Celebrating a long heritage of service

October 2, 2020
0
Share

Some of the customers at Stor-a-Way Self Storage in Otis Orchards first reserved units when Ron Woods developed the property in the 1990s. From traditional storage to RV and boat parking to commercial units, many of the faces that pass through the security gates each day are familiar ones.

As is the team that runs the operation. The core has seen little turnover over the years, starting with owner Randy Lentes, who purchased the business in 1998. Resident managers Kimberlee and Bob Soule have run the business since 2015, replacing managers George and Diane Hattell, who operated the facility from 2003 to 2015 before George’s death.

In George’s honor, Stor-a-Way started holding “George Sales” each year, Fridays and Saturdays set aside for storage unit owners and members of the community to sell stuff with the hopes of cleaning out or downsizing units to make way for others. Kimberlee Soule said the office will promote four George Sales in 2020, to be held in June and July.

“We created the George Sales to help those who have lost someone or need to downsize,” she said.

Another event not too far around the corner will be 25th anniversary celebrations in 2022, and Soule is already thinking about the block party she plans to throw. She said that while the property is consistently upgraded year after year, its heritage as part of the local community remains vitally important.

“The storage property has seen many changes to the area, and we have welcomed the growth,” she said. “We continue to be local and shop local. Our neighborhood continues to grow. With our 25th anniversary in the near future, it will be a chance to deliver a big thank you to our local residents and community.”

NOTE: A version of this article first appeared in the 2020 Liberty Lake Yearbook.

Related Posts

LL woman is senior transition champion

February 20, 2020
0

For much of the last decade, Liberty Lake resident Kristi Stalder had two separate passions: her work as a senior advocate in the assisted living industry, and her increased investment in her love of writing. Earlier this year, those two passions intersected with the release of “Navigating Assisted Living,” a book covering all aspects of transitioning seniors into a senior living environment.

Stalder said the book is an attempt to facilitate intentional communication during an emotionally overwhelming time for seniors and their families.

“My book offers support and guidance to help families collaborate, leverage one another’s strengths and work toward this higher goal of making sure that their loved ones thrive,” Stalder said.

It’s easy to use the internet and search for answers, but many of the resources available online are from senior living companies, competing with each other and marketing their products and services in-between the lines. Stalder simplifies the process and adds the facts necessary to prepare families for a smooth transition.

Stalder also dives head-on into the financial maze of senior living, including explanations of Medicare and Medicaid. Readers learn the questions most critical to ask during a facility tour and gain a greater understanding of basic standards and operations of senior living facilities.

“Everyone’s situation is different, and variables such as family dynamics, finances, and health issues can impact the course of action,” Stalder said. “My book suggests strategies to navigate these difficult conversations, understand motives and empower your loved one to choose a senior living community.”

NOTE: A version of this article first appeared in the 2019 Liberty Lake Yearbook.

Honored for ‘Teaching with Trauma in Mind’

November 6, 2020
1

Walking into Analisa McCann’s first-grade classroom at Broadway Elementary could seem like a normal everyday classroom. However, you might notice a student that has quietly left the reading circle to take time away in a rocking chair, separate from the rest of his classmates, while reading a book to help calm himself so that he can return to learning with the rest of the class.

McCann has dedicated the last few years to “teaching with trauma in mind,” using trauma-invested strategies to change her teaching methods along with those at her school. The result: increased learning and decreased numbers of student discipline.

Her efforts were recognized recently, as McCann was named the 2019-2020 Regional Teacher of the Year as well as 2019 Educator of the Year by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Research shows that trauma affects children’s brains, which in turn impacts how they can learn. Some are just wired to be in a constant fight, flight or freeze mode.

“Kids need to feel safe, comfortable and loved,” McCann said. “They need healthy bonds with adults they consider trustworthy.”

The aforementioned rocking chair student started the school year with frequent meltdowns that disrupted the class. His first lesson was not about reading, writing or math; it was about how to stay safe.

“He has the right to go to the rocking chair whenever he wants,” she said. “He’s still listening. He’s still participating.”

Now with self-regulated emotions, he’s able to make progress academically because he isn’t constantly leaving the classroom.

McCann is usually one of the first to arrive at school, connecting with students at breakfast and greeting them at her door. She also is there for them after school. Her caring reaches far beyond the school’s walls.

“One relationship can make a difference in kids’ lives. If I can be that person, I’m lucky and honored,” she said. “It’s not just their life that changes, it’s mine. When I am teaching, I am my true self. These students are my why.”

NOTE: A version of this article first appeared in the 2020 Liberty Lake Yearbook.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© 2020 Peridot Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

Newsletter Subscribe