Above the Lake by Above the Lake Magazine

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 â&#x20AC;˘ S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 5

Meet the Carr family

and discover the perks of staying on the move Cover photographs courtesy of Brooke Clark at Studio B Portraits

Above the Lake

September

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September Above the Lake

Above Lake September I M P O R TA N T P H O N E the NU MB ERS

All Communities 911 (800) 222-1222

PUBLISHER Anne Wilcox 425-757-0706 Anne.Wilcox@n2pub.com EDITOR Diane Meehl Diane.meehl@n2publishing.com

EMERGENCY

NeighborhoodNews

September Above the Lake

Emergency 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

CONTENT COORDINATOR Jody Mull UTILITIES

PHOTOGRAPHERS Brooke Clark, Studio B Portraits CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Diane Meehl Dr. Jill Monster Arya Ajwani Jenny Hart Danowski CREATIVE TEAM Grant McGugin Jenna Wood Heather McIlrath

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)

SCHOOLS

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.

(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

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

Note

Publisher’s

Dear ABOVE THE LAKE Readers,

It’s September and we all know what this means — Back to School! Here at Above the Lake we are helping you get ready for the change in schedule with some helpful tips from a variety of sources. Student Writer, Arya Ajwani provides insight on Surviving Middle School with Tips from the Trenches. LearningRx provides an article on Homework Tips that Really Work to help parents and students turn the nightly grind into a better experience for everyone. And, in our Athlete of the Month column we are celebrating the hard work and athleticism of our high school Cheerleaders. This month we meet the Carr Family and discover the perks of staying on the move! And more great stories inside from your community.

For more visit our Facebook page, Above the Lake magazine, and join the conversation!

I would like to give a shout out to Brooke Clark our Studio B Photography. Brooke provided the photography for the Carr Family and is a locally-based, highly successful photographer and we’re pleased to be working with her! Finally, we are thankful to our advertising partners as they make our neighborhood magazine FREE for all of us to ENJOY! We take pride in recommending these partners to you and we thank YOU for continuing to recommend and support these businesses that specifically support our community. Best

Anne

Anne Wilcox Publisher, Above the Lake Anne.wilcox@n2pub.com | 425-757-0706

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Above the Lake

September

September Above the Lake

Dish Suburban

By: Diane Meehl

A Flat Tire Full Of Wisdom Of course it was raining when my tire went flat. Because it is Washington, after all. And, because life will choose its teachable moments about as carefully as a toddler plans a grocery store meltdown.

Just 5 minutes before, I was dashing to a meeting with my publisher, chock full of ideas and confidence. We’re going to rock the next issue! Then suddenly, thud. Thud again. My dashboard flashed warnings; my heart sank. My tongue swore. I pulled into the closet neighborhood and sat for a minute.

Now what?

I did what I do too often; I called my husband. But he was 40 minutes away and unavailable for a quick roadside rescue. My publisher valiantly offered to fetch me, but then I also tried in vain to describe exactly where I was. Because (of course) the address wasn’t showing up on GPS. Seems I was not only I overwhelmed with a flat tire, I was also rendered brainless under pressure. Way to impress your boss, Diane! I stood sheepishly outside of my car, looking forlorn and pathetic as I waited. And that’s when he showed up, my knight-in-faded-denim. “Looks like you could use a hand,” he said in what was clearly an understatement as he tried to preserve my dignity. “One time my wife was stranded and someone helped her, so I thought I’d

stop.” Angels sang choirs behind me, but inside, a battle waged. I was experiencing a very, er, “girl moment.“ (Forgive me Gloria Steinem and Sheryl Sandberg!) I felt absolutely awful that I didn’t know how to change that tire. It only got worse when this kind gentleman asked if I happened to have a spare. “Um I think so,” I stammered, and realized I had never once bothered to look. So while I felt downright inept, I asked this gentleman to teach me as he changed my tire. His son was with him and I noticed he asked for his assistance while his daughter looked on. We do that sometimes — step aside. I made a mental note to ask my husband for a future tire-changing clinic in our driveway for everyone in the family. Still, I beat myself up. Later, I gave myself a little talking-to. Why did I feel so badly? I wondered — does my husband feel guilty that I can wrap gifts at warp speed? Does he have a “man moment” when he marvels at my ability to fold his shirts so precisely they never wrinkle in his suitcase?? I doubt it. So, I can’t change a tire. I can edit an article while cooking dinner and supervising homework. Yes, at the same time! So I gave myself a break. Turns out that teachable moment had other lessons in mind. I learned it was OK to graciously receive help, and that I don’t have to know how to do everything to feel like a competent adult. Plus, that nice guy who gave me a hand got the chance to do something he’d wanted to do – pay it forward. Oh, and I got a column out of it, too!

NeighborhoodNews

Food

Above the Lake

September

Wine

Oktoberfest, the world ’s largest beer and food festival, originated as a wedding celebration for a Bavarian prince on Oct. 12, 1810. That communitywide event has since become an annual 16-day party that begins in late September, thus optimizing the fair latesummer weather. Now Oktoberfest celebrations of all shapes and sizes take place throughout the world with revelers enjoying plenty of German beer and sausages. Lucky for us, this fare happens to be perfect for Seahawks fans celebrating the arrival of a new football season.

Oktoberfest has grown far beyond its Bavarian roots, but continues to be about great food and beer. When it comes to Oktoberfest food, the first thing I think of is grilled bratwurst on a bun with mustard and sauerkraut. But it doesn’t have to be from Germany to taste delicious! We recommend our own Town & Country brats served with Firefly Kitchens Kraut and Mustard and Co. mustard — both made in Seattle. Our T&C brats are handmade in our Meat Market with fresh pork, and are big, meaty and flavorful. The smell of bratwurst on the grill, with the air just a bit crisp, always makes me feel better about saying goodbye to summer. In addition to brats, soft Bavarian pretzels are another great food for Oktoberfest. Coming in various shapes and sizes, soft pretzels are quite versatile. For snacking or making sandwiches, Backerhaus Veit, an artisan bakery specializing in traditional European methods, makes some of our favorite soft pretzels. With beautiful deep brown crust and tender interior, Backerhaus Veit pretzels are both authentic and delicious. While you’re enjoying brats and pretzels, you’ll need something to wash it all down. Oktoberfest beers are ideal for transitioning from summer into fall. These Marzen-style lagers are smooth, round and often amber in color. Traditionally, Marzen beers were the last batch made in spring before the warm summer months, because brewing lagers requires lower temperatures. Warsteiner’s Oktoberfest Special Edition beer is a stellar example of this style, available this year in six-packs for the first time. We have a number of great Oktoberfest beers to try, but get them while you can—they are available for a very limited time. Whether in a giant beer tent in Munich or in a backyard in the Pacific Northwest, Oktoberfest beers and brats are a delicious way to say hello to fall, farewell to summer, and most of all, Go Hawks! We have officially renamed Matthew’s Fresh Market as Town & Country Market Lakemont. We have brought in many of our favorite foods throughout the market, and are planning for a remodel to begin this fall. Come by to say hi and see what’s going on!

Surviving Middle School: Tips From The Trenches

Welcome The Fall Season With Delicious Oktoberfest Fare By: Steve Snyder

NeighborhoodNews

SeptemberNeighborhoodNews Above the Lake

By: Arya Ajwani

s a fifth grader makes the giant leap of graduating elementary school and beginning middle school, many things change. Suddenly, there are bigger, older students that might be intimidating. You have five more teachers than you did last year, which leads to the natural conclusion that there will be more homework. While you might feel overwhelmed, follow these nine tips to help you survive and thrive in middle school! ·

Be organized. Organizing your binder by classes will help immeasurably as you may become overloaded with papers that many students lose in their bird’s nest of a binder. Use dividers to separate your binder into sections by subject. Hole punch and date every paper. Put all your papers away in an organized fashion before class ends. Don’t throw away any old work. Once a student receives his or her assignment back from the teacher, the most common assumption is that the homework is no longer needed and can be thrown away. Keep all homework until the end of the trimester. Why? Your teacher may ask for an assignment back to change a grade. Work ahead of schedule. If a teacher gives you more than one day to complete an assignment, that usually means it will take you more than the typical fifteen to twenty minutes. Therefore, if you get the assignment on Monday, and it is due Friday, do NOT wait until Thursday night to complete it. If you fulfill all of your other homework on Monday night, get a head start! Study for tests. Students are under the misguided notion they don’t need to study for tests. “Trick” questions are often answered correctly only by students who studied the material like their lives depended on it. Some efficient ways to prepare are: Create flashcards or a Quizlet account (it’s free!). Try and find practice online quizzes based on the test you are about to take.

Treat your teacher as you would a boss. Teachers work very hard and keep our best interests at heart. Thanking a teacher for their hard work often makes them feel appreciated. This might also pay off if you need an extension or you need to re-take a test. Pay attention in class. Do not avert your eyes or ears from the teacher. As a student once told me, “I looked away for one second and when I looked back, the whiteboard was covered and I had missed the entire lesson.” Do not let this happen to you! Do not procrastinate. Students mistakenly believe that procrastination will not affect their grades negatively. The definition of procrastination is: to put off something until the “last minute” or right before a deadline. Even if you start the assignment early, just a few minutes the day it’s assigned, it will help immensely while you work toward the due date. This will also give you the time to overcome any obstacles you might Ask for help. I’m not going to lie; middle school can be frightening to begin with. The most beneficial thing a new student can do is to ask for help. Raising your hand in class, talking to an older student (they’re not scary!), or making an appointment to talk with a teacher or a counselor are some of the best ways you can get answers to your questions. As you progress to sixth grade, the size of the school increases. Don’t be afraid to ask a kind teacher or student to point you in the right direction if you are lost. Have fun!

Following these nine tips allowed me to be successful at Beaver Lake Middle School. I wish you the best in your middle school. Hopefully you will be able to use these guidelines to be an effective student, and that you enjoy this new season! Arya Ajwani is a freshman at Skyline High School. She loves to dance and read fantasy novels. In her free time, Arya plays tennis and hangs out with her friends

Above the Lake

September

September Above the Lake

“He might be the more laid back one,” says Jackie, “but he’s the got the busiest social life!” Her own warm presence is as sparkling as the lake they say is a “magnetic” draw toward family time spent boating, tubing and jet-skiing. You get the idea she’s someone you want to invite to coffee because you just know she’s got wisdom to share. (At Starbucks, of course!)

Familyspotlight Meet The Carr Family: Lakeside Living Is A Latte Fun Written by Diane Meehl Pictures Courtesy of Brooke Clark, Studio B Portraits

I’d arrived during the photo shoot, and the Carrs stood hand in hand, laughing. Even their dog Dallas, cooperated. Both kids were on a high it seemed — Jaylen, 16, had just gotten his driver’s license. Big sister, Alaya, 18, just graduated from Forest Ridge, and was anticipating her freshman year at Barnard College in Manhattan to study social economics. Her excitement was palatable, and she exuded confidence. “I was on college tours and when I walked into Barnard, I just knew it was the one.”

Oh, and she’s also “a hugger.” Which made sense, because, proud dad, Chris, a Starbucks Exec, had already spilled the beans. “She’s big into social justice. She wants to stand up and be a voice for the underserved. “ “I see something wrong and I just want to correct it,” she explained, a trait she expressed over the years by getting involved at Village Theatre and JSA ( Junior State of America). She’s going to need all those sensibilities to achieve her future plans — a Supreme Court attorney by day and Broadway performer after hours. And there is little doubt she’ll do just that. “Little” brother, Jaylen’s vibe strikes a bit of a contrast to her

bold personality. A junior at Issaquah High, Jaylen’s a selfprofessed introvert who values more intimate relationships. “I like to be around people, but I need to recharge afterward.” An accomplished (and “approachable,” he says) section leader at Evergreen Philharmonic Orchestra who plays string bass, Jaylen underwrites a thoughtful personality with a wide smile. “He’d never say it,” chimes in Chris to his family’s laughter and playful jibes, “but he was a two-time state participant in both track and music.” Jaylen admits to “weird” taste in music. When we asked about his favorite, he laughed, saying it was someone we’d never heard of, Serge Koussevitsky, to which everyone cracked, “Of course we’ve heard of him! Listened to him in the car just now!” This is a fun family.

Jackie gets a little sentimental when her kids answer dad’s question. What does Jaylen most admire about big sister? “She has complete control over what she expresses … she can be transparent, but she’s our extreme activist, and she lets it out. I admire that.” In return, Alaya says her brother is a good communicator in a different sense. “He’s more delicate; but he can be goofy. He’s a gentle giant.” “Aw, that makes me cry,” Jackie coos to her brood’s gentle teasing. But then, you can understand her emotions. Her firstborn is about to leave the nest.

Jackie’s Turn: Moves, the Mother Lode and a Legacy of Inclusivity Jackie lets her husband spill the beans, and he clearly enjoys it. They met in 1987. Chris and a friend invited Jackie and another friend to a pool party after an initial meeting a few months earlier. “She said she was in the middle of a good book, so we told her to bring it to the party!” Chris laughed. “I did. And I finished the book, too! I’m just more comfortable in quiet spaces,” laughed Jackie. The two married in southern California in 1990, when Chris worked for then Mobile Oil in Florida. “I said I’d never marry into the military like my own family, because I wanted to

continued...

...continued

Above the Lake

September

September Above the Lake

mostly older folk who shared wisdom freely, noticed she missed her kids. “I felt that constant push and pull most working moms feel,” she said. She left full-time employment when the children were 2 and 4, and has focused on parenting since. Her leadership philosophy, she says is, “not to parent through your own insecurities … we want them to become themselves; we want them to explore and make their own mistakes, but also to know they’re loved and protected. I’m a Mama Bear — with a smile!” Jackie gives her time to the Issaquah School District and Jack and Jill, an organization based in Seattle that seeks to nourish children through cultural diversity. “The African American community is small here,” says Jackie, “so we needed to find a way to stay connected.” Inclusivity, she says, is a critical value she wanted to pass along to her kids. “At school, I think you’ll find they’re friends with everyone.”

Chris’ Turn: “The Second Half” and Finding Passion & Purpose at Starbucks

just stay in one house,” said Jackie. Little did she know Chris’ climb up the career ladder to his current post at Starbucks would keep them on the move. But the journey hasn’t been without its, er, perks. “They’re versatile,” Alaya pipes in. “I’ve seen them move across the country and whatever happens, they adapt.” In the early years, Jackie’s career in pharmaceutical and medical equipment sales thrived. She loved her work, but her customers,

What Do the Experts Order at Starbucks? CHRIS: (At home: Columbia Espresso; at the store: Latte w/ 1 pump each vanilla & hazelnut) JACKIE: Decaf Latte with Equal ALAYA: Soy Chai with a single shot JAYLEN: Green tea Frappuccino About the Photographer: Brooke Clark is the "B" in Studio B Portraits, located in Issaquah since 2006 -- specializing in fashion-inspired senior pictures, contemporary family wall portraits and professional business headshots. For more about Brooke and to go behind the scenes on recent shoots, be sure to check out her blog at www.StudioBportraits.com

Education is a priority in the Carr household, and not only for their children. Chris says he drew inspiration from his wife, who earned her undergraduate degree as an adult. He’d earned a basketball scholarship out of high school, and knew a little something about opportunity. So he jumped at the tuition reimbursement program offered by his employer and earned his MBA from the New York Technical Institute in 1995. Over the years, Chris has held a range of executive posts at another high profile company, Exxon Mobile. During his 18-year tenure at Mobile Oil / Exxon Mobile, he worked in 14 different areas including operations, finance, marketing, global planning and more. “I wouldn’t trade that experience,” he said. Joining Starbucks nine years ago was the “toughest, easiest decision” he ever made. As Executive Vice President of North America Licensed Stores, he oversees the operations of some 5200 stores nested in grocery stores, airports, colleges and universities, hotels and resorts, cruise ships, even Disneyland. Chris took the leap, he said, because the “second half ” of life, “moves at warp speed.” He knew he yearned for more passion and purpose. “Exxon Mobile was fantastic at delivering best-inclass processes and systems,” he said, “but at Starbucks, we’re not just selling coffee. From our partners (Starbucks’ employees) to our customers, Starbucks is all about making an emotional connection with people. When are at our best, we are a people company that happens to sell coffee.” He also serves up a little behind-the scenes-skinny on working at Starbucks’ corporate offices. The high-energy environment has an entrepreneurial spirit. “Yes – it’s true; coffee stations are

NeighborhoodNews

everywhere,” he says. “But most partners still go out to our 8th floor store to buy their favorite beverage or food item. However, we do get a discount, though!”

Servant Leadership is a Family Affair It’s easy to see why the Carr kids embrace a confident humility, putting others first. Active at Eastridge church, Chris says he and Jackie embrace servant leadership and each find ways to volunteer. Jackie is devoting more time to the Hope Heart Institute, which educates underserved communities about childhood obesity, heart disease and stroke. For his part, Chris serves on the Institute of Prostate Cancer Research (IPRC) council, served on Seattle’s YMCA board, and takes every opportunity to mentor others, specifically minorities and women. And as with so many, adversity seems to be life’s greatest teacher. A prostate cancer survivor, Chris says they found strength in God, and that vulnerability taught him to accept help. Finally, he says, “Be present with your family, and enjoy the journey. You can say you’re enjoying the journey, but are you, really?” Go get yourself a nice latte, and give that one some thought.

NeighborhoodNews

Above the Lake

September

NeighborhoodNews

September Above the Lake

BUSINESS beat

Pelage: By: Diane Meehl

Peel Back The Layers And Get Comfortable In Your Skin

Take a moment and look at the inside of your arms. “It’s the most beautiful skin you have,” says JoAnne Gerri, owner and clinical director at Pelage Spa and Skin Care Centre. “That skin never sees the sun, and, because your arms swing at your sides all day, it’s a natural exfoliate.” Who knew? The sloughing off, she says, is critical to maintaining healthy skin. “Before you do anything, use a gentle exfoliate on your skin every day for 3 months (in the shower, were you’re likely to get your entire face), and then watch the results!” Skin is her passion, and JoAnne offers up a few tips in the name of education, her real mission. Don’t skimp on sunscreen (she recommends using a powder, because it won’t burn into your eyes) and don’t buy into the old wives tales. “You can’t avoid wrinkles by tapping the skin around your eyes to cleanse instead of rubbing. Skin is a living, ever growing organism. And like the rest of our bodies, as we age, elastin and collagen production slows, so movement acts as a stimulant.” (Collagen and elastin are proteins that serve as “glue” which adds shape to tissue.) JoAnne says for those who want to turn back the hands of time, you’ve got to go skin deep and investigate all the options available at a MedSpa, where the goal is to achieve real results without surgical intervention. It’s why after years of offering everything from hair to nail to skin care services at their former location in Gilman Village, the move to Front Street signaled a new focus on her primary mission – to help her customers achieve healthier, more youthful looking skin. To Protect and Educate: Pelage begins with Passion

MedSpas like Pelage (French for “Skin”) are gaining momentum by the day. “As women, we just want to feel young forever.” But it’s her desire to protect women from negative outcomes

and bad information that spurred her original desire to launch her business. An LPN, JoAnne initially served in internal medicine with a focus on infectious disease, dermatology and plastics, and laser hair removal. She learned so much about skin she forged a path as dermatology nurse and worked for the first laser clinic in the Pacific Northwest back in 1996. JoAnne noticed a shift in the “medical plan of care,” as cashbased cosmetic services seemed more appealing to physicians looking for increased profitability. However, she stood witness to many damaging and negative outcomes such as scarring. “This was before there was so much information out there, and I wanted to protect women from buying into bad treatment.” Fed up, she launched her own clinic in 1999, The Center for Skin Science. That business evolved into a full-service spa that offered massage, facial, hair, skin and nail services, but she found the business was spread too thin. She yearned for a new level of professionalism.

The new Pelage, on Front Street, focuses exclusively on services for the skin, including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, massage, facials, permanent make-up, and cellulite and laser treatment. Initial consultations are free, and master aestheticians take the time to determine each customer’s sensibilities. “My clinic is a for-profit business, but education comes first.” (The parking lot out back, lush and soothing décor, and cheerful welcome are just icing on the cake.)

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The Anatomy of Skin: Going Deep & Getting Red

Maintaining healthy, smooth, hydrated skin that retains that youthful glow takes time, effort and consistency. Popular treatments such as peels and Microdermabrasion remove layers of old skin over time to achieve real, repeatable change. Many people, she explains, worry about the redness that often appears after peels. “But red skin is normal. Think about it - when you go to the gym, you sweat. It means a change is going on, and after a few months, you should see results. Same goes for caring for your skin. The redness and flaking after a peel signifies progress; it means there is a re-circulation going on.” A range of her services however, require minimal down time. The “before” and “after” pictures customers can flick through serve as testimonies. The results are striking, particularly from Microdermabrasion, where strategic layers are removed in targeted areas, such as around the eyes. “Our ‘smart lasers’ act like snipers instead of grenades; they target very specific areas for a specific response.” What’s the big deal about Botox?

If your friends rave about Botox but you’re still skeptical, JoAnne says it’s true – Botox (a nicer, gentler word for botulism, used to treat a range of maladies) does in fact prevent your facial muscles from making certain animated movements that leave creases. She says, however, that an aesthetician worth their salt will know how to inject just enough to smooth the lines but allow for a normal range of movement. “We never push any of our services on anyone. The first consultation is always free. We listen and we determine our clients’ sensibilities, and we can take it slow. We invite them to take those pictures so they can really see the difference we make, because we work for those ‘report cards!’” Visit: pelagecenter.com

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Above the Lake

September

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September Above the Lake

Above the Lake

September

NeighborhoodNews

September Above the Lake

athlete of the

MONTH

Three Cheers For Leadership:

Sophie Cohen On The Ambassadorship Of Cheer By Diane Meehl

“We’re not always appreciated by the athletes we’re cheering for, or by students in general who think, ‘Oh, cheer. You’re just waving pom-poms!’ But that’s OK. We’re here to support them, and because of that, I’ve learned a lot about being selfless.” Wise words. Sophie Cohen, a senior at Issaquah High, tells us there is a lot more to being a cheerleader than what meets the eye. A combination of sport, dance and stunts — such as jumps, kicks, flips or tossing another squad member into the air — Cheerleaders train hard, just like any other sport.

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But not every athlete has to tackle fearless feats while also maintaining a smile. “I took dance for a long time and that really helped, especially with the memorization part.” Cheer is part performance, after all, and the girls have to memorize not just the routines, but also the cheers — some 50 of them! While Athletic Director Lauren Brasseur authors most of the words and routines, cheerleaders are welcome to contribute. “Coach Lauren is a former cheerleader at our school, and also participated in competitive cheer, so she knows how to challenge us,” she said.

Leadership On and Off the Field: Kindness Counts Sophie went for cheer in her sophomore year as a way to become more connected to her school. She’s had fun, but so far the biggest take-away for her are the lessons she learned in leadership. “Being a cheerleader means we’re also the face of Issaquah High School. So in or out of our uniforms, it’s important for us to make a good impression, and to reach out

to the entire student body. Our primary mission is to support the teams we’re cheering on, but we also make greetings during other school events and welcome incoming freshman. I see how much difference it can make for other students when we’re just kind and encouraging.” Since there was no official team captain last year, Sophie welcomed the chance to serve in a leadership role on the squad itself as a choreographer. “It isn’t easy with a large group to make everyone happy. You just have to do the best you can to listen, to be patient, and stay positive so everyone has a great experience.” Staying positive has a side benefit, too. “You’ve got to have confidence to go out and smile and perform in front of all those people,” she said. “When you’re positive, you have more fun!”

The Perfect Cheer: Hitting the Stunts and Then Some So what’s been Sophie’s favorite moment so far? “It was after last year’s homecoming performance at the school assembly.” Sophie explained that the team had worked tirelessly to “hit the routine,” when all the stunts are performed flawlessly and the dance routine looks perfect. “We didn’t hit the routine that week during practice, but, when we went out to perform, we did it! It was just a great moment and brought us together as a team. Our friends were impressed, too.” Sophie’s advice for someone who wants to give it a whirl? “Reach out to someone who’s in cheer. They can tell you everything you need to know. Then practice, practice, practice, because if you keep working at it, you’ll get better. Then just show up and try out! Just do it. Spoken like a true athlete!

– Misty Messer

Messer Family Photographed by Studio B Portraits in Issaquah

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Do you know a dedicated athlete we should celebrate? Send in your suggestions to: diane.meehl@n2publishing.com

NeighborhoodNews

Above the Lake

September

September Above the Lake

pets

precious

Meet Tucker: This Dog’s Got Game

Family Members: Gretchen, Barret and Molly Dowling Pet’s Name/Age/Breed: Tucker, yellow Lab, 10 years old Male or Female: Male

HOW DID YOUR PET COME TO JOIN YOUR FAMILY?

Found him from a one line ad in the Seattle Times IS THERE A STORY BEHIND YOUR PET’S NAME?

No, just liked the name

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Complete Wellness Care

Tucker enriches our lives every day with his unconditional love and personality. He is extremely intuitive to emotion and we call him the “guilty Catholic” because if he ever does anything wrong you see it written all over his face. We have two cats as well and they are the boss of him, even taking over his bed at will. Tucker is very popular in our cul-de-sac as well and knows the mailman, UPS driver as well as Fed Ex!

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When he was a puppy and left alone for the first time, he broke out of his kennel, out through a garage window, into the house through a screen and pulled a pot of baked beans off of the counter. Quite industrious and clever for a four month old puppy. HOW HAS YOUR PET ENRICHED YOUR HOME OR FAMILY?

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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.

DOES YOUR PET HAVE A FRIEND IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, OR DOES S/HE PREFER A PARTICULAR FAMILY MEMBER?

Tucker is most attached to me (Gretchen) with an invisible umbilical cord to me. He does have other good friends and still sees his sister whom a friend owns. WHAT’S YOUR PET’S FAVORITE FOOD OR TREAT?

He is a Lab, so he likes everything!

Looking for a Swedish physician? Find them all at swedish.org/physicians

NeighborhoodNews

Above the Lake

September

Homework Tips That Really Work Ways To Turn The Nightly Grind Into Brain-Building Fun!

By Cornell Atwater, Learning RX, Issaquah

The new school year is upon us, for parents and kids everywhere back to school routines include homework. As the rosy glow of a new school year begins to fade, the relationship with homework has turned to drudgery, and the lighter homework level is a romantic bygone for parents, students, and teachers already feeling the pressure of looming standardized tests and meeting core curriculum requirements. While most homework tip lists simply offer ways for parents and students to get through homework as quickly and painlessly as possible, this list promises double duty: making homework fun and gaining the long-term benefits of better cognitive abilities. “There are many ways parents can use homework time to build their children’s cognitive skills – basically build up the mental tools that help them think, reason and pay attention,” says Dr. Ken Gibson, author of Unlock the Einstein Inside: Applying New Brain Science to Wake Up the Smart in Your Child. Building up those cognitive skills (short and long term memory, visual and auditory processing, logic and reasoning, attention and processing speed) is the primary focus of braintraining company LearningRx – Issaquah which is part of 82 training centers nationwide. “Intensely focused bursts of mental activity can be a very effective and fun way to build cognitive abilities,” says LearningRx Vice President of Research and Development Tanya Mitchell. Kids who go through an intensive cognitive skills program are often able to build these skills to the point where they no longer need medication for ADHD, or no longer have reading problems. Anything that can build mental skills will make schoolwork, and learning in general, much easier.” The key to homework success is finding ways to make it fun while building cognitive skills with activities that are intensely focused. With that in mind, here’s a list that goes beyond the typical homework help tip sheet, to turn the nightly grind into brain-building fun.

BEFORE YOU START: Adopt an attitude of “Homework can be fun!” Your kids will take their cues from you and will quickly learn that homework can be challenging, rewarding and even enjoyable. Help your children develop a written homework plan that includes timelines and goals, using whatever tools are the most appealing to them: computer, notebook, giant calendar page, blackboard, sticky notes on the refrigerator door, even dry-erase markers on their bedroom window. Anything will work, as long as it’s something they find fun and are eager to take part in. Develop a reward system that promises more fun. Create a system that works for your family and budget. One possibility uses fun tickets as motivation. Each time your child earns a reward, give him a ticket toward a set goal: movies with mom, breakfast in bed, extra TV time or a special trip to the playground. Making the rewards something memorable rather than monetary will inspire long-term positive attitudes regarding homework. Feed your child first. People don’t realize a child’s brain is burning through energy very, very rapidly and needs consistent brain food. Develop the habit of “fueling up” when kids get home from school, they need to eat a “meal” which consists of a portion of carbohydrates, protein and fat. The point is: food has to go in before homework goes on. Eating is critical for homework to be effective. Kids would be short-changing themselves in terms of production, concentration and productivity if they try to do brain work on an empty stomach. Set the stage. Find a place to do homework, make sure supplies are ready, have a stopwatch available at all times or use a visual watch such as a TimeTimer (www.timetimer.com) so that the time allocated for homework can be “visually” seen and measured. Get geared up to pour on the praise. When your students finish one of the following activities, always reward them with a “Great job!” and possibly a handful of a healthy snack mix.

September Above the Lake

NeighborhoodNews

BUILDING BRAIN SKILLS DURING HOMEWORK: Break down assignments into smaller chunks. This is especially helpful if your child suffers from attention problems. Use a stopwatch to time your child to see how long they can pay attention to a task before giving up, then encourage them to go longer during the next timed round. This will work on sustained attention and will help your kids become independent learners. Don’t be afraid to break the homework session into two to three chunks as well, and remember to time the breaks too.

child would say /s/ /k/ /oo/ /l/ or if the word is “reindeer” your child would say /r/ /ae/ /n/ /d/ /ee/ /r/.

Turn math problems into a fast-paced game. Time your children as they do a row of problems as fast as they can, then challenge them to do the next row faster. This will build the cognitive skill of processing speed; basically turning them into faster thinkers.

If it’s still an issue, consider having your child’s cognitive skills tested to check for an underlying problem. A cognitive skills assessment can often get to the root of the problem, instead of just trying to address the symptoms. The time you put in now will help your child become a smarter, faster, more independent learner in the future.

Tell your child to do their best to stay focused on a short homework assignment while a sibling tries to distract him in a goofy way. Reward them for blocking out the distraction and completing the task. This fun, and often funny, activity is very rewarding because it builds the mental skill of selective attention which will help kids block out distractions in school and throughout life. Give your child two tasks at once. Test him on his spelling words while he’s doing a math problem, drawing a picture, or simply packing up his homework. While he’s spelling the word aloud, make sure he doesn’t stop the other activity. This challenging exercise is harder than it may seem and will grow the divided attention skills that will help people multi-task or listen to directions while working. Play charades. Have your child demonstrate or act out what a word or concept means. This can build the skill of comprehension and visual processing. Let your children play teacher. Letting them teach you a skill or concept that they’re working on will improve their understanding of the concept and will build logic and reasoning skills. Let your kids “test” you, and let them determine a fitting reward if you pass their exams! Put spelling words or vocabulary words in a word search using www.puzzle-maker.com, then give your kids clues as to where to find them, such as “It starts in the upper left and runs right.” This will help them learn the words, and will build auditory and visual processing skills. If you have them type the words into the puzzlemaker list, it’ll help them learn the words and practice keyboarding. When practicing spelling words or reading aloud have your child break up the word by sound. If the word is “school” your

While these tips can make homework more fun and rewarding in the long term, if the homework load is simply too much, parents may need to do more. The general standard for homework amounts is 10-15 minutes, multiplied by grade level. If your child is spending significantly more time than that, talk to the teacher to see if all that homework is really necessary.

Dr. Ken Gibson spent several decades working with more than 1,000 professionals in education, psychology, and related training professionals, developing the LearningRx systems that successfully measure and train specific cognitive learning and reading skills. Visit: www.learningrx.com/issaquah or call (425)657-0908.

NeighborhoodNews

Above the Lake

September

The Stone House features a full bar with a small list of craft cocktails, some of which change seasonally, and are open for dinner only from 5:00 pm-10:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. In the summertime, they open at 4:00 pm. With only 32 seats indoors and another 25 out on the patio during the summer months, reservations are highly recommended. Our guests were spoiled not only by the amount of food to which Ryan treated us (some 2/3 of the menu), but also by our wonderful servers, Teresa Conley and Gillian McManus, who regularly “man” the floor of the restaurant while Ryan works his magic in the kitchen!

neighbors’ night out The Stone House: Comfort Food That Excites

ver the past 25 years, I have watched Redmond transform from a sleepy little town into a bustling center of activity with new businesses, restaurants, condos, apartments, and more. Yet through it all, one tiny stone cottage has remained standing and unchanged along Cleveland Street. As sturdy as ever, The Stone House has been home to several businesses since its original inception as a residence a little over 100 years ago. The house’s first owner bootlegged moonshine during prohibition. He had a small still in the back shed, and paid off policemen to run booze through underground tunnels. Built out of rocks from an adjacent river, this little house is now on the Historic Registry and, for the past seven years, has been the site of a fantastic farm-to-table restaurant owned by Ryan Wales Donaldson, who also serves as head chef. Ryan’s passion for what he does is evident when describing the everchanging menu, and detailing the many

local farms and boutique wine producers from which he sources high quality ingredients and spirits. As passionate as he is about cooking, being a chef wasn’t always his dream. “I played sports in high school and was scouted to play Division 1 basketball, but during my senior year I blew out my knee,” he says. “Everything sort of went away, so I got a job to fill the time,” he explains. He knew he didn’t want to do retail, so he decided on the restaurant industry. “My mom is a really good cook, so she is someone I learned a lot from. I’ve always loved food, and it’s an industry that is pretty easy to break into from the bottom,” he says. He got hooked on the high energy and excitement of it all after starting at a small café inside Bellevue Square. He then went on to get a degree in Hospitality Business Management from Washington State University, and attended

By: Jenny Hart Danowski

culinary school at Seattle Culinary Academy. “I worked for Schwartz Brothers for about six years, starting off at Cucina Cucina, then on to Daniel’s Broiler. I did everything there — served, bartended, worked up to sous chef, everything. I just learned the entire business,” he said. After spending most of his life here, he left for four years to be the Chef de Cuisine at the JW Marriott in Tucson, Arizona. “That was a great experience as well.” When describing the cuisine, Ryan said, “It’s what I like to call ‘high-end comfort food,’ in that I use high-end ingredients and high-end preparations.” But food to Ryan is something one always has an emotional connection with. “My mom makes Swedish Pancakes, which takes me back to my grandmother’s house up in Anacortes on special occasions,” he says. “I want to give my guests that level of comfort in a warm, informal setting,” he adds. The menu changes every two days, based on season and availability.

September Above the Lake

Betsy Matias said, “I’ve always been curious about The Stone House, wondering if Hansel & Gretel lived here! It reminds me of a restaurant you would find in Napa Valley, with impeccable service, food, and flavors!“ Michael and Marnie Hutchings thought everything was cool, saying, “The simple tables and décor were appropriate for a cozy little house like this, and the crouching pig on the mantle was awesome. The service was tre-

mendous — especially when you consider that Teresa and Gillian routinely handle the entire restaurant, which, while small, is still quite a feat! But the crown jewel is the food.” Chef Ryan clearly loves what he does, and does it well. The ingredients were noticeably fresh and extremely flavorful, and the taste combinations were unexpected, but electric. The Asparagus and Fried Egg small plate was perfectly prepared; the halibut, salmon, and tenderloin entrees were equally fantastic, and the desserts were divine (particularly the salted caramel ice cream banana split and the bananas foster bread pudding). These two desserts are alone worth an evening out! The Stone House: 16244 Cleveland St., Redmond, WA 98052, (425) 558-5625. To rent the space, visit: stonehouseredmond.com DISCLAIMER: The business reviewed in this section provided products and/or services free of charge in exchange for this review.

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September

September Above the Lake

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Adult and Youth Self - Defense Series

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September

September Above the Lake

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By Dr. Jill Monster

Menopause is not a disease, but it can cause symptoms that are disruptive to daily life. Thankfully, for most women a well-managed menopause can be a welcome change and lead to a vibrant and productive life stage. Menopause occurs when your menses has stopped for one year. In the U.S., the average age of menopause is 51, but a “normal” menopause can occur between ages 35 and 55. “Perimenopause” can begin as long as 10 years prior to menopause and is defined as the time period when hormones begin to drop. The main female hormones are estrogen and progesterone, and to a lesser degree testosterone. Estrogen is the hormone that is most associated with femininity. During your reproductive years, it builds up the lining of the uterus and keeps skin plump and bones strong. Progesterone balances estrogen and is largely responsible for the timing and consistency of the menstrual cycle. Testosterone increases libido and helps you build muscle mass. During perimenopause, progesterone is usually the first hormone to drop. This often leads to increased PMS, anxiety, insomnia and changes in your menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels tend to drop closer to menopause. This can trigger hot flashes, vaginal dryness, cognitive changes, thinning skin, incontinence and lower sex drive. There are also changes you can’t see like thinning bones and increasing cholesterol levels. Lower libido and loss of muscle tone are at least partly due to lower testosterone levels. Some women are unfortunate enough to experience all of the negative symptoms of menopause while other women breeze through the transition relatively unscathed. If intervention is needed for menopause, it can vary from diet and lifestyle changes to hormone replacement therapy. Diet and Lifestyle: During the menopausal transition, a healthy diet becomes more important. Sugar is enemy #1. Exercise is your new best friend. You may notice that you are not coping with stress as well as you have in the past. It is time to give in to relaxation and rejuvenation. Acupuncture can be a particularly effective treatment during these transition years. Ask your doctor to recommend nutritional supplements.

NeighborhoodNews

Botanical Medicines: These have been used to manage menopausal symptoms for hundreds if not thousands of years. Plant medicines should only be used under the advice of a physician. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT means prescribing estrogen, progesterone and sometimes testosterone to manage menopausal symptoms. These can be synthetic or “bio-identical.” Bio-identical hormones are made from plants and are identical to the hormones created in our body, rather than being made of synthetic compounds. They come in many different forms including creams, patches, liquids and capsules. They are available at regular pharmacies or can be custom blended at compounding pharmacies. With HRT, most women get relief from their menopausal symptoms fairly quickly. However, not everyone is a candidate for hormone replacement therapy. Your doctor can discuss risks and benefits with you. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to have an open and honest discussion about your concerns. This area of medicine is rapidly evolving. A physician that works frequently with patients experiencing menopause can help you make informed decisions about how to navigate symptoms.

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Above the Lake

September

The Xerces Society’s Message: Bee Mindful of Conservation

US VIRGIN ISLANDS By N2 Staff Writer, Tracy LaFon

By: Ilse Birch

The Xerces Society is a wonderful organization devoted to the conservation of invertebrates. These creatures — bees, dragonflies, butterflies, various mussels, sponges, and other little critters — lack spines, but they have important roles to play in their ecosystems. So what is posing such a threat to our friendly bees? There is no really simple answer — but toxins have a big part in the problem, both by killing bees outright and by making them weaker so they succumb to disease. The local bee suffering the worst of afflictions appears to be the large bumblebee. At one time, they were common, but now they are almost gone. They are particularly sensitive to Neonicotinoid pesticides, or powerful synthetic toxins derived from tobacco. Neonics have a longer lifespan than any other agricultural chemical — they last for an entire year in the plant! The pesticide crosses into the pollen and nectar of the treated plants. Bees, in turn, are very sensitive to these toxins. They become disoriented, making it hard for them to get home if they aren’t killed instantly. New studies suggest that they actually prefer pollen and nectar from treated plants. This seems terrible to me.

Online, there are lots of suggestions about how to support the native bee population. Most of them can be condensed into just a few ideas. First: don't use pesticides, especially the longacting systemics that contain Neonicotinoids such as Imidacloprid, Clothianidin and several others. Virtually every pesticide that says “systemic” or “long-acting” contains Neonics. Next: buy organic food when you can — organic farmers are kind to bee populations. Also, choose organic flower starts and plants, or those that specify, “No Neonicotinoids.” More and more nurseries, aware of Neonicotinoids’ danger to bees, are growing plants without using these pesticides. Annie's Annuals is one example, or any nursery that produces organic plants. They are worth searching out and patronizing. Or, grow your own plants from seed. Not only do you avoid poisoning your bees and yourself, you also get true value for money! If you want to truly help the bees, think of them when you plant your garden. Plant flowers they like, and consider allowing the bumblebees to nest in your yard. They like unused birdhouses, rotten logs, and places like that. If you enjoy native plants or tomatoes; host these little creatures gladly. They can pollinate plants that many other bees cannot, by “buzzing” the flower to make it release pollen. Many of our native plants are dependent upon our native pollinators. All the more reason to protect the little creatures that make our food possible and our forests so beautiful! Learn more: xerces.org

America’ s Caribbean Paradise

IN THE DIRT

Currently, pollinators are being eliminated from our world. (Pollinators, such as bees, cause plants to make fruit or seeds.) It is a very scary thing to watch, because we truly depend upon bees; without them, we would have to hand-pollinate many of the food crops we like to eat. Foods such as almonds, beans, zucchini (to name only a few) and fruit in general will become very expensive if we lose pollinators.

Tour&Travel

September Above the Lake

People in search of crystal waters, sugarsand beaches and a culture that defines the very feel of exotic, are all traveling to the US Virgin Islands.

A destination vacation just a quick trip from the mainland, the islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John are packed with the best the Caribbean has to offer. Without the need of a passport or foreign currency, travelers experience island-spiced beach relaxation accompanied by upscale shopping, dining and top-rated accommodations. Each island has unique offerings, and whether your trip plans include just one island or a sampling of all three, it will be a holiday that stays with you long after the sand is brushed off your feet and you have returned home.

St. Thomas

The most developed and tourist friendly of the three islands is St. Thomas. Its port provides docking for all the major cruise lines and is the destination day trip for their passengers. It is an island bustling with activity and adventure. St. Thomas is famous for both its diving expeditions and fishing excursions along with world-renowned nightlife. In a single day, one can enjoy the beach, land the biggest fish of their life, stock up on unique gifts, enjoy a meal by sunset and then dance the salsa under the Caribbean stars. St. Thomas is considered the best priced of the three islands and the most popular destination because of its variety of Caribbean offerings.

St. Croix

The largest in area, St. Croix is actually the least frequented of the three islands, but don’t let that fool you. Because of its size, it has miles of pristine beaches that allow enjoyment without feeling over-crowded. It is a delightful island for the family, as the focus is more on relaxation, culture and history, than enticing nightlife. The accommodations are less tourist-oriented and lean more towards villa and bed-and-breakfast styles of lodging. Steeped in history, this island is a unique blend of European, African and Caribbean culture. Exploring the island can be done independently or by way of guided horseback outings, safaris, historical tours, as well as snorkeling, sailing or boat excursions.

St. John

Known as much for its natural beauty as it is for its modern accommodations and amenities, St. John is a perfect blend of the other two islands. It hosts the widest selection of accommodations, from upscale resorts, to traditional hotels, to camping sites and wilderness lodging. A good portion of the island is designated as a National Park. If you are looking to hike and photograph the beauty of vibrant flowers, birds and wildlife, the tropical surroundings offer it all. St. John’s beaches are a nautical cornucopia offering relaxing surf on unspoiled sand where one can also sail, snorkel or enjoy exploring the underwater coral reef trail at Trunk Bay. Decide what your island fantasy vacation requires and then consider one or all of these American islands; you won’t be disappointed.

Above the Lake

September

September Above the Lake

SHEILA LAWRENSON

Financial Matters

Real Estate Team

FIVE FINANCIAL LESSONS TO PASS ON TO YOUR CHILDREN

One of the greatest lessons you can pass on to your children is teaching them how to budget, save and spend wisely. After all, being financially astute is very important to navigating through life. Grounding your children in some basic money values concepts is a good place to start. Consider using these five points as the basis for your conversation: MONEY ISN’T FREE – YOU HAVE TO EARN IT

Many of us grew up with the saying, “money doesn’t grow on trees,” meaning that we have to find ways to earn money in order to be able to spend money. Helping children understand the value of hard work can be one of the most important lessons they will learn. Most people who succeed financially put in the work to make it happen.

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TAKE MONEY SERIOUSLY

Money is something that should be handled carefully, not thoughtlessly. It’s important to teach your kids to be wise about their purchases. Whether that means not spending too much on an electronic gadget, a fancy drink at the local coffee shop or continually buying trendy toys, the value of their hard-earned dollars should be appreciated.

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SAVING MONEY BUILDS A BETTER FUTURE

It is easy for young people to get excited about having money in their wallet and coming up with ways to spend it (adults can be the same way). It’s important to demonstrate how saving for a particular goal can result in a big payoff in the long run. Help your kids find a specific spending goal and encourage them to set aside money to meet that goal. Over time, this may translate into bigger things, like saving for college. DON’T SPEND WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE

This lesson is becoming more important in today’s society where credit is easily obtained. Help your children understand how to live within their budget, and the long-term financial benefits of doing so. Discuss when it may be acceptable to take on debt, such as if they are purchasing a house or making payments on a car. Teach them how to calculate payments that are well within their grasp, so your kids remain in control of their debt in the future. TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE

As children grow older and you begin to talk to them about investing, emphasize the biggest financial advantage they have – time. The sooner they can begin setting money aside for a larger goal such as a wedding, retirement or a first home, the more their money can work for them. Talk about the benefits of saving on a regular basis, even if it means making a few adjustments to their current lifestyle. These points can help your children set a solid foundation for their financial future. If you’ve ever regretted a financial decision or purchase in the past, your kids can learn from that too – especially if the situation helped you manage your money better today. Also, keep in mind that one of the best ways to make financial lessons stick is to live by them yourself.

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