November 2017 Splash

NOVEMBER

2017

THE

LIBERTY LAKE

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

FREE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

The housing

Divide page 12

ART CHALET BIDS A FOND FAREWELL PAGE 34

LIONS CLUB ROARS PAGE 36

CANDIDATE FORUM PAGE 47

2 • NOVEMBER 2017

NEWS

The Park Bench

Ambassador of Wellness – Barnett brings Pilates expertise to Liberty Lake

By Craig Howard Splash Editor Larkin Barnett has dedicated most of her life to the practice of wellness.

Now the Spokane native has brought her innovative Pilates technique to Liberty Lake where the state-of-the-art equipment is available to those interested in achieving mental, physical and emotional well-being.

Barnett brings over four decades of experience to the venue along with some impressive results.

When Barnett was working with nurses at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, teaching breathing techniques, core control and Pilates workshops, Dr. Gregory M. Loewen, director of pulmonary oncology at Providence Regional Cancer Center, was impressed with the feedback he heard from colleagues.

“They told me that working with Larkin helped elevate their energy, manage stress and strengthen their muscles,” Loewen said. “They also thought that her approach would be a wonderful way for my patents to manage anxiety, discomfort and perhaps even boost their immune system.”

Larkin soon became a referral source for Loewen’s patients with noteworthy impact.

“Larkin’s work has been transformational for several of my lung patients and has helped them return to better-thannormal activity as they recover from surgery, radiation and chemotherapy,” Loewen said.

Loewen wrote the foreword for Larkin’s book, “Practical Centering” which was recognized with a Nautilus Book Award. The two also appeared on a nationally syndicated radio program and co-host “Pilates on Tour,” a program that introduces people to the practice invented by

Larkin Barnett is an award-winning author, speaker and innovator in the field of Pilates, an exercise developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates to strengthen the mind and body.

Photo courtesy of Mark Schaufhausen Joseph Pilates over 100 years ago to strengthen the mind and body.

“I can honestly say that Larkin is one of the most positive people I have ever met,” Loewen said.

“She consistently brings optimism, enthusiasm and positive energy to everything that she does.”

Growing up in Spokane, Barnett was surrounded by wellness professionals. Her grandfather, Edwin Judge Barnett, was chief of staff at Sacred Heart Hospital and is credited for discovering the cure for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Her father, Robert Barnett, was a renowned physician and medical researcher who made major innovations in neonatal care.

Barnett was more interested in dance than medicine as a youth – but it would be dance and the study of movement that would lead her to pioneering efforts in wellness. She studied modern dance at Sweet Briar College in Virginia where Eija Celli, a leader in the field of modern dance, was an instructor. Celli had studied Joseph Pilates’ work and emphasis on breathing, centering, concentration and movement flow.

After earning a degree in dance from Sweet Briar, Barnett worked as a fitness instructor in Massachusetts. It was there she developed an approach called ““Foundation Core/Breathing Formula” that emphasizes core strength and stability. The practice alleviates stress from joints by transferring body weight from the

legs to the center. Before long, it was apparent that Larkin’s students were thriving. Control and strength increased while mental and physical stress declined. Later, she combined the core theory with Pilates and the exercise world took notice.

Barnett – who also has a master’s degree in dance from Mills College in California – has been an educator in many venues. She taught dance choreography at Virginia Commonwealth University and exercise science at Florida Atlantic University.

Now acknowledged as one of the leading “movement therapists” in the world, Barnett teaches “centering” that focuses on strengthening the core to achieve physical and emotional equilibrium.

The trademarked “Barnett Formula” has been featured in Pilates Style magazine among other publications.

These days, Barnett teaches her groundbreaking techniques throughout the region, including Liberty Lake. The Trutina community on the city’s northside features a fitness center that includes springresistance Pilates equipment.

Larkin will be offering wellness workshops for the public at Trutina as well as Pilates expertise through private training and duets on Joseph Pilates Reformer and Chair Equipment to residents throughout the area.

From kids at Shriner’s Hospital to seniors to elite athletes, Barnett’s

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instruction has benefitted a wide range of people. To illustrate the growing influence of Pilates, Barnett points to the example of Chicago Cubs All Star pitcher Jake Arrieta, who has become such a believer in the approach that he convinced team officials to move Pilates equipment into the clubhouse at Wrigley Field.

The Splash caught up with Barnett recently to chat about Pilates, wellness and the art of centering.

For more information, visit www. larkinbarnett.com.

Q: Your family tree features medical professionals who achieved at a significant level in their respective fields. What sort of influence did it have on you to be surrounded by relatives so accomplished in the field of healing?

A: Without my family, I wouldn’t be doing what I am. I am humbled and honored by their lives, legacy and contributions. I was honestly motivated by making them proud.

Q: How would the average person benefit from learning more about Pilates and adding this practice to a daily routine?

A: Every Pilates’ exercise heals.

Our bodies repair every night while asleep. Pilates enhances this natural healing component.

This helps keep issues at bay and improves physiological anti-aging, at any age. Pilates not only elevates fitness levels it cultivates internal wellness. I gravitated to the genius of Joseph Pilates’ method because it is a lifestyle! Pilates improves every aspect of your life. Joseph created the Reformer, Chair and Cadillac spring resistance equipment. It’s specifically designed to support living pain-free and stress-free. The early work of Joseph Pilates took place in hospital settings, where he attached his genius springs to bedframes. Pilates will continue to expand into rehabilitation and hospital settings. Spokane has excellent opportunities for helping people heal in those environments through the inclusion of the Pilates method of healing.

Q: You returned to the Inland Northwest in 2009 after living and working for years in other areas of the country. Why did you decide to bring your unique approach to Pilates to your hometown?

A: Spokane’s love of sports and getting outdoors into nature made it a natural fit. Most of the world’s elite male and female athletes, cross-train on the Pilates’ equipment to stay injury-free and win. Jake Arrieta, pitcher for

See LARKIN, Page 5

The Splash

NOVEMBER 2017 • 3

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4 • NOVEMBER 2017

NEWS

Meeting explores transportation challenges, opportunities A holiday guide for the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake and Rockford areas

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

On November 20 and 21, the guides will be distributed throughout the greater Valley area via The Splash and The Current. The December issues are strategically scheduled to land before Thanksgiving, just in time to remind residents about supporting local businesses on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25) and throughout the holiday season.

A total of 35,000 copies of this guide will be included in the December issues of both The Current and The Splash. That’s right-be part of both publications for one price!

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Oct. 30 Nov. 6

By Tamara K. Williams Splash Correspondent On a recent tour through Eastern Washington, representatives from the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) met with local legislators and officials from the city of Liberty Lake to discuss transportation priorities.

The stop raised no shortage of both challenges and opportunities related to the future of transportation in Liberty Lake and the surrounding vicinity.

WSDOT Secretary Roger Millar and Regional Administrator Mike Gribner along with Sen. Mike Padden and Rep. Bob McCaslin Jr. and Rep. Matt Shea of the 4th Legislative District which includes Liberty Lake met with city staff at Liberty Lake City Hall on Oct. 4 to discuss funding for the Barker I-90 to Harvard Road and Henry Road Interchange projects.

While reviewing the plan for the transportation funding package, with costs estimated to be around $26.5 million, Mayor Steve Peterson noted that the funds would be supplemented by proceeds from Liberty Lake’s LIFT (Local Infrastructure Financing Tool). Peterson asked for primary consideration from WSDOT, underlining safety concerns involving events on I-90 that cause gridlock congestion into and out of the city. Peterson argued not only for city inhabitants, but for the impact on public safety for first responders and the inability to respond due to a lack of redundancy of circulation.

Liberty Lake City Administrator Katy Allen, Police Chief Brian Asmus and Spokane Valley Fire Chief Bryan Collins, were also present to speak on behalf of the projects.

“One of the biggest problems we face is the safety concern of the interchange on westbound Harvard Road,” said Allen. “The westbound on-ramp merge is so short and visibility so poor that you run out of lane before you can get on the freeway.”

In Liberty Lake, the only practical way to get out of town is on Country Vista Drive or I-90. The traffic increases are significant between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. and worse if there’s an accident.

The Splash

“There are other challenges when we have events like the Farmer’s Market or the garage sale event,” Allen said. “Everything here is growing. The city is expanding, our industry here is expanding. It’s a great problem to have but we need the funding for these projects because we don’t have that internal circulation or the capacity to handle everyone in the city.”

After the meeting, Allen noted that Millar and Gribner are fine with building Henry Road as an overpass but have consistently not wanted any connection to I-90. Peterson is arguing in favor of the connections to the interstate.

“Roger Millar says the state will help in ‘increments,’” Allen noted.

“The DOT does not support the concept we’re presenting. They’re saying, ‘Build the overpass and then we’ll come back for the connections.’”

When asked if the city got the answers they wanted at the meeting, Allen said, “I got the answers I expected.”

“I really appreciate that our legislators are working with the city,” Allen said. “The fire and police departments, the Central Valley School District, they all showed up, and I really appreciate that.”

Allen added that she is “interested in what the DOT is going to do internally to make this a better delivery of public services because I think you need to challenge yourself and to hold yourself to a commitment for continuous improvement and even though money is tight and very competitive, I think internally you have to ask, ‘How can I deliver this better? How can I deliver this project more efficiently?’”

Allen says she appreciates that the WSDOT officials and legislators at the meeting now have a better understanding of these issues the city is facing. She also acknowledged that transportation funding is a statewide issue.

“I understand the challenges other cities have, especially over on the west side of the state –the transportation and the commute times are horrendous – it’s very difficult for us to compete with that as a small jurisdiction.” Allen said.

“I think if they can put together strategies for the funding that Millar was talking about – and if we follow those, then we will be competitive.

I just want a system that is responsive and able to tell me what the rules are. I understand there are so many communities that want a lot, but I want to compete on a level playing field. I think this is about positive outcomes, working together and solving problems.”

The Splash

LARKIN

NEWS

Continued from page 2

the Cubs is but one example. He said, “Every baseball team will have Pilates’ equipment in their clubhouse.” That is starting to happen. My research of multiple movement disciplines led to inventing a Pilates-evolved system for athletes. Pilates reinforces an active lifestyle like hiking, biking, golf and team sports. Its multiple benefits include, deep internal strength, endurance, balance, flexibility and efficient breathing.

I’ve always said, “That for an athlete to compete they will have to train on the Pilates’ equipment.”

Pilates will assist the achievements of the human movement potential.

Q: For those who don't know much at all about Pilates, how would you describe it?

A: I believe instructors must know the Classical Pilates method created by Joseph Pilates. Its philosophy is to use total body movement to heal the entire body at once. It uniformly develops the body. You learn how to breathe powerfully, which oxygenates the tissues. It detoxes the body through a circulatory-boost. The mind stays focused upon accessing the deeper layers of the body where stability and health reside.

Q: In this fast-paced world known for generating stress, why is it important for us to slow down to find some peace and rejuvenation?

A: Civilization is getting harder.

Joseph Pilates said, “Civilization impairs physical fitness.” You can manage stress and heal through this method. Pilates’ movements must be taught at a slow tempo, with a specific breath and in a certain order. The act of slowing down and focusing within upon the body/mind connection is counterintuitive to our culture. It’s exactly what is missing from our lives. The benefits are a razor-like mental focus, acute body awareness and a heightened sense of being alive.

The optimal result is a calm vitality, which becomes infused into your daily activities. My clients inspire me with how they use their inner, practical tools to “move through” instead of trying to just “get through” life’s inevitable challenges.

Q: Are Pilates for everyone?

A: Absolutely. Joseph Pilates said, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. If, at the age of 30, you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If, at 60, you are supple and strong, then you are young. Not one man in the United Nations can do my first five exercises. How can we have world

peace?”

Q: From what you've observed, how does Liberty Lake rate when it comes to being a healthy, wellnessoriented community?

A: Liberty Lake is an active, health conscious community. The people appreciate nature and take part in outdoor recreational activities.

The feedback has been about their enhanced quality of life. For example, they can hike using their newfound strength and recuperate faster. Bikers are experiencing more stamina. Golfers are experiencing consistency in their game. Others are using the tools to help heal a variety of issues. Overall, they’re noticing better breathing, balance, core, sleep patterns and energy levels.

Q: Let's say someone may not have the time or resources to be enrolled in your classes or sign up for one-on-one sessions, what else can they do to achieve some of the emotional and physical healing that you teach?

A: I’d say your wellness and fitness are worth it. I’ve made Pilates extremely practical in my books, “Practical Centering,” Practical Pilates Using Imagery” and “Pilates and Calisthenics for Children,” “Athletic Kinetics: Pilates for Performance,” book and DVD. My life skills allow you to get fit anytime, anywhere and within any activity. No one even knows you’re doing it. Joseph Pilates said, “Vitality, power or health for you; everything comes from within, you have to unfold it.” In addition, cultivating an ongoing relationship with your inner fitness/wellness environment is the key to your full potential. By the way, Pilates on the equipment actually feels fantastic.

The genius of Josephs’ spring resistance system allows you to awaken, train and transform your body in continuous stages.

Q: Finally, we are just around the corner from the start of a New Year and the parade of resolutions that typically accompany it. Many of those new goals will involve exercise.

Do you have any advice for people who would like to improve their conditioning and stick with it throughout the year?

A: People who discover Pilates on the equipment make an effortless commitment to the method. This is because it becomes clear that it positively impacts all of their other relationships, healing, fitness, and lifestyle. Joseph Pilates said, “Every moment of our life can be the beginning of great things.”

NOVEMBER 2017 • 5

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IT’S TIME TO

Fall Back

Don’t forget to set your clocks back on November 5th

LIBRARY

6 • NOVEMBER 2017

The Splash

We will be closed November 10 in observance of Veteran’s Day. We will be closed November 23 and 24 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Activities

Friends of Book Sale

the

Library

Friday, November 17th 3:00 pm -6:00 pm Saturday, November 18th 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

ADULT EVENTS

Liberty Lake Meeting Room.

DIY Games

Wednesday, November 9th 4:00 pm

Books ‘n’ Brew

Thursday November 30th 6:30 pm Book club

Invent your very own board or card game to play with friends. Ages 6 and up. Registration required.

Thanksgiving Storytime

CHILDREN EVENTS

Adult Crafts

Friday, November 17th 10:30 am

Thursday November 16th 6:00 pm

Join us for pre-school storytime.

Create beautiful gift tags, cards and favors for all your friends and family just in time for Thanksgiving.

Stem-Tacular Thursday

Thursday, November 16th 4:00 pm

Nerf War

Friday, November 3rd 5:45 pm Drop-off 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Participants should bring their own Nerf gun.

Family Crafts

The library will provide standard Nerf darts.

Saturday November 18th 2:00 pm

Bring the family to make some fun fall Thanksgiving crafts.

Come build with us! Magformers, straws and connectors, keva planks and more! ages 6 and up.

BOOK SALE

*Limit to 24 participants.

Registration and permission slip required.

Family Movie Night

Thursday November 30th 6:00 pm All ages welcome.

facebook.com/libertylakelibrary/ • 509-232-2510 • www.libertylakewa.gov/library

North of I90 1st Annual Leaf Pickup in the River District November 13 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

South of I-90 25th Annual Liberty Lake Leaf and Beach Cleanup November 11-12 from 8:00 am to dusk

SOUTH OF I-90: Leaf, beach and yard waste will be picked up in front of residences within the LLSWD boundaries (if you receive water and/or sewer service from LLSWD, you are eligible for pickup, November 11 and 12.

NORTH OF I-90: Leaf and yard waste will be picked up in front of residences within the City of Liberty Lake boundaries on November 13.

All material must be bagged or contained for easy loading • Bags should be as close to the street as possible • Acceptable items include: leaves, yard/garden vegetation, weeds, pine needles, and grass clippings • We will NOT pick up the following: rocks, stumps, trees, limbs, shrubs, sod, or pumpkins • The schedule could change due to inclement weather

Questions? Contact LLSWD Office at 922-5443 or City Hall at 755-6700

The Splash

NOVEMBER 2017 • 7

The Lookout MEMO from the

Mayor

By Mayor Steve Peterson

The 16th annual Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort (SCOPE) and Law Enforcement Appreciation and Awards Banquet was held on Oct. 18 Wow! They had 46 award winners and over 700 officers, volunteers and family joining them.

Did also

I mention there were two Spokane County

commissioners and two mayors!

Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich thanked me for joining them in this event. I thanked him for my invite but also reminded him that my presence represented our 10,000 citizens in thanking those volunteers and law enforcement officers for their service and dedication to OUR community.

As mayor, I represent you in giving our heartfelt thanks for over 400,000 hours spent making our greater Spokane community safer!

The average SCOPE volunteer donates about 1,000 hours per year. What they do is more than

patrol our school crossings; they back up regular officers in office tasks which enable our patrol officers more time on the street fighting crime. Our entire system of policing is enhanced by their efforts.

While the value of having SCOPE and COPS (the city of Spokane’s version of community policing) in our neighborhoods is priceless, the cash value for their presence and work would exceed $20 million dollars! You really cannot put a price tag on this volunteerism. In November, as our country takes a four-day break for Thanksgiving,

Garden Notes

Looking out for tree health in a Tree City

By Joice Cary

City Horticulturist My grandmother Edith believed that a well-dressed lady should begin her day by squeezing into a girdle. Girdles may work wonders for the human form, but not for growing trees.

This month the city will be “ungirdling” a select number of mature city trees through a process called “root flare excavation.” Compressed air is directed at the base of the tree trunk blowing away soil and rocks, exposing the roots without damaging them. The roots can then be closely examined. What are we looking for?

Circling and girdling roots.

Nursery trees are often raised in pots or containers. As a tree grows larger it will be pulled out of the smaller pot and repotted into a large one or “potted-up.” Trees are pottedup regularly as trunk size and root mass increases. When tender new roots grow out and reach the edge of a pot they are forced to turn and continue growing along the inside wall, circumnavigating the pot – these are circling roots.

As a tree trunk grows larger the circling root grows larger as well. A circling root becomes a girdling root when it muscles into the vascular

tissue located directly behind the bark literally strangling the tree. Imagine sliding a metal ring on your finger at an early age. Now imagine as you grow bigger the ring grows too, becoming tighter and tighter until it (or your finger) must be removed.

Girdling roots can kill a tree. Often, we are unware of the problem until the tree shows signs of stress. Root flare excavation gives us the opportunity to remove girdling roots before damage is done. All excavations will be done on mature trees. To help ensure the health of future trees, this city horticulturist recommends root inspection and removal of circling roots for all trees before planting.

Here is more information: http:// ext100.wsu.edu/gardentips/ category/girdling-roots/ https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=5w4CpgjprW0

Where does our money go? City Budgeting 101

By RJ Stevenson Finance Director The city of Liberty Lake is preparing for the 2018 budget. In reality, we have been working on it since day one of this year. However, we have already held the first budget public hearing (in August) and departments have been preparing their budget requests. Here are some highlights of what goes into the process: The city operates on a “cash-basis” and our fiscal year runs from Jan. 1 thru Dec. 31. The city currently maintains 23 different funds – a fund is a sum of money available for a particular purpose – with 11 of those receiving monies from revenue sources such as property tax, sales tax, utility tax,

November 2017 let us remember those in our community who give back as volunteers for the better good.

When you see them on the street or in the store, say “Thanks!” A positive post or a share on their Facebook page will be appreciated.

These dedicated volunteer servants in any organization truly make our community great! Looking past Thanksgiving and into Christmas, consider giving our community organizations the gift of YOU as a volunteer! I can assure you it will be well- received. Thanks to you for making Liberty Lake “Spokane County’s Premier Address!” building permits and other service fees.

These revenue sources are deposited into the general fund. The general fund maintains most operations of the city which include police, library, parks, streets, building/planning and administrative services. Some of the revenue is placed aside for capital purposes such as fleet rotation (police vehicles), building infrastructure, debt service and reserve.

The other 12 funds have a revenue source that must be spent a certain way and not be used on city operations.

One Example is “REET” or Real Estate Excise Tax. This money is collected (.50 percent) on every property that sells in Liberty Lake. This money can only be spent on public infrastructure that has been identified on the city’s capital facilities plan.

During the budget process, the city must demonstrate how all these revenue sources support the operations and goals of the city. In September, the budget was reviewed by the mayor who made adjustments he deems necessary. In mid-October, the mayor presented his preliminary budget to the City Council for review and it was made available to the public shortly after.

Over the following six weeks, there will be more opportunities for public feedback regarding the budget. The capital facilities plan will also be updated and the City Council will review and ask questions regarding the budget. In November, the City Council will make a decision on what the city property tax levy should be set at. By the middle of December, the next year’s budget is passed.

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

The Splash

8 • NOVEMBER 2017

The results are in!

from our mock election

Last month, on October 11, 2017, the students from East Valley High School, Mica Peak High School, University High School, West Valley High School and Central Valley High School partnered with The Splash to create a candidate forum that featured the Liberty Lake City Council Candidates and Spokane Valley Fire Commissioner Candidates. All those in attendance were asked to participate in a mock election at the completion of the program. Here are the results.

City of liberty lake - non partisan office council position no. 2 Hugh Severs

43

council position no. 4 Odin Langford Jeanette Nall

49 23

council position no. 6 Mike T. Kennedy Dylan McGuire

67 4

Spokane Valley fire department - non partisan office commissioner position no.1

Patrick Burch Stan Chalich

70 83

commissioner position no. 5

Bill Anderson Larry Rider

37 109

Spokane county water district #3 - non partisan office Commisioner position no. 2

Nathan P. Jeffries Kevin McMulkin

28 38

Students also completed a rubiric to get themselves acquainted with each candidate and to determine who they should vote for. The following are the average results for each candidate.

Candidate

First Impression

score on response

charisma

sincerity

last Impression

Total Points

perentage of points

Odin Langford Jeanette Nall Mike Kennedy Patrick Burch Stan Chalich Bill Anderson Larry Rider

7.73 6.36 7.73 6.64 7.55 6.64 8.09

7.55 6.55 8 6.82 7.18 6.09 8

7.73 6.32 7.82 7.09 7.36 6.09 7.55

7.55 7.18 8.64 7.09 7.73 7.45 8.27

7.91 7.91 9.18 7.45 8.27 7.18 8.64

38.45 34.32 41.36 35.09 38.09 33.45 40.55

77% 69% 83% 70% 76% 67% 81%

There is still time to cast your vote for the official election. Ballots must be post marked or dropped off at one of the following locations by 8:00 pm November 7. If you need a replacement ballot go to https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/ to print your ballot.

Liberty Lake Library VOTER SERVICE CENTER 23123 E Mission Ave CenterPlace Liberty Lake, WA 99019 2426 N Discovery Place Otis Orchards Library Spokane Valley, WA 99216 22324 E Wellesley Ave Otis Orchards, WA 99027

The Splash

NOVEMBER 2017 • 9

NEWS

Two on ballot, one in race for council Pos. 6

By Craig Howard Splash Editor

A casual look at the Nov. 7 ballot for Liberty Lake City Council would make it appear there is a race for Pos. 6 on the governing board.

That scenario officially changed on Sept. 5 when candidate Dylan McGuire announced at that night’s council meeting that he was stepping away from his campaign against Mike Kennedy. McGuire cited changes in his job duties as the reason for his decision.

However, McGuire’s announcement came too late to remove his name from the general election ballot.

Jessica McGuire (no relation to Dylan) resigned from the No. 6 council seat on May 31. She had been appointed last June to fill the remainder of Keith Kopelson’s term. The chair revolved full-circle this July when Kopelson – who had stepped down due to health

concerns – was appointed by council to fulfill the remainder of McGuire’s term.

November 17-18-19, 2017 41st Annual Christmas

Kopelson will serve until the upcoming general election is certified on Nov. 28.

In the race for council position No. 4, challenger Jeanette Nall is facing off against incumbent Council Member Odin Langford.

Council Member Hugh Severs is running unopposed for Pos. 2.

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Liberty Lake City Council Position 6

Although my opponent has announced he is unable to continue his campaign, his name will still appear on your ballot. I would be honored to have your vote! -Mike Paid for by Mike Kennedy for Liberty Lake, PO Box 668, Liberty Lake, WA 99019

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The Splash

10 • NOVEMBER 2017

Council discusses changes to Orchard Park design

By Craig Howard Splash Editor One of the unique luxuries of a city with accessible acreage is the ability to build parks. Ask Liberty Lake’s municipal neighbors like the city of Spokane Valley or Millwood about the prospects of a new greenspace project within their land-limited borders and you will likely be met by blank stares.

Not so in Spokane County’s easternmost jurisdiction.

With large-scale parks like Pavillion and Rocky Hill already part of the landscape, the city of Liberty Lake – in collaboration with Greenstone Homes – is gearing up for another open space with recreational amenities. This time, the community’s north side, more specifically the western section of the River District, will be the beneficiary.

At the Oct. 3 City Council meeting, details of the Orchard Park design were discussed. A budget of $2.5 million has been established for the project with $500,000 of that total hinging on a potential grant from the state Recreation Conservation Office (RCO). If the grant is not awarded, the city will move forward with a $2 million blueprint.

Land for the 11-acre greenspace has been donated by Greenstone Homes, developer of the north side’s burgeoning River District.

SPVV Landscape Architects is the designer.

City Administrator Katy Allen told council last month that the city “had a chance to look at changes to improve access to restrooms and other facilities at the park.”

“We’re looking for feedback on that design to pass along to the developers,” Allen said.

Allen went on to say that the goal is to wrap up the park’s design in the next six to eight weeks and get bids out late this year or in early 2018.

“We want to start construction as

This patch of land in the western part of the River District west of Harvard Road is slated for Orchard Park, an 11-acre greenspace with amenities like multi-sport courts, a community garden, amphitheater and more. The land for the project was donated by Greenstone Homes.

Photo by Craig Howard early as possible,” she said.

Council Member Hugh Severs took the lead on the Oct. 3 presentation, describing Orchard Park as being “on a similar scale to Pavillion Park with its own characteristics.”

According to a design drawing on the city’s website, the park will feature multi-sport courts, a community garden, pathways, a splash pad, amphitheater/pavilion and more. There has also been talk of adding a fitness station that will be part of the Fallen Heroes Circuit Course, already in place at five venues on the south side of town.

Severs, a resident of the River District, said Orchard Park “will really bring something to the north side of Liberty Lake.”

Referencing the conversation at a homeowners’ association meeting he attended earlier this year, Severs said residents are enthused about the project.

“I really think this is going to be heavily used right away,” he said.

“It will be an awesome amenity to our city.”

The design for Orchard Park relied heavily on the feedback of residents over the course of nearly two years. The first open house on the project was held in October of 2015. Construction of the park could begin as early as next spring.

Image courtesy of the city of Liberty Lake

Severs – a landscape architecture major at Washington State University who worked in the field before transitioning to financial planning – brought up several potential design changes, including the move of restrooms closer to the amphitheater/pavilion. Currently, restrooms are situated in the far corner of the park, a 360-foot walk away. There was also talk of moving the picnic shelter closer to the splash pad.

While a concession stand is not currently part of the design, interest did emerge among council

to possibly add it to the layout.

Several council members referred to the addition of the concession stand at Pavillion Park in 2015.

Council approved a budget of just under $300,000 for that standalone building.

“I’d rather see it be done now more cheaply than more expensive later,” said Council Member Cris Kaminskas of the idea for a stand at Orchard Park.

Council Member Dan Dunne, who has seen the success of the concession stand at Pavillion Park as a volunteer with Liberty Lake Kiwanis said the idea made sense.

“I like the value of this asset,” he said. “I think it would be a good investment.”

Council said any should be the needs

Member Odin Langford changes to the design considered in relation to of residents.

“It’s whatever you think is going to work best for the people in that area,” he said.

Allen estimated that a concession stand add-on would increase the overall budget by $100,000 with the re-design running somewhere in the range of $20,000 to $40,000.

Council ultimately decided to request a new design that includes a move of the restrooms and picnic shelter as well as the incorporation of a concession stand. No final determination was made on the concession stand, however, as reference was made to the uncertainty of the RCO grant.

“The goal is to put together a bid strategy that allows us to stay within our budget,” said City Engineer Andrew Staples.

The Splash

NOVEMBER 2017 • 11

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LIBERTY LAKE

COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

Council hears first draft of 2018 budget

By Craig Howard Splash Editor Mayor Steve Peterson began his address on the city’s 2018 preliminary budget by referring to the “Five P’s.”

“Pumps, pipe, pavement, parks and people are the focus of the city of Liberty Lake’s 2018 budget,” Peterson told the City Council and residents in attendance at the Oct. 17 council meeting.

“Working together and for the citizens of Liberty Lake over the last six years has been extremely rewarding,” the mayor said. “The City Council and I appreciate the positive comments by our residents regarding the public investments in our community. We have worked hard to take care of our facilities, including trails, parks and open space, while planning for and addressing the transportation needs of our growing community.”

Peterson went on to provide an overview of municipal achievements over the past year, starting with a reference to a strong local economy where “revenues tracked ahead of projections.” As they have for the past three years, building permits through the city have been on the increase. Peterson also noted that Liberty Lake’s total long-term debt is under $500,000 while a major asset – Trailhead at Liberty Lake Golf Course – is now owned outright by the city.

The mayor highlighted the most significant capital project of the last year – the renovation of Liberty Lake Road and intersections of that arterial at Appleway and Country Vista, calling attention to the

upgrade of “intuitive lights to best handle traffic flow.”

Peterson tipped his hat to the internal efforts of the library and Planning Commission as well as partnerships with entities like the Central Valley School District. He also brought up the city’s purchase of 23 acres of conservation area earlier this year as well as the application for reimbursement for that land from the Washington State and Spokane County Conservation Futures Fund.

“Our commitment of a safe, clean and green community with excellent facilities, service and infrastructure continues in the preparation of the 2018 budget,” the mayor said.

When it comes to growth and development, the mayor said Liberty Lake has the capacity to be a city of 25,470 residents at some point in the future, based on current land-use designation.

“The pace of development is driven by the market, but we do know that as we grow we want to maintain the lifestyle, open space, public services and safety that we currently enjoy,” Peterson said. “This will require that we are strategic in our thinking, have a long-term views for land use policies, funding services, business outreach and retention.”

On the transportation front, the mayor said it would be imperative to take “a long-term view of our transportation needs.” To do that, the city is utilizing the results of a 2016 transportation study that provides recommendations for improvements that will be a key to securing grant funding.

“In coming years, it will fall upon the city to provide more resources for transportation improvements than in the past,” the mayor said.

“We must ensure that funds are

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE brought forward to address our transportation needs now. We have been working diligently with WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) and other agencies to design, fund and construct these improvements.”

Peterson said the city is focusing on several major projects down the road, including the expansion of the Harvard Road Bridge that would create an additional northbound land and a new Henry Road interchange that would improve connectivity and safety for motorists.

Peterson said the preliminary budget for next year sets aside $1 million for street maintenance.

Revenue from the city’s 3-percent utility tax continues to be the main source for road upkeep. The list of responsibilities related to street maintenance includes snow removal, adding street stripes, replacing signs, overlaying trails, repairing drainage structures and more.

“What we have and what we build requires maintenance and care,” Peterson said. “It is important that we fund repairs of our existing streets on a continual basis with dedicated funds from our utility tax.”

With the first phase of The Heights’ neighborhood street overlay completed in 2017, Peterson said the 2018 budget includes funding for the final two phases. Looking ahead to 2019, the mayor said a similar overlay of Mission to Molter as well as prep work for Homestead and related streets is in the works.

The mayor also called attention to the city’s recent implementation of a “fully functional street and snow removal department using our own equipment based on other city’s successful models.”

Peterson said the electronic message board at the corner of Country Vista and Liberty Lake Road has been received well by citizens and allowed the city “to improve communication and advertising of our community events.” Two similar signs are in the plans for 2018.

Peterson said the irrigation systems at both Trailhead and Pavillion Park need to be replaced, noting that the 2018 budget “includes funding to design and construct system upgrades to the pumps and main lines in a timely fashion to maintain these greenspaces.”

In describing the financial blueprint for next year, Peterson said the budget “has conservative revenue projections and disciplined expenditures.” He said it would be important to staff the parks department appropriately as the city “acquires responsibility of new completed capital projects while keeping up with our expanding park, golf and now Liberty Lake and Liberty Creek Elementary school land.”

Peterson said it should be a city priority to provide additional pedestrian crossing and speed controls on Country Vista, Appleway, Harvard and Mission.

“I would like to thank the City Council for their efforts in working through the issues, opportunities and challenges facing the city,” Peterson said in closing. “I also would like to thank Katy Allen, RJ Stevenson, Jen Camp, Chief Asmus and their staff who are providing outstanding service to our great community. They truly make this city work. This city has unity, leadership and a vision to provide a community of which citizens are proud and a place where businesses can grow and flourish.”

12 • NOVEMBER 2017

A look at neighborhood numbers

By Craig Howard Splash Editor The numbers are in – throughout Spokane County, there is an unprecedented market for multi-family housing.

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research, the apartment vacancy rate for the region has hovered around 1.4 percent or lower since 2015.

In 2010, the rate was above 8 percent.

According to the American Community Survey (ACS), multi-family housing stock in towns and cities across the county in comparison to singlefamily housing ranges from 59.6 percent in a college town like Cheney to 13.4 percent in homeabundant Millwood.

Liberty Lake checks in somewhere in the middle at 30.1 percent, just behind the city of Spokane Valley at 32.8 percent.

Overall, ACS found that 63 percent of households in Spokane County are owner occupied.

Another study, this one by the Association of Washington Cities, found that ratio of homeowners to those who rent apartments, condominiums or single-family homes in Liberty Lake currently stands at 64.5 percent to 35.5 percent.

It doesn’t take much research to see that county’s easternmost community continues to grow. From 2000 to 2015, Liberty Lake recorded the most significant household growth of any jurisdiction in the county, adding 1,397 households according to ACS. The city also has the highest current median household income at $64,270.

Those currently looking for apartments can find the best deal in the north section of Spokane County where the average monthly rent for a twobedroom dwelling is currently $729 according to the SpokaneKootenai Real Estate Research

COVER STORY Committee. The costliest rates are in the south end at an average of $1,015 while the Valley sector – which includes Liberty Lake – now runs $842 a month on average.

The demand for multi-family housing has been met with mixed results in a county that defers to a statewide standard designed to discourage residential sprawl. The Washington Growth Management Act (GMA) prevents developers from building apartment units and other multi-family housing outside certain boundaries. While rural land is generally less expensive than property along Country Vista or Appleway in Liberty Lake, you won’t find apartment complexes sprouting up in Otis Orchards or Greenacres due to the GMA. Sometimes, bids for multifamily projects fail to take hold for other reasons. The Spokane City Council rejected a proposed zoning change in the Indian Trail neighborhood that would have added 600 apartment units after residents there voiced concern over the development’s impact on traffic, park space, schools and community aesthetics.

The first large-scale apartment project in the city of Liberty Lake was approved in early June of 2004 – not quite three years after municipal incorporation – when the Liberty Lake Land Co. earned approval from City Council for a zoning text amendment to build 192 units along Country Vista Drive.

By February of the following year, Vandervert Construction had made a good start on the framework and infrastructure of 18 buildings. By that summer, the first units were complete and ready to rent.

The Splash

A Dilemma over Dwellings – Multi-family housing spurs debate

By Craig Howard Splash Editor Big Trout Lodge settled in calm community waters when it was established as an upscale apartment complex along East Country Vista Drive in 1999.

The city of Liberty Lake was still two years away from incorporation at the time, meaning the project – a joint venture between Greenstone Homes and the Wolf Co. – fell under Spokane County zoning regulations. Nearly 300 multifamily housing units would be added, along with amenities like a clubhouse and community garden.

Greenstone founder Jim Frank recalls Big Trout being part of “a master development plan that showed the location of multi-family housing in close proximity to the retail core of the city.” The result was a pedestrian-friendly dwelling within walking and biking distance of stores, restaurants, trails and parks.

“There was no community opposition to multi-family housing at that time as the community understood the vision for the community and the master plan guiding the development,” Frank says.

Greenstone eventually converted half of the apartments at Big Trout to condominiums, renaming that portion of the site “Big Trout Villas.”

As the city developed, residents of the condos and apartments found themselves a short jaunt from the thriving Liberty Lake Farmers Market to the north and a new City Hall to the south.

Lake terrain for nearly two decades.

Frank points to the development as an example of how multi-family projects can be integrated into a community “to achieve economic and social diversity.”

“Big Trout Lodge has not negatively impacted the value of homes in that part of the city,” Frank said.

By late 2013, California-based Kennedy-Wilson Properties Ltd. had controlling interest in Big Trout. The company’s purchase of the complex was part of a larger acquisition of apartment complexes in December of that year which, in the words of Kurt Zech of Kennedy-Williams, were “all located in submarkets with excellent occupancy rates and limited supply.”

Nearly 20 years later, Zech’s words still ring with relevancy – despite a dramatic shift in the market that Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson is fond of calling “Spokane County’s premier address.”

It turns out many folks are interested in calling Liberty Lake their address. Some move into more traditional single-family homes in neighborhoods like Legacy Ridge or Rocky Hill. Others establish their residence in one of the city’s multifamily developments like Big Trout, Bitterroot Lodge or Broadwing.

“We are an urban area in a country setting and are transitioning,” said Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson.

“People enjoy the convenience and location of our city along with

See HOUSING, Page 13

Nestled in a neighborhood near both commercial buildings and single-family housing, Big Trout has been part of the Liberty

Chris Collins, who served as project manager for Vandervert, commented at the time that the project would add to the housing diversity in Liberty Lake.

“We see this complex as another option for renters in this area,” said Collins.

Over 13 years later, the apartment market throughout Spokane County is as narrow as ever.

Whether it's townhomes in the River District or apartments at Legacy Villas, Liberty Lake features a variety of housing options. The current ratio of singlefamily homes to multi-family homes in the city currently stands at around 70 to 30 percent.

Photo by Craig Howard

The Splash

COVER STORY

NOVEMBER 2017 • 13

Appleway and other main arterials, Liberty Lake faces challenges connected to development and infrastructure that were little more than subtext 20 years ago.

Yet Frank and Greenstone – known more for developing singlefamily neighborhoods like Rocky Hill and Meadowwood – have been consistent over time in extolling the benefits of balancing singlefamily to multi-family housing at a ratio of 70 to 30 percent.

“If that balance falls to far off the 70-30 ratio, then problems can develop,” Frank said. “Too low and you are not able to meet the housing needs of young people, families in transition and seniors looking to downsize. Too high, then you risk a loss of sense of community and social cohesiveness.”

Construction continues in earnest on the north side of Liberty Lake in the River District. The project is being developed

by Greenstone Homes, known for work in Liberty Lake neighborhoods like Rocky Hill and Meadowwood.

Photo by Craig Howard

HOUSING

Continued from page 12

the many amenities we provide.

The housing market for all ages is now looking at different housing opportunities and this is the driving force.”

Council fields feedback Attendance at City Council meetings over the past year has been on the uptick – partly due to the number of residents who have turned out to weigh in on multi-family housing, or more specifically on Legacy Villas, a 258unit apartment complex currently under construction on East Country Vista Drive.

Last June, a slew of residents from Legacy Ridge, the singlefamily development up the hill from Legacy Villas, turned out to express their views to City Council. While the city had recently approved a six-month moratorium on new multi-family housing, Legacy Villas had its application approved prior to the freeze taking effect.

Patsy Ryan was one of several citizens who told the governing board she was concerned about the

impact on an already busy Country Vista Drive.

“Don’t put the horse before the cart,” Ryan said.

A few months later, at a council meeting in September, resident Chad Walters asked those around the dais about infrastructure preparations related to projects like Legacy Villas.

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

The city called a special open house last October to specifically address issues being raised by those in Legacy Ridge. Chairs were set out in the hallway of City Hall in response to the overflow crowd. Resident Becky Newman said it seemed like the city wasn’t listening to residents.

“It appears to many of us that you have disrespect or disregard for us, that you don’t have our best interests in mind,” she said.

One example of municipal outreach has been Mayor Pro Tem Shane Brickner who has met with a number of Legacy Ridge residents to discuss their apprehensions

about Legacy Villas. Brickner has also worked with the Central Valley School District and the Legacy Ridge Homeowners Association to address safety conditions for bus transportation in the neighborhood.

The latest discussion involves Peterson and Brickner exploring the possibility of the city purchasing a swale for a bus turnout.

There is also a backroad being built from Legacy Villas to Legacy Ridge Road to improve access.

In talking to Legacy Ridge residents, Brickner said opinions are split 50/50 on the prospect of a traffic light on Country Vista at either Henry Road or Legacy Ridge Road. He supports the idea of a signal going in before a crosswalk.

“With that traffic on Country Vista, I don’t think having a pedestrian crossing there alone would be safe,” he said.

North side melting pot It doesn’t take a municipal research expert to reveal that Liberty Lake has changed drastically since Big Trout Lodge sprang up in the late 1990s. With a current population of over 9,000, annexed acreage and traffic snarls on

In developing the River District on the north side of Liberty Lake, Greenstone has continued its emphasis on housing variety. From the apartments at Bitterroot Lodge to the 55-plus dwellings at Trutina, the project blends multi-family options with plenty of single-family homes. Frank says “the balance provides for the needs for rental housing in the community while at the same time ensuring a strong sense of community that comes from residents that are invested in the community.”

“In the River District, the approach has been the same used north of I-90,” Frank said.

“We establish a vision for the community and a master plan to guide and implement that visions.

This meant that we established early on the locations where multifamily housing would occur and the general balance between singlefamily and multi-family uses.”

Council nixes rezoning On Sept. 19, the City Council faced one of its highest profile decisions to date on multi-family housing – this one involving the prospect of a zone change that would have allowed for more apartments.

Gregg Dohrn, a consultant hired by the city two years ago to streamline the comprehensive plan and development regulations, served as a moderator of the discussion before a standingroom-only crowd at City Hall. At the center of the conversation was the possibility of allowing for multifamily housing in an industrial zone on Appleway west of Madson Road.

“Multi-family housing is not permitted in the industrial zone

See ZONING, Page 16

The Splash

14 • NOVEMBER 2017

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The Splash

SVFD secures federal funds for fire prevention

From Splash News Sources More than 500 homes will receive free Home Fire Safety visits from the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD), thanks to a new $117,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is being used to support and expand SVFD’s new Community Risk Reduction program.

The grant funding will primarily be used to purchase supplies and equipment including 3,000 smoke alarms, 500 carbon monoxide alarms, 100 flashing light alarms and 100 bed shaker alarms (for the deaf/hard of hearing) and 100 combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. The funds will also pay for public safety materials and training.

“In exchange for the grant funding, we have committed to complete at least 500 free Home Fire Safety visits within one year,” said Elysia Spencer, SVFD’s Community Risk Reduction specialist.

“This commitment includes two home fire safety visit “blitzes” in high-risk neighborhoods identified through analysis of fire department data, demographics, the age of homes in the area, and risk factors including fire fatalities

NOVEMBER 2017 • 15

within the last 10 years. With nearly 60 percent of all home fire fatalities occurring in residences without working smoke alarms, our goal is to prevent residents from becoming part of that statistic.”

SVFD completed the first of the two “blitzes” on Oct. 7 in the University neighborhood (Sprague to Broadway Avenue and University to Mullan Road) in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week.

Teams of volunteers knocked on more than 450 doors. With the resident’s permission, the volunteer teams tested existing smoke alarms and installed 386 new smoke alarms in 99 homes to ensure working smoke alarms are in the right locations throughout each home.

In one home housing a family of seven, volunteers found four preexisting smoke alarms but none were working. They installed eight smoke alarms in that home, alone.

Overall, volunteers noted 196 preexisting smoke alarms, but found less than half were working.

In addition to smoke alarms, residents also received information and instructions focused on the 2017 National Fire Prevention Week emphasis – “Every Second Counts – Plan Two Ways Out!” And, residents received a Home Fire Safety Checklist with important information about cooking safety, smoking, heating, electrical safety and more.

SVFD partnered with the American Red Cross and local volunteers to

complete the five-hour project.

“The infusion of funding into our new Home Fire Safety Visit program will immediately result in safer homes for residents, as well as safer environments for first responders,” explained Spencer. “In the long-term, educated residents will be empowered to continue to proactively improve the health and safety of their residence, resulting in decreased injuries and fatalities from identified risks.”

The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant is in the Fire Prevention and Safety category. Of the $117,000 grant amount, SVFD must match $5,571 with the remaining $111,429 from FEMA. The grant was awarded to SVFD in September 2017.

Year to date (including pre-grant), SVFD personnel have visited more than 400 homes and have installed nearly 1,300 smoke alarms, 80 batteries, 10 carbon monoxide alarms, one flashing smoke alarm and one bed shaker smoke alarm.

Additionally, 22 smoke and 30 carbon monoxide alarms were relocated within residences for proper function. These visits are performed by prevention staff and by on-duty crews when in homes on emergency calls.

All SVFD residents are eligible for a free Home Fire Safety Visit.

These visits are scheduled by calling 892-4153 or visiting www. spokanevalleyfire.com.

The life-saving benefits of smoke alarms From the National Protection Association

Fire

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.

Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area.

Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Smoke alarms should be interconnected.

When one sounds, they all sound.

Large homes may extra smoke alarms.

need

It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.

Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires.

Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.

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People who are hard-ofhearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.

Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department continues to get the word out about the importance of smoke detectors. The department offers free home fire safety inspections as well as free installation of fire alarms.

Contributed image

The Splash

16 • NOVEMBER 2017

In spite of the new Liberty Creek K-2 Elementary, Williams said many neighbors with children “are already upset at the overcrowding of school” and the kids being bussed to schools outside their community.

As far as the scarcity of apartments and those calling for an increase in affordable housing options, Williams said “this is not a unique Liberty Lake problem but an entire countywide issue.”

“Developers should be required to provide housing at various prices and greenspace,” she said. “The city should demand a more rigorous city plan that cannot be changed at someone’s whim. In my opinion, we have already maxed the apartment dwellings percentage and need to continue to focus on single-family housing.”

Perspectives from City Hall

As Spokane County's easternmost jurisdiction, the City of Liberty Lake has room to grow. Most development is currently takingplace on the north side of town. Buildout of the city has been estimated at over 25,000 residents.

Image courtesy of the City of Liberty Lake

ZONING

Continued from page 13 now,” Dohrn said. “The only way you could have that is if regulations permit it or if the comprehensive plan says it would be appropriate for that development. It would take an amendment to comp plan as part of a mixed-use, planned unit development.”

Jason Fierst was among several residents to speak at the public hearing prior to the council’s vote.

He pointed out that 520 signatures had been collected in nine days opposing the zoning change.

“My feeling is the community is at least saying this needs to be put out for further consideration,” said Fierst, who moved to Liberty Lake seven years ago and works as the managing partner of the local Quality Inn. “The tempo I get is the community is not ready for highdensity, residential in that area. I love development in Liberty Lake.

We’ve grown at a pace that has protected our community.”

Fierst added that he was “avidly in favor of mixed-use development” that would bring more commercial uses into the city.

Peterson has also voiced his support of such development, noting that stipulations in the industrial zone have prevented certain businesses from setting up shop.

“Opening it up to more commercial development means expanding

our retail base,” the mayor said.

“Currently, you can’t build a freestanding restaurant there. It gives community a chance to have a much more robust commercial base.”

Resident Dannetta Garcia also spoke out at the public hearing, saying “multi-family housing is not the albatross we think it is.”

“Many of us in this room have lived in multi-family housing at some time in our life,” she said. “I have not. When we consider what’s happening in and around our area, Multi-family is affordable housing.”

When the final vote was called, council unanimously voted against any amendment for a zoning change.

A view from Legacy Ridge At a City Council meeting last year, resident Ellen Williams called for the city “to be transparent” when it comes to development.

With Legacy Villas going up just down the hill from her home in Legacy Ridge, Williams is concerned about the influx of traffic with only three entrances and no traffic lights or controls. Then there is the streetscape along Country Vista.

“Aesthetically, the row of apartments is unsightly and monotonous, especially so close to the beautiful trees,” she said.

At one point during a council discussion on multi-family housing last year, Langford told those gathered in council chambers that the city “can’t just close the door to apartments.”

“Each application is based on its own merit,” he said.

Liberty Lake’s plan seems to statement.

comprehensive back up the

Originally approved in 2003, the document was established as the city’s blueprint for development over the next 20 years. The plan states that Liberty Lake should “provide the opportunity for all household income levels to obtain adequate

See CITY, Page 17

“I’m not opposed to multi-family housing, just not there,” said Council Member Cris Kaminskas.

“We’re not Seattle, we’re not Portland. The infrastructure is not there to handle those apartments.”

Council Member Hugh Severs added that the citizens had spoken.

“That’s the number one thing I think the citizens are telling us that this is off the table,” he said.

Council Member Odin Langford urged the city to take steps that would promote more efficient navigation of the housing maze – for everyone.

“Clearly, we need more educational workshops,” he said.

“What are we talking about it, why are we talking about it and what does it mean?”

City Administrator points out zoning designations on a municipal map at last October's open house at City Hall attended by residents of Legacy Ridge.

Concern has been expressed in that neighborhood about the Legacy Villas apartment complex being built to the north.

Photo by Craig Howard

The Splash

CITY

Continued from page 16 housing.” Meanwhile municipal policies are meant to facilitate “a supply of all housing types and a broad range of ownership and rental housing opportunities.”

For Peterson, the priority is “trying to stay ahead of a changing marketplace.”

“Liberty Lake is growing in smaller unit and mixed units,” he said. “It is also growing in single-family.

Currently there are well over 4,000 single-family lots plotted for development in all areas of the city – Stonehill, Trutina, Legacy Ridge and the River District. We are fortunate to have a very well-planned community and are working to ensure the quality of life issues are addressed in our city plans.”

In fielding concerns over Liberty Lake’s ability to deal with a growing population, City Administrator Katy Allen says the city is well aware of the impact and is preparing accordingly.

“Based on land use designation and projection of public service demands like streets, parks, utility services and public safety through buildout, we have sufficient infrastructure to support the future population,” Allen said. “We work closely with all service providers like Avista, sewer, water, Central Valley School District, tribes and the county on every project to identify and mitigate substantiated impacts.”

In counting the nine current

NOVEMBER 2017 • 17

multi-family developments in the city, plus others that have been approved but not yet built as part of blueprints in the River District and Stone Hill, Kaminskas believes the city has reached its ceiling on such projects.

“It is very important that there be a wide range of housing options in our city and that has been accomplished very well to date,” she said. “The income restricted housing on the east side of our city limits are aesthetically pleasing and well maintained. When the Stone Hill development is complete, I believe those multi-family units will visually flow very well into the rest of the area.”

When Brickner and his family moved to Liberty Lake 14 years ago, Big Trout Lodge represented a sensible housing option while their home was being built. Now from his City Council seat, Brickner has heard the rumblings from residents who want to make sure the city is braced for developments like Legacy Villas. Brickner said it all comes down to the quality of service and reliability of infrastructure that now define Liberty Lake.

“We have an amazing community that is smaller in comparison and a city that has had great emphasis on providing good service to those citizens,” he said. “Our community rightfully has brought up concerns about maintaining balance with schools, streets and development.

I see both sides. I get the concerns about traffic, school usage and development. I share in those concerns. I think we need to have a great focus on balance.”

Legacy Villas springs up in thriving market

By Craig Howard Splash Editor

About a half mile to the west of Liberty Lake City Hall, the most discussed topic on the municipal agenda over the past year is well underway – construction of the Legacy Villas apartment complex.

In the well-appointed Legacy Villas office on East Country Vista Drive, Community Manager Channa Neal talks about the project as “a different idea in community housing” with upscale features like quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and central AC and heat. A spacious exercise room, pool area and comfortable clubhouse highlight the amenities.

Rent here is not cheap – monthly rates range from $1,200 to $1,800 a month. One, two and three-bedrooms are part of the layout. Some units include garages.

The flyer for Legacy Villas looks like a page out of the walkable community handbook and includes a savvy reference to Liberty Lake’s favorite mode of transportation: “Hop on a cart and make your way down the sidewalk to the golf courses or take a stroll to your favorite coffee shop,” the flyer reads. “A short five-minute drive away, you’ll find Liberty Lake where the entertainment continues with jet skis and park activities.”

When spaces opened here in early June, most went quickly.

Of the 36 units available, 30 are already occupied.

Neal, who joined Legacy Villas in April, said being established in a community like Liberty Lake is one of the site’s main draws.

“People love it here,” she said. “They think Liberty Lake is beautiful. A lot of people are moving here from outside the state, whether it’s a job transfer or people just really loving this area.

They’re coming from Seattle, Portland and other places.”

The Stonehill development in the city's western section includes a blend of single-family and multi-family residences.

Photo by Craig Howard

Neal said there has been dedicated effort to reach out to businesses in the area as part of Legacy Villas integrating into the community. She said some residents of the Legacy Ridge

neighborhood up the hill have stopped by to tour the complex.

There are also a few former Legacy Ridge residents who now call Legacy Villas home.

Situated on 16.2 acres, Legacy Villas will feature 258 units at buildout. The first phase is expected to be completed by February. The second phase – currently characterized by heavy equipment carving out large sections of dirt on the slope above phase one – has already begun.

“Once it’s done, I hope it’s well-received,” said Steve White, co-owner of Copper Basin Construction, the Hayden, Idahobased developer responsible for the project. “We think it will be a great asset to the community.”

White is aware of the concern raised by some residents over the addition of such a large-scale multi-family complex, particularly among those living in the nearby Legacy Ridge neighborhood, but he is quick to point out that the land zoning in place could have brought a different result.

“You could have had a manufacturing plant there,” he said.

As part of the project, Copper Basin paid into the Harvard Road Mitigation Plan, a program established by the city of Liberty Lake in the early days after incorporation in which developers cover the costs of transportation studies and other research to identify infrastructure needs connected to new development.

White said the mitigation approach “absolutely makes sense” as the city and developers collaborate to address the impact of growth.

“You’re looking at the needs of the entire city,” he said.

COMMUNITY

18 • NOVEMBER 2017

November 3rd 4:00-7:30 p.m.

Tri Community Grange, 25025 E. Heather Lane, one block north of Trent on Starr Road in Newman Lake $8 adults/$4 children ages 5 to 12 Kids under 5 eat free Raffle prizes Money raised goes to support grange activities and operations

Annual Homeowner’s Meeting Wednesday

Nov. 15th 7:00 pm City Hall

22710 E. Country Vista Board of Directors positions are available for interested homeowners More Information At: www.meadowwoodhoa.com

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

P.O. Box 427 • Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Friday, Nov. 17 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 18 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

23123 E Mission Ave.

The Splash

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS Through Oct. 31 | Green Bluff Apple Festival. If you haven’t been to Green Bluff as the leaves turn color, now is the time to plan your visit.

This celebrated collection of farms and orchards in north Spokane has been featured in numerous national publications including Town and Country and is a traditional autumn favorite among tourists and locals alike. The Apple Festival showcases picturesque rural settings right out of a Winslow Homer painting. The landscape includes straw mazes, many varieties of apples, music, arts and crafts, pumpkins and more.

Nearly three dozen orchards are featured as part of the “Green Bluff Loop.” To learn more, visit www. greenbluffgrowers.com.

Nov. 3 | Tri Community Grange Spaghetti Feed, 4-7:30 p.m., 25025 E. Heather Lane, Newman Lake, one block north of Trent on Starr Road.

Cost: $8 for adults, $4 for children 5 to 12.

Nov. 3-4 | Farm and Food Expo, Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene Street, Spokane. Enjoy over 75 classes about food and farming culture, featuring small acreage farmers, garden enthusiasts and foodies. This year’s presenters include Jean-Martin Fortier and Curtis Stone. Please visit http://sccd.org/ departments/small-acreage/farmfood-expo for more information and ticket prices.

Nov. 4 | Spokane Valley Heritage 14th annual Heritage Luncheon Fundraiser, 11:30 a.m. This year’s luncheon program is “The 1893 Gold Rush: the Inland Northwest’s Best Kept Secret” presented by Tony and Suzanne Bamonte and held at the Spokane Valley Eagles Hall. Included in this program are the annual Heritage Preservation Award, a Silent Auction, and a themed meal. Tickets available at museum and at the door.

Seating is limited. Please support your community museum. $20 ticket includes program and luncheon. For more information call 922-4570 or visit www.spokanevalleymuseum. com.

Nov. 11 | Breakfast with the Marines, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., VFW Post 1435, 212 S. David Street, Spokane Valley. All you can eat breakfast for $7. Over 60: $5; Kids under 12: $5. No cost for kids under 3.

Nov. 12 | Race to Feed Our Veterans, 10 a.m. to noon, Riverside Memorial Park, 508 N. Government

Way, Spokane. Pay tribute to our veterans of the past and present by joining the race to fight hunger at this 5K community run/walk. Cost: $25 per runner. Register at www. mowspokane.org.

Nov. 16 | Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and David’s Pizza will host a Great American Smokeout site to encourage residents quit smoking, David’s Pizza, 803 W. Mallon Ave., Spokane, 4 to 6 p.m. To celebrate the Great American Smokeout and conclusion of SRHD’s Stop Smoking Challenge on Thursday, Nov. 16, SRHD is grateful to for hosting a community quit event. There will be free pizza for those who are trying to stop smoking, as well as free quit kits. SRHD is also partnering with American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network to host a youth advocacy event the same night in honor of Tobacco 21, an effort to raise the age of sale for tobacco to 21 in Washington state. In addition to the health district’s event, several other organizations are stepping up to host 16 additional quit events and offer quit kits around the county. For more information, call 324-1500 or visit www.srhd.org.

Dec. 2 | Friends of Pavillion Park 19th annual Holiday Ball, 5 p.m., Grand Pennington Ballroom at the historic Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane. Please consider supporting Friends of Pavillion Park (FOPP) by attending this year's Holiday Ball.

This event is the Friends of Pavillion Park sole fundraiser. It is through the generous support of the community that FOPP is able to sponsor free events such as The Band Dawes, Robert Cray, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, the Spokane Symphony, Annual Outdoor Movie Series and more. You can support the cause by attending the Holiday Ball, becoming a sponsor or making a donation. To find out how to get involved, help or support the Liberty Lake Holiday Ball, contact Laura Frank @ pavillionpark@ yahoo.com.

RECURRING ACT 2 senior classes | Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire. A wide range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. “Focused Fitness on Dishman Mica,” a yoga class, is now part of the schedule. More at www.sccel.spokane.edu/ACT2 Military Sobriety Support Group | 10 to 11: 30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Call Steve at 8934746 for more information

Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 5 to 6 p.m., third Friday of the month.

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Discussion of Baha’i teachings, history, and perspectives on resolving the challenges facing humanity. All are welcome. More at 599-2411 or www.bahai.us Catholic Singles Mingle | meeting times and locations vary. This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www.meetup.com/ Catholic-Singles-Mingle DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Tuesdays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Eastpoint Church, 15303 E. Sprague Ave. Learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. DivorceCare for Kids (ages 5-12) meets at the same time and location. Cost is $25 for workbook. More at 892-5255 or eastpointchurch.com Grange 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 communitybased service organization. For more information call 226-2202 or see us on Facebook Liberty Lake Library | 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club, and more. More at www. libertylakewa.gov/library Men’s Weekly Bible Study | 7 a.m. Tuesdays. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall with different members sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. More at www. milwoodpc.org Pancreatic Cancer Action Network | 6:30 p.m., the first Monday of each month. Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake.

More at www.pancan.org or 534-2564 Spokane County Library District | Locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards and Spokane Valley.

Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, Lego club, teen anime club and writing clubs. More at www.scld.org 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,

The Splash

COMMUNITY

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 Oct. 28 | Watoto Children’s Choir, 3 p.m., Opportunity Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 708 N. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. The Watoto Children's Choir, comprised of 20 orphans, comes from Kampala, Uganda, and is touring the U.S. to help raise awareness for the ministry that is helping them overcome a variety of challenges. Opportunity Christian Church and Greenacres Christian Church are collaborating to make this concert possible. For more information, contact Jim Huttenmaier at 475-9934.

Through Oct. 29 | Spokane Watercolor Society annual juried show, Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, Helen South Alexander Gallery and Eric A. Johnston Auditorium, 2316 W. First Ave., Spokane. Reception Oct. 6, 5 to 8 p.m. and awards reception Oct. 20, 5 to 7 p.m. Hours are Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays, 10 a.m.to 8 p.m.

Nov. 3 | Jazz Clinic with Ellis Marsalis Jr., 5:15 p.m., Whitworth University, 300 W. Hawthorne Road.

Marsalis is an acclaimed American jazz pianist and father of accomplished musicians Branford and Wynton. All middle school and high school students who attend the clinic will be given a free ticket to the concert on Nov. 4.

Please do not bring instruments to the clinic. Open and free to the public. For more information, call 777-4847.

Nov. 3-12 | “A Christmas Carol: The Musical,” Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave., downtown Spokane. The classical holiday tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirit of Christmas will be presented at the Inland Northwest’s historic theater. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 3-12 at 7 p.m., with a 3 p.m. matinee on Saturdays and on Nov. 12. Tickets are $14; $16/at the door. Call 487-6540 or visit www. cytspokane.org/shows/show-details. page?show=5 to order.

RECURRING Drop-in square dance lessons | 7 to 8:30 p.m. (through May 18).

Western Dance Center, 1901 N. Sullivan Road. Square dance lessons

for $3 per person; no partner needed.

More at 270-9264 Pages of Harmony | 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road. If you enjoy singing, you will love the fourpart, a cappella harmony of this men’s barbershop chorus. More at www. pagesofharmony.org Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays. Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 218-4799 Spokane Novelists Group | noon to 4 p.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month. Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. A support/critique group for writers. Open to anyone with an interest in writing fiction (no memoirs, nonfiction, poetry, etc., please). Participants should bring 5-10 pages to read aloud and 6-8 copies for others to read along and critique. More at 590-7316 Spokane Valley Camera Club | 7:15 p.m., third and fourth Monday of the month (September through April). Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. All levels of ability—students through experienced photographers—are invited to learn.

Social events include field trips and workshops. More at 951-1446 or www.sv-cc.org Spokane Valley Writer’s Group | 6:15 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Lakeside Church, 23129 E. Mission Ave. This supportive critique group welcomes adult writers. More at 570-4440 Teen Writers of the Inland Empire | 4 p.m., first Thursday of the month (except holidays). Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Writers (sixth grade and older) meet to write and share their work. More at 8938400

NOVEMBER 2017 • 19

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HEALTH & RECREATION Nov. 7 | DIY essential oils class, 6:30 p.m. Learn how to use them to change the mood in your house, protect against colds and flu, diffusers, and make and take two to three items to try. All supplies provided, $9 for class. Willow Song Music Therapy Center. E. 21101 Wellesley, #102.

Otis Orchards. For more information, contact Carla Carnegie at 592 7875 or carla.carnegie@gmail.com.

Wednesday mornings | Mindful Music & Movement class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Specifically

See CALENDAR, Page 20

Insulated Glass and Window Replacement Specialist

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The Splash

20 • NOVEMBER 2017

CALENDAR

RECURRING

Continued from page 19 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 boardcertified 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.

Nov. 4 | Finding your Balance, Igniting your Joy, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ladies pamper night. Lose some stress, renew and recharge, to live your most exhilarating life. Hors d'oeuvres provided. $25 per person.

Register by emailing Carla.Carnegie@ gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Held at Willow Song Music Therapy Center. E.21101 Wellesley, #102.Otis Orchards.

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.

HUB Sports Center 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Various activities and events occur throughout the week including: • Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mon. through Thurs.; 10 a.m. to noon Tues. and Thurs.; and 6 to 8 p.m. Wed. and Sun. $3/seniors ($5/ non-seniors) • Classes including Kenpo Karate and Zumba Aerobics. See website for cost and times

CIVIC & BUSINESS Nov. 1 | KiDDS Dental 10th annual Great Candy Buy Back, 4 to 8 p.m., KiDDS Dental, 1327 N. Stanford Lane, Liberty Lake. KiDDS Dental will pay $1 per pound for children's unopened Halloween candy. Collected candy will be shipped to Operation Gratitude and included in care packages for troops serving overseas.

Parents must be present. For those unable to attend, donated candy will be collected between Oct. 31 and Nov. 9 during regular operating hours. This program is underwritten by Banner Bank.

Call 891-7070 for more information.

Nov. 5 | Vietnamese-American Senior Association of Spokane Friendship

meeting, 2:30 to 4 p.m., Shadle Public Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave., Spokane.

Veterans of the Vietnam War are invited to a meeting of this group consisting mostly of South Vietnamese veterans and families who escaped from communism as refugees. For more information, call 444-9822 or email yenvlink@gmail.com.

Nov. 8 | Hire a Veteran Campaign, 10 a.m. to noon, Department of Labor office, 600 N. Thornton, Post Falls. This and other hiring events bring together veterans looking for employment. For more information, visit www.labor.idaho. gov.

Nov. 8 | Coming Home, 9:30 a.m., Hagan Center at the Spokane Community College Library (Building 16). Author and professor Jeb Wyman will discuss the moral and emotional impact war has on veterans and how studying war through the lens of humanities can help both veterans and civilians heal from the wounds of war.

Nov. 12 | Willow Song Treasures – old, new, repurposed, and vintage items displayed by various vendors, stringed instruments by Adagio Strings, baby blankets, antique bottle collection, wedgewood, baskets, fresh eggs, and more. Noon to 4 p.m. Hosted by Willow Song Music Therapy Center. 21101 E. Wellesley #102.Otis Orchards. For more information call Carla at 592 7875 or Jane 230 2490.

RECURRING Central Valley School Board | 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, CVSD administration building, 19307 E. Cataldo, Spokane Valley Liberty Lake City Council | 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Liberty Lake Library Foundation | Noon the first Wednesday of each month, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Liberty Lake Merchants Association | 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Liberty Lake Portal, 23403 E. Mission Ave., Suite 120.

More at 999-4935 Liberty Lake Municipal Library Board | 10:30 a.m. the first Thursday of each month, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Liberty Lake Planning Commission | 4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Liberty Lake SCOPE (Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort) | 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District Board | 4 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, 22510 E. Mission Ave.

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

Little Women November 1, ,2, 3, 4, 8 ,9, 10, 11

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The Splash

NOVEMBER 2017 • 21

LLSWD, city team up for Leaf and Beach Cleanup

area waterway.

As for why LLSWD teams with the city each year for the cleanup event, Allen says it has become a collaboration that benefits the community and the lake.

“It kind of kills two birds with one stone,” said Allen, “It removes nitrogen from the lake and provides a service for our citizens.

Part of being a tree city is we want people to take care of their trees.”

By Staci Lehman

Splash Correspondent It has become an autumn tradition in Liberty Lake, right up there with Thanksgiving and golfing on Trailhead’s frosty fairways.

“We like partnerships with the city,” added Adams. “They help with their crews.”

The pickup service is available to all residences within the district’s boundaries. If you receive water or sewer service from LLSWD, you are eligible to participate in the cleanup. This year the cleanup day is being extended to the River District too.

The 25th annual Liberty Lake Leaf and Beach Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. to dusk. This yearly event is cohosted by the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District (LLSWD) and the city of Liberty Lake. The goal is to protect Liberty Lake, the Spokane Valley/Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer and the Spokane River from nutrient loading due to storm water that can carry decaying vegetation into local waterways.

“Their trees aren’t quite as big as big as ours but eventually they will be and they will start to get in the water too,” said Allen.

“The district initially started that as a lake protection measure,” said BiJay Adams, LLSWD general manager. “So that storm water wouldn’t carry your excess nutrients into the lake.”

While yard waste like weeds and grass clippings are natural and can be put to good use when composted, too much of a good thing can cause problems.

“We have so many trees in our city so you can only do so much mulching in your yard,” said Liberty Lake City Administrator Katy Allen. “This is a convenient way to get rid of leaves.”

What isn’t composted is often pushed into the lake by rain or wind, where the nutrients and sediment leaves carry with them build up and encourage algae and plant growth. Too much algae can cause low oxygen levels in water, killing fish and growing scum on the surface. Too much plant growth can clog boat propellers, overgrow swimming beaches and impact the fish population.

LLSWD became a pioneer years ago in raising awareness about the same effect phosphorous can have on watershed health. The effort led to revolutionary changes in removing the element from dishwasher and laundry detergent on a nationwide level.

Kept from reaching waterways

The 25th annual Liberty Lake Leaf and Beach Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. to dusk. This yearly event is co-hosted by the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District (LLSWD) and the city of Liberty Lake.

Contributed photo

and composted correctly, yard waste can be very beneficial.

“We request everyone put their leaves in bags and Liberty Lake Sewer and Water crews and city crews pick them up,” said Adams.

“We compost them on the district’s property so we don’t have any cost of disposal.”

That compost is then used in city projects, along with limbs and other items picked up during the

cleanup day.

“We bought a chipper with a grant,” said Allen, “We use the mulch from it for planting and landscaping in the city and our parks.”

The cleanup day has kept a lot of leaves and debris out of the lake over the years. Last year, almost 11,000 bags of debris were picked up and almost 500 pounds of phosphorus kept from reaching

To take part, just bag your yard waste and move it as close to the street as possible for easy loading by crews. Don’t overload the bags and limit what you put out to leaves, weeds, pine needles, grass clippings and other yard or garden vegetation. As in past years, no rocks, stumps, roots, large limbs, shrubs, sod or pumpkins will be picked up.

If you are a waterfront or secondary resident, you can also dispose of aquatic weeds through the cleanup, although the timeframe is a little different.

Bagged or piled aquatic weeds on beaches or docks will be picked up during the week of Nov. 6 in accessible areas. Those in areas that can’t be reached easily must be bagged and placed in an accessible area.

For more information, contact the LLSWD office at 922-5443.

25th Annual Beach and Leaf Pick-up LLSWD and City crews will gladly pick up your bagged leaves

November 11-12th, from 8 a.m. to Dusk Please visit our webpage for guidelines on participating in this event.

We do not accept all types of yard waste.

Bag them and leave them on the curb! 922-5443 www.libertylake.org

The Splash

22 • NOVEMBER 2017

Let’s Connect!

Join us to find out about innovative programs happening inside our schools and CVSD! All COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS EVENTS are from 7:30-9:00 a.m. and include breakfast: w November 1 – Evergreen Middle School, 14221 E. 16th Ave.

Learn how technology supports classroom learning and watch Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) videos made by students. w November 8 – Chester Elementary School, 3525 S. Pines Rd. Virtually explore what it feels like to learn in a smaller 17-1 ratio (students to teacher) classroom in K-3rd grade. w November 9 – Horizon Middle School, 3915 S. Pines Rd. See firsthand what our students learn in PBIS, STRIVE, coding, technology literacy, Gateway to Technology, Mastercam, athletics & more. w November 14 – Sunrise Elementary School, 14603 E. 24th Ave. See how students use technology in reduced class-size settings, including SeeSaw, Raz Kids, Google Classroom, holograms, & more.

Everyone is welcome – RSVP today!

Online: CVSD.org, Call: 509-558-5532, or E-mail: cbusch@cvsd.org

FRIENDS OF PAVILLION PARK CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO THE

19 Annual th

L I B E R T Y L A K E H O L I DAY B A L L ENJOY AN ELEGANT EVENING OF DINNER & DA N C IN G WITH SILENT & LIVE AUCTIONS ENJOY AN ELEGANT EVENING OF DINNER & DANCING WITH SILENT & LIVE AUCTIONS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2ND 5:00PM IN THE GRAND PENNINGTON BALLROOM AT THE HISTORIC DAVENPORT HOTEL FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE TICKETS GO TO WWW.PAVILLIONPARK.ORG TICKETS $75 / PERSON CONTACT: PAVILLIONPARK@YAHOO.COM

THIS EVENT BENEFITS FOPP IN ITS CONTINUED EFFORT TO SUPPORT THE CONCERTS, MOVIES AND ACTIVITIES THAT TAKE PLACE THROUGHOUT THE LIBERTY LAKE COMMUNITY EVERY SUMMER. RESERVATIONS ARE LIMITED AND WILL BE ACCOMMODATED ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS

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ENROLL TODAY!

How Does Public Television Work?

Have you ever watched or heard of a PBS show? Yes? Name that show:

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

KSPS for the work they gifts help pay for the shows and the workers of the station.

Some fun facts about KSPS and PBS: 1. What was the very first PBS Station? KUHT in Houston 2. When did the PBS 24/7 channel launch?

January 2017 3. How many apps does PBS have for kids? 47 4. How old is KSPS? 50 Years Old. 5. How high above the ground is the KSPS Tower? 1,831 Feet.

6. How many people watch KSPS? Almost 2,000,000.

7. How does KSPS pay for its shows? With gifts from families like yours.

What are three things about KSPS/PBS you’d like to learn more about?

______________________________.

PBS (the Public Broadcasting Service) is a group of 350 television stations around the United States that provides FREE educational TV programs for everyone! The PBS station closest to you is KSPS on the South Hill in Spokane. PBS stations like KSPS are different from regular TV channels.

Here’s how: 1. Their shows are good for your mind, heart, and funny-bone. They only show programs that educate, engage, or entertain you in enriching ways.

2. They are free for everyone with a TV. You don’t have to pay a cable TV bill to get KSPS on your antenna. Cool, huh?

1.____________________________________ 3. They don’t sell you things. They don’t have ANY commercials. (Sometimes they share 2. ____________________________________ messages from companies that think PBS is a 3.____________________________________ good idea.)

Find answers to your questions by exploring 4. People who watch PBS like to give back.

Many of our viewers offer money as gifts, thanking ksps.org with permission from an adult.

24 • NOVEMBER 2017

The Splash

The Splash

NOVEMBER 2017 • 25

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LOBSTER - Worldwide - Up to 3.5 ft, live 50 years - Has ten legs, but the same internal organs as a human with clear bood - Two kinds of clawed lobsters; American and European - Their tail has seven pieces and a large claw for crushing its prey along with a smaller one for slicing - Lobsters must molt in order to grow

The Splash

26 • NOVEMBER 2017

Author Spotlight

Tedd was born in Elmira, New York but as a child his family relocated to Gainesville, Florida.

After graduation, he attended the University of Florida where he graduated with a fine arts degree and met his wife Carol. He worked in graphic design in advertising and textbook illustration while he wife became a kindergarten teacher. As Carol started collecting picture books for her classroom, Tedd started studying them for inspiration. Their son, Walter, inspired his first book, No Jumping on the Bed. This book was submitted to numerous publishers for six years before it was published in 1987. During this time, the family had moved to New York City where Tedd designed books for a large publisher. With the books success, Tedd moved the family back to his hometown of Elmira where he has written over 60 books and illustrated many more for other authors. He has won numerous awards including the Edgar and two Theodor Seuss Geisel Honors.

Though known for his hugely successful Fly Guy series and Parts trilogy,

d l o n r A d e T

Vincent Paints His House, 2015, ages 3 – 6

We checked this book out at the library and before the first day had ended four kids mostly had it memorized so it was a hit! So much so that we bought it.

Dirty Gert, 2013, ages 4 and up

Gert loves dirt, maybe a little too much. This book is a great read aloud but not really for an early independent reader. There are some great words to expand vocabulary. As always Arnold’s art is fun, bright and thoroughly enjoyable.

Catalina Magdalena Hoopensteiner Wallendiner Hogan Logan Bogan Was Her Name, 2004, ages 3 and up

Tedd’s artwork does a fantastic job of illustrating the song that you may remember from camp. Everyone is happy in the wacky world they live in.

Colored Pencil Painting Ted Arnold uses a mixture of colored pencil and watercolor washes to create his illustrations. You can try this too! You just need colored pencils and rubbing alcohol and cotton balls.

Start with your bakcground. Use your colored pencils to lightly rub color. You can create a sunset, a night scene, sunny day, a hillside. Anything your imagination can think of.

Then, gently use a cotton ball that you have dampened in rubbing alcohol to blend the colors, create a “wash” of color all over your page. This will be your background for you illustration.

After your page is dry go back in with your colored pencils and create your own character. Mr. Arnold like to make larger exaggerated eyes and have fun with their hair, but you can create your character to whatever specifications you wish.

Last, an option step, trace your character with a black marker to give more definition from the background.

Show us your masterpieces. Send a picture via email to contest@libertylakesplash.com or mail it to us at PO Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99206. We will enter you to win a $10 Barnes and Noble gist card.

The Splash

NOVEMBER 2017 • 27

Student of the Month Central Valley senior Erica Pecha has only been participating in cross country for the past two years but she has made some serious strides. Last season, she was the No. 2 runner for a Bears’ squad that placed fourth at state. Pecha ran the 5K course in 19 minutes, 33 seconds. She is the top runner this year for a CV team that finished second in the Greater Spokane League. Pecha also thrives in track, qualifying for state in the 800 as a sophomore and placing second at state last year as part of a 4 x 400 relay team. The senior maintains a 3.85 grade point average, is member of National Honor Society and played the violin and cello in the CV orchestra for the past three years.

Citizen of the Month

& Thanks you for all you do in our community

You could say that Central Valley senior Javion Joyner is in tune with success. A top-flight cello player, Joyner qualified for state last year in a prestigious high school solo/ensemble competition. He teaches cello and bass to students from Spokane Public Schools as a volunteer with the Music Innovates program sponsored by the Spokane Symphony. Joyner maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is current president of CV’s Future Business Leaders of America and last year helped organize a fundraiser for March of Dimes that involved other area schools for the first time. The senior has also participated with the DECA program, focusing on business marketing, for the past four years. He is currently DECA’s vice president of leadership.

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Athlete of the Month If not for Shaun Brown, there would be no such thing as The Splash. Shaun and her husband Nathan started Liberty Lake’s community newspaper in 1999 before selling it in 2004. Shaun served as co-publisher, editor, head writer, ad director and more in her tenure with the publication. Shaun has called the Liberty Lake area home for 21 years. She has been involved in a wide variety of community causes, including Central Valley High School boosters, Greater Valley Support Network and Food 4 Thought. Shaun helps raise money for local scholarships by organizing events through the BYU Management Society. She and Nathan also volunteered last year as visiting Sunday School teachers at the Airway Heights Correction Center.

Shaun and Nathan are proud parents of five kids, all CV graduates. Shaun currently works at Liberty Lake-based Itron as part of a sales support group.

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The Splash

28 • NOVEMBER 2017 Brought to you by

Evergreen

About and for Liberty Lake seniors

KSPS known for educational, entertaining mission

By Ben Wick Splash Publisher If you’ve been in Eastern Washington or North Idaho for any length of time, you’ve seen KSPS. Now occupying five channels of local television, KSPS provides programs and events that entertain, engage, and educate to enrich all the communities they serve.

But what is KSPS? How does it relate to PBS? Is it connected to public radio? And aren’t they about to lose their funding?

KSPS-TV is the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) public television station headquartered in Spokane.

Ite reaches more than 2.3 million households in Eastern Washington, North Idaho, Alberta and beyond.

Viewers hail from Calgary, Edmonton, Coeur d’Alene, Kalispell, Wenatchee, Moscow, and hundreds of cities and towns across one of the largest Nielsen Designated Market Areas in the nation.

KSPS broadcasts its main signal from a site at Krell Hill or "Tower

Mountain." KSPS’s headquarters, offices and over 4,400 square-feet of studio space are on the Ferris High School grounds in the South Gate neighborhood on Spokane's South Hill. KSPS is licensed to Friends of KSPS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the state of Washington.

History In 1967, the station first signed on the air from the basement of Adams Elementary of Spokane Public Schools (SPS). After a series of school levy failures in the early 1970s forced the station to secure alternate funding, Friends of Seven (later known as Friends of KSPS) was founded in 1972 to provide lasting financial support to KSPS. On July 26, 2012, the Spokane Public Schools board voted unanimously to spin off KSPS to the Friends of KSPS. A day later, the Friends of KSPS board also voted unanimously to move forward with taking full control of the station. The transition from an educational license to a community license was completed in fall of 2013.

The station plans to remain at Ferris High School in the short term; the school board has no plans to sell the building in which the station is located. Shortly after the sale closed and the station officially became a community-licensed station, Friends of KSPS changed its name to KSPS

SE

NI

OR

Public Television.

Programming KSPS is the region’s source of top quality PBS programs, including “Frontline,” “PBS Newshour,” “Masterpiece” (which includes shows such as “Poldark” and “Downton Abby”), “Antiques Roadshow,” “NOVA,” “American Experience,” “Great Performances,” “This Old House,” and more. KSPS provides access to research-based children’s programming like “Wild Kratts,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Dinosaur Train,” “Arthur,” “Ready Jet Go!” and many more.

KSPS also airs high-quality local productions like “Health Matters,” “Northwest Profiles” and KSPS Documentaries. It was the first station to carry Mary Ann Wilson's “Sit and Be Fit” program, and KSPS serves as the primary production studio and distributor of the series since its 1987 debut.

Funding About 70 percent of KSPS’s funding comes from donations, contributions and bequests by individuals, foundations and companies which makes individual member donors the most vital financial backers.

Another 18 percent is provided by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and 6 percent comes from an NIC grant.

The KSPS-TV station is headquartered in the South Gate neighborhood on Spokane’s South Hill. The history of the station goes back to 1967.

Photo by Craig Howard

Fountains

LIVING COMMU

NI

TY

A new national survey conducted jointly by leading Republican and Democratic researchers reveals that voters across the political spectrum overwhelmingly oppose eliminating federal funding for public television.

More than seven in 10 see public television as a good or excellent value for their tax dollars, on par with investments in highways, roads and bridges.

A class-leading 80 percent of KSPS’s total expenses are spent directly on the programs and services they deliver.

Charity Navigator, an American independent charity watchdog organization that evaluates charitable organizations in the U.S., ranks Friends of KSPS as the numberone nonprofit in Spokane, from among 1,865 such organizations in the community. Its stated goal is "to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace in which givers and the charities they support work in tandem to overcome our nation’s and the world’s most persistent challenges".

With a cumulative score of 97.87 of a possible 100--calculated based on financial performance, accountability and transparency, KSPS scored higher than the other two four-star charities in the market, Catholic Charities of Spokane and Second Harvest Inland Northwest.

The majority of the station's donations from televised pledge drives come from Calgary and Edmonton.

Each of the two Canadian cities have populations which are more than double the entire population of the station’s U.S. coverage area, and most of the station's members live in those two cities. Not only does KSPS take its large Canadian audience into account in its programming, but a significant portion of its donations are in Canadian dollars.

Trust For the 14th consecutive year, a nationwide study recently affirmed that PBS and its member stations are rated No. 1 in public trust among nationally known institutions. In addition, the same survey found that parents rank PBS KIDS as the No. 1 educational media brand for children, significantly outscoring cable and commercial broadcast television networks.

The national poll was created by the research team at PBS and was conducted by telephone in January

See KSPS, Page 27

The Splash

NOVEMBER 2017 • 29

Since before KSPS first groundbreaking it has been known for quality programming for children going back to the early days of the station. Popular shows for kids feature educational components and programs like “Arthur,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” and “Martha the Talking Dog.” Photo courtesy of KSPS

KSPS

Continued from page 28 2017 by Marketing & Research Resources Inc. (M&RR). Each year, PBS commissions research to measure its performance and value as judged by its most important stakeholder – the American people.

“The public’s high trust in PBS and local stations is of paramount importance to our ability to carry out our mission,” said PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. “We were founded on the premise that every person, regardless of who they are or where they live, should have access to educational programming and resources that help them lead full and enriched lives. Our service begins with our nation’s youngest citizens, ensuring that children have the skills needed to succeed in life and in school, and we are especially proud that the American people continue to place a high value on our children’s programming.”

How to Watch KSPS can be viewed at no cost with an over-the air antenna. For

the hundreds of thousands of Inland Northwest residents within range, KSPS can be found on channels 7.1 (the main channel), 7.2 (KSPS World), 7.3 (KSPS Create) and 7.4 (PBS KIDS 24/7).

KSPS can also be seen in highdefinition on channel 107 on Comcast in the Spokane area, and channel 707 in the Coeur d'Alene and Palouse areas. You can also find it on channel 7 on Dish Network and DirecTV in both standard and high-definition.

Some KSPS content can be viewed live online at KSPS.org, and programs can be viewed ondemand on their website as well.

KSPS donors can gain access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming online and via mobile devices. The Passport library currently offers members more than 1,400 episodes to watch, with new PBS programs being added weekly.

To get access to KSPS Passport or to become a supporting member for as little as $4 a month, KSPS can be reached at 800-735-2377 or online at KSPS.org.

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The Splash

30 • NOVEMBER 2017

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Mahoney helps CV harriers find elite stride

By Steve Christilaw Splash Correspondent Kieran Mahoney was pretty clear about his goals when he took over the Central Valley boys’ cross country program nine seasons ago.

Seven consecutive top 10 state finishes, including a state title in 2012, is just the start. Mahoney will tell you that this program – currently ranked first in Washington state among 4A schools and 17th nationally – is never in the “rebuilding” stage.

It simply restocks with runners who get the mission and run at an elite level.

Mahoney has made the school a standard bearer for the Spokane area’s long, rich running history – a history that started with long-time Rogers coach Tracy Walters to Herm Caviness’ success at Ferris and Bob Barbero’s three straight state championships at University. Then there have been the incomparable North Central and Mead programs, the latter under coach Pat Tyson,

who took the Panthers to state 18 times in his 20 seasons, winning a dozen state titles while cementing the area’s reputation for running.

The Greater Spokane League, when it comes to boys’ cross country, is considered by many to be the toughest dual-meet league in the country. Over the years there have been GSL teams fully capable of finishing in the top 10 at a state meet that couldn’t qualify out of their own ultra-competitive conference.

Mahoney was himself a high school runner at Cheney – qualifying for state all four years and helping the Blackhawks win a state 2A title in 1989 by covering the 5K state course in a stellar 15 minutes, 58 seconds.

After running against teams coached by Tyson, he did his student teaching at Mead under Tyson’s supervision and was a volunteer coach with the Panthers.

He still calls Tyson his “mentor” and Tyson, now the Gonzaga track and cross country coach, regularly talks with CV runners to offer inspiration and guidance.

When he took the job at CV, Mahoney talked about building a Mead-like program – and he’s done

just that.

Central Valley has had its share of strong runners, yes, but the team’s hallmark has been its ability to run, and finish, as a pack. State championships are won that way – with the team that can get its five runners across the finish line the fastest taking home the title.

CV qualified for back-to-back state meets, placing third in 2006 and fourth in 2007, before Mahoney arrived in 2009. By 2011 he had the Bears back at state, where they placed fifth as a team.

A year later the Bears won the school’s first state cross country title. Since then, the Bears have been a mainstay amongst the state’s top 10 finishers, with third, fifth and ninth-place finishes before last year’s runner-up finish.

Briton Demars was a sophomore on that state-title team; his brother, Fielding, is a team leader on this year’s squad.

On the surface, the sport of cross country appears to be highly individual without much of a team element. Runners take off at the start and stride as fast as they can.

“I don’t think I really understood what it meant to be part of a team until I was a freshman,” Fielding

The Central Valley boys' cross country team won the Greater Spokane League title this season, unseating North Central which had won the last 10 conference crowns. The Bears are currently ranked first in the state among 4A teams and 17th nationally.

Photo by Erik Smith

Demars said over the summer. “In middle school I was more ‘Every man for himself.’”

Since being at CV, Demars said he has grown to understand the value of a team.

“You learn to care about each other and when that happens, magic can happen,” he says. “You can accomplish amazing things together.”

Having an older brother in the program helped prepare Demars for the process of being a Central Valley cross country runner.

“I learned a lot watching my brother run,” he said. “He wasn’t that fast when he got to CV and he didn’t break five minutes in the mile until, I want to say, he was a sophomore. He’s the one who taught me what it means to be part of the program. He would get me up to run with him in the mornings and he taught me what dedication looks like. Running in the winter, the spring, the summer – all getting ready for the fall.”

That, in a nutshell, is the program’s secret. It’s not about the individual runner. It’s about a team. And the team comes first.

And at CV, there’s a waiting list to be a part of it all. The school’s junior varsity and freshmen runners also top the league standings and a routinely undefeated – and the varsity teaches the younger runners about the responsibilities and expectations made on runners representing the Bears.

Mahoney may have had his strongest squad in 2017, sitting atop the state rankings all season long and heading into the post season as the consensus team to beat for the state title.

Coming off a second-place finish to Bellarmine Prep a year ago, with six of his seven state runners returning, the CV coach set about preparing for a special year by challenging his runners to work harder and close the time gap between leaders Ryan Kline and Gabe Romney.

By mid-summer, the Bears had done just that and were already ahead of where they were for the state meet at Pasco’s Sun Willows Golf Course. This fall, a return to Pasco might just yield the program’s second-ever state crown.

The Splash

Splash Sports Notebook

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor How did Central Valley love its fall athletic accomplishments? Let us count the ways: The Bears are champions in Greater Spokane League football, including a roller-coaster 4942 victory over University in the Greasy Pig rivalry game.

They finished first in girls’soccer while boys’ and girls’ cross country were once again strong in the mix for state berths with the boys ranked No. 1 in Washington; they placed second in slowpitch softball – handing University its lone league loss – and a shot at the tournament championship – and the volleyball team upset rival University in the Flying Cow match.

Not a bad haul.

Bears lead the way If there were doubters the football team could beat the likes of Gonzaga Prep or Mead and rally against U-Hi, it wasn’t on the minds of the “Cardiac Kids” or their coaches.

“I thought they certainly had the potential to be in this exact position,” said second year coach

Final Point Revisiting the teaming of patriotism and sports

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor Rifts increase in this country of ours, with the flag and national anthem in the crosshairs at the kneeling, arm-linking and sitting protests by athletes before professional sporting events.

Which causes me to wonder, for what earthly reason do we say the Pledge of Allegiance or sing the “Star Spangled Banner” before sporting events?

The question is something I’ve asked myself for several years now and yet have come up with an answer.

SPORTS

Ryan Butner. “I knew they could compete and had the talent to win those games.”

Just like that back-and-forth win over U-Hi, the Bears rallied late to defeat the Bullpups and Panthers in back-to-back weeks. Trailing 10-2, the Bears put 31 points on the scoreboard in the final seven minutes against Mead despite 13 penalties for 135 yards and four fumbles before erupting.

The defense responded picking off five Mead passes and recovering a couple of fumbles to offset the yellow flags and turnovers.

CV trailed U-Hi by two TDs in the back-and-forth game but responded again.

“The last two weeks have been incredible, a roller coaster for sure,” Butner said afterwards. “I knew they would give it a fight, but that was closer than I wanted to be. I have a lot of faith in the guys.

It’s a really unique group of seniors who are great friends and play for one another.”

The post-season begins this month and three GSL teams are part of the 16-team 4A state championship against three teams from the Mid-Columbia Conference.

Grant backup after an became

Hannan, scheduled to be quarterback, took over injury to Matt Gabbert and a two-dimensional threat.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m as patriotic as the next guy and believe in freedom of expression.

I spent a couple years in the U.S. Army including one year in Vietnam thinking ours is a noble country trying to do the right thing by aiding a suffering nation.

When drafted, I’d just missed the mass college backlash, the protesting and flag burning that rent America. But I was there the year of the Tet Offensive and at a time when homecoming military, fortunately not me, were spat upon, not being told “Thank you for your service.” (Watching the Ken Burns PBS series on Vietnam was an eye opener. Boy, was I naïve.)

But I digress. If it were me, I’d take the symbols of freedom out of the arena, where people tend to be indifferent, if only because sports and the flag aren’t intrinsically linked and seem to do more harm than good. Take peaceable protests elsewhere – sit down at the table and hammer out a solution. But don’t drag sports into the equation.

Linebacker Bekk Martin “had a phenomenal year,” Butner said. The head coach added that defensive back, receiver, punter and kick returner Austin Tomlinson, “hardly comes off the field anymore.”

First-year starting linemen Benton James and Aaron Williams, Butner said, have done a great job. And Hunter Chodorowski came up huge against U-Hi. Soccer dominates GSL Nothing could stop the CV soccer squad who dominated the league like few others, if any ever. They finished seven points ahead of the second-place Mead and allowed but seven goals while scoring 43 and led the league by three matches.

Admittedly there were several one-goal outcomes.

A dozen players scored or had assists. Senior Kaelyn Barnes and juniors Maggie Ames, Kailyn Labrosse and Megan Robertson provided the lion’s share of the goals. Keepers AJ Crooks and Jenna Lauer were stellar as the last line of defense.

Cross country strong Ranked No. 1 in state, the boys’ cross country team showed why at the Max Jensen Invitational when Ryan Kline, Gabe Romney and Evan Peters finished one, two, three while teammate Joey Nichols was 10th.

I don’t quibble with the raised gloved fists of John Carlos and Tommy Smith that I witnessed from the stands in 1968 at the Mexico City Olympics that stunned the world during the turmoil in our country and further raised awareness of racial inequality during the turmoil following the Civil Rights Act. Half a century later, not much has changed and protests go on.

Francis Scott Key's song during battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 that became our national anthem was supposedly played at some baseball games during the mid-1800s. But the World Series in 1918 at Boston offered a star-spangled moment of patriotism 17 months — and 100,000 American deaths — after the U.S. entered World War I, “the war to end all wars.” According to on-line articles. It grew from there.

Agree or disagree, we won’t solve the problems of this country by putting our hands over our hearts or kneeling while the “Star Spangled Banner” plays before a

NOVEMBER 2017 • 31

The CV boys, who have also been in the national top 20 throughout the season, and girls are headed to state Nov. 4 in Pasco at Sun Willows Golf Course.

Softball hopes high The Bears lost only two games during the season and moved into post-season on a high with their win over the Titans.

In a sport that produces plenty of hits and runs, Grace Stumbough and Jaelin Strand made the biggest impact for CV. And volleyball cow flies Volleyball tends to take unpredictable bounces. Consider that University was coming off a stunning upset of then-unbeaten Gonzaga Prep to move into second place in the GSL. Two nights later CV, which was fifth place overall, stunned the Titans in the annual Flying Cow spirit match.

The Bears finished fourth among 4A schools and qualified for the eight-team regional which sent three teams to state.

Middle blocker Paige Wollen and setter Hannah Wampler, both seniors, led the way. Libero/ defender Sami Smith and fellow juniors, setters Karen Weaver and Katlyn White were key contributors for the Bears and first-year coach Jason Allen.

game.

As I’ve written before, I believe athletes of every color who work as team to succeed on the field are our best hope for coming to the table, airing our differences and starting the process of guaranteeing “Liberty and justice for all.”

You needn’t have a flag waving in a stadium to get the conversation started.

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The Splash

32 • NOVEMBER 2017

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The Splash

HISTORY

Washington State Rose Bowl campaign began at Liberty Lake

By Ross Schneidmiller

Liberty Lake Historical Society This year we welcomed the opening of Liberty Creek Elementary School. Like its older sister school to the west, the school entry houses a historical display. I appreciate that the Central Valley School District values our history and wants the future of our community to learn of Liberty Lake’s past.

The 1915-16 football season of Washington State College (now WSU) is the focus of this year’s display, which curiously began at Liberty Lake.

Like the “Explorers” of Liberty Creek, captain-elect “Ace” Clark of the 1915 team spent several days in August that year looking (exploring) over the lake resorts around Spokane. He was searching for place to hold WSC’s first training camp to be held under the direction of new coach William “Lonestar”

Dietz. A good field to train on was of prime importance along with the resort’s accessibility to Spokane.

Liberty Lake Park connected to Spokane via the electric railway was Clark’s recommendation – which was well received by the football staff.

Dietz, who was expected on campus by the end of that month, wanted a location away from what was familiar, a place the team could begin to see the playing and training of football differently. He wanted to introduce them to the “Carlisle System.”

Dietz stated in The Pullman Herald in August 1915, “I expect to use the Carlisle system of play, without variation and will have center pass directly to the man who is to carry the ball. The guards will be pulled back to run interference and the Carlisle system of blocking, in which the guards are used, will be inaugurated. Diversified plays,

with good interference, have won many games for Carlisle, and such a system should prove valuable here.”

WSC’s new hire was a protégé’ of Carlisle Indian Industrial School head coach Glenn Warner for whom he both played and coached under. Warner, most commonly known as “Pop” Warner, was an American football coach at various institutions who was responsible for several key aspects of the modern game. Included among his innovations are the single and double wing formations (precursors of the modern spread and shotgun formations), the three-point stance and body blocking technique. In addition to Carlisle, Warner also coached at Cornell, Iowa State and Georgia.

Candidates for the Washington State College football team reported for camp at Liberty Lake Park on Monday Sept. 6, 1915.

Each athlete was assigned to one of 10 cabins rented to house the WSC squad. Their food was prepared by a special cook employed for the

NOVEMBER 2017 • 33

two- week period.

Nearly all the football players who showed up for camp had been working in the fields that summer where they had been strengthening their upper body. To strengthen their legs, Dietz brought in a “charging machine.” This equipment was built very low and very heavy, weighing more than 1,000 pounds. To move it, the players had to work together.

Dietz felt there was nothing better to develop team play.

Most of the time at the camp was devoted to teaching the rudiments of the game with special attention to blocking and charging. “More can be accomplished with body blocking than any other method of play,” exclaimed Dietz. This method “does away with the numerous penalties for holding and use of hands.”

In addition to football specific training, the team worked into shape through long hikes, canoe races, baseball games, foot races and swimming. This not only crosstrained the athletes, something Dietz was a big proponent of, but it developed a good spirit among the players and coaches.

The training camp and the season were a success. What began at Liberty Lake in 1915 ended in Pasadena on New Year’s Day 1916 with WSC playing in only the program’s second Rose Bowl game and becoming the first West Coast team to win one, defeating the Brown University Bruins, 14-0.

Did You Know?

For more information on WSC’s 1915-1916 season, search the archives located at the bottom of “libertylakespalsh.com” home page. Put in the search query “Coach Dietz” to bring up an article written by AJ Knudsen in 2014.

The Washington State College football team held its training camp at Liberty Lake Park in September of 1915. The squad, coached by William “Lonestar” Dietz, went on to win the Rose Bowl that season.

Image courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society

www.amaculate.com

The Splash

34 • NOVEMBER 2017

Family heals, waves fond farewell to Art Chalet

By Tamara K. Williams Splash Correspondent If buildings could talk, the Art Chalet with its familiar, fadedturquoise trim and yellow shutters, would certainly have something to say about its past.

A “relic” by some standards, the unique space was built in 1954 and is one of two original buildings in Liberty Lake still standing. The former post office turned art studio, owned and operated since 2004 by local Liberty Lake artist Annette Carter and her husband Patrick, will be closing its doors for good on Nov. 25.

For Annette and Patrick, saying goodbye to a creative and colorful labor of love, comes with a mixture of sadness and joy, but also with relief and closure for their family.

Last year, devastating circumstances led the Carters to re-evaluate their lives and what would be best for their future. On the evening of May 25, 2016, the Carters received the most dreaded news any parent could ever hear.

Their only daughter Mindy Carter, 31, was tragically killed in a car accident near Usk, Washington, just weeks following the death of

The Art Chalet, portrayed in this watercolor painting, is housed in a space built in 1954 that once functioned as a post office.

Photo by Tamara K. Williams Annette’s mother after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

“We knew what was coming with my mom, but Mindy was there with me at the funeral – she was a rock for me throughout that whole time,” Annette said. “Then a month later, she was gone. Nothing can ever prepare you for news like that.”

Annette Carter has owned and operated the Art Chalet in Liberty Lake since 2004. The business will be closing in November as Annette and her husband Patrick cope with the loss of their daughter Mindy last year in a car accident.

Photo by Tamara K. Williams

Advised by their grief counselor to take the time to grieve and not make any drastic changes, the Carters knew after a year of mourning, it was time for Annette to retire and make the change that would bring their family closer together. When the Carters finally made the decision to sell The Art Chalet, Annette says they tossed around different ideas about what they should do before Patrick – owner of the Spokane Cat Clinic – retires officially at 65 in two years.

“I think we’re on Plan E or F now,” she says.

The Carter’s plan now is to make their home part-time in Liberty Lake and the winters in Boise, Idaho, where two of their three boys live with their four grandchildren.

“Part of our grieving process is to remind ourselves, we also have three sons – they lost their sister and had their own grief to deal with,” Annette says. “We need to be there for them as much as we can. We love our Liberty Lake family. We’ve been a part of this community for years and without the support of our friends and our church family here, I don’t know how we could’ve gone on, but this is something we feel we are ready to do.”

As Annette reminisces about the students she taught over the years, she tears up.

“I love my art kids so much, and they love me,” she said. “I’ve taught art to hundreds of children throughout this community for 20

years and all have a special place in my heart. It’s been a hard process of letting go and knowing it’s the right thing for us.”

A glance around the Art Chalet reveals an adorably cluttered space with old photographs, antique toys, drawings, paintings and various art supplies. In the middle of the organized chaos, Annette’s famous license plate “VanGo” takes center stage. When asked about the plate, she laughs as she relays how easily recognizable her van is with its vanity plates. The vehicle is loaded with art supplies to bring the love of art to area schools, preschools and senior centers, including special needs adults and children.

Annette laughs and adds, “I have a bicycle called, “Bikelangelo too!”

Shortly after Mindy’s passing, the Carter’s grief counselor suggested they find a way to give back in Mindy’s name with the hope that doing something for others in need would give them comfort in a way that would also honor their memories of their daughter.

Before moving to Usk with her husband, Mindy was a social worker in Seattle after graduating from University of Washington with a Masters in Social Work.

“She always had a heart for the underdog,” says Annette. “She did social work for a charity in Newport, Washington for homeless and at-risk children between the ages of 12-18,

See CHALET, Page 35

The Splash

CHALET

Continued from page 34 called “Youth Emergency Services” and we know Mindy would be happy for us to continue helping them.”

This past year, Annette raised over $800 locally to purchase school and art supplies for the kids who benefit from the charity.

Despite all that has transpired, the Carters remain hopeful and optimistic about their future.

“We like going to the Bahamas,” says Annette. “The last time we were there, I was able to cross off a bucket list item by selling some of my prints in a shop there on the island.”

The retail site bears an appropriate name for a respite from the grief and sadness the Carter’s have gone through the past year – Hopetown Bahamas.

While the Art Chalet may be closing, Annette says the love of art will continue to bring healing as she transitions into retirement.

“I will keep doing my art,” she says.

“It’s been therapeutic for me to keep painting. We travel a lot, so I bring my watercolors because they’re easy to carry. I’ve been wanting to do a book of my favorite sayings on pages of my art for my grandkids, maybe this is the year I start. I feel Mindy with me all the time and she comforts me when I’m sad. I know we’re doing the right thing.”

At presstime, the plan was to sell to an enthusiastic buyer who wanted to restore the historic building and put in Rocket Bakery and neighborhood coffee and ice cream shop. Yet Carter says the county nixed this idea.

“They said we would have to tear it down and put in a “drive-thru’ coffee shop, but we will never tear it down,” said Annette. “You don’t demolish history.”

The other option is that a new artist is interested in continuing the art studio as well as adding ceramics and pottery into the curriculum. If all goes well, he will start classes on a limited basis in January 2018.

So, while the Carters are busy planning for complete retirement, Annette can still be seen driving “VanGo” around Liberty Lake teaching her mobile “art-to-go” classes even after the doors to the Art Chalet are closed for good.

For more information on how to give in Mindy Carter’s name or learn about Youth Emergency Services, go to www.yesteensupport.org or contact Annette at (artchalet@msn. com) The Art Chalet will host an art show (ages 5 and up, plus special needs and homeschool kids art) on Sat. Nov. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.

NOVEMBER 2017 • 35

Does my mom have options besides dentures?

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

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

— Dr. Timothy J. Casey

Liberty Lake resident Member, American Dental Association

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The Splash

36 • NOVEMBER 2017

Liberty Lake Lions serve, strengthen community

By Michelle Valkov Splash Correspondent You could say these Lions are roaring.

Led by a solid core group and going on seven years as a service organization, the Liberty Lake Lions Club is expanding every year.

“Any club under 10 years is considered young but I think we’ve done very well,” Alene Lindstrand, a charter member of the club.

True to the mission of Lions Club International, the Liberty Lake contingent is known for helping mainly with eyesight and hearing programs, diabetes education, homelessness and the environment, within its community.

The club provides funds and exams for people who can’t afford things like hearing aids and eyeglasses. Every year the club usually has a health van which offers the free testing for hearing and eyesight.

The club is also active in the community with ongoing efforts including eyeglass recycling, donations to schools and community improvement causes.

Lindstrand mentioned something the club does that is not as publicized.

Over the past six years, Liberty Lake Lions has picked a local family in need and provided a full Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.

Families could be as small as a single mother and her child. Names are kept confidential out of respect for privacy.

Members from the club usually like to provide anything from holiday cookies and home-baked goods to a small Christmas tree, bus cards and restaurant gift cards.

Recently, the club had benches installed at Sensory Garden at the Liberty Lake Arboretum. The benches are dedicated in honor of Lion Gene Domanico and in memory of Lion Keith Warrenburg. Members also participated in the planting and dedication of two Chinese Magnolia trees celebrating Liberty Lake’s Tree City. Members hope to do more to contribute to the area.

The club is also involved in events like White Cane Safety Day, Bed Races at Valleyfest and a spaghetti feed.

More information is on their website: http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ libertylakewa/.

White Cane Safety Day is observed worldwide each Oct. 15. The white cane is utilized by blind or vision impaired people as an implement for reliable navigation. According to the Lions’ website, White Cane Safety Day

“gives Lions an opportunity to increase awareness of the white cane traffic safety laws.”

Lions Club International stands by the quote: “Whenever a Lions club gets together, problems get smaller. And communities get better. That's because we help where help is needed – in our own communities and around the world – with unmatched integrity and energy.”

With 46,000 clubs and over 1.4 million members, Lions is recognized as the world's largest service club organization.

The club’s vision statement is to be “the global leader in community and humanitarian service.”

The club began in 1917 and became international in 1920.

The 2017 bed races took place during September’s ValleyFest Parade with the spaghetti feed kicking off the club’s sixth annual races down Sprague Avenue.

Lindstrand mentioned that raising funds through various efforts is important because there is always a need.

“I always empathize the fun in fundraising,” she said. “The best part of helping people and making it count is when it is fun.”

Members can sign up on the website or learn about the club by word of mouth. The club meets at Barlow's Restaurant in Liberty Lake on the first and thirds Wednesdays of each month

at noon. While members are spread out geographically, the prime focus is Liberty Lake.

Lindstrand says there are numerous benefits to joining the club, including giving back to the community and getting to know different people on a regular basis. She said the current members have grown together and learned “to make decisions on all kinds of various projects and we’re hoping to expand that in this coming year.”

The collaborative approach aligns with the “international purpose” of Lions which includes a civically minded priority list to “coordinate activities, create a spirit of understanding, promote the principles of good management and good citizenship, take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community, unite the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.”

As a catalyst in the community, Lions also make it a point to “provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest and encourage service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, or benefits, and to encourage efficiency and promote moral standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private actions.”

More information on the International organization and types of memberships and all fees is on http://www.lionsclubs. org/EN/who-we-are/index.php

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The Splash

The Water Front

The new technology of water meter reading

By BiJay Adams

LLSWD General Manager The Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District (LLSWD) has taken the initial steps in implementing Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) water meters as part of its meter replacement program.

AMR represents the technology of automatically collecting consumption, diagnostic and status data from the water meter. This data is collected by a handheld device which is transferred to a database for billing, troubleshooting and analyzing. Our meter readers and billing personnel handle a large volume of data and entering that data manually increases the chance for human error.

Radio Frequency (RF) based meter reading usually eliminates the need for the meter reader to enter the property or facility or to locate and open an underground meter pit. The utility saves money by increased speed of reading, safer reading methods and has fewer missed readings from being unable to access the meter.

The district has employed a two-way or "wake up" system, where the radio signal is sent to the AMR meter's unique serial number, instructing its transceiver to power up and transmit data.

This transmitting occurs quarterly when the district conducts its meter reading. The water meter is continuously collecting information, but its data is not transmitted until a signal is sent to the meter from a handheld device.

In handheld AMR, a meter reader carries a handheld computer with a built-in or attached receiver/ transceiver to collect meter readings from an AMR capable meter. This is sometimes referred to as "walk-by" meter reading since the meter reader walks or drives by the locations where meters are installed as they go through their meter reading route.

The district’s metering system communicates over licensed spectrum with the U.S. Federal

NOVEMBER 2017 • 37

Communications Commission (FCC) and they are in complete compliance with FCC rules and regulations.

Benefits of Advanced Metering Advanced metering systems can provide benefits for utilities, retail providers and customers. Some of the benefits include: • Lowers the cost of meter reading which helps keep our water rates low • Provides real-time billing information, reducing estimated readings and re-billing costs • Provides methods

safer

reading

• Reduces billing errors and disputes • Enables flexible reading schedules, eliminating delays in billing • Reduces complaint calls and customer satisfaction • theft

Monitors

customer increases

tampering

and

• Promotes energy conservation and customer savings with time-of-use consumption •

Increases information about

The Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District is converting to Automatic Meter Reading water meters as part of a meter replacement program.

Contributed image usage and empowers customers to conserve resources and save money So, if you observe a LLSWD employee replacing your water meter you now have some knowledge of the district’s meter replacement program and AMR. As a courtesy, district staff who are replacing meters knock on the customer’s door if there is an interruption of service. All water meters, whether located on private property, in public rights-of-way or in utility easements are owned and

maintained by the district.

The protection of all meters and meter vaults (concrete rectangle box with metal access lid) located on private property shall be the responsibility of the property owner.

Please maintain access to meter and/or vaults. If necessary the district may remove debris, trees, shrubs and/or other obstructions to access the water meter. If you have any questions about the LLSWD water meter replacement program or AMR please feel free to contact the district by calling 922-5443 or via email at info@libertylake.org.

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Splash Editor Crisp autumn air bordering on early winter chill didn’t keep Carl and Pamela Oberg from the final day of the Liberty Lake Farmers Market season last month.

The Liberty Lake couple braved temperatures in the low 40s to amble past tables of produce, baked goods and local art at Town Square Park on Oct. 14. The leisurely stroll down Meadowwood Lane and through the adjoining greenspace has been part of the Oberg’s Saturday routine since moving here in 2012.

For the Obergs and other open air visitors, the market’s fivemonth campaign means catching up with old friends, getting in some exercise and perusing products that range from the Aichele Farm berries to the gluten-free cupcakes at Petit Chat Bakery.

“We are pretty much at the market from when it starts in May,” Pamela says. “We love getting our flowers to plant in our yard.”

As for dealing with the less-thanbalmy conditions, Pamela said it came down to a matter of loyalty.

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“I love the produce and it’s a tradition for our family,” said Pamela, wrapped in the appropriate cold-resistant layers. “We love the fresh lettuce we get every week and the music.”

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“It’s the last day and we didn’t want to miss out on being here and supporting the vendors,” she said.

One of those vendors is Lenny Munguia of Jalapeno Heaven, a fixture at the market since it began in 2002 with only eight booths.

“It’s been a pretty good season,” Munguia said of 2017. “There’s been a lot of new people. A lot of people from the Valley. The weather hasn’t done much to dampen our spirits.”

Munguia started here selling his homemade salsa but branched out to feature a diverse menu of authentic Mexican food. He says the construction of Town Square Park in 2015 has allowed the market to do its own branching out.

“It gives us an opportunity to have more vendors and I think people enjoy the atmosphere of the park instead of walking on hot pavement,” he said. “People will sit

Visitors to the Liberty Lake Farmers Market the market’s 16th campaign which kicked o around on the grass.”

At one point on Oct 14, Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson and his wife Charmaine stopped by Munguia’s booth to bid farewell until next spring.

“You see the mayor and his wife here every week,” he said. “That means a lot. You can tell the community cares about this market.

People here are like family.”

Just across the aisle from Jalapeno Heaven, Michael Dilts of Veraci Pizza was preparing a signature “Primitivo” creation, complete with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and pesto drizzled on a savory red sauce.

Veraci bills itself as “the Northwest’s original, awardwinning traveling wood-fired pizza company” and their popularity on Saturdays in Liberty Lake seems to back it up. Dilts has worked the booth here for three years.

“This market kind of has a different feel to it,” he said. “I like being out in the morning. People aren’t quite as worn out from their day. A lot of the other markets are after work.”

Veraci always offers two specials during the 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. time frame here. Dilts says the demand for pizza is highest around late July or early August.

See MARKET, Page 39

The Splash

NOVEMBER 2017 • 39

Tired? Snoring?

t bundled up for the last day of the season on Oct. 14. Over 50 vendors were part of off May 20.

Photo by Craig Howard

MARKET

Continued from page 38 As for the vendor lineup – there were over 50 signed up for this season – Dilts says the cast of characters changes a bit each spring.

“Every year, you have a few different people,” he said. “It’s always kind of interesting to see who shows up and who doesn’t show up.”

While the canopies may have come down for the year, the market isn’t exactly hibernating for the winter. The market board will meet in early November to review the season and start talking about special events for next year.

Longtime market manager Holli Parker says it’s critical to book musicians and featured guests for “Art at the Market” before schedules fill up.

“There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes,” Parker said. “We’re always trying to improve.”

Vendor applications file in the early part of each year and are vetted in March with the lineup set by early April. In order to remain a member of the Washington State Farmers Market Association, sites must maintain a vendor list that includes a minimum of 50 percent representation from actual farmers.

Liberty Lake always fits the bill.

Jocelyn Caton has been a clerk for the Pacific Produce booth in Liberty Lake since 2015. Based in the Yakima Valley about 200 miles west of Spokane, the farm is also represented at markets in Kendall Yards, Millwood, Hillyard and Spokane.

Caton said she’s noticed “improvements over the last several years” with the Liberty Lake venue.

“They’ve really made a commitment to having the area built up around the market and they really make an effort to promote it, which has been awesome,” she said.

The Pacific Produce table reflects the changing seasons with snow peas and onions in the first few months followed by the first ginger gold apples and green beans in June. A variety of peppers highlight September. By early autumn, apples and pears, as well as hybrids like pluots – a plum/apricot mix – are in peak season.

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For Parker, this year’s market has meant renewing friendships, celebrating local food and basking in a community gathering each Saturday for five straight months.

“It’s amazing to see the support of the people,” Parker said. “Random people come up to me and say ‘I love going to the Farmers Market.’

It’s so nice to be a part of that.”

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The Splash

40 • NOVEMBER 2017

SVFD Report – November 2017

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 87 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from Sept. 21 – Oct. 24: • Emergency medical services - 68 • Motor vehicle accidents – 3 • Fires – 1 • Building alarms – 4 • Dispatched and cancelled en route - 11 *Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake Emergency medical services – Sept. 25 – SVFD crews responded to I-90 just after 8:30 p.m. to check on the welfare of a man sitting on the side of the freeway between the Harvard Road and Appleway exits. They located the man who was walking with a bicycle along the freeway. The homeless man was escorted to safety by firefighters. He did not need medical attention.

Motor vehicle/pedestrian accident – Sept. 29 –Shortly after 12:45 p.m.

SVFD crews responded to a motor vehicle vs. pedestrian accident in

the 1300 block of North Liberty Lake Drive in front of Albertson’s. They found an 81-year-old man who was reportedly trying to cross the street in his motorized wheelchair when he was struck by a full-sized SUV. The man was still buckled into the wheelchair that was laying on its side in the street. He was alone, alive but unresponsive. Crews quickly and gently unbuckled the seatbelt and began emergency medical care. The man was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. A SVFD paramedic and firefighter continued patient care in the ambulance until arrival at the hospital. The man later passed away.

unincorporated areas of Spokane County including the communities of Otis Orchards, Pasadena Park, and the area surrounding Liberty Lake, with a combined population of 125,000 across approximately 75 square miles. SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 16,250 emergency calls in 2016. Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), one of only a

handful in the state of Washington.

SVFD operates 10 stations providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, special operations rescue, fire investigation, fire prevention, commercial property inspection, CPR and fire safety training. SVFD also provides free fire safety inspections and installation of free smoke detectors. For more information call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

Free CPR classes – Second Saturday of every month – SVFD offers free “hands-only” CPR training for friends and families. The two-hour classes cover adult/child or infant CPR using the most current guidelines, as well as how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Classes are taught by SVFD firefighters and paramedics.

Register online at spokanevalleyfire.com or call 9281700. Note: This is not a healthcare provider or certification course.

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The Splash

NOVEMBER 2017 • 41

to provide information on safety tips, what the law states regarding this issue and what your police department is going to do to help have a positive impact on this safety issue.

Safety Scroll

Drivers:

Fatality a somber reminder of pedestrian safety

By Chief Brian Asmus

Liberty Lake Police Department The Liberty Lake Police Department is committed to working with our community to insure that Liberty Lake remains a safe place for all of those living, working and playing here.

Your police department has received several complaints from community members about vehicles not stopping for pedestrians in the marked crosswalks at the intersections and in our roundabouts.

Based on the complaints – and the tragic pedestrian fatality that occurred on Liberty Lake Road last month – I wanted to take the time

39

• Be prepared to stop at all marked crosswalks. Stay alert and reduce speed in these areas.

• Come to a complete stop if pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross.

• Wait until pedestrians have crossed at least one lane past the lane you are in before resuming travel.

• Never pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down at a crosswalk.

Pedestrians: • Always cross at marked crosswalks.

You forfeit your rights as a pedestrian if you cross elsewhere.

• Obey any pedestrian signals and look left-right-left to make sure the road is clear in both directions before crossing.

• If a vehicle approaches, make eye contact with the driver to be

sure the driver sees you before you cross.

• Look before walking past stopped vehicles. Do not cross just because a driver waves you on. Be sure all lanes are clear first.

Pedestrian laws in Washington State: • Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and traffic control devices unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer (RCW 46.61.050) • Drivers must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and in crosswalks (RCW 46.61.261) • No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb and move into traffic so that the driver cannot stop (RCW 46.61.235) • Every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary (RCW 46.61.245) • Vehicle shall stop at intersections to allow pedestrians to cross the road within a marked or unmarked crosswalk (RCW 46.61.235) •

Every pedestrian crossing a

roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right of way to all vehicles upon the roadway (RCW 46.61.240) We have found that most of the accidents occurring are during the hours of darkness. Officers have reported seeing several pedestrians out at night that are wearing dark, non-reflective clothing and without any type of light.

We highly recommend to our pedestrians to take precautionary steps to make sure that you are visible during hours of darkness.

The city of Liberty Lake is committed to improving the safety for our drivers and pedestrians at the crosswalks in our busy areas by installing lighting and, in some cases, by installing light up crossing signs that will be pedestrian activated.

The police department will be conducting pedestrian safety emphasis patrols throughout the winter months to help educate the community and to raise awareness about this safety issue. A violation of the state laws listed above could result in an infraction being issued in the amount of $136.

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The Splash

NOVEMBER 2017 • 43

Mary Kuney appointed as county commissioner

In a press release after the appointment, Inslee noted Kuney’s background in Spokane and said she was in a position “to bring county employees and stakeholders together.”

Splash Editor

Kuney – a certified public accountant who also served in the Washington State Auditor's Office as assistant audit manager and assistant state auditor – said the decision to pursue public office was about making a positive difference.

By Craig Howard

Mary Kuney was sworn in as the latest Spokane County commissioner on Sept. 29 at the county Public Works building.

Now, the Central Valley High and Gonzaga University graduate is ready to start working on behalf of the public.

“This was a very long process,” Kuney said. “I’m looking forward to being out in the community and learning how we can best help our constituents.”

Kuney had served as Spokane County chief deputy auditor for the past two and a half years, helping to monitor numerous elections. She noted that the journey to become the commissioner representing District 2 “took almost as long as an election process.”

Kuney’s appointment was announced by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Sept. 27. The decision shifted to Olympia on Sept. 12 when the two standing commissioners, Al French and Josh Kerns, could not agree on a replacement for Shelly O’Quinn who left her role as commissioner in July to become CEO of the Inland Northwest Community Foundation.

“Throughout this appointment process she received broad support from the community," Inslee said.

“In the state auditor’s office, I saw a lot of elections in cities, counties and school districts,” Kuney said.

“I saw some good elected officials and some not so good. I decided if I had an opportunity to put my name in, I would be one of the inspirational ones.”

Republican precinct committee officers (PCOs) voted on a list of GOP hopefuls on Aug. 5 that also included Spokane Valley Deputy Mayor Arne Woodard and Devin Samuelson, owner of a Spokane aerospace engineering firm. The group was slimmed down to Chase, Kuney and Guarisco with Chase earning the most PCO votes.

Word was that Kerns leaned toward Chase and French supported Kuney, who had once served as his campaign treasurer.

The gridlock – which went beyond the designated 60-day period to pick a third commissioner – left many local Republicans wringing their hands.

At a minimum, Kuney will serve until the general election is certified next November. A special ballot will be presented to voters in the fall of 2018 to determine a long-term representative of District 2 which includes Liberty Lake, the city of Spokane Valley, Millwood, southeast Spokane County, a section of the city of Spokane east of Perry and parts of unincorporated Spokane County.

New Spokane County Commissioner Mary Kuney represents District 2 that includes Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley among other jurisdictions.

Photo courtesy of Spokane County

As for now, Kuney said she will be focusing on the county’s budget for next year as well as “continuing to work on the communication between county departments.” She said she plans to learn more about entities like the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and visit rural towns to listen to

Mary Kuney was sworn by Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton as District 2 Spokane County commissioner on Sept. 29..Before her appointment, Kuney served as Spokane County chief deputy auditor.

Photo courtesy of Spokane County feedback from residents.

Originally from Kansas, Kuney has supported a number of local causes as a volunteer, including the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake. She is also on the board of the Hutton Settlement which

provides safe housing for children and has served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Spokane County.

Kuney and her husband live in the West Valley area and are parents of two grown children.

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OPINION

44 • NOVEMBER 2017

Dear Editor:

We have known Mike Kennedy since May 2005 when we moved into the neighborhood and were invited to the Kiwanis Cinco de Mayo dinner and fundraiser. The very next day Mike called us and invited us to join Kiwanis. Yes, he is a great sales man.

And he is a doer. He got us signed up to help on various committees and events and we found him and his wife Betty working right alongside us.

Mike put his money and his talents to work when he helped improve the Merry Glen Home & School for Disabled Children. And of course, he got his buddies (us and several others) to volunteer when he needed help. Mike is definitely a communityminded guy.

He has served on the Spokane and Liberty Lake Planning Commissions.

He has been a long-time business owner so he knows what it takes to bring business to a community.

He also has been a banker and an accountant. Mike knows you have to be able to pay for the things you want, like better freeway access in and out of Liberty Lake. He is also very good at differentiating between wants, needs and wishes.

We do not live in the city but we buy local and support local businesses.

We appreciate the unique qualities of Liberty Lake. We value the qualities and leadership Mike Kennedy will add to the City Council. We are asking you, our friends and associates who live in the city, to vote for Mike Kennedy for Liberty Lake City Council Position 6.

Bill and Louise Quirk

Dear Editor:

I would like to express my endorsement of Mike Kennedy for City Council. I believe him to be knowledgeable and a communityminded individual who will represent us well.

Mike has experience both in the business world and community service. I strongly believe Liberty Lake will benefit by having Mike Kennedy serve on the City Council.

Respectfully, Jeanne Harmer Liberty Lake

About the Opinion Page The Splash opinion page is intended to be a community forum for discussing local issues. Please interact with us by sending a letter to the editor or Liberty Lake Voices guest column for consideration.

Letters to the editor of no more than 350 words or guest columns of about 700 words should be e-mailed to editor@libertylakesplash.com or mailed to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. A full name and telephone number must be included for purposes of verification. A photo of the author must be taken or provided for all guest columns.

The Splash reserves the right to edit or reject any submission. Business complaints or endorsements will not be accepted, and political endorsement letters will only be accepted if they interact with issues of a campaign.

Views expressed in signed columns or letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or its staff. Editorials, which appear under the heading "Splash Editorial," represent the voice of The Splash and are written by Publisher Ben Wick.

Dear Editor:

My dad was career Air Force.

My son is an Air Force Academy graduate and retired as a major after 22 years. My grandson is a graduate of the Air Force Academy and currently stationed stateside in the missile program.

“Integrity, service before self and excellence in all we do” is ingrained in our family.

Jeanette Nall is my choice for Liberty Lake City Council. She brings these same core values to our community.

She is well-educated and has a Master’s in finance graduating summa cum laude. She has a keen understanding of the city’s core mission of providing outstanding service to you, our citizens. Her 20year Air Force experience will serve us well on the City Council.

Thanks again for your service, Jeanette. Go Air Force and Vote Nall!

Charmaine Peterson Liberty Lake

Dear Editor:

After attending the political forum for the City Council on Oct. 11, the best candidate for City Council became obvious – Odin Langford. Although the format permitted only one-minute answers, not enough time to develop a strong position, one gained insight into the depth and breadth of the candidates’ thinking. Mr. Langford

Dear Editor:

We are writing this letter in support of Mike Kennedy for Liberty Lake City Council Position No. 6. We have found Mike to be a very dedicated caring individual whom we believe will serve as a strong advocate for the city of Liberty Lake. Mike's involvement in the community over the past 15 years along with his talents and ability to work with others will bring new ideas, support and enthusiasm to the momentum of the great stewardship developed thus far by the city of Liberty Lake.

Mike Kennedy has the time, commitment and desire to serve on the City Council. Mike is a regular attendee of the Liberty Lake City Council Meetings, having attended City Council meetings the last five years.

Mike has also volunteered countless hours with many organizations including, Merry Glen Home & School for Disabled Children, Liberty Lake Kiwanis, Friends of the showed his extensive experience on regional boards because of the quality and substance of his responses coupled with facts and figures. Platitudes were not a part of his vocabulary.

I overheard one person say Mr. Langford always does his homework, coming to City Council fully prepared.

It will not take him a year to learn the issues, because he already knows them. He also has the courage to stand

The Splash

Liberty Lake Library Spring Tea and various homeowner associations.

His qualifications include a good network in the community as well as a willingness to listen and work with others. He is very professional and knowledgeable; having been a successful business owner with millions of dollars in budgets. He is a past member of both the city of Liberty Lake and city of Spokane Planning Commissions and past president of Northwest Public Communications Council for Washington, Oregon and Idaho Utilities Commission.

As a Liberty Lake City Councilman, we feel Mike Kennedy's vision would be to see that the city of Liberty Lake remains viable and has the infrastructure to support its citizens.

Please join us in electing Mike Kennedy to Liberty Lake City Council Position No 6!

Sincerely, Mike and Pat Lutzenberger Liberty Lake for what he believes.

We need visionaries for a growing Liberty Lake, but with a voice of reason and sensibility. After tonight’s forum, I am firmly convinced Mr. Odin Langford must be re-elected for City Council.

Sincerely yours, Dr. E.H. Williams Liberty Lake

The Splash

Dear Editor:

Mr. Odin Langford has been our voice of reason on the Liberty Lake City Council for over 10 years and we know what he brings to the table.

It has been up to the challenger to convince me why she would be a better fit for this position and could do a better job than Mr. Langford.

As there must be a reason for change, to date she has not given me that reason.

Some things to think about when comparing the candidates for this position: 1) Odin Langford has more community service experience and has been a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children and served as senior ombudsman in the state of Washington.

2) Odin Langford has more experience in Liberty Lakes politics having been on the Liberty Lake City Council for the past 10-plus years and has been awarded the prestigious AWC “Advanced Municipal Leadership” accreditation.

3) Odin Langford has more leadership experience having served thousands of citizens as a police captain and supervised over 100 personnel while working as a private sub-contractor for Homeland Security.

4) Odin Langford has more education, having a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and has had direct oversight over budgets worth tens of millions dollars.

NOVEMBER 2017 • 45

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Running on a platform of “Needs before Wants” is more than a slogan to Odin Langford.

Granted, some amenities would be nice to have but he is in favor of conserving our budget surplus for city infrastructure projects such as roads, attracting new businesses and improved snow and ice removal. This makes much more sense than spending it unwisely now.

of that month.

If these qualities describe the kind of person you want leading your City Council into the future, then I urge you to vote for Odin Langford, on Nov. 7 for Liberty Lake City Council, Position 4.

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Friends of Pavillion Park 22 George Gee 41 Greenstone 36 Jim Custer Enterprises 9 John L Scott - Pam Fredrick 3 K9 Country Club 42 Liberty Lake Baptist Church 9 Liberty Lake EyeCare Center 3 Liberty Lake Family Dentistry 5 Liberty Lake Municipal Library 6 Liberty Lake Petsitters 31 Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District 21 Mary Sloan 27 MeadowWood HOA 18 Mike Kennedy 9 North Idaho Dermatology 27

Northern Quest 48 Premera 32 Simonds Dental Group 48 Sleep Better Northwest 39 Spokane Fall Folk Festival 42 Spokane Gymnastics 25 Stateline Plaza 46 Stauffer and Associates 3 Tracy Jeweler 35 True Legends Grill 42 Waste Management 3 Whispering Pines 38 Windemere 5 WindowWorks 19

Service Directory 46

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46 • NOVEMBER 2017

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ON THAT NOTE

Candidate forums illuminate democratic process

By Craig Howard Splash Editor Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman may have summed it up best on the opening page of the 2017 Voter’s Pamphlet: “Voter participation data in our state shows many people only vote in the presidential election every four years. But often the decisions made in a non-presidential election year like this are more likely to impact your daily life.”

Wyman goes on to point out that voters will be called upon this fall to elect leaders who make important decisions in respective communities across the Evergreen State – mayors, City Council members, school board directors and fire and port commissioners.

In the spirit of learning more about candidates for such offices, Wyman would have appreciated two events hosted by the Splash and Current last month, two publications that fly under the slogan of “Honoring local communities and encouraging citizen involvement.”

Appropriately, both events were led by the next generation of voters.

Students from West Valley, University, Mica Peak and East Valley high schools contributed to candidate forums held Oct. 4 at West Valley High School and Oct. 11 at Liberty Lake Elementary. Hopefuls for the Spokane Valley City Council faced off at the West Valley forum while contenders for the Liberty Lake City Council and Spokane Valley Fire Board of Commissioners took to the stage in Liberty Lake.

“For me this is all part of educating kids and teaching them about some of the issues that will affect them in their lives,” said Don Owen, a teacher at University High who worked with students to generate questions for the West Valley event.

The forums – which also included those running for local school boards, Millwood city leadership and Spokane Superior Court judge – paid homage to the great American tradition of political debates – albeit with a slightly more condensed agenda. Allotted time for summary statements, opinions and rebuttals did not quite hearken back to the series of debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in the 1858 race for the Illinois Senate seat.

Appearing in all seven of the state’s Congressional districts, Lincoln and Douglas participated in a format that featured one candidate being

given one hour for opening remarks followed by his opponent speaking for 90 minutes. The opening speaker then had 30 minutes for a rebuttal.

Ryan Roberts, a senior at Mica Peak High School, said participating in the forum was about being an engaged citizen.

“It’s a good thing to be involved in your community,” Roberts said.

Roberts added that his civics class at Mica Peak has shed light on the complexities of government.

“It’s helped me progress and know more about politics and how things work,” he said.

Asked if he would ever run for public office himself, the senior had a political savvy response.

“If I stay in Spokane, I might, but not for sure,” he said.

Senior Bnleo Dahal is part of the AP Government class at East Valley High. He asked questions at Liberty Creek and said his teacher

Lori Merkel has made politics “more interesting.” As for the local races, Dahal said he is “looking forward to the political process – it’s fun to see it in a local sense.”

Karin Morris was one resident who attended both forums. She said making the effort was part of being an educated voter.

“You really have to be at events like this to see what’s going on, to get a good idea of who these candidates are,” Morris said. “Right now, there’s five of the seven council positions open in the Valley. People need to pay attention. If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.”

Keith Kopelson showed up at the Liberty Lake forum to learn more as a citizen. He currently holds a seat on the Liberty Lake City Council and, as a candidate, has participated in debates similar to one held Oct. 11.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to put a name to a face instead of going by the signs all over town and actually hear the candidates speak,” Kopelson said. “I just encourage people not to vote unless they know something about the candidate. Just because name recognition is there, it

NOVEMBER 2017 • 47

doesn’t tell you a whole lot.”

Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton took part in both forums, helping to coordinate a mock election held toward the end of each event.

“The students asked the tough questions,” Dalton said. “I was really impressed with the research they had done to form their questions.”

In her 19 years administrating elections in Spokane County, Dalton said candidate forums “are more beneficial to the voter than any of the other processes.”

“With these events, you get a real opportunity to ask questions, to interact and to follow up,” she said.

East Valley senior Nicole Richardson said she will be following the general election this month. Before the discussion began at Liberty Creek, Richardson said she was “interested in what the candidates have to say.”

“It’s a way to educate the public for free,” she said. “Anyone can attend. It’s not very time-consuming and it gives people the information they need to vote.”

Now it’s just a matter of returning that ballot.

Students from East Valley High School and Mica Peak High School were part of a panel that delivered questions to candidates for the Liberty Lake City Council and the Spokane Valley Fire Board of Commissioners in Liberty Lake last month. The event, held on Oct. 11 at Liberty Creek Elementary, was one of two candidate forums sponsored by the Splash and Current. The other was held at West Valley High on Oct. 4 featuring hopefuls for the Spokane Valley City Council.

The Splash

48 • NOVEMBER 2017

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