May 2017

CONNECTIONS FR

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

May 2017

Around Issaquah & Beyond

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Photo by: Michelle Enebo

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E ?

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Feature: Fun Things To Do Highlands Day Highlands Council Volunteer of the Month Highlands Youth HY IHCA News, Elections IHCA Landscaping What’s Happening Issaquah City News Doing Business

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29 Ask Kari Photo Treasure Hunt Highlands Fiber Network 30 Culture through Cuisine 31 Directory Life in the USA Holidays, Ramadan Emergency Preparedness Living Green Gardening Blakely Hall Art Meet LEO House School Spotlight Club Profile: Club Inclusive

ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON 2550 NE Park Drive Issaquah, WA 98029

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May 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

FROM THE EDITOR

This month’s Connections news is all about fun! Yep, even the ads are fun. And golly, do we need a dose of fun, because we’re all tired of that cold and soggy winter. Bring on the spring, the sun, and warm us up!

Fun: Riding bikes with my husband up by Snoqualmie Falls.

And so much is waiting for you out there.

Dive (or jump!) in to this issue and find something new to do this weekend or summer and learn what Highlands Council is bringing to the community. Read Max Morrey’s excellent biking story about the Highland Youth (HY) club’s adventures on the John Wayne Trail. And for those ofage, discover where there’s a Happy Hour on a patio near you (Doing Business).

As in every Connections, there are more fun ideas in our monthly guide, What’s Happening.

Also in this issue, learn about Ramadan, spring gardening, internet privacy, special neighbors, school happenings and more! This month’s cuisine is from Italy – learn how to make gnocchi from a neighbor. And get your ballots ready to vote for your IHCA BOD representatives.

Special thanks to Michelle Enebo, a professional photographer and Issaquah Highlands resident, for generously providing the cover photo. Christy Garrard, Highlands Council Executive Director, found this fun photo of hers and asked permission to use it. Next time you see Michelle around the ‘hood, thank her for this great shot.

Every issue of Connections provides plenty of content to keep you busy and having fun. Keep checking in and have fun out there!

Nina Milligan 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. The mission of Highlands Council, and therefore, Connections News, is “to foster the development of a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, and well-being.”

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MONDAY

Night

5-10 P.M.

Kids Eat

FREE

When the adults buy a large pizza, kids under 12 get two free personal pizzas – or one free personal pizza if the adults only buy a medium size.

(425) 893-8646 www.zeekspizzaissaquah.com

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May 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

o t e v o L u o Y o D t a h W ? h a u q a s Is d n u o r A o D

May 2017 •

Photo courtesy of Grand Ridge Plaza

We asked, and you answered! Read what your Issaquah Highlands neighbors, community staff and some special guests love to do around Issaquah. Go out and plan your next local adventure!

IN THE HIGHLANDS “Block party in the shared green space on our block.

Setup the volleyball net and get out the bean-bag toss boards. Fill the cooler full of beverages and invite the neighbors!”

Dr. Paul Dean

“Summer movies for kids at Regal is another of our favorites! We also enjoy eating a scoop of Ben & Jerry’s & walking around Grand Ridge Plaza shopping/window shopping.

Shubha Tirumale

 “I enjoy going for a long walk with Pat that takes

us to the soccer fields, then onto the paved trail through the woods, eventually winding up at the shopping area.

On a nice day, stopping at the RAM Restaurant for a beer before walking up Park Drive towards home makes for a fun afternoon.”

RAM Restaurant & Brewery

Mike McMillin Photo courtesy of Grand Ridge Plaza

“We love dining locally at Grand Ridge Plaza restaurants and cafes, as well as Zeeks Pizza and TCBY/Mrs Fields and Café 1910 at Swedish Hospital; we always see friends and neighbors, we know many of the owners and managers, it makes us feel connected to our community.”

affe Ladro and “Grab coffee at Cpa tio, or on rainy

eir meet people on th movie theater.” e Proft nights walk to the Ev

Christy Garrard Highlands Council Executive Director Soccer/Hockey Cage

FROM TEENS & KIDS “One time my friends and I hiked Poo Poo Point really early in the morning to see the beautiful sunrise.”

Dil Thiagarajan

“My favorite thing to do in Issaquah is go to sporting events! There’s always different sports games happening year-round and it’s so much fun to go cheer on my school!”

Caroline O’Neill

“One of my favorite things to do in Issaquah is hang out with my friends and all of the local shops and parks!

It just makes it that much more fun to be out on an adventure than at home.”

Sage Cowan

“My favorite thing to do in Issaquah is going to MOD, Zeeks, and TCBY with friends to hang out. It’s inexpensive and a great place to spend time together.”

Alex Morrey

“My favorite thing to do in summer is to get together with a group of friends and go to the lake and have fun!”

Megan Kilzi

 “I think my favorite thing to do in the

Highlands it to go to the soccer/hockey cage slightly past Grand Ridge [Elementary]... I have had some of my favorite times in that cage.”

Max Morrey

“Going for walks, seeing all the parks and skipping rocks on the ponds.”

Cole Cowan

“My favorite thing to do in Issaquah is walk around Grand Ridge Plaza with friends and grab a bite to eat!

Gotta love the food choices here.”

Elias Kazemi

“My favorite thing to do in Issaquah is to hang out with my friends! Whether that be at Zeeks or TCBY or simply at our houses!”

Deon Lillo

Asked at the April 4th Ben & Jerry’s free cone day: “Where are Ben and Jerry?” He thought we were there for a play date with Ben and Jerry.

Jake (Age 3)

Caffe Ladro

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May 2017

AROUND TOWN

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Concerts on the Green

“Take a hike in one of 100+ trails to enjoy nature, get exercise, take deep breaths, decompress, as well as truly embrace and soak in the beauty around us.”

Renee Zimmerman

 “Concerts on the Green and Pine Lake are after work/ kid friendly! And now you can make a great picnic at Met Market!”

Kimberly Kapustein

“We love going to Yum-e Yogurt on Front Street after dinner and sitting outside. We often take our dog with us and walk along the path that follows the train tracks.”

Marni Kilzi

“Cougar Mountain Zoo and the chocolate tour at Boehm’s.”

Pepper Pociask

Salmon Days, kayaking on Lake Sammamish, Issaquah Farmer’s Market, restaurants and cocktails on Front Street, outdoor movies, Wine Walk, Village Theatre and hiking to Poo Poo Point.

Issaquah Highlands Community Association Staff

“I still nerd-out when I see salmon! I love watching them in the streams, going to the fish hatchery and of course the salmon festival. Actually, spotting all the varied wildlife is my favorite thing, especially when it is a surprise, like when a giant bird swoops overhead during a walk or when neighbor posts a pic of the bobcat in their yard.”

e ly enjoy th l a e r s y a “[We] alw ts on the r e c n o C t igh great Tuesday n , casual, a n fu re a y rovide a Green...The picnic and really p have a reason to !” ommunity c f o e s n e s

Photo courtesy of City of Issaquah Photo courtesy of Bohem’s Candies & Chocolates

slai

Lisa Sobo

Kelly Ann Bleiweis

“Our family loves to eat at The Taqueria La Venadita, do the art walks on Front Street [and] participate in the 4th of July Parade.”

Lisa Callan Issaquah School Board President

“Love early dinner in Issaquah (so many choices) followed by the Village Theatre (every seat has a great close-up view and every show is fabulous).”

Cathie Coulter

“Hiking on Tradition Plateau.”

Sarah Venzon

 “Touring the chocolate factory Boehm’s is outstanding.

My visitors love it.”

Karen Klinkenberg

“Enjoying the fact that it’s such a great place to raise children, and close to parks, shops, clinics, hospitals, and great schools nearby. Also very clean.”

Rica Ferrer West

Boehm’s Candies & Chocolates

“Biking around Mercer Slough. Roller blading Lake Samm. Trail from Marymoore Park. There is a great stretch of new pavememt.”

Jennifer Dewar

“The Issaquah Farmers Market! Absolutely love it!”

Heather Moffat

Salmon Days

Photo courtesy of City of Issaquah

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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May 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

May 2017 •

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

That Summertime Feeling

by Christy Garrard, Executive Director for Highlands Council, Dahlia Park Resident What does summer mean to you? Are you a Justin Timberlake lyric-type? I got that sunshine in my pocket | Got that good soul in my feet… Or do you approach summer with a Will Smith vibe? Summer, summer, summer time. | Time to sit back and unwind... Either Way, Highlands Council has suggestions for ways to fill the summer with your-type-of-fun!

For the Timberlake-types who are looking for fun, check out: Night at the Carnival! A FREE, fun night for middle and high school students to celebrate the end of the school year on June 2nd at Blakely Hall. Activities include traditional carnival games like SKEE BALL (and more!) for prizes; plus hot dogs and cotton candy. The event runs from 5pm-7pm and is FREE when pre-registered or $5 at the door. Hosted by the HY. Open Mic Night! On the 4th Fridays of each month Issaquah Highlands’ GOT TALENT! And just for the summer, Open Mic will also be hosted on the first Wednesday of June & July! Perform or just enjoy from the audience. From professional performers to kids getting past stage-fright, the fun evening of music and spoken word is not to be missed. To perform, register in person at Blakely Hall at 6:30pm. Each performer gets two songs or 10 minutes, whichever is shorter.

Make YOUR OWN Party and ROCK THE BLOCK! Did you know you we have a Party Wagon stocked with everything you need for a Block Party? We will deliver it anywhere in IH for free if you host a block party for your neighborhood. You can rent it for private events, too. Contact Brianna.E@IHCouncil.org or 425-507-1107 for more information and to reserve a date.

End your summer with a happily-ever-after-themed festival; Once Upon a Highlands Day…. The biggest community event of the year is back on Saturday, August 26th from noon – 4pm at Blakely Hall and Village Green Park. This year’s fairytale theme will include exciting mechanical rides, inflatables, pony-rides, food trucks and live entertainment. TWO FREE trolleys will shuttle festival guests up and down Park Drive during the festival.

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If a laid-back summertime is more your idea of fun, consider: Little Free Library Visits.

Issaquah Highlands has 8 Little Libraries throughout the community. See how many you can find in one day or schedule 8 weeks’ worth of park picnics and visit a different Little Library park each week.

Community Garden. It is amazing how fast produce ripens in the summer! At press time, a few P-patches are still available. Teach your kids where food comes from. Grow a row for the Food Bank. Spend a summer farming, enjoying the peace that comes from being out in the fresh air. Contact me at Christy.G@IHCouncil.org for more information.

Gallery Gaze. Did you know Blakely Hall is also an art gallery; free and open to the public? Professionally curated by artEAST, the exhibitions feature local artists and change seasonally. Out for a walk in the sunshine? Stop in Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm and enjoy at your leisure.

Check out the What’s Happening pages of this issue (pages 16-17) and the Community Calendar at IssaquahHighlands.com to find more activities to give you that summertime feeling.

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May 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

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Sean Davidson | HY Co-president and I.H.S. Senior Ever since I was a child, the Issaquah Highlands have fascinated me. When I first moved, it was the looking trees behind my house and the puddles full of tadpoles that hid around every construction site or muddy pathway. This curiosity and intrigue has done nothing but grow over my past 12 years living here, but the focus has VoM Sean Davidson with fellow HY members Elias Kazemi, Dil undergone a definite shift. Those Thiariagan, Deon Lillo, Rachel Rosewater tadpole puddles have dried up, forests replaced by new towers looking at the top of the hill- however each are just as exciting as the previous.

It is so incredible to be a part of a community that is so extremely alive- growing and evolving to suit the needs of us- its citizens. I’ve had the opportunity to be part of that growth, through my love for community involvement.

I don’t remember when I started volunteering, but I know once I started, I was kind of hooked

Favorite Thing

on the topic. I’ve volunteered at every Highlands Day that I could, starting in my elementary school days, volunteering with my sister and my dad. As I got older, I could branch out a bit and work more exciting booths - and as I reached the end of my middle school career, my involvement with the HY Board boosted my ability to serve different aspects of my community.

I served at Halloween festivals, worked with trail clean-ups, created public services, just to name a few. We used our connection with the youth of the Highlands to influence the whole neighborhood around us, all while having a blast doing so.

VoM Sean Davidson with Domonique Bolar.

Thanks to my involvement in Community Service and the HY Board, I’ve had countless opportunities and abilities open-up to me. I have been able to push my ideas into the “movers” of the community board, make lasting connections with people that have experience in public service, and overall immerse myself in one of the most advanced communities in Washington.

HIGHLANDS YOUTH - THE HY

by Max Morrey, HY Member

One of my favorite summer things I ever did was going on an all day bike ride with my new fellow Highlands Youth Board (HY) members. It was a team building exercise facilitated by Compass Outdoor Adventures from North Bend. This was an all-day event and from the beginning, it was very fun. Everyone welcomed me even though I was the new kid who nobody knew.

HY Max Morrey (right) with fellow HY members Sean Davidson and Rachel Rosewater volunteering at Highlands Day.

When we got up on the trail it was so beautiful. There was a view of another mountain and a valley filled with trees. We all biked through a tunnel in the mountain, and then continued for another 20 or so miles until we crossed a few bridges that overlooked large drop-offs.

At another place, there was a fence that we went around and I remember falling off my bike while trying to go through it. I remember it had a balance beam of some sort and you had to ride your bike over it. I was so nervous to do it, but when I finally did, it was fun and I ended up doing it several more times before we left.

The bike ride down was just as exhilarating as the ride up, except a lot faster. It had the same view of the valley that was speeding by and was so full of life. I could see birds of many varied sizes flying near the trees including a bald eagle flying high above the tree line. We all watched in amazement as it soared gracefully through the air and then dove into the forest going for its

prey, probably a small rodent of some kind.

We continued on our way down the trail until we found a small lake and we took pictures and I remember the water was as cold as ice.

We then drove home happy as can be. We talked at Blakely Hall for a while about how amazing the view was before we got picked up by our parents. Sadly, I had forgotten my phone HY Team Building Bike Ride by Max Morrey that day and was not able to take any pictures or videos. That was the only down side of the day.

When I first joined the HY Board, I felt like an outsider visiting just to say “hi” and not like an official member. But ever since that trip, I have felt like a member and have gotten to know each of the members so much better. I have learned from that trip that these awesome people care about me and they have my back. I have spent almost two years with them and I know each and every one of them is a good person. I would love to spend another two years on the HY Board with friends.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION IHCA 2017 Board Election Candidates

The following candidates have been approved by the IHCA Board of Directors to be placed on the 2017 election ballots for Districts 1, 3, 5 and at large. The official ballots will be mailed the first week of May.

District 1 - One (1) Candidate Running 1. Candidate Dan Vradenburg How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands: Resident for 5 years.

Educational background: J.D., Washington University School of Law; BA, University of Washington.

Past or present experience: I have served the past four years on the IHCA Board of Directors. Currently serving as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. Previously served for two years as Vice- President and member of the Covenant and Architectural Review Committees.

Why would you like to serve as a Director? As a member of the Board of Directors, my goals are to ensure Issaquah Highlands remains the most livable planned community achievable in harmony with our environment and continued development of our community. I also strive to create a collaborative, win-win relationship between and among the Board of Directors and the community of Issaquah Highlands.

District 3 - Two (2) Candidates Running

District 5 - Three (3) Candidates Running

1. Candidate Bertan Aygun How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands: Resident for 3.5 years.

1. Candidate Paul Edgemen How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands: Resident for 4 years.

Educational background: Masters of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania

Educational background: BA in Political Science, Western Washington University.

Past or present experience: Issaquah Highlands, ARC Committee Member 2014-present; Tanglewood – Klahanie, HOA Board Member (2011-2016); Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington, Board Member and Treasurer (2008-2013).

Past or present experience: No direct community association experience.

Why would you like to serve as a Director? To continue being a part of the community and contribute as a resident who plans to live here for a longtime.

2. Candidate Rossi Cruz How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands: Resident for 13.5 years.

Educational background: Long term employee of large, local-based national corporation.

Past or present experience: Current Issaquah Highlands Board of Director’s Vice president, member of Neighborhood Committee for Crofton Springs. As a long-term resident of Issaquah Highlands, I have taken part in numerous community meetings and functions over the years.

Why would you like to serve as a Director? To be continuously involved in our growing, green and diverse community.

Why would you like to serve as a Director? My wife and I are expecting our first child in July and I would be grateful to utilize my education as well as my eight plus years of management experience ( currently head of operations for local business) to help secure the future of our community.

We love Issaquah!

2. Candidate Jim Young How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands: Resident for 10 years.

Educational background: BA, Austin College: MA, Johns Hopkins School of International Studies; MBA, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

Past or present experience: Current IHCA Board President for the last four years, one year on the IHCA Finance Committee, two years as Chair of the Finance Committee.

Why would you like to serve as a Director? I would look forward to continuing to add my experience to the IHCA Board of Directors. Working with our strong management team, we have only had a $12 increase in our assessments in the past five years. Additionally, our capital replacement reserves are funded at the 95% level which is significantly better that the national average. Ensuring that our strong financial position continues is important to me as a home owner. Lastly, I would like to continue our board priority of seeking an alternative to our office lease.

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 3. Candidate Jason Bone How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands: Resident for 7 years.

Educational background: Master in Public Health, Bachelors of Science in Microbiology and Biochemistry, Project Management Professional.

Past or present experience: Current IHCA Finance Committee member, February 2016 to present.

Why would you like to serve as a Director? I have thoroughly enjoyed being an active member of the Finance Committee. This has provided insight to the mechanics of the most complex and important pillars of our community. Having the opportunity to play a greater role in preserving our diverse, close knit, community while kneading & shaping future urban development plans with the city and surrounding neighborhoods will be my central mission. As a father raising a child in our community, I am honored to call Issaquah Highlands our home. As a life passion, I enjoy a career leading teams that impact financial stability and growth.

District At Large - One (1) Candidate Running 1. Candidate Rob Knight How long have you resided in Issaquah Highlands: Resident for 6 years.

Educational background: Masters in Psychology, Bachelors in Behavior Sciences, Associates in Communications.

Past or present experience: Current IHCA Board member for the past two years. IHCA member of the Covenant Committee.

Why would you like to serve as a Director? I would like to continue to serve as the IHCA Board of Directors for the atlarge district. I enjoy taking action, providing suggestions and getting feedback that better enhances the Issaquah Highlands community. I have learned so much about the Issaquah Highlands and it is extremely satisfying to serve the Highlands community.

A Game of “Who Am I?”

by Lyle Dickey, IHCA Landscape Manager

My alarm to start the day, I’m sure, is a little different than yours. Every day I rise for work but I don’t need to drive or walk, I just pop up. This morning when I popped up, the newspaper had already been delivered and the milkman was starting his round of deliveries for the day.

I also noticed a dog walking his person, all the birds singing their songs, and my best friend Bartholomew the bunny, who was enjoying the cool wet grass right before the sun comes up.

Then I thought, in my head, “Hey Bart! you had better leave before the dog walks by again and sees you!” Then the fun starts. Almost all mornings in the park are a little different. There may be people jogging past, or cars passing by taking their people to work. Sometimes I may catch a glimpse of the newspaper being delivered, but most of the time I haven’t popped up yet and I just miss it. I do however, have a few weeks of the year that are my favorites; they are the weeks when the sun comes up just as I start my work day.

Well, as some of you may have guessed I am a sprinkler head at a park in the beautiful Issaquah Highlands. Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself, I am Rickey Rainbird, but all my friends call me Rick. I really enjoy my time here at the Highlands. It is such a nice place to work and live. The people here are so very nice and I am well taken care of. The IHCA, for whom I work, takes care of me and my other 40,000 sprinkler buddies, very well to make sure all of us are working at our

best. We all like to provide the finest service possible to our customers. The team here at the IHCA really knows what they are doing. They wake us up every spring and check us all out to make sure we are working right.

Throughout the summer the team is performing spot checks on all of us to make sure we are ok and help us out if we are not. We all enjoy the summers in the Highlands, it is a very pleasant place to reside. However, the summer soon comes to an end and it is time to go to sleep. But before that, the team completes one last task to get all the water out of us so we don’t freeze. Once all that is done, we will all stay nice and warm and be ready for spring. Well, not to be short, but I am only four inches tall so I can say that, sorry I have to go but it is almost time to go back to work. It was nice talking to you....... POP.

A Touch of Color

by Erika North, Senior Community Manager, IHCA Issaquah Highlands is an exceptionally beautiful community where residents take pride in maintaining their manicured landscapes. When summer rolls around you can drive down the street and see many beautifully displayed annual flowers that add that nice pop of color to the yards. Another fantastic way to exhibit a rainbow of hues is to build a seasonal container of plants and flowers. There are so many wonderful choices at the nurseries and many ideas on the internet of how to arrange your creations. Ask your local nurseries if they have demonstrations on how to build a seasonal pot. Many of them do in the springtime and fall.

When arranging a seasonal plant container, keep in mind the three rules of display… thrill, fill and spill. What does this mean, you ask? Pots are always more interesting when you have layers in your arrangement. One plant should be the center of attention and typically stands taller than the other plants. This is your “thrill”. The “spill” comes with the foliage that droops over the edge of the pot. And the “fill” is exactly what it sounds like, the plants and flowers that fill in the rest of the area. Start with small plants as they will grow and fill in fast with the proper care, i.e. lots of water and occasional fertilizing.

Start by filling the bottom of the pot with a light weight material, such as packing peanuts or bottle corks, to conserve on soil and allow for drainage.

Then add a layer of fabric and fill the pot with a good potting soil that preferably contains a water

absorber. Leave plenty of room on top to drop in your new plants. Don’t be afraid to pack them in, the more plants the more interesting your arrangement will be.

When summer is over you can turn your pots into displays of seasonal color and excitement. For fall consider the oranges and reds of the season. Some of these plants can be used year-round if you add a few lasting ones to the mix, such as Heuchera, Spikes, or Ivy. Holiday displays can be stunning with shows of evergreens and interesting decor. Simply cut some conifer branches and stick them in the dirt and decorate with berries or other paraphernalia. The display will last the whole season!

Use your imagination and create your own personal arrangements to make your porch a gorgeous focal point and accent your home. Your neighbors will be positively delighted!

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Construction Rules Apply to All Construction conduct applies to all owners and builders within Issaquah Highlands and are part of the Architectural Standards under the Declaration of Covenants and Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s) • • • • • • •

Work Hours: M-F 7-6pm Saturday 9-5: by city issued permit only Sunday: No work allowed Holidays: no work allowed All work sites are required to secure trash and empty as needed.

Keep work sites clean Park vehicles in accordance to the city of Issaquah rules for vehicle parking.

Vendors: Delivery trucks are not permitted on site or within community before or after work hours. IHCA inspects work areas to ensure compliance with these rules.

If you witness any infractions of these rules, please contact the IHCA Executive Director, Sarah Hoey at Sarah.h@ihcommunity. If these matters are taking place after hours please email the date, time, and nature of the infractions. If this is a matter that requires immediate attention, please contact the IHCA after hours phone or IPD nonemergency phone # 425- 834-3200.

Trailhead Vista - Trail Closure One half mile of the BPA Trail between NE Park Drive and NE Natalie Way will be closed for repairs and protective seal coating on Tuesday June 13 at 7AM and re-open on Thursday June 15th at 5PM.

ASK THE IHCA

Do you have a question about homeowner responsibilities, or how our common areas are managed? Complete the simple form in IHCA’s section of IssaquahHighlands.com and we will respond to you promptly. Your questions (and our answers) might be shared here, in the next issue of Connections.

Q: Hi! I’m thinking of installing a central air conditioning system for my townhouse.

What are the requirements/approvals required from IHCA? Thank you for asking about installing an AC unit in your townhome in Crofton Springs. You will need to complete and return an application along with a photo of where the unit would be placed, as well as documentation of the sound level and where the wiring would run on the exterior of the unit. The application can be found at issaquahhighlands.com/learn/issaquahhighlands-community-association-ihca/ Please let me know if you have further questions at this time.

Q: Why does my next-door neighbor still have Christmas lights wrapped around his porch balcony next to me?

Thank you for contacting the IHCA. Any owner who still has holiday lights on the exterior of their home is in violation of the rules. Our compliance officer has been

conducting community-wide inspections and this item is under review by the IHCA. The owner must remove the items or be subject to fines per the non-compliance policy established by the IHCA Board of Directors.

Q: I was attempting to complete the Direct Deposit Authorization form this evening but I have not received any information around the HOA/Condo Name or HOA/ Condo Account Number. Both are required fields in “step 3” of the Direct Debit Authorization Form. I am hoping you can assist me with where I can get this information, or provide it to me?

Thank you for your question. A member of the IHCA accounting department will give you a call to make sure you have the proper information. The Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) is the master HOA. However, you may have supplemental neighborhood or condo fees as well.

We look forward to hearing from more of you. Please keep submitting your questions to be featured in the next issue.

Sarah Hoey, CMCA®, AMS® Sarah.H@ihcommunity.org Executive Director Issaquah Highlands Community Association

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION The Beauty of a Perennial Garden

by Collene Cordova, Owner Services Coordinator-Compliance

Perennial plants live more than two years. They grow and bloom during their seasonal time, die back either when done flowering or in the autumn, when temperatures cool, and then return in the spring from their rootstock. A good example would be a Peony or Tulip. These differ from annuals such as geraniums or petunias which only bloom for one season. Perennial gardens are intended to have lasting plant material and color throughout all four seasons and can be a beautiful addition to almost any landscape.

There are many benefits to planting perennials. They are capable of thriving even under adverse conditions, possibly due to their root systems which grow much deeper and thus are able to access water and nutrients further down in the soil. There is a cost savings as new plants do not need to be purchased every year. And perennials are prolific. They can also be divided at the root to start a new plant in a different location in your garden or shared with a neighbor. Here are some examples of perennials that do well in our Pacific Northwest climate which has a growing zone of 7-8: • • • • •

Campanula Euphorbia Peony Coreopsis Caryopteris

• Clematis • Daylily – Stella de Oro • Hosta • Astilbe

• • • • •

Crocosmia Phlox Dianthus Heuchera Salix Kauro

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Did you know… As Issaquah Highlands is a “green” community (environmentally conscious), you are allowed to limit watering and let your lawn go dormant (brownout) in the summer months. This does not mean you may let your lawn die. Below are examples of dormant lawn vs dead lawn.

Well-maintained, dormant lawn.

Brown lawn will turn green with watering.

Nishiki Lavender Asters Hydranga Hakonechloa

To grow this type of garden it is important to plan the placement and height of each plant for the seasonal changes to enjoy optimal blooms throughout the growing season. It is also essential to place evergreens throughout your garden so that it is not barren in the winter months. Perennial beds do require maintenance in the form of weeding. However, a good composting mulch used between plants will help to keep weeds at bay. Throughout the year, plants that have peaked will need to be pruned or cut down to soil level so that you don’t have the appearance of a dead flower bed. This is also a good time to add to your garden if you have bare patches where spring blooms have died back. (Hint: If you dead-head, which means to remove the spent flowers, the plant will bloom longer.) You do not want a perennial garden that only looks spectacular during one season and then dried up and dead the remainder of the year.

As with any change to your landscaping, ARC approval is required and we even have pre-designed samples on our website to help you get started with your project. Another great resource is GreatGardenPlants.com where you can put in our growing zone of 7-8, height, light, bloom time, flower color, and soil type and receive a list of hardy plants that fit your space and the garden look you desire. Now all you have to do is prep your soil, plant your garden and sit back and enjoy the colorful blooms for many years.

An example of a perennial garden encompassing a decorative tree such as a maple as the center point, evergreen bushes, grasses and seasonal color at different heights.

Issaquah Highlands Use Restrictions & Rules Reminders Signage: Signage may not be displayed in windows or be posted on the Residential Properties, excpet as otherwise expressly provided in these Rules. Signs or flyers may not be posted on mailboxes, street signs, or on community property in parks, or other common areas including the street frontages and right-of-ways without IHCA approval. Garage Sale signage. Signage during approved community-wide events shall not be placed in the street frontages, right-of-ways or other common areas.

Thank you for doing your part.

ARC Tip of the Month:

Poorly maintained lawn.

Dead spots will not turn green with watering.

We would like to give a big ‘shout out’ to the four homeowners who attended the Pinecrest Special Homeowner’s Meeting for discussion of the vandalism of the trees on the western slope behind their homes. We truly appreciate your interest and participation. So much more can be accomplished when we have the support of residents in the community. Kudos Pinecrest homeowners!

Thank you!!

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May 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Kids & Families

Club Inclusive

Thursday, May 11th Blakely Hall Sponsored by LEO and Athletes for Kids

A club for kids with special needs focused on acceptance and inclusion. A safe and fun place where kids can be themselves. Contact Alicia Spinner at alispinner@yahoo.com Also see facebook.com/ClubInclusiveBlakeyHall/

Minecraft Mania

Tuesday, May 9th & 23rd, 5pm 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.

Toddler Playgroup Every Wednesday, 10am Blakely Hall Newborn to Age 4

Moms, dads, caregivers and their children are invited for fun, friendship, support and socializing. Contact katiels84@gmail.com or Alicia Spinner at alispinner@yahoo.com. Search Facebook for Issaquah Highlands Toddler Playgroup

Russian Highlanders Kids Club * See World Cultures

SCRATCH-ing the Surface Tuesday, May 2nd & 16th, 5pm Blakely Hall

A club for kids interested in coding and pursuing a future in computer science. For elementary and middle school-aged kids. Contact is Sharon Godavarthi.

Parent contact: Rajesh.godavarthi@gmail.com. You’ll need a laptop with SCRATCH program downloaded.

See sharongodavarthi.Wixsite.com/mysite or IssaquahHighlands.com/events for more information.

Arts & Cards Art in Blakely Hall

Plein Air Landscapes Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm Blakely Hall

This spring, enjoy landscapes by artEAST members, Britt Greenland, Diana Grant and John Tubbs in Blakely Hall. The show runs April 5th to June 19th. These three artists work in Plein Air, painting outside to embrace the elements, making a first-hand connection to the environment they so skillfully capture. To complement their work in Plein Air, there will also be a selection of landscape work that has been created in the studio. This makes for an interesting contrast to compare the two methods of working. See more on page 24.

Bridge Club

Monday, May 1st, 7pm 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 usually 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.

Interior Design Club

Latino Club

This club welcomes interior design enthusiasts to enjoy presentations from guest speakers about residential and commercial design; new trends in furniture, color, staging, Vastu and Fen Shui, window treatments, floorings and more.

Contact: meetamehta@putali.org

Latino Club welcomes everybody who would like to celebrate and learn about Latino traditions. We have activities for kids, adults and seniors. Open to all – join the fun! Contact Alicia Spinner at alispinner@yahoo.com.

Monday, May 8th, Noon Blakely Hall

Sunday, May 21st, 4pm Blakely Hall

India Culture Club

Knit for Life®

Every Monday, 1pm Swedish Medical Center, Main Lobby

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

Open Mic

India Cultural Club in association with Ojaswi Dance school is conducting a Kathak workshop on Sunday, May 14th at 12:30 pm. Kathak is an Indian classical dance form whose origin can be attributed to the travelling bards of Northern India, known as ‘Kathakars’ or storytellers. Join us to learn more about this northern Indian dance form. For details contact us at culturalclubindia@gmail.com.

Travel Club Night See where it takes you!

Friday, May 26th, 6:30pm Extra Dates Added this Summer June 7th & July 5th Blakely Hall

Please come and join us for an evening of fun and entertainment from local talents. All ages are welcome. We welcome those who wish to play music, read poetry, tell a story, or perform a standup comedy routine. Please remember this is a family event and everyone is expected to show respect to performers and audience. Performers are limited to 2 songs or 10 minutes, whichever comes first. For more info, please contact: Dino Go at kabalen.geo@gmail.com.

Photography Club

Saturday, May 20th, 10:30am 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

Wednesday, May 10th, 7pm Blakely Hall TOPIC: Eastern Europe River Cruise

The upcoming Travel Club program for May will feature Larry Norton and Sue Frank, Issaquah Highlands residents and Travel Club regulars presenting on a Danube River Cruise. Talk and slides will include Salzburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Vienna and Budapest, Prague, Unesco site Cesky Krumlov and the WW II German prison of Terezin. Enjoy Castles on the River, medieval towns, famous cities and a very royal monastery, salted with great art and famous painters. The bulk of the evening will be unstructured, get-acquainted time so we can all share and learn about travel. Light snacks are provided but feel free to bring a beverage (perhaps a bottle of wine from your favorite country!) to enjoy. Please join us on: Facebook.com/ issaquahhighlandstravelclub or Email ihtravelclub@gmail.

Have a topic idea or interested in being a Speaker? Email us!

Russian Highlanders Kids Club

Poker Night

Thursday, May 25th, 7pm 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, 7pm Either at the Issaquah Highlands Fire Station 73 or Issaquah Senior Center

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

Yarns & Threads Group Every Friday, 9am Blakely Hall

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

World Cultures Chinese Heritage Club Sunday, May 28th, 2pm Blakely Hall

Sunday, May 14th, Noon Blakely Hall Special Event: Kathak Workshop

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. The club meets monthly at Blakely Hall. Contact bowbow.gu@outlook.com.

Cancelled in May Blakely Hall

Please join us once a month for a fun hour of music, stories and games in Russian language for kids ages 2.5-4.5.

Younger kids and siblings are welcome, just bring some toys to keep the kids engaged. Wonderful opportunity for you spend time with Russian speaking families, to make new friends and learn, preserve and enrich the Russian cultural traditions. All are welcome! We hope to see you there.

Questions? Please contact Elena at 860-716-6467

Fitness Taichi Fitness Club Every Wednesday, 6:45am Blakely Hall

The ancient Chinese martial art, Taichi, will be offered every Wednesday at Blakely Hall. Participation is free; a donation of a nonperishable food item for the Food Bank is encouraged.

Contact: taichifitness_IH@outlook.com

Hatha Yoga Classes Saturday Every Saturday, 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, contact deyiny@microsoft.com

*All Events are FREE unless otherwise noted.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

May 2017 •

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Running Club

Every Saturday, 8am Central Park Tennis Courts

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

Yami Yoga Classes Sunday Every Sunday, 7:45am Blakely Hall

Join these free yoga classes for a systematic organized teaching as it is supposed to be, as opposed to treating yogasanas as mere exercises. Yoga guru Kiran Balijepalli will not only teach correct physical posture, but also explain the conceptual basis for these different yogasanas. No prior experience required. Please bring your own yoga mat and do not eat anything for at least two hours before (except drinking coffee/tea/milk/water).

Contact: srik.satya@gmail.com

Zumba Fitness® Class Every Tuesday, 7pm Every Saturday, 9am Cancelled May 30th Blakely Hall

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.

Special Interest Book Club

Location & Dates vary

The book club is a great place to meet neighbors and explore a variety of books. Date and location sometimes change, so be sure to email lindsey8@gmail.com to be added to the Facebook group.

CERT Team 9 Meeting Wednesday, May 3rd, 6:30pm Blakely Hall Emergency Preparedness

CERT Team 9 is a group of Issaquah Highlands residents trained to respond to a community crisis when deployed by the City of Issaquah. This group meets regularly to practice skills, share ideas, and promote community outreach regarding personal emergency preparedness in our community. If you are interested in becoming a CERT volunteer see issaquahcitizencorps.org for more information. If you are already CERT trained from a different municipality and would like to join CERT Team 9 contact Brenda Bramwell BrendaB@issaquahwa.gov at the City of Issaquah Emergency Managment office to register yourself as an emergency worker.

Then join us!

Entrepreneur Club Sunday, May 28th, 7:30pm Cancelled May 14th Blakely Hall

Are you a small business owner or an entrepreneur looking to kick off a business idea? This is an opportunity for IH entrepreneurs to gather and be a resource for each other. Join us to meet like-minded entrepreneurs, learn about what’s working for others and bounce ideas for feedback. Here’s a chance to extend your network of support. For more information, contact: Johnathan Chu johnnychu@outlook.com

Meaningful Movie

Wednesday, May 24th, 6:30pm Blakely Hall May Movie: The Invisibles

Meaningful Movies provides social justice and environmental documentary films followed by community discussion.

Europe is in the grip of an immigration crisis: people from Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere are arriving in ever greater numbers. The Invisibles (2016, Directed by Benjamin Kahlmeyer) follows four migrants from Syria, Kenya and Cameroon as they wade through Germany’s rigorous immigration process and await the final verdict on their applications for asylum. meaningfulmovies.org/neighborhoods/issaquah-wa/

Toastmasters Club

Every Wednesday, 7am Swedish Medical Center 2nd Floor Conference Center

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.

Wine Club

Friday, May 12th, 7pm Blakely Hall

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.

Don’t Miss This!

HY Night at the Carnival Friday, June 2nd, 5pm Blakely Hall

The HY (Highlands Youth Advisory Board) is hosting an end-of-school-year Night at the Carnival celebration and ALL Issaquah Highlands Middle and High School students are invited! Enjoy carnival arcade games, Dante’s Inferno (Hot) Dogs, cotton candy and more! Admission is FREE if pre-registered by May 26th. Admission is $5 at the door if not pre-registered. Sign up at IssaquahHighlands.com.

Governance Mtgs IHCA Architectural Review Committee

Tuesday, 5/2, 6pm IHCA Office

IHCA Finance Committee Tuesday, 5/9, 5:30 pm IHCA Office

Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group Wednesday, 5/9, 5pm, Blakely Hall

IHCA Board of Directors

Wednesday, 5/24, 5:30 pm, IHCA Office Meetings are subject to change.

See Calendar at issaquahhighlands.com for more information or date changes.

For City of Issaquah governance meetings, see http://issaquahwa.gov and Issaquah City News in this issue.

City Meetings City Council Land and Shore Committee Thursday, May 4th, 6:30pm

City Council Public Hearing

1st Amendment to WSDOT DA, New Polygon DA Monday, May 15th, 7pm Council Chambers The proposed 9th Amendment to the Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement (DA) came before the UVDC and City Council in 2016. In April, the City revised the 9th Amendment, considering two new elements to the proposal: a 1st Amendment to the WSDOT DA and a new DA for Polygon Westridge development.

Holidays

Community-Wide Garage Sale

Cinco de Mayo

Whether it’s called a yard sale or a garage sale, it’s a summer tradition. The semi-annual Issaquah Highlands community garage sales are scheduled for June 17, 2017 and September 16, 2017. These are the ONLY times during the year that IH residents are allowed to have a garage sale on their property. Highlands Council advertises the sale in many media. You provide your own signs to direct shoppers to your home/garage.

Mother’s Day

Saturday, June 17th, 9am - 4pm #IHGarageSale

Paws on Patrol

Thursday, June 1st, 7pm Blakely Hall See page 10.

Highlands Day

Saturday, August 26th Village Green Park and Blakely Hall

Once upon a time, in a village on a hillside in the land of Issaquah, the people declared, “Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The 26th day of the month of August, in the year of two-thousandseventeen, has been pronounced Highlands Day!” Royalty, knights, jesters and the like marked their calendars in anticipation of this day to celebrate the fairy-tale life that is living in Issaquah Highlands! On festival day, all the storybook characters from everyone’s favorite classic tales will come to life as we enjoy live entertainment, hearty fare, and medieval fun. Booth space available. See more at IssaquahHighlands.com.

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Friday, May 5th

Sunday, May 14th

Bike to Work Day Friday, May 19th

Ramadan starts Saturday, May 27th

Memorial Day Monday, May 29th

*May is National Bike Month

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ISSAQUAH CITY NEWS

Issaquah Job Fair: Find the Right Position for You Take the next step in your job search! Attend the Issaquah Job Fair with more than 30 local employers. The fourth-annual event is free and open to all ages, with a focus on job seekers ages 16 to 24. Questions? Contact Candice Baer via email at CandiceB@issaquahwa. gov or at 425-837-3450. See issaquahwa.gov for more information, including confirmed employers attending.

Issaquah Job Fair Pickering Barn 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah May 2, 2017, 2-5 pm

For Employers: Open to Issaquah businesses only; Access to more than 200 job seekers; Complete your application for a free booth For Job Seekers: Free to attend; Access to more than 30 employers that have openings now; Free one-on-one resume review and interviewing tips appointments available The job fair is sponsored by the City of Issaquah, Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, Issaquah School District and Workforce Development Council of SeattleKing County.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah is StormReady

Thanks to the hard work of our emergency management team, the City of Issaquah was recently recognized as a StormReady community by the National Weather Service. StormReady communities, organizations and businesses are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through advanced planning, education and awareness.

No community is stormproof — but StormReady can help communities save lives.

StormReady uses a grassroots approach to help communities respond to extreme weather. The program helps communities respond to hazardous weather by providing emergency managers with clear-cut guidelines on how to improve their hazardous weather operations.

You can prepare your home and family for extreme weather as well. To learn more about how to prepare, go to issaquahwa.gov/em.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

La Boutique Jolie Celebrates First Anniversary

cause. Recent beneficiaries include Eastside Baby Corner and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Robin Sofola and Andrea Pohle opened La Boutique Jolie in Grand Ridge Plaza in May 2016.

La Boutique Jolie’s first year in Issaquah Highlands has flown by. Founded by eastside entrepreneurs Robin Sofola and Andrea Pohle, the women’s fashion shop opened in May 2016 at the corner of Park and Highlands Drives.

“It seems like yesterday that we developed the concept of a boutique where women could feel good about themselves and have fun shopping, while at the same time empowering women near and far by supporting female designers and ethical manufacturing standards,” recalls Pohle.

“We also built philanthropy into the business plan to support charitable organizations that make our communities stronger, and this has created wonderful relationships with customers and residents alike.”

Each month, La Boutique Jolie hosts “shop-for-thecause” events that fulfill a dual role: raising funds for nonprofit organizations and raising awareness for their

“We are so blessed and grateful for the support of this beautiful community and, thanks to the community, we’ve achieved our vision,” said Sofola. “La Boutique Jolie thanks everyone in Issaquah Highlands for welcoming us. Our hope is that we continue to grow, bringing eastside women beautiful and unique fashions they can’t find anywhere else, and continuing to partner with nonprofit organizations for the greater good.”

La Boutique Jolie features fashions, footwear, accessories and more for the Northwest life style, including designs by Elana Kattan, Desigual, Joseph Ribkoff, Petit Pois, and Laura Hlavac. The shop also partners with Northwest jewelry designers, offering artists an exclusive venue to showcase their work. La Boutique Jolie is proud to feature fashion lines made in the U.S. and Canada.

May 2017 •

DOING BUSINESS Patio Happy Hours For anyone who loves dining out, happy hour is one of the restaurant world’s greatest inventions. Now that the weather’s warmer, happy hour is moving outdoors. Here’s a look at patio happy hours close to home in Issaquah Highlands.

Agave Cocina & Tequilas | agavecocina.com Tacos $4; Diablo Wings $7 Signature margarita $7.50 Dos XX draft beer $4.50 Hours: Everyday 3:30pm - 6pm and again from 9pm - close.

Bai Tong Thai | baitongrestaurant.com Chicken satay with house-made peanut sauce $4.50; Spring Rolls $3.50 Columbia Valley house wine $4.50 Singha beer $2.50 Hours: Everyday 3 pm to 6 pm. Sundays through Thursdays 8 pm to 9 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 9 pm to 10 pm.

Big Fish Grill | thebigfishgrill.com Clam chowder $4; Alaskan cod fish and chips $6; Seafood jambalaya $8 Draft beer $2 off; Select wines by the glass $2 off Hours: Everyday 3 pm to 6 pm and again from 9 pm to close. (Drink specials are only available Sunday through Thursday.)

Chinoise Sushi Bar & Asian Grill | chinoisecafe.com Draft Kirin Ichiban Lager, Space Dust IPA beer $4.50 Plus rotating sake and wine specials California roll $4; six-piece chicken gyoza $4; jicama summer rolls $5 Hours: Everyday 4:30 pm to 6 pm.

RAM Restaurant & Brewery | theram.com Pretzels and beer cheese fondue, BBQ chicken quesadilla or boneless wings $7.50 18 oz. flagship beers $4 House wines $5 Well drinks $5.50 Hours: Monday through Friday 3 pm to 6 pm and again from 10 pm to close.

Sip at the wine bar & restaurant | siprestaurant.com Wines by the glass, house spirits and house martinis $7 Sip sweet roll sliders and deviled eggs, $3 off.

Hours: Everyday 4 pm to 6 pm and again from 9 pm to close.

Zeek’s Pizza | zeekspizzaissaquah.com Microbrews $3.50 House wines by the glass $3.75 Well drinks $4.00 Small pizza ½ price Hours: Monday through Friday 2 pm to 5 pm and again from 9 pm to close.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

May 2017 •

HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

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 climbing structure at the park off Harrison St. I was able to see both Bellevue and Seattle from this park, although it was tough to get them both in the photo. It’s a lovely view in any weather (even snowy days!).

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The Selling of Online Activity Data…

by Frank Pineau, General Manager, Highlands Fiber Network (HFN)

There has been quite a bit of news lately relative to Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) ability to sell details of on-line activity to advertisers. Since HFN is the major internet provider in the Issaquah Highlands, we thought we’d dig into the details of the congressional bills and their impact to the Issaquah Highlands.

The actual bills, U.S. Senate Joint Resolution Bill #34, and U.S. House Resolution Bill #230, maintain the status quo. Why is this an issue? The previous administration adopted an FCC rule that would limit the ability for ISP’s to sell online activity data. That rule was not going into effect till later this year. These bills stop that former rule from being enacted.

Correct guesses were submitted by: Thanks to everyone who participated!

Melinda Berardi Heather Krabbe Mousumi Chatterjee

Dream Dasgupta Summer Dasgupta

ISP’s such as Comcast, Wave Broadband, CenturyLink and others can profit by selling your customer data. (They have large scale servers that can store this data). This data most likely would indicate viewing or purchasing history by demographic, allowing advertisers to target you by your activity. This data is tied to your IP address, but since you’re a customer, they kind of know who you are.

If you have a Fred Meyer rewards card, you get coupons specific to the products you buy often. The difference here is you opted into this program by signing up.

As it stands today, ISP’s can sell your data anyway, but most don’t. (You may have noticed that some retailers make it a point to tell you that they won’t sell your data to a third party). The FCC rule that is being stopped would have required the ISP to have customers “op-in” to allow selling their data. What will most likely happen now is you would need to “op-out” to block your ISP from this activity. (The major ISP’s have promised to do this). This could be buried in the ISP’s website, may take an email, phone call, etc. It’s not in their interest to make it obvious or easy. So, the previous rule set privacy by default, now it will be privacy only if opting out.

Now some good news: HFN is a community-owned fiber optic network with no ties to any major ISP’s or investors. Our governance is comprised of a Board of Directors who live in the Highlands, and oversee all aspects of the network. HFN has neither the desire nor resources to monitor anyone’s internet activity. Our goal is to deliver the fastest, most reliable internet service at a great price. We do however monitor overall traffic volumes to ensure we can provide adequate bandwidth to our customers. (HFN routinely tunes our network configuration to allow for peak periods of activity)

This month’s photo is below. Can you identify the location in this picture?

Fiber to the home, community owned!

In sum, our HFN customers can continue to watch the Eagle Nests, or check in to see if April the giraffe has given birth, without getting targeted by National Geographic ads.

Editor’s Update, April 20, 2017 HB 2200 passed the Washington State House of Representatives by a vote of 87-10 restricting Broadband internet access service providers from selling or transferring personally identifiable information, including browsing history, without a customer’s permission, “opt-in”.

SB 5919, the Senate’s equivalent, did not make it out of committee in 2017’s regular session. If the legislature goes into special session, the bill will likely come back for consideration.

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.

Responses will be accepted until Friday, May 12th. 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 Ben and Jerry’s. Everyone who responds with a correct guess will be entered to win. Every correct guess is an entry!

The Photo Treasure hunt is coordinated by volunteer Chelsea Musick of the Central Park neighborhood.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

LIFE IN THE U.S.A.

Culture is People

by Anita Ayela, The Cottages ( www.lifeintheusa.org ) Whenever I step into the Safeway in the Highlands, I see a new celebration on the shelves…

Thanksgiving, Easter, Hanukkah and the like. So is it when I go to Blakely Hall… the different cultural clubs we have is noteworthy… the Chinese club, the Russian club, the Spanish club and the Indian club.

When someone talks about multicultural in the US, it is usually about the different nationalities living in the country. But, in India, cultural differences start right next door! Yes, seriously!

India is a country of multi-religions, multicommunities and multi-languages. And so, every house is different, every nook and corner has a different culture. Well, that might be a little exaggerating but not totally false.

It is so nice to celebrate different festivals in India due to these different religions. Even in the same religion, different states have different festivals and culture. And people from the same state have different dialects of the state language who in turn have different customs and traditions. Believe it or not, in East, West, North and South India, people have totally different cultures, though all of us are Indians! Since we see so much variation in India, it is easy for Indians to adjust in any country.

“Looking at the highlands people and their multicultures, I feel nostalgic, as it reminds me of the metropolitan city I grew up in in India.”

It may sound cliched, but culture is people and people make culture. After coming to the Issaquah Highlands, I realized that there are so many different cultures residing around me.

My neighbors are different: one family Ukrainian, one from Taiwan, one from Spain and I am from India. Looking at the Highlands’ people and their multi-cultures, I feel nostalgic, as it reminds me of the metropolitan city I grew up in in India. I grew up with friends from different states, from Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. This variation and this co-existence of different people is what is the need of the day in the US, in particular, and the world, in general.

Here, in the US, when I started teaching in schools, I saw that multi-cultures are prominent in the US. Right from the teachers to the students, everyone is from a different country and has a different culture. Teachers from Czech Republic, Spain, India, and Iran happily exchange talk about their countries. We pick up a word or two from different languages too as we speak and listen, which makes it more fun. We celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day and Diwali with the same gusto and cheer. We have cultural day, when kids dress up according to their culture, and we have potlucks which are cultural in nature. Culture is celebrated in the US as much as it is in India, though the basic meaning of the word is different.

HOLIDAYS IN THE HIGHLANDS

Counting Your Blessings: A Ramadan Reflection

by Nada Alwarid, Issaquah Highlands Resident

The collective of a nation’s blessings and salvation comes with its people’s hard work. That work comes in various forms, one of which is faith-inspired observance of the body and soul. And just as we prayed for accepted deeds and bountiful blessings from the just departed Christian Lent and Jewish Passover, we raise our hands in prayer for God to bless our efforts with Ramadan.

Food during Ramadan is a subject of its own. Because Muslims are of vastly different cultures and backgrounds (North and South American, African, Asian, European, Australian, etc.), the showdown in cuisine and special Ramadan desserts is a joyous experience.

People and organizations host interfaith iftars (breaking of the fast), small and large iftars with family, neighbors, and friends.

We’re about to welcome the birth of another moon, ushering in the start to the Holy month of Ramadan. This year it falls on May 27th, 2017 (Ramadan 1st, 1438 in the Hijri lunar calendar). Muslims in America and around the world will observe the month of fasting.

Willingly abstaining from food, and grappling with your inner self, requires a higher level of resolve. Combined with the realization of having food, the meaning of a blessing and Divine provision come to life! At the time of breaking the fast, an observer says a silent prayer whilst taking a sip of water and eating a date. In that little moment, an observer is truly alone with their creator - living a profound moment of gratitude. That little moment reminds us of others around the world, who are hunger-stricken, out of their own volition; those who are unwillingly holding endless fasts.

That seemingly insignificant act of swallowing a sip of water is an immense blessing. Take a moment to contemplate that…

“Oh you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you, as it has been prescribed upon those who came before you, so that you might attain piety/ God consciousness.” – Qur’an [2:183] Ramadan’s significance. Muslims believe that during this holy month, the final testament -the Qur’an- was revealed to Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him, PBUH) through the Archangel Gabriel (PBUH), reaffirming and building upon tenets of preceding Abrahamic sacred scriptures, including the Bible and the Torah.

Who cannot fast? Children, pregnant, nursing, or menstruating women, the elderly, travelers, or anyone with a chronic health condition for whom fasting would be harmful. Otherwise, ablebodied adults fast from sunrise to sundown (abstaining from food and drinks).

Charitable engagement and community building take a whole other magnanimous meaning during Ramadan. The blessings and forgiveness of the month are earned through its observers’ servitude towards mankind. For an ordinary person like me, observing the intensified level of devotion and selflessness of Muslims during this month is tremendously humbling and awe-inspiring.

Ramadan is a time of year everyone looks forward to, from young to old! What’s not to love when you’re serving the community more, improving yourself, making crafts, decorating homes, sharing delicious foods, connecting with others, feeling blessed, and praying for one another? Ramadan is like Christmas; you feel it in the air!

I urge you to connect with Muslims this Ramadan! Ask questions, get to know your Highland Muslim neighbors. You’ll be glad you did. There are also many interfaith opportunities around our wonderful state.

I wish you all a happy and blessed Ramadan!

Both examples were baked by the author, Nada Alwarid.

Baklawa – Nut-filled phyllo dough, with syrup drizzle. Cut in geometrical shapes.

Kunafa - Kataifi dough filled with sweet cheese, soaked in syrup, served hot while cheese is still nice and melted.

Author’s absolute favorite!

Issaquah Highlands Connections

May 2017 •

23

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

What’s in Your Go-Bag This Season?

by Amanda Keverkamp, CERT Team 9, Resident of Crofton Springs

If you are anything like me, you are welcoming summer with open arms. As we do, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about switching over some of the items in our emergency kits and go-bags to account for the welcomed change in the weather.

• Keeping a two-week supply of medications, prescription and non-prescription,

For allergy sufferers, you know just how difficult life can be when you go to grab that box of allergy medicine and lo and behold, it’s gone! Imagine dealing with a disaster without that medication – and possibly not getting any for several days… or weeks! Gulp!

• Have on hand, extra contact lenses and supplies, extra eyeglasses and extra batteries for hearing aids.

The next time you are at the store picking up that allergy medication, pick up an extra box to toss into your emergency kit.

While we’re on the topic, it’s a good idea to squirrel away some of those important medications you need. Do you know what you would do if power was out for an extended period of time and your pharmacy couldn’t fill your prescription? FEMA recommends:

• Keeping copies of your medical records, • Have copies of prescriptions for medical equipment, supplies and medications on hand,

Sunscreen is another item to consider adding to your kit. Also think about throwing in a hat or bandana to help withstand the sun and heat.

When you’re at the store picking up that extra sunscreen, allergy medicine, and other seasonal necessities, pick up an extra can or two of dog and cat food. Our pets are members of our family, so they should be included in our preparations too!

May Gardening Adventure

LIVING GREEN

by Susie Sharp, the Brownstones

Finally, we are here! I’ve been so ready for the warmer temperatures and longer hours of sunshine that May provides. And it isn’t just my perception …In most years, Seattle averages a daily maximum temperature for May that’s between 63 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, the hours of sunshine average 15. The season’s sunshine lifts my spirits, brightens my house and inspires me to head outdoors.

I have a confession. I have never been a gardener and have always been in awe of green fingered folk. I have tended to be of the opposite variety – I bring a perfectly healthy plant into my life and within a matter of weeks it will be begging for mercy. To make matters worse, I used to have a cat who delighted in converting plants into his personal chew toys, bad for him and the plants.

This year I am taking a different approach. I have been researching the ways a garden neophyte might actually become a gardener and an environmentally friendly model at that. For those of you who also fancy a little experiment into the living green world, here is what I learned: Water Usage, Recycling Water: Consider collecting rainwater in a sturdy rain barrel. Not only can this be used for watering lawns and gardens, it also reduces storm runoff. The key things to remember are to use a screen to keep out insects and other debris, and to use it on a regular basis.

Water Usage, Use Less: Watering in the early morning is best to minimize waste through evaporation. Soaker hoses are more efficient than traditional sprinklers. Being mindful of water usage will reduce your utility bill also, so it’s a double benefit.

Quality Soils: Soil quality can be greatly improved with compost. Not only does it enrich the soil but it also

improves soil aeration, texture and drainage. Choose organic soil amendments in keeping with Issaquah Highlands Living Green standards.

Native Plants: Native plants require less work to maintain, eliminating the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Bees and butterflies in particular will appreciate a pesticide-free garden in their role as pollinators.

Edibles: Tomatoes are a popular and tasty option. Did you know that that Americans are second only behind Italians in their consumption of tomatoes? Growing herbs are another attractive and fragrant option.

P-Patches: For those who wish to be outdoors and social, Issaquah Highlands has 130 community garden patches. Contact Highlands Council if you are interested.

Container Gardening: For those without actual gardens, like me, there are still options. Flowers and edibles can be grown in planters and hanging boxes.

Consider living green with planters that are recycled or reuse something you already own. See this month’s IHCA pages for great design instructions for container gardens, on page 13.

You can educate yourself from the comfort of your home by visiting issaquahhighlands.com/learn, choose IHCA and then scroll to Water-Wise Living in Issaquah Highlands. Also see: kingcounty.gov/services/environment/stewardship/ nw-yard-and-garden.aspx. It offers a wealth of detailed information including a helpline. For further inspiration pay a visit to Issaquah’s Squak Mountain Nursery. I talked to the knowledgeable Susan Maki whose passion for all flora is positively delightful.

Let the gardening begin!

PLANTS TO CONSIDER Edible Container Garden: Basil Calendula Chives Bloody Sorrel Kale Marigold Calendula Lettuce Nasturtiums Drought Tolerant Plants: Heather Bergenia Virburnum Salvia Juniper Distyillium Ruebeckia NW Natives: Kinnikinnick Deer Fern Columbine Giant Camas Goldenrod Serviceberry Oregon Grape Mock Orange Huckleberry Salmonberry Oceanspray

Basil for the container gardener.

Edibile Container Garden.

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May 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

BLAKELY HALL ART GALLERY

Landscape Show Continues, 20+ Paintings Exhibit open through June 19th, Monday – Friday 8am-5pm

Exhibit Sponsors: Issaquah Highlands Council, 4Culture, City of Issaquah, Protingent Staffing, Rowley Properties, Shelter Holdings and Aero Safety Graphics The landscape paintings of artEAST members, Britt Greenland, Diana Grant and John Tubbs continue to delight art lovers at Blakely Hall. These three artists work in Plein Air, painting outside to embrace the elements and making that first-hand connection to the environment that they skillfully capture. This method of working has many challenges as well as many delights. The “success” of a painting is less predictable, due to the uncontrolled conditions. Being immersed in the atmosphere of the scene that

they are responding to, produces a very authentic representation and intriguing narrative.

To complement their work in Plein Air, there will also be a selection of landscape work that has been created in the studio.

This makes for an interesting contrast to compare the two methods of working.

For more information see arteast.org/2017/03/exhibit-landscape-adventure/

Wishing You and Your Families Peace and Harmony during the Holy Month of Ramadan

Issaquah Highlands Connections

May 2017 •

LEO’s Dan Has Strong Issaquah Ties

25

MEET LEO HOUSE

by Fred Nystrom, Life Enrichment Options (LEO) Executive Director Like most residents in one of the three homes belonging the Life Enrichment Options (LEO) Dan was raised and schooled in Issaquah. While in school, he volunteered with his parents, Ed and Carol, to help start the local car shows at XXX Root Beer on Gilman Blvd. The proceeds from the car shows were donated to LEO to help finance the construction of the Rose House, the first LEO house to be specially designed to accommodate residents with developmental disabilities.

Dan graduated from Issaquah High School in 1995. The school district now graduates close to 200 young people with developmental disabilities each decade. Like Dan, most want to stay in the community they know, hold on to their friends, get a job and have a place of their own to live.

LEO is a parent and communitybased organization that provides a quality life for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Dan has been one of the lucky ones, as he has accomplished all these goals. For the past 18 years, Dan has been employed by the SanMar Corporation. As he explains, “I work in the warehouse and am responsible to sort the various orders so that each person receives the correct color and size of the shirts they order. I think this is important and have been getting 100% accuracy in my shipments.”

Apparently, Marty Lott, the SanMar President also thinks this accuracy is important and stated in a letter to Dan, “I am truly honored to share my thanks and appreciation of all your hard work over the years. You’ve demonstrated excellent dedication and commitment to the company and your individual contributions have helped to make SanMar everything that it is today.” Accompanying the letter was a very generous bonus.

Dan moved into the Angela House on 25th Ave. in Issaquah Highlands in June of 2013. His bedroom is decorated with photos of the 1940 Ford Coupe Deluxe that he helped his dad restore. Ed smiles as he relates back to those days of working together, “Dan is always a stickler for details. In fact, after I painted the Coupe, Dan intimately inspected the paint and pointed out areas that were not done correctly. He is also a very good welder.”

Dan loves his Bob Marley music and relishes his collection of John Wayne movies. He tells me that he is still missing some of the movies, so if you have any John Wayne movies on DVD that you are not using, I know a young man who would appreciate adding them to his collection.

Ed and Carol continue to bring Dan along on family trips, having been to Cabo San Lucas, on an Alaska cruise and to the Caribbean.

Dan is very easy going, shows his enthusiasm with his deep and hearty laugh and big smile. When asked if there is anything he does not like, he thought for a moment and then said, “I don’t care for people with bad attitudes.” And who does?!!

Dan of LEO House in Issaquah Highlands grew up in Issaquah and is happy to continue to make his home here.

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May 2017

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

by Tracie Jones, Wisteria Park

Issaquah School District

Grand Ridge Elementary

5/10 5/22 5/24 5/29

5/1 - 3 5/5 5/16 5/17 5/24 5/25 5/25 5/26

issaquah.wednet.edu

School Board Meeting @ 7:00 P.M Secondary Math Curriculum Preview Night School Board Meeting @ 7:00 P.M Memorial Day– No School

Issaquah School Foundation

isfdn.org 5/11 5/17

Nourish Every Mind Luncheon Nourish Every Mind Breakfast

Challenger Elementary challengerpta.org

5/5 5/12 5/16 5/19 5/20 5/31

Popcorn Friday Parents Night Out PTA General Membership Meeting Art Walk Mariners Baseball Family Night Scholastic Book Fair

Clark Elementary

clarkpta.org

MAY EVENTS

Issaquah Highlands Connections

5/3 5/10 5/11 5/17 5/22 5/25 5/31

1st Grade Concert 1st Grade Concert 2nd Grade Concert 5th Grade Concert 4th Grade Concert Author Visit: Kelly Milner Halls Kindergarten Concert

Endeavour Elementary endeavourptsa.org

5/1 - 5 5/2 5/2 5/5 5/18

Screen-Free Week Class Pictures Banking Day Popcorn Friday Art Walk

Nourish Every Mind May 11th & 17th

Issaquah Schools Foundation’s Nourish Every Mind fundraising events are right around the corner!

Online Auction • Open until May 8, 2017 • isfdn.org/auction Don’t miss your opportunity to bid on several one-of-a-kind items!

Luncheon • Thursday, May 11, 2017 • Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Doors open at 11:00 am, with a wine wall, Issaquah Schools Foundation displays, time for networking, & more.

Breakfast • Wednesday, May 17, 2017 • Eastridge Church, Issaquah • 7:30 am – 8:30 am Doors open at 7:00 am, with Issaquah Schools Foundation displays, time for networking, and breakfast buffet.

The Issaquah Schools Foundation creates limitless opportunities for every student in every school by leveraging partnerships across the community. The Foundation manages more than 40 programs that help fill the gaps not funded by the state and champions innovative ideas throughout the school district. Attend one of our Nourish Every Mind fundraising events, learning more about what the Foundation does, and donating to support our students. Generous sponsors pay for the cost of the event, so your donation goes directly to support students.

Pennies for Patients Cancer Drive - PCMS Fundraiser

Please join PCMS as we challenge the community to raise over $1000 for kids with cancer, benefiting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. PCMS ASB Leadership Program will be asking each student to raise $1.00 (or more!) through small change, loose pennies, sidewalk nickels, and single bills, making the little things into a collective contribution to ERASE CANCER. During the first week of May, students can bring in a few coins, dollars to donate in Lynx Life. Wednesday, May 3rd, parents can generously donate by “honking and waving” and contributing at the A.M. school drop off. For every $166 raised, the ASB will erase one of the giant letters spelling out CANCER! Together, we can ERASE CANCER!

grandridgeptsa.org

5th Grade Camp Coleman Popcorn Friday 3rd Grade Concert After School Movie - Peanuts Bear Hunt for New Students, @ 5:00 P.M. PTSA General Membership Meeting Xylophone and Marimba Concert Grizzly Guys Recess

Issaquah Middle School issaquahmiddleptsa.org 5/3 5/23 5/24

Mid-Trimester #3 Spring Orchestra Concert PTSA General Membership Meeting

Pacific Cascade Middle School

pacificcascadeptsa.org 5/1 - 5 5/3 5/4 5/16 5/25 5/31

Pennies for Patients Coin Drive Mid-Trimester #3 NJHS Mandatory Meeting NJHS Induction Ceremony PTSA General Membership Meeting Celebrations of Cultures

Gibson Ek High School GibsonEk.org 5/18

PTSA General Membership Meeting

Issaquah High School

issaquahhighptsa.org 5/2 5/12 5/18 5/31

Senior Community Service Hours Due PTSA General Membership Meeting Instrumental Music Concert Final Band Concert

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

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Endeavour Annual Art Walk

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Budding artists abound! Join the PTSA for an evening celebrating the talented artists at Endeavour Elementary, on May 18th at the annual spring Art Walk. Families enjoy walking around our school where the walls and hallways will be dedicated to beautiful, artistic displays, representing every classroom. The Art Walk is generously funded and sponsored by the PTSA Discover Art program, through countless volunteer docent hours, and many helping hands within the school. Afterward, continue the creativity with local artists, and other hands-on activities for the entire family to enjoy, as well as free ice cream sundaes!

Clark Wins KATERI BROW Grant to Stock New Art Rooms

Thank you to the Issaquah Schools Foundation for awarding Clark Elementary with a Kateri Brow grant to help set up art stations in our new building. Kateri Brow Grants are awarded to encourage continuous improvement in educational programs that reflect vision and innovation, throughout ISD. We’re over the moon excited! A special thank you to Clark parents and PTA leaders! Way to go Clark Sharks!

PTSA Golden Acorn Recipients

Congratulations, and a huge round of applause to Lisa Kim, Tim Ryan, and Brandy Falk, from Grand Ridge Elementary, and Lisa Callan from Pacific Cascade Middle School for being honored as Golden Acorn, Outstanding Advocates, and Outstanding Educator recipients. The 2016-2017 PTSA Awards celebrates these committed individuals in appreciation for their dedication and service in our schools, community, and on behalf of our kids! Thank you for your exemplary volunteer service!!!!

Grand Ridge Open Enrollment and Bear Hunt for New Families

Open Registration for New Students (Grades 1-5) is currently underway. New student registration packets are available in the school office. Students currently attending Grand Ridge, or students returning to Grand Ridge from Endeavour and Challenger for 1st grade DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER. The Grand Ridge PTSA will host their annual “Bear Hunt” on May 24th, from 5:00-6:00 PM. New incoming students and their families take a self-guided tour of the school, check out the cafeteria, library, playground, and even a classroom. Members of the PTSA help answer questions along the way. New families are welcome to this event, especially graduating kindergarteners from neighboring elementary schools.

IHS National Merit Finalists

Issaquah High School senior, and Issaquah Highlands resident, Christopher Park has been named as a National Finalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. National Merit Scholarships competition recognizes and honors academically talented students across the United States.

Congratulations, Christopher!

IHS Senior Baccalaureate Auditions Attention Seniors: Baccalaureate Auditions are coming!

May 2017 •

Baccalaureate is a great way to celebrate the culmination of your high school experience with classmates, family, friends, and the IHS community. We are looking for musicians, singers, dancers, poetry readers and other talented individuals to proudly showcase the many talents of our 2017 graduating class. Auditions will be held mid-May, along with forms and sign-ups in the main office. See issaquahhighptsa.org/Page/SeniorEvents/Baccalaureate for more information.

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Issaquah Youth Advisory Board

The City of Issaquah’s Youth Advisory Board is now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year. All students currently in grades 5-11 are welcome to apply. The Youth Advisory Board is made up of representatives from every Issaquah middle and high schools.

Representatives of the homeschool population, and youth who live within the Issaquah School District, but attend other schools, are welcome to apply as well. Board member terms are one school year. For more information and applications, visit ci.issaquah.wa.us. Applications due Friday, May 12, 2017. Questions, contact Cathy Jones, at CJones@IssaquahWA.gov. Join us to make a difference in the lives of our community’s youth!

CELEBRATIONS OF CULTURE NIGHT PCMS is excited to be hosting its first ever Celebrations of Culture Night, on May 31st, from 5:30-7:30pm, celebrating our rich, multifaceted diversity, through food, music, art, and traditions. We are looking for parents and students willing to host country-themed tables and performing. Interested or questions? Please contact Laura Meserole, PCMS counselor, at 425-837-5914 or meserolel@issaquah.wednet.edu. Thank you!

IMS Catch Up Café

The PTSA has partnered with IMS to run Catch Up Café, a lunchtime program that allows kids to catch up on missing assignments while eating lunch! Teachers ask students to attend Catch Up Café, and provide classroom materials to work on missing assignments and projects. Volunteers are needed to take attendance, engage students in missing work, and remind kids who forget to come. A teacher will always be present to help with curriculum content and management. Catch Up Café is great way to interact with students, while making a huge difference at IMS. Contact Tara Moe, at Tara.Moe@Comcast. net. Volunteer sign up for Catch Up Café, signupgenius.com/go/20f0d49aaae2cabfc1-catch.

Select ParentWiser Presentations Now ONLINE

Did you miss Amy Lang’s talk on Birds+Bees+Kids, or a different live ParentWiser educational talk, focused on bringing parents the latest research and information to become the most effective parents they can be? If so, not to worry! Our amazing student and parent volunteers recorded some of the talks. Twenty-eight online Parent Ed talks, from NextGenEd, are now available at ParentWiser. org. Audio downloads are included to listen while on-the-go. ParentWiser is thrilled to offer these FREE, with your ISD PTSA membership!! Parentwiser is a 100% volunteer-run, parent education committee for the Issaquah PTSA Council, funded through a partnership with the Issaquah Schools Foundation, Swedish Medical Center Issaquah, and the Issaquah PTSA Council. For more information, questions, registering for other events, visit ParentWiser.org.

Secondary Math Curriculum Adoption Parent Preview Night May 22

Curriculum options for Secondary Math, in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2, will go on display at a parent preview night, Monday, May 22nd, 2017, from 5:30 to 6:30 P.M., at the Issaquah School District Administration Center, located at 565 NW Holly Street. Parents can review material, leave feedback, and provide comments for the materials selection committee and school board to consider regarding the math curricular materials under review.

ISD Community Truancy Board Seeks Volunteers

The Issaquah School District is seeking caring and committed community volunteers for its 2017-18 Issaquah Community Truancy Board. Washington State requires children between the ages of 8 and 18 to attend school, often referred to as the Becca Bill. When a student has seven unexcused absences in one month or ten unexcused absences in a school year, they are considered truant. A Community Truancy Board is comprised of volunteers from the local community to help students re-engage with educational programs, and prevent referral to court due to persistent attendance issues. Volunteers will commit to participating in a half-day of training and to serving on the CTB approximately 3 hours/once a month while school is in session. Questions, contact Barb Johnson, at (425) 837-7085, or johnsonb@issaquah.wednet.edu.

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May 2017

CLUB PROFILE

Club Inclusive Dear Friends!

I’d like to share with you a few exciting things that we have coming up for our amazing club!

In addition to our regular circle time, singing, dancing and fun visits from our friend Sergie, we have special guests who join us and help us continue spreading joy and love in our community! Here are a few of them: In March we welcomed Oriana, a lovely and fun Peruvian actress who has helped many kids find passion for the art of drama. She helped “Create Creativity” through fun and easy to follow movements and dances.

Finding fabulous opportunities that will help us create more fun and unforgettable experiences for the kids is our goal. It feels great to see how much support we receive from all these wonderful people!! We feel very grateful.

We cannot wait to see you all at a meeting! We ask you to please share our information with those families that you think would love being part of this awesome club!

Thanks a bunch - and see you soon!

Alicia Spinner alispinner@yahoo.com

In May we will have another special guest, Susan Creighton, wellness professional, who will come and teach us how to relax and stay healthy through movement and the MELT method (Subundance.com).

Very awesome stuff!!!

In June, the Rovin’ Fiddlers are joining us. They are a wonderful local group of musicians who has been playing together for about 10 years, performing Celtic and “Old Time” tunes in Issaquah and the Eastside community.

They will be playing for us in an interactive and fun performance.

Cooking day at Club Inclusive! The club members learned about making pizza and decorated hats with their name and drawings to show their personality.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Dear Kari, I recently had an uncomfortable exchange with a friend whose mother is dying from cancer.

I asked her how she was doing handling her mother’s impending death and she began to cry uncontrollably. I did not know what to do. I was truly at a loss for words on how best to support her. What would you have done? Why am I so uncomfortable around the topic of death and illness?

- Scared Friend Dear Scared Friend, First, please remind yourself that you attempted to check in on your friend and her ill mother, and that your intentions were good. The fact that you become speechless when she began to cry happens to the best of us. Sometimes, we are stunned by other people’s emotions and find ourselves at a loss for words. In American society, we are only beginning to address topics like death and illness. Most of us have been taught to run away from those words, as if when we use them, something terrible will happen to us or those that we love. Grief, illness, and death are a natural part of a big, long life and while they do not need to be part of our daily conversations, they need to be included in our conversations. I recommend having regular conversations about your values in your life, such as what you would like to happen if you had a sudden health occurrence. Practice offering genuine support where you say what you feel to friends in crisis. This is the best support you can offer. For example, saying, “I am sorry that you are going through this,” can comfort a friend. Listening to their situation without turning the conversation to you or your personal experience is best (e.g. “When my dad had cancer” or “When my grandma died”). You will find yourself in a similar situation again in the future (I promise). Lead with kindness and care, and you will do fine.

- Kari

May 2017 •

29

ASK KARI

Dear Kari, My son is in high school and recently registered for classes for the next school year. He and I struggled with the classes he should take, as he is fearful that if he does not take all advanced classes he will be a failure in life. I have tried to reason with him, that he can aim high but he does not need to stress himself out at the ripe old age of 16. Part of the challenge, is that his school guidance counselor is telling him he must take these classes to get into a good college.

How can I convince him that I am right?

- Frustrated Mom Dear Frustrated Mom, This is a pet peeve of mine today. I see many stressed-out families and adolescents in my practice who are afraid to make the wrong choices for their children and themselves. One’s life needs not be made by the classes they take in high school. While it is important to pay attention to school, grades, and goals, I feel we are overwhelming our children with 4.5 GPA’s, SAT scores, and the fear of choosing wrong. I support you in stabilizing the process, helping your son aim high, but not function from a place of fear. We as parents need to push back and remember that we did not have such pressures when we were in school. We can decide to protect our children from such unrealistic pressures today. Our children will be fine if we support them in growing into who they are meant to be in life (which should be the goal of all parents).

- Kari Do you have a question for Kari? Please email her at askkarioneill@gmail.com. All questions will be answered in upcoming columns. All personal information will remain confidential and not be published.

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.

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May 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

CULTURE THROUGH CUISINE

Culture Through Cuisine – Italy

by Kimberly Collette, Central Park | Photos by Britnae Sanelli

A few years ago, as Domenic Sanelli’s grandfather lay in a hospital bed at the end of his life, Domenic thought he’d bring him one of his favorite Italian dishes, gnocchi with marinara sauce. Domenic remembers that it was a bad batch of gnocchi but he thought, “He has been eating nothing but hospital food. How bad could this gnocchi be?”

Domenic laughs as he recounts his grandfather saying after taking a bite of the gnocchi, “This tastes likes bricks!” “That may have been one of the last things he said to me.” Domenic’s grandfather made sure that Domenic received the family gnocchi recipe before he passed away.

Domenic comes from a proud Italian family. His grandparents spoke “enough” Italian, however it was mostly “swear words.” Members of his family are “very loud, very direct and they don’t hide their feelings,” says Domenic. They tell you when they like something and when they don’t. Britnae, Domenic’s wife, remembers meeting his grandma for the very first time. “You look like a girl from my soap opera. I can’t stand her.” Britnae laughs as she remembers thinking, “Wow, I am making a great first impression!”

Domenic spent two years as a young man in and around Rome, Italy. The food is so fresh and homemade he says. “You can eat tomatoes like an apple.” He learned to speak fluent Italian.

Food is an important tradition in the Sanelli house. Sunday dinners are usually pasta with red sauce or lasagna or gnocchi. A traditional Sanelli Christmas Eve dinner is all seafood. It will have fillet of Sole in breadcrumbs, coconut shrimp, linguini with breadcrumbs, crab legs and maybe a frittata. On Christmas Eve, Domenic’s grandparents would make huge batches of homemade gnocchi and ravioli and send them home in bags with family to be eaten on Christmas Day. Gnnochi “is great any day of the year,” says Domenic. Britnae and Domenic’s three children love them. They also help make them. After the dough is made, it is kneaded on a floured surface and rolled into snakes. Gianni and Sienna help cut the pieces and place them on a tray to be boiled.

Pasta is also often homemade although it takes more “finesse” than gnocchi, which takes more “muscle,” says Domenic. In their kitchen, the dough is mixed with the hook attachment on their kitchenaid but Domenic remembers his grandpa mixing it by hand.

Domenic and Britnae plan to visit Italy soon. Italian cities have inspired their daughter’s names, Siena and Capri. Their son was given a traditional Italian name of Gianni.

Gnocchi

Ingredients & Directions Boil 6 lbs of potatoes 45-50 minutes. Peel the boiled cooked potatoes and rice them.

ef Riced Potatoes Flour Salt Olive Oil Eggs Egg Yolks

13 Cups 6 1/2 Cups 1 tsp 4 Tbsp 6 2

ef Mix the potatoes, flour, salt, olive oil and eggs.

Knead until smooth on a floured pastry board.

Divide the dough. Dust hands with flour and roll pieces into ½ inch in diameter ropes. Cut into 1 inch pieces.

Line pieces up on a pan without them touching. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook a few at a time for 5 minutes.

Keep warm in a buttered dish in the oven set at 150 degrees.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

May 2017 •

DIRECTORY

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL MAIN PHONE: 425-507-1107 IssaquahHighlands.com

MAIN PHONE: 425-427-9257 | AFTER HOURS: 425-223-8887

Responsible for:

IssaquahHighlands.com Responsible for:

Property Management Enforcement of CCRs, Rules, Regs

Architectural Review

Common Area Landscape

Funded by:

Annual IHCA Assessments Neighborhood Assessments

Governing Body

Board of Directors ihcaboard @ihcommunity.org Jim Young, President Rossie Cruz, Vice President Dan Vradenburg, Treasurer Walt Bailey, Secretary Jim Noel , Director Ellina Charipova, Director Rob Knight, Director

Sarah Hoey, Executive Director sarah.h@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1120 Erika North, Senior Community Manager erika.n@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1121 Collene Cordova, Owner Services Coordinator collene.c@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1134 Barbara Uribe, Senior Accountant and Benefits Coordinator barbara.u@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1123 Joon Chang, Director of Accounting joon.c@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1117 Soledad Ruiz, Account receivable specialist soledad.r@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119 Jessica Dorsey, Community Manager jessica.d@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1113 Lyle Dickey, Landscape Manager lyle.d@ihcommunity.org Billing Inquiries payments@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119

HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

Blakely Hall 2550 NE Park Drive Monday–Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

1011 NE High Street Suite 210 Monday–Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Community Events Blakely Hall Community Center

Facility Rentals

Community Garden Facebook E-Letter Connections Newspaper issaquahhighlands.com

Governing Body

Board of Trustees hcbot@ihcouncil.org Larry Norton, President Patrick Byers, Vice President Ami Desai-Mehta, Member Philip Nored, Secretary Ray Besharati, Treasurer Jody Turner, Member Fred Nystrom, Member

Funded by:

Sponsorships/Grants & Advertising Community Enhancement Fees (1/4 of 1% on sale of home) 12¢ per sq. ft. retail/commercial | $50/door per year for apartments Christy Garrard, Executive Director christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1110

Frank Pineau General Manager FPineau@HFN.org Support: 425-427-0999 HighlandsFiberNetwork.com

Governing Body

Board of Directors Larry Norton Allen Enebo Tim Underwood Charlie Herb Emergency: 9-1-1 Issaquah Police (non-emergency) 425-837-3200 WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife 425-775-1311

Nina Milligan, Communications Manager nina.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1111 Brianna Eigner, Blakely Hall Marketing Manager & Special Event Consultant brianna.e@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107 Michele McFarland, Finance Manager & Office Administrator michele.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1108 Vicki Grunewald, Graphic Design & Digital Marketing Coordinator vicki.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1109 Julie Clegg, Creative Coordinator | julie.c@ihcouncil.org

COMMUNITY SERVICES AT BLAKELY HALL

Notary Service by Appointment • Per signature fee applies • Fax Sending & Receiving • Fax sending, local $.50 per page • Fax sending, long distance $1.00 per page • Fax receiving, $.50 per page • Limited B/W Photocopying, $.05 per page • Lost & Found

Emergency Contact Number For after-hours emergencies not involving police and fire response or gas or water main breaks, contact IHCA at 425-223-8887

Weekly E-Letter: Sign up at issaquahhighlands.com

RENTAL FACILITIES

Blakely Hall

Award-winning Blakely Hall has a feeling and comfort of a lodge. It is a wonderful place for parties with 70 or more guests, fund raisers, galas, and any type of reception. Blakely Hall can accommodate up to 200 guests. In addition to the atmosphere Blakely Hall will give you, there is a patio with outdoor seating and BBQ grill that is available for rent.

Blakely Hall Meeting Room

The Conference room is perfect for your meeting or seminar. It is private. It can accommodate up to 46 guests. A screen is provided as well as comfortable conference chairs and tables that can be configured to your liking. There is a wash station, and a countertop to place your refreshments.

To inquire about booking facilities at Blakely Hall, please contact Brianna at 425.507.1107 or email brianna.e@ihcouncil.org

Fire Station Meeting Room

The Fire Station 73 meeting room is great for community or group meetings. It comes with tables and chairs. It can accommodate up to 85 guests in a meeting setting or comfortably 30 guests. There are two whiteboards for writing down your ideas and agenda.

There is also a television with a DVD player for your instructional videos. Because this is a city building they do not allow religious, partisan, or for-profit meetings to take place in this facility. To inquire about booking the Fire Station Meeting Room, please contact Fire Station #73 at 425.313.3373.

CONNECTIONS

Connections is published by the Highlands Council. Our mission is to foster the development of a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, and well-being.

Connections is printed and mailed every month to every Issaquah Highlands residence as well as local Issaquah residents and businesses. For article submissions and advertising sales, contact Nina Milligan at nina.m@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1111 Size Mini (text only): 3” x 3”

$75

Rectangle Vert: 3” x 4.625”

$150

Rectangle Horz: 4.625” x 3”

$150

Square: 4.625” x 4.625”

$195

Quarter Page: 4.625” x 6.25”

$275

Half Page Vert: 4.625” x 13”

$495

Half Page Horz: 9.625” x 6.25”

$495

Full Page: 9.625” x 13”

$950

Discounts available with 3 and 6 month contracts.

We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit to content and length.

We also reserve the right to refuse advertising that in our opinion does not reflect the standards of the newspaper. Opinions or expressed either by paid advertisement or editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of Highlands Council or this newspaper.

Ads are due by the first Friday of the month for the following month’s publication.

For best results with newspaper printing: • Please avoid small text in color or reversed out of color.

• Do not use a built black of CMYK combined. Instead, please setup all black as “K” only.

• Convert all RGB files to CMYK before creating PDF. • 85 line screen and 300 dpi for photos.

• All process color ads should be converted to CMYK. • Acceptable art for use by our production department includes TIFF, JPEG or PDF files.

• Convert all Photoshop files to JPEG or TIFF before sending.

• DO NOT send Quark, Illustrator, Publisher or other native files.

Content and advertising in Connections does not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of the Highlands Council or staff.

On-line advertising available

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May 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections