Above the Lake A S O C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N F O R T H E R E S I D E N T S O F G R E AT E R I S S A Q U A H , L A K E M O N T A N D W E S T L A K E S A M M A M I S H • M a r c h 2 0 1 6
Meet The Dodd Family Stepping up to the Plate for Community Photography Courtesy of Susan Wolfe, Firebug Photography
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March I M PAbove O R the T ALake NT
EMERGENCY All Communities 911 (800) 222-1222
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PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency
www.n2pub.com © 2016 Neighborhood Networks Publishing, Inc.
National Poison Control Center Lakemont and West Lake Sammamish
(425) 577-5656
Police– Non Emergency
(425) 452-6892
Bellevue Fire Department Issaquah Highlands
(425) 837-3200
Police– Non Emergency
(425) 837-3200
Eastside Fire and Rescue
UTILITIES All Communities (888) 225-5773
Puget Sound Energy
(800) 824-2288
Comcast Cable/Internet Lakemont and West Lake Sammamish
(425) 452-6932
Water & Sewer (City of Bellevue)
(425) 646-2400
Trash (Republic Services) Issaquah Highlands
(425) 837-3070
Water & Sewer (City of Issaquah)
(800) 592-9995
Trash (Waste Management)
PUBLISHER Anne Wilcox 425-757-0706 Anne.Wilcox@n2pub.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Laura Wilcox 425-200-8262 Laura.Wilcox@n2pub.com EDITOR Diane Meehl Diane.meehl@n2publishing.com CONTENT COORDINATOR Jody Mull PHOTOGRAPHERS Firebug Photography by Susan Wolfe CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Diane Meehl CREATIVE TEAM Grant McGugin Jenna Wood Heather McIlrath Tanya Wright Adam Castanier
SCHOOLS (425) 456-7200
Interlake High School
(425) 837-6000
Issaquah High School
(425) 456-7600
Sammamish High School
(425) 456-6400
Highland Middle School
(425) 837-6800
Issaquah Middle School
(425) 837-5900
Pacific Cascade Middle School
(425) 456-6700
Tillicum Middle School
(425) 456-4800
Bennett Elementary School
(425) 837-7300
Cougar Ridge Elementary School
(425) 837-7925
Grand Ridge Elementary School
(425) 456-5900
Spiritridge Elementary School
(425) 837-5600
Sunset Elementary School
We are always looking for residents to follow up on leads, find great stories and send us ideas. Let’s celebrate the great things happening in our community! No contribution is too small. Please email diane.meehl@n2publishing.com with your pictures, suggestions, or requests. DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Above the Lake magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.
CITY NUMBERS (425) 452-6800
Bellevue City Hall
(425) 452-6885
Bellevue Parks & Community Services
(425) 837-3007
Issaquah City Hall
(425) 837-3300
Issaquah Parks & Recreation
COUNTY NUMBERS (206) 296-4692
Hazardous Waste Center, Household Information
(206) 296-PETS
King County Animal Control
(206) 296-PETS
King County Pets Lost and Found
(360) 705-7000
WSDOT Road Conditions
Firebug Photography | 425-283-6072 | www.firebugphoto.com
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Above the Lake
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March Above the Lake
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Publisher’s
For more visit our Facebook page, Above the Lake magazine, and join the conversation!
Dear Above the Lake Readers,
Have you heard that grandparenting is even more fun than parenting? The Dodds report the rumors are true! It’s a thrill for us to share their story. You may recognize them – namesakes for Issaquah Little League’s Dodd Field. It was Terry Dodd who led the effort to develop the field in the first place. He continues to help care for the field and serve on the board, long after his own daughter left the program. Their active family has an inspiring story to share on the joys of serving the community. We’re also excited to tell you a bit about Athletes for Kids (AFK), a local nonprofit with big dreams. AFK matches high
school athlete mentors with kids coping with special needs, and the results always hit a homerun. Bright skies just are around the corner! Best,
Anne Wilcox
Publisher, Above the Lake Anne.wilcox@n2pub.com 425-757-0706
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NeighborhoodSponsors
Above the Lake
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood vendor to use. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring Issaquah. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting Issaquah!
AUTO DEALER/SERVICE Acura of Bellevue 13424 NE 20th St. Bellevue, WA 98005 (425) 644-3000 AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Integrity Automotive Maintenance and Repair 80 NE Gilman Blvd Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 557-8665 www.integrityautorepair.com BRAIN TRAINING LearningRx 195 NE Gilman Blvd, Suite 100 Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 657-0908 www.learningrx. com/issaquah
CAKES Nothing Bundt Cakes 775 NW Gilman Blvd #C-2 Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 786-4068 www.nothingbundtcakes. ccom
DENTISTRY - FAMILY & COSMETIC Issaquah Highlands Dentistry 2520 NE Park Drive, Suite C Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 642-0003 www.ihdentistry.com
DENTAL Eastside Pediatric Dental Group 185 NE Gilman Blvd. Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 392-4048 www. eastsidepediatricdentalgroup. com
FARM AND GARDEN SUPPLIES The Grange 145 NE Gilman Blvd Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 892-6469
DENTISTRY COSMETIC, FAMILY & GENERAL Pine Lake Family Dentistry 2908 228th Ave SE, Suite A Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 391-9414 www.pinelakefamilydentistry. com
GROCERY & MARKET Matthews Fresh Market 4989 Lakemont Blvd SE Bellevue, WA 98006 (425) 653-2261 www.matthewsatlakemont. com
HOSPITAL Swedish Hospital/Issaquah 751 NE Blakely Dr Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 313-4000 www.swedish. org/locations/issaquahcampus KIDS ACTIVITIES Adventure Kids Playcare 775 NW Gilman Blvd C-3 Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 391-5358 www.adventurekidsplaycare. com MEDICAL SPA Gilman Facial Aesthetics (425) 413-1418 www.mdcote.net MORTGAGE Absolute Mortgage (206) 947-9020 www.eastsideabsolute.com
March
NeighborhoodSponsors
March Above the Lake
Troy Chambers, RPM Mortgage Troy Chambers 11235 SE 6th Street, Suite 130 Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 418-5103 www.rpm-mtg.com NATURAL MEDICINE Naturomedica 1220 10th Ave NE Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 587-8900 www.naturomedica.com ORTHODONTICS / INVISALIGN Tingey Orthodontics 22516 SE 64th Place Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 392-9224 www.tingeyortho.com
PERSONAL TRAINING STUDIO Paragon Training Center 690 NW Gilman Blvd, D5 Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 652-0571 PHOTOGRAPHY Firebug Photography (425) 283-6072 www.firebugphoto.com PRE SCHOOL The Goddard School 5716 E. Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 391-5233 www.goddardschool.com
PRIVATE SCHOOL French Immersion School 4211 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE Bellevue, WA 98008 (425) 653-3970 www.fisw.org
Sheri Butler and Matt Stapleton 11100 Main St., Suite 200 Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 260-0127 www.sheriandmatt.com
REAL ESTATE John Kritsonis and Karl Lindor 14405 SE 36th St., Suite 100 Bellevue, WA 98006 (425) 643-5500 www.KritsonisLindor.com Sheila Lawrenson (426) 241-9400 www.lawrensonhomes.com
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NeighborhoodNews
Above the Lake
March
9
March Above the Lake
Do you have a topic for Diane to dish about? Send your suggestions to her at: diane.meehl@n2publishing.com.
Dish Suburban
By: Diane Meehl
DIFFICULT PEOPLE ARE HERE TO STAY, NO MATTER WHAT FACEBOOK SAYS I laugh at the title because for someone else, I might just be a difficult person. It’s not lost on me. I think I’m pretty nice, but I’ve been a pain myself, I’m sure. So I offer this up with a little slice of humble pie.
Every one of us has a difficult person in our life. It’s kind of a guarantee — like wrinkles. No one gets away without at least one. I’m not talking about people whose behavior is considered abusive or otherwise toxic. That requires professional help. Sometimes we are simply too vulnerable or sad to cope in a rational way, but if you have one in your life, you know it. Your body and soul will tell you; and I say, pay attention to the internal alarms that start ringing in their presence. I’m talking about people we can’t exactly cut out of our lives. Oh, Facebook has plenty of advice with those cheeky memes that instruct us to simply, “walk away from the drama.” It’s so easy to serve up platitudes! There might be a time and place for that, but often, we’re stuck with a difficult person.
ing easy about managing a difficult person, but I believe it’s our highest calling to offer up grace, insight and calm when faced with such adversity. But it’s about as easy as getting a 2-year-old to sit still during dinner. I’ve read loads of advice about how to deal with difficult people. But I can boil it down to one tried and true revelation. Like so many problems, the solution rests more in our mindset, first. Say it out loud (she said, with her best self-help voice): “I can’t change this person.” Say it again. “I can’t change this person.” Many a newlywed has entered into nuptials thinking otherwise. Many parents believe with the right training, their child’s basic DNA will change. Not always so. There is however, one person you CAN change, and that’s yourself.
Maybe your difficult person is your manager. Or co-worker or daughter. Or wife. Or father. Or next-door neighbor. We can’t just cast them aside, nor should we. Have you ever heard it said a manager is only as good as his least productive employee? I have this theory that character is defined by how we cope with difficult people.
So proceed with patience and humility. Remind yourself that arrogance is a front for insecurity. Anger is a mask for fear. Criticism is more about a difficult person’s own internal conflict — not the flaws they’re pointing out. Don’t confuse adopting a new attitude with doormat status. Choosing to handle a difficult person with grace can feel empowering.
A person whose words or behavior makes your blood boil will often hold the key to our personal growth. There is noth-
No, your rock star diplomacy probably won’t transform a difficult person. But I promise, it will change you.
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1495 NW Gilman Blvd., Suite 1 Issaquah, WA 98027 Phone 425.466.0642
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NeighborhoodNews
Above the Lake
March
Family spotlight
March Above the Lake
NeighborhoodNews
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Introducing The Dodd Family: The Name Behind Issaquah Little League’s Big Hit – Dodd Park continued... By: Diane Meehl Photography Courtesy of Susan Wolfe, Firebug Photography
“Grandpa! Will you paint with me?” They spill in the door, all energy and questions and smiles – Eloise, 4, and her little brother, Hanson, 18 months. According to Terry and Suzanne Dodd, the rumors are true. Grandkids really are loads of fun. “The love we have for these children is just unbelievable,” says Suzanne. She smiles, leading them to their own special play area. “You always hear people say they spend time with the grandkids and then send them back. But I enjoy them so much I keep going back. I take Eloise to the park and go on hikes, take her to dance lessons and play with Hanson,” says Terry. Their name might just sound familiar. For more than 30 years, Terry has served as a coach, team manager, president and still board member for the Issaquah Little League. He’s stayed committed despite the fact that his own daughter, Kim, is now a grown woman with two of her own budding t-ball players. It was Terry who led the effort to build, maintain and manage the chosen field where 1,000-plus young players continue to practice and compete. Dodd Field was named after Terry as a way to thank him for his many efforts. Peter Gaan, former Issaquah Little League President and volunteer, is still impressed that Terry has continued to remain dedicated to the kids, the fields and the program long after his own daughter hung up her mitt.
THE FAMILY WHO PLAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER In June, Terry and Suzanne will celebrate 50 years of marriage. If rolling stones gather no moss, perhaps it’s secret to their success — staying active and on the go. Since the very beginning, these two connected over a shared love of sports. “I played softball in high school, and grew up with two brothers,” said Suzanne. “So one of our famous dates was watching him umpire,” Suzanne laughs, nodding at Terry. “Then we‘d go out and have beer, so I was a cheap date!” Terry, a Seattle native met Suzanne, a Southern California transplant (who admittedly still craves sunshine) at Seattle University. “Terry put himself through college umpiring semi-pro baseball and working for the post office,” said Suzanne. After graduation, she headed back to California to start her career as a teacher. “But just a year later, Terry decided I needed to be here with him,” she smiled.
The two were married in 1966. They moved around a bit as Terry built his career in telecommunications that spanned some 40 years. He worked for Pacific Northwest Bell and served as Director of Operations and District Manager at AT&T in the New York office, just one block from the World Trade Center. “I loved it there. It was a people zoo during the lunch hour and I really enjoyed it.” Visiting after the attacks on September 11, he says, was sobering. “It was dramatic, seeing how closely I commuted to lower Manhattan.” The two migrated back to Washington in 1980. They bought a home in family–centric South Cove and later built their current home on Lake Sammamish and Terry coached softball and soccer. Their daughter, Kim, who now lives in North Seattle with her husband and their two darling children, watched from the playpen by the ball field — inspiration for the years to follow.
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WHEN PLAYING LIKE A GIRL MEANT SUITING UP LIKE A BOY After logging time in t-ball as a little girl, Kim started playing girls’ softball with Issaquah Little League when she was 10. But before that, there wasn’t a girls’ softball program nearby at the time. “My only option was to play Little League hardball with the boys when I was 8; and I remember it well! There were two girls on the team, I think, and the coach didn’t know what to do with this. We played right field; but I had bigger ambitions. I wanted to play catcher, but the rule was you had to wear a cup. They really didn’t know what to do with girls then, and he found it really awkward, but I was willing to do whatever it took. It took a little pressure from my dad to get him to let us play anything else but right field; but I considered it a victory to get a chance to play catcher!” Kim reports the boys, themselves, though, had no issues with girls on the team. They were used to playing with them in the neighborhood. Terry continued to support Kim by signing on to help with her softball team. He accepted the challenge to support his daughter, but says he’s always been interested in supporting youth sports in general. He’d helped coach boys’ softball and soccer teams even before Kim walked up to the plate, and says he loves being a part of the important lessons playing sports teaches kids. “I think sports help kids become successful on their own, but also, they learn how to work with other people. They learn to deal with
Above the Lake
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ups and downs, and they learn everything doesn’t go your way, and you have to bounce back. It makes a huge difference in life.” During those years Suzanne was just as involved as Terry, pitching in as team mom and scorekeeper. She also earned a second degree from Bellevue College in Interior Design, and then launched her own business. She set the example for Kim, who is an active and involved mom herself. And yes, Eloise starts t-ball this spring! (Grandpa Terry is her current “coach.”) Some kids aren’t crazy about being the coach’s kid, but Kim felt otherwise. “I remember it being a positive experience. Some would say there was favoritism — but my dad was always fair. I liked my dad’s tone and direction better than some of the other coaches out there, and my friends did too. Kids want to win … but a good coach teaches them it’s also about the small achievements along the way.” The lessons she learned in those days, she says, continued. “I recognize now as a mom now that just going to practice every day is an important skill to learn.” Terry says coaching is a great way for parents to inspire a positive influence. Parents are busy, he says, but it’s worth carving out the time. “You can start with the younger kids who have lower skill sets and take some of the clinics offered by the Issaquah Little League. A lot of people start out that way and then end up being very successful at coaching.” It’s rewarding, he says, to watch kids get exposed to skills and increase their skills little by little. With her dad’s support, Kim continued to play through high
continued...
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school, juggling travel teams as well. As Kim racked up her own achievements, Terry helped expose the players to fast-pitch ball, which he knew was the future of the game then for high school students. Kim went on to play softball in college for a time, and still plays on a co-ed team for Shoreline Rec. She says whether for adults or kids, playing sports is always an avenue to friendships. Seems she took a cue from her active parents; as we wrap up, Suzanne has to dash out. Grandma has a tennis match!
DODD FIELD: A LEGACY FOR YEARS TO COME Terry served as president of the Issaquah Little League for three terms in the mid-90s. One of the challenges was finding enough places for the kids to play. In 1996, the assistant superintendent of the Issaquah schools asked if Terry would head up the effort to develop the large swath of land that was adjacent to Issaquah Valley Elementary. For the hefty rent sum of $1 per year, Issaquah Little League could enjoy priority use of the space in exchange for maintenance and management of the fields. “You bet,” was Terry’s answer. He worked with city officials, raised funds, and marshaled parent volunteers to put in sweat
equity. They laid the concrete pads in the dugouts, raked the rocks and planted the grass while a contractor leveled the land and added fencing. Terry, a self-taught handyman, installed the irrigation system himself. He continues today to help maintain those fields. “Everyone says it’s the best complex on eastside; the setting is gorgeous and the fields are terrific,” Terry shares. Ten years after the field was developed, the board voted to name the area Dodd Field. “Without Terry’s hard work, so many kids in our community wouldn’t have a place to play,” said Peter, whose company Golden Globe Transport still supports the efforts by lending equipment. “He’s really been a saint to the entire community.” “I liked having the ability to leave something for the community. I guess I have to say I picked up some of it from my father, who was involved locally in Little League when I was there. I had a good example to being involved and giving back,” said Terry.
Renowned doctors, expert nursing teams, and the latest technology to back them up, are just some of the reasons Swedish delivers “extraordinary care.” But there’s another side to being extraordinary that’s just as important. It’s a way of being treated that makes you feel like someone truly cares. Because, at Swedish, someone does.
Looking for a Swedish physician? Find them all at swedish.org/physicians
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Above the Lake
March
March Above the Lake
New Bellevue Home Under Construction
Team Chambers Your Local Mortgage Experts
When it comes to purchasing or refinancing your home, there’s nothing more important than working with a trusted team of mortgage professionals. With more than 13 years of experience in the mortgage industry and access to RPM’s innovative loan programs, Team Chambers provides their clients with an unparalleled commitment to outstanding service.
This is the ideal time to meet with the builder to customize the home to your taste.
Flat view lots off of West Lake Sammamish Parkway are very rare.
Start a conversation with us today. Troy Chambers
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11235 SE 6th Street, Suite 130, Bellevue, WA 98004 www.rpm-mtg.com/tchambers RPM Mortgage, Inc. – NMLS#9472 – Washington Consumer Loan Company License#CL-9472. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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This is a beautiful setting and ideal location for your new home. 18,135 sq. ft. home site. Photos are from a Similar Home the builder recently completed in the Lakemont area, a great home to go and see the builder’s premium quality. Home is now in the Framing Stage.
For more information, please contact MStapleton@Windermere.com – 425.444.6288 Sheri@SheriButler.com – 425.260.0127 SheriAndMatt.com
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NeighborhoodNews
Food
Above the Lake
March
make any moment
Wine Coffee Cake
4&1/2 cups flour 2 tbsp. baking powder 2 cup sugar 2 tsp. kosher salt Zest of another lemon
Mix with a whisk.
Shortbread Crumble 1&1/2 cup flour 1 cup sugar 1/8 tsp. kosher salt Zest of one lemon
Stir together with a whisk and make a well in the center. Crack two whole eggs at room temperature into your well.
1/2 tsp. almond extract 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1&1/2 cup whole milk with juice of a fat lemon in it.
Stir with a fork to break up eggs. Don’t mix all the way yet! Add 1 cup of melted butter and stir again. Add 4 cups whole frozen cherries/blueberries that have been tossed with 2 tbsp. flour. Now take a spatula and gently fold all of this together until mixed. Spray a nonstick tube pan with nonstick spray. Pour or glop the cake
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providing unreal results Mix with a whisk and add 2/3 cup of unsalted butter. Microwave 1 minute and stir let cool while you make:
2 cup powdered sugar Pinch of kosher salt 1/4 tsp. almond extract 2-3 tbsp. cream
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Cherry Almond Coffee Cake Cream Glaze
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March Above the Lake
RESULTS
FREE TRIAL Call to schedule (425) 652-0571
mixture in. It's your choice; you can split up the mixture of cake n put in half then add half the shortbread crumble and top with the other half of cake batter. Finish building by topping again with the remaining shortbread crumble or just put all the cake batter in and top with the shortbread crumble. Bake at 350 for one to one and a half hours. Pull from oven when cooked through n skinny knife comes out clean when inserted in middle. Cool for half hour to an hour on rack then invert onto plate and again invert onto presentation plate. When completely cooled drizzle with glaze and sprinkle with sliced almonds (raw or toasted). Enjoy! Recipe courtesy of Chef Lynn Rehn of mycheflynn.com
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NeighborhoodNews
2 s d ki
kids
Above the Lake
March
March Above the Lake
MEET WYATT: Future NBA Star & Crimestopper NAME: Wyatt Dow AGE: 11 GRADE: 5th grade SCHOOL (OPTIONAL): Sunset Elementary PARENTS/BROTHERS OR SISTERS: Mark & Colette Dow, Tatum
A Little About Me What do you like most about your sister? How she can drive me places and she plays with me What are your hobbies, activities or interests? Sport’s and traveling Who is your favorite author, performer or artist? Jeff Kinney Who do you admire most and why? Steph Curry because of how hard he works What do you enjoy doing with your family? Playing games and traveling together What kind of job would you like to have when you grow up? A NBA player or a real estate agent WYATT’S FAVORITES: Topic/s I like to learn about: Science Animal: Dog (Lab) Place to visit in Washington: Puyallup Fair Book: Holes Music: All types Place to Eat Out: Square Lotus Sports Team: Warrior (Golden State) Teacher: Mrs. Lampman TV Show: Survivor
Jan Domek Photography
If you could do one thing to change the world, what would it be? I would stop all of the bad crime in Washington.
NeighborhoodNews
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NeighborhoodNews
BUSINESS
By: Diane Meehl
beat
Above the Lake
March
NeighborhoodNews
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rpm mortgage
TR OY CHAMBERS ON THE MEANING OF SHLEP
I
t’s not often you hear of a Branch Manager giving his employees a SHLEP award. But it’s what Troy Chambers, at Bellevue’s RPM Mortgage, does every month. In this this case, SHLEP means the recipient exemplified their team’s core business values: Service, Honesty, Love, Enthusiasm, and Positivity. You read that right: Love. It’s something you might not exactly equate with a top producing mortgage loan firm. But Troy says when you boil it down, everyone in his office works for love. “Love is at the center of everything we do. We come to work to provide for our families. Why? Because we love them. Love motivates everything we do – and it’s the same for our clients. They’re buying homes for their families, with love being their main motivator.” Troy and his team say their signature work ethic gets results — not only for their business, but also, for their clients. He helped launched RPM’s inaugural Northwest location in Bellevue just two years ago, and in 2015, the office brought in $205 million in loan volume. RPM, the 5th largest retail mortgage lender in the nation, has since opened offices in Seattle and Gig Harbor as well. Troy brought 11 years of experience to the task, but credits his team for their meteoric rise to success. His secret to hiring rock star salespeople? He doesn’t. “I don’t look for great producers who are good people; I look for good producers who are great people,” he explains. “The atmosphere here is
positive. We’re tight, and we hold each other accountable. We want people to enjoy coming to work every day. We’re all having fun — we laugh and listen to music; we do a lot of team building. We see each other as equals. We love each other, because now we’re a family.” What’s Trust Got to Do with It? It’s no secret mortgage lenders got a bad rap in the wake of the downturn that rocked the housing industry in 2008. “It’s why we work so hard at RPM to build trust. In our industry, reputation is everything.” And it’s worked, because 95% of Troy’s business comes by way of referrals — from neighborhood friends, clients, and real estate agents. Kyle Rose, real estate broker with Windermere Real Estate's Greenwood office in Seattle, along with his partner and teammate, Gary Everist are eager to weigh in and sing Troy’s praises. “It is a huge luxury for us to be able to confidently refer all the folks who trust us into the hands of someone who we trust so much. The reason: whatever the hurdle, things get handled, quickly, competently, and completely. It seems to reason that most Mortgage Brokers would strive for a good record of closing on time, offering good advice and high quality client service, and being competent in pre-approving buyers and processing home loans. Troy is the single most consistently on time and responsive Mortgage Broker that we have ever found. Consequently, we are unwavering in our loyalty to referring every single one of our clients —not
already in a trusted lender's good hands — over to Troy and his team.” Getting to the Fun Part Faster Troy says financing isn’t the most fun part of buying a home, so people put it off. It’s his team’s top priority he says, to ensure a smooth, timely transaction, so his clients can just focus on choosing their dream home. “The truth is most companies like ours are selling similar rates and fees. You may be able to find a slight variance in rate or fees, but we’re all selling similar products. But, you don’t know what kind of service you’re going to get. And this is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. So you’ve got to find someone you trust, who knows how to handle the transaction.” Troy says those transactions are made smoother because RPM serves as a broker and a banker, so they have access to their own funds, making for a more expedient delivery. Or, they can also broker a loan elsewhere. While Troy manages his own personal team and an office that includes five other loan officers, he says he holds the secret to success for both himself, and his clients, in the palm of his hand, literally. “The only number I give my clients is my cell phone, and I’m in constant contact. I check my email regularly and I tell my clients to not feel as though they’re interrupting me, even at home. My wife gets to stay at home with our three beautiful children, and part of that is enabling me to be available during “non business hours,” even when I’m on vacation. If continued...
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a client wants to make an offer on a house Tuesday night at 6, they don’t want a loan officer calling back the next morning.” While RPM offers a range of loans and services, they specialize in providing jumbo loans, or those over $506,000. “We consider ourselves the Nordstrom of mortgage lending. We won’t have branches around every corner; we’re going to place a few offices in strategic regions.” With such high stakes, Troy says experience makes a difference in getting a loan processed with expedience and integrity. “It’s why we go through the pre-approval process, which we can get done in just a few hours. A less experienced loan officer could miss guidelines, only to turn it in to the underwriter to determine something critical was missing. With my team, we double and triple check. And, if we think someone is reaching too high, we’re honest and up front about it.” Living Life with an Open Hand: Troy’s Journey Fuels His Business Philosophy That kind of honesty is the foundation of trust. It’s where Troy’s personal philosophy comes in. “When a loan officer is desperate … they may fudge something to get a deal. But I live from a place of abundance, never fear.” Troy, who enjoys an active life in Lakemont with his wife, Jennifer, a celebrated local artist, and their three children, goes on to explain. “It’s just how I live in my life — it’s how I operate as a father, a husband, and a coach. When you live in fear, your hands are clenched around what you have. Usually people are afraid of not getting what they want, or losing what they have. But the best way to lose what you have is to live in fear. So when your hands are open you’re able to receive. I believe the more you give, the more you take in. It’s why the spirit of service is part of my core values. I tell my sons, ‘if you want to feel instantly better, just go do something for someone else.’ A fearful person says, ‘I feel bad, what can I do to feel better? Watch TV, eat something bad, do something for me. But then, that makes them feel worse. In actuality you feel better when you give out and be of service to others.” Editor’s Note: Troy celebrates his 40th birthday this month, the age of wisdom. Seems he’s already absorbed his share! Visit RPM Bellevue at rpm-mtg.com/Branch/Bellevue, and connect with Troy and his team on Facebook.
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Athletes For Kids:
Flexing The Friendship Muscle By: Diane Meehl
High school athletes are often awarded rock star status. By contrast, kids with special needs may feel alone, marginalized, and even bullied. It can be hard for them to make friends. As it turns out, each has something to offer the other. Athletes for Kids (AFK), a non-profit organization that matches high school athlete “mentors” and children with special needs, or “buddies,” says the results are nothing short of heroic. AFK, which enjoyed humble beginnings in Sammamish, now serves children and families all across the Eastside, and their reach is growing faster than Beast Mode sprints. It all started like so many other efforts — from a desire to help just one child, as was the case with founders Ken and Liz Moscaret, said Melissa King, Executive Director at AFK. “Simi Reynolds, a star football player on Skyline High School's state championship team in Sammamish at the time, was our first athlete-mentor. Everyone knew Simi, and he was modeling acceptance and inclusivity with the youngster he was mentoring at the time,” she explained. “It made such a difference.” From there, Simi recruited 6 other founding athlete-mentors and in 2002, the first chapter of AFK originated at Skyline. Today, schools across the Eastside host AFK chapters, including Issaquah, Eastside Catholic, Overlake, Eastlake, Liberty, Mercer Island and Newport High Schools. AFK’s mission to enhance the lives of children with special needs embraces the idea friendship has the power to restore a child’s faith in life. And in giving the gift of that friendship, mentors are often changed themselves, developing character, patience, leadership, compassion and commitment. Playing Matchmaker: Mentors and Buddies Thrive Together The buddies who come to AFK for mentorship cope with a range of physical, emotional and social challenges. “The kids we mentor are dealing with a variety of things, not all of which are physical or intellectual disabilities; so these special needs include anxiety, depression, trauma and learning disabilities. Dealing with those challenges has led them to feel ostracized or excluded. They often struggle with social skills, so our athletes walk alongside to build confidence, social skills, self-esteem, and friendship,” said Melissa. Her own daughter, now in college, also served as a mentor.
High sophomores and juniors are eligible for consideration, and are often referred by coaches, teachers, and athletic directors. Each candidate participates in an interviewing, approval and training process that includes a background check.
The Athletes for Kind event in January, 2016.
“We look for athletes of high quality character
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who have a real desire to help our buddies. If they’re coming to us because they need service hours or they want experience to list on college applications, it’s probably not going to work,” says Melissa. Once the athletes are approved by AFK, parents of buddies are invited to choose from two bios. “The athletes are asked to interview with the parents by themselves, and both sides ask a lot of questions. Some kids have higher needs than others, so the parents have to feel comfortable. Once the parent approves, the buddy gets a chance to meet their mentor, and if it’s agreed all around to be a great match, they move forward.” Typically, a mentor will meet at his or her buddy’s house, so they can build rapport and trust. They play lots of board games, do arts and crafts, and maybe some video games; they play outside and hike. And they take lots of trips for frozen yogurt! Some of the girls like to shop, and sometimes they bake. The idea is to develop a friendship by spending quality time together,” says Melissa. Mentors agree to spend and hour to an hour-and-a-half with their buddies each week for the remainder of the athlete’s time in high school. Mentors also attend monthly chapter meetings, and AFK checks in with parents for status updates, and asks parents to fill out exit surveys. “Most report an increase in social skills. Many say their child’s confidence increased in asking other kids to play, and they saw an overall increase in self- esteem. And another big outcome — a lot of kids who hated going to school, liked going to school again.” Often, lifelong friendships develop. One alumnus who spoke at AFK’s mentor celebration, Mason Gregory, talks to his
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buddy through Facetime at least once a week — he’s a senior in college in Arizona. The mentors often say they learn patience, that time with their buddies relieves stress from their own punishing schedules. “To see Gunnar Conley, who graduated in 2015 from Issaquah, these young people with his buddy, Francisco. learning how to find contentment through serving others … we get this amazing opportunity to see their characters develop,” Melissa reports. Megan Kirschner, a junior at Liberty High School, has been an AFK mentor for almost a year. Megan was matched with her buddy, Polly, last September, and the two connected immediately. “Megan has an infectious enthusiasm and she is on fire for all things AFK. You can always find her at the latest event and Polly is never far behind. The two laugh, play, and draw together,” says Melissa. “Megan is an ideal mentor and we are so pleased to have her represent Athletes for Kids.”
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Seattle vs. Chicago game on September 27. The Seattle Seahawks and Boeing partnered in the 2014 season to create Legion of Youth powered by Boeing, a unique community program designed to provide Seahawks game tickets to community organizations that serve youth throughout the Northwest. AFK was selected to participate, and eight mentors and 16 buddies were recognized at the Seattle Seahawks vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game on November 29. Plus, Courtney Vandersloot, former Kentwood High School basketball stand out who went on to play with the WNBA for the Chicago Sky, recently signed on as Athletes for Kids first Ambassador. “People say we’re the best kept secret on the Eastside. We want to spread the word so we can help as many children as possible. Along with our new incoming Board President, Theresa Treat, we look forward to expanding statewide and maybe even nationally over time.” Inspired? If you want to contribute to AFK’s mission by lending your time, making a financial contribution or signing on as a mentor or sponsor, visit: athletesforkids.org.
“Megan is a wonderful young lady. She has given Polly a role model to aspire to, and is a mentor, hiking buddy and true friend … we are really happy she gets to socialize with someone whose attitude and kindness anyone would want in their own daughter, ” says Polly’s father, David Ammon. The Eastside’s Best-kept Secret is Getting Out: The Hawks Pitch in & an Ambassador Signs On Part of AFK’s mission includes inviting key stakeholders, sponsors, and partners as they continue to raise awareness and build community. AFK’s mentors not only volunteer with buddies, they also volunteer at events such as the Nightmare on Beaver Lake, the Buddy Walk and the Autism Awareness Fair. AFK hosts community events such as Athletes for Kind, held in January to celebrate the spirit of Martin Luther King Day. “It’s just an opportunity for speakers to come in and talk about inclusiveness, and treating others with respect,” said Melissa. The boys’ basketball team at Skyline also sponsored a clinic for buddies and their siblings to hang out and build skills.
AFK has also enjoyed some high profile support and was recently selected as a Spirit of 12 Junior Partner with the Seattle Seahawks and Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. AFK enjoyed selling Seahawks yearbooks at seven pre-season training camps as well as distributing game day programs at the
Eastside Catholic’s Matt Reiff and his buddy, Mason with former Seahawks player, Sidney Rice. (Photo credit: Seattle Seahawks, Amanda Waltman)
Liberty High School’s Megan Kirschner and her buddy, Polly.
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& Wellness
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Tour&Travel
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Monaco. Book for May if you love the world of celebrities and movie magic, as the Cannes Film Festival is the ultimate, high-brow cinematic indulgence. During this time, celebrity sightings are even more common among the land where a Prince romantically courted a young American actress into becoming his Princess, and James Bond roamed in Casino Royale.
health
Why Choose Two Phases For Orthodontic Treatment? By Dr. MacKay Tingey
Though many orthodontic problems can wait to be corrected when all the baby teeth have fallen out, there are some orthodontic problems that are better corrected when the patient is younger and can provide critical assistance to development. Delaying treatment for some orthodontic problems can lead to increased difficulty in correcting the problem, abnormal jaw growth, abnormal tooth wear or chipping, and even less stable long-term results. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines physical and structural changes with tooth alignment. The purpose of a two-phase approach is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the goals for health,
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function, and esthetics at a time when the developing structure can be more easily manipulated. It is called a two-phase approach because it involves two separate and distinct periods when your child receives orthodontic treatment. The early phase, or first phase, usually begins when your child is between seven and ten years old, but varies because of the eruption of the teeth and growth of the patient. The main goal of the first phase is to correct structural problems, such as crossbites or underbites, and to help to make room for the permanent teeth, allowing them to grow in with less crowding and strain. Helping the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together during early treatment benefits children tremendously. It is one of the reasons fewer teeth are extracted for orthodontics these days compared to past years and improves the overall health of the child. The second phase of treatment usually begins once the permanent teeth have all erupted into the mouth, around 12 years old. This is the phase where braces are on all the teeth. The purpose of this phase is to finalize the alignment of the teeth and also the bite. The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth and jaws will function together properly providing better health and stability for all the structures. Not every patient requires two phases of treatment. It is often better treatment to postpone some correction and combine all the treatment into one phase. But the value that early treatment provides for certain problems is vital for normal growth and development. That is why it is recommended that every 7-yearold be evaluated by an orthodontist to discover potential functional and structural problems. Your smile is your greeting to the world. It’s also a window to an important part of your dental health. The development of the smile begins well before all the permanent teeth are in place. The foundation for that smile, that health and that confidence begins early. An orthodontist is trained to recognize and treat those difficult issues before they become difficult problems.
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Monaco By N2 Staff Writer, Tracy LaFon
Luxury Vacation Of A Lifetime
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veryone should be treated to the ultimate in luxury at least once in a lifetime, and there is no better place on earth for that than Monaco. While second only to Vatican City in claiming the title of smallest country in the world, there is no doubt that Monaco offers the largest assortment of high-flying vacation extravagance to be found. This year, treat yourself to a vacation fit for royalty in the fairytale land of princes and princesses. A sliver of land nestled between the towering Alps cliffs and the shimmering
Mediterranean Sea, the world famous city of Monte Carlo is where jet-setters, celebrities, haute couture and excitement meet. Monaco is accessible only by its bordering neighbor France or its yachtladen harbors as there is not an airport located in the country; however, there are no boarder checks and transportation is effortlessly available by water taxi, bus, helicopter, train and easily traveled roads. Planning your trip around your personal pleasure is the way to go when visiting
Speaking of casinos, if the cards or dice call you, prestigious gaming abounds at establishments such as the Casino Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Bay Casino and Casino Café de Paris. Remember to pack your finery as many places, both dining and gaming, have a dress code for the glamourous enjoyment. If speed is one of your pleasures, the ultimate in Formula One racing is Monaco’s Grand Prix. The city magnificently dresses out for the royals, celebrities and fans to celebrate this exciting race. One of the most pleasurable ways to experience the race is by booking a cruise that anchors in the harbor and provides transportation to the race, as well as other related celebrations, historical locations, shopping and spas. Monaco also offers up only the finest in luxurious pampering. After enjoying a day visiting the palace of royalty, hours of shopping, or a night of dining, dancing and gaming, a trip to one of Monaco’s spas is a must. Offering everything from Turkish mud-baths to cutting-edge beauty treatments, be prepared to be pampered at La Maison de Beaute’ Carita, Margy’s, Willow Stream Spa or any one of Monte Carlo’s indulgent spas. Monaco, operating with the euro as its currency, is a pricy indulgence but the experience is worth every penny … or €0.01. Everyone deserves that unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience and there is no doubt that Monaco is the fairytale place that can provide it, so treat yourself and head to the land of ultimate luxury!
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SHEILA LAWRENSON Real Estate Team
425-241-9400 sheilalawrenson@cbba.com
Local Expertise. Global Reach.
Dr. Susan Chen
Exceptional Care. Convenient Location. Professional Options. Awesome experience. Everyone is super nice and Dr. Chen is very gentle, explains everything and most of all does a great job! The best dentist I have ever had. —Michael H.
Experience the difference at Pine Lake Family Dentistry 2908 228th Avenue SE | Suite A | Sammamish, WA 98075 | 425-391-9414 | www.pinelakefamilydentistry.com
Enchanted Medina Estate with two master suites, one master on each level! just under 4900 square feet with updates throughout. Main floor master and den. 4 bedrooms including huge master, upstairs with bonus room, study area and tons of closet and storage. Very private, large (over 20,000 sq ft) yard all meticulously maintained.
Priced at $3,400,000 For More Information Please Visit: LawrensonHomes.com
Dentistry for the Entire Family • Superior dentistry in a comfortable and relaxed setting • Kids will love the “kid cave” with toys and games to keep them busy • Same day Crown with new CAD/CAM dentistry • Laser Dentistry • Convenient hours and Saturday appointments to accommodate your busy schedule Dr. Ray Besharati: Comprehensive Adult • Most insurances accepted Dentist including Cosmetic Dentistry • FREE Sonicare or Zoom for life bleaching for new patients Dr. Shadi Araghi: Certified Pediatric Dentist
425-358-4346 · www.IHDentistry.com · 2520 NE Park Dr., Suite C · Issaquah
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