newcastle news 2013 april

Liberty grad globetrots with state department Page 14

Liberty athlete makes national rugby team Page 16

Council OKs $4,000 raise for city manager

April 5, 2013 VOL. 15, NO. 4

Crime climbs Burglaries, larcenies were on the rise in 2012.

Page 2

By Christina Corrales-Toy After evaluating City Manager Rob Wyman’s performance in several closed executive sessions, the Newcastle City Council approved a $4,000 raise for the position.

The raise, retroactive to Jan. 1, increases Wyman’s annual salary from $116,000 to $120,000.

The council also granted Wyman two days of merit leave. Rob Wyman The council unanimously approved the salary increase at its March 5 meeting, commending Wyman in particular for his solid hires and management of the city’s budget.

“I’m quite pleased with the hires that were made by the city manager during the year, especially at the director level,” Councilman Bill Erxleben said. “I think we’ve got some quality people and we’re very fortunate to have them.”

In 2012, Wyman was tasked with hiring a new director of community development after Steve Roberge left in early September. Wyman assumed

Mobile top chef Liberty grad’s food truck gets rave reviews.

Page 8

Police blotter Page 11

See RAISE, Page 6

Hooray for Hazen Cheer squad wins backto-back state titles.

Page 16

By Christina Corrales-Toy

You should know The Newcastle Historical Society has launched its own website. Learn more about the city’s rich history or become a member of the organization that works to preserve it, at www.newcastlewahistory.org.

A mind for music A row of McKnight Middle School students play the cello during a March 21 eighthgrade orchestra class. For more on the district’s music program, see story, Page 14.

Contact us: newcastle@isspress.com 392-6434, ext. 239

50¢

A city of Bellevue project to replace an aging culvert underneath Coal Creek Parkway will reduce a portion of the busy arterial to one lane in each direction, beginning at the end of April.

The culvert will be replaced with a 39-foot-wide bridge that is expected to protect the roadway, improve public safety, provide a new pedestrian walkway and improve fish passage.

By Christina Corrales-Toy

Construction will start in late April with single-lane closures during off-peak travel hours. By early May, however, Coal Creek Parkway will be reduced to one lane in each direction for 24 hours a day until December, project engineer Bruce Jensen said.

The project requires two phases of construction during which Coal Creek Parkway will be reduced to one lane in

Earth Day, the global celebration that promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship, is celebrated in more than 190 countries around the world.

Newcastle residents, however, won’t have to go far to mingle with plant-munching goats, explore electric cars or visit vendors showcasing their green products.

The city of Newcastle, the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce and the Newcastle Weed Warriors will provide speakers, seminars and activities for Earth Day 2013 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20 at Lake Boren Park.

The theme of this year’s event is “Do some good for your ‘hood,” and as event chairwoman Grace Stiller explained it, the wildlife is just as much a part of the neighborhood as the men, women and children that call Newcastle home.

With that in mind, the Newcastle Earth Day event is set to be the kickoff of a citywide effort

See CULVERT, Page 7

See EARTH DAY, Page 7

April culvert project to cause delays on Coal Creek Parkway

By Christina Corrales-Toy

Earth Day festival returns April 20

Newcastle News

PAGE 2

Newcastle crime climbed in 2012

By Christina Corrales-Toy Crime in Newcastle was up last year, primarily due to an increase in burglaries and larcenies, according to the 2012 police services report.

In 2012, the city saw 323 Part I crimes, compared to 227 in 2011. Part I crimes include criminal homicide, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larcenytheft, motor vehicle theft and arson. Burglaries and larcenies alone account for 292 of the 323 crimes.

Newcastle Police Chief Melinda Irvine presented the numbers at the City Council’s March 5 meeting.

The number of burglaries jumped significantly, going from 71 in 2011 to 108 in 2012. Burglary is the unlawful entry of a commercial or residential structure with the intent to commit a crime.

Commercial burglaries

On the Web Read the city of Newcastle’s 2012 police services report at http://bit.ly/13P1qlD

saw a major increase to 22 in 2012, up considerably from the six in 2011. The city also was a victim of a burglary ring at the beginning of 2012, Irvine said.

“Early in 2012, we had a major ring working the city with burglaries, and we made several arrests in those,” she said.

Larcenies jumped from 132 in 2011 to 184 in 2012. Larceny is the unlawful taking, carrying or riding away of property from the possession of another.

One factor in that increase was the new liquor law, making it possible for alcohol to be

sold in supermarkets.

“Shoplifts were up a little bit this year,” Irvine said. “The theft of liquor sales is an increasing problem.”

Police received 1,789 calls for assistance in 2012, up from 1,264 in 2011. The increase, however, was largely due to alert neighbors reporting questionable activity, a welcome sign for the Newcastle Police Department.

“People are listening to our cries to call in when you see suspicious activity,” Irvine said.

Despite the increase in Part I crimes last year, the Newcastle Police Department improved on the number of Part I and Part II cases closed by arrest. In 2012, 71 cases were closed by arrest compared to 51 in 2011.

That increase can be attributed, in large part, to the presence of Detective Christy

Marsalisi, Irvine said.

“I believe strongly that part of that is because we have a detective working in our building,” she said.

“She works very diligently and has had great success.”

The city recently increased Marsalisi to a 50-50 shared detective, meaning she spends half of her time working for the city, and the other half working for the county.

At the end of the presentation, Councilman John Dulcich asked Irvine what it would take to reduce the crime numbers — more officers or more detectives.

“Both,” Irvine said, before adding that the first thing she would suggest is to increase the detective position to full time.

“I think we’re seeing a great benefit of having an increased detective and I think the benefit will only continue,” she said.

Erxleben will not run for re-election

City Councilman Bill Erxleben announced that he will not file for re-election this spring.

“I believe that two terms is enough for any council member,” he wrote in a letter to the editor.

Erxleben was first

appointed to the Newcastle City Council in 2002. He was elected to the council in 2003. He was elected to the council again in 2009.

Concerned about the city’s financial situation, Erxleben ran for a council

position in 2009, after a few years away from local government. As he prepares to depart the council at the end of the year, the city is in better financial shape, but longterm challenges remain, he said.

“I am pleased to report that after three years of determined fiscal discipline and a recent nascent

recovery in the real estate market, the city is in relatively good financial condition,” he said.

Erxleben currently occupies Position 6 on the council. His current term is set to expire at the end of the year.

Election Day is Nov. 5.

The deadline for candidates to file for election is May 17.

APRIL 5, 2013

Renton narrows superintendent search to three candidates There are only three candidates left in the Renton School District’s search for a new superintendent.

Merri Rieger, Crystalee Sweeting and Flip Herndon emerged as the top three candidates to succeed Mary Alice Heuschel.

Rieger is currently the chief student achievement officer with the Kent School District; Sweeting is an assistant superintendent with the Puyallup School District; and Herndon is the superintendent of the Bremerton School District.

The remaining finalists each spent a day in the district in early April, culminating with a public meeting at one of three elementary schools.

Community members were invited to attend and meet the candidates, and ask questions that would help guide the Renton School Board in making a final decision.

Prior to her role with the Kent School District, Rieger spent time as a high school principal in the Bremerton School District and as the dean of students and a high school teacher in the Auburn School District.

She earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees at Washington State University.

Sweeting worked with the Puyallup School District in several capacities, including as an

elementary school principal, prior to joining the district’s administration.

She also spent time as a teacher in both Ellensburg and Federal Way. Sweeting earned her bachelor’s degree at Central Washington University, and both her master’s and doctorate degrees at the University of Washington.

Herndon previously served as an assistant superintendent in the Tacoma School District.

He also worked as a principal in the Shoreline School District, and taught at schools in Connecticut and New Jersey. Herndon earned his bachelor’s degree from Whitman College, his master’s degree at Harvard University and his doctorate degree at the University of Washington.

The board will appoint the new district leader in mid-April. The selected superintendent will begin work July 1.

The Renton School Board chose the final candidates from a pool of 12 who applied for the position to fill the vacancy left

by Heuschel, who joined Gov. Jay Inslee’s administration as chief of staff in January.

Former Hazelwood Elementary School educator Vera Risdon has served as the district’s interim superintendent.

Learn more at www.rentonschools.us. And look for an update on the decision at www.newcastle-news.com.

Newcastle News relocates offices Newcastle News, a member of Issaquah Press Inc., relocated its offices March 20, leaving historic downtown Issaquah for more efficient office and warehouse space in Cascade Business Park, one block east of the transit center.

The media group publishes The Issaquah Press, Newcastle News, Sammamish Review and SnoValley Star and has four community websites. Staffs for all of the papers are housed together. The company has 25 employees.

The new office is at 1085 12th Ave. N.W., Suite D1, Issaquah.

Newcastle News

APRIL 5, 2013

PAGE 3

Council hosts presentation on Interstate 90 tolling plan

By Christina Corrales-Toy The Newcastle City Council had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the potential for tolling on Interstate 90 when Craig Stone, Toll Division director for the Department of Transportation, visited the council’s March 5 meeting.

The state Department of Transportation is at work on a $4.1 billion project to replace the 49-year-old state Route 520 floating bridge across Lake Washington and overhaul the 12.8-mile corridor between Interstate 5 in Seattle and state Route 202 in Redmond. The floating bridge is scheduled to open for traffic by early 2015.

Though the project is estimated to cost $522 million less than the initial $4.65 billion estimate, transportation officials still need to raise $1.4 billion in funding for the bridge replacement effort.

State lawmakers asked the Department of Transportation to study tolling along the I-90 corridor as a way to generate revenue for the project.

In his presentation, Stone made it clear that the Department of Transportation was not the decision maker when it comes to tolling. That responsibility belongs to the lawmakers in Olympia.

The state agency is simply conducting a comprehensive study that will evaluate the possible effects of tolling the freeway. The group’s findings will result in a report, including a technical evaluation and a social and economic review of tolling the stretch of interstate.

The current plan is for the agency to gather information about the tolling proposal and present it to the 2014 legislative session, so lawmakers can decide whether they want to move forward, Stone said.

One of the major concerns with tolling is the impact that the added expense could have on lower-income travelers.

The concern is a valid

On the Web Learn more about the state Department of Transportation’s Interstate 90 tolling study at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ Tolling/I90. one, Stone said, but recent studies showed that tolling was a better alternative than one that would implement a statewide tax.

“What they found is that tolls are actually less regressive than gas tax, and gas tax is less regressive than sales tax from the standpoint, when you use tolls, it’s a direct user fee for that facility,” he said. “It’s a question of policy and financing, and the key question is how do we finance our transportation infrastructure.”

The council, for the most part, remained neutral on the subject during Stone’s presentation, though Mayor Rich Crispo mentioned his East Coast roots when he explained that tolling is likely here to stay.

“I grew up in New York and you don’t go anywhere without paying a toll,” he said. “The fact is you might as well get used to it. You can moan and groan all you want, but nobody around here works for free, and if you want to get things built, if you want to get things paved, you have to pay for it.”

The sentiment about tolling is very different on the East Coast, where nearly every Northeastern

state has toll roads, Stone said.

“It is a very different culture,” he said.

“Freeways are not free. I mean that’s kind of the fact. They cost money.

The question is how do we pay for them.”

Councilman John Dulcich, however, was the most vocal against the proposal, questioning the logic behind tolling a structure that was already built. Dulcich pushed for the council to have a more thorough conversation about tolling at an upcoming meeting.

The City Council was expected to delve deeper into the question of tolling at the April 2 council meeting. Look for an update about the discussion at www.newcastlenews.com.

Courtesy of JoAnne Matsumura, private collection

This photo appeared in the Pacific Coast Coal Co.’s weekly bulletin March 4, 1926. Below is the exact cutline that ran with the photo: “Editors and publishers of approximately 100 newspapers in the state of Washington were the guests of the Pacific Coast Coal Company at Newcastle and the Briquette Plant, last Saturday. This excursion was the closing feature of the Fourteenth Annual Newspaper institute of the Washington Press Association. The picture shows the group ready to board the special train after having made a trip into the Primrose Seam, a mile and a quarter into the heart of the mountain, from whence comes the famous Newcastle coal.”

Back tracking: an ongoing series about the history of Newcastle

Email historical photos, or ideas for upcoming history features, to newcastle@isspress.com.

Mayor’s state of the city Find Out What address is April 10 Your Home is Worth As a part of the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon series, Newcastle Mayor Rich Crispo will deliver the State of the City address at 11 a.m. April 10 at Tapatio Mexican Grill, 6920 Coal Creek Parkway S.E. Crispo will talk about the city’s financial health, current developments within Newcastle, summer events, sponsorships and working with the new Community Activities Commission.

There will also be time for questions and answers.

King County Councilman Reagan Dunn will also join the lunch to update attendees on the levy and tax increases with state and county government.

Lunch for chamber members is $20, and $25 for nonmembers. The lunch includes food, tax and gratuity.

Attendees are asked to RSVP by emailing monthlylunch@newcastlecc.com.

Newcastle Chamber of Commerce Promoting Business. Elevating Community.

for Free On-Line

Visit: www.NewcastleHomePricing.com John L. Scott KMS

Your Dreams, Our Strategies • 401(k)/403(b) Rollovers

• Actively Managed Accounts

• IRAs/Roth IRAs/Sep IRAs

• Tax-Advantaged Products

• Mutual Funds

• Funding for College Education

• Fixed/Variable Annuities

• Retirement Strategies

• Long-Term Care Insurances

• Various kinds of Life Insurances

April 10: Lunch. State of the City with Newcastle Mayor Rich Crispo, and guest speaker King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn. 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Tapatio Mexican Grill. $20, $25 Non-Members.

Laura Counsell, MBA

Branch Office Manager

April 18: After-Hours Social. Newcastle Regency’s bistro. Appetizers, wine and fun on the menu.

6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Members only

1800 NE 44th St., Ste 201 Renton, WA 98056

Direct: 206.396.3161 Office: 425.282.1988 Fax: 425.282.6328 Email: laura.counsell@tfaconnect.com

April 24: Networking Education Breakfast. The Power of Your Brand with Nancy Carlstrom.

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Regency Newcastle. Free to Members and first-time attending non-members.

All events: RSVP: info@newcastlecc.com For more information: ImeldaDulcich@newcastlecc.com or www.newcastle-chamber.org

®

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA), Transamerica Financial Group Division - Member FINRA, SIPC, and Registered Investment Advisor. **An investor should consider the investment objectives, risk, and charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. More Information about municipa l fund securities is available in the issuer’s official statement.Non-Securities products and services are not offered through TFA. World Financial Group, Inc. (WFG) is a financial services marketing company whose affiliates offer a broad array of financial products and services. Insurance products offered through World Financial Group Insurance Agency, Inc.(WFGIA). WFG, WFGIA and TFA are affiliated companies.

Opinion

PAGE 4

Editorial

Letter

Parks Commission changes are good for the city, council

City councilman wants city to be left in good hands

There is no denying that the Newcastle Parks Commission has gone through a whirlwind of change in the past year.

In August 2012, the number of parks commissioners was reduced from nine to seven, making it easier for the group to reach the necessary quorum for meeting attendance.

At the beginning of the year, Andrew Shelton, a longtime parks commissioner, resigned after he received a job opportunity in another state. Shelton had served on the Parks Commission since its inception.

In March, the Parks Commission underwent a dramatic overhaul led by Mayor Rich Crispo. Through the process, the volunteer advisory board was effectively rebranded as the Community Activities Commission.

That was not the only change, though. The City Council also added a council liaison to the commission, reserved two seats on the commission for representatives from Newcastle Trails and the Newcastle Historical Society, and clarified the board’s duties.

Along the way, Peggy Price and Koleen Morris resigned from the commission, leaving the board with only four members.

That’s a lot of turmoil for both the council and a group of volunteers to shoulder over the year, but ultimately, once things are settled, the changes should prove beneficial to the city and most importantly, the council.

The commission is an advisory body to the council, and if the council is not getting what it needs out of the commission, it should do what it can to make changes. The council did just that, instituting bold changes that should make the commissioners happier and the board more effective.

The rebranded Community Activities Commission seems like a fun, inviting opportunity for residents to get involved in their local government. The stronger focus on community events will hopefully infuse the commission with a much-needed boost of enthusiasm, while making the city’s events, such as Newcastle Days, even better.

The council is currently seeking volunteers to fill out the Community Activities Commission. If you’re interested in helping facilitate community events and programs, then consider applying for a commission position. Applications can be found on the city’s website at www.ci.newcastle.wa.us.

Poll question How do you plan on celebrating Earth Day?

A. Attend Earth Day celebration at Lake Boren Park.

B. I will plant a tree in my yard.

C. I’m going to pick up litter at a local park.

D. I do not plan on celebrating Earth Day. E. Other.

Vote at www.newcastle-news.com.

Newcastle news Published since 1999 by

Issaquah Press Inc.

P.O. Box 1328 Issaquah, WA 98027 Phone: 392-6434 q Fax: 392-1695

“You got to know when to hold ‘em … know when to walk away.”

I believe that two terms is enough for any council member.

Therefore, after eight years on the City Council, I will not file for re-election this spring.

I am pleased to report that after three years of determined fiscal discipline and a recent nascent recovery in the real estate market, the city is in relatively good financial condition. Longer-term challenges remain. The council is still struggling to credibly fund a road maintenance plan. And, even with some major building projects in the works, these large project revenues will be mostly one-time gains. Newcastle still won’t have the large retail sales tax base necessary to maintain

APRIL 5, 2013

future services without large tax increases.

I am very concerned about my possible replacement. The only announced candidate plans to run on a plank never to allow or even discuss the possibility of Newcastle consolidating with Bellevue. This is short sighted. Here are the top 10 reasons for Newcastle to consider consolidation: 1. Bellevue has a solid economic base to support future services; 2. Bellevue has an AAA credit rating, higher than the federal government; 3. Bellevue has twice the number of police officers per capita; 4. Bellevue has a better road system that costs 66 percent less per mile to maintain; 5. Bellevue has a much deeper bench of professional managers; 6. Bellevue already provides excellent fire and emergency

services; 7. Bellevue has lower property taxes: Its overall tax burden is $200 less on an average home; 8. Bellevue provides many more services: community and senior centers, dog parks, ball fields and better trail maintenance; 9. Bellevue consolidation would probably increase home values; and 10. Bellevue appears open to consolidation, at least for now.

Residents can petition the council to force a vote, but only the Newcastle City Council can approve a consolidation. That’s why it is important to elect council members with open minds on this issue. The council should be encouraged to gauge public opinion by permitting an advisory vote this fall. Your voices should be heard.

Bill Erxleben Newcastle City Council

Notes from Newcastle

Music is worth the investment

By Christina Corrales-Toy

The first article I ever wrote for Newcastle News was a 2011 feature about the Renton School District’s after-school music program, East Hill String Lessons.

I was a journalism student at the University of Washington at the time, and little did I know, I would get the opportunity to become the paper’s full-time Christina reporter a year later.

That story about a group of Corrales-Toy Hazen orchestra students that tutor young students from the district, has always stuck with me, though.

I remember the way the Hazen seniors affectionately referred to their pupils as “cherubs.” I can picture the tutors carefully instructing the young students. Most of all, though, I can visualize the way the Hazen students’ faces lit up when they spoke about what the district’s music program meant to them.

I had the opportunity to see that same passion again in March as I worked on a feature about the Hazen High School and McKnight Middle School

music programs.

I saw the concert choir members beam with pride as I asked them what was special about Hazen’s music program. I listened as McKnight’s seventhgrade choir eagerly performed a song for me.

McKnight orchestra teacher Sharon Olsen said it best when she noted how important these music classes are for the students.

“Sometimes, this is the only reason some of those kids come to school,” she said.

Participation does not appear to be a problem at Hazen and McKnight. All of the classes I visited were full, highlighted by the 86 students in Hazen’s concert choir.

“We’ve got the kids in here. We just need stuff to put in their hands,” Hazen choir teacher Josh Viles said.

Whether it is sheet music or instrument repair and replacement, each of the music programs could use something. That’s why the Friends of the Renton Schools launched a March campaign to raise funds.

Not everyone has access to music education.

Instruments and music lessons aren’t cheap, but all students deserve a chance to participate with tools that do not hinder their learning.

Donate to Renton School District music programs at www.friendsofrentonschools.org.

Debbie Berto....................................... Publisher Kathleen R. Merrill.................... Managing editor

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Newcastle News

APRIL 5, 2013

PAGE 5

County councilman proposes memorial for fallen deputies King County Councilman Reagan Dunn’s proposal to honor the 15 members of the King County Sheriff’s Office Rich Herzog who have been killed in the line of duty passed unanimously through the County Council’s Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee.

There is currently no memorial in the county recognizing the deputies’ sacrifices. Dunn’s proposal suggests creating one within the King County Courthouse.

“Remembering, honoring and memorializing the deputies in the King County Sheriff’s Office that have given the ultimate sacrifice is a fitting tribute,” Dunn said in a statement. “This memorial is the right thing to do, and I look forward to working with Sheriff Urquhart and the King County Police Officers

On the Web Learn more about the 15 King County Sheriff’s Office deputies killed in the line of duty, including Deputy Richard Herzog, at www.kingcounty.gov/safety/sheriff/About/Remembrance.aspx.

Guild to help create an appropriate memorial worthy of these 15 heroes.”

King County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Herzog was killed in the line of duty while working in the city of Newcastle. Herzog had worked in Newcastle for several years and knew many of the residents and businesses.

“The city of Newcastle will never forget the sacrifice of Deputy Richard Herzog, who lost his life while protecting the public in 2002,” Mayor Rich Crispo said. “This proposed memorial is another example of our shared conviction that Deputy Herzog and his fellow 14

members of the King County’s Sheriff’s Office killed in the line of duty will never be forgotten.”

In 2012, the city honored the 10-year anniversary of Herzog’s death with a special Police Day in the Park event.

The city of Newcastle put its full support behind the proposal in a letter addressed to the King County Council.

“I can think of no better way to show our respect to Deputy Herzog, by passing the proposed King County memorial ordinance,” Crispo wrote in the letter.

The proposed ordinance calls on County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Sheriff John Urquhart to develop a proposal for the creation of the memorial by June 1.

The proposal should state where it would be located, a method to solicit potential designs for the display, a possible schedule for completion and a budget or potential funding sources for its construction.

The ordinance will now be sent to the full County Council for discussion and final action.

Contributed

Olympia High School counselor Kim Reykdal (right) presents Marcie Maxwell with the Washington School Counselor Association’s Legislative Advocate of the Year Award.

Marcie Maxwell honored as education advocate of the year

The Washington School Counselor Association honored state Rep. Marcie Maxwell with the Legislative Advocate of the Year Award for her “tireless advocacy” to improve public education.

As a member of the Joint Task Force on Education Funding and the Quality Education Council, Maxwell has advocated for additional

middle and high school counselors and lower student-tocounselor ratios.

The Washington School Counselor Association represents the certificated professional school counselors who work in public and private schools.

Maxwell has served the 41st Legislative District since 2009. Her district includes the communities of Bellevue, Beaux Arts, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Renton and Sammamish.

Newcastle News

PAGE 6

APRIL 5, 2013

Parks Commission officially becomes Raise Community Activities Commission From Page 1

By Christina Corrales-Toy

The Newcastle Parks Commission is now officially known as the Community Activities Commission after the City Council passed an ordinance changing the name and clarifying some of the group’s duties at its March 19 meeting.

Mayor Rich Crispo spearheaded the effort to reconfigure the commission in an attempt to get more out of the group after its members’ attendance records showed too many absences. The process began at the council’s January retreat and came full circle with the passage of last month’s ordinance.

The duties of the commission have not changed significantly, but as the new name suggests, coordination of community events will be a priority.

That didn’t sit well with Councilwoman Carol Simpson, a strong supporter of city parks.

She was the only one to oppose the ordinance.

“Seeing the amount of time that’s going to be spent in doing community activities, our parks are going to suffer in the city of Newcastle,”

Get involved The city of Newcastle is seeking volunteers to join the Community Activities Commission.

Commissioners must be at least 18 years of age and live in Newcastle.

Applications are on the city’s website at www. ci.newcastle.wa.us.

she said. “We’re not going to see the parks develop that are outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, and that’s been the problem for the last five years.”

According to the charter, though, the commission will still review and recommend information about city parks, Deputy Mayor Lisa Jensen said.

One of the more controversial changes was the temporary addition of a council member liaison to the commission. The position, meant to be more of an experiment, will expire at the end of the year.

The council voted 5-1 in favor of the resolution; Councilman Steve Buri was absent from the meeting.

Councilman John Dulcich said he opposed the decision because he felt the appointment of a liaison had a council member assuming a city staff role.

“We need to staff this adequately, and I don’t think we need council members to start playing liaisons to the special committees,” he said.

“We should continue to work as a council of a whole and then our council subcommittees.”

The commission currently only has four members, after Peggy Price and Koleen Morris resigned.

That was one of the main reasons Councilman Gordon Bisset spoke in favor of a nonvoting council liaison to provide support for a shorthanded group.

“I think in view of the loss of the members of the Parks Commission, and the fact that we’re down to four members, that it’s important to start this new commission off correctly,” he said.

While Dulcich opposed the need for a council liaison, he approved Crispo’s appointment as the council’s representative.

“I applaud Mayor Crispo’s efforts in shaking things up a little, try-

ing to reinvent the Parks Commission and the fact that a lot of this is his idea, I think the only way it could be executed is if he is involved in it,” he said.

The council voted 5-1 in favor of appointing Crispo, with Simpson dissenting.

“I think it’s inappropriate since he also appoints the members of the commission and interviews the members of the commission,” she said. “There’s a conflict that he’s the person attending the commission meeting, reviewing what they’re doing and also appointing the people. We need to have a little more division of labor and power.”

The mayor recommends citizens for a commission, but it is the council that ratifies the appointment.

The last significant change is that two seats of the seven-member commission will be reserved for representatives from two of the city’s major volunteer groups. Newcastle Trails and the Newcastle Historical Society will each nominate a person from their organizations to serve on the commission.

the position’s duties until Tim McHarg was hired in December.

Wyman was hired as interim city manager in January 2010, and the council selected him as the permanent city manager that August. This is the second consecutive year that the council has awarded him a raise.

Despite the raise, Wyman’s salary is still among the lowest for city manager compensation in comparable cities — a list that includes the communities of Sammamish, Snoqualmie and Enumclaw.

“He’s still at the low end of city managers, but also at the lower end as far as years of experience as a city manager, so I’m OK with it right now,” Deputy Mayor Lisa Jensen said.

For comparison, the annual salary for the Sammamish city manager is $180,609; Snoqualmie’s city administrator makes $155,400; and Enumclaw’s city administrator makes $129,900.

The Sammamish and Snoqualmie leaders both have more than a decade worth of experience on the job, though.

Councilman John Dulcich pointed to Wyman’s effective management as one of the reasons he supported the

salary increase.

“He’s an enthusiastic leader of the staff,” he said. “He interacts very, very well with the community and he’s just a great leader.”

Jensen echoed Dulcich’s sentiments about Wyman’s community interactions.

“I think we are running well as a city, and I expect us to continue to do so, and it shows,” she said. “I think the people feel more connected to the city more recently and the focus on customer service is evident.”

At the time of Wyman’s hire in 2010, the council had several compelling candidates to choose from, Councilman Steve Buri said. The choice to go with Wyman has proven to be a good one, he added.

“Rob, at the time, was labeled a rising star, and I think that’s what we’ve got,” he said. “I think Rob has learned quickly, he’s managed a lot of complex projects. I think this year will be especially telling of his ability to manage because we’ve got an awful lot on the docket.”

A city employee’s performance or qualifications can be evaluated in executive session by a governmental body, but a decision, consent among the body or final action relating to a city employee’s salaries or wages must be discussed in a public meeting, according to state law.

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Newcastle News

APRIL 5, 2013

Culvert From Page 1 each direction between just south of Forest Drive and just north of Southeast 60th Street.

During the first phase, April through November, crews will build the west half of the bridge and relocate underground utilities.

Then, from December to March 2014, crews will reopen the road to its customary four lanes of traffic.

During phase two, April through November 2014, the roadway will again be reduced to one lane in each direction so crews can build the east half of the bridge and complete the project by the end of November.

The culvert is about 45 years old and has seen better days, Jensen said. He added that it was damaged in a December 2007 storm and the bottom of the culvert is corroded.

The city of Bellevue is aware of the traffic concerns that may come with the Coal Creek Parkway reduction, which is why Jensen attended a Newcastle City Council meeting in January to give a presentation about

the project.

As a result of those concerns, Bellevue plans to encourage the contractor to complete work as soon as possible, by rewarding the firm with payment if it completes the project early, Jensen said in January.

“We think that that will be an effective way to make sure they’re efficient and the roadway gets back open as soon as possible,” he said.

The city of Newcastle is doing all it can to mitigate the bottleneck that the closure is expected to cause, including changing the timing of some traffic signals. Ultimately, though, drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes, especially during the morning and evening commutes.

Public Works Director Mark Rigos suggests that residents use east to west routes, such as Southeast 88th Place or Newcastle Way to get to Interstate 405. Drivers could also travel south down Coal Creek Parkway toward Northeast Sunset Boulevard in Renton to reach the freeway. In Bellevue, Rigos suggests commuters use Southeast 60th Street through the

What to know The city of Bellevue’s project to replace an aging culvert underneath Coal Creek Parkway will cause closures on a segment of the busy road, during two phases of construction.

The first phase is set to begin in late April, when the road will be reduced to one lane in each direction between just south of Forest Drive and just north of Southeast 60th Street, until December.

Residents can stay informed about the project and sign up for alerts at www.bellevuewa.gov/ coalcreekbridge.htm.

Travelers can also watch for updates on the city of Bellevue’s Facebook page or on its Twitter account, @bellevuewa.

Newport Hills community, or Forest Drive to avoid the construction.

If possible, drivers are also encouraged to carpool or alter their commute so that it coincides with offpeak travel hours, Rigos said.

PAGE 7

Earth Day From Page 1 to earn National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat Certification.

To obtain the certification, residents must commit to providing food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their offspring. A healthy habitat can be in a variety of places, including a backyard, a local city space or even an apartment balcony.

“With urban sprawl in western Washington you’re noticing how the cities are expanding and you’re just not seeing the same birds or pollinators in your backyard,” said Courtney Sullivan, an education manager with the National Wildlife Federation. “Our program is really creating an urban habitat corridor all the way from Bellingham to Olympia.

Representatives from the National Wildlife Federation will be available to register residents’ yards as a backyard wildlife habitat at the event.

Children are also invited to take photos with the organization’s mascot, Ranger Rick.

Newcastle Earth Day will feature many of the same activities it did last year, including interactive displays, music and children’s events. This year, a silent auction has been added that will help fund Newcastle Chamber of Commerce events and the Earth Day celebration.

Organizers are also planning a playful flash mob with an important message: Pick up your dog poop.

“Dog poop contributes to some of the toxins in Puget Sound, so it’s been a big push for people to scoop their poop, and the dance focuses on that in a fun way,” Stiller said.

In addition to the Earth Day activities at Lake Boren Park, Newcastle citizens will have two opportunities to safely recycle or dispose of items that may be unsafe for an ordinary recycle bin.

HomeStreet Bank is hosting a community shred-a-thon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Newcastle branch, 6949

If you go q Newcastle Earth Day q 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

April 20 q Lake Boren Park q 13058 S.E. 84th Way q www.newcastleweedwarriors.org

Coal Creek Parkway S.E. Residents can bring their sensitive documents for safe disposal.

A truck from Mr. Scrappy Recycling will also collect computers and appliances.

The city will host its own recycling event at the Renton Academy, 6928 116th Ave. S.E., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Residents can recycle additional items such as tires, batteries, clothing or mattresses.

“Earth Day brings us back to what we can do locally and what’s being done globally,” Stiller said. “As a community locally, and individuals doing our part, we’re part of the bigger picture, the global effort to preserve the planet for future generations.”

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APRIL 5, 2013

Liberty grad’s food truck receives rave reviews

By David Hayes Michael Kramer grew up in the kitchen. So, it’s no surprise to his closest family members and friends that his food truck Za’aTar is receiving rave reviews.

As a youngster, if he weren’t entwined in his grandmother’s legs while she was cooking comfort food worthy of any diner, he’d be underfoot while his dad whipped up a pretty mean homestyle Italian meal.

Now 22, the Liberty High School graduate said that in looking back, it was perhaps his mother who provided the most memorable life lessons to prepare him for what not to do while running a kitchen.

“One time when we went camping, she said I was trying to fry up some potatoes for breakfast when she asked, ‘Why is the oil bubbling up?’”

Kramer recalled.

It turns out, she’d tried to sauté with dish soap rather than canola oil.

After graduating from high school, Kramer decided to hone his love of cooking and enrolled in the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Portland, Ore. His first jobs in the outside world came in the kitchens of Seattle restaurants Serafina and Ciccetti.

An opportunity soon presented itself to skip years of serving on the line to get him that much closer to owning his own restaurant. A fellow Le Cordon Bleu College graduate, Brandon Ochs, had some money burning a hole in his pocket from years of contracting in Afghanistan and he had an idea — that the two of them open a food truck.

With food trucks dotting the landscape in cities across the United States,

Contributed

Late-night customers line up for fresh Mediterranean food from the Liberty High School graduate Michael Kramer’s food truck Za’atar Dec. 13 when it set up shop at Second and Pike in downtown Seattle. offering everything from hot dogs to haute cuisine, Kramer jumped at the opportunity.

Thanks to the Labor and Industries requirements, their first idea was short lived — the southern comfort food staple chicken and waffles.

“LNI said if we were going to have a deep fryer, our truck would need to have a fire suppressant system installed,” Kramer said.

To keep their startup costs as low as possible, they decided to go instead with what they knew, freshly made falafels and other Mediterranean cuisine they’d learned while at Serafina and Ciccetti.

“It turns out, we needed to get a fire system anyway,” Kramer said.

Some research of the

area showed there were about six to eight startup food trucks per month.

Kramer wanted their idea to last and stand out.

“There were two falafel trucks already, but I thought neither was very outstanding,” he said.

So, they slapped some red paint on their truck, called it Za’aTar (pronounced Za-tar), after the Mediterranean spice, and stocked up on all fresh ingredients. Kramer became the head chef and Ochs would concentrate on the business end of operations.

They kept their menu simple, offering just eight dishes.

The next trick is finding a prime location to serve up to some hungry masses. Business parks in South Lake Union, Renton and

Contributed

Michael Kramer (above), a Liberty High School grad, works the grill in his Za’atar food truck, renowned for its fresh falafel (below).

Kent proved to be perfect matches.

Word of mouth spread that Za’aTar was offering up something special.

Kramer added it didn’t hurt at all that Seattle food blogger Roll of Jen named it one of her top three food trucks in Seattle.

“We really wanted to change how people looked at food trucks,” Kramer said. “It’s not just a roach coach offering greasy food.

You can actually get restaurant qualify meals from them.”

It also didn’t hurt Za’aTar’s reputation that it received a perfect score during the state health department’s last inspection. Even they couldn’t wait for it to open.

“The health inspector said he couldn’t eat the food served in his jurisdiction,” Kramer said. “But,

he said he’s got spies and they said our food was good.”

They use social media to get the word out where they’ll be any given day, from Twitter and Facebook to their website. Kramer admits the winter months can be slow for food trucks.

To get the business to spring and the busy season that lasts through August, Za’aTar recently beat out

about 16 other trucks to exclusively serve up its cuisine at Smash Putt, a combination pub crawl and miniature golf extravaganza, from March 1 to May 5.

While Kramer hopes to open some day his own 15- to 20-seater, brickand-mortar restaurant, he’s content to be serving the hungry masses from his truck, one falafel at a time.

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Newcastle News

APRIL 5, 2013

PAGE 9

Laughing All The Way

Can you hear me now?

Most women who write humor columns provide stereotypical and mildly negative monikers for their husbands — like Beer Boy or Garage Man or He Who Eats and Burps — but when I started writing columns it was hard for me to come up with a nickname for my husband Fred because there’s so little to complain about. I finally settled on The Sainted One because that’s what he is: a patient, forgiving man who has learned to live with someone who is not always as patient and forgiving as he is.

The name stuck, so much so that once when I introduced Fred at a book-signing on Whidbey Island, a man shook his hand and said, “Fred? And here I always thought your first name was The.” Just a few weeks ago, a reader recognized me in the Palm Springs Airport and

Commission targets comp plan update The Planning Commission will spend most of 2013 updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan, after the City Council approved the group’s work plan at its March 5 meeting.

The Comprehensive Plan is a document that outlines the city’s vision and goals for the future.

A statute requires cities

asked if that was The Sainted One at my side.

That’s how he’s been perceived all of these years: The Sainted One, operating with an unruffled, Zenlike calm, Pat Detmer staking claim to a tranquil island in a sea of fluctuating hormonal tsunamis, cool, composed, beloved by all. But now I know better.

He wasn’t Sainted. He was deaf.

For years, I was the one who complained about the yippy dogs, the unidentified squealing and moaning from the new refrigerator, and the mysterious and nameless plumbing and house-settling sounds. Our interchanges were like an audi-

to update their plans by June 2015. Newcastle last completed its Growth Management Actmandated update in 2003.

The Planning Commission seeks public input as it begins to update the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

The easiest way to get involved is to attend one of its meetings at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday at Newcastle City Hall, 12835

tory version of the old movie “Gaslight,” where Charles Boyer makes Ingrid Bergman believe that she’s crazy by denying reality. In our own personal Gaslight, I began to believe that I was nothing more than an edgy, impatient witch who was just one step away from taking a brickbat to anything that made noise. “What was that?”

I’d snap in alarm, and The Sainted One’s response (unless there was a 747 landing in the driveway with a convoy of wailing fire department vehicles to support it) was “Huh? I don’t hear a thing.”

Turns out he wasn’t kidding.

He couldn’t hear a thing, but since he got fitted for his hearing aids several weeks ago, he’s been as acoustically alert as a Cairn Terrier on methamphetamines.

I feel a certain smugness now when he asks me why I must

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Consultant joins Tastefully Simple Newcastle’s D’Ann Lucke has joined Tastefully Simple Inc. as an independent consultant. The sales company offers easy-toprepare foods.

As an independent business owner, Lucke offers food samples at home taste-testing parties, along

crumple the newspaper so loudly.

I smile serenely when he wonders aloud at the popping sounds that he hears when he stands (his knees), or when he questions the volume of the fax machine or asks if the front door squeak was

with ideas for everyday meals, recipes and serving suggestions.

All of Tastefully Simple’s products are open-and-enjoy or can be prepared by adding only one or two ingredients.

Hazen receives achievement awards The State Board of Education and the Office of the Superintendent of Public

always that obnoxiously loud.

I ask you: Who’s The Sainted One now?

You can reach the new Sainted One at patdetmer@aol.com.

Instruction awarded two Washington Achievement Awards to Hazen High School: One for its overall excellence, and one for being a top performer in the field of mathematics.

This is the fourth year in a row that Hazen High School has received a Washington Achievement Award. Hazen was one of five schools in the Renton School District that were recognized.

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A total of 381 state schools received Washington Achievement Awards. The awardwinning schools will be honored during an award ceremony on April 30 at Kentwood High School in Covington.

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Newcastle News

PAGE 10

APRIL 5, 2013

Choral director makes music an experience

By Christina Corrales-Toy Just a year ago, Newcastle resident Bob Ingalls was preparing his 12-member Musica Sacra Chamber Chorale for its first spring concert season.

Since then, the group has grown from 12 to 16, showing marked improvement along the way.

“The group has been getting better and better over that period of time,” Ingalls said. “We’ve had some new voices come in that are sensational, and our concert attendance has grown by leaps and bounds.”

Ingalls, a graduate of the Julliard School of Music, incorporated the select choir in January 2011 as an avenue to celebrate sacred music. The group performs in churches around Seattle, where the choir’s mission is to sing music from a variety of traditions in the space it was originally intended.

Ingalls spent more than 40 years conducting, playing and composing music, but he called

Bob Ingalls his work as artistic director of the Musica Sacra Chamber Chorale the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“The ability to create music that’s truly beautiful and yet at the same time, have it be music that is extremely challenging, it’s like a wonderful dream,” he said.

Musica Sacra Chamber Chorale’s 2013 spring concert series has a decidedly British flavor, featuring music written by composers from the British Isles, headlined by Benjamin Britten.

Considered among the best English composers of the 20th century, Britten would have celebrated his 100th birthday in 2013, had he not passed away in 1976.

The series, playfully entitled “A Taste of Britten,” is not only a celebration of Britten’s centennial, but a chance to explore the works of composers such as William Byrd, Samuel Sebastian Wesley and Henry Purcell.

A Musica Sacra Chamber Chorale performance is more than concert, Ingalls said. He works tirelessly to incorporate the intimate church setting of the shows to create both an auditory and visual experience for the audience.

“It’s beyond just watching a choral concert,” he said. “It’s the kind of concert that when you walk away, you feel like you’re

sort of on a different planet.”

The concerts tend to attract people from all walks of life, but the intent is for audiences to leave with a sense of peace and fruition, Ingalls said.

“My hope is that these concerts will be an oasis in the desert for you,” he said.

The Musica Sacra Chamber Chorale will present “A Taste of Britten” on April 20 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Seattle, April 26 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle and April 28 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue.

The performances in Seattle begin at 7:30 p.m., while the Bellevue performance begins at 3 p.m.

“A Taste of Britten” tickets purchased in advance are $18 to $20, while tickets purchased at the door range in price from $22 to $25.

Discounted group rates of 10 or more are available by calling 277-0809 or emailing info@musicasacrachamberchorale.com.

King County seeks proposals for youth sports facilities grants

Local youth sports organizations can apply for King County grants to build or upgrade recreation facilities.

The county Youth Sports Facilities Grants Program provides matching grant funds from $5,000 to $75,000.

Overall, officials awarded $12 million through the program in the past 20 years.

The fund administrator, the county Parks and Recreation Division, is accepting applications from qualified groups.

The applicants must partner with a public agency, such as a school district or city parks department, to

What to know Submit applicants for King County Youth Sports Facilities Grants Program through June 21. The deadline for letters of intent is May 3.

Find the application packet at http://1.usa.gov/ gv92uF. Contact Program Manager Butch Lovelace at 206-263-6267 or butch. lovelace@kingcounty.gov to learn more. develop or renovate sports facilities.

“Youth sports facil-

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ity grants are a good deal for taxpayers and a great deal for the youth of King County,” King County Councilman Larry Phillips said in a statement. “They draw matching investments from communities for recreation and play areas, create livable neighborhoods, and give kids opportunities to be active.”

Funding for the program is generated through one-quarter of 1 percent of car rental taxes. The program also receives $25,000 annually from the Youth Sports Facilities Grants endowment established after the county sold a government-owned building.

By Christina Corrales-Toy

Open for the season Baskets of fresh strawberries await customers at the Newcastle Fruit and Produce stand. The popular seasonal stand, which sells fruit, vegetables, plants and trees, opened March 28.

Local recruits finish Army bootcamp David C. Taylor Army Pvt. David Taylor has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During nine weeks of training, he studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises.

Taylor, the son of Brian Taylor of Renton, is a 2012 graduate of Hazen High School.

Justin Boggs Army Spec. Justin Boggs has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During nine weeks of training, he received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

Boggs, the son of Allen and Rita Boggs of Renton, is a 2006 graduate of Hazen High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 2010 from Central Washington University in Ellensburg.

Newcastle News

APRIL 5, 2013

Police blotter Suspicious vehicles While undergoing routine patrols of Newcastle areas, two police officers reported seeing two suspicious vehicles in separate incidents March 1 and 2. An officer stopped a suspicious white Honda parked on a secluded driveway south of Southeast 89th Place and 133 Avenue Southeast the morning of March 2. The officers warned the driver about parking in an area marked “No Trespassing” and asked him to leave. A different officer stopped a suspicious black Honda parked in the Coal Creek Apartments, 6820 Coal Creek Parkway, the morning of March 1.

Both men in the vehicle had suspended licenses, so the officer told them to park in the Safeway lot and arrange a ride home.

Lord of the rings Two custom rings worth more than $1,800 were stolen from a home for sale in the 7200 block of 134th Court Southeast, as a real estate agent showed the house to prospective clients between Feb. 25 and March 4.

Unlocked An unknown suspect stole about $1,200 worth of goods, including a backpack and an Apple laptop, from an unlocked car parked in the 12700 block of Southeast 73rd Place on March 4.

Double shot

Watch the road

A company trailer and truck parked in the Hansen Brothers Moving and Storage lot, 6860 Coal Creek Parkway S.E., were each shot once between Jan. 20 and Feb. 26. The owner did not notice the bullet holes until late February and reported it to police March 4.

A car got stuck in the mud at Highlands Park, on the corner of Southeast 91st Street and 140th Avenue Southeast, after the driver got distracted while looking at the radio and drove onto the grass March 10. There was no damage to the car or property, but the vehicle had to be towed.

Grand theft gasoline About 10 gallons of gasoline were stolen from a van parked at the Newport Crossing apartments, 7311 Coal Creek Parkway, just after 4 a.m. March 5. A man was on security patrol when he noticed gas leaking from the van and a garden hose emerging from the gas tank. There were no known suspects.

Unwanted visitor Police responded to a suspicious circumstances call in the 7300 block of 126th Place Southeast, after a woman reported that between March 10 and 12, an unknown person came to her house and tried the doors as if they were attempting to enter.

Tarps gone

Good Samaritan

Two tarps valued at $1,100 were stolen from a trailer parked on the street in front of the Coal Creek Utility District office, 6801 132nd Place S.E., between the evening of March 7 and the early morning of March 8.

A good Samaritan found a purse at the entrance of the Tamarind Condominiums, in the 7400 block of Newcastle Golf Club Road, and turned it in to police March 10. Police were able to track down the owner, and returned the purse and its contents.

Near vehicle theft An unknown suspect caused more than $150 worth of damage while attempting to steal a vehicle parked at the Newport Crossing apartments, 7311 Coal Creek Parkway, between the evening of March 6 and the morning of March 7. The suspect damaged the steering column, and took a coat and emergency kit, but was unable to get away with the car.

Stolen iPhone An iPhone was stolen from the Coal Creek YMCA, 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Road, on March 18. The owner had left the phone unattended.

Off leash During a patrol of Lake Boren Park, an officer found two people walking their dogs without leashes at about 10:30

a.m. March 22. The officer warned the walkers to put a leash on their dogs, or they would be cited next time.

Unlocked and loaded

A handgun worth $450 was stolen from an unlocked car parked at the Walkers Run Condominiums, 7453 Newcastle Golf Club Road, between the evening of March 24 and the morning of March 25.

PAGE 11

Student to take part in aerospace scholars program Jeremy Stroming, of Liberty High School, has been accepted into Phase One of this year’s Washington Aerospace Scholars Program at the Museum of Flight.

Affiliated with NASA and the University of Washington, the program is a free, competitive, science, technology, engineering and mathematics program for high school juniors from the state.

Stroming is among 285

student applicants from 117 public, private and home-school organizations who applied earlier this year. He is among 218 students still participating in the program.

Having already completed five online lessons, he will spend the next three months continuing to compete for one of the 160 slots available in a summer residency session held at The Museum of Flight in June and July.

Applications for the 2013-14 program will be available in late summer at www.museumofflight. org/was.

Community

PAGE 10

Events The Newcastle Chamber of Commerce monthly lunch is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 10 at Tapatio Mexican Grill, 6920 Coal Creek Parkway S.E. Guest speaker is Newcastle Mayor Rich Crispo.

Cost is $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers.

The Dog Doogity Dance Earth Day flash mob is at 12:30 p.m. April 20 at Lake Boren Park, 13058 S.E. 84th Way. Come practice at Lake Boren Park at 11 a.m. April 8, 1 p.m. April 11 and 3 p.m. April 12.

Networking Education Breakfast: The Power of your Brand, 7:30-8:30 a.m. April 24 at Regency Newcastle, 7454 Newcastle Golf Club Road. Sponsored by the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce with guest speaker Nancy Carlstrom.

The Weed Warriors is celebrating Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20 at Lake Boren Park, 13058 S.E. 84th Way. There will be silent auctions, booths, kid’s activities and music entertainment. Learn more at www.newcastleweedwarriors.org.

Public meetings All city public meetings are at City Hall, 12835 Newcastle Way, Suite 200. Call 649-4444. q Economic and Community Development — 8-9 a.m. April 9 q City Council meeting — 7-10 p.m. April 16 q Planning Commission — 7-9 p.m. April 17 The Newcastle Trails board meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Regency Newcastle, 7454 Newcastle Golf Club Road.

Learn more at www.newcastletrails.org.

APRIL 5, 2013

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Earth Day celebration is set for April 20

A Newcastle Earth Day attendee stops by an information booth at the 2012 event.

YMCA The Coal Creek Family YMCA, 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Road, has regular family programs for all ages. Get a complete schedule by calling 2821500 or go to www.seattleymca. org/Locations/CoalCreek/Pages/ Home.aspx. q Parents’ Night Out at the Y: Game Night, for ages 3-11, 5-9 p.m. April 6, $30 for members/$35 for nonmembers q Family Movie Night: Winnie the Pooh, 6:30 p.m.

April 19. Bring the whole family.

Free! q Parents’ Night Out at the Y: Spring Fling, for ages 3-11, 5-9 p.m. March 23, $30 for members/$35 for nonmembers

q Teen Art Crew: Printmaking & Swimming, for grades five through eight, 1:15-7 p.m. March 16, $10 q Zumba Party benefitting Partners with Youth Campaign, for ages 10 and up, 6-8 p.m. March 29, $20 donation q Tumbling: Mommy/ Daddy & Me, for ages 1-3, 10:45-11:30 a.m. Thursdays, $5 for members/$9 for nonmembers q Diabetes Prevention Program, for ages 18 and older, call for times or to sign up q Swimming lessons, for ages 3 and older, $54, call for age group times and dates q Tae Kwon Do, for ages 5 and older, through March 28,

File

The city’s annual Earth Day celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

April 20 at Lake Boren Park.

Earth Day is a global event that promotes healthy living, sustainable practices, encourages environmental stewardship and offers green products and services from businesses.

This year’s event will feature educational seminars throughout the day, crafts and musical entertainment.

The Pacific Science Center’s interactive “Science in the Environment” displays will be available, while the National Wildlife Federation’s mascot, Ranger Rick, will be on hand to take photos.

Event organizers are still seeking businesses and nonprofit organizations willing to participate and promote their green products and services at Newcastle Earth Day. To learn more, call 206-795-5783, email gracestiller@comcast.net, or go to www. newcastleweedwarriors.org.

April 2013

May 2013

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

$28-$54, call for age group times and dates

Library events The Friends of the Newcastle Library meets from 7-9 p.m. April 24, at the Newcastle Library.

The Newcastle Library is

at 12901 Newcastle Way. The following programs are offered the rest of the month: q Learning Styles in Action, a STARS workshop, 7-9 p.m. April 4 q Feasting on Books, talks about books featuring See CALENDAR, Page 11

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Newcastle News

APRIL 5, 2013

Calendar

q Preschool Story Time, for ages 3-5 with adult, 1:15 p.m. Mondays

From Page 10 food, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., April 13. q Parenting Teens: Media and Self-esteem – Unpacking the Image, 3-5 p.m. April 13, for teens and parents. q Drop-in to Learn About eBooks, for adults, 1 p.m. April 13 q Teen Advisory Board, for teens, 7 p.m.

April 15 q Meet Jennie Grant, the author of “City Goats,” from 7-8 :30 p.m.

April 17. q Newcastle Library Book Group discusses “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake,” by Aimee Bender, for adults, 7 p.m. April 25. q Computer Class: One-on-One Assistance, for adults, 7, 7:30, and 8 p.m. April 25 q Toddler Story Time, for ages 1 to 3 with adult, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Mondays

Clubs East Shore Singles, a social group for single adults older than 45, sponsors monthly activities and special events on the Eastside. New members are welcome. Call 433-0558 for a monthly bulletin go to www.eastshoresingles. org or www.meetup.com/ eastshore-singles.

The Society of Artists for Newcastle, an art organization, is seeking new members.

Call 271-5822.

MOMS Club of Renton meets for play dates at parks and other locations. New activities are planned daily. This nonprofit, nonreligious organization provides daytime support for moms and their families. Call 260-3079.

Bridge players are wanted, evening or daytime. Games take place at various homes in the Hazelwood area. Call 255-

0895.

Newcastle Historical Society meets at 4 p.m. the first Thursday at City Hall, 13020 S.E. 72nd Place.

Call 891-8149.

An international dinner, sponsored by Baha’i Faith of Newcastle, is at 6:30 p.m. the third Friday. Call 430-8047.

Drinking Liberally, an informal progressive social group that discusses politics, meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Thursday at Angelo’s Restaurant, 1830 130th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. Go to www.drinkingliberally.org.

Eastside Mothers & More, a social network for mothers, meets from 7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday in the North Room at East Shore Unitarian Church, 12700 S.E. 32nd St., Bellevue. Go to www.eastsidemothersandmore.org.

Hill ’N’ Dale Garden Club, meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday September through May at the Newport Way Library, 14250 S.E. Newport Way. Call 747-2953.

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Friends of Renton Schools Foundation breakfast is top fundraiser of the year

By Christina Corrales-Toy

The Friends of Renton Schools will host its fourth annual benefit breakfast, headlined by speaker Norm Rice, on April 29.

The benefit is the main fundraiser for the school foundation that provides supplemental funding to support the Renton School District.

Last year’s breakfast raised about $200,000, with former NASA astronaut Bonnie Dunbar as the speaker. Bill Gates Sr. and Sally Jewell, CEO of REI and President Barack Obama’s nominee to lead the interior department, have both spoken at past fundraisers.

“Our keynote speakers, their wealth of knowledge and their passion are just what drive the attendance of this event,” said Pam Teal, chairwoman of the Friends of Renton Schools.

This year’s speaker is a

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former mayor of Seattle.

He now serves as the president and CEO of the Seattle Foundation.

“We usually have about 300 guests, and we anticipate with Norm as our speaker, we will definitely have those numbers again,” Teal said.

The breakfast itself is free, though there will be an opportunity to make a donation at the event.

The school foundation will also auction off a chance to have lunch at the governor’s office with Mary Alice Heuschel, Gov. Jay Inslee’s chief of staff and the district’s former superintendent.

The Friends of Renton Schools’ mission is to develop a sustainable funding resource that bridges the gap between

federal and state funding for schools, so students can obtain an exceptional, world-class education.

“I believe in the ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ mentality and embracing that thought of giving back to education, because these students are our future,” Teal said. “That student at Hazelwood Elementary School could be the next owner of a great little gift shop that’s going to open up in Newcastle.”

The breakfast begins at 7 a.m. April 29 at the Renton Pavilion Event Center, 233 Burnett Ave. S., Renton.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by emailing Pam Teal at mpteal@comcast. net by April 22.

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Newcastle Chamber of Commerce The Community Activities Commission Is Looking For a Volunteer!

The City of Newcastle is looking for a volunteer to serve on the newly formed Community Activities Commission. The Commission is comprised of seven community members who volunteer their time and expertise to help facilitate community events and programs in the city. The Community Activities Commission takes its direction from the City Council and works closely with city staff as well as other community groups.

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This new commission takes the place of the previous Parks Commission and is seeking Newcastle residents who have an interest in community events (such as festivals and concerts), city parks and recreational programs. Members of the Community Activities Commission must be Newcastle residents at least eighteen years of age. Regular meetings are held once a month on Wednesday evenings. There is an expectation of some additional meeting times to help with specific events.

The Mayor, a member of the Council and the Commission Chair will review applications and interview candidates for the position. Following the selection process, the Mayor will recommend an appointment to the full City Council for approval.

If selected, the new member will be appointed for a four-year term.

Interested parties should submit a letter of interest, resume and application in person, via mail or email to the address below. Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2013. Please mail or email to: City of Newcastle Attn: City Clerk 12835 Newcastle Way, Suite 200 Newcastle, WA 98056 or email to cityclerk@ci.newcastle.wa.us Inquiries may be directed to City Clerk Sara McMillon at 425-649-4444. Applications are available at Newcastle City Hall and on the City’s website at http://www.ci.newcastle.wa.us/

Schools

PAGE 14

APRIL 5, 2013

Renton schools are alive with the sound of music Friends of Renton Schools raise money to support programs

By Christina Corrales-Toy Every day during fifth period, 86 Hazen High School students sit in a crowded music room, arranged neatly in rows, with an almost equal population of boys and girls.

They are all members of the school’s concert choir, and for an hour each day, they get the opportunity to immerse themselves in song.

“I love fifth period because I get to come to this class,” Hazen senior Dale Schrock said. “In all the other classes, you’re learning something, but in this class, you’re making something, and it’s a beautiful product.”

Passion for Hazen’s choir programs is at an all-time high, as evidenced by the high student turnout, many of which are boys. It isn’t generally easy to coax boys to join their high school choir, but Hazen music teacher Josh Viles said he doesn’t have to try hard at all to get them to join the class.

“The kids are just ready to go,” Viles said. “There’s just an enthusiasm and energy behind

Get involved The Friends of Renton Schools collected money for district music programs through a special ‘March is Music Month’ promotion. Since it’s no longer March, the group will not actively campaign for music program funds as it turns its focus to the April benefit breakfast. However, those interested in giving can do so at the Friends of Renton Schools’ website, www.friendsofrentonschools.org.

the whole music department, in general.”

Hazen offers a full lineup of music programs with band, orchestra, choir, guitar and piano classes.

“Hazen is a great place and has great kids, with a huge base of talent and people who are there willing to do everything they can to be the best singers, or best band members,” said Brody

Photos by Christina Corrales-Toy

Above, Laura Thompson, McKnight Middle School choir teacher, leads the seventh-grade choir through a March 21 practice. Below, members of the Hazen High School jazz band practice March 13.

Graybeal, a Hazen senior, and a member of the concert choir.

The school’s music department does not lack for passion or enthusiasm, but it is short on funding to buy basic essentials, Viles said. He has just a $500 budget to cover expenses for his choir, guitar and piano classes.

“Just getting sheet music into the kids’ hands is difficult,” he said. “The average piece of music costs $1.80 for one copy.

Do the math. If I buy 86 copies of just one thing, that’s a good chunk of my budget.”

Hazen senior Griffin Lindbeck, also a member of the concert See MUSIC, Page 18

Liberty grad globetrots with the U.S. Department of State

By Christina Corrales-Toy

Contributed

Paul Neville, a Liberty High School graduate (center), speaks at a cultural exchange presentation in the form of a fashion show in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on July 4, 2012.

Paul Neville has traveled to more than 100 countries around the world. He has dined with foreign dignitaries and spoken in front of captive crowds.

His audience on March 11, though, was a class full of students, in a building that Neville holds dear to his heart.

Almost 20 years after he graduated from Liberty High School, Neville returned to his alma mater to talk about his experience working as a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State.

“I wanted to tell the next generation about the

incredible experiences of living, working and volunteering overseas,” he said.

“Plus, I’m a Liberty Patriot forever, so it was great to come back.”

In an hourlong presentation, Neville showed the class photos from his travels abroad to places such as Vietnam, Tajikistan and Thailand.

His message to the 30 students sitting in the Advanced Placement French class was a simple one — Don’t be afraid to expand your horizons.

“It’s OK to get to know the world outside of what you know now,” he said.

“You can always come back home, because it is a great place to live and

grow up around here, but I would definitely encourage you to go and explore the world.”

Neville had recently returned from Chiang Mai, Thailand, where he served an assignment as a political and economic officer at the U.S. Consulate General.

In that position, Neville monitored political and economic trends in the country and provided written reports of information and analysis to his superiors.

As a Liberty student, Neville said he did not immediately know he was destined for a life full of See DIPLOMAT, Page 19

Newcastle News

APRIL 5, 2013

PAGE 15

Rotary clubs honor students of the month Editor’s note: Photos for Jessica Pickering, Emma Welch, Paige Smith and Ian Acheznick were lost in a March 25 break-in of The Issaquah Press building and theft of company computers.

Renton Dale Schrock, a senior at Hazen High School, was selected as a Renton Rotary Club Youth of the Month for March.

Dale He mainSchrock tains a 3.9 grade point average and has been involved in National Honor Society, choir and class office. He also played for the baseball and football teams.

Schrock has received a scholar athlete honor, an Advanced Placement Scholar Award and the Presidential Academic Achievement Award.

He works part time as a sales associate at Foot Locker and volunteers with Northwest Harvest, Fox Hallow Farms, Renton Little League and Newcastle Days Schrock expects to attend a four-year college to study economics and politics. He plans to become a marine officer, but is also interested in studying to be a lawyer.

Issaquah December Melissa Blue q School: Liberty High School q Category of recognition: foreign language q Parents: Gabriela and Patrick Blue q Melissa Sponsoring teacher: Sarah Blue Duran q Scholastic achievements: Advanced Placement Scholar with honors; level A2 diploma of French as a foreign language; level B1 diploma of Spanish as a foreign language; dean’s honors list q Athletic achievements: athlete’s award, co-captain of cross country q Activity Achievements:

student director of GAIA, Service Honor Roll q Scholastic interests: languages (Spanish and French), history, math q Hobbies: cross country, track and field, dance q Education goals: economics and international relations or business q Occupation/career: work at a nongovernmental organization ideally Joe Dapper q School: Liberty High School q Category of recognition: art q Parents: Monica and Pete Dapper q Sponsoring teachJoe Dapper er: Anne Cooper q Athletic achievements: two first-team All KingCo awards in soccer, Scholar Athlete award, varsity soccer captain q Activity Achievements: LHS 2010 Humanitarian of the Year award q Scholastic interests: Honor Society, art, editor of the Patriot Press, art club, Patriot Crew, tutoring q Hobbies: studio art, sculpture, soccer, fishing, hiking, mixed media art q Education goals: go to Cal Poly or the University of Washington to study architecture and architectural engineering q Occupation/career: architect January Jessica Pickering q School: Liberty High School q Category of recognition: Leadership q Parents: Jodi and Andrew Pickering q Sponsoring teacher: Michelle Munson q Scholastic achievements: Wendy’s High School Heisman LHS recipient, National Junior Honor Society (2009-13) q Athletic achievements: state gymnastics (2009), state track (2010), volleyball MVP and captain (2012) q Activity Achievements: Kind Club president, Patriot Crew treasurer q Scholastic interests: English, public speaking, history q Hobbies: volleyball, snowboarding, making posters for

Contributed

Ready to read Teachers at Newcastle Elementary School dress up as storybook characters in celebration of Read Across America week at the end of February.

Associated Student Body q Outside school affiliations: Athletes for Kids mentor q Education goals: attend a four-year university and attain a degree in business management, with an emphasis in human resource management or marketing q Occupation/career: work for nonprofit organization in either human resources or marketing Emma Welch q School: Liberty High School q Category of recognition: career tech ED q Parents: James and Jamie Welch q Sponsoring teacher: Delores Leber q Scholastic achievements: freshman — VFW Academic Award, highest grade point average in ROTC; sophomore — American Legion Academic Award, highest GPA in ROTC; junior — honor cadet, highest GPA in ROTC q Activity Achievements: first alternate in state in solo and ensemble competition last year q Scholastic interests: choir, NJROTC, preschool lab q Hobbies: music — piano and singer q Outside school affiliations: member of ministry team that helps drug addicts, drunks, etc. q Education goals: bachelor of music education q Occupation/career: music teacher in an elementary school February Ian Acheznick

q School: Liberty High School q Category of recognition: music q Sponsoring teacher: Robin Wood q Scholastic achievements: Overall Achievement award NJROTC q Activity Achievements: Eagle Scout q Scholastic interests: Northwest IT Professional computer tech classes, founder of Graphic Design Club q Hobbies: Web design, band – euphonium, backpacking q Outside school affiliations: Boy Scouts of America q Education goals: major in web and integrative design, four-year university q Occupation/career: Web designer Paige Smith q School: Liberty High School q Category of recognition: drama q Sponsoring teacher: Katherine Klekas q Scholastic achievements: National Merit nominee q Activity Achievements: Liberty drama president, lead role in fall play, improv longform performer q Hobbies: improv, drama, graphic design, reading, art q Outside school affiliations: Lord of Life Lutheran Church Youth Group q Education goals: fouryear university in the Pacific Northwest q Occupation/career: graphic design/English

Liberty student serves as senate page Cooper Antin, a freshman at Liberty High School, spent a week working as a page for the Washington State Senate at the capitol in Cooper Antin Olympia. Antin was sponsored

by Sen. Steve Litzow (R-Mercer Island).

The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for Washington students to get firsthand experience working in the Legislature.

Pages get a variety of experiences in their weeklong stay in Olympia, including running errands, delivering mail and paging in the Senate Chamber.

Pages are also taught about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process.

Learn more about the Senate Page Program at www.leg. wa.gov/Senate/Administration/ PageProgram.

Local students graduate from WSU

The following Newcastle students graduated from Washington State University in the fall 2012 semester: Zachary William Burris — Bachelor of Arts in business administration; Lauren Ashley La Fontaine — Bachelor of Arts in communication, Magna Cum Laude; Aaron Charles Steele — Bachelor of Science in civil engineering.

Sports

PAGE 16

APRIL 5, 2013

Liberty rugby player represents the USA Ian Wright has Olympic dreams

By Christina Corrales-Toy

Contributed

The Hazen High School drill team poses with its state championship trophies at the Yakima SunDome March 22.

Hazen placed first in 3A pom and second in 3A military.

Hoo-ray for Hazen

Drill team wins repeat state title

By Christina Corrales-Toy Hazen High School is home to a burgeoning dynasty, even if its leader, drill team coach Kristin Sargent, may be too humble to admit it.

That’s what it’s called when a team wins backto-back state championships and has placed at the state competition every year since 2008.

The Hazen High School drill team added to its overflowing trophy case with an impressive showing at the March 22 Washington Interscholastic Activities Association’s Dance and Drill State Championships in the Yakima SunDome.

The team placed first in 3A pom and second in 3A military, after taking first in both events last year.

“Getting a back-to-back win is not common, so it was very exciting for the team,” Sargent said.

Hazen’s military score was actually higher than last year’s, but the score was not enough to capture first this time.

“When you’re in a

On the Web Learn more about the Hazen High School drill team at www.hazendrillteam.shutterfly.com. subjective sport like that, you can’t control how your competition scores,” Sargent said. “It was close and could have probably gone either way, but it went this way and we’re happy with it.”

After spending time competing in high school gymnasiums around the area, getting a chance to perform in the large Yakima SunDome is always a thrill for her girls, Sargent said.

“It’s like a beehive in there, and everybody’s just walking around, so when the girls first walk in, you can see their eyes just get big,” she said.

“It’s a magical thing, and the WIAA does an amazing job of making this event special for the girls.”

It is not easy to so con-

Liberty rugby player Ian Wright is used to donning the blue-and-green uniform of the Liberty Rugby Football Club.

The Liberty High School senior temporarily traded in the Patriots’ colors, though, for the familiar red, white and blue of USA Rugby, when he represented the country at an international competition in February.

Wright was selected from a pool of more than 120 elite athletes to join the USA Rugby High School All-Americans.

Only 24 athletes were chosen to fill two teams that competed at the Las Vegas Invitational Sevens Tournament, going up against squads from Canada.

“Actually having the chance to represent my country, it means more

than anything,” Wright said. “Words can’t describe it.”

Wright’s selection came as no surprise, given his work ethic and determination to succeed, Liberty Rugby Football Club coach Jeff Candler said.

“I can probably count on one hand how many practices he’s missed in five years,” Candler said.

“He’s not one to sit out a drill or a game. He doesn’t miss opportunities to better himself.”

Wright’s refusal to quit stems from his aspiration to compete in the world’s premier sporting event — the Olympics. Rugby returns to the Summer Olympics in 2016, after almost a century away from the games.

“As a high schooler, being able to represent the USA is awesome, but being able to represent your country in the Olympics would be even better,” he said. “Just knowing that I possibly have a chance to See RUGBY, Page 20

Contributed

The Hazen High School drill team performs in the pom category at the WIAA Dance and Drill State Championships. sistently excel at the state competition, Sargent said.

The team’s 26 girls practice for about 10 months of the year, rarely stopping for holidays, vacations or school breaks.

“It’s a huge time commitment, but it’s worth it,” she said. “You can definitely see the results.”

The team practices four days a week for about two hours. Members must maintain a 2.5 grade point average, higher than the usual 2.0 sports standard.

“It’s a lot of work, but it doesn’t take long for the girls to catch the fever of what it means to be a Hazen driller and what that expectation entails,” Sargent said.

Sargent knows firsthand what it takes to don the Highlanders’ colors, having done so as a Hazen student herself. She was a member of the Liberty High School drill team

before coming to Hazen, where she was the drill team captain in 1999.

“I’m grateful that I was able to be at both schools.

I learned a lot at Liberty,” she said. “To come back to Hazen, though, it felt so comfortable. I came in and I can’t leave. It’s so rewarding and it’s so much fun.”

In addition to competitions, the team also participates in community parades, football games, basketball games, community and charity events, and Hazen pep assemblies throughout the year.

Captains Lydia Sim, Newin Pales, Quynh Nhu Tran and Valerie Tran lead the team.

Lieutenants for the team are Christine Ta, Errin Williams and Michelle Tsuboi.

Members of the team from Newcastle are Kelsey Chin, Uugii Munkhdelger, Sim and Tsuboi.

Contributed

Liberty Rugby Football Club player Ian Wright attempts to evade a defender as he runs across the pitch. Wright was selected from a pool of more than 120 elite athletes to join the USA Rugby High School All-Americans.

Newcastle News

APRIL 5, 2013

PAGE 17

Patriots unsatisfied with 3-1 win over Thunderbirds

By Christina Corrales-Toy If the Liberty High School scoreboard was functioning during the softball team’s matchup against Sammamish, it would have shown a 3-1 victory for the Patriots.

The March 28 win against the Totems didn’t feel like much of an achievement for the Liberty coaches and players, though.

“We won, but we really didn’t win,” first-year Liberty coach Zach Bartholomew said.

“Mentally, it was a disaster and to play in this league, you’ve got to be better than that.”

The Liberty softball program has had a lot of success through the years, making several state tournament appearances, including a ninth-place finish last year.

As a result, the Liberty coaches and players hold themselves to a higher standard.

That’s why the mental miscues, including missed signs and poor pitch selection, were so frustrating for the Liberty head coach.

“We can come out and hit with the best of them, we can throw with the best of them,

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we’ve just got to get the mental side of the game to be perfect,” Bartholomew said.

One Liberty player that showed a great deal of mental fortitude was sophomore pitcher Sydney Hopper, Bartholomew said. Hopper held Sammamish to one run in seven innings, allowing just three hits with eight strikeouts.

“When I talk about mental toughness, she is what we want everybody else to be,” Bartholomew said. “It doesn’t matter what’s going on around her, she’s going to do everything she can. She’s going to throw her heart out, and from a sophomore, you can’t ask for more.”

While Hopper continued to throw strikes from the mound, the Liberty offense struggled to string hits together. After five innings, the game was tied, 1-1.

The Patriots were able to muster just enough offense in the sixth inning, scoring two runs. Olivia Kutzke drove in one with an RBI single and Ashley Knox drove in the other with a sacrifice fly to right field.

The Liberty offense has all the potential to be explosive, Bartholomew said. Just a week before, the Patriots collected 22 hits against a tough Inglemoor team. The Liberty hitters struggled to adjust to Sammamish’s pitcher.

“It goes to the mental focus,” he said. “You’ve got a slower pitcher out there today, so you’ve got to adjust. You’ve got to sit back and be able to hit line drives and we couldn’t do it. We just managed to splint together some runs.”

The coaches weren’t the only ones disappointed by the performance. The Liberty players know they need to step up their performance as well.

“We all know we’re capable of playing much better than we did, and we just made some mistakes,” Hopper said. “It’s early in the season, but we’re going to pick it up a little bit next game.”

Liberty was without a key performer in all-league third baseman Liza Van Camp, who injured her ankle in a previous game. Van Camp was expected to return to the diamond the first week of April.

By Greg Farrar

Miranda Bukantz, Liberty High School catcher, grins as she prepares to put out Haley Newton, of Sammamish, on a double play, to retire the side March 28 during the third inning of the Patriots’ 3-1 win over the Totems.

Newcastle News

PAGE 18

Photos by Christina Corrales-Toy

At right, Josh Viles, chairman of the Hazen High School music department, leads the school’s concert choir through a March 13 practice. Above, Sharon Olsen, McKnight Middle School orchestra teacher, helps position her student’s fingers.

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choir, agreed that funding for music seems to come up short.

“We’re one of the most underfunded departments in the whole school, but we’re one of the most motivated and most successful departments,” he said. “We try really hard, but we have to basically work with what we’ve got, which is very minimal.”

That’s why, during the month of March, the Friends of the Renton Schools worked to raise funds for district music programs. The goal was to raise $50,000 to provide money directly to the programs to buy and repair instruments and purchase sheet music.

That money could go a long way at McKnight Middle School, where longtime band teacher Dave Niimi must make the most out of instruments that are a little worse for wear.

“Some of these instruments are 1960’s vintage, and it’s really important for us that students have an opportunity to play

them so that we get a representative sound,” he said.

A pair of tubas, in particular, showed years of use, with dents spotted all across the instruments.

McKnight orchestra teacher Sharon Olsen and choir teacher Laura Thompson could both use materials as well. From sheet music and performance attire, to instrument repair or replacement, every little bit can help, they said.

“Unfortunately, not many people have access to music, because it costs so much money for instruments and private lessons,” Olsen said. “So, to provide that in the school, what we’re saying is that music is, and should be, for everyone.”

Thompson added that the value of music education goes far beyond the skill of simply learning an instrument.

“We’re trying to develop kids that are wellrounded, and music is one of those things that, now that standardized testing is such a focus, it kind of goes by the wayside,” she said. “It helps the kids academically and it helps them to feel connected to the school community.”

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“We look forward to Liberty graduates, like Mr. Neville, continuing to come back and share their stories with Liberty students, and inspiring them to excel in fields that give back to the greater good,” he said.

Just days after his visit, Neville traveled to Washington, D.C., to begin preparations for his next assignment. In August, he will move to Tijuana, Mexico, where he will work as a consular officer.

Contributed

Paul Neville (far left) visits a refugee camp in Thailand to play with Burmese children whose families will soon be resettled to the United States.

Diplomat From Page 10 global experiences; that passion came later when he joined the Peace Corps after graduating from the University of Washington.

Liberty did represent an important part in getting him where he is today, though, Neville said.

“Liberty was an excellent educational foundation and the support that came from the staff was amazing,” he said. “They encouraged us to follow our dreams, and that’s what I did.”

Sarah Duran, Liberty’s

AP French teacher, said the visit was beneficial for her students, many of whom expressed a greater interest in traveling after Neville’s visit.

“In our world language classes, we are always trying to encourage our kids to think with a global perspective and to explore the world around them,” she said. “Having a Liberty graduate that has done this was truly an inspirational experience for the students.”

Liberty Principal Josh Almy, who sat in on a portion of the presentation, said Neville was a prime example of the amazing accomplishments of which Liberty grads are capable.

In that role, Neville will help Mexican citizens obtain visas and assist American citizens who may be traveling in Mexico.

“It’s all about the adventure of living in a different culture and learning about new places, meeting new people and eating new food,” he said.

“It’s also great knowing that I’m serving my country and helping make it a more secure and prosperous place.”

PAGE 19

Contributed

Liberty High School graduate Paul Neville returns to his alma mater to talk about his experiences working abroad with the U.S. Department of State.

Newcastle News

PAGE 20

APRIL 5, 2013 Prsrt Std U.S. POSTAGE PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71

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Rugby From Page 16 be one of those top guys is pushing me to do even more and get even better so I can make that team.”

Wright’s selection to the High School All-

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Americans is a promising first step as USA Rugby prepares for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Candler said.

“This is part of the player pool that they’re seeking for the Olympics,” he said. “This is the age group that they want. They’re developing this group of athletes, and they’re going

to pick out of them for the Olympic team in 2016. It’s a great honor.”

The USA Rugby High School All-Americans fielded two teams at the Las Vegas tournament.

Wright was placed on the second team, but it was the first team that emerged as the victors, earning the chance to

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continue playing at tournaments in England and South America.

Though Wright was not on the winning squad, his performance in Las Vegas stood out, and he was one of three athletes selected as reserves to the team that traveled to London at the end of March.

The sport of rugby is a bit of a different animal, Candler said, but its popularity in the area has grown by leaps and bounds over the years.

“We’ve expanded from a club of 20 people to 100 people,” he said.

“It’s entirely different from your mainstream sports. Our sport brings kids closer through the physicality of it and the bond that’s created from going through the learning process of a sport they probably didn’t know before.”

That physicality is what attracted him to the sport five years ago, said Wright, who also played football for Liberty. Rugby, similar to football, has been a useful outlet to relieve stress and clear his mind of distractions.

Wright’s favorite part of the sport, though, is the relationships he has cultivated with both his teammates and competitors.

“The camaraderie in this sport is amazing,” he said. “I consider them all as part of my family, my rugby brothers. I just wouldn’t trade it for anything.”