Who helps write your story? It’s the people you meet. The places you travel. Where you live, work and play. BECU is a credit union helping write the stories of its members.
As a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union, we’re invested in giving back to you, the member. Buy the home you’ve long sought, paying no origination fee on most loans. Reach new places with our better rates when financing an RV or boat. Grow your child’s savings using higher early-saver rates that show them the power of interest.
We’re also helping write the story of your community. See us partnering with the 4News Now Extreme Team, building a new canine rescue, making the wish of a child come true, and lighting up the holidays for children at Sacred Heart Hospital. Cheer for Coug Country, knowing WSU college students learn real-world budgeting through our sponsorship of Cougar Money Matters.
Where can we take you? At BECU, a new page is waiting.
Visit one of our three locations in Spokane: North Division, Downtown and in the Valley. Learn more at becu.org/locations.
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.”
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.
