July 2020 Splash

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2 • JULY 2020

The Splash

DOCKSIDE Patriotic Pulse

Tichy savors Independence Day role

By Craig Howard Splash Contributing Editor

When it was announced that the 32nd annual Liberty Lake Community Fourth of July Celebration would be postponed this year, the news came as a disappointment to locals as well as fans of the event in faraway places like Alaska, Egypt and Brazil.

Just ask Annie Tichy.

The longtime Liberty Lake resident is perhaps the most energetic ambassador of the area’s popular Independence Day gala. Tichy has headed up the parade through the Alpine Shores neighborhood since it first appeared on the summer schedule back in 1989.

In Tichy’s stops as an international teacher, she has spread the word in true patriotic fashion. This year, in the wake of a worldwide pandemic, the parade and accompanying events will take a seat on July 4, meaning Tichy has had to break the news well beyond Liberty Lake.

who had roots in Liberty Lake. In 1975, the couple moved across the mountains and settled in the Alpine Shores neighborhood.

observances highlighted by a family baseball game in the cow pasture on the family farm.

“I had never heard of Liberty Lake,” Tichy recalls. “I was from the coast.”

“It was very American,” Tichy says. “I was really raised with patriotic pride. I still think of my parents a lot on the Fourth of July.”

Tichy has been in the same home near the lake for 45 years. She is the proud mom of four children – Jobe, Jessamyn, Jaren and Jadyn – all Central Valley graduates. She also has seven grandkids.

Tichy was one of four children and enjoyed sports growing up.

She excelled in school and took pride in her perfect attendance. At Bellingham High School, she was active in leadership and served as editor of the school newspaper. To this day, she describes herself as “a frustrated writer.” From an early age, Tichy knew she wanted to teach for a living.

“School was always important to me,” she said.

Tichy went on to earn an English/Education degree from the University of Washington where she met her future husband Greg

Tichy’s career as an educator began in 1975 at Opportunity Elementary in Spokane Valley. She would stay in the Central Valley School District as a special education instructor until 2010 when she retired – a term used loosely since Tichy continues to teach to this day, most recently through the Community Colleges of Spokane Act II program and as a supervisor for student teachers at Eastern Washington University.

Tichy was part of the original staff at Liberty Lake Elementary when it opened in September of 1998. She

“It’s a season of change for sure,” Tichy said. “This year, I’m going to keep it simple and reflect on all the great memories and just have gratitude.”

“I would always talk about the parade,” she said. “I feel like I’ve been a good PR person for what we do here. This year, I’ve heard from friends throughout the world who are disappointed about it being postponed.”

Tichy gives credit to her friend, the late Marilyn Robinson, for coming up with the idea for the parade.

Over the years, residents like Kelli Schneidmiller, Tina Wallingford, Dave Graham and Dave Moore have contributed significant time to organizing the celebration that features games, contests, food and a fireworks show over the lake. Last year, over 50 decorated golf carts wound through the streets near the shores of the lake.

“There’s a lot to putting this on that people don’t really get,” Tichy said. “Over the years, many people have been making this happen.”

Tichy and her fellow event organizers have been talking with representatives from the city of Liberty Lake on a proxy Independence Day later this year.

“I think we’d all like to have a community day,” Tichy said.

Q: No doubt you’ve witnessed a major transformation in Liberty Lake since you settled here. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen?

Tichy can remember the first Fourth of July procession which started out humbly with kids pulling wagons but featured no shortage of community spirit. Her parents made the trip from the westside of the state to be part of the event and her mother kicked off the parade, carrying an American flag. Later that year, Tichy’s mom passed away – but the occasion “remains a special memory,” Tichy says.

Tichy’s dad served as a Marine Corps pilot in World War II and the Korean War. Two of her uncles were also in the military while one of Tichy’s brothers went on to become a Navy pilot. Growing up in Everson, Washington, a suburb of Bellingham near the Canadian border, Tichy remembers festive Fourth of July

also had the distinction of serving on the architectural committee that was integral to the design of the school.

Contributed photo Annie Tichy has lived in the Liberty Lake area since 1975 and has served as coordinator of the Liberty Lake Community Fourth of July Parade since its inaugural year in 1989. Tichy has worked as an educator for the past 47 years. She was part of the original staff at Liberty Lake Elementary when it opened in 1998.

A: The biggest change for me was when we got a Zip Trip back in the 80s! We finally had a store and it was a big deal. My four kids would ride their bikes on the old road to get ice cream. Then of course, the major development began and we got a large store that is now Safeway.

The Liberty Lake kids were bused to Greenacres, so no schools or fields to play sports. The community worked very hard on fundraising to get Pavilion Park and it took three tries to pass a bond to get a school. I truly remember all the effort and time to get both of these in our community.

I was very proud in 1998 to be on See TICHY, Page 5

The Splash

JULY 2020 • 3

NEWS

4 • JULY 2020

Liberty Lake SVFD Report – June 2020 Splash news sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 105 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from May 15 – June 15, 2020 • Emergency Medical Services 82 • Building Alarms 10 • Fires 5 • Motor Vehicle Accidents 2 • Service Calls 2 • Dispatched and cancelled en route

2 • Vehicle Fires 1 • Hazardous Materials 1 The *Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake Calls are up slightly from 100 last month to 105 this month.

Of Note: • We continue to have a large number of illegal burn calls.

Make sure you know the facts before burning. https://www. dnr.wa.gov/WildfirePrevention; https://spokanecleanair.org/ current-burning-conditions Incidents: • Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) firefighters responded at 5:31 a.m., May 24 to a report of a fire on Barker Road at 1220 N Barker behind the Chevron building. A caller thought the burn barrel behind the Chevron was on fire. They reported the fire was burning on the walls and roof.

Initial crews arrived to find flames from the wall, attic, and roof

on the east side of the building and upgraded the fire to a working fire.

SVFD received auto aid help from Fire District 8 and worked together to knock the fire back with an aggressive offensive approach. The strategy was moved to a defensive approach because of the conditions and the fire that had spread to the attic and roof. The roof started sagging and collapse was happening to the interior. The collapse was being monitored and was imminent and crews were prepared and in a safe position when this ultimately occurred.

Crews used two ladder pipes and several hand lines to fight the fire. Once the fire was out crews continued to hit the hot spots to make sure the fire was completely out and contained.

There were no crews injured and the employee of the gas station had exited the building and was safe and unharmed.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind residents and businesses to monitor exterior storage including trash, cardboard and other combustible products. Keeping these items stored away from your building in proper containers can deter arson, and reduce vandalism.

• Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded at May 28 at 12:41 p.m. on North Boeing Road Where a caller reported a neighboring apartment in a fourplex showing a significant amount of smoke. The caller said they were knocking on the door but believed the residence to be empty.

Crews arrived to find smoke present but no flames. It appeared as if the location of the start of the fire had been smoldering for quite a while near and around an outdoor

outlet. The fire started low on the wall and moved up. Crews exposed the wall to put out any lingering hotspots. Inside the wall looked good which helped remove electrical issues as a cause of the fire.

The SVFD Fire Investigator was on site quickly and began his investigation of the exterior of the home along the back wall where the fire originated. His investigation determination concludes this was an accidental fire due to discarded smoldering smoking material.

SVFD wants to remind citizens that proper cigarette disposal is paramount to keeping our community fire safe. Use proper non-flammable containers to dispose of cigarettes.

• Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded June 3 at 2:20 p.m. to the 5000 block of North Vista Grande Drive in Otis Orchards where smoke was showing next to a garage of a one story walkout style home. The first crews arrived to find light smoke coming from a door next to the garage that led up to a small kitchen area above the garage. The room above the garage contained a much heavier amount of smoke.

An offensive approach was taken, safety was established, and crews were assigned varying duties around the home. The fire was extinguished quickly and did not extend into the attic. All hidden fire areas were searched. Fire damage was kept primarily to the kitchen area. There was a lot of smoke and crews used high pressure fans to push the smoke out.

A total of 5 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a Rescue, 6 staff officers reported to the scene.

All occupants had vacated the home safely. The owners of the home were also present. Crews found a pot with burnt food on the stove. One of the occupants stated they had been cooking and went to work on something and forgot about having started the pot on the stove.

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With the fire under control, many of the crews were returned to service and a remaining crew stayed behind to ensure all hot spots were addressed and a safe environment established before leaving.

Investigation determination showed accidental, unattended cooking fire.

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SVFD wants to remind citizens

The Splash to follow fire safe practices in their homes. When cooking, do not leave anything on the stove unattended.

With winds and warmer temperatures it’s more important than ever to keep our community fire safe.

Service Call – May 19 – 2:02 p.m.

Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to a call for assistance with a patient experiencing dementia who was having trouble removing her ring off her finger that had gotten too tight. Crews arrived and used the ring cutter to remove the rings.

The patient’s son assisting us to help keep the patient calm. Rings were removed without any problems. Pt.s. fingers were not injured, full range of motion was present before and after removal. Rings were left on the bed post after letting the pts. son know thier location Possible Illegal Burn – May 23 – 11:26 p.m. Spokane Valley Fire responded to a call for a small fire.

Valley Ladder 10 arrived on scene and made contact with Liberty Lake Police Department who were on scene. Liberty Lake Police saw a small fire just west of Building O at the Legacy Villas. SVFD made access off of Country Vista and saw a small fire on grass and a larger downed branch. There was a homeless man who stated he had just lit the fire. The fire size was approximately 2 feet by 2 feet. Liberty Lake PD remained on scene while SVFD Firefighters put out the fire and ensured the fire safety of the area.

Appliance Fire – May 31 – 9:45 p.m. - Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to a burning smell for a resident had smelled for several hours. When it got worse he checked his furnace area and thought he saw a small flame in his furnace.

A small dry chemical extinguisher was used to extinguish the fire and power was shut-off to the furnace.

Upon our arrival there was not any smell except for the smell of something burnt right next to the furnace. The TIC camera revealed no elevated temperatures above 106 degrees. The filter was removed and brought outside the building. The homeowner was advised to keep the power off to the unit and call a technician in the morning.

Connect with SVFD at: spokanevalleyfire.com.

For department news, safety information, and timely updates, find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

The Splash

TICHY

NEWS

Continued from page 2 the staff that opened Liberty Lake Elementary! It was the first new school in CV for many years. I also was proud to be the parent rep for CV to select an architect company to design the school. These were exciting times and changes.

Q: How do you describe the community Fourth of July celebration to someone who’s never been fortunate enough to attend?

A: I have always promoted with pride our Liberty Lake Community Fourth of July. My parents came that first year which was special as we lost my mom not long after. Over the years many friends and family have been a part of the celebration. When I was living and teaching abroad, I shared with everyone about our wonderful Liberty Lake Fourth of July. I was proud when friends from around the world would want to come and experience our event.

I always share: “The Liberty Lake Fourth of July is the best of America.”

Q: Why do you think this event has grown so much over the years?

A: I think this event has grown over the years for these reasons: Love of family, community and country. Our Fourth of July celebration was started by young families who wanted a special day of pride for family. In the early years the parade was small with only few spectators. Barbecues were set up and hot dogs and hamburgers were served. Games and live music were enjoyed by all. The tradition kept the community together for a very special day. The fireworks were a matter of community pride as fundraising made it happen. It has grown and become a yearly tradition everyone looked forward to. We all love our country and there have been some touching years such as 2001.

We all needed a touchstone to honor our country and what it means to us.

The Fourth of July event grew as our community included a city, too. We are one, we are together for the love of family, community and country.

Q: Now that the parade and celebration have been officially postponed, what are your hopes for some sort of replacement event later this year?

A: It was a difficult and sad decision to postpone the 32nd annual Liberty Lake Community Parade

JULY 2020 • 5

and Over the Lake Fireworks. Our committee members were in full agreement as safety was our main concern for our community during the COVID-19 virus. It has been discussed to have a future Liberty Lake community day later in the summer or early fall when things are safe. Due to the phases and the virus, the date is still pending. Our hope is to be able to celebrate our community! Together we are an awesome community!

Q: You have spent decades as a teacher and still work in your field despite being semi-retired.

What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of being an educator?

A: I have been an educator for 47 years! I have been privileged to be a teacher from pre-school to college and see the changes in education. I learned when I taught abroad that all kids are the same. To be able to help kids love learning is an amazing job. It has been rewarding to me to keep growing as an educator myself.

I used to write on blackboards and now it is smart boards. It is always rewarding to see your students grow up and what they become.

After a rewarding career with Central Valley School District being a special education teacher, I had the wonderful opportunity to teach in Syria, an Eskimo Village and Brazil. Being an international teacher was an experience that opened a whole new world for me. I am very grateful! My most recent experiences have been Grandma Zoom teaching and a supervisor for student teachers for EWU. I love the excitement of helping the next generation of teachers.

Q: Even though this summer may not be what we are accustomed to, do you have any advice for fellow residents who still want to enjoy the season with family and friends?

A: I have been thinking a lot about resiliency during this challenging time of COVID-19. I think a good definition of resiliency is thriving in the midst of adversity. I keep going back to my first impression of Liberty Lake and how relationships mattered to me. The community of Liberty Lake nurtures each other.

We care. We reach out. Summer will be special with family and friends. But most important, small acts of kindness benefit others and ourselves. Be kind

Paid for by Friends of Mary Kuney PO Box 13103 Spokane valley, wa 99213

6 • JULY 2020

The Splash

Introducing the

Safety Awareness Channel

Police Report - May 2020 Splash news sources

Total incidents generated by Officers and emergency calls for service last month 733 Traffic Collisions/Hit & Runs/ Injury Collisions 2 Citations (Traffic/Criminal/NonCriminal) 108 DUI (Driving Under Influence) 1 Thefts/ Vehicle Prowls / Vehicle Theft/ Burglaries 105 Malicious Mischief 3 Argument / Assault DV / Simple Assault / Assault w/ a Weapon 9 Parking Violations _

0

Suspicious Vehicles 32 Commercial Burglary, 05/01/2020: An Officer pulled into an area business located at the 1100 block of N. Liberty Lake Rd. (Chevron) at approximately 0330 to get fuel and noted one of the glass front entry doors was completely shattered. Backup arrived and the building was cleared. A manager was contacted and arrived to provide Officers with surveillance footage of the event. On the footage, two suspects were shown running from the wine rack to where the cigarettes are located. No information could be provided at the time as to the cost of damaged and stolen property.

However, this case is ongoing.

Fraud, 05/19/20: LLPD received a report of fraud at the 22000 block of

E. Appleway. Complainant reported that he had been contacted by an old friend on Facebook who informed him he had just won a large sum of money from The Publisher’s Clearinghouse. The “friend” told the complainant that his name was on the list of winners as well. The “friend” then told him that in order to collect the funds he would need to transfer $1000 to him for the one time transfer fee. The complainant went to the store and purchased $200 worth of eBay gift cards as directed and provided his “friend” with the information. The complainant’s daughter later informed him he had been scammed and a report was made via Crime Check.

Malicious Mischief, 05/15/2020:

LLPD received a report from the 1800 block of N. Pepper Lane (Best Western) regarding damaged property. Complainant reported that at 1423 a male had checked into the facility and was provided a room key. Close to 0200, the male returned to the front desk and requested a new room to the person above him being loud. The employee at the time provided the male with a new room key. Staff later learned the male had maintained access to both rooms throughout the night and had removed the smoke detectors and extensively soiled the sheets with unknown substances before leaving the area without paying for either room. Damaged property is thought to exceed $300.

It should be noted that the high number of thefts this past month is in large part due to fraudulent unemployment claims we’ve seen throughout our state. There were over 70 reports of Identity Theft reported to our department alone because of this.

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Over the lake fireworks show

Contact Jeff O’Shea at 858-245-0034 with any questions

JULY 2020 • 7

The Splash

The Lookout The Community Corner

By Police Chief Brian Asmus

During these challenging times, I want to take a moment on behalf of your Liberty Lake Police Department to thank our amazing community for the outpouring of support and words of encouragement.

Over the last several weeks, you have called, emailed, sent cards, provided food and we have seen generous donations made to the Benevolence Fund.

These kind gestures are truly appreciated by all of us. Knowing that our community stands together with us makes a significant impact on department morale.

We are all proud to serve this community and believe that we can do even better as a department. We take our oath of office seriously and are always looking for ways we can improve services we provide to you.

We are all hearing through the news and various social media platforms about police reform, use of force policies, de-escalation training and systemic racism. Mayor Brickner and I wrote a letter to the community in which we condemned the homicide of George Floyd and the actions of the officers involved.

We do not tolerate bigotry or racism in any department in the city. If you have not read the letter, please take a moment and do so. It is important to us that you know we support you and are listening.

I can assure you, that we have excellent policies in place here at the police department that are reviewed and updated twice per year at a minimum. I can assure you that our officers undergo excellent training throughout the year, training that goes well beyond

Liberty Lake Together defines our community

By Mayor Shane Brickner When I sit down late at night, I reflect on life, our city and all the people and businesses that make up our amazing community. I reflect on the beautiful things I have seen and the challenging times we have all faced on different levels.

I think about the amazing people who show compassion for those who are going through challenging times. I think about those that have volunteered to help wherever they can and those that lent an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on.

All of this has brought up some great dialogue on how we as a community can do our part to be the difference.

When I saw the image of “Liberty Lake Together” it spoke to me and I knew the second I saw it that it shows and conveys my hope for all of us. You have the words that demonstrate an acknowledgment that none of us can or should have to feel isolated or alone. It speaks to unity. Within the logo you see

a circle of blue and green symbols seen as people, united, holding hands side by side. It is my hope that we recognize the beauty in each of us, respect and celebrate each other’s cultural differences and treat one another with compassion.

It’s easy in life to jump to conclusions about this group or that group. It’s easy to point a finger and say it’s this group or that group’s fault but imagine if we stopped and just listened. Imagine a world where we put our hand out to lift someone up instead of pointing a finger at them trying to knock them down.

I detest racism and violent acts toward others. I was raised to see the beauty in all of us, to help those in life that need help and to show

what the state requires on an annual basis. More importantly, I can assure you that we have very stringent hiring standards, resulting in your police department having the best patrol officers, sergeants and administrative support staff that I have ever worked with in my 30-year career as a professional law enforcement officer.

What sets us apart from many other jurisdictions is our unwavering principles, philosophy, commitment to our core values and the organizational culture that we have established since the department was first formed in 2002.

Our core values include the preservation of all human life, the perseverance and advancement of the principles of democracy, the prevention of crime, involving the community in the delivery of our services, accountability to the community, professionalism and compassion for someone who is struggling. I was taught to not judge someone based off religious beliefs, life partner, race, political beliefs, or financial situations but only to see the human in all of us. I believe we have amazing police officers, city staff and council that watch over our community every day and step up to help wherever they can assist.

I have also seen some amazing citizens step up and find ways to help each other whenever they can.

The Liberty Lake Together model was demonstrated by every city staff member who rallied very quickly to get personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies ordered, flyers made up and flyers out to local businesses. We had citizens who also volunteered to help us out not just with this but many other needs within the community. If you are a business in Liberty Lake and need supplies for cleaning, or other PPE items, please stop by or call City Hall at 509-755-6700 to get more details. We also encourage you to help support our local businesses by shopping local. Our local businesses need us more than ever. That is the beauty of Liberty Lake Together. #STOPTHEHATE.

July 2020 maintaining the highest standards of integrity.

Our mission statement’s focus is on the delivery of services emphasizing fairness, respect, empathy and dignity for all in our community. This speaks to the core of what Liberty Lake Together stands for.

Mayor Brickner, along with myself and a few of your officers plan to host a town hall meeting where we can share with all of you more detail about our policies, training and core values. Just like our core values state, it will be a time for accountability and to involve our community in this very important discussion. We will be there to listen, answer questions and accept constructive criticism.

Thank you for your continuous support through these difficult times. We look forward to seeing you at the town hall meeting with a date to be announced.

CLASS OF 2020 What an honor it was for the city of Liberty Lake – in collaboration with the Splash – to provide this “Liberty Lake Together” video of our 2020 graduates in the Liberty Lake and surrounding areas!

Congratulations and we wish you the best in all your future endeavors. https://youtu.be/1lPeH7_nEAY

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

8 • JULY 2020

The Splash

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JULY 2020 • 9

The Splash

LL construction trends positive despite pandemic

representing just over 60 percent of Liberty Lake’s buildout. The number will be official July 1 or possibly later, Key said.

By Craig Howard

of Planning and Engineering Lisa Key told council last month. “The answer is, ‘Not really.’”

On the commercial building front, Key said the city “is already way ahead of the game.”

The city issued 151 permits for new dwelling units in 2018. Last year, that number was up to 222.

This year, the total of city-issued permits stands at 68. With one month to go in the second quarter, Key said the city was already ahead of the 2018 pace related to new dwelling units.

“We have more than 150,000 square feet of commercial construction that we’re expecting to come in over the next quarter or so,” she said.

“By the end of the quarter, we should be very close to where we were in 2019,” Key said. “We’re close to being on par to where we were in previous years.”

Addressing concerns about a potential drop in permitting revenue, Key told council that by the end of the June, income “will be on par with what it was in 2018 and 2019.”

Splash Contributing Editor

The graph at the June 2 City Council meeting resembled a cartoon interpretation of the Himalayas – a craggy mountain range symbolizing construction trends in the city of Liberty Lake since 2004.

Steep, jagged peaks in the early 2000s represented a climb in city-issued permits for dwelling units while the drop in elevation was evident beginning with the nationwide recession in 2008. By 2010, the virtual slopes were on the rise again.

Now, in the wake of COVID-19, there is growing concern that citywide development – and the accompanying permit revenue vital to municipal coffers – may be in jeopardy.

“This year started out as a banner year in terms of construction but with COVID, there is that question: Are we slowing down?” Director

Last year’s statistics also included 57 multi-family units while there are no multi-family units in this year’s count.

The city’s current housing stock includes 5,034 housing units, of which 74 percent are owneroccupied and 26 percent are rentals.

The city’s unofficial population estimate is at 11,498 as of April 1,

Key noted that the Ridgeline High School project is not part of the boost in 2020 numbers since it was permitted last year.

The city took in $1.03 million in permitting revenue in 2018 and $1.12 million last year. To this point in 2020, the number is at $437,000.

Also at the June 2 council meeting.

Mayor Shane Brickner said he had heard back from a representative with Gov. Jay Inslee’s office about

the city’s request to move to Phase 3 of the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” plan.

“Some other cities in the state are starting to follow suit, mostly smaller cities in King County,” Bricker said. “Some of the concerns and challenges they see have to do with the amount of resources they have to do multiple applications and reviews with the Department of Health and individual city matrix tracking by local health districts.”

Brickner went on to say that he was under the impression that Liberty Lake’s request had neither been denied or approved. “Nothing is definitive right now,” the mayor said.

“I will continue to push this especially for the businesses in our community to get to that Phase 3 process,” he said.

At the June 16 council meeting, Brickner said Spokane Regional Health District Officer Bob Lutz was not likely to support the transition to Phase 3 anytime soon.

“With that, we had the idea of reaching out to local businesses that could expand their outdoor seating and I think three of them are going to take us up on that,” Brickner said.

The city has discussed providing fencing and tables as part of the arrangement. “They would use the front parking areas to expand their seating options,” Brickner said.

Flyers regarding city-distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) went out to local businesses at the end of May. City staff was supported by resident Tom Sahlberg in handing out the flyers.

“Once we got the green light to proceed with that, it was all hands on deck,” Brickner said. “Everyone on staff really stepped up. I really can’t commend them enough about how they worked to make that happen.”

File photo Residential construction – like this project in the River District neighborhood – continues to hold steady in Liberty Lake despite the COVID-19 pandemic. City Council heard an update on local development at their June 16 meeting that showed building activity keeping pace with the past two years.

The city is providing masks, hand sanitizers, cleaning products and gloves at no charge to businesses in Liberty Lake through funding received from the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and See LL COUNCIL, Page 12

10 • JULY 2020

Branded with Liberty Lake History

By Ross Schneidmiller Splash contributor

For over 160 years the Liberty Lake community has had a few common themes that have been part of its history. Inspired by this, the city of Liberty Lake’s Art Commission chose the theme of music for a mural at Pavillion Park.

It is known that music has been celebrated here since Andrew Seltice of the Coeur d’ Alene Tribe held large gatherings on the shores of the lake. It continued through the resort era and is ongoing with the Summer Festival at Liberty Lake.

The Call to Artist attracted several talented muralists who created exceptional submissions.

What set apart the Goetzinger Brothers’ proposal from the other finalists was that they chose to tell the community’s music history through an iconic piece of Liberty Lake’s past.

The 1913 Herschell Spillman Carousel operated at Liberty Lake Park from 1927 until the late 1950s.

The carousel carver was known for colorful and creative menagerie animals. Music rang out from its Wurlitzer Band Organ filling the park and welcoming shoreline with the light-hearted sounds of the calliope. By depicting the carousel in the mural, the Goetzinger Brothers have visually reunited it with the Dance Pavillion (the Park’s namesake portrayed in the picnic shelter).

COVER STORY instruments like the trombone he is featured with in the mural.

At Liberty Lake the band gave afternoon concerts in the open air to crowds in the park. In the evening they played for dances in the Pavillion. On occasion a few of the bandmembers would board a launch and entertain the lakeside cottagers around the lake.

Florence Waterhouse was part of the Liberty Lake Orchestra headed up by Rolla Star in the 1920s. She was known more for the violin but was also the second trumpet player in the group. At that time the cornet was a more common brass instrument in jazz and usually played by men. So, a woman playing syncopated music with a trumpet was rare.

Hayden Mann along with his brothers fronted a talented group of Eastern Washington musicians who made it on the Alexander Pantages Vaudeville Circuit in the 1920s and 30s. They played up and down the west coast and appeared in several Hollywood pictures before returning to the Inland Empire. In May of 1934, they opened the season at Liberty Lake Park in the Pavillion newly remodeled to accommodate more dancers. Hayden Mann was musically versatile playing several instruments but known for the alto, soprano and baritone saxophones.

Betty Thom was the featured vocalist of Marvin George’s 11-piece

California Orchestra when they played their 2-week engagement in 1935 at the Liberty Lake Pavillion.

The alto voiced singer sang popular arrangements of modern, classical and jazz song hits. The following year she returned to the Pavillion performing with another Southern California band.

Dutch Groshoff, known as the “King of Sweet Swing,” occupied the Dance Pavillion stage along with his orchestra more than any other musical group from the 1930s late into the 1950s. Groshoff was a staple of Q6 Radio and introduced his good friend Bing Crosby to the station. A gifted banjo player, his orchestra’s slogan was “Dance with Dutch” which thousands did on the smooth maple floor on the pier over the water.

Eckart Preu debuted as director of the Spokane Symphony in 2004. It was the Symphony’s third consecutive season at Pavillion Park and the inaugural season of the “Lud Kramer Memorial Concert.”

The renowned East German-born conductor directed the annual Liberty Lake event until 2018.

Robert Cray, a five-time Grammy Award winner and world-traveling blues guitarist, played at Pavillion Park August 17, 2013. Cray is considered to be among the greatest guitarists of his generation. The concert was part of the 16th annual

Music history from the tribal, resort, and the present eras are illustrated on the rounding boards at the crest of the carousel. The riders atop the menagerie animals are entertainers who performed during five decades of the original Pavillion or most recently in Pavillion Park.

Charles Reemer and his Father A.G. led the Inland Empire Band which performed at Liberty Lake Park during the 1909 to 1912 seasons. Growing up the son of a band leader Charles was adept in percussion, string and wind

Contributed photo Music rang out from this carousel in Liberty Lake for over 30 years, circa 1946.

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Summer Festival Series organized

by Friends of Pavillion Park and drew a crowd estimated to be close to 5000 spectators.

Sitting next to each other riding in one of the carousel’s chariots are Andrew Seltice and lake namesake Stephen Liberty. Their relationship built on trust and respect not only benefited them but the greater community. It was at the end of Seltice’s gatherings held at the lake that Tecomtee would sing the prophecy songs of his Grandfather Circling Raven. Many families remained overnight so they could listen to his unequaled tenor voice carry out over the water, and this is portrayed on the first of three scenes (going left to right) on the rounding boards of the carousel.

The middle scene shows Liberty Lake’s 1936 Olympian Mary Lou Petty-Skok dancing the Lindy Hop with partner in the Dance Pavillion over the water. In the background is the silhouette of the orchestra playing. Miss Petty married Robert Skok who was a vocalist and drummer in Groshoff’s orchestra.

She had great fun dancing what she called the “Jitterbug” there.

The third and final scene is a familiar one in our community. It is of the Spokane Symphony playing its evening concert on the stage in Pavillion Park-- concluding the Summer Music Festival at Liberty Lake.

The 1913 Herschell Spillman Carousel is still operating today in Greenfield Village, part of Henry Ford’s Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. A documentary in the 1970s on its restoration created an inquiry in a local paper when the museum claimed to have a Spokane area carousel. How could they have the carousel if it was still in Riverfront Park? The paper investigated and learned that there had been more than one permanently installed in the area.

Similarly, when the Goetzinger Brothers chose this theme to tell the story some community members wondered why.

Learning the reason produced an excitement that such a wonderful part of Americana had operated here. Now, a reminder of it can be enjoyed for years to come along with a celebration of Liberty Lake’s music history.

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A Mural to celebrate a legacy

COVER STORY

JULY 2020 • 11

By Nina Culver

Splash contributor

A giant new mural depicting the history of Liberty Lake was recently installed in Pavillion Park by local artists Rolf and Peter Goetzinger.

The 40-foot by 10.5-foot mural was supposed to be up earlier, but rainy weather put a halt on the installation briefly. Rolf Goetzinger, who lives in Spokane, used some of that downtime time to prepare by putting what he calls furring strips on the rough side of the snack shack building. The wooden strips provide a flat surface to anchor the mural to when it’s hung.

Goetzinger said he often partners with his brother, who lives in Sandpoint, on art projects. They operate under the name Artist Brothers. “He painted a lot of the bottom part,” Goetzinger said. “We do a lot of stuff together.”

The brothers spotted a call to artists put out by the Liberty Lake Parts and Arts Commission looking for a mural in Pavillion Park that acknowledged the history of the area, including the musical history.

Goetzinger suggested a mural featuring a carousel, much like the 1913 Herschell-Spillman carousel that was in Liberty Lake Park from 1923 to the mid-1950s. That carousel still survives and is still operating.

“The carousel in the Ford Museum in Michigan used to be here,” Goetzinger said.

The carousel in the mural is nearly life-sized, he said. “It’s an exact reproduction of the carousel,” he said. “It’s like you’re looking at the horses. It was my way of bringing the carousel back to Liberty Lake.”

Though the mural is of a carousel, Goetzinger said there actually aren’t many horses among the animals featured. “The ones I picked were not, mostly,” he said. “I got a dragon in there, a rooster, a pig, there’s a giraffe, a zebra. They’re all kind of cool, all unusual animals.”

People looking at the mural might notice something unusual about the people riding the carousel animals.

Many of them are musicians playing

Top: Photo by Ben Wick, Right: Photo by Nina Culver Local artists Rolf and Peter Goetzinger prepare and implement the vision for the Pavillion Park mural which was completed May 25, 2020. their instruments. All the musicians depicted in the mural have actually performed in Liberty Lake over the past several decades, including guitarist Robert Cray and former Spokane Symphony music director Eckart Preu.

Sitting down on a bench is Stephen Liberty, a French settler who homesteaded on the west side of the lake that bears his name. Sitting next to him is Andrew Seltice, chief of the Coeur d’Alene Indians during the same era. Tecomtee, a member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe known for singing Native American songs over the lake, is also featured in the mural.

“History is always great subject matter and there is a lot of history here,” Goetzinger said.

Putting historical figures and musicians on the carousel, wasn’t the original plan, however. But Goetzinger said local historian Ross Schneidmiller provided him with research that helped him expand on the city’s request to include Liberty Lake’s music history in the mural.

“He helped me get the names,” he said. “Originally I just had children riding it.”

Parks and Arts Commission member Laura Frank said Goetzinger was among several artists who submitted proposals.

The list was narrowed down to five by a selection committee of local residents, who interviewed each of the five finalists. Their selection was then approved by the Liberty Lake City Council since the city provides funding for the Parks and Arts Commission.

“We were amazed by the number of high-quality submissions that were received from local artists, making the final selection very difficult,” said Frank.

What set Goetzinger apart was his interpretation of how to incorporate the themes of music and gathering in Liberty Lake, Frank said. “Rolf took a very unique and exciting approach to incorporate the history of Liberty lake into the mural while adding even more,” she said.

His proposal highlighted a part of Liberty Lake’s history that isn’t familiar to everyone, she said.

“Many people do not know about the carousel that used to be in the historic Liberty Lake Park that Pavillion Park is modeled after,” she said. “There are so many historic

details, from the carousel itself to the individual riders and relief vignettes.”

The mural is just the latest project brought to life by the Parks and Arts Commission, which was created in January 2018. The first project was a series of art wraps covering utility boxes all around town. They also worked to create story walks in Rocky Hill Park and Orchard Park.

“The Parks and Arts Commission is so excited to be able to share this with the Liberty Lake community,” Frank said.

Goetzinger said he’s heard some discussion about the possibility off continuing the mural to the other sides of the building in the future and he said he’d love the chance to be involved in that. He’d also love to mount a carousel horse to the concrete in front of the mural if that’s something that can be added later, Goetzinger said. He envisions something kids could climb on to have their pictures taken.

“It would make it just that much better,” he said. “I like to have it so it’s interactive. I want people to come and kind of participate in the experience.”

12 • JULY 2020

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LL COUNCIL

Continued from page 9 Economic Security) Act. The city has also hired several new employees to address cleaning of city offices and public places.

When a business representative picks up PPE supplies, the interaction is documented. “We’ve had a good response,” Brickner said. “It continues to be a good program.”

Over 60 businesses in Liberty Lake have accessed PPE supplies with the distribution site being moved from the police department to City Hall.

“We’ll continue to provide those supplies as long as they are available,” said City Administrator Katy Allen.

In receiving kudos from Greater Spokane Inc. and the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, the mayor said others are looking to the city’s example in supporting businesses while prioritizing safety.

“In talking to multiple organizations throughout the county, they say Liberty Lake has set the example for what other cities need to be doing,” he said.

Brickner told council on June 16 that his conversations with auto and RV dealers have indicated that sales have been “very good” of late while local restaurants are still facing an uphill battle.

“Restaurants are still struggling only being able to be at 50 percent capacity,” Brickner said.

Public safety update Police Chief Brian Asmus told council on June 16 he plans to convene a town hall meeting “to address the community and listen to what their concerns are” related to law enforcement in Liberty Lake.

The discussion comes in the wake of nationwide protests connected with the death of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis.

“We want to talk about organizational culture, our philosophy and core values,”

Asmus said. “But most of all we want to answer questions the community may have.”

Brickner, who served for years as a volunteer police officer, supported LLPD’s efforts to engage the community in healthy dialogue.

“We, as a city, do not in any way, shape or form condone people treated with disrespect, regardless of race,” Brickner said. “Everybody needs to be supported. It was a tragedy that happened. It was a bad decision made by some individuals.

I also want to acknowledge all those officers who are out there every day doing the right thing.”

In other city news: • Council Member Dan Dunne is part of a planning and organizing committee the Central Valley School District surrounding COVID-19 precautions and oncampus expectations for the 2020-21 school year with. “It’s a great chance to have visibility and understanding as to what the school district is dealing with,” Dunne said. Like school districts

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across the state, CVSD is at work establishing parameters based on standards provided by the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

• A group of local parents organized a socially distanced graduation ceremony for Central Valley seniors last month at Orchard Park. “It was a great, great event,” said Brickner.

• Financial Director RJ Stevenson reported to council on June 16 that property tax revenue is 6 percent down from this point last year. He noted that the difference is related to the extension on property tax submission.

• The annual City Council retreat is scheduled for Aug. 2 from noon to 6 p.m.

• Allen talked with Mike Gribner of the Washington State Department of Transportation last month for a status update on the Henry Road transportation project.

“I don’t have an update, good, bad or indifferent,” Allen said. She did share a schematic of the roundabout at Henry Road and the north side of I-90 with council on June 16. “This roundabout will be very similar to others in Liberty Lake with vegetation in the middle and good visibility around the perimeter,” Allen said. “The overall goal is to have that continuity with Henry Road going north to Indiana.”

• Operations and Maintenance Director Jennifer Camp gave council an update on the city’s policy for ballfield reservations for this season, noting that CVSD has first priority based on an existing agreement with the city. The second priority relates to teams and leagues that have a majority of representatives living in Liberty Lake.

• The city is moving ahead with its annual fireworks show at 10 p.m. on July 4. There will be no concert at Pavillion Park as part of the event and Brickner said residents are encouraged to view the fireworks from their vehicles, homes or golf carts.

• The library’s summer reading program will run through Aug. 15.

JULY 2020 • 13

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Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Some people may know Nate Garza as a recently graduated Central Valley senior. Others may remember him as Mr. Wally Womper, chairman of the World Wide Wicket Company. Garza took part in half-a-dozen theatrical performances during his four years at CV and played the role of Womper in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Garza maintained a 3.5 grade point average in four years at CV and was part of the Link Crew that mentors and supports underclassmen.

He also participated in the Capstone program, an intensive two-year AP course focusing on research skills.

Garza began playing the piano at 5 and participated in band in middle school.

He has volunteered with Blessings Under the Bridge, serving food to the less fortunate. Garza plans to serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

While the 2020 track and field season did not transpire like Kylie Keller and her Central Valley teammates had hoped, the senior can relish being part of three Greater Spokane League team crowns. Last year, Keller was part of a 4 x 400 relay squad that clinched the GSL title with a victory late in the championship meet. She holds personal records of 62.52 in the 400 meters and 27.20 in the 200 meters, qualifying for districts in both events last year.

After serving as an alternate on CV’s 4A state championship 4 x 400 team last year, Keller was looking forward to earning the gold medal in Tacoma again this year. Keller wound up her academic career with a 3.6 grade point average. She was part of the Leadership program at CV and also participated in cross country and soccer.

For over 30 years, Dave Moore has been a fixture of Independence Day in Liberty Lake right along with fireworks, apple pie and festooned golf carts. The longtime coordinator of contests and games at the Liberty Lake Community Fourth of July Celebration, Moore organizes the recreational agenda after the annual parade and works with local businesses to donate prizes for the winners. Dave and his wife Marlaine have lived in the Liberty Lake area since 1979. They are proud parents of two grown daughters and have one grandson. Moore worked as a teacher in the East Valley School District starting in 1977 and from 1979 until retiring in 2018. He also taught at the YWCA and Spokane Art School. Moore serves as vice president of the Inland Northwest Camaro Club, a nonprofit that supports community causes like Coats 4 Kids.

& Thanks you for all you do in our community

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Postal overload

USPS works to keep up with increased volume

By Pia Hallenberg Splash contributor

If you have been ordering more stuff online since COVID-19 hit back in March, then you aren’t alone. Perhaps you’ve also tried mailing something and found the lines at the post office long, even by social distancing standards.

The United States Postal Service has been under financial pressure for decades, as competitors began digging into package delivery services and email replaced traditional paper business mail.

Cost savings efforts closed post offices in small rural communities.

It would be easy to jump to the conclusion that the COVID-19 online ordering craze let to a Postal Service boom, but that’s only partially accurate.

“Across the country we are seeing considerably more pieces of mail, including more first-class mail because people work from home,” said Ernie Swanson, spokesperson for USPS in Washington. “We are

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seeing it compared to Christmas volumes, which usually are the highest, so yes, there is a lot of mail.”

In a news brief issued in May, USPS reported an increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2020 by $386 million or a little more than 7 percent compared to the same quarter in 2019. However, it attributed that growth to the mailing of the US Census. Without that, “First-Class mail revenue and volume would both have declined,” the statement said.

Swanson said volumes are up since first quarter, but local numbers are not available.

“We are definitely seeing more parcels,” Swanson said, adding that he wasn’t aware of any extra staff hired in response to the increase.

“I’m always very impressed with the high standards of our frontline people,” Swanson said.

“Our postal delivery people, our counter staff, everyone is just working really hard right now.”

In May, Postmaster General Megan Brennan issued a statement saying the pandemic will likely lead to an unprecedented financial loss for the Postal Service, to a point where the service may not fully recover. Brennan said: “At a time when America needs the Postal Service more than ever, the pandemic is starting to have a

significant effect on our business with mail volumes plummeting.”

The same statement also made it clear that an increase in the number of mailed packages would not offset the predicted COVID-related loss.

Here’s the rub: an increase in online purchases doesn’t necessarily lead to more business for the USPS. For instance, Amazon Logistics – the delivery service owned by Amazon – already delivers about 50 percent of orders from the online giant.

USPS employs around 630,000 people and according to an official statement in April, 500 had tested positive for COVID-19 (19 had died) and 6,000 staffers were in self-isolation due to exposure to COVID in their workplace.

Some post offices retrofitted with homemade plastic screens and covers for credit card machines, and staff brought in hand sanitizer.

Swanson said it’s been a challenge to get personal protection equipment to all USPS workers.

“We are trying as hard as we can to get it to everyone,” he said.

Early on during the pandemic some mail customers were afraid they could be exposed to COVID via the mail.

“The likelihood of the virus transferring on mail is very, very small, even if the person who

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delivers the mail has the virus,” Swanson said. “It has been shown over and over again by the Center for Disease Control and local health districts that the mail is safe.”

Some post offices may see a backlog of mail and some home deliveries may be later than usual.

Swanson said they have made some changes to mail delivery in an effort to keep everyone safe.

“We ask that our customers please don’t approach our vehicles,” Swanson said. “In some neighborhoods it was customary for people to come out of their houses to great the carrier, we just can’t do that right now.”

Swanson also asked that USPS costumers follow instructions given by the carrier during delivery.

“If we deliver a package at the door we ask if the carrier can sign for it,” Swanson said. “Then we put it on the doorstep, all in an effort to not exchange paperwork.” He added that carriers are instructed to knock on the front door and not touch the doorbell.

Social distancing and masks are encouraged at all post offices.

Considering how busy USPS is right now, should people hold off on big mass mailings and packages?

“No, absolutely not,” Swanson said. “We want people to mail on whatever schedule they have.”

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My name is Shane Brickner and I am the Mayor of Liberty Lake. I was Mayor Pro tem for 4 years and on the city council for 8 years before becoming Mayor. Before coming Mayor I had also been a volunteer police officer for the city for 13 years.

I have lived in Liberty Lake for 16 years now and while living here I helped start a Griefshare program for people that have lost loved ones along with helping start up Little League Baseball in our community.

I was asked to write about generosity which is the unselfish giving and sharing or resources, time, and talents to others. When I think about this statement it makes me think about the challenging time we have all faced over the past 4 months and despite all the challenging times I have seen people come together like no other to lend a hand to each other, utilizing skills they have to make a difference.

Being a smaller city, having people willing to give help for no other reason then to just give back is what helps drive our community and make it so special. During these challenging times the city staff and I wanted to create a message of just that, generosity. Keeping this in mind we chose the term “Liberty Lake Together” because at the end of day we have seen so many people come together to help make a difference.

With in the image we chose what looks like a circle of people standing in a circle, hand in hand. This image and statement of together is exactly what I have seen people do.

I watched a group of people come together to bring free hand sanitizer in 5 oz bottles to those in need when COVID-19 first began. When asked why they wanted to do this, they said they wanted to help those in need. No plans on getting something in return except to give back. Once this started another citizen saw how badly

Second Harvest Foods needed help financially so they brought up the idea of including a gofundme online fundraiser for Second Harvest, which was accomplished. This help raise just over $700 for that organization.

I would see people who knew how to make face masks and shields not only for citizens but for first responders and they did it, not to make a bunch of money, but only to help. I saw churches step up along with citizens that volunteered to help in any way that they could.

I recall at the end of last year we were setting up for an event called Winter Glow and we had over 55 people step up and volunteer to help make the event a success. This event was a beautiful light show for all to enjoy which had people come from all over to see the celebration of the holidays and it never could have happened without all of the volunteers. One of the churches locally had 4 to 5 teens initially show up to help and before I knew it there were another 8-10 of them willing to help out wherever they could.

We also have a group of people called the “snow angels” who volunteer their free time to help those in need of snow removal or yard work. This helps people in all kinds of situations who need a hand.

Its is acts like these along with so many others I could list that show generosity. My hope is that through all of these challenging times we all learn and take the time to hold out a hand to help rather then point a finger of blame or frustration. My hope is that we all see the beauty in mankind, to see the beauty in what makes us different, while seeing how what we all seek is the same which is happiness and compassion. If we see a problem or challenge before us that we all come together to find a solution. After all, we are all in TOGETHER!

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Salute to Spring Sports – CV coaches honor athletes

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

After hibernating through the winter, hundreds of Central Valley Bears were ready for the spring sports season.

While practices began as usual in early March, the schedules for tennis, golf, fastpitch softball, track and field, baseball and boys’ soccer would all eventually be washed out. The culprit this year was not stormy or inclement weather but a pandemic that had the same effect on many day-to-day activities across the nation and world.

In Washington state, the impact of COVID-19 shuttered all public and private schools on April 6. The word from Olympia also meant the 2020 campaigns for spring sports would be discontinued.

This year’s 4A girls’ state golf championship had been slated for Meadowood Golf Course in Liberty Lake while the 4A boys’ tournament was set for the county venue next door. The 4A state fastpitch softball bracket would have played out at Dwight Merkel Stadium in north Spokane. Other familiar venues like Mt. Tahoma High School in Tacoma – longtime home of the big school state track meet – remained silent in late May.

break the school record and several others who were vastly improved.

Throwers who were ready to explode with big marks after patiently putting in the work the last couple of years. Jumpers who had broken class records and many others just figuring it out. Sprinters and hurdlers ready to continue the tradition of putting our best together in time for championship season. And that is the kids we know! All I heard while away at state basketball was “Wait until you see this kid!” We were going to be good, maybe as good as we have ever been. But mostly, we had our seniors. Axtell, Bissell, Teah and Lizzie, the sisters Creeger, the last of the Fords, Haynie and Heskett, Johnson and Keller, McLelland and McManus, Mulligan, Becky, Sine and Singsavaddy. A group that is the perfect mix of state veterans, determined varsity competitors, kids out for fun and even a couple

of newcomers. When we first got word of cancellation there were more than a few tears but the kids quickly transitioned to grace and understanding, strength and resilience – all lessons learned earlier in competition and to be passed down to teammates, which will be the class of 2020’s enduring legacy.

Any future successes we have will be because of how this group of seniors conducted themselves. They are more than ready for what the world has to offer.

Boys’ tennis – By Jonathan Valencia Speculating on the tennis season that didn’t happen can be tough, but the CVHS boys’ tennis team would have had a fantastic year.

This year would have led off with Robert Weaver, a sophomore at our number one spot, who worked tremendously hard to improve his game. Followed by our two, three and four positions who were all seniors. Jackson Scott a returning senior who last year won the Inland Empire No. 2 doubles. He also

followed that up with a fourth-place finish at regional. Sadly, missing state by one place. Next, Mat Haigh, a senior and solid tennis player who also worked on his tennis game in the off-season, would have easily filled the number three spot on our team. Landon Rehkow, a senior and our No. 4 singles player, would have been very strong at this position.

Landon was the elected captain of the team and with his leadership skills it is easy to see why. He is also heading to the University of Idaho on scholarship to be their place kicker. This leads me to the Noakes brothers. Ethan a senior and Luke a sophomore were fantastic additions to our team from Lewiston, Idaho where they had already found success at higher levels of match play. My belief is they would have been highly successful at No. 1 doubles. Andrew Harter and Reagan Crosby both seniors would have been an incredible No. 3 doubles team. The tennis team at CVHS for the 2019-20 season would have been one to contend with in the Greater Spokane League (GSL).

While

While CV athletes may not have collected medals and trophies this spring, their work and sacrifices on behalf of their respective sports have not gone unnoticed. In the June issue, coaches for boys’ soccer, fastpitch softball, girls’ golf, baseball and boys’ track and field saluted their teams. This time, girls’ tennis, boys’ golf, girls’ track and field and boys’ tennis are in the spotlight.

Bear Nation honors you.

Girls track and field – By Geoff Arte We had a distance crew ready to prove they belong with the best.

A returning state vaulter ready to

Contributed photo The Central Valley boys' golf team took second place at the Pasco Invite before the 2020 season was canceled. From left to right: Garrett Packebush, Luke Sukut, Ben Hadley, Cooper Arnold, Tyler Jackson and Brayden Miles. Jackson was the medalist in Pasco with a low score of 68.

JULY 2020 • 19

The Splash making predictions on unplayed matches is a challenge, I believe this group of young men would have finished in the top of the GSL with a few moving on to regionals and yes, possibly state. To the CVHS tennis season that wasn’t.

Girls tennis – By Clyde Woods The 2020 Central Valley Girls Tennis Team was looking forward to returning to the courts. Seniors Taryn Harvey (2019 All GSL first team) and Haley Heck (2019 All GSL second team) were names that people expected to lead this team.

However, people associated with high school tennis in Spokane are also familiar with the names Mariele Stockman, Alexia Krogh and Sarah Kinsolving. All five of these ladies have previously demonstrated success in previous Inland Empire, districts or possibly even the regional tournament by the time they were sophomores. The double teams of Katlyn Cooper and Jennifer Drinkwine as well as Elizabeth Pauley and Svetlana Susina both played on opposite sides of the GSL JV tournament semifinals in 2019.

These two teams were chomping at the bit and more than ready for their GSL varsity debuts. The ladies rounding out the varsity roster all could be considered secret weapons for this team because nobody knew their names and they could all challenge and find themselves in a big match having success at any time. Brieanna Riddle, Katie Winter, Kaylee Mitchell and Annie Peterson complete the varsity roster. Of the 63 young ladies that turned out for tennis this season, CVGT had several

Final Point

By Mike Vlahovich Splash contributor

Speed runs in the Duke family.

The sons and daughters have been integral parts in West Valley’s track (and football successes) over the years. Daughter Latrouchka (LaLa) finished second and third places in the sprints last year in Tacoma and will take the orange and black with her when she enrolls at Oregon State next year.

But she, like oodles of senior athletes around from the Valley and around the state, was denied the opportunity bring home the gold in her final trip to Star Track in Tacoma

seniors. While all players cannot be named individually, it is an honor to name those remaining seniors from the program who have not been previously mentioned. Savannah Dayton, Skylar Robles, Mia Rogers, Drew Scott, Autymn Wilde and Emma Wilkerson, without your hard work and dedication these past years, CVGT cannot achieve our team success as a whole.

Boys’ golf – By Brian Spencer Unlike most sports, CV boys’ golf got a taste of competition before everything was shut down. We had high hopes for a great season after finishing second out of 22 teams at the Pasco Invite. In an incredible story, sophomore Tyler Jackson was the medalist at the tournament with the low round of 68. Tyler was in a horrific skiing accident in December and figured to miss the entire season. Not only did he come back months ahead of schedule but he played well enough to beat over 100 other golfers. Our lone senior, Luke Sukut, came out after being part of the CV basketball state runner-up team. He was playing great and it’s a shame that he wasn’t able to play golf during his senior season, which was sure to be a promising one. We had high hopes to contend for a GSL and state title and feel for the boys who were part of this team. We had some other amazing golfers including Brayden Miles, Garrett Packebush, Cooper Arnold and newcomer Ben Hadley. Other returning players with a chance to get in some varsity GSL matches included Braden Schmidt, Jack Rodgers and Ethan Wilson. as will six other spring sports athletes at various sites around Washington.

It’s a shame that a virus could shut down a whole country, let alone Duke’s and those others denied a final shot at high school glory.

The closest it came, confirmed

by WV track coach Vic Wallace and former coach Jim McLachlan, was the 40 years ago, May of 1980, when Mt. St. Helens blew her top.

Wallace was competing at Spokane Falls College at the time. “Not to the point where they cancelled the meet,” he said.

“I just finished the NWAAC championships. It was the next day that it blew.” McLachlan said that the district meet was canceled because

of the explosion, but the WIAA state meet went on via a seeding process that sent the Frontier League and the best around area leagues and throughout the state.

Then, Old Man Covid Virus ruined things for spring sports athletes: Girls and boys track and field; baseball; softball; boys and girls tennis and golf.

“When it originally hit, I’m an optimist and was determined to get workouts in,” Wallace told me.

“Obviously we weren’t coming back to school, but I still felt everybody could still run.”

But running, jumping or throwing in Tacoma wasn’t to be. They may not even be able to have summer workouts or weight training.

Duke, who will attend Sacramento State in the fall to continue her sprint career, is one of the many Spokane area senior stars whose hearts were ripped out, their final shot at glory unceremoniously stolen by a pandemic.

At least Wallace’s track team is young and will have other opportunities in the future.

And, he says, it is better to err on the side of caution. “Their sorrow

will be short-lived.”

Tell that to the seniors.

If there’s a bright side, even if their summer training is curtailed, which could be the case barring the unforeseen, there’s always next year.

I remember where I was when the ash started falling on us. I’d just washed my new car and now it was covered in soot. Forty years removed, I can laugh about it now.

Wallace, a North Central graduate and sophomore at the community college, remembers, too.

“Like it was yesterday, “Wallace said. “I was finished with SCC and visiting friends the next day,” Wallace said. He lived on the North side of Spokane. His friends lived in the Valley. The mountain blew and covered the area in ash.

“It took me 45 minutes to get home and it was a 10-minute drive,” he said.

Like he and McLachlan, things ultimately worked. This year’s senior athletic class will also have memories.

Unfortunately, they’ll be more like nightmares.

20 • JULY 2020

HISTORY

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JULY 2020 • 21

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“Lori Feagan has my endorsement because she is the leader we need fighting for us in Olympia.”

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ON THAT NOTE

Good Character - A Matter of the Heart

By Tie Lemerond Splash contributor

At a time when our world is faced with chaos and we are regularly bombarded with negativity in the news and on social media, it is uplifting when a story like this one comes along. Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE) has recently awarded 70 students across Spokane Valley and the West Plains with PACE awards through “PACE Porch Presentations.”

For approximately a decade, PACE has been honoring and celebrating K-12 students who have demonstrated character throughout the school year. PACE mission is to inspire and support exceptional character through education, community partnerships and recognition. Pace is grounded in a common list of monthly character traits and definitions that are promoted through their partners.

“The elegance of PACE is its simplicity and repetition. Schools, families, and PACE partners are all free to integrate the PACE character traits into their classrooms, homes and organizations in a way that works for them while using the structure of the monthly traits as a framework. And, because PACE repeats the same 12 monthly traits, a student will learn about Respect every year in September for up to 13 years. This allows a deep understanding about good character to develop, be recognized and celebrated.” Melanie Rose, Avista – PACE President, Elect

the actual award and certificate.

Each student in the Valley also received a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant, a special PACE t-shirt and swag bag loaded with sponsor gifts. The presentations were given by a PACE Awards board member (typically a school district rep), the student’s teacher(s) and principal,” stated Rose.

PACE President 2019/2020, Verne Reed, states, “Since we were prevented from celebrating our fabulous students of exceptional character in person this year, we pivoted to the idea of PACE Porch Presentations. After all, good character begins in the home, so it seemed fitting to celebrate each student surrounded by their supportive family and friends. We could not have done this without the generous financial support of our sponsors as well as the hard work of our PACE Awards Committee members.”

What Does Good Character Mean to you?

Each PACE Award recipient was asked the following question: What does good character mean to you?

Samantha Huffman, 5th grader at Riverbend Elementary, stated, “Treat others like you want to be treated; if everyone had good character, the world would be a better place!” Samantha is an allaround amazing PACE student

inside and out! She helps students learn to read, holds doors open, will sit next to the lonely student at lunch, and she leads with a positive mindset.

Caitlyn Ewasko, 5th grader at Greenacres Elementary, stated, “Character results in respect from others & self-esteem. Living by the Golden Rule has shaped who I am.” Caitlyn has a positive attitude, always helps her teachers and her classmates, and always puts forth 110%. She would like to be a Kindergarten teacher when she grows up so she can teach kids to be kind, hard-working, and follow the Golden Rule. “I want to teach kids if everyone was a little bit kinder each day, then maybe this world would be a happy place for everyone,” states Caitlyn. Both of Caitlyn’s parents are in the Air Force and have always instilled kindness, compassion, integrity, hard work, and the Golden Rule into Caitlyn and her siblings. Caitlyn’s mom, Colleen Ewasko, advised that Caitlyn always stands up for people who are afraid or cannot stand up for themselves.

Millie Dobyns, 5th grader at Liberty Lake Elementary, stated, “Character means going above and beyond, being kind, and always including others when they are lonely or nervous.” Millie does the right thing even when no one is looking. She gives her all in

JULY 2020 • 23

everything she does and she always finds ways to spread kindness. She recently began volunteering at a local animal shelter. Millie would like to work with animals when she grows up. Millie’s mom, Galin Dobyns, says that Millie is always putting people’s thoughts and feelings at the forefront.

Makayla Hickman, 8th grader at Selkirk Middle School, stated, “Good character makes you a wellrounded & positive person to be around, and prepares you for life lessons.” Makayla has a knack for making her peers feel comfortable and supported. She has a pleasant disposition and enjoys helping others without being asked to do so.

The PACE Initiative Rose states, “The initiative has grown to become a 501.c.3. with more than 200 PACE Partners - partnering business organizations, eight K-12 school districts and two chapters – Spokane Valley and West Plains…

PACE is organized and led by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.

There are several committees, also mostly filled with Board members and a few additional community & business volunteers. With the exception of the part-time CVSD employee who supports PACE, we are all-volunteer with no paid staff members.”

Visit www.pacecommunity. org for more information on PACE, PACE Partner and PACE Sponsorship.

A PACE Award is given to one student at every participating school and it is up to the school to decide which student will receive the award. The chosen student is notified and in previous years the student attended a banquet to receive his/her award. This year’s presentations were done differently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PACE Porch Presentation: 2020 PACE Awards were presented to each student via a “PACE Porch Presentation” during the first week of June. These presentations took place outside of the student’s home. “Each PACE Porch Presentation included a yard sign proclaiming a “Student of Character Lives Here” along with

Contributed photo PACE Awardee Esteban Deram 2nd Grader at Liberty Creek Elementary, Kim Kyle Liberty Creek Principal, April Munyon, his Liberty Creek 2nd grade teacher, Lisa Marsh, Liberty Creek School Counselor

24 • JULY 2020

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