.

Donations also allowed the church to upgrade the pole building the food bank is now housed in.

The food bank usually has meat, milk, bread and fresh produce in addition to non-perishable items.

There are some personal hygiene items available as well. Hebden said the church deliberately hasn’t advertised the food bank because

The Intersection at the River Food Bank has been operating since 2013 but recently celebrated a grand opening after a move to a different site in Otis Orchards. The Intersection Church in Spokane Valley owns the food bank, now located next to the old River of Life Open Bible Church on East Euclid.

Contributed photo it can’t accommodate many more people than they serve now.

“If you get a thousand people out there, they might all get one potato,” Hebden said.

Want to help?

To learn more about the Intersection at the River Food Bank and how to donate time, food or funds, or to receive help, call The Intersection Church at 924-3705.

The Splash

48 • JUNE 2018

Fun In The Sun! FREE SONICARE

TOOTHBRUSH or CALL TODAY!

TAKE HOME TEETH WHITENING KIT This offer includes all of With Purchase of a New Patient Exam, Necessary X-rays & Recommended Cleaning. Offer expires 06/30/2018

our spa services, yes, for FREE!

Dr. Erin Merrifield • Dr. Cliff Cullings • Dr. Ross Simonds • Dr. Amanda Roper

TRUCKLOAD OF FUN GIVEAWAY!

WIN A TRUCK WITH A TRAILER! AND POSSIBLY SOME CASH, TOO. ENTER DAILY JUNE 1-27 to win a 2018 Ford® F-150 X XLT with a Starcraft® Satellite travel trailer and cash prizes. Get one FREE daily entry and a second just for being on our email list!

Details at northernquest.com

Colors/options may vary.