April 2016 by Issaquah Highlands Connections

CONNECTIONS FR

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNIT Y NEWS www.issaquahhighlands.com | facebook.com/issaquahhighlands

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April 2016

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Feature: Living Green Highlands Council HY Board Opening IHCA Budget IHCA Community Standards Art in Blakely Hall Dean Arts and Culture What’s Happening Issaquah City News

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Emergency Preparedness Soldana Heroes Volunteer of the Month Living Green Ask Kari Highlands Fiber Network Photo Treasure Hunt Doing Business School Spotlight Fitness & Health

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Real Estate in IH Life in the USA Culture through Cuisine Directory

2550 NE Park Drive Issaquah, WA 98029

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April 2016

Issaquah Highlands Connections

FROM THE EDITOR

Earth Month, Living Green

Beginning in 1998, the original sales pitch for Issaquah Highlands strongly promoted Living Green. It’s part of the Highlands brand and we actually own the trademark. Issaquah Highlands stood out by promising newcomers a car-free lifestyle where they could walk to the grocery, movies, or their place of work. For some, HFN’s utra-high speed Internet allowed them to work from home, inside their Built Green homes, consuming less energy, saving natural resources, and helping out their pocketbooks! These were main reasons my family moved here in 2004. But it’s different today for those shopping for a new community, as there are so many other features attracting people to move here. The schools are top-notch, the views are great, and the community spirit is strong and welcoming. Enough reasons to move here! While researching for this edition of Connections, I was slightly disheartened to learn that many of my newer neighbors aren’t quite so aware of Living Green. But this was a set of principles the founders of this community so deeply believed in, and we intend to carry on. And that is the main reason we’re producing this edition, to remind our community and educate newcomers that these are important virtues that serve the betterment of the community, our children, and of course this little planet called Earth. Our feature takes a close look at sustainability, by reusing, re-gifting and recycling items and materials, versus throwing them into the trash. Our feature story introduces new and easy ways for you to maximize reuse and recycling methods, for now and for the rest of your life. But as is our custom, there is more for you to explore in this issue of Connections. Find out what’s new for our local businesses, explore the arts in Issaquah Highlands, study the 2016-17 IHCA budget, prepare your home for emergencies, and see what’s going on at the schools. And please join me in welcoming two new contributors, resident Tyler Soldana and physical therapist, Rachel Hammack. Happy Earth Month! Nina Milligan, Crofton Springs Editor of Connections - Highlands Council Communications Manager Highlands Council is the publisher of Connections, producer of community-wide events such as Highlands Day, owner and manager of Blakely Hall, liaison with the greater community.

April 2016

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April 2016

Issaquah Highlands Connections

IT’S TIME FOR A REAL ESTATE ALTERNATIVE IN THE ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS

knowledgeable, “Attentive, and by far the best realtor we’ve ever worked with. ” ~Ryan & Joanna

SERVICE: Active listening, around the clock availability and providing unparalleled service are the foundations of my business. Unlike many of my competitors, my model is all about quality rather than quantity. I’M YOUR NEIGHBOR: Living in the Issaquah Highlands for over 10 years, I am passionate about our community and will put my first-hand knowledge to work for you. RESULTS: From award-winning videographers and photographers, to eye-catching marketing materials, to an extensive market analysis of your home, I will deliver the results you deserve. GIVING BACK: There is nothing more important than the education of our children. That is why I will donate 5% of my commission directly to the Issaquah Schools Foundation. Please contact me anytime for more details or to receive a comprehensive market analysis of your home. ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

JASON MAYBELL | JASON@PNWESTATES.COM | 206.755.4887 | PNWESTATES.COM

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Taking a Closer Look at Living Green

Produced by Nina Milligan, Highlands Council, Crofton Springs Resident Living Green is a broad and complex concept, impacting many aspects of our lives. In Issaquah Highlands it’s in how our homes were built (all ours are certified Built Green, by the way); how much – and what kind of – energy we use; how much we drive a car; where our food comes from; how our landscapes are managed, and more. Living Green refers to living sustainably, or supporting long-term ecological balance through adopting practices that can continue indefinitely without degrading effects. One of the biggest human-caused degrading effects is the generation of garbage. This can be minimized by employing Living Green practices. In this issue, we show you new and innovative ways to reduce your waste, as well as showing you how to make the most of conventional methods. Keep these pages for future reference when: • Your children have outgrown their toys: Find here what to do with them, and the batteries they ran on. • You have run out of room in the garage: Find organizations you can donate usable items to. • You are downsizing: Find in these pages how to keep your stuff from simply going to the landfill. Our last Living Green issue featured the green around us, the fact that 1,400 acres of green space was placed into preservation when our dense urban village was designed. We also covered Zero-Waste living, our green awards, and a few of our Greeniacs, leaders in our community who not only live green, but are an inspiration to the rest of us. Please read in the following pages this year’s Living Green topic: Using social media, donations and recycling to achieve Zero Waste Living.

April 2016

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April 2016

Issaquah Highlands Connections

The Sharing Economy - Better than Throwing it Away by Lynn Trowern, Manchester Court

Did you know that Issaquah Highlands has its own “free gifting” or sharing economy via a Facebook page?  It’s called “Issaquah Highlands Free Exchange”. We all have ‘stuff’ we don’t need or use anymore, and this is a great way to recycle.  As the saying goes “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”... Well, ok, we don’t encourage giving away trash, but I think you know what I mean. The idea of the group is to post anything you’d like to give away, lend, or share. You can also ask for anything you’d like to receive for free, or borrow. Each post comes with a photo of the item being gifted (or wanted). The ‘gifter’ decides from the comments that follow, who will receive the item.  Then the ‘winner’ picks up the item from the person’s porch, usually within two days. The most important rule of all is that absolutely no money can change hands!  Also, you have to live in the Issaquah Highlands, to be a member of the group.

June 18th September 17th 9:00am – 4:00pm

What are the most common items that are given away?  Clothes (adults and kids), toys, baby items, furniture, household items, even food.  You’d be amazed what you can find in this group!

Facebook Pages for Sharing Economy:

What are my personal best ‘finds’?  Toys and books for my grandson who spends a lot of time at grandmas. Also garden items in spring and summer, such as wind chimes, flower pots, yard art. And what’s my favorite thing to do when my grandson has outgrown the toys? Re-gift them to someone else!

Issaquah Highlands Free Exchange Buy Nothing Issaquah Buy, Sell, Trade – Issaquah, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, North Bend Issaquah Highlands Consign

There is no doubt, the ‘Issaquah Highlands Free Exchange” is a great way to get to know your neighbors. The sharing of gratitude for gifts received, friendships formed, experiences, life lessons, and other good things are all part of this wonderful community. Interested in joining the “Issaquah Highlands Free Exchange”? Please email Lynne Trowern (UKQT40@aol.com) or Chelsea Musick (chelsea.musick@gmail.com). We will add you to the group, via your email.  See you on the “Issaquah Highlands Free Exchange” page on Facebook....and let’s ‘go green’!

Issaquah Highlands Free Exchange “Rules” by Chelsea Musick, Central Park

Hi everyone! We’ve had a lot of activity recently (which is GREAT!), so Lynne Trowern and I thought it would be a good idea to set up some official rules. I think these were “informal” rules before, so there’s nothing shocking. :) 1. When you have gifted your item to someone, please post “taken” or “gifted” in the comments. This way others will know it is no longer available. If you are using the “Sell Something”-type post, just go in and mark “Sold”. 2. If the gifter has offered PPU (Porch Pick Up) for the item,

please be courteous and pick up the item within 48 hours. If it has not been picked up by then, the gifter can offer the item to the group again. 3. If you are offering an item to the group and it is still available after a week, please comment to the post to “bump” it up so others know it is available. Thanks for all your help to make this group a pleasant experience for everyone! If you have any suggestions for other rules, just let us know. :)

Recycle All You Can at Gilman Village Issaquah The Recology Store at Gilman Village helps the City of Issaquah reach its waste reduction goals through education and by accepting hard-to-recycle items. Located at 317 NW Gilman Blvd #22 in Issaquah’s Gilman Village, The Recology Store is staffed by a team of recycling experts, available to provide inperson customer service support for our customers. The graph below shows special item recycling habits at The Recology Store in Issaquah throughout 2015. Special item recycling significantly increased in 2015 with customers dropping off almost three times as many car seats, more than 10 times as many fluorescent bulbs, and twice as many bicycles than they did in 2014. Because customers utilized this free service at The Recology Store, the City of Issaquah’s residential sector diverted 61% of their waste away from the landfill. Keep up the good work: Dispose of items in an environmentally friendly way and replace disposal items with reusable ones! Recyle just about anything: Car Seats Propane Cylinders Hard Cover Books Textiles

Small Appliances Fluorescent Bulbs Electronics Block Styrofoam

Cooking Oil Bicycles Batteries

Other Internet Sites for Sharing, Selling, Repurposing: Craig’s List Nextdoor Ebay

Or Donate Your Stuff Eastside Baby Corner (drop location: IH Self Storage) Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank Little Free Libraries King County Threadcycle: Donate Any Used Clothing / Textiles to Threadcycle – Even Threadbare! http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/ ecoconsumer/threadcycle.asp Donate at the following Issaquah locations: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound dropoff on E. Lake Sammamish Parkway SE At Work! (Goodwill donation truck) on 970 Seventh Ave. NW

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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If You MUST Throw it Away… Reducing your “Waste” is cheaper, and better for the environment!

Garbage is not “Living Green”; it’s that simple. Everything we throw away in the garbage goes into a regional land fill system. In King County all our garbage (the stuff we dump in the grey receptacle) goes to the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill. (There are nine other full and closed landfill sites, in King County.) What’s wrong with that? Outta sight, outta mind, right?

King County’s Cedar Hills Regional Landfill with a view of Mount Rainier. (Photo Credit: City of Kirkland)

Cedar Hills Regional Landfill 920 acres - equivalent in size to nearly 700 football fields! Tons disposed in 2015: 869,802 (a 3% increase over 2014) And it keeps coming: Expansion Area 8 comes on line in 2020 http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/facilities/cedarhills.asp Landfills waste land, threaten our air and water quality and are almost entirely avoidable. In an ideal Living Green world we would create no landfills. Issaquah is a leader in “waste diversion”, providing many ways for us to reduce our waste and the impacts of garbage. Firstly, all homes in Issaquah Highlands are certified “Built Green”. A big part of that is reducing construction waste and recycling waste that is generated. Now that we are “Built Green”, how do we live green? The City of Issaquah, working with Recology CleanScapes, envisions a world without waste. To help us get closer to this zero-waste goal, Recology CleanScapes provides a variety of garbage waste carts, the smallest being a 10-gallon micro-can. Even better, recycling and compost services are included in the cost of garbage collection at no additional charge. This means that if you throw less in the trash and more in the recycling and compost bins, you save money! During April’s Earth Month, see how little garbage you can generate. If it’s time to downsize your garbage receptacle, (the grey one), contact Recology CleanScapes at 425.837.1234 or online at recologycleanscapes.com/ Issaquah and reduce your service level. Recology Cleanscapes offers a variety of garbage “carts” for residential waste pick up, the smallest being the Micro-Can.

Living Green is an Issaquah Highlands brand, something we are proud of and known for. As we consider our role in the Sharing Economy or in the Waste Stream, think about how “less is more”. Minimalism and Voluntary Simplicity are growing trends which we will cover in future issues of Connections News. Come back each month to for a variety of stories on Living Green. This story was produced with help by Danielle Gambogi, Zero Waste Specialist, Recology CleanScapes

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April 2016

Issaquah Highlands Connections

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

More Retail? More Housing? Your Input is Requested Community Meeting: May 4th, Blakely Hall, 6:30-8:30pm by Christy Garrard, Executive Director, Highlands Council and Dahlia Park Resident On May 4th Highlands Council welcomes Shelter Holdings to Blakely Hall for a Community Meeting from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Shelter Holdings (builder / developer) is looking for our input regarding their plans to develop the former Microsoft property that runs along 9th Ave (across from Safeway & Starbucks) between High Street (next to Park & Ride) and Discovery Drive (turn to Swedish). The meeting will begin with a brief presentation by Shelter Holdings followed by an open house. This format will allow you to view renderings from some of their other projects and to engage with their representatives. Bring your feedback and your hopes and dreams for this retail/commercial/residential property. Shelter Holdings wants to know your thoughts regarding: • What types of uses or particular users would you like to see included? • What amenities are important to you? • What types of urban open spaces would you like to see incorporated? • Would you value addition of more parking stalls for transit center use? • What types of housing would you like to see included? Work force? Down-sizing? Entry Level? For-sale Condo? Senior Living? We are fortunate to be part of a community were public input is invited and valued. Join us and share your ideas for the future of Issaquah Highlands.

HIGHLANDS YOUTH - HY

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS by Chloe Kilzi, HY Board Member

If you live in Issaquah Highlands you’re already part of the HY community. Now you have the chance to be on the board that plans events for it. The HY Board (The Highlands Youth advisory board) is a group of middle and high school students who plan events for other teens and build a sense of community. Everything we do is planned entirely by us. We’ve put on flashlight egg hunts, tailgates, Halloween parties, as well as having planned various community-oriented projects. From decorations and activities, to snacks and what music we’ll have, we plan it all. Members of the board not only help plan the events, but have the opportunity to work with an amazing team of peers, develop networking skills and explore different leadership roles. We’re all dedicated and connected to the community. However the HY isn’t made up of just one leadership style. Every member of the board has different strengths (which is what makes us such a great team).

HY Board members Andi Kolasinski and Caroline O’Neill enjoying a HY Seahawks tailgate party at Blakely Hall.

Apply for HY Board Membership Download Application at: IssaquahHighlands.com/connect/clubs-groups/highlands-youth Deadline: May 1st If you’re motivated, energetic, outgoing, creative, and dedicated to making our community better, you could make a great addition. If you want a chance to work with a great group, and plan great events, then I hope you’ll apply. The deadline for applications is May 1st, followed by an interview with the HY Co- presidents later in May.

HY Board group shot gathered at the Blakely Hall Christmas tree after babysitting for their community Parents Night Out.

HY Board built the shelters for the Little Free Libraries for the community. Members here are Jayden Eigner, Caroline O’Neill, Sean Davidson and other neighborhood teens.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

Issaquah Highlands and the Secret Garden There are very few books that conjure up big, wide, grinning smiles from 7 year olds and 70 year olds like The Secret Garden. The idea of a locked away garden being found and brought back to life is a story about loss and fear turned on its head by hope and magic. And the Issaquah Highlands Community has a direct connection to this amazing story. Our very own Association Executive Director, Sarah Hoey is the great-greatgranddaughter of the author Frances Hodgson Burnett!

Frances Hodgson Burnett, the famous author, is our own Sarah Hoey’s great-great-grandmother.

Frances was most well-known during her lifetime for her two other best-selling books Little Lord Fauntleroy and A Little Princess, but wrote more than 60 books, short stories and plays, and mostly for an adult audience. And many would be surprised to know that The Secret Garden, was not very popular when it was first published towards the end of her career in 1911. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t even mentioned in her obituary in 1924 in The Times.

But today, The Secret Garden tops the list of favorite classic children’s books by readers around the world. And in 2012 it was ranked number 15 among all-time children’s novels in a survey published by School Library Journal. “If you look the right way, you can see the whole world is a garden.” The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett Everywhere Frances lived, she surrounded herself with gardens, and spent hours pouring over seed catalogs planning for spring. And if you stayed at her home, you were expected to pick up a spade and help, whether you were the president or a pauper. “Is the spring coming?” he said. “What is it like?”… “It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine…” The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett

Frances was born in Manchester England in 1849, the third of five children. Her father died just three short years later and while her mother did her best to keep the family business afloat, her younger years were a series of moves to accommodate the decreasing business earnings. Despite their struggles, Frances’ imagination turned a clump of weeds into lush gardens from a very young age. “You are roses! You are violets and lilies-and hyacinths and daffodils and snowdrops! You are!” she would say. The family moved to America when she was 16, and at 18, with little more than a middle school education, Frances began her role as author and breadwinner of the family. Her life was one of the best stories ever written. There’s money, drama, adventure, intrigue, fashion, famous friends, lawsuits, generosity, exotic locations, death, beauty, divorce, successes, failures…and of course a bit of earth. All of this fueled one of the most prolific writers of her time and made her a newsstand celebrity hounded by the press. Her legacy of work lives on in hearts and on bookshelves everywhere. Stop by one of the newly placed Little Free Libraries to begin your love affair with The Secret Garden too. Written by Keri Wilt, favorite cousin of Sarah, and also a great-great-granddaughter of Frances Hodgson Burnett. See more from Keri and her adventure with her famous relative at www.FHBandME.com launching soon.

Sarah Hoey is donating special copies of The Secret Garden to our new Little Free Library program.

Live Green! Use Our Little Libraries

by Christy Garrard, Executive Director, Issaquah Highlands Council, resident of Dahlia Park What better way to “live green,” than to donate, lend, or share? Our eight Little Libraries are located across Issaquah Highlands for the benefit of all who live here. A few rules and reminders of this new community program: • Recognize this is a community effort and everyone should be involved with the upkeep. Report damage to the Highlands Council office at 425-5071107. • The books inside the Little Libraries are gifts to the community and are meant to be shared, not kept or taken and sold. • Leave room in the Little Libraries for books; a smaller thoughtful collection is more valuable to your neighbors than a box packed with yellowing throwaway books. • Respect freedom of expression and diversity; however the Little Libraries are not appropriate for religious or political pamphlets. Take the family on a treasure hunt for the perfect book! Share your questions or comments and photos of your family using the Little Free Libraries with me! Christy.G@IHCouncil.org Happy reading!

Little Free Library Locations Ashland Park Dahlia Park Daphne Park Forest Ridge Summit Park Village Green Vista Park West Highlands Park

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April 2016

Issaquah Highlands Connections

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Issaquah Highlands Community Association 2016-17 Master Budget Dear Issaquah Highlands Owners:

Notable Increases: • Other Income – growing contingency fund interest income. Escrow processing fee was raised.

The adopted 2016-17 Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Master annual assessment will be $912. This is a $12 (1.3%) annual increase from 2015-16 assessment. The IHCA Finance Committee comprised of IHCA Treasurer David Ngai, IHCA Board Member Ellina Charipova, Melody Greene, Alex Garrard, Dan Garland, and Michael Petty developed the 2016-2017 budget. The IHCA staff provided financial statements and other supporting documents to members of the Finance Committee. The IHCA is a non-profit organization and our budget is developed according to Washington State Law and the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R’s) for IHCA. The Finance Committee works throughout the year analyzing monthly financials including a yearly forecast. The Committee began preparing the 2016-17 operating budget at their meeting in January. The draft budget was presented to the IHCA Board of Directors at the February 24 Board meeting and the proposed fiscal year July 2016 - June 2017 operating and reserve budget was approved and adopted by the IHCA Board of Directors.

Annual 2015-16 Assessment Operating Fund

Semi-Annual $900

$450

• IHCA Office Rent & CAMS – current lease expires February 2017; higher market rate expected for new lease. • Future Office Fund – build-up of future IHCA office. Notable Decreases: • Community Admin/Accounting Wages & Benefits – saving through staffing reorganization. • Computer & Software Expenses – reduction of hardware requirements and software contract savings. • Collection/Bad Debt Expenses – reflects continued declining trend of delinquent accounts.

Monthly $75

$11.48

$5.74

$0.96

Reserve Fund

$0.52

$0.26

$0.04

2016-17 Assessment

$912

$456

$76

2016-17 Budget Overview Income: $ 3,188,320 Expenses: Landscape, Utilities & Operations $ 1,611,870 Community Management & Administration $ 1,180,780 Accounting $ 179,870 Total Expense $ 2,972,520 Capital Reserves Contribution

• Landscaping/Maintenance Expenses – converted two seasonal workers to full-time. Increase supplies and maintenance for aging and still expanding community.

$ 215,800

The IHCA 2016-2017 Budget Ratification Meeting will be held at 6:30pm on April 27, 2016 at the IHCA office, 1011 NE High Street, Suite 210. Per the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the IHCA governing documents, a quorum is not required at the meeting for the budget to be ratified. The budget will be ratified unless 75% of the entire membership (not just homeowners present at the meeting or by proxy) votes to reject the budget approved by the Board of Directors. If you do not plan to attend the meeting, you may cast your vote in two other ways: • Email: You may send an email to budget@ihcommunity.org. Email must contain your full name and street address. • US Mail: Send your vote with your full name, street address and signature to: IHCA – Budget 1011 NE High St, Suite 210 Issaquah, WA 98029 All votes via email and US Mail must be received no later than April 26, 2016 by 5PM.

Income includes annual base assessments, late fees, shared costs income, non-member income, interest and other income. The anticipated owner occupied unit count estimated for the 2016-17 Budget is 3,210.

IHCA Meet The Team Matthew Hendrikse

From Fort Worth, Texas Matthew is our new Maintenance Supervisor. He has many years of experience in construction and construction management. He had his own construction company in Texas and did everything from small projects to small commercial construction. Family is very important to Matthew, which includes not only his wife, daughter and grandson, but also their two dogs named Todd and Fergie. In his free time they love to spend time in the outdoors and seeing different parks. He and his wife are also pastors and love being connected to the community.

Just a Reminder... With the nice weather we are having, the bears are coming out of hibernation. Please be sure your trash cans are stored properly and you don’t have anything in your yards that will attract their attention (i.e. bird feeders). They are very, very hungry when they wake up!!

Brennan Dickey

Brennan has recently joined the IHCA Landscaping crew. He enjoys working outdoors and looks forward to the opportunity to learn more about this unique community and our ‘green’ landscaping techniques. In his off hours, Brennan enjoys drawing, reading and the being in the great outdoors. In high school he took four years of jewelry and metal design. As a senior in high school, he sculpted an amazing piece, a bronze mask with glass eyes and painted details. Brennan looks forward to making friends at his new job and is a welcome addition to our team!!

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Medical Insurance - Operations 401K Expense - Operations Ops Travel, Meals, & Training Contra-Dedicated Operations TOTAL REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

2015-16 Adopted Budget 16,484 303 3,000 (4,550) 203,840

2015-16 2016-17 Estimated Approved April 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Budget 11 11,827 12,600 761 1,920 1,088 1,500 (3,522) (5,000) 175,851 218,520

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Issaquah Highlands 2016-17 Approved Budget ACCOUNTING

the Budget Fiscal Issaquah Highlands 2016-17 For Approved

Year July 1, 2016 June 30,Highlands 2017 2016-17 Approved Issaquah Budget Dedicated Staff-Wages - Accounting 189,372 190,882 Payroll Taxes - Accounting For the Fiscal Year July 1, 2016 -16,265 For the Fiscal Year July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017 June 30, 2017 16,256 IHCA Board of Directors Approved February 24, 2016 Worker's Comp - AccountingIHCA Board of Directors Approved February 768 24, 2016 738 IHCA Board of Directors Approved February 24, 2016 2015-16 Adopted Budget $900 Annual Assessments

2015-16 Estimated

2016-17 Approved Budget $912

OPERATING FUND INCOME Late Fees Fee & Fine Income Escrow & Resale Cert Fees Collection Legal Fees Interest Income Owner Base Assessments High Street Center Management Fees Assoc. Management Fees - Non-members Accounting Fees - Non-members Operations Income - Non-members Landscaping/Irrig Income - Non-members Shared Costs - High Street Center Shared Costs Agreements Income TOTAL INCOME

10,000 13,000 9,500 33,000 1,000 2,821,552 24,000 0 0 0 0 6,000 144,846 3,062,898

7,830 10,915 18,430 28,289 12,193 2,821,968 24,000 3,100 5,400 1,578 1,875 6,000 145,316 3,086,894

5,000 11,000 25,000 30,000 12,000 2,927,520 28,000 0 0 0 0 4,500 145,300 3,188,320

EXPENSES LANDSCAPE & UTILITIES Utilities - Storm Water Fees Garbage Electric - Streetlights Landscape - Contract Monthly Landscape - Non-contract (Goats) Irrigation-Water Irrig Elec Park & Supply Pumps Irrig Maintenance & Repairs Landscape Supplies Landscape Equipment Safety Equipment & Supplies Equipment Rental Irrig Non-Potable Maint/Mgmnt Landscape - Fleet Equip, Repair & Maint Dedicated Staff Wages - Landscape Payroll Taxes - Landscape Worker's Comp - Landscape Medical Insurance - Landscape 401K Expense - Landscape Lndscpe Travel, Meals, & Training Staff Uniforms Lndscpe Communications,Computer,Misc Contra-Dedicated Landscape TOTAL LANDSCAPE & UTILITIES

19,530 30,000 41,000 336,100 40,000 148,600 27,000 24,000 119,700 6,700 6,000 12,500 9,000 23,400 339,000 31,400 18,100 67,000 5,100 4,800 6,500 5,300 (18,900) 1,301,830

19,530 23,850 37,575 336,100 40,000 178,085 25,656 24,000 119,700 6,700 6,000 11,000 6,000 23,400 366,509 31,675 20,107 81,202 5,531 6,915 6,965 4,259 (28,345) 1,352,417

21,700 25,000 40,000 344,000 44,000 158,000 27,000 27,400 137,250 7,100 6,500 11,000 6,000 24,600 372,000 32,700 21,000 89,500 6,000 6,000 7,200 4,400 (25,000) 1,393,350

REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE Pet Waste Service Supplies Holiday Lighting - Contract Signs Expense, Maint. & Repair Maintenance & Repair Professional Services - Park Inspections Parks/Trails Lighting Maint. & Repair Maintenance Supplies Drain Line Cleaning Dedicated Staff Wages - Operations Payroll Taxes - Operation Worker's Comp - Operations Medical Insurance - Operations 401K Expense - Operations Ops Travel, Meals, & Training Contra-Dedicated Operations TOTAL REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

42,500 14,000 1,500 17,100 4,000 17,900 15,500 67,767 2015-16 5,504 Adopted Budget 2,832 16,484 303 3,000 (4,550) 203,840

42,500 42,500 10,065 20,000 1,500 2,500 11,700 22,100 5,400 5,400 4,000 6,000 17,900 21,000 15,500 15,000 50,813 64,000 2015-16 2016-17 4,425 6,000 Estimated 1,894 Approved Budget 3,000 11,827 12,600 761 1,920 1,088 1,500 (3,522) (5,000) 175,851 218,520

ACCOUNTING Dedicated Staff Wages - Accounting Payroll Taxes - Accounting Worker's Comp - Accounting Medical Insurance - Accounting 401K Expense - Accounting Contra-Dedicated Accounting TOTAL ACCOUNTING

189,372 16,265 768 31,422 5,332 (62,750) 180,409

190,882 16,256 738 25,324 4,576 (57,500) 180,276

198,000 17,700 750 28,400 5,940 (70,920) 179,870

COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT Occupational & Technical Training Company & Management Training Other Admin - Dues & Subscriptions Dedicated Staff Wages - Community Admin Payroll Taxes - Community Admin Worker's Comp - Community Admin Medical Insurance - Community Admin 401K Expense - Community Admin Mileage/Parking Reimbursement Legal Services Legal Collection Services

32,000 7,000 3,200 446,754 37,931 1,500 58,394 13,365 1,000 15,000 34,800

28,000 7,000 3,200 409,616 35,595 1,228 58,016 9,937 504 15,000 28,212

26,000 7,000 3,600 405,000 34,900 1,250 64,200 12,150 800 15,000 30,000

Medical Insurance - Accounting 31,422 401K Expense - Accounting 5,332 2015-16 Contra-Dedicated Accounting Adopted(62,750) Budget TOTAL ACCOUNTING 180,409 $900 Annual Assessments OPERATING FUND COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT INCOME Occupational & Technical Training 32,000 Late Fees 10,000 Company Management Training 7,000 Fee & Fine&Income 13,000 Other - Dues Subscriptions 3,200 EscrowAdmin & Resale Cert&Fees 9,500 Dedicated Staff Wages 446,754 Collection Legal Fees - Community Admin 33,000 Payroll - Community Admin 37,931 InterestTaxes Income 1,000 Worker's Comp - Community Admin 1,500 Owner Base Assessments 2,821,552 Medical Insurance Community Admin 58,394 High Street Center -Management Fees 24,000 401K - Community Admin 13,365 Assoc.Expense Management Fees - Non-members 0 Mileage/Parking 1,000 Accounting Fees -Reimbursement Non-members 0 Legal Services 15,000 Operations Income - Non-members 0 Legal Collection Services 34,800 Landscaping/Irrig Income - Non-members 0 Audit Tax Services 9,500 Shared&Costs - High Street Center 6,000 HR/Payroll Services 25,000 Shared Costs Agreements Income 144,846 Computer/Professional Services 48,800 TOTAL INCOME 3,062,898 Reserve Study 2,500 Contra-Dedicated Staff Comm Assn (47,025) EXPENSES Committee/BOD Expense 6,200 LANDSCAPE & UTILITIES Public Relations 5,000 Utilities(Community) - Storm Water Fees 19,530 Computer 16,700 Garbage Expense (Hardware) 30,000 Software Licensing 49,400 Electric - Streetlights 41,000 Supplies 15,000 Landscape - Contract Monthly 336,100 Photocopies 12,000 Landscape - Non-contract (Goats) 40,000 Postage 13,000 Irrigation-Water 148,600 Office Rent & CAMs 156,000 Irrig Elec Park & Supply Pumps 27,000 Communications 10,000 Irrig Maintenance & Repairs 24,000 Office Utilities 5,900 Landscape Supplies 119,700 Landscape 6,700 B & O TaxesEquipment 700 Safety Equipment & Supplies 6,000 Property Tax 13,000 Equipment Rental 12,500 Bad Debt Expense 37,000 Irrig Non-Potable 9,0000 Prior Year ExpenseMaint/Mgmnt Landscape&- Officers Fleet Equip, Repair & Maint 23,400 Directors Insurance 36,700 Dedicated Staff Wages - Landscape 339,000 General Liability, Property, Auto Insurance 42,400 Payroll Taxes - Landscape 31,400 Bank Fees 600 Worker'sIncome Comp -Tax Landscape 18,100 Federal 7,200 Medical Insurance - Landscape 67,000 Contingency Expense 50,000 401K Expense - Landscape 5,1000 Future Office Fund LndscpeCOMMUNITY Travel, Meals, & Training 4,800 TOTAL MANAGEMENT 1,166,519 Staff Uniforms 6,500 LndscpeEXPENSES Communications,Computer,Misc 5,300 TOTAL 2,852,598 Contra-Dedicated Landscape (18,900) TOTAL LANDSCAPE & UTILITIES 1,301,830 NET INCOME BEFORE RESERVE CONTRIBUTION 210,300

25,324 4,576 2015-16 (57,500) Estimated 180,276

198,000 17,700 750 28,400 2016-175,940 Approved(70,920) Budget 179,870 $912

28,000 7,830 7,000 10,915 3,200 18,430 409,616 28,289 35,595 12,193 1,228 2,821,968 58,016 24,000 9,937 3,100 504 5,400 15,000 1,578 28,212 1,875 9,500 6,000 18,978 145,316 38,673 3,086,894 2,270 (41,925) 5,700 5,000 19,530 13,439 23,850 35,169 37,575 16,513 336,100 12,976 40,000 13,632 178,085 156,000 25,656 10,000 24,000 1,222 119,700 6,700 554 6,000 13,000 11,000 9,250 6,000 (12,780) 23,400 34,178 366,509 42,508 31,675 600 20,107 8,240 81,202 50,000 5,5310 6,915 1,039,005 6,965 4,259 2,747,549 (28,345) 1,352,417 339,345

26,000 5,000 7,000 11,000 3,600 25,000 405,000 30,000 34,900 12,000 1,250 2,927,520 64,200 28,000 12,150 0 800 0 15,000 0 30,000 0 9,700 4,500 16,000 145,300 38,000 3,188,320 2,270 (54,660) 5,700 4,000 21,700 9,620 25,000 36,750 40,000 18,000 344,000 14,400 44,000 14,000 158,000 194,000 27,000 10,000 27,400 137,2500 7,100 600 6,500 13,500 11,000 27,800 6,0000 24,600 36,000 372,000 44,500 32,700 700 21,000 10,000 89,500 50,000 6,000 80,000 6,000 1,180,780 7,200 4,400 2,972,520 (25,000) 1,393,350 215,800

REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE Less: Reserve Contribution PetCASH Waste Service Supplies FUND FLOW - OPERATING Holiday Lighting - Contract Signs Expense, RESERVE FUNDMaint. & Repair Maintenance & Repair RESERVE INCOME Professional Services Reserve Contribution - Park Inspections Parks/Trails Lighting Maint. & Repair Interest Income - Reserves Maintenance Supplies Capital Assessment Drain Line Cleaning TOTAL RESERVE INCOME Dedicated Staff Wages - Operations Payroll Taxes - Operation RESERVE EXPENSES Worker'sMower Comp -60" Operations Ride-on Replace

210,300 215,800 42,500 42,5000 129,045 2015-16 2016-17 10,065 Approved 20,000 Estimated Budget 1,500 2,500 11,700 22,100 5,400 5,400 210,300 215,800 4,000 6,000 13,746 12,000 17,900 21,000 54,423 0 15,500 15,000 278,469 227,800 50,813 64,000 4,425 6,000 1,894 3,000 14,050 17,450 1,235 30,000 (179,441) 62,735

210,300 42,5000 2015-16 14,000 Adopted Budget 1,500 17,100 210,300 4,000 9,600 17,900 18,000 15,500 237,900 67,767 5,504 2,832

Metal Fence/Rail - Repaint 1 of 2 Aerator Replace Irrigation Controls (6) Replace TOTAL RESERVE EXPENSES

(110,000)

CASH FLOW - RESERVE FUND

127,900

99,028

IHCA Budget Ratification Meeting Wednesday, 4/27, 6:30 pm, Blakely Hall See details on previous page.

165,065

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April 2016

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

April 2016

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Understanding the Importance of Community-Wide Standards by Collene Cordova, IHCA Owner Service Coordinator-Compliance Rules are an essential element of community management. Without them, anything goes and what one homeowner may deem as acceptable, others may not. The continuity of the community would be lost. Because of this, the Community Wide Standards (CWS) were adopted in 2009. When these rules are followed by all of the residents, the aesthetic beauty of the community remains intact, directly supporting everyone’s property values.

have grass. Not only does mulch help with weed control but it also helps retain moisture in your soil during the hot summer months. Another category is moss removal. Because we typically have a very wet winter, we will not be inspecting for moss until the early part of June. Most moss naturally dries up and is washed away with the rain. However, if your roof, fence or porch steps do not receive adequate sunlight, they may need to be treated. Sometimes pressure washing will do the trick on your sidewalk or fence but a professional will need to be consulted to address moss removal from your roof (there are restrictions on the kind of substances that can be used for roof treatments).

The CWS are organized into eleven categories from turf standards to fencing standards. These standards are taken into consideration when doing our weekly neighborhood inspections which can sometimes result in violation notices issued to homeowners. Should you receive a notice, communication is always best. Sometimes we can resolve issues before they run out of control.

House painting and fence painting/staining are also a part of the CWS and those inspections will be done in April this year. If the paint on the house or trim is peeling, cracked, missing, see-thru or sunfaded a notice will be sent to the homeowner.

Some of the most common violations issued are for excessive weeds or turf that is either overgrown or has died. Turf should be maintained at a height of 4” or less. If your grass becomes patchy overtime, it is necessary to reseed. Weeds are almost always a constant nuisance and a good way to keep them under control is by applying a 2-3 inch base of mulch in your flower beds or areas where you do not

As always, our goal is to make sure that the community you have invested in and call home remains one of the most desirable communities to live in on the eastside. A complete printout of our Community Wide Standards can be found on our website at issaquahhighlands.com. Click on Community Association (HOA) and scroll down until you see the Community Wide Standard pdf.

Playground Safety

by Melissa Schneider, CMCA, Community Manager/Project Manager We recently contracted with a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) to inspect and assess our playgrounds. These inspectors are certified by the National Certification Board sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to recognize and prevent potential playground hazards.

issues over the years, and we will continue to monitor and repair any issues. If you see a problem, please report it to our team so we may address it immediately.

Upon completion of all inspections, we are happy to report there were no serious life safety issues found. The highest priority issue is the need to add more play chips to some of the playgrounds. The minor issues are being addressed accordingly per recommendations from the Inspector. Thank you to our maintenance team for inspecting and repairing

Ask the IHCA!

Welcome to our new column: “Ask the IHCA”. As a homeowner in the Issaquah Highlands, do you sometimes find it difficult to know what questions you have about the community or even who to direct those questions to? The staff at the IHCA would like to hear from all homeowners, new and established, any time you have questions. Your questions might be “I live in Division X, who is my Community Manager?” or “I’m selling my house, who at the IHCA should I contact to help me with that process?” or even “I’m thinking of painting my house a different color, is there a process for that or someone at the IHCA office I should inform?” Whatever your questions might be, we want to hear from you. Not only is this a great way to learn about how Issaquah Highlands is run, but even better, it’s a great way for us to get to know you. We can learn a lot from each other and we highly encourage everyone to participate. Please submit all your questions to the IHCA Administrative Assistant, Chelsea Johnson via email at: Chelsea.j@ ihcommunity.org. We will be responding to three (3) to five (5) questions per issue.

ARC Tip of the Month:

Did you know… In keeping with RCW 64.38.055, the ICHA has a process to follow for installing solar panels. Prior to installation, homeowners are required to submit an application (found at www. issaquahhighlands.com), along with the installation diagram. The placement guidelines on the form are there to help maintain the aesthetic integrity of the community.

Issaquah Highlands Use Restrictions & Rules Reminders: Animals: Dogs must be kept on a leash and under the control of a responsible party at all times when not contained within the boundaries of the Unit. Pet shall not be allowed to roam free. Owners must clean up after and properly dispose of pet waste. Thank you for doing your part.

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April 2016

Issaquah Highlands Connections

April 2016

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ART IN BLAKELY HALL Acclaimed Art Exhibit, The Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human, Grows Perspective & Prompts Big Conversations About Mental Illness. The Issaquah Schools Foundation and artEAST are starting a big conversation about mental illness and its effects on our children by welcoming the nationally recognized and provocative art exhibit, The Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human, to three Issaquah locations, including Blakely Hall, beginning Friday, April 22nd. In the exhibit spaces, art is displayed a little off kilter — too high, too low, and slightly askew to represent how mental illness affects people. All Leslie Nan Moon: Trevor in twenty-six Pacific Northwest Autismland, Linocut. artists who have contributed to the exhibit have a loved one with mental illness, or experience mental illness first hand. The grand opening reception for The Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human takes place Friday, April 29 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Issaquah Senior Center (6-7 p.m.) followed by a reception at artEAST. New York Times Best Selling Author, Ellen Forney and Issaquah Mayor, Fred Butler will make remarks. Forney was awarded the 2012 Genius Award for her book Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me, which chronicles her experiences with bi-polar disorder.

Victoria Raymond: Hug Me, Mixed media collage journal.

“We believe it is past time for our community to open our hearts to the crisis that is facing our youth, to talk openly about mental illness, and begin to understand it,” says Issaquah Schools Foundation Director Robin Callahan. “When students experience mental illness — and it is happening at all ages in unprecedented numbers — many families wall themselves off, for fear of stigmatizing their child.”

The statistics involving mental illness paint a clear picture: • One in four people suffer from some form of mental illness. • Up to 70-percent of adolescents who suffer with mental illness do not receive care. • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth in Washington State. The exhibit runs through the first week of July and provides many points of engagement beyond displayed art including a panel discussion at Swedish Medical Center Issaquah on May 19 from 6pm - 8pm, and an interactive art project with students at Issaquah High School on June 7 from 5pm - 7pm.

The Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human Events: Artists Reception Friday, April 22nd, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Blakely Hall Grand Opening Friday April 29th, 6:00pm–9:00pm Issaquah Senior Center and artEAST Panel Discussion May 19th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Swedish Medical Center Issaquah Interactive Art Project June 7th, 5:00pm – 7:00pm Issaquah High School For a complete list of events, please see artEAST.org

“We believe the Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human Project gives our community an invaluable opportunity to learn from those who experience mental illness — both personally and from a parent’s point of view,” says artEAST Director, Carla Villar. “Our goal is to prompt a very important conversation, with the goal to provide a sense of community and hope to people who are affected by mental illness.” The team behind The Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human hopes most to educate the public at large with their message. That message is that shame and silence should not hinder people from getting help and sharing their struggle with friends and family. People who suffer with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.

ARTS & CULTURE

Authors Among Us by Kathryn Dean, Vista Park

Elizabeth Dixon List’s journey to publishing was quite different. She works in the nonprofit sector, raising money for organizations in Seattle. Elizabeth is passionate about social justice, sustainability and animal welfare. She was inspired by the cultural diversity and sense of community we have here in the Highlands and wanted to capture that in a tangible way. “I haven’t always wanted to be a writer,” Elizabeth told me. “But I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the world. Writing this book seemed like a fun and effective way of doing that.”

Sometimes writers write for years because they are compelled to, and eventually through hard work and determination a bound and printed book is birthed. Other times a person is simply inspired and though not compelled to be a writer, knows that there is a message he or she must write and share with the world. Such are the stories of Joe Beernink and Elizabeth Dixon List – two of our Highlands neighbors who have published books in the past year. “Nowhere Wild” by Joe Beernink was born out of a passion for writing and survival stories in his youth that had lain dormant for 15 years while he worked in the software development world. While commuting from Sumner to Seattle on the Sounder in 2008, Joe realized he had unstructured time that could be used to write. He began writing again in August of that year and in four months completed a first draft. He very quickly joined Pacific Northwest Writers Association, where he could network with other writers and find an agent.

Through “The Potluck,” a children’s book with beautiful illustrations by Yukika Kato, Elizabeth teaches her daughter and other children about community, cultural diversity and helping endangered animals. In the story, a young girl named Tessa holds a potluck and invites all her friends to attend. Her friends are endangered animals from around the world who bring a special dish popular in their country. Through the story, children and adults learn about the endangered species of the world and how they can help. The sense of community in the book is then spread to your own kitchen as readers prepare some of the exotic dishes using the recipes included in the book.

Cover of Issaquah Highlands resident Joe

Beernink’s first published book, “Nowhere Traditional publishing requires patience and Wild”. persistence. Joe first pitched to agent Sally Harding of The Cooke Agency at the PNWA conference in 2009. After many revisions and emails back and forth, Sally agreed to represent him in March of 2011, and in September 2012, editor Hadley Dyer at HarperCollins Canada purchased the manuscript. “Nowhere Wild” was released in August 2015.

“The Potluck” was published through CreateSpace Publishing and is available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.com. You can also follow “The Potluck” Facebook page to learn about future readings and events. Joe Beernink and Elizabeth List have donated their books to the Issaquah Highlands Little Free Libraries - Thank you Joe and Elizabeth!

It’s a survival story of self discovery with main characters – Izzy, 13, and Jake, 16, – navigating the wilderness in a post apocalyptic world brought on by a flu epidemic. In the meantime, Joe and his family relocated to the Issaquah Highlands, which shortened his commute to a new job in Redmond and gave him even more time to write. He has completed several other books as well as a sequel to “Nowhere Wild” called “Nowhere Home” – publication date to be determined. Signed copies of “Nowhere Wild” are available at Barnes and Noble in Issaquah and University Books in Bellevue. Joe will also be at the PNWA conference in SeaTac in July. Find out more about him and his upcoming events at his website, joebeernink.com.

One of the illustrations in “The Potluck”, a book by Issaquah Highlands resident, Elizabeth List.

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April 2016

Issaquah Highlands Connections

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS

Art in Blakely Hall

The Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human Opens Friday, April 22nd Open Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm Artists Reception Friday, April 22nd, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Free and open to the public

Issaquah leaders bring attention to mental illness through art. The Issaquah Schools Foundation and artEAST are starting a big conversation about mental illness and its effects on our children by welcoming the nationally recognized and provocative art exhibit, The Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human, to three Issaquah locations, including Blakely Hall. See more information on page 15.

Book Club

Location & Dates vary

The book club is a great place to meet neighbors and explore a variety of books. We meet at Big Fish Grill. Dates sometimes change, so be sure to email lindsey8@gmail.com to be added to the Facebook group.

Bridge Club

Monday, April 4th, 7:00pm – 10:00pm Blakely Hall

Grab a partner or come solo to play a little Bridge! Bring your own beverage of choice and a snack to share. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned bridge player, you are welcome to join us. We play the first Monday of every month starting at 7 p.m. RSVP: Contact Chuck Leininger at: cleininger@seattletimes.com or David Trowern at: dtrowern@gmail.com.

Family History Night

Tuesday, April 19th, 8:00pm - 9:00pm Blakely Hall - FREE! Genealogy Made Easy! Contact: Steve Balkman, steve@balkman.com 425-260-4451.

Garden Work Party

Vista Community Gardens Saturday, April 2nd, 10:00am – 2:00pm

Every community garden member shares in the maintenance of the overall site – weeding common areas, cleaning up the tool shed, etc. Each Vista gardener contributes at least eight hours of service during the season to the garden. Fulfill some of those hours at a spring work party! Tips: Rain or shine; Dress to get dirty; Stay hydrated; Bring your lunch and/or a snack to share

Gardening Seminar

Sustainable Veggie Gardening April 7th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

The City of Issaquah and Cascade Water Alliance offer FREE Cascade Gardener classes to help residents learn how to create and maintain beautiful, sustainable landscapes and conserve water. This month’s topic, Sustainable Veggie Gardening, is led by Ladd Smith, a local professional highly regarded for environmentally sustainable gardening services.

IHCA Budget Ratification Meeting Wednesday, 4/27, 6:30 pm Blakely Hall

Chinese Heritage Club

India Culture Club

This club promotes and preserves the unique Chinese cultural heritage awareness among the next generation for many local families. We welcome everyone who is interested in a neighborhood celebration for many traditional Chinese/American festivals right at Issaquah Highlands. The club meets monthly, usually at Blakely Hall. Contact: Hailain 425-633-0242 or lian_lhl@hotmail.com

Celebrate Spring with the India Culture Club! Indian Fancy Dress competition for 5-12 year olds, face painting, and kite making! Sumptuous food and entertainment. Contact Anita aan1001@gmail.com

Saturday, April 2nd, 7:30pm Blakely Hall

Cub Scout Issaquah Highlands Pack 680

Monday, April 25th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

NEW! Interior Design Club Starts May 5th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Contact: Meetamehta@putali.org

A year round values-based program for boys grades 1-5. Scouting is learning by discovery and discovery by doing. For more information, please contact scoutpack680@gmail.com.

Knit for Life®

Flex Worker Brown Bag

A network of volunteer knitters in area hospitals, providing physical and mental support in a non-traditional therapeutic environment to cancer survivors, patients and caregivers through knitting. We teach anyone with any skill level. You don’t have to bring anything but yourself. We have all the supplies you will need. Contact: Elaine.Eckert@yahoo.com

Friday, April 1st, 1:00pm – 2:00 pm Blakely Hall

Formerly the Telecommuter Brown Bag group. The theme for this meeting is Mentoring: What does it mean to you, your company, and your future? Dawn Noland will lead the discussion. You are welcome to join us! This is the last meeting (no fooling). Contact dawn_noland@comcast. net (subject line: Flex Worker Brown Bag) if you have questions.

Mondays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm Swedish Medical Center, Main Lobby

Little Mandarin Group Cancelled April 11th April 25th, 10:30am - Noon Blakely Hall

Young children are uniquely suited to learning a second language. “Little Mandarin” will give young children the opportunity to learn mandarin through telling stories, singing songs and playing games. Witnessing your children learn another language is exciting! Welcome parents and their kids (newborns to 4 years) to join the group. Dates sometimes change, so email bowbow.gin@outlook.com to get the details.

Meaningful Movies

Next movie at Blakely Hall Wednesday, May 25th, 6:30pm- 8:30pm

Meaningful Movies provides social justice and environmental documentary films followed by community discussion. Every other month the movies are screened at Blakely Hall. Alternate months are at the Issaquah Historic Train Depot. See http:// meaningfulmovies.org/neighborhoods/issaquah-wa/

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) April 4th & 18th, 9:30am - 11:30am Blakely Hall

Sponsored by Timberlake Church PROGRAM COST: $150 for the 2015-16 school year We meet twice monthly on Monday mornings through June. Enjoy quality, positive programming just for moms. We make sure your little ones have an amazing time as well. To register, visit www.timberlakechurch.com/mops

Minecraft Mania

Cancelled April 12th Tuesday, April 26th, 5:00pm - 6:30pm Blakely Hall

Join fellow elementary and middle school Minecraft enthusiasts from novice to expert as we share our knowledge of the Minecraft world including Redstone, building, surviving the night and more. You’ll need a laptop with licensed Minecraft loaded on it. Club leader is Quinn Ryan at boxcargriz@gmail.com and parent leader is Tim Ryan at dadtime@gmail.com.

Photography Club

Saturday, April 16th, 10:30am - Noon Blakely Hall

Enjoy monthly meetings with guest speakers, share and discuss your work with others, and participate in an online community throughout the month. Contact ihpc@outlook.com

Playgroup

Cancelled April 13th Every Wednesday at 10:00am Newborn to Age 4 Blakely Hall

Moms, dads, caregivers and their children are invited for fun, friendship, support and socializing. Contact katiels84@gmail.com and see facebook.com/IssaquahHighlands.coopplaygroup

*All Events are FREE unless otherwise noted.

GOVERNANCE MEETINGS IHCA Architectural Review Committee Tuesday, 4/5, 6:00 pm IHCA Office

IHCA Budget Ratification Meeting Wednesday, 4/27, 6:30 pm, Blakely Hall

Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group Wednesday, 4/6, 5:00pm, Blakely Hall

Meetings are subject to change. See Calendar at issaquahhighlands.com for more information or date changes.

IHCA Finance Committee Tuesday, 4/12, 5:30 pm IHCA Office IHCA Board of Directors Wednesday, 4/27, 5:30 pm, IHCA Office

For City of Issaquah governance meetings, see http://issaquahwa.gov

Issaquah School District NO SCHOOL!! Spring Break! April 11th - 15th

Issaquah Highlands Connections

April 2016

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Poker Night

Travel Club Night See where it takes you!

Thursday, April 28th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Whether you are a novice or a salty vet looking for some steep competition, you will love our monthly group for $40 buy-in, No-Limit Texas Hold ’em tournament! Don’t forget to join us on Facebook for all the latest info and results at our “Issaquah Poker” group page. Contact Henry at hlh1969@hotmail.com.

Rovin’ Fiddlers

Every Tuesday, 7:00pm-9:00pm Either at the Issaquah Highlands Fire Station 73 or Issaquah Senior Center

Drop in our jam sessions. Welcome guitars, flutes, whistles, banjos, mandolins, autoharps, dulcimers, stand up bass, and percussion. All abilities welcome. Contact Sue at bellesue@comcast.net.

Running Club

Please contact Joey at jbc224@cornell.edu, so he can add you to the distribution list. See Facebook - Issaquah Highlands Running and Multi-sport

Russian Highlanders

Annual BBQ Party Sunday May 1st, 2:00pm – 6:00pm Blakely Hall

Fridays at 9:00am Blakely Hall

Wednesday, April 13, 7:00pm Blakely Hall March Topics: Travel Volunteering!

All knitters, crocheters, and stitchers are welcome. For more details of questions, please contact Cathie Coulter at Catherine.coulter@ihmail.com

Join us for an exciting presentation on how to travel and volunteer around the world. Meet a renowned speaker, Joyce Major, author of the award-winning book “Smiling at the World”. She discovered the world as a volunteer immersing herself in cultures while engaging in a wide variety of projects. Major’s passion for helping the planet, her zany sense of humor and gift of storytelling provides escape and inspiration to travelers. Join us every second Wednesday of every month for a fun, informal night for like-minded, travel-loving neighbors with a focus on travel. We hope to see you there! Light snacks are provided but feel free to bring a beverage (perhaps a bottle of wine from your favorite country!) to enjoy. Stay up to date on future meetings: www.facebook.com/highlandstravelclub

Yoga Club

Saturdays at 10:30am Blakely Hall

Join us every Saturday for free Yoga! Hatha Yoga Classes are for anyone interested, including neophytes wanting to try yoga for the first time, the experienced looking to improve, and anyone in-between. Yoga class will be led by Melanie and her mother, Deyin. For more information: deyiny@microsoft.com

Sunday 7:45am - 8:45am For more information contact: srik.satya@gmail.com

Zumba Fitness Class

Friday, April 8th, 7:00pm - 10:00pm Blakely Hall

Tuesdays (7:00pm) & Saturdays (9:00am)

Zumba Fitness is the Latin and world rhythm and dance based fitness party that will change the way you think about working out. Grab your workout clothes, your water bottle, and join the party! Free class but please bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the food bank! For additional information, email zumbawithcindy@gmail.com.

Come out and meet your fellow wine lovers in the Highlands! Are you a wine enthusiast, connoisseur, or just a fan? We usually get together the second Friday of each month to discuss and enjoy wine. If interested please send an email to Dianne at danielsondd@yahoo.com for details. Please RSVP the Tuesday prior to the event.

Neighborhood Open House

Easter in Russia is more than just a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It brings people peace, joy and hope, cleanses souls and thoughts. Faithful and atheists, children and adults, anyone who follows this old tradition is invited to join us for our annual BBQ party. It is a big family feast held on Orthodox Easter Sunday featuring numerous Easter treats like Easter bread kulich, paskha, Easter eggs and more. Bring your favorite item for BBQ and join us! Contact Yana at alentyey@yahoo.com and follow us on https://www.facebook.com/groups/rusisshigh/

It’s time to plan the last piece of the High Street Properties in Issaquah Highlands. We want your input! Shelter Holdings, the owner of property adjacent to Grand Ridge Shopping Center and across the street from Swedish Hospital, is starting to plan for a mixed use development in Issaquah Highlands. We want your input on the types of businesses, housing and retail you would support and the other elements of development that are important to the community. Come meet the team, learn about the work we’ve been doing, and share ideas as we plan the newest addition to the neighborhood.

Issaquah Highlands Contex

DRAWING KEY VEHICULAR ROUTE (LINE THICKNESS SIGNIFIES APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC)

Toastmasters Club

SIGNIFICANT PEDESTRIAN NODE

EXISTING OR APPROVED MULTI-USE (PED+BIKE) TRAIL* "POTENTIAL" MULTI-USE TRAIL*

LAKESIDE DEVELOPMENT NEIGHBORHOOD BOUNDARY

EXISTING OR APPROVED BIKE ROUTE* GREENSPACE / PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

LOW-DENSITY RES

MEDIUM DENSITY R

HIGHER DENSITY R

RESIDENTIAL SURF VIEW CORRIDOR

1. SUSTAINABILITY AND STEWARDSHIP:

RESOURCE-EFFICIENT BUILDINGS; DEVELOP MIXED-USE, PEDESTRIA COMMUNITIES. 2. PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY DESIGN:

GIVE CIRCULATION PRIORITY TO PEDESTRIAN SCALE PROXIMITIES, A ORIENTATION. 3. INTEGRATED DIVERSITY:

DIVERSITY OF INCOMES; VARIETY OF HOUSING; VARIETY OF NEIGHB CHARACTER. 4. COMMUNITY VALUES:

FUTURE SWEDISH HOSPITAL EXPANSION

WHILE RESPECTING INDIVIDUAL PRIVACY, CREATE A VERY SOCIABLE 5. CIVIC CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY AMENITIES: GIVE SPECIAL PROMINENCE...TO COMMON COMMUNITY SPACES.

SWEDISH HOSPITAL

6. IDENTITY WITHIN LOCAL CONTEXT:

OVERALL PROPERTY BOUNDARY

DESIGN BOUNDARIES BETWEEN HUMAN AND NATURAL WORLDS... 7. SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND REGIONAL CONTRIBUTION:

Dr very isco NE D

CREATE A COMPLETE COMMUNITY. 8. VITALITY, FLEXIBILITY, AND COLLABORATION:

9th Ave NE

ADEQUATE, SAFE, AND REASONABLE CIRCULATION INFRASTRUCTUR

NE High St

CINEMA

May 4th, 2016 6:30-8:30pm 6:30-6:45pm: 6:45-7:00pm: 7:00-8:30pm:

Welcome / Sign-in Opening Comments Open House

Where: Blakely Hall, Issaquah Highlands 2550 NE Park Drive, Issaquah, WA 98029

CALENDAR Earth Day Friday, April 22nd

Passover April 23-30

King County Special Election Ballots Due: Tuesday, April 26th

SAVE THE DATE

Arbor Day Friday, April 29th

Shelter Holdings Land Development West of 9th Ave NE Community Meeting/Open House May 4th, 6:00pm – 9:00pm Blakely Hall

DRAWING SCALE: 1" =200'

When:

FLEXIBILITY TO RESPOND TO A CHANGING FUTURE. 9. ECONOMY AND SERVICEABILITY:

TRANSIT HUB

NE Park Dr

NE Ellis Dr

NE Federal Dr

SAFEWAY

E rN sD nd hla Hig

Tax Day Monday, April 18th

COMMERCIAL / INS PARKING

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS GUIDING PRINCIPLES

INDIVIDUAL SITES

National Tartan Day Wednesday, April 6th

COMMERCIAL / INS

* PER ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS TRAIL & BIKE MAP, DATED OCTOBER 19TH, 2007 AND PER LAKESIDE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

LAKESIDE DEVELOPMENT AREAS WITH NO PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT (PLANTING AREA OR CRITICAL SLOPE AREA)

Join us to improve your communication skills. To find out more, visit the club website at toastmastersclubs.org or drop in any Wednesday as a guest.

April Fools’ Day Friday, April 1st

BUS STOP

CURRENT OR EXPECTED PRIMARY PEDESTRIAN ROUTES

Wednesdays, 7:00am - 8:00am Swedish Medical Center 2nd Floor Conference Center

HOLIDAYS

Yarns & Threads Group

Wine Club

Saturdays 8:00am Central Park Tennis Courts

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April 2016

ISSAQUAH CITY NEWS

Cascade Gardener: Create a Beautiful Landscape, Save Water Learn to create a beautiful, healthy landscape — all while using water efficiently!

Now Available: Free Tax Prep Services

Tax help is available Jan. 11- April 21, 2016, at a site near you. If your household makes less than $62,000 per year, head to one of 24 locations in King County for free help filing your taxes, with no appointment necessary and no fees to pay.

Whether you’re a firsttime gardener or a green thumb looking to learn new techniques, the free classes from Cascade Gardener are for you.

Plus, get additional services — including signing up for health care and public benefits and pulling your free credit report. United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign is here to help.

Through April 2016, a team of expert gardening professionals will teach free classes on a wide range of topics. From 7-8:30 p.m. April 7, learn about “Sustainable Veggie Gardening” at Blakely Hall. Register at cascadewater.org. Cascade Gardener is provided by the City of Issaquah, in conjunction with Cascade Water Alliance and its other member organizations.

The program helps people secure all the refunds and credits that they’re eligible for, including the Earned Income Tax Credit. To learn more and find a tax prep location, go to uwkc.org/taxhelp.

Volunteer: Help Our Pickering Garden Grow

As the weather warms up and you’re looking for more things to do outside, consider volunteering at our Pickering Demonstration Garden! Volunteers take part in growing fresh produce for the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. In the process, they learn techniques for growing food organically and utilizing natural resources wisely. Join us to help plant, harvest, weed and have fun — all while serving a good cause! All the food that is grown in the garden is donated to the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. The City of Issaquah owns the Pickering Demonstration Garden and offers volunteer drop-in hours. We’re always looking for volunteers to lend a hand! To view a schedule of drop-in hours, go to issaquahwa. gov/eatlocal. To schedule a group work party, email us at officeofsustainability@issaquahwa.gov.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Hazardous Home Chemicals

Take steps now to properly secure hazardous products inside your home and garage We strive to leave healthy lives, eating organic, staying active, even using natural cleaning solutions, but all homes have some dangerous chemicals stored in them. When the ground shakes, items stored in garages and laundry rooms can fall. Falling items not only cause injury and damage but also create hazardous spills. Falling items can also block your garage. When chemical products spill and mix it can create fumes that become silent killers. Before a disaster, secure all chemicals so they cannot fall, break and mix. • Identify poisons, toxins and solvents in breakable containers on open shelves. • Remove all heavy objects from upper shelves, especially around the car. • Secure open shelves with nylon webbing or bungee straps. • Store paints, gasoline and other flammable liquids away from natural gas water heaters. Manufacturers provide suggestions on their labels to prevent harmful interactions. For example, bleach mixed with ammonia creates a deadly chlorine gas. After a disaster, assume that spilled chemicals are toxic. • Do not immediately approach spilled chemicals in your haste to clean them up. • Strong odors, bubbling liquid or any vapor releasing from a spill is an indicator of a chemical reaction and should be considered dangerous. • Close off the room where the spill has occurred. • Mark the outside of the room with a sign. For example: Spilled chemicals inside – use caution. If you evacuate your home, first responders will need to know what they are walking into. • Notify authorities and your neighbors. Proactive steps today can save you one less, potential life threatening, recovery task after an earthquake. Source: earthquakecountry.org

Issaquah Highlands Connections

April 2016

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HEROES IN THE HIGHLANDS

Batman v Superman and Heroes in the Highlands

by Tyler Saldaña, Discovery Heights

Superman never did it for me; I’ve always favored the Dark Knight. Perhaps I saw Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman and his alter-ego Clark Kent as too clean and picture-perfect. Or, maybe I related more with the down-to-earth and seemingly realistic character of Batman; although billionaire, playboy, orphan, and vigilante aren’t words that people often use to describe me (and by often, I mean literally never). Growing up, I wanted to be Batman. My diet consisted of two items: Bruce Timm’s “Batman: The Animated Series” and Joel Schumacher’s duo of incredibly awful Batman films from the mid ’90’s. I owned nearly every Batman action figure and Batmobile. I wore a Batman cape everywhere I went. Whether awake or asleep, I would not permit my parents to take the cape off of me; I was fixed on being Batman. If given the opportunity, what kid wouldn’t want to be a superhero? More and more, our childhood dreams of becoming a superhero are being brought to life as movies such as “The Dark Knight Trilogy”, “The Avengers”, and “Iron Man” rock the box office. 2016 looks to be our biggest year yet. With at least seven comic book movies being released within the calendar year as well as nearly 20 more by 2020, it’s fair to say that superheroes are captivating audiences everywhere. But why? What is it about these characters that resonates so deeply with us? Perhaps their similar life experiences and circumstances draw us to these figures. Bruce Wayne is orphaned before he can even notice girls. Clark Kent is an alien to earth, an outsider attempting to fit in. Diana Prince is a powerful warrior princess fighting for equal respect as her male counterparts. The loss of loved ones. Trying to fit in and find your place in the world. Struggling to prove your worth to people who constantly discredit and doubt you. Each of them ultimately standing up for the oppressed and the outcast and standing against those who inflict such evils upon the world. These stories and many others like them are not foreign to our own experiences. I think of the Andersons, a recent transplant family to the Highlands (aren’t we all?). Moving from the warm and communal south, they struggled to find their place and purpose in our often gloomy urban village. After nearly six months of doubt, they met her. She grew up in less-fortunate conditions; a broken family hurting and in need of help. Over the last few years, she and her mom have lived and built friendships at the YWCA. However, due to difficult circumstances, it became evident that she could no longer live at home. Unsure of their future, the Andersons were sure of one thing: this young girl in their city was

in need of a home and a loving family. Although they already had three kids of their own, the Andersons chose to serve this hurting family, welcoming the young lady into their family as one of their own. If we really think about it, we all know people who are hurting and in need of love. They are our neighbors. They are an intricate part of what makes up Issaquah Highlands. And so are you. Each of us bears our own hurts but we also are given opportunities to be heroes in our community. For some of us, this could be volunteering at the YWCA or serving at the Issaquah Meal program on E. Sunset. Perhaps it’s just being a better neighbor to the family next door. Whatever it may be, there are countless ways to be heroes in our community. Along with the help of their faith community, the Anderson’s have seized the opportunity. They not only have become heroes in Issaquah Highlands but they have also found their place in this community: loving their neighbors as themselves, welcoming them into both their home and hearts. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice opened at our Regal on March 24, 2016. This is Tyler Saldaña’s first column in Connections. Tyler and his wife Erin both live and work in Issaquah Highlands. Tyler is a writer and pop culture junkie whose favorite super hero is Batman; always has been. Tyler is currently a Pastoral Resident & Producer at Soma Eastside Church in Issaquah. He also works at Civilized Nature Pet Supplies. See tylersaldana.org for more of his writings.

â&#x20AC;˘

April 2016

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Now Enrolling Preschool - 8th Grade

Inspiring Knowledge and Faith

Teaching the Whole Child | Small Class Sizes Academic Excellence | Supportive Catholic Community

(425) 313-9129 | www.sjsissaquah.org

Issaquah Highlands Connections

April 2016

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

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Quinn Ryan

Minecraft Mania Club meets at Blakely Hall, powered by HFN.

My name is Quinn Ryan. I am a 5th grader at Grand Ridge Elementary and have lived in the Issaquah Highlands my whole life. I started the Minecraft Mania club almost a year ago because I wanted kids to make new friends, learn teamwork and have fun while playing the popular game of Minecraft. Minecraft is a computer game that teaches kids how to complete goals and it also teaches them coding. These skills will help kids in our generation. All the kids are able to play together through a server which lets us have team building exercises. At our club we had a game designer come to speak about computer game design. Also, two head public librarians from Sammamish came to observe our club so they could start their own club. Most exciting, a game designer wants us to test a new game! I love technology and want kids to know about technology. I have taken many classes like ID Tech and Digipen game design. I am also in choir and student council at my school, and take part in safety patrol. I am a Boy Scout and know that teamwork is important. I love to volunteer because I see people happy when I volunteer. It makes our neighborhood a good place when everyone plans to help. If you are not already, you should volunteer! Join Minecraft Mania every 2nd Tuesday, and now the 4th Tuesday too at Blakely Hall!

Volunteer of the Month Quinn Ryan founded the Minecraft Mania Club, which meets at Blakely Hall.

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April 2016

LIVING GREEN

Issaquah Highlands Connections

What’s Your Number?

by Sarah Lally Brown, Community Gardener, Resident Two Slides Park Neighborhood Everybody has a number. Mine is 103.69. My Vista plot is 20 feet long and 5 feet wide, which gives me 100 square feet of planting space. At home, I have two cedar half barrels on my deck that have a diameter of 26 inches. That’s another 3.69 square feet each. Each year I subscribe to a Community Supported Agriculture box from Skylight Farms, and they work 20 acres. Their number is 871,200. The question for everyone’s number is universal: How are you going to plant it? If you have a million square feet to plant, you have some wiggle room. You can space out things however you want with plants and animals and even let entire fields rest for a season or two at a time. For the rest of us, phrases like “biointensive gardening” and “high yield gardening methods” crop up. Tomatoes and potatoes make ketchup and fries!

When I was growing up, my mom would pull out the same few gardening books every February and start sketching out her plan for the season. One in particular, “The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible” by Edward Smith, was my introduction to raised beds and planting in rows. “Square Foot Gardening” by Mel Bartholomew taught me to grid a garden into squares and plant precisely into each one. This gridded concept has become so popular that you can find lots of sample plans online full of helpful little icons: one tomato per square, one pepper plant per square, nine onion starts, two basil and nine spinach. Then there’s “How to Grow More Vegetables Than You Ever Thought Possible on Less Land Than You Can Imagine” by John Jeavons. This book focuses on high yield organic gardening in an urban environment. Sound like our neighborhood? This book has loads of charts about seed germination temperatures, how to space plants for maximum yield, and even

Living Green in Your Lunchbox? This story was contributed by Recology / Cleanscapes

Whether you’re running errands, traveling, or eating in the office, lunch is typically the most wasteful meal of the day. Our Waste Zero Team decided to dive inside the lunchbox this month to investigate the ingredients of a truly waste free and tasty lunch experience. Fed up with wasteful plastics? One of the most important parts of ensuring your lunch leftovers don’t end up in the landfill is to eliminate unnecessary packaging by making lunch at home. Lunchtime can be a great opportunity to show off your creativity in the kitchen and inspire friends and coworkers with new and delicious recipes. Packing your lunch at home may also result in cost savings and healthier eating habits. Pair your tasty treats with reusable containers, utensils and napkins, and avoid individually pre-wrapped foods. Portion control is important to many, but transferring only what you need from a large bulk container doesn’t take much effort. Below are two examples of our #insidethelunchbox investigation. Post your own waste free lunch display and tag our Instagram account, @RecologyCleanScapes. Forgot to pack your lunch? Most food trucks and restaurants have switched to compostable to-go containers. Remember to toss the compostable plate into the food waste bin, though. Many times garbage bins are the only receptacles available outside, and used compostable containers head to the landfill by mistake. Bring your scraps back to the office and toss them in the green compost bin, if not available on site.

companion plantings to help deal organically with pest issues. My mom gardened in our backyard. But don’t discount your number if you only have a balcony to garden on. Urban density has fueled a surge in container gardening. You can use a five gallon bucket with a hole or buy one of the fancy self-watering pots that are available. My wooden barrels each have a jalapeno plant in the Gardening books the author’s mother would pull out this time of year. middle with different herbs surrounding it. I’ve been tempted to buy what seems like the craziest most awesome example of a grafted plant ever created: the Ketchup n’ Fries plant from Territorial Seed. It’s a leggy cherrytomato plant on top that has been naturally grafted onto a bunch of white potatoes. Stuff grows on top and down below in the pot, which seems like a maximum use of space. I’ve learned over the years that there are some tricks to container gardening (the soil can dry out more quickly than the ground, for one) but there are a ton of books about technique. While the ground is still warming up and overwintered plants are just barely beginning to peek up into the air, it’s time to figure out your number and how you want to make it work for you. On a sunny afternoon, walk by one of the Community Gardens and see how we are planning our plots. The Highlands is living green, and you can join in one square foot at a time.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

ASK KARI

Kari is on vacation this month and rerunning some of her most popular questions. Enjoy! Dear Kari, I have a colleague at work that is rude to me. She is passive-aggressive whenever we encounter each other and makes facial gestures that are directed my way. Recently, in a meeting she appeared disinterested when I would talk and purposely looked away from me in a manner that I found disrespectful. It upsets me that she does this to me. Now, I even feel that she is purposely rolling her eyes the moment I open my mouth. How would you handle this? - Fed Up Colleague Dear Fed Up Colleague, Wow, this sounds like a very uncomfortable work atmosphere. I always suggest that when engaging with passive-aggressive people that you maintain your steadiness as much as possible and call them out on their behavior. Typically, what will happen is the passiveaggressive person will deny the behavior and project it back to you. This is where your steadiness in manner matters. Calmly state to the offending party that you are very clear on their behavior towards you and that you will no longer tolerate it, as it is both unprofessional and unkind. Maintain steady eye contact as you make your statement. Passive-aggressive offenders are caught off-guard when people confront them in a calm manner as they run on being able to claim innocence as they stab others with their words an actions. Calling them out and maintaining your cool, puts you back in control of a bad dynamic. Good luck. - Kari

Dear Kari, My 21 year-old college age son wants to have his girlfriend sleep over at our home when they visit for the holidays. I am happy to have her stay with us, but I do not feel that they should sleep in the same bedroom. My husband disagrees; he feels that our son is an adult and sleeping with his girlfriend is acceptable. This is causing a lot of strife in our family, please help. - A Proper Mother Dear A Proper Mother, I am in agreement with you; your son should not share a bedroom with his college girlfriend when they visit you during holidays. While I am not a prude in regards to relationships, I do feel that children should not have their partners share a bed or sleep in the same room until they have established their own lives (i.e. moved out of their parents home, finished school, and are financially independent). A family home should be respected, inclusive of whether ones’ parents are comfortable with their children sharing intimate space with their boyfriends/ girlfriends during visits. I feel that it’s okay to not make it too easy for your children to have the perks of adulthood before they are fully independent. Making things too comfortable for them can lead to unplanned circumstances. Are they already intimate? Maybe, but not making it easy to do so in your home is fully understandable. - Kari

Dear Kari, My brother in law and sister in law are in marital counseling but won’t tell us why. I want to try and support them, but I feel that would it be easier to do if my husband and I knew what is the cause of their marriage problems? - Just Asking Dear Just Asking, While I can recognize that you have concern for you in-laws, I have to wonder why the details of their martial struggles are that important to you? While knowing exactly what their challenges are may enlighten you slightly, the most important facts are that they need your love and support as they address their issues on their own. A couple should maintain their privacy as they address their private matters, as doing so enriches the focus on the two of them as a team versus hearing opinions from everyone they know. We care for our loved ones best by telling them that we wish them well and hope that things turn out as they hope for. - Kari

Do you have a question for Kari? Please email her at askkarioneill@gmail.com. All questions will be answered in upcoming columns. Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker and a resident of Issaquah Highlands. This column is for entertainment purposes only. If you are in crisis and in need of support please contact the Crisis Clinic at 866-427-4747.

April 2016

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April 2016

Issaquah Highlands Photo Treasure Hunt Every month we publish a photo of something (or somewhere!) in the Highlands. While some months are easier than others, all photos are of something accessible to the public. It is up to you to guess where the photo was taken! Last month’s photo was of the wooden structure at the entrance to the park in West Highlands Park. The park is located at 4th Ave NE and NE Eagle Way, and has a great play struture and open area for neighbors to gather.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK The Cloud

by Frank Pineau, General Manager HFN

While cloud computing is the new buzz phrase, most of us have been cloud computing for years. The cloud is basically the Internet, but most people use the term to describe using applications on the Internet, typically through a Web browser, rather than running them locally on your computer. The advent of iPhones, iPads and laptops and the need for data portability have catapulted the use of the cloud (Internet) into the forefront as “new” technology. Your Highlands Fiber Network Quantum service not only allows you to surf the Web and download sites, movies and music super fast, it also allows you to work in the cloud quickly and efficiently. The Internet is an effective way to interactively use, share and save data and applications among portable and stationary electronic devices. The data are still there if your own equipment crashes, and the applications and data don’t bog down your computer because they aren’t stored there. If you have more data you wish to store, you just use more space in the cloud. However, we recommend keeping your data on your computer also, and/or synchronizing your electronic devices to maintain the same information on your electronic devices as is in your cloud storage. Occasionally a website or the entire Internet may be down for a while, and your information stored in the cloud won’t be available to you.

Correct guesses were submitted by: Cassandra Miles Prachi Vora Maile Zahand Heather Krabbe

“We did a quick drive yesterday after school to find the photo clue. I like that the Photo Treasure Hunt forces me to get out of my immediate neighborhood so I can explore the highlands.” Heather Krabbee Thanks to everyone who participated! This month’s photo is below. Can you identify the location of this picture? Enjoy, and good luck! Entry Deadline: Sunday, April 10th Photo Treasure Hunt Coordinator: Chelsea Musick, Central Park

If you think you have the answer, please email it to IHPhotoHunt@ gmail.com along with your full name. Please be as specific as possible when emailing your response (just the name of the building, park, street, etc. is not enough). Responses will be accepted until April 10th. Those with the correct answer will see their name published in next month’s issue of Connections, as well as have their name entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Café Ladro. The drawing will happen once a year in December. Everyone who responds with a correct guess will be entered to win. Every correct guess is another entry – so you can enter 12 times a year.

The Internet does rely on hefty – and expensive – equipment to house and transmit data. Big companies create networks of redundant servers that are designed so that any time a server goes down, another server immediately takes over and data is preserved. However, the cost of this equipment is prohibitive for most residential users. There are many cloud computing options for business users that are generally more expensive and more robust than residential users need. Luckily, there are free and inexpensive programs for residential users. Google Drive (drive.google.com) and Microsoft OneDrive are two storage solutions. If you subscribe to Microsoft Office 365, then OneDrive should be part of your subscription plan. They offer email, calendars, document storage and instant messaging and are adequate for most needs. These cloud programs can be accessed from your computers, tablets and phones wherever you are. Dropbox (dropbox.com) has a free plan for the average user that stores and synchronizes data to all of your electronic devices. If you are an iPhone and/or iPad user, iCloud is part of your Apple subscription that allows sharing of iCloud-based information among Apple devices. At my home, we have two iPhones, two iPads and two MacPro computers that all share cloud-based data. When working the cloud from home, your Quantum 10M, 100M or GigE is the most reliable, consistent and fast Internet service around. Quantum 100M will make your data and applications downloads 10 times faster than Quantum 10M, giving you an even better Internet experience. For service or to upgrade your Internet plan, please email hfnsupport@ hfnservices.com or call 425-427-0999.

Highlands Fiber Network is community-owned, fiber-to-thehome. HFN

Issaquah Highlands Connections

April 2016

NaturoMedica Welcomes Dr. Lisa Wada

DOING BUSINESS

Dr. Lisa Wada joined the NaturoMedica Clinic in Issaquah Highlands in February after running a private practice in Kirkland for 10 years. Dr. Wada grew up in Southern California and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. In the late 90s, Dr. Wada moved to Washington state from Japan to pursue a master’s degree in nutrition at Bastyr University and later completed a doctoral degree in naturopathic medicine at Bastyr.

Dr. Lisa Wada joined the team at NaturoMedica on High Street in February. Say “hi” if you see her taking a hike or walk in the area, something she especially likes about working here.

Working in the Issaquah Highlands has been an exciting adventure and big change from downtown Kirkland. Dr. Wada especially loves the access to all of the parks and trails just a few minutes from NaturoMedica.

Dr. Wada specializes in pediatrics and women’s health. The most rewarding part of her career is supporting women from preconception through pregnancy and into the postpartum period. Dr. Wada works with children who have been diagnosed with AD(H)D, autism spectrum disorders, digestive disorders and anxiety.

“What’s your favorite thing to do in the Issaquah Highlands?” Grabbing an iced Chai from Café Ladro and soaking in the warm mountain sunshine-bliss.

Dining for Kids: First Wednesdays for Issaquah Schools Foundation The next Dining for Kids is Wednesday, April 6th at Agave Cocina in Issaquah Highlands. Agave, like the other host restaurants, will donate a portion of all their sales that evening to the Issaquah Schools Foundation. Last month, Big Fish Grill hosted a Dining for Kids evening. A manager there said they believe that 50% of people who dined at the restaurant that day were motivated to go because of the Foundation event. Big Fish was a full house with these intentional supporters of the Foundation.

Dine for Kids: Wednesday, April 6th at Agave! Cathy Orrico (L) Owner of Big Fish Grill and Cathia Geller (R) Issaquah Schools Foundation Board of Trustees Member at the March Dining for Kids at Big Fish Grill.

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April 2016

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Issaquah Highlands Connections

by Tracie Jones, Wisteria Park

Issaquah School District

Issaquah School Foundation

4/11 - 4/15 4/26 4/27

4/22 4/28

http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu

Spring Break – No School Issaquah School District Bond School Board Meeting @ 7:00 P.M.

Challenger Elementary http://challengerpta.org

APRIL EVENTS

4/1 4/6 4/22

Popcorn Friday Parent Education Night Festival of Cultures

Clark Elementary http://clarkpta.org

4/8 Dads@Recess 4/20 Coffee w/ Principal 4/21 Science EXPO

Endeavour Elementary http://endeavourptsa.org 4/1 4/1 4/27 4/29

Spirit Day Popcorn Friday Culture Night Mariners Baseball Night

Issaquah Schools Foundation Nourish Every Mind 2016

http://www.isfdn.org

Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human Exhibit opens Nourish Every Mind Luncheon

Grand Ridge Elementary http://grandridgeptsa.org 4/1 4/29

Popcorn Friday Grizzly Dads Recess

Pacific Cascade Middle School http://pacificcascadeptsa.org 4/1 4/7 4/25 4/29

Talent Show NJHS Meeting General Membership PTSA Meeting Musical Performance

Issaquah High School

http://issaquahhighptsa.org 4/2 4/8 4/23

TOLO Dance PTSA General Membership Meeting Mostly Americana Dessert Concert

**Be sure to check individual web sites for details and updates

Grand Ridge Elementary 2016-2017 Registration It’s time to register for school at Grand Ridge! Grand Ridge Elementary is currently registering Kindergarteners and all new families for the upcoming 2016-17 school year. All students must be 5 years old by August 31st to enroll. Stop by the Grand Ridge office between 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday, to obtain a registration packet. Early registration is critical for all schools, in order to plan staffing and allocate resources for the new school year. Please, don’t wait!

This is your opportunity to experience the power of donor investments and hear inspiring stories from students and staff, to help all students achieve the promise of their potential. The Issaquah Schools Foundation raised more than $1.7 million last year to support students when they struggle, when they excel, and all times in between. From leading-edge STEM curriculum to financial literacy, arts programs and after-school tutoring, the funds you donate to the Foundation ensure that kids of all abilities have the support they need to navigate their own unique paths to success. Benefit Luncheon - Thursday, April 28, 2016 @ Issaquah Community Center, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Doors open at 11:00 am, with program displays, a wine & whiskey wall, Bundt cakes, & more. Benefit Breakfast - Wednesday, May 4, 2016 @ Eastridge Church, 7:00 am - 8:45 am. Doors open at 7:00 am with program displays, time for networking, and breakfast buffet. For more information and to register for either event, please go to http://isfdn.org. There is also an online auction available from April 17-26th at http://isfdn.org/auction.

Issaquah High School Senior Scholarships The Issaquah High PTSA encourages students to continue their education after graduation through sponsored Senior Scholarships. The Issaquah High School PTSA awards $1000 scholarships to four 2016 graduating seniors who displayed strong personal and academic growth over their high school career. Scholarships are available for Tech/Vocational pursuits, as well as Community College/University applicants. Students applying for the PTSA Scholarship must be in good standing at IHS, and demonstrate a commitment to furthering their education. Applications are due April 18, 2016, by 3:00 PM, in the PTSA Box in IHS Office, or emailed to Randallynn@hotmail.com. For applications and more information, www.issaquahhighptsa.org/Page/Programpages/SeniorScholarships.

IHS Mostly Americana Dessert Concert

Hear the music of America from Broadway to Patriotic sung by choirs of all ages, on April 23rd, 2016, at 7:00 P.M. Veterans attend for free and will be honored during the concert. Enjoy all-American apple pie, lemon bars, or brownies at intermission. Concert will be held at Issaquah High School Theater, 700 2nd Ave SE, Issaquah. Tickets available at the door: $5$15. Children and Veterans are FREE.

ISD Science and Technology Elementary Magnet Programs

The Issaquah School District offers three Science and Technology Magnet Programs, serving 4th and 5th grade students, in multi-age classrooms. Each magnet serves 50+ students in a two-year program, with emphasis on science and technology. The curriculum is project-based, designed to incorporate many subject areas (including Language Arts, Social Studies, Math and the Arts), and involve the use of technology to increase student involvement and engagement. It is expanded through the use of simulations, field trips, guest speakers and experiences focused on scientific process and investigation. Enrollment forms must be returned no later than Monday, April 18, 2016, to the District office. Questions, please call 425-837-7120, or visit www.issaquah.wednet.edu/academics/programs/ScienceTech.

Don’t Forget to Vote! 2016 ISD School Construction and Maintenance Bond

It’s important to vote on the upcoming ISD Construction and Maintenance Bond during the next special election, Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Ballots will be mailed on April 6th. This bond measure continues funding for ISD construction and maintenance projects. What is the 2016 Bond? The Issaquah School District covers 100 square miles and five municipalities, with 24 schools, housing 19,700 students. Over the past four years, ISD has grown by more than 2,000 students, and conservatively projected to add an additional 1,500 to 2,000 students over the next five years. ISD projects construction of two new elementary schools, a 6th middle school, and 4th comprehensive high school, and plans to acquire property for the new schools. Additionally, PCMS will be reconstructed on site, providing a new learning environment, with updated technology, and energy efficient operations. Furthermore, ISD will expand and modernize six existing elementary schools to accommodate growing student populations and provide for state funded full-day kindergarten at Discovery, Endeavour, Sunset, Cougar Ridge, Maple Hills, and Clark Elementary schools. Impact on Taxes: In relation to current property taxes, if the $533.5M bond is approved, residents can expect to no increase in the tax rate if the bond is approved. The tax rate will continue the current $4.14 per $1,000 of assessed property value. More information on the bond, including information translated into Spanish, Korean, & Mandarin can be found at www.visvote.org. Email questions or comments to Bond2016@ issaquah.wednet.edu, or contact Jacob Kuper’s office at 425-837-7024.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Hello, Highlands Community!

April 2016

FITNESS & HEALTH

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by Rachel Hammack, DPT, Highlands Physical and Hand Therapy

Hello! My name is Rachel Hammack, and I would like to introduce myself as the new writer for the Connections fitness and health section. My hope for this section is to use my bachelor’s degree in exercise science, my doctorate in physical therapy, my love of the outdoors and my passion to help inspire everyone to get up and get moving to lead a healthier life. Whether you work all day in the office at a computer or at home taking care of children and can only laugh at the thought of fitting in a workout throughout the day, this section is for

you. Whether you have never worked out, have not worked out in years, or you are an avid exerciser, this section is also for you. In this section, I hope you look forward to exercise routines that you can realistically fit into your daily schedule and routines that will get you ready for the season’s activities. Additionally, I hope to inspire you to get out and explore new places both within our community here in the highlands and our neighboring communities. There are so many places to explore and so many opportunities to live a healthier more active life - all within your grasp. I hope that I can help you reach them.

REAL ESTATE IN THE HIGHLANDS

Dahlia Park, A Hidden Gem by Aimee Holy, Erik Mehr & Associates and Dahlia Park Resident

Flowers, fresh air, children playing outside, green grass, friendly neighbors. Does this sound too good to be true? The residents of Dahlia Park love their neighborhood, and those are some of the reasons why. The circular plan of the neighborhood flows around a central green, and without a through street, this corner of the Highlands is quiet and tucked away. Completed in 2007 by Bennett Homes, Dahlia Park was planned as an empty-nester neighborhood. All the homes in Dahlia Park have a master on the main, and most have a master on the second floor. Dahlia Park is the only neighborhood in the Highlands that has a rambler floor plan. In fact, there are just six. Don’t let the cute craftsman exterior fool you, these homes have spacious floor plans, vaulted ceilings, lots of windows and modern finishes. In this community of the Highlands, the residents pay to have their front yards maintained as well as the central green. In addition, from May through September the streets are graced with gorgeous flower baskets that hang from the street lamps. Three sides of the community are flanked by green space, so taking a walk through the woods, around the retention ponds or to the dog park is easy as trails connect through the community. The neighbors are also well connected. Someone is always willing to lend a hand or offer a referral. This close-knit neighborhood loves to throw a party for young and old, hosting an Easter egg hunt for the resident kids, progressive dinners for the adults and impromptu block parties. Residents can be involved as much as they want or enjoy the festivities from their porch. Perimeter homes in Dahlia Park back to green space. They have three to four bedrooms with a bonus room and range from 2,800 to 3,300 square feet. In today’s market, perimeter homes run $800,000-$900,000 depending on the floor plan, size and lot. The interior homes are slightly smaller on smaller lots, and run about $700,000. Typically the interior homes have two to three bedrooms and an office/bonus room. Dahlia Park resident Tom F. says: “Dahlia Park is a welcoming place. There is a wide range of age groups from young adults to retirees. There is a sense of community regardless where you fall in that age range. It is a place where children can play and ride their bikes and residents walk their dogs and converse with their neighbors. As mentioned above, there are

Dahlia Park

numerous opportunities to meet your neighbors and make new friends through progressive dinners, block parties, Easter egg hunts, and the Thanksgiving football game in the park. Dahlia Park is a place where neighbors assist each other by providing services or resources to solve problems. In summary, my favorite things about Dahlia Park are how they decorate the neighborhood for holidays, especially Halloween because of all the trick or treaters who come by with their parents. And we have a neighborhood cat who routinely visits who he chooses. To add excitement, Dahlia Park has occasional visits from wildlife.”

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April 2016

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

April 2016

LIFE IN THE U.S.A.

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Our ‘Green’ Community by Anita Ayela, The Cottages

‘Go Green!’

‘I’m in the green team at school’ ‘I live in a green house.’ These are very common words that everyone hears in America these days. But for a person from India, like me, the concept of ‘green’ houses is very old. India is known for huge architectural buildings, and the architecture in India is centuries old. If you take a look at some of these old architectures and old residential buildings, you will find that they incorporate many ‘green’ strategies such as natural ventilation, sky lighting, natural air circulation and use of natural materials. We get to see such buildings in villages, in ancient temples, architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal in Agra and many others. The huts in villages are also built with mud and clay walls, with dry thatched roofs, keeping it cool in summer. Even today, in big cities, all the latest houses and apartments are built with same old “green” concept in mind. But modern green buildings are different, as the creative application of the old concepts with modern technology makes them more beautiful and more efficient. And surprisingly, they are not more expensive than other houses, as the builders don’t find any additional cost in building the “green” homes. It is popular to have “green” houses in America, especially in our very own Issaquah Highlands. These houses are not only energy efficient but are more expensive too. But, when I talked to some of my friends and neighbors around Highlands, I was surprised that not many of them knew about the houses in Highlands being “green.” Not many realtors sold them with this in their selling agenda. I asked everyone two questions, “Did you know that every home in Issaquah Highlands is certified ‘Built Green’? Is that why you bought your home here?” and almost all the answers I got were “No.” One of my friends in the highlands, Shubha Tirumale said, “The reason why we moved to Issaquah Highlands is because of how beautiful it is. I would say green homes are one of the reasons but it was mainly the view.” A man I met at my mail box said, “Oh, is it so? Does it matter? I love these houses and this community. Everything is so nearby!” A lady at my gym said, “I love the Highlands. I moved from Preston to this place, just because of the ‘green’ concept. I don’t know exactly what ‘green house’ means though.” Green, or not, Issaquah Highlands is a beautiful place to live. A perfect place to walk around. And for those people who are ‘green’ conscious, I would say “Go green guys.”

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April 2016

CULTURE THROUGH CUISINE

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Culture Through Cuisine – South Africa by Kimberly Collette, Central Park

Nathalie Isensee stands in her bright kitchen during a sunbreak putting together one of her favorite South African dishes, Ukubaba Inkukhu. It is a tangy chicken dish with peppers, apples, onions, peaches, apricots and spices. It is a mixture of sweet, tangy and savory. A collection of surprising ingredients that may not seem to go together, but after its turn in the oven the flavors meld into a delicious and easy weeknight meal. Nathalie embodies a mixture of cultures almost as varied as the ingredients she assembles. Born and raised in South Africa to German parents, Nathalie worked in Hotel Management in South Africa for a while before moving to Germany to work in the travel industry. Nathalie worked in catering as well as weddings and special functions. She spent a year in South America. After Nathalie and her husband Michael were married they wanted to move abroad. Choosing between Australia and the Pacific Northwest the Isensees found themselves in the Issaquah Highlands in 2003. “We were here even before the Grand Ridge [Elementary] was built.” Thirteen years and three homes later the Isensees have watched the Highlands grow as well as their family. They have three children, Jacqueline, age 14, Niclas, age 12, and Christian, age 7. Nathalie layers the chicken, paprika, a special red curry she gets from South Africa, salt and pepper, onions, apples and peppers. She finishes it off with the fruit and pours a bit of the juices from the canned fruit and some chicken broth over the top. The dish goes into the oven covered with aluminum foil. As a child in South Africa, Nathalie was always helping her mother in the kitchen. “We kind of ate a little of everything… German food, a little South African, Greek and Portuguese.” South African food is spicy. They BBQ a lot, or Braai as they say in South Africa. They use a lot of meats and sausages and corn and potatoes. South African dishes are often stews and one pot meals. Nathalie cooks rice on the stove as the Ukubaba Inkukhu finishes uncovered in the oven. The traditional South African way serves it over mielie pup which is a corn meal mixture similar to polenta. Nathalie has yet to find the mielie pup in any local stores so she serves it over rice. The Ukubaba Inkukhu comes out of the oven hot and bubbly. The layers have melted together and the sugars have browned on top. Nathalie dishes a serving over the hot rice. And then she adds the toppings. Choosing from diced pineapple, cucumber, sweet red peppers, shredded coconut, cashews and peanuts and topped with a South African chutney you can buy at World Market. She adds a little bit of everything. Ukubaba Inkukhu is a delightful unexpected mixture of flavors, textures and tastes. The sweetness of the fruits married with the spice of the curry and savor of the chicken is awakened further with the brightness of the additional toppings. Each delicious bite is a little sweet and a little savory. It is soft with a bit of crunch from the fresh toppings. It is as varied as the woman who made it standing in her bright kitchen overlooking the Highlands on a sunny afternoon.

Ukubaba Inkukhu Recipe Ingredients

Large Chicken Breasts Onions (sliced) Granny Smith Apples (sliced) Gala Apples (sliced) Peppers (any color/sliced) Sliced peaches Sliced apricots

4 2 2 2 2 2 15 oz cans 2 15 oz cans

Spices

Salt and Pepper Curry (red and yellow) Paprika Chicken Broth

1 tsp. 1 tsp. 1 cube

Directions Place Chicken breast in a deep pan. Season with spices. Top with sliced apples, peppers & onions. Top with sliced peaches and apricots add juice too. Season the top once again. Cover with foil and bake at 350F for 1 ½ hours. Remove foil and bake for another ½ hour. Serve with white or brown rice

Toppings Cubed cucumbers, cubed peppers, cubed pineapple, cubed apples, sliced bananas, chutney, shaved coconut, cashew nuts and peanuts.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

April 2016