Reflections: October 2013

bellevue club

october 2013

your community magazine

the count This creature of the night’s saga plays out on stage

20

limitless

Living the high life, member Susan Ershler keeps climbing

28

in cold

sweat

Shaken, rattled and unnerved, confront your fears and take control

page 22

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inside

october 2013

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the count

in cold sweat

Culture Shock takes a poetic look at one of horror’s most-fearsome creatures.

32 34 36 38 40 44

The terror lurks, but your mind can hold all the power, if you’re focused and determined.

28 Limitless

Susan Ershler has no fear of heights, as she’s climbed the world’s Seven Summits.

citizen avengers Brought together by the love of all things geeky, these ladies aren’t just fangirls; they’re wonder women.

the spider’s saga They frighten most, but scientifically speaking, spiders are a necessary part of life.

unidentified De-classified information and baffling experiences make for an out-of-this world story.

standing tough In honor of National Bullying Prevention month, learn to recognize the signs of all involved parties.

more than a feeling Stress and anxiety can affect daily life if left untreated and also have an adverse effect on overall health.

working with tradition Halloween can be green, if those who celebrate use their creativity in all of its spooky aspects.

Departments 06 Upfront 08 Calendar 12 Chef’s Corner

14 Click 16 Employee QA 18 Bottle Talk

42 Body | Mind 48 Photo Review 54 Classifieds

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We think the best way to care for our neighbors is to be in the neighborhood.

7 adult and family medicine clinics on the Eastside

we think about you

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october 2013

upfront

spook

YOURSELF is the season for all things frightening, and I’ve always loved a good horror film. If you’re looking for a good scare, my top choices are “Alien,” “The Shining,” “Insidious” and “Ghost Ship” (this last one is purely for the cheese factor).

Horror movies aren’t for everyone, but for those of us who do like them, we enjoy being scared for all sorts of different reasons. Some enjoy the thrill as their hearts thump a little harder, and others like the feeling of relief that comes after the fear is over. Some like the escape while watching a movie that takes us out of our comfort zone. My boyfriend likes horror movies just so he can watch my reactions and make fun of me later.

Whatever your reason for enjoying a good scare, or even avoiding one, October is the month to do it.

Much like the various thoughts behind self-inflicting terror, people join the Bellevue Club for myriad reasons, too. Some enjoy the world-class athletics, while others join for the social or wellness aspects. Some want to raise their families here, while others want to network and make new friends.

Beyond the initial anxiety of being new, we hope there’s nothing scary about the Bellevue Club. While I personally think the Pilates reformers look like medieval torture devices, I’ve been told that’s not the case. In tennis, the ball machine might elicit fear in first-timers, but once they hit a few, it’s no big deal.

The scariest thing of all, though, is the Wellness Department, where we learn the one thing that frightens us the most: the truth about how healthy we are.

No matter why you have chosen to be a member of the club, you get to enjoy all the different aspects once you’re here. It can be scary to try something new, but once you’ve taken that first step, you’ll be glad you did.

If you’re not too scared, you can recommend the club to a friend or colleague who might enjoy the experience, too. You can also try that Pilates class or get a wellness evaluation to assess where you are in terms of fitness and health.

Or, start small. Taste something on the specials menu in Polaris or Splash, or sip a new drink in Luna. Or, try the scariest thing of all: meet someone new at one of our many member events. We have several “frightening” member events this month, including a Family Magic Show Oct. 10, a networking mingle Oct. 15 and a Charity Casino Night Oct. 18.

I recommend the most-fearsome event of the month—our Murder Mystery Dinner on Oct. 11. Join other members to dine on an excellent five-course meal prepared by Executive Chef Paul Marks, and try to figure out “whodunit.”

Who knows, it just might be you.

Kaarin Keil, Membership Manager 6 | october 2013 reflections

Management Staff President S. W. Thurston Member Liaison Beth Curtis Executive Chef Paul Marks Catering Director Jill Parravano Hotel Sales Director Jerry Stotler Athletic Director Sally Reed Aquatics Director Melissa Stepp Fitness Director Sue Matyas Recreation Director Katie Barth Tennis Director Brian Nash Athletic Services & Spa Director Katie Greenwood Financial Manager Jeff Ohlstrom Operations Controller Gina Abadia Communications Director Chelsea Nelson Membership Director Kaarin Keil

CONTACT bellevue club

425.455.1616 | www.bellevueclub.com athletic services

425.688.3177 hotel bellevue

425.454.4424 | www.thehotelbellevue.com

Hours of Operation hotel bellevue

Club Concierge Desk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week athletic facility

5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.* Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.* Saturday 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday *Subject to change, depending on scheduled events.

The pool closes at 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Reflections Magazine Volume 3 0 issue 4 www.BCreflections.com publisher

Chelsea Nelson | 425.688.3293 editor

Allyson Marrs | 425.688.3162 art director

Bonnie Tankovich | 425.688.3194 advertising

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To receive a Rate Card & Media Kit, please call 425.455.9881 or visit www.bcreflections.com/display. classified advertising

425.688.3162 BELLEVUE CLUB reflections (ISSN 1096-8105) is published monthly by the Bellevue Club, 11200 S.E. 6th, Bellevue, WA 98004. Copyright 2010 by Bellevue Club. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is prohibited. Publication number 715390. Periodicals postage paid @ Bellevue, WA, and additional offices. Editorial, Advertising and Circulation Office: P.O. Box 90020, Bellevue, WA 98009 (mailing address); 11200 S.E. 6th, Bellevue, WA 98004 (street address); telephone 425.455.1616. Produced by Vernon Publications, LLC, 12437 N.E. 173rd Place, Second Floor, Woodinville, WA 98072. POSTMASTER send address changes to BELLEVUE CLUB REFLECTIONS, 11200 S.E. Sixth St., Bellevue, WA 98004.

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Calendar

bellevue club

featured event

october 2013 Sun

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geekgirl con

Oct. 19-20, Seattle Conference Center $35/ two-day pass, $20/each

This event welcomes all nerds, whether you’re interested in geeking out or networking. Read all about it on page 32.

special events Sundays

Mondays

Tuesdays

wednesdays

thursdays

fridays

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October Birthday Month in Polaris Begins

Class: Light room

Family Gym Night

saturdays

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Tieton River Rafting Trip

Class: Handwriting Analysis

Class: Will You Outlive Your Money?

Family Magic Show

Murder Mystery Dinner

Paddle and Wine Event

Ballrom/Tango Dance Workshop

Family Float-In Movie Night

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Networking in the Atrium

Casino Royale, benefitting LifeSpring Kids Night Out: Costume Party

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Class: Anatomy of a Sofa

Beginning Bridge Basics

Halloween Carnival

Cooking Class: Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen

Family Pumpkin Carving

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Trivia Night in Cosmos

HALLOWEEN

weekly events Sun

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wed

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Water Runner

Ladies’ Tennis Night

Half-Price Wine Night in Polaris

Men’s Tennis Night

Zumba

Mixed Doubles Night

Inflatable Obstacle Course

For more information about programs listed on the calendar, please visit members.bellevueclub.com.

recreation Fitness 8 | october 2013 reflections

Aquatics tennis

member events food & beverage

photo courtesy of geekgirlcon

bellevue club

CONTRIBUTORS

e m m a w i lson An Atlanta native, Emma Wilson fell in love with the Pacific Northwest as a student at the University of Puget Sound. s e e e m m a’ s wo r k i n “ g r e e n

k at i e v i n c e n t Katie Vincent is a Seattle-based freelance writer specializing in outdoor living, wellness, travel and sustainable gardening. read k atie’s work in

da n i e l l e z o r n Danielle is a very curi-

halloween” [page 44].

“the spider’s saga” [page 34].

elle’s work in “unidentified” [page 36].

r e f l ec t io n s :

What is your worst fear? emma

ous, Seattle-based freelance writer who loves that learning about anything and everything is part of her job description. read dani-

of NOTE from l to r: Isaiah Cormier, Justin White, Jaime Booker, Brent Williams, Ryan Symes, Chris Keller and Elan Baumchen.

Heights. k at i e

That by focusing on the negative, especially in the news, humankind will collectively create a negative future. da n i

Car accidents and throwing up.

The Summer Basketball League final saw Trees and Threes square off against Legacy in a highly anticipated championship game. Legacy used a quick run at the end of the first half to build a 43-27 lead and carried the hot shooting into the second half to secure an 83-54 victory. Congratulations, Legacy!

10 | october 2013 reflections

Name: Amy Austin

Biological Age: 88

Bellettini Resident Since: 2012 Still a kid when: hanging with the girls

Whether you are leading an independent lifestyle or need assisted living services, our residents enjoy an active community that helps to preserve their inner youth and spirit.

T: 425.450.0800

1115 108th Avenue NE Bellevue, WA 98004

T h E B E l l E T T i N i .co m

taste

october 2013

chef’s

CORNER

Executive Chef Paul Marks shares one of his favorite recipes each month. This appetizer almost tastes like a dessert.

Pumpkin Crostini The pumpkin is seasoned with dark brown sugar and spiced rum before being roasted.

The syrup that forms in the baking pan is drizzled over the bread, but it is so tasty that it could even be used over pancakes. I hope you enjoy this easy fall appetizer!

INGREDIENTS

[Makes 12 to 14]

1 loaf ciabatta bread or good French bread, cut into ½-inch slices 1 medium sugar pumpkin 1 ¼ cup brown sugar, preferably dark ¼ cup water ¼ spiced rum, Myers’ will do ½ cup cashews, roasted and lightly salted ½ cup mascarpone cheese ¼ cup olive oil

Goes well with a Belgian beer, such as Stella Artois.

12 | october 2013 reflections

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. 2. Place slices of bread on a sheet pan and brush both sides with olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and bake 8 to 12 minutes, turning toasts at the halfway mark.

3. Cut the skin off the pumpkin, then scoop out seeds.

Cut flesh of pumpkin into half-inch dice.

4. In a large bowl, toss pumpkin with brown sugar, water and rum. Mix well to coat.

5. Place pumpkin mixture on baking sheet and bake about 30 minutes, until pumpkin is tender. Remove from oven and cool slightly.

6. Drizzle pieces of bread with the syrup that has formed on the sheet pan. Divide roasted pumpkin onto crostini. Sprinkle cashew pieces over crostini, top with a dollop of Mascarpone and drizzle any remaining syrup.

CLICK october 2013 Only online can you find exclusive content and photos from events around the Club.

We’re here, 24-7.

S e e W h at ’ s H a ppe n i n g “Th is Week” Stay up to date on the latest news, classes and happenings with the “This Week at the Club” page at bellevueclub.com/thisweek.

The link will provide information about special events, current specials, promotions and sales around the club, upcoming events, construction updates, parking alerts, membership information and more.

W e ’ l l C o m e t o You Sign up for email alerts to receive information about programming and special offers.

Visit https://members.bellevueclub.com and click on “Subscribe” under the “Email Alerts” heading. From this screen you can sign up to receive specific email alerts about various departments at the Club. If you have questions about email alerts, contact the web coordinator at 688-3293 or email webcoordinator@bellevueclub.com.

BlogSpot

capture it

To see these and other stories, visit bellevueclub.com/blog.

i n t e r n at i o n a l w i n Member Terry Robinson competed in the World Maccabiah Games in Israel and returned home with a silver medal. ta k i n g i t t o g o We can’t always be near our stocked, healthy kitchens. The holidays are swiftly approaching, and with them comes an onslaught of activities, and in some cases, a change of venue. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train or automobile, arming yourself against last-minute meal decisions will be your diet saving grace. Bellevue Club registered dietician Laurelee Misseghers breaks down the basics.

TOP

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@JoannaHuckins: Already miss the @BellevueClub craving a banana blast and power salad right now! @jdnorthwest: @BellevueClub It was a great conference. And you were, as always, an amazing host. :). @SwimSpray: Great @MastersSwimming practice at the @BellevueClub - great workout (3200 meters) and lots of cool people attending!

14 | october 2013 reflections

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Just 80 miles east of Seattle in Cle Elum, WA

COMMUNITY october 2013 employee SPOTLIGHT

Samantha Allen ➼ Position: Billing Specialist. ➼ Worked at the BC: Five years. ➼ Best memory made at the Club: Being starstruck by Oprah’s significant other: Stedman!

➼ Favorite part about my job: My co-workers make work fun every day!

➼ Favorite hobbies: Rock-climbing, biking, rafting, hiking, travel, volleyball and tennis, and, of course, spending time with my friends and family. ➼ Three words to describe me: Strong, kind and funny.

➼ Siblings: One older sister and one younger brother. ➼ Favorite food: Tacos. ➼ Favorite movie: “The Blind Side” ➼ I would never: fly via wing suit! ➼ I just can’t live without: adventure/adrenaline! ➼ An item on my bucket list: To live abroad in a Spanishspeaking country for at least a year.

➼ Favorite place in the world: The San Juan Islands, the mountains or anywhere with water!

Achieved the Distinguished Outstanding Rating from the King County Municipal League.

“ Kevin is a strong advocate of working families, public education, and our our community. I wholeheartedly support his re-election to city council.” ~ Deb Eddy, Former State Representative

Vote for a Trusted and Effective Leader www.WallaceForCouncil.com 16 | october 2013 reflections

DESIGN / BUILD Redmond, Washington

. MAINTENANCE . SEASONAL COLOR . HOLIDAY . 425.868.2200 . www.sandergroves.com . info@sandergroves.com

Bottle Talk october 2013 ➼ written by Allyson Marrs

Doesn’t Fall Far Fruit is making a frenzy of a comeback. If you’ve been watching the drinking scene lately, you’ll have noticed that hard cider is making an appearance at more restaurants, breweries and bars.

Just this past summer, at the annual Bite of Seattle festival, the craft brew tasting featured a handful of hard cider options. Down south, at the Oregon Brewers Festival, guests tapped into cider, too.

18 | october 2013 reflections

It’s a drink that’s really burst onto the scene in the last year, bringing fans and devoted drinkers with it. In 2012, cider sales were up more than 62 percent, according to CNN, with Woodchuck Hard Cider—the most popular brand—selling more than two and a half million cases.

The drink’s popularity has a history, though, as our forefathers guzzled it more often than other alcohol options since apples were easier to grow than barley during Colonial times.

Now, its rise could be contributed to the growing popularity of craft breweries.

According to Time magazine, there were 1,693 craft breweries in the U.S., and that number is only growing—especially in the Pacific Northwest. We’re a creative bunch.

We’re a boozy bunch.

The craft industry is exposing drinkers to a variety of brews, which means consumers are becoming bolder, more daring and more willing to try new things.

This has made room for ciders to push into the market because of their versatility.

Cider is taking leaps away from the “fermented apple juice” label, as companies begin playing with the flavors— from dry to bold to fruity to complex. Like beers, they come in different styles, and apples aren’t the only fruit on the farm, giving way to raspberries, peaches and blueberries, among others.

The lighter texture also helps play to wine drinkers, as some say that hard cider has become the happy medium between beer and wine. This middle road seems to hold up along gender lines as well, with cider being considered more genderneutral than beer, which has an 80 percent male consumer bases, according to the 2012 BeerTAB report from Technomic.

The market for cider, however, appears to be wide open to both men and women, and as women have become more interested in the craft brewing industry over the years, the curiosity about cider makes sense, given the beverage’s flexibility.

There’s no denying that it’s usually sweeter than beer, though. For this reason, most consumers tend to start the night with it, choosing to end the evening with something a bit heartier. Companies that now produce both—Stella Artois, for example—most likely don’t mind such an attitude.

If nothing else, these new tap picks offer one more reason to sample the best of the Northwest. Chances are, these ciders are only just grazing the creative surface.

Predictions aside, these apples don’t fall far from the craft tree.

Inve Man

Cert it aw

© 20

Is your portfolio positioned well for today’s market?

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jason.weese@morganstanley.com www.morganstanleyfa.com/ bellevuewealthmanagementgroup Minimum relationship: $5 million Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA,® Certified Investment Management Analyst SM (with graph element),® and Certified Investment Management Analyst.SM Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP,® certified financial planner™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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JOB INFORMATION 7677957

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SPECIFICATIONS 8.25” × 10.75”

NOTES

20 | october 2013 reflections

photography by rex tranter

october 2013

culture shock written

by

a l ly s o n m a r r s

The Count He may not have a reflection, but Count Dracula’s story has been seen the world over.

He’s a known villain, but under that cape, that three-piece suit and that deathly leer lies a broken heart. He’s a dead man walking, forced to remember the oncegreat love that’s now lost. Unfortunately for the townspeople, he finds his revenge—his sustenance—in beating hearts, making Count Dracula a terrifying creature of the night.

Bellevue’s International Ballet Theatre’s (IBT) annual production of “Dracula” manages to find the beauty in the beast and the emotion in the non-beating heart.

Several dance styles are fused—jazz, classical ballet, folk—by IBT’s worldrenowned choreographers and teachers for this special approach to the horror story.

Concepts have been borrowed from the famous novels “Dracula” and “The Snake’s

Pass” by Bram Stoker. “We started to look beyond the evil inside him and found him to be a tragic soul who is trying to cope with the loss of a love from long ago,” says IBT’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Frank Harlan. “Our story centers on these unique circumstances, and we see Dracula systematically take away all the loved ones around Mina so he can have her to himself.”

In keeping with its mission to deliver fresh performances each year, Frank says “Dracula” will feature new choreography, sets and costumes, meaning, if you were in the audience last year, you’re sure to experience something new this time too.

“We are eager to spread the fright among our patrons,” he says.

For some, this production will be a debut. Sophia Sevier, Kindsy Folkers and Emma Kretzer will all be dancing in their

first IBT production, having studied at the International Ballet Academy, a ballet school partnered with IBT. The academy students are always able to audition for IBT productions, which is partly what makes the academy one of the most popular dance schools in the region, according to Frank.

“With every production, they are given the chance to express their passion and talent on stage,” Frank says. From dancers who grew up in the area to international performers, the academy is full of up-andcoming talent.

For local residents, though, IBT and the academy are important pieces of the community because, according to Frank, they’re a reminder that the performing arts matter. Through them, he says you unplug, if only for a few hours, to “bear witness and experience the art of dance with someone you love.”

After all, isn’t that all Dracula ever really wanted?

Choreography Vera Altunina and Jerry Tassin

Show times Friday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. with a special wine tasting from 6-7:15 p.m.

Sunday, October 27, 2 p.m.

Tickets www.ibtbellevue.org/tickets/dracula General Admission: $40 Children younger than 12: $25

Location 507 6th Street South Kirkland, WA 98033 bellevue club october 2013 | 21

w r it te n b y a l ly s o n m a r r s

22 | october 2013 reflections

When goose bumps pucker your skin and a chill rises through your toes to the tips of your hair, that’s fear. When your breath quickens and your throat feels smaller and the space around you is too tight, that’s fear. When you can no longer remember how to move your legs and your thoughts fade in and out, unable to catch up with each other, that’s fear.

Fear can be felt anywhere—from willingly subjecting yourself to the boost of adrenaline during a horror film or a walk through a haunted house to a flashback of a traumatic experience that turns a fear into a phobia. It can be terrifying.

It can affect your life.

bellevue club october 2013 | 23

Five Common Fears (not to be confused with phobias) … and how to face them 1. Public Speaking

Practice various speeches in front of your mirror at home—whether monologues from your favorite TV show or famous speeches by political leaders. From there, perform in front of friends and family, and then volunteer to do a presentation at work.

2. Needles

Start by examining it so closely that every angle becomes familiar. We tend to fear the unknown, so when you’re used to the sight, it won’t be so shocking. Eventually, try donating blood. Knowing you’re helping someone else while conquering your fear may alleviate the anxiety.

3. Heights

Fear Versus Phobia “Fear is most rational,” says Marlon Familton, M.A. LMHC, a mental health counselor in Bellevue who works with patients suffering from anxiety, phobias and anger issues. “But sometimes [elicits] an irrational reaction to a real or perceived threat.” He says that phobias act the same way with the added caveat that an acute response often cripples one’s ability to function. “Think about a phobia as a fear or anxiety on speed.”

The difference is in thought versus action. For people with a fear of heights, their reaction comes once they’re experiencing it, or when they have to make a decision about it (say, going up to the 15th story of a building). People with a height phobia will have a reaction just from talking about heights, even if they’re standing on low, solid ground, says Marlon.

Shana Olmstead, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor in Kirkland who specializes in behavioral changes, anxiety

24 | october 2013 reflections

and changing negative thinking, agrees that intensity is often the distinguishing factor between fear and phobia, as is the daily impact. “Someone with a phobia experiences a severe anxiety response when they come in contact with the stimulus, and will spend considerable time worrying about and avoiding any interaction with the object of their phobia,” she says.

Mental triggers, say seeing a spider for someone with a fear of spiders, flood the body with stress hormones, which causes the feelings of anxiety, stress and fear, Shana says. But triggers can also be physical, say for someone with a social anxiety disorder. The physical act of being in a social situation will set off these same chemical reactions.

“In either case, the physical and mental responses are intertwined, and the fear causes the body to physically respond with symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweatiness, fast breathing and trembling,” Shana says.

Conquer this gradually in a safe space. Start with closed elevators and then move on to glass elevators. Visit the Smith Tower in downtown Seattle, opting to stand on the observation deck only when you’re comfortable. Eventually, move to the Space Needle by starting in the restaurant and then standing outside, where you may feel most vulnerable.

4. Flying

This one is best to just embrace.

Fly somewhere where the destination will be worth the anxiety of the flight. Most importantly, distract yourself during takeoff and landing by reading, doing breathing exercises or chatting with your seatmate. When it feels like a routine, it will become easier to get through. Practice!

5. Darkness

Find the root of the fear. Is it noise, or lack thereof? The fact that your vision is impaired? Too many scary movies? Use your logic to alleviate worries, such as locking doors to feel safer, keeping the TV on to drown out the silence, etc. Sleep with something comforting—extra blanket, stuffed animal—and start with a night light as a gradual way to become comfortable with the blackness.

bellevue club october 2013 | 25

Wordplay Fear: An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

Anx•i•e•ty: A feeling of worry, nervousness or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

Pho•bi•a: An extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something.

uncovering the source While fears can be about anything, Marlon notes that many phobias are specific and significantly irrational. “Phobias usually start as a fear or anxiety that grows with someone’s thoughts. Thoughts create feelings, so the more someone thinks about the fear, the more the thoughts can morph into a phobia.”

Often, these phobias are linked with past traumatic experiences, so a person suffering from the phobia will go out of his or her way to avoid experiencing it 26 | october 2013 reflections

again. This, Marlon says, can often lead to obsessive-compulsive disorder, created by a fear or anxiety combining with a behavior to lessen that feeling.

“There is not one way that most phobias begin,” Shana says. “They are an anxiety disorder caused by a combination of genetics, life experience and brain chemistry.” People can be born predisposed to anxiety, or have a parent who suffers, and when this is combined with a stressful, frightening experience, a phobia can develop. Shana

adds that many develop in early childhood, adolescence or early adulthood.

In Shana’s experience, social phobia (now known as social anxiety disorder) is very common among adults. She defines it as a debilitating fear of criticism or judgment in a social setting. Agoraphobia, the fear of being in a public place, is also widespread, as sufferers worry about embarrassing themselves in a public place by having a panic attack, which means they are often too afraid to leave their homes.

finding courage In his work, Marlon says that he treats patients who have anxiety, and people with phobias often seek help only when the behavior becomes debilitating. “Coming in to a counselor for help is quite hard because it means talking about and facing that greatest fear,” he says.

Treatment is often best accomplished through talking, because Marlon says, medications can mask the issue. “Since most phobias develop from irrational thinking, and thoughts create feelings, real treatment will help phobia sufferers with understanding their thoughts and resulting feelings.”

This means questioning the fear and the beliefs about what may happen if the object of their fears arises. From there, it’s about changing their response. Under these circumstances, Marlon says that counseling is the best place to start, and that sometimes exposure therapy can be beneficial for alleviating the underlying fear.

He also recommends cognitive tools— talking, processing related fears/traumas and changing thinking—and even energy psychology in the form of acupuncture and hypnotherapy. “Phobias, like anxiety, can be beat with some work.”

Shana also suggests cognitive behavioral therapy, as it helps patients identify triggers and unsound thoughts and replace them with more productive ones. Breathing exercises are also useful to help people stay calm when presented with their triggers. “Phobias are not a terminal condition,” she says. “As long as you are motivated to make a positive change, you can absolutely be free of a phobia.”

The first step is awareness, recognizing that a phobia has taken control of your life. After that, it’s about finding the courage to ask for help. As Shana says, “Why spend another day in fear when you can be free?” bellevue club october 2013 | 27

PROFILE

october 2013

the

view from up

here

M ay 16, 20 02 , S u s a n a n d P h i l E r s h l e r s o l i d i f i e d t h e i r sp o t i n h i s t o r y, a s t h e f i r s t c o u p l e e v e r t o c l i m b the seven summits . w r it te n b y a l ly s o n m a r r s

28 | october 2013 reflections

“You go through a lot of pain, but pain is temporary.

I had to keep that in my mind.”

Member Susan Ershler and her husband Phil were the first couple in the world to climb the seven summits—the highest peak on each continent. Including completing the unbelievable journey in 2002, Susan’s climb count is 52 mountains in 13 countries with an average of 16,800 feet.

Funny, considering she never had any desire to climb until the age of 36, when her then boyfriend (now husband) worked as a mountain guide and asked her to climb Mount Rainier with him.

Phil was the first American to climb the north side of Everest in 1984, so for him, climbing had always been his life.

Rainier was the beginning of Susan’s new life.

Once she reached the top, after 48 hours of daunting effort, she was hooked. She’s summited Rainier 20 times since that first climb. “It was something to be very proud of,” Susan says of that first summit experience. “If you’re fit and determined, it’s doable.”

To prove her own point, only 30 days after her first climb, Susan and Phil traveled to Africa to begin their seven-summit journey and climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Before then, Sue had never even been out of the country. “You can’t practice,” she laughs, talking about climbing more than 19,000 feet. Sure, you can hike and train, but once it comes to climbing such heights, you just go.

Susan and Phil on the summit of Vinson Massif, the highest mountain in Antarctica.

Climbing Timeline 1992 Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet) Africa 1993 Mount Elbrus (18,480 feet) Russia 1995 Mount McKinley (20,320 feet) Alaska 1996 Cerro Aconcagua (22,841 feet) Argentina 1998 Vinson Massif (16,067 feet) Antarctica 1999 Mount Kosciuszko (7,309 feet) Australia 2002 Mount Everest (29,035 feet) Nepal

bellevue club october 2013 | 29

R e f lec t ions

5

Susan Ershler Spin class, weightlifting and hot yoga.

Biographies, currently “Steve Jobs” personal quirk: I’m a workaholic. biggest fear: I’m the youngest in my family, so not having my family in the future.

An item on my bucket list: Go back to Antarctica and spend time with the emperor penguins.

Favorite activity at the Club: favorite book:

Susan during her last climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.

“Really, can my body handle it? Am I going to be able to handle it?” she remembers asking herself. It was six days of acclimatizing (adapting your body to the higher elevation by giving it time to build more red blood cells), and the last night, the last jaunt, was more than 4,000 vertical feet. “When you’re standing on the summit, all the pain goes away. It gives you so much confidence.”

That confidence is an attribute Susan used in her professional life, which paralleled her climbing life, as she progressively worked her way up to vice president of strategic accounts in telecommunications.

30 | october 2013 reflections

To achieve both—summiting and receiving promotions—Susan envisioned her goals. “That’s what drives me,” she says. She’d also picture herself in her dream professional role and use that as a force to keep her going.

And it kept her going—for 10 years.

In 2001, she and Phil had made it to their final summit challenge: Mount Everest. She had read about the failed attempts—the deaths—and thought about everything she could lose. She had parents and three older brothers to consider, but not attempting Everest was never really an option.

So Susan wrote a letter to her family—a

goodbye—and sealed it away with instructions to open it if she failed to return.

She acknowledges that you can die at any moment, on any day, but “up there, it’s in your face.”

With Phil by her side, Susan took a leave of absence from work, signed a body disposal form, and the two began their journey up the Nepal side of Mount Everest.

On day 63, Susan and Phil hit the route at 11 p.m. Climbing Everest at night gives climbers the most compact snow and ice, and if an accident happens, there will be a whole day of light to save somebody—or yourself. That morning, there was a death on another team, something that could instill fear in even the bravest climber, but they continued.

The jet stream was harsh, as a single headlamp lit Susan’s way—her ice ax working as a cane. [The light] “puts you in this little world. You can’t see all the stuff you’re working over.” By the time they reached the balcony at 27,600 feet, Susan was feeling ill, and Phil’s eyes were purple; his eyes had started to freeze over.

“Phil said to me, ‘we’re going to have to go down. Can you live with that?’ At the time, I wanted to go down!” Susan says.

As they got lower, though, Susan felt defeated. “Maybe I got some oxygen in my head, but I realized, we didn’t make it, and we’re not going back. I had trained for years. I felt like my life was a mess—it was incomplete. I had seen myself up there, and then I wasn’t.” She had to go back and try again, but Phil didn’t want to. “He had been there, done that,” Susan says, and he didn’t want to lose his wife.

But Susan already had her vision, and she wasn’t about to let it blur. So the pair went back the next year. With better weather, they made better time.

“Your body can’t hold acclimatization, but it’s like muscle memory,” Susan says. “My body was clicking into the altitude much quicker than the last year,” which ironically, had served as her “practice,” something she didn’t think was possible.

It was still grueling though. “You get angry,” Susan says. “Like, ‘why are you hurting yourself? Turn around. Quit.’ You’re dehydrated; you’re malnourished. You’re kind of competing against yourself.”

Susan won that competition, as after 54 days, she and Phil reached the top of Mount Everest.

They spent 25 minutes basking in their achievement. “You’re on top of the world,” Susan says of what was going through her mind.

After everything, it took only two days to get down, and when they did, they had their first interview with CNN, via a satellite phone from Everest base camp.

Susan and Phil Ershler had made history.

They were in high demand immediately after, and made the rounds on shows such as “Good Morning America” and “The Today Show.” But when asked, “What’s next,” by the journalists, Susan didn’t know the answer. “When I got home, I thought my life was going to be perfect. It wasn’t,” she says.

So, because she had focused on her dreams for 50 years, she decided to focus on helping others reach theirs for the second half of her life.

Susan is now a popular opening and closing speaker for conventions all over the world because she draws parallels between her physical climbs and her professional ones. She also spends time working with the American Himalayan Foundation to help stop trafficking of Nepalese girls and help them receive education.

She still climbs, though, as she and Phil have vowed to make one major climb every year together. Their 2013 climb is this month, and they’re headed to Sikkim in the Himalayas of India, where they were engaged nearly 20 years ago.

Now, everything in life feels a little less difficult because, after all, Susan can always say to herself, “You’ve climbed Everest. This is nothing!”

After summiting Mount Everest, Susan celebrates.

Taking a quick break during the Everest climb.

The duo on their trek along the Inca trail to Machu Picchu in Peru.

bellevue club october 2013 | 31

CITIZEN AV E N G E R S Convention Details

w r it t e n b y a l ly s o n m a r r s

From women in the tech industry to those wearing their Wonder Woman costume to bed, geeks are a force to be reckoned with.

It’s about embracing your cred— geek cred.

The first GeekGirlCon graced the Emerald City in 2011. Its mission is simple: all people deserve equal recognition and everyone should feel empowered to pursue their passions. But, as Susie Rantz— Manager of GeekGirlCon Public Relations— says, this isn’t always the case for women who work in, or enjoy, the sciences, technology, comics and gaming.

The reality, she says, is that women aren’t the minority in geekdom; they just don’t get the recognition. Forty percent of San Diego Comic-Con guests were women, and Susie adds that 47 percent of game players are women, too. “Until recently, geeky women and their supporters didn’t have one safe and welcoming place to share their passions, attend or run panels concerning their contributions to geek culture and celebrate who they are and what they love,” Susie says.

There have been some disturbing instances in the past where women have been forced out of doing what they love. Susie remembers the story of Miranda Pakozdi, an experienced gamer playing in a Cross Assault video game tournament, who was repeatedly harassed by her team’s coach. Throughout the game, the team’s webcam focused on her various body parts, while the coach repeatedly hurled sexual comments at her, saying it was “just part of the game.” Miranda ended up forfeiting the tournament.

GeekGirlCon to the rescue. “Women can be just as fanatical about comics, video games or any other topic as men,” Susie says. “They should not have to prove their ‘geek cred’ to 32 | october 2013 reflections

anyone.” At the con, women can connect to discuss cosplay (costume play) ideas, debate about favorite TV shows and create a community of support.

“We try to present diversity in our convention so that people who just want to ‘geek out’ have a great time, and those who are looking for networking connections or to have serious discussions about issues of gender, race and ability feel satisfied when they leave our convention.”

The convention plays host to entertainment and fandom, networking and job connections and academic discussions. This is seen in panels, workshops and interactive sessions, covering the fun (comic books) to the fundamental (portrayal of women in geek culture).

“The most important thing we want to convey through GeekGirlCon is that geek girls (and women) are out there, and we support one another. We also believe there is power in numbers (some of us GeekGirlCon staff members are math majors, after all).”

That being said, Susie encourages anyone to come to the con. In year’s past, 20 to 25 percent of guests were men, and 20 percent of guests in 2011 and 2012 were girls younger than 10. If you self-identify as a geek and support the achievements of women in the culture, then you’re welcome. Just imagine the Avengers—a team made up of men and women (and creatures) with different strengths, all fighting for the same cause.

“Pursue your geeky passions and strive to contribute to geek culture,” Susie says.

So, “to fight the foes no single superhero could withstand,” geeks … assemble!

For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.geekgirlcon.com.

Oct 19 & 20

Washington State Convention Center’s Conference Center Sa 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Su 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Two-day pass: $35 Saturday OR Sunday only: $20/each Kids, ages 5-10: $5

A Selection of GeekGirlCon Programming Comic book writer Kelly Sue DeConnick will be a featured guest.

Jane Espenson, who has written for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Battlestar Galactica” and “Once Upon a Time,” will be on a panel with the cast of her webseries “Husbands.”

Professional cosplayer Chaka Cumberbatch will be a featured guest.

Robin Harwick will lead a discussion about the intersection between music, gender and disability.

Mike Madrid will give a presentation titled “Divas, Dames, and Daredevils.”

A Ready-To-Wear Superhero panel hosted by Anika Dane.

“Women can be just as fanatical about comics, video games or any other topic as men,�

bellevue club october 2013 | 33

MOVING PAST IT A spider’s paramount role on our planet often goes unnoticed.

“About 40 percent of the world’s insect biomass will pass through spiders,” Rod says.

“Without spiders, it would be a whole new ballgame.”

He estimates that, were spiders to be extinguished, insect populations worldwide would skyrocket, leaving the rest of Earth’s living creatures—humans included—hard put to survive.

But how can we get over our fears?

Education, Rod claims, is the most effective treatment. As a child, he overcame his qualms with “Spiders and Their Kin” by Herbert Levy— which he proudly displays on his office bookshelf.

Yet he does acknowledge the real phobias out there. “There are some people who can’t function if they think a spider is in the room … which there always is.” For this, Rod suggests contacting a professional.

But for those who are just creeped out by the arachnids, remember there would be a lot more bugs without them. ➸ Find more at Rod Crawford’s “Spider Myths” page: www.burkemuseum.org/spidermyth.

bellevue club october 2013 | 35

Unidentified T h e s k i e s a r e s e e m i ng ly fi l l e d w i t h i nfi ni t e s e c r e t s , m a k i n g o n e wo n d e r w h e n e v e n t s b e com e e ncou n t e r s . written

“There has to be an explanation, but there isn’t.”

36 | october 2013 reflections

by

da n iel l e zor n

Intrigue.

It’s the driving force behind writer/producer Steven Edmiston’s and director/producer Scott Schaefer’s newest film project. Joining their curious and creative minds together, and gaining support from local talent and funding from the Seattle International Film Festival, the two set off with their team to bring “The Maury Island Incident” to life.

In December 1969, the Secretary of the Air Force terminated Project Blue Book, a program conducted by the Air Force that was investigating UFOs. According to the Project Blue Book fact book found in declassified U.S. government documents, the research ended because there was no obvious national security threat, no technological discoveries or advancements at stake, and no sound proof that the “unidentified objects” were extraterrestrial vehicles. Regardless of the official dismantling of Project Blue Book, lack of explanation remains the driving force behind the fascination with UFOs. Consider the not-so-well-known incident that occurred close to home. According to UFOs Northwest, it was June 21, 1947, and Harold Dahl was salvaging logs in Puget Sound off of Maury Island with his son Charles and his dog. Around 2 p.m., six “doughnut-shaped disks,” hovered above his boat, one of which looked to be malfunctioning. Debris fell from the disk killing Harold’s dog and burning his son’s arm, before all six disks sped off. A man dressed in black soon visited Harold, telling him that what he had witnessed was not meant to be seen.

Three days later, pilot and federal marshal Kenneth Arnold saw nine objects, which he called “flying saucers” near Mount Rainier. And just two weeks later, an unidentified object crashed on a ranch northwest of Roswell, New Mexico.

Media personnel and members of the military soon interviewed Kenneth and Harold. Two servicemen arrived in Ta-

coma to learn about the incidents, then returned by plane to Hamilton Field, an Air Force Base in California, for further investigations, taking with them debris from Harold’s disk sighting.

However, their B-25 bomber never made it. The next day, journalist Paul Lance wrote an article for the Tacoma Times (now defunct), titled “Sabotage Hinted in Crash of Army Bomber at Kelso; Plane May Hold Flying Disk Secret.” Two weeks later, Paul mysteriously died— reason unknown.

These mysteries keep Charlette LeFevre and Philip Lipson, directors of the Seattle UFO/Paranormal Group and Northwest Museum of Legends and Lore, intrigued.

“We can’t explain it, and it irks the hell out of us,” Charlette says. “There has to be an explanation, but there isn’t.”

That’s what Charlette says bothered Kenneth in 1947.

Living in Boeing country right after WWII ended, anyone—military or civilian—at that time would be able to identify any aircraft. Kenneth was a pilot himself, and he just couldn’t explain it. Charlette and her colleagues reopened the case eight years ago after discovering leftover debris at the B-25 crash site, mobilizing UFO groups nationwide, which have never let the Maury Island incident drift far from their focus.

As for the film exploring the events, “I have been so impressed with the quality and work that has been put into this film,” Charlette says. “It’s nostalgic history, and at the same time, educational.”

With UFOs, men in black, a government plane crash and cover-up undertones, the Maury Island incident is just too ripe a mystery not to investigate just a little bit more— unless you’re afraid of what you might discover? bellevue club october 2013 | 37

by

tough written

a l ly s on m a r r s

s ta n d i n g

Signs your child may be getting bullied Courtesy of Nancy Kaplan Loss of interest in activities Change of sleeping patterns Change in eating habits

“Often, victims of emotional harassment suffer in silence, fearing that reporting their concerns may create further problems,” October marks National Bullying Prevention month. Unfortunately, with the availability of Wi-Fi and smartphones now as common for elementary kids as they are for adults, bullying has become an even easier act to inflict.

Nancy Kaplan, a licensed clinical social worker and the director of CRU Institute— an organization that provides materials and training for students in peer mediation, anti-bullying and cultural awareness—defines bullying as an ongoing, hurtful inter38 | october 2013 reflections

Isolation/more time spent in room Increased hostility or aggressiveness

Signs your child may be the bully Courtesy of Nancy Kaplan Suddenly more secure, or acting stronger action. The power is unequal, and the act may be physical, verbal, cyber or even isolating.

“The way the victim feels is more significant than the intent of the perpetrator,” she says. “If the recipient of the harassment is significantly impacted in a negative way, it is bullying.”

The impact, Nancy says, is largely determined by personality type, as someone with low self-esteem and no support network will most likely feel worse emotionally, and

Putting down others, including family members Speaking in a derogatory way A sudden new group of friends, who act more like followers Power struggles at home

h

victims who handle stress well and have supportive families can potentially make it through less scarred.

“Often, victims of emotional harassment suffer in silence, fearing that reporting their concerns may create further problems,” Nancy says. For this reason, kids may not always speak up, so parents need to take extra notice of their child’s behavior and any significant changes.

It’s a tough job, but Nancy says that creating an open, honest relationship with your children is the most important step parents can take, as is setting a good example of how to treat others, and how, you too should expect to be treated. This relationship of both listening and communicating will help children feel more comfortable confiding details about situations they may feel embarrassed, or scared, about.

If you are concerned that you’re child may be a victim of bullying, ask questions first. Figure out the specifics of the situation, what’s happening and how it’s impacting your child. Then, Nancy says, ask your child what he or she wants to do or plans to do. Involving the child in the resolution process is important. From there, involve the appropriate figures, depending on where the bullying is taking place—school, camp, sports teams, etc.

“Keep your eyes and ears open!

Observe and listen,” Nancy says. “This may be a situation that will easily be resolved, or it could be a very serious situation where drastic measures need to be taken.”

For the reverse—if your child is doing the bullying—observing, listening and starting a discussion are key, too. In some case, children may not

know the serious effect their behavior is having on others, and to understand this, counseling or speaking openly with the parties involved can be a resolution.

On the other hand, parents can have a significant impact by evaluating their own behavior. Nancy recommends parents study how they speak to, and about, others. “We all need to remember that children emulate parents, and many repeat things that they have heard their parents say.”

Ultimately, “some young people have not developed the understanding of how their behavior may impact others.” Parents, this is where you come in.

If you have questions about bullying, or about how to resolve a situation your child may be involved in, visit w w w.cruinsitute.org for more information.

Change is Good.

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bellevue club october 2013 | 39

living well written

by

october 2013

a l ly s on m a r r s

More Than a Feeling t can come from anywhere and be triggered by just about anything.

Stress (and anxiety) is a personal experience, yet it’s an entirely universal feeling.

Everyone has felt it, and while for some it can be a minor distraction, for others, it’s a debilitating state that interferes with daily life.

Anxiety is often the product of stress, and the two also work together through emotional and cognitive components. Anxiety “is usually a normal reaction to a stressor. It’s the uneasy feeling of fear, worry, concern or dread,” says Kathy Norman, M.A., a psychotherapist at Rehab Options of Issaquah.

Everyone, at some point, experiences anxiety, with sometimes physical effects, and Kathy says that in her experience the most common triggers are demanding situations—work, school, family and relationships, finances, health issues and significant life changes.

40 | october 2013 reflections

Five Ways to Ease Stress and Anxiety Courtesy of Kathy Norman

1. Exercise regularly and eat well, as these both build and sustain resiliency to stress and anxiety.

2. Belong to a community of people with a common purpose.

3. Spend time on hobbies and special interests. These are wonderfully calming instruments.

4. Meditate, slow your breathing, think past the current stressor, think in terms of priorities or call a friend when anxiety begins to feel overwhelming.

5. Find a good therapist with whom you can explore new perspective on and direction toward your goals.

“There is an accumulative effect with stress,” she says. “We can successfully manage a certain number of stressors and a functional level of stress on a daily basis; but if too many things pile up, or we feel that we have lost control of our situation, we sometimes find our breaking point.”

The interesting part about stress and anxiety is that no one is really immune. Kathy has treated all ages and hasn’t noted any strong trends for genders. Instead, specific stressors are the cause—things that can cause internal turmoil or external situational dilemmas. “I find it is very common for people to struggle to adapt to their environment and its demands. Anyone can become burdened with responsibilities and problems. We are continuously forced to create new ways of coping and adjusting.”

Kathy says that some people are thought to have an innate inclination toward anxiety, but usually, it’s something that can be treated through therapy, or the combination of that and medication, if it’s a chemical imbalance. Ultimately, it’s about balance.

“People who have good coping skills in place are more able to manage their distressing symptoms. Problems don’t tend to treat themselves. They usually get better when we pay some attention to them.”

This can mean simply acknowledging that you need help treating those problems. Kathy says that when stress or anxiety begin to impair daily life or create dysfunction, it’s time to seek help from a professional. Excessive or ongoing worry, an unrealistic view of problems, irritability and physical reactions (such as nausea, migraines and muscle tension) are all severe signs.

“The tough thing about stress and anxiety is that they often get worse if ignored,” she says. “There is momentum that can often perpetuate a perplexing and distressing cycle.”

So remember to closely evaluate your feelings and triggers each time stress and anxiety set in. If you can, follow Kathy’s tips to ease the feelings, but don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals when you aren’t able to do it on your own.

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body | mind october 2013 Health and wellness tips from Bellevue Club managers and Overlake Hospital Medical Center staff.

Koinoniphobia: fear of groups of people For some, socializing can be scary, which can prevent people from venturing outside of their comfort zones. But the Club offers enough social activities that whether you feel like acting out a murder mystery (Oct. 11) gambling for charity (Oct. 18) or taking a cooking class (Oct. 26) you can find the right fit and size of group to fit your personality. Let’s have some fun this fall.

—Kaarin Keil, Membership Director

Samhainophobia: fear of Halloween

Sugary treats may make some watching their sweets intake wary of the upcoming holiday. But if you’re trying to stay on track, while indulging a little, opt for the minisized candy bars rather than the fun-sized, as the minis tend to be smaller. Also, if you’re prepping for trick-or-treaters by keeping your cupboards stocked, purchase candy you don’t like, so there won’t be any temptation at all.

—Wendy Caamano, Wellness Director

Dermatosiophobia: fear of skin diseases

Our skin’s ability to reflect light is what gives us that youthful glow. Unfortunately, as we near our mid-to-late 20s, the skin’s ability to renew itself begins to slow. This causes skin to become dull, rough, dry and uneven. One can limit these effects through regular exfoliation and massage; added benefits include the release of toxins, increasing blood flow and encouraging collagen and elastin production.

—The Spa Aesthetician, Natalie Rubio

42 | october 2013 reflections

Wh en It’s More Than Feeli ng Sad If you are experiencing feelings of depression, lethargy, fatigue, sleep problems and a lack of interest in activities, you may have Major Depressive Disorder. Join Overlake psychiatrists as they cover how you can better manage the condition and reduce the symptoms.

Saturday, Oct. 5 6:30- 8 p.m., FREE www.overlakehospital.org/classes

H e a r t H e a lt h y Nutrition

As we age, we still need plenty of vitamins and minerals, but less fat and fewer calories. Learn how to eat well while cutting fats and cholesterol. Meet an Overlake wellness dietitian to review guidelines for eating well.

Thursday, Oct. 24 2-3:30 p.m., FREE Registration required. 425-688-5259

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Tradition Play with the classics to make this Halloween healthier.

hen you hear the word “Halloween” you more than likely see colorful candy, fat pumpkins and creepy costumes—not healthy treats or green living. Everyone wants to make the most out of a fun holiday, but that can seem more difficult for those of us striving toward a wellnessfocused, environmentally friendly lifestyle.

With a few small adjustments, though, costumes, candy and pumpkins can easily fit into a more-balanced way of living, and still help you have fun along the way.

TRICK or…

Buying a new, factory-made costume every Halloween isn’t very green—environmentally or financially—but there are tricks to use for cutting back while still having the perfect costume this year.

44 | october 2013 reflections

• Have a costume swap with friends and other families this year. A swap will give you the chance to clean out the costume closet, while simultaneously getting you some snazzy “new” duds. Add some details to make it your own, and you’re set!

• D.I.Y., but don’t limit yourself to the closet for your creation. Use materials from around the house—cardboard, aluminum foil and felt—to make inspired costumes on a dime.

TREAT...

Let’s face it. For a lot of people, Halloween’s biggest draw is the excuse to binge on boatloads of sugar. But for most parents, the idea of their kids scarfing down fistfuls of candy right before bedtime is perhaps the scariest part of the holiday.

Popular candies—think candy corn, M&Ms, mini Snickers and Hershey’s bars—contain between 7 and 12 grams of sugar per serving, and after a night of trick-or-treating, all of that sugar can really add up. By making a few small adjustments, parents can avoid the crazed sugar rush and crash that has haunted so many Halloweens.

First, limit your trick-or-treater to one piece of candy per house visited.

Doing so will save her from bringing home a mountain of treats. Once home, let your child pick out a certain number of pieces to enjoy that night, before putting the rest in a “candy bank” for later.

Over the following week or two you can trade pieces for video game time, give one out for dessert or use it to reward healthy habits, such as playing outside or reading a chapter in a book.

Small adjustments will encourage your child to learn portion control and how to make healthy choices during a holiday that can lean toward excess.

Give me something good to… EAT The variety of pumpkin that makes the best jack-o’-lantern doesn’t make for the best pumpkin pie. Plus, it’s not safe to eat a pumpkin once a candle has been lit inside. Still, there are a number of things you can do to ensure your jacko’-lantern doesn’t go to waste once November 1 hits.

C o m p o s t i t. Pumpk ins conta in plenty of minerals, so they make for great fertilizer.

Keep the seeds. Some pumpkin seeds can be planted for next year, and all of them make for a tasty, nutritious treat once roasted.

Donate it. Cows and other livestock love pumpkins, so search for local farmers that take old jack-o’-lanterns as feed.

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community october 2013 Event

highlights

Murder Mystery Dinner Oct. 11, 6:30-9 p.m.

Imagine you’re sitting down for an elegant meal with your closest friends and family.

Just as you’re about to spear your lettuce the butler falls to the ground. His mouth is frozen into a look of shock, and you immediately start eyeing your dinner guests. Who did it? Who killed the butler?

Reminiscent of a childhood favorite, “Clue,” this interactive dinner is all about solving a crime. The night depends on information submitted by guests before the game begins, and you can even setup your fellow guests; secrets are all part of the fun. However, if you’d rather just watch the investigation unfold, your participation is not required.

During the mystery fun, you’ll enjoy dinner and interrogation, which begs the question, “Who’s guilty?” ➸ $59 includes dinner, glass of wine and the game. For tickets: Contact Membership Director Kaarin Keil at kaarink@bellevueclub.com

Paddle and Wine Oct. 12, 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Adventure is rewarded with alcohol— it was earned, after all. Thrill seekers will begin their kayaking trek at Golden Gardens Park and paddle south, past Shilshole Bay Marina. During a break at Discovery Park, a naturalist guide will teach you a thing or two about the intertidal habitat.

After stopping by the Ballard Locks, you’ll finally get to rest and drive to Woodinville, where you’ll sip your way 46 | october 2013 reflections

around the boutique wineries—your reward for a fun, tiring day on the water.

Exact kayaking route and location may change based on weather conditions. ➸ $235. For tickets: Contact Membership Director Kaarin Keil at kaarink@bellevueclub.com

Casino Royale Oct. 18, 7-11 p.m.

It’s the second annual casino night fundraiser—an evening of charitable gaming.

Bellevue LifeSpring (formerly Overlake Service League) is a local organization that fosters stability and self-sufficiency for Bellevue’s children and their families. All gaming proceeds will support their efforts, meaning that whatever happens at the event will certainly not just stay there.

Entry into the little Vegas will include appetizers, one glass of wine and $10 worth of gaming chips. A live DJ will also be spinning all night.

So if you’re 21 or older, put on your casino best, strut the red carpet and make a difference in your community. ➸ $30, all gambling proceeds benefit Bellevue LifeSpring. For tickets: Purchase at the Athletic Desk or visit http://casinoroyaleforlifespring.eventbrite.com

Halloween Carnival Oct. 25, 6-8:30 p.m.

This annual carnival is always filled with games, prizes, photos, fun costumes and lots of candy. It’s a holiday that celebrates children’s delights—spooky stories and sugar being the best part of the day.

As always, the Club’s basketball gym will be converted into a Halloween dream (or is it a nightmare?). Guests are encouraged—and somewhat expected—to show up in their best costumes, mom and dad included, especially since there will be a haunted photo booth to capture every moment!

Although dinner will not be served at the event, candy will be offered at nearly every game station. ➸ $15/ages 3 and older, adults and kids younger than 2 are free. Register at the Athletic Desk or email athleticservices@bellevueclub.com

f-stop october 2013 For the ninth year, Bellevue Club played host to the region’s premier mixed-doubles tennis tournament (MXD), which brings teams from all over the area together in spirited competition to benefit Seattle Guild JDRF.

48 | october 2013 reflections

f-stop october 2013 For the ninth year, Bellevue Club played host to the region’s premier mixed-doubles tennis tournament (MXD), which brings teams from all over the area together in spirited competition to benefit Seattle Guild JDRF.

50 | october 2013 reflections

Craftsman Dream

ENATAI | Five bedroom Craftsman with views of Lake Washington | Offered at $1,995,000

Industrial Modern

ENATAI | Rare custom build in Bellevue with views of Lake Washington | Offered at $2,295,000

LUXURY REAL ESTATE IN ENATAI

Jody Blohm 206.295.2504 www.tecrealestate.com

jody@tecrealestate.com bellevue club july 2013

| 51

THE

SERVICE A S SISTA NC E FOR S ENI O RS & OTHER AD ULTS

fine art dealer

Your Fine Art Dealer on the Eastside

On the Courtyard of the Hyatt Hotel www.ArtInBellevue.com

A S SISTA NC E FOR S ENI O RS & OTHER AD ULTS

∙ 425.283.0461

Golf – C usto m C lubs

West Coast Custom Clubs When You’re Ready To Get Serious About Your Game

Sam Robertson Owner / Master Craftsman 12121 Northup Way Suite 105 Bellevue, WA 98005 Shop: 425.765.5064 Fax: 425.999.4844 www.westcoastcustomclubs.com

ho m e lendin g

B usiness B ro k era g e

Curt Maier Bellevue Club Member Business Broker Murphy Business Northwest, Inc. www.murphybusiness.com/kr c.maier@murphybusiness.com (425) 679-6627

Lisa Pim

Home Lending Branch Manager & Loan Officer NMLS #487513 425-697-8132 lisa.pim@fsbwa.com lisapim.com

BELLEVUE

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ho m e loans

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VisitBearCreek.org

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Windermere Real Estate/East Inc. | Eastside Realtor since 1992

NETWORK Interior Design / Feng Shui

rug cleaning

20 years of expertise, specializing in: Cleaning, Repair, Restoration, Padding, & Appraisal

Staging homes for a healthy and successful life

Bowman Design, LLC Kay Bowman

Palace Rug Gallery Bellevue: 10644 NE 8th Street

create - enhance - experience

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Men’s custom clothing

. (425) 454-7879

systems integration & technology

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Retail Management Consulting, Systems Integration & Technology

www.streamline-na.com 415.531.0793

Moving & Storage Services

t im e s h a r e r e s a l e

Publishing

advertiser spotlight

Celebrating over 30 years in partnership with

The Bellevue Club

Publications | Directories | Guides Web Development Vernon Publications, LLC 425.488.3211 www.vernonpublications.com

Vernon Publications

r e a l e s t a t e – c o mm e r c i a l Wallace Properties is pleased to welcome Lacey Levins as an Assistant Property Manager!

INVESTMENT/DEVELOPMENT . BROKERAGE . PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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B e a r Cre e k Pre s c h o o l. co m

October 2013 Recreation

Upcoming Events Mingle

family gym night Oct. 4, 5:30-8 p.m. ➼ Free

Class: light room Oct. 2, 6-9 p.m. ➼ $45

ballroom/tango dance workshop Oct. 7, 7:15-9:15 p.m. ➼ $30

class: handwriting analysis Oct. 7, 7-9 p.m. ➼ 15

Family Float-In Movie Night: “alice in wonderland” Oct. 11, 7 p.m. ➼ Free

class: will you outlive your money?

Oct. 9, 6:30-8 p.m., ➼ $7

Kids’ Night Out: costume party Oct. 18, 6-9 p.m. ➼ $33/child

family magic show Oct. 10, 6:30-8 p.m. ➼ $10

family pumpkin carving Oct. 23, 6-7:30 p.m. ➼ $35/adult-child pair

murder mystery dinner Oct. 11, 6:30-9 p.m. ➼ $59

$10/additional pumpkin

halloween carnival Oct. 25, 6-8:30 p.m. ➼ $15 ages 3 & older, adults and ages 2 & younger are free

paddle and wine event Oct. 12, 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. ➼ $235 networking event in the atrium Oct. 15, 5:30-7 p.m. ➼ FREE

casino royale, benefitting lifespring Oct. 18, 7-11 p.m. ➼ $30 class: anatomy of a sofa Oct. 23, 7-9 p.m. ➼ $15 cooking class with chef paul: holiday gifts from the kitchen Oct. 26, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ➼ $55 trivia night in cosmos Oct. 29, 7-8:30 p.m. ➼ FREE

Taste Oct. Birthday Month in Polaris Begins Tuesday, Oct. 1 Prime Rib Saturdays in Polaris Saturdays 5:30-10 p.m. ➼ $24.50

C l a s s i f i e d s Vacation Rentals

KAUAI, POIPU BEACH, kiahuna PLANTATION. 1 bedroom deluxe condo. Ocean/

CANNON BEACH (arch cape). Ex-

lagoon/garden view. $210/night. 425.643.1805, ext.

14. www.kiahunapoipucondo.com.

quisite oceanfront. Elegant and romantic 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, all new interiors with sweeping 180-degree views, stone fireplace, cherry, stainless, ceramic and quartz, with hardwoods, vaulted ceilings, DSL and hot tub.

N o s m o k i n g / p e t s. We e k l y m i n i m u m .

503.803.0370 or tunquelen@comcast.net.

Four seasons villa, Kona, hawaii. 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa at Hualalai Four Seasons. Ocean view, exquisitely furnished. All resort amenities included.

Sandy, 206.851.4810. www.hualalaifour seasons.com.

Kihei, maui. Beach front 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condominium. Ground level. Steps out to 4 mile sandy beach. Maalaea Surf Resort.

425.463.5437.

Paris. Chic 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment in 7th Arrondissement. Walk to Seine and Eiffel Tower. 206.328.0897.

SUN VALLEY. Prospector condos in Warm Springs for rent. 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms; or 3 bedroom/3 bathrooms. Pool and tennis courts available. Call 1.800.303.5630

To place a classified ad call 688.3162, email reflections@bellevueclub.com or visit www.bcreflections.com/classifieds *Classifieds deadline is the first of the month prior.

54 | october 2013 reflections

SUN VALLEY. Beautiful Wildflower condo. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath plus loft, all with deck and mountain views. Sleeps 9. Close to SV Lodge, pools, tennis, golf, skiing. $450/ night, $3,000/week. Will consider trade of luxury condo in warm resort area. www.kloppenburg.net/sunvalley/sunvalley.html. Call 206.230.9363.

s e rv i c e s DAVE’S PAINTING, INC. 25 years Eastside custom painting. Pressure washing driveways and patios. Free estimates. Owner present at all jobs. 425.747.2543.

right hand woman Personal assistant for busy professionals and seniors. Home management, shopping, meal preparation, errands, chauffer, party planning. Make your life a little easier; call today 425.315.2706. righthandwoman@comcast.net.

Aquatics

Ongoing Events For full lists of adult classes and events, pick up the latest copy of the Bellevue Club Connector or visit www.bellevue club.com/fitness /BCconnector.pdf.

FREE! Inflatable Obstacle Course, Saturdays, 6:30-8 p.m., and Water Runner, Sundays, 5-6:30 p.m.

Half-Price Wine Night in Polaris Tuesdays

fall session blue whales and group swim lessons For full information, visit www.bellevueclub.com/youth.

Wine Flight Night in Polaris Fridays, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Discover new wines in Polaris. Choose from any three reds ➼ 2-ounce pours for $15 or any three whites ➼ 2-ounce pours for $10

Private Swim Lessons Masters/Adult Fitness Swimming M-F noon-1 p.m.; T/Th 5:45-7 a.m. or 9-10 a.m.; F 5:45-7 a.m.; Sa 7-8:30 a.m.

For information and reservations for any Aquatics program, call 425.688.3223.

Recreation

Tennis

FREE! Round-Robin Squash Thursdays, 6 p.m.

Adult Group Lessons

Private Dance Lessons (all ages) Private Basketball Lessons (6+) Karate Club (7+)

Junior Group Lessons Mixed Doubles Night Ladies’ Flights Men’s Night

Music Lessons (9+)

Ladies’ Night

Kids’ Night Out (3-10) Racquetball & Squash Ladders To receive your invite, email recreation@ bellevueclub.com. fall Session Classes, camps & programs For full information, visit www.bellevueclub.com/youth.

Taste

Junior Tennis Team Junior USTA Program

Cosmos Happy Hour Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close. Saturday & Sunday, open-close Hat Trick Special in Splash Daily, 11 a.m.-close Three small plates ➼ $20 Sunday Family Fun Night Sundays, 4-9 p.m.

Half-price wine and beer by the glass, half-price kids’ meal when eating with a parent.

Optimus Prime in Splash Thursdays, 5 p.m. until gone Slow-roasted prime rib (9 ounces) ➼ $24 There’s even a smaller petite cut for the kiddos, ➼ $10

Fitness See a Group Personal Training or GPX schedule (available at the Athletic Services Desk) for a full list of classes.

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56 | october 2013 reflections

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editor’s picks

7

october 2013

Best Halloween

Candies

three You Should Chuck for Good

Seven of these goodies will guarantee happy trick-or-treaters, and three will forever deem your house as the one to skip.

Keep

1

Candy corn. You’d think this would make the “ditch” list, but candy corn was the top-selling treat in 2012 at 20 million pounds. So apparently, more people like it than they’d care to admit.

2

Snickers bar. Chocolate-covered nuts and caramel. It’s so gooey and so chewy, even the biggest goblins enjoy it—bite-sized to king-size.

3 4 5 6 7

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This candy is perfect in its versatility. You can pop them in your mouth in their bite form, savor them in their cup form and share them in their two-cup form … if you’re sweet enough to do such a thing.

Kit Kat. Give me a … bite. These addictive sticks have been around for almost 80 years, and their perfect layers are a perfect pair with goodie bags.

Twix. Rounding out the chocolates, the baby of the chocolate bar world (it was introduced in the U.S. in 1979) is a duo that’s been transformed into multiple flavors. Make no mistake, though, the original is what the kids crave.

Sour Patch Kids. Any candy that gives you a funny face while you consume it is bound to be a favorite among the younger set. These fruity, sour chews are just the right amount of pucker and won’t leave tongues feeling raw.

Skittles. It’s one of the most-liked brands on Facebook, with more than 25 million thumbs-ups. While their commercials remain eccentric, the candy remains light and delicious.

Ditch

1 2 3

Smarties. Talk about a trick-or-treating disappointment. These chalky nibbles are more reminiscent of medical chewables than real candy.

Flavored Tootsie Rolls. The original Tootsie is great, but the off-brand flavored rolls always taste a little, well, off.

These should only be found in a business center’s candy dish, and not by your front door on Halloween.

Raisins. No child craves nature’s candy on Halloween. They want the artificial sugar stuff, and getting a box of raisins is nearly as bad as receiving a toothbrush.

58 | october 2013 reflections

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bellevue club

october 2013

your community magazine

the count This creature of the night’s saga plays out on stage

20

limitless

Living the high life, member Susan Ershler keeps climbing

28

in cold

sweat

Shaken, rattled and unnerved, confront your fears and take control

page 22