Left to Right: Issaquah Highlands residents and graduating seniors Ava Jester, Arya Mahajan and James Collette. Read about their
Editor’s Note
Summer is the best season to celebrate! The days are longer and warmer, providing the perfect environment for a neighborhood gathering, whether it’s spontaneous or planned. My favorite childhood memories are the ones when our neighbors would set up their lawn chairs in our front yard and chat until the stars came out.
We hope you will continue the festivities by breaking out your lawn chairs or picnic blankets and joining us at Village Green Park for several fun social events this summer. Our summer Global Grub and Groove series features a Mexican Fiesta on Aug. 9, followed by the first-ever Movie on the Green on Aug. 23. For more information about these events and more, visit the What’s Happening on page 22.
As you flip through the pages of Connections, we are excited to share the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Annual Report, which highlights all the hard work and accomplishments of our homeowners association over the past year.
On pages 10-12, join us in congratulating our community’s 2024 college and high school graduates! Your hard work and perseverance have paid off, and we’re looking forward to seeing all that you accomplish in your next steps. Additionally, this issue introduces the 2024–2025 Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board. Turn to pages 16–17 to read about the summer lineup of events that our crew is already planning for youth in the community!
We’re also excited to share the results of our 2024 community survey on pages 24–25. Keep reading for important information from Highlands Fiber Network, Eastside Fire & Rescue and other local resources.
Have a wonderful summer, and don’t forget to break out your lawn chairs every once in a while.
Maddie
Maddie Coats, Highlands Council Communications Manager
Issaquah Highlands Community Association
Our Dedicated Homeowners Association
Executive Director: Sarah Hoey
2520 NE Park Drive, Suite B Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 425-427-9257 | 425-223-8887 (After Hours Only) asktheihca@ihcommunity.org payments@ihcommunity.org compliance@ihcommunity.org
Highlands Council
A Community-Building Organization
Executive Director: Lindsey Pinkston 2550 NE Park Drive (inside Blakely Hall) Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 425-507-1107 info@ihcouncil.org
A Neighborly View
Resident Photographer
Sunita Shastri
Issaquah Highlands Neighborhood Harrison
About the Photo
“The Aurora Borealis put on a magnificent dance show in the sky, painting the night with dazzling colors and creating a truly spectacular sight.”
Community Management Directory
Highlands Fiber Network
Community-Owned Fiber to the Home General Manager: Jeremy Fallt 2550 NE Park Drive (inside Blakely Hall) Customer Service: 425-427-0999 support@hfnservices.com
General Inquiries: 425-394-4184 jfallt@hfn.org highlandsfibernetwork.com
Issaquah Highlands Community Fund
A Philanthropic Community Organization president@ihcommunityfund.org issaquahhighlandscommunityfund.org
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By Community, For Community
Connections is a nationally-recognized community publication produced mostly by Issaquah Highlands residents, including volunteer contributors, edited and published by Highlands Council. Connections helps Highlands Council fulfill its mission to develop a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, stewardship, and well-being.
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The IHCA Annual Report
2023-2024
A Letter from the Board of Directors
ALI SPIETZ President, IHCA Board of Directors
In 2023-2024, IHCA has been focused on infrastructure revitalization and community safety.
We know the recent crime activity in Issaquah Highlands has us all on high alert and we continue to look for ways to support safety in the community. We are collaborating with the Highlands Council Community Safety Committee to have regular safety meetings and remain in close contact with Issaquah Police Department for support.
Regarding finances, the IHCA Board of Directors is happy to report that the association’s fiscal position is strong despite the rising cost of inflation, and we have had clean audit reports for the past nine years. We thank IHCA finance staff for their diligence in managing your dues responsibly.
On the topic of development, the last house on Harrison Street will be completed this year! There has been ongoing home construction on Harrison Street dating back to 2005!
Several lots on Grand Ridge Drive are currently under construction and two new projects are starting this summer. Issaquah Highlands is close to being fully built out, except for the upcoming Shelter Holding development along 9th Avenue and Discovery Drive.
This year, we successfully transitioned 350 units in the Westridge neighborhood to IHCA. We also added the Westridge Community Garden as well as four new parks: High Street Linear Park, Westridge Townhomes North Park, Westridge Townhomes South Park and Westridge South Park. IHCA also smoothly transitioned 10 new homes at the Reserve at Forrest Ridge along 15th Avenue Northeast.
Parks, parks, parks! We have been hard at work upgrading a few of our parks. The newly formed Playground Improvement Committee is finalizing the new playground for Kirk Park this year, followed by the Ashland Park play area in 2025.
Ashland Park’s plaza will also be upgraded in the coming years. The Playground Committee is working with a landscape architect on possible designs and will communicate those options to the community before finalizing the new plaza area design. Logan, Magnolia and Daphne parks have been upgraded and work continues at Wisteria Park as well. The Sport Court was recently resurfaced, we have added a new pickleball net.
IHCA has reviewed community responses from the recent Community Survey, and we thank you for your feedback. The board is prioritizing discussions about the ongoing streetscape improvements and tree management plan as we enter the new fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2024.
What do the next five years hold for Issaquah Highlands? We are preparing for the development of the Shelter Holdings parcel, which will add 1,250 apartment units and five blocks of commercial buildings. IHCA has also started planning for additional revitalizations at West Highlands, Roanoke Woods and Summit parks.
We would like to recognize IHCA Executive Director Sarah Hoey who recently received her Large-Scale Manager (LSM®) designation from the Community Associations Institute. She is
the only large-scale HOA director in Washington state, and she is one of only 78 worldwide to hold this designation!
Sarah also holds her Professional Community Association Manager Designation. The PCAM® designation is the highest professional recognition available worldwide to those who specialize in community association management.
We would like to recognize and thank the entire IHCA team, who works tirelessly to make the Issaquah Highlands a great place to live, work and play.
This summer, we hope you will join us at several community events! IHCA is collaborating with Highlands Council and Highlands Fiber Network to host Global Grub and Groove celebrations this summer. We are also sponsoring the first-ever outdoor Movie on the Green on Friday, Aug. 23. Have a great summer!
2023-2024 IHCA Board of Directors
President Ali Spietz (District 5)
Vice President Greg Underwood (District 6)
Treasurer Sanjay Mahajan (At-Large)
Secretary Gwyn Pohl Drake (District 4)
Director Lynda Tammone (District 1)
Director Minmin Chen (District 2)
Director Bertan Aygun (District 3)
The IHCA staff works hard to make Issaquah Highlands such a great place to live, work and play. From left to right: Kristyn McKinnon, Soledad Ruiz, Susan Carlson, Sarah Hoey, Barbara Hendrikse and Blair Krieg.
PRODUCTIVE YEAR ENHANCING
BLAIR KRIEG Senior Community Manager
CARLSON Community Manager & Compliance Coordinator
• Reserve study updates performed for all supplemental communities.
• Monthly management reports distributed and posted to IHCA website for 11 supplemental communities.
• Annual budget ratified for three neighborhoods and 11 supplemental communities.
• Completed another successful IHCA Board of Directors election.
• Managed monthly Architectural Review Committee (ARC) meetings and homeowner applications.
• Managed Covenant Committee meetings and the homeowner appeal process.
• Emailed welcome packets to hundreds of new homeowners on behalf of IHCA, Highlands Fiber Network and Highlands Council.
• Performed weekly compliance site visits and processed hundreds of violation notices.
• Coordinated and attended neighborhood and supplemental committee meetings for zHomes, High Street Townhomes, Crofton Springs, Dahlia Park and Grand Ridge Drive.
• Continued homeowner education through management of Ask the IHCA, community emails and Connections articles.
• Continued education by regularly attending Community Association Institute (CAI) certification courses. Both community mangers are CAI certified.
2023–24 ACHIEVEMENTS
• Exterior paint performed for phase one of Sunset Walk, Villaggio, Crofton at Village Green 29/30/40 and View Ridge.
• Grand Ridge Drive weather cameras installed along with annual street sweeping.
• Street sweeping completed at View Ridge, Grand Ridge Drive, Manchester Court and Dahlia Park. Additional street sweeping will be performed this summer at West Highlands Park, Crofton Springs, Sunset Walk, Concord Commons, Crofton at Village Green and Villaggio.
• Pressure washing of driveways and common area walkways performed at Sunset Walk, High Street Townhomes and zHomes. In summer 2024, pressure washing is planned for walkways, retaining walls and curbs at West Highlands Park, Crofton Springs, Sunset Walk, Concord Commons, Crofton at Village Green and Villaggio.
• Completed building façade projects including dry rot repairs, siding replacement and caulking at Concord Commons, Sunset Walk, Crofton at Village Green 29/30/40, Crofton Springs, West Highlands Park, View Ridge and Villaggio.
• Finished common area improvements at West Highlands Park including walkway stair painting and hazardous tree removal in multiple supplemental communities.
• Upgraded LED lighting at Sunset Walk, Concord Commons, Crofton Springs and West Highlands Park.
• Repaired dumpster enclosure at Crofton Springs.
• Conducted evening site walks to locate areas where additional lighting would be beneficial at Crofton Springs.
• Received multiple estimates for Crofton Springs including gazebo repairs/painting, pressure washing, handrail powder coating, trellis repair and staining, interior walkway signage and landscape remodeling.
• Replaced multiple curbs at Crofton Springs and restriped the parking lot to include space numbers and visitor parking.
• Replaced multiple concrete areas at Crofton Springs.
• Repaired irrigation and drainage at Dahlia Park.
• Completed major landscape enhancements at Dahlia Park including large tree removal, stump grinding, clearing hazardous vegetation, and installing new bark and plants.
• Bait stations installed in multiple supplemental communities to deter rodents.
• Continued project management for three neighborhoods and 11 supplemental communities, including general building and property maintenance such as roof and gutter cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, power washing and organization of third-party landscape vendors.
• Management obtained hundreds of proposals for projects related to painting, dry rot, landscaping, decks and stairs.
MCKINNON IHCA Accounting Manager
DEVELOPMENT & REAL ESTATE
Since July 2023, the final 18 new homes have been completed and sold in the Westridge and Reserves at Forest Ridge neighborhoods. We have reached 100% full buildout at 3,618 IHCA-owned homes. There were 97 resales this year.
ANNUAL AUDIT
We have completed another “clean” audit (unqualified opinion), while maintaining strong controls over the accounting environment. By providing complete and accurate audit schedules to our auditors, we keep our audit fees low and our auditors happy.
INVESTMENTS
Our interest income for 2023-24 is estimated to be $257,000, which is about $137,000 more than last year due to the higher interest rates. We have a very effective CD purchase program with our bank, enabling us to be efficient with cash management while receiving very competitive CD interest rates compared to other banks. Our master reserves remain funded at 118%, which is a phenomenal achievement.
MASTER ASSESSMENTS
Master assessments for the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year will increase by $36 annually ($3/month) to $1,008. This is needed to cover increasing costs for our aging community. (See graph below). We continue to encourage participation in the monthly auto debit payment (ACH) program for collecting assessments, in which 87% of our homeowners participate. This keeps our cash flow even throughout the year and our delinquencies low at a rate of 1.5%.
HOW WE DO IT
The IHCA community managers and accounting manager work tirelessly for months on creating the budgets for 14 neighborhoods and the master community. Many of them have a high level of complexity, and the managers spend countless hours researching costs and reviewing to ensure that the numbers are accurate and fair to all homeowners in the community. These budgets are then reviewed and approved by the IHCA Finance Committee and IHCA Board of Directors.
Lastly, we always want to thank the incredible IHCA volunteers for their determined support all throughout the year. The IHCA Finance Committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The IHCA Board of Directors meets every fourth Monday at 5:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.
KRISTYN
SUSAN
MAINTENANCE REPORT
MAINTENANCE PROJECTS FULL STEAM AHEAD
As the seasons shift and our daily routines continue, it’s hard to believe that another year has already passed. Let’s reflect on what has been achieved during the 2023–2024 year:
This year has focused on planning for various playground and park rehabilitations.
• We are almost finished with installation of the new playground at Wisteria Park. The old structure has been removed and we are getting ready to begin installation putting the finishing touches on the new one.
• The new play structures at Kirk Park have been ordered and will be scheduled for replacement in late summer or early fall.
• The basketball courts at Firehouse Park will be getting new hoops.
• We are working on Ashland Park playground and plaza re-designs. We are working with the IHCA Playground Improvement Committee, made up of homeowners, and we truly appreciate their valuable feedback.
The Sport Court is another reserve project that was completed recently. We added a net to the pickleball court on the Sport Court, which has turned out to be a popular amenity in the community. It’s great to see a new purpose for this play structure and we love watching families get outside to enjoy time together. This court cannot be reserved, and it’s available on a first come, first served basis.
Reflecting on the past year, we have much to be thankful for. Our daily tasks, work orders and responsibilities continue to expand as our community grows and ages. This year, we welcome a new crew member to the maintenance department, Israel.
It’s an honor to be part of a community that really cares. Thank you to IHCA Executive Director Sarah Hoey, as well as the IHCA Board of Directors and committees, as we move into the new year.
New Faces Join the IHCA Team
Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) has welcomed some new faces to its landscaping and maintenance teams, bringing fresh energy. At the same time, we parted ways with a longtime crew member. For the past 10 years, Tony Gaytan was a valued employee at IHCA as a landscaping and maintenance crew member as well as an irrigation technician. This year, Tony has decided to branch out with his own landscaping service company in the Kent area. We wish Tony and his family nothing but the best on their new adventures.
We are excited to add three new crew members to the IHCA landscaping and maintenance teams. Kevin Tavera Badillo, stepping into the role of irrigation technician, and Marvin Reyes Tavara, taking on the duties of groundskeeper, have recently been added to the landscaping team. In addition, Israel Galvaz Espindola joined as a maintenance technician.
If you see them out and about, feel free to welcome them to the community!
LANDSCAPE
REPORT
LANDSCAPING TIPS TO BEAUTIFY YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE
LYLE DICKEY IHCA Landscape Manager
Maintaining a well-kept yard doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few simple strategies, you can enhance the beauty of your outdoor space and protect your landscaping. Here are some tips to make caring for your yard easier…
Just like any other aspect of life, consistency is key. Set up a weekly task list to tackle essential yard chores such as mowing, weeding and pruning during the spring and summer months. By sticking to a regular maintenance routine, you will find that caring for your yard becomes enjoyable rather than a hassle.
Major pruning should be done in fall or early spring to avoid putting undue stress on the plants. Plants and trees need to be pruned off structures, fences and patios to prevent damage to these items. Wood rot, paint damage and rodent access can occur if plants are too close to structures.
Once all your plants have been pruned, look around the foundation of your home to ensure no soil is touching any wood products attached to your home. While you are looking over the foundation of your home, inspect your downspouts for damage. Keep an eye out for tree roots against your home as they will disturb your foundation and drainage. If any of these items exist, they need to be addressed before any harm is done. Once you get into a routine, maintenance will be easier and more enjoyable.
As the temperatures rise, proper irrigation becomes crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant yard. While the weather remains cool, irrigation isn’t necessary. However, this will change as the heat sets in. When the temperature consistently reaches the 70s and there’s no rain, water your yard once a week. Once it reaches 80-90 degrees, watering may be needed daily on some plant material. Your lawn should be watered daily in hotter temperatures to keep it lush and green. Meanwhile, plants need water 1–2 times per week depending on plant variety. Be sure to monitor new plants and water accordingly.
To save on irrigation and water, you could consider adding more planter beds to your yard and less lawn/turf. There are several drought-tolerant plant varieties to choose from as well. Every plant is different; keep an eye on them and they will tell you what they want. Please get approval from the IHCA Architectural Review Committee (ARC) prior to making large yard modifications.
ANNUAL TASKS & GOALS
The IHCA crew members, along with our third-party landscape contractors Bear Creek and Landcare, have accomplished a lot over the fall and winter months.
Most of our parks, trails and tree pits have been refreshed with new bark, and crews have also improved landscaping in the supplemental neighborhoods. Additionally, the team completed planting work on a portion of our streetscapes as well as park improvements.
Over the next several years, crews will replace aging landscaping to ensure that our outdoor spaces remain beautiful and inviting. Some areas have no irrigation or heavy foot traffic, which is extremely difficult to beautify. As always, there is more work to be done on the 2,000 acres that encompass the Issaquah Highlands boundaries.
As part of IHCA’s ongoing playground improvement process, the maintenance team is currently installing a new playground at Wisteria Park.
MARVIN REYES TAVARA Groundskeeper ISRAEL GALVAZ ESPINDOLA Maintenance Technician
KEVIN TAVERA BADILLO Irrigation Technician
CON G R ATULAT I ONS!
GradsCLASS OF 2024
Allen Aby
Brown University | Grand Ridge Drive
Allen graduated with a master’s degree in computer science. He will start working as a software developer this fall.
Mia Foster
Gonzaga University | Grand Ridge Drive
After graduating from Gonzaga’s honors program with a major in sociology and minors in health equity, spanish and music, Mia plans to pursue work at a non-profit.
Stanley Onuegbu
Congratulations to our 2024 graduates! Your resilience, determination and perseverance have carried you through unprecedented times. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, may your futures be filled with success and continued growth.
COLLEGE GRADS
Indiana Cowan
Western Washington University | Central Park Indie is graduating from WWU with honors and a degree in computer science. She will be interning this summer with Outbound AI and starting her master’s in computer science at WWU in the fall.
Olivia Goodman
Gonzaga University | Magnolia Park Olivia earned her degree in mechanical engineering.
Emily Palm
Nolan Crist
University of Florida | Pine Crest
Congratulations Nolan on earning your master’s degree in sports management. Nolan plans to pursue a career in the basketball sports management industry.
Noelle Lasch
Washington State University | Logan Park
Noelle graduated with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Washington State University and is currently working at ATI Physical Therapy in Issaquah.
Reese Yellig
University of California San Francisco | Black Nugget
Stanley earned his doctorate from UCSF Dental School. He moves on to Harvard for his master’s degree in public health.
Gonzaga University | Crofton Springs
Emily graduated magna cum laude from Gonzaga University after spending her final semester studying in Florence, Italy. She has accepted a position with the Spokane Prosecutors office and plans to continue pursuing her education in the future.
Northern Arizona University | Central Park
Reese graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and two minors. She plans to attend graduate school to further her interest in the field of positive psychology.
Olivia Bakh
Gibson Ek High School | Central Park
After high school, Olivia will be taking a gap year in Japan to learn the language and experience the culture. Olivia will be attending the Savannah College of Art & Design in 2025. At SCAD, she will work towards her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in 2D animation.
Cole Cowan
Issaquah High School | Central Park
Cole will be attending Concordia University in Montréal, Québec, Canada. He plans to study applied human sciences and is looking forward to driving across the U.S. to Montreal.
Annika Kim
Issaquah High School | Dahlia Park
Annika will study at University of Hawaii at Manoa.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADS
Phineas Ball
O’Dea High School | Daphne Park
Phin will be attending the University of New Mexico this fall and plans to major in film and digital arts.
Keegan Cabrera
O’Dea High School | Roanoke Woods
Keegan will be attending Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, where he plans to study general engineering. He has also committed to play baseball for the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps team.
James Collette
Issaquah High School | Central Park
James will attend BYU-Idaho to study history education.
Ella Goodman
Issaquah High School | Magnolia Park
Ella is excited to go from an Eagle to a Cougar. She will be attending Washington State University in the fall and studying business with an emphasis in marketing. Go Cougs!
Ava Jester
Issaquah High School | Wisteria Park
Ava will be attending University of Arizona. She plans to study international business. We are tremendously proud of you, Ava.
Issaquah High School | Black Nugget
Krish will be pursuing his bachelor’s degree in computer science and software engineering (CSSE) at University of Washington.
Michaela Korock
Issaquah High School | Daphne Park
Micki plans to attend Western Washington University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in geology with a minor in disaster risk reduction.
Luka Lawrence
Issaquah High School/ Bellevue College | Magnolia Park
Luka will attend Seattle University College of Science and Engineering. He also plans to continue playing classical piano.
Issaquah High School | Kirk Park
Arya plans to attend St. Louis University and study health management on the pre-med track, with a minor in public health and biology.
Krish Kannan
Arya Mahajan
Lilly Maurer
Issaquah High School | Dahlia Park
Lilly plans to attend the University of Washington to study biochemistry.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADS
Zoe Mockford
Issaquah High School | Ashland Park
Zoe will be attending Seattle Central College in the fall to study apparel design and development with plans to work in fashion or costume design.
Ilyaas Motiwalla
Issaquah High School | Central Park
Ilyaas will be studying microbiology at the University of Washington, Seattle.
Issaquah High School | Roanoke
Logan is heading to the University of Tampa to study computer science.
Viggy Ravilla
Issaquah High School | Central Park
Viggy plans to enjoy the summer and attend University of Washington in the fall.
Oscar Ruiz
Issaquah High School | Grand View Park
Oscar will attend University of Washington, where he plans to study astronomy.
Kendall Sanders-Mullings
Issaquah High School | Daphne Park
Kendall plans to attend Penn State University to pursue a degree in biobehavioral health.
Issaquah High School | Summit Park
Tarum will study computer science at Ohio State University.
Ashwin Suresh
Issaquah High School | Westridge
Ashwin will attend University of Southern California, where he plans to study business and learn more about the financial sector.
Akshay Tandon
Issaquah High School | Summit Park
Akshay will attend the University of Southern California this fall to study public health and public policy.
Issaquah High School | Central Park
Adam plans to major in biomedical engineering at Montana State University.
Share the News
Celebrating a birth, wedding, anniversary, or other culturally significant milestone? Share the good news with your community!
Submit your free Connections announcement at issaquahhighlands.com/ announcements or email maddie.c@ihcouncil.org.
Tarum Shivakumar
Logan Pinel
Woods
Adam Taylor
Volunteers of the Month
April, May and June 2024
Congratulations and thank you to our Volunteers of the Month for April, May and June 2024! Each person represents the unique volunteer opportunities available in Issaquah Highlands, from participating on committees to assisting with our garden program. Read their personal volunteer stories in full at issaquahhighlands.com/tag/volunteer-of-the-month.
May 2024
Dave Dandeneau
April 2024
Michelle Whitehead
Highlands Council Committee & Event Volunteer
The Issaquah Highlands community is nothing without its best natural resource, which are its residents. Bring your language, your skills, your passion, your wisdom, your experience and your authentic self to this wonderful community we get to call home!
Community Garden Ambassador
I have been helping with the garden since we first reserved a plot, but I only recently became an ambassador for Vista Gardens. A small amount of coordination seems to make the experience much better for the other gardeners… My favorite recent project was the shared herb garden that my daughter and I helped create.”
June 2024
Aroob (Ruby) Abdelhamid
Highlands Council Committee & Event Volunteer
I enjoy spending time strengthening my bonds with my community. Studies have highlighted again and again that strong social connections help everyone live longer, healthier and happier. I am so lucky to be part of a community that also wants to forge these connections.”
Are you inspired to get involved in the Issaquah Highlands community? Opportunities are available!
Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer to discover all the different ways you can get involved in our Issaquah Highlands community, including opportunities to join boards and committees. Questions? Contact Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council executive director, at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.
Welcome to the HY
Meet the 2024–2025 Highlands Youth Advisory Board
BY MADDIE COATS Highlands Council Communications Manager
The Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board was established over a decade ago to provide youth with a voice in community building efforts in Issaquah Highlands. Members aim to unify youth through meaningful and fun social experiences like events, projects and initiatives.
We are proud to introduce the 2024–25 roster of student leaders! Out of many qualified candidates, these students in grades 7–12 were selected based on a written application and peer interview.
During a recent board retreat, members discussed what they think is the most important role of the HY. See what they have to say on page 17.
New this summer, the HY Board is hosting two High School Hangouts! Come visit with friends, grab a bite to eat, play some casual games, participate in a community art project and more. Join us at Blakely Hall on Friday, July 12, and Thursday, Aug. 1.
Follow @HYBoard on Facebook and Instagram! Subscribe to Highlands Youth E-News for volunteer opportunities, youth news and upcoming events. Find more information at issaquahhighlands. com/highlands-youth.
*Denotes the member holds an officer position.
Ryan Aby* 12th Grade
I’ve spent the last few years meeting and connecting with youth throughout our community, and the experiences I’ve gained are invaluable.
7th Grade
I look forward to making a difference in our community, and helping others create the memories I have experienced at previous events.
Avik Sitani 8th Grade
I am most looking forward to helping my community with planning and managing a diverse set of events and growing my leadership skills.
Lily Pinkston 9th Grade
I really enjoy putting on the events and working together with other members of the HY Board.
Saira Hashmey 11th Grade
I’m most looking forward to the new events we are planning, big and small. I’m hoping that I get to have a hand in making art events for the community.
Aarushi Katyal* 12th Grade
I am most passionate about creating a strong sense of community. I believe that there is always room for improvement when it comes to creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Emmett Roughgarden 8th Grade
I feel that my best leadership trait is my desire to lead. I’m looking forward to getting more involved with my community.
Esbensen 10th Grade
With the next year being my fifth year on the HY Board, I feel so grateful to have gained so much experience and cannot wait to share this with some of the newer members.
Behera 10th Grade
I’m looking forward to our big events like the Middle School Halloween Party and Flashlight Egg Hunt because it’s just nice to see all the people so happy.
Maia
Shaurya
Saahil Jain
Anisha Arasu 8th Grade
Volunteering is a great way to help our community thrive and flourish. At the end of a volunteer event, you are left with satisfaction and happiness, knowing that you helped your community.
Grace Rich 11th Grade
It is extremely important to me to be part of a community where everyone is welcome and feels like they belong.
Nicole de los Reyes 12th Grade
I am most looking forward to attending more events and being more involved on the board.
I feel I can bring a new perspective to events. I wanted to join the HY Board to create a positive impact in the community.
Anna Gaffney 9th Grade
I want to be more involved with my community. I love planning things and holding events for other people, and I think that being on the HY Board can help me do that more.
Haley Lim 9th Grade
I want to help the community because I enjoy volunteering.
Nick Khatwani 7th Grade
I look forward to many things on the HY Board such as giving back to the community, making events the best experience for others, and making new friends.
I hope that I can help to make the community as a whole come together to enact change.
Arjit Singh 9th Grade
I wanted to join the HY board to collaborate with friends and community members. I am proud to do something for my community and work with the HY Board to achieve it.
Jeric Yuen* 10th Grade
It’s fun and engaging to not only share ideas and plan for big community events, but also to see others enjoying the activities you planned for them.
Asher Pinkston* 11th Grade
I really enjoy working at events, especially the ones we plan as a group. I like being a part of bringing something fun to people.
Lexi Yuen* 12th Grade
I have lived my entire life in Issaquah Highlands and have attended many events put on by the HY Board. Being able to walk down the hill to have fun with friends, or seeing how I am both just one in a group and one of a whole, is a feeling I have cherished for years.
The teens recently met to discuss what they think is the most important role of the HY Board. Here are a few snippets of what they said:
• Improving quality of life for youth
• Showing up and being there for our community
• Doing the best we can to create engaging events
• Fostering an inclusive environment
• Embracing our diverse community
Tvisha Shah 10th Grade
Zinna Park* 11th Grade
Goats
Return July 15
Saying Goodbye to Healing Hooves
Our favorite summer tradition is returning in July! The vegetation-clearing goats will arrive in Issaquah Highlands on July 15 and stay for 28 days.
This new, smaller herd will replace Healing Hooves, and the service areas and time spent in the community will be modified this summer. The IHCA crews and our third-party landscaping vendors will manually service the open spaces not visited by the goats. Your patience is appreciated!
Why is Healing Hooves not visiting this year?
Our beloved goat herder Criag Madsen, owner of Healing Hooves at the Cloverdale Ranch, is retiring. With hundreds of goats by his side, Craig became a long-standing visitor to our community every summer for the past 17 years.
Unfortunately, despite Craig’s efforts to sell his business to the next generation and carry on his mission, efforts have failed to pass the torch.
Craig has a long history as a goat herder in Washington. He utilizes agile goats to navigate steep slopes and uneven terrain, reducing the use of herbicides and mowers. Goats enjoy eating plants that typically irritate humans, such as poison ivy, poison oak and English ivy. In fact, they prefer to eat brush and weeds over grass. This method results in less fuel use, noise and soil disturbance than other machinery.
In 2002, Craig founded Healing Hooves to offer natural vegetation management using brush-clearing goats as an
alternative to person-powered machinery. Since then, he has served the entire state and some of Idaho, working with homeowners associations as well as state, county and city municipalities.
Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) began utilizing herding services 17 years ago to safely manage overgrowth on our critical slopes. Craig says he has watched the community grow and develop over the years. He remembers when parts of Issaquah Highlands were just gravel and Zeek’s Pizza was the only restaurant in town.
Craig has fond memories of connecting with the community through various goat petting zoos and Highlands Day celebrations. If you lived here in 2021, then you might recall the “Great Goat Escape,” when hundreds of goats wandered around the neighborhoods until they were finally corralled in the Bark Park.
Prior to building Healing Hooves LLC, Craig worked for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a range management specialist for 14 years. With over 25 years of experience in this field, Craig developed a keen focus on weed control, vegetation removal and ecological stewardship using goats.
Craig is also a certified educator in holistic management, an approach to land management that recognizes the interconnectedness of all ecosystems. This decision-making framework guides individuals and organizations in managing resources comprehensively.
What happens to Craig’s goats?
Craig has a large farm in Edwall and he will keep his goats happy and roaming free on his land for his family to enjoy. The herding dogs get to keep working, but they will have more low-key days.
Send your favorite photos of the IHCA goats over the years to maddie.c@ihcouncil.org. We will share your photos in our community media.
IHCA’s Architectural Review Commitee
As the largest homeowner’s association in the state of Washington, IHCA’s Architectural Review Commitee (ARC) volunteers play an important role in the compliance and oversight of the architectural requirements within the Issaquah Highlands community. IHCA is actively seeking additional members to join the ARC, which meets the first Tuesday of every month via Zoom and occasionally in person. No former training is required. If you would like to get involved with this committee or learn more, please contact the IHCA office at 425-427-9257 or asktheihca@ihcommunity.org.
The entire IHCA staff wishes Craig many happy years of retirement. We would like to sincerely thank him for his professionalism and dedication to this community for so many years!
SARAH HOEY
IHCA Executive Director
Healing Hooves, led by owner Craig Madsen, has brought hundreds of goats to Issaquah Highlands for the past 17 years. The brushclearing goats have become a community staple over the years, bringing tons of neighbors together to watch them work on our steep slopes.
Bee Positive A Beginner’s Guide into How Bees Operate
BY SARAH HOEY, IHCA Executive Director
Did you know there are over 20,000 bee species throughout the world who work to pollinate one-third of our food sources? Honeybees, sweat bees, mason bees and carpenter bees are the most common species you will see in our area. Other common species of bees in the Pacific Northwest include:
• The black tail bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus) is generally robust and hairy, giving them a somewhat fuzzy appearance.
• The fuzzy-horned bumble bee (Bombus mixtus) has muted yellow and black colors with a horn on its head.
• The yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii) features a prominent yellow face.
• The California bumble bee (Bombus californica) has two stripes of yellow on the head and tail with black in the middle.
• The blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria) is a rare blue and black color.
Question: Why do bees swarm?
Bees swarm when the hive is running out of room. When the colony starts to get too large, the existing queen and half of the bees will leave to find another home. This phenomenon allows the colony to reproduce, and ultimately survive and thrive. Both the original colony and the swarm colony will have their own queens, resulting in more bees being produced.
Question: Why do bees build hives?
Honeybees attract predators because they produce honey, so they may build hives inside structures and trees for protection.
Question: What if I see a beehive or swarm?
First, observe! If they are honeybees, they are relativity harmless (unless you have an allergic reaction). If you can let them stay, please do so they can continue their essential work of pollinating our world. Keep your distance and don’t provoke the hive. Bees are less active on cooler days, causing their activity to vary depending on the weather. If you are concerned about a beehive, consider contacting a local beekeeper or pest control professional for assistance.
If you see a beehive or swarm on common areas like parks, equipment or landscape, please contact the IHCA office. Lyle Dickey, our landscaping supervisor, is trained to identify bees. He will come onsite and determine the species of bee.
If the bees do not pose a safety risk, such as being directly on or adjacent to park play equipment, we will allow them to continue their work. To ensure safety, the area will be secured with caution tape and signage. We ask that you do not disturb them. We will monitor the situation, and once the bees are gone, we will remove the barriers.
Question: What is the life span of a bee?
Queens can live for several years. Other bees live only 6–8 weeks, depending on their role in the hives.
Question: Which bee species are dangerous? If you have ever been bitten by a yellow jacket wasp, you will not forget it. They bite fast, rapidly and can sting multiple times in a row, leaving very painful sting sites that can last days. Although not as prevalent in the PNW, they can show up occasionally.
Murder hornets were first detected in Whatcom County in 2021. These are large hornets, two inches long and three inches wide. If you suspect you have seen a murder hornet, keep away and notify the Washington State Department of Agriculture at 360-902-1800.
Question: What can I do to welcome local pollinators?
1. Plant a bee-friendly garden. Check with your local nursery for plants and flowers that attract bees.
2. Add a bee hotel for those lone travelers without a hive to call home. Hotels can be a refuge or a short layover. You can purchase them through Amazon.
3. Educate yourself and your family on the importance of bees and what to do if you come across them.
4. If you see a nest or swarm, call the IHCA office. We will come to your home and assist in identifying the type of bee.
5. Know the laws! Removing a honeybee hive can be illegal. Contact a local pest control company instead.
6. Stay bee positive!
By working together, we can continue our commitment to a greener community and help ensure the longevity of pollinators traveling through our little corner of the universe.
Summer Landscaping Strategies for a Thriving Yard
BY SUSAN CARLSON, Community Manager & Compliance Coordinator
As summer approaches, it is crucial to adjust your landscaping care routine to ensure your outdoor space thrives in the warmer months.
Most importantly, stay on top of watering. Plants often require more hydration during hot weather. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Regularly inspect and prune plants to remove dead or damaged branches, promoting healthy growth. Do not forget to fertilize strategically, opting for slow-release formulas to provide nutrients gradually. Pay attention to lawn care by mowing at the appropriate height and watering in the morning to prevent evaporation.
Lastly, keep an eye out for pests and diseases, addressing issues promptly to prevent widespread damage.
By following these summer landscaping tips, you will ensure a vibrant and flourishing outdoor oasis to enjoy throughout the season.
RULES REMINDER
Fireworks
Did you know... the use or discharge of firecrackers and fireworks is strictly prohibited in Issaquah Highlands under the Use Restriction & Rules (URRs) outlined in the governing documents? This proactive measure aims to prevent potential fatalities and disturbances to both neighbors and pets. Fireworks, while dazzling, pose significant risks when mishandled, from severe injuries to property damage. By advocating for professional displays, communities prioritize safety and harmony. Letting the experts handle the show not only ensures a spectacular experience but also safeguards everyone’s well-being. This summer, embrace responsible celebration by refraining from amateur fireworks and enjoying professionally managed displays, keeping yourself, your family and your neighborhood safe.
Parks
Did you know... Issaquah Highlands is the steward for more than 28 parks located through the community (excluding Central Park, Grand View Park and Black Nugget Park, which are maintained by the City of Issaquah). As we get into the summer months, please take a moment to familiarize yourselves with the park rules. All parks are open from dawn to dusk. Please respect your surrounding neighbors when gathering in the park areas, keeping noise to a minimum. IHCA gazebos at Kirk Park and Magnolia Park are available for use on a first come, first served basis. There are no reservation options at these locations. IHCA crews do their best to pick up and empty the trash and pet waste station receptacles, in addition to maintaining the landscaping several times per week. If the trash is overflowing, please bag and trash your waste at an alternative location. For more information about parks in Issaquah Highlands, visit issaquahhighlands.com/ parks-trails.
MILESTONE
Congrats, Sarah!
In November 2023, Sarah Hoey joined the elite group of community association directors who have earned the Large-Scale Manager (LSM®) credential from Community Associations Institute (CAI), Virginia. Sarah is the only LSM in the state of Washington who has earned the highest level of professional recognition in the community association field.
These tips and rules reminders are only a subset of IHCA guidelines and regulations. For complete standards, visit issaquahhighlands.com. Questions? Call the IHCA at 425-427-9257 or email asktheihca@ihcommunity.org.
Honeybees, sweat bees, mason bees and carpenter bees are the most common species you will see in our area.
EMERGENCY PREP
Be Prepared, Not Scared
Prioritizing Emergency Preparedness in Our Growing Community
BY LINDSEY PINKSTON, Highlands Council Executive Director & Wisteria Park Resident
In our ever-changing world, emergency preparedness is a hot topic around the country. For the next 12 months, Highlands Council is prioritizing emergency preparedness to help all of us get ready for the unexpected, while building our community resilience at the same time.
We are exposed to varying hazards in Issaquah such as earthquakes, fires, flooding, landslides and volcanic activity. In Issaquah Highlands, we are primarily at risk from earthquakes, fires and various forms of severe weather.
We’re in good hands with the collaborative efforts of the City of Issaquah’s Emergency Management team, Eastside Fire & Rescue, and the dedicated volunteers of the Issaquah Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)—who are all working together to ready for and rebound from any disasters. If we come together as a community in Issaquah Highlands to learn and prepare, we will have a much better chance of weathering the storm (or other disaster), minimizing impact and losses.
In April, Maddie Coats (Communications Manager) and I completed CERT basic training with the City of Issaquah. The training equipped us with essential skills such as triage and disaster medical treatment, fire safety and suppression, disaster psychology, search and rescue (including cribbing), terrorism, and radio communications. Our training concluded with a hands-on disaster simulation, allowing us to apply our newfound knowledge in a practical setting! We will continue our training with advanced courses in August and September, allowing us to better support the specific needs of the Issaquah Highlands community
We plan to kick off the initiative with a “Basics of Emergency Preparedness” workshop at Blakely Hall on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon. The workshop is free, and all ages are encouraged to attend! Watch for more information on upcoming CERT training courses, a fun emergency kit building workshop this winter, first aid/CPR offerings, and Stop the Bleed classes.
(We recommend joining our weekly emailed newsletter to stay informed of upcoming workshops — subscribe at isssaquahhighlands.com/e-news.)
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is a comprehensive national initiative that trains volunteers in disaster readiness and response techniques. The program’s objective is to empower individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves and assist their communities, while also supporting professional responders in times of crisis.
CERT basic training is free and offered at Issaquah Public Works in the fall and spring. We are excited to be offering a course in spring 2025 in Issaquah Highlands! Visit issaquahcert.org for more information. Already a member of CERT? Watch for monthly CERT socials starting in the fall at Blakely Hall!
A bleeding injury can happen anywhere, and the number one cause of preventable death after injury is bleeding. Learn to “stop the bleed” with three quick actions that can save a life. Visit stopthebleed.org for more information and watch for courses at Blakely Hall!
Learning first aid gives you the ability to help those in need by responding to specific situations and caring for people in crisis as they wait for medical professionals to arrive. Basic first aid often includes CPR and AED training. Visit redcross.org for more information and get signed up for a class.
A small group of Issaquah Highlands residents recently participated in the Issaquah Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program! From left to right: Jason Cooper, Lindsey Pinkston, Lily Pinkston, Bob Otis (instructor) and Asher Pinkston.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Community Events
The Village Market at Issaquah
Highlands: Pet Pop-Up
Sunday, July 14, 1–4 p.m.
Blakely Hall/Village Green Park
Come out to Blakely Hall for an afternoon of PAWsome shopping and fun! Get a treat for you and your pup from Coby’s Pup-Up Dog Café and visit the resource fair on Village Green.
Primary Candidate Forum
Thursday, July 18, 6:30 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Meet the candidates running for the Washington State House of Representatives during a public forum. Get to know their platforms before casting your vote!
Global
Grub & Groove: Fiesta
Friday, Aug. 9, 6–8 p.m.
Village Green Park
Join friends and neighbors at Village Green for fun, food and entertainment to celebrate culture and community! Enjoy a mariachi band and traditional dancing, tacos and tamales from Cafecito Mexican Bakery, drinks including margaritas and beer, piñatas and vibrant art. Free to attend!!
Movie on the Green
Friday, Aug. 23, 5:30 p.m.
Village Green Park
Join us for a free showing of “Wonka” during our firstever outdoor movie in Issaquah Highlands. The park will open with games, entertainment and even a goat petting zoo at 5:30 p.m., followed by the movie starting at 7 p.m. Concessions available for purchase before and throughout the movie.
Mimosa Morning
Friday, Sept. 6, 9-10:30 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Swing by Blakely Hall at the end of the first week of school to celebrate with friends and neighbors! Join us for coffee, mimosas and a light breakfast. All are welcome — kids in school not a requirement. 21+ only, please.
Speed Neighboring
Thursday, Sept. 19, 6–8 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Join us at Blakely Hall for a fun evening getting to know others from the community, speed dating style! Tickets include two drinks, small bites and conversation starters — participants will rotate through a series of brief chats to connect with as many others as possible. Advanced ticket purchase required. $10/person. 21+ only, please.
Community-Wide Garage Sale
Saturday, Sept. 21
Sell or shop throughout the community at the semiannual community garage sale. Be sure to register your sale for our map!
Basics of Emergency Prep
Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Earthquakes, wildfires, landslides … oh my! In this workshop, we’ll go over the basics of what you need to know to prepare your household for a disaster, including communications, supplies you’ll want to have on hand, how to access local resources, and further steps you can take to be ready for the unexpected.
To learn more about each community group and governance meeting, visit the Issaquah Highlands event calendar at issaquahhighlands.com/events or scan the QR code.
Youth Events
High School Hangouts
Friday, July 12, 7–10 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 1, 5–8 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Calling all high schoolers! Hang out with fellow teens, grab a bite to eat, play some casual games, participate in a community art project and more. Students entering grades 9-12 only. Free to attend, student ID required.
Highlands Youth Monthly Workshop
Sunday, Sept. 22, 3–4 p.m.
Blakely Hall
All 7-12th graders are invited to join the HY Board and guests speakers each month for an engaging teenfocused topic such as resume building, leadership, personal finances, etc.
Community Groups
Book Club
Second Tuesdays, 7–8:30 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Meet neighbors, socialize and explore a variety of books! Learn more at issaquahhighlands.com/events or facebook.com/ihbookclub.
Business Networking Group
Thursday, July 11, 5 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Thursday, Aug. 8, 5 p.m.
Online
Meet local professionals and grow your business through our inclusive, unique and connectionbased networking events. No requirements. Also join us at facebook.com/groups/ issaquahhighlandsbusinessnetworking.
Chess Club
Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m.
Blakely Hall
All ages and experience levels are welcome for fun and chess! Learn more at facebook. com/issaquahchess and check online at issaquahhighlands.com/events for special tournaments.
Go Figure! Drawing Group
Second Sundays, 7–10 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Delve into the art of figure drawing at these monthly immersive sessions. Artists of all skill levels are welcome to practice sketching a professional model in a series of poses. A $15 per person donation will be collected on entry. Please bring your own drawing materials.
Poker Night
Last Thursdays, 7–10 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Whether you are a novice or a salty vet looking for some steep competition, you will love our monthly Texas Hold’em tournament! More information at issaquahhighlands.com/events.
Senior Social Group
Tuesdays, 2–3:30 p.m.
Summer locations and dates vary Social time every week. Check the calendar for planned activities!
Tai Chi Fitness Class
Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Increase flexibility, calm your breath and clear your mind with free Chen-style Tai Chi for all who are interested in learning and practicing together.
Toastmasters
First and Third Mondays, 6–7 p.m.
Fire Station 73
Expand your knowledge and horizons while sharing your interests and goals in a positive, supportive environment. Visit ihtm.tastmastersclubs.org for more information.
Yarns & Threads Group
1st & 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Kirk Park
2nd & 4th Fridays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Zoom
All knitters, crocheters and stitchers are welcome. For more details or questions, please contact Cathie Coulter at catherine.coulter@ihmail.com.
Yoga Group
Sundays, 7:30 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Explore the mental and physical benefits of yoga with friends and neighbors as we follow videos together. Bring your own mat, towel, water bottle and props. For more details, please reach out to Jyothy Praveen at jyothypraveen@hotmail.com.
The following groups are taking a hiatus during the summer months and will return to Blakely Hall in late August/early September:
Figure Drawing Group
Monday, Aug. 26, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Co-Working Group
Tuesday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Toddler Play Group
Wednesday, Aug. 28, 10–11:30 a.m.
ADHD Caregivers Group
Thursday, Sept. 5, 10–11:30 a.m.
Meditation Group
Friday, Sept. 20, 2-3 p.m.
Minecraft Mania
Dates and times TBD
Governance Meetings
Check issaquahhighlands.com/events for details on each meeting.
Highlands Council Board of Directors
Aug. 8, 12 p.m.
IHCA Architectural Review Committee
First Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
IHCA Finance Committee
Second Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group
Third Mondays, 5 p.m.
IHCA Board of Directors
Fourth Mondays, 5:30 p.m.
What’s New with Highlands Council?
LINDSEY PINKSTON
Highlands Council
Executive Director & Wisteria Park Resident
Thank You, Anna!
A huge thank you to Anna Preyapongpisan for completing six years of service with the Highlands Council Board of Trustees. As the Regional Director of King County Permanent Housing for the YWCA, Anna represented our multi-family housing stakeholders on the board. Additionally, she served as board secretary for the past two years, and chair of the Equity Committee since January.
Six years is the maximum consecutive time of service permitted for a Highlands Council Trustee. We deeply appreciate Anna’s contributions to Highlands Council and will miss her voice and perspective. Thank you, Anna!
The Board Development Committee is actively seeking a trustee to represent our multi-family housing stakeholders. If you know of someone who would be a good candidate, please let me know at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.
We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Highlands Council Trustee Ben Armlin, who will take over the duties of secretary starting July 1.
Congrats to Our Community Award Recipients
Three community volunteers earned awards for their hard work and dedication to Issaquah Highlands during the 44th Annual Community Awards, hosted by the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, at the end of May 2024.
Congratulations to Zinna Park (recipient of the Youth Leadership Award), Ben Armlin (recipient of the Community Builder Award), and Kashif Zahoor (recipient of the Issaquah Highlands Volunteer of the Year Award)!
Thank you for your continued service to our community!
Joining NUSA’s Board of Directors
I’m excited to share that I was elected by the general membership of Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors during its conference in Lubbock, Texas, in May.
NUSA works toward the ultimate goal of strengthening every neighborhood through connection, information sharing and the development of partnerships among neighborhood organizations, governments and the private sector. As the only member from the Pacific Northwest, I will join delegates representing city governments, nonprofit organizations and neighborhoods from across the country.
A representative of Highlands Council has represented Issaquah at the annual NUSA conference for the past five years, presenting programs and earning awards that showcase the community at a national level. As a board member, I hope to build on the great work of communities across the country to fight the current epidemic of isolation and loneliness facing citizens locally and nationally.
Ask Me Anything: Locations for Community Events
In this edition of Ask Me Anything, I’ll be answering a question about why our community events aren’t more geographically diverse. The simple answer: space and restrooms.
Join Me for Coffee!
This year, I set a goal of connecting with 50 neighbors and it’s been amazing! I have loved chatting with so many of you. I still have a long way to go to reach my goal, and summer is the perfect time to get together for an iced tea. If you’d like to join me for a casual drink this summer, please reach out to me at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1109. I look forward to meeting you!
Highlands Council owns and operates Blakely Hall, and it’s the only facility for events in Issaquah Highlands where we have direct access for community events. While IHCA owns and maintains many of our amazing parks throughout the neighborhood, none of them have public restrooms. We are required to provide restrooms for events, so that limits us to Village Green Park, with restrooms accessible at Blakely Hall.
For those who live a distance from Blakely Hall, we know parking can be a pain and hiking up the hill can be even worse. We are always looking for solutions to ease this burden. If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them — email me at lindsey.p@ ihcouncil.org. For complete article, visit issaquahhighlands.com/AMA.
Community award recipients Kashif Zahoor, Zinna Park and Ben Armlin.
Highlands Council Executive Director Lindsey Pinkston joins a talented roster on the NUSA Board of Directors.
2024 Community Survey Results
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Data Collected April 1-30, 2024 414 People Participated in Survey
HIGHLANDS COUNCIL
BEST WAYS TO CONNECT WITH YOU
COMMUNITY BUILDING
74%
of survey respondents believe Issaquah Highlands is a community where people care about one another.
of respondents agree there are many opportunities for them to connect with neighbors in Issaquah Highlands.
of respondents feel like they belong in Issaquah Highlands.
of respondents would feel comfortable reaching out to neighbors in an emergency.
Your Top Community Concerns
This Month on the Blog
Protecting Our Green Spaces Through Conservation, Advocacy, Education
It’s easy to take for granted the sanctity of our open green spaces in Issaquah. For the last 45 years, Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC) has succeeded in conserving thousands of acres of land, while also educating people of all ages on responsible stewardship. In Issaquah Highlands, IATC’s advocacy efforts helped shape the landscape of development to carve out Grand Ridge Park, a critical green space for wildlife and outdoor recreation alike.
Read these upcoming stories from your Issaquah Highlands neighbors at issaquahhighlands.com/events.
Cultivating Biodiversity: The Importance of Pollinator Gardens
LISA AUSTIN
Community Garden Ambassador & Roanoke Woods Resident
Creating a pollinator garden is not only beneficial for the environment but also a rewarding endeavor for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling backyard, creating a pollinator garden is a meaningful way to contribute to biodiversity conservation and ensure vibrant blooms in your future. Let’s delve into the significance of these gardens and explore how you can create one yourself!
Business Buzz: Grand Ridge Plaza Hosts Issaquah Film Festival
MADDIE COATS
Highlands Council Communications Manager
This year’s Issaquah Film Festival is relocating to Grand Ridge Plaza in Issaquah Highlands! The two-day program connects talented filmmakers from across the Pacific Northwest, featuring a unique combination of local talent, young creatives and independent film heavyweights. Join the fun at Regal Cinemas on Aug. 3-4. As the festival nears, we will highlight some of the local filmmakers and share more details about the event.
NICOLE ASSUMPCAO
Issaquah Alps Trails Club
Former Executive Director
Download The HFN
Response to Increasing Data Needs
JEREMY FALLT
HFN General Manager & Westridge Resident
At Highlands Fiber Network (HFN), we understand just how crucial the internet has become in our daily lives. Our homes are now packed with technology that keeps us connected and entertained — from smartphones and laptops to smart TVs and gaming consoles.
According to Parks Associates, a leading market research firm, the average American home now has about 17 devices connected to the internet. Smartphones play a big role in this shift, often used alongside other devices like laptops and smart TVs, especially during busy times like mornings and evenings.
With the number of connected devices continuing to grow, having a reliable and fast internet connection is more important than ever. While some struggle with slowdowns, we’re committed to keeping your connection smooth and uninterrupted.
To meet this growing demand, HFN is building a new fiber network that’s faster and better than ever before. This upgrade will increase speeds by 2.5 times, all at the same price. With more devices in every household, this upgrade ensures that everyone can enjoy seamless connectivity.
But that’s not all. This summer, we’re excited to introduce our new managed Wi-Fi service option. This service will take the guesswork out of managing your home network. With our powerful new app, you can:
• Monitor your connection and security
• Set up guest access
• Control and limit your children’s internet usage
• Get free replacements if your device fails or needs an upgrade
Faster internet isn’t just about speed; it’s about enhancing our quality of life. Whether it’s better communication, remote education, improved healthcare or reducing isolation, high-speed internet makes a big difference.
At HFN, we’re dedicated to providing the reliable, high-speed internet that modern homes need. For more information, visit us at highlandsfibernetwork.com.
Marketing
Highest-quality Interior Photos
Highest-quality Exterior Photos
Highest-quality Aerial Photos
Highest-quality 3D Matterport Tour
Dedicated Photo Gallery
Connections Advertising
Print Marketing
Creative Copywriting
Perma Flyer
Direct Mail Marketing
Open Houses
Staging
Highest-quality Home Staging
Front Porch Staging
Entryway Staging
Bedroom Staging
Bathroom Staging
Formal Living room Staging
Family Room Staging
Kitchen Staging
Office Staging
Media Room Staging
Backyard Staging
Dump/Donation
Flooring
