March 2010 Scene

scene THE

Arts and entertainment for the Eastside March 2010

Young Bellevue Meet the new generation of professionals shaping our city

Cheap Thrills Date ideas on this side of the lake

At the heart of things Faces for Life exhibit returns to Bellevue Square

Inside scoop: dine | wine | art | fashion | home

2 | thebellevuescene.com | march

THE scene

2010

legally blonde is what you’re looking for

Photo: Kate Turning

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the scoop

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2010 | thebellevuescene.com

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12

scene THE

6

Cover photo by Chad Coleman

CHEAP THRILLS | Date ideas that won’t break the bank BELLEVUE’S BRAG BOOK | The fresh shopping scene JUNK FOOD DELIGHTS | Wines picks to pair with your favorite treats BELLEVUE’S YOUNG UP & COMERS | The new generation of entrepreneurs LEARN YOUR MANNERS | An etiquette guide for today’s world THE MIRACLE OF ART | One-of-a-kind art benefiting Faces for Life SCENE & HEARD | Happenings around the city

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Where else can you… Surf the waves or the internet, Ride a zip line 7 stories high, Ice skate, Have a burger at Johnny Rockets, See Hair Spray, Play basketball, Miniature golf, or Dine among the trees …on the World’s Largest cruise ship of course!

7 Day Caribbean starting at $1249 Contact us today: (425) 746-7327 www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Bellevue Prices subject to availability, based on double occupancy, taxes, fees, & other restrictions may apply. Ships registery: Bahamas, WA SOT#602747238

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6 8 11 12 16 18 20

scene

4 | thebellevuescene.com | march

the editorial note

2010

THE

The Scene is a publication of the Bellevue Reporter.

919 124th Ave. NE, Suite 104, Bellevue, WA 98005.

425-453-4270 www.thebellevuescene.com

I’m hooked on Bellevue. Growing up in this area, I have watched this city take shape and slowly come into its own.

With that said, publishing an exciting monthly magazine for the Eastside is no easy feat. Launching one in Bellevue is a monumental task, but one I was eager to take on.

Publisher Janet Taylor

In the past year alone, two new Microsoft towers sprouted up near the downtown core. Th e recent installment of Th e Shops at Th e Bravern and Vogue magazine’s partnership with Bellevue’s Fashion Week last spring have placed a bright spotlight on this young city.

Managing Editor Craig Groshart Editor Lindsay Larin

For the fi rst issue of Th e Scene, I sat down with a group of young, talented professionals (pages 12-14) who are paving the way in a number of industries including fi nance, fashion design, the medical fi eld and the restaurant business. As I listened to their stories, I found I could relate.

Contributing writers Marianne Berg Heywood Rachel Kim Taylor Kowalski Krystal Woodard

As a young professional myself, I understand what it is to struggle to fi nd a balance between work and play. I have learned that staying organized helps.

Flip to the home section (page 22) for a list of top organizing tips from local professionals. You’re sure to get inspired.

Designer Tek Chai Photographer Chad Coleman

Keeping you in the loop here in Bellevue is what we are all about. Watch for feature articles each month on the arts, fashion, music, home, wine and dining. As we move forward with Th e Scene, we will do our best to keep you

Account Executive Kali Stanger

informed, entertained and excited about our city.

Advisory Board Allan Aquila Mary Pat Byrne Rose Dennis Cheryl Engstrom Jon Greenbaum

Lindsay Larin, Editor llarin@thebellevuescene.com

Follow us on Twitter @BellevueScene

Best Italian Dining on the Eastside tucked away in the Crossroads District

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THE scene

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2010 | thebellevuescene.com

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FURNISH YO U R L I F E AT T H E B E L L E V U E C O L L E C T I O N

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6 | thebellevuescene.com | march

cheap thrills

2010

Cheap dates

Hint: You don’t have to spend a fortune to show your date a good time around town.

BY TAYLOR KOWALSKI

1 3 4 5 6

Redhook Brewery

14300 NE 145th St., Woodinville www.redhook.com • 425-483-3232 The Redhook Brewery tour is a fun way to spend the afternoon with a couple of friends. The tour costs only $1 and you will not only get to sample a selection of different beers, but also enjoy a walk through the brewery and learning a bit of history about how the ale is made.

To end a phenomenal afternoon make sure to make your way to The Forecaster’s Pub for a bite to eat.

2

Parlor Live Comedy Club

Sky High Sports

1445 120th Ave. NE, Ste A, Bellevue sea.jumpskyhigh.com • 425-990-5867 With its trampoline floors and trampoline walls, Sky High Sports is the perfect place to go and act like a kid again. There is a foam pit, AIRobics, and dodge-ball tournaments.

700 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue 425-453-5137 • www.parlorlive.com Each week, the live venue features a different national headlining comedian with shows every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Lucky Strike

700 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue www.bowlluckystrike.com • 425-453-5137 With its lush interior, Lucky Strike is the perfect place to go with friends and family.

Enjoy food and wine from their extensive menu while you bowl and compete for the highest score. Lucky Strike sets a whole new standard for Saturday night entertainment.

Oh! Chocolate

149 Bellevue Square, Bellevue www.ohchocolate.com • 425-451-1060 The tasty shop offers a wide variety of decadent chocolates that make the perfect gift. It’s an excellent place to take someone on a fun date to learn all about chocolate.

Photo by Chad Coleman

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Botanical Gardens

12001 Main St., Bellevue www.bellevuebotanical.org 425-452-2750 The Botanical Gardens is a beautiful 36 acre area of land that features a number of gardens with incredible vegetation. You and your date can enjoy a quiet stroll through the gardens and admire the cost-free beauty. Its an ideal place to end a great date.

Creatively Yours (Ceramic Painting)

Photo by Chad Coleman

15600 NE 8th #G-1, Bellevue in the Crossroads Mall • www.paintedbykathy.com • 425-747-2280 Creatively yours hosts guests of all ages. They welcome everyone to come and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere and pick from a wide variety of different unfinished ceramics to paint and make your own. Once a month Creatively Yours even hosts a margarita painting party.

THE scene

march

2010 | thebellevuescene.com

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8 | march

the look

2010 | thebellevuescene.com

Bellevue’s

brag book

The new shopping scene around town

BY RACHEL KIM | PHOTOS BY CHAD COLEMAN

Twitter crazy

If you’re an avid social media participant, our very own Bellevue Nordstrom Store Manager, Doug McCoy, and his staff Tweet the latest events, trends and sales on a regular basis. Follow the Nordstrom crew: @NordstromBVUE, @NordBVUE STYLIST, @Chris_at_Nordys and @NordkidsBVUE. Bellevue Square, Bellevue | shop.nordstrom.com

Neiman Marcus

has a large selection of designer pieces and in store boutiques like Akris and Marni in addition to handbags by Nancy Gonzalez.

11111 NE Eighth St., Bellevue | www.neimanmarcus.com

Between Friends Designer consignment

boutique Between Friends is very selective with the items they accept to sell in the store.

Between Friends is the best place to find almost-new designer bags and jeans at a fraction of the cost.

137 106th Ave NE Bellevue | www. bfconsignment.com

La Ree The boutique that brought Alexander Wang to the Eastside is putting Bellevue on the fashion map. New designers Vanessa Bruno, Erin Kleinberg and Raquel Allegra are very exclusive to La Ree this Spring 2010 season.

11 103rd Ave. NE Bellevue | www. lareeboutique.com

David Lawrence, a local European boutique, is leaving Bellevue Square and is relocating down the street to The Shops At The Bravern. They will soon be located with neighboring luxury retailers Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Jimmy Choo.

11111 NE Eighth St., Bellevue | www.david-lawrence.com

Find more Bellevue fashion:

DNA 2050 has exclusive brands like Jean Shop from New York City’s

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datebook

Meatpacking District. Other top name brands include What Goes Around Comes Around, G-Star, William Rast, and Monarchy. 700 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue | www.thebravern.com

03.02

STEP INTO STYLE FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON

Benefiting the Assistance League of the Eastside. Tickets $60 per person.

Location: Bellevue Hyatt Regency, 11 a.m.,-2 p.m.eastside.assistanceleague.org

03.11 PAPER DOLLS A fashion benefit show by Luly Yang couture benefiting Treehouse, a local nonproft serving foster kids. Location: Georgetown Studios, 5890 Airport Way S., Seattle, doors open at 6:30 p.m., paperdollsfortreehouse.com

04.16 16

2ND ANNUAL SILHOUETTES OF STYLE

Presented by the PACE Act Two Guild and The Bellevue Collection, the fashion show will sweep the runway once again. Tickets $95 per person.

Location: The Westin Bellevue, doors open at 11 a.m., www.acttwoguild.org.

THE scene

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2010 | thebellevuescene.com

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Lamb’s Ears Children’s Boutique Petit Bateau • Catimini • Jean Bourget • IKKS • Naturino • Cakewalk • Jottum

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10 | thebellevuescene.com | march

THE scene

2010

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the drink

JUNK FOOD DELIGHTS

march

2010 | thebellevuescene.com

Wine available at Grand Cru Wine Shop, 1020 108th Ave. NE, Suite 120, Bellevue; grandcru-wineshop.com 425-455-4363

Top six wine picks inspired by the sugary sweets and salty flavors of some of your favorite junk foods.

BUTTER IT UP: When it comes to the movie-goers staple of popcorn, pair a buttery Chardonnay such as the 2008 Hahn Estates Chardonnay (Monterey, CA) $11.99.

Indulge.

SWEETEN THE DEAL: Vanilla ice cream is a go-to delight, perfect as a stand alone or paired with a slice of apple pie. To add an extra little treat, try pairing a scoop of ice cream with a lightly sparkling, lightly sweet, light in alcohol wine: 2008 Cascina del Santuario Moscato d’Asti (Piemonte, Italy) $11.99.

By Allan Aquila Photos by Chad Coleman

FORGET PIZZA AND BEER: Think Italian and savor a gourmet pizza with a classic 2006 Podere Ruggeri Corsini Barbera d’Alba “Armujan” (Piemonte, Italy) $24.99.

GET YOUR CHOCOLATE FIX: Pair M&Ms with a chocolate-y enriched Cabernet such as a bottle of the 2007 Januik Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, WA) $29.99.

datebook

03.06

SIP OF SNOQUALMIE

A benefit event for Encompass.

Location: Grand Ballroom, Snoqualmie Casino 37500 SE North Bend Way, Snoqualmie 425.888.1234 • www.encompassnw.org

03.20

| 11

RED VINES AND WINE: What wine would pair nicely with traditional red licorice? Look no further than the delicate flavors of raspberries that can be found in a bottle of 2007 Writer’s Block Grenache (Lake County, CA), $14.99.

SPRING WINEMAKER DINNER

Wine-paired menu hosted by Delille Cellars Winemaker Chris Upchurch Location: Delille Cellars 14208 Woodinville Redmond Road NE, Redmond 425.489.0544 • www. delillecellars.com

03.27

HIT THE RED CARPET: What do potato chips and Marilyn Monroe have in common?

Go back to when it all started in 1955 with the movie, “The Seven Year Itch”. In true Marilyn Monroe style, pair the saltiness of potato chips with a bottle of the French/California hybrid: 2005 Domaine Carneros by Taittinger (Napa, CA) $24.99.

WINE AUCTION

Benefiting American Cancer Society: 5-10 p.m.

Location: Harbor Club - Bellevue 777 108th Ave NE 425.990.1050 www.harborclubs.org

12 | march

the cover

2010 | thebellevuescene.com

Young Bellevue The new generation of movers and shakers shaping our city

BY LINDSAY LARIN | PHOTOS BY CHAD COLEMAN

T

he voice of Bellevue is changing.

Built on an empire of high-tech giants like Microsoft, Expedia and Yahoo, the young city is making a name for itself.

The skyline continues to expand as new businesses open shop, designer brands shape a bona fide fashion scene and trendy restaurants begin calling the Eastside home. Bellevue is gaining its voice.

The city is alive with a new breed of movers and shakers made up of the young and inspired, determined to shape the voice of their ever-evolving

The

community. Meet the blogger who shares his passion for downtown Bellevue through social media or the young cardiologist at Overlake Hospital who spends his days sharing his wealth of knowledge with his patients to help them better their lives and ultimately, the community as a whole. Take a peak into the life of a busy mom who splits her time between a family life, a fulltime job, and running her own eco-friendly clothing line. These are just a few examples of the new generation shaping this city’s identity through hard work, passion and a love for the Eastside.

MICHAEL BRANDT |

Blogger

Downtown Bellevue Network

BREAKDOWN: Brandt has called Bellevue home his entire life, attending Newport High School and later the University of Washington where he earned his marketing communications degree. He splits his time between a full-time position at Eddie Bauer and as the founder of Downtown Bellevue Network, an online blog focused on the happenings in the heart of Bellevue.

WHAT’S THE SCOOP? “I have lived in Bellevue my whole life and I haven’t gotten far, but I haven’t wanted to get far either. Bellevue is where I call home. The fact that I live and work in Downtown Bellevue allows me to stay up to date with what is going on in the area. I always wanted to start a Bellevue focused website and so late one night, I just went out and did it.” (Downtown Bellevue Network launched May, 2007) WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT? “The blog, www.downtownbellevue.com, started as a one-man show. I put all my own energy, money and time into creating this blog. The site focuses on a small niche of people who work, live or play in the downtown area. I put a lot into this, but being a part of and running the site is less about work and more a part of my lifestyle. It’s literally fun for me. I enjoy building a community.”

WHY BELLEVUE? “One of the most fun aspects of this area is that Bellevue is like a startup with a lot of capital. Everything is new, but qualified. There is so much happening.”

FAVORITE BELLEVUE SPOTS? “I really love Boom Noodle for lunch and Barrio. I enjoy the fun atmosphere and they cater to the lifestyle of Bellevue. I also think Lucky Strike has built a really fun spot. You can go for the traditional bar experience, bowling with friends, and now you can play arcade games. They have it all.”

the cover

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2010 | thebellevuescene.com

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The

Mixologist CASEY ROBISON | Barrio Restaurant

BREAKDOWN: Robison grew up on the Eastside calling Issaquah home. He relocated to the Seattle area where he has spent the last several years bartending. His resume includes the Can Can in Pike Place Market, Smith pub and Café Presse. He has now returned to Bellevue as the bar manager of the new Barrio Restaurant. He divides his time between the two Barrio locations in Bellevue and Seattle.

HOW HAS THE EASTSIDE CHANGED? “I grew up here on the Eastside. It’s astounding the way Bellevue has changed over the last few years. It’s really intense.”

BELLEVUE VERSES SEATTLE? “I like working at both places. Seattle has a little bit more of a late night crowd and is a little more evolved because it has had more time to really adapt. Bellevue is rather new, but I’m lucky with my bar staff here because they are all really good and we work really well together as a fluid team. ” ARE YOU THE MIX MASTER? “I do typically write the cocktail menus, but this last round I brought in my bar staff and had them come up with drinks to put on the menu to have them personally invested in what they are doing. Of course if a drink sucks, at the end of the day it pretty much comes down to me.”

DRINK TO TRY: The Good Shepard - “I made it specifically to go with the pork loin al pastor. It’s made with Mount Gay Eclipse, Lucid absinthe, Regan’s Orange Bitters, lemon, pineapple, Fresno chile, agave, guava soda. It really plays with the flavors in the food.”

The

RONNIER J. AVILES, MD. | Overlake Hospital

Healer

BREAKDOWN: Originally from Belize, Aviles met his wife, Jennifer, at medical school while he was training to be a cardiologist in Minnesota. Inspired by his father, the young doctor joined Overlake Hospital in 2007 and lives in Kirkland with his wife and new baby.

WHY THIS AREA? “I have been married to the Eastside for about 10 years because my wife and her family are originally from this area. We wanted to start a family ourselves so we decided to come back here.”

HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY CHANGED MEDICINE? “Being in cardiology affords a lot of interesting opportunity to work with technology by using it to improve the things we already do and use it to treat in ways we haven’t been able to treat before. Medicine is an ever changing field that renews itself every few years.”

BEST PART OF THE JOB? “Connecting with patients and forming long-term relationships to motivate them to make changes that are going to improve their health.”

HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE? “It’s difficult to balance work, family and play because at times I can work anywhere from 55 to 85 hours per week. One of the things my wife and I talk about is that the job demands that I work hard, but you also have to play hard. When you have the opportunity to go away, you do. I try to take a day off during the week to have family day.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? “The best advice I ever received comes from a person I admire a lot – my father-in-law. Ten years ago he said to me, ‘If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.’ You really have to have a passion for what you do and I have that.”

14 | march

the cover

2010 | thebellevuescene.com

JEFF OTIS |

Evergreen Capital Management

The

Finance Kid

BREAKDOWN: Born and raised in Redmond, Otis graduated with a business marketing degree from George Fox University in Oregon. He worked in real estate and the insurance industry prior to settling in at Evergreen Capital Management in Bellevue. He recently embarked on a trip to Sierra Leone, Africa where he helped build a new playground for a small village of orphaned children.

WHAT’S THE SCOOP? “Working at Evergreen Capital Management, I feel like I am surrounded by very talented and brilliant people and I’m allowed to do what I do best – which is working with clients face to face. I can see myself working here for the next 20 to 25 years.”

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES? “I am one of few young people in this firm. It’s exciting to be able to work in this industry being this young, but I do think clients take my age into account. It’s a hurdle I have to overcome.”

DO YOU LIKE WORKING IN BELLEVUE? “I love Downtown Bellevue. I live in Kirkland, so the commute is easy and it’s fun to see how vibrant Bellevue is becoming.”

FAVORITE SPOTS? “I go to Joey’s a lot and I think Pearl has the best happy hour in town. I also want to make it over to Grand Cru because my family’s in the wine business. I also think John Howie is doing a really good job over at The Bravern.

YOU ALSO VOLUNTEER? “This past December, I traveled with a group of 13 people through Eastlake Community Church and the Children of the Nations organization to Sierra Leone. We spent our days building a playground set for orphans living in a small rural village. To watch the kids play on the toy set we built and to see their smiles and laughter, it made it all worth it.”

FINAL THOUGHT? “I want to go back to Sierra Leone. I was very impressed by the organization. I think they maximized their resources and it’s amazing to see the tangible impact you have on the kids.”

The

SARA SEUMAE | Spun

Visionar y BREAKDOWN: The creation of Spun, an eco-friendly clothing line, sprouted from a local mom’s desire to find affordable, organic fashion. Seumae came up with the idea for Spun in 2007 and after months of research and prompting from her father, she decided to move forward with the concept. With no prior fashion design experience, Seumae listened to her gut (and her father) and launched Spun in February, 2008.

WHY ORGANIC CLOTHES? “I saw a need and I wanted to create affordable organic clothes. I wanted fashionable, eco-friendly clothes that I could afford. I figured there were probably others out there that felt the same.”

DID YOU HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE? “I knew how to sew, but I am not a trained fashion designer so I approached this like a business. I spent a year researching online and in magazines. I finally just decided to launch in 2008 and went to Seattle Trend Show that year in April. Since then, I’ve been following my dreams with it and trying my best.”

HOW DO YOU APPROACH DESIGN? “I don’t design something as a piece of art, but instead I design practical, everyday pieces of clothing that I would want to wear. I want it to sell and I want others to really like the fit, color and the organic nature of it. I’m a mom and getting ready in the morning, with 4,000 interruptions in between, I need to be able to put on an outfit and be confident in the way I look and feel. I focus on a lot of solid prints with cuts that are flattering for women. At the end of the day, I design pieces that I like and hopefully that translates to other women just like me.”

ARE THE CLOTHES MADE LOCALLY? “The clothes get made in a sewing house in Los Angeles. I use certified organic cotton in all of my pieces. I knew I wanted to do organics, there’s bamboo and soy, but I am drawn to organic cotton. I would love to have my designs made in a sewing house in Seattle so it’s local, but I have yet to find one yet.”

WHAT’S NEXT? “The next phase is to find a partner or an investor who understands my vision and can support Spun as the company moves forward.”

THE scene

march

•••••••••

2010 | thebellevuescene.com

| 15

MAIN STREET ••••••••• live at the market

stage

Scott Cossu February 26, 7:30 pm Piano with a world beat.

On Main

www.amorechocolatesonmain.com

Visit our cozy little shop and sample a hand dipped chocolates, homemade cookies and more...

SINGER SONGWRITER SHOWCASE:

Mary Bue

Think Lucinda Williams, Tori Amos and Carole King.

It’s not just Chocolate... It’s Amore

FEbRuARy 25, 6:30 Pm

10149 1/2 Main St . Bellevue . 425-453-4553

Po’okela Street Band

Jamaican reggae and Hawaiian rhythms.

FEbRuARy 27, 7:30 Pm

Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra FEbRuARy 28, 2:00 Pm

Gotta Have Shoes! is Bellevue’s premier

10047 Main Street Suite 101 Bellevue, WA 98004 (between S 100th Ave & S 101st Ave) 425.460.8316 • www.gottahaveshoes.com

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(NE corner of retail lobby under the Courtyard Off Main. Complimentary Garage Parking)

328088

M-S 10:30am-10pm • S:11:00am-6pm

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the voice

2010

Ask Rose Words of wisdom, etiquette & advice for the Eastside scenester

Dear Rose, I find it irritating to overhear someone else’s cell phone conversation when I am in a public setting. What are your thoughts on this? – John O., Bellevue Dear John, You are not alone! People who do this are rude and inconsiderate. Nobody

should be subjected to this kind of babble. It is important to use your cell phone in the most unobtrusive manner possible. When using your cell phone – whether for business or private matters – it is a personal conversation. This means you do your best to not force others to hear your conversation. In a public setting, move to a place where you will not be a nuisance to others. At a business meeting or lunch, turn your cell phone off. Ladies and gentlemen know that it is appropriate to use their cell phone when they are alone and when their conversation will not disturb or annoy anyone else. For those who persist and are oblivious, there is little one can do except to tell them kindly their chatter is annoying.

Do not expect the suggestion to work. I once saw a man take someone’s phone and drop it in a planter. I silently applauded, but I do not recommend it. ..................................................................................

Dear Rose, When do I send a Thank You note, and is it okay to send an “email” or “text” Thank You instead of a hand-written note? – Curious Dear Curious, You should always send a hand-written Thank You note - within

Dear Rose, I was at a coffee shop lately with three of my friends, and throughout our time together, one friend was texting someone the whole time. Is this okay?

10 days, if possible. This gesture is the best way to show your gratitude, thoughtfulness and courtesy. You can send a quick text or email thank you to express a small gesture like “Thanks so much for treating me to coffee yesterday. Let’s get together again next week”. A handwritten note will always express your true appreciation and gratitude.

Jennifer V., Bellevue

Dear Jennifer,

...........................................................

Dear Rose, I am annoyed when I am sent a group email and the sender does not place the names in the “bcc” box; and many times a recipient will hit “reply all” and we have the pleasure of learning that they are unable to attend because they must attend their son’s or daughter’s performance at school (do I really care!).

Please help! – Frustrated in Bellevue

Some friend. When you are together in situations like this, everyone’s time should be spent talking to each other without using any high tech equipment. Unfortunately, anyone who exhibits this behavior is demonstrating he or she values the person on the other end of the telephone conversation more than they do talking to you. An occasional text from or to a child or in an emergency is OK, but otherwise shut them off ! I would, at the least, ask if everything is all right and maybe they would get the hint.

Rose Dennis has 14 years experience as a tenured college professor at Edmonds Community College, teaching classes in Fashion, Retail, Marketing and Business Management. (Photo courtesy of Team Photogenic)

Dear Frustrated, First, anyone who sends out

a group email should be kind and place the recipient names in the bcc box. Secondly, everyone should respond with “reply,” not “reply all.” This common courtesy will be appreciated by everyone.

Want to Ask Rose?

Send your questions to editor@thebellevuescene.com

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the works

2010

The

miracle of creation L

BY MARIANNE BERG HEYWOOD | PHOTO BY LINDSAY LARIN

“

ife is full of the unexpected, where tragedy can turn to triumph in the blink of an eye and miracles happen everyday. Transplant survivor Allison Hansen Trimble found her miracle in the form of a new heart from an anonymous donor.

Trimble’s story was the inspiration behind artist David Horsley’s wood carving for the Faces for Life exhibit, a fund-raiser for the Puget Sound Blood Center. His work, and that of many others, is on display at Bellevue Square and will be auctioned off to support the blood center.

“I had a clear connection to Allison’s story and could visualize her experience,” said Horsley. “I have walked the transplant road with a friend, been at the side of someone with cancer receiving transfusions, and I’m a blood donor myself. I knew how I wanted to express her story through my art.”

Trimble was 16 and a sophomore in high school when she was diagnosed with a genetic heart illness called familial cardiomyopathy. As time went by, her heart continued to swell to four times its normal size and she was in desperate need of a heart transplant. The news of a tragic car accident involving the death an Eastern Washington college student was met with sorrow and hope. The student’s family was devastated by their

daughter’s death, but knew she was a committed organ donor.

They quickly gave consent for the ultimate gift of life.

Trimble received a new heart and a new life.

Celebrating its 65th anniversary, the blood center asked local artists to create a work of art in response to an individual experience of people who have benefited from giving or receiving blood, tissue or patient care.

The artwork features 65 photographs and stories, and unique interpretations by artists in a variety of mediums.

They are on display through March 5. The following night, the art will be auctioned at the Faces for Life Gala, with proceeds benefiting thrombosis research.

“We wanted to honor unrecognized volunteers in the community who give time, energy and blood – making the continuation of life possible,” said blood center spokeswoman Kim Clough. “The artists did an incredible job of expressing these inspirational stories.”

For Trimble, the closing day of the Faces for Life exhibit has special meaning. It’s the 10-year anniversary of her heart transplant.

“I think about her every day,” Trimble said of her organ donor. “When I can get up and enjoy something, it’s because of the decision her family made. It’s the best gift.”

“I had a clear connection to Allison’s story and could visualize her experience.”

– David Horsley

FACES FOR LIFE EXHIBIT featuring 65 photographs, stories and original interpretive art on display at Bellevue Square, Feb. 22 to March 5.

GALA AND AUCTION: March 6, benefiting thrombosis research.

For more information or tickets: facesforlife.org or contact Kim Clough 206-292-7070, kimc@psbc.org.

THE PUGET SOUND BLOOD CENTER’S Bellevue facility is located at 1021 112th Ave. NE. Make online appointments for blood donation at www.psbc.org, or call 425-453-4011.

THE scene

march

2010 | thebellevuescene.com

S E AT T L E O P E R A’ S YO u n G A RT I STS P R O G R A m

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Seattle Opera’s Young Artists in Gianni Schicchi – photo ©2008 rozarii lynch

in this unique “backstage comedy” from richard Strauss, high art and lowbrow antics collide with delightful results when a rich patron, eager to please all of his guests, decrees that a capering troupe of comedians must integrate their slapstick performance into an opera company’s rhapsodic story of love lost and love found. Director Peter Kazaras (The Marriage of Figaro, Falstaff) brings his innovative, theatrical flair to this one-of-akind examination of the elements that come together to make entertainment. Maestro Brian Garman (La Traviata) conducts the Auburn Symphony Orchestra at the intimate Meydenbauer Center Theatre. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience this all-new, fully-staged production at a price that can’t be beat!

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scene & heard

2010

scene & heard

20 | thebellevuescene.com | march

STEP INTO STYLE: Members and volunteers of the Assistance League of the Eastside played dressup at Newport House in Bellevue in preparation for the upcoming “Step Into Style” Fashion Show and Luncheon. The benefit event will include a fashion runway show and boutique shopping featuring new spring trends. Step Into Style will take place on Tuesday, March 2 at the Bellevue Hyatt. For more information, visit www.eastside.assistanceleague.org.

JEWELRY FANS ‘INDULGE’ AT BAM:

The Bellevue Arts Museum opened its doors to jewelry designers, collectors and appreciators alike during the first weekend in February for a jewelry marketplace event called INDULGE. Bellevue Arts Museum was filled with Bellevue’s finest for the sold out event.

For more on BAM, visit www.bellevuearts.org.

IN THE LOOP Check out the new Bellevue website covering all the happenings around town

thebellevuescene.com

THE scene

march

2010 | thebellevuescene.com

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22 | march

2010 | thebellevuescene.com

GET IT STRAIGHT

the nest

Organize your home for spring

W

BY KRYSTAL WOODARD | COURTESY PHOTOS

ith spring cleaning right around the corner, it is time to start thinking about getting organized.

The task may seem overwhelming, tiresome and boring, but with these quick and easy tips from professional organizers Laurie Lamourex, founder of Seamless Moves; Tracy Zettner, partner and director of marketing for Seamless Moves; and Laura Leist, president of National Association of Professional Organizers and owner of Eliminate Chaos LLC, organizing chaos and clutter can be a rejuvenating experience.

TAKE INVENTORY of your things and your needs.

Inventory the space that you have available and look at it with an eye toward efficiency. “But if you are not in the mood to organize on that day – don’t. Wait until you want to do it; you will be more efficient and do a better job if you do so,” said Lamourex.

MAKE A LIST of projects and break them down into bite-size pieces. “Say to yourself: ‘today I am going through my closet and taking out and donating all of the old clothes that I don’t wear anymore,’” said Leist. “Look at what your priorities are. What room is driving you the craziest? Start there.”

DO AN ITEM A DAY to stay clutter free. “Open a cupboard a day and organize it instead of trying to tackle the entire kitchen,” said Leist. With projects such as the kitchen, Zettner recommends using the McCormick “How old are your spices?” spice checker at www.mccormick.com/Spices101/ HowOldSpices.aspx to see if it is time to throw away some of your old spices.

ARCHIVE IT or get rid of it. Old pictures can be

archived by scanning them and putting them on an external hard-drive or flash drive. Convert VHS to DVD and records to mp3.

CLEAR OUT your unneeded items. “If you have things

lying around that you plan to fix eventually, apply the ‘earthquake test’,” said Lamourex. “If it had been broken in an earthquake, would you replace it? If not, throw it out.”

Lamourex said that old TVs and computers are now free to recycle and old cell phones can be donated for the use of soldiers overseas, battered women’s shelters and senior citizens homes. Old glasses can be donated for the use of those who need them in developing countries.

For a full list of items that can be donated, donors can contact their local charitable organizations.

GET CREATIVE with your things.

“Think, how many ways can I use this object,” said Lamourex “Think about a shoe holder that goes over the door. What else can you put in there besides shoes? You can put Barbie dolls in it, and crafting things like scissors and thread. You can do all kinds of things if you just be creative with storage pieces.”

CREATE daily action center at your home office desk

where papers accumulate. “This can be a file drawer next to your desk for things that you need often or things that require a next action step such as bills, take-out menus, kid’s school stuff, theatre tickets, etc,” said Leist. “This stuff will be at your fingertips and accessible, but still put away and organized so they are easy to find.”

PERSONALIZE your organizing style. “You know what you like and what you style is. You know whether you like clear containers or hidden spaces,” said Zettner.

Organizing style also has a lot to do with your preference and personality. “Personalizing is all about your own personal preference,” said Leist. “Visual people need to see their things, so clear boxes work great for them. For many families, labels work best so everyone knows where things go. For others, putting things in boxes to be hidden is the best method.” Leist also recommends methods such as adding pictures on labels for kids who are not able to read yet.

Often times, people already have great items to use for organizing just lying around.

TAKE ADVANTAGE of things that are multiuse.

Get furniture with built in storage such as side tables and ottomans that open up and beds with drawers underneath. “Especially in this area for those living in condos, you want to get furniture that has multiple uses,” said Lamourex.

“Look in your own home and see what you already have and what can be used for organizing,” said Leist.

REWARD YOURSELF with a finished product.

“Sometimes the biggest reward is being finished and being able to find things,” said Zettner.

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THE scene

2010

Listings That Sell.

®

John Heller is one of the most respected agents in Puget Sound Real Estate. As founder of The Seattle Street of Dreams, and a 20 year Yarrow Point resident, he has distinguished himself as a marketing expert with proven results.

Are you ready to successfully sell your home?

Let John make your house his priority.

John Heller Listings That Sell ®

Waterfront • Estates • Distinctive Eastside Properties

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Contact John at 425.985.2405 john@hellercompany.com www.hellercompany.com