Top of the Menu: London Latte

October 30, 2019

London Latte
Wake Up Call
22011 E. Country Vista Drive (Liberty Lake location)

A sweet and salty caramel treat sprinkled with cinnamon, available hot, iced or blended. Sugar free option also available.

Why you’ll love it
The London Latte is a Wake Up Call signature drink that’s been a customer favorite since the day they opened the doors (or windows!) of the first store on Dishman-Mica Road in Spokane Valley back in 2004. What makes this drink special is the well-balanced blend of sweet and salty flavors, and the sprinkle of cinnamon adds just the right amount of “spice” to the mix. While darker roasts of coffee tend to have a more “burnt” flavor profile, the medium/light roast of Wake Up Call’s House Blend highlights the natural flavors of the coffee beans and creates a smooth, rich and flavorful base for the rest of the drink.

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

Three storylines from the past year

March 30, 2020

Compiled by Ben Wick
Editor/Publisher, The Liberty Lake Splash

1. City opens Orchard Park

In the summer of 2019, the City of Liberty Lake dedicated Orchard Park, an 11-acre green space in the River District. The fully developed park features a splash pad, tennis, basketball and pickleball courts, a playground, two picnic pavilions, an amphitheater and a winding path. The $2 million project was funded primarily by the city.

2. Two new schools in Liberty Lake

Approved on the February 2018 ballot, the new Selkirk Middle School officially opened and was dedicated on Aug. 22, 2019. The new middle school, designed to accommodate 600 students, was designed by ALSC Architects and constructed by Walker Construction. That same month, the Central Valley School District broke ground on another school within Liberty Lake city limits, the new Ridgeline High School, future home of the Falcons.

3. Thank you, Steve Peterson

Mayor Steve Peterson sought re-election as Liberty Lake’s mayor, but last November citizens chose a different direction. Steve has been with the city for many years and was a driving force for many of the positive changes that helped bring many of the projects in Liberty Lake to fruition. Thank you, Steve, for all of your service to Liberty Lake.

Two to watch in 2020

1. Mayor Brickner at the helm

In the 19-year history of the City of Liberty Lake, we have only seen two different mayors at the helm —until now. This year, we welcome the third, Mayor Shane Brickner. Having served on the City Council for eight years prior, Brickner is not new to the city nor the community. He also served as a volunteer reserve police officer in the Liberty Lake Police Department for more than 12 years. As Mayor Brickner settles into his new role this year, we are bound to see some changes at the city as his leadership style sets in.

2. Trailhead reimagined

The City of Liberty Lake has long debated the future of the Trailhead Golf Course, but the city has hired an outside consultant to help them develop a master plan for the property. Ideas such as incorporating the City Hall property into a single development as well as considering more community space and an expanded driving range have all got people thinking. The consultant is supposed to come back with high, low and medium cost proposals for continued discussion in 2020. Which option will the community buy into? How will the city pay for said improvements? With the current momentum, it looks like the proposal will be coming forward in 2020. Stay tuned.

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

Procedures change lives of patients

November 27, 2020

It’s been less than a year since Dr. Rob Piñón and Dr. Owen Packard opened Lakeside Dental at 1612 N. Barker Road. Measured by the number of patient stories and great memories, it seems even longer. Here are two favorites.

Dr. Piñón
A 39-year-old from Newman Lake, “Mr. Johnson,” came into our office in early October with severe generalized decay on almost every remaining tooth in his mouth. He suffered extreme GI disorders which contributed to acid erosion of almost all his remaining teeth. He was in pain constantly and embarrassed to even open his mouth, let alone smile.

After the initial comprehensive exam, we came up with an extensive plan of action that would take several months to complete. He responded with tears as he wouldn’t have his mouth back to normal by the time of a special cruise he planned with his wife in December. Knowing how much pain he was in both physically and emotionally, I gave him the option of expediting some of his treatment to get as much as we could before the cruise, and he agreed.

After three appointments, we accomplished the first phase of his treatment. When Mr. Johnson looked in the patient mirror, he broke down sobbing.

“Dr. Rob,” he said, “I’m so happy. I haven’t been able to even look at my teeth for so many years. This is just amazing. Now I will be able to smile and enjoy our cruise without being embarrassed. You are a miracle worker!”

I’m no miracle worker. However, I know I have the ability to change people’s lives through the gift of dentistry and look forward to many more stories just like Mr. Johnson’s.

Dr. Packard
“Jane” was a single adult in her late 40s who didn’t smile much and wanted her teeth to look nicer. We decided together she would benefit from braces and whitening. When her treatment was done, she was very happy with the results.

About 6 months later she came to my office and asked to see me. As I approached her, I could see she was crying, and my first inclination was to wonder if I had upset her somehow.

“Jane, how are you doing?” I asked tentatively.

“Oh, Dr. Owen, I just want you to know how grateful I am for what you have done for me!” she responded through tears.

Since her teeth were straightened and whitened, much had transpired in her life. What started as a confidence to smile more led to meeting a wonderful man who had proposed to her. She was so happy to be getting married. I told her she was so welcome and gave her a big hug.

“Jane, I can’t take credit for your marriage proposal, but I do want you to know how happy I am for you,” I said, thanking her for taking the time to share her news.

As I wished her well, I thought of what a wonderful thing it is for my dental team and I to see how profoundly our work can affect the wellbeing of our patients.