newcastle news 070111

School conservation programs get greener.

Page 18

Newcastle resident wins Special Olympics medal.

Page 16

July 1, 2011 VOL. 9, NO. 7

City Council race gets more competition Candidates file for August primary

Hat’s in the ring Reagan Dunn enters race for state attorney general.

Page 2

By Tim Pfarr Resident Frank Irigon and former City Councilman Gordon Bisset have filed to run for City Council Position 4 in this year’s election.

Bisset — who served as a member of the council from 2002-2005 — and Irigon will face off against Parks

Commission Chair Andrew Shelton in a primary election in August.

The top two finishers will advance to the general election in November.

Councilman Sonny Putter, who holds Position 4, announced in April he would retire from the council at the end of the year.

Incumbent councilwomen Lisa Jensen and Carol Simpson and incumbent Deputy Mayor Steve Buri have filed to run for re-election this fall in their respective positions. Each will be unopposed on the November ballot.

Council positions are at large and not assigned to geographic regions of the city.

Frank Irigon Frank Irigon has been a resi-

Gordon Bisset

Frank Irigon

See CANDIDATES, Page 13

Playwright offers tales from the heart

Top talker National society honors columnist Pat Detmer.

Page 3

Police & Fire

By Tim Pfarr

Page 7

Graduation Congratulations to the classes of 2011.

Page 10-11

Crime reports See crime reports in the city on the city’s website, www.ci.newcastle.wa.us, by clicking the link “Crime Reports” in the “Quick Links” section on the right side of the screen.

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

50¢

Maxwell, Dulcich joined a dozen children armed with scissors to cut the ribbon and officially declare that it was playtime.

“I’m really ecstatic about how it turned out,” he said about the playground. “It turned out fabulous.”

The new playground has been more than a year in the making. Gordon first brought the project forward for funding in May 2010 after safety hazards were found on the 15-yearold structure.

“I went to a vocational school that was me and like 2,500 guys,” Elena Hartwell remembered with a laugh. It was there the high school dropout from San Diego learned to become an auto mechanic.

She was 17, and although working on cars was not her lifelong dream, it was work. The days were filled with grease, oil and motors, but after work — and wiping the grease from her fingers — Hartwell became an artist.

It was during these years that she completed her first fulllength script for the stage: “Fast Ducks.” The story followed several people in a diner, exploring their relationships with one another. The play took place in a town in which residents raced ducks.

“Inspiration strikes in strange ways,” Hartwell said with a laugh, adding that she wrote the script not knowing anything about theater.

Now, 25 years later, Hartwell sits in her Newcastle home, remembering how she took a passion and created a career.

Since “Fast Ducks,” Hartwell has written six full-length plays, three one-acts and five shorts.

Various stage companies have produced her plays, and she is now one of the few individuals in the state making a living as a playwright.

See PLAYGROUND, Page 13

See PLAYWRIGHT, Page 12

By Tim Pfarr

The modernized merry-go-round was among the most popular features at the Lake Boren Park playground ribbon cutting June 16. A $325,000 state grant funded the playground.

Lake Boren Park playground reopens just in time for summer

By Tim Pfarr It was love at first sight at the Lake Boren Park playground ribbon cutting ceremony June 16.

Every inch of the new structure seemed to be occupied by a smiling child eager to explore the new climbing, spinning and sliding toys at his or her disposal.

The new playground was constructed this spring thanks to a $325,000 grant from the state, which was secured in 2010 by former state Sen. Randy Gordon.

The playground opened to the public June 13, but hundreds

showed up for the ribbon cutting, which followed the last day of school for students in the Issaquah School District.

The playground features a modern style, with separate play areas for children between the ages of 2 and 5, and for those older than 5. Among the most popular features of the new structure are a fast, tilted merry-go-round, a modernized teeter-totter and climbing ropes.

After a series of short speeches from Gordon, Mayor John Dulcich and state Rep. Marcie

Newcastle News

PAGE 2

JULY 1, 2011

Reagan Dunn enters race for state attorney general

By Warren Kagarise Reagan Dunn, Newcastle’s representative on the King County Council and a former federal prosecutor, entered the race June 14 for state attorney general.

In a long-expected campaign announcement, Dunn, a Republican, referenced his experience at the U.S. Department of Justice as a key asset in the race, and rolled out a series of highprofile endorsements.

“I am running for attorney general because I am concerned about the overall direction of Washington state government and I believe we can do much better,” he said in a statement.

“While Rob McKenna has done a very fine job as our AG, much more still needs to be done. Our state faces significant challenges, including high unemployment, an unfavorable business climate for job creation and crime levels that are unacceptable.”

Dunn is seeking to succeed Attorney General Rob McKenna, the leading Republican in the 2012 race for governor. McKenna launched a bid for the Governor’s Mansion on June 8. Incumbent Gov. Chris Gregoire, a Democrat, is not seeking a third term; Democratic U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee is expected to run.

On the County Council, Dunn represents unincorporated communities south of

Issaquah, as well as parts of Bellevue and Renton.

Fellow County Councilman Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, is also running for Reagan Dunn attorney general. Democrat John Ladenburg, a former Pierce County executive, is in the race, too.

Ferguson confronted Dunn on council business after the Republican entered the race.

“I noticed that his fourminute announcement video focused exclusively on law and order — yet, he has consistently voted against funding for sheriff deputies, courts and criminal justice agencies here in King County,” Ferguson said in a statement. “He also never mentioned ‘consumer protection’ in his video. As attorney general, I will make protecting Washington consumers a priority, especially as families struggle through this recession.”

In 2005, council members appointed Dunn as McKenna’s replacement after McKenna resigned to become attorney general. Before the appointment, Dunn served as a special assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Florida and the District of Columbia, prosecuting narcotics cases and other

street crimes.

Following the stints on the East Coast, he joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Seattle, prosecuting crimes, such as narcotics manufacturing, child pornography, Internet crimes, bank fraud and weapons violations.

In Seattle, Dunn also served in the Terrorism and Violent Crime Unit and as the coordinator of the Firearm Crime Enforcement Coalition of Western Washington, a multiagency law enforcement effort to reduce gun-related violent crime.

Dunn’s mother, the late Jennifer Dunn, represented Newcastle and the 8th Congressional District in Washington, D.C., for 12 years.

On June 14, the candidate announced endorsements from McKenna, former state Attorney General Ken Eikenberry, and former U.S. attorneys Mike McKay, John McKay, Jim McDevitt, Bill Hyslop and Jeffrey Sullivan, a Sammamish resident.

“Reagan Dunn brings an ideal balance of criminal and civil experience as a candidate for attorney general,” McKenna said in a statement. “His work leading the U.S. Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, his service as a federal prosecutor and his two terms on the King County Council make him eminently qualified to be attorney general, and I wholeheartedly endorse him.”

Contributed

Recycling competition results too close to call Waste Management’s fivemonth recycling competition in Newcastle came to an end June 24, but the results were too close to call, said Jackie Lang, Waste Management director of communications.

The competition pitted the east and west sides of the city against each other in a battle to see which could increase its recycling rate the most. The winning side will receive $5,000 toward a community project.

Both teams — The Waste Less Warriors of the east and The

Recycling Renegades of the west — have steadily recycled more than 100 pounds per month throughout the competition.

“I’ve heard from residents who are signing up for smaller garbage containers and looking for every opportunity to make sure food and yard waste end up in the yard waste container rather than the garbage,” Councilwoman Carol Simpson said in a news release. “Many residents are clearly making a special effort to reduce waste and recycle more.”

Concerts in the Park lineup is set

series. ❑ July 13 — Borrowed Time, tribute to Styx ❑ July 20 — Wing N Things, tribute to Paul McCartney & Wings ❑ July 27 — The Offenders, classic rock ❑ Aug. 3 — The Front Street Cats, original and popular music ❑ Aug. 10 — Ventura Highway Revisited, popular music ❑ Aug. 17 — Black Velvet 4, progressive and classic rock

The city has rounded out its Concerts in the Park lineup for the summer.

Lake Boren Park will host six concerts on Wednesdays throughout the summer, beginning July 13. Each concert — beginning at 7 p.m. — will be an hour and a half.

The Golf Course at Newcastle and KeyBank will sponsor the

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Newcastle News

JULY 1, 2011

PAGE 3

Columnists Pat Detmer wins national newspaper award

By Tim Pfarr The National Society of Newspaper Columnists in May recognized Newcastle News columnist Pat Detmer for her monthly column “Laughing All the Way,” awarding her an honorable mention for best humorous columnist in a newspaper with a distribution of less than 50,000 copies.

The honor was given as part of the organization’s annual awards. Three columnists from across the country were nominated for the top prize; Detmer was the only honorable mention named in the category.

“It made me feel good,” she said, adding that she was very pleased when she heard the news. “My heart skipped a little beat.”

She sent the organization three columns that appeared in Newcastle News in 2010, and she said cartoonist Dana Sullivan — whose sketches accompany her columns — helped her get noticed on the national scale.

Sullivan said he remembered the first time he read one of Detmer’s columns. He recalled she used the word “damn,” which signified that she was funny and profane — two of his favorite qualities.

He later asked to try out as an accompanying cartoonist, and

she accepted.

“I love to draw the illustrations for Pat’s columns. She cracks me up every time, and I can so relate to what’s bugPat Detmer ging her,” Sullivan said.

“But the best part is that she never asks me to redraw something. What a dream client.”

Detmer has written humorous columns for more than 20 years, and her work has appeared in The Seattle Times and Eastside Journal. She has also had a column in The Whidbey Island Marketplace for five years.

She self-published a collection of her columns from The Marketplace in a book titled “Laughing All the Way: Riding Herd on My Middle Age Spread,” which she sells on Amazon.com and her website, www.patdetmer.com.

She also appeared in Newsweek magazine’s “My Turn,” and had three short stories published in Star Trek’s short story anthology series “Strange New Worlds.”

Detmer is a sales and marketing consultant for The Quincy Group, which she co-founded

with her husband, Fred Canada, in 2003. The organization helps small businesses with everything they need to sell their products.

Detmer said she thinks pretty much everything is funny, and that provides a steady stream of column ideas.

“My family is very funny — or thinks that they are — and my sister and I actually made our little sister try out jokes on us before she took them to junior high,” she said. “We would seriously critique her: ‘It’s not as funny if you laugh at your own jokes.’ ‘You need a longer pause there.’

“Add to that the fact that for 20 years we forced everyone at Thanksgiving to write, produce and star in a humorous skit, and you can get an idea of my background,” she said.

However, Detmer said the trouble is remembering her ideas, and she said her computer screen is usually littered with small, colorful sticky notes.

Sometimes, she sends ideas to herself in an email, she said.

Detmer said she hopes to write two memoirs in the future — one about being the lone female and executive in a maledriven industry, and one about her younger years. She said she hopes to call the first “Later On, I’m Jumping Out of a Cake,” a phrase she said she whispered to a waitress while at a restaurant

with 20 men.

She said she hopes the latter memoir will feature a childhood photo on the cover of her standing beside her two sisters, with her being “fat and dark” and her sisters being skinny blondes. Detmer said she hopes to title it “They Could Only Afford to Feed One.” Sullivan said he wanted to con-

gratulate Detmer on the award.

“Her list of admirable traits just keeps growing. Punctual, laser-sharp wit, writer of books, slug-hater and Zumba addict have all made the cut,” he said.

“And today I get to add ‘recognized by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists for being really funny.’”

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Opinion

PAGE 4

Letters to the editor

Editorial

Don’t let strip mall development replace pedestrian friendly downtown

Life jacket rule could create confusion The King County Council has passed an ordinance to require anyone who swims, floats or boats on major rivers this summer to wear a life jacket. Violators will be fined $86.

The law takes effect July 1 and expires Oct. 31. The short-term requirement is in response to the swift, icy snow melt from mountains filling rivers later than usual this year, creating a heightened risk to public safety.

The ordinance is a bit over the top for citizens who don’t like government telling adults how to be safe. The idea has been quick to garner comments from those opposed to “nanny” laws, and those who believe the county is seeking a new revenue source.

If anything, this short-term law will likely cost taxpayers.

Signage at entry points along the Snoqualmie, Tolt, Cedar, Green, White, Raging and Skykomish rivers will be installed immediately to educate the public, and those without life jackets will get a warning for a first violation. This all takes time and money in advance of any fine collections being made — but so does search and recovery of drowning victims.

Public education about water safety would make it worthwhile even if no fines were ever collected. State law already requires children younger than 12 to wear life vests, and adults to have one on board vessels that are shorter than 19 feet long, including the rafts, canoes and kayaks often used on rivers. Yet, reports of river floaters without life vests vary from 60 percent to 90 percent.

We would have preferred King County adopt a stronger education program about the use of life jackets rather than send a mixed message this year only. We would hate for citizens to think life vests are only necessary this summer.

If there is money to be spent on public safety, it should be used to expand the loaner life jacket program now in place at some King County park beaches. And encourage the state law to add a permanent requirement for life jackets on swimmers younger than 12 on the major rivers.

Ultimately, it’s up to adults to set a good example by being responsible for themselves and their families. Only then will government leaders stop worrying about the public and its safety by implementing laws.

Poll question A. It’s too slow.

B. It’s too fast.

C. It’s reasonable.

D. Speed limit? Isn’t it just a free-for-all on that road?

Vote at www.newcastle-news.com.

Published since 1999 by

ISSAQUAH PRESS, INC.

P.O. Box 1328 Issaquah, WA 98027 Phone: 392-6434 ❑ Fax: 391-1541

In last month’s Newcastle News, City Councilwoman Carol Simpson announced her desire to be re-elected.

In that article, she expressed her concern that Newcastle was becoming too pedestrian oriented.

Her solution to the problem is to modify the downtown plan and allow more drive-thru businesses, which, I believe, agrees with the goal of the current City Council.

So, if everything works for Ms. Simpson, we could be blessed with a drive-thru pharmacy on the corner where the fruit stand now sits. If you think this will improve the quality of our city, the city’s economics or your property values, relax, your interests are well represented.

However, if want to prevent strip-mall development in Newcastle and enhance our downtown with pedestrian-friendly commercial and residential buildings like those found in Mercer Island or Bellevue, then we need to get organized and make our opinions known. If you can help, please email me at will-winslow@comcast.net.

Will Winslow Newcastle

Committee. Without question, Gordon has demonstrated the intelligence, integrity and financial acumen to serve the city well again.

Of all the candidates running for Position 4, Gordon is by far the best qualified, and I strongly urge you to vote for him. We live in troubled economic times where experience and proven performance really count in our elected representatives.

Bill Erxleben Newcastle City Council Chairman, Finance Committee

City should ban solicitation

Gordon Bisset made my day when he filed for the open seat to return to the Newcastle City Council.

Beginning in 2001, I served with Gordon both on the Planning Commission, where he was chairman, and later on the City Council, where we were both members of the Finance

In my opinion, I think Newcastle should prohibit all door-to-door solicitation.

Soliciting is not always what it appears to be.

It could be someone checking to see if anyone is home during the day, or if a car is locked, or if the house windows or doors are left unlocked.

Many small and large cities have “no solicitation” bans as an ordinance. I think it would be a great idea for our city as well to ban all solicitation. My suggestion would be to ban the selling of any product or service, fundraising of any kind, and religious and political solicitation.

There are various other outlets and venues for these activities to be “successful” without soliciting door to door. It would also keep our neighborhoods safer by allowing our neighbors to more easily recognize those individuals who do not live here.

I am tired of fast-talking, clipboard-holding, badge-wearing solicitors coming to my door when a simple city ordinance would prevent it and give our police “leverage” to stop and talk with these individuals.

Jeff Skocelas Newcastle

Rapid Response

to know who is authorized.

— Jackie Foskett, Newcastle

What do you think of the new Lake Boren Park playground?

Yes, although it still doesn't stop solicitors and religious organizations from coming to my door.

— Trina Sooy, Newcastle

Lake Boren Park playground is a huge success for Newcastle. The kids love it. The park looks great with it. It was also built under budget and we actually refund the balance back to the state.

— Jesse Tam, Newcastle

What is your favorite part about the Fourth of July celebration in Lake Boren Park?

Vote for Gordon Bisset, the most qualified candidate for Position 4

Fantastic! My kids love it.

— Trina Sooy, Newcastle

What do you think of the 35 mph speed limit on Coal Creek Parkway?

Newcastle news

JULY 1, 2011

You can view a list on the city’s website of who is authorized to sell things door to door. Good idea?

Great idea! I do not like having people coming to my door to sell anything, but at least it's good

Being able to come together with our community at Lake Boren, which is within walking distance for us, and watch the beautiful firework display!

— Jackie Foskett, Newcastle The celebration is the kickoff to summer and all the activities that happen in Newcastle. It’s when neighborhoods come together for the first time in the year to celebrate the awesomeness of the community.

— Trina Sooy, Newcastle

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

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Newcastle News

JULY 1, 2011

PAGE 5

Would-be home burglars narrowly escape police in foot pursuit

By Tim Pfarr

By Tim Pfarr

The National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies awards Regency Newcastle with its annual innovation award.

Regency Newcastle honored

By Tim Pfarr The National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies has awarded Regency Newcastle with its annual innovation award.

To receive the award, the facility needed to be a NARA member, demonstrate new practices with tangible outcomes — such as customer satisfaction — and serve as a model to other rehab businesses.

NARA recognized Regency Newcastle in June for its exercise and physical therapy classes, which it offers through its partnership with Renton-base Summit Pacific Rehabilitation’s outpatient services.

Regency Newcastle is a subsidiary of Regency Pacific, which operates retirement communities on the West Coast.

Regency Pacific CEO Bart Beddoe presented the award to Regency Newcastle General Manager John Kotalik, Marketing Director Kathy Kappler, Activity and Fitness Director Shawna McGovern, Summit Pacific

Outpatient Services Physical Therapy Director Kim Bailey and Summit Pacific Vice President of Outpatient Services Kelly Cooney.

“It’s a real plus for this building,” Kappler said. “A lot of people become a lot stronger because of Shawna and them.”

McGovern said she wanted to thank the residents and her colleagues at Regency Newcastle.

“I feel blessed every day coming to a job that I enjoy. It’s a big honor,” she said, adding that the residents are all like her parents. “Without all of them, my job wouldn’t be possible.”

Included in physical therapy are activities that help residents who want to become more independent. Bailey helps those who want to be able to do things such as walk to the grocery store on their own, and she provides safety training for those who want to take part in other outdoor activities.

Bailey said she is proud to work at Regency Newcastle.

“We’re one big family,” she said.

Two would-be home burglars narrowly escaped Newcastle Police officers in a foot pursuit in the 8100 block of 126th Place Southeast just before noon June 2.

The suspects — a white man and a black man — broke into an occupied home from the backyard, but fled without stealing anything when they realized somebody was home, King County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. John Urquhart said.

A neighbor spotted the men entering the yard and called police. Newcastle Police Chief Melinda Irvine said the men took off running from the home before realizing officers were responding to the area.

Police chased the men on foot

Two city employees get promoted The City Council unanimously approved promotions for administrative assistant Sarah Jacobs and accountant Melyssa Lynch.

The position titles for each employee changed last month, and each was given a raise.

The promotions will cost the city $4,200 more this year, but no budget amendments were needed, as the operating budget will be able to absorb the cost increase.

as they scaled backyard fences through the neighborhood, but police were unable to apprehend them. A police helicopter also responded to the area.

The men appeared to have driven to the area in a red car, although police would not release more details about the vehicle, because the investigation is ongoing. The homeowner — a woman — was upstairs asleep when she heard the men break in. She announced herself, causing the men to flee, Urquhart said.

The incident comes in the wake of a string of home burglaries that took place across the city this spring, including two burglaries the same day just blocks from the site of the chase.

Residents reported the other June 2 burglaries to be in the 12500 block of Southeast 75th Place and in the 7900 block of

129th Place Southeast, respectively. In the first burglary, the suspect entered through the back door, stealing nearly $30,000 worth of property, including a .45-caliber pistol and a $19,800 wedding ring.

In the second burglary, the suspect broke a rear window to enter the house, stealing a house key, a bottle of tequila and prescription painkillers. That house was armed with an alarm, and the upper floor was armed with a motion detector. However, the suspect entered through an unarmed window and did not go to the upper floor.

Irvine said there are as many as five home “burglaries of interest” in the city that could be linked to the men.

She said residents should dial 911 if they see any suspicious activities.

The administrative assistant title changed to executive assistant/human resources analyst.

The change came with a 10 percent raise, increasing Jacob’s salary from $52,000 per year to $57,000 per year.

The administrative position was changed because there was nobody in the city assigned the task of handling personnel duties. During a recent audit by the city’s insurance carrier, the insurance carrier said the city was at risk by not having an employee handle those duties.

The accountant title changed

to senior accountant to better reflect Lynch’s abilities and her position requirements. The change comes in the wake of the city adopting new accounting software in 2008, which allowed the city to eliminate an accounting clerk position, saving $58,000 per year.

The new software required a more skilled accountant to handle the new tasks associated with the new software.

Lynch was given a 5 percent raise, increasing her salary from $61,000 per year to $64,000 per year.

Newcastle News

PAGE 6

Woman crashes car into house A 38-year-old Newcastle woman crashed her 1999 Lexus sedan into the back of a house in the 7400 block of 117th Avenue Southeast just before 1:35 p.m. June 23.

The woman turned left into a private driveway and then accelerated, smashing through a fence, racing down an embankment and crashing into the house, King County Sheriff’s Office spokesman John Urquhart said.

The crash did not break through the wall of the house, but it still caused significant damage, he said.

The woman was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with head and neck injuries, although they were not believed to be life threatening, Urquhart said.

Police Chief Melinda Irvine said there were three young children and an adult in the house at the time of the crash, but no one was injured.

The woman did not have alcohol on her breath at the time of the crash, Irvine said, adding that she did not have an estimate as to how fast the woman was traveling when she struck the home.

King County Sheriff’s Office major accident detectives are investigating the incident.

JULY 1, 2011

By Tim Pfarr

A fire in the 8800 block of 116th Avenue Southeast the night of June 26 left one house in ashes and another badly burned. Investigators were unable to verify what started the blaze, which began in this garage.

House fire causes $250,000 in damage A house fire in the 8800 block of 116th Avenue Southeast severely damaged two homes June 26. The fire broke out at 10:11 p.m. in a resident’s garage, spreading to his house’s interior and a neighboring house, said Lt. Eric Keenan, Bellevue Fire Department spokesman.

Both houses were occupied at the time, but everyone escaped without injury. Keenan said the damage is estimated at a quartermillion dollars.

The blaze continued for 40

minutes before firefighters got the flames under control, and it wasn’t before the man’s garage was almost completely destroyed. The Bellevue Fire Department ruled the cause of the fire as “undetermined,” as damage to the garage was too extensive to indicate how the fire began.

However, Keenan said the homeowner had been doing refinishing work and left oily rags in his garage, which may have led to the fire.

Newcastle News

JULY 1, 2011

Police Blotter Car break-ins ❑ A man reported that his 2011 Lexus RX 450h had been broken into at the Red Town Trailhead, 15500 Newcastle Golf Club Road, between 4:30 and 5:45 p.m. May 19. The burglar smashed the rear driver’s side window, causing $1,000 in damage. The man reported the stolen items to be a gym bag worth $50, a pair of dress pants worth $50 and a pair of sandals worth $100. ❑ A man reported that his 1988 Subaru GL had been stolen from the Cougar Mountain Trailhead in the 10100 block of Renton-Issaquah Road Southeast between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. May 22. ❑ A woman reported that her 2002 Volkswagen Golf was broken into at the Cougar Mountain Trailhead, 10200 Renton-Issaquah Road S.E., between 2 and 3 p.m. May 30.

She said there was a suspicious car nearby when she left her car at the trailhead. She said it was an older, black Ford Crown Victoria with dark tinted windows. When she returned to her car, all her windows were rolled down, her property was missing and the Ford was gone.

She listed the stolen items as an iPod Nano worth $150, two purses together worth $90, two wallets together worth $210, $5 in cash, two checkbooks, six credit cards and two drivers’ licenses. There was also $250 in damage to the driver’s side door lock. ❑ A woman reported that her 2006 Chrysler 300 was broken into at Renton Academy, 6928 116th Ave. S.E., between 6 and 10 p.m. May 31. The front passenger-side window was shattered, causing $200 in damage.

She said her purse, worth $200, and her wallet, worth $100, were stolen. ❑ A man reported that his 2003 Hyundai Elantra was broken into at Coal Creek Apartments, 6830 Coal Creek Parkway S.E., between 4 and 5 p.m. June 1. ❑ A woman reported that her

2003 Toyota 4Runner was broken into at the Wilderness Creek Trailhead, 10400 RentonIssaquah Road, between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. June 5. She said the rear passenger-side window was broken, causing $300 in damage. She said the stolen items were a pair of sunglasses worth $500, two pairs of headphones together worth $40 and a purse worth $300.

Home burglaries ❑ A man reported that his home, in the 13800 block of Southeast 92nd Street, had been broken into between 11:30 a.m.

May 20 and 2:30 p.m. May 23.

The burglar had broken a piece of glass on the upper half of the home’s rear door — causing $100 in damage — and reached through to open the door. The man reported the stolen items to be a 9-millimeter pistol worth $600, an iPod worth $250, a laptop computer worth $500, a watch worth $13,000, a mini safe worth $75 and an Xbox with a Kinect worth $300. ❑ A man reported that his apartment at Newport Crossing Apartments, 7311 Coal Creek Parkway S.E., had been broken into between noon May 21 and 11:45 p.m. May 22. He reported that he returned home to find his front door ajar and his sliding door open. The burglar caused $100 in damage by prying open the deadlock on the front door. The man reported the stolen items to be $40 in coins and a Playstation 3 with

three games, together worth $240. Police recovered a set of fingerprints from the apartment. ❑ A man reported that his home in the 12500 block of Southeast 75th Place, was broken into between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. June 2. He reported the burglar entered through the back door, which the man said he may have left unlocked. He said the stolen items were a .45-caliber pistol worth $600, $300 worth of ammunition, two video cameras worth $300, two digital cameras together worth $1,100, a class ring worth $800, a desktop computer worth $800, a portable DVD player at an unknown value, a GPS unit worth $2,500, a hair trimmer worth $50, a safe worth $100, three MP3 players together worth $400, a portable radio worth $400, a printer worth $100, a universal remote worth $300, a gun safe worth $50, three Microsoft Xbox consoles together worth $600, a Nintendo Wii console worth $180, three watches together worth $900, a wedding ring worth $19,800, five Wii games together worth $100, 10 Xbox games together worth $300 and five Xbox remotes together worth $250. The stolen property totaled $29,980. Police recovered 16 sets of fingerprints from the home. ❑ A man reported that his home, in the 7900 block of 129th Place Southeast, was broken into between 8:30 a.m. and 7:10 p.m. June 2. The man

PAGE 7 reported the burglar broke a rear window to enter the house, which was armed with an alarm system. However, the burglar entered a window that wasn’t protected by the system. The broken window caused $100 in damage. The upper floor also had a motion detector, but the burglar never went to the upper floor. The man said the stolen items were a house key worth $2, a bottle of tequila worth $20, two small cartons of chocolate milk together worth $3 and three bottles of prescription painkillers. The man said the burglar poured cough syrup and diaper cream on the kitchen floor. Police recovered one set of fingerprints from the house.

Home and car burglary A man reported that his 2005 Dodge Dakota was broken into at 4 a.m. May 28 while it was left unlocked in front of his house in the 11900 block of Southeast 78th Street. He reported that a burglar entered the unlocked car, used a garage door opener to enter the garage and then entered his unlocked Mercedes C230. The stolen items were a Bluetooth speaker worth $125, a garage door opener worth $30, a Macy’s bag containing $150 worth of miscella-

neous items, a makeup bag worth $60, a purse worth $85, $30 in cash, a parking pass and a library card.

This land is my land Police responded to the 8500 block of 136th Avenue Southeast just before 7 p.m. June 1 when two neighbors were in a dispute over the property line between their homes. One neighbor had work crews plant bushes and build a fence near the property line, and the other had wanted the work to be delayed until a surveyor could confirm where the property line was. The neighbor in charge of the work crews began yelling at the other neighbor in front of the workers.

Broken lamp A man reported that a lawn lamp along side his driveway, in the 14200 block of Southeast 77th Street, had been broken between 9 and 11:30 p.m. June 4. The vandalism caused $5 in damage. Grass clippings had also been dumped on top of the man’s car.

The Newcastle News publishes names of those arrested for DUI and those charged with felony crimes. Information comes directly from local police reports.

Newcastle News

PAGE 8

Laughing all the way

Garden of heedin’

By Pat Detmer I tried to clean a spot of sunlight off the kitchen floor the other day.

Because of the work being done in our home, I'm hyperaware of primer and paint and other goopy stuff showing up where it doesn't belong, so when I saw it, I armed myself with a wet dishrag and gave it a swipe, only to realize that what I was seeing was far more uncommon than construction goop: It was a slice of sun streaming through the windows.

To say that this year has been sun-free is like saying that

Charlie Sheen has a little problem with self-control: We all know it, and it's such a given that it's almost not worth talking about anymore. Almost.

The Sainted Pat Detmer One and I come from the fertile plains and river valleys of Illinois, where the sun shines a lot and if you throw a stick at the ground and it lands just right, you'll have a grove of cottonwood trees within a grow-

JULY 1, 2011

ing season. And speaking of "growing seasons," they actually have one there, and it lasts longer than ours, which is as short as Brook Shields’ eyelashes before Latisse and begins the morning of July 5, running until just after the Bellevue Festival of the Arts.

Add to that the fact that we are sitting at higher elevations on rocky little mountains and need a pick axe to plant anything deeper than three inches, and it's amazing, really, that any of us would be stupid enough to try to nurture a vegetable garden under those conditions. But believe it or not, our Good Neighbors to the South are giving it a try. And speaking of stupid, we've given it a try ourselves for the past three years.

If you're thinking of a veggie garden, here's what you're up against: cold, too much water, wind, bunnies, slugs, lack of sun, deer, slugs, slugs and slugs.

You can actually harvest a vegetable or two by the end of year, but it takes work: raised beds, special soil, wind breaks, cloches, planters on wheels that can be

trundled to the sunspots, and tomatoes with names like "Early Girl" and "Highly Forgiving" and "Where's the Freaking Sun?" At our own garden, we'll be looking for a hand come harvest time. If you come over and help, afterward we'll have a large buffet

groaning with the harvested tomato sliced as thinly as possible, and some pre-nibbled lettuce leaves. Yum. Can't wait.

You can reach Pat Detmer, who would prefer not to receive any pictures of your flourishing vegetable gardens, at patdetmer@aol.com

Newcastle News

JULY 1, 2011

PAGE 9

Watching the world change Centenarian Harriet Clark reminisces as her 100th birthday approaches

By Emily Baer Harriet Clark will celebrate her 100th birthday Aug. 9.

The Newcastle resident, who lives with her daughter Eileen Clark and grandchildren Alexis and Max Clark, can still see, hear and walk. She has feathery white hair, an aura of warmth and kindness, and a sharp memory, despite what she says.

“My memory is bad,” she said, after taking a moment to remember the number of years she worked as a secretary.

Minutes later, she recalled the story of her brother’s birth. That was 94 years ago.

Youth During her lifetime, Harriet watched the world change. She lived through formative events in our nation’s history — World War I, the invention of the automobile and telephone, the Roaring 1920s, the Great Depression, World War II, space travel, the Cold War, Vietnam, the explosion of computer technology.

While each of those events was certainly affective, they were not what shaped Harriet’s life. The memories Harriet has held onto are the ones of her family, the places she lived, the things she loved and the way she lived.

Harriet’s family will convene at her daughter’s home for a festive party to celebrate her 100year milestone.

Reflecting on her centurylong life, she recounted some of her fondest memories.

Harriet was born on the Yakama Indian Reservation on a hay farm that her dad Barnard DeVries was leasing from the Yakama Indians.

“My first visitors were Indians,” she said. “My mother

said they saw the diapers on the line so they came in to see the new baby.”

Homestead When Harriet was 3, her father heard about the availability of homesteads in Montana.

The Homestead Act of 1862 gave United States citizens the opportunity to lay claim to a 160-acre plot of surveyed land free of charge. In order to do so, the prospective owner had to live on the land, construct a 12-by-14 building and grow crops. Barnard built a house for his family and began raising grain.

However, after five years of failed crops due to extreme hail and drought, the DeVries left for Wapato.

While still in Montana, Harriet’s mother Josephine went into labor with neither a midwife nor her husband near. She decided that she would have to have the baby boy by herself.

She told Harriet to hold a blanket up to the fire so she would have something warm to wrap the newborn in and she proceeded to deliver the baby on her own. Harriet sat quietly in a chair that is now sitting in Eileen’s living room.

After graduating from high school in Yakima — the DeVries had left Wapato — Harriet attended the Yakima Business School and then took a job as a secretary. She made $10 per week for 40 hours of work. For a while during the Great Depression, her family lived off of her small salary.

Birthing children, sheep Harriet married a man three years younger than her when she was 36 years old. His name was Bob Clark and he was from

“My first visitors were Indians. My mother said they saw the diapers on the line so they came in to see the new baby.”

— Harriet Clark Newcastle resident

“She wore dresses down to the sheep barn — she’d just put her boots on with her dress. I never remember my mom ever wearing pants.

She always wore a dress.”

— Eileen Clark Harriet Clark’s daughter

Zillah. He worked as a bookkeeper for several companies including the Del Monte cannery, the railroad in Toppenish and the Yakima Book Keepers Association.

Bob and Harriet had three children, the last when she was 49 years old. Dennis, Terry and Eileen were born in 1951, 1954 and 1959, respectively. What was it like to go against the grain — to marry late and have children later in life?

“It didn’t seem any different from other people,” she said.

“Everybody was kind of awed that I was that old and had children. But you can have children till you’re 50.”

Bob made a baby backpack carrier out of a car seat so the family could hike and travel together. They often visited Bowdish Cabin, built by Harriet’s uncle, on Chinook Pass.

Harriet became a 4-H leader in Zillah and helped her children raise sheep to enter in 4-H shows.

“She wore dresses down to the sheep barn — she’d just put her boots on with her dress,”

Contributed

Newcastle resident Harriet Clark, who turns 100 on Aug. 9, shares memories from her long life.

Eileen said. “I never remember my mom ever wearing pants.

She always wore a dress.”

Harriet even helped with the birthing of the sheep.

“I called up the vet and I saw what he did,” she said. “I thought, “Well, gee, I can do that, too.”

Looking forward In 1977, when Eileen was a senior in high school and Harriet was 66, her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Nine months after receiving the devastating diagnosis, he died.

He was 63.

“I took care of him until he died,” Harriet said. “He could have stayed in the hospital, but he said he wanted to come

home, so I took him home.”

Three years later, she moved to Yakima and then in 1990 moved to Bellevue to live with her children.

Harriet has kept several photo albums filled with pictures of herself in her youth with her smiling parents, brother, relatives and friends. She has photos of her husband and their children and the beautiful Northwest spots that they enjoyed visiting.

When asked how she feels about turning 100, Harriet replied, “I wonder what’s going to happen next.”

Emily Baer: 392-6434, or emilybaer@comcast.net. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.

PAGE 10

Newcastle News

JULY 1, 2011

Congratulations, Hazen High School ShoWare Event Center June 14, 2011 Photos by Greg Farrar

Students of the Hazen Highlander Class of 2011 listen to introductions by principal John Kniseley at their commencement.

Graduates throw the mortarboards to the rafters of the ShoWare Event Center.

Ashley Dobson blows a kiss to her family in the stands after collecting her diploma on the podium.

Above, graduates listen to the closing by their classmate Tasha McQuade, titled ‘Life Cycle of a Student.’ Below left, Farheen Siddiqui gives the student address, titled ‘Our Never Ending Story.’

At left, Nick Kawamoto welcomes classmates, family, friends and faculty. Above, Ruth Linderman gives a thumbs up for her diploma.

At left, Siphai Phonsouk grasps her grandson, graduate Arnold Phonsouk, as he holds flowers and balloons after his class graduation.

At left, Kim Nguyen (left) and Anna Lam find friends and family in the crowd outside after the ceremony concludes. Above, Brandon Baker (right) receives his diploma and a handshake from Al Talley, president of the Renton School District Board of Directors.

Newcastle News

JULY 1, 2011

PAGE 11

class of 2011 Liberty High School Safeco Field June 10, 2011

Baylee Cooke catches her wind-blown mortarboard as she walks forward for her diploma.

Above, Shauna Chernyak (left) and Nellya Boychuk share a boquet of balloons outside Safeco Field. At right, Samantha Halela’s cap is decorated with the logo for Chapman University in Orange, Calif., where she will attend as a President’s Scholarship recipient.

Lauren Bay, student body president, welcomes graduates, parents and friends.

Members of the class of 2011 turn their tassels and throw their caps in the air.

Above left, Jay Chakravarty, class valedictorian, reminds his classmates it’s the future that’s important. Above right, Seniors applaud the faculty speech of and guitar solo of their teacher Phil Donley.

Howin Wong, Nicole Lecoq, Sofie Safley, Emily Kellogg-Smith and Danni Sjolander (from left) walk arm in arm from Safeco Field with beachballs, cellphones and decorated caps.

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Above, Steve Richmond (left) and Ribicca Mamuye enter Safeco Field with other Liberty seniors for commencement.

At left, Nathaniel Wilhelm wears a John Deere logo on the forehead of his mortarboard as he collects his diploma.

Newcastle News

PAGE 12

Playwright From Page 1 “Even before I met her I was impressed with how many potentially explosive and controversial issues she managed to address in what was essentially a lyrical, dreamlike memory play: environmental degradation, abortion, adultery,” said Carissa Meisner Smit, alternative stages coordinator for Driftwood Players in Edmonds, which produced Hartwell’s play, “A Strange Disappearance of Bees,” in February.

“She introduces her characters so well and makes you care about them so much that when they face these issues you forget that they are issues and you are just a friend hoping for the best.”

Trading a wrench for a keyboard In 1991, Hartwell gave up her blue-collar job for community college, later transferring to the University of San Diego. At the university, she took an acting class, and her love for drama blossomed. The world of theater was one filled with oddballs, and just about everything was accepted.

Near the end of her undergraduate years, Hartwell wrote a one-act play titled “Playing Chess With Joey.” She produced the play herself, converting a deserted furniture-refinishing store into a theater, bringing in her own second-hand risers, seats, lights and sound system.

She graduated in 1995 with a

Can’t get enough Eastside news?

bachelor’s degree in mass media and theater arts.

In 1996, she relocated to the Washington, driving into Seattle beneath Fourth of July fireworks.

She had fallen in love with the Pacific Northwest as a teenager, and she joked that it seemed as though the fireworks welcomed her as she arrived.

She attended graduate school at the University of Washington, graduating in 2000 with a master’s degree in education with an emphasis on teaching theater.

She then headed southeast to Athens, Ga., where she attended the University of Georgia, earning her doctorate in dramatic theory and criticism in 2004.

It was during this time that she landed her first production.

The Detroit Repertory Theatre chose to produce “Fast Ducks.”

“I just was thrilled,” Hartwell said. “It didn’t matter to me that it was far away. I was happy to have an equity production.”

Hartwell was not involved in the 2002 production, but she flew from Georgia to see the play as a member of the audience. She was one of the only white people in the audience, she remembered.

“It was exciting for me that my work was being appreciated in a different cultural setting,” she said.

A writer’s craft Hartwell said her work is typically classified as tragic comedy or comedic drama.

“At the heart of it is always relationships and characters,” she said. “I think it just means more when you get people to laugh and cry at the same play.”

Hartwell’s creative process can

On the Web ❑ www.elenahartwell.com ❑ www.arcofawriter.com even grow out of historical events or articles in the newspaper.

After completing a script, the first step is getting a theater company to do a reading, Hartwell said. Next comes workshops, and finally are productions. Each step is more difficult than the last, and Hartwell said she revises her plays after readings and workshops.

At any given time, she said she is working on one first draft, one or two rewrites and numerous submissions, seeking readings, workshops and productions.

For a time, she spent a significant amount of time designing sets, directing plays and teaching drama to make ends meet.

She taught at the University of Puget Sound, and she continues to be an adjunct professor at Central Washington University, teaching online graduate level classes on theater history.

Still, Hartwell has never taken a playwriting class.

In 2010, she relocated to Newcastle to live with her boyfriend J.D. Hammerly.

Hammerly — a computer scientist by training — said his relationship with Hartwell has introduced him to a world completely different from what he was used to.

“You would think that you’re written skills are not excellent but OK, then you meet someone like her and realize she can take any kind of a document and

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Elena Hartwell talks about writing her first play as an auto mechanic without a high school diploma. make it so much clearer,” he said. “It’s really kind of scary how good people like that are.”

However, he said some of her greatest gifts are her understanding of human nature and her ability to use that understanding to create characters with which audiences can identify.

“That’s a true gift. She does that extremely well,” Hammerly said. “When you see good actors put life in the script, it touches your heart.”

Current and future projects Although Hartwell has spent most of her adult life in Washington, her plays found more success out of town than locally, getting picked up in places such as New York, Vermont, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

On occasion, plays will still get

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produced locally, and Meisner Smit said it was a joy working with Hartwell in Edmonds in February, given Hartwell’s fun and down-to-earth attitude.

“Throughout the process, Elena was always there, pencil in hand, with her big laugh, perfecting and polishing,” she said.

“She had a special rapport with the director Ellen Graham and the cast and was very interested in their feedback.”

Hartwell is now finishing her latest play, “Loss: A Play About a Violin.”

In the play, a patriarch composer dies. The notes from his violin pervade the thoughts of many of the play’s characters, including his widow, who suffers from dementia.

Hartwell also recently began trying her hand at fiction writing, working on her third novellength manuscript. She said her first two manuscripts were learning experiences, and she said her third — a contemporary mystery — is quickly becoming more polished than the others.

Furthermore, Hartwell will be leading a workshop at the Write on the Sound writing conference in Edmonds this fall, teaching fiction writers how to write dialogue like a playwright.

She continues to teach and mentor, managing the blog Arc of a Writer — which gives tips and prompts to aspiring writers — and she said hopes to start offering manuscript critiques for playwrights in the future.

In the meantime, she will be on the road to attend new readings, workshops and productions, almost always in the company of Hammerly.

“He’s my biggest fan,” she said.

Newcastle News

JULY 1, 2011

Candidates From Page 1 dent of the Rainier Crest neighborhood of Newcastle for 25 years. He said he is running for City Council to help steer the city toward balancing residential and commercial development to increase its tax base, as well as to increase transparency and accountability on the council.

This is his first time running for a council position.

He said the biggest issues facing the city are financial. The city needs to ensure it lives within its means, especially given the tough economic times at hand, he said.

“It can’t have anything that’s frivolous,” Irigon said about the city. “Whatever it wants to do, it has to be able to fund it. It should live within its means.”

Irigon has a bachelor’s degree in general interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in social work with a focus in community and organizational services, both from the University of Washington.

He has worked for various nonprofit organizations during the past 40 years, most recently as director of admissions and recruitment for the Center for Career Alternatives in Seattle.

He was the executive director and cofounder of the International Community Health Center in Seattle, and cofounder and executive direc-

By John Jensen

Councilwoman Lisa Jensen’s only signs this year are in her front yard in Milepost, as she is running unopposed for Position 1 on the council. tor of Washington Asian Pacific Islander Families Against Substance Abuse.

He also served on the Renton Technical College board of trustees for five years, but he resigned when he found that he did not live in the college’s district. Then-Gov. Gary Locke had appointed him to the position.

Irigon is a member of the board of directors for National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse Inc. and the executive board for the Puget Sound Alliance for Retired Americans.

His friend Frank Kiuchi will serve as Irigon’s treasurer during his campaign.

Irigon and his wife Felicita have two grown sons, a grown daughter and one grandson. His hobbies are reading and doing work in the community.

“I have a passion for commu-

nity work,” he said. “That’s what I was trained for.”

Gordon Bisset Gordon Bisset has been a resident of the Hazelwood neighborhood of Newcastle for 41 years He served as a member of the City Council for one term.

He also served as chairman of the city’s Planning Commission from 1998-2001, and he was a member of the finance committee while he was on the council.

Bisset said he ran for election in 2001 with the intention of not running for re-election in 2005, because he wanted to focus on city issues rather than campaigning. Nonetheless, he remained a common figure at council meetings after leaving his post. Last year, he began serving as president of the Hazelwood Community

PAGE 13 Association.

Bisset said he decided to run because he can make a positive impact as a member of the council once again.

“I felt that I could hit the ground running,” he said. “I’m really up on what’s going on because I have attended meetings as the president of the Hazelwood Community Association the last two years.”

He added that he wants to ensure the city doesn’t raise taxes, because families are still battling economic troubles.

Likewise, Bisset said infrastructure maintenance is the most important issue facing the city, because delaying maintenance can end up costing much more money.

Bisset became involved in city issues prior to being elected in 2001, as he gathered signatures for a petition to keep the council from instating a utility tax. The tax was never adopted.

During his time as a councilman, he said he placed priority on holding down expenses, and he helped establish the city’s rainy day fund.

Bisset has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Washington.

After graduating, he worked in the university’s applied physics lab for 32 years, focusing on mathematics and computers, eventually becoming a senior mathematician.

Bisset and his wife Diane have a grown son and two grandchildren. Bisset enjoys films and playing bridge.

City website shows who has door-to-door permits City staff members recently added information about what businesses and individuals are permitted to sell items door to door in Newcastle.

See who is permitted at www.ci.newcastle.wa.us. Click “Peddlers/Solicitors Licenses Issued in Newcastle” under the “What’s New?” section.

Permits are free and valid for two weeks at a time, but applicants must have a city business license, which costs $45 per year. Applicants are also subject to a background check before receiving permits.

Those selling door to door are required to display their city permit around their necks. Report salesmen without permits to City Hall at 649-4444, or call 911 if you feel threatened.

Permitted salesmen can knock on doors between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., but they are not allowed to knock on a door if the property contains a sign prohibiting soliciting. The city manager or police can generally revoke permits if necessary.

The following organizations are exempt from needing door-todoor permits: charitable organizations, religious organizations, certified nonprofits, political candidates, campaign workers, people campaigning for ballot measures, people distributing political literature and people seeking signatures of registered voters for petitions.

Call City Hall for more information about how to obtain a door-to-door permit.

COMMUNITY

PAGE 14

Events Newcastle Chamber of Commerce luncheon is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 13 at The Golf Club at Newcastle, 15500 Six Penny Lane. Cost is $30. The speaker is yet to be determined.

Concerts in the Park presents the following performances from 7-8:30 p.m. at Lake Boren Park, 13058 S.E. 84th Way: ❑ July 13 — Borrowed Time, a Styx tribute band ❑ July 20 — Wings N Things, a Paul McCartney tribute band ❑ July 27 — The Offenders, classic rock ❑ Aug. 3 — Front Street Cats, original and popular music ❑ Aug. 10 — Ventura Highway Revisited, classic rock ❑ Aug. 17 — Black Velvet 4, progressive and classic rock The Newcastle Weed Warriors’ next tansy removal and cinnabar moth relocation project is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 9, location to be determined. Download a volunteer form at www.newcastleweedwarriors.org/projects.html.

The fourth annual Mack Strong TEAM-WORKS Charity Golf Tournament & Auction is July 11 at the Golf Club at Newcastle, China Creek Course, 15500 Six Penny Lane.

The tournament starts at 1 p.m.; the auction and banquet is at 6 p.m. Register at www.eventbrite.com/event/156188 8651/efbnen.

Public meetings All city public meetings are at City Hall, 13020 Newcastle Way. Call 649-4363. ❑ City Council — 7-8 p.m.

July 5 ❑ Parks Commission — 7-8 p.m. July 14 ❑ City Council — 7-8 p.m.

July 19 ❑ Planning Commission — 7-8 p.m. July 21 ❑ City Council — 7-8 p.m.

Aug. 2 The Newcastle Trails board will hold its May meeting at 7 p.m. July 11 at the Regency Newcastle, 7454 Newcastle Golf Club Road.

YMCA The Coal Creek Family YMCA, located at 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Road, has regular family programs for all ages throughout the summer.

For a complete schedule, call 282-1500 or go to www.seattleymca.org/Locations/CoalCreek/Pa ges/Home.aspx.

Library events The Newport Way Library

JULY 1, 2011

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is at 14250 S.E. Newport Way, Bellevue. It will be closed for July 4 for the Independence Day holiday. The following programs are offered the rest of the month: ❑ Lunch Bunch Story Time, for ages 3 and older with an adult, noon Tuesdays ❑ “Where in the World?” for the entire family, 7 p.m.

Thursdays ❑ Around the World with Mother Goose Story Times, for ages 24 months to 3 years with an adult, 10:30 a.m. July 7 ❑ World Art Explorations: Jaguar Paper Mache Masks, for ages 8 and older, 7 p.m. July 11 ❑ All Ages Game On for Family Fun, for grades 5 or younger children with an adult, 7 p.m. July 13 ❑ Stones & Bones, Seeds & Bones Concert, for children and their families, 7 p.m. July 20 ❑ EReader and Digital Download Demonstration, for adults, 1 p.m. July 24 ❑ A World of Stories, for ages 3 and older, 7 p.m. July 27

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 p.m. the first Monday September through June at the Newport Way Library, 14250 S.E. Newport Way. Call 2559705.

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 Lynlee at 4330558 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 226-4238.

An international dinner, sponsored by Baha’i Faith of

Health Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation: trained survivors offer free emotional support to the newly diagnosed, enhancing emotional recovery while going through treatments. Go to www.angelcarefoundation.org.

Volunteers The Coal Creek Family YMCA Seniors Program needs volunteers for intergenerational opportunities, including rocking and comforting infants, teaching children to play bridge and reading to kindergartners.

Call 282-1506.

Newcastle Weed Warriors: Volunteers assist city workers in removing noxious and invasive weeds from Newcastle parks, trails and open spaces. Youth groups, community groups and individuals are invited to participate in monthly environmental stewardship projects. Learn more at www.NewcastleWeedWarriors.org.

Newcastle Trails - Trail Advocates and Builders for Newcastle: The group has built and maintained miles of trails for the public throughout the city, and has regular meetings and work parties. Call 453-9292, ext. 110. Learn more at

Contributed

Fireworks will light up the night sky over Lake Boren Park at 10 p.m. July 4.

Light up the Newcastle night sky Don’t miss the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration at Lake Boren Park. The festivities start at 6 p.m. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.

The evening will include music from Seattle band Shelley and the Curves, and

www.newcastletrails.org.

King County Library System’s Words on Wheels program needs volunteers to select and deliver library materials to homebound patrons.

Training is provided. A one-year commitment is required.

Volunteers must be at least 18, have their own transportation and be able to pass a Washington State Patrol background check. Call 369-3235.

Dependency CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate): Community volunteers advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in King County. Call 269-3201.

food vendors. The new playground will be open for children.

Don’t forget to bring a blanket to spread on the grass.

Lake Boren Townhomes contributed $10,000 to sponsor the event.

DAWN (Domestic Abused Women’s Network): Provides services to survivors of domestic violence in King County. Call 795-1441.

Grace Children’s Charity: Provides essential school supplies for impoverished children.

Call 430-0300.

Places to go Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, on Lakemont Boulevard Southeast, is a 3,000acre park with more than 30 miles of trails and the site of the 1880s coalmines. Go to www.metrokc.gov/parks.

Newcastle News

JULY 1, 2011

Playground From Page 1 The Parks Commission held a public hearing last summer to choose a style for the playground, and the city selected landscape design firm Worthy & Associates to complete the design.

The playground closed for construction March 14, and Enumclaw-based Maroni Construction Inc. installed the new equipment, finishing its work in early June.

“It’s a really wonderful feeling.

This is the kind of thing that warms you from the inside out,” Gordon said about seeing the playground completed, adding that he was thrilled to see children so excited about the new structure.

“I see the kids here, voting with their feet. This is the most important vote I’ve seen lately,” he said.

During his speech, Gordon said that the playground’s opening held a special place in his heart.

“Of all the things I did during my tenure as your state senator, the one I take the most personal pleasure in is this moment right now: seeing the kids play,” he said.

Dulcich presented certificates of appreciation to Gordon and Maxwell for their support of the project.

The children continued to play for hours after the ceremony, as the event coincided with Newcastle Elementary School’s traditional afternoon in the park on the last day of school.

Children were quickly able to pick their favorite elements of the new playground, although some had difficulty articulating what it was they enjoyed, because the modern features were still unfamiliar.

“I like the monkey bars. It’s not like the regular ones,” said Lexi Morris, 8.

She and her friend Brooke Pedersen, 8, also took turns

Photos by Tim Pfarr

Above, Mayor John Dulcich joins a flock of excited children to cut the ribbon for the new playground. At right, Ethan Jackson, 6, screams and holds on tight as he zips around on a toy in the section of the playground for children between the ages of 5 and 12. whirling each other on a spinning seat near the center of the playground.

“I like a lot of the spinny things,” Morris said, climbing back on for another round.

Todd Hanson sat with his son Bauer, 8, in the sunshine alongside the playground.

“I’m really impressed with the style of it,” Hanson said. “This is the first time I’ve seen it since they reopened it.”

Other parents, such as Ruthie Keyes — who came with her

2-year-old twins James and Julia — said she particularly enjoyed that the park was split for older and younger children.

“This was great,” she said as she pushed her children in the swings. “I was able to let them play, no problem. Climbing up, sliding down.”

For 9-year-old Elan Furman, the innumerable options made the playground a success.

“I think I would likely give it a 10 out of 10,” he said. “There are so many fun things.”

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PAGE 15

SPORTS

PAGE 16

JULY 1, 2011

Newcastle resident takes gold medal at Special Olympics Newcastle resident Kevin McCarthy, 20, took home a gold medal in the 100 meter dash at the Special Olympic Summer Games at Joint Base LewisMcChord June 4.

McCarthy — a 2010 Liberty High School graduate— was one of nine athletes on the Issaquah Eagles team, which took home 18 medals during the two-day event.

Coach Jiff Searing said McCarthy worked in practice on keeping his pace throughout the entire sprint.

“He did all that stuff, and it was pretty thrilling. He really kept his pace up,” Searing said.

“This particular heat was very close.”

McCarthy also participated in the 200-meter dash, 4x100meter relay and shot put, finishing fourth, sixth and eighth, respectively.

The team doesn’t give awards, such as most valuable player, but if it did, Searing said McCarthy would have certainly been named most inspirational, because his work ethic and attitude are phenomenal.

“He’s a very inspirational athlete, no question,” he said.

“Man, he tries hard. He never puts his head down.”

By Greg Farrar

Liberty High School junior Krysta Dawson finished 20th in the 3A state golf tournament in May with a two-day score of 175.

Hazen track athletes, Liberty golfers go to state

Alan Berner/The Seattle Times

Kevin McCarthy proudly displays his ribbon after receiving it during the Special Olympics Summer Games awards ceremony June 4.

McCarthy took first in the 100-meter dash.

Hazen, Liberty High School athletes named all-league Numerous Hazen High School and Liberty High School athletes were named to allleague teams this spring, led by Hazen pitcher Zac Kolterman, who took home the title of Seamount League pitching MVP.

Baseball all-league Hazen First team ❑ Zac Kolterman, pitcher, senior ❑ Jeff Beckman, catcher, senior ❑ Jimmy Schmidt, pitcher, junior ❑ Kyle Nelson, utility, sophomore Second team ❑ Travis Johnson, shortstop, senior ❑ Alex Gayte, outfielder, junior

Liberty First team ❑ Scott Zerda, outfielder, senior Honorable mention ❑ Mitch Askins ❑ Jacob Hofferber ❑ Izak Styskal ❑ Ben Wessel

Hazen High School track and field athletes and Liberty High School golfers advanced to their respective state tournaments this spring.

At the state track and field championships at Tacoma’s Mount Tahoma High School on May 28, Hazen senior Kyle Martin took third in the pole vault with a jump of 14 feet. In the girls 100-meter dash preliminaries, senior Starr Williams took ninth with a time of 12.82 seconds.

Williams did not advance to the finals, finishing .05 seconds behind the eighth place finisher.

Liberty golfers Krysta Dawson, Alex DuVall and Molly Culwell took to the state golf tournament at Liberty Lake Golf Course in Spokane May 24 and 25.

Dawson shot an 86 on the par-70 course, taking 18th place the first day and advancing to the second round. DuVall and Culwell shot 96 and 97 to finish 50th and 52nd, respectively.

DuVall and Culwell did not advance to the second round.

In the second round, Dawson shot an 89, bringing her two-day score to 175 for a 20th-place finish.

Skyhawks camps filling up for the summer

By Greg Farrar

By Scott Coburn

Softball all-league

At left, Hazen High School junior Jimmy Schmidt, was named firstteam all-league in the Seamount League for his fine work on the mound in 2011. Above, Liberty High School junior Denise Blohowiak smacks a pitch against Bishop Blanchet High School May 18. The shortstop was named first-team all-league in 3A KingCo.

Hazen Liberty First team ❑ Danielle Martin, outfielder, senior ❑ Kelsey Knauss, shortstop, senior Second team ❑ Svannah Hilt, first baseman, senior ❑ Bella Reed, third baseman, senior

First team ❑ Denise Blohowiak, shortstop, junior Second team ❑ Ana Faoro, outfielder, junior

Boys soccer all-league Liberty

Honorable mention ❑ Megan Bridgman ❑ Kristina Holm

First team ❑ Joe Dapper, defense, sophomore

❑ Jared Bales, defense, sophomore ❑ Blake Kessler, forward, senior Second team ❑ Alex Velasquez, midfielder, senior Honorable mention ❑ Danny Dapper ❑ Oliver Janders ❑ Riley Mackey ❑ Josh Muttart

Skyhawks summer camps in Newcastle are filling up quickly for the summer.

Most courses have fewer than 10 spots remaining. The first camp begins July 5.

Camps are for children ages 5-12, and they include golf, basketball, tennis, cheerleading and Mini-Hawk, which includes basketball, baseball and soccer.

Camps are five days each and range in price from $69 to $145.

They will be held at Lake Boren Park, Renton Academy or Hazelwood Elementary School.

Get the full list of camps by going to https://register.skyhawks.com, and enter your ZIP code.

Call Newcastle Parks and Recreation at City Hall at 6494444 or the Skyhawks at 800804-3509, toll free, with questions.

Newcastle News

JULY 1, 2011

By Tim Pfarr

The Buhner bump Former Seattle Mariner Jay Buhner congratulates another golfer in his group on a good putt at the Jim Mora Celebrity Golf Classic at The Golf Club at Newcastle June 27. See the full slideshow at www.newcastle-news.com.

PAGE 17

Rotary Club of Renton honors Josh Viles as teacher of the month

Yamamoto — attend.

The Rotary Club of Renton selected Josh Viles as one of its Teachers of the Month for May. Viles is the choral music teacher at Josh Viles Hazen High School.

Viles attended Western Washington University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and choral conducting. In addition to teaching, he has been involved in the Soundview Region Music Educators Association and has served as president.

Viles is also part of the Washington Chapter of the American Choral Director’s Association and serves as the repertoire and standards chairman for the men’s choirs.

Viles has been a teacher in Renton for seven years.

The following students from the Newcastle area graduated from the University of Washington in June.

Alexandra Bucci, Bachelor of Arts, communication; Bikram Cheema, Bachelor of Arts, political science; Simran Gill, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Lisa Gould, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Victoria Hupf, Bachelor of Arts, business administration (accounting); Kenneth Ishikawa, Bachelor of Arts, Japanese; Monica Ledford, Bachelor of Arts, business administration (finance); Meng-Ching Liang, Bachelor of Arts, interdisciplinary studies (media and communication); Tami Mason, Bachelor of Arts, urban studies; Vincent Nguyen, Bachelor of Arts, business administration (human resources management); Paul Nichols, Bachelor of Arts, communication; Laura Pattison, Bachelor of Science, psychology; Svetlana Petkova, Bachelor of Science, math-comprehensive option and economics; Sydney Safley, Bachelor of Arts, history (communication); Dennis Tat, Bachelor of Science, biology (general); Sam Trautman, Bachelor of Arts, business administration (accounting); Cynthia Truong, Bachelor of Arts, business administration (finance); Mika Tsuboi, Bachelor of Arts (English); Naeem Uddin, Bachelor of Science, computing and software systems; Ipreet Virk, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Lisa Wan, Bachelor of Arts, geography; and Heather Yasui, Bachelor of Arts, linguistics.

Students place at international DECA

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Students from Liberty High School traveled to Orlando, Fla., for the International Career Development Conferences for DECA — Distributive Education Clubs of America — from April 30 to May 3.

Liberty had six students attend — Braden Timm, Whitney Cain, Tiffani Candler, Chandler Ryberg, Lorina Crain and Amber Turnidge.

Hazen had four students — Tyler Brown, Tyler Howard, Ashley Turner and Kendall

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Newcastle News

PAGE 18

JULY 1, 2011

Schools conservation programs go greener

By Tim Pfarr Newcastle Elementary School, McKnight Middle School and Liberty High School each stepped up a level in the King County Green Schools program in May. Newcastle Elementary obtained level two certification in the program, McKnight obtained level one certification and Liberty obtained level three certification, said Dale Alekel, King County program manager for recycling and environmental services.

Schools focus on recycling, waste reduction and hazardous materials management to reach level one certification. Level two schools are required to also take up energy conservation practices, and level three schools are required to take up water conservation practices, according to Green School’s website.

To reach the level two certification, students and staff members at Newcastle Elementary — with the leadership of thirdgrade teacher Kathy Keegan — worked to shut off lights in rooms that were not being used and posted signs throughout the school encouraging others to do so.

Also, at the end of each week, students began conducting sweeps of the school to ensure all computers were shut down and monitors turned off.

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Students at McKnight Middle School helped the school obtain level one certification. The school doubled its recycling rate in one year to obtain the certification.

Staff members similarly checked to ensure all blinds were closed and thermostats turned down.

The school’s technology specialist also checked every computer to ensure it had updated energy and software settings, according to the school’s success story from Green Schools.

“The level two recognition is a great thing, and the students and staff have worked hard on changing behaviors in order to accomplish that goal,” Newcastle Elementary Principal Marla Erath said, adding that the accomplishment would not have been possible without Keegan’s help.

“Encouraging the students

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and staff to participate is a reminder of just how simple it really is to conserve,” she said.

“When you are conscious of what choices you are making, it is not too hard to change behavior, and the impact is huge.

Students at McKnight — led by science teacher Carlie Jonas — doubled the school’s recycling rates in one year. Students also created science projects focusing on implementation of sustainable systems in the school, created fashionable clothing out of old clothes, designed hydro-electric systems and constructed a community garden, according to the school’s success story from

Allstate donates $20,000 to Newcastle schools

Green Schools.

Furthermore, students and staff at McKnight worked together with the district’s food services department to plan a sustainable lunch day, during which the lunch menu consisted predominately of non-processed, local and organic food.

Students also organized a zero-waste lunch challenge.

“The King County Green Schools Program provided organization and tools that empowered McKnight’s students to step up and take responsibility for increasing McKnight’s recycling rate,” Jonas said in a news release.

Liberty opted to complete level three requirements before completing those for level two.

To reach the level three status, the school partnered with Friends of the Cedar River Watershed to bring a storm water system curriculum to the school, according to the school’s success story from Green Schools.

Students are also participating in the Watershed Report Leadership Team, through which student leaders represent the school district and community by researching sustainability trends and reporting findings to local officials and lawmakers. Furthermore, students are helping design a rain garden as part of the modernization and sustainability plan for the school.

By Tim Pfarr Allstate Insurance Co. donated $10,000 each to Newcastle and Hazelwood elementary schools in June as part of its Cash for Your Class program.

Through the program, Allstate donated $100,000 to 10 public schools in Western Washington, allowing its customers to vote online for what schools should receive the award.

The 10 schools with the most votes received $10,000 each.

Newcastle Elementary will donate its award to the Issaquah School District to support its new science curriculum, which the district will adopt in the fall.

“We are very honored to be receiving the $10,000 from Allstate,” Principal Marla Erath said. “We feel very fortunate to be able to gift such a sizeable amount in order to help meet the needs of all students in our district.”

The $10,000 donation will be in addition to the school’s previous $5,000 donation for the curriculum.

Hazelwood will use most of its money to purchase a Second Step social skills curriculum, which it will begin implementing this fall. Staff members and students will decide how to use the remainder of the money at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year.

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Newcastle News

JULY 1, 2011

City Council adopts policy for memorials on city property

By Tim Pfarr The City Council in June adopted a policy detailing how residents can purchase memorial trees and benches for city parks.

Per the policy, residents can also donate larger items — such as statues or fountains — or name parks on a case-by-case basis.

The new policy replaces the city’s prior, informal donation practices, and City Manager Rob Wyman said that donating a tree or bench can be a great way to remember a loved one.

“If you had a family member or loved one who like to hang out at the park, every time you go to the park it kind of evokes the memory of that person,” he said.

“I think it’s kind of a neat thing for people to be able to do.”

To purchase a memorial tree, the donor must pay for the tree and its delivery from a local nursery. He or she is also required to pay a $125 administration fee to the city to cover planting and maintenance.

A memorial tree must fit size guidelines, and donors can request a specific location for the tree. The city maintenance crew will try to honor requested locations.

City staff will replace trees that do not survive, but replacement trees may be of a different variety than the original tree.

Requests will be accepted yearround, but planting will only be done in spring and fall.

A memorial bench will run donors between $500 and $1,000, depending on the installation site. City staff will main-

Remembering Steve Herzog City Manager Rob Wyman said the city is considering building a memorial to Police Chief Steve Herzog, who was shot and killed in 2002. He said the memorial might be constructed at the site of his death — just south of the Newcastle Way and Coal Creek Parkway intersection — or in Lake Boren Park.

The memorial would be constructed in 2012 in honor of the 10-year anniversary of his death.

tain memorial benches for 10 years in their original locations, as after 10 years the bench may be removed or moved if the park site is redeveloped.

Bench donors can also choose to include a small plaque.

To donate a tree or bench, submit a letter to the public works department at City Hall, 13020 Newcastle Way, indicating which you would like to donate and where you would prefer it be located.

To donate a tree, indicate whether you would like to purchase the tree from the department-recommended nursery or from an outside source.

Tree and bench donors will be invited to the planting or installation if they wish to hold a dedication ceremony.

Call Wyman at 649-4444 for more information about large donations or park naming rights.

New trails plan distinguishes between horse, non-horse trails The City Council June 7 approved a usage plan for which trails in the city should allow horses. The Parks Commission recommended the plan, and the council only made changes to plans for future trails, changing sections of would-be horse trails to pedestrian-only trails.

The trails the council changed were the Sylvan Creek Trail, the segment of the East Cross Town Trail east of the Terrace Trail, and two sections of the Horse Trail.

The portions of the Horse Trail the council changed were the segment north of the West Cross Town Trail and the segment south of the 84th Street Trail.

Also, the segment of the Waterline Trail to be built south of the connection with the Olympus Trail will first be built to pedestrian standards, but it will later be built to equestrian standards. A trail to accommodate horses will also likely be built parallel to the Terrace Trail.

Newcastle Trails asked the council to approve the trails map so it could build trails to the appropriate standards when it holds work parties.

PAGE 19

Valley Medical Center and UW Medicine finalize alliance Valley Medical Center — which has a clinic at 7203 129th Ave. S.E. in Newcastle — and UW Medicine finalized their planned strategic alliance last month.

The alliance will likely make UW Medicine services more readily available to Valley Medical Center patients.

Specifically, more specialists and specialized procedures will likely be available to Valley Medical Center patients.

Valley Medical Center CEO Rich Roodman said the alliance is the most significant and visionary accomplishment that has been made in his 28 years with the company, because it will help facilitate the most comprehensive clinical care available to people in the community.

UW Medicine will benefit from the alliance by getting a larger patient base. However, Dr. Jamie Park, director of Newcastle Primary Care and

Valley Medical Center’s clinic network, said he doesn’t foresee specialists working at the Newcastle clinic.

UW Medicine operates Harborview Medical Center, the UW Medical Center, and numerous other hospitals and clinics across Western Washington. It is also an affiliate of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

“UW Medicine and Valley Medical Center share a commitment to providing outstanding clinical care with an emphasis on patient safety and service,” Dr. Paul Ramsey, CEO of UW Medicine and dean of the University of Washington School of Medicine, said in a news release. “This alliance will further support our mission to improve the health of the public and enhance our ability to provide national leadership for healthcare reform.”

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Newcastle News

PAGE 20

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