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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY NEWS www.ihwebsite.com | facebook.com/issaquahhighlands
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! Highlands Day Preview• IHCA BOD Openings • Volunteer of the Month WHAT’S INSIDE? 4 5 6 10 11 13 14 14 15 16
Highlands Council Blakely Hall Art Gallery Mother’s Day Feature Volunteer of the Month Grand Ridge Plaza 100 Years Ago YWCA Sportshound Arts & Entertainment What’s Happening
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Fitness & Health City of Issaquah Ask Kari Wits and Tidbits IHCA BOD IHCA Community HFN News Schools Spotlight Living Green Resident Profile
Photo by: Julie Clegg / julieclegg.com
May 2014
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
Issaquah Highlands Connections
FROM THE EDITOR Dear Neighbors, When we first moved into our home in Issaquah Highlands, we called it Dorothy’s house, because my mother Dorothy gifted us the down payment when she passed away. During her life she also gave me much advice about selecting a home (her third career was in realty.) An “essential” was that the kitchen sink had a view, and thankfully, ours has it. Mothers give us our start in life in so many ways. And sometimes they keep giving long after they’re gone. As children, we also help mothers fulfill their lives, as this anonymous quote tells, “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” They set us on a life’s course, but we steer and shape our own lives after they let us go. Issaquah Highlands was actually designed with mothers (and fathers) in mind! In its early development parks played an important role in shaping a community where families could play and enjoy recreation together. These beautiful parks and other amenities have inspired families to flock here from all over the world. My little neighborhood is full testament to that, with families from Germany, Russia, China, France, England, Korea, Argentina, and even Tacoma (ha ha!). It’s wonderful to see moms and their children running with their baby strollers and playing in the parks. Please think of your mom while you sit back and read our Cover Moms’ feature stories to learn why our community’s moms appreciate Issaquah Highlands, each from her unique background and perspective. And don’t miss our regular volunteer writer’s stories! Sports, arts, history, daily life and fitness, volunteers and a woman who races cars – it’s all inside! If you prefer to read your paper online, go to the Ihwebsite to see this Connections issue and a link to past issues Yours Truly, Nina Milligan, Crofton Springs Editor of Connections - Highlands Council Communications Manager Highlands Council is the publisher of Connections, producer of community-wide events such as Highlands Day, owner and manager of Blakely Hall, liaison with the greater community. About the Cover: Our own Julie Clegg produced this shot of Issaquah Highlands moms in front of Blakely Hall. The early spring day provided a blue, cloud puffed sky above the distant trees of Grand Ridge. All the mothers invited for the shoot enthusiastically participated. All are familiar faces at Highlands happenings and volunteering. Read their stories about building community – mom style – in the feature story on page 6.
May 2014
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
HIGHLANDS COUNCIL
Art Outside, Highlands Day 2014
New Theme, New Month, New Day, New Time
by Christy Garrard, Director and Special Event Planner for Highlands Council, Dahlia Park resident Since January I have been working with Karen Abel, Executive Director of artEAST, to create a fresh Highlands Day experience for our residents and the greater eastside. Recent festival themes have included Commit to Fit, Multicultural Celebration, and Country Fair. This year we celebrate the Environmental Arts with a FULL WEEK of professionally facilitated, hands-on, community-building art projects that will culminate with a festival celebration on SUNDAY, JULY 20th, from NOON – 3PM at Blakely Hall and Village Green Park. Beginning Monday, July 14th a local business or community group will build a human-sized bird nest each day of the week inside Village Green Park as part of the 3rd Annual artEAST Heron Rookery Project. The public is welcome to watch acclaimed local artEAST artist Karen White facilitate these daily 3+ hour, group nest builds using a weaving technique and no hardware. On Friday, July 18th the public is invited to a free artist lecture and reception at Blakely Hall welcoming the Plein Air Painters of Washington to our community! Plein Air Painting is a French expression that means “in the open air” and is used to describe painting outdoors. The Plein Air Painters of Washington will enjoy a “Paint Out” all day Saturday, July 19th and the morning of Sunday, July 20th throughout the Issaquah Highlands. Follow the directional signs and information on our website for specific locations and join in! You can set up an easel alongside a Plein Air painter and create your own version of the view or simply stroll the community and watch the artists at work! View the collective works of these artists inside Blakely Hall and outdoors at the Highlands Day festival where they will show their wet canvases of work from this weekend. Many other art-inspired community events are in the planning stages for the week prior to Highlands Day. More details coming in June. Of course Art Outside, Highlands Day 2014 will still have plenty of the traditional experiences your family has come to expect. The ZIPLINE and Rock Climbing Walls will be back as well as many other fun festival activities! artEAST is coordinating a plethora of hands-on art experiences appropriate for all ages under the Family Art Together Time Tent. Many artEAST artists will be creating, painting, and selling works at the festival as well. Business and Nonprofit booths will feature interactive art or educational environmental activities and displays. Save the date and invite your friends to this year’s Art Outside, Highlands Day Festival. For sponsor or booth information contact Christy.G@IHCouncil.org
Highlands Council and artEAST wish to thank the current list of committed sponsors for
Art Outside, Highlands Day 2014 Grand Ridge Plaza Highlands Dentistry Polygon Homes Swedish Hospital Safeway SanMar Heartland EarthWorks Bellevue College Durham & Bates University House Timberlake Church High Street Association Issaquah Arts Commission Issaquah Highlands Self Storage To Sponsor or Host a Booth Contact Christy.G@ihcouncil.org
Issaquah Highlands Connections
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BLAKELY HALL ART GALLERY
Crow/Raven: Magic and Mystery
Women of Persia - Faces of the Ages
Crow/Raven: Magic and Mystery
Women of Persia – Faces of the Ages
May 30 – July 12 at artEAST & Blakely Hall
Through May 30, 2014 at Blakely Hall
Artist Receptions May 30 at artEAST Art Center 6-8pm June 8 at Blakely Hall 4-6pm “To know the crow is to know ourselves,” writes Dr. John Marzluff, award-winning author of In the Company of Crows and Ravens. The strange familiarity of crows and ravens has intrigued humans for centuries, inspiring mythic interpretation, artistic expression, and scientific inquiry. Crow/Raven: Magic and Mystery is one in a series of Art That Talks programs which include innovative exhibitions, professionally lead workshops and public lectures. These programs are created to cultivate community dialogue and participation in the arts. Art That Talks will engage our community in art experiences that have not been locally available before now, including an exhibition of global art, unique guest speakers and a collaborative of environmental art installations.
A Solo Exhibition of Paintings by Farshad Alamdari Farshad Alamdari’s still-life and figure paintings are inspired by his broad range of experiences and a lifetime of observing artistic dimensions in the people and objects around him. His distinctive style reflects this unique orientation to the world, while also respecting the classic elements of the masters who influenced his development and evolution as an artist. Women of Persia – Faces of the Ages is notable for unique combinations of texture and contrasts of light and color, surrounded by negative spaces. “The Women of Persia series was inspired by the greatest influences in my life—three amazing and extraordinary women—my mother, my wife, and my daughter. Collectively, they reflect a stirring cycle of survival, progress, and triumph in the struggle for gender equality.” Farshad Alamdari
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Building Community, O N E
Issaquah Highlands Connections
MoM A Village: Everywhere We Went, We Met Friends Alicia Spinner
Being a mom is easy. It only takes a village, and the name of my village is Issaquah Highlands! I always thought that my kids were going to be raised surrounded by a big family, as I did growing up in Mexico. Then, I fell in love with an amazing American, and you can imagine the rest of the story. One day I found myself in an average white picket fence community with two little kids. We thought that having a big yard was great. Little did we know how much it was going to isolate us. I felt very alone and it was then, a fairy with magical powers (and a real estate license) came to my rescue and showed me Issaquah Highlands. Since the very first day I came to this community, I knew this was my place in the world. Although I was not able to immediately explain why I liked it so much, it was a gut feeling. It could not look more different than the village I grew up in. However, people here feel part of something big, just as I did with my family back home. So we rented a house, and we gave it a try. Then, we went to Central Park, and we met friends. I went to the IH playgroup, and I met friends. My daughter went to Lakeside Montessori, and she met friends. My son went to Grand Ridge Elementary, and he met friends. My husband went to IH poker night, and he met friends (Yes, he did!). Everywhere we went, we met friends, very dear friends. Then, without knowing it, we started building our own village. I know I can count on it to help me be a better mom, in the same way my family facilitated my mom’s job of raising me. And not only that, my village is global. The diversity of the cultures present in my IH family earns it extra points. Our Issaquah Highlands village ended up being a much better village than I could have dreamed to offer to my kids. Being a mom here is indeed much easier.
at a time...
Not Like India; Here Friends Become Family
Ami Desai-Mehta
Motherhood: A skill that is as much an art as science, dynamic “on-the-job” learning, no uniformity and mostly acquired through experience. However, the experience is not necessarily the same in different parts of the world. Life in my two countries (India and US) is extremely contrasting in some ways, but also similar in other ways. After arriving from India to pursue graduate studies, the decision to raise a family in this country, was a bittersweet one. We’ve attempted to provide our children the best of both worlds; they’re able to spend regular, but very limited time with their grandparents (and other extended family members), since they reside in India. Personally, I was brought up in an extended family along with my paternal grandparents, which made my childhood so special! It’s a wonderful and precious gift for our kids, but for now we have to remain satisfied with the brief time we are able to spend with the grandparents (between their annual trips to the US during summers and ours to India, during Issaquah winters). However, as my daughter insists, “Communicating over FaceTime or via phone calls simply can’t replace hugs!” Life here lacks the proximity of close family, but is now partially made up of close friends, who become part of your family. I’ve been able to instill the values, beliefs and some of the lifestyle I had while growing up, in my kids. However, motherhood has changed my perspective of how I view the world and taught me to be happy, in the moment.
Role Reversal Works Kimberly Kapustein
Being a Mom in the Issaquah Highlands is a wonderful thing. We know our neighbors, are actively engaged in community events and most of all, are located in an area surrounded by some of the best work/ life balance companies in the country. Living and working here allows me to travel once a month (or more) for my job and allows my husband to work from home to care for the kids. I enjoy my job but knowing the kids are getting to and from school or can be picked up when needed makes all the difference. There are not many locations in the US that offer this number of great companies with this feature. I also enjoy the diversity of the Highlands. My kids (almost preteens) are finding themselves, and their place in the world, more every day. In this I think it is wonderful that my children are good friends with people from Hawaii, South Korea, Wisconsin and New York. I also love that we get to partake in the many different holidays celebrated and shared with the entire community. My children have attended an Easter Egg Hunt, the Chinese Festival of the Moon, the Indian Dawali Festival of Lights and Jewish Hanukkah celebrations – all about four blocks from their home. Children should understand that no matter where they originate from - the more we are different, the more we are the same. Issaquah Highlands is a definite representation of this diversity of spirit.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2014
Some have called me a stay at home mom, others a working mom, but really I have the best of both worlds. I have always loved working and being out in the world but having my daughter completely changed my perspective. While my passion for my work did not change, a new passion was born with this child of mine. Today I get to live in both worlds, I work 30 hours a week, mostly from home, going into the office twice a week to meet with my clients. The rest of the time, I spend in my home office, doing what I do best, managing projects. Most days, I get to have lunch with my girl and between meetings I usually can pop downstairs for a quick kiss. It is a balancing act but my mom, bless her, comes up from Federal Way each week and watches our daughter, staying overnight so that we have coverage two days a week. If you have ever taken a walk along Manchester Court, you have probably met her! This has become her second community. Two days a week, we have a gal come in while I work. Fridays are Mommy and Me days, which I wouldn’t give up for anything. If you had told me 10 years ago that this type of balance was possible, I’m not sure I would have believed it. But, the Highlands has this synergy. We are a community and in many ways it is the support of this community that makes this normal and doable. Talking to new Moms at the park, I am amazed at how many of them are doing a similar thing and it works. It really is the best of both worlds.
Thankful for the Warm Weather Sachi Suprana
Whether it is raining, snowing, or sunny the Issaquah Highlands community offers the same amount of warmth year ‘round. Growing up in India, I was brought up in an environment that allowed people to mingle under the sunny weather, spend time outdoors, and get to know each other. However, moving to the United States I was worried I would not find a similar environment in which to raise my kids. Would the cold Seattle rains keep my kids from staying physically active and involved in their community? Despite my initial concerns, choosing to build a home in the Issaquah Highlands community was one of the best decisions I could make as a mom. I am proud to say this community nurtured my children from elementary school to College! Here, they received every opportunity to participate in community events, coach local sports teams, represent the youth voice of the highlands, and emerge as leaders in every environment they have come across. As a mother in the Issaquah Highlands, I am thankful to be a part of a society that cherishes and fosters all who choose to take residence in its arms.
A Kid’s Paradise Jin Liu
We moved to Issaquah Highlands from the Midwest five years ago. At first sight I was surprised by the extreme large number of houses. It was in the winter and I didn’t see many kids playing outside. As a mom of six-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter (back then), I was concerned whether this was a kids-friendly neighborhood. Of course, I was quickly proven wrong. Issaquah Highlands is truly a kid’s paradise. My kids have several friends living nearby. They enjoy exploring the many parks and open fields in IH. How cool is that watching a paraglider land in front of you in Central Park? This community is also the best place to be if you want to get involved with volunteering. When I help out at school and community events, I have lots of fun getting to know many warm-hearted and talented Highlanders. With the scale and diversity, the Highlands offers many cool events not easily found in a smaller community. I felt lucky when I saw many residents from other communities drive here for events like Highlands Day and Asian New Year Party. This year my kids are working towards their goals to get a dog. They are excited and maybe in the summer, the dog park is going to be our new adventure. Photo and infographic by: Julie Clegg / julieclegg.com
FUN FACTS about Mother’s Day The first Mother’s Day was celebrated in 1908. Anna Jarvis honored her mother Ann Jarvis with a memorial. Ann Jarvis had started a committee in 1868 to establish ‘Mother’s Friendship Day’. Her motivation had been to reunite families after the Civil War. She died in 1905, before Mother’s Day became a holiday.
1914
Heather Moffat
Mother’s Day ranks as the third most popular holiday in the world, after Christmas and Easter.
The year that Mother’s Day became a recognized holiday in the United States.
Carnations The most common flower for Mother’s Day.
Pink and red for mothers who are alive and white for those who have passed away.
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People who say they are facebook friends with their mother.
83 MILLION Estimated number of mothers in the United States
Mother’s Day usually rakes in $2.6 billion on flowers, $1.53 billion on gifts (generating 7.8 percent of annual revenue for the United States jewelry industry), and $68 million on greeting cards.
Mother’s Day is celebrated in close to
50 countries
in different parts of the world. The most common day of the week to deliver. September is the most common month in which to have a baby.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: LINDSEY PINKSTON
Lindsey Pinkston Volunteer of the Month – May 2014 I have loved being part of this community since moving here almost ten years ago. After tiring of the Arizona heat, my husband Randy, and I decided Seattle sounded like a good change. We visited on a mission to find a house in the Greenlake area, but instead fell in love at first sight with Issaquah Highlands and immediately bought a home. We got involved right away – I joined the Bunco and Book Clubs, and Randy became the voting member for our neighborhood. We grew vegetables in the first community garden. Before too long I began managing the book club and had made lots of friends in the neighborhood.
After having our first child, we moved from our condo to a house, but there was never any question we’d stay here in Issaquah Highlands. With kids in our family, we got involved with even more in the community, volunteering for Highlands Day and Green Halloween. I also help organize the annual egg hunt in Wisteria Park each year. I continue to co-manage the book club, which provides a much needed night out each month. Volunteering has always been an important part of my life, and I’ve been grateful to be able to plan different charity events here with the help of the Highlands Council. We’ve organized packages to send to the troops, Eastside Baby Corner drives, and my most recent project is chairing the Endeavour Elementary PTSA Gala Auction at Blakely Hall. I am passionate about helping new parents with the adjustment to parenthood and finding family balance, so I love leading PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) programs around the neighborhood and a monthly “While You Are Waiting” session for new and expecting parents at Blakely Hall. This is also a great opportunity for me to share with new parents all that our neighborhood has to offer for families. I have always believed in the saying “It takes a village.” I’m happy to call Issaquah Highlands my village, a place where neighbors become friends and friends are like family.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2014
The Faces of Grand Ridge Plaza, A Series by Jennifer Hagge, Grand Ridge Plaza Property Manager
Who is inside? The people of Grand Ridge Plaza are neighbors who are looking forward to meeting you. Stop by and say, “Hi!” Read here about their personal side to glean perfect icebreaker greetings for your visit.
The RAM Restaurant & Brewhouse
Collin McNees grew up in Alabama and Alaska before settling in the Pacific Northwest at the beginning of 1995. He lived in Sammamish for several years and now resides in Seattle. He began working for the RAM at the beginning of 1999 and has managed at six different Puget Sound locations. He always thought a RAM would be excitedly received in Issaquah and is thrilled to have landed his “dream” location. He balances his personal life between golf and music and loves Alabama “Roll Tide” football
Carters
Kirsten Wegener is Carters store manager and a long time Plateau resident. Raising four children and now enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, Maddie and Jack; she keeps very busy. After working in the retail industry for 20 years, Kristen is excited to work and play in her own neighborhood. Every day she looks forward to meeting and building relationships with moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas. ‘The best part is watching the ‘little nuggets’ grow!’ On her days off, Kristen enjoys cooking, entertaining and spending time with her family.
Café Ladro
Beth Nustad, manager at Café Ladro, is originally from Minnesota. She made the move to the Puget Sound last October with her border collie, Jeff – her best bud. She has enjoyed getting to know everyone and continues to practice latte art with every pour. You never know what design she will come up with next. When she not keeping the neighborhood energized, she enjoys hiking with her fourlegged pal and hanging out with friends.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Cory is the store manager at Dicks. Moving to Washington last November from Colorado, he is thrilled to be part of the Pacific Northwest and the great community of the Issaquah Highlands! Each day he is able to meet the needs of athletes and sports enthusiast so they can take their game to the next level. On his time off Cory too takes advantage of all Washington has to offer; snowboarding mountain bike and fishing.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
Adopt a puppy How many Moms have heard the cries of “Can we get a puppy?” knowing that they will be the ones “getting” the puppy? A Mom can picture the longtime companionship and love that having a puppy can bring, but as the one who has to care for the baby dog, it can be overwhelming to think of the extra noise and mess all over the house. But wait....that sounds alot like caring for kids. I think Moms end up taking care of the new puppies because it’s alot like raising kids of the human kind. I say, take heart all you Moms who are receiving daily requests for a puppy. Just remember Mom basics when raising your furry kid. Make Rules: Puppies thrive with rules just like kids do. They feel safer knowing what the boundaries are, and what’s expected of them. Be Clear: Make sure the puppy understands the meaning of what you ask it to do. Just like kids, understanding helps it learn to make choices within fair expectations. Use tools: A good crate, sturdy leash and collar, and tasty treats provide limits and incentives. Just like kids, puppies need a reason to stay put or come with enthusiasm. Give it time: Puppies aren’t mature until two to three years old. Just like kids they go through developmental stages. Even when they look grown up, they’re still puppies inside. Being a human Mom translates well to “fur kids” too.
These little Shih-Tzu mix puppies need homes. Born January 22nd they are growing and changing quickly. Each puppy will need a family dedicated to helping it learn more about the world and how to get along with others. If you’re ready to make the commitment to a loving relationship... contact ...
Available for adoption through MotleyZoo.org
Issaquah Highlands Connections
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100 Years Ago – Deadlier than the Titanic by Dr. Paul Dean, Kirk Park
May 28th, 1914, one hundred years ago this month, a 570 foot ocean liner the Empress of Ireland embarked on her 96th and final sailing from Quebec to Liverpool. On board were 1,477 souls, including Henry Kendall, recently promoted to Captain of the vessel. Only 465 would see the next dawn in the greatest maritime peacetime catastrophe in Canadian history. On the early morning of May 29th the Empress and the Norwegian collier Storstad collided just east of Rimouski near the St. Lawrence’s south shore. The two ships, the Empress heading toward the Atlantic Ocean and the Storstad heading The Empress of Ireland. upriver toward Quebec, saw each other’s lights around 2:00 a.m. Being eight miles apart the Captain of the Empress assessed that he had enough time to cross the approaching Storstad’s bow and set his course for open water. Moments after executing the maneuver a creeping bank of fog swallowed the Storstad, then the Empress. Both ship’s crews were nervous. The fog was thick and the other ship was close. The Captain of the Empress ordered the ship’s engines full astern, effectively bringing the ship to a crawl. Three shrill whistles split the night signaling to the other ship the Empress’s move. The First Mate of the Storstad was confused however, later he testified that he had seen the Empress’s red navigational light indicating that the bigger ship was turning to pass them on the portside. As the seconds dragged on the First Mate panicked and turned his ship to starboard, unwittingly swerving right into the Empress’s path. The Empress was designed to sink slow enough to allow rescue. She had watertight doors, she carried enough lifeboats for all her passengers and crew. She was well built and designed for luxurious travel navigation between Quebec and Liverpool. On this particular voyage among the hundreds she carried famous actors and 170 members of the Salvation Army heading to a big convention in London. The famous and unknown passengers alike had also left the portholes open, against regulations, to let in fresh air in the cramped and poorly ventilated staterooms.
The Storstad was designed to carry heavy loads of coal and break ice. Solidly constructed and fully loaded, the Storstad was riding low in the water and lethal. After ordering the engines full astern, the Captain of the Empress strained his eyes, looking for signs that the other ship was safely past. The next thing he saw was two masthead lights coming into focus out of the fog heading straight at him. In vain the Captain ordered the Empress to make a sharp turn, but the ships were too close. The Storstad’s bow penetrated the starboard side of the Empress to a depth of 25 feet and left a 14 feet wide hole in her side, quickly filling the Empress with water and listing it to starboard. In addition to rushing in the gaping hole water entered the open portholes rendering the safety features of the modern vessel useless. The The Captain of the Empress of waterproof compartments could not be closed with the ship listing Ireland, Henry Kendall. so dramatically and only a few lifeboats were lowered in time. 10 minutes after the collision the Empress lay fully on her side with hundreds of passengers clinging to her hull. Four minutes later the stern rose briefly out of the water and her hull then sank out of site slipping hundreds into the near freezing St Lawrence River. The Captain of the Empress was pulled from the water by the crew and they immediately began rescue operations. They plucked dozens out of the water and transported them to the nearby Storstad. The inquiry that followed, headed by Lord Mersey, who had also led the inquiry of the Titanic, lasted 11 days and put the blame squarely on the shoulders of the Storstad’s First Mate for altering his course in the fog and failing to call his captain when he saw the fog coming on. The Norwegian government disagreed with the official report and instead blamed Captain Kendall for violating protocol by not passing port to port. Whoever was ultimately to blame, the loss of life was catastrophic and heartbreaking. Only four children out of 138 on board survived, and only a handful of the before mentioned Salvation Army troupe made it off the ship. The incident, although more fatal, did not reach Titantic’s infamy in the public eye. Most people remembered instead the events leading up to the civilization shattering events in Europe. The fate of 1,012 souls was nothing compared to the millions who would be caught up in the Great War. However, it was the sinking of the Empress of Ireland that was making headlines and dominating conversation in May of 1914, 100 years ago . The Deans (Paul, Kathryn, Nathan, Carolyn, Alaina, and Lizzie) moved to the Highlands in 2006. Paul’s interest in history started in his youth. He studied History at Cedarville University in Ohio and earned a M.A. and PhD in U.S. Diplomatic History with minor fields in Latin America and SE Asia from WSU.
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IH Sportshound and ROOT Sports GM by Aadit Mehta, IH Sportshound, Seventh grade, HY Board Member
Every time I drive by that beige building on the south side of I-90 in Eastgate, I wonder to myself, “What goes on in there?” THAT building, of course, is the headquarters of Root Sports Northwest. With a little bit of perseverance, a good connection, and some luck, I interviewed Senior VP/ General Manager, Mark Jorgensen.
Q: Where did you grow up? What were your interests and hobbies while growing up?
Mark Jorgensen [MJ]: Well, I grew up in Michigan, in a town outside of Detroit. I was very interested in sports as a kid, like a lot of other kids. Then I went to college at West Michigan University. I studied communications and got into the television business. But I always had a passion for sports.
Q: What kind of career goals did you set for yourself early on?
MJ: My father was a college educator. I wanted to make sure that I went to college and so that was my first goal and I accomplished that. In college, I found a passion in communications and in the media business. It kind of just evolved; it wasn’t something I consciously thought of when I was really young, I just went through higher education and found my passions.
Q: What has been your career path like? Can you tell me a little bit about it?
MJ: When I graduated from college, like most graduates, I started looking for a full-time job, and that’s not easy. You have to go out there and knock on a lot of doors. I ended up getting a job with a television station as an account executive. Then I went to work for an NBC station in town doing the same thing. At that time, they carried the Detroit Tigers who had won the World Series. This gave me the opportunity to have the Tigers on the packaging that we sold advertising in, and I really fell in love with sports business. Then I moved out to the Seattle area, and I worked for a television station that carried the Mariners. As the cable industry started to grow, they started the regional sports network in Seattle, and they needed someone to manage the advertising sales. I was lucky enough to get that job. I stayed with them for ten years and when Fox broadcasting acquired us, I worked for them for many years, and stayed there until I made an online sports venture with NBC. Eventually, I returned to my roots and I am now back at the network I helped start almost 20 years ago.
Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
MJ: I think really it is interacting with other professionals. I really enjoy the people I work with. As much as we all have technology and computers and smart-phones and all of that kind of stuff, it is still the day-to-day interaction that you have with other human beings that I think is the most satisfying.
Welcome Linda Hall to YWCA Family Village Issaquah The YWCA Family Village Issaquah recently welcomed its new Services Director, Linda Hall. Linda is not new to the YWCA or Issaquah Highlands. She was responsible for all aspects of the planning, financing, and construction of the YWCA Family Village at Issaquah, which opened in 2011. In 2013, Linda joined the Highlands Council Board of Trustees, where she currently serves as Treasurer. Linda started with the YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish in 2007. She has been the Senior Director of Housing Development and Operations, overseeing the complex property management, asset management, and compliance for nearly 1,000 housing units across two counties. When asked about her transition to the new YWCA Community Enterprise and Services Director position, Linda said she was looking forward to spending more time deepening Eastside relationships to better serve the community she calls home. Linda went on to say, “With already strong community support, the Family Village Issaquah services team is busy coordinating many activities–‒including adult programs targeted toward economic development plus youth enrichment activities designed to foster team work, positive interactions, and community building. The site staff also offers more individual-focused assistance, such as facilitating access to information and referrals to other services that link families and individuals to various community resources, encouraging economic empowerment, self-determination, and stabilization. By working in a different way for the YWCA, I am learning more each day about our community strengths and very real needs.” Linda’s additional responsibilities include providing leadership for three other YWCA program areas: Seattle Clothing Services, The Sharehouse, and the Sea-Tac Airport Lost and Found. She also serves as Treasurer for Highlands Council Board of Trustees. Since moving to the Puget Sound area in 1999 from Montana, Linda has worked for St. Andrew’s Housing Group (now Imagine Housing), Seattle Housing Authority, and the YWCA in addition to serving on various nonprofit and community boards. She currently lives in Redmond with her husband and 12-year -old son who keeps them all busy with soccer and track and field activities. They are planning to celebrate their daughter’s upcoming graduation from Washington State University in May.
Q: Can you share what’s next for Root Sports?
MJ: We are always evolving; we are always looking at new opportunities. For example, last year we expanded into doing high school football. We are looking to continue that.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence on your life? Why?
MJ: Well, overall, obviously my parents were very supportive in all my aspirations. I owe a lot to them. They helped make me who I am, and that’s the same for most people out there. In the business world, you always find mentors that you admire and one of mine was a gentleman by the name of Rick Bauman, who personally hired me in Seattle and recommended me for the regional sports network when it was first being built.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
MJ: Being on time is being five minutes early [laughs]. Also, “Work hard and good things will happen.”
Q: If there’s one moment you’d like to relive, what would that be?
MJ: Probably when I went to college. It was a lot of fun, I learned a lot, and I think that’s where you become who you are.
Q: What are 2-3 things people don’t necessarily know about you?
MJ: I am an avid music listener. I really like music. I also would like to climb Mt. Rainier. I’m an avid climber and hiker, but I haven’t climbed Rainier yet. I don’t share that with many people because I haven’t done it yet.
Q: What kind of music do you listen to, and do you have a favorite?
MJ: I really do like all different genres; but rock ‘n’ roll is my favorite. (*I would like to thank IH resident Geoff Walker for introducing me to Mr. Jorgensen).
YWCA Family Village Issaquah says Thank You to Potbelly Sandwich! Potbelly Sandwich arrives in a big way! On March 24th, Potbelly Sandwich of Issaquah officially opened for business by hosting a fundraiser for the YWCA Family Village Issaquah. Their generous $1,750 donation was much appreciated. The staff of the YWCA cannot say Thank You enough for their big hearts and great food!
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Creative Mother’s Day Gifts, with Meaning by Molly and Marty Fisher, Ashland Park
When it comes to family entertainment, Mom is the mother of all that’s fun and exciting. For at least 364 days a year, she’s the center of our universe, performing as the cast and crew responsible for the great events that make the rest of us smile. In the beginning, it starts with kids’ songs and bedtime stories and continues far into the future with outings, celebrations, and good, oldfashioned, down-home fun. And for at least one day a year - Mother’s Day - the rest of us are responsible for honoring Mom and returning the love to make her feel as special as she does for us. It’s probably no surprise that more greeting cards and flowers are sent to celebrate Mother’s Day than for Valentine’s Day. Mother’s Day also is, by far, the busiest restaurant day of the year because making reservations and finding cards and flowers is easy. Coming up with plan for a fun, meaningful day for Mom is another matter altogether. Rather than planning another cliché day, here are some creative ideas to inject some laughter and love into celebrating Mom that she and the rest of the family will remember long after the restaurant check is paid and the cards are put away.
Paris Merci Bonjour
This Mother’s Day, why not take an exotic family vacation? You won’t have to go to Paris for the weekend to enjoy a little taste of France or any other place that Mom loves. Get some croissants from the new Safeway in Grand Ridge Plaza for breakfast or pack a picnic lunch of French bread, cheese, fruit, and wine (if you’re legal) and get into the flavor of the country. Decorate your kitchen or dining room table with a red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and fresh flowers, put on some French music, and learn a few basic words in French, such as “bonjour” (good morning) and “merci” (thank you) and you’ll have created un grande jour (a great day!).
Going to the movies doesn’t necessarily have to mean going to the Regal Issaquah Highlands 12 theatre. Sharing family memories by pulling out your old home movies can make for an even better matinee experience. Pull out old photos and movies of you and your family members as children and take a trip together down memory lane. Your kids definitely will get a kick out of the styles of clothes you wore, not to mention the fact that you were once their age or younger. Spring is the perfect season to make your love for Mom blossom. If you have some extra space in your garden or even an empty flower pot, you can create a real life Mother’s Day canvas by planting a tree or by buying packets of flower seeds that grow relatively quickly. Have your kids draw a picture or write a short message (like “We love Mom”) in the garden dirt with a stick, drop the flower seeds into the dirt lines, cover them up, and water them every few days. Before long, your message will be blooming and you’ll have a Mother’s Day gift that will grow along with your love for Mom. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on an expensive retreat to give Mom a spa day. Go to Ulta in the Grand Ridge Plaza and fill a gift basket with her favorite scented candles, bubble bath or bath beads, rose pedals, face mask cream, and her favorite nail polish color for an at-home spa day. Warm
up a few hot towels in the dryer and pour a glass or mug of her favorite beverage to complete her relaxing retreat. Nothing brightens any celebration quite like music, but if you really want to turn up the volume on fun, hold your own lip-sync contest. Have each family member choose a favorite song from a CD, tape, or video that you currently own. Then turn on the music and let each person lip-sync the words to the song, doing his or her best to become the performer. Other family members can rate the performance by writing their score down on a card. The person with the highest score wins the contest, but, of course Mom should be the handsdown winner! When we were kids, it was a lot easier to give Mom a gift that she would love. Simple things like a popsicle picture frame brought tears because we made something or did something from the heart. It wasn’t about where we bought it or how much we spent. Let’s get old school this year and show Mom that we love her by doing something for her that really matters.
Tribute to Movie Houses by Paul Slater, Crofton Springs
For me, loving movies means loving movie theaters. Sure it’s great to sit down in front of the 50 inch TV with surround sound in your PJs and a glass of Burgundy, but there is is still nothing that can replace the shared experience of the cinema. What can be better than sitting in a darkened room with a few hundred temporarily kindred spirits from every walk of life, people who you may share nothing more than a collective interest in a particular film? Today’s average movie theater is dramatically different from the smoky, cold, uncomfortable venues I grew up in. It’s not surprising of course - these are profit making businesses that have to compete with the comfy couch 10 feet from the refrigerator, and they face a very stark reality, they are in the business of selling candy and coke. Major film studios take a massive cut of ticket sales (up to 100% in the first week or two), leaving the movie theater to generate revenue through advertisements and concessions. But what the old theatres lack in comfort they make up in character. Growing up, I knew where the comfy seats were at the Phoenix, how to avoid restricted view in the Electric, and who the friendly usherettes were at the ABC when I bought my ice cream. Then of course there was the Scala at King’s Cross, where I watched all night movie marathons in a theater that vibrated wildly every 2 minutes, due to it being positioned directly atop a London Underground station.
Enthralling to watch 12 Years a Slave alongside of a small, earnestly moved and shocked audience. Fortunately it is still possible to find movie theaters that deviate from the norm, and it is absolutely worth seeking them out. In an ideal world, you pick out the perfect combination of the movie, the audience, and the theater. Get it right, and it’s a very special experience. I was lucky enough to see my favorite film of the last year, the previously mentioned and now Oscar winning “La Grande Bellezza” (The Great Beauty) at the Prince Charles Cinema in London. It’s a venue that that combines art house movies with midnight sing-a-long versions of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and Improv theater. In the 90’s I watched a Laurel and Hardy movie marathon there in a packed theater crammed in next to the comedian Emo
Phillips. I’ll never forget it. It was similarly enthralling to watch 12 Years a Slave alongside of a small, earnestly moved and shocked audience at the North Bend Theater. Yes, there is a movie theater in North Bend. If you haven’t been there, you really should make the effort, although bring a jacket if it’s under 40 degrees outside. The North Bend Theater was built in 1941 (the year Citizen Kane was released). It has been in continuous operations and feels untouched by the intervening decades despite (or perhaps because of) careful renovation. This family-owned, single screen cinema shows whatever it can based on restrictions from the studios, but pick correctly and you can have a wonderful experience - particularly if you catch its classic film series. My three year old son’s favorite film by far is Singin’ in the Rain - I cannot wait to take him to see it there. Another interesting deviation from the norm` is the 21 and older movie theaters we are seeing increasingly in Washington State. It can be quite fun for us grown ups on a date night. They have a full bar, and will typically serve drinks and sometimes food to your seat during the movie, generally very unobtrusively. Probably the first one in our area was The Big Picture in Seattle, and we are now lucky to have one in Issaquah - Cinebarre, located where the former Regal Cinema was. Cinebarre has some very nice touches - they show classic silent films in the foyer/bar, and the staff has been genuinely friendly. The management was also happy to provide free movie tickets to those who attended our inaugural Oscar party here in the Highlands at Blakely Hall. You can’t argue with that as a good idea. Sadly, this will be my last column for Connections. My family will soon be moving away from the Highlands, and we will miss the area, the people, and the opportunity to connect with you through this newspaper. I plan to blog about movies every so often at slaterinseattle. com, so if you have enjoyed reading this, feel free to continue to follow me there. Thank you so much for reading, and as Roger Ebert used to say, see you at the movies.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Art at Blakely Hall
ESL Classes – FREE!
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Women of Persia - Faces of the Ages A Solo Exhibition of Paintings by Farshad Alamdari Through May 30th
English as a Second Language YWCA Family Village Mornings ~ 9:30am -12:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Farshad Alamdari’s still-life and figure paintings are inspired by his broad range of experiences and a lifetime of observing artistic dimensions in the people and objects around him. His distinctive style reflects this unique orientation to the world, while also respecting the classic elements of the masters who influenced his development and evolution as an artist. Enjoy the show weekdays 8-5, or anytime the Hall is open to the public.
Garden Committee
For more information contact Sarah.Games@gmail.com
Chinese Heritage Club
Saturday, May 3rd, 7:30 - 9:30pm Blakely Hall
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Monday, May 19th, 6:30-8:30pm Blakely Hall
6:30PM Master Gardener TOPIC: Tomato Growing 7:30PM Regular Business Meeting The Community Garden Committee meets monthly to help Highlands Council manage Issaquah Highlands community gardens. Members provide a forum to support all gardeners in the community. You don’t have to have a plot in the community garden to join! Container pots gardeners and yard landscapers welcome! Contact Chantal at Garden. Committee@ihmail.com
A Do you enjoy reading AND sharing with friends? The book club is a great place to meet neighbors and explore a variety of books. We take turns hosting—all opinions are welcome! Please bring a snack to share. Dates sometimes change, so be sure to email lindsey8@gmail.com to get on the distribution list.
Saturday, May 3rd, 2 - 5pm Blakely Hall
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Free Please contact Andi Wolff at awolff@rtc.edu or 425.235.2352 (ext. 2117) to register.
Book Club
Buy Nothing Issaquah Highlands
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Latino Club
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Thursday, May 1st & May 8th Blakely Hall
The Latino Club welcomes everybody who would like to celebrate and learn about Latino traditions. There will be activities for kids, adults and seniors. Open to all – join the fun! Interested? Contact Alicia Spinner alispinner@yahoo.com. Next meeting, May 1 & May 8
This club promotes and preserves Chinese cultural heritage awareness among the next generation for many local families. We welcome everyone interested in a neighborhood celebration for many traditional Chinese/ American festivals right at Issaquah Highlands. Contact Hailain (lian_lhl@hotmail.com) or 425-633-0242.
Mountain Bike Club
Computer classes
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YWCA Family Village
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Free computer classes are provided in the computer lab. Contact Sondi at slind@ywcaworks.org
Cub Scout Issaquah Highlands Pack 680 F
Come join Cub Scouts – A year round values-based program for boys grades 1-5 and is considered one of the premier organizations that help youth build character and prepares them for adulthood. Scouting is learning by discovery and discovery by doing. It’s fun, friends, and family where skills are learned, confidence is built, and stories are born. For more information or if you would like to join Cub Scouts, please contact Pack 680 via email at scoutpack680@gmail.com or join us at our next meeting.
A T F Open to all skill levels. Contact Marc for more information: 425-837-8367 or msteins@msn.com or Find “Issaquah Highlands Mountain Bike Club” on Facebook See page 21 for information.
Saturday, May 10th, 11:00am - 1:00pm Blakely Hall
Looking for words to tell Mom you love her? A free Mother’s Day Card Making Workshop at Blakely Hall provides card stock, embellishments, and assistance writing personalized sentiments. Inspired by the “Women of Persia” paintings on exhibit at Blakely, the workshop will focus on the attributes that make your mother who she is. Offered by the new literary arts organization Eastside Writes, the workshop is designed for all ages and is open for drop-in participation anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
COMMUNITY MEETINGS IHCA Architectural Review Committee Tuesday, 5/6, 6:00 pm IHCA Office Highlands Council Board of Trustees Wednesday, 5/7, 12:00 pm Blakely Hall
IHCA Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, 5/28, 5:30 pm IHCA Office
HFN Advisory Group Wednesday, 5/7, 7:00 pm Blakely Hall
Meetings are subject to change. Visit www.ihwebsite.com for calendar updates or sign up for your weekly email bulletins at ihwebsite.com
IHCA Finance Committee Meeting Tuesday, 5/13, 5:30 pm IHCA Office
For City of Issaquah governance meetings, see www.ci.issaquah.wa.us
Communication Committee Thursday, 5/22, 10:00 am Blakely Hall
Pet Club
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Third Thursdays, May 15th, 7:00 - 8:00pm NOTE: Meeting will be at Civilized Nature
The Pet Club is a friendly gathering for those who enjoy learning and sharing information, stories, and experiences about animals. Enjoy seminars, discussions and activities about nutrition, health, behavior, training, social responsibility, safety and play. Bring your ideas for what you would like to discuss and share. IHPetclub@gmail.com
Photography Club
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Third Saturdays, May 17th, 10:30 - 11:30am Blakely Hall
TOPIC: Photo Walk in Issaquah Highlands Enjoy monthly meetings with guest speakers, share and discuss your work with others, and participate in an online community throughout the month. Open to everyone, even if you don’t live in the Issaquah Highlands. IHPC will focus on creating opportunities for members to display their work. See the Flickr Group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/ihphotoclub/) and contact the group’s coordinators to join the club. Scott Moffat and Ravi Naqvi at ihpc@outlook.com
Playgroup
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Wednesdays, 10:00 - 11:30am Blakely Hall
Moms, dads, caregivers and their children (newborn - 4 years old) are invited to come to the Issaquah Highlands Playgroup for fun, friendship, support and socializing. We talk, laugh, sing, play, read stories and blow bubbles! We hope to see you there! Information, contact Alicia alispinner@yahoo.com. We are also on Facebook! www.facebook.com/IssaquahHighlands.coopplaygroup
Poker Night
May 29th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall
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Love watching the World Series of Poker on TV? Want to win a chance to go to Vegas and play on TV against the world’s best players? Join us the last Thursday of each month for a $20 buy-in, No-limit Texas Hold ‘em tournament! If you are a novice wanting to network or a salty vet looking for some steep competition you’ll love our monthly club! Contact Henry hlh1969@hotmail.com.
The Rovin’ Fiddlers
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Every Other Tuesday, 7:00 - 9:00pm Issaquah Highlands Fire Station
Our musical group is made up of primarily fiddle players of varying backgrounds and abilities, all working toward the goal of learning Irish and other Celtic tunes, along with occasional Old Timer and Quebecois tunes. Informal. We share and learn a new tune every other week and then practice our old material in a jam session. Other welcome instruments for accompaniment are guitar (chords available for most tunes), drum, flute or whistle. We attempt to learn the new tunes by ear in a traditional manner, however, sheet music is usually provided. Interested? Email Ken at ken_w_neville@yahoo.com
Want to Start a Club? Contact:
Christy Garrard, Director/Special Event Planner christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107
Are you getting the Community E-Letter on Thursdays? Sign up at ihwebsite.com
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Running Club
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The Highlands Running Group is a community for Runners who share in the passion of group runs! Weather permitting, we will typically meet up in front of the tennis courts at Central Park on Saturdays at 8:00 am. If you are interested in joining us or have questions, please contact Joey at jbc224@cornell.edu, so he can add you to the distribution list. See http://on.fb.me/008CZ2
Russian Highlanders
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See Facebook for monthly event information
Russian Highlanders is a club for those who live here, just moved in or planning to move to our beautiful community. Meet other Russian-speakers in your community for friendship! Gather with others who share the same goals and interests as you. Join Russian Highlanders Facebook page to see what activities are planned -- dining out, movies, kid play dates or just go out to have a fun. The possibilities are endless... http://www.facebook.com/ groups/rusisshigh/ Please follow the FB page for schedule changes or location of meetings.
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Wednesdays, 3:45 - 5pm Lower Community Room YWCA Family Village
Tennis Group - Ladies Meet Up
A The IH ladies tennis group is a non-competitive group so all levels are welcome - even if you haven’t played in a while and are feeling a bit rusty. Meet and connect with other IH women tennis players and come to have fun and stay or get fit! We’ll be playing on Thursdays and Saturdays at 10 am at Central Park when the weather is dry. We also have a Facebook group page. Please join us there too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/570656519667143/.
Walk in Issaquah Highlands “Jane’s Walk” A T
Speaking in Public Class Youths and Adults K T A
Raise your Glass Raise Some Funds Register for our wine tasting event to raise funds for The WAVE (Women Against Violence Everywhere) Foundation. Evening will feature wineries, hors d’oeurves and a silent auction. Must be 21 years old to attend. See TheWaveFoundation.org to register. Space is limited.
All ages 8 years and older are welcome! Let your voices be strong and mighty! Join professional mentors and learn the importance of developing solid communication skills. Drop ins are welcome or register with David Hall at orator@live.com or 425.427.9682
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Fun for the whole family
Sponsor and Booth Packets are now available! See IHWebsite.com
Thursday, May 15th, 6 - 9pm Blakely Hall $40 per person includes food and wine
Wine Club
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Rescheduled from May 9th to new date: Friday, May 16th, 7:00 - 8:30pm Blakely Hall
Yarns & Threads Group
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Highlands Day: Art Outside Sunday, July 20th, 2014
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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 to RSVP.
Programming is appropriate for the following groups. A Adults
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Get Ready - Get Fit - Go! Ditch the workout and join the fitness party at 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 non-perishable food item to donate to the food bank! For additional information, email (Cindy) at zumbawithcindy@gmail.com
Jane’s Walk celebrates the legacy of urbanist Jane Jacobs by getting people out to explore their communities. Her 1961 hallmark book, “The Death and Life of Great American Cities”, was a strong influence on the planning of Issaquah Highlands. Learn from walking ambassadors Chantal Stevens and Nina Milligan which “new urbanism” elements are incorporated in our Urban Village. If you are already expert, test your knowledge with a walking quiz. See www.feetfirst.org and www.janejacobswalk.org for more information. Sign up by emailing Nina.M@IHCouncil.org.
WAVE Fundraiser
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Tuesdays (7:00pm) & Saturdays (9:00am) Blakely Hall
Sunday, May 4th, 10:00 – Noon Meet at Blakely Hall
This is a tutoring group for students of all grades! Come with your homework ready to learn but also have some fun! High school students from Issaquah High will be here to provide tutoring and group activities.
Saturday mornings 9:30-11:30am Lower Community Room YWCA Family Village
Zumba Class
Wednesdays & Fridays, 9am Blakely Hall
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All knitters, crocheters, and stitchers are welcome. For more details of questions, please contact Cathie Coulter at Catherine.coulter@ihmail.com
Volunteering? Are you a High School or College student looking for community service hours? Do you need a volunteer project to add to your resume? The YWCA has an opportunity for YOU! Currently we are looking for volunteers who would like to create and host School Break Activities for the kids as well as after school tutoring and activity at the Family Village. Contact Sondi at 425-270-6807 or slind@ywcaworks.org for more information and getting started on volunteer opportunities at the YWCA Family Village.
CALENDAR SAVE THE DATE
Community Garage Sale Saturday, June 21 Saturday, September 20
Highlands Day Sunday, July 20 HOLIDAYS
Star Wars Day Sunday, May 4
Cinco de Mayo Monday, May 5
Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 11
National Bike to Work Day Friday, May 16
Memorial Day
Monday, May 26
Water a Flower Day Friday, May 30
OTHER FUN THINGS
May Birthstone Emerald
Zodiac Signs
Taurus - Gemini Famous April Babies: Mark Zuckerberg, Adele, John F. Kennedy, Malcolm X
Mother’s Day is not celebrated on the same day throughout the world. In the UK, Mothering Sunday has been celebrated since the 16th century on the 4th Sunday in Lent. In other parts of the world, celebrations of motherhood can take place in other months, with some taking place in fall or winter. Carnations are a popular symbol of Mother’s Day. The tradition is to honor mothers who are living with colored flowers, and those who are deceased with white ones. Most of the flowers given for Mother’s Day come from California.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2014
FITNESS & HEALTH
Mom’s Crew – Get in Shape! by Erick K. Harada, DPT, Highlands Physical Therapy
May is for Mother’s Day! I hope everyone is planning to serve up a bountiful breakfast in bed for your favorite mother in a couple weeks. As simple as it may seem, washing, dicing and sautéing up a quick early morning meal can become quite the chore for someone with a weak core. This month, I am supplying you with a few core and low back exercises to prevent lower back or hip pain while cooking up her favorite meal.
Isometric transverse abdominus contraction
Standing spinal extension
1. Lying on back with knees bent, tighten stomach by pulling bellybutton down towards spine.
1. Gently arch backward to make hollow of back deeper without pain.
2. Hold 5 seconds.
3. Repeat 10 times per set. Perform 1 set per session. Do 3-4 sessions per day.
3. Repeat 10 times per set. Perform 1 set per session. Do 3-4 sessions per day.
2. Hold 3 seconds.
Quad arm/leg 1. Tighten stomach and raise right leg and opposite arm. Keep trunk rigid. 2. Repeat 10 times per set. Perform 2 sets per session. Do 2 sessions per day.
These exercises should be performed daily and without pain. If you experience pain, try and modify your approach. If pain persists longer than 24hrs, stop the exercises and contact your local physical therapist. You are now equipped with the right exercises to get through the making of mom’s frittata!
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ISSAQUAH CITY NEWS
Protect Yourself from Vehicle Prowls We live in a safe community — but leaving your car unlocked makes it a target that’s too tempting for a thief to ignore.
During a recent night in the Issaquah Highlands, our police responded to nine vehicle prowls in your community alone. Most vehicle prowls are crimes of opportunity. In only a few seconds, thieves can get into cars through unlocked doors or open windows, and then make off with valuables. Prime targets include shopping center parking lots, streets in residential neighborhoods, parks and schools, because a prowler can hit many vehicles in a short time period. Prowlers know the odds are good that somebody has left a door unlocked, a window open or keys in the ignition. Though vehicle prowls are common, they’re preventable. Here are some easy tips you can use to protect yourself from crime:
Join Us: Kids Bike Rodeo
Join the City of Issaquah and our partners for a bike rodeo, where children can learn about bike safety and have fun on their bikes! The event – held from 9 a.m.-noon May 18 at Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. N.W. – will include helmet fittings, bike safety checks, a safety course, music, raffles and food.
• Lock your vehicle every time you leave, even for a short time. • Don’t leave valuable items in plain view. • Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended. • If you place items in the trunk, do it discreetly or before you arrive at your destination. • If your car is parked in a carport or near your home, leave your exterior lights on at night. • If you park on a street, choose a well-lit, open and visible space. If you see somebody acting suspicious or looking into, vehicles call 911.
Issaquah Farmers Market Season Opens
Shoppers ready for a fresh experience can head to the Issaquah Farmers Market as our summertime tradition continues.
CleanScapes will also be collecting used bikes for donation at the event. Since 2010, CleanScapes has saved more than 5,000 bicycles from landfills. CleanScapes partners with Bike Works, a local non-profit that refurbishes bikes to be sold or donated locally and internationally.
Find farm-fresh fruits and vegetables — including many organic items — fresh-cut flowers, baked goods, specialty cooking mixes, handmade arts and crafts, and more.
Everyone donating a used bicycle will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a variety of prizes.
The market is open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through early October at the historic Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. N.W.
Throughout the season, the market features food vendors, concerts and entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and activities for families and children.
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ASK KARI Dear Kari, My mother-in-law is a kind, sweet woman but has a history of making poor financial choices and now can no longer pay her bills. She is divorced and has no savings. My wife would like us to help her out and if needed move her into our home. I am not happy that we have to pay for her expenses, but I definitely do not think we should move her into our home. Plus, she has other children to help her out besides my wife and I. What do you think we should do? - Good Son-In-Law Dear Good Son-In-Law, You sound like a good son-in-law who wants to est ablish expectations and maintain boundaries between your immediate family and your wife’s family of origin. I agree that setting a boundary is a good way to make clear to everyone what you are willing to do and what you believe is the right role for you and your wife in supporting her mother. Given your mother-in-law’s predicament, you could agree to help cover some of her expenses and ask other family members to do the same. Remember though, that they have self-choice and may or may not agree to help her out financially regardless what you decide to do. If you want to make your wife happy, love your mother-in-law and if you are able to give her money each month without burdening your lifestyle, then do that. Offer to help care for her if this is your intuitive, initial response. Sometimes our friends and family don’t make great choices in life or plan for the future, but we show our love for them by helping them in times of need and remembering that they are more than their circumstances. - Kari Dear Kari, My neighbor invites my husband and I over for drinks frequently and always asks that we bring a bottle of wine and an appetizer. I like visiting with them, but I feel that an invite should not include requirements. What do you think? - Socially Put Off Dear Socially Put Off, You stated that you like visiting with your neighbors but not the requirements that are attached to the invite. I suggest that you refocus your attention from having to bring food and wine when you visit, to the company that you get to enjoy during the visit. Maybe your neighbors have some financial restraints and appreciate your contribution, and that’s why they ask. Or, maybe they always bring items to friends’ homes when they visit and simply are not aware that their request for you to do the same could be off-putting. So enjoy your friends and their hospitality and consider your contributions a gift to be enjoyed by all, including you. - Kari
Dear Kari, My older brother is addicted to drugs and alcohol. He has been using drugs since he was 14 and is now 44. He has been in rehab 8 times and is unemployed. He moved back in with my mom and is using her yet again for money, which she does not have a lot of. He lives rent-free in her house and takes what he needs from her. I have tried repeatedly to get her to see the light and realize that he is using her and that she is codependent to his drug habit but it all falls on deaf ears. How can I make my mother realize that he needs to be cut off? - Desperate Daughter Dear Desperate Daughter, Thirty years is a long, long time to be dealing with a family member with substance abuse. I am sorry that your family has had to endure this challenging situation. From the dynamics stated in your letter it appears that your mother is co-dependent in your brother’s life of continued substance use. Unfortunately, that probably will not change. Your mother has her reasons for supporting your brother and while they may not benefit her or your brother in the long term, they are her choosing. Most parents support their children out of love and a need to make sure that their child is safe and well, not matter what their age or circumstance. I recommended that you continue to keep your boundaries up in regards to what you believe should be done to help him. Also, you could recommend that your mother seek information from Al-Anon (a great organization that helps support families of problem drinkers and substance users). I wish you peace as you continue to address this very difficult situation moving forward. - Kari Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker and a resident of Issaquah Highlands. This column is for entertainment purposes only. If you are in crisis and in need of support please contact the Crisis Clinic at 866-427-4747.
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WIT & TIDBITS
Being a Mom, Seriously by Tami Curtis, Summit (or Two Slides) Park
While growing up in my early teen years my mother frequently told me, “Tami, you take things too seriously!” I’d offer my huffy response, “Well I AM serious!” Growing up was serious business – seriously. Nowadays I still hold onto a frank perspective on life, but I also really appreciate a daily dose of levity, especially when it comes to raising kids. I like the funnies passed around Facebook that remind me to keep motherhood human -- and myself humane in the process. What does it mean to keep motherhood human, you ask? Well, I can give you a long, serious answer, but I’d rather use one of those E-Card quotes: “All those moms are on Pinterest making their own soap and reindeer-shaped treats, and I’m all like ‘I took a shower and kept the kids alive’.” So far, thank God, I’ve kept the kids alive, and I’ve also managed to avoid having to cook, bake or craft anything absurdly intricate to keep me in good standing amongst the Highlands Mother ‘hood. (Wait, maybe I’m not in good standing…) To me, keeping motherhood human means not setting galactic-proportioned expectations for myself as a mother, nor for my children. It means keeping things in perspective. It means laughing at myself every day. That’s not actually easy when surrounded by Super Moms of the Highlands. If I gave the Highlands parenting trends a cursory peek on Facebook, I’d think that all our resident minors are vegan athletes who have gigs booked at Carnegie Hall following their televised neuroscience presentation on TED Talks. There are a lot of smart kids, talented kids, healthy kids, and clever kids living in the Highlands. However, it is also common knowledge that what you see on Facebook is a polished and airbrushed version of reality. There’s no doubt that talent runs thick in the ‘hood, but this isn’t Stepford either. So I have to remind myself that not everything I see is perfection. The bumper sticker, “My Chihuahua is smarter than your Honor Student” helps me keep this whole job in perspective. Do I have any advice about keeping up with the Mama Joneses in the Highlands? Just do your own thing. If you think for one minute that the tooth fairy has to deliver a fairy-dust sprinkled, hand-written in calligraphy note under your child’s pillow with $5 for their lost tooth, you’re losing perspective. If you refuse to build a leprechaun trap, you’re absolved of that inadequacy. If your child’s basketball game socks don’t match, chalk it up to a new fashion statement. On those days when you’re feeling less-than-exemplary as a mother it’s okay to get catty and mumble that E-Card to yourself: “Your excessive status updates
proclaiming how much you love your kids, has me wondering what you’re hiding.” Okay, let’s stow that sulkiness away and get back to keeping this motherhood train moving forward, not derailed in Grumpy Land. If we don’t embrace the humorous side of our job as mothers, then we’re doing what my mother always accused me of: “taking things too seriously”. It is a funny job. There’s an E-Card that says, “Insanity is hereditary. You get it from your children.” Some of us went to college, had careers, then took a right turn and now dedicate ourselves to Project Management of the Homework Turn-In Process with meetings called to discuss timeliness and accuracy of content submitted to higher-ups (a.k.a., “teachers”). We also head up the Department of Good Choices and Navigational Strategies on Social Interactions with Peers (a.k.a., “How to keep your stuff off the internet”). As an adjunct we offer professional-level coaching on a class called “Asserting Oneself to Authority Figures While Remaining a Receptive Subordinate” (a.k.a., “How to beg forgiveness from your teachers for turning in late assignments”). In order to function in this seriously funny job of motherhood I feel we must balance our agenda of raising Carnegie-bound, scientific breakthrough-making, NFL qualifying Earth-atarians, with a not-so-serious attitude. Otherwise, we might get bogged down in insisting upon hand making historically accurate 1800’s Valentine vignettes for every student in the fifthgrade class, and losing our minds and perspective in the process. A two-slide park resident (Summit Park), Tami Curtis is mother of two middle school boys and can be seen running all over the Highlands with Lacey Leigh. Her very supportive husband, Glenn is a great fan and sounding board of her Celtic band, The Fire Inside.
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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Accepting IHCA Board of Directors Applications There are three open Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board District positions for two year terms commencing July 1, 2014. The IHCA Board of Directors (BOD) approved an opening date of May 1, 2014 and closing date of May 30, 2014 for which residents from Board Districts #2, #4, and #6 who are interested in serving as a director may file for candidacy. All applicants from the appropriate Board Districts will be qualified and interviewed by the Board. If you are a resident of either Board District #2, #4 or #6 and would like to apply, applications are available on www.ihwebsite.com. Completed applications should be sent to IHCA Executive Director, Sarah McKee at sarah.m@ ihcommnity.org.
The elections will be held in June 2014. Each year, the community elects candidates to represent a particular Board District. In even numbered years, the community will elect Board District Directors in even numbered districts. Please see below for maps of Board Districts #2, #4 and #6. There are many duties that a Board member performs with the primary responsibilities focused in the following areas: 1. Attendance to one early evening meeting each month. Additional meeting and workshops required depending on community needs. Assignment to an active Committee.
2. Administrate maintenance of common areas in the community. 3. Administering and enforcing the Covenants. 4. Review and approval of annual operating budget, establish assessments. 5. Levy, collect and disburse the assessments and charges as part of the judiciary well being of the community. 6. Promulgate rules and regulations. 7. Appoint committee and task force members. 8. A position on the Board of Directors is a volunteer position with no financial compensation.
Expectations for Membership of Board Members 1. Be informed. 2. Be constructive. 3. Open to diversity of people, ideas and opinions. 4. Support community-wide standards. 5. Embrace a dynamic process to address growth and changes. 6. Participation. 7. Fair & reasonable in decision making.
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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Living With Wildlife
by Russ Ayers, Issaquah Highlands Community Association Issaquah Highlands was developed as an urban village to be nestled in 1,600 acres of permanent open space. With about 1,200 acres of that open space left undeveloped (i.e., a natural area), interactions between the community’s human residents and the surrounding area’s wildlife are everyday things. Most folks may think of the occasional bear or deer sighting as their wildlife encounter, however, wildlife encounters are actually much more common and involve far more species than a few larger mammals.
Tent Cat Management Options Select Non-chemical Management Options as Your First Choice!! • Pick out and destroy the foamy-looking, grayish, 1/2” egg cases during the fall and winter. These may be found in bands around twigs or in flattened masses on trunks. It’s a good test of your eyes, too – the first egg case might take a while to spot;
Our state Department of Fish and Wildlife has a great web resource at http://wdfw.wa.gov/ living/ which includes fact sheets about a number of the critters one can expect to encounter. Missing from their fact sheets are the smallest fauna such as insects. Good information about them is available online from locations such as Washington State University’s Hortsense site: http://pep.wsu.edu/hortsense/ It’s worth noting that among the tens of thousands of insect species native to our region that less than a dozen are serious pests of humans or our homes. The overwhelming majority are either beneficial or benign (and live their whole lives around us without our even realizing it). By availing oneself of these science-based resources, one can learn that there is a far more diverse and populated wildlife outside our door. With a better appreciation for it perhaps people can relax a bit and enjoy their environment a bit more. Natural interactions within the food web outside our door keep most populations in check. For example, songbirds time their egg hatching to coincide with available food. Obviously they don’t check a calendar but many species are on very different schedules which are driven not by weather or season but by food availability. As the community gardeners have learned the local vole population surges after a long, wet Spring. Call it the rhythm of life, the wheel of life, it’s all the same. We share our planet with many, many species and when we restrain our lethal responses to them we make the world – and our community – a better place. The most common tent caterpillar in home landscapes is the western tent caterpillar. Please don’t confuse this with the notorious gypsy moth caterpillar as our native ‘tent cat’ is much less destructive. It typically has a dark body with white and orange or yellow markings and a bluish dashed line down the center of the back. Long whitish or yellowish hairs are found along the length of the body. Adult moths lay eggs in a foam-like mass around current-year twigs, where the caterpillars overwinter as tiny larvae inside their eggshells.
• Several natural parasites and predators help control tent caterpillar populations. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects. Our community’s Integrated Pest Management plan prohibits the use of broad-spectrum insecticides because of their known damage to non-target species and general ineffectiveness as a control; • Strip or prune out and destroy nests and caterpillars as soon as noticed. This is best done in early morning or evening, when caterpillars are gathered in the nests. Dispose of nests with your yard waste. Nests should be collected as close to Friday morning as possible. Pesticides are generally not recommended for a host of reasons including applicator safety, generally low success rate and attendant undesired consequences including damage to beneficial insect populations. The community association and its contractors have had some success with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), a bacteria toxic to caterpillars, however, it can only be used on nests which can be reached by available equipment. Higher nests are out of reach. No pesticides may be applied to common area or street trees except by licensed IHCA staff or contractors. Violations should be reported to Issaquah Police (call 911) or the Washington Department of Agriculture’s pesticide enforcement division at 1-877-301-4555.
In spring and early summer, characteristic tents are made on the tips of branches or elsewhere in trees and some shrubs. Young caterpillars typically feed in large groups in the protection of the nests. Older caterpillars may feed in small groups or as individuals. Potentially they can partially or completely defoliate trees, causing some loss of vigor, but this is uncommon. The western tent caterpillar is famous for 2- to 3-year epidemic cycles on many kinds of trees, including alder, Prunus species (which includes many shrubs), ash and to a lesser extent Hawthorne. They almost disappear for several years following outbreaks.
Meet the Team | Rachel Garrett , CMCA , AMS , PCAM ®
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Director of Community Operations
Rachel Garrett joined the IHCA team in August 2007. Having managed the High Point redevelopment project in West Seattle in partnership with the Seattle Housing Authority, Rachel sought to find a community to work with that shared her same core values. A passion for sustainability, diversity, and innovation led her to Issaquah Highlands. Her responsibilities include the oversight of day-to-day community operations, risk management initiatives, and (her favorite part of the job) problem solving with community members. In addition to her role within the IHCA, Rachel is an active participant in the Washington State Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI). CAI provides information and education to community associations and the professionals who support them. The CAI mission is to inspire professionalism, effective leadership and responsible citizenship. When asked why she volunteers with CAI she replied “I feel it is a responsible commitment to the communities that I serve. Homeowners entrust us with arguably their most important investment, both financially and emotionally - their homes. I feel it is my duty to stay informed when I’m making decisions on a daily basis that may affect their homes and their families.” Rachel and her partner of seventeen years, Keith, reside in Seattle with their two dogs: Arrow, a Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog/Red Heeler and a Bull ‘Terrorist’ named Fiona. In her spare time you can typically find Rachel and her family outside. “One of my favorite things about living in the great Pacific Northwest is that it allows you to be such an activity chameleon. Where else can you get up on a Saturday morning and play a round of golf, hop on a Harley and head over the scenic pass, head back into the city to catch an amazing band, get up the next morning and take the dogs on a hike to the beach, catch a ballgame, and then BBQ with friends and play competitive picnic sports? That’s pretty much a typical weekend for us, unless it is football season – then you will find us at Century Link. GO HAWKS!”
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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
What a Community Manager Looks for During Landscape Inspections… Spring is here and Mother Nature is doing her thing and the grass is growing, bushes and trees are blooming, and dead plants are made obvious. As the community managers conduct their inspections for adherence to the Community Wide Standards (CWSs), they look for areas that do not meet these standards. If you are not familiar with the standards, they can be found by signing into the website (ihwebsite.com) and viewing them under Resource/Document Center/ Governing Documents. Below is a list of the violations most cited: • Long grass (exceeding 4 inch limit) – during the summer, especially after fertilizing, this may require mowing more than just once a week. • Lawns that are uneven and/or have dead patches. • Un-edged lawns and beds. • Weeds in lawn and beds – including side-yards. • Bushes and trees that need trimming.
ARC Tip for May
Xerces Society recommends emphasizing native plants when making changes to your landscapes. As it happens, native plants are not just better suited to our climate but our native pollinators prefer them over other flowering plants too. Just to name a few: Aster, Balsamroot, Blanketflower, California Poppy, Ceanothus, Clarkia, Currant, Goldenrod, Huckleberry, Lupine, Ninebark, Oregon Grape, Penstemon, Rose, Serviceberry, Snowberry, Willow So when you are considering making a change to your
• Beds in need of bark or mulch. • Dead plants, bushes, or trees .
• Landscape debris (i.e. broken branches, trimmings, grass clippings, fallen leaves). Many of our residents travel for extended periods during the summer months. If you are going to be away from your home for extended periods, please make arrangements to have this work performed in your absence. It is still your responsibility to meet the CWSs. Notices are sent to homeowners and their tenants if it is a rental property. Please be sure your renters are aware of and following the standards. Homeowners are ultimately responsible for any violation. If you have any questions about the standards or a violation notice, please contact your Community Manager. Their objective is to educate and assist homeowners in meeting their obligations.
landscape, consider adding some flowers for our hard-working and imperiled pollinator friends. It doesn’t get much better than that in a garden! For more information on how you can help support native pollinators visit www.xerces.org
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HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK
The Vulnerable State of all Networks by Frank Pineau, HFN General Manager
I’m a big fan of TV shows like NCIS, Hawaii 5-0 and other programs that present situations and scenarios that target technology. As I watch them, I always try and think out the possibility of those programs and situations and give a head-nod to stuff that could really be true, or could be in the near future… Of course, many of the scenario’s presented involve computer breaches, some program found it’s way in through a firewall, systems failing, missiles launching, etc. You know the drill. Is there a point here? Well… Recently, many subscribers to the Highlands Fiber Network experienced Internet connectivity issues, off and on, for several days. Not exactly NCIS stuff, but it was an attack on our system and protocols. We were not the only network hit, the attack was on all networks around the world. So what was it?
The attacks that affected us in late February and early March were the results of tens of thousands of infected computers sending false (“spoofed”) network traffic towards all of the publicly accessible DNS servers on the Internet (DNS servers convert website addresses like “www.cnn. com” to IP address numbers like “157.166.248.11”). Some of our residents run DNS servers on their home network that inadvertently participated in this relay attack. This traffic was then sent to our DNS servers, overloading them with what seemed like legitimate requests from Highland’s residents. With the DNS servers being overloaded they would sometimes fail to perform new address lookups and a virus gets introduced into our network through many ways, (downloading programs, malicious email content, etc.) This particular virus (or worm) spread and caused false traffic to be present on the network. When a user tried to get connected to a location (email, webpage, or in my case, the iTunes program update server), the traffic was so heavy programs timed out before reaching their destination. We got messages such as, “Can’t find the server,” or “This action cannot be completed at this time.” This particular attack was on our DNS servers, which is the address listing of where everything is located. So, what did we do about it? Isomedia, our content Internet provider, operates our DNS servers and monitors our network traffic 24-7. When they see a spike in traffic, they immediately check with other providers and systems to see if it is an attack, or simply an anomaly. It sometimes takes a bit to actually see a pattern and discover the nature of the attack. Then Isomedia immediately takes action to remedy and block the attack. When they are sure there is a service issue, our webpage (https://www.highlandsfibernetwork.com/) gets updated to inform us. Black Lotus (http://www.blacklotus.net/), has interesting statistics outlining this constant pounding all networks get. A brief excerpt from one of their reports: Due to the proliferation of NTP DrDoS, the average attack size has increased by 6.5% and the total volume of attacks has increased by 87% from December 2013 to January 2014. We will do our best to keep HFN’s network strong and healthy. For your part, be sure you have good anti-virus software, router firewalls installed, secure passwords, and be sure to call our customer care desk (425-427-0999) if you experience any degradation in service.
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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT by Leslie Warrick, Ashland Park
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week is May 5-9
Grand Ridge Elementary
Issaquah Schools Foundation Luncheon and Breakfast The Issaquah Schools Foundation’s 16th Annual Nourish Every Mind
Among the recipients of the WA State PTSA Golden Acorn Award in the Issaquah School District, three residents were nominated, and then selected for their outstanding service and dedication to their schools and community: GR Elementary Golden Acorn Award: Lisa Callan PCMS Golden Acorn Award: Jessica Burles PCMS Outstanding Advocate: Leslie Warrick
Grand Ridge Elementary Grand Ridge Bear Hunt: May 21nd (Wednesday) 5:00 PM—6:00 PM! Attention all new incoming GR families and students: You don’t want to miss out on the annual Bear Hunt/Tour, hosted by the GR PTSA and parent volunteers. This popular event provides an opportunity for your child to become familiar with GR in a fun way. If you would like to volunteer or know of a tween/teen, who would like to volunteer for this wonderful event, please visit www.grandridgeptsa.org for the online volunteer signup.
Pacific Cascade Middle School MSP Testing Continues
The first wave of MSP Testing was on April 29th for sixth and seventh grade students. There will be the additional testing sessions scheduled for PCMS students beginning May 1. The dates vary for different grade levels. So, please pay close attention to the schedule for specific grades. During these times, it’s very important to ensure that your child gets plenty of rest and is not scheduled for outside appointments. If your child is ill, however, Principal Bailey requests that you have him/her come in later for a “make-up” day. These tests can be taxing on students and require rigorous “brain energy.” It’s best to have students well rested and healthy in order to perform at their optimal levels. Kudos to PMCS for taking on the brave task of implementing online testing for all three grades before it is mandated by the State! Dana’s ultimate goal is to expose all students to this mode of test taking in order to increase students’ skills, and to gauge any upcoming challenges that may need addressing. Please give your PCMS student extra hugs and encouragement during this potential stressful time period.
5/1 5/12 - 5/16 5/19 - 5/23 5/20 5/22 5/26
First Grade Concert in the Multi-Purpose Room: Thursday, 7:00 PM—8:00 PM Clark Staff Appreciation Week Spring Book Fair in the Library 4th Grade Concert in the MPR, 7:00 PM—8:00 PM Family Literacy Night: Thursday (Stay tuned for more details on the Clark PTSA website.) Memorial Day—No School
Pacific Cascade Middle School
MAY EVENTS
Congratulations to the following Issaquah Highlands residents for their PTSA Awards!
GR PTSA General Membership Meeting: Tuesday, 10:00 AM—11:00 AM Bear Hunt for New Families: Wednesday, 5:00 PM—6:00 PM Memorial Day Holiday—No School
Clark Elementary
Benefit Luncheon is May 8th (Thursday), from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Issaquah Community Center. In response to the increased attendance for this wonderful event and requests from people who work during the day, an additional 1st Annual Nourish Every Mind Benefit Breakfast will be held on May 14th (Wednesday), from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM at Eastridge Church. The luncheon is the largest yearly fundraiser for the ISF. There is always a seat available for you, and it’s not too late to reserve a spot by contacting Cathia Geller at cathia@cathiageller.com. The Issaquah Schools Foundation provides crucial support and funding to help bridge the gap between what our state provides and what our students actually need to receive a top education.
There are just too many educational programs and grants to list in a single article! To learn more about all the amazing things the ISF does to support our schools/teachers/students, please visit issaquahschoolsfoundation.org.
5/20 5/2 5/26
5/1 MSP Testing – 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade 5/6 MSP Testing– 7th & 8th Grade 5/8 MSP Testing– 7th Grade 5/14 PCMS PTSA General Membership Meeting: Thursday, 12:30 PM—2:00 PM in the Library 5/21 Site Council Meeting: Wednesday, 2:45 PM—3:45 PM in the Library 5/26 Memorial Day Holiday—No School 5/30 7th Grade Field Trip (Friday) to the Museum of Flight
Issaquah High School 5/3 5/10 5/5 - 5/16 5/17 5/26 5/27 5/31
Mostly Americana - IHS Theater: Saturday, 7 - 9:00 PM A Night at the Movies Concert - IHS Theater: Saturday, 7 - 9:00 PM AP Testing Concerto Concert - IHS Theater: Saturday, 7 - 9:00 PM Memorial Day Holiday—No School Choral Pops Concert, 7 - 9:00 PM Prom at EMP in Seattle: Saturday, 8 - 11:59 PM
Issaquah High School
Do You Have A Teenager in Your House? IHS PTSA Book Critic Offers Reading Suggestions! Raising teens is tough, Do you know anyone who can truthfully tell you it’s a breeze? I know I’m definitely not that person, and am always open to advice! There are numerous books to help you navigate the often challenging task of parenting a teen. Issaquah High PTSA has a very valuable resource to share with you, such as, Kristen Allen– Bensten! Kristin is the IH PTSA Parent Education Chair, and this is only a small part of what Kristen does for the school. Kristen’s thorough and engaging reviews can be found on the IH PTSA website. The books she has reviewed are Wise Minded Parenting by Laura Kastner and Kristen Russell, Getting To Calm by Laura Kastner, Cleaning House by Kay Wills Wyma, The Defining Decade by Meg Jay, The Five Love Languages of Teenagers by Gary Chapman, Sticks and Stones by Emily Bazelon, The Available Parent by John Duffy, and The Price of Privilege by Madeline Levine.
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LIVING GREEN
Why Garden?
by Shelly Hawkins, Crofton Springs neighborhood “O, the month of May, the merry month of May” Thomas Dekker (Elizabethan dramatist and pamphleteer) Why do people garden? Why should people garden? These two questions came to mind when I considered what to write for the May issue of Connections and, as is often the case, I turned to Google for the answer. Why garden had an incredible 1,620,000,000 results. Reasons to garden had a still impressive 197,000,000 results. Although I didn’t have time to check each result Google provided, the lists my search “unearthed” seemed surprisingly similar. “Digging” a little deeper, I began to suspect that the lists might have a single source, specifically a survey made by the National Garden Bureau. Although the similarity of the lists might just be due to some universal truth about gardening and human nature, I’m providing the bureau’s list here: 10 good reasons to garden: 1. For safe, healthy food 2. For exercise 3. To add beauty to our homes 4. To learn about plants and gardening 5. To make money (garden-related job) 6. To meet people 7. To be creative 8. To win gardening contests 9. For emotional needs and spiritual connections 10. For lasting memories I was surprised by the omission of “to save money,” because you can save a lot of money growing your own fruits and vegetables—unless you end up buying a house to get the garden that goes with it. Fortunately, renting a community garden plot is less expensive.
The biggest gardening savings comes from growing vegetables from seed. After all, a zucchini seed packet contains a lot of zucchini seeds, a single zucchini seed costs a lot less money than a single zucchini plant, and a single zucchini plant can produce a lot of zucchini (sometimes all at once). What’s more, if you grow organic zucchini, the cost difference between homegrown and store bought organic zucchini is even greater. If your garden space is too small to grow all of your fruits and vegetables organically, focus on growing those that have a high pesticide residue if not grown organically. The following fruits and vegetables are identified in the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen PlusTM list (http://www.ewg. org/foodnews/summary.php): celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, [grapes], hot peppers, [imported nectarines], potatoes, spinach, strawberries, sweet bell peppers, kale/collard greens family, and summer squash family. Fruits and vegetables with a low pesticide residue are included in the Clean FifteenTM list: [asparagus], [avocados], cabbage, [cantaloupe], sweet corn, eggplant, [grapefruit], [kiwi], [mangos], mushrooms, onions, [papayas], [pineapples], sweet peas-frozen, sweet potatoes. In Issaquah Highlands, May is the month to plant your summer garden. Heat-loving vegetables and herbs, such as basil, corn, squash, and tomatoes will require fabric cloth (with or without hoops), a cold frame, or a greenhouse to protect them during cool days and nights. You can also plant these seeds indoors under lights and transplant them when the weather heats up; or buy transplants from a local garden department. Happy gardening!
Choose To Bicycle
by Cassandra Schoenman, Recology CleanScapes May is honored each year as National Bike Month in the US. This tradition was started in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists to encourage people to ride bikes to work and school. Now that the weather is beginning to improve, there are many reasons to choose to bicycle rather than drive. Good for your health: On a nice day why not skip the gym and ride your bike around the neighborhood? A fun fact is that a new bicycle commuter can expect to lose 13 pounds in the first year (Bicycle Magazine). Choosing to bike instead of drive also allows you to reduce stress by taking the scenic routes like riding past your favorite park, or a nice neighborhood instead of the hustle-n-bustle of a busy street. Just be sure to wear a helmet and reflective gear! Saves money: Anyone who has ever owned a car could tell you that they are expensive - whether it’s the upfront cost, the maintenance, insurance, or the cost of gasoline, it all adds up to thousands of dollars a year! Most trips in the car are 2 miles or less and can be done faster on a bicycle. Think twice before hopping in the car to run errands, you will have more fun on your bike and no trouble finding a parking spot. Finding a reasonably priced, well maintained, and used bike is easy with the help of Bike Works in Seattle. A small selection of refurbished bikes from Bike Works can be found at the Recology CleanScapes store in Gilman Village. Or visit their retail store in Columbia City – just south of I-90 in Seattle. Deb Salls the Executive Director for Bike Works says “Through our community bike shop, thousands of customers received accessible and affordable repair service and purchased a total of 1,635 refurbished bicycles.” Better for the environment: The decision to walk or bike on short trips is also making a positive impact on the environment. The choice to commute by bicycle saves on gasoline, toxic waste, and greenhouse gases. Bike Works recycles, reuses and refurbishes bicycles 4,903 bikes donated in 2013 3,141 came directly from CleanScapes/ Recology 170,000 pounds of bikes were diverted from the waste stream 5,984 bikes were put to better use since 2000 Have more Fun: Biking is a great way to get outside with the family and to be more active! Why not plan a weekly bike trip around Lake Sammamish, to the Farmers Market or to your local frozen yogurt shop in town? If your family is new to biking the City of Issaquah, Issaquah Police Department and the Recology CleanScapes store is inviting everyone to the Issaquah Bike Rodeo at the Pickering Barn on Sunday, May 18th from 9am-12pm. This will be a great opportunity
to learn how to do a bike safety check, ride safely and navigate through a skills course. Free helmets will be supplied for kids 13 and under who are in need. Local vendors, music, food and refreshments will add to the fun!
Issaquah Bike Rodeo Pickering Barn Sunday, May 18th 9am-12pm
Sponsored by the City of Issaquah Issaquah Police Department Recology CleanScapes Store
Free!
Bike Works will be there hosting a bike drive, they are always in need of more bike donations, bike parts and accessories. They take bikes of any kind and in any condition, but are especially looking for 24 inch and 26 inch geared bikes as well as road bikes and hybrid commuter bikes that can be put to good use in their programs. Receive an extra raffle ticket when you donate a bike at the event- YOU could win a bike tune up and many other fun prizes! When you dust off your bike and choose to ride, celebrate all the benefits of cycling as you enjoy our beautiful, bike friendly city.
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RESIDENT PROFILE: SARAH LALLY BROWN You can meet the most interesting folks in Issaquah Highlands! They might be your neighbor, a fellow parent at the playground, or a neighbor gardener at one of our community gardens. Sarah is all three! She considers herself an average person, living in an awesome neighborhood. She spends most of her time with her 3.5-year-old twin boys but whenever she gets the chance, she puts on her helmet, climbs into her car, and drives faster than you or I can imagine! Let’s get to know Sarah a little better, shall we?
How did you become a racecar driver?
Well, first I learned that I could discover a new passion, even at 39 years old! Mine is driving at the track. I took an introductory class in high performance driving through ProFormance racing school last spring, right after we moved into our Issaquah Highlands home, actually. But I’m not a “racecar driver” yet; I am studying to get my SCCA competition license later this month.
Where can you race around here?
Pacific Raceways in Kent and The Ridge in Shelton are my favorites. I spent last summer and fall driving sessions at these tracks. Each has its own personality.
“On a good day at Pacific I’ll get to about 140mph on the straight.” Is it just about driving cars, fast?
Not at all! It’s mostly about learning how to drive at the limit of your car, safely. However, through well-timed coincidences I also became involved with Team Seattle, which is a true racing group that benefits Seattle Children’s Hospital. They’ve been racing for the kids since 1997.
Where do they race?
What about safety? Or is that a silly question?
24 hours of racing?
But still, you are going HOW FAST? What can you do to protect yourself?
Their Porsche races in the TUDOR United Sports Car Championship series. This year I was lucky enough to go to the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in Florida. It’s a bit different than the NASCAR most people are familiar with....it’s a road course instead of a big circle. Yeah - 24 hours straight! Several different classes of cars race. The team’s racecar is in the GT class and looks more like a Porsche you would see on the road than one of the more futuristic Prototype cars that also share the course. We came in 15th place - it was a pretty crazy!
I don’t think many people realize that high performance driving doesn’t mean that you have to do crazy things in a race car. It is the start of a path to competition, yes, but what it really does is make you a better driver in general. Any person can take the intro class in almost any car, Porsche to Prius. On a good day at Pacific I’ll get to about 140mph on the straight. I’ve done modifications on my car so that it has a roll cage for added safety and more robust safety belts that keep me more secure when making high speed turns. My kids think it’s hilarious that I sometimes wear my helmet around the house.
Monthly resident profiles are produced by Nina Milligan, Resident and Communication Manager for Highlands Council
Issaquah Highlands Connections
May 2014
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DIRECTORY Connections is published by the Highlands Council. Our mission is to foster the development of a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, and well-being.
Connections
Connections is printed and mailed every month to every Issaquah Highlands residence as well as local Issaquah residents and businesses. For article submissions and advertising sales, contact Nina Milligan at nina.m@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1111
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION esponsible for: • Property Management R • Enforcement of CCRs, Rules, Regs • Architectural Review • Common Area Landscape Funded by: • Annual IHCA Assessments • Neighborhood Assessments
GOVERNING BODY Board of Directors Jim Young, President Andrea Gregg, Vice President Walt Bailey, Secretary David Ngai, Treasurer Dan Eyman, Member Jitendra Vats, Member Dan Vradenburg, Member
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Rental Facilities Blakely Hall Award-winning Blakely Hall has a feeling and comfort of a lodge. It is a wonderful place for parties with 70 or more guests, fund raisers, galas, and any type of reception. Blakely Hall can accommodate up to 230 guests. In addition to the atmosphere Blakely Hall will give you, there is a patio with outdoor seating and BBQ grill that is available for rent. Blakely Hall Meeting Room The Conference room is perfect for your meeting or seminar. It is private. It can accommodate up to 46 guests. A screen is provided as well as comfortable conference chairs and tables that can be configured to your liking. A projector is available for rent. There is a wash station, and a countertop to place your refreshments. To inquire about booking facilities at Blakely Hall, please contact Brianna at 425.507.1107 or email brianna.e@ihcouncil.org Fire Station Meeting Room The Fire Station 73 meeting room is great for community or group meetings. It comes with tables and chairs. It can accommodate up to 85 guests in a meeting setting or comfortably 30 guests. There are two whiteboards for writing down your ideas and agenda. There is also a television with a DVD player for your instructional videos. Because this is a city building they do not allow religious, partisan, or for-profit meetings to take place in this facility. To inquire about booking the Fire Station Meeting Room, please contact Fire Station #73 at 425.313.3373.
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GOVERNING BODY Board of Trustees hcbot@ihmail.com Larry Norton, President John Thompson, Vice President Linda Hall, Treasurer Philip Nored, Secretary Susan Terry, Member Patrick Byers, Member Ray Besharati, Member
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