Connections
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ISSAQUAH HIGHL ANDS
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By Community, for Community May 2018
Photo: Julie Clegg
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Highlands Council Highlands Youth - The HY 20 Years of IH IHCA News, Elections, Homeowner Tips, Etc. Volunteer of the Month Resident Profile What’s Happening Feature: Treasures on the Trail
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Pull Out Map of Trails City News Development News Fitness & Health Living Green Ask Kari School Spotlight Photo Treasure Hunt Highlands Fiber Network Arts and Entertainment
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
FROM THE EDITOR
Spring is finally here, and Issaquah Highlanders are out and about. Have you noticed all the people out on the sidewalks and trails and in the parks? Some are getting exercise or spending time with friends. Some are just enjoying the warm sunshine after the long, dark winter. If you are heading outdoors, where do you go? We guide you to a few “local treasures” in this month’s feature story. Take pages 15-18 on your next Highlands walk. We’ve designed these pages as a pull-out, with a map. Stroll to destinations celebrating the 20 year anniversary of Issaquah Highlands, or go on the Ultimate Photo Treasure Hunt. Volunteer Chelsea Musick showcases special treasures around the Highlands that you might not have noticed before. (Her monthly “hunt” is on page 27.)
But wait – there’s more! With spring comes bears and our annual warnings of what to do, and what not to do, to “coexist with carnivores.” Enjoy stories about sports, including cricket! You will also find ideas for Mother’s Day, hanging flower basket inspiration, community tributes and thank-yous. On the Cover: This lovely photo was taken by Highlands Council photographer (and layout designer for Connections news) Julie Clegg. I love this glimpse into family life of Julie’s husband James, yellow lab Banjo and son Easton enjoying a stroll along a trail in the Dahlia Park neighborhood. 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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June 16th This is one of two annual permitted occasions for a garage sale in Issaquah Highlands. See issaquahhighlands.com/events for more info.
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HIGHLANDS COUNCIL
Pop Up Party: And the Winner is WEST HIGHLANDS PARK! by Christy Garrard, Highlands Council, Executive Director and Dahlia Park Resident
Congratulations to the residents of West Highlands Park! Highlands Council will arrive with the Party Wagon and the Issaquah Ice Cream Trike on Tuesday, May 22nd for a FREE ice cream social from 6:30pm-7:30pm in your neighborhood park. Data from our community-wide survey last January showed Issaquah Highlands residents wished they knew their neighbors better. Pop-Up Parties are a fun way Highlands Council hopes to satisfy that desire. Does your neighborhood love free ice cream? Enter to win a Pop-Up Party at issaquahhighlands.com/ . More Pop-Up Parties are scheduled for June and July. Enter today and check back right here, in the June issue, to see which TWO neighborhoods we will POP UP in next!
Also join us for
Traffic Concerns Community Meeting Wednesday May 16, 7pm Blakely Hall Details on previous page.
SLOW DOWN! Scientists at Play! by Christy Garrard, Highlands Council, Executive Director and Dahlia Park Resident Blakely Hall fills with young scientists beginning June 25th through August 23rd as summer camp programs return to our beloved community center. At press time space is still available in most week-long programs that vary in half and full-day programming. TechVentureKids.org will host camps beginning June 25th that appeal to lovers of Minecraft, coding, robots, and invention (ages 8-11). For tweens, they offer a Java Script camp the week of August 6th. YoungWhizs.com also begins June 25th with a wide variety of weekly camp programs ranging from Bollywood dance and juggling, to mixed media and glass painting art classes, chess, robotics, coding, and 3D printing! DestinationScience.org returns this summer, beginning July 23rd, with programming for young inventors, rocket scientists, and robotic engineers! Seeing these kids launch their rockets in the Village Green Park is a highlight of the summer!
Bricks4Kidz.com is a Lego coding camp offering programming the week of July 16th and August 6th. NourishME! is a cooking camp that will fill the hall with kidmade delicious aromas the week of August 6th and August 20th. This camp is sold out already! We are a tech-oriented community and these camps are extremely popular! ALWAYS remember to drive slowly around the Village Green Park and Blakley Hall as this is a very busy pedestrian area in our community. Keep our young scientists safe as they enjoy a summer of enrichment and inspiration.
HIGHLANDS YOUTH - THE HY
2nd Annual Night at the Carnival Returns to Blakely Hall The HY kicks off the summer season with a fun night of carnival games, prizes, and fun food on Friday, June 1st from 5pm-7pm at Blakely Hall. The event is free for middle and high school students who pre-register by May 26th or pay $5 at the door.
This year the traditional games are back with a few new options added to the mix, including human billiards and a giant Connect 4 game! Admission to Carnival Night includes a Hot Dog by Dante’s Inferno Dogs and an ice cream treat from the Issaquah Ice Cream Trike.
Last year 130 teens enjoyed showing off skee ball skills, testing their strength on the 17’ high striker, and other traditional, mixed with electronic, games. Carnival guests played for tickets that were exchanged at the prize table.
To pre-register visit issaquahhighlands.com/events. Deadline is May 26th.
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20 YEARS OF ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS
What Our Parks Mean to Me by Kathryn Dean, Kirk Park Neighborhood When I started researching this column about the history of parks in our community, I imagined I would tell you about Port Blakely and the City of Issaquah setting aside more than 1500 acres for open space and parks. Or that we have 28 parks, even one big City park with lighted sports fields. But as I looked through pictures to include with the article, I discovered that the parks mean so much more to me than stats and locations. Our neighborhood parks have been a major character in my family’s story.
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Our neighborhood
parks have been a major character in my family’s story.
When we moved to the Highlands with three young children and a fourth to come, we knew that they would need more space to play than the 1900 square feet we could afford. We found the perfect house that bordered a pocket park, or shared yard, and just a block
from Kirk Park. In the early days, if the kids were bouncing off the walls, my husband Paul would assign laps around the pocket park. They would happily go outside, run their laps and return… or get distracted by other neighbor kids and stay to play in the park. We also took family walks to Kirk and Grandview Parks. As the kids got older, they could play on the play equipment while Paul and I walked the gravel trail. When we wanted to play H-O-R-S-E we simply walked up to the basketball court in Magnolia Park. Or, for tennis we took rackets and balls to Black Nugget Park. One warm Memorial Day we didn’t have any plans, so we packed a picnic and walked to Central Park. After sandwiches and popsicles, we played whiffle ball on the baseball field. Our youngest child Lizzie chased the ball while Paul pitched to the older kids. I also remember a time we convinced the kids that Kathy’s Trial was a shortcut to their Aunt and Uncle’s house in Ashland Park. It was a little more primitive than we were expecting as we climbed over fallen trees and walked on planks over standing water. It took much longer than if had we stayed on the sidewalks but was an adventure we won’t forget. That trail became
a favorite place for Nathan and his friends in middle school.
Pioneer Views
When Lizzie was in preschool I babysat a boy her age. They loved playing at the parks close by, but the Firehouse Park was Blake’s favorite. When we stopped and played at that park, there was a chance the fire trucks would be out being cleaned and he could visit them. I love living in a place where outdoor recreation can be found in every neighborhood. The Highlands is unique in its quantity and variety of parks and trails. Port Blakely and the City of Issaquah purposefully planned the Highlands as a community with lots of common space, play space, and natural beauty to draw people out of their homes to create memories with their families and connections with each other. This is part 5 of a 7 part series about the history of Issaquah Highlands, conceived and produced by volunteer writer and resident, Kathryn Dean to help celebrate Issaquah Highlands 20 year anniversary. The first residents moved into their homes in September 1998.
L U CY S L O M A N Development Services Manager, City of Issaquah Lucy started working with the City of Issaquah as a contractor in 1996, the year the Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement (DA) was signed.
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When I first began working on Issaquah Highlands I expected: I would provide staff services for a few years as I had for other small towns in Washington. I did not imagine I would be here over twenty years later, having not only executed the Development Agreement for its full buildout but also closing it out and establishing its Replacement Regulations.
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20 years later, I think Issaquah Highlands has: Re-engineered the suburban model in ways that have now have become standard for many new suburbs and which transformed the way regional and national developers build.
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I think Issaquah Highlands still could use: A complete bicycle/pedestrian loop around Westridge and Swedish Hospital.
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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION IHCA 2018 Board Election Process by Sarah Hoey, IHCA, Executive Director
Statement of interest forms where sent to Districts #2, 4 and 6 the 1st week of April. (Districts 1, 3 and 5 will hold elections next year.) Interested candidates for this year’s districts who submitted their statement of interest forms by April 25 for consideration and met the requirements in accordance to the IH governing documents will be added to the final ballot. Please watch for the official ballot and proxies in the mail the 1st week of June. These are
required for the Annual meeting. The deadline to return all ballots and proxies is June 25th. Election results will be announced at the IHCA Annual Meeting June 27, 2018, 630 PM at the IHCA Offices, 1011 High St. Suite 210. Your vote counts! The June issue of Connections will have details on each candidate to assist you in the voting process.
IHCA to Email a Copy of Notices Don’t miss one of these important emails! In response to frequent homeowner requests, the IHCA will start emailing a digital copy of violations notices when they are mailed through the post. The governing documents still require that official copies of notices are mailed. Below is an example of the email correspondence to anticipate when a violation is issued. Although we hope never to send you a violation notice, please clear the sender address of ‘cdr@yardi.com’ to ensure this email doesn’t go into your ‘Spam’ folder:
From : crd@yardi.com Subject: IHCA- Property Violation Notice Dear Owner, During a recent inspection a violation was observed on your property. Attached is a digital copy of the official violation notice which will be mailed to you today. Thank you for your prompt attention in this matter. **THIS IS AN AUTO GENERATED EMAIL- PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL** For concerns or to appeal, please follow the detailed instruction on the notice. Sincerely, IHCA Compliance Department
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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION April Showers Bring May Flowers… and Bears! by Debbie Orosco, Compliance Coordinator
After a long, cold winter, we are all ready for May’s warmer weather. The April rain has helped our plants to bloom and lawns to grow. Everyone wants to get out and enjoy the great outdoors! May is also when our black bear’s lethargy ends. Hibernation is over and bears begin their quest for food. Mother bears, who left early food pursuits to the males, are ready to find the energy necessary to feed their cubs. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) the estimated black bear population is 25,000 statewide. We have a very healthy bear population here in the Highlands, where we almost surrounded by woods. Black bears have adequate senses of sight and hearing, but their keen sense of smell and innate curiosity make them skilled scavengers. They consume carrion when they can find it and are notorious for taking advantage of humans’ food, garbage, and bird-feeders. The top three reasons for bear encounters with humans are: • Trash • Bird Seed • Pet Food Most of these encounters can be reduced if humans eliminated these incentives that attract black bears. In fact, 95% of calls to the WDFW offices are the result of human irresponsibility: Access to trash, pet food, bird feeders, and improper storage of food while camping make up most of their calls.
Join the Woodland Park Zoo for
Coexisting with Carnivores Saturday, May 5th 10am to 12noon Blakely Hall See Page 28
RSVP at HOUSEHOLD TRASH – KEEP INDOORS One of the easiest things you can do to avoid bear zoo.org/highlands encounters is to follow the Issaquah Highlands Use Restrictions and Rules (URRs) regarding trash cans. These rules were established with the safety of residents in mind and state: Any trash (grey), recycling (blue), or yard waste (green) containers and/ or bags and other trash containers must be stored indoors (garage or ARC approved enclosure) during non-pickup hours. Trash cans may only be placed at the curb/street for pickup 12 hours prior to and 12 hours after pickup time. The ARC will consider variance requests in accordance with the variance policy in section 4.5 of the Declaration under the following circumstances: a. Topography b. Natural Obstructions c. Hardship If your live in a neighborhood with a trash can variance due to one of the above circumstances, having a bear safe trash can is of the utmost importance. Recology CleanScapes offers two varieties of wildlife-resistant carts for Issaquah customers. Both cart types are designed to resist bears and other wildlife.
Consider putting your cans out early Friday morning whenever possible. If that won’t work for you, Thursday evening is still within the rules. Return your cans to the garage or an ARC approved outdoor enclosure Friday evening, or Saturday morning at the very latest. If you will be out of town, please make arrangements with your neighbors or a house sitter to put your cans away. If that can’t be done, you may need to skip a garbage pickup. DISCOURAGE WILDLIFE In addition to trash can safety, follow these best practices to deter wildlife from becoming regular visitors to your yards. •
Birdfeeders: These can be put up during the period when bears are denning/hibernating: from November 15 to March 15; otherwise please refrain from using feeders.
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Fruit trees, berry bushes: Remove all fruit trees from heavy-use human areas, particularly plants near entry ways and children’s play areas. In yards, remove ripe fruit from the tree and fallen fruit from the ground immediately.
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Gardens: Harvest vegetables as they ripen
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Pets: Feed them indoors. Pet food is not to be left outdoors. Train dogs to deter bears, but not aggravate them.
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Dirty BBQ’s: Burn BBQ clean after each use and store securely inside. If you cannot store inside, put a cover on BBQ.
PARK TRASH Our private parks are here for your enjoyment but also have rules regarding trash clean up: Cleanup - The User shall clean up all litter, trash, and any other debris and restore the Parks to a clean and orderly condition within 24 hours after the conclusion of any Event or activity. Parks are equipped with trash receptacles but they can sometimes become full. If you have a party or function in one of the parks and the trash can is already at capacity when you arrive, please pack out your trash so that we don’t attract wildlife. ENCOUNTERS Finally, if you encounter dangerous wildlife in the area, please contact the Department of Wildlife at 877-933-9847, as they track activity in the area. You can read more about living around wildlife at wdfw.wa.gov/living/dangerous. Please also contact your community manager as we also track wildlife activity. Consider attending “Coexisting with Carnivores” at Blakely Hall on May 5th from noon – 2pm where you can learn more about our wild neighbors from the experts at Woodland Park Zoo. Thank you for doing your part in making this community a beautiful place to call home.
Spotted May 22, 2015 near Davis Loop and Wisteria Park
Spotted May 23, 2015 on NE Logan St.
for replanting the medians at Grand Ridge Elementary! The crosswalks now have much improved visibility for children’s safety.
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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
PARKS in the Highlands: A Summer of Fun by Sarah Hoey, IHCA, Executive Director
Every year the IHCA contracts to have existing playground equipment inspected by an independently certified playground inspector, in accordance with the Public Playground Safety Handbook published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. IHCA has over 13 parks with play equipment and the new Westridge development has multiple parks planned as well. For a complete list of IH community parks please go to the community website at issaquahhighlands.com
ARC Tip of the Month:
Did you know… If you are having trouble keeping your lawn looking good due to poor sun exposure or any other issue, you may apply for ARC approval to remove the lawn and install low maintenance
landscaping such as bushes, dry stream bed, drought tolerant plants, etc. Look for designs suggestions in the IHCA Architectural Guidelines and Forms at issaquahhighlands.com.
Hosting a party in an IHCA Park? If you are hosting a private party in an IHCA park please note that we do not reserve spots for groups in parks. All Issaquah Highlands park picnic areas are available on a first come, first served basis. City owned Parks: Did you know that the city owns and maintains Black Nugget Park, Grandview Park and Central Park? Different rules apply to city owned parks. For more information, please see issaquahwa. gov/ Parks and Recreation department and contact the city directly. A few helpful hints for the summer fun in the parks: Please help keep the parks clean by following the rules: 1. You are responsible to clean up after an event and leaving the area in good condition. 2. Remove trash from your event and take off- site when you leave. Do not over fill trash receptacles or dump trash outside trash receptacles. Glass items are not allowed within park areas for children’s safety. 3. Please keep animals on a leash and pick up after your pet.
Issaquah Highlands Use Restrictions & Rules Reminders
Tree & Shrub Standards • Topping of trees is prohibited.
4. Please be respectful of others keeping noise and music to a minimum. 5. Signage needs to be removed after event and shall not be permanently affixed to park equipment. 6. Please, no foul language. 7. IHCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please take all personal items with you when leaving park areas. 8. Participants may not exceed park capacity. For large organized functions please contact IHCA prior to your event to discuss. 9. There is no selling of goods allowed in IHCA owned parks. 10. No motorized vehicles may enter park areas (except for authorized IHCA staff vehicles). Please report issues with park equipment or lighting directly to IHCA. 425-507-9257 or after hours 425223-8887 (After 5pm or weekends.) Damage to park areas or equipment will be at individuals cost, payable immediately to the IHCA.
• All plant material shall be trimmed and neat in appearance. • Shrubs shall not encroach on sidewalks, trails, or any pedestrian right-of-way. The IHCA may prune encroaching plant material without consent. • Trees overhanging sidewalks shall be kept trimmed above the walkways to facilitate pedestrian use. • Dead trees and/or shrubs should be removed and replaced during appropriate growing season (spring or fall). Dead is classified as more than 50% of the plant is without leaves.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Have a great summer!
Flowers, Flowers, Everywhere! by Erika North, IHCA, Senior Community Manager
I think everyone would agree that colorful flowers add beauty and ambiance to any environment and that is why we so enjoy the hanging baskets provided by the IHCA along Park Drive in the summer. They will soon be here again! But what about adding color elsewhere? Last year I wrote an article on how to plant beautiful flower pots, but how about hanging baskets for your yard or porch? Here are a few examples of gorgeous arrangements that you can try yourself. • How about a simple mix of petunias? • Do you have a shady porch? Try some bright colored impatiens. • My favorites are those that incorporate multiple colors accented by weeping foliage such as ivy, sweet potato vines, or creeping jenny.
Thank you for doing your part.
Kudo’s to the Dahlia Park homeowner (Jim!) who thoughtfully refilled the doggie station bags with some from another station when one had run out, ensuring that people could clean up after their pets! Thank you!!
Tips for planting your hanging baskets: • Use containers that hold sufficient water so your plants don’t dry out as quickly. • Water daily or hook up a drip line to your basket to keep it moist. • Place in correct sun exposure. Most annuals like direct sun, but if you have shady areas use shade plants such as impatiens or begonias. • Pack your baskets with plenty of plants. • For inspiration simply do a search for “hanging basket photos.” You will be amazed at all of the beautiful options! Good luck and happy planting!
Petunias (top left) are great in hanging baskets. Try impatiens (above) when planting in the shade.
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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Updates to the Community Wide Standards (CWS) by Jessica Dorsey, IHCA Community Manager
Per the IHCA governing documents, changes to the Community Wide Standards (CWS) must be posted for public comment prior to the Board of Directors formally approving the changes. The proposed changes to the CSW were approved for public comment by the IHCA Board of Directors on April 25th. If you have any comments or questions regarding the
proposed changes please contact Erika North at Erika.N@IHCommunity.org. The deadline for homeowner feedback in Monday May 21st. Your feedback will be reported to the Board during the May Board meeting on Wednesday, May 23rd at 5:30pm at the IHCA offices at 1011 NE High Street, Suite 210.
CURRENT STANDARD
STANDARD CHANGE
Introduction
The maintenance standards and guidelines below must be followed on all portions of residential lots, including front yards, side yards, alleys and inside fences.
Turf should be free of bare patches, weeds and moss. Turf Standards: The look should be similar to streetscape lawns generally free of bare patches and weeds. Tree and Shrub Standards: Shrubs shall not encroach on sidewalks, Vegetation shall not encroach on sidewalks, trails, driveways, or any trails, or any pedestrian right-of-way. The IHCA may prune pedestrian right-of-way. encroaching plant material without consent. Tree and Shrub Standards: Dead trees and/or shrubs should be removed and replaced during appropriate growing season (spring or fall). Dead is classified as more than 50% of the plant is without leaves. Yard Standards: Yard waste (leaves, twigs and branches) and other debris should be appropriately disposed of and not stored within the front or side yards.
Dead trees and/or shrubs should be removed immediately and then replaced during appropriate growing season (spring or fall). Dead is classified as more than 50% of the plant is without leaves, or exhibits dead foliage. Yard waste (leaves, twigs and branches) and other debris or rubbish should be removed and appropriately disposed of and not stored within the yard.
Yard Standards:
No excessive use of yard items such as pots or yard art. Lots must be kept mowed as needed during spring and summer months to maintain a vegetation height no greater than 8 inches.
Vacant Lot Standards: Lots must be kept mowed at least twice per summer. Mow to 4” in July and again in September if needed. Other Standards:
Walkways and Driveways: All paths, stairs, walkways, porches, patios and driveways must be free of weeds and moss.
May Irrigation and Landscape Update by Lyle Dickey, IHCA Landscape Manager
Irrigation: The irrigation crew will be busy this month and the rest of the summer performing day-to-day repairs throughout the community. The irrigation crew will also be assisting the landscape crew in their maintenance tasks when time allows. The irrigation systems in the community are all operating on the time and days they need to water. This is all watched very closely because water for our irrigation systems is very expensive. However, problems do come up with broken pipes, sprinklers or unexplained leaks. Please report any issues you may see with possible water leaks or any other issues that you think should be brought to the attention of the IHCA. With everyone’s help, we can all optimize our water use and save money. As in the past, we will be doing another round of preventative maintenance to identify potential or future problems and to figure out solutions to be implemented in the fall. With this you may see the irrigation systems being turned on throughout May and June to be evaluated; this
is all part of a plan to keep the systems maintained and working properly. Landscape: The landscape crews are very busy this time of year with their day-to-day tasks of mowing the grass and controlling weeds. Along with this you may see landscape crews in ponds and open spaces doing evasive weed control or vegetation slope control. In July, you will see the return of the goats on some of our larger more difficult slopes. During the month of May, you may notice crews applying herbicides to control weeds. This is all done very carefully and sparingly by licensed professionals under strict supervision by the IHCA. The Issaquah Highlands is a green community so any herbicides used have had prior approval by the IHCA. This is all to keep our community and its residents safe from harm, and it is all monitored very closely by the in-house staff. If you have any questions or concerns on this matter, please contact the IHCA (see page 31).
Alder trees grow like weeds in open spaces throughout the NW. IHCA Staff Photo.
Maintenance Update by Matthew Hendrikse, IHCA, Maintenance Manager
The IHCA maintenance crew has been very busy with many projects. One project is the addition of new gravel on the trails around the community. This was a major undertaking and was completed in record time using new and different types of equipment purchased by the IHCA over the past two years. Another visible project the maintenance department has been assisting with is the Traffic Calming Campaign at the Issaquah Highlands. We installed new light pole banners along Park Drive. We hope that all community members take this seriously and will be aware of our crews, working on a daily basis near and in the streets, that they will be safer from a vehicle injury.
Maintenance has also completed a major lighting upgrade on two main trails. We were able to replace an in-ground transformer with a new above ground transformer so water would not continue to trip the breakers. As weather improves and, and more people are enjoying the outdoors, we ask everyone to please pick up all trash that you or others may have generated in parks and open areas and discard it into appropriate containers. Thanks for helping our community look as great as it does.
New gravel for path at the pond near West Highlands Park. IHCA Staff Photo.
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ALL-NEW PRODUCTION OF THE MAY 10 AWARD-WINNING BEST MUSICAL –JULY 1 (425) 392-2202 I VILLAGETHEATRE.ORG SPONSORED IN PART BY
Wine
Art Walk
FAMILY-FRIENDLY | ART | WINE | MUSIC SATURDAYS | 6:00-9:00pm May 5 and June 2
Check In
Tickets
Historic Shell Station 232 N Front Street
$25 advance $30 day of event
2018
Tickets & Information @ downtownissaquah.com
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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
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Produced by Nina Milligan
Jamie Rosen May Volunteer of the Month I truly love meeting people and hearing their stories. I love bringing people together and building community. I love that I have so many opportunities to do this in our community. When my family and I moved into the Sunset Walk neighborhood of the Highlands in 2015, we quickly bonded with the neighbors we shared walls with. Eager to meet more of our neighbors and help connect our community a bit better, we set out to organize a Map Your Neighborhood event and summer block party for Sunset Walk. Thanks to the help of my daughters Aspen and Emily, my husband Brian, and my neighbor Saloni, our Map Your Neighborhood event and Block Party were successful. Neighbors now know each other’s names, are organizing their own events to connect, and best of all, have built new friendships. Our neighborhood feels connected. My involvement in the Highlands started with building community and has quickly grown into advocating for issues I, and my neighbors, believe in, whether it is improving pedestrian safety on Park Drive or ensuring future development in the Highlands reflects the community’s wishes. My daughters and I have been to more meetings at Blakely Hall and City Hall then I care to admit (my seven-year-old will happily admit to all of them). But our voices and presence have driven real change. My personal community involvement is driven by a passion to help make things better and a strong desire to teach my young daughters how to be active citizens through example. Amazing communities such as ours only genuinely survive and thrive when each of us takes responsibility for nurturing it. I’m grateful to help play a part, while teaching my daughters how to do the same. What a lovely honor to be recognized among such a community of volunteers. I really appreciate the special recognition. Thank you! It truly is a labor of love serving and helping my neighbors and our community.
Volunteer of the Month Jamie Rosen with husband Brian Moore and daughters Emily (on hip) and Aspen while on a recent trip to Leavenworth.
RESIDENT PROFILE Resident Advocate for Service Animals, Ushers New Legislation by Vanshika Chauhan, Junior at Issaquah High School, Highlands Council Volunteer Living humbly in our community, Shanda Taylor Boyd is a veteran and an activist for the importance of service dogs for retired veterans. Shanda and her dog, Timber, travel throughout the nation to share their story and bring awareness to the topic as many people don’t realize how important service dogs are in the lives of injured veterans living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
House Bill 2822, targets the wrongful misrepresentation of service animals and narrows down who should be allowed to bring their animal aboard a plane This became big news recently with incidents escalating where individuals on planes, trains, and other forms of transportation were bringing animals aboard claiming that they were their service animals. (See NBC story Delta sets new guidelines on service animals allowed on board, by Daniel Arkin, January 19, 2018) The Delta Airlines response not only impacted those bringing on board turkeys, possums and snakes, but also burdening those with legitimate service animals. Such responses to the abuse of service animal accommodations unfairly affects veterans and others who desperately need their service animals aboard with them. After almost having her dog kicked off a flight, Shanda became an outward advocate for a new Washington State law ensuring that would not happen
again to her or any person with a genuine service animal. The new Washington State legislation Shanda fostered, House Bill 2822, targets the wrongful misrepresentation of service animals and narrows down who should be allowed to bring their animal aboard a plane or into a store or restaurant. In the words of the Bill, its purpose is to “penalize the intentional misrepresentation of a service animal, which delegitimizes the genuine need for the use of service animals and makes it harder for persons with disabilities to gain unquestioned acceptance of their legitimate, properly trained, and essential service animals.” “The legislation is very critical to ensure only highly trained service animals are [recognized] which benefits businesses as well as their patrons,” explains Shanda. “Timber is trained to behave well in businesses and to respect patrons and he receives this courtesy in return.” Shanda’s advocacy keeps her busy and engaged with prominent individuals in government, such as the secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), Dr. David Shulkin, US Senator for Washington State, Patty Murray, our Governor, Jay Inslee, and many more. Shanda has even been featured in a book, Vets and Pets: Wounded Warriors and the Animals that Help Them Heal, and has been in many influential videos, such as ‘Business Owners Guide to Service Animals.’ Her activism has brought much needed attention to this important topic and brings more representation to real service dogs that have been trained, and their owners who have very legitimate reasons for needing their animals by their side at all times. Shanda is an influential yet modest woman living among us who positively impacts the lives of many. If you happen to see her and Timber on the streets of the Highlands, don’t hesitate to stop and say “Hi!”
Above: Shanda Taylor Boyd, retired US Army veteran, attending Veteran’s Day ceremony in her hometown, Issaquah Highlands, in 2016. (PC: Julie Clegg) Below: Issaquah Highlands resident Shanda Taylor Boyd and her service dog, Timber, witness the signing of Washington Substitute House Bill 2822, signed into law on May 22, 2018 by Governor Jay Inslee.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Kids & Families
Club Inclusive
Thursday, May 10th, 6pm Blakely Hall Theme: Let’s Pretend
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/
Open Mic
Friday, May 25th, 6:30pm Blakely Hall
For more info, contact: Dino Go at kabalen.geo@gmail.com.
Photography Meetup Saturday, May 19th, 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
Library-2-Go
Poker Night
The King County Library will bring the Library-2-Go Book Mobile to Blakely Hall. You bring the family and your library card and peruse the curated collection of books. Checkout your favorites! A FREE, fun, afterschool activity for all ages. Next visit: June 19th.
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.
Tuesday, May 22nd, 3:30pm-4:30pm Blakely Hall
Minecraft Mania
Tuesday, May 8th & 22nd, 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
Arts & Cards Art in Blakely Hall
Earthbound: Connection to Earth & Environment Blakely Hall Exhibit runs May 15 - July 16 In this exhibit, artists will push outside their usual methods of work to explore how we make our mark on our environment, what we revere, and what we choose to preserve. Pieces will explore connections to the earth as a source of inspiration and as a natural medium for artistic expression. For more information visit arteast.org.
Artist Reception, May 17, 6pm Blakely Hall ArtEAST Portfolio Night, May 24th, 6pm Blakely Hall
Bridge Club
Monday, May 7th, 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. RSVP: Ed Tellman, etellman@pobox. com or Andrew Shanafelt, shanafelta@issaquah.wednet.edu.
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
Thursday, May 31st, 7pm Blakely Hall
Rovin’ Fiddlers
Every Tuesday, 7pm Issaquah Highlands Fire Station 73
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 jefhilburn@msn.com.
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 27th, 4pm Lake Sammamish State Park
Join us for fun at the park! Contact Bowbow.Gu@outlook.com for more details.
India Culture Club
Travel Night
Wednesday, May 9th, 7pm Blakely Hall See Where It Takes You! TOPIC: One Couple’s Journey Through the 59 National Parks Join us for a special presentation with local authors, Matt and Karen Smith and learn about their two- year sabbatical visiting and hiking in the 59 National Parks. They will focus on the highlights, quirky stories and experiences sharing their many photos and adventures in our special national parks.
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. Join our FB group for more info: Issaquah Highlands Travel Club.
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 Class
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
Meditation Group Every Friday, 2pm Blakley Hall
Discover how to find moments to relax the mind. Group leader, Wei Geiger, teaches exercises that promote balance, strength, and calmness. Learn techniques to help deal with stress and strain of a busy life. Free to attend and open to all! Questions? Contact ih.meditation@gmail.com
No May Meeting Blakely Hall
Yami Yoga Class
Jewish Club
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 teaches correct physical posture, and the conceptual basis for these different yogasanas. No prior experience required. 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
Come learn about beautiful India! This club highlights the arts, culture and festivals and is open to all who want to explore and learn about India. Contact: CulturalClubIndia@gmail.com.
Thursday, May 3rd, 6:30pm Blakely Hall “Soul Sisters”
Join us for a celebration of the iconic “Yiddishe Mamme,”. Rachel Gorham, MSN, WHNP-BC, AGN- BC, will lead a conversation about women’s health and prevention – Nurturing yourself so that you can nurture others, followed by a musical performance. Admission: Please bring a bag of feminine hygiene products to be donated to “Healing Hands Project” (an organization to empower homeless women with dignity, knowledge and basic human rights). Please register at chabadissaquah.com.
Latino Club Celebrates Mother’s Day
Every Sunday, 7:45am Blakely Hall
Zumba Fitness® Class Every Saturday, 9am 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! Contact: zumbawithcindy@gmail.com
Sunday, May 6th, 4pm-7pm Mixed Media Workshop Blakely Hall
We will celebrate the amazing women in our community with a relaxed afternoon. Invite your friends and enjoy step-by-step instruction with our experienced and enthusiastic local artist, Marcela Ferioli. You will leave with a one-of-a-kind creation! $35 per person. Potluck Dinner to follow. Contact: alispinner@yahoo.com.
For the latest details, see IssaquahHighlands.com/events
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2018 •
Walk Through 20 Years of Highlands History by Nina Milligan, Highlands Council Communications Manager
When Issaquah Highlands was laid out over 20 years ago, the pedestrian experience was a priority. It was emphasized through traditional neighborhood design and “a plan that encourages walking.” The streets were planned as the primary pedestrian circuit with sidewalks on every street. Think back to the suburbs of the 1990s – sidewalks were few and far between then. While sidewalks can get you almost anywhere in the Highlands, there are also many trails connecting sidewalks. Both work together to connect neighborhoods and bring us to many interesting sights along the way. Below are a few that give us a glimpse into Issaquah Highlands’ history. Let’s go on a Highlands Hike and discover Issaquah Highlands’ history!
1997 Grand Ridge Park and Trail
While Issaquah Highlands has almost 10 miles of trails, there is also many, many more miles of sidewalks. Use the map on the following pages (16 - 17) to explore our beautiful, walkable community with fresh eyes (and feet). Discover our Issaquah Highlands treasures!
1999 Original New Home Center
Now Lakeside Montessori School Before Highlands Drive and the Sunset Interchange/Exit 18 was built, the Old Black Nugget road provided access to Issaquah Highlands. The New Home Center anchored the entry. It moved to Park Drive and then to High Street after the I-90 exit opened in 2003.
2005 Kirk Park
This park is named for Judd Kirk, widely recognized as the father of Issaquah Highlands. Kirk served as the CEO of Port Blakely Communities from 1990-2011. This family-friendly park was named Kirk Park as a thank you for all the family-friendly design Judd facilitated in Issaquah Highlands.
2003 Sunset Interchange Opens
Also as part of the DA, Port Blakely Communities was a major party to the building of the Sunset Interchange/Exit 18. It not only provides a bridge to Olde Town Issaquah and on/off ramps to I-90, but also a regional trail connection between Issaquah, Sammamish, Preston, Fall City and beyond. Microsoft also helped fund this major infrastructure project.
2007 LEED Medallion
At Caffé Ladro (original commercial developed in 2005) To initiate commercial development, Port Blakely Communities developed the block at 10th Ave NE between Park Drive and High Street. Sip, Agave, Highlands Cleaners, Kumon, Ben & Jerry’s and Caffé Ladro are all original tenants.
In 1996 master developer Grand Glacier (later Port Blakely Communities) gave 1,300 acres of land to the County, creating Grand Ridge Park, just a portion of the land deeded for open space and parks in the 1996 3-Party Development Agreement (DA) with King County and Issaquah.
2003 Water “Tower” Art Installation
This City water facility provides potable water to much of Issaquah Highlands. Port Blakely Communities, engaged renowned artist and park designer Milenko Metanovic of Pomegranate Center, who designed and installed the steel clouds that change color as sky light changes.
2008 Goats at Work
Every summer since 2008, hundreds of goats visit to mow down weeds in our steep, open space tracts. Goats are “sustainable,” keep human workers away from dangerous slopes, and they save the HOA money! In 2010, our goats hit “The Colbert Report” as a spoof on how goats were stealing American’s jobs.
1998 First Homes in Issaquah Highlands
Jade Street west of 15th In a separate DA in 1996 with the City of Issaquah, Issaquah Highlands master developer platted a dense urban village intended to harken back to old-fashioned main street, front porch living to create a socially vibrant community. The very first residents arrived in 1998.
2005 Blakely Hall
Port Blakely Communities built the LEED Certified Silver meeting hall as a gift to the community. Timbers in the hall were harvested from this land and prepared by Port Blakely (also a forestry company) specifically for the hall. The hall not only provides space for community and private gatherings, but office space for Highlands Council and HFN.
2010 zHomes
The first net-zero energy multifamily project completed in the United States, created through a partnership between Ichijo USA and the City of Issaquah. zHomes are also LEED Emerald Star certified, the highest rating that can be earned. After a few months of public viewing for education, the homes were sold to now resident homeowners.
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SHOPS AT VILLAGE GREEN
VILLAGE TRAIL PARK
28th Ave NE
SUMMIT PARK
ATHLETIC FIELDS
DAPHNE PARK
WISTERIA PARK
GRAND RIDGE PARK
BARK PARK
25th Ave NE
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More to explore in Issaquah Highlands, including... • 1,500 acres of parks and open space • 8 Little Free Libraries • 140 Community Garden pea patches • 2 commercial districts • Access to hundreds of miles of trails, including 7miles in Grand Ridge Park alone
YWCA
12th Ave NE
F D rk Pa NE
Photo Treasure Hunt Locations See clue photos on page 18 to help you identify the community “treasures” pictured.
VISTA PARK
FIREHOUSE PARK
College Dr
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SUNSET PARK
FOREST RIDGE
10th Ave NE
NE Ellis Dr
PINECREST PARK
BROWNSTONES PLAZA
WEST HIGHLANDS PARK
WESTRIDGE
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
9th Ave NE
Highlands Dr NE
GRAND RIDGE PLAZA
13th Ave NE
15t hA ve N
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
Falls Dr
20th Anniversary Landmarks Tour important landmarks (see page 15) that make the Issaquah Highlands community unique.
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7th Ave NE
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Issaquah Highlands Connections May 2018 •
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• May 2018
Issaquah Highlands Connections
by Chelsea Musick, Central Park resident Two years ago, I walked by the little weather station near Grand Ridge Elementary. It’s a small thing, hidden back from the road, and most people may not realize what it is. I looked at it and wondered how many people noticed it as they passed by. That got me thinking - big or small, there are so many “treasures” scattered throughout the Highlands that we may not notice (or even know about). My goal is to find them and share them the community.
How it works:
Chelsea volunteers with Connections monthly to coordinate Photo Treasure Hunt.
The Photo Treasure Hunt has been a great motivation to me to get out and explore the neighborhood. I hope it has motivated you, too. Look around. If you see something interesting, remember the location - it will eventually make its way into the Photo Treasure Hunt!
• Examine the photo clues below and find each corresponding number on the map (pages 16-17) to reveal the general location of the clue. Pull map out and keep handy. • With map in hand, walk or bike to each location. Can you identify the community “treasure” in each photo clue? • See page 27 for this month’s regular Photo Treasure Hunt. For monthly hunts, submit your guess of the photo location by email. Guess correctly and you’ll see your name printed in the following issue of Connections and be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to an Issaquah Highlands restaurant.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2018 •
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Special Interest Book Club
Tuesday, May 15th, 7pm Blakely Hall Book: Annie Freeman’s Fabulous Traveling Funeral The book club is a great place to meet neighbors, socialize and explore a variety of books. Email lindsey8@gmail.com or join the Facebook group at facebook.com/ihbookclub.
Entrepreneur Meetup Sunday, May 13th, 7:30pm 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 Movies
Wednesday, May 23rd, 6:30pm Blakely Hall MOVIE: MINIMALISM - A documentary about the Important Things Meaningful Movies brings the greater Issaquah community together through education and advocacy, using the power of social justice documentary films and discussion. For more information, see meaningfulmovies.org/.
Pollinator Gardening and Natural Lawn Care Seminar Tuesday, May 1st, 6pm - 8:30pm Blakely Hall - FREE
Only 1% of the insects in your garden are causing damage to your garden plants. The majority of insects are busy pollinating your flowers or preying on plant eating insects. Join the City of Issaquah for this free seminar to learn how to create a habitat that welcomes the different beneficial insects found in a typical garden, how to keep them in the garden and practices that avoid causing them harm.
Solarize Issaquah Wednesday, May 30th, 7pm Blakely Hall
Attend this free solar workshop sponsored by the City of Issaquah and Spark Northwest to learn about powering your home with solar. Free site assessments are offered for a limited time. Register (though it is free) at solarizenw.org or call 206-457-5403
Toastmasters
Every Tuesday, 7am Swedish Medical Center 1st Floor Flex Space Room (north entrance)
Toastmasters will help you to speak and present in a compelling manner, think quickly and clearly, become a strong leader, and listen effectively. To find out more, visit the club website at ihtm.toastmastersclubs.org or drop in as a guest any Tuesday. We hope to see you soon!
Wine Club
Friday, May 11th, 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.
*All Events are FREE unless otherwise noted.
Women in STEM Friday, May 11th, 7pm Blakely Hall
Meet others in the community who work in the STEM fields and share your love of science, tech and learning new things. Club format: discussion group. Bring your favorite recent STEM-related news article or research study to discuss, or present your latest data analysis project, Arduino project, or other shameless amateur or professional geekery. Contact: Tonya Lane at radiazen@gmail.com
Save the Date HY Night at the Carnival Friday, June 1st, 5pm Blakely Hall
Highlands Youth presents Night at the Carnival for all current middle and high school students. Enjoy hot dogs, ice cream, carnival arcade games and prizes! Pre-register at issaquahhighlands.com/events to attend for free or pay $5 at the door.
Community-Wide Garage Sale Saturday, June 16th Blakely Hall
Whether a yard sale or a garage sale, it’s a summer tradition! Sell or shop throughout the community at the semi-annual Issaquah Highlands Community Garage Sale
Beach Bingo Friday, June 29th Blakely Hall
Slip into your favorite flip flops for a fun night of BINGO with friends and neighbors! Join us for prizes, snacks, drinks and FUN! $10/person (over 21 only) – get your tickets now at beachbingo.brownpapertickets.com
Don’t Miss This Co-existing with Carnivores Saturday, May 5th, 10am-12pm Blakely Hall
Join your neighbors and Woodland Park Zoo staff for a conversation about the other residents in our neighborhood: coyotes, bobcats, cougars and black bears. Families of all ages welcome! Presented by Woodland Park Zoo and the City of Issaquah in partnership with Highlands Council. zoo. org/coexisting
Traffic Concerns Community Meeting May 16, 2018, 7pm Blakely Hall
Representatives from the City of Issaquah return to Blakely Hall to discuss our traffic concerns and their progress on projects in the community. The IHCA and Highlands Council have been working with the City since January. Attend to see what’s been done already and lend your voice to what remains.
Governance Mtgs IHCA Architectural Review Committee
Tuesday, 5/1, 6pm IHCA Office
IHCA Finance Committee Tuesday, 5/8, 5:30 pm IHCA Office
Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group Monday, 5/14, 5pm, IHCA Office
Highlands Council Board of Trustees Meeting Tuesday, 5/15, Noon, Blakely Hall
IHCA Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, 5/23, 5:30pm, IHCA Office Meetings are subject to change. See Calendar at issaquahhighlands.com for more information or date changes.
City Meetings Urban Village Development Commission (UVDC) Meets the first & third Tuesday of each month at 7pm City of Issaquah, Council Chambers For more information see issaquahwa.gov
Holidays Cinco de Mayo Saturday, May 5th
Mother’s Day Sunday, May 13th
Beginning of Ramadan Wednesday, May 16th
Memorial Day Monday, May 28th
Office Closures
IHCA Office, Blakely Hall, Highlands Council and HFN Offices will be closed May 28, 2018 for Memorial Day.
Pours in Stores Friday, May 18th, 6pm Grand Ridge Plaza
Sip wine, cider and beer as you browse select stores at Grand Ridge Plaza. Savor light appetizers and snacks, enjoy live entertainment, and relax on a beautiful night in Issaquah Highlands. See grandridgeplaza.com for registration information.
For daily updates, follow us on:
Subscribe to our weekly e-letter at IssaquahHighlands.com/connect
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• May 2018
ISSAQUAH CITY NEWS
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Farmers Market 2018 Season Opens Saturday May 5th! At Pickering Barn, from 9am – 2pm Rain or shine Visit the market for a fresh experience. Our market hosts 6,500 shoppers on a busy summer Saturday. Whether you are after glorious fresh-cut flowers, Local organic produce, or expert advice from on-site Master Gardeners, the Issaquah Farmers Market is the place to be every Saturday. The market even hosts a variety of musical acts and family entertainment. Check our market calendar for a complete schedule. Parking: Those in the know park in the Costco parking structure designated for and adjacent to the market. There is a pleasant garden path leading you to the market. Pet Policy: Please keep your furry friends home. Pets are not allowed at the City market.
Issaquah Job Fair Tuesday, May 8th, 2pm – 5pm Pickering Barn 30+ businesses will set up shop at Pickering Barn to meeting prospective employees. Job seekers can not only meet potential employers, they can get on-site resume review and interviewing tips. All for no cost! Of the many Issaquah businesses represented, several will be from Issaquah Highlands. At press time, Marshalls & Home Goods, Regal Entertainment and Starbucks had confirmed attendance.
ILD AN GIVE YOUR CHANTAGE ACADEMIC ADV ! THIS SUMMER
Enroll them in Kumon at a Center near you. Start giving your kids all the advantages of Kumon. To learn more, we invite you to schedule a Free Placement Test today. Kumon Math & Reading Center of Issaquah - Highlands 1036 Northeast Park Drive, Issaquah, WA 98029 425.369.1072 • kumon.com/issaquah-highlands
● Specialty Chocolates ● Bulk & Seasonal Candy ●Candy Birthday Parties ● Candy Corsages & Boutonnieres ● Custom Gift Orders ● Custom Party Favors ● Private Parties & Team Building Events ● Hawaiian Shaved Ice Located In Issaquah Highlands, at the Starpoint Shops up by Blakely Hall 1836 25th Ave. NE, Issaquah, WA 98029 (Next to Zeek's - on 25th Ave NE) 425-394-4480 For the latest news - follow us on Facebook
Where Smart Kids Get Smarter. ©2018 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2018 •
21
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Could The Highlands Get a New View Park?
by Nina Milligan, Highlands Council, Communication Manager Polygon Homes NW submitted an application in 2017 to build 72 single family homes in the northern section of Westridge residential community in Issaquah Highlands along High Street, west of 9th Ave NE. Connections reported on this in February 2018. On March 20th, the Urban Village Development Commission (UVDC) began reviewing the application and opened a public hearing. They learned the details of the proposed building lots and the corresponding streets and trails. This application proposes to replace a portion of High Street with Street A (running parallel) and to convert High Street into a linear park. On Tuesday, April 17, the public hearing continued. If the proposal was not accepted, the UVDC had two other options. Both were found non-conforming to the Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement. UVDC voted unanimously in favor of the developer converting a portion of High Street into a linear park and pedestrian and bike path, with a lookout to views of the valley and Lake Sammamish. A linear park is longer than it is wide, sometimes following a path. Amenities are expected to include special view seating, children’s play areas, (i.e. water features), perhaps a playground or a dog park. And to assure the park is well-planned, the Commission recommends that the park design return to the UVDC for community input. The Commission’s recommendation now goes to the City Council for further consideration and final decision. This may happen in June. For more information please see: • issaquahhighlands.com/uvdc-recommends-high-street-conversion-to-a-park/ • issaquahhighlands.com/proposal-converting-a-road-into-a-park/
Update on New Elementary School
get ready to get out!
The Issaquah School Board met in March and April to discuss the possible purchase of land from the City of Issaquah adjacent to Swedish Hospital and Westridge in the Highlands with the intent to build a new elementary school. Both the School District and the City of Issaquah are publicly reviewing issues such as traffic, tree retention and slope stability before proceeding even the presentation of a purchase and sale agreement. If that is presented, both will continue to evaluate those and other issues through a public process before the purchase could be completed. The District wishes to open a new elementary school in 2020.
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• May 2018
FITNESS & HEALTH
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Cricket in the Highlands
The Cage and Soccer Boy
You might be thinking about cricket as in bugs, but no! Cricket is a sport that I have been watching since I was five years old and I play Cricket right now. I am 12 years old and a 6th grader at Pacific Cascade Middle School (PCMS). I live in Issaquah Highlands.
I am a freshman at Issaquah High School and a resident of the Issaquah Highlands. I am 14 years old and have lived in the Highlands for almost 10 years, almost my entire life.
by Krish Kannan, Sixth Grade, PCMS, Highlands resident
Every day in summer my friend Rohan and I play Cricket for three hours. I play for a Cricket league called American Recreational Cricket League (ARCL). This is my second year playing for the league. My Cricket team name is the Colts. We have eight members on our team. They are Arjun, Adithya, Jeffrey, Arnav, Shrey, Lithesh and Rishab and finally me. My coaches name is Vivek and we have practices in Issaquah Highlands Black Nugget Park, Bellevue and Redmond.
by Sid Thiagarjan, Freshman, Issaquah High School, HY Board Member
Growing up in the Highlands is pretty special; it is green, clean, beautiful, friendly, has a ton of kids, and most importantly it is “very safe.” I have spent countless hours playing soccer, hockey, frisbee, and walking around the local trails with my friends and family. One of my favorite spots in the Highlands is the “The Cage.” The cage is a sports court on Park Drive at Central Park where you can play soccer, hockey, cricket, dodgeball and many other sports. The best part is - it’s across the street from my house!
The rules are similar to baseball but there are many differences. There are stumps, fielders, bowlers, batsman, wicket keeper and an Umpire. The batsman is out if the ball bowled by the bowler hits the stumps or if someone catches the ball that was hit by the batsman. The goal of the game is to get the most runs and fewer wickets or outs. My favorite cricket team is India and my favorite player is M.S. Dhoni, a great Captain and a wicket keeper. My Colts team got third place last year in spring season and placed runner’s up in summer season. I have received Man of the Match award (similar to MVP in football and baseball) twice. I think in the future there will be an Issaquah Highlands cricket field because if we have one we can play cricket there. I hope you guys love my article about Cricket!
Sid Thiagarjan can often be found at The Cage, picking up a game of soccer, as he has for the last 10 years.
The Cage is a popular spot for kids to get together and play soccer, among other things. It’s easy to access for kids. Kids from the neighborhood get there by walking and biking. The Cage has bike stands to park the bikes. There are many great things about this community. One of my favorite things is the number of friendly kids that love to play outside. I can go to The Cage and within 10-30 minutes there is an intense, friendly game of neighborly soccer. Neighborhood kids just show up or people driving by will stop and play with me. It is really special in that sense because there is always a friendly pick-up game going on. Most of my family friends know me as the kid who spends a lot of time at the cage. I have been playing soccer there since I was four. Many people in the highlands know me as the soccer boy because if you visit the Highlands you will see me in The Cage often. I love The Cage. I feel so fortunate to be part of this community and having access to the “The Cage.”
(Top) PCMS sixth grader, Krish Kannan practicing Cricket In Issaquah Highlands Black Nugget Park. (Bottom) Cricket players posing in Black Nugget Park in Spring 2018. Far right is Krish Kannan.
Sid Thiagarjan (left) with Niclas Isenssee (middle) and Hunter Scheppat at The Cage.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
LIVING GREEN
Solarize Your Home or Business! by Megan Curtis-Murphy, City of Issaquah, Office of Sustainability Solarize Issaquah is a collaborative effort of the City of Issaquah, the non-profit Spark Northwest, and the community designed to bring solar energy to homes and businesses in Issaquah. By partnering with community groups and local installers, we help neighbors come together to save time and money through the group purchase of solar systems. Just follow these simple steps to get solar installed on your home!
The City of Issaquah is working with Spark Northwest to help you save money if you “solarize” now.
1. Attend a Workshop. Come to a free workshop to learn everything you need to know about installing solar on your home or business. You’ll learn about maintenance, costs, incentives and financing. 2. Get a Free Site Assessment. After you attend a workshop, the community-selected installer will contact you to schedule a free site assessment. The installer will visit your site to look at roof orientation, shading, and whether you need any upgrades to your roofing, structure or electrical services. The installer will also ask about your budget, electricity use, and goals, in order to design a system that works for you. 3. Sign Your Contract. The installer will send you a system proposal with details about the system, costs, and expected savings. Sign your contract by the campaign deadline to lock in the Solarize price! Until you sign a contract, there is no cost and no obligation to proceed. 4. Go Solar! The installer will schedule your installation so you can start producing clean, renewable energy! You can learn more about the Solarize Issaquah and register for the May workshop or choose from three other dates here: solarizenw.org.
The first Solaraize workshop will be at Blakely Hall May 30th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
May 2018 •
ASK KARI
23
Dear Kari, My child is graduating high school this year and has no plans for what is next for him. I have repeatedly tried to help my son consider some choices such as going to a trade school, getting a job, take a few classes at the local community college, anything that gets him moving on past high school. My son keeps telling me that he doesn’t want to talk about what’s next for him. Help, what should I do? - Worried Dad Dear Worried Dad, First, I would like to commend you on taking the time to attempt to connect with your son and talk about his future with him. Even though your efforts have not resulted in much conversation or movement, I recommend that you keep trying to help support your son during this important life transition into adulthood. I recommend that you are mindful of picking good times to talk with him about his interests, his skills, and his hopes for moving forward in life. For example, approach him when he has some downtime to talk, not when he is about to leave the house or getting ready for bed at nighttime. Timing is very important when we want to successfully connect with others. Also, take the time to share your belief in him being successful in whatever he chooses next for himself. Ask him what he thinks he is good at, what he believes are his true talents. Then model with him how to reflect on those talents and interests by connecting them to potential options such as school or employment. Finally, remember that he may be taking in all of your communications, even if he does not acknowledge them. Good luck!. -Kari Dear Kari, I was sexually abused by my uncle when I was a child. The abuse occurred over two years, from when I was 5-7 years old. I did not tell my parents about it until I was older. Since he lived in another state by then, nothing was done. Now I am planning on going to a family wedding and he will most likely be there. I don’t know what to do, should I go? What if he comes near me and wants to talk? - Scared and Anxious Dear Scared and Anxious, First, I want to tell you that I am sorry that you had to endure two years of abuse by your uncle. I hope you know that he holds sole responsibility for the trauma and harm that he caused to you. I am also sorry that no adult or authority supported you earlier with education around the previous options you should have had, such as notification to authorities (if you choose to do so) and counseling support. What you have been through is one of the most harmful traumas that can happened to a human being. Therefore I highly recommended that you seek out counseling support prior to attending the wedding. Even if you are only able to attend a few counseling sessions, a good therapist can help support you in building out coping skills and boundaries prior to a potential encounter with your uncle, the perpetrator of your abuse. I sincerely wish you comfort and peace in your journey of recovery. -Kari I love to hear from our readers. Email your Ask Kari questions to kari@ihcg.co. All questions will be answered in upcoming columns. About Kari: Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker and is 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 2018
Issaquah Highlands Connections
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Issaquah School District
Endeavour Elementary
5/2 5/7 5/9 5/23 5/25 - 28
5/4 5/9 5/11 5/23
issaquah.wednet.edu
ISD Job Fair Middle School Mid-Trimester 3 Starts School Board Meeting @ 7:00 P.M School Board Meeting @ 7:00 P.M Memorial Day– No School
Issaquah School Foundation
isfdn.org 5/10 5/22
Nourish Every Mind Luncheon Nourish Every Mind Breakfast
Challenger Elementary challengerpta.org 5/4 5/11 5/15 5/16 5/18
Popcorn Friday Last Day to Purchase Mariners Tickets PTA Membership Meeting PTA Book Fair Begins Art Walk
Clark Elementary
clarkpta.org
MAY EVENTS
5/4 5/16 5/18 5/29
Sharks at Safeco – Mariners Night 4th Grade Concert Dads’ at Recess Book Fair Begins
Grand Ridge Elementary grandridgeptsa.org 5/3 5/4 5/4 5/15 5/16 5/17 5/17 5/23 5/23
1st Grade Concert Popcorn Friday PTSA Auction LAST Coffee with Christy After School Movie – Peanuts PTSA Membership Meeting 3rd Grade Concert Bear Hunt for New Students, @ 5:30 P.M. Xylophone and Marimba Concert
Gibson Ek Receives ISF Kateri Brow Grant
Congratulations to Sammy Papp and Julia Bamba for earning a Kateri Brow Grant, from the Issaquah Schools Foundation, for Restoring Old Ruins into Something Beautiful and Useful. This grant supports Gibson Ek High School students working with the production lab community to build green houses on the old Issaquah Middle School “ruins,” using an existing footprint behind Gibson Ek. The grant provides weather-resistant wood hardware, greenhouse plastics, and building materials.
Endeavour Art Walk
Join the PTSA for an entire evening celebrating the talented artists at Endeavour Elementary, on May 9th, 2018! The annual spring Art Walk is a colorful event for families to enjoy while walking around our school. 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 to for the entire family to enjoy, as well as free ice cream sundaes!
PTSA Award Winners
Congratulations, and a huge round of applause to Jo Mockford, Alicia Spinner, Justin Oppelaar, and Kim Goodman from Grand Ridge Elementary, and Nicole Garcia and Carolyn Kennedy from Pacific Cascade Middle School as Golden Acorn honorees, Outstanding Advocates, and Outstanding Educator recipients. The 2017-2018 PTSA Awards celebrate these generous, 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 services!!!!
endeavourptsa.org
Popcorn Friday Art Walk Night Out for Mom Jaguar Hunt
Issaquah Middle School issaquahmiddleptsa.org 5/4 5/15 5/23 5/24 5/29 5/29 5/30
Binder Bootcamp NJHS Induction Ceremony PTSA General Membership Meeting PTSA Book Fair Begins Charitable Giving Week Spring Orchestra Concert Spring Orchestra Concert
Pacific Cascade Middle School
pacificcascadeptsa.org 5/24 5/24 5/29
NJHS Mandatory Meeting PTSA General Membership Meeting NJHS Induction Ceremony
Gibson Ek High School GibsonEk.org 5/6 5/11 5/17 6/1
Mattress Fundraiser Parents Night Out PTSA General Membership Meeting BIG EVENT!
Issaquah High School
issaquahhighptsa.org
5/1 Senior Community Service Hours Due 5/7 New Students: Welcome to IHS Night! 5/11 PTSA Membership Meeting - Grants 5/19 ACT/SAT Combo Testing 5/19 WA State PTA Convention Begins 6/2 Prom **Be sure to check individual web sites for details and updates
Support Issaquah Schools Foundation – Nourish Every Mind, May 2018!
Issaquah Schools Foundation’s Nourish Every Mind fundraising events are HERE! Luncheon • Thursday, May 10th, 2018• Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue Breakfast • Wednesday, May 22nd, 2018 • Eastridge Church, Issaquah Auction - available online only until May 7, 2018 at http://isfdn.org/auction. The Issaquah Schools Foundation manages more than 40 programs that help fill the gaps not funded by the state, and champions innovative ideas throughout the school district. Please help us fuel success for every student by attending 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 entire donation goes directly to support students.
Endeavour and Challenger Mariners Night at Safeco June 2, 7:10pm
Join Endeavour and Challenger Elementary Schools for an annual tradition – Mariners’ Night! Tickets are $13. The M’s will be playing Tampa Bay Rays. This year, both schools have group reserved seating. And the first 20,000 fans to arrive will also receive a Nelson Cruz Funko Pop. If you don’t know what that is - welcome to the crowd! For more information and to purchase Endeavor tickets, visit EndeavourPTSA.org. Last day is June 1st, 2018. For Challenger, see Challenger PTA.org. Deadline to order: May 11th, 2018. Questions? Erin Hayes, hayes2@issaquah.wednet.edu. Needs assistance? PTA-sponsored tickets are available. Contact Sara Jo Pietraszewski pietraszewskis@issaquah.wednet.edu.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2018 •
25
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
by Tracie Jones, Wisteria Park
Applications for ISF 2018-19 Open Enrollment and New Family Tours at Grand Ridge Student Trustees Board The Issaquah Schools Foundation is seeking rising juniors to and Endeavour Elementary serve as Student Trustees representing the student voice on the
Open Enrollment Registration for New Students, all grades, is currently underway. New student registration packets are available in school offices. Students currently attending Grand Ridge, or returning to Grand Ridge from Endeavour/Challenger for 1st grade DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER.
Grand Ridge Elementary PTSA “Bear Hunt” This year’s Bear Hunt will be on May 23rd, from 5:30-6:30 PM. All new incoming students and their families will have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the school with members of the PTSA to help and answer questions along the way. New families are welcome to this event, especially graduating kindergarteners from neighboring elementary schools.
Endeavour Elementary Official Jaguar Hunt
Join us on May 23rd, starting at 2:00 PM! Last tour ends at 4:00 PM. We offer all kindergartners, new students, and their families the opportunity to learn about our building. Tours depart every 15 minutes, and no reservations are required.
IHS National Merit Finalists
Issaquah Highlanders Abigail Heyrich and Maria Kiesewetter are among the eight Issaquah High School finalists named as a National Finalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. National Merit Scholarships competition recognizes and honors academically talented students across the United States. Congratulations, Abigail and Maria!
Issaquah Youth Advisory Board
The City of Issaquah’s Youth Advisory Board is now accepting applications for the 2018-2019 school year. All students currently in grades 5-11 are welcome to apply. The Youth Advisory Board is composed of representatives from all ISD middle schools and high schools. Representatives of the homeschool population, and youth living within ISD, but attend other schools, are welcome to apply. Terms last the length of school year. Information and applications, visit ci.issaquah. wa.us. Applications due mid-May. Questions, contact Cathy Jones, at CJones@IssaquahWA.gov. Join IYAB to make a difference!
Cement Your Legacy at IMS – Buy a Brick!
Don’t miss this opportunity to cement your student’s legacy at IMS! Purchase an engraved 4”x 8” brick for your child, family, honoring teachers and staff, and those important to you. Current or future alumni are all welcome. Also, dedicate a brick to or about IMS, such as a favorite activity or memory. Purchase as many as you’d like! For information, visit IssaquahMiddlePTSA.org.
Grand Ridge Elementary Auction Fundraiser! “Lights, Camera, Auction!” This is your last opportunity to support the Grand Ridge PTSA Auction Fundraiser. PTSA sponsors this event every two years to raise funds, covering costs in our children’s education in areas not directly funded by the State or District. Money raised at the 2018 Auction is critical to bridge educational resource gaps. Please consider joining us, or donating towards the auction, in supporting all children at GRE, on May 5th, 5:30 PM, at the Bellevue Hyatt Regency Hotel. For more information, visit GrandRidgePTSA.org.
Foundation Board. Student trustees help determine policies, procedures and regulations to accomplish the mission and operating objectives of the organization, raise awareness among high school peers about the work of the Foundation, and continue being a connection between the Foundation and their graduating class after high school. To apply for the 2018-2019 Student Trustee position, more information, and applications, visit isfdn.org. Deadline: May 11th, 2018.
Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids
Are you tired of battling with your child? Wondering how to get your child to cooperate without yelling and threats? Trying to find the sweet spot between spoiling and strict? Dr. Laura Markham provides practical, everyday strategies to help raise kids. No parent is peaceful all the time, but it’s completely possible to create a more peaceful home, where affection, connection, and humor help happily resolve conflict. Parents only. Discussion to follow. Free for ISD PTSA members; $10 donation requested of non-members. May 16, 2018, at 7:00 PM, at Skyline High School Theater.
Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings
Conflict is part of every human relationship, and children learn essential skills when encountering conflict-resolution. The key is supporting resolution, with mutual respect, to learn conflict resolution rather than bullying. Dr. Laura Markham, will discuss teaching peace and how to help children express their needs and emotions without attacking siblings, to foster a loving family culture, encouraging laughter and minimize fighting. For parents only. Discussion to follow. Free for ISD PTSA members; $10 donation requested of non-members. May 17, 2018, at 10:00 AM, First Stage (Kidstage) Theatre, Issaquah.
Elementary Summer School Registration
Elementary Summer School is open to current kindergarten through 5th grade students. The program provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce skills and get a jump-start on the next grade-level learning. Classes are weekdays, July 9th - August 3rd, 9:00 AM to noon, at Clark Elementary School. Tuition for 4-week is $400.00. Registration available at ISD Website, or hard copies located in elementary school offices. For more information, visit Issaquah.Wednet.edu.
IMS PTSA Book Fair – Summer Reading Awaits!
Support ALL kids’ reading and our IMS library by purchasing books at the upcoming Scholastic Book Fair. Lunch or after school are both great times to pick up a few books for summer vacation, and those long family road trips. ALL PROCEEDS go directly to the IMS Library. Join us from May 24th – June 6th, 2018. Questions, volunteer, visit IssaquahMiddlePTSA.org.
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• May 2018
Issaquah Highlands Connections
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
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 artwork near the entrance to Blakely Hall. The piece was created by Issaquah artist Denny Croston. The inscription reads “Honoring Community Builder Vicki Stier, whose leadership and inspiration helped create Issaquah Highlands. 2002-2012.” Correct guesses were submitted by: Kuldip Singh Wendy McBride Heather Krabbe Shubha Tirumale
May 2018 •
27
HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK
The Selling of Personal Data, Not by HFN! by Frank Pineau, General Manager, Highlands Fiber Network (HFN)
HFN never shares any data with anyone. No data or online activity, contents of downloaded or uploaded files, what you do or who you connect to is ever monitored, logged or stored. Furthermore, HFN will always be Net Neutral and will never shape your connection for profit. But there has been quite a bit of news lately about data companies (i.e. Cambridge Analytica) that make use of personal data gathered from social media (such as Facebook). Media coverage often describes ways to check your social media profile and how to limit what third parties can view or use. But it is not that simple. For instance, when we’re on social media, it’s fun and interactive to do those quizzes that go something like “Who was I in a past life?” “Who is your gangster team?” “What’s my favorite trait?” Did you know when we opt-in to one of those quizzes, we share a little more of our data? These quizzes can gather data from our profile and can gather data from your friends, too. If you are concerned about how your data is used on any application, social media or other, I suggest you check your privacy settings. You may also consider other apps we download to our phones or tablets that require us to create a profile. Many give the option of creating a new profile with our email address or user name, but some simply ask if we want to login using your social media credentials. If we use the latter, we are giving permission for that app to gather data from our social media account. This is one way third party companies can get and use your profile data to target your feed (and your friends’ feeds) with ads and content. They could target with political content, or advertizing. As far as HFN is concerned, rest easy. Remember, HFN never shares your data with anyone.
Fiber to the home, community owned!
Highlands Fiber Network: Fiber to the Home, Community Owned When Issaquah Highlands was originally designed, master developer Port Blakely Communities envisioned an urban village enjoying traditional neighborhood design, yet innovative and connected. Fiber optic networks were quite rare for residential service, yet clearly the way of the future. Port Blakely commenced the costly investment to lay the fiber infrastructure which continues to this day. Thanks to everyone who participated! This month’s photo is below. Can you identify the location in this picture?
To help fund this new communications network, and other amenities in the Highlands, Port Blakely Communities drafted a “Covenant for Communities” and attached it to land titles. Almost all properties fall under this Covenant, (this would have been disclosed during the escrow process), requiring homeowners to subscribe to the HFN Network. The Covenant states that each home must have a connection to the network (which currently costs a $250 ontime fee, required at closing when you buy your home). Each home is also required to pay the “minimum” monthly fee, which is currently $50/month. This includes 10/10mbps Internet service (and can also provide telephone service as an add-on). Most apartments in Issaquah Highlands provide the option to join the network, with the same hook up fee ($250) and the same monthly rates. HFN’s High Speed Fiber Optic Network is fast, reliable, and is priced competitively for this market. Our current offerings include 10/10mbps, 100/100mbps and 1000/1000mbps speeds.
issaquahhighlands.com/highlands-fiber-network
If you think you ha 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 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 Bai Tong. Everyone who responds with a correct guess will be entered to win. Every correct guess is an entry!
For a community-wide Photo Treasure Hunt, see this month’s feature story beginning on page 15. The Photo Treasure hunt is coordinated by volunteer Chelsea Musick of the Central Park neighborhood.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2018 •
29
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
May Equals Mother’s Day by Susie Sharp, The Brownstones
I think the best type of art or entertainment on Mother’s Day is the kind that the Mom in question doesn’t need to plan or organize! Better yet, that no cleanup is required. Something low-key. The official American Mother’s Day originated in the 1900s by a woman named Anna Jarvis. She wished to honor her recently deceased Mother and to celebrate the sacrifices women make for their children. Here in the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May which falls on May 13th this year. Traditions vary by family and by culture, but I learned that Mrs. Jarvis was not so happy about the commercialization of Mother’s Day. She must have known that lowkey appreciations of Mom do go a long way. Your low-key appreciation could take on many forms:
• Give Mom a little R & R to enjoy the art of a good book • Take her on a hike that caters to all the family members. The feature story in this issue of Connections shows you opportunities to craft a tour in a hike of the Highlands. • Surprise her with a picnic! Did you know that Central Park now has a second covered gazebo? See this for ideas: issaquahhighlands.com/explore/parks/ • Take a family photo, especially one with Mom in it. Issaquah Highlands has several photogenic locations for a family portrait. Try the bridge between Dahlia Park and Bark Park, or along the path at Grand View Park. In the words of the incomparable Maya Angelou: ‘To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.’ Good luck in choosing the entertainment or art for the unique and special Mother in your family.
• Give Mom a handmade card • Give Mom the gift of art; most appreciated is her children’s art
Show us your Mother’s Day kid art! Look out for our Mother’s Day Facebook post on May 13 and add a photo of your child’s Mother’s Day arts and crafts projects to the comments. Follow us on : @issaquahhighlands
Happy Mother’s Day!
30
• May 2018
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Shelter-In-Place
by Amanda Keverkamp, CERT Team 9, Resident of Crofton Springs Many of the disasters we prepare for require being ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Instances like active shooter situations, chemical or nuclear emergencies, or other disasters, however, are cases when authorities might tell people to seek refuge in the building they are in rather than evacuate the area to a different location. This is known as sheltering-in-place. When the shelter-in-place alert goes out, the CDC recommends that you act quickly and immediately tune into local radio or TV broadcasts for more detailed sheltering instructions. Basic sheltering-in-place steps include: 1. Get people, pets, and emergency supplies inside. 2. Find a safe place in this location. The exact spot will be determined by the type of emergency. 3. Stay there until officials give the OK to leave. 4. Stay in touch. Inform your emergency contact of the situation and which family members are there. Stay tuned to local news to learn the latest updates. How to seal a room There may be a situation where officials will tell you to shelter-in-place and “seal the room.” If this alert goes out, immediately follow these steps: 1. Lock doors and close windows. 2. Close air vents and fireplace dampers. Turn off fans, AC units, and forced air heating systems. 3. Bring people, pets, and emergency supplies into an interior room with no or few windows and vents. 4. Seal the room’s windows, vents, and doors with 2-4 mil. thick plastic sheeting and tape. 5. Seal all gaps and tape down all edges. Tip: Precut the plastic sheets for faster, easier response. Make sure to cut sheets several inches wider than the openings and label each sheet. Store the precut sealing sheets and tape in your emergency kit. Don’t forget about Fido! Make sure you have a designated area for your pets to do their duty inside the shelter. Keep these essential items in your kit: plastic bags, newspapers, containers, and cleaning supplies to manage their waste. Sheltering in your vehicle It may be safer to pull over and stay in your car during an emergency. If you are close to home, place of employment, or public building, the CDC recommends you go there immediately. These recommendations remind us of the importance of having a communications plan in place and emergency kits at the ready. For more information on how to make a communications plan, build a kit, or shelter-in-place, visit www.FEMA.gov, www.emergency. CDC.gov/shelterinplace, or Ready.gov.
Source: Washington State Emergency Management Division
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2018 •
DIRECTORY
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 1011 NE High Street Suite 210 Monday–Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
MAIN PHONE: 425-427-9257 | AFTER HOURS: 425-223-8887
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 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 Barbara Uribe, Senior Accountant and Benefits Coordinator barbara.u@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1123 Kristyn McKinnon, Accounting Manager kristyn.m@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 Debbie Orosco, Compliance Coordinator deborrah.o@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1134 Lyle Dickey, Landscape Manager lyle.d@ihcommunity.org Matthew Hendrikse, Maintenance Supervisor matthew.h@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1137 Billing Inquiries payments@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119
HIGHLANDS COUNCIL
Responsible for:
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 David Ngai, Treasurer Philip Nored, Secretary Fred Nystrom, Trustee Ami Desai-Mehta, Trustee
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
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
Emergency: 9-1-1 Issaquah Police (non-emergency) 425-837-3200
Christy Garrard, Executive Director christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1110 Nina Milligan, Communications Manager nina.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1111 Michele McFarland, Controller 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 Lindsey Pinkston, Administrative Assistant lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107
WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife 425-775-1311 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
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
facebook.com/ issaquahhighlands Sign up for our weekly E-Letter at issaquahhighlands.com
RENTAL FACILITIES
Blakely Hall
Fire Station #73 Meeting Room
Blakely Hall is Issaquah Highlands’ award-winning community center that feels like a luxury lodge. With a variety of meeting, art & dining spaces, an outdoor patio, and adjacent park, it accommodates groups from 20 -200. See our webpage for more information or contact Lindsey at Highlands Council with your questions.
Swedish Hospital Conference Center
2550 NE Park Drive 425-507-1107 | Lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org | BlakelyHall.com
HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK
Blakely Hall 2550 NE Park Drive Monday–Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
MAIN PHONE: 425-507-1107 | IssaquahHighlands.com
Homestreet Bank
Conference Room 909 Northeast Ellis Dr. | 425-677-2210 homestreet.com/branches/issaquah-branch
1280 NE Park Drive 425-313-3200 | eastsidefire-rescue.org/Facilities 751 NE Blakely Drive 425-313-4000 | IssaquahConferenceCenter@swedish.org
Connections: By Community, For Community Connections News is a monthly community newspaper written mostly by volunteerresident writers, edited and published by Issaquah Highlands Council. Connections helps Highlands Council fulfill its mission to develop a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, stewardship and well-being. Join the Connections Team Highlands Council is always looking for volunteer contributing writers, photographers and graphic designers. For more information, contact Nina Milligan, Communications Manager, at nina.m@ihcouncil.org. Submit an Announcement for “Milestones” See your announcements published in the new life “Milestones” section of Connections. We accept birth/adoption, graduation, marriage, obituary and culturally-recognized life milestone announcements for Issaquah Highlands residents only. See submission form and guidelines at IssaquahHighlands.com. Interested in advertising in Connections? We welcome media sponsors at any time during the year. Connections printed and distributed monthly, free of charge, to every address in Issaquah Highlands (residences and businesses). We also distribute through local gathering spaces, such as coffee shops and the Metro Park and Ride. Circulation: Approximately 4,500
YWCA Family Village
Community Rooms 930 NE High St. | 425-270-6800 ywcaworks.org/locations/family-village-issaquah
CONNECTIONS Display ad pricing begins at $75/month. Discounts available for 3, 6 and 12 month contracts. Online advertising is also available. For more information, contact Nina Milligan, Communications Manager, at nina.m@ihcouncil.org . More information, ad packets/pricing, editorial calendar and electronic archives can be found here: issaquahhighlands. com/connect/connections-news/ Opinions expressed either by paid advertisers or editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of Highlands Council or this newspaper. Highlands Council reserves the right to accept or refuse submissions, and to edit content. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising or content that in our opinion does not reflect the standards of this paper.
31
# 1001927
May 2018 List - $789,000 - $845,000 + Den32+ •Bonus Room 4Bd / 2.5 Bath / Basement home on Iris St.
Issaquah Highlands Connections List $550,000 - Sold $630,000
4Bd / 2.5 Bath / 1495 Sqft / Iverson Lane
NOW OFFERING ATlist1% SOLD $41,000 COMMISSIONS over list price! SOLD $33,000 over price!
OLD $67,000 over list price!
IN ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS
money for the sale of your home “It’s
the PEAK season to list! SOLD home call Krista! 206-890-6347
YOUR Move!” SOLD
1530 NE Iris Street Pending!
List $550,000 - Sold $617,000
Listed!
Pending!
List $469,000 - Sold $510,000
d / 2.5 Bath / 1,440 Sqft / Private Corner Lot!
2Bd / 2.5 Bath / Duplex on greenbelt with views!
on Daphne Street!
SOLD
2404 NE Davis Loop
List $489,000 - Sold $522,000
2Bd / 2.5 Bath / 1,620 Sqft / Views of Seattle!
List $1,298,000 Sold $1,350,000
7 TO BUY OR SELL A HOME!
2377 23rd Lane NE
4 Bd / 2.5 Bath / 3,569 Sqft / Sunny corner lot
List $869,000 Sold $960,000 3 Bd / 2.5 Bath / 2,190 Sqft / Greenbelt
September Client Testimonial: SOLD
SOLD
We needed to sell our house1374 quickly part Brooklynas Walk NE 4 Bd / 3.25 Bath / 3210 Sqft / Greenbelt Home! 3 Bd / 3.5 Bath / 2,500 Sqft / Basement Home! of a corporate relocation. We knew Krista SOLD $56,000 price! SOLD $80,000 over price! waslistfamiliar with the area and had a strong 2 Listing Agents = Highest Levelover of list Service! reputation. Krista listed our home extremely Custom Home Book fast, while still providing a high level of List $949,000 Sold $1,082,500 service. an amazing staging and List $800,000She Solddid $850,000 List job $839,000 Sold $845,000 Bd / 3.5in/out Bath / 2600 Sqft / Remodeled Professional4move cleaning as client gift! 4 Bd / 2.5 Bath / 1,850 Sqft / Corner lot 4 Bd / 3.5 Bath / 2,172 Sqft / Brownstones photographing our home to show it at its best. MLS# 1001927 Even with our tight timeline, she was able to SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD #1 Placement in the Connections List - $789,000 -Newspaper! $845,000 List $550,000 - Sold $630,000 Sqft / + Den + Bonus Room 4Bd / 2.5 Bath / 1495 Sqft /2478 Iverson Lane Avenue NE Iris St. 33rd 1490 26th Avenue NE 1840 home 25thon Avenue NE #414 2381 25th Avenue NE 4Bd / 2.5 Bath / Basement run two open house events. Her marketing Free staging consultation efforts resulted in multiple offers and a SOLD $67,000 over list price! SOLD $41,000 over list price! SOLD $33,000 over list price! final sales price 12% over our listing price. Free use of model home furniture & accessories Throughout the process, communication with Krista was very open and she was incredibly Zero pressure, 100% friendly, in home consultation List $1,050,000 Sold $1,130,000 Happy buyers! List $550,000 Sold $595,000 List $750,000 Sold $778,000 responsive. Krista also has4 Bda/ 2.5ton of energy, a 4 Bd / 2.5 Bath / 2,890 Sqft / Big backyard! Bath / 3,270 Sqft / Cheapeake Landing 2 Bd / 1.75 Bath / 1,191 Sqft / Penthouse Condo 3 Bd / 2.5 Bath / 1,540 Sqft / Corner townhome designed to inform you about your options positive attitude, and is fun to work with. List $550,000 - Sold $617,000 List $469,000 - Sold $510,000 List $489,000 - Sold $522,000 We highly recommend Krista. 4Bd / 2.5 Bath / 1,440 Sqft / PrivateCERTIFIED Corner Lot! 2Bd / 2.5 Bath / Duplex on greenbelt with views! 2Bd / 2.5 Bath / 1,620 Sqft / Views of Seattle! ! RELOCATION $919,000 MLS # 957836
Gorgeous Dream Home in Dahlia Park Offered at $ 919,000
MLS# 957836
$825,000 MLS 2775 # 961193 NE Northstar Lane
2059 NE Nelson Lane Issaquah, WA 98029
CALL (206) 890-6347 TO BUYLisa OR SELL A HOME and Michael Saracino
SIRVA, CARTUS, ALTAIR & MORE
September Client Testimonial: 6347 TO BUY OR SELLplacement A HOME! Preferred on Zillow &We Trulia Custom needed to sell our house quicklyHome as part Book of a corporate relocation. We knew Krista
& Trulia
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gents
Open Houses/Brokers Open was familiar with the area Professional move in/out cleaning as client gift and had a strong reputation. Krista listed our home extremely Unlimited Color Flyers #1 Placement in the Connections Newspaper Custom Home Book fast, while still providing a high level of service. She did an amazing staging and Individualized Property Freejobstaging consultation Professional move in/out cleaning as client gift! Website Issaquah Highlands Homeowners photographing our home to show it at its best. Social Media Campaign Even with our tight timeline, was able to Zeroshepressure, 100% friendly, in home consultation #1 Placement in the Connections Newspaper! run two open house events. Her marketing designed to inform you about your options Full Internet Exposure for your listing Free staging consultation efforts resulted in multiple offers and a final sales price 12% over ourhome listing price. Free warranty or move-out clean Professional HDR photographyThroughout Free use of model home furniture & accessories the process, communication with Local office next to SIP! Krista was very open and she was incredibly Virtual Home Tour Zero pressure, 100% friendly, in home consultation 2 Listing Agents = Highest Level of Service!
designed to inform you about your = options 2 Listing Agents Highest RELOCATION CERTIFIED SIRVA, CARTUS, ALTAIR & MORE
James & Julie Clegg - Brokers 4 2 5 .9 41. 6 5 76 2a 5ton -of 5 7 7a -1917 responsive. Krista also4 has energy,
Level of Service positive attitude, and RELOCATION is fun to work with. CERTIFIED SIRVA, CARTUS, ALTAIR & MORE
j c l e g g72@ g m a i l .c o m
We highly recommend Krista.
* Now advertising directly toMichael international buyers on Juwai.com Lisa and Saracino
omeowner
ands OwnerHomeowner
Broker Brueckman - Broker 0.6 3 47 a12 il.com
Issaquah Highlands Homeowner
Issaquah Highlands Homeowners
James & Julie Clegg - Brokers 4 2 5 .9 41. 6 5 76 4 2 5 - 5 7 7 -1917
Aimee Holy - Broker 314 - 6 0 0 - 7 5 61 j c l e g g72@ g m a i l .c o m
a i mee ho ly@ya hoo.com
@g ma i l.com Highlands Homeowner Krista Mehr
Lynn Crane Brueckman
Issaquah Highlands Homeowner
Aimee Holy
Sean Meade
Joey Dalupan
Terron Watson
Carla Domingues
Broker/Handyman
Broker
Broker
jdalupan@hotmail.com
terronwatson.re@gmail.com
carlad47@outlook.com
hlands Office located at 1114 NE Park Dr. - right next206.898.3044 to SIP Wine Bar! 425.614.6834 206.437.0142
Owner/Broker Broker ane Brueckman - Broker 206.890.6347 207.561.0412 1 - 0 412 kristamehr@gmail.com lbrueckman@gmail.com
ma n@g ma i l.com
Aimee Broker Broker Holy - Broker 314.600.7561 314 - 6 0 0 - 7 5 61 425.941.9934
seanmmeade.re@gmail.com a imeeholy@ya hoo.com
aimeeholy@yahoo.com
VisitOffice our NEW Issaquah Highlands Office located Park Dr. - right next to SIP Wine Bar Highlands located at 1114 NE Park Dr. - right next to at SIP1114 WineNE Bar!