April 2018 Splash

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Liberty Lake WARM WEATHER

The weather is heating up and so are the events in Liberty Lake, page 12

CV GIRLS WRAP UP PERFECT SEASON PAGE 26

MORGAN MOVES ON AFTER LEAVING CHAMBER PAGE 32

LIBERTY LAKE’S MARTIAL ARTS MIRACLE PAGE 39

2 • APRIL 2018

The Park Bench

Big Sky Stepper – Owens a leader in education, city government

By Craig Howard Splash Editor For 10 years, Judi Owens contributed to decisions that formed the foundation for the city of Liberty Lake.

As a member of the inaugural City Council, Owens was part of a group tasked with the responsibility of starting a jurisdiction from the ground up. When the vote for incorporation passed in November of 2000, Liberty Lake became Spokane County’s first new city since Airway Heights sprang up during the Eisenhower Administration. The city would become an official jurisdiction in August 2001.

Owens brought extensive experience from both the private and public sectors to her role at City Hall. She had worked for companies like Washington Water Power (later Avista) and Washington Trust Bank before starting a career with the Central Valley School District (CVSD) that would span nearly three decades.

As a council member, she quickly earned respect for her thorough approach to municipal matters, doing her homework and adding valuable insight to discussions that ranged from organizing budgets to land zoning priorities.

Owens ran for state Senate in 2008, earning nearly 43 percent of the vote but falling short in her bid for the Legislative District 4 seat. It was the only election she ever lost.

By the end of 2011, Owens and two other members of the original council – Dave Crump and Wendy Van Orman – were ready to move on, leaving the municipal reins to a new generation of leaders.

From 2008 to 2012, Owens served as president of the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE), speaking to union chapters throughout the state about the importance of classified staff, speaking out for better working conditions and quality education. When she left the post in September 2012, Owens described how rewarding her time as PSE president had been.

NEWS “The day to day challenges are already a fading memory,” she said then. “My most vivid memories will always be the great times we have shared as we have worked to make PSE stronger while we maintain our uniqueness.”

Owens began her career in the public sector with CVSD in 1990, working in computer operations. She would remain with the district until 2013, a tenure that included a fouryear leave of absence during her time with PSE. Born in Colville, a small town 70 miles north of Spokane, Owens was one of three kids in a family that moved frequently. Her dad, a Navy veteran, worked for the railroad and it wasn’t until the family settled in Thompson Falls, Montana, during Owens’ fourth grade year that she established some genuine roots.

In high school, Owens was the coeditor of the school paper and senior class treasurer. She was one of 23 seniors in her graduating class and part of a school enrollment of 140.

In some ways, Montana is still home to Owens even though she left after high school to enroll in Spokane’s Kinman Business University. She still keeps in contact with many of her friends from the Thompson Falls days and visits Big Sky country regularly with her husband Charlie.

“You don’t appreciate Montana until you’ve been away and you go back,” Owens says. “Everyone knows

everyone and everyone cares about each other.”

Owens received a job offer back in Thompson Falls prior to graduating from Kinman. She would return to her adopted hometown to work for First State Bank as a bookkeeper. She was married soon after and later gave birth to two daughters, Sylvia and Lara.

Owens would work for another bank – Washington Trust – later in her career. She remembers operating a mainframe computer that took up an entire room in the bank’s downtown Spokane office. The machine was considered state-of-the-art at the time and was proudly displayed in a window-abundant space on the lower level of the building. She left Washington Trust to work in central billing for Washington Water Power and later was employed by Rosauers where she managed pricing, payroll and billing on yet another mainframe.

While Owens was considered an exceptional employee with a comprehensive grasp of the latest technology, she found herself consistently receiving less pay than her male counterparts at various career stops.

“I got tired of training men who earned more money that I did,” Owens recalls.

Toward the end of her professional journey, Owens was selected as a representative of the prestigious Washington State Investment Board, an advisory committee that offers

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input on the state’s financial portfolio.

During Owens’ service, the board dealt with a fund of some $86 billion. She also served on the State Employee Retirement Benefit Board.

Judi and Charlie moved to Liberty Lake from Spokane Valley in 1992 when the area featured little more than a gas station, post office, residential areas and the Hewlett Packard campus. The couple has lived in the same home ever since, adding a sewing studio where Judi can work on her primary hobby. She is a member of five quilting groups including the Spokane Valley Quilt Guild and Washington State Quilt Guild.

In addition to her two children, Owens has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. When not quilting or hosting family dinners, she enjoys following Gonzaga men’s and women’s basketball.

Q: What influence do you think growing up in small towns had on you later in life?

A: The sense of family in a small community goes way beyond biological boundaries. I made friends throughout my life in Thompson Falls, Montana, who are still friends today. You learn to pull together for your dreams and you celebrate the successes and mourn the losses together. Living in Liberty Lake has been a similar experience because we were so small and we grew together as we saw our

See OWENS, Page 4

Judi Owens served as a representative of the Liberty Lake City Council for a decade beginning with the incorporation year of 2001. A resident of the community since 1992, Owens was also a longtime employee of the Central Valley School District and served as the president of the Public School Employees of Washington from 2008 to 2012.

Photo by Craig Howard

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OWENS

Continued from page 2 dream of a new city form and prosper.

We were neighbors working together for a common goal and looking out for each other's interests. My prayer for Liberty Lake is that the politics of our community never get in the way of the neighbor-to-neighbor relationships.

I really feel a sense of loss when I see how state and national politicians lose their original goals as they gain personal power and greed.

Q: What is still special to you about Montana even years removed from living there?

A: I appreciate it even more today.

The Big Sky country will always have a very special place in my heart for its serenity and the sincerity of the people.

I lived in Montana from the fourth grade through high school graduation, so the influence of the area will always be with me. We travel back for class reunions and visit frequently. You just don’t appreciate the beauty when you’re in the midst of it growing up. As an adult, you have an entirely different perspective on what’s of value in life.

Q: You worked for companies like Washington Trust Bank and Washington Water Power early in your career then later for the Central Valley School District.

What were some of the main differences between employment in the private sector and the public sector?

A: Folks seem to think that you get rich working for a public entity.

It’s not so! There is a certain sense of permanence when you work for a public sector though. Generally, folks settle in for the long haul and that was the case for me. You're serving a higher cause and that means more than big bucks. I had moved jobs every few years early in my career just to get raises. What I found back then was that women were not paid equally with men doing similar work.

The country has come a long ways and women are now receiving more of the respect in the workplace than they did in the 1960s when I was starting out. I’m not a feminist but I sure appreciate seeing this type of growth. Women have fought long and hard for equal respect and recognition.

I’m happy for the progress. On the other hand, I am gratified to see that women who choose to stay home and raise their family are gaining respect for that choice too. It takes a great deal of skill to raise good kids and to keep and a home for a family.

Q: What are some of your recollections of the Liberty Lake community when you and your husband moved here in 1992?

A: It was pretty barren and raw back then. No grocery stores, one gas station with a convenience shop,

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no school and only county services.

One sheriff’s deputy served nearly the entire area east and south of the city of Spokane. If you called for emergency service, good luck! Your designated officer was likely in Freeman or down on Sprague backing up a call that was more important than whatever you were calling about. Plowing in the winter was spotty and we were snowed in for three days the first winter. Even though we called to let them know we had 6-foot drifts, the county insisted we were not on their schedule because we were a private road. That was an error but you sure couldn’t get the point across to the dispatcher. It was pretty frustrating.

Q: Looking back on your years with the Central Valley School District, what were some of the most rewarding aspects of your work?

A: As a classified employee, it’s a battle to gain the respect for the job that you’re doing. Parents understand to some extent and appreciate the classroom teachers. That’s not always the case for the classified employees but what the public should realize is that without the classified employees, the schools don’t open and they cannot run. I started out as the district computer operator but I found my true home and sense of satisfaction when I took the job as the head secretary in the maintenance department. That’s where the rubber meets the road. I was able to computerize the maintenance work order system which made the department much more efficient. I was also active in our employee union and chaired the staff development committee for many years. Central Valley has an extensive training program that we were able to put in place. The program enhances the skills of the employees and everyone wins – the employee, the district and especially the kids. On the state level, I lobbied for better working conditions and standards for education. Later in my career with Central Valley I was elected state president of Public School Employees of Washington which gave me a bit louder voice.

Q: What was your opinion of the campaign to incorporate Liberty Lake that led to the successful vote in the fall of 2000?

A: I wasn’t involved in the campaign to incorporate but I did support and vote for incorporation. It was after the successful vote that I really got involved. That was at my husband’s urging and it launched a whole new dynamic to my life. Being on many of the transition committees and eventually running for the new City Council is something that I’ll always be proud of.

Q: What do you remember about that first year of being a

Judi Owens (forefront) served on the first Liberty Lake City Council from 2001 through 2011 with fellow inaugural leaders Wendy Van Orman (center) and Dave Crump. The trio is pictured at the Liberty Lake Portal, an early gathering place for city leadership.

File Photo

representative of a brand new city?

A: Long hours of work! Unless you have lived it, there is no way to explain.

Working a full-time job and spending upwards of 40 additional hours a week on the process of incorporation is draining and took a great deal of stamina. Our long hours didn't end on the incorporation date. My best recollection is that we were still keeping some pretty tough schedules well into 2002. We had to pass about five different city budgets in a year’s time besides all the ordinances that were needed on the books. Even though it was hectic and sometimes felt like it would never end, I wouldn't give up the experience for anything. It was a once-in-a-lifetime deal and not a lot of people can say they built a city.

I'm honored to have been a part of it.

Q: How did your career experience to that point benefit you in the challenge of starting a city from the ground up?

A: I always had to work hard to get where I wanted to be. I was a woman in a male-dominated career field of computers. I had to do it better, faster and more accurately for less money.

Hard work was not a stranger.

Q:

What are some of your

proudest moments and/or achievements during your decade representing the city?

A: Incorporation day! Without a doubt, the actual incorporation stands out. The work leading up to that day and the work that followed are all just fluff. Knowing we were a city and that I helped make that happen was great. When I drive into Liberty Lake especially after dark when the lights are shining and you can really see what encompasses the city today, I feel a mother's pride. I helped create this little gem.

Q: Finally, how closely do you follow what's happening at City Hall these days and what advice would you offer to those currently sitting at the dais?

A: I watch from a distance and very rarely get involved. It's pretty hard to sit on the sidelines and second guess what's going on when you don't have the inside track on what's happening. My best advice to the sitting council is to get back to basics and do not become a puppet politician. We set some good standards for our city. Keep Liberty Lake the destination city with a hometown appeal.

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HUB capital campaign yields win for facility, community

By Steve Christilaw

Splash Correspondent Phil Champlin is about ready to organize a big celebration, the kind that comes only on the heels of major accomplishment or the end of a long journey.

This time, both are true.

The executive director of the HUB Sports Center has piloted a multi-year, multi-million-dollar effort to guide the Spokane Valley nonprofit to a safe harbor where it has become financially selfcontained and ready to face a secure future full of promise and possibility.

“I certainly didn’t take this job to run a capital campaign,” Champlin said. “I don’t know if anyone would. I don’t think anyone on our board of directors came onboard to do a capital campaign, either.”

Yet Champlin and his board have overseen a drive to raise the funds needed to purchase the $3.2 million, 66,000-square-foot sports facility at 19619 E. Cataldo in Liberty Lake – a purchase from the Inland Northwest Community Foundation (INWCF) that was finalized in December.

The effort was propelled forward by a $350,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and $800,000 from the Washington state capital budget achieved by Spokane Valley’s state legislators.

APRIL 2018 • 5

accomplished.

“By comparison, it’s just one last little push,” he said. “Look at it this way – all we need to do is find 300 people in the Spokane Valley who believe in us enough to write us a $1,000 check.”

Don’t bet against him doing just that.

The HUB Sports Center sees 180,000 people come through its doors each year and the events and activities it attracts – from highprofile volleyball and basketball tournaments to recreational activities like pickleball and Zumba – bring in an estimated $6 million to the area economy.

The facility is the third-largest athletic complex in the area behind only the Spokane Arena and the McCarthy Athletic Center – and by comparison, it is by far the most versatile.

While the loan balance is considerable in comparison to the average household budget, it pales in comparison to the Herculean task Champlin and the HUB board of directors have already

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And now that versatility will be available to the community well into the future.

Not only does the purchase spell a bright future for the HUB and Champlin, INWCF will put the money raised by the sale and ensure that it is permanently endowed and redistributed to support youth programs and other charitable causes in the community, according to a release from Shelly O’Quinn, the foundation’s CEO. Champlin said he and his staff are excited to reach a place where they can turn their energy and imagination from raising money to finding new ways to make the HUB a vital part of the community.

“That will be fun,” he said. “We can definitely see that happening.

Sooner rather than later.”

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Those monies, plus funds raised through individual donations, have the capital campaign in the home stretch, just shy of the finish line.

The only financial obligation outstanding is a $300,000 bridge loan that Champlin is determined to pay off as soon as possible.

Once that is paid off, Champlin says a celebration will take place, in part to bid adieu to the facility’s mortgage.

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6 • APRIL 2018

Tainio departs city, leaves imprint on development

By Craig Howard Splash Editor It was not uncommon when a question came up at a Liberty Lake City Council meeting about land use, development regulations or the comprehensive plan that everyone in the room would turn to Amanda Tainio.

From obscure zoning requirements to the latest stipulations on signage, Tainio became known as an encyclopedia of knowledge at City Hall. She was one of the original 10 employees hired by the city in late 2001, just a few months after incorporation of Spokane County’s easternmost jurisdiction became official. She began her tenure as a planning technician and was promoted to Planning and Building Services manager in 2008.

Last month, Tainio moved on after a career with the city marked by significant residential and commercial growth, most of which she had some part in mapping out.

“I have gained a lot of valuable experience in my tenure here,” Tainio said before her last day as a city employee, March 9. “I am looking forward to taking some time off and then starting a new phase of my career.”

City Administrator Katy Allen said Tainio left an imprint on the city she called her professional home for over 16 years.

“As an early member of city staff after incorporation, Amanda was involved in the development of our comprehensive plan and use regulations,” Allen said. “She was hard working, very knowledgeable of regulations and instrumental in most all of the development that has taken place in Liberty Lake since incorporation.”

A native of the Tacoma area, Tainio graduated from Lakes High School and enrolled at Washington State University, eventually majoring in landscape architecture with an emphasis in planning, real estate, marketing and construction management. After earning her degree, Tainio worked as an assistant project manager and builder representative. She was hired by the city of Liberty Lake in December 2001 when City Hall

Amanda Tainio was one of the first 10 employees hired by the city of Liberty Lake in December 2001. She became Planning and Building Services manager in 2008.

Tainio resigned from her post last month to pursue other interests.

File Photo

was situated in a humble space on the first floor of the Greenstone building.

Tainio oversaw a wide range of responsibilities in her managerial role, including design review, park planning and project permit coordination. She said the city’s unique development standards continue to shape the image and

texture of Liberty Lake.

“The city is just starting to see the results of design and building orientation standards that were adopted over a decade ago to increase pedestrian orientation, promote connectivity and define community character,” she said. “The future of Liberty Lake, as identified

See TANIO, Page 37

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APRIL 2018 • 7

The Lookout MEMO from the

Mayor

By Mayor Steve Peterson

At recent Business Connections put on by our Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, the guest speaker was Col. Michaelle Guerrero, commander of the 92nd Medical Group at Fairchild Air Force Base.

We thought we were going to hear about the superb medical care at Fairchild. Wrong! We were

embarking on a talk of “Service to our Community” and she was giving us a checkup on what that looks like from the eyes of our military. Wow, what can we say?

Concluding her talk, she handed the podium back to Katherine Morgan presidents and CEO of the chamber. Katherine had some news for us – she was moving on to a position in the private sector at Bank of America! She was leaving for a different job and a new career. Wow, what can be said?

Driving home that afternoon, reflecting on what transpired, I passed a line of silver trash bags

along Valleyway stuffed with leaves.

Then I saw the guy responsible for them – Dennis Stuart.

I stopped and engaged him in conversation about his project. He took it upon himself to clean up Valleyway and get rid of the fallen leaves. Forty bags so far and more to come. He was looking to do his part for our community in a place he calls home. Wow! What do we say?

Thank you for your service!

Thanks for being a wonderful piece of fabric in our community. Thanks for going over and above on our behalf. Thanks for stepping up and not only doing your job but setting

Process underway to hire new library director The February issue of the Splash included an article about Liberty Lake Library Director Pamela Mogen’s upcoming retirement in October.

Replacing our Merit Award-winning director with a qualified and committed person, ready to lead our library into the future, requires well-defined goals and input from all corners of our community.

The deadline for completion of the recruitment brochure (distribution through the Association of Washington Cities, library forums, the Washington Library Association and other organizations) is April. The timeline is to receive applications and have a “short list” by June, then to begin the process of phone and in-person final interviews. The goal is to make a final selection in September.

a higher standard for those who follow. Thanks for your leadership and impression on those to come – and our youth and young families who see what “doing in action is” and not expecting reward. Thanks for giving of yourselves so others may benefit. To all those who labor on behalf of our community expecting no recognition, Thank You. Col. Guerrero’s response to “Thanks for your service” was simply, “It’s my pleasure.” I know the others would also agree but for me, it truly is my pleasure to recognize all of you! All of you help make Liberty Lake Spokane County’s premier address!

Register now for summer activities

By Tom Sahlberg

For the past two months, city staff and the library Board of Trustees have been meeting and interviewing the mayor, City Council, library staff and residents to gather as much information as possible for the recruitment and selection of a new director. Survey questions included specifics about the sought-after credentials and ideal personal qualities for a new director as well as the future direction of the library.

April 2018

Keeping trails and parks clean for spring

Spring is sprung in Liberty Lake and our city is waking up from the winter slumber. We have seen a lot of walkers, joggers, strollers and canine friends enjoying the trail system on our sunny days and the parks are open and seeing more folks drop by.

In order to keep our neighborhoods and greenspaces clean and enjoyable, it is important that everyone do their part in cleaning up after their animals.

Please make good use of the doggie bags provided at the waste stations found around the city, on the trails and in the parks. Remember that leash laws are in effect within city limits.

Please respect the laws so everyone can look forward to another wonderful warm weather season in Liberty Lake!

There may still be snow on the ground but the city of Liberty Lake is looking forward to warmer weather and summer activities. The city encourages residents to register their kids now for a slate of summer fun at our local parks and other venues.

Skyhawks Summer Sports Camps Where: Pavillion Park, Rocky Hill Park, City Hall putting green, the HUB Who: Kids from 5 to 12 years When: Begins June 18 How to register: https://www. skyhawks.com/libertylakesummer Skyhawks Summer Day Camp Where: Pavillion Park Who: Kids from 6 to 12 years When: Begins June 18 How to register: https:// www.skyhawks.com/ libertylakesummerdaycamp Challenger Sports British Soccer Where: Rocky Hill Park Who: Kids from 3 to 18 years When: Weeks of June 16 and Aug. 10 How to register: www. challengersports.com SuperTots Where: Pavillion Park Who: Kids ages ranging from 24 months to 5 ½ years old When: Begins June 19 How to register: https://www. supertotsports.com

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

8 • APRIL 2018

News and Notes from City Council – April 2018

By Craig Howard Splash Editor • The city is considering hiring a dedicated lobbyist to advocate for municipal causes in Olympia. There is the possibility of sharing the cost of such a position with entities like the Central Valley School District, Spokane Valley Fire Department, Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District (LLSWD) and local property owners. “You need that frequency (in Olympia) when you’re not there,” Mayor Steve Peterson said.

• Kottayam Natarajan, president LLSWD Board of Commissioners, said the district is refurbishing the old fire station just to the south of the district’s water treatment plant. The space will be used for a lab and education center and should be completed by June.

• At the March 6 City Council workshop, Pamela Mogen, library director, brought up the significant increase in visits by children and youth over the last several years.

In 2015, the library had 4,310 visits compared to 10,141 in 2017.

Mogen said the addition of Jandy Humble, children’s librarian as well as larger community events, like the Halloween party at Town Square Park and summer reading events last summer at Rocky Hill and Pavillion parks, have contributed to the numbers. Programming for teens and tweens has also improved, Mogen said.

• The library is now offering complimentary Mobius Spokane family passes, limited only to Liberty Lake residents. The passes are good for two adults and four kids and can be utilized one time in a seven-day period. There are two sets of passes, courtesy of Friends of the Library. The passes normally run $175 each. Mobius features a science center and children’s museum.

• A recent penny drive at Liberty Lake Elementary raised over $1,200 for Special Olympics. The Liberty Lake Police Department, longtime supporters of Special Olympics, held a special assembly to thank the students. Several Special Olympics athletes were also in attendance. “We talked about how even a little bit can make a difference in someone else’s life,” said Police Chief Brian Asmus.

• The national Special Olympics competition will be held at Husky Stadium in Seattle this summer.

The kickoff for the torch run will be held in Liberty Lake on June 27.

Law enforcement representatives

NEWS

from all over the state will be here for the beginning of the run. “We’re very honored to have them start here in Liberty Lake,” Asmus said.

• Asmus told council that law enforcement incidents were up 24 percent from January through March compared to the same period last year. Tickets and citations have been the main reason for the increase with many of the incidents related to the new distracted driving law.

• Longtime Planning and Building Services Manager Amanda Tainio was recognized with an appreciation of service by Mayor Peterson at the March 6 meeting.

Tainio announced her resignation last month after over 16 years with the city.

• The city received the WellCity Award from the Association of Washington Cities making it five years in a row for the distinction.

The honor translates into 2-percent reduction in medical insurance costs.

• Council Member Mike Kennedy was approved as a member of the Spokane Transit Authority board by a unanimous council vote • For Barefoot in the Park this year, the city will offer complimentary registration for businesses located within city limits. Vendors will be situated in Pavillion Park for the annual community celebration Aug. 3-4.

Businesses outside the city will still pay a fee.

• In his report on March 20, LLSWD Commissioner Tom Agnew said district staff and commissioners recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of water reclamation manager Dan Grogg’s first day with LLSWD. • Representatives of the new Liberty Lake Youth Commission were introduced at the March 20 council meeting. “This will give the youth in our community some leadership opportunities and a voice,” Peterson said. The commission will consist of five members. Youth representatives with the city’s new Parks and Arts Commission were also introduced at the meeting.

• The city is considering changing the configuration of council chambers to more of a horseshoe format. The wires will be gone and television monitors will be added. City Administrator Katy Allen said the goal is to bring back a proposed layout “so we can talk about it at a future workshop.”

• A new Spokane Valley Fire Department community stakeholder group will include Mayor Peterson and Council Member Dan Dunne representing the city.

Council shifts gears after Orchard Park bids

By Craig Howard Splash Editor When it comes to capital projects on the docket in Liberty Lake, Orchard Park is arguably the most anticipated venture in recent memory.

The 11-acre greenspace would represent the first large-scale park on the northside of the city, rivaling sites like Rocky Hill Park and Pavillion Park to the south that have become popular community gathering places. The design for Orchard Park leaned heavily on residents who convened at a series open houses and workshops, the first of which was held in October 2015.

Ideas from those discussions found their way into the blueprint, everything from multi-sport courts to a community garden to an amphitheater and more. The goal was to have construction begin by this spring. Things appeared on track with bids going out in late February – that is until the actual numbers came in last month.

Now it appears the park may not quite have all the bells and whistles as first thought.

City Engineer Andrew Staples gave an update on the project at the March 20 City Council workshop, sharing the news that the two responsive bids received for construction came in significantly higher than expected.

The Splash

Based on drawings from the landscape architect, Staples compiled alternates for the project as a way to reduce costs. Yet after taking out everything on the list, the lowest base bid still came in at $2.34 million, 39 percent over what the landscape architect had estimated.

“It’s very unusual for this to happen,” Staples said. “It doesn’t happen often, but it did here.”

The city had also hoped for a $500,000 grant through the state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), but it never materialized.

Now it is uncertain just what this patch of land in the western part of the River District west of Harvard Road will become. Staples said the city is looking at a price tag of $3.03 million that would provide a park without sport courts, about half the vegetation from the original plan, one parking lot instead of two and no pavilion shelter.

The new design would still include a concession stand, playground equipment, a splash pad, restroom and concrete pathways for cycling and walking.

“You’re still getting a complete park,” Staples said. “No one’s going to see this park and say, ‘It’s half built.’ This is going to be fully functional park.”

Restoring all the alternate amenities would add another $1.2 million, bringing the overall cost to $4.3 million.

Staples said there is always the option of a redesign on the project, an idea that was met with mixed reaction around the dais.

“I think there’s a concern about

See COUNCIL, Page 9

This 11-acre patch of land in the western part of the River District is slated to become the first large-scale park on the northside of Liberty Lake. The City Council is looking at various options for funding Orchard Park after bids for construction came in much higher than anticipated File Photo

The Splash

COUNCIL

Continued from page 8

getting an incomplete park,” Council Member Hugh Severs said. “It’s a great project for the city. Seems like it would be a good idea to support the base bid. A redesign pushes us out another year.”

City Administrator Katy Allen said going back to the drawing board might also affect the price as construction prices are likely to increase.

“We’re getting later into the season, I’d be concerned that the prices are going to go up,” Allen said.

Staples added that a redesign might not be received well by residents, especially considering the public input that has gone into the process.

“In my mind, the community is expecting the park they’ve already been shown,” Staples said.

Staples said the city currently has $2.16 million in city funds available for the project, leaving a gap of $860,000 to complete the task as spelled out in the base bid.

Finance Director R.J. Stevenson has proposed using funds from the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) to cover the project. The city has $2.2 million currently in the REET fund with the year-end amount estimated at $2.16 million. The project is also reimbursable through two funding resources available through the city – Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT) and Tax Increment Financing (TIF), meaning the funds from REET could be paid back to the city by Spokane County.

“After we have paid for the park, we would go to the county and seek reimbursement for those funds,” Staples said.

Council Member Mike Kennedy urged his fellow colleagues to step back and take a pragmatic view of the project’s new funding landscape.

“If we’re going to tap into 100 percent of the REET, is this something we should slow down on until we look closer at capital facilities and see what our priorities are?” Kennedy said. “Is this project at the top of the list or near the top?”

Council decided against making any final decision at the workshop, instead agreeing to have Allen bring back an outline of the project as featured in the base bid, a budget amendment and more details on cash flow related to utilizing REET dollars, including an estimated timetable on reimbursement of the funds.

Upgrade to Liberty Creek field Another topic related to future greenspace emerged at the March 20 workshop as council decided to

NEWS

put funds toward planting grass on the field north of Liberty Creek Elementary.

In a 4-2 vote, with Council Members Odin Langford and Bob Moore in the minority, the governing board approved $3,500 to fund refurbishing of just over 3 acres of city-owned land that has stood as a dirt lot for too long in the opinion of some around the dais.

“I think we are truly lacking in playfields,” Mayor Pro Tem Shane Brickner said. “I support the $3,500 option to make it look nicer. We’ve owned that property for a while and it’s just been sitting there as dirt.”

“I’d rather see something there rather than just dirt,” added Kennedy. “The land was bought by approval of City Council.”

Moore expressed concern about committing funds to a project that had not been fully vetted.

“It sounds to me like we’re committing to a playfield and I don’t think the City Council has agreed to do that,” Moore said.

Severs expressed support for an upgrade, bringing up a scenario of the city leaving the land as is, saying the cost to the city in dust and weed control that would likely eclipse the price to plant grass.

Langford suggested it would make sense to have the Central Valley School District fund improvements to the land since it is so close to one of their schools.

“Why can’t we just give the property back to the school?”

Langford asked. “That way we don’t have any expense and it’s being serviced by the people who are going to use it.”

Peterson countered by pointing to the example of the baseball diamonds that were built by the city on land once owned by CVSD. “I hate to tell the people we’re going to give up 3 acres of property when we had the opportunity to provide for our community,” Peterson said. “It’s our property and we’re going to clean it up.”

Allen noted that planting turf was “not a permanent solution.”

“This is a methodology to maintain the 3-plus acres,” she said.

Council passes parking nuisance ordinance At the March 6 City Council workshop, the issue of improperly parked vehicles was addressed with a discussion and vote on Ordinance 110A, “related to stopping, standing and parking of unauthorized vehicles.”

Police Chief Brian Asmus told council that the proposed ordinance provides LLPD with “the tools we need to address this issue.”

APRIL 2018 • 9

SPOKANE MARKET STATISTICS Days on Market

Langford said the time frame for dealing with offending vehicles was “nebulous” in the ordinance which indicates that concerns would be dealt with “after an adequate amount of time.”

Asmus said this was purposeful.

“What we’re really trying to do is Days on Market trying to accommodate those we can’t get in touch with,” he said.

Days onon Market Days Market “Our goal on this is just to reach out to this person and give them Days on Market an opportunity to remedy this situation.”

From 57 YTD 2017 to 54 YTD 2018* Moore brought up the potential Days on Market conflict between rules in place within From 5754 YTD From YTD2017 2017toto54 57YTD YTD2018* 2018 local homeowners’ associations FromFrom 57 YTD 20172017 to 54toYTD 2018* 57 YTD 54 YTD 2018* From 57 YTD 2017 to 54 YTD 2018* (HOAs) and how they might not line up with the way police deal Median Home Price with a concern.

From 57 YTD 2017 to 54 YTD 2018* “Perhaps we should think about Median Home Price Median Home Price Median Home Price making the two consistent, so there’s no question about what’s Median Home Price going to be done,” Moore said. “I think the purpose of the ordinance is to not clutter up the community and I’m not sure what the best wayFrom $190,000 YTD 2017 to $210,000 YTD 2018* to do that is.” $190,000 YTD to$210,000 $210,000 YTD 2018* From $190,000 YTD2017 2017 to YTD 2018* Moore noted the HOAs policy From From $195,000 YTD 2017 toYTD $209,000 YTD 2018 FromFrom $190,000 YTD 2017to to $210,000 2018* $190,000 YTD 2017 to $210,000 YTD 2018* From $190,000 YTD 2017 $210,000 YTD 2018* of writing a letter “is not being very responsive or addressing the situation very quickly.”

Months of Inventory Not all HOAs have the same Months of Inventory time frames as far as dealing with Months of Inventory parked vehicles, Asmus said.

Months of Inventory Months of Inventory “We’ve had a lot of discussion with council members and specifically the public safety committee before coming up with the ordinance,” Asmus said. “I will tell you that not 3.06 months YTD 2017 to 2.13 months YTD 2018* all the homeowners associations From From 3.06 months YTD 2017 to 2.13 months YTD 2018* FromFrom 3.06 3.84 months 2017 2.13YTD months YTDYTD 2017 toto2.04 2018YTD 2018* within Liberty Lake have the same time frames as far as dealing with From 3.06 months YTD 2017 to 2.13 months YTD 20 3.063.06 months YTD YTD 20172017 to 2.13 months 2018* months to 2.13 months 201 parked vehicles so trying to be FromFrom *Information obtained from theYTD YTD *Information obtained from the Spokane Multiple Listing consistent is not going to happen Spokane Multiple Listing Service.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed because they’re all different. I Service. *Information obtained from the Spokane Multip *Information obtained from the Spokane Information deemed reliable but Multip would say that as much as I love For Single Family Homes and Condos, site built less than Service.

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For Single Family Homes Condos, site b that from lots of people. That’s one For Single Family Homes andand Condos, sitesite builtbu For Single Family Homes and Condos, of the reasons we’re addressing it.” acre, Spokane County, through Februar acre, Spokane County, YTDYTD through February. acre, Spokane County, YTD through February Asmus said there have been situations where HOAs have had trouble identifying the owner of a vehicle parked in front of a property OB RICKETT because the car, truck or RV doesn’t REALTOR -Real Estate Excellence & Expertisebelong to the corresponding w w w. R o b - B r i c k e t t . c o m homeowner or renter.

209.660.3650 “As law enforcement, we have 509.570.4095 that database available very readily so can find out who that vehicle belongs to,” he said.

The ordinance passed unanimously, amending Ordinance 110 that had been in place previously. The ordinance will take precedence over HOA rules.

“I think this is a step forward 1421 North Meadowwood Lane compared to what we’ve had,” said #200 • Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Council Member Severs.

5% 6% 5% 5% 5% 5%

Days on Market

5% Median Home Price

Median Home Price

11% 11% 7% 11% 11% 11% 11%

Months of Inventory

Months of Inventory

30% 30% 33% 30% 30% 30%

R

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The Splash

10 • APRIL 2018

COMPASSIONATE

SVFD Report – COMMON SENSE April 2018 CONSERVATIVE

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 92 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from Feb. 20 – March 21: • Emergency medical services – 68 • Motor vehicle accidents – 3 • Water rescue – 1 • Fire - 3 • Building alarms – 9 • Service calls – 1 • Dispatched and cancelled en route – 7 *Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake

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

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Spokane County Sheriff

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Alarm Activation – Feb. 26 – SVFD crews responded to a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm activation in a home in the 800 block of South Liberty Drive just before 10 a.m. Crews arrived to find two kids playing outside. Inside the home, crews met the father and observed an activated CO alarm at the ceiling level. The crew’s CO detector showed elevated CO levels in the home. They shut down all gas appliances and the furnace, advised ventilation and notified Avista. The crew also evaluated the family and found no signs or symptoms of CO effects.

The boiler in the basement was later determined to be the CO source. Carbon Monoxide doesn't have a smell, color or taste.

Poisoning from carbon monoxide is dangerous and can be fatal. A carbon monoxide detector or CO detector is a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Water Rescue – March 3 – Shortly after 12:30 p.m., the SVFD water rescue team and firefighters responded to the Washington State Fish and Wildlife boat launch at Liberty Lake to a report of an animal or person in the lake. The first crew on the scene determined a water rescue was not needed. It was just a buoy frozen in the ice.

Unauthorized burning – March 16 – SVFD crews responded to a reported illegal

burn near the 3500 block of North Barker Road shortly after 1:30 p.m. Upon arrival, crews found smoke coming from the north side of a residence. The homeowner was found to be illegally burning yard waste. After clarifying the homeowner’s misunderstanding about allowed burning (only clean, dry firewood for recreational purposes only) vs. illegal burning (yard waste, garbage, lumber, etc.) and explaining the potential financial fees that could be levied

by Spokane Clean Air for burning violations, the homeowner was very cooperative and extinguished the fire with a nearby garden hose. Firefighters helped him turn over the burn pile with a shovel to ensure the fire was out.

New Liberty Lake Fire Station #3 open house – April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. SVFD invites the community to join us for free family fun at our new fire station located at 21300 E. Country Vista Drive. Tour the new fire station, try on firefighter gear, take pictures, meet your firefighters, get an Operation Family ID child safety kit and enjoy tasty treats. Visit www.

spokanevalleyfire.com information.

for

more

About SVFD - Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated areas of Spokane County including the communities of Otis Orchards, Pasadena Park, and the area surrounding Liberty Lake, with a combined population of 125,000 across approximately 75 square miles.

SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 17,280 emergency calls in 2017. Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), one of only a handful in the state of Washington.

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

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The Splash

Safety Scroll Medical oxygen and smoking represent severe safety risk

By Chief Bryan Collins

Spokane Valley Fire Department The threat of a particular health or safety risk changes over time.

During flu season, you are more aware of people coughing around you and may wash your hands more frequently. In the summer, you are more aware of burning restrictions and wildfire dangers. In the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) service area, we are seeing

APRIL 2018 • 11

a dangerous emerging trend – the use of at-home medical oxygen by people who smoke.

Already in 2018, SVFD has responded to two apartment fires in units where the resident smoked and used at-home medical oxygen.

Both of these fires resulted in rapid fire growth and lifesaving rescues by bystanders. One resident sustained severe burns and both residents required hospitalization. The use of portable medical oxygen in the home to treat various lung disorders has grown substantially over the past decade. As the “baby boomer” generation ages, that number will continue to rise. It is vital that patients who use home oxygen – and their friends and family – understand the associated risks.

Medical oxygen adds a higher percentage of oxygen to the air a patient uses to breathe. Normally, the air we breathe every day contains about 21 percent oxygen concentration; the air delivered to patients using this therapy contains nearly 100 percent oxygen. Oxygen saturates clothing, hair, fabriccovered furniture, and linens, making it easier for a fire to start and spread. That is why homes where medical oxygen is used need to follow special fire safety rules:

File Photo • Signage: Post “Oxygen in Use: No Smoking / No Open Flames” signs inside and outside the home • Open Flames: Candles, matches, wood stoves and even sparking toys can be ignition sources and should not be used in the home • Storage: Keep oxygen cylinders at least 5 feet from a heat source or electrical device • Flammable liquids: Body oil, hand lotions and items containing oil and grease can easily ignite.

Keep these items away from where oxygen is in use • Aerosol: Never use aerosol sprays containing combustible materials near the oxygen • Smoking: A patient on oxygen

should not smoke. There is no safe way to smoke in the home when oxygen is in use. Even if a person were to stop the oxygen flow and smoke outside, their hair, clothing and skin will still be oxygen-enriched and at risk of catching fire If you or a family member uses portable medical oxygen in the home, it is vital that you take action to remove these fire risks from the home. It will save lives For resources on smoking and how to quit, contact the Spokane Regional Health District at 3241500 or by going to www.shrd.org.

For more information on portable medical oxygen safety, visit the Fire & Life Safety page on our website at www.spokanevalleyfire.com

|

COVER STORY

12 • APRIL 2018

Season Ticket – Local staples highlight abundant outdoor lineup

By Craig Howard Splash Editor On the second Saturday in March, the temperature display on the electronic reader board below the Trailhead at Liberty Lake Golf Course seemed to indicate it was still winter. As morning rolled into early afternoon, the digital update revealed a balmy 46 degrees.

From the first tee, mountains with healthy coats of snow could be seen in the distance. Walkers on a nearby trail strode by, bundled in layers.

Yet in the Trailhead parking lot, spaces were going quickly. The city-owned course was open for business and signs of spring – golf cleats tapping on asphalt, the roll of a putt on the practice green and encouraging words after an unfortunate hook into the trees – made it seem much warmer than the thermostat reading.

The Splash

forward to over the next few months. Time to replace those snow boots with some sandals and store away the ice scraper...sunny days are here again.

was to reduce the traffic snarls, particularly on arterials like Country Vista and Molter. Friday’s schedule will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday’s slate is set for 8 to 5.

event in Idaho and Montana as well as locally.

Liberty Sales

The 2018 festivities will include more vendors in Pavillion Park, Niece said. There will also be new signs on display and more signage throughout the community. The addition of Google Maps as a feature for shoppers trying to find particular items has been a huge hit, Niece added.

Liberty Lake Farmers Market

Lake

Kiwanis

Yard

Melissa Niece wants to make one thing clear – the 2018 version of Liberty Lake Kiwanis Yard Sales will not conflict with Hoopfest, CdA Iron Man or any local graduation ceremonies.

“That’s something we’re ecstatic about,” said Niece.

With that out of the way, Niece and her fellow Kiwanians can concentrate on an event that has been a staple on the Liberty Lake summer agenda since it began on a much smaller scale in 1994.

Lorraine Halverson and Betty Button, neighbors from Alpine Shores, came up with the idea of a community-wide rummage sale and the concept took hold quickly.

Liberty Lake Kiwanis took the reins in 2010.

This year’s bargain bash will take place Friday and Saturday, June 22-23, the third year the event has spanned two days. Niece said the main reason for the expansion

Over 200 homes registered to be part of the event last year. Niece encouraged those interested in participating this summer to register starting April 15 at the Kiwanis website – www.libertylakekiwanis. org – through June 15 in order to guarantee inclusion on Google Maps and the 2018 Official Yard Sale Guide.

Proceeds from the event fund scholarships for local high school youth through Kiwanis.

“That’s a huge part of what we’re doing is giving back to the community,” Niece said.

Folks come from as far away as Arkansas for the shopping spectacle. Kiwanis will market the

“There are people who plan their vacations around this,” Niece said.

“They take it seriously.”

The debut of the Liberty Lake Farmers Market took place in May 2002 under soggy skies with shoppers braving the rain to peruse the latest in local produce. A total of eight vendors were part of the lineup that inaugural year.

In the last 16 seasons since, the venue has grown into one of the region’s most popular open-air markets. Last year, over 50 vendors took part. Market Manager Holli Parker said the market board was set to go over vendor applications just before the April Splash went to press.

“We don’t know exact number of vendors yet,” Parker said. “Looking at the amount of applications turned in, I am excited to see what our lineup will look like this year.”

The market will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday from May 19 through Oct. 13. at Town Square Park, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane.

See OUTDOOR, Page 13

Brandon Wulf and his buddy Evan Frobe were among those who braved the conditions on March 10, although Brandon’s grandmother, June Wulf, may have been the toughest of the bunch. Regardless of where drives, irons and putts landed that day, all three agreed it was a good day for golf.

“This is really more like practice,” said Evan, a former soccer standout at Central Valley High School.

“It’s just nice to be outside,” Brandon added.

In Liberty Lake, folks tend to get a jump on the warm weather schedule – even when it’s not so warm. With spring officially here and summer around the corner, the agenda of activities is substantial for a community once known as the “Coney Island of the West” for its lake resorts and water recreation.

These days, the fun has moved more inland with a trio of golf courses, the Liberty Lake Farmers Market, Friends of Pavillion Park Summer Festival, Kiwanis Community Yard Sales and more on the calendar.

As a salute to the post-winter season, we offer the following preview of local favorites to look

The Liberty Lake Community Fourth of July Parade has been a summer staple for nearly three decades. The event in the Alpine Shores neighborhood features homemade floats and decorated golf carts in patriotic themes.

Photo by Craig Howard

The Splash

COVER STORY

OUTDOOR

APRIL 2018 • 13

Continued from page 12 Along with traditional market highlights like the Italian Festival (July 14) and Pie Festival (Aug. 18), Parker said there are plans to expand another popular feature – Art at Market – this year. The event stretches out to include Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14-15.

“We’re hoping to have great music, food and more art vendors,” she said.

The market has a refurbished website – www. libertylakefarmersmarket.com – that features worthwhile content for shoppers and vendors alike. Parker said those who visit the market appreciate both the diversity and consistency of the venue.

“They love the vendors for the different kinds of variety they bring in with the produce as well as the mainstays,” she said. “They like our vendors and enjoy being able to talk with them. We have incredible artists from our area – whether that art is in farming, craft, food, flowers or coffee.”

From live music to local produce to park benches where visitors can enjoy a lunch of Lenny’s famous burritos or lighter fare, the market is now recognized as a community gathering place as much as a retail setting.

“That is what makes us special,” Parker said.

Barefoot in the Park Soccer sans shoes is far from the only facet of the event known as “Barefoot in the Park,” set for Aug. 3-4 at Pavillion Park.

While a few of the remnants of the former summer spectacle, Liberty Lake Days, can still be seen in the agenda, the new version – still overseen by the city of Liberty Lake – has more of a canine character.

Jennifer Camp, the city’s Operations and Maintenance director, said some of last year’s highlights included rescue animals from Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary, search and rescue dogs and dog agility demonstrations.

Camp makes it clear that the lineup has not completely gone to the dogs – she points to Cecil the Magician, live music and Ultimate Frisbee sponsored by the HUB Sports Center as among the more popular features last summer. The schedule of activities for 2018 will be confirmed by June or early July, Camp said.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind event for Liberty Lake to attract multiple

Soccer on the grass is a headliner of the city's Barefoot in the Park community celebration, set for Aug. 3-4 this summer at Pavillion Park. The festivities also feature live music, food vendors, a car show and, new this year, a golf cart show and shine.

Contributed photo

interests, not just soccer, and allow our local businesses and community organizations to come together in our most popular park for a community summer celebration,” Camp said. “We’re hoping to get the word out even more this year.”

New to the schedule in 2018 will be free vendor booth spaces offered to businesses in the city of Liberty Lake, an idea generated by the City Council. The soccer portion in 2018 will also include a cleated category.

Raffle drawings will be held on Saturday for a chance at a variety of prizes.

“We are also adding a golf cart show and shine in coordination with the Friday night car show,” Camp said.

Stay tuned.

FOPP Summer Festival It is a bit like Christmas in the spring for those familiar with the Friends of Pavillion (FOPP) Park Summer Festival. While it may be missing wrapping paper and ribbons, the announcement of the free outdoor movie and concert lineup is viewed as nothing short of a gift to the entire region.

The 2018 schedule will be in place by the middle of this month, said FOPP President Joe Frank.

The series traditionally begins with a Fourth of July concert in the park, followed that evening by a fireworks show sponsored by the city of Liberty Lake. Other signature aspects of the festival include Shakespeare in the Park and a Labor Day weekend concert featuring the Spokane Symphony that wraps up the festival docket.

“I would say there were two major highlights for me last year,” said Frank. “First, the partnership with the city on the Fourth of July, where they provide the fireworks and we provide the concert has been a huge success and continues to grow.

Second, last year was the end of our last year of our previous symphony contract, but we were successful in signing another three-year contract that continued this long-time tradition.”

Frank said the unique showcase of quality entertainment at no cost is a reflection of “a community that is very close knit,” providing opportunities for broader audiences to experience fine arts like the symphony and the Bard on stage.

He added that the local teenagers who applied to be part of the city’s new Parks and Arts Commission earlier this year each mentioned attending the Summer Festival as kids, recognizing the effort as a way

to support civic enrichment.

As far as new projects, Frank said much of that depends on the bandwidth of FOPP which continues to look for new volunteers.

“We have lots of new ideas, but we are a very small group, so implementing new ideas has been a challenge,” Frank said. “So this year will be focusing on the main components of the annual Summer Festival.”

The group also coordinates the annual Liberty Lake Loop, a 4-mile run/walk and a kids’ race with a shorter distance. This year’s event will take place on July 14. For more information about FOPP festivities, visit www.pavillionpark.org.

Liberty Lake Community Fourth of July Parade After 30 years as director of the Liberty Lake Community Fourth of July Parade, Dave Graham has stepped away from the procession, handing the baton to Annie Tichy.

You can rest assured, however, this unique holiday extravaganza won’t miss a step.

“The Liberty Lake Community Parade is a very special event,” said Tichy. “We are very proud of its history.”

See LINEUP, Page 16

COMMUNITY

14 • APRIL 2018

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The Splash

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS March 30-April 1 | Journey to the Cross, times vary, Spokane Valley Adventist Church, 1601 S. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. The Spokane Valley Adventist Church presents the 10th Annual “Journey to the Cross” outdoor walk-through event on Easter weekend. You won’t just hear the story, you’ll be in it as you are surrounded by a cast of 250. Dates and times are: Friday, March 30, from 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, March 31, from 4 to 9 p.m.; Sunday, April 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. Tours start every 15 minutes and last approximately 30 minutes. This event is free of charge.

March 31 | 22nd annual Liberty Lake Easter Egg Hunt – 11 a.m., Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Road.

Event is for toddlers through fourth graders. Children must be signed up in advance. Cost: $2 per child (cash or check only) or six plastic eggs filled with wrapped candy per child.

Volunteers needed. Contact: Alisha Davis 921-6746 or Davis72205@ hotmail.com April 3 | Poetry 4 Kids with Kenn Nesbitt – 4 p.m., Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. This educational stand-up comedy poetry presentation for K-6 students will have your students howling with laughter. Students will experience funny poetry, learn where to find poetry in the library and collaborate to write new funny poems from scratch April 5 | Art Buffet – 10 to 11:30 a.m., Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Use your imagination to create something using a variety of supplies from crayons to paint and paper to cardboard boxes April 28 │Liberty Lake Fire Station #3 Open House – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 21300 E. Country Vista Drive. The Spokane Valley Fire Department invites the community to this event featuring free family fun.

Tour our brand-new station, try on firefighter gear, take pictures, meet the firefighters, get an Operation Family ID child safety kit and enjoy tasty treats. Call 892-4155 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com for more information

RECURRING ACT 2 senior classes | Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire. A wide

range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. “Focused Fitness on Dishman Mica,” a yoga class, is now part of the schedule.

More at www.sccel.spokane.edu/ ACT2 Military Sobriety Support Group | 10 to 11: 30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Call Steve at 8934746 for more information Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 7 to 8 p.m., third Thursdays of the month.

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Discussion of Baha’i teachings, history, and perspectives on resolving the challenges facing humanity. All are welcome. More at 599-2411 or www.bahai.us Catholic Singles Mingle | meeting times and locations vary. This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www.meetup.com/ Catholic-Singles-Mingle DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Mondays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Eastpoint Church, 15303 E. Sprague Ave. Learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. DivorceCare for Kids (ages 5-12) meets at the same time and location. Cost is $25 for workbook. More at 892-5255 or eastpointchurch.com Grange Meeting and Dessert | 6:30 p.m., first Wednesday of the month, Tri-Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. The public is welcome for this 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 Spokane County Library District | Locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards and Spokane Valley.

Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs,

children’s story times, classes, Lego club, teen anime club and writing clubs. More at www.scld.org Toastmasters, Liberty Lakers #399 | 5:45 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays at the Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake.

This is a speaking and leadership development club.

Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at Valley Assembly of God Church, 15618 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley.

Open to all interested in sharing ideas and skills of our quilting craft.

Participants have can access a comprehensive library, can engage experienced teachers and participate in community service projects. More at www.svqgspokane.com

MUSIC & THE ARTS April 8 | Chorale Coeur d’Alene presents “Requiem, A Concert of Hope” – 3 p.m., Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox in Spokane. The 70-member chorale is accompanied by piano, organ and chamber orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and active military and $10 for students and are available at foxtheaterspokane. org and ChoraleCdA.com or call 208446-2333

RECURRING 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

COMMUNITY

HEALTH & RECREATION April 4 | Opening Day of Meadowwood Women's Golf Club – 8:30 a.m., Meadowwood Golf Course, 24501 E. Valleyway.

Event will include a meeting, light breakfast and golf to follow, weather permitting.

New members are encouraged to attend April 4 | Opening Day of Trailhead Ladies Golf Club. All ladies are welcome to join this fun group. Club plays each Wednesday morning beginning April 4. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our group, please contact President Susan Kinyon at 939-3027 April 11 | Kickoff meeting of Spokane Valley Women’s Golf League – 6 p.m., Liberty Lake Golf Course, 24403 E. Sprague Ave. All levels welcome. Those interested are welcome to join the league anytime during the season. League play every Wednesday night from April 25 to Aug. 29 with tee times from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Membership fee: $55 and includes GHIN handicap fee. Green fees: $24 without county discount pass or $20 with county discount pass. For more information, email spokanevalleywomensgolf@gmail. com Wednesday mornings | Mindful Music & Movement class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as: Parkinson's, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. Supporting body, mind and soul. $10 donation suggested. Facilitated by 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.

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 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.

Romeo &

CIVIC & BUSINESS

Juliet

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 p.m. on of each Country

Lake City Council | 7 the first and third Tuesdays month, City Hall, 22710 E. Vista Drive

Liberty Lake Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m. on the first through third Wednesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

Fourth Wednesday, the club meets at noon at Barlows restaurant, 1428 N. Liberty Lake Road

May

Liberty Lake Library Foundation | Noon the first Wednesday of each month, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Liberty Lake Lions Club | Noon to 1 p.m., every first and third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are at Barlow's Restaurant, 1428 N. Liberty Lake Road.

16, 17, 18, 19 23, 24, 24, 26

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.

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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

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

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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

RECURRING

APRIL 2018 • 15

NT

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VA L

The Splash

CV Performing Arts Center | 821 S Sullivan Rd, Spokane Valley

tickets available april 16 at cvtheatre.com

Underwritten in part by: CVHSe atr

The ers Boost

The Splash

16 • APRIL 2018

LINEUP

Continued from page 13 This year will mark the 29th rendition of the parade, held every Independence Day in the Alpine Shores neighborhood just south of city limits. All are welcome and folks can sign up to enter a float or golf cart with patriotic decorations encouraged. Volunteers are needed to help navigate traffic and parking the morning of the event. The parade begins at noon.

“This year we welcome back the Central Valley High School alumni marching band, always a highlight of the parade,” said Betty Wolf, a longtime parade volunteer. “They committed to being in the parade every other year so we missed them last year but are glad they will be back in 2018.”

The Jim Eldridge Band, led by the group’s namesake and Alpine Shores resident, will be back as part of the musical lineup. Game and activities will follow the parade, recalling bygone years when the lakeshore was bustling each summer with locals and tourists.

Ross and Kelli Schneidmiller will be selecting the grand marshal of

this year’s event. Fireworks over the lake, a tradition spanning back some 25 years, will once again conclude the day. As always, the show is funded entirely by community support.

Those interested in learning more about the parade and/or volunteer opportunities can email Tichy at annietichy@gmail.com.

Fun at the Fairways A break in the winter weather earlier this year meant Trailhead was open Jan. 23 through Feb. 14 when the snow returned. The course owns the distinction as a venue that keeps its driving range (featuring covered, heated stations) open year-round and will take tee times as long as the fairways and greens don’t resemble frozen tundra.

“We had 102 players on Feb. 3,” said Trailhead PGA pro Chris Johnston.

Trailhead’s standing as an allseasons venue has turned the course into a popular destination point for golfers from throughout the region, Johnston said. Revenue has gone up consistently each year.

“What happens is people find out we’re open during the winter, they come here and find out about the course,” Johnston said.

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The Kiwanis Liberty Lake Yard Sales will take place June 22-23, turning the community into a large-scale haven of deals and unique finds. The event originated in 1994 when two neighbors from Alpine Shores, Lorraine Halverson and Betty Button, had the idea for a community-wide garage sale.

Contributed Photo

Trailhead’s latest re-opening in March meant temporary greens and tee boxes for a short time. Johnston said the grounds “actually came through the winter really well.” The city is expanding two sand bunkers this season, so golfers may want to pay particular attention to avoiding the beach on No. 6 and No. 7.

Rates have gone up slightly at Trailhead in 2018, a ripple effect of the minimum wage increase.

Rates also rose at the community’s two other courses, Meadowwood and Liberty Lake, both overseen by

Spokane County.

Meadowwood opened March 17 and Liberty Lake began its season March 11.

While the arrival of spring is welcome, Johnston said Trailhead earns kudos from plenty of folks for its magnanimous schedule where golfers can work on their game even when the weather is far from conditions in Scottsdale or Pebble Beach.

“Everyone thanks us for being open,” Johnston said. “We’re always here.”

The Splash

Pawpular Companions making tracks to new location

By Tamara K. Williams Splash Correspondent One of Liberty Lake’s most popular retail locations will be changing addresses soon.

The husband and wife team of Carl and Mara Crowell, co-owners of Pawpular Companions will be moving their business to a larger 3,000 square foot facility located at 21801 E. Country Vista Drive, Suite 1111. The well-known pet supply store has called Liberty Lake home since September 2010.

Prompting the move was their need for more parking. The store expanded in 2013 at its original site, 21950 E. Country Vista, growing from 1,250 square feet to 2,500.

“Customers began vocalizing the difficulty with the parking in our current location, so we felt it was time to make a decision to expand and improve the situation in a new facility,” says Mara.

The Crowells first came to the Liberty Lake community following Carl’s retirement after 38 years in the construction field. Mara was still working as the business development director for a construction company when a broken ankle in a snowboarding accident brought changes to her lifestyle. Carl, who grew up in Pullman, was supportive of her going forward in a different direction and the couple relocated to Liberty Lake.

BUSINESS After moving here, the Crowells approached the Liberty Lake City Council about ideas for a startup business. When council let them know the community lacked a pet supply store, it set the wheels in motion. With a love for animals but no background in retail experience, the couple did their market research, talking to pet supply store owners in Western Washington and Oregon. Since opening, the site has become a “pawpular” place for people and animals to congregate and purchase their pet supplies.

“We like people and animals, so it was a perfect blend for us to turn our focus,” says Mara.

The Crowells know most of their customers – and their pets – on a first-name basis. They also continue to support a variety of local animal causes like rescue agencies through the donation of money and supplies. They have been heavily involved in the planning of the city’s Barefoot in the Park event each summer. Last year, the agenda included search and rescue dogs and dog agility demonstrations.

"Once we opened our doors and got to know our customer base, we realized over 70 percent of the animals that came through our door were rescued or adopted from animal shelters,” Mara said.

The same year Pawpular Companions expanded its space, the business became an official location to license dogs and cats through Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS).

APRIL 2018 • 17

Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary.

Usually held in August, Mara was uncertain as to whether they would be able to host this year due to the move.

An obviously, pet-friendly atmosphere, the Crowell’s 3-yearold Bichon named “Canvas” is a friendly face greeting customers and other fur babies as they walk in. The business is known for its holistic, all-natural and organic pet food and treats. Toys, apparel, accessories and treats are also part of the inventory here.

“Our biggest focus is pet nutrition,” Mara said. “None of the food we carry has wheat, corn, soy or byproduct. This was really important to us and our baseline. Everything is sourced in the U.S. or countries like Italy and New Zealand. We have an exclusive line of food from Italy because it’s completely GMO free. Sadly, no USA company can say they are completely GMO free.

We carry everything from Kibble, to canned food, freeze-dried and frozen raw food.”

Another portion of their business is the new focus on carrying CBD (Cannabidiol) products that do not contain the psychoactive THC component. CBD is being used to

Pawpular Companions first opened in Liberty Lake in 2010 and is known for its high-quality pet supplies Photo by Allie Hanson Photography treat certain ailments in animal patients and human patients alike.

“It’s a product we need to know about, how it’s sourced and processed,” Mara said.

While there are no plans for expansion of a second store, the Crowells are excited for the move in April and for a bigger parking lot. Pawpular Companions will be the first in the new business complex, located next door to an anchor tenant, a hibachi grill-style restaurant called Fujiyama due to open sometime in June.

We’re Moving!!

In the past, Pawpular Companions has hosted the well-received “Mutt Strut,” a dog walk around the Liberty Lake community benefiting nonprofit animal organizations. The last Mutt Strut raised $7,000 for

New Location Coming in April!

21801 E.COUNTRY VISTA DRIVE, #111 Liberty Lake

Happy Holidays

Just across the street in the NEW Fujiyama Restaurant Bldg

New Location, Same Friendly Service Carl and Mara Crowell, co-owners of Pawpular Companions, will soon be moving their business across Country Vista to a larger facility.

Photo by Allie Hanson Photography

(509) 927-8890

21950 E Country Vista Dr. #100 Liberty Lake *Photos by Allie Hanson Photography

The Splash

18 • APRIL 2018

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– Alex

No one in my family cringes about going to the dentist.

My kids know their hygienists by name and look forward to catching up with them. I’m pretty sure I take this for granted thanks to Dr. Casey and his team.”

– Josh

“Dr. Casey’s ‘chair-side’ manner helped me commit to getting my cavities filled after not going to the dentist for six years.”

DR. TIM CASEY, DDS

– Sarah

Member American Dental Association | Liberty Lake Resident

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Oats are a part of the grass family closely related to corn, barley, wheat, sorghum, rice, rye and other millets. These grains are known as cereal crops since they are grown for their starchy seeds.

Oats love cool rainy weather, unlike other grains which is one of the reasons they do so well in the British Isles.

Oats are one of the oldest known grains and are naturally gluten free. They are processed to keep all of their whole-grain goodness. Steel cut oats are just thinly sliced while old-fashioned oats are steamed and then rolled to make them flatter.

America produced about 65 million bushels of oats in 2016, however most of what we eat is imported from Canada.

Only 5% of oats grown are eaten by humans, the rest is used for livestock feed.

An 18 ounce package of oats contains over 26,000 individual oats and cost about 15 cents per serving.

Quaker Oats was the first U. S. breakfast cereal to receive a registered trademark, supply a recipe on the package (the first was for meatloaf) and the first to hand out free samples (starting in Portland, OR) 75% of American households have oatmeal on hand, more oats are sold in January than any other month.

Oats are soothing to the skin and can be helpful for eczema and have shown to help with cholesterol and heart disease.

Cookies are the number one none cereal use for oats.

Oatmeal cookies have been around since Rome attempted to conquer England. The Scots and some English carried oatmeal cakes to provide the soldier with energy. They probably weren’t as tasty as what we enjoy now but they did start something wonderful.

20 • APRIL 2018

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

Makes 18 -20 You’ll need : ¼ c. Butter ¼ c. Oil ¾ c. Brown Sugar 1 egg 1 tsp. Vanilla ¼ tsp. Salt 1 tsp. Baking Soda 1 tsp. Apple Pie Spice 1 c. Flour 1 ½ c. Rolled Oats 1 c. Raisins (we like to hydrate them first) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Mix butter, oil and brown sugar well. Add egg and vanilla.

Add dry ingredients, when almost mixed, add raisins. Drop by large spoonfuls and lightly flatten with your hand. Bake about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned but not set in the middle. **A tasty substitution is fresh blueberries for the raisins, when doing you may wish to omit the apple pie spice.

OAT PLAYDOUGH

Materials: 2 C Oats 1 C Flour 1 C Water Stir all ingredients together until a dough forms. We found this to be a small amount for more than two children. Expand the recipe as needed.

Use same as traditional play dough. * Store in the refrigerator for up to a week before discarding.

The Splash

National Raisin Day April 30 In the 11th century Crusaders introduced raisins to Europe when they returned home from the Mediterranean.

Raisins have high levels of catechins which are antioxidants that help prevent cancer.

They are high in copper, calcium, iron, boron and potassium and are believed to reduce hypertension.

Raisins are not good for your dog and can cause renal failure.

The word raisin comes from the Latin racemus which means “a cluster of grapes or berries”.

Historians believe that grapes were discovered dried on the vine but that humans set grapes out to sun-dry as early as 1490 B.C.

The Splash

APRIL 2018 • 21

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By Emily Valla Better Business Bureau Start with trust. It’s Better Business Bureau’s tagline and, consequently, the first of eight of BBB’s “Standards of Trust.” Trust is a buzzword, easily tossed around and much harder to define. But it is at the core of much of what we do on a daily basis.

Consider this: It’s Tuesday, and you’re driving around, rushing between work, errands and family commitments.

Suddenly, that dreaded check engine light pops up.

Inevitably, you think you do not have the time, and possibly the money, to deal with this. Nonetheless, you drop by the mechanic the next day and ask him to check things out.

How do you know you can trust him to do the right thing, to diagnose your car correctly and only do the necessary work? How do you know if he will charge you fairly?

Or perhaps you have hired a cleaning service to visit your home, but you need to be away while they work. How can you trust a complete stranger in your home?

There are endless examples: from contractors to accountants, restaurants to health services – there is an inherent need for trust in another party to do the right thing.

Yet, trust isn’t a given. In fact, trust is often lacking.

Consider the Edelman Trust Barometer, an annual effort to measure the state of trust in our world.

According to the 2018 results, trust among the general U.S. population dropped year after year, with drops in trust in government, businesses and media.

In a climate of declining trust, how can you build it? At BBB, “Build Trust” is defined as establishing and maintaining a positive track record in the marketplace. Author Stephen M.R. Covey uses a tangible approach to building trust in his book, “Speed of Trust.” He offers a few challenges: First, make and keep commitments.

This is where habit is crucial. Make and keep commitments first to yourself. If I commit to waking up at a certain time and I set the alarm, I must get up at that time – and not hit the snooze button. If I commit to exercising, I must do it. Making and keeping commitments starts small,

but when the habit is created, it carries out to every area of my life.

Next, be a person of your word, especially when it’s hard.

Agreements don’t have to simply be in writing. People shouldn’t resort to “technicalities” to get out of a promise. A person’s word should be their bond.

Finally, be transparent.

True transparency is a tremendous trust builder. Any attempt to appear open while hiding something will quickly see the light of day and destroy credibility.

Covey’s ideas align in several ways with the remaining BBB Standards of Trust: Advertise honestly Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.

Tell the truth Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.

Be transparent Openly identify the nature, location and ownership of the business and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy.

Honor promises Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.

Be responsive Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally and in good faith.

Safeguard privacy Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of consumers regarding the use of their information.

Embody integrity Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and commitments with integrity.

The bottom line is a lack of trust is not a government, legislature or business problem – we all own it. The only way to rebuild trust is through our actions. Making and keeping commitments, being true to our word and being transparent are the quickest ways to turn a crisis of trust into a trust renaissance.

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

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

Animal Facts

Cut them out and collect them all!

BADGER - Found in North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe - 20” to 34” tall, 9 to 26 pounds, 4 to 10 years - 8 species - Tunnels and burrows are called setts - Worlds fastest digger - Shy - Nocturnal - Very Strong - Non-retractable claws - Main predator is man.

22 • APRIL 2018

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Author Spotlight n Karma Wilso Growing up in Northern Idaho with a mother who was a professional writer, Karma did not set out to become one. She did love books and read daily. Finally, after she was married she took the plunge and spent the tax return on a computer. After teaching herself to type she wrote Bear Snores On. It was repeatedly rejected before being published in 2001. It was a hit and quickly appeared on several best-seller lists for children’s books.

Now living in Montana, she continues to write and has had thirty books published. Her books have won many awards and have been translated into dozens of languages for children around the world to enjoy.

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Never Ever Shout in a Zoo Hello, Calico!

A Frog in the Bog AFROGINTHEBOG ANIMALSTRIKEATTHEZOO BABYCAKES BABYILOVEYOU BEARSNORESON BEARSTAYSUP Outside the Box Hilda Must Be Dancing Animal Strike at the ZooDUDDLEPUCK BEAUTIFULBABIES HELLOCALICO HILDAMUSTBEDANCING HOGWASH IWILLREJOICE Princess Me Hogwash Baby Cakes LETSMAKEAJOYFULNOISE MAMAWHY MOOSETRACKS MORTIMERSFIRSTGARDEN NEVEREVERSHOUTINAZOO OUTSIDETHEBOX The Cow Loves Cookies I Will Rejoice Baby, I Love You PRINCESSME THECOWLOVESCOOKIES TRICKORTREATCALICO Trick or Treat, Calico!

Let's Make a JoyfulWHOPPERCAKE Noise Bear Snores On WHEREISHOMELITTLEPIP WHOGOESTHERE Where is Home, Little Pip? Mama, Why? Bear Stays Up Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com Who Goes There?

Moose Tracks!

Beautiful Babies Whopper Cake Mortimer's First Garden Duddle Puck

The Cow Loves A Frog In The Bog Hilda Must Be Dancing Never, Ever Shout Cookies 2010 ages 2003 ages 3 -8 2004 ages 3 – 8 in a Zoo 2004 ages 3 -8 The very small frog Hilda loves to dance 3 – 8

With fun rhymes we follow the farmer making his rounds to feed the farm animals.

Always the cow loves cookies. The illustrator has done a great job with the watercolors adding to the humor of the book.

enjoys eating bugs on his log until he discovers the log isn’t a log at all. Will the bugs be digested? What happens to the frog? Mysteries to be solved in this fun counting book.

but it isn’t a pleasant experience for her friends and neighbors.

Follow Hilda as her friends try to help her find a different hobby.

Will they be successful?

Another fun rhyming book with lots of sounds kids like to make.

This book has a few new words that may help expand vocabulary. It does teach cause and effect, sometimes things happen when we don’t follow the rules. The kids found it hilarious.

The Splash

APRIL 2018 • 23

Student of the Month If your team is battling back from a deficit, it’s a good idea to have Billy Ames on your side. The Central Valley senior has come back from several injuries during his four years but still managed to earn three letters each in football, basketball and track.

Ames started for the Bears varsity basketball squad as a junior and played a key role in a playoff win against Lewis and Clark, scoring 15 points, collecting 11 rebounds and dishing out five assists. Despite missing this hoops season with a knee injury, Ames was commended by coach Rick Sloan for his “character and commitment to the team.” In track, Ames advanced to regionals in the 800 as a sophomore. He maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of National Honor Society, Key Club and Green Team.

Citizen of the Month

& Thanks you for all you do in our community

You could say Aubony Slack’s approach to academics at Central Valley High School has translated into success. The senior was selected as a World Language Spokane Scholar and is in her third year of Russian, her second year of German and first year of ASL (American Sign Language). She has participated in color guard for four years as part of CV’s award-winning band program. The Liberty Lake resident also contributes to community service projects as a volunteer with her church.

She maintains a 3.7 grade point average and is president of CV’s Russian Club. Slack will attend Utah State University where she has been selected to participate in the honors program. On the ACT scale, she earned 33 out of a possible 36 points. She plans to major in Computer Science and International Studies emphasizing Russian as a language.

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Athlete of the Month Sakti Hiatt has worked at the Liberty Lake Police Department as records clerk since March 2013.

Her role expanded to evidence technician and property room manger in addition to her records management functions. Because of her efforts, LLPD is recognized as a regional leader in records management processes and reporting. Hiatt is acknowledged as a subject matter expert in the area of police records and national incident-based reporting standards. In 2013 she was received the LLPD Chief’s Award which is the first time that the award had been given to a civilian employee. In 2016 she was the recipient of the Chief’s Award and Sergeant’s Award. In 2017, Sakti started working on a contract basis with the Spokane Police Department in addition to her role at LLPD to oversee their transition in the police records department. Hiatt is a mother to two daughters.

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The Splash

24 • APRIL 2018 Brought to you by

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About and for Liberty Lake seniors

Local attorney helps people navigate estate planning maze

By Julie Humphreys Splash Correspondent

It’s difficult enough for most of us to manage our finances today – pay the rent, the utilities, our children’s sports endeavors, but to think about financial obligations for the future? Well that’s just plain off the radar.

Who has the time and who has the money for something years out? Society today deals in the immediate. The problem is, it doesn’t last and neither does our hard-earned money. So, best to do some planning for the future and increasingly that includes considering long-term care for you or someone you love.

It used to be putting together a will was all you needed as far as planning what to do with your assets after death. The formal term is “estate planning.” But with a 65-and-older population growing faster than the total population, according to the last U.S. Census Bureau data and with the average life span increasing, there’s a new emphasis on long-term care planning not just traditional estate planning.

Jonas Hemenway, an attorney with Elder Law Group in Spokane explains the difference.

“Estate planning law focuses on what happens to my assets when I die,” he says. “Elder law focuses on what happens to my assets if I or someone I love is incapacitated while I’m alive.”

Hemenway says while there is overlap in the two areas of practice, elder law is much more focused on the here and now.

“How do I keep more of my money so if I have a disabled child or a work-related accident I can cover the cost of care while my child or I am living?” he said.

For example, if someone comes to Hemenway and says his wife need long-term care, Hemenway looks at what the law allows in order to preserve and protect that person’s

assets.

“A lot of people don’t understand what you can and can’t do legally to maximize the money that is yours,” he says. “For example, there are specific guidelines around gifting money to children and grandchildren and around listing your assets in a family member’s name.”

Put another way, a traditional estate planning attorney looks at how to help someone pass the maximum number of dollars to their children or spouse under what is allowed by the government. An elder law attorney looks at how to pass the maximum number of dollars to a wife, child or the client to cover the cost of long-term care.

Many businesses today target an aging population with an eye to long-term care. There are businesses that focus on downsizing your home and finding your nextstep home. The growth in an older population has opened up a lot of niche businesses.

SE

NI

OR

drug rehabilitation until their third child. Now with children ranging in age from 11 years to two months, Shauna has a full time job at home.

“We moved back to Spokane because we have great support from family and friends,” Jonas says. “Both sets of parents are here.” says Hemenway.

He chuckled when asked what they like to do in their spare time.

“Before six children, I would have said hike, camp and run,” he says. “Now I say anything with our children.”

Hemenway and his partners at Elder Law Group participate regularly in “Your Legal Voice,” a series of presentations at area libraries that are free to the public.

Covering topics like long-term care costs, wills, power of attorney and health care directives. The presentations provide seniors and others with important tools and

Fountains

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resources.

“There’s a lot of information and misinformation out there,” says Hemenway. “We want to provide solid advice and direct people to available services.”

And if the presentations get people thinking about long-term care, all the better. If they end up working with Hemenway they can expect to become more than clients.

“I enjoy developing relationships with different generations within families,” he said. “Someone may come to me about long-term care for their parents and I get to know them, their parents and their children. Usually when someone goes to an attorney, they have a problem. When they come to me or one of my partners they are looking for advice. I get to help them figure out how to hang onto more of their money. That’s a great feeling.”

So when should you take action to set yourself up for long-term care?

Hemenway says it’s never too early but most of his clients are over the age of 50, even up to 104.

“It’s more common to consider long-term care in your retirement years,” he says. “But you certainly don’t have to wait until then and there may be advantages to not waiting.”

Hemenway is in his mid-30s.

Maybe it’s because he practices elder law or maybe it’s because he and his wife have six children.

Whatever the case, Hemenway has his own plan in the event he, his wife or any of their children need long-term care.

Hemenway is a Spokane Valley native. He graduated from Central Valley High School then went on a mission for his church for a couple of years. He got his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University continuing on to law school at the University of Oregon.

It was at BYU that he began dating his future wife Shauna, although they knew each other previously as she grew up in Spokane Valley as well. They married in 2004 while still at BYU and started a family there. Shauna has an undergraduate degree and a master’s in social work. She worked in hospital administration and

Jonas Hemenway is an attorney with Elder Law Group PLLC in Spokane. The graduate of Central Valley High School, Brigham Young University and University of Oregon Law School specializes in estate planning and elder law.

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The Splash

APRIL 2018 • 25

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The Splash

26 • APRIL 2018

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CV wraps up unparalleled season with state crown

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor The entirety of Central Valley’s girls’ basketball program remarkable march through the last three years was the sum of its parts.

Said coach Freddie Rehkow, “I had girls on my bench who if they were at other schools would probably have been their leading scorers, some of them first or second (All-Greater Spokane League) teamers.”

times I had to kind of hold them back. I tried to keep most of the scores in the 60s.”

On the flip side, the runaway train meant plenty of playing time for everyone.

During the GSL season, six different players on the Bears 10-member roster scored in double figures in one game or another, led

by Lexie Hull who averaged 20.5 points per game. She now holds the all-time CV scoring record with 1,827 points to surpass the previous mark of Madison Hovren by 29 points.

Point guard Lacie Hull wasn’t about scoring as much as being the floor director, but when the team needed her offense it was there.

Rehkow had nothing but praise for the Hulls who combined to average

30 points per game during the year and scored 83 points at state, a combined 27.7 per game average.

our glue, someone every player admires. She was super, super important to our teams.”

“Lacie was a stats stuffer, a jackof-all-trades,” he said. “Lexie was our go-to.”

Simmelink, one of six expected returnees, he said, “no doubt runs the show. She was a lockdown defender and held Woodinville’s top scorer to 1 point.”

But Rehkow gave kudos to everyone saying they enabled the Hull’s success. Christopher and junior Tomekia Whitman both approached double figure scoring averages.

“Hailey is just an overlooked post player but she was centerpiece for us,” he said. “She will do good things. When Tomekia came in she was instant boards and instant offense and gets to step up next year and be one of the leading scorers. She was our X-factor.”

Rehkow said CV’s fourth senior Micheala Laabs, was “kind of

Camryn Skaife was one of those underrated players, Rehkow said.

She could drain from long range with nearly 30 3-pointers during the year including four against G-Prep, five against Lewis and Clark and six in a non-league game against eventual finalist Woodinville when she scored 22 points. “ She was our most consistent and knocked them down in big games,” Rehkow said.

Sophomore

Peyton

Howard,

See STATE, Page 27

This season was particularly special as the team brought home the school’s fifth state title, second in three years and stamped this Bears’ squad as challenger to becoming the best of all time – particularly defensively – at Central Valley and probably in all of Washington.

Over a span of four years, the Bears have won 100 games and lost but seven. They won two state championships and placed fourth last year.

They outscored three state foes 181-88, and shut out one team for the entire second half – at state mind you – plus, CV won 46-17 in a regional game.

During regular season, the Bears averaged 71 points per game and gave up 28 per contest.

“The crazy thing about is, it could have been worse,” said Rehkow.

Yes, the spotlight was on three seniors, the Hull twins – Lexie and Lacie – Stanford-bound third generation Bears and Hailey Christopher who is headed for Idaho. But most of the others should play in college as well, Rehkow said.

For example, “How could Mady Simmelink not be an all-league player when she shuts down everybody’s leading scorer?”

Rehkow said. “I think the hardest thing for me was the number of

The Central Valley girls' basketball team completed an undefeated season by winning the state 4A title last month. From left to right: assistant coach Judy Walters, seniors Michaela Laabs, Lacie Hull, Hailey Christopher, Lexie Hull and head coach Freddie Rehkow.

Photo by Erik Smith

The Splash

STATE

Continued from page 26

Rehkow said, “was a good addition and gave us another point guard to push the pace.”

Coming off injury last year, Kate Sams displayed the ability to score and sophomore Anika Chalich “worked hard every single game and got better. She will develop into a stronger player next year.”

CV ruled basketball from 1990 through 2004 with a dozen state appearances, 11 top eight trophies including five finals appearances and three championships under Dale Poffenroth.

Rehkow saw the latter teams up close and said their talent was evident.

“It’s hard to compare eras,” said Rehkow who now has two titles, plus second and fourth place trophies as a head coach. “The difference was defense. I think defensively, without a doubt, this was the greatest team that ever came through here.”

Final Point Net Gain – Area schools establish elite hoops legacy

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor A half century of writing about the athletes and personal experiences have etched memories on what’s left of my mind.

Although I wasn’t as close the teams and players as back then, this still holds a place in the medulla and reinforces the idea that this is a basketball town.

Central Valley’s girls, naturally, won their second state title in three years, Freeman boys finished second for the third straight year. East Valley girls took third, University’s underdog girls reached the final eight in their first state trip in four years and Freeman’s girls qualified.

Not only that, but Gonzaga Prep boys went undefeated and won the state 4A crown and Lewis and Clark boys were third.

My first official year at the Spokane Valley Herald (where I spent 24 years with my dad’s newspaper) followed a two-year stint in the Army that meant missing the CV boys state

APRIL 2018 • 27

SPORTS

Sports Notebook Winter sports all-league selections

Compiled by Mike Vlahovich Splash Sport Editor Girls Basketball Greater Spokane League (GSL) First team – Lexie Hull, Central Valley (CV) MVP; Lacie Hull, CV; Hailey Christopher, CV; Ellie Boni, University (U-Hi) Second team – Claire Dingus, U-Hi; Kinsley Barrington, U-Hi

Northeast A League (NEA) Second team – Isabelle Miller, Freeman Boys Basketball GSL First team Christensen, U-Hi

–

Tanner

Second team – Zach Stocker, CV; Boston Tacke, U-Hi GNL First team – Cletis Hydrick, WV; Collin Sather, WV Second team – Connor Whitney, WV NEA First team – Michael Coumont, Freeman, MVP; Jackson Clark, Freeman; Dylan Oja, Freeman Second team – Quin Hopkins, Freeman; Rhys McVay, Freeman Wrestling

Second team – Faith Adams, EV

GSL First team – Hunter Gregerson U-Hi, Wrestler of the Year (WOY); Tim Westbrook, U-Hi; Terrell Sanders, U-Hi; Bradley Wiggs, CV; Caleb Thomas, U-Hi; Neftali Lopez, U-Hi

title in 1968.

“M-O-M-m-m-m!”

But University would qualify for state in 1969 and finished third. The trip to Seattle was memorable. I was driving my new Dodge Charger (yellow with a black vinyl roof) and my brother Jerry spilled a milkshake between the seats (not sure if I ever got all the chocolate ice cream out of there; the Charger is a memory in itself, but that’s a story for another time).

Tambra jumped on the adjacent elevator and ascended pushing every floor button on the way up, drawing stares. I stayed in the lobby reasoning someone might find him and bring him to the desk. Luckily there was a teacher’s conference there at the time and a caring instructor returned him to me.

Great Northern League (GNL) – Genesis Wilkinson, East Valley (EV), MVP; Brie Holecek, EV; Hailey Marlow, West Valley (WV)

U-Hi, CV and West Valley were annual qualifiers so we got a lot of working “vacations” until I moved to The Spokesman-Review and went it solo for 17 more years.

Thus began virtually annual state tournament trips with memories of their own. After marriage, those trips became vacations for my wife Tambra and I. (My dad didn’t pay much, but maybe unbeknownst, he funded those trips.)

Probably the best recollection was when we took our young son Jared to Seattle. He was about 4 years old the time and we were staying at the Westin Hotel. The Bears and Titans each had qualifiers where CV grad Ron Spellecy was manager and gave the fans a discount.

We were like on the 21st floor and took the elevator to the lobby. Jared stayed in the back of the elevator as we got off and the doors closed and elevator headed skyward. All we heard was his plaintive scream,

That wasn’t his first trip. He was a week old and slept through East Valley’s state championship football win in Tacoma (but he was awake all night in the motel room afterwards).

Another time he had swollen tonsils, but good taste prevents me from telling what happened.

Our “daughter” and babysitter Jeanne Hauenstein (whose sons J.D. and Devin are/were soccer stars at CV), had her learner’s permit and my wife had her drive, ultimately, in the snow heading over into Snoqualmie Pass on a trip to basketball. We made it.

Space doesn’t allow for more stories, although underdog CV’s boys state runner-up sticks in my mind.

Barring failing math skills, combined Central Valley boys’ and girls’ basketball teams have made a combined 46 state appearances, the girls won their fifth title in eight finals appearances and the boys won in 1968, Between the two programs, they have compiled 20 top four finishes, 13 by the girls.

Second team – Kyler Anstrom, U-Hi; Zak Stratton, CV; Braxton Mikesell, CV GNL First team – Winston Scott, EV, WOY; Avery Sundheim, EV; Jacob Kessinger, EV; Gaje Caro, WV; Logan Reser, WV Second team – CJ Atkins, WV; Noah McDermott, EV; Zachary Bowsky, EV; Isaiah Irvin, EV; Jason Gillingham, EV; Tanner Jones, WV; Scott Bray, EV; Landon Hofstee, EV; Ethan Simpson, WV NEA First team – Hunter Nees WOY, Freeman; Logan Holt, Freeman; Garrett Trevino, Freeman Second team – Brandon Iris, Freeman Gymnastics GSL First team – Anna Johnson, Pam Styborski, U-Hi; Victoria Axtell, CV Second team – Rebekah Ross, CV, Chloe Robbins, CV

University boys and girls have teamed up for 22 state tournament trips, six top four finishes including the girls’ finalists of 2007.

West Valley’s girls were state champs in 1997 and finished third twice. Since 1931 Eagles boys have made 30 state trips and placed 12 times.

East Valley’s girls have nine state appearances since 1997 earning five trophies including a pair of third places. The boys? You’d have to go back when the school was in Otis Orchards. The last time a Knights’ team went to state was 1968.

Greater Spokane League girls’ teams in general have long been a statewide force, begun by legendary Shadle Park pioneer Linda Sheridan at the beginnings of Title IX, who annually trekked to the west side and won two titles.

The torch passed to Jeanne Helfer at Mead that was a perennial state placer and won two of the Panthers’ three titles. Jim Redmon, whose Lewis and Clark’s boys took third in state last month, won four state titles between 2006 and 2011 before he took on a his latest challenge.

Mike Arte had two state titles at Gonzaga Prep.

They are but a part of the experiences I wouldn’t trade for a million bucks (well, let me mull that over).

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28 • APRIL 2018

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The Splash

Mann Brothers Orchestra had ties to Liberty Lake, Davenport Hotel

By Ross Schneidmiller

Liberty Lake Historical Society The Friends of Pavillion Park has held its Holiday Ball at the Davenport Hotel for nearly two decades. The connection, though, between the Davenport and the Liberty Lake Community dates back many more years.

Several of the bands that headlined at the Liberty Lake Dance Pavillion over the years also played at the Davenport Hotel. More than one of these bands were familiar to dancers in several Western States.

But few had as varied a resume as the Mann Brothers.

The

Mann

Brothers

Orchestra

HISTORY began playing music in 1914 and soon became a household name wherever dances were held in the Inland Empire. They got their big break when they were booked for three years as a headline act on the Alexander Pantage’s vaudeville circuit playing up and down the West Coast. Somehow, in the middle of their Pantage’s gig, they managed to be the Davenport Hotel Orchestra for nine months.

They performed in its restaurant, The Italian Gardens, for supper dances and were featured on radio broadcasts from the KHQ station located on the fourth floor of the hotel.

Traveling the vaudeville circuit made them familiar with Southern California and its dancers familiar with them. Also known as the Mann Brothers Famous Singing Syncopators, they not only played jazz music, but they sung the syncopation as well. With each of the band’s personnel having the talent to play multiple instruments and sing.

They signed a contract to play

for dances at the Balboa Pavilion at Balboa Beach for the summer of 1927. It was here that they would witness the development of dance steps today we would categorize as “vintage swing dancing.” They would play for dance competitions with silver cups going to the winners.

In 1928, they moved to Venice Beach following Ben Pollack & His Californians into the Venice Ballroom. They were booked for two weeks and stayed four-anda-half years. While there in 1929, the Mann Brothers appeared in a motion picture called “Dance Hall.” During their stint in Southern California they appeared in 17 motion pictures.

Towards the twilight of the band’s run in the mid-1930s they returned to Spokane. They played again at The Italian Gardens and delighted dance crowds at the newly enlarged dance floor in the Silver City Pavilion. The Silver City Pavilion was located in the former Liberty Lake Park known as “Spokane’s Inland Seashore.”

Playing for

APRIL 2018 • 29

dancers dancing “Over the Bay” at Balboa Beach to dancing “Over the Water” at Liberty Lake, the Mann Brothers completed a beach to beach connection that ran through the Davenport Hotel.

Did You Know?

• While in Los Angeles, the Mann Brothers Orchestra was broadcast coast to coast while performing regularly on the RKO Radio Hour.

A program that also featured comedian Jack Benny.

• Ben Pollack & His Californians featured a 19-year old kid by the name of Ben (Benny) Goodman along with Glenn Miller and Jack Teagarden.

• Vintage swing dancing is experiencing a revival, check out strictlyswingspokane.com.

• Strictly Swing held a dance workshop last month bringing in top rated instructors from around the country to teach Balboa and Collegiate Shag. The weekend event held two dances including the Emerald Ball in the Marie Antoinette Room of the Davenport Hotel.

Images courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society

Newspaper advertisements from the 1920s and 1930s for the Mann Brothers Orchestra with a background picture of the Liberty Lake Pavillion looking similar to when they played there.

Images courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society

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30 • APRIL 2018

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LLPD takes plunge to support Special Olympics

By J.R. Conrow

Splash Correspondent It’s just one way the Liberty Lake Police Department (LLPD) has found a way to connect with the community – part of a generous and open-minded approach that bodes well these days, given the sensitive relationship between citizens and law enforcement Since 2002, LLPD – led by Chief Brian Asmus – has gone the extra mile to support Special Olympics.

LLPD has participated in numerous events that raise funds and awareness for the cause and one of the more popular events is the “Polar Plunge.” This year's event was held Feb. 24 in chilly conditions at Pavilion Park and Asmus said the turnout was strong with more than 100 participants.

"We were fortunate to have a local band, the Blue Mustangs, entertain the crowd,” Asmus said. “The event was emceed by Tom Sherry and we had visits from “Otto,” “Doris” and “Recycle Man” from the Spokane Indians.

There were 13 teams registered for the event.”

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The purpose of the plunge event is to help raise money as well as awareness for the Special Olympics athletes on a local and regional level. Asmus said it runs $650 to support one athlete for one year of training and competition. Once again, LLPD was the top fundraising team at the plunge.

In previous years the event was held at the county park on the shores of Liberty Lake, but this year, Pavilion Park played host.

"Our committee made a decision to move the event to a more visible location and to change the experience to include a 5K fun run/walk and a splash from an inflatable slide into a pool of cold water,” Asmus said. “By moving the event to Pavillion Park, we were able to create a festive atmosphere by adding a band, a great emcee, a food truck and kettle corn vendor and to have family friendly games and events throughout the day.”

Asmus added the number of participants this year eclipsed attendance at the 2017 event. This year's plunge raised $46,500.

Asmus said the LLPD works in conjunction with The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) campaign, which is the law enforcement branch of Special Olympics Washington (SOWA). The Polar Plunge is one of those events of LETR supported by SOWA. All the funds raised at the events go to SOWA to support local athletes.

"Within the state of Washington, we raise over $500,000 each year for our athletes," said Ellie Hardwick, law enforcement torch run manager for SOWA. "There is an incredible bond between the law enforcement volunteers and our athletes. I encourage anyone interested to attend a local competition to see how amazing these athletes are first-hand."

The cause continues to have an influence well beyond sports for those who participate.

"Special Olympics is dedicated to the whole athlete," Hardwick said.

"We are not only teaching sports, inclusion and teamwork, we are the world's largest public health organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities."

On the worldwide level, Special Olympics has been a cause reinforced by law enforcement since the 1980s when it was selected by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Asmus said his involvement with Special Olympics has left an impact.

"I have met several athletes and their families throughout the years volunteering at events and my interaction with them has been a life changing experience for me and my family,” he said.

“In law enforcement we are often working with people that are in crisis. This can have a negative impact on us over a period of time.

By being able to make a positive difference in an athlete's life by doing something as simple as volunteering at a competition and handing out medals and seeing the love and admiration that the athletes have for you being there for them changes your perspective in a positive way."

LLPD participates in other events like the “Tip a Cop” program where officers work at Red Robin restaurants shadowing servers and sharing information with the patrons about Special Olympics.

Officers often will receive donations or “tips” for helping the servers and all those proceeds go to the local athletes. Another event consists of officers at Krispy Kreme donut shops, encouraging customers to

donate to the cause.

On a date to still be determined this spring the LLPD will be in competition with the Airway Heights Police Department in a program called “Fueling Dreams," Asmus said.

"Officers from both jurisdictions will partner with our regional athletes and pump gas, wash windows, and check your oil at one of the local service stations,” he said. “The officer and athletes will raise awareness and ask for donations at this event.”

Asmus has supported Special Olympics since 1993 when his police chief introduced him to the effort.

"I was introduced to this movement by my chief at the time who invited me to an event honoring athletes in Seattle,” he said. “I have witnessed athletes speak to over 1,200 police officers from all over the world at international conferences and those speakers inspired and, many times brought tears, everyone in the room because of their individual stories and sharing how Special Olympics has made such a positive impact in their life."

For the last three years running, LLPD has raised more money for Special Olympics than any police department in the state.

"We have a very generous community,” Asmus said.

“Considering that other large agencies such as Seattle P.D. and King County Sheriff’s Office also participate in fundraising efforts, that is quite an accomplishment and we have the community to thank for that."

For anyone who wants to learn how to donate, volunteer at events or learn more about Special Olympics and its purpose, visit www.specialolympicswashington. org.

The Liberty Lake Police Department hosted the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics at Pavillion Park on Feb. 24. The event drew around 100 people and raised $46,500.

Contributed Photo

The Splash

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Procedures are done by Katrina Lewis, M.D., a physician with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Lewis is board certified in Anesthesiology, Antiaging Regenerative Medicine, Pain Management, and certified in High Definition Liposuction.

The staff at Ava Medical Center currently consists of Dr. Katrina Lewis, Jessica Villalobos, Leslie Arguelles, Robyn Nutt and Kylie Berezay, adding a personal touch

APRIL 2018 • 31

to the services they provide to patients from all corners of the Inland Northwest.

“I’m here for their entire journey,” said Villalobos. “It’s really nice because I get to build a relationship with my patients.”

In addition to its liposuction services, Ava Medical Center also offers natural fat transfers. This minimally invasive treatment utilizes the HD Lipo procedure to take unwanted fat from parts of the body, then reinject it into the buttocks or breasts.

The result is some of the highest yield rates across all liposuction techniques because it does not damage the fat cells, Villalobos said.

This procedure is great for both men and women. The clientele includes a wide variety of patients in search of positive change. Some come in looking for minor work on trouble areas, while others come in to jumpstart a larger weight-loss journey.

“It’s life-changing for the majority of people,” Villalobos said. “It’s really awesome to see someone go from point A to point B and feel more confident.”

Ava Medical Center will soon be offering Regenerative Medicine with the use of stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and infusion therapy. This can help people with a wide variety of issues like degenerative joints of the hips, knees and arms. Other issues like arthritis, degenerative disk disease, tendon injuries, and acute ligament and muscle injuries can also be helped with this procedure.

Ava Medical Center is located at 2207 N Molter Road, Suite 101 in Liberty Lake. Call 991-1998 or email info@avamedicalcenter. com. For more information on the business and their procedures, visit www.AvaMedicalCenter.com

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The Splash

32 • APRIL 2018

Morgan departs Valley Chamber after dynamic tenure

By Craig Howard Current Editor In several ways, March 15 was a memorable day for Katherine Morgan.

The effervescent president and CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce (GSVCC) cheered her beloved Gonzaga Bulldogs on to victory in an NCAA tournament basketball game that evening, part of her routine to follow every step of the distinguished program representing her alma mater. Earlier that day, Morgan announced she would be resigning from her post at the chamber after three-and-a-half years to take a job with Bank of America.

Morgan took over the chamber reins in September 2014, succeeding Eldonna Shaw who served as president and CEO for 13 years.

“This transition is bittersweet as I remain passionate about the accomplishments and momentum of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, its leadership, its team, each and every one of you,” Morgan wrote in an email to chamber members.

Morgan went on to express her gratitude for the “extraordinary dedication, passion and heart of the most incredible team of staff, the leadership of today and those before and most especially each of you.”

A resident of Liberty Lake, Morgan will leave the chamber early this month to become senior vice president and local market manager for Bank of America in the Spokane/ Boise region. She noted in her message that the bank has been a GSVCC member since 1948.

“If there is one role in this chamber I would be more privileged to have, it would be like that of yours – proud member,” Morgan wrote.

Morgan has been a catalyst in increasing chamber membership by over 300 while at the helm. The ranks at GSVCC now include nearly 770 members.

“Katherine has been such a positive force in our community,” said Kelly

Fukai, vice chair of the chamber board. “She has a real ability to pull people together and make them feel part of something. She has been such an effective collaborator, convener and facilitator.”

Frank Tombari, longtime chair of the Valley Chamber/GSI joint transportation committee and a former chamber board chair, said Morgan was recognized for her dynamic leadership.

“She provided a lot of energy to the chamber,” he said. “She grew membership as well as cemented the view of the chamber as a leader in the business community and an advocate for business, small or large.”

Morgan said leading the chamber brought the challenge and opportunity of “responding to the needs of a fast-growing community while also planning and building internal infrastructure to serve those needs.”

“Recognizing these challenges are all too similar to the majority of our membership and small businesses in the community has helped challenge our leadership and team stay true to prioritize and add value to the membership in the programs and services we have grown and provided,” she said.

In 2015, the chamber introduced its “Big 5” initiative with Morgan leading the charge. The program focused on a quintet of priorities integral to the present and future of a thriving Valley community – outdoors, goods, learning, cures and vision – all with an emphasis on making each area “greater.”

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“The campaign began with incredible success providing credibility and setting up the chamber for its next chapter to serve as an organization set to convene leaders and execute big ideas to serve the greater good,” Morgan said.

From the success of the Manufacturing Matters Expo to chamber scholarships that removed barriers and created avenues to career tech education programs, Morgan said chamber leadership and membership have leveraged the campaign “to create a legacy of opportunities.”

Morgan grew up in Post Falls and Spokane Valley after her family moved to the Inland Northwest from Southern California. She went on to graduate from Gonzaga with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in marketing.

Prior to the chamber, Morgan served as marketing director for the

Liberty Lake resident Katherine Morgan took over as president and CEO of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2014 File Photo

Home Builders Association of Kansas City. She returned to the Inland Northwest in 2012. Locally, she has worked as marketing director for Greenstone Homes, project manager for Greenstone’s Kendall Yards development and director of marketing for the Spokane Home Builders Association.

When she took over GSVCC at the age of 31, Morgan says she leaned on the wisdom and experience of the chamber board and staff.

“The fears from a lack of experience and the weight of such a role were quickly diminished being surrounded by some of the very best leaders in the region,” she said. “I recall the faith of the membership, both existing and future, who were grateful for the opportunities they received from their chamber before and were ready to offer insight, guidance and support.”

The chamber board will meet early this month to discuss the process of an executive search for Morgan’s replacement, Fukai said.

“We will work through what the transition plans look like,” she said. “The good news is Katherine built a great team here. We have an excellent staff in place that will continue to deliver the same quality of service as if Katherine were still here.”

Morgan said she feels assured leaving the chamber “in the best hands.”

“I take this opportunity this with the confidence knowing the chamber is now in one of the grandest positions it has ever been with some of the very best members, the best team on staff, the strongest financial position and some of the region’s finest leaders on the board,” she said. “It is an outstanding organization of influence and demonstrated results ready for this team to take it to the next level.”

The Splash

APRIL 2018 • 33

The Water Front

District moves ahead with Eastside consolidation

By BiJay Adams

LLSWD General Manager Effective Jan. 1, 2017, the boards of Eastside Liberty Lake Improvement Club and the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District (LLSWD) formalized an agreement

on consolidating the two water systems. Eastside’s water system (325 customers) is now owned, operated and maintained by LLSWD as part of the district’s water system.

The district was successful in working with the Washington State Department of Health and state Department of Commerce to transfer an existing Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan from Eastside to the district.

This new loan scope includes consolidation and provides for improvements to the water mains and distribution system in the Eastside water service area. The new consolidation loan transferred to the district offers no loan fees, an interest rate of 1 percent per annum, and 50 percent forgivable

principal where only 50 percent of the loan would need to be repaid.

Unfortunately, in July 2017 the loan was suspended by the state due to lack of funding after the legislature recessed without passing a 2017-19 capital budget. In January 2018 the legislature passed a capital budget and authorized DWSRF capital funding. Now that the suspension is lifted, the district can continue with the previously scheduled work on the Eastside system. The construction of the new water mains reflected in the attached map is anticipated to start as soon as weather allows this year and will continue for approximately three-and-a-half months.

For more information please contact the district at 922-5443.

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The Eastside Liberty Lake Improvement Club's consolidation with the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District became official this January when the Legislature passed the state capital budget. Upgrades to the Eastside system are now moving forward, including the construction of new water mains pictured in the image above.

Image courtesy of Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District

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The Splash

34 • APRIL 2018

Toastmasters club fosters public speaking, leadership skills

By Tamara K. Williams Splash Correspondent The Liberty Lake Library is a lively place to be on a Wednesday evening.

From 5:45 to 7 p.m., a small group gathers to participate in the Liberty Laker’s Toastmasters Club – the local branch of an international, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to helping members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership development skills.

For those who may be unfamiliar with Toastmasters and its origins, the idea was first conceived in 1905 when Ralph C. Smedley organized a series of speaking clubs while working for the YMCA in Bloomington, Illinois as the director of education. Through his work, Smedley saw a need in the community for businessmen to learn the skills to speak compellingly in order to become effective leaders in their respective fields. Smedley organized a club where men could learn these skills in a social environment, calling it “Toastmasters,” a popular term referring to a person who gives toasts at banquets and other social occasions.

For many of us, just the thought of speaking before a group of people can induce a panicked nightmare, where we find ourselves standing dumbstruck in front of thousands, heart racing, palms sweating and frozen with anxiety before we realize, it was just a bad dream.

Toastmasters can help with that – and the days of the program being

restricted only to men are long gone.

Jennifer Ferrero, owner of Switchup Consulting and current vice president of public relations for the Liberty Lakers Toastmasters, said joining the club has paid dividends for her.

“When I first got involved, I was looking at a master’s program at Gonzaga and it was very expensive,” she said. “I also looked into Dale Carnegie. I heard about Toastmasters’ educational programs and knew I could earn specific certifications at a relatively low cost.”

According to Ferrero, after her first Toastmaster’s meeting, she was hooked. “I wanted to do the work for something that was important to me and my career,” she says.

Members can choose between the communications track, the leadership development track or both.

“Toastmasters is always working to improve their processes for their members,” says Ferrero. “The two tracks are designed to go hand-inhand.”

According to Ferrero, the communications side teaches skills that turn public speaking into a strength.

“There are also a number of manuals to work through,” she said.

“One might be on how to use your body to speak or how to use visual aids, tell a story or the easy way to memorize a speech.”

Every meeting begins with a theme for the night. On a night where motivation is the theme, the Toastmaster for the week will assign a speech to a member that links to motivation. The speech runs approximately five to seven minutes in length. An evaluator assigned the previous week will give direction

The Liberty Lake chapter of the Toastmasters Club meets each Wednesday at Liberty Lake Library. The international nonprofit organization was founded in 1905 and is widely recognized as a way for members to improve their communication, public speaking and leadership development skills.

Photo by Craig Howard

for what the speaker should be working on in the opening, body and conclusion of the speech.

At the conclusion of the speech, assessments are made and the evaluator signs off on the speech and it is then sent to Toastmasters International for credit. After speech assessments, there are minutes reserved for what is called, “Table Topics,” where a topic is drawn from a hat and each member has two minutes to give an impromptu speech on their topic.

On the leadership side, as members are learning to lead and conduct a meeting, they may take on the role of Toastmaster for the evening. Says Ferrero, “One week you might be the grammarian, the person who listens for errors in speech. The next week you might be asked to be the time keeper.”

New members joining the club are assigned a first-time speech called an “Ice-breaker.” The Ice-breaker is a five to seven-minute speech that relates a facet or moment in the speaker’s life. Although there is a time commitment in prepping for a speech or being assigned Toastmaster for the meeting, the decision to become a Toastmaster is worth the effort. For many, there is an end goal in mind: To become a “Distinguished Toastmaster,” a process that often takes years of persistence and dedication.

For the first 68 Toastmasters, women

years of were not

allowed into the program. Now the demographics are closely split between men and women in clubs internationally. The average age runs between 40 to 55 although there are many young professionals who join the club wanting to pursue their business leadership goals.

The yearly membership fee is $122 with an additional $5 charged the first year for manuals and incidentals. A chartered member of Toastmasters International since 2001, the Liberty Lake club has a membership roster of 10 but is looking to grow their membership to about 20.

The rewards of becoming a Toastmaster are varied, Ferrero says.

“One of the best things about Toastmasters is the camaraderie amongst the members,” she said.

With her sights set on Distinguished Toastmaster, Ferrero says, “It tells people, ‘I put in the work and people in business will know, I can speak professionally, I’m accountable to what I say and what I do.’ It says, ‘I am a distinguished professional.’”

This spring, the Toastmaster’s District Conference will be held in downtown Spokane. The event is recognized as a great opportunity for those who are not Toastmasters to learn what it’s like on a bigger stage than the club level. To learn more about Toastmasters go to www.toastmasters.org

The Splash

HUGE Success on the recent Liberty Lake Kiwanis Father/ Daughter Dance!

by Mark Jacobus

President-Elect Liberty Lake Kiwanis Great fun was had by all at the 13th annual Liberty Lake Father/ Daughter Dance held at the Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center on March 3.

Rave reviews are in by all those who participated. They especially commented on the new location at the Mirabeau. Not only did the participants enjoy the dance, many of their families stayed overnight thanks to special hotel offers.

The hotel staff was especially outstanding in their efforts and support to make this such a fine event.

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APRIL 2018 • 35

This year’s theme was Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” And wow, did they ever!

The new accommodations provided ample room for participants as concerns from previous years stated that the event was too crowded. But now with the help of the Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center, that problem no longer exists.

Kudos go out to Liberty Lake Kiwanis members who worked diligently and gave of their time, talents, and treasures to make this event special for all of the participants. Special note to Dana Hilpert and Linda Dockrey for their tireless efforts to arrange, organize and coordinate the efforts of both the Liberty Lake Kiwanians and the hotel staff.

This event, which is put on annually by the Liberty Lake Kiwanis, provides funds to support college scholarships for local students and other nonprofit programs serving to meet children’s needs. A total of 99.9 percent of all funds generated by the Liberty Lake Kiwanis group go directly to these efforts.

The 13th annual Kiwanis Father/Daughter Dance took place last month at the Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center, a new venue for the popular event.

Contributed Photo

If anyone would like to know more about the Liberty Lake Kiwanis, we encourage you to come to one of our weekly meetings. We meet at Liberty Lake City Hall at a 6:45 each Wednesday morning with the exception of the fourth Wednesday of the month when we meet at Barlows restaurant in Liberty Lake

at noon for lunch. Also you can look us up on the web for various events and activities that we support throughout the calendar year at www.libertylakekiwanis.org On behalf of the Liberty Lake Kiwanis we thank you for all of your continued support and we always look forward to meeting you!

Let's talk school boundaries!

CVSD is growing! Thanks to passage of the 2018 construc on bond, our school district is able to respond to growth within our community. This spring we will break ground on a new middle school which will open in the fall of 2019. As we move forward, we need to review and revise school boundaries for all middle schools.

Want to get involved? We’re accep ng applica ons to join our Boundary Review Commi ee. Apply at CVSD.org today!

www.CallBeforeYouDig.org

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

Join the conversa on!

Follow us at CVSD.org

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LOCAL LENS

36 • APRIL 2018

LL students excel in math competitions

The Splash

Local Lens

Share your snapshots for The Splash’s photo page.

Email photos@libertylakesplash. com with scenes from around town, community events and group photos.

From Splash News Sources

Liberty Lake Elementary School (LLES) won third place in Division I in the Math is Cool competition at Mead High School on Feb. 9.

The top team from Liberty Lake will be competing at the State Math is Cool competition on May 19 in Moses Lake.

Owen Packebush and Jonathan Kimberly of LLES won third and sixth place awards, respectively.

Liberty Lake resident Srikar Surapaneni from North Idaho STEM Charter School won first place for individuals in Division E at the Math is Cool competition on Jan. 26 at Mountainside Middle School. He will be competing at the Math is Cool state competition on April 21 in Moses Lake.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers (center) attended the reopening of the veteranowned Adorkable Flowers and Gifts at their new location at 1326 N. Liberty Lake Road last month. Coowners Joshua and Andrea Wallgren, both U.S. Marine vets, are also pictured at the event on March 23.

Surapaneni also won first place for individuals among all seventh and eighth grade divisions at the Math Classic competition at Mt. Spokane High School on Feb. 2.

He will be competing at the state Math Classic competition in May. 2018 Central Valley Citizens for Education Bond Campaign Steering Committee Marty Dickinson, Co-Chair Kim Pearman-Gillman, CoChair Kerri Ames Vicki Arnold Brooke Baker Spink Brandon Deyarmin Kelly Fukai Keven Frandsen Meagan Garrett Lynda Hall Rustin Hall Jessie Hardt Eric Hoglund Deb Howard Jim Howard Jan Hutton Gary Johnson Lance Kissler Kent Martin Amy Mason Lindsay Miller Tim Nootenboom Marla Nunberg Jerrol Olson Cindy Sothen Julie Van Wormer Alison Walton

Paid for by Central Valley Citizens for Education PO Box 14716 Spokane Valley, WA 99214

www.CVSchoolsCVPowered.com

THANK YOU CENTRAL VALLEY VOTERS & SUPPORTERS Special Thank You to Central Valley Citizens for Education Supporters • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ALSC Architects Architects West Baker Construction Better Spokane Political Action Committee Central Valley Education Association Central Valley Public School Employees Chester Elementary School Parent Teacher Association City of Liberty Lake Coffman Engineers David Evans & Associates DCI Engineers Marty and Reid Dickinson Dingus, Zarecor and Associates Ron Duggan DuPree Building Specialties Jason Francek Garco Construction Geo Engineers Graham Construction Greg Thomas Consulting Rustin and Lynda Hall David and Kelli Hawkins Horizon Middle School Parent Teacher Association Greater Spokane Incorporated Greater Spokane Valley Chamber Inland Paper Co Kilgore Architectural Products Liberty Creek Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization Lydig Construction Mackin & Little Ryan, Sarah, Randy & Janet McNeice

Together, we passed the 2018 CVSD Construction Bond with 70.28% approval to support our students—our future!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ed Mikesell Sharon Mikesell MMEC Architecture & Interiors MSI Engineers MW Consulting Engineers NAC Architecture Numerica Credit Union OAC Spokane Kim and Rick Pearman-Gillman Ponderosa Elementary School Parent Teacher Association Jack Pring River Crossing LLC Rocky Hill Homes LLC Rocky Hill LLC Cindy Sothen Spilker Masonry Co Spokane Area Workforce Development Center Spokane Home Builders Association STCU Stevens Clay PS Sunrise Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization SPVV Landscape Architects Karen and Skip Torenson Trindera Engineering Kara Twining TW Clark Construction Umpqua Bank Alison and Todd Walton WLK Joint Venture And many more…

The Splash

APRIL 2018 • 37

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Ben Wick

Danica Wick

TANIO

ben@libertylakesplash.com CO OWNER

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EDITOR

Craig Howard

craig@libertylakesplash.com OFFICE MANAGER GRAPHICS

Paula Gano

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Hayley Schmelzer

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CIRCULATION Larry Passmore

circulation@libertylakesplash.com CONTRIBUTORS

Craig Howard, Ross Schneidmiller, Mike Vlahovich,Tamara K. Williams, Mark

Jacobus, Bryan Collins, J.R. Conrow, Julie Humphreys, Steve Christilaw, BiJay Adams The Liberty Lake Splash P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.libertylakesplash.com The Splash is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Liberty Lake area.

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

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

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Continued from page 6

in the city’s comprehensive plan, is an urban village. Codes were continually refined to achieve this goal and reflect community desires.”

Tainio served on the board of the Planning Association of Washington and was respected by local developers and contractors for her insight.

“Amanda was a good guide through the city's planning processes,” said Mayor Steve Peterson. “As (city consultant) Gregg Dohrn said, ‘She was Liberty Lake’s Google for planning questions.’”

Despite Tainio’s departure, Allen expressed confidence that the city’s positive relationship with the building/development community will continue.

“With the recent updates in the comprehensive plan and development code, we have a good foundation, Allen said. “Positive relationships are developed over time and tend to come from good communication and trust while providing quality professional services, being responsive and timely to schedules. It is a priority for us to continue this tradition.”

In the near term, Allen said Frank Ide with Parametrics will be providing the city with planning support services. Eventually, Allen said the plan is “to fill the position in the long term through a competitive selection process.”

Peterson said the city has “already had a few inquiries on the position from planners wishing to make a change or take the next step in their careers.”

Tainio said she appreciated the opportunity she had in “shaping the future of Liberty Lake and working to promote small businesses, especially through community events from 2004 to 2015.” She plans to take some time off as well as do some consulting with Synergy Resource Consulting, home of another former city employee, former Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Griffin.

“One of my proudest accomplishments was helping start a city and our Planning and Community Development Department from the ground up,” Tainio said. “My fondest memories were working with my team on community events, the mentorship of (former Community Development Director) Doug Smith and how much he cared about the city and staff, all the friends I made at the city and the fun we had at work.”

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

Amaculate Housekeeping 30 AutoCraft 18 Banner Furnace & Fuel 23 BECU 16 Cafe 19 30 Casey Family Dental 18 Central Valley Citizens for Education 36 Central Valley School District 35 Central Valley Theatre 14 City of Liberty Lake 7 Clark’s Tire & Automotive 3 Coldwell Banker - Rob Brickett 9 Cornerstone Pentecostal Church 28 Eagle Rock Rv and Boat Storage 16 Early Bird Preschool 32

Evergreen Fountain 25 Fieldhouse Pizza 11 Friends of Mary Kuney 10 Greenstone 6 Inland Empire Utility CC 35 Jim Custer Enterprises 38 John L Scott - Pam Fredrick 3 Kiwanis Spokane Valley 31 Liberty Lake Baptist Church 34 Liberty Lake EyeCare Center 3 Liberty Lake Family Dentistry 5 Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District 33 Lilac Family Eye Care 23 Naomi 28 Northern Quest 40

Ott Knott Used Golf Carts 14 Pawpular Companions 17 Plush 28 Simonds Dental Group 40 Spokane Gymnastics 21 St. John Vianney School 28 Stateline Plaza 38 Stepping Stone Preschool 31 The Tree Nurse 18 Valley Real Life 18 Valley Synthetics 30 Valleyfest 10 Windermere 5

Service Directory 38

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

The Splash

38 • APRIL 2018

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The Splash

Martial arts champion overcomes challenges to thrive, inspire

By Julie Humphreys Splash Correspondent

He’s just a third grader, but he’s already got a gold medal in the Olympic sport of Taekwondo.

Jason McGrew of Liberty Lake may not be on the world stage in South Korea but this 9-yearold martial arts standout was center stage in a tournament in Kalispell, Montana this past fall. It was his first regional tournament where he faced off against with five other athletes in his division.

It was not really a surprise to McGrew’s coach that he took home the gold.

“He works really hard,” says James Corbin, a martial arts instructor at The Mat in Liberty Lake. “He’s at practice four hours, twice a week with Taekwondo and also practices another form of martial arts, Kendo, two additional nights a week. He’s focused and has developed the skills to do this.”

Impressive for any 9-year-old, only this one happens to be an amputee with a prosthetic leg.

“He is inspiring and I know he inspires others in the martial arts program,” says Corbin. “He doesn’t get special treatment. He

ON THAT NOTE is treated like everyone else and expected to do what the others do. Martial arts is a sport that is 80 percent about the legs. For Jason to overcome his prosthetic and use his leg like he does is amazing.”

Jason lost his left leg to bone cancer when he was all of 2 years old. His mother Anna McGrew says he started limping one day so she and her husband Scott took their baby boy to the pediatrician who thought Jason was likely having growing pains.

A few months went by and Jason refused to walk, complained of pain and spiked a fever. This time it was clear the little boy had something more than growing pains. Thus started a year of chemotherapy treatments for Jason and an emotional, heartwrenching time for his parents.

Jason’s cancer is a very rare bone cancer called Ewing Sarcoma.

Jason’s mother explains the cancer generally responds well to radiation but because Jason was so young, radiation would have stopped the growth of the bone. The only choice doctors were left with, says Anna was to remove 80 percent of Jason’s thigh bone.

The surgery was successful in getting rid of the entire tumor but meant that Jason needed a prosthetic to replace the part of his leg that was missing.

It was a battle to fit a prosthetic on such a little body and it took more than a year after Jason’s thigh bone was removed to do so. During that time his right leg grew weaker and weaker as he hopped around on his good left leg. Eventually, a workable prosthesis was fitted with the remaining part of Jason’s leg. It would have to be replaced and refitted every year as Jason’s bones grew.

There have been countless prosthesis attachments and adjustments and physical therapy sessions. But because Jason was so young, his mother says, he has no concept of the emotional aspect of his cancer or his amputee status.

Jason passed the five-year mark last summer since his last cancer treatment.

His parents thank the local Shriners Hospital and Sacred Heart Children's Hospital for the exceptional care of their son.

Contributed photo

APRIL 2018 • 39

“It’s so emotional to me, but he doesn’t see it as hard – I’m thankful it’s that way,” says Anna. “I’ve been thankful for that since day one. I was so anxious about all of this, but I’ve learned

Jason McGrew of Liberty Lake won a gold medal last fall in Taekwondo at a tournament in Montana. The 9-year-old lost his left leg to bone cancer when he was 2 and wears a prosthetic fitting.

Contributed Photo a lot from Jason. He is enjoying his life and doesn’t see himself as having a disability. That really helps me.”

Jason is indeed busy enjoying life. He says he likes the traditional part of Taekwondo, called “Poomsae,” where you learn skills to defend yourself against multiple people.

“I like the challenge of getting better,” Jason says. “I like the chance to prove what I’ve learned.”

Jason also runs cross country even though he says, “I can’t really run very fast.”

He said his peers accept his prosthetic leg and don’t make it a big deal after they know.

It is no surprise to Jason’s coach that this young boy has such a great attitude.

“Not everyone is willing to work and grow and not quit,” Corbin

says. “Jason has an indomitable spirit and perseverance above most.”

Last summer Jason passed the five-year mark since his treatment for bone cancer ended and is considered cancer free.

While he still needs to be fitted for a new prosthesis every year or so, his parents are thankful for the health and success their son is now enjoying. They are big fans of the local Shriners and Sacred Heart Children’s Hospitals where Jason is treated by medical professionals that Anna says are top-notch doctors and prosthetics experts.

Jason’s folks are also thankful for their son’s love for and involvement in Taekwondo. The strength and use of his right leg, part his own and part prosthesis, they credit to the sport and to the determination of their son who is kicking it all the way to gold.

The Splash

40 • APRIL 2018

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