Issaquahpress082015

SWIMMERS SIZZLE

PINT-SIZE STAR

Three youth land spots on prestigious squad — Page 11

Issaquah 6-year-old dazzles at X-Games — Page 8

The IssaquahPress

Issaquah’s only locally owned newspaper

www.issaquahpress.com

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Together Center drops plans to bring human services campus here

By Tom Corrigan tcorrigan@isspress.com An effort apparently underway since 2006 has come to an end.

On Aug. 14, Together Center announced it is concluding efforts to establish a human services campus in Issaquah.

Lead volunteers Margaret Moore and John Rittenhouse, along with Together Center CEO Pam Mauk, met with Issaquah officials to inform them of their decision.

“Identification and acquisition of appropriate property has been the major stumbling block,” Moore said in a press release.

“We know the Issaquah community’s need for easier access to services has only grown. We also know that there are many agencies that would love to be part of a nonprofit service hub. We just could not find a site where we could pull this off in Issaquah.”

An Issaquah-funded study led

by Together Center and Nonprofit Centers Network initially concluded that the project was feasible and identified more than 12 agencies interested in making the project work. The agencies preferred a site in downtown Issaquah, near Front Street or Northwest Gilman Boulevard.

“Together Center was able to purchase a failing strip mall of 35,000 square feet during a 1993 recession to launch its 20 agency campus in Redmond,” Mauk said. “No similar property has been found in Issaquah. We stand ready to assist in increasing access to services in any way we are able, but decided it’s time to end our Issaquah property search.”

Together Center operates on the assumption that most people

Photos by Greg Farrar

One woman, one more lake

See CAMPUS, Page 2

Mary Gooze receives a salute from Canada geese in formation overhead as she finishes her Lake Sammamish swim Aug. 16 in her ‘One Woman Many Lakes’ campaign to raise awareness for metastatic breast cancer and raise funds for research to find a cure. Son Aaron Gooze carries an inflatable kayak.

He and wife Gillian Schauer swam along as Mary’s husband Rob Gooze escorted them. She swam from Sunset Beach at the state park out to South Cove and back. It’s the 17th lake she has swam in states including her native Wisconsin, Michigan, Kansas, Arizona and Minnesota. Contributions can be made online at www.onewomanmanylakes.net to fight the disease.

Julius Boehm Pool to reopen ahead of schedule Aug. 25

By Tom Corrigan tcorrigan@isspress.com At the end of July, city officials said Issaquah’s Julius Boehm Pool would reopen Sept. 8.

“We really are putting on all the finishing touches,” said Ric Patterson, division manager for the Issaquah Parks and Recreation Department.

Those finishing touches must have gone very quickly. Instead of Sept. 8, the city plans a grand reopening for the pool at noon Aug. 25.

The Julius Boehm Pool is at 50 S.E. Clark St. The pool will remain open for a free public swim until 5 p.m.

The grand opening also will include free activities and hot dogs.

Closed in November, the pool has undergone $5 million in renovations including everything from a new pool surface to new locker rooms and a new reception area. That new reception space, or pool lobby, now features a 20-by-6-foot glass-shard mosaic appropriately entitled “KERSPLOOSH!” The mosaic was completed by well-known local artist Benson Shaw.

Overall renovations to the pool

include a new pool surface to take the place of one turned a dingy yellow by iron oxide escaping old pipes that now have been replaced.

Additionally, the pool was to receive updated pumps, heaters and electrical systems. Computer controlled, the new equipment could save the city some $71,000 a year in operating expenses.

Plans also called for slip resistant pool decking, two new family locker rooms as well as new lockers throughout the building, replaced ceiling tiles and a new lobby.

Patterson said the refurbishing ran into some problems early on, as the old pool surface proved tough to remove with the work taking five weeks longer than expected. But Patterson added contractors shifted other work around and continued improvements to the rest of the building while the extra work to the pool itself continued.

The pool rebuilding was paid for with part of a $10 million bond sale approved by voters in 2013. The pool will host swimming courses, CPR classes and numerous other events. Sign up at www.issaquahwa.gov/pool.

By Greg Farrar

Among the obvious visual changes at the Julius Boehm Pool are the new pool deck walking surface around the pool, bright new pool liner under the water’s surface, and new ADA-compliant stepladder and mechanized chair entry hoist.

SLIDESHOW Find more photos from Mary Gooze’s ‘One Woman Many Lakes’ swim of Lake Sammamish at www.issaquahpress.com.

Cougar Mountain Zoo tries out new high-tech fundraising scheme

By Tom Corrigan tcorrigan@isspress.com In hopes of raising funds to help with two new major exhibits, Issaquah’s Cougar Mountain Zoo is teaming up with a Kent company to try a new electronic fundraiser.

Starting Sept. 2 and running through Sept. 30, zoo supporters will be able to go online to the zoo website and, for a $30 donation, download a special advertising app giving them access to what planners hope will be a plethora of discounts at local businesses.

For every app sold, the zoo would receive up to 50 percent of the price of the app, said Erik Champoux of Prime West Inc. While he said Prime West has been involved in plenty of fundraisers previously, this is the first time they have tried to use The Fundraising App. “It’s kind of scary on our end,” Champoux said.

For your $30, according to the Prime West website, you will receive one full year of offers from local restaurants and retailers. The app should supply new offers monthly. Flagship

offers from up to 40 businesses could include any one of the following: a buy one, get one free offer; discounts of up to 50 percent; or, potential savings of up to $100.

Champoux said he definitely still is in the process of trying to line up businesses for participation with the fundraising program. He said he hopes to work with businesses in Gilman Village and hopes the interest shown there spreads to adjacent retail operations. The app eventually may feature deals from the Issaquah Brewhouse and the XXX Rootbeer Drive-In. For the businesses involved, Champoux said the app amounts to free advertising.

“It doesn’t cost the businesses anything,” he added.

The Cougar Mountain Zoo reached out to local businesses also via a letter sent in July.

Cari McKinstry, promotions and public relations manager for the zoo, said they don’t mind being the first to try out The Fundraising App in this immediate area.

They have no way of knowing how well the fundraiser could work, but McKinstry said bringing in between $30,000 and

$50,000 “would be amazing.”

The zoo hopes to raise funds for a new lemur exhibit, comprised of four habitats that also will provide a new plaza for use by zoo visitors. A mountainside wolf habitat will offer views of Issaquah, the Cascade Mountains and Lake Sammamish.

“We’re really kind of expanding our footprint with these exhibits,” McKinstry said.

A certified nonprofit, Cougar Mountain Zoo receives no funding from the city, state or federal governments.

“For 43 years,” McKinstry said, “we’ve been able to maintain ourselves and build ourselves with donations.”

For those looking to purchase the app, learn more at http:// tinyurl.com/ovctfw2 or the zoo website, www.cougarmountainzoo.org.

For businesses looking to get involved, contact Champoux at Erik@PrimeWest.com or call 443-8698.

“We’re really happy to be trying to help the zoo out and help the animals out,” Champoux said. “The animals are the ones that really need it.”

Name: 11700/Era Living/ University Hou Width: 52p6.502 Depth: 1.5 in On Page: 1 Request Page: 0

75 cents

2 • Thursday, August 20, 2015

The Issaquah Press

Task force tries to answer, ‘What is downtown vitality?’

By Tom Corrigan tcorrigan@isspress.com For months now, they have been billed as the Olde Town Vitality Task Force, a coalition consisting of business owners, residents, community leaders and others involved with downtown Issaquah in one way or another.

They have toured the downtown, talked with business owners and met with city officials. But they still have one major question that needs to be answered.

“What does ‘vitality’ mean for downtown?”

Andrea Snyder, the city’s economic development manager, asked.

Snyder has been acting as city liaison with the task force, named by Mayor Fred Butler.

Cori Walters, a task force member, spends most of her time as executive director of the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. She said the task force has been looking at a little bit of everything: streetscape, color palettes, permitting, city code, signage and parking.

As an example of one train of thought, she talked about a hypothetical restaurant the group might have taken a look at, adding the task force wants to know if there is anything that can be done with the empty space in front of that restaurant.

“We have put a lot of attention into how spaces are utilized or underutilized,” Snyder said.

The idea of sprucing up tiny Pedestrian Park has come up several times. Sitting at the corner of Front

Street and Sunset Way, Snyder and others have said that is definitely one of the underutilized areas downtown.

Last month, some City Council members toured the downtown with task force members. Councilman Tola Marts said he was pleased with what he heard and saw, specifically mentioning the possible plans for Pedestrian Park.

“It’s a small step, but meaningful,” Marts said, comparing the park to a sort of European plaza.

In September, the council’s Safety and Service Committee will decide how to spend $20,000 for improvements to the park. That could include funds to remove an existing concrete wall and add landscaping, seating and outdoor lighting.

Cascade Water Alliance asks customers to curtail water use The Cascade Water Alliance joined Seattle Public Utilities, Tacoma Water and the city of Everett in asking residents and businesses to voluntarily curtail their water use.

“We are asking residents and businesses to cut their water use by at least 10 percent,” said Chuck Clarke, Cascade CEO, in a news release.

Cascade and its members, Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Redmond, Tukwila and the Sammamish Plateau and Skyway Water and Sewer districts, get their drinking water from the Seattle water supply.

Historic low river

Campus from page 1

when they need help, require assistance from more than one agency. Together Center thus developed its model campus of 20 human service agencies serving the Eastside at its

Name: 13068/ Issaquah Creek Counseling

Name: 13080/ Nault Jewelers Width: 20p4.999 Depth: 2 in On Page: Name: 13067/ Cremation Society of Wash Width: 20p4.999 Depth: 5.5 in On Page: 2 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name:

levels, combined with record-setting hot and dry weather have significantly increased the demand for water. These reductions in water use will help the region further maximize its water supply for people and fish.

“This is the time for all neighbors, businesses and communities to take these important actions today to save water for people and fish as we go into the end of summer and early fall,” Clarke said.

“Residents should contact their respective utility for specific information in your community.”

Cascade offers these tips

Redmond location. The Redmond campus serves thousands from Issaquah, Sammamish, Renton and other cities east and south of I-90. In fact, according to Together Center, those served come from as far south as Covington, from Shoreline and Bothell to the north and from Snoqualmie to the east.

Together Center provides

to conserve: 4Let the lawn go dormant 4Limit plant watering to twice a week 4Water plants before 8 am or after 7 p.m.

4Take shorter showers 4Turn off the water when brushing your teeth 4Wash only full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.

4Fix leaking faucets and toilets 4Take your car to a commercial car wash that recycles water 4Turn off all non-recirculating water features 4Postpone new plantings until fall.

medical and dental care, youth shelter, childcare assistance, mental health services, programs for the disabled, youth and family counseling and more.

Information and referral, language support staff and other advocates are provided at the front door to make certain all people can find help when they need it.

Learn more at www. togethercenter.org.

Name: 10958/House Width: 20p4.999 Depth: 7 in On Page: 2 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name:

As for the rest of downtown, Snyder and others talked about possibly making the area as a whole somewhat more uniform.

As it stands, some buildings have awnings, some don’t. Some awnings are solid, some are striped.

Sidewalks vary in composition and even width.

Karen Abel, executive director of the artEast gallery, is another task force member who spends a lot of time downtown. She’s glad the task force is looking into short-term, quick fixes as well as long-term goals. Abel mentioned a clean appearance and pedestrian-friendly environs as keys to the downtown.

“We need a place where people are willing to walk a few blocks because it’s a pleasant walk,” she said, adding the more people on

Corrections

4The Aug. 13 Press story “Levitate elevates pub grub from the mundane to the sublime,” incorrectly stated that Levitate Gastropub was located in the former H&H Tavern. The H&H Saloon is still open and located at 91 Front St. N. The new restaurant filled the space vacated by Time Out Sports Bar. 4An Aug. 13 Press wedding announcement misidentified the groom as David Samuel. His full name is David Samuel Osborne.

4The Aug. 13 Press story “City unveils crosswalks to be examined in safety study,” published the incorrect link to the city’s list of crosswalks to be examined in a safety study. The proper link is www.issaquahwa.gov/pedsafety.

Food bank hosts charity breakfast The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank presents the Recipe for Hope breakfast from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Sept.

23 at Eastridge Church, 24025 S.E. Issaquah-Fall City Road.

Doors open at 7 a.m.

The suggested minimum individual donation is $100, with proceeds going to benefit the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank.

the street, the better.

Task force member Robb Hunt, Village Theatre’s executive producer, has spent a good part of the past 35 years in the downtown corridor. While there are improvements to be made, Hunt said he feels things are already moving in the right direction.

“It’s a lot more vibrant now than it was 35 years ago,” Hunt said, adding he likes the live music downtown and watching people eat outdoors.

In terms of improvements already underway, Snyder praised the Downtown Issaquah Association, an organization that has doubled in four years the number of events held downtown, she said.

DIA leadership referred questions for this story to the task force.

Table captains and participants can register online at http://bit. ly/1Jz6OMV. Learn more by calling 392-4123, ext. 12.

Life Enrichment Options adds Allison Yocum to board of directors Life Enrichment Options recently appointed Allison Yocum to its board of directors.

Allison Yocum Yocum is a licensed pediatric physical therapist and owner of Waypoint Pediatric Therapies in Issaquah.

She has been working with children and young adults with disabilities and their families for more than 20 years and brings to LEO a passion for providing community-based fitness and physical activity opportunities for people of all ages with disabilities.

In addition to her clinical practice, Yocum serves as the regional coordinator for the On Track Research Study, a large multisite collaboration involving children with cerebral palsy in the United States and Canada. She also guest lectures within

Parking and traffic are issues that come up constantly, according to just about every member of the task force. For Abel, parking is one reason the downtown area needs to be inviting, so that visitors are willing to park further out and walk into their ultimate destination, hopefully making a stop or two along the way.

“There’s always parking,” Hunt contended. “It’s just not always right where you might want it.”

Everyone knows traffic is horrible downtown, he added, stating that’s not a problem to be tackled by the task force alone. But Hunt did say the traffic is one reason he and others think walking has to be a significant part of the downtown Issaquah experience.

the University of Washington pediatric course curriculum.

Yocum and her husband, Dennis, are working with LEO to spearhead a new event — the Experience Fitness Project on Sept. 27 at Issaquah High School. The project will feature activities for children and young adults who have physical or cogitative challenges, including the 100-meter run/walk or push, and an obstacle course as well as other challenging and fun events.

Senior Services seeks volunteers for Meals on Wheels program Senior Services is looking for volunteers for its Meals on Wheels program in Issaquah. The program helps homebound seniors maintain their health and independence with nutritious food, personal contact and caring service.

The Meals on Wheels program needs volunteers in the following positions: 4Volunteer site coordinators 4Delivery drivers 4Callers/office support 4Packers Learn more about Meals on Wheels at http://bit. ly/1h3wHty or contact Senior Services at mealsonwheels@seniorservices. org or 206-448-5767.

The Issaquah Press

Thursday, August 20, 2015 •

3

New chamber County sends ‘Best Start for Kids’ initiative to voters director sets sites on helping local business

By Tom Corrigan tcorrigan@isspress.com Kathy McCorry ran her own company in the 1980s and early 1990s while living in Name Here California.

A clothing manufacturer, Kathy’s Klothes took up a huge portion of her time. She joined the local chamber of commerce but said she didn’t participate often and never really learned what the group had to offer.

McCorry sold Kathy’s Klothes in 1994 with the idea of retiring. She said she soon grew bored and took a temp position with a local chamber of commerce. As she learned more and more about the chamber and its workings, McCorry came to feel she had discovered a new career.

After working her way up to lead at least two other chambers and the Economic Development Council in Mariposa, California, McCorry became the new executive director of the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce in June.

McCorry replaced Matt Bott, who left the chamber after six years for a government and community affairs position with Sound Transit.

Prior to arriving in Issaquah, McCorry most recently spent three years as the CEO of the Mariposa Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. McCorry previously had worked as CEO of the Oakhurst Area Chamber, also in California. Family is what drew her to the Pacific Northwest.

McCorry and husband Tom have three children, with family located in such spots as Spokane

Name: 10956/ House Width: 20p4.999 Depth: 9 in On Page: 2 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name:

and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Issaquah is, she said, centrally located to the homes of those family members and McCorry added she only recently spent a weekend in Spokane taking part in what she called a small family reunion.

As for the offerings of the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, McCorry insists they are many and only will grow.

For example, the chamber was slated to go live Aug. 17 with “Tools for Business Success,” an electronic resource that will be available through the chamber website. The site can supply businesses with a plethora of guidance and will be available to anyone, not just chamber members.

“I’m particularly proud of that,” McCorry said.

Not surprisingly, traffic and growth are the key issues on the minds of McCorry’s chamber membership. She talked about a 1950 newspaper article someone showed her regarding traffic complaints in the city. Still, McCorry said the daily traffic slog on Front Street seems to bring out the best in Issaquah’s residents and visitors.

“Everyone is so courteous,” she said, adding the line of cars will stop and let people in from the side streets or driveways on Front.

“How cool is that?” she asked. “I mean, I don’t know how else to put it.”

While she hopes to grow Issaquah in terms of tourism, for now, McCorry said she is happiest visiting various businesses or meeting at the chamber offices with business owners.

“It’s being out and about, that’s the best part of the job,” she said, adding she likes to think of the chamber as “a big tool box” for local business, one she is only too willing to share.

The Metropolitan King County Council approved July 22 sending to voters in November a six-year property tax levy to fund the Best Starts for Kids initiative.

Best Start for Kids, proposed by County Executive Dow Constantine, would be a prevention-oriented regional plan aimed at supporting the healthy development of children and youths, families and communities across the county. Funding would focus on providing services early in a child’s life — with the heaviest focus on pregnancy and children from birth through age 5

— and continuing services during a young person’s development through age 24.

If approved by voters, $19 million in levy proceeds would support a youth and family homelessness prevention initiative and the remaining proceeds would be distributed in four categories: 450 percent for strategies focused on children from birth to 5 years old and their caregivers, pregnant women, and for individuals or families concerning pregnancy, 435 percent for strategies focused on children and youths ages 5-24,

410 percent to support communities in improving the health, social and economic outcomes of residents in partnership with The Seattle Foundation and 45 percent for evaluation and data-collection activities, and activities to improve program and service delivery.

Of the proceeds focused on children from birth to 5 years old, the Best Starts for Kids levy would dedicate at least $42.8 million to allow Public Health – Seattle & King County to continue providing parentchild health services, such as the Nurse Family

Partnership home-visiting program and Maternity Support Services.

If approved by voters, the levy lid increase would be levied at a rate of $0.14 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in 2016, with an increase of 3 percent for each of the five subsequent years of the levy — 2017 through 2021.

The levy is projected to generate a total of about $392.3 million in revenues to fund the Best Starts for Kids initiative and is estimated to cost the owner of a $400,000 home in King County about $56 per year in additional property taxes.

State Parks offers free day Aug. 25

DNR on these days.

Free days apply only to day-use visits with vehicles, not overnight stays or rented facilities.

The next two free days in 2015 are Sept. 26, in recognition of National Public Lands Day, and Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day.

Sept. 26 at City Hall, 130 E. Sunset Way. In addition, Issaquah residents can drop off their unused or expired medications anytime from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) at the police headquarters inside City Hall.

Drop off the medication sealed in a clear zip-lock plastic bag. Vitamins and food products will not be accepted. Any personal information and the prescription number may be crossed out. Do not include needles or sharps of any kind.

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back program addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at high rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses.

Studies show that many

abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicines, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away — both potential safety and health hazards.

Since 2010, the program has disposed of more than 117 tons of prescription medications.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is offering a free park day Tuesday, Aug. 25. Day-use visitors will not need a Discover Pass to visit state parks.

The free day is in honor of the 99th birthday of the National Park Service, which was established on Aug. 25, 1916.

State Parks free days are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass, a $30 annual or $10 one-day permit required on lands managed by Washington State Parks, and the Washington departments of Natural Resources and Fish & Wildlife.

The Discover Pass legislation provided that Washington State Parks could designate up to 12 free days each year when the pass would not be required to visit state parks.

The Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by WDFW and

Name: 12381/Gilman Village Width: 41p10.001 Depth: 1.5 in On Page: 3 Request Page: 0

Name: 13170/The Grange Supply Width: 41p10.001 Depth: 10 in On Page: 3 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name: :1300013999:1310013199:13170-The Grange Supply Size: 40 in

Dispose of medication safely during Prescription Drug Take-Back day Saving unused or expired medication is a bad idea that can lead to improper and illegal use.

However, there is a safe and responsible way to dispose of old and leftover medicines, while protecting family members and the environment.

The Issaquah Police Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, is offering a responsible way to dispose of old and leftover medicine during National Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Army division celebrates 94th annual reunion The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is celebrating its 94th annual reunion Sept. 22-26 in San Antonio, Texas.

The association is searching for anyone who served in the Army’s Second Infantry Division at any time.

Learn more about the association and the reunion by contacting secretary-treasurer Bob Haynes at 2idahq@comcast.net or 224-225-1202.

Q uote of the week

Opinion

4•Thursday, August 20, 2015

“They were talking about having Fox onstage with rappers, the whole thing. I mean, look at him. Can you imagine him up onstage with a bunch of rappers? That isn’t him. He’s a little kid.’’

— Jamie Brunner, Father of 6-year-old skateboarding sensation Fox Rio Brunner

E ditorial

Legislature must act on funding education

YOUR CARTOON HERE

W

ashington state’s school-financing system has been inadequate, broken and inequitable for three decades. On Aug. 12, after multiple warnings, the state Supreme Court issued a new order in the landmark McCleary case putting a price tag on the failure to fix it: $100,000 a day in fines.

The penalty follows the court holding the state — the governor and the Legislature — in contempt 11 months ago. Despite a regular session and three overtime sessions, lawmakers still could not satisfy the court.

No more delays. Gov. Jay Inslee should show the type of bold leadership on the systemic solutions that he did not show during the six months of legislative sessions. He should work with legislative leaders to hatch a plan and then reconvene the full Legislature as soon as possible.

Lawmakers must also set aside partisanship and ideology to find a sustainable new education-funding model.

The Legislature made admirable progress toward fuller funding of education in the recent marathon session. But the Supreme Court wants more detailed plans of how the state will pay for the space required for reduced K-3 class sizes and all-day kindergarten. The new order also rightly emphasized the state’s constitutional obligation to pay for teachers’ salaries. The broken school-financing model foists nearly one-third of compensation onto school levies, leaving have and have-not districts in rich and poor corners of the state.

The pieces to fix this problem are already on the table in Olympia. Bipartisan negotiations in the state Senate zeroed in on a new system to replace local levy funding for basic education with state dollars. The hardest part — paying the estimated $3.5 billion tab every two years — was left unfinished, earning the Supreme Court’s rebuke.

A bill that big requires new revenue. The Seattle Times editorial board sides with a new tax on capital gains — the Democrats’ preferred funding option — because it is fairer than a property-tax hike backed by Republicans.

But if the state is going to pick up more of the tab for teachers’ salaries, it also must be able to have statewide collective bargaining of contracts, rather than districtnegotiated contracts — something Republicans prefer.

This is a moment for the Legislature — with the governor in the lead — to find the middle. Delay costs $100,000 a day in fines, which go into a dedicated education account.

In the context of a $38 billion budget, that is small. But the fine indicates the Supreme Court’s growing frustration — delay further, and the Legislature and governor risk a crankier court.

Worse, delay crystallizes funding inequities for students for another year.

This is a problem three decades in the making; 2015 should be the year it is fixed.

DRAW A CARTOON PERTAINING TO A LOCAL ISSUE AND EMAIL IT TO EDITOR@ISSPRESS.COM.

T o the E ditor Alzheimer’s

Fund research now

Source: Seattle Times editorial board

O ff T he P ress

Sunny remembrances

By Christina Corrales-Toy newcastle@isspress.com Have you driven by Sunny Hills Elementary School on the Sammamish Plateau lately?

It is, quite simply, a vast, desert-looking wasteland dotted with large construction vehicles and even larger mounds of dirt.

Construction is well underway on a much-needed facelift for the Issaquah School District building.

I drive by it every day on my way to the office, and each time I pass it, without fail, I can feel a small, but noticeable, pull on my heartstrings.

You see, I’m a Sunny Hills Mustang, and so is my brother, Thomas. I started at the school as a third grader after our family moved from California. For my brother, Sunny Hills was the only elementary school he ever knew.

When I look at the mountains of dirt that now sit on the school site, the flood of memories come rushing back.

It takes me back to Feb. 28, 2001, when the whole school spilled on to the sand field after the earth started shaking.

Coming from Earthquake-prone California, I wasn’t scared during the Nisqually Earthquake.

Nevertheless, I will always

remember lining up, looking toward the lower parking lot and seeing my mom do a quick drive by in our red Honda Accord, just to Christina make sure we Corrales-Toy were OK. Press reporter That lower parking lot, like most of that part of the school, is nothing but dirt at the moment.

Remember that covered structure beside the sand field — the one with the basketball hoops? It’s gone now, too.

While most probably remember that covered area as a place to shoot hoops during recess, for me, it was the dry place where my dad and I would throw the softball around on the weekends, even after I moved on to Pine Lake Middle School and Skyline High School.

I, admittedly, wasn’t always a happy participant in those throwing and fielding sessions, but I longingly miss them when I drive by and see that See SUNNY, Page 5

The IssaquahPress Published each week Since Jan. 18, 1900 1085 12TH AVE. N.W., SUITE D1 • ISSAQUAH, KING COUNTY, WA 98027

$35 PER YEAR / $60 TWO YEARS / $25 PER YEAR FOR SENIORS ADD $15 OUTSIDE KING COUNTY / $20 OUTSIDE STATE official newspaper for the city of issaquah

Alzheimer’s disease is becoming more and more familiar, and will continue to do so until there will be virtually no one left untouched by a personal story around Alzheimer’s.

Currently there are 100,000 Washingtonians living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number will grow to 140,000 by 2025. My mother is one of them.

She is 81, and was a vibrantly active woman until this disease started to slowly shrink her world, and her ability to manage it independently.

My good friend Nancy is a 54-year-old mother of three boys, diagnosed at 53 years old. She may not be able to recognize her first grandchild, when he or she comes. My office manager is struggling to balance a full-time job, and be the primary caregiver for her own mother with dementia, after losing her father a year ago.

Surprisingly, for every $100 spent on Alzheimer’s research, Medicare and Medicaid spend $26,000 to care for people with the disease today. We must invest more to find a treatment and a cure now, rather than wait to spend the $1.1 trillion that is estimated to be needed by 2050 if we don’t.

The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a bill giving $350 million more to the National Institutes of Health for Alzheimer’s research, while the House Committee has voted $300 million. If even the lower figure is signed into law, that would be a 50 percent increase in research funding for this disease.

I urge Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, as well as Rep. Adam Smith, to vote for this vital

Alzheimer’s research boost and push to make sure it is in the final appropriations bill enacted into law.

Ali Schoos Bellevue

Bike lanes

Leave space for the cars Each morning on my way to the Issaquah Community Center to walk, I travel along West Lake Sammamish Parkway, which has bike trail white lines on each side of the roadway. Some bikers ride the white lines and half of their body and bike are infringing into the narrow car lanes.

Since the “free” bike lanes were hacked out of the existing “gas tax” used to pay for the roadway, one would think the bikers would be appreciative for the cars, and thus respect their need of the whole car-narrow roadway. In addition, safety should be in the bikers’ heads, but apparently not.

Ken Sessler Issaquah

Taxes

Beware the fiscal cliff The city of Issaquah wants you!

Well not really, just $96 Million of your money.

Agenda bill 7040 spells out exactly what they would like.

Plan A — $390 per year from the average $500,000 homeowner for a transportation bond that nets them $75 Million, which happens to be the highest level of debt the city can safely handle.

Or Plan B — $260 per year from that same “average” homeowner to fund a bond of $50 Million.

For what you might ask? The

H ome C ountry Let your small town be your reminder It was Thursday again. Mabel Adams asked at the desk to be sure.

“Thursday all day, Mabel,” the girl said. “Don’t forget to get your hair done today. Two o’clock … right?”

“Right,” Mabel said, locking the time away in her mind. “Two o’clock. On Thursday.”

She took her purple walker and went half a block to the counter at the drug store.

That nice Williams girl came over with a smile and a menu.

“Tuna on toast, Mabel?”

“Uh, sure. I like that.”

“Hot tea?”

“Yes please.”

After she ate, she started down the sidewalk toward the Curl Up ‘N Dye beauty parlor. The watch pinned on her dress said 1:45.

Mabel went over to her usual chair and sat down.

Fran came over and looked at Mabel’s hair with a smile.

Slim “You still look pretty ravishRandles ing, Mabel,” she said. “Sure you want a touch-up today?”

Mabel nodded.

“Going to watch that movie with the girls tonight?”

Movie. Tonight. “Sure,” said Mabel.

It’s nice to live in a small town, because if you don’t know what you are doing, someone else does.

Interim advertising manager: admanager@isspress.com

Newsroom: news@isspress.com

Michelle Comeau

Managing Editor Kathleen R. Merrill Reporter Christina Corrales-Toy Reporter Tom Corrigan Reporter David Hayes Reporter Neil Pierson Photographer Greg Farrar

Classifieds: classifieds@isspress.com Ad Representative Deanna Jess Ad Representative Neil Buchsbaum Ad Representative Sandy Tirado

Accounting: ip-acct@isspress.com

Circulation: circcoord@isspress.com Heidi Jacobs

agenda bill spells that out clearly as well. It’s the “cost of projects needed for growth.”

Oh my God, I thought “growth” was supposed to be paying its own way all these years, and be providing a public benefit in the process.

That broken promise is the nut of the fiscal cliff we are about to go over. Issaquah has over committed, undercharged, and accelerated growth with no real idea of how to adequately fund it...well, except for thinking they can now get you to start paying for it.

To make matters worse, what the city isn’t telling you is growth’s voracious appetite won’t be satisfied with your transportation bond money alone; no, after that they’ll need more.

Car tab taxes of between $20 to $100 per vehicle, a “street levy” property tax of 20 cents per thousand, a sales tax increase and a business license tax on employees are all possible next steps just to get transportation’s “needed” $96 Million, leaving parks, schools and everything else still unaddressed.

We don’t need to grow this much this fast. What they want to cram into 15 years makes a lot more sense spread out over 40-50.

Maybe people will happily vote to open their pocketbooks to tax themselves to fund Issaquah’s rampant growth. We‘ll have to wait until November 2016 to see.

C.A. Christensen

Issaquah

City Council I’d vote Winterstein, if I could See LETTERS, Page 5

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Something on your mind about your city? Tell us about it. Send an email about how you feel to editor@isspress.com. The Issaquah Press welcomes comments to the editor about any subject, although priority will be given to those that address local issues. We may edit them for length, clarity or inappropriate content.

Your thoughts should be no more than 300 words, but can be just a paragraph or two. Include your phone number (only for verification purposes, so it won’t be published).

Deadline to get in the coming paper is noon Friday. Email is preferred, but you can also mail your comments to The Issaquah Press, P.O. Box 1328, Issaquah, WA 98027.

Home Country, the radio program, has come to your computer at http://starworldwidenetworks.com/index.php/musicstarworldwide

Interim general manager: Kathleen R. Merrill

www.issaquahpress.com phone: 392-6434/Fax: 392-1695 Postmaster: Send address changes to The Issaquah Press, P.O. Box 1328, Issaquah, WA 98027

Corrections The Issaquah Press is committed to accuracy.

Email us at news@isspress.com. Tell us whether you are talking about content in the newspaper or online, and give us the date of the paper or the posting.

The Issaquah Press

P olice & F ire Intoxicated man down An officer arrived at 3:57 p.m. Aug. 7 on the scene of an intoxicated elderly man on the ground in the 200 block of Mountain Park Boulevard Southwest. The man had injuries to his head and arms. Medics came and transported him to Swedish Hospital.

Thefts 4At 6:44 a.m. Aug 8, a $10,000 bicycle was reported stolen from the 4700 block of 194th Avenue Southeast.

4At 3:16 p.m. Aug. 8, a $700 motorcycle helmet was reported stolen in the 200 block of Northeast Gilman Boulevard.

4At 1:02 p.m. Aug. 10, a $550 bicycle was reported stolen from the 1700 block of 10th Avenue Northeast.

4At 10:14 a.m. Aug. 12, a $300 bicycle was reported stolen from the 21900 block of Southeast 51st Street.

4At 7:46 p.m. Aug. 12, $201.52 in various items was stolen from the 1400 block of Highlands Drive Northeast.

Car break-ins 4At 12:12 p.m. Aug. 8, the owner of a 2011 Subaru Impreza reported someone broke into the car in the 200 block of Mt. Olympus Drive Northwest and stole some clothes, sunglasses, a blanket and car wash tokens. The loss was valued at $555.

4At 9:52 a.m. Aug. 9, the owner of a 2011 Toyota 4-Runner reported that

Letters from page 4

I read with interest Essie Hicks’ Aug. 7 letter of support for the re-election of Paul Winterstein to the Issaquah City Council. I couldn’t agree more with her comments and her list of Mr. Winterstein’s qualifications and accomplishments.

I have interacted with Paul during the course of both working and

Sunny from page 4

the structure is no longer there.

I can’t help but smile as I write this. I loved Sunny Hills Elementary.

The teachers, the friends I made, the learning experiences, they all shaped me into who I am today.

As much as it hurts to see that school undergo

Name: 13147/ Dance With Miss Sue Width: 20p4.999 Depth: 2 in

Name: 10952/ House Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 8 in On Page: 5 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name:

ON THE MAP See a map of the Issaquah Police Department’s reported activity from the previous 72 hours at http:// bit.ly/ZPHFbA. Addresses on the map have been rounded to the nearest hundred block. The address reflects where the officer responded to the incident — not necessarily where it occurred. someone broke into the vehicle in the 1700 block of Larch Avenue Northeast and stole a wallet and cellphone charger. The total loss was valued at $40.

4At 8:13 p.m. Aug. 9, the owner of a Chevrolet BTM reported that someone broke into the vehicle in the 1700 block of 10th Avenue Northeast and stole search and rescue equipment valued at $2,000.

4At 4:18 a.m. Aug. 12, the owner of a 2004 Chevrolet C1 reported that someone had broken into the car in the 4300 block of West Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast, causing $200 in damage to an armrest.

4At 12:32 p.m. Aug. 12, the owner of a 2009 Toyota RAV4 reported that someone broke into the car in the 23400 block of Southeast Black Nugget Road and stole a $400 GPS system.

4At 1:05 p.m. Aug. 12, the owner of a 2007 Chevrolet van reported that someone broke into it in the 23400 block of

volunteering in downtown Issaquah and those interactions struck me so positively that I would like to comment on additional – although less quantifiable – attributes which make Paul such a strong candidate for Issaquah City Council.

Paul is an exceptionally astute, thoughtful manager who listens intently without a pre-established agenda. He is energized by others’ observations and opinions and then uses what he hears to help form his views. These attributes make for strong leadership

some drastic physical changes, erasing a few landmarks of my childhood memories, it was time for Sunny Hills’ facelift. Just looking at it from the outside, it looked exactly like it did when I graduated from the school in 2000.

Though it will certainly appear different, I sincerely hope the school will continue to be the special place that it was for me and, I’m sure, countless others.

Go Mustangs!

Southeast Black Nugget Road and stole welding equipment valued at $5,600.

4At 10:38 p.m. Aug. 13, the owner of a 2006 Toyota Tacoma reported that someone broke into the truck in the 1600 block of 28th Avenue Northeast and stole a wallet with credit/debit cards, valued at $10.

Boat abandoned At 12:14 p.m. Aug. 10, an officer responded to a report of an abandoned boat and trailer in the 300 block of Shangri-La Way Northwest. The officer found a red Apollo speedboat with expired MT tag.

The trailer had no license or vehicle identification number. The officer set up the boat and trailer to be impounded.

Teens too loud An officer responded to a noise complaint at 11:36 p.m. Aug. 11 in the 1500 block of 16th Lane Northeast. The officer heard loud talking coming from open windows and spoke with the homeowner. She said her teenage daughter had some friends over and they would be quieter.

No license, no drive At 1:53 a.m. Aug. 14, a 23-year-old Issaquah man was arrested on Interstate 90 at Front Street North for driving without a license.

The Press publishes names of those charged with felony crimes.

Information comes directly from local police reports.

during times of growth and change. Paul’s genuine enthusiasm for his community, its character, its history, its citizens and its potential is palpable and infectious.

I have heard him talk with equal passion and caring for those citizens who have been here for generations as well as those who are brand new to town.

It’s not easy being an elected official. A genuine, deep-in-your-gut excitement for who you are serving combined with an astute thoughtful mind, are essential attributes for a city official to possess, particularly when the job gets a little tough. I believe that Paul Winterstein has those fundamental characteristics in addition to an impressive list of qualifications, which make him a great representative for Issaquah. I do not have the privilege of voting for Issaquah officials, but if I did, I would certainly cast my vote for Mr. Winterstein.

Karen Abel

Sammamish

Name: 13226/ Windermere Real Estate/ Ea Width:

Name: 13230/ Copacino & Fujikado - Ove Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 21 in On Page: 5 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

Thursday, August 20, 2015 •

5

6 • Thursday, August 20, 2015

The Issaquah Press

WHO’S WHO 2015

Business Yearbook

Name: 13123/ Pacific Bike and Ski Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 6 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name:

Name: Untitled 78 Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 6 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name: Size: 13.5 in

WHO’S WHO & WHO’S NEW 2015

Business Yearbook Name: 13136/ Phenix Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 6 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name:

Name: 13142/ Naturomedica Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 6 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name:

Name: 13220/ Learning RX Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 6 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

Name: 13134/ Plateau Jewelers Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 6 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name:

Name: 13055/ Apex Dental Care Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 6 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name: :1300013999:1300013099:13055Apex Dental Care Size: 13.5 in

Name: 13221/ Egger Orthodontics Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 6 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

The Issaquah Press

Thursday, August 20, 2015 •

7

&WHO’S NEW Name: 13139/ Plateau Runner Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 7 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name:

Name: 5977/ The Pearson Law Firm Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 7 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name: :0500005999:0590005999:5977The Pearson Law Firm Size: 13.5 in

Name: 13124/ Interior Expressions Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 7 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

Name: 13177/ Gilman Gallery, Inc. Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 7 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

Name: 13176/ Marlow’s Fine Jewelry Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 7 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

Name: 13171/ The Grange Supply Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 7 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name: :1300013999:1310013199:13171The Grange Supply Size: 13.5 in

Name: 13169/ VCA Alpine Animal Hospita Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 7 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name: :1300013999:1310013199:13169VCA Alpine Animal Hospital Size: 13.5 in

Name: 13145/ State Farm Insurance-Issa Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 4.5 in On Page: 7 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

The IssaquahPress

Community 8 • Thursday, August 20, 2015

Tickets now on sale for Village Theatre’s ‘Snapshots’ Tickets are now available for Stephen Schwartz’s newest musical to come to Village Theatre, “Snapshots.” The Issaquah run of “Snapshots” is from Sept. 10 to Oct. 18. Tickets are $36-$68 and are available by calling the box office at 392-2202 or in person from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 303 Front St. N. The show features a score comprised of Schwartz’s work, with 26 songs from 12 shows throughout his career. Songs featured include “Popular” (“Wicked”), “All Good Gifts” (“Godspell”), “Meadowlark” (“The Baker’s Wife”) and “That’s How You Know” (Disney’s “Enchanted”). “Snapshots” is directed by Daniel Goldsteinwith, with Village Theatre’s Steve Tomkins on musical staging and R.J. Tancioco as music director. Learn more at www.villagetheatre.org/issaquah/Snapshots.php.

A pint-size star Issaquah 6-year-old dazzles with X-Games level skateboard skills

By Geoff Baker Seattle Times staff reporter Fox Rio Brunner has an Instagram account with 32,000 followers, while his parents screen calls from agents and would-be sponsors, all seeking business with a kid fresh out of kindergarten.

“I’ve never really been afraid when I’m on my skateboard,’’ Brunner says.

His parents watch as their 6-year-old performs “railslides’’ at a Bellevue outdoor skateboard park.

Fox Rio Brunner tumbles on the concrete, dusts himself off and gets back up to try the same move.

“Are you OK?’’ his father calls out.

“Yes, I’m fine,’’ Fox replies, flashing a grin before hopping back on his board.

He’s still a little boy, but Brunner just put on a skateboarding demonstration in Shanghai at the Kia World Extreme Games and soon will head to South Africa, where he’s again been invited to show off what some call prodigal skills.

Though he has barely been skateboarding for a year, the kid’s meteoric rise not only has him traveling overseas, but rubbing shoulders with legends Tony Hawk and Steve Caballero. Mitchie Brusco, 18, a Kirkland native and one of the sport’s current stars, mentors him regularly.

Brunner already has a publicist and the aforementioned Instagram fame. His mom and dad, Meagan and Jamie, have to screen calls at their Issaquah home from agents, would-be sponsors and even the Walt Disney Company, all seeking business with a child fresh out of kindergarten.

“This has all been one big blur for us,’’ Meagan says. “It’s hard to believe any of it.’’

Indeed, her pint-size son hardly looks the part of elite athlete. He shyly gives yes or no answers in an interview until he’s asked about how he stumbled into skateboarding while he and his dad were shopping for a snowboard.

“I saw a skateboard hanging up by the wall,’’ Fox says. “I took it off and I started rolling. Then, the next day at 5 o’clock in the morning, I just started skating out in the front

RESULTS How Fox Rio Brunner has done in his 2015 competitions: July: Ballard Skate FestiBowl (age 12 and under) 4Gold medal (age 12 and under) June: California Amateur Skateboard League (10U) 4Gold medal (street) 4Gold medal (street best trick) 4Fifth place (mini mega) May: California Amateur Skateboard League (10U) 4Gold medal (street best trick) 4Gold medal (mini mega best trick) 4Silver medal (mini mega) 4Silver medal (street) 4Bronze medal (bowl) yard.’’

His parents couldn’t believe how quickly he took to the sport. They entered him in a local competition for kids under 10 and he finished third, bringing him instant attention.

The Brunners travel regularly to California, where Fox competes in a monthly amateur circuit.

He won two gold medals last month.

His parents, transplanted Canadians who arrived from Edmonton in 2005, want him to keep having fun. Brunner will be a first-grader at Arbor School in Sammamish.

They’re grateful for the sponsors he has — GoPro, Triple8, SkateXS and Volcom — who supply equipment and subsidize his travel, but they want to limit his corporate exposure.

“He doesn’t have an agent and we just aren’t ready to go there,’’ his father says. “He’s still just a kid and we really don’t want to deprive him of that.’’

Those concerns are valid in an era when corporations increasingly view even the youngest athletes as commodities.

Last year, golfer Lucy Li signed a sponsorship deal with Puma Golf at age 11 while other companies constantly seek the next LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Sidney Crosby or Freddy Adu before they turn pro.

RANGERS READY

Above, Alysa Adams, Lake Sammamish State Park interpretive specialist, shares her enthusiasm for nature with youngsters Aug. 16 during a Junior Ranger class at the new bathhouse pavilion. New lessons and craft projects continue Saturdays at 1 and 5 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. through Aug. 30. At left, Aiden Hofer, 3, of Issaquah, wearing a turtle hat, is already a fan of aquatic life as he learns even more during the Junior Ranger class.

Photos by Greg Farrar

Photos by Steve Ringman/The Seattle Times

Above, Fox Rio Brunner, of Issaquah, does a ‘Backside Melon’ at the Highland Skate Plaza in Bellevue. Below, Brunner and his dad Jamie react as another skateboarder takes a tough fall.

At left, Brunner performs a board slide.

Television networks have driven up broadcast rights fees for highschool football and Little League baseball. Rivals. com posted college-football prospect profiles for a pair of sixth-graders.

Cities and towns now fight to build venues and stage events for a youth sports industry estimated to have an annual economic impact exceeding $7 billion.

Steven J. Overman, a retired Jackson State University sports sociology professor, who wrote a 2014 book, “The Youth Sports Crisis: Out of Control Adults, Helpless Kids,” says the battle for sports dollars has no age minimum.

“The commercialization of athletes in athletics and sports is just trickling down from the pros, to college, to high schools, to middle schools and youth sports,’’ Overman says.

“They’re using younger and younger kids.’’

Overman says so-called extreme sports like skateboarding, largely “counterculture” in origin, have been commercialized like their mainstream counterparts and marketed toward younger audiences.

He agrees preteen athletes likely represent a

Enjoy ‘The Sounds of Cinema’ on Aug. 20 Come listen under the stars as the Sammamish Symphony presents “The Sounds of Cinema.”

The free concert features great music used in, and written for, hit films spanning eight decades.

The concert — at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at Sammamish’s Pine Lake Park at 228th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 24th Street — will represent the cinematic worlds of comedy, drama, musical comedy, romance, horror, science fiction and fantasy.

Conductor Adam Stern, a rabid film buff himself, will provide commentary on the various selections from the podium.

The program will cover many different styles of music and film, including Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” (used both in the classic “Dracula” and the modern-day thriller “Black Swan”), Johann Strauss Jr.’s waltz “The Blue Danube” (from the classic science fiction film “2001: A Space Odyssey”), Jacques Offenbach’s Overture to “Orpheus in the Underworld” (from the musical drama “Moulin Rouge”) and the spring

final untapped marketing frontier.

“If they find an area that they can exploit commercially, then they’re going to move to that,’’ he says.

“And younger athletes are part of it.’’

There is an upside to sports sponsorships, namely the offsetting of costs to compete at the highest levels. They open doors for athletes that might otherwise be closed.

Jamie Brunner recalls how a promotions company, owned by a well-known professional boxer, offered to make his son a household name via appearances at celebrity-driven events.

“They were talking about having Fox onstage with rappers, the whole thing,’’ his father says. “I mean, look at him. Can you imagine him up onstage with a bunch of rappers?

That isn’t him. He’s a little kid.’’

Even the Instagram account began only because local teens practicing with him had their own videos online and felt it would be “cool” to show footage of Fox skateboarding. Followers quickly besieged the account. The family struggled to respond to every message.

“We had people telling

Fox they were having a bad day, but when they saw his videos, it cheered them up,’’ his father says.

“How often do you get a chance like that, at his age, to make people feel good?’’

They met Coloradobased publicist Katie Moses Swope at the Shanghai event in April, where their son performed in front of thousands. She helps maintain the Instagram site and handles public relations. But she insists her job entails no business responsibilities, and the family’s prime concern is Fox enjoying himself.

“He just wants to skate,’’ she says. “It’s not for endorsements. I’m sure down the road it will come. But he’s just a little kid who’s super talented.’’

Joe Moorman, who manages the Bellevue Skate Park where Brunner usually practices, has had numerous pros come through, but never saw a kid Brunner’s age execute a “360 Flip’’ and other tricks.

“His progression is so fast,’’ Moorman says. “You show him something, and then he takes it further than anybody else.’’

Moorman, 42, a fixture in the region’s skateboarding scene for 20 years, helps Brunner when

asked, while offering his parents advice in a sport they barely know.

Brunner’s father feels his lack of skateboard knowledge is a blessing.

“I have nothing to teach him,’’ he says. “I just let him go out and do his thing.’’

Jamie Brunner says he recently sold two companies so he and Meagan — a stay-at-home mom — have time to follow their son’s every move.

And while his parents watch, Fox Brunner’s skateboarding has gone from a few tricks to a an improvised, free-flowing series of moves.

“The more you watch him and the others, you realize that it isn’t so much a sport as it is an art,’’ his father says. “He’s making real critical decisions on creativity, and that’s hard to do at his age.’’

Where it all stops, nobody knows. There’s no template for a 6-year-old doing this.

“Some of the stuff he’s seeing and doing already, the places he’s gone, that’s something you can’t teach,’’ his mother says.

And his parents will keep learning along with him as he rolls through a big-time sports world rushing at them head-on.

concerto from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” (which writer-directorstar Alan Alda used in his comedy-drama of the same name).

There will also be some musical surprises along the way, and Stern will share anecdotes about the composers, pieces and films with the audience. Evan Hjort, who took second-place honors in the 2015 Sammamish Symphony Young Artists Competition, will be the soloist in the Vivaldi.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic supper.

The concert is sponsored by the city of Sammamish. Learn more about the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra at www.sammamishsymphony.org.

choice seating for community picnicking.

On-site concessions are for sale by the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah and benefit multiple charitable programs. Concertgoers should leave alcohol and pets at home.

Hairstorm recreates the experience of the mid1980s hair rock scene with powerful and highly melodic performances, including outfits and stage show. Hairstorm celebrates a time in rock where men looked like women and the women looked like even hotter women. Join Hairstorm for the sights and sounds of Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, AC/DC, Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, Gun N’ Roses and more.

Learn more about Hairstorm at www.hairstormrocks.com.

capital project improvement.

John Kritsonis and Karl Lindor, of Windermere Real Estate Bellevue South, annually organize the Fourth of July fireworks above Lake Sammamish, and ask attendees to give back to the community through a matching program.

“We feel honored to be a part of this wonderful Lake Sammamish tradition and are excited to help the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank,” Lindor said in a news release.

“The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank cannot thank Karl Lindor, John Kritsonis, the Windermere Team and the entire community enough for helping us beat the heat,” Cori Walters, executive director of the food bank, said in an email.

“We are fired up about getting a central heating and cooling system for our building,” she continued.

“This support will lead to a better client experience, happier volunteers and an improvement in food security. Thank you for playing a role in creating a dignified and gracious space for the 800-plus people that enter our building each week.”

Hairstorm closes out Concerts on the Green The Concerts on the Green series comes to a close Aug. 25 with 1980s hair rock band Hairstorm.

The free, family-friendly concert is from 7-8:30 p.m. on the lawn in front of the Issaquah Community Center. Crowds typically begin gathering as early as 6 p.m. to lay claim for

Fireworks raises $21,000 for food bank The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank is in line for a cool upgrade.

The nonprofit will get a central heating and cooling system for its building, after a Fourth of July fundraiser raised more than $21,700 to help with the

The IssaquahPress

Let’s Go!

Schedule this

Come join the Dine Out and Support LEO fundraiser, with 10 percent of proceeds going to Life Enrichment Options, from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 24, at Pogacha, 120 N.W. Gilman Blvd. Meet the board members and find out what LEO is doing. To learn more, go to www.lifeenrichmentoptions.org.

9•Thursday, August 20, 2015 FRIDAY, AUG. 21

‘Layered Stories’ Art Exhibit with Anne La Fever and Liz Ruest, runs through Sept. 7 at Blakely Hall, 2550 N.E. Park Drive, 507-1107 Social Hour Summertime Hawaiian Luau with local entertainer Manu Lano, 3 p.m., Spiritwood at Pine Lake, 3607 228th Ave. S.E., 3139100 Pizza and Picasso, ages 6 to 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Museo Art Academy, 300 N.E. Gilman Blvd. suite 100, $29, $10 buddy discount available, 391-0244 Harmonious Funk, 7:30 p.m., Vino Bella, 99 Front St. N., 391-1424 Fade to Black, 7 p.m., Pogacha, 120 N.W. Gilman Blvd., 392-5550 Live music, 9 p.m., $10, Rolling Log Tavern, 50 E. Sunset Way, 392-2964

SATURDAY, AUG. 22 Rainy Lake Hike, strenuous, 10 miles, up to 3,300-foot elevation gain, 8:30 a.m., meet at 175 Rainier Blvd. S., issaquahalps.org Farmers market, with music

Name: 10957/ House Width: 9p8.498 Depth: 2 in On Page: 9 Name: 12899/ Village Theatre Width: 20p4.999 Depth: 5 in On Page: 9 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

Name: 12928/Recology Width: 41p10.001 Depth: 6 in On Page: 10 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

by the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra and The Winterlings, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. N.W

Karaoke, 9 p.m., Rolling Log Tavern, 50 E. Sunset Way, 3922964

Saturday Morning Trail Run, 3- to 5-mile run on Tiger or Squak mountains, 9 a.m.

Uphill Running, 100 Front St. S., Suite A, 391-2430

Corvette Marquee Club of Seattle All Corvette Show, 8 a.m., weather permitting, Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in, 98 N.E. Gilman Blvd., 392-1266

Issaquah Valley Trolley runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Train Depot, 78 First Ave. N.E., $5, kids age 5 and under free, www.issaquahhistory.org

Squak Mountain Hike, easy, 3.5 miles, up to 450-foot elevation gain, 9:30 a.m., meet at 175 Rainier Blvd. S., issaquahalps.org

Junior Ranger Programs, join Interpretive Specialist Alysa Adams for a fun learning experience, 1-2:30 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m., Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 N.W. Sammamish Road, 4557010

Junior Ranger Programs, join Interpretive Specialist Alysa Adams for a fun learning experience, 1-2:30 p.m., Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 N.W. Sammamish Road, 4557010

Clinton Ellington Experience, 7:30 p.m., Vino Bella, 99 Front St. N., 391-1424 The James Howard Band, 8 p.m., Pogacha, 120 N.W. Gilman Blvd., $5 cover, 3925550

SUNDAY, AUG. 23

MONDAY, AUG. 24 ‘Figure Drawing Open Studio,’ short pose 9:30-11:30 a.m. and long pose noon to 2 p.m., artEAST Art Center, 95 Front St. N., $20 or $30 for both sessions, arteast.org Dine Out and Support LEO,

Name: 13083/ Carson & Noel, pllc Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 3 in On Page: 9 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

Name: 12959/ Plateau Runner Width: 20p4.999 Depth: 5 in On Page: 9 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

10 percent of proceeds go to Life Enrichment Options, meet the board members and find out what LEO is doing, 5-8 p.m., Pogacha, 120 N.W. Gilman Blvd., lifeenrichmentoptions.org Vintage Chevy of America meeting and Show, 7 p.m., weather permitting, Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in, 98 N.E. Gilman Blvd., 392-1266 Park Board meeting, 7 p.m., Trails House, 110 Bush St., 837-3000

TUESDAY, AUG. 25 Tuesday Night Run, 1.5-mile casual run, 6 p.m., Uphill Running, 100 Front St. S., Suite A, 391-2430 The Rovin’ Fiddlers, 7-9 p.m., Issaquah Highlands Fire Station, 1280 N.E. Park Drive, www.rovinfiddlers.com Concert on the Green with Hairstorm, 7-8:30 p.m., community center lawn, 301 Rainier Blvd. S., free, www. issaquahwa.gov

Human Services Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 130 E. Sunset Way, 837-3000 Meaningful Movie Night, ‘American Winter,’ 7 p.m., Blakely Hall, 2550 N.E. Park Drive, www.issaquahhighlands.com Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Gaslamp Bar & Grill, 1315 N.W. Mall St., 392-4547

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26 Community Campfire, all are welcome, music, games, hotdogs, condiments, water and s’mores provided, 6:30 p.m., presented by Our Savior Lutheran Church, 4405 E. Lake Sammamish Parkway, 392-4169 Trivia Night, 7:30 p.m., Zeeks Pizza, 2525 N.E. Park Drive, 893-8646 Live music, 9 p.m., Rolling Log Tavern, 50 E. Sunset Way, 392-2964

Name: 13032/ Flintoft’s Funeral Home & Width: 20p4.999 Depth: 4 in On Page: 9 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name: Name: 13229/ Findly Talent Width: 20p4.999 Depth: 5.5 in On Page: 10 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name:

Name: 12747/ Downtown Issaquah Associa Width: 20p4.999 Depth: 5 in On Page: 9 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

THURSDAY AUG. 27 Civil Service Commission, 4:30 p.m., City Hall Northwest, 1775 12th Ave. N.W., 8373000 Cable TV Commission meeting, 6 p.m., City Hall, 130 E. Sunset Way, 837-3000 ‘The Sounds of Cinema,’ 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20, Pine Lake Park, 2401 228th Ave. S.E., free, www.sammamishsymphony. org Planning Policy Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m., City Hall South, 135 E. Sunset Way, 837-3000 Gas Station Blues, with Stacy Jones Band, 7-9 p.m.

Thursdays, Hailstone Feed Store, 232 Front St. N., www. downtownissaquah.com Poker Night, no-limit Texas Hold ‘em, 7-10 p.m., Blakely Hall, 2550 N.E. Park Drive, $40 buy in, 507-1107

10 • Thursday, August 20, 2015

O bituaries Belva Lucille (Brixey) Christophersen Belva Lucille (Brixey) Christophersen passed away Sunday Aug. 9, 2015.

Belva was born May 6, 1929, in Jetmore, Kansas.

When she was 5 years old, the family moved to Ava,

Marilyn Irene Gusé Marilyn Irene Gusé, age 82, joined God’s loving arms July 30, 2015 in Olympia.

She was born Aug. 19, 1932, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Mildred (Bena) Muskopf and Milton Edward Muskopf.

Marilyn graduated in 1950 from East St. Louis Senior High School, where she was active in Job’s Daughters and the choir. She married Darrell Gusé in 1955. They were married for 54 years, until Darrell’s death.

Marilyn and Darrell gave birth to their daughter

Frank Pritt Frank Pritt, 75, of Issaquah, died Tuesday, July 28, 2015.

He was surrounded by his Frank Pritt family and friends at the time of this death at Overlake Hospital.

Frank is survived by his uncle George Pritt; brother Wayne Pritt; children Ronda Waite, Laura Lee Pritt and Darren Pritt; stepchildren Kelsey Daviscourt and Ashley Wiegman; sons-in-law Don Waite and Jeff Daviscourt; daughterin-law Janine Pritt; and grandchildren Cybil Waite, Madeline Waite, Dallas Waite, Hannah Beyler, Brandon Beyler, Wilson Pritt, Chance Pritt and Finley Daviscourt.

Frank was born in Charleston, W.Va., on June 5, 1940, and spent his youth in Charleston living on Jane Street.

Frank attended Stonewall Jackson High School, graduating class of ’58, where Frank was an All-City football player.

Frank was also very active at Bream Presbyterian Church as a youth leader.

After high school Frank went west to Inglewood,

The Issaquah Press

Mo., and at 10, moved to Wenatchee, Wash., where she attended school.

In 1947 she met Scott Christophersen and they were married on Oct. 9, 1948. In 1965 they moved to Bellevue, Wash., where she worked for the Bellevue School District for 37 years.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eastgate until 1996 when she moved to Redmond and joined the First Baptist Church of Redmond.

She is survived by her sons Dennis (Sally) and Rod (Julie) and daughter Karen (Larry); grandchildren Lauren, Cody, Michael and Seth (Alicia); and great grandchildren Dilyn,

Zoe and Shylah.

The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date.

We Belva Christophersen encourage family and friends to sign the Flintoft’s guestbook.

Cheryl in East St. Louis before moving to St. Joseph, Missouri, where she gave birth to Marilyn Gusé son Kevin and daughter Karen. They moved to south St. Paul, Minnesota, where daughter Sheila was born, and since lived in San Angelo, Texas; Davis, California; and Dixon, California; before moving to North Bend in 1990.

After moving to North

Bend, Marilyn and Darrell became beloved members and volunteers of Mount Si Lutheran Church. Marilyn lived in North Bend for 23 years before moving to Olympia in 2013.

Marilyn was an active volunteer of the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital Auxiliary and at Mount Si Lutheran Church.

In addition to being a busy volunteer, Marilyn was an ardent Dallas Cowboys fan with a wide circle of church friends.

Marilyn is preceded in death by husband Darrell in 2009; sister Carol

(Muskopf) Noelken; and her first granddaughter, Valerie Ann Johnston.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl (Gusé) and husband Harold Johnston, of Canyon Lake, Texas; Kevin and wife Denise (Zollner) Gusé, of Sacramento, California; Karen (Gusé) and husband Wally Burton, of Olympia; and Sheila Browne, of Vacaville, California. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations are suggested to Mount Si Lutheran Church in honor of Marilyn.

Calif., where he attended and graduated from Northrup University in 1962 with an electrical engineering degree.

While living in Inglewood, Frank met and married his first wife Julia.

Together they raised three children — Ronda, Laura Lee and Darren.

After being married, Frank moved his family back to Charleston, where he worked for Union Carbide and IBM. Frank then moved his family back to Southern California in 1968 and began working for CCI, another technology company, as a product manager.

Frank then took another job as a product manager for Harris Corporation and moved his family to Plano, Texas, in 1972. In 1978, while still working for Harris, Frank and family moved to Bellevue, Wash., where he took a job as a regional sales representative, selling 3270 mainframe terminals.

While living in Bellevue, Frank and his wife Julia started and managed a 3270 emulation software company, Attachmate Corp., that grew to become one of the most successful privately held software companies in the history of Washington state.

Frank and Julia divorced in 1991 and he relocated to Southern California. In 1994 Frank married Melanie,

and moved to Corona Del Mar, Calif. While living in Southern California, Frank and Melanie raised children Kelsey and Ashley, and built a notable house they named the “Portabello” which was showcased on “Oprah.”

In 2005 Frank sold his business, Attachmate, and retired.

During his life Frank enjoyed many things. In his early years, Frank spent many weekends doing home improvements and gardening. He was also very involved in his children’s lives with activities such as Boy Scouts, Indian Princesses and planning many fun family vacations.

Frank was also an adventurer, car enthusiast and artist/craftsman.

He was a certified scuba diver and dived the Great Barrier Reef. He captained his own boat — a 57-foot Tolley Craft named “Sittin’ Pritty” on many a sea adventure that included a trip from Newport Beach, Calif., through the Panama Canal, to the Florida Keys.

Frank owned, at one point, a substantial car collection that included historic racing cars. One car of note was the 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C-2300 “Rimoldi” Corto Spyder, a car he regularly entered at historic races and rallies including the “Mille Miglia” in Italy.

Frank enjoyed an array

of artistic endeavors that included jewelry design, sculpting and casting in bronze, and woodworking that resulted in crafting a large-scale replica of a Hawaiian outrigger.

After retirement, Frank slowed down to spend more time with his family. He moved to Mercer Island, Wash., and purchased a home in Kiehi Maui, splitting his time between both places. In 2013 Frank divorced and moved to Issaquah and purchased a cottage on Lake Sammamish where he could spend more time with his children and grandchildren.

This cottage he affectionately named the “Pritty Pad.” Besides being a family man, a businessman and an adventurer, Frank was also a philanthropist later in life, giving away more than $75 million to various causes including an endowment for prostate cancer research at the University of Washington.

Frank lived an “EXTRA” extraordinary life, touching the lives of many along the way. His family will greatly miss him in all his affection and laughter.

His memorial service was Friday, Aug. 14 at the University Presbyterian Church. Friends are invited to sign the family’s online guestbook at www. flintofts.com.

Name: 13168/ Dance Premier Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 3 in On Page: 10 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

Name: 13192/ Tanita Corporation Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 3 in On Page: 10 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black File Name:

Name: 13186/ Pande Cameron Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 6 in On Page: 10 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

Name: 13061/ The Hotel Group Width: 31p1.5 Depth: 6 in On Page: 10 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name: :1300013999:1300013099:13061The Hotel Group Size: 18 in

P ets of the W eek Meet Tessa, an 8-year-old miniature pinscher who wants to be your best Tessa friend. She is a sweet little dog who may need a little time to warm up to you, but once she does, she won’t leave your side.

Tessa will look forward to love and affection in a home with children 14 and older.

Hold onto your heart because Roxy, a very sweet 8-yearold girl with gorgeous Roxy black fur, will steal it at first meeting.

Roxy is full of energy and likes to play with string toys.

She is also very affectionate and loves to have her head scratched and rub against your leg to get your attention.

To adopt these or other animals, call the Humane Society for Seattle/King County at 641-0080 or go to www.seattlehumane.org. All animals are spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, and come with 30 days of pet health insurance and a certificate for a vet exam.

College News Graduates 4Cameron Severson, of Issaquah, Bachelor of Arts, economics, Lake Forest College, Illinois 4Christine Cezare, of Issaquah, Bachelor of Science, engineering,

Name: 10831/ Pine Lake Community Club Width: 9p8.498 Name: 13198/ Sammamish Chamber of Comm Width: 20p4.999 Depth: 4 in On Page: 9 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one

and Master of Science, engineering, Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Dean’s list Nadia Lakhani, of Renton, spring semester Columbia College, Marysville campus

Name: 10995/ Cascade Memorial Width:

The IssaquahPress

Sports

11 • Thursday, August 20, 2015

Hoops camp builds bridge between youth, prep programs

By Neil Pierson npierson@ sammamishreview.com With temperatures soaring above 90 degrees late last month, dozens of boys and girls stayed cool inside the Issaquah High School gymnasium during the program’s annual youth basketball camp.

Issaquah head coach Jason Griffith, who has been spearheading the camp for six years, said there were positive takeaways for the high-school players who help out, and the youth players who are entering third through ninth grades.

The camp has become highly popular –-- there are two session per summer, one in June and one in July –-- and that speaks to the connection between families and the Issaquah varsity team.

“They come to games and they see them play in front of 1,500 (people), and they want to be like those kids,” Griffith said, “so that interaction between the highschool kids and the youth of our community goes a long

way to just kind of building an overall program from kindergarten up.”

Several members of the Eagles’ program volunteered their time during the four-day event, and many were returning after having done so in June. Third through sixth grades played for three hours in the morning; seventh through ninth grades played three hours in the afternoon.

“We don’t have to do this as high-school players,” said junior Tanner Davis, a 6-foot-5 forward who has helped Issaquah win state trophies in each of the past two seasons.

“Our coach asked us, but we could always say no.

People do it because at Issaquah we believe in helping the younger kids develop so they could be better, because they’re going to be our future generation.”

Jack Powers, a sophomore, said he was hoping his high-energy attitude would rub off on the youth players. They were working on improving several aspects of their game,

including ball handling, defense and rebounding.

“I’ve got some good shooters on my team,” Powers said.

He also said he believed the work would help him and his Issaquah teammates strengthen their leadership capabilities for the coming season and beyond.

“It kind of mentally prepares them to start working with other people, and (makes) better teammates,” Powers said.

Davis and Powers are former camp participants, and Davis said his experience served an important purpose beyond the court.

“I wasn’t humble at all, and I thought I was the next Michael Jordan or whatever,” he said of his attitude as a seventh-grader. “Then I came to this camp and I had a really good time. Coach (Griffith) talked to me after the camp and was like, ‘You’re way too cocky. You need to have some humility.’”

The camp motto is “Character, Skill, Team,”

By greg Farrar

Jayden Ho (left), 11, of Issaquah, sinks five layups starting from five points on the 3-point arc as Issaquah High School head basketball coach Jason Griffith times him for a new record of 23.2 seconds during a youth basketball camp July 30 in the Eagles’ gym. and is emblazoned on the T-shirts everyone receives.

Griffith said it’s reflected in the work they do, and he remembered helping Davis develop a team-oriented mindset.

“It’s the same thing with these kids: You want them to understand what our high-school program is about, so they’re not going to come into the program and think that they’re this or that,” Griffith said.

Learning from each

other was a key part of the camp, Davis said. He said he appreciated the excitement younger kids play with, something older players often don’t do. In turn, he wanted to help foster a share-the-ball philosophy.

“Everyone wants to do their own thing and get their own buckets, but if people start playing as a team, they realize you win a lot more games,” Davis said.

Griffith said the camp

is structured to work on fundamentals such as defensive principles, footwork and creating space for a better shot. But there are also plenty of fun mini-games to keep kids attentive, and they tally points toward a camper of the week award.

“Anything that the kids can grab onto is cool,” Griffith said, “and you don’t know what kid is going to like different aspects of camp.”

Youth swimmers land spots on prestigious regional squad “The coaches are really strict on skills and they also make you cheer for your teammates, and I think that has to deal with success because if you’re surrounded by positive people, then you feel better and you do better.”

-Christina Bradley

By Neil Pierson npierson@sammamishreview.com Three members of the Issaquah Swim Team were selected to compete in a highquality competition earlier this month when they traveled to Maui, Hawaii.

At the USA Swimming Western Zone Age Group Championship, held Aug. 5-8, the best 14-and-under swimmers from 12 states had the chance to test their skills against each other.

The IST swimmers were part of Pacific Northwest Swimming, which draws athletes across western Washington.

Christina Bradley, an incoming freshman at Skyline High School, competed in the girls division and recorded four top16 times. In the boys division, two incoming seventh-graders, Christopher Harig (Pacific Cascade Middle School) and Marius Rakickas (Beaver Lake Middle School), combined for five top-16 times. They helped PNS finish third in the team standings.

Rakickas, who began competing with IST three years ago, said the regional meet was challenging from both a physical and mental standpoint.

“One of our coaches told us that the point of the swim meet is not only to swim fast, but to look around you and realize that it’s really fast, and you have to work hard,” he said.

Rakickas had an inauspicious start in the pool – “I was deathly afraid of water when I was 3 years old, so my parents decided to put me into swim lessons so I could learn not to be afraid of it,” he said – but he has grown to love the sport.

At the Western Zone meet, which was held in a long-course pool measured in meters, he finished ninth in the 400 individual medley and 15th in the 100 breaststroke.

The common thread between Bradley, Harig and Rakickas is they all consider themselves to be well-rounded swimmers.

They all compete in the indi-

Construction forces venue change Construction of the new home grandstands at Skyline High School’s stadium won’t be complete in time for the start of the football season, so the Spartans will open on the road instead.

Skyline will open the season at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at Issaquah’s Gary Moore Stadium. The game was previously scheduled for the same time and date at Skyline’s field. The change was announced in an email to Issaquah School District

Issaquah Swim Team member

By David Bradley

Christina Bradley swims the freestyle stroke during this month’s USA Swimming Western Zone Age Group Championships in Hawaii. Bradley will be a freshman swimmer this fall at Skyline High School, won two medals at the zone meet for her fourth-place finishes in the 400-meter freestyle and 200-meter individual medley.

By David Bradley

Christopher Harig swims the butterfly stroke during this month’s USA Swimming Western Zone Age Group Championships in Hawaii. Harig, who will be a seventh-grader this fall at Pacific Cascade Middle School, finished in the top 16 in four events at the zone meet. vidual medley, which combines the backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and crawl.

residents, and is posted on the Skyline football website.

The $6.4 million stadium upgrade, which was part of a bond measure approved by district voters in April 2012, includes a new covered grandstand with more than 2,500 seats. The new grandstand is on the west side of the field, and the existing eastside grandstand will become the new visitors section.

The project also includes new dressing rooms for players and officials, restrooms, concession areas and storage.

“If you have one stroke that’s not strong, then it can really bring you down,” said Harig,

Skyline football has three other home games this season – Sept. 18 against Mount Si, Oct. 2 against Redmond and Oct. 23 against Inglemoor.

Cougar Mountain trail runs wrap up The fourth and final event of this summer’s Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series was held Aug. 8 at Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park near Issaquah.

Listed below are results in the men’s and women’s divisions at 3.12, 14.5 and

a fourth-year IST member, “so you just have to keep all your strokes very strong.”

Harig is still two years away from potentially joining the Issaquah High School team, but is already a bit familiar with its framework because Eagles coach Laura Halter worked with him briefly at IST and the Bellevue-based Edgebrook Swim Club.

“I’m really looking forward to having her as a coach,” Harig said. “She’s strict, but I’ve known her for a while, and I think she really got me into swimming.”

Harig was 12th in the 400 IM and 200 IM, and 16th in the 200 breaststroke at the Western Zone meet. While putting up his best time is important, he and Rakickas have a friendly rivalry, and they enjoying beating each other.

“Chris is way ahead of me,” Rakickas acknowledged. “For

26.2 miles: 3.12 miles Men’s division: 1. Alex Doran, Bellevue, 19:46.2; 2. Chris Fields, Auburn, 21:57.2; 3. Charly Martin, Issaquah, 23:01.1; 4.

Rocky Jorgenson, Seattle, 23:32.1; 5. Jeff Hunter, Woodinville, 24:53.4.

Women’s division: 1. Katie Bates, Seattle, 22:01.7; 2. Lotte Steuten, Seattle, 25:06.0; 3. Marion Johnson, Bellevue, 26:02.8; 4. Alexa Severtsen, Seattle, 27:45.5; 5. Mira Liu, Yarrow Point, 28:31.4.

example, 200 breaststroke, a year ago, he was 20 seconds faster. I guess I started to improve against Chris and I’m slowly catching up to him.”

Skyline coach Susan Simpkins will have a wealth of talented freshmen entering her program this season. Bradley has already recorded state meet-qualifying times in all eight individual events, and four of her IST teammates have a handful of them as well.

Bradley considers the backstroke her best event, but has the ability to challenge opponents in any race. In Hawaii, she earned a pair of fourth-place medals in the 400 freestyle and 200 IM, while also landing inside the top 16 in the 200 back and 400 medley.

She credits much of her success to working with IST coach Ryan Pachciarz.

“He just taught me to work on my strokes individually and how to pull the water effectively,” Bradley said. “Also, he taught me that being together as a team is really important.”

Her two-plus seasons at IST may have prepared for her big things at Skyline.

“The coaches are really strict on skills and they also make you cheer for your teammates,” she said, “and I think that has to deal with success because if you’re surrounded by positive people, then you feel better and you do better.”

14.5 miles Men’s division: 1. Uli Steidl, Seattle, 1:48:01.3; 2. Brett Winegar, Lake Forest Park, 1:48:06.3; 3. Eddie Strickler, Seattle, 1:51:24.3; 4. John Berta, Seattle, 1:53:42.3; 5.

Shaun Frandsen, Kirkland, 1:56:39.6.

Women’s division: 1.

Paige Pattillo, Seattle, 2:00:25.6; 2. Heidi Strickler, Seattle, 2:07:27.5; 3.

Sophia Liu, Redmond, 2:10:20.2; 4. Kristi Houk, Port Orchard, 2:12:58.9; 5. Jo Markham, Olympia, 2:21:07.4.

26.2 miles Men’s division: 1.

Roger Levesque, Seattle, 3:39:36.2; 2. Nate Jaqua, Portland, Oregon, 3:56:16.7; 3. Anthony Skierkiewicz, Wenatchee, 3:56:39.0; 4. Mathew Hong, Bellevue, 4:09:36.5; 5. Dustin Hinkle, Kirkland, 4:14:55.4.

Women’s division: 1. Tomoko Ueno, Veda, Japan, 4:38:10.9; 2. Andrea Ostrovsky, Seattle, 4:55:05.3; 3. Teresa Brabant, Everett, 5:18:12.8; 4. Mary Hable, Seattle, 5:21:32.5; 5. Jessica Salmon, Mukilteo, 5:39:29.6.

12 • Thursday, August 20, 2015 Name: 12833/House Width: 63p3.002 Depth: 21 in On Page: 12 Request Page: 0 Type: Display Color: Black plus one File Name:

The Issaquah Press