2019 March Splash

THE

MARCH

LIBERTY LAKE

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COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

Building Community

55 - plus living takes on a new style, page 10

NEW EATERY OFFERS ISLAND FARE PAGE 15

CV BAND MARCHES ON PAGE 26

CITY SHARPENS ARTS, PARKS FOCUS PAGE 31

2 • MARCH 2019

The Park Bench

Stepping Up – Schutz chairs Parks and Arts Commission

By Craig Howard Splash Editor There’s no need to talk to Laina Schutz about the need for the next generation of volunteers in Liberty Lake. She already gets it.

After a wave of community activism in the 1990s and early 2000s that generated civic pillars like Pavillion Park, the Liberty Lake Farmers Market, a world-class trail system, the Summer Festival and influential service clubs, those inthe-know will tell you the level of local involvement has fallen off significantly in recent years. Groups like the Liberty Lake Kiwanis and Friends of Pavillion Park are among a growing list that continue to put the call out for new recruits.

NEWS Schutz jumped on board not long after moving to the area in July 2017 with her husband Derek and their three kids. She serves as president of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Liberty Creek Elementary and, last January, presided over the first meeting of the inaugural Liberty Lake Parks and Arts Commission, a group formed by the city to facilitate discussions and projects involving local greenspace and public art.

“Laina brings a fresh set of eyes to our group from someone who is relatively new to our community and new to any city/ community organization,” said Dave Himebaugh, Parks and Arts Commission vice chair. “She’s very organized, task-oriented and sees an idea or project through.”

The commission made an impressive debut on the project side last August by decorating several utility boxes with art from local grade school students. Laina and her fellow commissioners meet twice a month with Jennifer Camp, the city’s Operations and Maintenance director, acting as the city’s liaison.

“I’ve just been amazed by the varying backgrounds that are represented within this group,” Schutz said. “I’ve also been

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amazed by their dedication to the community.”

The commission consists of nine citizen volunteers representing neighborhoods within proximity to various community parks. In addition to Camp, there are also three student commissioners from Central Valley High School. Schutz, whose family lives in the Rocky Hill area, is a delegate from the park by the same name.

The outdoors and corresponding recreational opportunities were two of the main reasons Laina and her husband moved to the Inland Northwest nearly two years ago. A native of Virginia, Schutz had never been to the area prior to planting new roots in Liberty Lake.

“It’s just beautiful here,” she said.

“You have the mountains and a lot of outdoor activities. It’s just big enough and the people here are so friendly. When someone asks, ‘How are you doing?’ they actually wait around for the answer.”

Schutz grew up in Richmond, Virginia and participated in cross country and track in high school as well as competitive figure skating.

An A-student and member of the National Honor Society in high school, she went on to attend the University of Mary Washington, a small, liberal arts college in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Schutz began as a physical therapy major but eventually switched to business. After earning her degree, she enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University back in her hometown of Richmond.

This time, she would pursue her master’s in sports management with a career goal of working for a college athletic department or a pro sports team.

After securing her diploma, Schutz latched on with the front office of the Richmond Renegades, a minor league hockey team. It was there she met her future husband, a native of Saskatchewan, Canada, who had originally signed with the Spokane Chiefs and played there from 1996 to 2001. Laina and Derek were married in 2003.

Laina Schutz serves as chair of the inaugural Liberty Lake Parks and Arts Commission, a group formed by the city last year. The native of Virginia moved to Liberty Lake with her husband Derek and their three kids in July 2017.

Photo by Craig Howard

Schutz eventually transitioned out of the sports arena and into marketing, working for Capital One – both full-time and later part-time as she had kids – for 15 years.

When she and Derek talked about relocating from Virginia, Derek advocated for the place where he began his hockey career. Spokane won out over options like Bend, Oregon and Colorado.

Q:

What were some of your

first impressions of the Inland Northwest when you moved here almost two years ago?

A: It is absolutely beautiful here. The trees and landscape look completely different than the East Coast. I was shocked at how friendly everyone is here. The pace is slower and people have time for conversations and to get to know each other. There is a ruggedness about the area and people that I find really refreshing. It was a big change for my family and I was apprehensive about the move but after spending some time here, I feel it was a great choice. When we were evaluating our options and looking where we wanted to move, a lot of factors came into to play but the one thing that we kept coming back to that made us choose the Inland Northwest were the people and beauty of the area. The area feels like one of those hidden gems that no one really talks about.

Q: Why did you decide to become part of the inaugural Parks and Arts Commission?

A: We spent such a long time researching where to live before landing on Liberty Lake. I was so impressed with all of the activities in the parks and in the community that I wanted to be sure those continued. I felt like, what better way to get to know my new home than to serve on a city commission.

It was also an opportunity to make a difference and contribute to our new home. Part of being in a community is giving back as well as just enjoying what it has to offer – this was the chance to do that.

Q: Do you think your education and experience in areas like sports management and business have helped you in your role as commission chair?

A: Yes, absolutely. Being able to negotiate sponsorships and work with partners in our community, including the city of Liberty Lake, is something that both my business degree and my recreation background has helped with.

Q: As a Rocky Hill resident, what have you enjoyed about the proximity not only to your neighborhood park but other greenspaces within Liberty Lake?

A: The parks and amount of greenspace in Liberty Lake are fantastic. One of the reasons we moved to the West was to enjoy the outdoors with our family and

See SCHUTZ, Page 3

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SCHUTZ

Continued from page 2

being able to walk to multiple parks within a mile of our home is amazing. Getting outdoors was exactly the lifestyle change we were looking for.

Q: Public art has not particularly been one of the trademarks of Liberty Lake over the years. How do you feel the commission will change that and why do you feel public art is important to a community?

A: I think awareness is the first priority of the commission. Getting people excited about public art or the possibility of it but also feeling a connection to the art is important.

Utilizing our schools for our first project was strategic. Liberty Lake has become known as a familyfriendly community and almost everyone in the community has a connection to the children here in some way. Art in our community does not have to look like art in a big metropolitan community. We decide what it looks like and what makes sense and brings pride to Liberty Lake.

Q: As you know, many of the civic institutions in Liberty Lake

MARCH 2019 • 3

EXCELLENCE IN THE EYES OF OUR PATIENTS

were built through grassroots efforts by engaged residents.

How do you feel the next generation of citizen volunteers will take up these community causes and others?

A: I think it is extremely important to teach our children about volunteerism and giving back to your community. All of the wonderful things we appreciate about our community are not possible without help from our residents. There are so many ways to get involved in our community.

The Kiwanis Club, Rotary, Friends of Pavillion Park, a public commission or just helping with different events are ways to be involved. We have huge growth in our community, many coming from other areas and states and I encourage others to get involved like I have so we can continue to make our community amazing.

Q: Much like the city’s Planning Commission, the Parks and Arts Commission operates as an advisory group to the City Council which makes the ultimate decision on issues and projects that

See ART, Page 5

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4 • MARCH 2019

SVFD levy passes with flying colors

By Keith Erickson

Splash Correspondent Spokane Valley Fire Chief Bryan Collins says his department is humbled by the overwhelming support last month of a $113 million levy that will fund salaries, equipment, fire engines and capital projects – including a new fire station.

The Feb. 19 maintenance and operations levy passed by a resounding 74-pecent margin and will replace an expiring four-year levy that voters endorsed in 2015.

“When you get three-quarters of the voters approving a large property tax I think it shows they’re trusting you with a great responsibility and it says they think you’re doing a good job,” Collins said. “I want to thank the community for their support. It validates the hard work of the entire department.”

The chief said passage of the levy will allow the department to continue adding value back into the community by providing unsurpassed fire protection services.

The levy will fund a new fire station – No. 11 – near the intersection of Barker Road and Euclid Avenue. Construction will occur in 2022 and the station will be staffed around the clock by 12 employees, whose salaries will be supported by the levy.

Funded over four years, the levy will cost property owners about $1.91 per $1,000 of assessed

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NEWS

valuation. That’s about 11 cents per $1,000 more than the expiring M&O levy of $1.80/$1,000 that expires at the end of the year.

“Last year, SVFD responded to more than 1,800 fires and saved $16 million in property or 88 percent of the total values of the properties and contents involved,” Collins said. “Without renewal of the M&O levy, SVFD would have been unable to continue providing this excellent level of response.”

With a 75-square-mile service area that includes about 125,000 citizens, SVFD responds to about 15,000 emergency medical services calls each year, or about 41 calls per day.

“That we don’t carry any debt service really resonates with folks in the Spokane Valley,” said Collins, who conducted more than 30 public presentations to educate patrons about the proposed levy.

The levy will also fund an alternate response unit (ARU) to provide cost-effective service for non-lifethreatening emergencies as well as funds to remodel the Sullivan Road fire station to include the addition of an entryway to provide citizens with a 24/7 safe zone – a provision in all other SVFD stations and in line with the department’s commitment to public service.

Collins said the community has responded favorably before when it recognized the importance of a four-year funding measure to sustain and improve its top-notch emergency services.

Besides the new fire station, the levy will fund remodel of the Sullivan Road Fire Station No. 5, built 25 years ago and in need of upgrades. It will also allow the department to nearly double the capacity of its maintenance facility, where critical upkeep is done on the department’s fleet, which consists of about 60 vehicles including engines, ladder trucks and staff vehicles.

In February 2015, the M&O levy passed by 72 percent and included funding for specific capital improvements like relocation of Liberty Lake Fire Station No. 3. That project was completed on time and under budget, Collins said.

Put into perspective, the new levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $100 more per year compared with the measure passed in 2015.

The chief emphasized that the department is a “pay as you go” organization, which he believes is another reason the levy passed by such a wide margin.

Under the SVFD’s master plan, aging vehicle are rotated out of use to assure dependable service. It’s a big-ticket expenditure, the chief said, with a new engine costing about $750,000 and a ladder truck coming in at around $1.25 million.

Keeping up with growth in within the department’s boundaries has been challenging, Collins said.

According to statistics release by the department, over the past five years, the Spokane Valley Fire Department has experienced a 34-percent increase in calls for service, fielding an impressive 18,000 calls per year.

Collins said the department has a proven track record for following through on its commitment to wisely spend tax dollars on maintenance and operational needs as promised.

The SVFD employs about 200 personnel, including 175 responders.

That reliable service has earned the SVFD a low insurance rating for fire agencies. It is the only department in Eastern Washington to have earned that distinction which means local homeowners and businesses are in the lowest cost pool available for fire insurance premiums, the chief said.

“I’ve been in the firefighting business for 35 years and I’ve seen a lot of department models and here in the Spokane Valley, we really have something we can be proud of as far as the level of service to the community,” Collins said.

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MARCH 2019 • 5

NEWS

ART

and that has taken some getting used to after living in a very fastpaced place. People drive slow but people also are genuinely interested in you and your story. It’s just part of the charm and a welcome trade-off. What’s interesting is that people also seem happier here.

There seems to be a better work/ life balance, people taking the time to enjoy what’s around them.

I am amazed at how everyone helps one another. The generosity and kindness is both different and inspiring.

Q: Finally, what are your hopes for the Parks and Arts Commission in terms of changing and improving this community over the next 10 years or so?

A: My hope is that we find ways to incorporate lots of different types of art into our community. I also hope as this commission and community grows we are able to increase recreational offerings to our residents, that we are able to build upon what we have and increase those offerings over the years. I hope that we are able to inspire children to look at and appreciate art and inspire residents to be excited and to get involved in our community.

Continued from page 3 come forward. How has the commission been working to find a balance between its role and the accountability it has to the City Council?

A: I think this has been the biggest challenge or hurdle for our commission. We have had lots of great ideas but we of course are working within the confines of the city rules and ordinances as well as the budget they set forth for us. I think in general the city has been very supportive. It is all about managing expectations and working through and carving the policy as we go. Every once in a while, I think we take a step back and realize that this is all brand new and we need to take it slow and make sure we are setting a great foundation for this commission for the future.

Q: As a native of the East Coast, how would you describe some of the differences you’ve experienced since moving to the other side of the country?

A: I think the most obvious difference is the snow. Where I am from, it snows but usually the entire city shuts down when there is any.

Things are also much slower here

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NEWS

6 • MARCH 2019

New city engineer brings community insight, history

By Craig Howard Splash Editor A few things have changed in Spokane County’s easternmost jurisdiction since Scott Bernhard served on the Liberty Lake City Council in the early 2000s.

To begin with, the population of Liberty Lake proper hovered around 3,000 when Bernhard and his fellow council members were forming the foundation of the city after incorporation in August 2001.

Liberty Lake has been one of the fastest growing communities in the state ever since, now consisting of well over 10,000 residents.

That growth means plenty of capital projects, most of them featuring street upgrades to handle the scores of motorists that utilize the city’s transportation network. It’s work that Bernhard is accustomed to as a civil and professional engineer who has served as project manager for efforts like the Northwest Boulevard interchange in Coeur d’Alene and

the Sprague Avenue interchange in Spokane Valley.

Now, Bernhard will bring that expertise and experience to the community he’s called home since 1992.

Bernhard was announced as Liberty Lake’s newest city engineer in September, replacing Andrew Staples, who stepped down in April to accept a job with the city of Spokane. Bernhard began his new role on Sept. 26.

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Peterson said. “His strong suit was infrastructure and money and keeping things moving forward.”

Bernhard said of the transition. “But we just had the right opportunity at the right time.”

Bernhard was part of council until January of 2003 when he let the city know that he and his wife Debra would be moving south of Sprague Avenue. The transition to the shores of the lake meant Bernhard no longer met the requirements of those on the governing board to live within city limits.

Prior to his tenure as a council member, Bernhard was involved in various community causes, including Friends of Pavillion Park. He served as president of the organization and also as construction manager for the project that added the park’s trademark stage and canopy.

“It was hard to walk away,”

Peterson said Bernhard “always brought a positive perspective” to council discussions.

“He may bring up a different opinion but he was always civil,” the mayor said. “That first council was very collegial, and Scott was a big part of that.”

“I’m excited to be here,” Bernhard said. “I was involved with helping to shape Liberty Lake at the beginning as part of the City Council and now I’m back as the city is headed to buildout.”

The bookend perspective is a welcome one, according to Mayor Steve Peterson who remembers Bernhard as “a great leader with council,” someone who served as the city’s first mayor pro-tem and second in line to Peterson.

“Scott was concerned about the finances as a council member,”

Scott Bernhard was hired as Liberty Lake’s new city engineer in late September. The longtime resident of the Liberty Lake area served on the inaugural City Council and is a past president of Friends of Pavillion Park.

Photo by Craig Howard

Bernhard was the only council candidate on the inaugural ballot to not face a challenger. He looks back to his time around the dais with pride in the beautification efforts made back then, including signage regulations. Bernhard also points to the purchase of Trailhead golf course from private owners and Pavillion Park from Spokane County as key acquisitions in the city’s early history.

See ENGINEER, Page 28

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The Splash

MARCH 2019 • 7

The Lookout MEMO from the

Mayor

By Mayor Steve Peterson March has St. Patrick’s Day and is our opportunity to celebrate the Luck of the Irish! You know that leprechaun who was seeking the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Seems even on our rainiest days we can never find that pot of gold. Maybe this March our

luck will change in Liberty Lake.

This month on one of those rainy days, please check out this website through the Washington State Department of Revenue. I have used it several times to locate that pot of gold the state has been holding for months, years or even decades. The website URL is UCP. DOR.WA.GOV and you will find it very easy to use. Just type in your name for the search and if you find a claim that belongs to you click on the “Pursue Claim” button and follow the simple instructions.

Start-to-finish the check normally takes four to eight weeks. (Hint: Start search with just your last name to identify your relatives that may have a claim. You may want to print the page out and send to them in the regular mail.

I’m sure they will appreciate the thought!)

If it’s just the black pot you are looking for or those pair of gloves that may have been lost on the trail or in the park, our guys will pick them up and take to Lost and Found at City Hall. Give Tate a call

City gearing toward spring

The annexation for Ridgeline High School was effective on Feb. 20 and that means that land that Ridgeline High will be built on is officially inside city limits.

As the city starts turning green again, staff is excited to see your familiar faces on the walking paths, in the parks and on the golf courses!

Receive updates on public safety, snow plowing, community events and more by signing up for “Notify Me,” a free notification service from the city of Liberty Lake. Email and text available. Go to www. libertylakewa.gov or call 755-6700 for more information.

(755-6700) and she can check the catalogued items in our Lost and Found. If it was lost at school, please check with their front-desk people. I’m sure they want to get it back to you! Every year they end up with quite a collection of stuff. Start to finish at either place should take less than a few minutes!

Good luck in your search for lost treasure but remember the best treasure of all is living right here in Liberty Lake, Spokane County’s premier address! action was born and this is how it works…

Although the weather has been a bit confused about what season we are in, city staff and crews are moving ahead full force on projects around the city. We have our eyes on spring! We are ready to put the snow plows away for the season and bring out the mowers, paint brushes, blowers and seedlings.

The irrigation pump at Trailhead at Liberty Lake Golf Course was 50 years old and in desperate need of replacement; that project will be completed this month. The light at Appleway and Signal Road will finally get its crosswalk paint and therefore, get the approval to start operating. This light is a welcome safety feature and will hopefully improve the traffic flow on Appleway.

March 2019

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Summer is on the horizon for Skyhawks Sports Academy’s 40th summer and registration for programs is underway.

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Liberty Lake’s ‘Snow Angel’ program

With the large amount of snow fall this year, Liberty Lake residents have seen an increase in snowmen, snow boots and residents in need of assistance with snow removal.

This is the second season that our own city staff (Snow Fighters!) has taken on snow removal on streets in place of contractors. Over the past couple of years we have had several people reach out to city staff in need of assistance shoveling snow.

While the city is not able to directly provide assistance for personal shoveling, many volunteers (Snow Angels!) have come forward to help those in need.

The idea of a volunteer call to

City staff receives calls from residents needing help, mostly from the elderly or disabled. Once we have contact information from them, a call for help message is sent out by staff in multiple ways to our Snow Angels via the popular City Facebook page, text message or phone call. When the call for help has been filled, a message is then sent out to update the community on Facebook that the need has been filled. This year we have received impressively rapid responses from our Snow Angels and snow is often removed within a few hours.

As we push through one of the largest snowfalls the area has seen in a few years, we are reminded of how close the community is once again. Many residents who volunteer have done so for quite some time, while others remain anonymous as driveways and sidewalks are cleared throughout the city. If you know of someone needing assistance after the next snowfall, please direct them to us here at City Hall, 755-6700.

With the coming of March, snowfall will hopefully be in the rear-view mirror so that we can stop, take a breath and be thankful for the volunteers who have made life and this winter season easier for those in need within the community. And to all of you Snow Angels out there (you know who you are), THANK YOU!

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

The Splash

8 • MARCH 2019

City Council News and Notes – March 2019

By Craig Howard Splash Editor •Finance Director RJ Stevenson reported last month that sales tax revenue in January came in close to $30,000 ahead of the same point in 2018. “We’re off to a good start,” Stevenson said •In January, 8,586 items were checked out of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library •The library is working with the city on revamping the meeting room policy. “We want it to be Liberty Lake-centric and nonprofit,” City Administrator Katy Allen said of re-evaluating the standards for the library’s public gathering space •The library has added two new bulletin boards and is working on installing a door tracker that will keep track of the number of visitors to the library. Other capital projects include replacement of the entry canopy lights and parking lot lights •The Liberty Lake Police Department has put out a request for proposals for a new patrol car.

Gus Johnson Ford was the only auto dealership to respond with a bid. Chief Brian Asmus said the bid was within the department’s budget. Council approved the request on Feb. 5 •A total of 736 incidents and emergency calls were fielded by LLPD in January •Asmus said the department is implementing mental health sick leave, check-ins. “There’s a lot of concern about PTSD and officers dealing with things they see on the street,” Asmus said. “We want to do everything we can to help.”

•Pat Dockrey spoke during the public comments portion of the Feb. 5 meeting about the idea of a bike path along Henry Road •Holly Woodruff brought up the need for sidewalk clearing north on Molter toward Appleway, adding the snow made it difficult to reach the crosswalk button to cross Appleway •Mayor Steve Peterson testified at a transportation committee meeting in Olympia in January as part of a visit to legislature. He also provided comments on the Condominium Act •Bids for the Trailhead irrigation pump have come in lower than anticipated, according to Allen.

However, the original request for proposals did not include a contingency. Allen asked council to consider a 10-percent contingency, which was passed •The city has received preliminary

design drawings for the Harvard Road Bridge Widening project •Allen gave an update on the 23 acres the city purchased in the Rocky Hill area. A recent idea has been to conduct a neighborhood outreach effort regarding the potential connection to the Upland Trail. “We shouldn’t be selling this,” urged Mayor Pro Tem Shane Brickner. “We need to present this to the residents there and let them decide.” Council Member Mike Kennedy said the city “needs to be very careful moving forward,” noting that “there were a lot of negative comments from people the last time this was brought up.”

•In acknowledgement of Liberty Lake’s annexation of the land for Ridgeline High School on Feb. 19, the city held a “welcome celebration” attended by municipal staff, council members and representatives of the Central Valley School District. “We welcome you to our fine city and appreciate your confidence in us,” said Peterson to CVSD Superintendent Ben Small. Groundbreaking for the district’s third comprehensive high school will take place on March 11. “We’re thankful to be able to work with you and appreciate your support,” said Small.

•Council approved a resolution renaming a northern portion of Henry Road to “North Kramer Road.” Other names proposed included Pecos, Lake Grier, Fisher, Diagonal and Etienne. The street was named in honor of the late Lud Kramer, former Washington Secretary of State who resided in Liberty Lake and was a key advocate for city incorporation as well as projects like Pavillion Park and the community trail network •Maintenance and Operations Director Jennifer Camp acknowledged the many resident volunteers who stepped up to help fellow residents shovel out of snow scenarios over the past several weeks. Residents who need help with snow clearing are encouraged to call City Hall at 755-6700 •On Feb. 19, Planning, Engineering and Building Services outlined 10 process improvements from last year that provided easier access for citizens and contractors and resulted in more efficient, less costly operation for the city. The most significant changes include electronic transition in three areas – applications, review and issuance. Other changes included accepting payments over the phone, paperless permit fees and

pre-application code audit report by staff. The department collected just over $1.1 million in fees last year. The report also pointed to building trends such as strong commercial market, slowing multi-family housing and growth in single family housing.

•Liberty Lake is the 10th fastest growing city in the state with a 37-percent increase in residents from 2010 to 2018. The current population stands at 10,390 with buildout targeted at 18,708 by 2042. Liberty Lake at capacity would feature 5,223 single family units and 2,884 multi-family units •Laina Schutz, chair of the Parks and Arts Commission said the group has adjusted its strategic plan to correspond with the council’s approved 2019 budget.

Projects for this year would include a mural in Pavillion Park, a story walk, utility wraps and possibly goat statues. The commission has also had some art by Leroy Neiman donated with areas to display the items yet to be determined.

•City Engineer Scott Bernhard gave an update on several capital projects, including the Trailhead Master Plan, saying a council priority survey would be the next step. There has also been talk of forming an advisory committee on the project. “Our goal is to bring information back to the whole council and to have you all informed,” said Allen. The Harvard Road Bridge Widening project appears to be gaining traction in Olympia. It would include new northbound lane and extended westbound on-ramp. Allen said “things are going well” regarding potential funding for the project.

She added that the Henry Road project is also “looking good” on the legislative front. The city will wait for official word on both projects from the state in April •The city will bring on a consultant to work on a job description and compensation study. “This will offer a more objective view on fair market value,” said Stevenson •The city’s new salary commission has met three times and submitted a questionnaire to City Council members with responses due

by March 8. The commission will also be interviewing each council member individually in March •Council Member Bob Moore recommended that the city consider some kind of “winter feature” such as an outdoor skating rink at one of the municipal parks. Allen noted that less formal recreational activities do take place in the city during the cold weather season such as crosscountry skiing and sledding

Council addresses food trucks, street trees, public art

By Craig Howard Splash Editor February was a busy month for the Liberty Lake City Council. In spite of the snow and one canceled workshop, the governing board still diligently churned through a variety of topics, passing a new public art policy and moving closer to new regulations on food trucks and street trees.

On Feb. 5, Director of Planning and Engineering Lisa Key ran through the latest on the city’s food truck protocol, a subject council considered four years ago, ultimately voting against loosening restrictions on portable eateries after vocal opposition from several brick-and-mortar restaurants.

Key reminded those around the dais that food trucks can currently only operate with “limited use” permits and can only secure those permits in the public right-of-way when associated with a community event or on private property when associated with a private event.

In March 2015, an interim development code amendment was proposed to allow food trucks outside of special events with property owner permission and specific standards. The proposal failed in a 5-1 vote.

On Feb. 5, representatives from tasting rooms in Liberty Lake advocated for the city to consider allowing food trucks near their respective businesses, noting they were not going to focus on food “Food trucks are a real thing,” Key said. “You see it downtown Spokane and Coeur d’Alene where you have them in certain areas where you’re

See CITY, Page 9

The Splash

CITY

Continued from page 8 trying to create a certain streetscape and community activity.”

A food truck code amendment is now being proposed that would allow for food trucks on private property in a light industrial zone by a special use permit when associated with an existing business. The project charter states that the city will “engage the new ‘tasting room’ cluster of entrepreneurs and ‘brickand-mortar’ restaurants in the workshop and hearing process.”

Council has asked that potential food truck code revisions be passed along to the Planning Commission for their consideration and recommendation, followed by city staff preparing a schedule of such revisions. Key said the earliest any changes to the current code could take place would be May. “I’m very much in favor of allowing food trucks in this area,” said Mayor Pro Tem Shane Brickner.

“There’s a lot of cities that have food trucks. I’m not saying put them all over but there’s a place for them in a designated area. I think we need to take in under consideration.”

Council Member Cris Kaminskas said she supported the fastest way to amend the food truck regulations “in order to support these businesses in Liberty Lake.”

Council Member Mike Kennedy was less enthusiastic about the idea, saying the city “needs to look and brick-and-mortar businesses that are putting their investments in this town.”

Street tree change takes root In a Feb. 19 workshop, Key brought up proposed street tree ordinance amendments, describing the existing regulations as “prescriptive and overbearing.”

“It didn’t provide us with enough guidance,” Key said of the existing ordinance. “We want to eliminate conflicting requirements and create

MARCH 2019 • 9

NEWS

consistency.”

The proposed revision includes a new definition of street trees.

The city is also looking at general outdoor maintenance requirements.

“Our intent was to get these all in alignment and clean these up,” Key said.

The evaluation process included an ordinance review team comprised of city staff and outside consultants.

Commenters included Jim Frank and Kevin Schneidmiller of Greenstone Homes, local landscape architect Mike Terrell, Avista and input from the Planning Commission and the Parks and Arts Commission.

“The Planning Commission and our review team did some real heavy lifting here,” Key said.

The suggested revisions include a widened planting strip requirement as well as provisions for deep irrigation.

Council Member Odin Langford voiced concern with what he described as an “unfunded mandate” that would penalize a property owner for addressing trees planted before their time.

The revised ordinance would mean a homeowners association could make a case for various trees related to the continuity of design in a neighborhood. “This is not going to be black and white,” Key said.

“One size does not fit all.”

Operations and Maintenance Director Jennifer Camp concurred.

“We wanted to provide some flexibility in this so people could bring up different varieties for replanting,” said Camp.

The proposed changes constitute 17 pages of code amendments.

The recommendations were passed along to the Department of Commerce on Jan. 25. A public hearing with a first read of the ordinance is set for March 19 at City Hall with a second read in April. Key said she would appreciate feedback from council members before the public hearing.

“We want to get this right,” Key said. “We’re hoping we can have this place in time to revamp our tree brochure by Arbor Day (April 26).”

Public art policy The Parks and Arts Commission – now in its second year – has been waiting for the public art policy to be completed and approved by the city. Several members of the commission were in attendance at the Feb. 19 council meeting as the governing board walked through the document. The workshop was originally scheduled for Feb. 12 but rescheduled due to weather concerns.

“I want those folks to be able to move forward and have direction,” said Kennedy who expressed concern that three revisions had been made to the document in the last eight days and council may not have had the chance to read through the changes.

There was a consensus around the dais that the document made sense.

“A lot of time and effort was put into this,” Moore said. “I think we need to get this out of the way and let them do their job.”

While Kennedy supported the idea

of funds from any public art sold by the city going back to general city purposes, others like Council Member Hugh Severs said any revenue should be returned to the Parks and Arts Commission.

“I think it’s a chance to build this up,” Severs said.

The policy, with several minor amendments, was approved unanimously by the council. One amendment was to rename the document “public art policy and procedures” as recommended

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COVER STORY

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Luxury and camaraderie represent right blend at Trutina

By Tyler Wilson Splash Correspondent They call him “Mayor Mike.”

Mike Whitton and his wife Sharon were some of the first residents of Trutina, the River District neighborhood in Liberty Lake geared for the 55-plus community.

Developed by Greenstone Homes, Trutina is a mix of single-family homes, cottages and apartments located on the north side of Liberty Lake near the Spokane River and Centennial Trail.

Mike and Sharon moved into their home in the summer of 2017 and they’ve been ambassadors for the community ever since. They drive their golf cart around the development, serving as a de facto Neighborhood Watch, checking on residents and their properties.

“It an unofficial cute name,” Whitton said of his mayoral status.

“You get to know some people by different handles. Sharon is ‘Sheriff Sharon.’”

Another Trutina resident, Jen Ballantyne, praised Mike and Sharon’s stewardship.

parties, exercise classes, volunteer opportunities and much more.

“There are so many things I can’t even think of,” Whitton said. “It’s like a five-star resort.”

Whether residents are active with the varied activities or not, Trutina is touted by those who live there as something of a rarity.

“It’s a place where people really want to be neighbors, people genuinely care,” Ballantyne said. “I haven’t had that in a neighborhood, we’re all supporting each other.”

Amenities aplenty Backed by quality builds and appealing floor plans, Trutina’s highdemand can also be credited to its community amenities. The fullystaffed Riverside Lodge includes a saltwater lap pool, well-appointed fitness center, Pickle ball courts, an expansive clubhouse for gatherings and activities and luxurious spa service that include massages, manicures, facials, haircuts and more.

“They have done lots of things to get us organized and to build our social culture,” Ballantyne said.

The lodge faces the Spokane River and provides access to the nearby Centennial Trail. A community garden is also just one outdoor amenity connecting residents in the warmer months.

Trutina isn’t just a collection of homes. It’s a thriving community backed by resort-like facilities and an active social calendar. A weekly “Wine Down Wednesday” and Friday Brunch serve as anchors to a schedule that includes book and gaming clubs, themed potlucks and

Kristi Green represents Greenstone sales at Trutina and says demand has been consistently

In addition to homeowners, residents in the Riverside at Trutina apartments have complete access to the lodge, clubhouse and varied activities.

Laina Schutz serves as chair of the inaugural Liberty Lake Parks and Arts Commission, a group formed by the city last year. The native of Virginia moved to Liberty Lake with her husband Derek and their three kids in July 2017.

Photo by Craig Howard strong with every lot release. She said the next release will be in April with eight pre-sale lots becoming available. The next group will be estate-style, front-entry homes, though Trutina features both frontentry and cottage-style homes with back-alley garage access. Each individual presale lot will have a predetermined floor plan.

“What Greenstone usually does with all their neighborhoods is plan a certain floor plan that will fit on a certain lot but they also want to make sure the same floor plans are not too close to each other,” Green said.

While a couple floor plans do offer basements, the homes in Trutina are designed to be one-level, mainfloor living. Base prices begin in the low $300,000s, with sizes starting at just over 1,300 square feet for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home.

Homeowners Association fees here are $165 per month, which includes access to the lodge and all Trutina amenities, including the HOA-provided Wine Down Wednesday and Friday brunch events. HOA fees also include lawn care and mowing as well as snow removal. And by snow removal, that means shoveling the driveway and entry paths into your home, as verified by cottage resident Sharon Baum on one particularly snowy day in February.

“They were here early this morning shoveling the entire double driveway,” Baum said.

Trutina is the first 55-plus community developed by Greenstone and Green said their approach has been to work with residents on what they want to see around the neighborhood.

See TRUTINA, Page 11

Amenities for active senior lifestyles are among the trademarks at Trutina. From Pickleball courts to an indoor swimming pool to community gardens, there is plenty in place for residents to stay occupied and engaged. The maintenance-free feature has also been popular, particularly during the snow-clearing season. Contributed photos

The Splash

TRUTINA

COVER STORY

MARCH 2019 • 11

Continued from page 10 “One thing I love about Greenstone is they listen to feedback,” Green said. “They want to provide a solution to people’s needs, and they want to provide a lifestyle and place that gets better with time.”

Even for those looking to purchase a home in Trutina, Green said people should consider the apartments as an option.

“For people who are planning to build, a lot of times they while want to rent while they are waiting to get into the community,” Green said.

“They can start to get to know the neighbors and have access to the lodge and amenities.”

Attracting all types Baum moved into her Trutina cottage-style home this past summer after living in Colfax for most of her life.

“It is the most friendly community,” Baum said. “When I opened my garage for the first time someone yelled out, ‘Hi, I’m so and so,’ then someone else came over the next day.”

Baum is part of the social committee and has been involved in several resident-led events and activities where she continues to meet new people. In addition to serving as a volunteer with the SNAP Eastern Washington Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, advocating for residents of local assisted living facilities, Baum has joined other Trutina residents in helping out at the Second Harvest Food Bank. The group of 20 residents typically go about once a month to help out with whatever is needed at the facility.

Baum said while residents can definitely keep to themselves, Trutina is filled with people wanting to be busy and social.

“This is for active seniors,” she said. “It’s not for somebody who just wants to sit down and watch television and not see anyone.

People are sitting on their porch offering you a cup of coffee.”

Julie Chase, a Trutina resident of about six months alongside her husband, currently heads Trutina’s social committee, which anyone in the development can join.

The committee continues to add programming, from potlucks and Bunco groups to regular movie nights and social clubs.

“The community is growing, which is awesome,” Chase said.

“This kind of community is hard to find, especially one that has the amenities that Greenstone has put

Nestled near the banks of the Spokane River and the Centennial Trail, the Trutina neighborhood has incorporated unique natural surroundings into a modern-day development with a variety of price points. The project is one of many residential neighborhoods in Liberty Lake built by Greenstone Homes.

Contributed photo

into the community. I’m just trying to add to it, keep it going and help make it bigger and better.”

Funds are provided to the committee for many of the activities, though the group has utilized some fundraising efforts for charitable contributions and residents occasionally chip in for extra activities like potlucks.

Mike Whitton said even with the amenities and activities provided

by Trutina, Greenstone has given residents opportunity to make suggestions and improvements.

“I’m on the advisory group, and we get to help pick and choose things,” Whitton said. “For example some of the chairs around the firepit are these big lounge-style chairs and they’re hard to get out of, so we’re changing those and there’s going to be some added park benches between our gate and Harvard Road.”

Chase said the social aspect of the community is not limited to the structured activities, thanks in part to the friendliness of the neighborhood. She recalled a cold, blustery day recently when a few residents still figured out a fun way to spend some time.

reason – to get rid of stairs, to not have to do all the lawn work and mowing. We are both retired now and we are able to enjoy our lives a little bit more now.”

But Trutina isn’t exclusively a retirement community. Ballantyne moved to the Spokane area from Dallas with her husband eight years ago to attend Gonzaga Law School at age 58. She graduated in 2014 and now focuses on elder and estate law. Her career change was inspired by her mother who developed Alzheimer’s and led to the family having to deal with many challenging decisions as a result of the disease.

“We knew nothing about it, we had no family history of it and I just saw how vulnerable people can get as a result,” Ballantyne said.

Now she helps other seniors with their legal needs, even hosting some educational classes for her fellow residents at Trutina, including a February workshop on durable

powers of attorney.

“I thought I didn’t want to live in a community with just older people because I work with older people all day long, but this idea really appealed to my husband,” Ballantyne said.

They previously lived in a Spokane-area home that eventually became unrealistic for their needs moving forward.

“We didn’t want to be in a place where we were prisoners in our house,” she said. “We were living where we couldn’t age in place – a steeply slanted driveway, lots of steps.”

Ballantyne said she’d seen in other 55-plus communities that she found “somewhat grim.”

“Then we looked at Greenstone and everything else pales by comparison,” she said. “We’re really happy with our home and we just love Liberty Lake. It’s just a nice, easy life.”

“The other day we got together with three other couples and we played cards,” she said.

Chase, a longtime Valley resident with kids and grandkids in the area, was initially skeptical of a 55-plus community.

“At first I thought I never would have put myself in a place like this but we are able to stay active with all the goings on around here,” she said. “And we did move here for a

Trutina is part of the ongoing development of the River District on Liberty Lake’s north side. The 55-plus community is just to the west of a future town center.

Contributed photo

COMMUNITY

12 • MARCH 2019

The Splash

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS March 14 | Meditation & Mindfulness with Spokane Mindfulness – 6:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. Mediation can help you find balance in your dayto-day life and instill a sense of calmness and inner peace that not only benefits your emotional wellbeing but your overall health. This class in guided meditation is for all levels of experience. The principal focus of this meditation is the art of mindfulness which focuses on the present moment to promote selfawareness and clarity.

March 26 | Welcome Home Vietnam Vet Event – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. All veterans and their family members and friends welcome.

Barbecue will begin at 11 a.m.

For more information, call the Vet Center at 444-8387.

Through March 28 | Eyeglass collection for Eagle Project.

Taft Julian of Liberty Lake will be collecting prescription eyeglasses for his Eagle Scout Project and sending them to his brother in Hermosillo, Mexico so he can distribute them to those in need. If you have any old pairs of prescription glasses, please consider donating them to this cause. Collection will end on March 28. If you are unable to get your glasses to the designated collection boxes at the Liberty Lake Library or Liberty Lake Elementary, please email taftjulian@gmail.com for collection.

April 26-28 | Shrine Circus – New location across from the at Spokane

Valley City Hall next to Balfour Park located in the Spokane Valley on the corner of East Sprague Avenue and Herald Road. The El Katif Shriners are excited to announce the return of the annual Shrine Circus. The circus is celebrating its 64th year. The festivities begin Friday, April 26 with shows at 3 and 7 p.m. and continue Saturday the 27th at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.

The circus will conclude on the 28th with shows at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the box office on site beginning at 9am each day of the show. General admission is $10 per person. Reserved seating is $15, VIP tickets are $20 and ringmaster seats are available for $25 per person. The Shriners are about helping children. The Shrine Circus provides operating funds for the El Katif Shriners, so they can continue to support the Shrine Hospitals. Spokane is fortunate to have one of the 22 Shrine Hospitals in the U.S.

RECURRING Work Source employment assistance | Work Source of Spokane offers help with resumes, one-on-one employment coaching, job referrals and support services.

For more information, call Marcia Jones at 532-3010 or visit www. worksourcewa.com.

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

Al-Anon family meetings | Mondays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. No meetings on holiday Mondays.

Is there a problem of alcoholism with a relative or a friend? Al-Anon family groups can help. For more information call 456-2125

are invited to join. More at www. milwoodpc.org

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

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

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

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.

Catholic Singles Mingle | meeting times and locations vary. This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www. meetup.com/Catholic-SinglesMingle

Free Last Sunday lunch | Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 North Raymond Road, Spokane Valley - 12:30 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall, Room 115

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

MUSIC & THE ARTS

Grange Meeting and Dessert | 6:30 p.m., third Wednesday of the month, Tri-Community Grange, 25025 Heather Street, Newman Lake. The public is welcome for this community-based service organization. For more information call 226-2202 or see us on Facebook Men’s Bible Study | 7:30 a.m. each Saturday at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley in the Fireplace Room.

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

March 4 | Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra performs the “Beethoven Triple Concerto” – 7:30 p.m. at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. The concert features Denise Dillenbeck, violin soloist, Kevin Hekmatpanah, cello soloist, John Pickett, piano soloist and Nikolas Caoile, guest conductor.

Schumann: “Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61” is also part of this concert. Tickets are $16 general admission, $13 seniors and students with ID and are available at www.spokanesymphony.org, or by calling the box office at 6241200. For more information, call the Gonzaga Music Department at 373-6733 or visit www. gonzagasymphonyorchestra.com.

March 14 | Fox Presents: “Postmodern Jukebox – Welcome the Twenties, 7:30 p.m., Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. To usher in the upcoming TwentyTwenties, Fox Presents the famed time-twisting musical collaborative, Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ), who will circumnavigate the globe in 2019 on their Welcome to the Twenties 2.0 Tour. Tickets start at $43, and VIP packages are available. Tickets can be found at www.foxtheaterspokane.com, or at the box office at 624-1200.

The Splash

COMMUNITY

March 26-27 | Chamber Soiree – “Spring” – 7:30 p.m., the Historic Davenport Hotel’s Marie Antoinette Ballroom. Musical elegance awaits in this soirée evening at the Davenport Hotel. A mix of baroque, classical and contemporary music is introduced and performed by various ensembles of the Spokane Symphony. For tickets and more information, visit www. spokanesymphony.org.

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 four-part, a cappella harmony of this men’s barbershop chorus.

More at www.pagesofharmony.org Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays. Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 2184799 Spokane Novelists Group | noon to 4 p.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month.

Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. A support/critique group for writers. Open to anyone with an interest in writing fiction (no memoirs, nonfiction, poetry, etc., please). Participants should bring 5-10 pages to read aloud and 6-8 copies for others to read along and critique. More at 590-7316 Spokane Valley Camera Club | 7:15 p.m., third and fourth Monday of the month (September through April). Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. All levels of ability—students through experienced photographers—are invited to learn. Social events include field trips and workshops.

More at 951-1446 or www.sv-cc. org Teen Writers of the Inland Empire | 4 p.m., first Thursday of the month (except holidays).

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Writers (sixth grade and older) meet to write and share their work. More at 893-8400

HEALTH & RECREATION Inland Northwest Soccer Association | Sign up now for men’s or women’s leagues.

Season starts in April. Leagues include men and women's open

(over 18 old years), men's over 30 and 40 and co-ed. Free agents (people who are not on a team already) can sign up via the free agent tap on the INWSA website.

Visit www.inlandnorthwestsoccer. com for more information or email Inland Northwest Soccer Association directly at president@ inlandnorthwestsoccer.com or call 599-5769.

GriefShare | New class begins Feb. 20 but attendees can join anytime during the 13-session program – 6:15-8 p.m., The ONE Church, east entrance, 15601 E. 24th Ave, Spokane Valley. This program is designed to help you cope with your loss; it doesn't matter if your loss was recently or over 10 years ago, let's see if we can help. Join us any time that's right for you. Call Sue at 294-1664 or Jere at 7103354 or The ONE Church 926-3254 or visit www.GriefShare.org.

March 12 | Know Your Numbers: Risk Factor Screening, INHS Community Wellness Center, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane. Do you have hidden risks to your health?

Sign up to get immediate results for cholesterol, blood glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure and more. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info March 27 | One-time Emergency CPR class – 11-12:30 p.m., the HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave, Liberty Lake.

This class is for certification but recreation knowledge for those at the HUB. Attendees receive one free Pickleball play. For more information, call the HUB at 9270602.

March 28 | The Liberty Lake Ladies Nine Hole Golf Club will have their meeting and registration at 9 a.m. at the clubhouse, 24403 E. Sprague Ave., Liberty Lake. All new golfers are welcome. For more information, contact Sharon 4752779 or Bette 928-6854.

April 4 | Quit for Good – Tobacco Cessation class. Have you tried quitting smoking before without success? INHS and Providence Health Care are teaming up to provide a free four-week program designed to help you have longterm success in quitting tobacco.

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

The class includes Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) while supplies last when NRT is not covered by participant’s health insurance. This

See CALENDAR, Page 14

MARCH 2019 • 13

Central Valley High School’s

Spring Craft Fair

March 9th 9:00am - 5:00pm, March 10th 9:00am - 4:00pm Fall Craft Show benefiting the Central Valley High School Marching Band and Color Guard.

Admission: $2 For more information contact: cvmbPublicity@hotmail.com

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The Splash

14 • MARCH 2019

CALENDAR

Continued from page 13 is a live, interactive webinar. Log in information will be emailed with your registration confirmation. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info.

Each Friday | Vets Day – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hospitality House, 216 S. Washington, Newport. Veterans are invited to drop by with questions about the V.A. and other issues.

Complimentary snacks and coffee will be served. For questions, call Brad Hanson at 509-671-3585 or the Hospitality House at 509-4473812 Wednesday mornings | Mindful Music & Movement class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as: Parkinson's, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. Supporting body, mind and soul. $10 donation suggested.

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

For more information, visit www. willowsongmusictherapy.com or

call 592 7875.

RECURRING 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, Taekwondo 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.

12:30 to 2 p.m., STCU Community Education Kitchen and Classroom at Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank and Family Services, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Call 927-1153 or visit www.svpart.org/ food-bank/ for more information.

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

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

CIVIC & BUSINESS

Friends of Liberty Lake Municipal Library | 2 p.m., the last Wednesday of each month, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake

Mondays in March | Financial Literacy with Dycelia Weiss –

Liberty Lake Lions Club | Noon to 1 p.m., every first and third Wednesday of each month. Meetings

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS of dedicated service to the Spokane Valley community.

are at Barlow's Restaurant, 1428 N. Liberty Lake Road. For questions, call Mary Jo at 558-5426 Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club | Noon to 1 p.m., every Thursday at the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water building, 22510 E Mission Ave. For more information, go to www.LibertyLakeRotary.org 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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The Splash

BUSINESS

My Big Island BBQ set to catch culinary wave

By Craig Howard Splash Editor

Cody and Berni Young are new to Liberty Lake but very wellacquainted with Pacific Island culture and cuisine.

Berni was born in the Philippines and grew up in Guam. Cody is originally from Arizona but spent 25 years in the Western Pacific between a tenure with the Navy and civilian work that followed.

Now the couple is about to bring dishes like Huli Huli Chicken and Uncle Tony’s Currified Loco Moco to their adopted hometown. Their official debut in the restaurant business is scheduled for early March with the opening of My Big Island BBQ on Liberty Lake Road.

“We both retired at the end of last year,” Cody says. “We looked at each other and said, ‘What are we going to do now?’”

Consulting with a family friend from Guam who has been in the restaurant industry for over 40 years, the Youngs came up with the idea of an establishment that would celebrate the unique aspects of Pacific Island food – and dispel some stereotypes along the way.

“There’s some real stigmas about this food, that it’s fatty, decadent and unhealthy,” Cody said. “When you’re actually there, it’s anything but that. It’s about catching your food out of the ocean or growing it in your backyard.”

Capturing the spirit and energy of “village fiestas” – annual family feasts observed in each community – is another goal of My Big Island BBQ. The events draw from Spanish influence on the islands and correspond with designated patron saint days.

“It’s not just preparing food, it’s a social dynamic,” Cody said.

Berni said the location – formerly home to a Quizno’s and most recently Bellacrosta bakery – “feels like downtown Liberty Lake.”

“I’m just really excited to be able to share this with everyone,” she said.

The Youngs moved to Liberty Lake’s River District a year ago.

“I like the small community,” Berni said. “You see people you know at the grocery store.”

Social media has been a key factor in forming the concept of the restaurant – as well as a

MARCH 2019 • 15

considerable following well before the first dish is served. A My Big Island BBQ Facebook page that originated last October has grown in popularity with feedback determining around half the menu items.

“The whole community has helped build this restaurant,” Berni said.

The Youngs are banking on the venture to serve a niche in the local culinary scene with what Cody describes as “a lot of family recipes and a lot of fusion.” There will be signature salad bar up front, serving an array of choices such as Shrimp Kelaguen Salad and Chicken Katsu Salad. Patrons can choose from a plate lunch in a buffet line with three protein and three carb options.

Meanwhile, items from the grill will include a Teriyaki Burger, Yakisoba with chicken, veggies or tofu and Port Sausage and Sweet Pepper Grinder among other selections.

Cody said he expects around 60 percent of the restaurant’s revenue to come through delivery or takeout. The restaurant itself will offer seating for just over 20.

Side bites will include Chamoru Empanda, Firecracker Shrimp and Musubi Rolls with egg, tofu or a traditional island favorite – SPAM. A state-of-the-art five chamber oven is part of what Cody describes as the restaurant’s “super-modern cooking approach that won’t break down the food’s molecular structure.” One of the menu staples is expected to be Smart Fries, cooked without oil.

While they have never owned and run their own restaurant before, the Youngs bring substantial success in previous careers to the table. Cody has an extensive background in marketing and the hospitality industry – on the supply side – while Berni worked in social services for years and has run

My Big Island BBQ will open this month on Liberty Lake Road in a space once occupied by a Quizno’s sandwich shop and most recently Bellacrosta bakery.

Photo by Craig Howard several nonprofits.

The Youngs will incorporate a program called the “Big Island Breakfast Club” into the business, encouraging patrons to donate to Meals on Wheels and other community causes. In return, donors will get a 2-for-1 deal on brunch and complimentary Kona coffee.

“We don’t think anyone in this country should ever go hungry,” Berni.

Cody makes it clear that My Big Island BBQ will have a local flavor.

“This is not a chain,” he said.

“We’ve put our life savings on the line to open a restaurant in Liberty Lake. I’d have to go back to work if this doesn’t work out and I don’t want to do that.”

Discover

your big island.

Cody and Berni Young bring plenty of experience from the islands to their role as owners of My Big Island BBQ. Berni is a native of the Philippines who grew up in Guam and Cody lived in the Western Pacific for 25 years.

Photo by Craig Howard

www.mybigisland.co

16 • MARCH 2019

The Splash

The Splash

MARCH 2019 • 17

PACE Trait – Diligence

By Tracie Husted

West Valley School District Diligence is defined as persistence, dedication and hard work. Some may say these qualities are deep-rooted within individuals while others say they are acquired.

It is my experience that they are both. People throughout our lives influence the paths we choose through their actions. Very special people find our strengths and encourage us to better ourselves.

Consider a young woman, suddenly left widowed with five children. She worked hard to provide for her family, investing nearly 40 years of her life to the fruit-tree industry. This line of work was hard – budding trees in 100-degree heat during the summer and grading fruit trees during the winter in cold storage units.

Through all of this difficulty, she still took great pride in her work.

That pride was reflected in her personal life also. She had the most beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Moments with family and

friends were spent in her yard, drinking coffee and admiring the fragrances and colors of her work.

There wasn’t a flower or plant she couldn’t name.

This woman made a significant impact in my life in many meaningful ways. She was my grandmother.

My grandmother exhibited true dedication and perseverance in how she lived her life; from the difficulties she overcame to the impact she had on others, she was a woman of true diligence.

Another influential woman, Mrs. Derefield, was an elementary school teacher in a small community. She taught her students that struggling was a natural part of growing. She offered them encouragement by engaging them in highly interesting and often challenging texts, books they would have never believed they could have read on their own.

Mrs. Derefield saw potential in children. She taught them to work hard from a very young age.

She encouraged them to seek help during free time to achieve academic goals. Her belief in them taught that – with hard work and determination – they could do anything they set their mind to. She was right. Years later, I was one of those children that followed in her footsteps. I, too, became an educator and pursued a master’s degree in Educational Administration. I will never forget her impact that forever shaped my life.

These highly influential people impacted others more than they will ever know. There are many more individuals in my life that exhibited true diligence; the list is long and of equal importance. However, if it wasn’t for special people like my grandmother and Mrs. Derefield, who knows where I’d be today.

As an educator and colleague, I hope to motivate and inspire those around me to recognize their abilities, pursue their passions and overcome their fears, just as my grandmother and Mrs. Derefield did for me.

Tracie Husted is an instructional coach and intervention specialist with West Valley School District.

She has served as an educator the last 13 years both in private and public education. Tracie has her master’s degree in Educational Administration and currently serves an adjunct professor in the Whitworth University’s Principal Certification program. She is also a co-owner of Husted Leadership Consulting, offering coaching, education and training.

The Splash

18 • MARCH 2019

SVFD Report – March 2019 From Splash News Sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 93 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from Jan. 16 – Feb. 12: • Emergency medical services 59 • Motor vehicle accidents

14

• Service calls

2

• Building alarms

9

• Fires

3

• Hazardous materials 3 *Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake Motor vehicle accident – Jan. 27 - Shortly before 3 p.m., SVFD crews responded to a motor vehicle accident at 1620 N. Country Vista Blvd. A male was involved in the rollover accident and found in the driver side of the car still restrained and unable to get out. Engine 3 removed the driver side door and placed the patient in a C collar and backboard before taking him from the vehicle. Firefighters treated the person for minor injuries before transporting the patient by

AMR to the hospital. Twelve units responded to the incident to include two AMR units and Engine 85 from SCFD 8; Valley Fire responded with four engines, two command units, and one safety officer.

Alarm system – Jan. 27 – Shortly after 12:44 a.m., Engine 3 and Ladder 10 dispatched to the 23000 block of East Boone Avenue to a fire alarm sounding at Liberty Lake Elementary. Upon arrival, Engine 3 used the key from the Knox box to gain entry into the school. The crew noted a smoke detector in room 126 had alerted and a representative of the school was notified by dispatch. The crews check the attic space and several other areas and found nothing; the crew waited for the school representative to gain access to the classroom.

Motor vehicle accidents – Feb. 10 – Between 12:30 and 6 p.m., Engine 3 in Liberty Lake responded to eight motor vehicle accidents throughout the community.

Three of the incidents had severe injuries and required patients to be transported to the hospital. The five other incidents had minor injuries and no one was transported to the hospital. SVFD reminds motorists to make sure to use caution and travel at lower speeds during

snowy, icy weather.

Structure fire – Feb. 11 – Engine 3 responded to a report of an oven/stove fire around the 900 block of Tanglewood Lane. Upon arrival, the Engine 3 crew found the oven/stove turned off but with the thermal imagining camera indicated the oven/stove was hot with the controls in the “off” position. The Engine 3 crew shut off the breaker to the oven/stove and instructed the owner to have an electrician look at the oven/ stove. Engine 3 returned to service once the unit cooled off.

Alarm System – Feb. 11 – Shortly after 11:30 a.m., Engine 3 and Ladder 10 responded to an alarm sounding at the Meadowwood Children's Center. Upon arrival, Engine 3 could hear an audible alarm and water was running out the door at the main entrance.

Engine 3 immediately determined it was from a broken sprinkler pipe above the office and the office ceiling had collapsed. Engine 3 quickly cut the lock and shut the valve off to stop the water flow, while another firefighter turned off the power to the building so they could get the kids back inside out of the cold weather. Engine 3 then moved chairs, records, furniture, toys to dry off.

A restoration

company was called to respond and they assisted the manager with the beginnings of restoration. Engine 3 returned to service.

About SVFD - Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated areas of Spokane County including the communities of Otis Orchards, Pasadena Park, and the area surrounding Liberty Lake, with a combined population of 125,000 across approximately 75 square miles. SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 17,280 emergency calls in 2017. Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), one of only a handful in the state of Washington. SVFD operates ten stations providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, special operations rescue, fire investigation, fire prevention, commercial property inspection, CPR and fire safety training. SVFD also provides free fire safety inspections and installation of free smoke detectors. For more information call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

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The Splash

MARCH 2019 • 19

brought to you by

Student of the Month Dharma Hoy is not your average high school student. You may find her on the campaign trail, knocking on doors for her selected candidate as a field organizer or collecting items to donate to a nonprofit like Volunteers of America where she also volunteers.

The Central Valley senior maintains a 3.95 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. When the native of Portland, Oregon was injured as a gymnast, she became a gymnastics coach. She helped organize a walkout earlier this academic year at CV to take a stand for school and community safety.

Her AP class lineup includes calculus, statistics and government. While she has not selected a college yet, Hoy would like to major in physics and stay involved in politics after high school. In her spare time, she enjoys calligraphy.

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Central Valley junior Braxton Mikesell entered the Mat Classic state wrestling finals in Tacoma last month with only one loss on the season. That record remained intact as Mikesell won the 4A heavyweight division to finish 37-1 with 25 pins.

He won the state title in a 5-3 final despite giving up 50 pounds to his opponent. Mikesell’s only defeat came at the Rollie Lane tournament in Boise in a 1-0 decision. “That pushed me,” he said. The All-Greater Spokane League wrestler placed fifth in state at 220 pounds last year.

Last summer, he finished first in the Greco category at nationals and third in freestyle. He placed third in Greco at the junior world trials. Mikesell is also an accomplished power lifter who holds two world records in his age group. He maintains a 3.3 grade point average.

When Phil Champlin was brought on as executive director of the HUB Sports Center in November 2009, the Liberty Lake-based venue was on tenuous footing. Champlin become the third leader of the facility since 2006 and many wondered if it would eventually close its doors. By October 2010, Champlin had turned the tables, establishing positive cash flow. These days, the HUB is recognized as a local landmark and regional destination point, generating around $6 million in economic impact to the area each year. Under Champlin’s guidance, the HUB has expanded operating revenue by 125 percent and increased rental revenue by 65 percent.

Most significantly, Champlin led a successful capital campaign to purchase the building. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California Marshal School of Business and has his bachelor’s degree from University California-Davis in Managerial Economics.

& Thanks you for all you do in our community

The Splash

20 • MARCH 2019 Brought to you by

Evergreen

About and for Liberty Lake seniors

Library’s programming includes home delivery to seniors

By Tyler Wilson Splash Correspondent Liberty Lake Municipal Library technician Ronda Gimlen loves making house calls.

As the coordinator for the library’s homebound senior program, she delivers books, movies and audiobooks to seniors in the community who can’t make it into the local branch.

“I call it my little field trip every month,” Gimlen said.

Gimlen delivers items about every month to a mix of seniors living in local retirement facilities and private residences. While some of the participants make specific requests for items and authors, Gimlen also enjoys selecting options based on people’s interests and favorite genres.

“I love it when I can find a new author for someone that they really like – that makes me so happy,” Gimlen said.

The free service is intended for seniors who, for various reasons, can’t regularly visit the library.

Gimlen said she’s been leading the efforts for at least five years. She

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Fountains

LIVING COMMU

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typically selects about five items per month for each person, though she said she’s happy to accommodate people who need more.

“It’s especially helpful for people in the winter time,” she said.

Her route includes Guardian Angel Homes and Talon Hills, as well as private homes. The homebound senior (or a family member) can sign up for the program by visiting the library, or by calling Gimlen at the library at (509) 232-2510.

The homebound senior program is just one aspect of programming geared to seniors at the Liberty Lake Library. A second book club open to all adults has been recently added to the schedule that is geared to the demographic, according to Library Adult Services Associate Joanne Percy.

The non-fiction book club is set for 1 p.m. every third Tuesday of the month. The January book was “Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth” by Sarah Smarsh.

“It’s for people who maybe weren’t able to get to the monthly evening book club,” Percy said.

Ronda Gimlen of the Liberty Lake Library is in charge of the homebound senior program which delivers books, movies and audiobooks to local seniors. Gimlen, shown above filing an order, says she finds the work rewarding.

Photo by Craig Howard The fiction-focused evening book club, “Books n’ Brew” is open to all adults and typically held at 6:30 p.m. on either the third or last Thursday of the month and includes treats, tea and conversation. More information on the book for each month and schedule can be found on the club’s Facebook page, on the library page of the city website or by calling the library.

Additionally, an afternoon board game club is held at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month.

Participants can play various board and card games and socialize with others.

“It’s for people who might just want to get out or make new friends,” Percy said.

Winter at the Liberty Lake Library is a busy time for various types of programming including book clubs and a board game club. There were over 1,000 participants in library-sponsored programs in December.

Photo by Tyler Wilson

Percy has offered other senior programs as well, even taking low key craft activities out to the area retirement homes. There are other various one-time and recurring activities at the library and people can check in on those by visiting the branch, or by viewing the group’s newsletter. Information is also available on the city website – www.libertylakewa.gov.

Another recurring event each year is a genealogy series at the

library put on the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In addition to books and media materials on-site, the library connects with other regional libraries to bring in additional content. The Cooperative Information Network (CIN) is searchable online and at the library, allowing patrons to reserve books and materials across the service to be sent for free to the Liberty Lake branch. The CIN includes materials from the Coeur d’Alene Public Library and many others across North Idaho.

Interlibrary loans are also available for books outside of the CIN network, most typically from other Washington state libraries.

“We’ve even had books come in from England, of course it’s very rare that that happens,” Percy said.

The Liberty Lake Municipal Library is located at 23123 E. Mission Ave. in Liberty Lake and can be reached by calling. 232-2510. Visit the website at www.libertylakewa.gov and select the library tab. Current hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday-Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Splash

MARCH 2019 • 21

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The Splash

22 • MARCH 2019

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CV’s Simmelink shines in senior season

Looking tiny next to players twice her size, an observer wondered aloud about her safety.

By Steve Christilaw

changes over the summer.

Splash Correspondent

Coming off a national championship season, the team sent three starters on to play Division I college basketball – with one earning a starting spot at Stanford.

Sure enough, a muscular forward charged into the CV defensive zone and challenged Simmelink, who made a none-too-gentle tackle, took the ball away and started a counterattack.

Senior years tend to be something different for high school athletes.

The need to be a leader as well as an elder-statesperson while shouldering a bigger load of the offense and defense changes the approach to the season. Add to that the fact that the end of a player’s high school career is weighing heavily on the season and you have something different.

Mady Simmelink has faced that change of season twice already this season. But that’s just the start of her adjustment. For her, it was just the start.

A four-year starter with for both the Central Valley girls’ soccer team and basketball team, Simmelink’s senior season was guaranteed to be something new and challenging.

For starters, long-time CV soccer coach Andres Monrroy stepped down and Rob Rowe, who built a successful program at Freeman, moved closer to town to take over the Bears.

“I knew Coach Rowe from before and I was pretty excited to have him step in and be the coach,” Simmelink said. “I knew what to expect from him.”

It was a smooth transition.

Simmelink and the Bears reached the state Class 4A semifinals and came home with a third-place trophy.

Basketball

faced

even

more

That alone makes for a huge transition for a program.

Add to that, longtime coach Freddie Rehkow stepped down after the season, and CV grad Ryan Bragdon took over the program.

The transition from soccer to basketball this season was a particular challenge.

“I was pretty sore and my body was not happy that I was trying to go straight from soccer to basketball practice,” she explained.

“My legs were covered with bruises and my hamstring was really sore.

“On top of that, it was definitely an adjustment when I got here.

We had new coaches and they had a new way of doing things. But I think it was good for us because we all came in with a clean slate and we could learn a new way of doing things.”

Simmelink has made a career out of handling major challenges.

A lean 5-foot-7, her No. 1 basketball jersey fits her. It’s not that there isn’t enough room for an extra numeral, but the single digit works for her. Why crowd the page?

In soccer, the stellar defender defined both her character and her playing style early on.

“Just watch,” then-coach Monrroy said.

Monrroy just grinned.

“I have a family that loves to play sports and I have a brother who was really great at baseball and hockey,” Simmelink said. “For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be just like my brothers. They worked really hard at it and they taught me to be the same way.

Simmelink said. “I went to the Gonzaga game when (the Hulls) came to town and it was almost surreal to see them playing in that game. I go to Gonzaga games all the time, and there they were. I played with them! It was a little strange.”

Simmelink and Camryn Skaife are likely the first girls’ basketball players in GSL history to have been a part of four straight league championship teams. The rest of the roster has been an extremely successful work in progress.

A year ago, the Bears needed to handle meeting high expectations.

This year it was a matter of dealing with lowered expectations that were, well, a little insulting.

Bragdon quickly developed an appreciation for his point guard’s abilities on the basketball floor.

“We heard a lot of talk over the summer about how good we were last year and how we weren’t going to be as good this year, how we were going to struggle,” she explained. “To be honest, winning again this year is a little sweeter just because no one expected us to do it.”

“She is a little quiet and reserved and that’s how she plays,” he said.

“She’s not going to be the loudest player on the floor, but she does a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff.

But she can definitely fill up a box score.”

In her first three seasons at CV, Simmelink was the distributor. She could score when an opportunity presented itself, but it wasn’t key to the team’s success. Her defense and her passing skills were her main contributions.

With Simmelink’s former teammates Lacie and Lexie Hull now wearing Stanford Cardinal colors and another, Hailey Christopher, settling in at the University of Idaho, there were gaps to fill in the CV offense and defense as well as a bench to fill out.

This year the Bears have needed her to score in addition to running the offense and being the team’s defensive stopper.

“I’m not the biggest or the strongest player. But I have a competitive mentality. I work hard and I love to compete. I compete hard at everything.”

“I am so proud of my teammates,”

“She’s the one we put on an opposing team’s best player,” Bragdon said. “At the end of the game they’ll look at the box score and think ‘Oh, that player had an off-night.’ No. They didn’t have an off night. They were just guarded within an inch of their life by Mady.”

More than that, he said.

March 18 - 24

“Mady doesn’t need a lot of direction,” the coach said. “There have been times, especially late in games, where I will look at Mady and just tell her to go make a play. I trust her decision making.

She has some guidelines for what we want to do, but I trust her to make good decisions and make something good happen.”

The Splash

Sports Notebook – March 2019

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor Braxton Mikesell wasn’t just a state champion wrestler. He was a man among boys.

Central Valley’s junior 285-pounder turned in a performance likely few, if any, have accomplished over the years of Mat Classic and even before in the long history of the state wrestling tournament.

Even though wrestlers were strained by an additional round of competition – the tournament expanded from 16- to 32-wrestler brackets due to weather delays – Mikesell made his five matches seem a mere walk in the park.

A typical match lasts six minutes, excluding pins and technical falls. Multiply that by five and it would total 30 minutes he could

Final Point

My Back Pages – The sports version of memory lane

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor Last month I was invited to the monthly breakfast meeting of what I’ll call the Fraternal Association of Retired Track Coaches and reminisced for an hour or so with them at the Valley Mall IHOP. A week or so later I sat down with, for lack of a better term, the Good Old Lying Friends, a trio of retired teachers and friends who regaled and embarrassed me with their tales of golfing riches – sub80s rounds, sub-20s handicaps and a hole-in-one.

And I also chatted with two ladies for the story who I’d gone to high school with decades ago.

A week ago another lady who was a classmate from the Pleistocene age called about an unrelated matter.

Talk about blasts from the past!

I guess when you spend twothirds of your life writing about accomplishments of high school athletes it should be expected. But

SPORTS

have wrestled, not counting the potential for overtime.

Mikesell laid waste to his foes, pinning all five of his opponents.

Incredibly he barely worked up a sweat in his first three matches, needing a combined two minutes, 40 seconds to dispatch the trio. It was a little tougher in the semifinals and finals, both matches going into the third rounds, before he stuck them.

It took 4:34 in the semifinals and he pinned regional foe Davian Pruitt of Pasco four seconds into the third period in the title match.

He was on the mat for a combined total of a just over 11 minutes.

Teammate Zack Stratton finished in third place at 170 pounds, winning five of six matches. Other Bears’ state participants were Bennett Beard (106), Luke Grisaffi (120), Nico Smith (120) and Jesse Ramey (132). Shelby Menga competed in the girls tourney.

Upholding a legacy Central Valley may have lost the rubber match in its district rivalry with Lewis and Clark but it’s also a light bulb moment when you think it’s probably time to untie the fingers from the keyboard, wrap them around a golf club and take on other challenges.

Having breakfast and reminiscing with this illustrious group of high school coaching legends was loads of fun. Of course the accomplishments might have been embellished as age is wont. Not that I’d know; I forget to turn off the stove.

When I started my career, Bob Barbero, was still an outstanding distance runner at West Valley. I continued to follow him as teacher and coach of track and cross country at University. He led the Titans to three state cross country team titles and those distance runners helped U-Hi to a title in track.

There was former East Valley athlete and West Valley coach Jim (Otis) McLachlan, whose Eagles had numerous cross country and track champions and team titles. Gene Blankenship replaced Barbero at U-Hi and is still coaching at Medical Lake and like most of us is in his 70s.

Way back when I’d run with these coaches from pillar to post trying to keep up with cross country progress. We wouldn’t be running

the Bears rebounded in the State 4A Hardwood Classic, reaching the round of eight with a 59-44 victory over Glacier Peak (the tournament ended March 2 after press time).

CV trailed after a quarter against Glacier Peak, took the lead in the second quarter and never looked back. Tomeika Whitman scored 18 points, and MJ Bruno added a dozen.

CV improved its record to 21-3.

The cliché that basketball is a team game proved the case this year for the Greater Spokane League champion Bears. Veterans who played secondary roles on last season’s national champions took up the slack this season.

Whitman has averaged a team high 14 points per game and Camryn Skaife added 11 more.

CV had three others, Bruno, Anika Chalich and Mady Simmelink who averaged about 8 points per game each.

Bear boys come close At the beginning of the season,

today. Now Jim has replaced knees and a hip, but he still helps out at Community Colleges of Spokane and raises a tasty stand of sweet corn in Otis Orchards, thus his nickname. He’s also painstakingly updating the history of the teams and athletes he mentored.

Back in the day I always carried a stopwatch at track meets and the coaches would run up to see what times I had, apparently believing mine were accurate.

Everything is electronically timed now and the old-timers are busy converting history’s marks to today’s standards.

I really didn’t realize that I knew coaches other than those from the Valley. But Terry Kelly coached at Rogers and Gonzaga Prep and we chatted for a long time. I sat next to track’s elder statesman, Ferris legend Herm Caviness, who at 84 is still helping there. He hadn’t changed a bit. There was lots of gray hair and wrinkles elsewhere.

They were guys I interviewed or made acquaintances with over a 41-year sports writing career (and that doesn’t include the years I’ve worked with the Liberty Lake Splash and Current monthlies).

I was doing a piece about Liberty Lake golf courses for another publication. Five golfers were to

MARCH 2019 • 23

CV’s first-year boys’ basketball coach Mike Laws confided that a lack of lateral quickness would mean the Bears boys would play more zone defense this year.

If so, it could have been a reason CV finished the roughly breakeven season with a 13-11 record, including the high scoring 88-74 loss that kept them a victory away from regional qualifying.

The Bears got to that point by nipping rival University 51-50.

The only victory in their three meetings proved a charm.

Kyle Clay was this year’s leading scorer with an 11.4 regular season scoring total and Jayce Simmons averaged more than 11 points per game each. Simmons had games of 10, 14 and 18 points in the post-season.

Josh Wilson and Noah Sanders had 14-point games each. Simmons and Sanders are among six players who return next year.

State gymnasts CV’s Rebekkah Ross and Victoria Axtell competed at state.

tell me what their favorite hole of the courses. As I found out when I sat down with three of the five the retirees – they couldn’t pinpoint just one.

We met at Don Ressa’s home.

He’s the retired (finally, or so he told me last fall) head baseball and assistant football coach from University High. Dave Bell, a Central Valley educator and coach was the senior citizen. Post Falls Administrator Mike Uphus was a veritable child.

Anyone who knows Ressa knows he had the gift of gab, but the rest of us held our own. Lots of raucous laughter. That said, it certainly brought back memories.

As for the women, Cheryl Hull is grandmother of Lacie and Lexie Hull, likely the best women’s basketball players ever from the Valley. Both play as freshmen at Stanford. Cheryl and Bobbie Larsen were part of the golf story.

We were at West Valley together – do I dare reveal? – in 1962 and ’63. There was plenty of catching up to do.

But listening to the people and realization we aren’t kids anymore means it’s perhaps time to ride off into the sunset and pick on someone my own age.

24 • MARCH 2019

The Splash

How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying

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HISTORY

Hutton pitched Camp Equality on shores of Liberty Lake

By Ross Schneidmiller

Liberty Lake Historical Society The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting women the right to vote was ratified on Aug. 18, 1920. Known as the Women’s Suffrage Movement, it took activists and reformers nearly 100 years to win that right nationally. Though May Arkwright Hutton did not live to see that day, her efforts for the cause of suffrage contributed to the amendment passing.

Hutton and her husband Levi struck it rich with their investment in the Hercules Mine located in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains in Burke, Idaho. In 1904, May was a candidate for the Idaho State Senate but was narrowly defeated.

When they moved to Spokane in

1906, she lost her ability to vote in state elections. Having successfully worked for the cause in the state of Idaho 10 years before, she became passionate about the suffrage movement in Washington state.

The state convention on suffrage was held in Spokane in October of 1909. To reinvigorate Eastern Washington supporters, the Spokane Equal Suffrage League opened Camp Equality in July of that year. The Spokane Daily Chronicle described the location as “on the wooded shore of picturesque Liberty Lake.”

Under the direction of May Hutton and Mrs. La Reine Baker, tent-houses were rented at Kalez Park for a month to house the camp headquarters.

Special

arrangements were made with the electric railway and the lake’s boatmen to deliver participants to the camp. The rendezvous for the suffragists was lavishly decorated in yellow pennants, the main color of the movement, along with American flags.

Hutton and Baker were intent on making Camp Equality a missionary camp for the dissemination of the suffrage gospel. A rally was held the first Sunday after they opened the camp. Members of suffrage clubs and friends of the cause showed up in support with picnic baskets in tote to spend the day enjoying a program of speeches and informal talks. The College Equal Suffrage Club of Spokane, whose 250 members vowed to convert their suitors to women’s rights before entering upon engagement, was largely represented. Their battle cry of “No Vote No Husband,” could be heard throughout the camp.

MARCH 2019 • 25

Hutton was politically savvy; her approach as a suffragist was to be persuasive not militant. After butting heads with the state’s west-side leadership, whom she saw as antagonists, she founded her own statewide organization.

In addition to bolstering support for the cause, they used the camp to plan a campaign that would reach every county in the state.

After Washington women gained the right to vote in 1910, Hutton received praise for her ability and the tact with which she carried out her part of the campaign.

The campaign for women’s suffrage in the state of Washington was pivotal in women gaining the right to vote in the United States. It revitalized the suffrage movement nationally being the first state to grant the right in almost 15 years. May Arkwright Hutton’s contributions locally, at the state level and nationally helped make this possible.

Counterclockwise from top left: A yellow suffrage pennant, circa 1909; May Arkwright Hutton, circa 1903; Kalez Park Landing, circa 1909; Underlying photo is Kalez Park house tents, circa 1909.

Photo courtesy of Liberty Lake Historical Society

26 • MARCH 2019

Safety Scroll Resources not spare change advised for panhandlers

By Chief Brian Asmus

Liberty Lake Police Department Liberty Lake has witnessed an increase in the number of people panhandling, particularly along Appleway and Liberty Lake Road and in front of the grocery stores. Your Liberty Lake Police Department wants to make you aware that there is a city ordinance that makes it a misdemeanor crime for anyone to aggressively beg in any public place. Aggressive begging is defined as “to beg with intent to intimidate another person into giving money or goods.”

See SAFETY, Page 29

COMMUNITY

The Splash

The Band Plays On – CV marching program among nation’s best

By Joshua Reneau

Splash Guest Correspondent On a late Saturday night in midOctober, one might not expect to hear music coming from Joe Albi Stadium. Although many associate the historic venue with football, few people realize that the Pacific Northwest Marching Band Championships have been hosted here since the early 1970s.

Since 2008, one aspect has remained consistent at this competition – the success of the Central Valley High School Marching Band and Colorguard.

Winning the competition for the last 11 years, the band has not only been remarkably successful on the local stage but on a national level as well. The band placed second and fourth in Regional Bands of America Championships hosted in Utah and California in recent years.

Completely filling the stands at their recent events, the CV contingent has experienced

an unprecedented increase in popularity. Evidence of this could also be seen at any of the football games this past season when the Bears’ student section rang out into cheers of “We want drumline.”

One thing is plain and simple – Central Valley loves its marching band.

Part of the appeal is that marching band never fails to tell a story. With show themes in the past related to Red Riding Hood, dancing puppets set to Nirvana, the story of Sleeping Beauty and angels ascending into the heavens, the band has become a consistent teller of many interesting tales for those who watch their shows.

This year, in particular, stood out from the rest. With a vibrant yet somber storyline, the show acts as a tribute to the city of New York, more specifically highlighting the devastating Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. With taxishaped props, a rap verse and large tower structures, the show wowed spectators with every performance.

In preparation for this performance, the band took a trip to New York City last September.

The visit offered students the opportunity to experience the 9/11 Memorial, see a Broadway show and take a yacht cruise on Hudson Bay, among other highlights. While the trip launched a fun year for the marching band, it also served to remind the students of the many lives lost in the 9/11 attacks. This

See CV BAND, Page 27

The Splash

MARCH 2019 • 27

The JAKT Foundation.

Enhancing a Vibrant Spokane Valley Community Through Local Events.

The marching band and colorguard program at Central Valley High School is considered one of the nation’s best. The regiment starts each year in mid-August with band camp.

Contributed photo

CV BAND

Continued from page 26 trip would preface a successful year of competition for the marching band as well.

Large parts of the band’s success stem from the grueling hours that students commit to the effort. Band camp began last summer, on Aug. 13 with students enduring a little over three weeks of practices from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday until school began. Over the course of these three weeks, not only did the band learn the show, they were taught what it means to be a part of a team.

Senior Jack Gregory oversaw large parts of this process as the drum major.

“Time-wise for the first couple of weeks it’s eight hours a day and then goes into more eight to 20 hours a week after competitions start,” Gregory said.

Spokane Valley CenterPlace • July 11 – 13, 2019 • CraveNW.com

programs at CV. In addition to the support of this organization, the success of the marching band is aided by the reinforcement of staff. Most notably, Director of Bands and CV alum, Eric Parker, has been at the forefront of the band’s success.

Since first taking over as director in 2006, Parker has aided his students in achieving victory in competitions while facilitating the teaching of important messages that will serve them later in life.

One important thing to note about the marching band is that it is a “no-cut” activity.

“Marching band is a little bit unique because the senior is only going to be as good as the freshman who’s never done this before,” Parker said.

It’s not surprising that after spending all of this time together, the students see their fellow band members as part of an extended family.

An activity such as marching band provides an example of true teamwork and collaboration at a time when many schools have drawn criticism for practices such as standardized testing that have a tendency to leave underachieving students behind.

“Marching band has played a crucial role in teaching me that working for others and not just yourself is incredibly valuable,” Gregory said.

“It’s just different with marching band because the mentality is we all have to do this and perform together and that’s pretty rewarding,” Parker said.

Another key component of a successful high school marching band is having the support of parents and staff. Hosting two main fundraisers a year, the Central Valley Band Boosters generate more than $30,000 a year for the marching band and other music

Years after graduating, many CV alumni still point to the marching band as a highlight of their high school experience and thanks to the amazing support from students and staff, this program is likely to have the same effect on students for many years to come.

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28 • MARCH 2019

ENGINEER

Continued from page 6

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“Because he was a council member, I think he has a good grasp of municipal government,” said City Administrator Katy Allen. “Scott also brings a lot of experience managing contractors and consultants. He’s able to see the big picture and how things play out.”

Bernhard becomes only the second city engineer in Liberty Lake’s brief history. Staples served from 2008 until his departure in the spring.

Allen said the city received around a dozen applications for the job and interviewed seven, narrowing it down to Bernhard and one other finalist.

“Scott was in a field of very strong applicants,” Allen said. “We were fortunate to pick from two individuals with a wealth of experience and professional knowledge of the area.”

Bernhard worked 16 years for the Max J. Kuney Co., one of the longest tenured contractors in the area.

He has his bachelor’s of science in civil engineering from Oregon State University and his MBA from the University of Rhode Island.

“We’ll need Scott’s expertise in all the highway and road stuff we’re

COME

IN

doing,” said Peterson. “I don’t think the city will run out of projects anytime soon.”

In his first month on the job, Bernhard has been working on the construction of Orchard Park, the new traffic signal at Signal Road and the Heights overlay project.

Ahead lie major overhauls like the Harvard Road Bridge widening project.

“Scott brings common sense and professional experience as well as a commitment to be a problem solver,” Allen said. “We’re happy to have him here.”

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MARCH 2019 • 29

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Brian Asmus, Steve Christilaw, Keith Erickson, Craig Howard, Joshua Reneau, Ross Schneidmiller, Mike Vlahovich, Tyler Wilson The Liberty Lake Splash P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752 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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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 26 We recognize the importance of providing assistance to those who are need of help.

As a small community, the resources for those struggling are located outside our immediate area. Your officers often contact those they observe panhandling and provide them information that includes the numerous resources that are available in the region and often offer them courtesy rides to shelters and facilities that can help.

The Splash is committed to serving Liberty Lake through excellent community journalism. We can’t do it at all without you, our readers, and we can’t do it for long without support from our advertisers. Please thank our business partners and look to them when offering your patronage.

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

The majority of the time, those that are panhandling refuse to accept the information and refuse to be transported to an area that provides services.

Most researchers and practitioners seem to agree that the enforcement of laws prohibiting panhandling plays only a part in controlling the issue.

Public education to discourage people from giving money to panhandlers and adequate social services for panhandlers are the other essential components of an effective comprehensive response.

We discourage you from giving money to panhandlers, and we encourage you to give to charities that serve those in need. There are three main reasons for this: Panhandlers usually use the money to buy alcohol and drugs rather than goods and services that will improve their condition.

Giving panhandlers small amounts of money is insufficient to address the underlying circumstances that cause them to panhandle.

Social services are available to meet the panhandlers’ food, clothing, shelter and health care needs. Organizations like CHAS, Catholic Charities, Union Gospel Mission, SNAP, Volunteers of America and others offer support and resources. These agencies can also help those in need connect with employment resources like WorkSource.

When your officers ask those who are panhandling why Liberty Lake, they typically respond that the Liberty Lake Park and Ride for STA is the last stop on the bus route and that panhandling in Liberty Lake has become lucrative for them.

Some will undoubtedly perceive this message as uncaring, but to have a positive impact on those that are experiencing difficult times, we ask that you donate to a local charity. For more information on nonprofit agencies that can benefit from your support, visit www.spokanecares.org.

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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.

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30 • MARCH 2019

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The Splash

ON THAT NOTE

Parks and Arts Commission work far from wrapped up

By Tyler Wilson Splash Correspondent

Liberty Lake residents can expect more splashes of color and public art in 2019.

The Liberty Lake Parks and Arts Commission, an eight-member citizen volunteer commission that serves in advisory capacity to the City Council, will be leading efforts to wrap more city utility boxes in the new year, as well as install a story walk exhibit created by students from Spokane Valley Tech.

There might even be a goat statue soon.

This past summer, several utility box wraps were installed around the city - two each designed by students at Liberty Creek and Liberty Lake Elementary Schools, respectively.

“We wanted some of our wraps to represent our schools, as Liberty Lake is a very familyfriendly community overall,” said commission chairperson Laina Schutz.

In October, vintage photos of early Liberty Lake – courtesy of

Liberty Lake Historical Society founder Ross Schneidmiller – were installed on utility boxes at Pavillion Park.

STCU sponsored the wraps in 2018 and has offered their support again for 2019, Schutz said. The commission put out a call to artists to design the new year’s wraps and both artists and organizations wishing to sponsor a box can find application forms on the city website at www.libertylakewa.gov.

“We’re thinking four to six total next year, depending on the submissions but we wanted to leave a few for the high school or perhaps for Riverbend to design,” Schutz said. “There are over 60 boxes that we know of. So there’s plenty to go around in the future.

We’ll start with the prime locations and go from there.”

Also slated is a statue project representing a few popular Liberty Lake citizens – the goats who clear out the brush and weeds each spring and summer. An artist has been tasked with making a cast

that could be utilized to develop multiple goat statues around town.

One statue is currently approved but a location has yet to be determined.

“We would start by putting one potentially in a park and go from there,” Schutz said. “Their overall look would be similar, they could be painted differently. We talked about wanting it to be an interactive piece. Something people could stand in front of for pictures.”

Another approved project is a story walk that would provide an opportunity for families to read a storybook from a series of kiosks installed along an outdoor trail. The idea came from former Liberty Lake Library Director Pamela Mogan who was inspired by similar installations around the country. Students from Spokane Valley Tech are currently at work on a prototype for the permanent fixture, which would consist of about 20 kiosks, each featuring a page or two of a book. “(Pamela) had already picked out some books about getting outside and into nature,” Schutz said.

“They’d be a little bit bigger than a normal page size, and we will be able to interchange the books.”

Schutz said the students are working on additional design elements to each stand. The plan currently calls for the kiosks to be installed on the trail running between Liberty Lake Road and Trailhead Golf Course, though other locations have been discussed. Schutz said the commission hopes to have the project complete and installed by this summer.

One of the overall goals of the commission is to build interest in the community regarding city parks and art projects. One anonymous resident did so in 2018 by donating a privately commissioned sculpture

by Cheney artist Richard Warrington. The statue, titled “Family Pieces,” is currently on display in the window at City Hall.

Utility box wraps featuring historic photos of Liberty Lake were added at Pavillion Park by the Parks and Arts Commission last year. While Avista has indicated the wraps must now be removed, the commission is discussing an alternative way to display the pictures, perhaps on mock boxes.

Photo by Craig Howard

MARCH 2019 • 31

“What a great gift,” said Commission Member Dave Himebaugh.

“When they came to us about donating it we were pretty excited about it.”

In addition to working with the city on the above-mentioned projects, the Parks and Arts Commission advises City Council on a number of issues, including recommendations

This donated statue in the lobby at Liberty Lake City Hall was procured by the Parks and Arts Commission, a group formed by the city last year.

Photo by Craig Howard on recreation program offerings, the acquisition and development of park areas and to explore ways to obtaining private, local, state and federal funds for special projects.

The commission is tasked with looking after city arts programming and the Urban Forestry Program and makes recommendations on a number of parks, recreation, trail and open space projects and proposals.

“All the commissioners work really well with each other,” Himebaugh said. “There’s a lot of great ideas coming forward, including from our student commissioner who has a lot of great ideas as well. Be looking for some exciting things in 2019 and beyond.”

The commission typically meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at City Hall, though holidays do influence those dates.

The public is welcome at all meetings with time for public input.

For more information on the Liberty Lake Parks and Arts Commission, including meeting agendas, minutes and schedule changes, as well as commission members and their terms, visit www.libertylakewa.gov/433/Parksand-Arts-Commission. The utility box sponsorship form and Callto-Artists form are also available there.

The Splash

32 • MARCH 2019

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