Connections
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ISSAQUAH HIGHL ANDS
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By Community, for Community May 2020
Photo by Susie Sharp
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E ? 5-7 Feature: Homebound Helpers 8 Wish You Were Here 9 Highlands Council 11 Highlands Youth (HY) 13 Volunteer of the Month 14-15 What's Happening 16-17 IHCA
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Living Green Home Organization Ask Kari Merchant of the Month City News Smart Home Issaquah Highlands Travels Emergency Preparedness
ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON 2550 NE Park Drive Issaquah, WA 98029
PERMIT NO. 83 ISSAQUAH, WA U.S. POSTAGE PAID PRSRT STD
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2020
EDITOR’S NOTE How is the stay-at-home order going for you? Have cabin fever? Are the kids climbing the walls? And how is that new puppy working out? I hope these are the greatest of your worries during this difficult time. Many people cannot enjoy the simple comforts of a safe and healthy home during this time. Some must go to work, like our health care providers at Swedish Issaquah, and others need help at home because they are in an at-risk population. Thankfully, there are neighbors in our community who are making the most of the stay-at-home order. This issue is a tribute to these homebound helpers. editor nina continues to do
Whether you offered to help through the Issaquah Highlands her part by working from Neighbor to Neighbor directory or you participated in an home during this time. organized effort to supply PPE, meals, or other support during this time – we thank you! Limited space means we cannot print all these stories, but we captured a few heartwarming examples, beginning on page 5. Also inside, find how your Issaquah Highlands organizations are adapting to the restrictions of the coronavirus emergency. Highlands Council has adapted many of your favorite gatherings for online participation; the IHCA is keeping our properties safe and well-maintained; and HFN is helping to make working from home a breeze. And it is not all COVID-19 inside! We have stories from across the globe, from inside your closet, and from inside your heart. Sit back, pour yourself another cup of coffee, and savor every page of this publication – YOUR community news.
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About the Cover: This photo was taken by Brownstones resident Susie Sharp. Knowing she lived nearby, we sent her out to snap a photo for the community. Of course, Susie went all out to get the best shot! “I was hoping I wouldn’t drop my phone through the barrier!”
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.”
Marcel Dore, State Farm Agent 2405 NE Park Drive Issaquah Highlands, WA 98029 425-391-0200 Marcel@MarcelsAgents.com
2520 NE Park Drive, Suite C Issaquah Highlands 98029 (425) 996-0457 RayBesharati.com
And I am your neighbor! Issaquah Highlands is my home and the location of my business. As we share a community, I understand your insurance needs and would like to help you get the coverage you need.
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Meet local professionals for inclusive, connection-based networking and a unique way to grow your business. Featured business presentations
Receive business building tips
Rotating social media exposure for members
Form genuine professional connections
Additional member promotions
FIRST MONDAYS
9:30 A.M.
Registration required at: issaquahhighlands.com/events
ONLINE
May
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NO GARAGE? NO PROBLEM. Issaquah Highlands residents are invited to bring tables and sale items to Village Green Park for an informal yard sale in the park, 8AM - 12PM. Registration is recommended to guarantee your space, go to issaquahhighlands.com/events.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2020
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Photo by Susie Sharp
EXCEPTIONAL EFFORTS OF EVERYDAY PEOPLE During the coronavirus state-wide stay-at-home order, many people in our community overcame challenges, rose to the occasion, and found ways to serve the community while staying at home. We collected a few stories about these “homebound helpers” to share with you. There are many more – thank you to all the Issaquah Highlands homebound helpers, doing big things and small! We hope you’ll enjoy getting to know a few of your neighbors through their good deeds during this challenging time.
Thank You, Neighbor!
We asked residents to share their appreciation for fellow neighbors who offered a helping hand. Share your story at issaquahhighlands.com/thank-a-neighbor.
“Michelle [Enebo] is amazing! I can’t believe how much she’s doing to feed our essential workers. Thank you for taking this on Michelle!” – Toni Hunter “Bryan [Thorn] posted on the Crofton Springs FB page that he had a pick-up time slot at a Safeway and would be willing to pick up grocery items for his CS neighbors. He purchased a couple of items for us and delivered them to our front door. Thank you, Bryan, for your caring and generosity.” – Larry Norton
Thank you, Grand Ridge Plaza, for providing complimentary lunches to our first responders and healthcare providers every Wednesday (through May 12) as part of your “We’re Here with You” campaign! – Highlands Council
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
MICHELLE ENEBO
Feeding Swedish Hospital Workers Through Restaurant Deliveries Funded by Exploding GoFundMe As told to Nina Milligan, Communications Manager, Highlands Council and Starpoint Resident
Michelle: I first thought of the idea when I was scrolling
through Facebook and saw that a caterer was doing a fundraiser to make a meal for Swedish Edmonds. I thought, “I have a Swedish right around the corner from me and I’d love to help them!” I also thought that paying all the hard-hit restaurants in the area would be helpful, too. I began by contacting Dr. Jennifer Spence at Swedish Issaquah. She has been my doctor for at least 15 years. I reached out to her first to see if I could start such a program. She put me in contact with the head of the ER and head of the ICU. I honestly thought we would raise $5,000 and I’d organize a few meals and that would be that. I can’t believe how much it took off. The big push was from our super supportive neighborhood, but the project was also shared all around Issaquah and the Eastside. There have been donors from all over. Everything I’m doing is from my couch or home office. I schedule meals and reach out to the hospital staff when meals are delivered. I’ve had tons of offers to help from our community, but I’ve only needed help for one delivery (thank you Highlands resident, Ann Hartzell). The deliveries are all done (except that one) by the restaurants themselves to keep the most people at home as possible. The restaurants are all so thankful for this opportunity. The only ‘no’ I received was from a restaurant that just couldn’t handle such a large order. The Swedish staff have all been so happy, too. The feedback from the staff at Swedish Issaquah has been incredible. They are so appreciative of all the support from the community. The meals make their hard jobs a little easier. We serve 160 meals (half for day shifts and half for night) every other day and snacks on other days, serving most departments in the hospital. Some of the food vendors are from Issaquah Highlands, such as Zeeks Pizza, Ben & Jerry’s, Agave Cucina (see photo), Bai Tong Thai Restaurant, MOD Pizza, Chinoise Cafe, Habit Burger, Starbucks, and
Pinkabella Cupcakes. In addition to the meals we paid for, there are some restaurants that have donated snacks, too (like Ben and Jerry’s and Starbucks). The outpouring from the community has been great. By April 15, we had well over $50,000 in donations through my GoFundMe page (“Feed Issaquah Swedish Staff”) towards my new goal of $70,000. People donate what they can. We have over 700 donors. I think the response from the community has been so great because they love the hospital, and it’s one of the few ways we have been able to make a difference while maintaining social distance. I save all my receipts to make sure I account for every penny. It’s a big responsibility so I’m having my husband, who is way better at accounting, do all that for me. My girls are really proud of what I’ve pulled together, love to check on the GoFundMe, and let me know what comments are being left there. My husband is also a great cheerleader of mine and has been great about untangling the financial part. I am super thankful I have this little bit of good to do while being stuck at home. And it is so nice to be able talk to all sorts of people.
Michelle Enebo at Home
Michelle and her family moved to Issaquah Highlands in 2007 and lived in the Central Park neighborhood until last year when they moved to Ashland Park. Michelle is a professional photographer and blogger, and has previously volunteered as a photographer with Connections.
“A stressed-out elderly neighbor reached out to me looking for help taking garbage and recycling out. I found Kelli Anderson's information in the Neighbor to Neighbor Directory and contacted her. She immediately said yes and was happy to help! It is heartwarming to know there are people like Kelli in our community ready to lend a hand.” – Lindsey Pinkston “I want to thank Highlands Council for trying their best to keep us all remotely connected. I want to thank all the neighbors who stayed home to save lives! Thank you, all the essential workers in our neighborhood, for your dedication & sacrifices! Take care, everybody! Stay strong! This too shall pass!” – Shubha Tirumale Thank you, Mike Chin, for organizing the Roanoke Woods Supper Club to gather support for local restaurants in a BIG way during this challenging time. – Highlands Council Thank you, IHCA, for permitting booster club yard signs this year for graduating seniors: “This is the BEST news!! As the mother of a senior this year, it brings tears to my eyes that you will let those Seniors in the Highlands get the recognition they deserve! – Carmela Gellos “Kelly [Su] is hard at work making masks for essential workers. She saw a need and stepped up. What she’s doing is amazing. Thank you, Kelly!” –Toni Hunter Thank you to neighbors around Issaquah Highlands who participated in the community “Bear Hunt” where residents put stuffed bears in their windows for children and families to find on neighborhood drives and walks. – Highlands Council
Swedish Issaquah staff expresses their thanks to the community for supporting them during this crisis. Photos provided by Michelle Enebo.
“I wanted to thank Lucy [Musler] for starting a Dungeons and Dragons group over Zoom. I'm in middle school and it's really nice to see other kids and have a fun escape while stuck at home.” –Asher Pinkston
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2020
KELLY SU
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Washington Youth for Masks
Leading a Call to Sew Masks for Local Hospitals and Senior Centers
Four Issaquah Highlands high school students knew early on of the effects of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic because their extended families live in China, Korea, and India. As the situation grew worse, close friends and family members who work in hospitals shared alarming news of PPE shortages. In response, Angelina Chin, Isha Rudramurthy, Faith Lee, and Claire Kang, started Washington Youth for Masks.
by Lindsey Pinkson, Community Program Manager, Highlands Council and Wisteria Park Resident Kelly Su, Central Park neighborhood resident, put her professional skills to work as soon as she heard medical workers needed masks. A professional fashion designer, Kelly started sewing right away.
These students want to encourage unity and togetherness to battle the divisions caused by the pandemic, and to serve local hospital workers. They are leveraging international connections with FDA-approved factories to produce and distribute masks.
Realizing there were probably more people who could contribute to the cause, she put together a grassroots effort to involve the community in sewing reusable masks to donate to local hospitals and senior centers. Kelly recorded tutorial videos on how to make the masks and put together kits with mask supplies for neighbors to pick up off her porch.
For every $5,000 raised, they promise to purchase roughly 10,000 masks. At the time of publication Washington Youth for Masks had raised over $15,000 toward their $25,000 goal to deliver about 50,000 medical grade masks to four area hospitals, including Swedish Issaquah.
After seeing Kelly’s Facebook post, Kirk Park resident Kathryn Dean volunteered to sew masks. “I’m so grateful for Kelly’s work on this project. She used her business savvy and sewing skills to create an opportunity for us all to help in some way,” Kathryn said. Kelly and her “team” of volunteers have made and donated around 1,800 masks as of mid-April. She continues to accept financial and material donations to help with the cause. Her goal is to make and donate 5,000 masks but reports getting materials has been a challenge. If you would like to get involved, please visit ksschoolofdesign.com. Kelly: “I am so grateful for all the donations and volunteers! Thank you, thank you, and thank you!”
Kelly Su (pictured at top) has sewn and donated almost 5,000 masks, for local hospitals, including Swedish Issaquah (bottom photo).
Other Highlands residents on the team include Deeya Sharma, Ananya Sahoo, Olivia Wang, Siona Wadhawan, Stephanie Luu, Mia Foster, Justin Chang, Hannah Prouty, Ashlesha Mishra, Brielle Arnold, Anna Kiesewetter, Amanda Wong, Declan Treacy, Rama Bah, Rebekah Rahman, and Annika Nielsen. Learn more about Washington Youth for Masks at wayouthformasks.wixsite.com/website.
JOHNNA MASTERSON
Connecting Neighbors in Need with Neighbors Who are Able to Help by Lindsey Pinkson, Community Program Manager, Highlands Council and Wisteria Park Resident When kids were still in school, early in the coronavirus crisis, Johnna Masterson, Central Park resident, was following neighborhood discussions on Facebook and recognized there was a lot of fear around the need for childcare and food should schools close. To help ease that stress for families, she set up “IH Helping Neighbors in Need,” an online signup form to connect neighbors who need a little extra help with neighbors who are able to provide that help.
Her idea grew, and she continues to reach out to help match people with volunteers.
“This started as a poll I posted on Facebook with regards to the families in our area who would be significantly impacted by a school closure. Many people rely on school for childcare, and on the Free and Reduced Lunch Program to feed their children during the day. It had such a great response!” Johnna posted on her SignUpGenius page.
“And I want to thank the families who signed up. Thank you for trusting me, and for being so brave. It is so hard to ask for help. And I am honored you shared your stories with me. I will continue to do all I can, in any way I can.”
In just a few days, Johnna was able to connect 75 children and their families with volunteers who were happy to help provide food and other essential items. “Just knowing there are people out there who care makes this so much less scary. This was beyond helpful! She dropped off so much food! And diapers and food for the baby, and even special treats for all of us. We feel so loved,” one thankful mom said. Originally, Johnna’s plan was to just help cover those first few weeks after the schools closed while the School District and the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank got their programs operational.
“I want to thank all of the amazing neighbors who signed up. They stood up, opened their hearts, and made such a huge difference. Not only did they provide meals, they gave these parents hope. They all provided this gift from a place of love and support, without an ounce of judgement,” Johnna said.
Shopper Next Door Grace Chen, Daphne Park resident, recently returned home during her sophomore year at UC Berkeley after classes moved online. She was disappointed but also happy to support her parents with grocery shopping and cooking. Her parents were grateful to have Grace do the Grace Chen shopping because she is at lower-risk for the virus. Grace soon realized not all families have someone like her to help them. She thought about a close friend’s mom who has asthma, or another whose grandparents were isolated with fear of the coronavirus. “I knew I had to lend a hand to these vulnerable individuals, and I knew I could mobilize many young people who would be eager to help out,” Grace said. That’s when she started Shopper Next Door, an organization that matches higher-risk individuals with local volunteers to provide assistance with tasks like grocery delivery. Whether people are over age 65, immunocompromised, a single parent, or low income, Grace wanted to provide a support system to help. At the time of publication, Shopper Next Door had 30 volunteers ready to help. “The Issaquah Highlands community is close to my heart, so it means a lot to be able to give back and see the community come together,” Grace said. Learn more about Shopper Next Door at shoppernextdoor.weebly.com or call 425-522-2674.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
Dear Neighbor, Wish You Were Here We had a great time in April connecting with our neighbors through community groups online! Book Club met twice to chat and discuss the book of the month. Bunco Group shared a lot of laughs together as they played an online drawing game. The Issaquah Highlands Networking Group stayed strong by connecting and learning from each other. Until we can see you again in person, we’re loving the virtual connections! Visit issaquahhighlands.com/events for details.
Next meetup: Tuesday, May 19, 7 p.m. May's Book: "My Old Man and the Mountain"
Next meetup: Friday, May 1, 7 p.m.
Next meetup: Monday, May 4, 9:30 a.m. Pre-registration required
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2020
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HIGHLANDS COUNCIL
The Good Times Ahead Looking Forward to Coming Together Again Highlands Council is happy to experience our community getting “stronger together” through this unprecedented time and loves seeing so many examples of neighbors supporting neighbors. We look forward to the time when it is safe for us to gather in person again and build community the “old-fashioned way.”
by Lindsey Pinkston Community Program Manager, Highlands Council and Wisteria Park Resident During this time of physical distancing, many of our community groups continue to meet virtually to connect, laugh, and play together, and we have plans for more online events in the weeks ahead (be sure to check our community calendar for the latest at issaquahhighlands.com/events). Now might be a great time to try out that new community group you’ve been too busy to attend!
We will get through this, so we continue to plan for the time when we can be together in the same place again. This summer, if guidelines permit, we’ll introduce “Food Truck Fridays” with a different food truck at Blakely Hall each month for a casual dinner with friends and neighbors. We’ll open Blakely Hall, sometimes have live music, and families can eat inside or on the patio or bring a blanket to enjoy a picnic dinner on the Village Green. We’re even planning to hold a special outdoor edition of our popular Open Mic Night for all to enjoy!
Highlands Council Boa rd of Trust Gary Ashby ees Presiden with staff t McFarland, Vicki Grunew members Michele ald, and Ch at a Pop-U risty Garra rd p party in 2019.
Our community Fourth of July celebration is on the calendar again this year with live music and free hotdogs, courtesy of our friends at Summit LIFE Church. We’re also excited for the return of “Pop-Up Parties” at selected pocket parks throughout Issaquah Highlands. Each summer, staff from Highlands Council, the Issaquah Highlands Community Association, and Highlands Fiber Network pull up with the Party Wagon and treat six neighborhoods to a simple party with yard games and free ice cream treats. We hope to see many of you at your neighborhood parks this summer, guidelines permitting.
Resident s en going ba joy mimosas t o celebra ck to sc hool at te the k Morning the ann ids " event ual at Blake ly Hall in "Mimosa fall 2019 .
We’re hopeful we can celebrate the kids going back to school with you at “Mimosa Morning” in September, and we’re planning candidate forums for the summer and fall so you can feel informed when you cast your votes in the upcoming general election. We look forward to reopening Blakely Hall for continued art and cultural exhibitions, community groups, and simply chatting with you when you visit. Through it all, Highlands Council is here with you, building community together.
year’s at last Green. s g o d ot ge n Villa illing h eer gr lebration o t n lu o Ce Av of July Fourth
For all upcoming event details, be sure to follow us on social media, subscribe to our weekly e-letter, and check issaquahhighlands.com/events!
Introducing the Issaquah Highlands Community Fund Broadening the Ability to Fund Solutions to Community Needs
by Christy Garrard Executive Director, Highlands Council and Dahlia Park Resident
In March, Highlands Council received 501(c)(3) status with the state of Washington for the Issaquah Highlands Community Fund (IHCF) – a community foundation supporting and enhancing educational, environmental, and cultural opportunities consistent with the community building goals of Highlands Council. While only in the early stages, the IHCF hopes to fund initiatives to support community life in Issaquah Highlands around the key areas of living green, technology, leadership development for youth and adults in civic and community service, and community engagement in arts and culture.
Currently, in partnership with Highlands Council, IHCF is working to develop and fund a community shuttle program to serve within the boundaries of Issaquah Highlands. The program would provide transportation to and from Blakely Hall and surrounding businesses, Grand Ridge Plaza, Swedish Hospital, the businesses at Discovery Heights, and the Issaquah Highlands Park-and-Ride. For more information, please visit issaquahhighlands.com/communityfund.
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OPEN mic
FREE, NOW ONLINE! Find some calm during this otherwise stressful time! Everyone is welcome.
Fridays 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Join the video chat using the Zoom Meeting link provided at issaquahhighlands.com/events
ONLINE ALL AGES & TALENTS WELCOME! Submit your video to be included in the online viewing party IssaquahHighlands.com/Events
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2020
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HIGHLANDS YOUTH - HY
At Home in the Highlands How My Family Made the Best of the Stay-at-Home Order
by Eva Konomi Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY)
Never in a million years would I have expected our community to be forced to shut down for several weeks. Once our family got over the shock of schools being closed and my dad being required to work from home, we knew it was important to get creative while doing our part to keep our community safe by staying home.
We are a Girl Scout family, so we chose to fill our first few days with Girl Scout activities and badges we could do from home. One of those was a badge set called “Be Prepared, Not Scared.” It has a fun zombie theme to learn important survival and emergency preparedness skills in natural disaster situations. My sisters and I had a lot of fun dressing the part by doing zombie makeup before we dug into the learning materials. We learned how to make emergency shelters, ways to make safe drinking water, first aid, food preparation planning, and other important survival skills. This was a great way for us to put real life application to these important skills, all while earning a Girl Scout badge. Music is a big part of my life and something I am passionate about. While we waited for schools to figure out curriculum, I filled a lot of my days with piano, ukulele, and singing. Music always has a way of making me feel happy, even in the worst situations. My mom wanted to make sure we were still learning while schools were closed, but she wanted learning to be fun at the same time. She played an audio book on our backyard speakers, set up a table with paint supplies, and we painted rocks while we listened to a book together.
Another fun activity we did together as a family was “Escape the Crate” boxes . We had been getting them each month by subscription, but life was so busy, we had not slowed down enough to do them. This was the perfect opportunity to spend time together as a family doing something fun and use our brains at the same time. Physical distancing is very important but getting outside in the fresh air is also needed to give us a break from being isolated indoors. My little sister, Ellie and I spend a lot of time going on bike rides together. We tend to fight a lot, but going on these bike rides together really brought us closer. At first, it was really hard to not be upset about schools closing and missing my friends. But it was important to my parents we change our perspective and understand a lot of people are facing challenges greater than ours. So instead of being upset, I am grateful my family was forced to slow down, spend time together, and grow closer.
y finallyour l i m a f My to play te” e m i t had the Cra he e p a c s t E “ during rder s e m a o g -home stay-at
ed Girl le n r a e I i ges wh ers and My sistrvival skill bads! u ie Scout s playing zomb
I filled m days w y "stay-at-ho it m always h music. Mus e" making has a way o ic f me fee l happy .
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What's more fun than having a party at a candy store?? Try something new for your next party!
Surprise
MOM Large Selection of Colorful Flowers and HUGE Hanging Baskets!
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th
Candy Mache hosts candy parties for kids and adults Go to
www.candymache.com for more info.
Parties include – candy games, candy art projects, special treats, shaved ice, goodie boxes & a coupon for a free shaved ice!
Book now, space fills up quickly! Stop by or call 425-394-4480 to reserve your date 1836 25th Ave. NE, Issaquah, WA 98029
(Issaquah Highlands Next to Zeek's – turn south on 25th Ave NE)
(425) 394-4480
Also Available: Tomatoes, Beans, Corn, Squash, Cucumbers & Peppers.
145 NE Gilman Blvd Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 392-6469 www.grangesupply.com
For the latest news - follow us on Instagram & Facebook www.candymache.com
Bulk Candy • Packaged Candy • Drop-In Craft Time • Shaved Ice • Italian Soda's • Custom Candy Gifts (Gumball Necklaces, Candy Corsages) • Specialty Chocolates • Candy Art
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2020
MAY VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Jennifer Regis The Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) would like to express its sincere thanks for the volunteer work of Jennifer Regis. Jennifer is a long-time resident of Issaquah Highlands and currently serves as the chair of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). Jennifer provides steady leadership and a positive attitude. Tell us about your family? I am a work-from-home mom and former green coffee buyer for a large Seattle-based coffee company and my husband, Steven, is a critical infrastructure manager. We have lived in Issaquah Highlands since 2008. We’re raising four children, Cole, 16, Colton, 14, Cassidy, 14, and Griffin, who just turned 10-years-old. We had planned a big party for him, but given the current COVID-19 situation it had to be put on hold. Just like everybody else, we are adapting.
What do you love most about your neighborhood? The parks and trails. We love being outdoors. This was one of the main factors that drew us to the neighborhood. Over the years, the addition of the shops and restaurants in Grand Ridge Plaza have been fantastic. I can honestly say with a family of six, we’ve contributed significantly to their bottom line over the years and we look forward to supporting them (in person) again soon. The last few years, we’ve been able to take advantage of the community Party Wagon and met so many new neighbors who came out to participate in the neighborhood block party who we wouldn’t have met otherwise.
What drew you to volunteering in the Issaquah Highlands community? It was a series of conversations with a friend and former Volunteer of the Month, Ben Rush, that was the catalyst for me to volunteer. His repeated refrain of “you’ll have a bigger impact by volunteering than you do by commenting on Facebook” was something I eventually took to heart. When a position opened on the IHCA Architectural Review Committee, I applied and was accepted and now am the chair of the committee. The ARC is responsible for reviewing applications for any exterior changes on residents’ homes and certain community spaces. Most commonly, we review new fences, new paint colors, and major landscape projects. It’s fun because you get to see the new trends and design ideas for any projects you might be considering as well. I also enjoy the social aspect of volunteering. With four kids at home, it’s nice to be able to get out of the house and interact with other adults. I started out as a volunteer at my kids’ school and now volunteer with the ARC.
What advice would you have for someone considering or new to volunteering? Do it! It’s rewarding in a variety of ways, you will form new friendships and meet the wonderfully diverse group of people we get to call our neighbors and friends.
Jennifer surrounded by her family, including husband Steven, Cole, 16, Colton, 14, Cassidy. 14, and Griffin, 10.
Are you inspired to get involved in the Issaquah Highlands community? The IHCA is currently seeking residents in IHCA board districts 2, 4, and 6 to apply to serve on the IHCA Board of Directors. IHCA affairs are governed by the board, each member with one equal vote. The Board of Directors is comprised of volunteer Issaquah Highlands homeowners with representation from each board district. The Directors are elected by homeowners. Learn more on page 16. Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer to discover all of the different ways you can get involved in our Issaquah Highlands community or contact Lindsey Pinkston at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS
Please Check Our Community Calendar for Updates issaquahhighlands.com/events Due to the coronavirus pandemic, most community group gatherings are on temporary hiatus. Some groups will meet virtually, with more information provided on our website calendar or in their Facebook groups.
Kids & Families Family Game Night
Enjoy an all ages night playing board games with friends and neighbors! Feel free to bring a favorite game and snack to share.
Library-2-Go
The King County Library will bring the Library-2-Go Book Mobile to Blakely Hall. Bring your library card and browse the curated collection of books – check out your favorites and return any KCLS library books you’ve finished! Free fun for all ages.
Minecraft Mania
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
Moms, dads, caregivers and their children are invited for fun, friendship, support and socializing. Contact katiels84@gmail.com. Search Facebook for Issaquah Highlands Toddler Playgroup.
Arts & Cards Figure Drawing Group
Bring what you need to draw and join a group of artists for weekly sessions to draw from a nude model. The Short-Pose Session meets from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. with poses ranging from 1 minute to 15 minutes in length. The Long Pose Session meets from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. with a single pose repeated in 20-minute sittings. There is no formal instruction. Attend one or both sessions - the cost per session is $10, cash only. See issaquahhighlands.com/ events/ for more information.
Bridge Club
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.
Knit for Life®
A network of volunteer knitters in area hospitals, providing physical and mental support in a nontraditional therapeutic environment to cancer survivors, patients and caregivers through knitting. We teach anyone with any skill level. You don’t have to bring anything but yourself. We have all the supplies you will need. Contact: Elaine.Eckert@yahoo.com.
Open Mic
Join us for an all-ages evening of fun and entertainment from local talents. Come to sing a song, play music, read poetry, tell a story, perform stand-up comedy, etc. Or, just join the audience and support your neighbors! For more information, please contact Dino Go at kabalen.geo@gmail.com.
Photography Group
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.
Poker Night
Whether you are a novice or a salty vet looking for some steep competition, you will love our monthly group Texas Hold ’em tournament! Contact Henry at hlh1969@hotmail.com.
Rovin’ Fiddlers
Drop in on our jam sessions. We welcome guitars, flutes, whistles, banjos, mandolins, autoharps, dulcimers, stand up bass, and percussion. All abilities welcome. Contact Martha at mclnev@yahoo.com.
Yarns & Threads Group
All knitters, crocheters, and stitchers are welcome. For more details or questions, please contact Cathie Coulter at Catherine.coulter@ihmail.com.
Fitness Issaquah Highlands Hiking Group
The Issaquah Highlands Hiking Group is open to all ages to connect with other hiking enthusiasts and go on planned hikes in the beautiful Northwest. For more information and details on our next scheduled hike, join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/ nwhiking.
Meditation Group
Discover how to find moments to relax the mind. The group practice 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.
Mountain Biking Group
The Issaquah Highlands Mountain Biking Group is open to all ages to meet other mountain bike enthusiasts while exploring some of the amazing local mountain bike trails! For more information and details on all planned rides, join us on Facebook at “Issaquah Highlands Mountain Biking Club.”
Tai Chi Fitness Group
IH Business Networking Group Kick off your month with a new spin on the standard practice of networking, based on knowing that the more we connect and share, the more we all grow! This new monthly group will blend the best parts of other networking meetings while being inclusive, connectionbased, and most of all, valuable for all members. Social with refreshments from 9:30-10 a.m., meeting from 1010:45 a.m. No obligations, just genuine connections! For more details, please visit issaquahhighlands.com/events.
Telecommute Tuesdays
Do you work from home? Do you want a little motivation to work from home once each week? Telecommute Tuesdays were designed for you! Head on over to Blakely Hall on Tuesdays for free wi-fi, coffee and treats and the beautiful setting of our community hall. Questions? Contact Lindsey.P@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1107.
Toastmasters
Say it better with Toastmasters. Share your interests and goals in a positive, supportive environment. Let us help you expand your knowledge and horizons. Guests are welcome to join a meeting to see what it’s about – it’s one hour of fun, and you won’t be put on the spot! Learn more at ihtm.toastmastersclubs.org.
Travel Night
Whether you’ve traveled around the world or are planning your first adventure, Travel Night offers monthly and informative evenings at Blakely Hall as a way to share and learn about different countries and individual experiences. The bulk of the evening will be unstructured, get-acquainted time so we can all share and learn about travel. Please bring a snack and/or beverage to share. Join our Facebook Group for more info: Issaquah Highlands Travel Night.
Save the Date Food Truck Friday Friday, June 12, 6 -8 p.m.* Blakely Hall
The ancient Chinese martial art, tai chi, 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.
Stop by Blakely Hall for a casual dinner from community favorite, Tacos la Güerra and enjoy live music from New Age Flamenco! Whether permitting, the patio will be open for eating, or you can bring a blanket and enjoy your meal on the Village Green.
Zumba Fitness® Class
Community-Wide Garage Sale
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 non-perishable food item to donate to the food bank! Contact: zumbawithcindy@gmail.com.
Special Interest Book Club
May's Book: My Old Man and the Mountain
Saturday, June 20*
Whether a yard sale or a garage sale, it's a summer tradition! Sell or shop throughout the community. Residents can also bring their sellable goods to Village Green Park and set up shop from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.! Registration for the Yard Sale at Village Green Park is recommended to guarantee your space. Register online at issaquahhighlands.com/events. *Pending COVID-19 related guidelines at that time. Event will be rescheduled, if needed, to a more appropriate time.
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.
Bunco Night
Come roll the dice with friends and neighbors at Bunco Night! Please bring $5 for the prize pool and a snack or drink to share. No experience necessary. For more information and updates, join the Facebook group: Issaquah Highlands Bunco.
Indicates this group currently meets online. See issaquahhighlands.com/events for details.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS
Get Involved Neighbor to Neighbor Services Directory
Join our directory to connect neighbors in need with neighbors looking to help. Learn more at issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer. For more ways to get involved, including the urgent needs of local non-profits in our community, please visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer.
Governance Mtgs* IHCA Architectural Review Committee Tuesday, 5/5
IHCA Finance Committee Tuesday, 5/12
Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group Monday, 5/18
IHCA Board of Directors Wednesday, 5/27
Save the Date! IHCA Annual Homeowners Meeting Wednesday, 6/24 See page 16 for more details!
City Meetings City Meetings covering Issaquah Highlands topics will be listed at IssaquahHighlands.com/ events.
Special Dates Mother’s Day Sunday, May 10
End of Ramadan Saturday, May 23
Eid al-Fitr
Sunday, May 24
Memorial Day Monday, May 25
Shavuot
Friday, May 29
Office Closures Highlands Council, IHCA, HFN, and Blakely Hall will be closed on May 25 for Memorial Day.
For the latest details, see IssaquahHighlands.com/events For daily updates, follow us on:
*Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all governance meetings will occur virtually until further notice. More details will be posted to issaquahhighlands.com/events when made available. **All events are FREE unless otherwise noted.
Subscribe to our weekly e-letter at IssaquahHighlands.com/connect
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May 2020
Issaquah Highlands Connections
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
IHCA 2020 Board Elections Online Statement of interest forms are available for Districts 2, 4, and 6 starting April 27 through May 15, 2020. Interested candidates for this year’s districts who submit their statement of interest forms will be added to the final ballot which will be available online by Sarah Hoey on June 1 at 12:01 a.m. (PST). IHCA Executive Director Postcards with your district voting website URL and unique registration code will be mailed on May 27. We will conduct voting primarily online using issaquahhighlands.ivotehoa.com. This is the same voting platform used in 2019. Last year’s votes increased by 500% for the first time in Issaquah Highlands history! Paper ballots will be available upon request. You will start to receive emails regarding this online voting process on June 1, 2020 to the email address listed on file with the IHCA. The registration code is tied to your property address and cannot be duplicated. Each lot owner receives one vote for their respective board district. If you have more than one property in the Highlands, you will be allowed to cast a vote per lot once registered online.
On June 1 at 12:01 a.m., you may log in to the voting website to vote. You will need your registration code (IHCA unit code) provided to you on the postcard and via email. Please note each district has a specific URL. The June Connections issue will have full details on each board district candidate to assist you in the voting process. Voting online is easy and quick! You will have three steps. Please refer to the postcard and email communication sent to you. 1. Go to the web address listed on the postcard and enter your registration code. 2. Register to vote by entering your name, email, and creating an account password. This step is mandatory for digital consent. All information is private and will not be published or obtained by a third party other than the IHCA. 3. Select your district candidate – one vote per lot/household.
COMMON QUESTIONS AND ISSUES 1. I haven’t received my required postcard with my registration code (mailed on May 27). 2. I would like to request a paper ballot. 3. How do I update my contact information such as email/phone/off-site mailing address? For assistance with all such questions, please contact the IHCA office, Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Phone 425-427-9257 or email Debbie Orosco at Deborrah.O@ihcommunity.org. Find the board district map on our website at issaquahhighlands.com/learn/issaquah-highlandscommunity-association-ihca/ihca-board-of-directors. Reminder: Postcards with your district voting website and unique registration code will be mailed on May 27.
IMPORTANT NOTICE The deadline for online voting and paper ballots is June 19, 2020 at 5 p.m. (PST). No late submittals will be accepted. Election results will be announced at the IHCA annual meeting scheduled for June 24 at 5:30 p.m. (meeting location to be determined). This serves as the official notice of the 2020 IHCA annual meeting.
Landscape & Irrigation Updates
by Lyle Dickey IHCA Landscape Manager
Landscape: Depending on coronavirus emergency restrictions, landscape crews could be on their regular schedule in May, visiting each maintenance area on a weekly basis. There are a few areas that may only receive a biweekly visit, however most of these are arterials and paths. Other areas, such as our many open spaces and pond slopes,
may receive maintenance only once or twice per year. This is determined by the needs of each area, whether it be a formal or informal landscape. You may also see IHCA crews in some of the open spaces, controlling invasive weeds and doing encroachment control along the perimeters. IHCA crews will work around most of the ponds located throughout the community, and will work on invasive weed control and tree removal. This is all achieved through continuous maintenance by our own IHCA crew and our trusted contractors.
Irrigation: Depending on what we are able to do under coronavirus restrictions, the irrigation crews would have worked on their initial irrigation start-ups and repairs to the many systems throughout the community. The crews will then shift their focus to completing daily work orders in May. On days when there are no work orders (which rarely happens), crews work on preventative maintenance and system upgrades. The irrigation systems are all in good condition due to the constant maintenance provided by our own team of irrigators. Thank you, team!
Highlighting IHCA Board Districts
Ask the IHCA
Greg Underwood , Board District 6
Garage Door Replacement / Water Heaters
Board District 6: your representative is Greg Underwood. Greg has lived in Issaquah Highlands for 13 years and served the past two years on the IHCA Board of Directors. Currently Greg serves as the board’s secretary. The IHCA Board of Directors is comprised of Issaquah Highlands homeowners from six board districts who have been elected to the board by Issaquah Highlands owners during annual board elections. District 6 has 569 homes,
including north of Mulberry street, Dahlia Park, Roanoke Woods, Magnolia, Villaggio, Logan Park, Mulberry Park, View Ridge, and Varenna neighborhoods. Thank you, Greg for serving your community! Have a question for your representative? Email the board at any time at ihcaboard@ihcommunity.org.
My garage door needs to be replaced; do I need to get this approved by the IHCA Architectural Review Committee (ARC)? If you are replacing the garage door for the same style and color, no approval is needed. If you are changing the style or color of the door, an ARC application is required prior to the change. You can find the ARC application online at issaquahhighlands.com/ learn/issaquah-highlands-community-association-ihca/ ihca-architectural-guidelines-and-forms.
Does the IHCA master policy cover replacement of water heaters? Water heaters are each homeowner’s responsibility.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2020
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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION IMPORTANT NOTICE
Booster Club Signs
Maintenance Update
Did You Know Park Play Equipment is Age Specific? Issaquah Highlands is privileged to have many common areas (parks) throughout the community, centrally located for residents to meet and socialize with neighbors*. The IHCA takes pride in making sure parks are maintained and kept as by Matthew Hendrikse safe as possible. One way we IHCA Maintenance Manager accomplish this is to have all play structures professionally inspected by an outside vendor. Having an outside perspective is important because they may see things we do not. They bring a new perspective. Together, we look for parts that may be damaged and the need for new play chips to ensure proper depths for fall zones.
Given our worldwide situation, the IHCA Board of Directors has granted an emergency variance to the signage rule to support all students graduating this spring who reside in Issaquah Highlands. Booster Club yard signs only (18” x 24”) with stakes single or double sided, signs can display student’s name, school logo & colors. Limit (3) three per household. Please do not install signs on other’s property or IHCA common areas or hinder line of sight of road or alleyways. Owner is responsible for removing signs within (10) ten days after graduation.
Different play structures are designed for different age groups. The appropriate age range is posted at each location. Make sure to review the age guidelines to provide a safe environment for your family. As the community ages, we will upgrade and maybe even install new play structures in our parks. Play structures are great amenities for the community and we enjoy providing new locations for residents to explore. Please report any park concern, such as damage, to 425-507-1137 or Matthew.H@Ihcommunity.org. *Note: Due to COVID-19 physical distancing measures, all park play equipment, basketball courts, and sport courts in IHCA parks are closed at the time of publication. Park green spaces and the large and small dog park are open. Check issaquahhighlands.com/covid-19 for updates.
NEW! IHCA – HOA Benefits Program For the past several months, the IHCA has been in discussions with businesses willing to provide special discounts on products and services to Issaquah Highlands' residents. As portions of the Issaquah Highlands community surpass 20 years, these discounts are being sought out to create assistance in helping reduce the expenses of maintaining your property. This month we are introducing the initial program participant to you, Sherwin-Williams.
ARC TIP OF THE MONTH
Low Maintenance Landscaping If you have trouble keeping your lawn looking good due to poor sun exposure or other issues, you may apply for ARC approval to remove the lawn and install low maintenance landscaping. This landscaping could include hedges or shrubs, a dry stream bed, drought tolerant plants, etc. Look for design suggestions in the ARC guidelines at issaquahhighlands.com.
Learn more at issaquahhighlands.com/learn/issaquah-highlands-communityassociation-ihca/ihca-hoa-benefits-program.
RULES REMINDER
Trash Cans: 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.
LEARN MORE!
Kudos to this homeowner who welcomed spring with trimmed shrubs, an edged lawn, and colorful flowers.
These tips and rules reminders are only a subset of IHCA guidelines and regulations. For complete standards, visit our website, issaquahhighlands.com/ learn/issaquah-highlands-community-associationihca. Questions? Call the IHCA at (425) 427-9257.
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May 2020
Issaquah Highlands Connections LIVING GREEN®
Living Green Challenge Finding Small Ways to Make a Difference This month, I want share something with you and I want to challenge you!
by Aline Bloch Eco-Artist and Central Park Resident
I started my “living green” journey with my family over two years ago and got great results so far. I’ve learned a lot about myself, about my boundaries, and about what can make a big difference. I also failed more than once and found ways to become flexible in my choices and never give up. I quickly understood that living a greener life is all about your mindset.
First, you must be aware of where you are currently. Then, you define what you want to achieve and commit to it. I learned you don’t need to aim too big and too high but rather implement small and simple changes in your life to achieve great results and have an impact. Like in my hummingbird story (see the April 2019 issue of Connections), your small contribution will make a difference. Don’t know where to start? Let me help you with a community challenge. Wherever you are in your living green journey, this challenge is for everyone. Invite a friend to join you; it will be instructive, open-minded, and fun. The challenge is 30 days long with daily small missions. Go over the missions below and pick one every morning that fits your day (for example, you might want to save the DIY for a weekend with your family). At the end of the challenge, take time to reflect on what you learned and what can become a new habit.
Create a grocery kit (reusable grocery tote, veggies bags) and put it in your car Count how many times you have opened the trash can today Go for a long walk Make a DIY Air Refresher Spray: Water + 15 drops of your favorite natural essential oil Bring your own cup to the coffee shop Say “no” to a straw Visit a secondhand store Close your eyes for 1 minute and clear your mind Eat your lunch outdoors Go plastic-free today
Photo by Aline Bloch
Instead of buying it, borrow it
Time your shower
Compost your veggie scraps in your green trash bin
Write down why you want to go “green”
Clean and dry containers before recycling them Use a reusable bottle Replace liquid soap with a soap bar in one room Weigh your waste
Pick up litter while walking outside Go paper towel-free today Go to recology.com and print out the sorting guide (recology.com/recologycleanscapes/issaquah/sorting-guides) Do not use your car today
Plant a flower
Read what ingredients are in your favorite self-care product
Make a veggie broth from scraps
Open ALL your windows for 20 minutes
Estimate your carbon footprint (footprintcalculator.org)
Turn off your phone
Repair something that is broken Make your own dip (hummus, guacamole, salmon dip, etc.)
Content created by Aline Bloch
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2020
19
HOME ORGANIZATION
Your Organized Life Closets, Drawers, and Laundry Rooms
by Johnna Masterson Owner of Inspired and Organized and Central Park Resident
Hello everyone! We have had a lot more time to spend indoors lately, so it’s the perfect time to dive right into organizing our clothing. Clothing tends to multiply and somehow take over our closets, drawers and laundry rooms. Below you will find some tips to help you get started.
Instead of tackling everything all at once and potentially overwhelming yourself, I recommend choosing one bedroom or closet to start. You will want to have a few bags, some cleaning supplies, and some plastic bins. Do not purchase anything until after you have already gone through everything. Most of the time you will find those extras just end up as more clutter, and we definitely don’t want that. Start by pulling out every piece. Once this is complete, dust and wipe down any hard surfaces, vacuum the floor of closets, and discard any trash. Once the clean-out is done, start the sorting process. You will have ‘keep,’ ‘donate,’ and ‘maybe’ piles. Don’t think too hard about each item and make quick decisions. Choose pieces that fit well and work together. You may have heard of a “capsule wardrobe.” This is where you choose a limited number of versatile and quality basics that all mix and match. This option allows you to keep your spaces easily organized while reducing the stress of having to choose that perfect outfit. While you may not be ready to take the plunge into such a drastic change just yet, trying to sort through your items with this mindset can make a significant difference and the end result will leave you with less clutter and more time.
to reach. You can usually shop your home and repurpose ones you already have. Fold sweaters neatly in stacks to help preserve their shape. Put a shoe rack on the floor of your closet to make good use of that space. And use command hooks on empty walls for jewelry, accessories, and hats. When you start putting things back on hangers, group items with like items and use prime real estate for the pieces you use most frequently. If you have drawers, you can separate them using old cereal boxes as dividers. If you want to dress them up, cover them in contact paper. And one last tip to get you started – no more wire hangers! Choose one type or style. It makes a surprisingly huge difference. Next month we will look at our garages. I have some great tips I can’t wait to share with you. See you then! Fold sweaters in stacks so they hold their shape. Photo by Johnna Masterson.
HOW TO: ORGANIZE A CLOTHING CLOSET
STAGE 1: CLEAN OUT
STAGE 2: SORT
STAGE 3: PUT THINGS BACK
• Choose one closet or bedroom.
• Create 'keep,' 'donate,' and 'maybe' piles.
• Choose one style of hanger (no wire!)
Once you have made your choices, be sure to get all your donations out the door. Our local Buy Nothing group is a great way to connect with a neighbor who can use your extras. Revisit your ‘maybe’ pile. You will find you are less inclined to keep many of those items when you have already made such great progress.
• Gather a few bags, cleaning supplies, and plastic bins.
• Choose pieces you want to keep.
• Group items with like items.
• Pull every piece out.
• Consider creating a capsule wardrobe.
• Use a shoe rack on the floor.
Now let’s put things back!
• Vacuum.
You will reserve those difficult corners and top shelves for out-of-season or infrequently used clothes and accessories. Using baskets to house these items will make them easier
• Dust and wipe down hard surfaces. • Discard trash. Content provided by Johnna Masterson
• Revist 'maybe' pile. • Make donations.
• Fold sweaters in stacks. • Use hooks for jewelry, accessories, and hats. • Reserve difficult corners and top shelves for offseason and infrequently worn items.
Looking for local summer camps? See the full listing of upcoming summer camps at Blakely Hall at issaquahhighlands.com/camps *Highlands Council does not endorse any of these organizations.
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May 2020
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Taking care of the community, inside and out Swedish cares about the health and well-being of our patients, caregivers and community. With the continuing spread of COVID-19 within the U.S., we are working closely with the CDC, as well as state and local health authorities to care for affected individuals while ensuring the safety of our caregivers. We encourage everyone to limit personto-person contact to help stop the spread of this virus within our communities. Visit Swedish.org for more information and helpful tips to take care of yourself and your loved ones.
SWEDISH ISSAQUAH 751 NE Blakely Drive Issaquah, WA 98029 425-313-4000 swedish.org/issaquah
Issaquah Highlands Connections
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ASK KARI
Ask Kari! Editor’s Note: Here are a couple “best of” Ask Kari Q&As from the past. The first one could be very helpful to some parents after the state-mandated stay-at-home order ends. The second speaks to our graduating seniors as they prepare for the next stage of life.
Dear Kari, I am graduating this year from high school and I picked my college for next year, University of Washington. The problem is my parents have told me they only have enough money to pay for one year of my schooling. I will be the first person from my family to go to college, but I am scared that I will get my dream of attending college and then lose it. Do you think I should go to college next year or wait until I have all the money saved up a few years from now? – College Dreamer
Dear Kari, Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW I am desperate for alone time with my wife. We have two Clinical Social Worker and children, ages 2 and 4, and she is a great mom but she will Issaquah Highlands Resident absolutely not let anyone babysit the kids so we can have a date night. At first, I was understanding, but four years in and I have lost my patience. Help me, I am lonely in the marriage even though we are together all the time (but it’s with our kids 24/7). What do you suggest I do? – Lonely in Issaquah
Dear College Dreamer, Congratulations on being accepted to a wonderful school. Congratulations on also being the first person in your family to attend college, what a great accomplishment. I recommend you stay on track to begin school next fall as planned. I also recommend you make an appointment with the financial aid office at UW and immediately begin to look into extra support from them in organizing your studies at their school; look into scholarships, student employment opportunities on campus, and any subsidized support from UW for college based on your grades and status as a first-generation student. You can do this, set your mind to it, then plan, plan, plan, and work, work, work. I wish you absolute success! – Kari
Dear Lonely in Issaquah, I agree, four years is a long time to wait for a night out alone with your wife. I recommend you pick a good time to talk with your wife and share your feelings completely. Tell her you feel very lonely in your marriage and you would like the two of you to focus on shifting the dynamics towards putting effort again into the relationship. Let her know you miss your alone time as adults. Then, I recommend the two of you focus on finding someone you can trust to help care for your children while you go out together. Ask friends and family for babysitting recommendations, and then set up a time for the babysitter to visit your home to meet your family. Take it slow, allowing your wife to grow her confidence in other people caring for your children in a healthy manner. If needed, ask your pediatrician to have a talk with her about the benefits of children growing relationships with others in their lives other than their parents. Good luck! – Kari
Highlands Council wants to showcase your business! Each month, we will choose one Issaquah Highlands-based business to profile in our print and digital media, for free! Selected Merchants of the Month will receive: • Printed profile in one monthly issue of Connections • Feature on Merchant of the Month web page with link to your business site • Feature in one weekly official Issaquah Highlands e-letter • One shoutout on official Issaquah Highlands Facebook and Twitter Questions? Contact Nina Milligan, Highlands Council Communications Manager at nina.m@ihcouncil.org.
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.
119 Jewelry
Karen Chemistruck, Owner About the business: 119 Jewelry offers handmade earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Custom designs available. Why did Karen start 119 Jewelry? I was looking for a way to be more creative with my time and this opportunity presented itself. I get to work at home when I have time, and I get to use color and texture to be creative. Location: The Cottages Issaquah Highlands Contact: may.ilive@gmail.com etsy.com/shop/119Jewelry
Submit your business for consideration at issaquahhighlands.com/merchant-of-the-month
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
CITY NEWS
Stay Informed Throughout and After COVID-19 Provided by the City of Issaquah
The following information was current when submitted for publication. During the COVID-19 emergency, the status of the following service and programs have changed frequently and often with short notice. Please refer to issaquahwa.gov/COVID19 for updates.
What to Do If You Are Sick
When the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order is lifted, it’s still important to stay home if you are ill with fever and a cough or shortness of breath. If you are unsure of how to care for yourself or are concerned about your condition, call your healthcare provider for advice. If you feel you need to visit your doctor, call them first. Keep yourself separated from other people and animals in your home. Cover your coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands often. Learn more about what to do at kingcounty.gov/ncov.
In addition, sign up for neighborhood and citywide news through our “Notify Me” tool at issaquahwa.gov/notifyme.
City Services
Following public health departments of Seattle and King County recommendations to help protect our communities, the city of Issaquah temporarily closed many of its facilities but continues to provide essential services to the community. While our front counters and facilities remain closed to in-person customers until further notice, we are available during regular business hours at 425-837-3000 or by emailing help@ issaquahwa.gov.
Stay Informed
Throughout the COVID-19 response, Mayor Mary Lou Pauly has been committed to keeping in touch with the community. Read Mayor Mary Lou Pauly’s updates and subscribe for future updates at issaquahwa.gov/COVID19.
Need Help?
Federal, state, and local governments are working to help those in need during the COVID-19 outbreak. We have resources for community members, parents, youth, businesses, transit riders and more at issaquahwa.gov/needhelp.
Looking Ahead to Summer 2020
The annual Issaquah Farmer’s Market is tentatively scheduled to open on June 6. If opened, the market would be scaled back and focus offerings on farm-based produce and bakery vendors only. Physical distancing would be followed. For more information and to stay updated, go to issaquahwa.gov/farmersmarket. For a full list of city events, check out our city calendar at issaquahwa.gov/calendar.
Join us online the week of May 18-22! Each day at noon we will have speakers tell how the Issaquah Schools Foundation makes a difference in the lives of our students. Visit mcause.us/Nourish2020 or watch on Facebook Live for 15 minutes each day to learn how we enrich the learning experience in our community.
Your support is crucial to our ability to continue our work. You generously fuel our ability to remain agile, which allows us to be most effective in providing what is needed for our kids.
www.isfdn.org
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May 2020
23
SMART HOME
How to Boost Your Home’s WiFi
by Jeremy Fallt HFN General Manager
If you now work at home due to the COVID-19 outbreak, you may have a moment when you realize your WiFi just isn’t cutting it anymore – it could be a frozen video feed, a rainbow spinner on your screen, or a cry from your kids when their favorite game doesn’t load. If the tried-and-true reboot of your router and equipment does not help, here are a few things you can do to get the most out of your bandwidth.
Measure Your Speed Your first step is to understand the nature of your problem and measure the quality of your WiFi. You can do this from your laptop’s browser or you can use your phone by going into airplane mode and turning on the WiFi (you want to be sure you’re not using cellular data for this). Then use your browser to go to highlandsfibernetwork.com/support/checkspeed to see how fast your WiFi is running. Check your speed in several different rooms and take note if there are places that score significantly lower than others. If the speeds seem slow, try connecting directly to the router (if you are using one). This way you can confirm the speed coming into the house.
Get a WiFi Extender It is possible that you cannot move your router or that moving it did not help. In that case, investigate getting a range extender and placing it where the signal is weak.
Check Your Network It sounds dumb, but it does happen: sometimes (and for no reason) devices will glom onto your lower-speed wireless hotspot rather than your home’s high-speed network. It just takes a second to verify your devices are using the appropriate network.
Change the Channel This is an especially fruitful thing to try if there are a lot of other WiFi networks near you because you may be experiencing radio interference. Some routers are designed to sense interference and pick uncluttered frequencies. But not all of them are great at doing so, or at finding clearer frequencies when conditions change. Go into your router’s settings and systematically try other channels to see if that helps.
Move to 5 GHz Modern WiFi works on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency band. The latter is faster and is less subject to interference but does not travel as far and cannot penetrate walls as well. The former is more robust but is susceptible to interference from microwave ovens and some older cordless phones. If you can, opt for 5 GHz if your devices support it. If you have an old router that doesn’t support 5 GHz (that is, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n or 802.11a), you should think seriously about getting a new one. And note: the 5 GHz band has nothing to do with 5G cellular service. The similarity in name is a coincidence. Don’t be confused.
Get a Mesh Network Replacing your whole WiFi network is the “nuclear option” to improve your bandwidth, but you might want to consider it if your network is more than 5 years old, and certainly if it’s more than 10. Mesh networks like Google Nest, Netgear’s Orbi, Eero, or TP-Link Deco (there are many others) are a big step up from older point-to-point systems both in speed and convenience.
Go to highlandsfibernetwork.com/support/check-speed to see how fast your WiFi is running. This reading was taken at an Issaquah Highlands address on April 21.
Move Your Wireless Router If your bandwidth test shows “dead spots” in your home, try moving your wireless router. It’s not unusual for a WiFi router to be stuck in the corner of a house or apartment, near the wall where service enters your home. But that’s the worst place for it. WiFi is radio and radios have limited range and sometimes have trouble penetrating walls. If it’s practical, try moving your router to a more central location by running a longer coax or ethernet cable from the wall jack. Try to keep the router away from big pieces of metal, like refrigerators or microwave ovens. WiFi doesn’t do well around lots of water either, so stay away from 100-gallon aquariums. Then try the speed checks again to see if that helped.
The very latest routers support the newest 802.11ax standard, also known as WiFi 6, but it’s unlikely that any of your devices do. However, if you’re buying for the future, device upgrades for the next several years will increasingly be able to use that standard. In the end, making sure your home WiFi network runs well (especially when your income or your kids’ education is concerned) is worth the effort and probably the expense. HFN offers a range of bandwidths. See pricing in sidebar.
Highlands Fiber Network: Fiber to the Home, Community Owned Issaquah Highlands was designed as an innovative, highly connected, urban village enjoying traditional neighborhood design.
Fiber to the home,
community owned! The “Covenant for Community” was created to fund it, attached to land titles. The Covenant states that each home purchase must include a connection to the network ($250 one-time fee, required at closing). And each home is required to subscribe to the minimum connection (10/10mbps), which is currently $50/month.
Most apartment rentals 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 competitively priced. Our current offerings include 10/10mbps ($50/month), 100/100mbps ($60/month), and 1000/1000mbps speeds ($70/month). For rates and information Highlands Fiber Network Customer Service: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week highlandsfibernetwork.com (425) 427-0999 support@hfnservices.com or see highlandsfibernetwork.com/ support Direct questions about the Covenant for Community to: Jeremy Fallt, General Manager, HFN jfallt@hfn.org 425-394-4184 While the HFN office in Blakely Hall is temporarily closed, please reach out to Jeremy using phone or email.
Try a mesh network, like Netgear's Orbi (pictured below) – the "nuclear option" of improving your bandwidth, but worth consideration if your network is more than 5 years old.
24
May 2020
Issaquah Highlands Connections
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2020
25
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS TRAVELS
A Year Abroad in Brighton Long-Time Residents, the Cowans Learn From Another Lifestyle
by Teresa Cowan Central Park Resident
At Christmas 2018, our family made a radical decision: after 20 years of living in our beautiful Washington state, and 13 years in Issaquah Highlands, we decided to live in England for a year. In a sense, we were confronting the reality that our oldest child was a year out from college and that this was our last year to have an international experience as a family.
My husband, Tony, spent some years growing up in Brazil and the Philippines. I grew up in Quebec, a French province in Canada, and spent some time doing research in Latin America and the Caribbean. Tony and I met in 1999, when I was a Canadian working in London, and him an Australian working in Manhattan. We both worked for a subsidiary of IBM and got engaged after five intense days of emailing. We lived together in London after getting married and moved to Seattle just after 9/11.
can they really go through life thinking that homes are always new with functioning appliances, large green spaces, and neighbors who know them? No! They needed to live in a 200-year-old home with original creaking floors, old plumbing with plenty of personality, and rowdy neighbors. They needed to hand-wash dishes, dry their clothes on radiators and laundry racks, and take a public bus to school wearing a uniform. They needed to experience life without access to a car, and where their possessions were whittled down to fit into two large In ht) suitcases. g i r Sa ge , an
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The logistics were not simple.
The
We love Issaquah, we chose to put our roots down here. Still there was something particularly special about the idea of abandoning reason and returning to the U.K. to celebrate our 20th year of marriage, with three teenagers and two dogs in tow. We wanted them to see where their story started.
The view from the Cowan's Brighton home during their year abroad, even more appreciated during their recent weeks in isolation.
ole.
We were fortunate to have three kids in Washington, and were able to watch our kids grow up on 24th Avenue in the Central Park neighborhood. We spent years crafting our eventual exit from Washington, but when you have good schools, a neighborhood that looks like a movie set, and wonderful neighbors, it makes it really hard to leave.
Pa Our teens were entering grades ren ts T to 8, 10 and 12 in Issaquah. Our dogs on y left and Te en ( resa with childr One of our biggest takeaways from this would need lots of vet visits, pet passports, experience is the climate crisis is real, personal, apartment-sized crates, and (so we learned) first and accepted in the U.K. We chose to live in Brighton, also class tickets. We were both leaving our jobs (terrible timing known as “London by the Sea,” which recently beat out for me, better timing for my husband). Our oldest, daughter, Portland, Oregon as the “hippest city in the world” (based on Indie, would miss her senior year and all of the excitement number of record stores, tattoo parlors, vintage shops, and and closure of those “last year of high school” milestones. vegan restaurants). Our middle child, daughter, Sage, would arrive in the U.K. to enter Year 11 (ominous music should play in the The conversation in the U.K. isn’t about whether there is a background here – you see, she missed Year 10 in the U.K., climate crisis – that much is accepted. Instead, the focus is on and by November of Year 11, she would be tested on content personal accountability. Almost everyone carries a reusable she hadn’t learned in Year 10 across a dozen subjects). The mug and water bottle. Everyone has cloth carrier bags. Most youngest, our son, Cole, would enter Year 9, jumping into restaurants offer many plant-based options or are entirely French class with kids who had studied the language for vegan. Single-use plastic is shunned (for example: using years. reusable glass bottles for cleaning spray, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner, and switching to bar soaps). Those Cole was leaving his spot on his soccer team; the girls were decisions are rather pedestrian over here. The environmental giving up their spots at Village Theatre’s Institute Program, footprint of your food choices, travel choices, and family size and all three were leaving their positions on the Highlands are discussed. The motto is “do better!” Not “perfection,” Youth Advisory Board (HY). Each child processed the move but “onwards” in meaningful ways. in their own unique ways.
And yet, this was our last chance to, as Tony would say, “force an experience” on our teens. We love them dearly, but
Needless to say, we are relishing our year abroad. Indie managed to graduate a year early from high school in
Issaquah and take a gap year with lots of travel, and Sage and Cole are surviving uniforms, new friend groups, and new learning. Having spent some time supporting a school near our townhome, I will return to Issaquah with an even greater appreciation for the Issaquah School District. How fortunate we are to have schools charting the course when it comes to equity, instructional practices, positive behavior supports, student engagement, and inclusion. We return to our home in Issaquah Highlands, which we rented out to long-time friends and neighbors, in July. Indie will head off to college to study computer science, while Sage and Cole continue their studies at Issaquah High School. We started preparing the dogs for the return journey with pet passports, deluxe crates and all. We are thankful for our months by the ocean and this time together as a family. If you have ever thought about an overseas experience as a family, we highly recommend it!
COVID-19 Update from the Cowans We have been holed up in our homes for three weeks as I write this. By the time this issue "hits the stands," we will have been in self-isolation for six weeks, aside from a daily dog walk and weekly trips to buy groceries. We are immensely grateful for the work of the National Health System (NHS), including my cousin Carrie and her husband James, who are a general practitioner and a radiologist, respectively. They were redeployed at the beginning of April to serve COVID-19 patients in Yorkshire. Our community on Norfolk Road is supporting each other and we are grateful for quiet days on our balcony overlooking the ocean. There are grim weeks ahead for all of us. We send love and good health to our Issaquah community and hope to return to a new normal soon. Editor's Note: Maia's travel diary series continues online on our blog. Read about her family's travels through Asia at issaquahhighlands.com/blog.
26 May 2020 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Issaquah Highlands Connections
So Much Has Changed How Will Your Life Be Different After the State of Emergency Is Lifted? What a difference eight weeks can make.
by Amanda Keverkamp CERT Team 9, Crofton Springs Resident
Don’t worry, outside of this sentence, you won’t hear the phrases “social distancing,” “flatten the curve,” or “unprecedented” for the rest of this article. Now we have that out of the way.
Life has changed dramatically for all of us in such a short amount of time. We’ve adapted so quickly that, while the changes are nearly unbelievable, it is the new routine. We’ve fully adapted. But that’s what we do, isn’t it? Evolve. Adapt. Change. Despite all of this change, we need to remember we’ve been living through a two-month emergency. It’s a little different when you put it that way, huh? So, what lessons have you learned during this emergency? • Don’t go to work sick. Period. Next winter, when you get that flu or cold, work from home. We know it saves lives. • Have ample disinfectant and sanitization supplies. Hopefully we won’t deal with another pandemic in our lifetime but if we do experience a large-scale earthquake or flood, we will need to sanitize after the disaster. • Keep a two-week stock of essential supplies on hand at all times. We’ve talked about it before but haven’t experienced shortages like these past eight weeks, so there’s no excuse for the next time. • Get to know your neighbors. When this is over, schedule a Map Your Neighborhood training provided by the City of Issaquah. Find more information at issaquahwa.gov/247/Map-Your-Neighborhood. • Make sure you have a plan. Many individuals, organizations, and government entities had ready-toexecute plans for a time like this. Others did not and they
Image credit: FEMA News Photo
struggled to catch up. Make the next emergency easier for you and your family by creating a plan now. We will be different on the other side of this. Society will be different. The way we work will be different. The way we do school will be different. The one thing that won’t be different? Disasters. Disasters will always happen when we least expect them and many times when we can least afford them. Collectively, we just lived through a disaster that has affected
not only our community but the entire globe. Don’t waste this opportunity to learn important lessons that will help you and your family in future disasters.
Interested in joining Issaquah's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)? 2020 Spring CERT training was rescheduled for Fall. Learn more and sign up at issaquahcitizencorps.org.
Get to Know Your Neighbors and Map Your Neighborhood Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) is offered by the Issaquah Citizen Corps Council and the City of Issaquah. Learn more at issaquahwa.gov/247/map-your-neighborhood.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2020
RENTAL FACILITIES
DIRECTORY NOTE: All community offices and Blakely Hall are currently closed to the public. Contact staff members by email or call each office's main line for assistance.
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 2520 NE Park Drive Suite B Monday–Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
MAIN PHONE: 425-427-9257 | AFTER HOURS: 425-223-8887 | IssaquahHighlands.com Governing Body Responsible for:
Property Management Enforcement of CCRs, Rules, Regs Architectural Review Common Area Landscape
Board of Directors ihcaboard @ihcommunity.org Jim Young, President Rossie Cruz, Vice President Dan Vradenburg, Treasurer Greg Underwood, Secretary Bryan Shiflett, Director Shiva Bosedevarahatti, Director Ben Rush, Director
Funded by:
Annual IHCA Assessments Neighborhood Assessments
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 BlakelyHall.com for more information or contact us with your questions.
Fire Station #73 Meeting Room Homestreet Bank
Conference Room 909 Northeast Ellis Dr. | 425-677-2210 homestreet.com/branches/issaquah-branch
YWCA Family Village
Community Rooms 930 NE High St. | 425-270-6800 ywcaworks.org/locations/family-village-issaquah
CONNECTIONS Connections: By Community, For Community Connections News is a nationally recognized monthly community newspaper written mostly by volunteer-resident 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 contributors. Contact Nina Milligan, Communications Manager, at nina.m@ihcouncil.org.
HIGHLANDS COUNCIL Blakely Hall 2550 NE Park Drive Monday–Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm*
MAIN PHONE: 425-507-1107 | IssaquahHighlands.com Blakely Hall Social Programs Community Garden Connections Newspaper issaquahhighlands.com BlakelyHall.com E-Letter Official Social Media
Blakely Hall
2550 NE Park Drive 425-507-1107 | kim.k@ihcouncil.org | BlakelyHall.com
1280 NE Park Drive 425-313-3200 | eastsidefire-rescue.org/Facilities
Sarah Hoey, Executive Director | sarah.h@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1120 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 Blair Krieg, Community Manager | blair.k@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1121 Debbie Orosco, Community Manager | deborrah.o@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1134 Lyle Dickey, Landscape Manager | lyle.d@ihcommunity.org Matthew Hendrikse, Maintenance Facilities Manager | matthew.h@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1137 Billing Inquiries | payments@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119
Responsible for:
27
Governing Body
Board of Trustees hcbot@ihcouncil.org Gary Ashby, President David Ngai, Vice President/Treasurer Ami Desai-Mehta, Secretary Kimberly Kapustein, Trustee Philip Nored, Trustee Jimmy Ochiltree, Trustee Anna Preyapongpisen, Trustee Larry Norton, President Emeritus
Funded by:
Sponsorships/Grants & Advertising Community Enhancement Fees (1/4 of 1% on sale of home) Retail/Commercial pays by the square foot, Rental Apartments by the door Christy Garrard, Executive Director | christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1110
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? 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.
Nina Milligan, Communications Manager | nina.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1111 Michele McFarland, Controller | michele.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1108 Lindsey Pinkston, Community Program Manager | lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1109 Kim Ngo, Blakely Hall Specialist| kim.k@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107 Vicki Grunewald, Communictions Specialist| vicki.g@ihcouncil.org Katie Cannon, Graphic Designer and Social Media Coordinator | katie.c@ihcouncil.org * Excluding holidays and private event closures.
HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK
Customer Service: 425-427-0999 | HighlandsFiberNetwork.com Jeremy Fallt, General Manager | jfallt@HFN.org, 425-394-4184
Governing Body
Board of Directors Tim Underwood Larry Norton Charlie Herb Allen Enebo Howard Kapustein David Ngai
@issaquahhighlands @IssHighlands @issaquahhighlands Sign up for our weekly e-letter at issaquahhighlands.com
GET INVOLVED Getting more involved in our community is a fun and easy way to meet people and contribute to the participatory culture of Issaquah Highlands. Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer for more information or contact Lindsey at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1109.
EMERGENCY Emergency: 9-1-1 Issaquah Police (non-emergency) 425-837-3200 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
28
May 2020
Issaquah Highlands Connections
The Market Is Hot, The Time To List Is Now! Listing commissions starting at 1%, 2% and 3% options too
Just Listed on Harrison! 3566 NE Harrison Drive
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2048 249232nd NE Ivy Ave Way NE
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1545 24th Ave NE
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CALL (206) 890-6347 TO BUY OR SELL A HOME Preferred placement on Zillow & Trulia Open Houses/Brokers Open Unlimited Color Flyers Individualized Property Website Social Media Campaign Full Internet Exposure for your listing Professional HDR photography Virtual Home Tour 2 Listing Agents = Highest Level of Service Aerial drone photography
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lynncrane.re@gmail.com
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206.890.6347
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425.241.3225
206.437.0142
425.891.1545
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206.482.7211
ldv@lisabetdevosre.com
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425.614.6834
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Visit our NEW Issaquah Highlands Office located at 1114 NE Park Dr. - right next to SIP Wine Bar