July 2013 - The Issaquah Highlands

Transcription

July 2013 - The Issaquah Highlands
CONNECTIONS
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY NEWS
www.ihwebsite.com | facebook.com/highlands.council
July 2013
Page 18
School’s
Out!
Page 13
Movie Theater
Opens
IHCA
New Directors
Page 14
Page 19
Club Profile • Living Green • Art at Blakely Hall • Issaquah News • Ask Kari
WHAT’S INSIDE?
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Art at Blakely Hall
Highlands Council
General News
HFN News
NEW! Movie Review
&OXE3UR¿OH
Volunteer of the Month
NEW! Arts & Entertainment
Ask Kari
Wits and Tidbits
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Living Green
Schools Spotlight
Grand Ridge Plaza
Port Blakely News
New Community Map
IHCA Landscape News
IHCA News
Issaquah City News
Fitness Corner
History Hike
28 What’s Happening
30 5HVLGHQW3UR¿OH
Photo by: Julie Clegg / baileyandbanjo.com
The
Goats
are Back!
2550 NE Park Drive
Issaquah, WA 98029
PERMIT NO. 83
ISSAQUAH, WA
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PRSRT STD
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July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
1% FEES! - FULL SERVICE FOR 1%!
SELLING YOUR HOME FOR A GREATER VALUE
ABSOL
OV D $
E 20
LI k
ST
!
2043 Larchmount - SOLD $545,000
AB PE
OV ND
E ING
LI
ST
!
AB PE
OV ND
E ING
LI
ST
!
3434 Marion Lane - LIST $650,000
2918 NE Davis Loop - LIST $695,000
3462 Marion Ȃ SOLD $595,000
AB SO
OV LD
E $6
LI k
ST
!
2542 Longmire Ct. - LIST $500,000
ABSOL
OV D $
E 20
LI k
ST
!
2447 NE Park Drive - LIST $369,000
ABSOL
OV D $
E 50
LI k
ST
!
PE
N
DI
NG
!
AB PE
OV ND
E ING
LI
ST
!
** #1 OFFICE/AGENT IN ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS 2008
2008--2012 CONSECUTIVE YEARS! **
1714 28th Ave - SOLD $706,000
3483 Meadow - SOLD $600,000
See all our listings at: www.IssaquahHighlandsRE.com
MARKETING/NEGOTIATING/CLOSING your home for BEST SELLING RESULTS!
CURRENTLY PENDING HOMES
2447 NE Park Drive
2542 Longmire Court
3434 NE Marion Lane
2918 NE Davis Loop
i NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service) exposure with full integration.
i LOCAL REAL ESTATE OFFICE in Issaquah Highlands to better serve your home sale.
i Extensive marketing plan, creating great exposure to sell your home.
i High impact internet advertising, cutting-edge syndication tools and subscriptions.
i PROFESSIONAL photography for best presentation.
$369,000
$500,000
$650,000
$695,000
RECENTLY SOLD HOMES
i FREE professional staging consultation, offering FREE staging props.
1840 25th Ave NE #s413
1371 Huckleberry Circle
1936 17th Ave NE
2725 NE Northstar Lane
2419 NE Julep Street
1014 NE High Street
2043 Larchmount Drive NE
2476 30th Ave NE
3450 NE Madison Way
3462 NE Marion Way
3483 NE Meadow Way
1714 28th Ave NE
2657 NE Daphne Street
i FREE 1 year Fidelity home warranty as a buyer incentive.
i ‘‡„‘‘ǡŽ›‡”•ƒ†Dz‡ƒ–—”‡†–‡dz–ƒ‰•‹•‹†‡Š‘‡Ǥ
i Custom two-sided color flyers, PLUS CD flyer box.
i Frequent public & broker open houses.
i Prominent (page 2) print advertising here, plus ROUTINE DIRECT MAILINGS abound.
i Exclusive listing website complete with virtual tour, school links, community links, etc.
i Customized selling and buying strategies planned for success.
i Excellent listener and communicator. Goal oriented for YOUR goals.
i ƒ”‡–‹‰•‹ŽŽƒ†‘™Ž‡†‰‡ˆ”‘ƒ͓͕’”‘†—…‹‰ƒ‰‡–‹‹‰‘—–›ǯ•ƒ•–•‹†‡Ǥ
i Certified Negotiation Expert, CNE.
i Representation/negotiation by a Certified Residential Specialist, CRS.
(Less than 4% of real estate agents hold this designation)
$318,000
$320,000
$373,000
$414,000
$439,900
$475,000
$545,000
$575,000
$575,000
$595,000
$600,000
$706,000
$835,000
**Issaquah Highlands Market Share**
MATT JENSEN, CRS, ABR, CNE
Issaquah Highlands Branch Manager
[email protected]
WWW.MATTJENSENRE.COM
MATT JENSEN
Windermere
John L. Scott
CB Bain
Highlands RE
EMA
Other Brokerages
ϬϬ
ϭϬ
ϭϬ
ϮϬ
ϮϬ
Visit Matt’s LOCAL office at: 2423 NE Park Drive!
ϯϬ
ϯϬ
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
FROM THE EDITOR
“It ain’t easy bein’ green,” but it’s got its perks! For the
fifth year in a row, Issaquah Highlands welcomes not one,
but two herds of goats to trim our open spaces’ grass and
devour the weeds. The goats provide a huge cost savings to
the IHCA, as well as providing that “green” solution to the
age-old problem of stuff growing where you don’t want it.
Come out and see the goats! We will let you know details
in the E-Letter about when and where they will be. And in
the meantime, read all about goats throughout these pages,
including getting up close with one of “our” goats in the
Resident Profile.
But IH excitement doesn’t end there! We have a new movie theater and it’s open
NOW! With 12 screens, we thought you might like a little assistance prioritizing
your viewing schedule. Connections welcomes Paul Slater as our movie reviewer, a
resident with a uniquely broad and deep movie-going experience, and an entertaining
way of sharing his opinions. Get to know him in this issue, and see what Tami has to
say about the movies in this issue, too.
With all the new development going on, you will need the latest reports. We included
a new community map in the centerfold. To some, new development stirs up
questions and concerns. See our interview with the City’s Dan Ervin about how all
the new traffic is supposed to flow.
There is too much in here to call it ALL out for you! But we would like you to enjoy
all of the great stories inside. Thus the new cover! We hope this new look encourages
you to keep Connections on the coffee table all the month long so that you have time
to enjoy every bit of it, and to refer to it until the next issue comes out. Who could
resist the mug of a goat?
Enjoy!
Yours Truly,
Nina Milligan, Crofton Springs
Editor of Connections - Highlands Council Communications Manager
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Highlands Council is the publisher of Connections, manager of community-wide
events such as Highlands Day, owner and manager of Blakely Hall, liaison with the
greater community.
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July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
HIGHLANDS COUNCIL
Thank you, Highlands Council Transition
Subcommittee Volunteers!
Dear Highlands Council Transition Volunteers,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
each of you for volunteering your time and
expertise to make the Council transition from
PBC to home owner control a smooth and
successful endeavor. In four short weeks, you
reviewed numerous documents for accuracy and
completeness as well as for compatibility with
Council’s Vision and Mission Statements.
Each of your reports has been presented to the
Highlands Council Board of Trustees where it
was very well received.
Bob Bailey
Tim Baynes
Degale Cooper
Tony Cowan
Tami Curtis
Theora Dalupan
Paul Dean
Allen Enebo
Bob Gregg
Erik Harada
Charlie Herb
Stuart Johnson
Kim Kapustein
Linda Liaw
Jin Liu
Karen Lund
Ami Mehta-Desai
Rob Milligan
Adam Pond
Alan Silverman
Audrey Slade
Lisa Soboslai
Chantal Stevens
Sam Thacker
Tim Underwood
Ron Vanderschaff
Todd Wyatt
Karen Lund, Highlands Council Transition Chair,
prepares subcommittee volunteers for their tasks.
From the working sessions I was privileged to
sit in on, the emails with questions and requests
and the weekly summary reports, I know that while this process has taken many hours of
difficult and in some cases very tedious work, it has also engendered thoughtful discussions
and findings that will make Council a stronger force for community building within Issaquah
Highlands.
It is thanks to the willingness of people like you to take time out of their already busy lives to
give back to their community that makes Issaquah Highlands a community we are all proud
to call home.
I thank you as well as Highlands Council Board of Trustees, Highlands Council staff and
PBC staff and consultants for your support, your efforts, your expertise and your dedication
to everything Issaquah Highlands stands for.
Karen Lund
Highlands Council Transition Chairperson
Under Larry Norton’s leadership as Highlands Council President, the organization has completed transition
from the founder and is well positioned for a fruitful future.
Pet Appreciation Month: August
Though the month dubbed Pet Appreciation Month by those people who dub such things
is in May, we in Issaquah Highland dub August our month to honor pets. Our refurbished
Bark Park will be open again and Bark for Life will be held there on August 10, 2013, so we
thought that would be a great
time to showcase the pets that
enrich our lives.
We Love Our Pets!
Email your high resolution photo of your pets,
you and your pets, your kids and your pets!
To: [email protected]
Deadline: Monday, July 8th at Noon
Dogs, cats, fish, hamsters – whatever the
species, send in your photo!
The American Cancer Society
produces Bark For Life as a
fundraising event honoring
the life-long contributions
of our Canine Caregivers.
Bark for Life presents an
opportunity for people to
foster relationships with dogs,
whether they are dog owners
or not. All are
welcome to the
fun, games and
education. Bark
for Life’s primary
purpose is to
bring awareness
and raise funds
to fight canine
cancer through the
American Cancer
Society.
August
Connections will your feature stories about pets and pet families. We invite all of you to
submit your favorite “we love our pets!” photo.
BLAKELY HALL ART GALLERY
Blakely Hall features a new artist every month or so. Starting
in July the art of Jerry Kaufman will be featured. Jerry and his
wife Nancy live in Issaquah Highlands. He is an impressionistic
photographer and author of Renewal at The Place of Black
Tears - a photographic interpretation of Pearl Harbor. He
believes that everyone should always keep something beautiful
in their mind. Towards that end the theme of his work is
renewal - images that evoke a sense of healing and wellbeing
in the viewer - at prices accessible to all. His art is available
locally at the artEAST Gallery in Issaquah, Parklane Gallery in
Kirkland and Jamieson Furniture Gallery in Bellevue. Kaufman
is known for his unique must-see presentation styles. The
Limited Edition Photography selections for the Blakely Hall
exhibit are from his Hawaii, Organic, Snoqualmie and Urban
collections. All the images on display
in July and August are available for
purchase at special “friends and family”
prices. To learn more about Jerry and his
art go to www.ImagesofRenewal.com.
In April, Blakely Hall upgraded to full
gallery lighting so that the original art
shown there would be in the best “light”.
Blakely Hall is an auxiliary gallery for
the artEAST gallery on Front Street in
Old Town Issaquah. Gallery lighting
is the first phase of upgrades funded by
a grant from 4Culture awarded to and
managed by Highlands Council. More
upgrades are coming soon. Highlands
Council owns and operates Blakely Hall.
The first sale of art through the Blakely Hall ArtEAST co-curated
exhibits! Happy buyers Sandy Kempe and Linda Pfeiffer stand beside
artist, Dorothy Bonneau.
Jerry Kaufman’s “Winter Reflection”
“Building community
at Issaquah Highlands”
is Highlands Council’s
mission.
Funding
Owned by Highlands Council, the
hall is used for community meetings and rented by private parties
for special occasions.
July 2013
Mission
Blakely Hall
Issaquah Highlands Connections
•
Highlands Council is funded by
Community Enhancement Fees paid
on the sale of each home and by retail /
commercial property owners.
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July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
EBC and WSB Provide 2 Million Diapers!
by Renee Zimmerman, Ashland Park, Executive Director ESBC
Every day in our neighborhood families struggle with providing basic necessities for their
children. Yes, right here in the Highlands, families have to choose between buying shoes,
formula or a car seat and paying bills.
overcome barriers, support our partners and
keep thousands of children dry, fed and
safe.
One of the biggest needs is for diapers: struggling parents with children in daycare cannot
go to work or school when diapers average approximately $100 per month per diapered
child and a daily
supply of diapers
is often required to
drop children off at
daycare. Diapers
are not covered by
any government aid
program, including
food stamps and
Women, Infant and
Children (WIC)
programs.
Side by Side Northwest will address the
severe diaper necessities in our community
by distributing 2 million diapers supplied
by Huggies to children in need in King
County over the next two years as one
of only six recent Regional Diaper Bank
Affiliate designations made across the
country by the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN).
Issaquah’s own
Eastside Baby Corner
has teamed up with
WestSide Baby in
Issaquah Highlands Troop 42735 Cadettes volunteering for EBC. Seattle, developing an
From left to right: Alex Morrey, Hannah Sweeney, and Megana exciting new program
Shivakumar. Members and residents not pictured: Kelly Hodder, Malia to help families
Murphy, Emma Jordan, and Ava Bishop.
The two year pilot program was created to increase support for all children in need living in
King County and to increase impact for both organizations to help more children and families
in the greater Seattle area.
Poverty is a serious and growing problem in King County. We have families that wrap their
babies in newspapers or wash cloths as diaper substitutes in order to use their scarce monetary
resources to pay for other basic needs. The Side by Side program focuses on filling this gap,
not only getting the diapers to these disadvantaged children, but also the very basic necessities
so the parents can focus on getting back on other feet.
Many thanks go out to our wonderful volunteers, including those in Issaquah Highlands,
to support meeting EBC’s mission. For more information about volunteering or upcoming
events, go to www.babycorner.org. (EBC will be at Highlands Day on June 29!)
Bears!
Do not approach the
bear: Particularly if cubs
are present. Give the bear
plenty of room.
Sightings:
June 13th: Logan Park area
June 14th: Behind Zeek’s
June 14th: Dahlia Park
June 16th: West Highlands Park
June 17th: By the Community Garden
June 18th: Backyard on Logan Street
It’s probably just one bear, but isn’t that one too many??
Recent bear sightings in Issaquah Highlands are a wake-up
call to all that we live in Bear Country and must follow best
practices designed to keep us, our kids and our pets safe.
Issaquah Highlands has excellent guidance and regulations
intended to prevent attracting bears into our neighborhoods.
See “Bear Smart Best Practices” on www.IHWebsite.com
. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
has more in depth information. Here is a compilation of
highlights from both those resouces:
Issaquah Highlands Trash Cans
Trash cans should be kept indoors other than from 6 am
to 7 pm on the day of trash pickup. Only with permission
from the ARC may residents leave the blue recycling and
green recycling containers outside, and then they must be in
accordance with guidelines outlined by ARC. Keep all food
containing recyclables and kitchen scraps indoors and put out
only on trash pickup day.
(Those with “wildlife resistant cans” may put these cans out
at anytime, ARC compliance required.)
If you come in close contact with a bear:
Stay calm: Avoid direct eye contact, which could elicit a
charge. Try to stay upwind and identify yourself as a human
by standing up, talking and waving your hands above your
head.
If a bear walks towards
you: Identify yourself as
human by standing up,
waving or clapping your
hands, or by yelling.
Don’t throw anything:
Don’t throw anything at a
bear and avoid eye contact as they deem these actions
as threats.
If the bear attacks: FIGHT BACK AGRESSIVELY!
As a last resort, should the attack continue, protect
yourself by curling into a ball or lying on the ground
on your stomach and playing dead.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife responds to
cougar and bear sightings when there is a threat to
public safety or property. If it is an emergency, dial
911.
If you encounter a cougar or black bear problem, and it is
not an emergency, contact the nearest
regional Department of Fish and
Wildlife office between the hours of
8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday.
In King County, the number to call is
(425)775-1311. Great information is
available at
http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/bear.pdf
trash
CC&R:
Trash cans
are to be stored
indoors.
Outdoors
only on trash
pick-up day.
Do's and Don'ts in Issaquah Highlands,
AKA, “Bear Country”
Birdfeeders: These can be put up during the period when
bears are denning: from November 15 to March 15.
Fruit trees, berry bushes: Remove all fruit trees from
heavy-use human areas, particularly near entry ways and
children's play areas. In yards, remove ripe fruit from the
tree and fallen fruit from the ground immediately.
Gardens: Harvest vegetables as they ripen.
Pets: Feed pets indoors and store pet food indoors. Food
outdoors attracts bears. Train dogs to deter bears, but not
aggravate them.
Dirty BBQ's: Burn BBQ clean and clean the drip pan
after each use and store securely inside. If you cannot store
inside, put a cover on BBQ.
If you need to report a non-emergency problem when
Department of Fish and Wildlife offices are closed, contact
the Washington State Patrol or nearest law enforcement
agency.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
7
Job and Networking Fair 2013
by Laura Austin, YWCA Family Village
June 6, 2013 was the Job and Networking
Fair at the YWCA Family Village in
Issaquah. With several local venders in
attendance, the atmosphere was one of
exciting possibilities and future expectations.
Job seekers from throughout the Issaquah
area were welcome to attend.
Held in the YWCA’s Village Commons
from 10:00am – 3:00pm, job seekers from
teens to older adults met face-to-face with representatives from
businesses already established and soon to open in the Issaquah
Highlands area. Participating businesses were Regal Cinemas,
Mod Pizza, Big Fish Grill, Safeway, Chinoise Sushi Bar and
Asian Grill, Mrs. Fields and TCBY Frozen Yogurt, Bellevue
College, Wells Fargo, Swedish Hospital and Bright Horizons
Child Care Center.
A steady stream of interested job seekers took advantage of
the one-on-one attention many received from local employers.
The YWCA
Employment
Services staff provided assistance to those
ready to take pen to paper to complete
paper applications; they guided numerous
individuals through on-line job application
processes, and helped make valuable
introductions between job seekers and
potential employers.
The reoccurring theme noted from
representatives of the businesses onsite
is they recognize the Issaquah Highlands
values their sense of community spirit and
home town atmosphere and they are committed to keeping this alive in the business they
bring to the Highlands community.
To say the day was successful is an understatement for one young mother of two who recently
moved to the Issaquah Highlands. Her enthusiasm and apparent desire to find a good job
close to her new home paid off in the personal touch of today’s event. After impressing the
staff of Mod Pizza with her outgoing and get it done attitude, she was offered the opportunity
to join the Mod Pizza team immediately upon completion of construction.
“I was concerned that maybe I was too loud and that I might turn prospective employers off
with my laugh and personality! But because they had the time to talk with me they discovered
that I am a perfect fit for their restaurant and want me to work for them!” Parris exclaims with
excitement.
Mod Pizza’s staff shared with
me that Parris’s personality
is a plus in their
business as their
measure of success
in the pizza world
is not in how many
stores they can open
and how quickly,
but in the quality of
dining experience
they want to offer
their patrons
whenever they
come into their restaurant. At
Mod your pizza is freshly made
right in front of you with only
the finest ingredients. It’s not
only a meal. It’s an experience!
“Outgoing people are welcome
on both sides of our counter,”
the three representatives of the
business agreed.
The YWCA serves people of
all ages, races, and genders.
Assisting individuals toward
becoming more employable
and moving closer to their
life sustaining goals is what
the YWCA does to help make
communities stronger.
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July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK
1HWÀL[6XSHU+'6WUHDPLQJQRZ$YDLODEOHRQ+)1
by ISOMEDIA, HFN Service Provider
HFN’s Internet provider and network operator,
ISOMEDIA, has partnered with Netflix to provide
Highland’s residents access to yet another best-inWashington service: Super HD video streaming!
HFN’s Quantum Internet service allows better
than HD video playback through the Netflix Open
Connect network, a network subscribed to by only
a few Internet or TV providers in the US. HFN
is proud to be one of the elite in the forefront of
technology, as well as the only Netflix Super HD
provider in the Highlands area!
HFN subscribers who use Netflix can now have
incredibly clear, smooth, 1080p picture quality and 3D video streaming options across the
Netflix catalog of video titles. Super HD is the highest quality video format offered by
Netflix. Compatible equipment is required to facilitate the streaming.
With HFN Internet service, an active Netflix streaming account and a compatible device,
you can have the excellent picture quality that the best viewing screens are capable of. A
complete list of supported devices is available at http://hfnet.us/netflix. The list includes Sony
PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii U, TiVo Premier DVR and many Blu-Ray Players, Smart TVs,
Home Theaters and Streaming Players with existing Netflix 1080p support. You can find
Super HD titles by looking for the Super HD logo on the movie description page when viewed
on your device.
The Highlands Fiber Network managers are continually looking for new opportunities
to enhance your Internet service. This fantastic entertainment option is only available to
you through HFN. Providers that have limited bandwidth to offer their customers or that
have not connected to the Netflix Open Connect network, such as Comcast/Xfinity, Wave,
CenturyLink, and other Internet providers in your area, cannot offer the superior viewing
quality of Netflix Super HD. The fastest speeds available with no bandwidth caps or speed
throttling make it possible for HFN to offer the Netflix Super HD only to Highlands residents.
Take advantage of this exciting entertainment opportunity offered by HFN and Netflix today
at no additional cost! Issaquah Highlands residents continue to have the fastest Internet
speeds available anywhere - with a service that is unparalleled for its speed, reliability, price
and now, the best entertainment streaming over the Internet!
MOVIE REVIEW: PAUL SLATER INTRODUCTION
Along With a New Theater, Movie Reviews Come to Connections!
by Paul Slater, Crofton Springs
The cinema has always been a magical place for me. I grew up just outside of Oxford in
England and I remember distinctly the first film I saw as a six year old – Pete’s Dragon. It’s
not exactly a classic, and even then the effects were not that special (If you haven’t seen it,
think Bedknobs and Broomsticks with a lower budget). But while the film may have left
me slightly cold, the experience most certainly did not. The screen was so big! The curtain
was thick and rich and velvety! The intermission brought usherettes with short skirts and ice
cream! And the projector! I would look up into the back of the theatre, and see a wonderful
bright bold light pierce through the darkness, with smoke from a hundred cigarettes seemingly
toying with the beam.
Movie theatres have changed a lot since then. Many of my favorite theatres have sadly
closed, but despite the advent of home entertainment systems, of flat screen televisions, and
even with 3D TV entering the living room, a new generation of movie theaters serves as a
destination of choice for children, young adults, couples and retirees. A new cinematic release
still represents an event, and entering a darkened auditorium to share an experience with
strangers continues to be something many of us love to do.
Fortunately, with the opening of the new Regal Entertainment Group movie theater here in
the highlands this summer, seeing a great (or bad) movie the way it is meant to be seen will
be easier than ever. Our movie theatre will have 12 screens, including an IMAX auditorium
and another premium auditorium that Regal refer to as RPX. As with most new theatres these
days, both projection and sound will be 100% digital. The seating is of particular note – we
should expect ultra-wide rocker style leather seating. You might need the ultra-wide seating if
you eat there too much – as well as the traditional popcorn, hot dogs and candy, expect pizza,
cheeseburgers, fries, onion rings and wings.
Given the demographics of the Issaquah Highlands, the Regal will need to cater for children,
and it’s doing so with two party rooms for birthday celebrations, as well as a video game
room in the lobby. Hopefully we will be able to drag our children away from the games to see
an actual movie.
At the time of writing the movie theatre was yet to open,
so the above description comes courtesy of the incoming
general manager, Daniel Alleman. Daniel has been
with Regal since 2002, and in that time has managed
10 different theaters. He comes to the highlands after
managing the Meridian 16 in downtown Seattle. I could
tell you lots about Daniel (even the name of his dog) but
probably the most important fact for any movie lover
to know is his favorite movie. It’s a tricky one this – as
he says “every genre brings a different experience”, but
his final pick is “The Shawshank Redemption”. Over
970,000 people on imdb.com would agree with him, so
it’s not a recommendation to be sniffed at.
I chatted with Daniel about trends he is seeing in the
movie industry; while 3D continues to be popular (and in his experience still on the rise).
Daniel believes that the public will increasingly look to see films in the premium auditoriums.
He tells me that “Seeing a movie in our IMAX or RPX auditoriums amplifies everything and
really pulls you in. It makes for a truly amazing experience!”
I’m not sure anything will match my experience back in 1977, when I was almost too small to
see over the people in front of me, and nearly fell through the back of the seat. But it will be
magical for a new generation of movie-goers who have a lifetime ahead of seeing good films,
bad films, and occasionally, just occasionally, truly great films. I’ll be reviewing many of
those films in the coming months, and I look forward to joining you as we gaze in wonder at
our very own big screen soon.
Regal Issaquah Highlands Stadium 12 IMAX & RPX Grand Opening is July 2nd, 7pm.
Details on page 14.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
9
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: LINDA LIAW
Linda Liaw Volunteer of the Month – July 2013
Back in 2005, my husband, Lee, and I started talking about downsizing. We had lived on
Cougar Mountain in a development called Veumont Meadows in a large 4 bedroom house
since 1990 and raised two wonderful boys. We wanted to stay in the Issaquah area and heard
about a new community called Issaquah Highlands. We were intrigued by the philosophy
of walking to shops, parks, and trails, basically “leave your car at home.” We set out one
weekend and immediately fell in love with the area. It did not take long to find a house that
was just our size in the Phase I community of “The Cottages.”
I wanted to get involved with our neighborhood homeowners association because I felt a
real attachment to the community. I attended an association meeting, volunteered that night,
and became a board member as recording secretary. My term lasted four years serving two
years as president. It was a real learning experience and it allowed me to meet many of my
neighbors.
After retiring from the Cottages board, I became involved with the Finance Committee for
IHCA. I was only on that committee for a year as other commitments prevented me from
giving my full attention. Not long after that I was asked to be a member of the Finance
Committee for the IHCA transition. It was a very exciting time for IHCA and I felt extremely
honored to be a part of the transition.
Last year I was asked to again to become a member of the IHCA Finance Committee and
gladly accepted. I wanted to be a part of such a great community and have the opportunity
to do it. Just recently, I served on
the Finance team for the Highlands
Council transition.
As I look back, I realize that by
serving on the Cottages Board and
several finance committees, I have
met a number of really great people
who share a common theme – we
are Issaquah Highlands and we take
great pride in making this a family
friendly area and well-planned
community.
I am so honored to be chosen as
volunteer of the month although I
don’t think of myself as volunteer
of the month material. I would
encourage everyone to take some
time to volunteer. I never thought eight years ago, volunteering as a board member, would
provide me with great friends and a community that I love.
CLUB PROFILE: RUSSIAN HIGHLANDERS
By founder Yana Alentyeva, Vista Park
We established
the Russian
Highlanders Club
in May 2013 for
the purpose to meet
with people in the
Russian-speaking
community in
Issaquah Highlands.
The Facebook page
was created about
a year ago and now
we have almost 60
families joined the
group!
We meet once
a month, usually on the second Sundays at 4pm and often at Blakely Hall. We spend time
getting acquainted with one another and discussing topics of interest, such as kids play dates,
movies night out, cooking and entertaining topics, etc. We enjoy socializing with other
Russian-speakers in our community for friendship and to share our similar goals and interest
in a casual atmosphere.
Russian Highlanders Club shares interesting events and places to go with friends and family,
to meet and celebrate special events and holidays and extend our social life. The group is very
liberal; everyone can participate in activities which are interesting to them, organize their own
or just read how other people are having fun.
Everyone living in Issaquah Highlands, or looking to live in the highlands, who appreciate
the Russian language and culture are welcome! Bring all your family, husband/wife, kids and
parents for a fun, laid-back atmosphere and make new friends. The group is as entertaining,
educational and eventful as we make it, so if you have any ideas or events in mind let’s do it!
Visit our Facebook page for more details: http://www.facebook.com/groups/rusisshigh/
Russian Blini
These filled Russian
are traditionally
served during
Russia’s Pancake
Week (Maslenitsa)
celebration before
Easter Lent begins,
but they are good
any time!
Traditionally they’re
filled with caviar or
smoked salmon and
sour cream; or for
sweet filling serve it
with jam, fruits or berries and honey.
Original recipe makes about 20 blini:
2 eggs
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/3 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk (I prefer mix of milk and buttermilk)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (to lightly oil the pan)
1 tablespoon butter
Directions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt. Sift the flour into the bowl, and
stir in along with the milk or mixture of milk and buttermilk. Mix until smooth and well
blended. The batter should be thin.
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Lightly
oil the pan or spray with cooking spray. Pour about 2
tablespoons of the batter, or as much as desired, into
the pan. Tilt the pan to spread the batter out evenly.
When the edges are crisp looking and the center
appears dry, slide a spatula carefully under the blin.
Flip, and cook for about 1 minute on the other side,
or until lightly browned.
Remove blini to a plate. Put a little butter on top, and
continue to stack the blini on top of each other. To
serve, spread with desired filling, then fold in half,
and in half again to form a triangle. Mmm Mmm!
Really royal breakfast!
10
•
July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
ASK KARI
Dear Kari,
My son’s friend, who is seven, comes over almost everyday to play at our home. My son
enjoys his company and they get along great, but his parents never come looking for him at
dinnertime or call to tell him to come home. He has eaten at our home more nights than I can
count. What should I do to get his parents to come pick him up?
- Free Childcare
out on being part of your sister’s life, all parts of her life. Invite her and her partner over. You
might just find that you all have much in common as couples in committed relationships. The
bonus is that your children see you accepting and loving someone who is not exactly like you,
making all your lives richer.
-K
Dear Free Childcare,
It sounds like you like your son’s young friend; you just don’t like the behavior of his parents.
Taking into account that your son and he play very nicely together and have a good play
relationship, I would either call or speak to his parents in person and confirm a pick up time
prior to him coming over. Or if the child stops by on his own, call his parents at the beginning
of the play date and confirm when they will be coming over to pick him up that day, gently
reminding them that you like their son but have a full schedule in your home
that you need to keep.
-K
Dear Kari,
I was at a neighborhood cocktail party and my friend’s husband put his arms around me,
grabbed my backside and tried to kiss me. I moved his hands off me and pushed him away,
and then I left the room. I realized as I walked away that his wife saw the whole thing. Our
kids play together, and now I feel uncomfortable around them. I don’t know if I should say
anything to help move things forward or let it go. What do you think I should do?
- Too Close For Comfort
Dear Kari,
My sister is gay and has a partner that she lives with. I love her, she’s my sister, but I don’t
condone her lifestyle and I do not want to include her partner in events with my family.
There is nothing wrong with her partner; I just don’t want my children to see that
type of lifestyle. Now my sister won’t talk to me until I start inviting both she
and her partner to activities with my family. She is the only sibling I have;
my wife thinks I should give in to my sister’s demands for the sake of family
harmony. What do you think?
- Pressured By Family
Dear Pressured By Family,
I understand you have strong feelings about your sister’s relationship
with a female partner. But love is love. The love you have for your sister
is pure human love, as is the love that your sister has for her partner. It is
hard enough to find someone who connects with us, loves us, and carries
our heart carefully. Sexual orientation of that person is only part of what
draws us to someone. Being gay is simply who one is, just like being right
or left-handed. Our societal norms embed heterosexuality into us from
birth. To go against that path is typically only done after coming to the
conclusion that one does not fit into those societal norms. Don’t miss
Dear Too Close For Comfort,
I recommend that you let it go. Consider it a mistake that your friend’s husband made due to
him either drinking too much alcohol that day or his misguided ideas about your interest in
him. Either way, since you are neighbors and will see each other on a regular basis, one poor
choice of action should be ignored. But, if it happens again, I would confront him about his
actions and state that his inappropriate behavior will not being tolerated by you.
-K
Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker
and the owner of Issaquah Highlands Counseling Group and a resident of
Issaquah Highlands.
All email user personal information will remain confidential and not be
published. Kari is open to all topics: relationships, family dynamics,
parenting, love, grief and loss, chronic health issues, career issues, life
transitions, and community referrals.
This column is for entertainment purposes only. If you are in
crisis and in need of support please contact the Crisis Clinic
at 866-427-4747.We look forward to hearing from you.
Please email Kari questions at [email protected].
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Down the Road in Chicago
by Molly and Marty Fisher, Ashland Park
That old razzle dazzle is alive and
well on Front Street.
True to the tantalizing lyrics
from Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse,
the Village Theatre’s ambitious
production of “Chicago” delivers
a double dose of razzle dazzle
and hocus pocus, packed along
with everything else that makes
musical theatre great: a back story
that’s ripped from the headlines, a
swinging soundtrack that features
one show-stopping song after
another, the best dancing you’ll ever see in a musical, and a string of one-liners that keeps the night
zipping along.
And while the show is based on justice that wasn’t delivered, Village Theatre Director Steve
Tomkins and his very talented cast of actors, singers, dancers, and musicians do bring justice to
the Chicago franchise that’s earned six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards®, a Grammy, and
tens of thousands of standing ovations over the years.
Fosse, who also choreographed and directed the original Broadway production, has to be
smiling down on Issaquah.
Think of it as TV’s Law and Order coming to life in song and dance. Set in Prohibition-era
Chicago, the musical is based on a 1926 play of the same name by crime reporter Maurine
Dallas Watkins. Nightclub star Velma Kelly is serving time for killing her husband and sister for
finding the two together in bed. Chorus girl Roxie Hart has been tossed in the clink for bumping
off her extramarital lover when she discovers that he wasn’t going to make her a star. The plot
takes Velma and Roxie on a one-up competition for reality-show style fame they hope will keep
them away from the hangman’s noose.
Prison matron Mama Morton and headline-hungry lawyer Billy Flynn, who conjures up visions
of the O.J. Simpson trial, turn the plot into a Murder-of-the-Week media frenzy. With celebrity
trials becoming everyday news for us, Chicago is as relevant as it is juicy. We just can’t seem to
get enough of reality shows – even when they are fiction.
Tomkins, Village Theatre’s artistic director for the past 19 years, directs a versatile, athletic cast
led by Desiree Davar as the alpha jailbird Velma Kelly and Taryn Darr as the upstart “merry
murderess” Roxie Hart. Both bring strong comic chops, great moves, and solid vocals as these
anti-heroines who wind up competing for attention on the front pages of newspapers in the
crime-fixated Chicago of the Roaring Twenties.
Davar leads the company in a rousing opening number with the signature song “All That Jazz”,
immediately kicking the action into high gear and ultimately delivering a terrific performance
that at times alternates between channeling Gwen Verdon (Fosse’s wife, who played the original
Velma on Broadway) and Madonna.
Darr is a terrific counterpoint to Davar’s Velma, taking notes on Velma’s jailhouse stardom and
stealing the spotlight – in both the plot and in this production – as a media sensation in her own right.
From doe-eyed innocence to plotting murderer, Darr makes good on Roxie’s quest to be a celebrity.
While women clearly provide the pop in this production, it’s Timothy McCuen Piggee who
pulls all the strings in the role of Billy Flynn. Piggee’s strong voice, deft timing, and fun,
onstage striptease endears him to the audience even as he lies and cheats in spectacularly sleezy
fashion. Love him or hate him, you still have to love him.
In the 1960’s, Verdon read the play and asked Fosse, her husband, about the possibility of
creating a musical adaptation. By that time, playwright Watkins had become a born-again
Christian and believed her play glamorized a scandalous way of living. Fosse approached her
a number of times to buy the rights, but she declined repeatedly. Finally, on her death in 1969,
Watkins’ estate sold the rights to producer Richard Fryer, Verdon, and Fosse. Ebb (lyrics) and
John Kander (music) immediately went to work modeling the musical score on traditional
vaudeville numbers or performers.
With a show that dives headfirst into a cell full of dirty deeds, Village Theatre delivers one heck
of a good time. The bottom line? See it before it’s too late – the Village Theatre’s version of
Chicago is a lot more bulletproof than the hapless husbands who get dusted by the show’s guntoting, vengeful vixens.
The lyrics to the song “All That Jazz” that opens the show say it all:
Come on, babe
Why don’t we paint the town?
And all that jazz
Chicago plays at Village Theatre, located at 303 Front Street N, through Saturday, June 29 and
at their Everett stage July 5 - 28, 2013.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
11
WIT & TIDBITS
Lights, Camera, Action!
by Tami Curtis, Two-Slides Neighborhood, or Summit Park
The Curtis household is eagerly anticipating the day when we can say, “Lights, Camera,
Action!” on the new Regal Cinema due to open July 29th. Every day we see construction
progress as we head down Park Drive. I find myself exceedingly forgiving and flexible of the
lane and sidewalk closures surrounding the site. “Hey, I don’t mind that you are blocking two
lanes of traffic. Take your sweet time backing in that forklift. I’m a patron of the ARTS, yo!”
I’m not sure I’m as philanthropic around the gas station construction.
The day the neon marquis was mounted, Highlanders cheered
on our community Facebook pages. “They’re getting serious
now!” we exclaimed. Every time I pull up the Fandango movie
search it displays “Regal Issaquah Highlands Stadium 12
IMAX & RPX” as the closest theater to me. I have access to
all those high-tech letters only 1.1 miles away! I don’t quite
know what RPX means but it’s got to be one louder than
IMAX, right?
When our Highlands E-Letter circulated the “Now Hiring”
invitation to the Regal Cinema job fair I nearly threw my
boys in as candidates. So what if they’re only 11 and 13
years old! Their grandfather was supplying ice boxes with
giant blocks of ice at that age...and I’m sure riding his horse
as transportation...while simultaneously plowing a field and
milking a cow. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but I was really
excited for the employment opportunities available for my kids
just a mile away...when they are legally permitted to work.
We got into quite the family discussion about the breadth of services offered at the new
theater. Each family member is pining for something different from the behemoth multiplex.
Jack wants to view his Action/Adventure movies on the sprawling IMAX floor-to-ceiling
screens. Ryan wants the film venue to offer a full taco bar with all the toppings -- cheese,
tomato, lettuce, salsa. Olé! Glenn wants a taste of the luxury theaters that have popped up
recently where patrons are served cocktails and restaurant food while they recline in plush
lounge chairs. There is a rumor that the old Regal Cinema in Pickering will be remodeled into
this type of opulent bijou theater...oh, I meant theatre. I am in it for the convenience factor;
secretly relieved that I and my 400 other mom-friends don’t have to go far to see the midnight
debut of the next Twilight series. I guess I just let the cat out of the bag that opening night of
the famous teenager vampire/werewolf movies drew dominant throngs of 40-something-yearold women. The Pickering location will surely miss our competitively shrill ovations of Jacob
and Edward. With twelve theaters and several party rooms at our disposal at the new location,
all of the Curtises will be pleased with the motion picture mammoth rising across the street
from Caffe Ladro.
I also suspect that while movie attendance is dropping nationally,
our local movie-goer numbers will spike. It’s new, it’s close to
our ever-growing community, and very few people can resist
the enchanting fragrance called eau de movie theater popcorn.
Even though ticket prices will never be affordable, and most of
us have alternative access to movies at home or on our mobile
devices, there is something to be said for seeing an opening week
film under full sensory stimulation conditions, unequaled in
availability and technology at most homes. That cinderblock giant
on Park Drive will roar with out-of-this-world audio quality, make
our eyeballs stretch in amazement, rumble our seats, and offer
us intoxicating smells and tastes. Hopefully in a few years I can
justify going to the movies more frequently if I know my children
are gainfully employed there. Not that it works out as money in
my pocket, but I’ll do some backflips of rationalization to ease my
guilt. And I’ll see YOU at the movies!
Tami, husband and two boys
live in the “Two Slides” neighborhood, otherwise known
as Summit Park. She founded the Firehouse Fiddlers, a
musical club here in the Highlands. Tami is a seasoned
journalist most recently serving as a Sammamish-Issaquah
correspondent for KOMO News Communities. Tami
volunteered as the Communications Director for the
Pacific Cascade Middle School PTSA and earned their
2012 PCMS Golden Acorn Award. Find more of her
musings by searching “Tami Curtis Wordpress”.
12
•
July 2013
LIVING GREEN
Practice
Zero Waste Away from Home
by Martin Su, CleanScapes
Summer is here and it’s time head outdoors and enjoy those long awaited picnics, camping
trips, gatherings and travel. Every occasion produces an opportunity for us to practice Zero
Waste. Before we head out this summer, let’s consider how we can plan ahead and reduce
waste so we don’t contribute to the national garbage challenge. We as individuals can make
some simplem thoughtful changes in the way we enjoy the outdoors this summer and make
zero waste a reality for the better health of our community and the planet.
In the Northwest we enjoy hiking and camping; its’ a great way to spend time with friends
and family and teach kids to respect nature. Camping provides a change of pace, an
opportunity to experience life with less. If done right, we can achieve zero waste with these
few easy tips.
• Buy items like trail mix, oatmeal, nuts and beef jerky in bulk and store them in
cloth bags.
• Pack it in, pack it out. Put left over food scraps and food soiled paper in a
biodegradable bag and take it to the nearest compost bin instead of putting it in the
trash where it can attract animals.
• For cleaning, all you need is a bar of Castile soap to clean dishes, body, hair, a
rag to wipe, and a towel to dry dishes. According to Bea Johnson, author of Zero
Waste Home, “You can wash greasy/oily dishes with ashes (the combination of ash
and oil creates a primitive soap) and scrub using sand or dirt.”)
• If you find yourself with a broken tent pole, don’t throw away your tent. Poles
can be repaired via TentPole Technologies (visit TentPole Technologies.com for
shipping instructions).
• Keep those pesky mosquitos away by spraying vinegar or rubbing lavender flowers
onto your skin.
• Make your own fire starter by putting dryer lint or sawdust into the cups of an
empty egg carton and topping them with melted beeswax or left over candles.
“The U.S. airline industry discards
enough aluminum cans each year
WREXLOG¿IW\HLJKW%RHLQJ
airplanes…and enough newspapers
DQGPDJD]LQHVWR¿OODIRRWEDOO¿HOG
to a depth of more than 230 feet.”
With the excitement of a vacation ventures, conservation is often put aside especially once
we enter the airport. We accept disposability as a fact of traveling. Think about how many
disposable water bottles we consume between the front door of the airport and arriving at our
destination. Then there are all the plastic cups, napkins and food packaging waste created
during the flight. According to a report by the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC),
“The U.S. airline industry discards enough aluminum cans each year to build fifty-eight
Boeing 747 airplanes…and enough newspapers and magazines to fill a football field to a
depth of more than 230 feet.” Here is what to pack for a zero waste flight:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A reusable stainless-steel insulated canteen (great for hot and cold drinks)
Your phone’s earphones
A wrap or jacket to use a blanket or a pillow
Dry snack in a cloth bag
Reading material
Your picnic bamboo flatware wrapped in a cloth napkin
A meal in a stainless steel container (or a sandwich in a cloth napkin)
The many outdoor events happening in Issaquah can be enjoyed in zero waste fashion.
The “Concerts on the Green” are local events that start in July every Tuesday evening at
the Issaquah Community Center. The Community Center will also be host to a number of
outdoor films, shows, and other events for the community to enjoy. Here are some tips to
pack a zero waste picnic:
• Bring re-usable containers, plates, flatware, cups and napkins. If you need to
pack one time single- use products, choose compostable plates, bowls, straws and
flatware.
• Remember that food-soiled paper plates and napkins can go in your compost bin.
Most plastic flatware and straws are garbage unless you purchase compostable
products.
If you use straws regularly, consider purchasing stainless steel straws that last indefinitely.
If you plan ahead and have re-usable items available to grab and go, it’s easy to reduce waste.
This summer, let’s all make an effort to create zero waste and preserve the beauty around us.
Note: some ideas listed above are from the book “Zero Waste Home” by Bea Johnson.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
13
SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER!
IH Musicians Rake in Awards
by Tami Curtis, Summit Park
June started off with a musical bang as
Pacific Cascade Middle School drove
three buses of performers to the annual
“Music in the Parks” festival competition
at Silverwood, ID. The Issaquah Highlands
was heavily represented within the elite
Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band and
Orchestra divisions, and they didn’t
leave the contest empty-handed. Led by
instructors Joellen Santos, Terry Shade and
Jeff Miller, our middle school musicians
struck a chord with the judges and took
home trophies in all categories.
Concert Band – 2nd Place in Middle School Division
String Orchestra – 2nd Place in Middle School Division
Choir – 1st Place in Middle School Division
Jazz Band – 1st Place in Middle School Division
Best Overall – Choir in Middle School or Jr. High Division (with a perfect score!)
Best Overall – Jazz Band in Middle School or Jr. High Division
Outstanding Individual Choir Accompanist awards were presented to locals Astor Tellman
and Rachel Panah.
The PCMS participants were presented with the most auspicious award of all: the Espirit
de Corps Award. By definition, this award is presented to students from a school who
demonstrate proper social behavior as well as musical behavior on stage and encouragement
to others, from the moment they enter the competition venue to departing. They possess the
qualities of highly successful people who are sensitive to the feelings of others and applaud
accomplishments no matter if by one’s own school or another school.
Prepare to meet every challenge:
taking kids on plane trips
by Lindsey Pinkston, Wisteria Park
Summer’s here! If you’re planning
air travel with kids, here are a few
of my favorite travel tips, compiled
from my village of parenting
friends:
• Comfort items are worth
every bit of space they take
in your carry-on. A favorite
stuffed animal and/or blanket
can help sooth an agitated
child (or even better, help
them get to sleep so you can
rest on the flight!)
• For layovers, give each child
$5 or so to spend at the gift shop. They can buy snacks, magazines, small toys or
whatever they choose to take on your next flight. The shopping trip is entertaining,
wastes time, and gives children some control during a day when otherwise they don’t
get a lot of choices.
• Avoid frustration by simply planning to spend lots of time entertaining your kids
during the flight. You may not get to that book you saved just for vacation. If you do
get to read, it’ll be a bonus!
• Travel games are great if your kids are old enough. Trouble, Blokus and Yahtzee
are some favorites. Melissa & Doug also makes a line of light, easy to pack travel
games.
• Books that are new to your kids are great – if your kids are old enough, grab a couple
chapter books and plan to read. For younger kids, grab some skinny paperback
picture books from the library to read together. “Richard Scarry’s A Day at the
Airport” is our favorite – there are so many themed pictures for the kids to look at
(and less reading for you!)
• Pack a complete extra outfits for everyone. Accidents and spills happen, and kids
will be far more comfortable in dry clothes. In addition to an extra outfit, I always
throw pajamas for the kids in our carry-on… you never know when you might need
them!
• Bring a small first aid kit in your carry-on with band aids, Neosporin, and whatever
else comforts your kids when they get hurt. You don’t want to have to buy a band aid
in the gift shop for that paper cut!
Do you have a favorite travel tip to share? Please share it with us on one of the Issaquah
Highlands Facebook pages. Happy contrails!
www.facebook.com/Highland.Council | /IssaquahHighlands | /IssaquahHighlandsMoms
It is music to my ears that over a third of these top-notch participants reside in the Issaquah
Highlands! Here are your triumphant neighbors:
BAND: Ally Altimore, Jeremy Baxter, Henry Fernstrom, Alex Fullerton, Eric Furukawa,
Abby Heyrich, Karen Juhn, Kaavya Kumar, Julie Kwon, Amanda O’Brien, Ellis Saper,
Jake Shin
ORCHESTRA: Razan Ali, Tony An, Nerea Arrazola, Jonnie Barnett, Annabel Bradley,
Margaret Brown, Jaylen Carr, Ben Davis, Ariel Hablewitz, Freyana Kapadia, Maria
Kieswetter, Jason Koo, Caleb Lee, Deon Lillo, Ameya Mellacheruvu, Jedai Morrison,
Madison Perkins, Cameron Ray, Pranav Sarda, Nova Shtrikman, Dil Thiagarajan, Cameron
Wu, Melanie Yu
CHOIR: Gwyneth Allen, Leisel Allen, Taylor Crow, Carolyn Dean, Sam Foster, Jacob
Jorgensen, Madelyn Kurpgeweit, Rachel LeMire, Caroline O’Neill, Rachel Panah, Astor
Tellman, Mikhaila Villani
Oh - I wish I could sing to my children!
by Grania Buckley, Director of Tiger Mountain Music Together, held at Blakely Hall
Have you ever found
yourself wishing that you
were able to sing to your
children? Have you ever
wanted to get them started
on a lifetime of enjoyment of
singing and playing music?
In an era where time
together is so precious and
our children have so many
options for entertainment,
you may think this an
impossible goal.
Free Concerts for the Kiddos
Downtown Issaquah – Concerts on the Green
http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=247
Kirkland Summer Concerts
http://www.kirklandsummerconcerts.org
Sammamish Concerts in the Park
http://sammamish.us/events/ConcertsInThePark.aspx
Seattle Symphony Orchestra
http://www.seattlesymphony.org
In a world of childcare, TV, electronic games of all kinds and other distractions – where can you start?
This may surprise you – but all children are musical! Have you ever wondered how a child
learns to sing? Have you ever marveled when your toddler sings the catchy phrase from a song
they heard on TV or at the gym?
In the USA nearly half of the children entering Kindergarten do not know the difference
between singing and speaking. But kids are spending less time listening to music and even less
time actively participating in musical activities.
Extensive research has shown that ‘music learning supports all learning’, and there is a proven
link between music and language development in particular.
The summer break is a great time to immerse your children in music and to start creating a more
musical environment – at home, in the car and even at the park!
You might think that your child needs to listen to “kids’ music” but this is not true. The most
important thing is to expose your children to a wide range of musical styles. Just like exposure
to a wide range of foods. Some are too bland, some are too spicy – but the majority is tasty
and nutritious. If you encourage your children to listen to lots of different styles of music, their
musical tastes will develop and grow and you will even find trips in the car much more fun!
Children love live music too – the Issaquah Highlands is just a few minutes away from hundreds
of free concerts and other musical events during the summer months.
Start by playing some of the music you like and see what they think. Put on a CD and give them
some “instruments” to play along with. Try some wooden spoons – or a drum made from a box.
Play lots of different types of music and see if they have a favorite style. Use Pandora and create
different radio stations for them. Ask the other grown-ups in your children’s lives to share their
favorite music with your kiddos. It is always fascinating to see what styles of music they react
strongly to.
You can sign to your children! Don’t be put off because you think you can’t sing. It really
doesn’t matter! The important part is that you are introducing your child to music – and opening
their eyes and ears to a new world.
14
•
July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
GRAND RIDGE PLAZA UPDATE
Construction underway at all Grand Ridge Plaza buildings
by Port Blakely Communities, Issaquah Highlands Master Developer
Summer is here and the anticipation for the opening of new merchants at Grand Ridge Plaza
continues to grow. This issue’s map details the merchants coming to Issaquah Highlands
this year, including several newcomers. As Connections went to press, only six retail
locations remained available for lease, including a handful of smaller, boutique-type spaces.
Construction is now underway at all planned buildings.
Regal Cinemas is expected to open in time for residents to enjoy summer blockbusters,
and several restaurants will follow with openings in September and October. Safeway is on
track for a September opening, with the fuel station opening at the same time. The majority
of merchants are expected to open in time for the busy holiday shopping season. Watch for
grand opening news to follow in upcoming issues of Connections.
Grand Opening Celebration
for Issaquah Highlands Regal Stadium 12!
Tuesday, July 2 at 7 p.m.
Free popcorn and soft drinks with each paid admission
July 2 through July 11!
PinkaBella Cupcakes, Bai Tong Thai Restaurant among new merchants
Sunday June 30
benefits the charity Newspapers in Education,
featuring book-related films
Monday, July 1
benefits ArtsFund of Seattle with a
superhero-inspired day at the movies.
The authentic flavors of Thai cuisine will soon be a feature of Grand Ridge Plaza’s restaurant
offerings when Seattle favorite Bai Tong Thai Restaurant opens at Issaquah Highlands.
Founded in 1989 by former Thai Airways flight attendant Chanpen Lapangkura, the original
Seatac location was a hot spot for airline crewmembers who craved a taste of home. Today,
Bai Tong Thai has locations in Redmond and Tukwila that feature an upscale, modern setting
and receive rave review for traditional dishes. Learn more about Bai Tong – which means
banana leaf – at baitongrestaurant.com.
Long-time Issaquah Highlands merchant Sorella Salon & Spa is expanding to a new location
at Grand Ridge Plaza. The salon will move into a larger, 4,398-square-foot space on Park
Drive later this year. Sorella was among the very first merchants in Issaquah Highlands when
the salon opened its doors in 2005. Founded by the Reasy family, Sorella also operates two
other Eastside locations in Redmond and Kirkland. Learn more at sorellasalon.com.
.
Aji Sushi & Grill now open on Park Drive
The most recent newcomer to Issaquah Highlands is Aji Sushi & Grill, which opened in
May. Located on Park Drive, Aji Sushi & Grill moved into the former ricenroll space. The
restaurant features both traditional Japanese dishes such as teriyaki and katsu, plus sushi. A
number of classic Korean dishes are also featured on the menu alongside their homemade
kimchee. See the full menu at ajisushiissaquah.com.
Did you know
that Port Blakely
Communities
installed the
Eastside’s first
green roof, 2,000
feet large, on the
building Sorella
occupies?
Green roofs retain
precipitation,
reduce run-off,
provide habitat
and many other
environmentally
positive impacts.
Lone Ranger
Saturday June 29
benefits the Issaquah Food Bank with
recent Hollywood hits along with selected
food-themed films
Cupcakes
June 29th - July 1st
$2 movies benefiting the community
Much-loved cupcake bakery PinkaBella Cupcakes is coming to Grand Ridge Plaza. Founded
in 2009 by Kirkland resident Margo Engberg, the popular bakery has four locations:
Redmond Town Center, Alderwood Mall, Bellevue Square and Southcenter. Engberg
develops each recipe personally. Fan favorites include Red Velvet, Pumpkin Spice and Salted
Caramel. In addition to cupcakes, PinkaBella offers specialty cakes for private events such as
weddings. The new Issaquah Highlands bakery will be located on Park Drive – close to Regal
Cinemas and next door to Chinoise Café. It will also feature a party room. Check out the
array of cupcakes at pinkabellacupcakes.com.
Green Roof
Visit regmovies.com and click on ‘Grand Openings’ to learn more
One of the Grand Opening
films to be shown at
Regal Issaquah Highlands.
Starring Johnny Depp and
Armie Hammer.
The first cupcakes can be
traced back to the 1700s.
Cupcakes were derived from
individually made pound
cakes called Queen Cakes.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
15
NEWS FROM PORT BLAKELY
Highlands Council Now Led by Community Stakeholders
by Port Blakely Communities, Issaquah Highlands Master Developer
For Port Blakely Communities, June marked a key milestone in the history of Issaquah
Highlands. Port Blakely completed the process of transferring leadership of the Highlands
Council Board of Trustees to community stakeholders. The transfer, which began several
months ago, involved significant collaboration with Highlands Council staff and Trustees, as
well as volunteers from community stakeholder groups.
As part of the successful transfer, Port Blakely has transitioned its seats on the Board of
Trustees to
community
Chris Hysom
stakeholders.
Today, the Board
Senior Director of Legal and Civic Affairs
of Trustees is
of Port Blakely Communities and Trustee
comprised solely
on the Highlands Council board 2006of representatives
2013, Chris is also a resident of Issaquah
from stakeholder
Highlands. Though Chris’ work as a key
groups: the
member of the team “transitions”
people and
him out his professional role in the
businesses that
community, he and his family
own residential
remain as stakeholders like
and commercial
other homeowners in
property in
Issaquah Highlands.
Issaquah
Highlands.
Five Residential Projects to
Break Ground in Summer/Fall
by Port Blakely Communities, Issaquah Highlands Master Developer
Construction at Issaquah Highlands’ final residential projects is ramping up. By the end of
the year, five major projects are expected to be underway, representing the final phase of
residential growth in the community. These new homes will come on the market at a time
when several neighborhoods near completion, including West Highland Park, Forest Ridge,
Sunset Walk, Discovery Heights and Roanoke Woods. Project managers estimate that the
majority of residential construction will be complete by 2015.
At the site of the new neighborhood by Steve Burnstead Construction, crews are currently
installing roads and utilities in preparation for construction to begin on 80 single-family
homes this fall. The neighborhood, which overlooks Discovery Heights, has long been a
vision for the company.
Ichijo USA is on-track to break ground on its High Street townhome project this summer.
Featuring 12 units, the townhomes could be complete by the New Year. Ichijo is also readying
to break ground on its custom-home neighborhood in late summer. Located south of Forest
Ridge, the neighborhood will feature 36 custom-built homes. Ichijo plans to begin installation
of roads and utilities in August.
Polygon Northwest, the developer of Forest Ridge, has also entered the planning phase for
two new home neighborhoods in Issaquah Highlands. Polygon’s newest project is known as
The Brownstones and is currently in the approval process. It will feature between 170 and
180 condominium townhomes built on 8.48-acres south of Grand Ridge Plaza and north of
Discovery Heights. The three- to four-bedroom townhomes will range in size from 1,467 to
2,244-square-feet and will feature attached garages. Close to 25 percent of the townhomes
could also feature a live/work space on the lower level. Polygon’s multi-year construction
timeline aims to complete the neighborhood within three years. Groundwork is expected to
begin in late summer or early fall.
Polygon started groundwork on its second new project earlier this year. Featuring 38
townhomes, the neighborhood is located across from the Habitat for Humanity neighborhood
and 25th Avenue NE on a 3.54-acre site. Installation of utilities is already underway with
construction expected to begin later this year.
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Issaquah Highlands
H[SDQVLRQ
Earlier this year, Swedish/
Providence signed a purchase
and sale agreement with Port
Blakely Communities to acquire
additional 10.4-acres to expand
its Issaquah Highlands healthcare
campus and hospital. The land is
located to the north of the existing
hospital building. Currently,
Swedish is working with the City
of Issaquah on defining a development agreement for the proposed expansion.
Swedish opened its 550,000-square-foot campus in July 2011. Recently, hospital officials
reported that the hospital’s growth activity is greater than anticipated.
This milestone brings Port Blakely full circle with
the vision to build a strong sense of community
at Issaquah Highlands. Ten years ago, Port
Blakely founded Highlands Council as a nonprofit organization to enhance the quality of life
in Issaquah Highlands through volunteerism
and civic engagement. Detailed in the governing
documents of Highlands Council was the intent that
Port Blakely would gradually step away from its
role in leading Highlands Council, progressively
transferring leadership to community stakeholders.
With Highlands Council well established and a strong
volunteer base already in-place, the timing was ideal
to complete the transfer.
Thanks to the participation of the new Highlands
Council Board of Trustees and many active
volunteers, this step is now complete. To learn more
about the transfer, see the Highlands Council section
of this Connections or visit the News & Events
section at ihwebsite.com.
René Ancinas, President and CEO of Port
Blakely Companies, congratulates the
people of Issaquah Highlands for having
an abundance of capable volunteers to
help it through the transition of Highlands
Council to the community.
16
•
July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
17
18
•
July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
COMMUNITY LANDSCAPE UPDATES
Community Landscape updates are provided by Russ Ayers, Landscape Manager
Russ can be reached at [email protected]
The Goats are Coming!
Issaquah Press said it best when they described the return of our
weed-eating goats as a ‘summer tradition in Issaquah Highlands.’
The two herds, totaling about 400 animals, began arriving the last
week of June.
Do Not Feed The Goats. In 2011 seven goats died after ingesting
yard trimmings that had been improperly disposed of in one of our
open spaces. Open spaces should not be used to dispose of your yard
trimmings (or anything else). Many plants in your yard are actually
poisonous to goats and other animals. The goats are here to eat high
grass and weeds in open spaces. Our goat program is a key part of
vegetation management in our difficult to reach areas. The
goats are effective, efficient, they nourish the grass and other
plantings we want and they work without getting injured the
way humans would if the roles were changed. Please enjoy the
goats from a distance, but DO NOT FEED THE GOATS.
additional tracts that we have not been able to get to in past
seasons. In the four years we have been working with goats we
have learned that certain tracts require annual visits and other
tracts can be managed with less frequent ‘treatments’. Juggling
these latter tracts is how we are able to bring the herds to new
areas each season. Watch for more news in the weekly e-letter.
Targeted neighborhoods can also expect to see
signs on mailbox kiosks as well as
postcards arriving by
mail.
This year the program is expanding by 10% to help us
spread Nature’s weed eaters to
PLEASE!
Goat
FYI
• The first herd arrives June 25 and will unload just west of
the intersection of 25th Avenue and Daphne Street. They
will then push on to munch on the big bank above South
Pond for a few days.
• The second herd arrives July 5
and will be unloaded on NE Heron Place
(just east of the intersection of
Central Park Lane and 24th Avenue.).
Do NOT
Feed the
Goats!
• Residents are encouraged to watch (and even help out).
• Please leave your dogs at home. Goats and dogs
are not a friendly pairing.
• For more information on goat herd movements
be sure to check the weekly e-letter.
*ROG¿VK'RQ¶W5HOHDVH7KHP
It’s hard to imagine an innocent child’s goldfish could be a problem, an invasive species, but they can be
if not handled properly. When a goldfish has outgrown its space (or the child has outgrown the goldfish),
please do not release them into our detention ponds or streams. Releasing it into the storm drain or nearby
detention pond actually jeopardizes the health of local creeks and lakes. Goldfish are in fact carp, a family
of fish noted for its longevity and adaptability (two characteristics that make it a successful invasive
species).
Meet Your Team
Pedro Galvez
In 2011 seven goats died from ingesting
yard trimmings that had been improperly
disposed of in one of our open spaces.
Do not discard your yard trimmings (or
anything else) in the public open spaces.
Many plants in your yard are poisonous to
goats and other animals.
Pulling Weeds
Poison
Note that when trying to eradicate an invasive species the costs are very high, both in dollars and to the
environment. Eradication is a difficult goal to achieve but when the stakes are high enough it may be the only
acceptable option. Similar problems are occurring in Lake Tahoe and close to home – goldfish have been
sighted in our own detention ponds. While they may seem cute or harmless at first, a bit of education reveals
they are simply another invasive species. This one can be controlled by us, by being responsible pet owners.
The Community Garden
Committee is supporting
work-parties on July 20 and
August 3, from 9 – 2. All
are welcome to help out,
learn about gardening.
Pedro Galvez is from beautiful Veracruz, Mexico. He joined the IHCA team
full-time in April 2012 after serving as a seasonal worker the previous two
years. Pedro’s quick smile and enthusiasm for his work can be contagious.
In addition to general landscaping assignments, Pedro has been working
closely with our irrigation specialist on irrigation maintenance and repairs.
Pedro is married to Yulma and they have a daughter, Ashley and newly
arrived son, Pedro Pablo. They make their home in Seattle. Pedro says his
favorite food is “Mexican food” though he is known to enjoy barbecue and
pizza, especially pizza from Zeek’s. Avid church goers, the Galvez family
spend time each week reading and learning reading from the Bible.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
19
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Board Districts #1 and #5 Elect Firehouse Park Refurbishment
New Representatives to Serve on
the IHCA Board of Directors
The votes have been tallied and the new Board District Representatives from District #1 and
#5 have been elected to the IHCA Board of Directors for a term of July 2013 – June 2015.
Board District #3 did not have any candidates so the IHCA Board of Directors will appoint a
resident to this seat for the same two year term.
District #1
Scott McKay: I have a strong desire to be involved in
implementing changes that will make our neighborhood more
appealing and desirable for homeowners in the years ahead. I
feel it is important for someone who lives in the neighborhood
to take pride in making our community the best place to live.
Strong leadership and effective communication is needed to
make sure that we have consensus for change and enforcement.
I hope to help create a well-organized voice of the community
that is aligned and focused on the priorities of neighborhood
improvement.
I’ve been married for 10 years to my wife Kristin. We have twin daughters Avery and
Abigail who attend Grand Ridge this year. I enjoy golf, snowboarding, coaching my
daughter’s softball and soccer teams.
District #5
Jim Young: I am the current President of the IHCA Board
of Directors and I have also served as IHCA Treasurer and lead
the Finance Committee. I was appointed to District 2 at large
position but I would like to serve in District 5 where I reside.
DUES
I would like to continue the work on the projects that I have
started with the board and the community by implementing the
board’s five year plan as the IHCA continues to grow. I would
like to improve the appreciation of our diverse community and
all that its residents can offer. I would like to continue to recruit
new individuals to serve on our committees and on the board.
IHCA Reminder: The 2013-14 IHCA assessment amounts are
effective starting July 1, 2013. If you are on ACH, your monthly
deductions will be automatically adjusted. Payments not received
by the 10th of the month may incur additional charges.
Firehouse Park, located
just north of Fire Station
73, was originally opened
in 2002. After 11 years of
play hours and enjoyment
by many residents, it was
due for a refurbishment.
In June, it underwent
a complete renovation
including the addition of
some new equipment. The
park now contains “Freddie
the Firetruck”, a new helix
climber, a new slither slide,
new climbing “buttons”, a
new activity panel and a new
picnic table. Additionally, the refurbished equipment was painted and new play mulch was
installed to meet playground safety requirements.
When you pay your assessments to IHCA, a portion of the assessments go into a Reserve
account. A Reserve Study was completed and is updated every year. The Reserve Study
indicates to IHCA Staff which areas of the community are scheduled for replacement or
refurbishment. The Reserve Account is then used to fund the refurbishment and renovation
of existing parks and other assets of the community. Most of the work was performed by
IHCA Staff and our contractor Northwest Playground Equipment located here in Issaquah.
Additionally, we want to thank Pulte Homes for their donations of manpower and equipment.
A grand
re-opening
was
held on
June 14,
2013 to
introduce
the new
equipment
to
residents.
Please
visit
Firehouse
Park
and see
the new
equipment.
Enter to win one week
free tuition!
Call for details
20
•
July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
NEWS FROM THE CITY OF ISSAQUAH
Concerts on the Green Return for Summer
Concerts on the Green, a summertime
tradition in Issaquah, return for the season
July 9.
Summer Tradition:
Chalk Art Festival
Calling artists of all ages! Each summer, the community is
invited create original chalk artwork on the sidewalks near
the Issaquah Community Center, located at 301 Rainier Blvd.
South, during the Issaquah Arts Commission’s annual Chalk
Art Festival.
Enjoy free, family-friendly concerts in
a wonderful outdoor setting outside the
Issaquah Community Center.
Concerts run from 7-8:30 p.m. Crowds
often begin gathering as early as 6 p.m.
for community picnicking. The series
continues every Tuesday evening through
Aug. 27.
The 2013 festival will be held from noon-5 p.m. July 30.
Chalk and water are provided at this free event. Arrive early to
choose a shady sidewalk spot!
The lineup includes:
•
July 9 - Big Dog Revue plays
golden classics. Sponsored by Lakeside Industries.
•
July 16 - Sly Mr Y, a family rock dance band, performs. Sponsored by Rowley Properties, Inc.
•
July 23 - Chance McKinney performs industrialized country. Sponsored by RH2 Engineering, Inc.
•
July 30 - Steve Kelley’s Little Big Band performs Big Band swing and jazz. Sponsored by Microsoft.
•
Aug. 6 - Kalimba, a tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire, performs. Sponsored by the Law Office of Lynn Moberly and the
Law Office of Wayne Tanaka.
•
Aug. 13 - Randy Linder Band, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute, performs. Sponsored by Swedish.
•
Aug. 20 - Manigua performs Latin fusion. Sponsored by Carson & Noel PLLC.
•
Aug. 27 - Hairstorm performs ‘80s hair rock. Sponsored by Cascade Water Alliance.
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Fireworks Rules?
On-site concessions are provided by the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah. No alcohol or pets, please.
The concerts are presented by the City of Issaquah Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Issaquah Arts
Commission, in collaboration with the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah.
The city bans the use and possession of all fireworks
without a permit. The ban includes all fireworks,
including sparklers, cones, fountains and roman candles.
Ride Free with Metro Transit
Try taking the bus! Every King County household that
registers at least one vehicle can now receive eight free
rides on Metro Transit.
Local residents will receive an order form when they
renew their vehicle tabs.
These tickets put the entire Metro bus system to work for
you. Choose from more than 200 routes, thousands of bus
stops, 130 park-and-ride lots and garages and 13 transit
The following information was found on the
City of Issaquah’s website
centers — all designed to make public transportation
accessible and convenient to use.
By taking the bus, you help reduce congestion and
pollution, and improve the quality of life for everyone in
our community. You may also be surprised by how much
money you can save when you leave your car at home.
The tickets are transferrable to whomever you’d like. You
can also donate the rides to a variety of human service
agencies in King County.
Have a bike? Use
a mobility device?
Traveling with children?
Visit Metro’s webpage for
more information at
metro.kingcounty.gov/
programs/tip.
First approved in 1993, the city’s ban aims to keep both
citizens and property safe. Most of Issaquah’s surrounding
cities, including Sammamish, Bellevue and Redmond, also
ban fireworks for personal use.
“Fireworks” means any composition or device containing
any combustible or explosive substance for the purpose
of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion,
explosion, deflagration or detonation, and classified as
common or special fireworks. This includes:
Ground and hand-held sparkling devices, including items
commonly known as dipped sticks, sparklers, cylindrical
fountains, cone fountains, illuminating torches, wheels,
ground spinners, and flitter sparklers; Smoke devices;
Fireworks commonly known as helicopters, aerials,
spinners, roman candles, mines, and shells.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
21
NEWS FROM THE CITY OF ISSAQUAH
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by Nina Milligan, Crofton Springs
Be careful what you wish
for, some might say. We
“couldn’t wait” for the
commercial development
of Grand Ridge Plaza and
now we complain about
the traffic. Granted, the
build-out of Grand Ridge
Plaza presents a shock to
the system: every day it
seems more crowded and
busy. Many are wondering,
“What about my drive
home?” And “Will it be
safe down there?” But this
space was never meant to
be empty. To get some
perspective, I asked Dan
Ervin P.E. of RH2 Engineering to explain how the roads and byways through Grand Ridge
Plaza were designed.
elected to make some minor changes (like adding an extra lane on Northeast Federal Drive)
but these changes were made to accommodate businesses, not because there wasn’t sufficient
capacity.
What is your role at the City of Issaquah?
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As an engineer, I am responsible for reviewing development within Issaquah Highlands and
making sure that it complies with the applicable codes and standards. I assist the City in
planning and permitting the infrastructure (including the water, sewer, stormwater and roads),
as well as the buildings and public spaces.
How long have you been involved with the build-out of Issaquah Highlands?
I have been continuously involved since the beginning of the Issaquah Highlands construction
projects in 1996.
Why was a new freeway access built to Highlands Drive?
There are limited opportunities to build and expand roads in the greater Issaquah area due
to existing development, topography and critical areas (such as the lake and streams). As
such, there were limited opportunities to add capacity to existing roads to accommodate
new development. The new freeway access allowed Issaquah Highlands to be built without
significantly impacting traffic on the existing roads. It also provided capacity for some growth
on the plateau north of Issaquah Highlands.
Almost 4 million
square feet of
commercial space is
allowed in IH. How
many square feet are
in the Grand Ridge
Plaza development?
Grand Ridge Plaza
currently is permitted to
build about 287,000 square
feet of business space.
Most of those buildings are
under construction now.
Does that mean the
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Grand Ridge Plaza
is much less than the
capacity they were
built to carry?
The roads were designed
to support the full development in Issaquah Highlands (including some capacity for passthrough traffic to and from the Plateau). This means that the traffic from the Grand Ridge
Plaza development you see under construction was included in the planning and design of the
roads. Road design is based on a “level of service” standard that is established by code. The
level of service defines how long traffic waits at a traffic light and how long it takes to move
through the street network from one place to another. The level of service for the streets in
Grand Ridge Plaza is the same as the standards elsewhere in the City of Issaquah. The streets
will become busier as the area develops, but this traffic was included in the roadway network
design.
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the road designs because of their development?
Generally, no. Traffic from these buildings was included in the original planning and design
of the roadway network and the roads will function properly without improvements. Regency
How does the new housing on 25th, Harrison Street, Bellevue College, etc.
LPSDFWWKHH[SHFWHGWUDI¿FRQURDGVLQ*UDQG5LGJH3OD]D"
Just like the Regency project, traffic from these projects was included in the roadway network
that is already built and the roads will operate at the proper level of service when these
projects are done.
What about the impact of increasing populations north and northeast of
Issaquah Highlands on our roads? Lakeside? Growth in Sammamish, etc?
Growth from Lakeside can be accommodated in the existing roadway network. Although this
project was not included in the original planning for the roadway network, it will operate at
the planned level of service due to changes in traffic patterns and driving habits, as well as
improvements made during the Lakeside construction.
As for growth in Sammamish, additional projects will be needed outside of the City’s limits
to minimize impacts to Issaquah. We’ll be partnering closely with Sammamish to plan for
these regional needs.
Traffic patterns constantly change in response to projects that are completed elsewhere in the
City (and even the region) and in the way that our communities mature.
Projects that are completed elsewhere in the City can affect traffic by giving drivers different
choices. This often frees capacity on roads that are a long way from the original improvement.
In addition, our community is a living changing organism that is influenced by lifestyle,
economic vitality, gas prices, transit availability, environmental awareness and many other
factors too numerous to list. Residents with single-occupant cars today might decide to ride
the bus in the future as the cost, environmental impact and availability of those services
changes.
What do you think Issaquah did RIGHT with this development and its planning?
Issaquah worked hard to maximize the opportunities available in a large Master Planned
Community and to leverage those opportunities to minimize environmental impacts and
maximize community values. This can be seen in the roadway and traffic network and the
following elements are important components in the done RIGHT equation.
• Roadways are interconnected, which gives drivers multiple route choices and is
the most efficient way to increase roadway capacity while minimizing community
impacts.
• Streets are narrow, which minimizes environmental impacts and slows driving
speeds and improves pedestrian safety. Many drivers comment that the roads are
too narrow, but this perception of narrowness is a critical component of the roadway
and neighborhood design, as well as creating a pedestrian-friendly environment.
• All neighborhoods are walkable, and there are real and realistic walking choices.
Sidewalks, paths and trails interconnect and the routes are safe and direct.
• Transit is available in the community at the park and ride, providing realistic and
viable transportation choices.
• Retail and commercial spaces are not dominated by parking, which minimizes the
presence of cars.
What role does the Microsoft
property play (west of 9th
Ave NE between Discovery
and High Streets)?
Traffic from the Microsoft
property was included in the
original roadway network
planning. Until that property is
developed, the roadway network
won’t be completed.
When do you think the roads
would actually operate at
capacity?
It depends completely on when
all of the projects are completed
in the Issaquah Highlands,
including Bellevue College and
the Microsoft property.
22
•
July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
HIGHLANDS
PHYSICAL
THERAPY
SPORTS & ORTHOPEDIC REHAB
BIKE FITTING
x FREE INJURY SCREENINGS
x
x
x
x
FUNCTIONAL FITNESS
GAIT ANALYSIS
(ULFN.+DUDGD37'37
2525 NE Park Drive, Suite C
Issaquah, WA 98029
425.686.7654 ͼ 425.341.9041 fax
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
What are your doing for
fun this summer?
From our Facebook page.
Like us at facebook.com/Highlands.Council
Thank you Highlands Day Sponsors!
Silver Spur Title Sponsors
Highlands Dentistry
Port Blakely Communities
Regency Centers
Safeway
Swedish Hospital
City Slicker Sponsors
Accent Insurance
Adventure Kids Playcare
Banic Chiropractic
Bright Horizons Preschool
Durham and Bates Insurance
Encompass
Happy Family Foods
Highlands Chiropractic
Highlands Physical Therapy
Trail Boss Sponsors
Clowns Unlimited
Heartland
HFN/Isomedia
Issaquah Highlands Self Storage
University House
Heartland
Discovering a few new parks, hiking, camping,
concerts! - SUNITA
Highlands Council also
wishes to thank
community partners:
Highlands Day bear...and visiting fam from
England for 3 weeks; a trip to Glacier Nat’l Park
in Montana... Bark for Life event in August, then
trip to England in Sept. Yay! - LYNNE
• Issaquah Highlands Community
Association for a lovely Village
Green Park venue
• artEast and artist Dorothy
Bonneau for the beautiful
exhibit inside Blakely Hall
• The City of Issaquah Parks and
Recreation for the use of the
bleachers
Looking forward to our first Pacific Northwest
summer filled with lots of R&R! - RYAN
Visiting with family, hanging out
with friends, hitting the beach, and
exploring the area more.- TONI
• Issaquah Press for coverage of
the festival
And of course, our
VOLUNTEER festival
planning committee –
THANK YOU!
Just enjoying every single sunny day
we may get. :) - SUSAN
Cindy Klenk
Larry Norton
Rinku Jain
Karen Lund
Lynne Trowern
Suzette Hebron
Kim Kapustein
Peggy Chase
Going to the cowpoke parade.- YASMIEN
Hoping to paraglide... - DANIELLE
RPX
Highlands Council hopes you enjoy
the 2013 Wild West Highlands Day!
This annual outdoor festival held on
June 29th is produced by Highlands
Council and funded primarily
by the generous support of local
organizations. Visit their sponsor
booths on festival day and remember
to say “thank you” the next time you
patronize these businesses.
Regal Premium
Experience
(RPX) is an
upgraded
theater format
wherein a
60-foot screen,
dual 30K
lumen digital
projectors,
100,000 watt
sound system,
and better seats
with headrests
are featured.
Both digital
2D and RealD
Cinema films
can be screened.
23
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July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
25
FITNESS CORNER
East Lake Sammamish Trail Reopens in Issaquah!
by Nina Milligan, resident of Crofton Springs
On June 12th the ribbon was cut and the multi-use, paved trail that runs from Gilman
Boulevard to SE 43rd Way was opened for use! At my first opportunity I flew down the hill
on my bike to give it a test ride. As a road cyclist, I am thrilled to have this stretch of trail
paved and open for business.
The paving begins at the vintage
train car on Gilman Boulevard
across from Gilman Village, about
a block west of Front Street. But
for us in Issaquah Highlands, we
jump on at the base of the IssaquahPreston trail. Begin in Issaquah
Highlands on the sidewalk along
the west side of 9th Ave NE
(the southbound companion to
Highlands Drive). This turns into a
paved trail at Discovery Drive and
snakes its way downhill. It crosses
E. Lake Sammamish Parkway SE
just north of I-90. (Ride defensively
as you make your crossings here.
The freeway cars are not geared
towards seeing cyclists.)
2 miles of
newly
paved trail:
A road
cyclists’
connector!
Surviving those Epic Movies
by Erick K. Harada, DPT, Highlands Physical Therapy
Have you ever sat in the movie theater and realized how stiff you are after the show? I have seen
countless people get up out of their chairs and stretch out just to get the blood flowing again (me
included). With the new Regal Theater going up at the bottom of the Highlands, plenty of us will
find ourselves there in the coming year, stiffening up while we watch our favorite flick. I have
compiled a few exercises for you to perform during the show to prevent any aches afterwards.
Lumbar Rotation
1. Seated with arms crossed,
gently rotate trunk from
side to side in a small,
pain-free range of motion.
2. Perform 10-15 times
each direction.
Lower neck/
Upper back Stretch
1. Clasp hands together in
front with arms extended.
Gently pull shoulder
blades apart and bend head
forward.
2. Hold 10 seconds. Repeat
3 times.
Seated Piriformis Stretch
1. Cross one ankle over your
other knee. Gently lean
forward until a stretch is
felt in buttocks of elevated
leg.
2. Hold 30 seconds. Repeat 3
times on each side.
These exercises, for the most part, are subtle and should not attract too much
attention during the show. If they hurt or do not feel right, discontinue right away.
If the pains persist or you would like more information, contact your local physical
therapist. Enjoy the show!
Pick up the trail across E. Lake Sammamish Parkway and ride the short spur that ends in a T.
To the left is the short section to Gilman Boulevard. To the right are miles and miles of great
bike riding! Key to your trip are these two miles of pavement along the former Burlington
Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad corridor.
Though the trail continues with a gravel surface that is great for walkers and mountain bikes,
we road cyclists need only these first two miles of pavement. They provide the cover to get
ourselves past the Fred Meyer, lumber yard, etc. stretch of road that has no bike lane and is
full of impatient drivers squeezing against us on their way north. Worse are those heading to
the boat launch with their wide loads trailing behind, ready to clip us and send us flying into
the brambles (and likely to the ER).
While on the trail, mind your speed and your manners. Many on this trail are relaxing,
taking in the views, chatting with friends, enjoying a retreat from the hectic car-centric world
beyond. You just need to manage your energy a short two miles until you take the fork to the
Parkway bike lanes, where you can pick up speed, stretch your legs and lungs. Enjoy the ride!
26
•
July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Is it
a hospital
or a
school?
Yes.
Truth is, Swedish/Issaquah is a hospital — although it’s a rather uncommon one. This hospital is designed to keep you
well, not just care for you when you’re sick. And one way we do that is by offering classes on a variety of health and wellness
subjects. See for yourself. Then, hopefully, we’ll see you at school.
CANCER EDUCATION
PARENTING
The Anticancer Lifestyle
All About Puberty:
Learn how to create an anticancer lifestyle by eating
beneficial foods, protecting yourself from environmental
threats and enhancing your physical and emotional
well-being.
The focus of this fun, interactive class is to build a bridge
between you and your 9- to 12-year-old to demystify the
challenges of puberty. Fee: $30 per family (includes two
adults and one child).
Issaquah Library: Tuesday, July 9, 7-8:30 p.m.
Parents and Boys Together
Active Women, Healthy Women
Swedish/Issaquah: Monday, August 5, 6:30-9 p.m.
Women of all fitness levels are encouraged to join this
certified instructor led class. From cancer patients to
survivors, there is an exercise activity appropriate for
you. The instructor will assist you in assessing your
health and fitness levels to help you reap the benefits
of exercise. Six sessions.
Parents and Girls Together
Swedish/Issaquah: Wednesday, July 10-Aug. 14, 6-7 p.m.
Breast Cancer and Nutrition
When it comes to the unique and important issues
experienced with breast cancer, learn which strategies
work from a naturopathic physician. Complementary
and alternative medicine strategies including diet,
vitamins, minerals, herbs and many other nutritional
supplements and treatments will be shared.
Lake Hills Library: Tuesday, July 23, 7-8:30 p.m.
ORTHOPEDICS
Joint Replacement: The Right Choice
for You?
Learn from an expert surgeon about the latest in knee
and hip-replacements, including MAKOplasty® roboticassisted surgery for partial knee replacements.
Swedish/Issaquah: Thursday, July 18, 6-8 p.m.
Swedish/First Hill: Thursday, July 25, 6-8 p.m.
Relief for Your Shoulder Pain
This class will present an overview of shoulder anatomy,
common injuries to the shoulder (including sports
injuries), how to prevent injury and surgical/nonsurgical
solutions to common injuries.
Swedish/Issaquah: Thursday, July 25, 6-8 p.m.
Swedish/Redmond: Monday, August 12, 6:30-9 p.m.
Story Time at Swedish
Join us for Children’s Story Time and Book Fair. Bring
your health questions and visit with a health-care
provider at our “Ask a Doctor” table. No registration
required. For questions, call 425-313-7020.
Swedish/Issaquah: Thursday, July 25, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
(two story times)
Baby Needs a Doctor
Expecting a new baby? Or already have little ones at
home? Finding the right doctor for your newborn, toddler
or older child is a big important decision. Come meet
several baby- and kid-friendly doctors in an hour, ask
questions and do a chemistry check. Register at
www.swedish.org/babydoctor.
Swedish/Issaquah: Wednesday, Aug. 6, 6-7 p.m. or 7-8 p.m.
PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH AND
INFANT CARE
Have a Happy Birth Day Tour
Are you thinking of becoming pregnant or did you just
hear the good news? As a parent-to-be, one of the
most important decisions you’ll make is where to have
your baby. Come take a look at the birthing center at
Swedish/Issaquah and our comprehensive range of
support services. Tour is recommended for parents in
their 1st trimester considering where to have their baby.
Swedish/Issaquah: Friday, July 5, 5:30-7 p.m. or Sunday,
July 7, 10-11:30 a.m. or Tuesday, July 16, 5:30-7 p.m.
Hop to Signaroo® Baby Sign Language
Hearing families can use American Sign Language
to communicate with hearing babies as young as 5
months old. Learn sign language to communicate with
your baby. Four sessions. Fee: $128 plus $19 materials.
Learn more at www.hoptosignaroo.com.
Swedish/Issaquah: Saturday, July 13-Aug. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sibling Preparation
Help big brothers and sisters aged 3-10 prepare for the
new baby. Fee: $20 per sibling.
Swedish/Issaquah: Wednesday, July 24, 4-5:30 p.m.
SAFETY AND INJURY PREVENTION
AARP Driver Safety Program
Helpful tips for older drivers to improve their driving
skills. Fee: $12 for AARP members, $14 for nonmembers.
Swedish/Issaquah: Saturday, July 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WEIGHT LOSS
Weight Loss Surgery Seminar
The seminar will examine the risks of medically significant obesity, how a partnership with our bariatric health
experts can help, and the surgical options available to
you. Learn more about different types of weight-loss
surgery from a Swedish bariatric surgeon.
Bellevue Westin Hotel: Thursday, July 11, 6-8 p.m.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Don’t Make Me Laugh: Bladder Control
Therapies That Really Work
Did you know that one in three women suffer from urine
leakage? If you have struggled with bladder control,
you’re not alone. Join our resident pelvic-health expert
and urogynecologist to learn about the causes of
urinary incontinence and treatment options that work.
Swedish/Issaquah: Wednesday, July 10 or
Thursday, July 11, 6-8 p.m.
Registration is required for all classes.
To register and see additional classes, visit swedish.org/classes or call 206-386-2502.
Unless noted, all classes are held at Swedish/Issaquah: 751 N.E. Blakely Dr., Off I-90 at Exit 18
(UVUWYVÄ[VYNHUPaH[PVU
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
27
,Q5H\QROG¶V)RRWSULQWV:DONLQJWR*UDQG5LGJH0LQH
by Laile Di Silvestro, Issaquah History Museums
of cement are the only remains of a washing plant from which the coal was deposited into the
train cars as early as 1909.
Take the Coal Mine Trail to the left, and observe the ground at your feet. Along the trailside
ditch you can find one of the coal veins sandwiched between shale and red sandstone.
A short way up the trail there is a ledge. Here three tunnels extend into the ground down to a
depth of about 600 feet. There are also remnants of the equipment used to haul the coal out of
the mines, as well as flattened areas and concrete indicating the locations of the large bunker, a
blacksmith shop, and an office.
The Grand Ridge Mine operated regularly until about 1943, and sporadically into the 1950s.
In its heyday, it employed about forty men. Visitors would have been overwhelmed by the
clanking of metal, the shouting of men, dynamite explosions, the clatter of train wheels, and the
crash of rock as it fell into railroad cars.
Today, the constant roar of traffic on I-90 serenades visitors to the old Grand Ridge Mine. The
walk is well rewarded, however, by the opportunity to catch a glimpse of our mining heritage
under new growth trees.
Courtesy of Issaquah History Museums, 2007-32-1
Set your hiking shoes in the green space surrounding Issaquah Highlands, and there is a good
chance that are you are standing in the footsteps of a logger or miner who worked here when
Issaquah was still an isolated town of fewer than 1000 men, women, and children. There is even
a chance that you may be following the path of Andrew Reynolds who started walking to his
coal mine at the base of Grand Ridge as early as 1904.
Grand Ridge, a 1300-acre county park to the south and east of the Issaquah Highlands, offers an
abundance of signs that the miners and loggers were present here. Almost ten miles of trails lead
hikers past large stumps that now nurse young firs and pines amid lush moss and ferns, and in
the southern portion of the park, hikers can find the remnants of Issaquah’s longest coal mining
operation.
Starting in 1888, men walked the Grand Ridge area to tap the six coal veins that underlie it and
harvest timber for use in shoring up mines and constructing mine equipment. A tunnel was
first dug just above East Fork Issaquah Creek where I-90 now runs. In 1890, the first of three
additional tunnels was dug higher up on the hillside.
CAUTION: During the summer the tunnels are almost completely obscured by stinging nettle,
blackberries, salmonberries, and other shrubs. If you decide to explore the ruins, do so with
caution. There a risk that shafts will appear unexpectedly due to tunnel collapse and subsidence
or methane gas will be released. Stay on the trails.
Getting there:
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Park on the gravel lot and walk east on the Issaquah Preston Trail to the Coal Mine Trailhead.
Walk north on the Coal Mine Trail a short ways to the ledge.
From Central Park:
Park by the tennis courts and walk along the west shore of the South Pond to the Trailhead.
After a short distance you will meet the Coal Mine Loop junction. If you turn right, you will
reach the ruins in little over a mile.
Trail map:
http://your.kingcounty.gov/ftp/gis/Web/VMC/recreation/BCT_GrandRidge_brochure.pdf
Andrew Reynolds assumed ownership of the mine in 1903. It was then that he began his daily
walks between his home in downtown Issaquah and the mine. Miners typically worked about 10
hour days for low pay in dangerous and uncomfortable conditions. The Reynolds Mine operated
until 1905 when Reynolds was forced to shut it down as the result of a labor strike.
The Central Coal Company began operating the mine in 1909, with Reynolds as the supervisor.
The Grand Ridge Mine (as it came to be known) underwent several improvements, the remnants
of which are visible today.
To see the Grand Ridge mine ruins, hikers can follow the path of Reynolds from downtown
Issaquah or take an easy walk down the hill from Central Park (with a steep climb uphill on the
return). The remnants are nestled in the hillside where the Issaquah-Preston Trail meets the Coal
Mine Trailhead.
If you take the path of Reynolds, you will walk along the old bed of the North Bend branch of
the Northern Pacific Railroad to a spur built specifically to serve the mine. As you approach the
Coal Mine Trailhead, take note of the small hills along the sides of the trail. These are piles of
sand and rock dug from the mine over the course of six decades. Near the trailhead, large chunks
Courtesy of Issaquah History Museums, 86-18-264
Put Shorts Back in Your Wardrobe
by Swedish Issaquah
As the summer months creep up on us, the weather is getting warmer and shorts and swimsuits are beckoning us from the closet.
For many people, this brings excitement (vacations and outdoor activities!), but for others, the thought of showing off varicose
and spider veins means avoiding those summer clothes. Though they may be painful or embarrassing, varicose and spider veins
are common and can be treated. Don’t let them get in the way of your summer plans and comfort!
Varicose veins are large, raised blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. They may look bumpy or twisted. Along with their
“little brothers,” spider veins, varicose veins are most often found in the legs and are caused by weak or damaged vein valves.
This causes blood to pool instead of being pumped back to the heart. Women are more likely to have varicose and spider veins
and this risk increases with age and hormone changes (like pregnancy and menopause). Since being overweight and lack of
exercising also lead to varicose and spider veins, enjoying your favorite physical activity (running, walking, biking) can help
reduce their appearance. Take advantage of beautiful summer weather in Washington and exercise outdoors! Instead of fried
chicken at that picnic, grab some delicious watermelon and salad. Getting out and enjoying the weather may actually help you
feel more comfortable in summer clothes.
Summer weather may be daunting for people with varicose and spider veins but it is time to put shorts back in your wardrobe.
Clinicians at Swedish/Issaquah will be discussing tips for and treatment of varicose and spider veins on Wednesday, June 19
from 6-7:30 p.m. just in time for summer vacation.
Registration is required. See ad on left page for details.
FREE Developmental Screenings
in Issaquah!
Do you have questions about the development of your
infant, toddler, preschooler or kindergartener?
FREE Developmental Screenings are offered at
Encompass Issaquah in Blakely Hall the
second Tuesday of each month.
Encompass Issaquah
Blakely Hall, 2500 N.E. Park Drive, Issaquah Highlands
6FUHHQLQJVDUHRIIHUHGRQD¿UVWFRPH¿UVWVHUYHGEDVLV
No appointment necessary.
For more information visit www.encompassnw.org or call 425.888.2777.
28
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July 2013
Issaquah Highlands Connections
COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Architectural Review Committee
7XHVGD\SP,+&$2I¿FH
Meetings are subject to change.
Visit www.ihwebsite.com for calendar updates or
sign up for your weekly email bulletins at
ihwebsite.com
Finance Committee Meeting
7XHVGD\SP,+&$2I¿FH
HFN Advisory Group
Wednesday, 7/10, 7:00 pm, Blakely Hall
Want to Start a Club?
Contact:
Christy Garrard, Director/Special Event Planner
[email protected], 425-507-1107
For City of Issaquah governance meetings, see
www.ci.issaquah.wa.us
HOLIDAYS
Safety Seminar
Canada Day
Saturday, July 13
Monday, July 1
Garden Committee
Fourth of July
Monday, July 22
Thursday, July 4
SAVE THE DATES
Bastille Day
Sunday, July 14
Bark for Life
Saturday, August 10
National Ice Cream Day
Sunday, July 21
Thriller Rehearsals
Begin Sunday, September 8
OTHER ISSAQUAH EVENTS
Resident Orientation
Issaquah Down Home
Fourth of July / Heritage Day
Thursday, September 19
Thursday, July 4
Community Garage Sale
Saturday, September 21
Concerts on the Green
Begin Tuesday, July 9
Costume SWAP
Sunday, September 29
Chalk Art Festival
Tuesday, July 30
Green Halloween
Saturday, October 26
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$35
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A Woman’s Touch LLC
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Email: [email protected]
post grad
HIGHLANDS EVENTS
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CALENDAR
volunteer
Board of Directors Meeting
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Bark for Life 2013!
Saturday, August 10th
Double your fun by volunteering!
Contact [email protected]
425-507-1107
Free Career & College Planning workshop
For High School graduates, but also High School
sophomores, juniors & seniors
August 13, 2013
Blakely Hall
See www.YouthCareerCompass/IHWorkshop for details
No Fireworks
The city bans the use and possession of
all ¿UHZRUNVZLWKRXWDSHUPLW
This includes any “explosive substance for the
purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by
FRPEXVWLRQH[SORVLRQGHÀDJUDWLRQRUGHWRQDWLRQ´
The ban includes all¿UHZRUNVLQFOXGLQJVSDUNOHUV
cones, fountains and roman candles.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
•
29
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS
Book Club
Do you enjoy reading AND sharing with friends? The
book club is a great place to meet neighbors and explore a
variety of books. We take turns hosting—all opinions are
welcome! Please bring a snack to share. Dates sometimes
change, so be sure to email [email protected] to get
on the distribution list.
Chinese Heritage Club
Contact Sylvia Chin ([email protected]) or Jin
Liu ([email protected]) for July Meeting details.
This club promotes and preserves Chinese cultural
heritage awareness among the next generation for many
local families. We welcome everyone interested in a
neighborhood celebration for many traditional Chinese/
American festivals right at Issaquah Highlands. Monthly
activities include potluck, workshops at Blakely Hall and
many outdoor events.
GED Classes and Tutoring at the Family
Village (FREE)
Passing the GED (General Educational Development) test
and being awarded a GED certificate is just as rewarding
as a high school graduation, and it opens as many doors for
a new career path. If you feel like you would like to learn
what is on the test and brush up on your skills, come in for
FREE classes and tutoring sessions throughout the summer.
Please contact Sondi at 424.270.6807 or
[email protected]
Highlands Running Club
The Highlands Running Group is a community for Runners
that share in the passion of group runs! Weather permitting,
we will typically meet up in front of the tennis courts at
Central Park on Saturdays at 7:30 am. If you are interested
in joining us or have questions, please contact Joey,
[email protected], so he can ad you to the
distribution list.
Computer Classes at the Family
Village Computer Lab
Hip Youth Public Speaking Club
All classes are free!
Ages 8 -18 yrs. Saturdays 9:30-11:00am Family
Village Lower Community Room
Please RSVP for all computer classes to Sondi at
425-270-6807 or [email protected]
Wednesday, July 3rd 10:00am Power Point
Thursday, July 18th 6:00-7:00pm. Excel
Cub Scout Issaquah Highlands Pack 680
Come join Cub Scouts – A year round values-based
program for boys grades 1-5 and is considered one of
the premier organizations that help youth build character
and prepares them for adulthood. Scouting is learning by
discovery and discovery by doing. It’s fun, friends, and
family where skills are learned, confidence is built, and
stories are born. For more information or if you would
like to join Cub Scouts, please contact Pack 680 via email
at [email protected] or join us at our next
meeting.
ESL Talk Time
“Talk Time” is a great way to have fun and be relaxed
while improving your English speaking and listening skills.
It is a chance to meet other people in your community and
to share cultural information. You also have a chance to
discuss topics and issues which are important to you. It is
a safe place to get to know each other and to ask questions
and share experiences. While having fun, you will be able
to increase your confidence in speaking English. It is a
great way to move English from your head to your mouth!
Talk Time is FREE and is held at the Family Village on
Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm starting June 18th and
ending September 3rd
Kids Summer Book Club
Every other Friday, 5pm, Ashland Park
We talk about each book and how many pages we intend to
reach before each meeting. Bring a blanket or sweatshirt to
set on and be prepared to have fun!
Contact Annie Wachter at [email protected] or
(425) 679-2756
7KH5RYLQ¶)LGGOHUV
Every Other Tuesday, 7pm - 9pm
Issaquah Highlands Fire Station
Our musical group is made up of primarily fiddle players
of varying backgrounds and abilities, all working toward
the goal of learning Irish and other Celtic tunes, along
with occasional Old Timer and Quebecois tunes. Informal.
We share and learn a new tune every other week and then
practice our old material in a jam session. Other welcome
instruments for accompaniment are guitar (chords available
for most tunes), drum, flute or whistle. We attempt to learn
the new tunes by ear in a traditional manner, however,
sheet music is usually also provided.
Interested? Email Ken at [email protected]
Let your voice be strong and mighty! Join other youth
and professional mentors and learn the importance of
developing solid communication skills. Drop-in’s are
welcome or register ahead with David Hall, Program Lead
at [email protected] or 425.427.9682
Russian Highlanders
Meets 2nd Sunday of each month
July 14th, 4pm – 7pm
(See Facebook page for updates)
Russian Highlanders is a club for those who live here, just
moved in or planning to move to our beautiful community.
Meet other Russian-speakers in your community for
friendship! Gather with others who share the same goals
and interests as you. Join Russian Highlanders Facebook
page to see what activities are planned -- dining out,
movies, kid play dates or just go out to have a fun. The
possibilities are endless... http://www.facebook.com/
groups/rusisshigh/ Please follow the FB page for
schedule changes or location of meetings.
2nd Saturday Safety Seminars
Saturday, July 13th , 10:30am – 12pm
Blakely Hall
This month’s topic: WATER
The American Red Cross hosts FREE and FUN
preparedness workshops to help you, your family,
and your neighborhood become better prepared for an
emergency or disaster. You will leave the training with
useful information about local disaster risks, as well as
materials and small preparedness items to help your family
and neighborhood withstand and quickly recovery from
disaster.
NEW!! Mountain Bike Club
The Issaquah Highlands Mountain Bike Club is a free club,
open to all skill levels and welcomes Issaquah Highlands
residents to improve mountain bike skills, fitness, and to
have some fun! We’ll schedule rides with descriptions
of the places we ride, difficulty level, and approximate
mileage. See you out on the trails! Contact Marc for more
information: 425-837-8367 or [email protected]
Open Mic Night at Blakely Hall
First Fridays, 7:30PM – 9:30pm, Back in September
Open to all acoustic performers from musicians to
comedians. All ages are welcome! Sign-up at 7pm for a
slot. First come, first served. Set lengths are limited to
15 minutes or three songs. For more information contact
Cindy at [email protected]
Photography Club
Saturday, July 20th 10:30am - Noon, Blakely Hall
Enjoy monthly meetings with guest speakers, share and
discuss your work with others, and participate in an online
community throughout the month. Open to everyone, even
if you don’t live in the Issaquah Highlands. IHPC will
focus on creating opportunities for members to display
their work. See the Flickr Group (http://www.flickr.com/
groups/ihphotoclub/) and contact the group’s coordinators
to join the club. Scott Moffat and Ravi Naqvi at ihpc@
outlook.com
Poker Night
Thursday, July 25th, 7:00pm
Blakely Hall
Love watching the World Series of Poker on TV? Want
to win a chance to go to Vegas and play on TV against
the world’s best players? Join us the last Thursday of
each month for a $20 buy-in, No-limit Texas Hold ‘em
tournament! If you are a novice wanting to network or a
salty vet looking for some steep competition you’ll love
our monthly club!
More info [email protected].
The American Red Cross recently launched a three-year
initiative – Safe in the Sound -- to better prepare 1,000,000
individuals in the greater Puget Sound area. Be a part
of Safe in the Sound by making a plan, building a kit,
and staying informed. For more information about the
American Red Cross’ preparedness programs,
visit www.safeinthesound.org
Toastmasters Club, Issaquah Highlands
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00am
Swedish Medical Center Conference Center
(second Floor)
Do you get nervous before a speech? Does your heart
pound? Does your stomach turn to knots? Do you wonder
how other speakers deliver speeches so effortlessly? Well
help is along the way! To find out more visit the club
website at http://ihtm.freetoasthost.cc/ or contact
George Barns at 425-516-3750.
Wine Club
Friday, July 12th, 7:00pm, Blakely Hall
Come out and meet your fellow wine lovers in the
Highlands! Are you a wine enthusiast, connoisseur, or
just a fan? We usually get together the second Friday of
each month to discuss and enjoy wine. If interested please
send an email to Dianne at [email protected] to
receive detailed information.
Zumba Class
Tuesdays (7pm) & Saturdays (9am),
Blakely Hall
Get Ready - Get Fit - Go! Ditch the workout and join the
fitness party at Blakely Hall! Zumba Fitness is the Latin
and world rhythm and dance based fitness party that will
change the way you think about working out. Grab your
workout clothes, your water bottle, and join the party! Free
class but please bring a non-perishable food item to donate
to the food bank! For additional information, email (Cindy)
at [email protected]
Issaquah Highlands Babysitter List
The current list of neighborhood babysitters in available
at www.ihwebsite.com. The list can be found under the
Resource/Document Center tab. If you have any questions,
contact Vyvian at [email protected] .
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
RESIDENT PROFILE: ERNIE THE GOAT
Like other communities, Issaquah Highlands has summer-only residents: folks who have
homes in warmer climes for the winter, kids who live with a different parent during the
school year. And some summer residents are goats. The goats spend the summer with us
like Dill visited Jem and Scout in Maycomb. Like Dell, they are small, impish, naïve and
adorable. One of our visiting goats, Ernie, shared with us interesting details of the lives of
goats, speaking through his itinerant (or embedded) interpreter, Tammy the Goat Wrangler.
How old are you and what breed of goat?
What do you talk about?
The weather, goat politics, our girl and boyfriends and winter vacation. Oh yeah, and we
are always making retirement plans. In this economy you have to plan.
Do you sleep well at night?
We sleep like little babies up here. We don’t usually party, unless it is a really light night
with a full moon. Then we will sometimes stay up half the night and eat our brains out!!
We tell goat ghost stories and play spin the goat.
I am about 5 or 6 years old and I am a LaMancha goat.
What was the most fun you have ever had in Issaquah Highlands?
What other kinds of goats come to Issaquah Highlands, too?
Oh jeez! There are all kinds of goats here! About nine breeds and many mixed breeds.
This is why you see different sizes and colors and different kinds of ears and stuff. See, my
ears are like tiny little beaver ears. People always ask Tammy why our ears are “cut off”.
She explains over and over that they are not cut off but just small, you know, like dogs
have different kinds of ears for their different breeds? So do we. Other breeds here are:
Boer, Kinder, Nubian, Alpine, Pygmy (yeah, they are really small but man do they have
attitudes!), Toggenburg and Nigerian Dwarf.
Besides doing the Colbert Report? Well, one time we broke out and jumped over a low
wood fence into one of your back yards. Tammy was so mad at us! We just laughed at her
and kept jumping over the fence like little Pez candies coming out of a Pez dispenser. She
couldn’t stop us.
What was the saddest moment?
It was when one of you people put Rhododendron leaves in our goat area. You see, it is
poisonous to us. PLEASE! Don’t put anything in our goat areas. Stuff in your yards can
make us sick and can even kill us.
Do you play a particular role with the herd?
I am one of Tammy’s favorites. She raised me from a baby with my
brother Bert. I almost died and she saved me. But I am also a TV
star. Besides starring in commercials, I got to be on the
Colbert Report and ABC News Nightline!! I am famous!!
What do you think of the kids in Issaquah Highlands?
We love the kids! Except when they tease us with food or come
into our pen when they know they are not supposed to.
Otherwise they are really cool and laugh and giggle a lot
so we know they like us.
Are goats natural leaders?
Well, I know I am!! I don’t put up with any grief
from these yahoo’s I work with, that’s for sure!
If they tick-me-off, I butt them with these
cool horns and send ‘em flying….
What about the grown-ups?
They are pretty cool, for grown-ups. We don’t like
it when they put bad things in our goat areas,
though. Sometimes they clean their yards and
dispose of the clippings in our area. That’s not
cool. But we like to make them laugh. They
seem to get really happy when they visit us.
What do you think is the best tasty
treat in the hills of Issaquah
Highlands?
We love the thistle! Blackberries and
nettles, too. We also really like grass!
Besides, the grass is so slick we slide down the hills on our bellies.
Sometimes we go so fast that we lose control and go rolling on our sides.
It is really sick!
Read any good books lately?
Yeah, ’been reading the Game Of Thrones
series. It is really intense!
:KDW¶V\RXUIDYRULWHPRYLH"
I loved, loved, LOVED Babe!!
Do goats talk to each other?Uhhh yeah. Of course, what are you
stupid? If I can talk to you don’t ya think I can talk to my own species?
Jeesh!
Photo by: Julie Clegg / baileyandbanjo.com
Monthly resident profiles are produced by Nina Milligan, Communication Manager for Highlands Council
Issaquah Highlands Connections
July 2013
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DIRECTORY
Connections is published by the Highlands Council.
Our mission is to foster the development of
a vibrant and caring community
committed to service, diversity, and well-being.
Connections Newsletter
Connections is printed and mailed every month to every
Issaquah Highlands residence as well as
local Issaquah residents and businesses. For article
submissions and advertising sales, contact
Nina Milligan at [email protected]
or 425-507-1111
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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
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• Architectural Review
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Funded by: • Annual IHCA Assessments
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GOVERNING BODY
Issaquah Highlands Community Association Board
of Directors
Jim Young, President
Stuart Johnson, Vice President
Karen Lund, Secretary
David Ngai, Treasurer
Andrea Gregg, Member
Weldon MacDougall, Member
Tad Pease, Member
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Responsible for: • Community Events
• Blakely Hall Community Center
• Facility Rentals
• Connections Newspaper
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Funded by: • Sponsorships/Grants
• Advertising
• Community Enhancement Fees
(¼ of 1% on sale of home)
• 12¢ per sq. ft. retail/commercial
GOVERNING BODY
Highlands Council Board of Trustees
Larry Norton, President
John Thompson, Vice President
Linda Hall, Treasurer
Philip Nored, Secretary
Susan Terry, Member
Patrick Byers, Member
Ray Besharati, Member
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MAIN PHONE: 425-507-1107
Sarah Phillips, Executive Director
[email protected], 425-507-1120
Blakely Hall 2550 NE Park Drive
Monday–Friday 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Rachel Garrett, Director of Community Operations
[email protected], 425-507-1115
Christy Garrard, Director/Special Event Planner
[email protected], 425-507-1107
Erika North, Community Manager
[email protected], 425-507-1121
Nina Milligan, Communications Manager
[email protected], 425-507-1111
Jennifer Fink, Community Manager
[email protected], 425-507-1113
Michele McFarland, Finance Manager
[email protected], 425-507-1108
Russ Ayers, Landscape Manager
[email protected], 425-507-1130
Julie Clegg, Creative Coordinator
[email protected]
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[email protected], 425-507-1135
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Content and advertising in Connections does not necessarily
reflect the opinions/views of the Highlands Council or staff.
STAFF
Rental Facilities
Blakely Hall
Award-winning Blakely Hall has a feeling and comfort of a
lodge. It is a wonderful place for parties with 70 or more guests,
fund raisers, galas, and any type of reception. Blakely Hall can
accommodate up to 230 guests. In addition to the atmosphere
Blakely Hall will give you, there is a patio with outdoor seating
and BBQ grill that is available for rent.
Blakely Hall Meeting Room
The Conference room is perfect for your meeting or seminar.
It is private. It can accommodate up to 46 guests. A screen is
provided as well as comfortable conference chairs and tables that
can be configured to your liking. A projector is available for rent.
There is a wash station, and a countertop to place your refreshments.
To inquire about booking facilities at Blakely Hall, please contact
Blakely Hall at 425.507.1107 or email
[email protected]
Fire Station Meeting Room
The Fire Station 73 meeting room is great for community or
group meetings. It comes with tables and chairs. It can accommodate up to 85 guests in a meeting setting or comfortably 30
guests. There are two whiteboards for writing down your ideas
and agenda. There is also a television with a DVD player for
your instructional videos. Because this is a city building they do
not allow
religious, partisan, or for-profit meetings to take place in this facility. To inquire about booking the Fire Station Meeting Room,
please contact Fire Station #73 at 425.313.3373.
Community Services at Blakely Hall
Emergency: 9-1-1
• Fax Sending & Receiving
Fax sending, local $.50 per page
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• Limited B/W Photocopying, $.05 per page
• Lost and Found
Issaquah Police (non-emergency): 425-837-3200
WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife: 425-775-1311
Emergency Contact Number
For after-hours emergencies not involving
police and fire response or gas or water main breaks,
contact IHCA at 425-313-2209
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PORT BLAKELY COMMUNITIES
Port Blakely Communities, the developer of Issaquah Highlands, continues to be involved
as they have a vested interest in the community and in seeing their vision become reality.
Jennifer Hagge, Office Manager
[email protected], 206-225-2316
www.ihwebsite.com
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Issaquah Highlands Connections