newcastle news Dec. 2011

Liberty grad settles into title role in ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ Page 14

Hazen earns first state berth since 1993 Page 18

December 2, 2011 VOL. 13, NO. 12

Money matters School district bond has plans for middle school.

Page 2

Gordon Bisset wins only contested City Council seat Former councilman nets 72 percent of votes cast to beat Frank Irigon

Honoring the best

By Christina Lords

Local teacher is MOHAI Teacher of the Year.

Page 6

Gordon Bisset won the 2012 general election over challenger Frank Irigon for the Newcastle City Council’s only contested race this year.

With about 72 percent or 1,965 votes, Bisset will take on the council’s fourth position.

Police blotter Page 7

Tuned to music

Irigon earned about 28 percent of the vote, or 752 ballots cast.

“I’m very pleased with the results,” Bisset said.

“I’d like to thank the Gordon Bisset voters of Newcastle and will be getting ready to carry out my campaign themes.”

About 51 percent of Newcastle’s registered voters cast

Frank Irigon

a ballot in the election.

Bisset served a fouryear term on the council from 2002-05 and has lived in the Hazelwood neighborhood for 41

years.

Irigon has lived in the Rainier Crest neighborhood for 25 years. This is the first time he has run for the City Council

Hazen students share their passion for orchestra.

Page 15

position.

Bisset said he would continue to attend meetings to stay current on issues, especially when it comes to the city’s 2012 budget discussions.

He will replace longtime Councilman Sonny Putter, who has continuously served on the council since 1994.

Incumbent councilwomen Lisa Jensen and Carol Simpson and incumbent Deputy Mayor Steve Buri were re-elected for their respective positions after they ran unopposed in the election.

Council votes for 1 percent increase in property tax Typical homeowner faces $11 increase next year

Ready to read

By Christina Lords

Gift-A-Book campaign nets 114 books for library.

Page 16

in the event’s youth, education, business, community service and mayor’s choice categories exemplify service and community pride that make Newcastle a great place to call home and do business.

Kent Coburn and Roland Deex were honored with a

Members of the City Council have agreed to cover the city’s $61,000 shortfall between revenue and expenditures for its 2012 budget in part by taking an allowable 1 percent increase in property tax.

The move will provide the city with about $40,400 in revenue — closing that shortfall to about $21,000.

Other reductions are still on the table to balance the 2012 budget — including the elimination of the city’s parks manager position, reductions to the city’s communication funding and cuts to the city manager’s contingency money that acts as a cushion for unexpected expenses.

An ordinance to set the city’s property tax collection must come before the City Council at its Dec. 6 meeting before the action will be finalized. Final adoption of the city’s 2012 budget is also expected at that time.

“This is responsible on our part,” Councilman Sonny Putter said. “It enables us to move for-

See AWARDS, Page 8

See BUDGET, Page 9

You should know The city of Newcastle has prioritized streets in town that get plowed or treated in inclement weather. View the city’s 2011 snow and ice priority routes at www.ci.newcastle.wa.us.

Follow the link in the what’s new box at the bottom of the page.

Contributed

Shall we dance?

Ria Mohan (left) dances the part of Clara with Emma Mason (right), of Newcastle, dancing the part of Clara’s brother Fritz at the 2010 Cornerstone Studio production of ‘The Nutcracker’ at Bellevue College.

See a story about the production on Page 10.

Diamond Awards honor community

By Christina Lords

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

50¢

Members of the Newcastle community who contribute time, energy and service to make the city a better place to live were recognized at the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce’s Diamond Awards on Nov. 10.

Karin Blakley, Diamond

Inside For another look at the Diamond Awards presentation, see photos, Page 8.

Award emcee and chamber board member, said recipients

Newcastle News

PAGE 2

DECEMBER 2, 2011

$97 million bond calls for middle school Boundaries for Renton School District wouldn’t be redrawn until after election

By Christina Lords The Renton School District will put three measures before voters Feb. 14 — including a $97 million building improvement bond that might have big implications for where students from Newcastle attend middle school.

The bond would fund a new middle school in Newcastle at the former Hazelwood Elementary School site, now home to the Renton Academy.

The academy provides alternative education services for students in the district. It will be moved to a new location if the bond passes, according to district spokesman Randy Matheson.

“We can do something with that property, and roughly an 800-student middle school is what we’re thinking right now,” he said. “Right now, McKnight Middle School has over 1,200 kids. Nelsen Middle School has over 1,100 kids. Dimmitt Middle School has over 1,000 kids.

There’s a lot of teen spirit going on in those buildings.”

Matheson said middle schools in the district should ideally support between 800 and 900 students. Adding a middle school would benefit student

ratios in each of the four schools if the bond measure passes, he said.

The Renton Academy facility would be torn down and a new building would be built in its place. The facility could be a traditional middle school or a magnet school to focus on a specialized curriculum, such a math or science.

“We already have the students to populate that school,” Matheson said. “We’re not opening the doors to students from outside the district or trying to fill that thing with new students … we just need a better space than what we currently have.”

There are 13 elementary schools that feed into three middle schools in the district.

Efforts to rework school boundaries or create architectural designs must wait until it is determined whether the bond passes or not, Matheson said.

“That’s the kind of work you’d have to put in once you know you have the funding,” he said. “It would be a moot point for us to do months and months of planning for a school that we’re not going to get funding for.”

The Renton Academy is the only property the district owns that is large enough to house a middle school, and other properties would be too expensive to buy and develop, Matheson said.

The building improvement bond would also fund a major renovation for Lindbergh High School’s pool. The bond includes funding for other school building improvements throughout the district, such as roof replacements; electrical and plumbing improvements; safety and security upgrades; and energy conservation measures.

The district will also seek a replacement maintenance and operations levy, which provides 30 cents of every dollar spent in the district, and a replacement technology levy, which funds technology-based education, buys equipment and covers nearly $1 million worth of software licensing fees the district must pay each year.

The bond must pass by a supermajority vote, or 60 percent approval, while the two levies must pass with a simple majority vote, or by more than 50 percent.

“One could say it’s going to be instrumental in keeping us moving forward,” said school board member Pam Teal, who represents the Newcastle area.

Residents were able to ask

“We already have the students to populate that school. We’re not opening the doors to students from outside the district or trying to fill that thing with new students … we just need a better space than what we currently have.”

— Randy Matheson School district spokesman questions about the measures at a school district presentation Nov. 8.

Estimates provided by the school district state the three measures would cost the average homeowner an additional 69 cents per $1,000 of assessed value on their property taxes, bringing the total rate collected to $5.40 per $1,000.

Homeowners with a home valued at $252,000 would pay $1,361, according to the district.

“Middle school … is probably one of the most important things that we can invest in,” said former school board member and State Rep. Marcie Maxwell. “I hope that most people in this community are very interested in ensuring our kids have a great place to learn and that our teachers have a great place to teach.”

Giving tree set up at HomeStreet Bank The Newcastle branch of HomeStreet Bank, 6949 Coal Creek Parkway S.E., will have a giving tree to benefit Vision House, a local nonprofit that supports families facing homelessness.

This is the branch's third year hosting a tree to benefit Vision House clients.

The tree will be available through Dec. 20.

The branch hours for the bank are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Call Linda Stemler, branch manager, at 401-8778 for more information.

Volunteers needed for trail work Work parties continue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 18 on the May Creek Trail extension east to Coal Creek Parkway.

Scouts from several troops will work on both ends of the new trail, but more volunteers are needed. Newcastle Trails is a nonprofit organization that can provide certificates of community service.

Supervisors are also welcome. Adults who can move along the trail, keep people on task and answer questions are also needed.

Contact Peggy Price at 8292196 or info@newcastletrails.org for more information.

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PAGE 3

Issaquah School Board incumbents return Brian Deagle, Suzanne Weaver retain seats

By Tom Corrigan In the races for the two contested seats on the Issaquah School Board, the two incumbents outdistanced their general election opponents by similar margins.

“I’m glad to see the results the way they are,” board member Brian Deagle said shortly after initial vote totals were available.

As of Nov. 30, final numbers show Deagle defeated challenger Patrick Sansing 14,230 to 7,520 or 65 percent to 34.4 percent.

The other incumbent, Suzanne Weaver, outpaced challenger Brian Neville 14,005 to 8,091, or 63 percent to 36.5 percent.

Anne Moore will join the board in January; she ran unopposed for the seat to be vacated by board President Jan Colbrese.

Like Deagle, Weaver also expressed gratitude over the results.

“I’m obviously pleased,” Weaver said, adding she was grateful Deagle will be returning to the board as well.

“I think we have a very good team,” she said, adding that Moore will be a good addition to the board.

“I’m grateful for all the support I received,” Sansing said.

He reiterated a contention made numerous times during the election, namely that Issaquah schools are good, but could be better. He then vowed to stay active within the schools in any way he can.

“I’m generally relatively pleased with the results,” Neville

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said, adding that’s especially the case as he ran a fairly low-key campaign. He also noted there was no one burning issue that framed the Suzanne board elecW eaver tions.

Neville said he ran mostly to provide Weaver some competition.

Like Sansing, Neville intends to stay involved with the Brian Deagle schools and may be facing voters in coming years.

During the campaign, Deagle said his main goal is to give Issaquah school graduates assurances that they are prepared to enter the world, ready for whatever comes after high school.

“We have fallen short of that in a number of ways because we are limited by our resources,” he said. He added that finances dictate teacher availability, which in turn dictates and limits what classes schools can offer.

Weaver praised the district for keeping students center stage in a time of massive financial distractions, but said leaders need to deal with those hurdles.

“It’s frustrating,” Weaver said.

“Every time we start to deal with an issue and make some headway, we suddenly have to figure a way to pay for it.”

Photos courtesy of the Renton Historical Society

Above: The church pictured in this undated photo was known as the Sunday School Church in Newcastle because even though it had no regular minister, Sunday school was held each week. Below: The church was built in 1875 by miners. Seattle churches sent out ministers on a rotating basis. By 1876, the town of Newcastle had grown to 500 inhabitants with 100 homes.

Know more about these photos? Have historical photos of your own you’d like to see in the paper? Email them to reporter Christina Lords at newcastle@isspress.com or call 392-6434, ext. 239.

Back tracking: an ongoing series about the history of Newcastle

Opinion

PAGE 4

Editorial

Letter to the editor Consider vets when hiring

Shorter school year wouldn’t be all bad Gov. Christine Gregoire has floated a couple of ideas to deal with the state’s budget crisis. One of those is a halfpenny-per-dollar increase to the sales tax, to go before voters in March. First, legislators would have to approve the ballot measure. The new revenue would be targeted for education.

Another idea to help local school districts deal with looming budget cuts would be for the state to reduce the required number of school days per year. We like the idea, although we acknowledge that it could be a burden for working parents who have to pay for more childcare.

State law currently requires students to have no less than 180 separate school days.

But take a closer look. Another state law requires districts to provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction time for students in grades one through 12 and at least 450 hours for kindergarteners.

Gregoire’s proposal to drop the 180 days per year down to 176 days would not reduce the average total hour requirement.

It shouldn’t be that hard to squeeze 1,000 hours into four fewer days. Let’s do the math. Divide 1,000 hours by 180 days and you average 5.55 hours per day. With 176 days, the average day is 5.68. That’s an increase of eight minutes per day.

The Issaquah and Renton school districts already bus kids to school for a half-day at the end of the school year in June. That should be the first day to drop.

The advantage is the savings in utilities, transportation, and wear and tear on facilities. There could also be salary savings in some support staff, from the lunchroom cooks to the front office.

Whether or not the Legislature agrees to ask voters for a sales tax increase to support education funding — and the voters say yes — it might be time to also consider alternatives to the 180 school days per year.

Smaller class sizes and quality education are the priority, not the number of days students get on the bus.

From sidewalk installation projects to snow removal to property tax collection, decisions made by officials at a local level have the potential to impact your daily life. Get involved. Provide feedback. Make a difference.

Let leaders know what’s on your mind to shape a better Newcastle at these December meetings: The probable adoption of the city’s 2012 budget will be decided at the City Council’s 7 p.m. Dec. 6 meeting.

The Parks Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Dec. 14.

The Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 21.

Meetings are held at City Hall, 12835 Newcastle Way, Suite 200. Call 649-4363 for more information.

Published since 1999 by

ISSAQUAH PRESS, INC.

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

Dear Washington state business owners and employers: What is the one thing that makes your business the best?

I’m guessing it’s your employees.

How would you describe a great employee?

Motivated, dedicated, high integrity, solution finder, team player.

What if I told you that I can find you employees with those traits, and they can make your business even better?

It’s true.

They are our recently separated military personnel and our National Guard and Reservists and they want to put the skills they learned in the military to work for you!

Sure, their resumes may look a little different than someone who went straight from high school to work or college, but take an extra minute or two to think about how their skill set may bring a different perspective and better bal-

ance to your workplace.

Think about the training they received in the military: navigating sophisticated computer systems, interpreting technical data and focusing on important deadlines. Imagine the dedication and commitment it takes to put your country above yourself. That sense of purpose and duty is an asset to any business.

These men and women raised their hand to defend our nation. As business owners and employers, now it’s our turn to look out for them.

Make a commitment to reach out to veterans when you have openings.

The easiest way to do that is to contact the Employment Security Department’s Veteran Service Program and WorkSource.

These employment experts can help you connect with a veteran who will make your business better. They can be reached at 877-453-5906 toll free or HireaVet@esd.wa.gov.

John E. Lee, director Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs

Rapid Response What are some of your favorite traditions during the holiday season?

On Christmas morning we read the biblical account of Jesus’ birth and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus with the cake we made together the day before Christmas.

— Maury and Jana Miller Picking out our tree from Newcastle Fruit and Produce, seeing the lights around the neighborhoods and celebrating New Year's with friends.

— Trina Sooy When it snows, we gear-up in ski attire and hike to the corner of Southeast 79th Street and Coal Creek Parkway to watch the foolhardy drivers try to make their way up and down 79th's steep hill.

— Dave Martinez

A third Starbucks is opening within the Newcastle city limits at QFC. Will the chain see enough business to support all three?

The two other Starbucks seem full most of the time. I believe a new one would be fine and will have sufficient business. It might be nice to see a Tully's or other brand of coffee as option.

— Jesse Tam I expect so. Someone shopping at QFC probably wouldn’t go to a Starbucks on the Safeway side anyway, so many would be new customers.

— Peggy Price I've often wondered if the QFC has enough business to support its business … perhaps the lack of people will make the new Starbucks where you go when you're in a hurry?

— Trina Sooy

Poll question

Public meetings

Newcastle news

DECEMBER 2, 2011

Do you support the Renton Pools Community’s effort to try to keep Renton School District’s pools open for another year?

A. Yes. High school students should have the opportunity to participate in aquatic sports.

B. Yes. The public utilizes the pools for private swim clubs and leisure.

C. No. The pools drain limited resources from the district in this still-struggling economy.

D. No. The district and partners should pursue plans to rebuild the aging structures instead of just maintaining the current facilities at a high cost to the district.

Vote at www.newcastle-news.com.

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

Write us

Christina Lords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reporter

Newcastle News welcomes signed letters to the editor.

They should be 350 words or less. The News may edit for length, clarity and potential libel. Letters about local topics are preferred. Send them by the 20th of the month to:

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Newcastle News P.O. Box 1328 ❑ Issaquah, WA 98027 Fax: 391-1541 ❑ Email: newcastle@isspress.com

Newcastle News

DECEMBER 2, 2011

PAGE 5

Resident input wanted for online survey

Nativity display includes Newcastle contributions

Local moving business is honored by Mayflower

Newcastle police seek car break-in information

The first in a series of surveys conducted by the city’s Parks Commission is available online for public input on parks and recreational opportunities in Newcastle at www.surveymonkey.com/ s/KJ329WT. The city aims to update its 20year, city-wide Comprehensive Plan with resident input gathered from the surveys.

One major element of the Comprehensive Plan is the Park, Trail, Recreation and Open Space Plan, which serves as the city’s guide to develop its parks, recreation and open space facilities and programs. Information provided in this and future surveys will be used to help update the Newcastle PRO Plan.

Learn more by calling Michael Holly, parks program manager, at 649-4444, ext. 142, or email michaelh@ci.newcastle.wa.us.

The annual Festival of the Nativities event, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will host a display of more than 500 nativity sets from around the world.

The display will feature contributions by residents of Newcastle, Issaquah, North Bend, Snoqualmie and Bellevue.

Special choral performances will be provided by the Seattle Bell Choir and offer family activities for children of all ages.

The event is from 6-9 p.m.

Dec. 1, noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3, and 12:30-6:30 p.m. Dec 4.

It’s free and open to the public.

The display is located off of Interstate 90, across from Bellevue College and behind the LDS temple, 15205 S.E. 28th St.

Rainier Moving Systems, an agent of the nationwide household goods carrier Mayflower, was recently honored for exceptional professional performance.

The Newcastle company’s recognition was awarded during Mayflower’s 2011 Convention, held in Orlando, Fla., with more than 400 Mayflower representatives in attendance.

Mayflower CEO Richard H. McClure made the announcement of the recognition as a part of the van line’s annual awards program.

Rainier Moving Systems received the Million Dollar Club Award at the $2 million level, recognizing top Mayflower revenue producers, for achievements during the calendar year 2010.

The Newcastle Police Department is seeking information after three cars were broken into between the evening hours of Nov. 16 and the morning of Nov. 17 in the Madison Lane and Asbury Crest neighborhoods, near Southeast 69th Street and 115th Place.

The culprit or culprits entered the vehicles by breaking windows. Some of the stolen items of value were left in plain sight.

Report car prowls by calling 206-296-3311 or online at www.reporttosheriff.org.

If you have any information

DUI patrols will increase for holidays Thanksgiving was the launch date for a statewide campaign to nab drunken drivers throughout the holiday season.

The effort will continue through Jan. 2. The campaign means beefed-up DUI enforcement on Newcastle and King County roads, as the Newcastle Police Department, Washington State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies join the crackdown.

Washington law enforcement officers advise all holiday partygoers to designate a sober driver, call a cab or choose not to drink alcohol.

Officers in King County on routine and extra patrols arrested 876 people for DUI during the same period last year.

In addition to Newcastle police, officers in nearby Issaquah, Bellevue, North Bend, Renton, Sammamish and Snoqualmie plan to participate in the extra DUI enforcement.

The anti-DUI effort is organized under the King County Target Zero Task Force, a regional effort to crack down on unsafe driving practices. Target Zero managers coordinate the extra patrols. In addition, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission provides support.

Target Zero’s goal is to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries statewide by 2030.

It’s not the candy that causes cavities...

that may assist in this investigation, call 649-4444, email police@ci.newcastle.wa.us or file an anonymous tip at www.ci.newcastle.wa.us.

Call 911 for officer response if you observe suspicious activity around vehicles.

To help prevent car break-ins: ❑ Close all windows and lock your car. ❑ Do not leave keys in the vehicle. ❑ Remove all loose items, especially items of value, such as laptop computers, GPS units, purses and wallets. ❑ Park your vehicle in a welllit area.

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Newcastle News

PAGE 6

DECEMBER 2, 2011

Newcastle teacher is recognized for demanding the most of her students “I realized I was way too social to be sitting in a lab somewhere.”

By Tom Corrigan Newcastle Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Liza Rickey leaves no doubt that part of her teaching philosophy is to challenge her students as much as possible.

“I set high standards,” she said. “I expect a lot out of my students.”

Rickey’s philosophy recently has gotten her some attention.

At a ceremony in November, Rickey was named the Museum of History and Industry’s 2011 Teacher of the Year.

“Rickey was being honored for her innovative hands-on strategies that make social studies come alive for her students,” said Tara McCauley, MOHAI’s manager for education programs.

Rickey’s award carried with it a $1,000 honorarium. By pure coincidence, Rickey had taken her class on a “Cracking the History Code” field trip at MOHAI the day she learned she had won the MOHAI award.

Such field trips have students searching for clues in the museum in order to gain the code that unlocks a mystery box given to visiting classes.

Newcastle school volunteer Liz Tupou said she was at first “flabbergasted” at the amount and depth of the homework Rickey regularly assigns her students, including Tupou’s grandchild. Tupou also said Rickey encourages parents not to help kids too much with their homework.

— Liza Rickey Newcastle Elementary School fourth-grade teacher

By Tom Corrigan

Newcastle Elementary School teacher Liza Rickey, recently named the MOHAI Teacher of the Year for 2011, leads her fourthgrade class through a math lesson.

“They rise to the occasion,” Tupou said of the students.

While Rickey received her MOHAI award for her teaching of social studies, she said science is a passion. Her initial degree from the University of Washington is in zoology.

But Rickey said when she went looking for a job after

graduation, she realized every job she had previously — from nanny to camp counselor — involved children. She also noticed something else about herself.

“I realized I was way too social to be sitting in a lab somewhere,” said Rickey, who eventually earned a master’s in teaching.

Presently, Rickey’s fourthgraders are studying the concept of density. She admits it is a difficult idea for them to fully understand, but as seems typical of her thinking, she also believes it is something her students eventually can grasp. To help them out, Rickey has supplied two definitions of the concept.

The first is a simple one aimed at fourth-graders; the other is the adult definition. Rickey is convinced her students need and can use both.

In picking a teacher to honor, MOHAI education leaders look at teachers who have made use of some museum resource, said Danielle Bias, MOHAI’s marketing officer. They then invite local principals to nominate a teacher, she said.

Rickey said that early in the

Contributed

Planting seeds for a better tomorrow Girl Scout Troop 52220 from Newcastle Elementary School’s fourth-graders, along with two older Girls Scouts, helped at the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust volunteer events at Lake Sammamish on Oct. 16. They helped plant nearly 400 native trees and shrubs along Issaquah Creek. These trees, when grown, will help shade the creek and provide important wildlife habitat. From left to right are Lauren, Mira, Riley, Eleanor, Haley, Leah, Elise, Jaylen and Emma.

school year she had students investigating what she called an explorer’s artifact trunk supplied

by MOHAI. Students had to identify the objects within the trunk, things such as furs and a sexton. Rickey admitted a candle mold stumped her students, who also had to come up with different items they thought were appropriate for the trunk.

This is Rickey’s first year at Newcastle Elementary. She previously helped set up the science

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

magnet school program at Clark Elementary School.

Rickey said she tries anything to engage students and involve them in learning.

“This year, she had students create a class constitution for themselves, in lieu of just posting the rules,” MOHAI’s McCauley said.

“I am a firm believer in empowering kids, in putting the learning in their hands,” Rickey said.

Newcastle News

DECEMBER 2, 2011

Police blotter

stolen Oct. 28 from the driveway of his home in the 9000 block of 140th Avenue Southeast.

officer contacted the juveniles and their parents said they would handle the situation.

Rock smashes home window

Watch your locks

Fake $20 reported

A Seattle man reported several items were stolen from his unlocked vehicle Oct. 24 at Liberty High School, including two laptops, a Movado watch and personal items. The loss is estimated at $5,085.

A man reportedly tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill Oct. 28 at the Newcastle McDonald’s on Newcastle Way. The man got into a gray or black Dodge Durango with Washington license plates and left before police arrived.

Student charged with assault

On the rocks

A woman living in the 12500 block of Southeast 70th Street reported a rock had been thrown through a large window of her living room after she left her home for about 45 minutes to go shopping. The Oct. 12 incident caused $400 worth of damage and is thought to be an attempted burglary. Nothing was stolen from the home.

Car stolen from apartment complex A Newcastle man reported his 2000 green Acura Integra was stolen from his apartment Oct. 14. The man told police his car had been broken into about a month prior, and it appeared the suspect had tried to steal the vehicle then but was unsuccessful.

Burglary trips alarm Police responded to a tripped residential alarm in the 12000 block of Southeast 73rd Place on Oct. 14 and found three rocks thrown through the window of the home. Two laptops were stolen from the residence, and the window is expected to cost $200 to replace. The family was out of town during the incident.

Minor in possession A 14-year-old boy was cited for minor in possession after police found him intoxicated and lying on the ground in the fetal position Oct. 15 near the Newport Crossing Apartments. The boy had a cut on his forehead and was transported to the emergency room for medical care.

A 15-year-old student was taken into custody Oct. 26 for fourth-degree assault after he reportedly shoved a teacher at the Renton Academy. As the officer was gathering information, the student attempted to walk off of the school’s premises. The officer placed the student in a patrol vehicle, where the student was verbally aggressive toward the officer. The student spit at the officer while in transit, but the vehicle’s Plexiglass stopped it. The case has been forwarded to the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office.

Teenagers cause trouble A Newcastle man reported several teenagers smashed pumpkins and emptied numerous bags of trash in the entry patio of his Southeast 86th Street residence Oct. 31. The man said he’s had problems with juveniles ringing his doorbell on several occasions. An

Home burglarized A Newcastle woman said her 116th Avenue Southeast home had been burglarized after a suspect appeared to enter the residence through a bedroom window. An Apple laptop worth $450 was stolen.

School window broken A window at Newcastle Elementary School was broken between the evening of Oct. 24 and the morning of Oct. 25 after an unknown suspect threw a rock and shattered the exterior ground-floor window. The incident caused $500 in damage.

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Guitar, necklaces lifted from home A Newcastle man reported his $300 bass guitar and about a dozen necklaces valued at $100 were stolen sometime between Oct. 24 and 27 from his 118th Avenue Southeast home. There was no sign of forced entry.

Occupy Newcastle?

A Newcastle woman reported sometime during the first two weeks of October someone had applied an orange irritant, such as pepper spray, to the inside of her car. She paid $600 to clean the interior of her car and wanted the incident documented for insurance purposes. She said she often leaves her car unlocked or leaves the windows cracked and that may be how the substance was applied.

Subarus vandalized Police responded to the report of a window broken out of a vehicle at the Cedar Rim Apartments on 110th Avenue Southeast. Two vehicles, a 2010 Subaru Forrester and a 2011 Subaru Outback, had windows broken out. The incident caused $300 in damages and a $1,000 scanner was stolen.

No reports from the month of November were available as of press time. The Newcastle News publishes names of those arrested for DUI and those charged with felony crimes. Information comes directly from local police reports.

Worship Directory

King County to take testimony regarding bus route eliminations The King County Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee will hold a special committee meeting to take public testimony on the possible elimination of lower-productivity King County Metro Transit, including routes 925 and 219 that serve Newcastle.

The meeting will include an initial presentation on the proposed ordinance implementing Metro Transit’s recommended service changes that would go into effect in June.

The meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at the King County Council Chamber on the 10th floor of the King County Courthouse.

Residents may also email comments to Janice Mansfield to janice.mansfield@kingcounty.gov or written comments can be mailed to Janice Mansfield, King County Council Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200, Seattle, WA 98104.

The Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee is expected to act on the recommended June 2012 bus service changes in early January, with action by the full council expected in mid-January.

The committee will take comments through Jan. 6.

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A woman called Liberty High School administrators Oct. 18 to advise them her son may be under the influence of or in possession of marijuana. The student, who had marijuana in his backpack, was emergency expelled from the school and released to his mother. The report was sent to the King County Youth Center prosecutor for further investigation.

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While conducting an area check near Newcastle Elementary School on Oct. 21, an officer found a vehicle in the parking lot with its rear window smashed. The officer contacted the owner who said he was out of town. The incident caused $500 worth of damage.

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A man said he would pay about $350 in restitution after he vandalized a double-paned window with a fist-sized rock while possibly intoxicated Oct. 30 at the Coal Creek Apartments. The manager of the property said he would not pursue charges if restitution was made.

PAGE 7

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DECEMBER 2, 2011

Community group seeks donations to keep Hazen, Lindbergh pools open The organization known as Renton Pools Community has again begun work to raise funds to keep Renton School District swimming pools open for another school year.

In June, the group exceeded their fundraising goal to keep the pools at Hazen and Lindbergh high schools open for this school year.

And while the additional funds raised have been carried over for next year’s pool operations, now the organization will begin work to raise the remaining $40,000 to reach the $60,000 goal to keep the pools open for the 2012-13 school year.

Because of continued state

budget cuts to education, it is increasingly difficult for the district to continue to fund two pools while making cuts to programs, according to the Renton School District.

District students on swim and dive teams, including teams from nearby Kentridge High School in the Kent School District, use the pools. Many private swim clubs and community members also use the pools for swim meets, practice, lessons and leisure.

The groups pay fees to use the pools. For the past three years, Renton Pools Community has raised funds to help cover a portion of the operating costs. Even with that contribution, and fees

On the Web Learn more about the organization at the Renton Pools Community Facebook page or email renton.pools@comcast.net.

charged to outside groups, the district continues to provide substantial financial support to operate the pools.

The district will place a bond measure before voters Feb. 14 to continue school building renovation projects throughout the district, including making renovations to the pool building at

Contributed

High school swimmers prepare for a meet at the Hazen High School pool.

Lindbergh High School.

The district is implementing energy conservation and efficiency improvements at the pools — like those that have

been successful elsewhere in the district — and pool programs are being adjusted to generate additional revenue during underutilized times.

Roland Deex (left) and Kent Coburn were awarded in the youth category.

Photos by Christina Lords

Valley Medical Center representatives accept the Diamond Award for the business category.

Awards From Page 1 Diamond Award in the youth category.

Coburn has volunteered at Newcastle Days, and for Arbor Day and various Weed Warrior events since 2008. He plays in Hazen High School’s jazz band and played at Newcastle’s Earth Day event in 2011.

Deex, a Liberty High School student, is a member of the honor society and tutors students before school, and he mentors a Newcastle boy with autism each week through the Athletes for Kids buddy program. During Deex’s Eagle Scout project, he organized service projects to benefit the East May Creek Trail.

Cathy Dean, a first-grade teacher at Hazelwood

Elementary School, was awarded the education award for her ability to build good relationships with students that enable them to achieve a strong educational foundation.

Valley Medical Center was honored in the business category. The medical center was recognized for stepping up during tough economic times to become the main sponsor of Newcastle Days.

Newcastle resident Trina Sooy was selected for an award in the community service category for her volunteer work through the Coal Creek YMCA and her efforts as a healthy living advocate in the community.

Mayor John Dulcich presented Mutual Materials with a special recognition award for the company’s longtime ties to the community. The company started more than 100 years ago, but shut down its Newcastle site this year due to the sluggish econo-

my.

The company is studying the area to determine options for redevelopment.

“I’d like to thank them for their past presence in this community, their current presence … and also their future,” Dulcich said. “It’s a legacy that they’re going to leave to this community as they chose to redevelop the site. They’ve made a commitment to the city that whether they’re involved or not as development goes forward, they want it to be something their family would be proud of.”

Newcastle has received several recent distinctions, including the city’s selection as the 18th best place to live in the United States by Money magazine this year, and the awards are a time to appreciate the people and businesses that make those distinctions possible, Blakley said.

“We, too, realize what a remarkable community this is,”

Trina Sooy (left) was awarded in the community service category and Cathy Dean (right) was honored in the education category. she said. “We’re really an engaged, wonderful community, and it’s very important to recognized the importance of the volunteers here.”

About 75 people turned out for the eighth annual event at The Golf Club at Newcastle. The chamber collects nominations

from the public for the awards each fall.

“We get to recognize volunteers, and that’s really helped build the city,” Dulcich said. “It separates us from other cities, because we feel we’re the best here and will continue to be moving forward.”

Newcastle News

DECEMBER 2, 2011

Laughing all the way

I got the music in me

By Pat Detmer When I was 5 years old, I took tap-dancing lessons, and at 12 I sang Gregorian chants in the Catholic church choir.

At 14, I taught myself how to Pat Detmer play guitar, and at 17 I used that guitar with my singing group — The She Bops — when we were on stage in high school or on TV trying to win the Davenport, Iowa, version of Ted Mack's Amateur Hour.

I once called in sick and went to the Seattle Center, location of a national barbershop quartet conference, just in the hopes that some spontaneous singing

Budget From Page 1 ward, and it seems reasonable.”

The city has worked to trim the budget over the past three years and the city must cover the cost of inflation so services and residents’ quality of life don’t deteriorate over time, Councilwoman Carol Simpson said.

Councilman Rich Crispo said while he supports taking the 1 percent increase, the city must do a better job of seeking other sources of revenue.

The city’s portion of a resident’s property tax will cost an additional $11 next year for a $516,000 home — the typical home price in Newcastle as

might break out. My mother and two sisters and I could produce some pretty decent four-part harmony ourselves, and my stepdaughter (brave child) has asked the Detmer sisters and Newcastle niece to sing "Going to the Chapel" at her wedding in April.

The above history explains why you might spot me striding along the sidewalk singing to my iPod, or abruptly striking a dramatic pose a la John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever." I'll do that in store aisles as well if the piped-in music moves me.

Sometimes I simply cannot help myself.

This brings me to a couple of weeks ago. I was walking to a hair appointment, happy to be able to hit the streets without wearing a rain slicker in November. It's not a tough walk — a couple of miles, tops, from Olympus to the 44th assessed by King County.

Financial director Christine Olson said the city took the allowable 1 percent increase in property taxes last year, but reduced the city’s surface water fee to offset increases. That reduction is still in affect for the 2012 budget.

In November, the council directed city staff members to come back to the table with other alternatives to balance the budget, including proposals to cut services and/or staff and restoring $140,000 to the 2011 general reserve fund after it was mistakenly transferred to the parks fund in 2006.

Members of the public spoke out against eliminating Michael Holly’s parks manager position and canceling community events, which could create a possible

PAGE 9

Street exit — but it does go up and down some pretty substantial hills. I was lost in the effort and the moment, listening to my iPod, which is filled with singles that I love but was too cheap to buy in an album or a CD. Linda Ronstadt was singing "When Will I Be Loved" as I hurried across the parking lot to the hair salon. As I was nearing the door, I knew that Linda's plaintive final line: "Tell me wheeennn will Ahh be-e-e <pause> looovvved!" was coming up. Through the salon window I could see Malinda, my hairdresser, leaning against the front desk. The timing of my entrance was perfect, so I threw open the door, crossed the threshold and sang the above line at the top of my lungs.

I'm self-employed, and usually get my hair cut at nonpeak times like ... oh ...9:30 on Wednesday, or 2 on Tuesday afternoon, so I figured that belting out Linda Ronstadt with no preface was going to be heard by Malinda and a few others. But this was Saturday at 11 a.m.

Imagine my surprise when I realized that not only was every station filled, but people were waiting as well.

Malinda gave me a new nickname: The One-Person Flash Mob.

You can reach Pat Detmer and see a picture of her singing at a Family Services fundraiser at patdetmer.com.

$71,000 in savings for the city.

Several members of the city’s Parks Commission said the manager position should not be cut because it is too vital to the work of the commission and public parkland must be maintained at a high level.

“We have it, we need to manage it,” said Jesse Tam, Parks Commission member. “If we

manage it well, we can continue to increase the value of the property within the city and also retain a quality of life we’re all very proud of.”

Under union rules in the event of a layoff, the parks manager would have the option to replace a lower seniority employee in the same union group. The person in the lower

position would then be the employee laid off.

Grace Stiller, an organizer of the area’s Weed Warriors group, said she hopes to see minimal cuts made to parks-related funding because while volunteerism is an integral part of Newcastle, projects can lose focus without some level of organization and direction from the city.

I think I'll keep it. It makes for a handy excuse.

Newcastle News

PAGE 10

DECEMBER 2, 2011

Newcastle dancers shine in Nutcracker performance Cornerstone Studio offers fresh take on an old classic

By Christina Lords As Amie Tabiando dances around the room, she clutches a plush Eeyore stuffed animal lovingly to her chest.

Her smile widens as she reveals him to a cluster of smaller children surrounding her lithe frame. Tabiando lifts Eeyore up and down, twirling and sashaying with him wherever she goes.

But soon she’ll trade that Eeyore in for a more wellknown prop for one of the holiday season’s most beloved ballets — a Nutcracker.

She, along with more than 60 of the Cornerstone Studio’s 200 students, can be found at the Newport Hills studio every Saturday and Sunday gearing up for their annual holiday performance, putting in long hours on top of their regularly scheduled dance classes.

Lea Lo, studio owner and artistic director, said the studio’s performance of the ballet is an affordable, family-friendly activity with something for every audience.

“People that come to this get that traditional underlying story, but they also get to experience new aspects as well,” Lo said.

“It’s a traditional holiday story, but we try to give it a new spin.”

The performances will take place at 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 17 and Dec. 18 at Bellevue

Contributed

Emma Mason, of Newcastle, strikes a pose as the part of Fritz during the 2010 Cornerstone Studio production of ‘The Nutcracker’ at Bellevue College.

College’s Carlson Theatre.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $22 at the door.

About 25 of those performing call Newcastle home.

The studio’s Nutcracker performances have evolved from excerpts of the ballet to fullfledged performances with elaborate sets, backdrops and costumes, Lo said.

Each year the performance is tweaked — this year’s ballet includes a section of breakdancing — so audience members can view a fresh twist on the old classic, she said.

Shelby Toy, who plays one of

the Little Chinese roles, said she enjoys the costuming of the performance most.

The 6-year-old from Newcastle said she was a Ginger Snap last year and hopes to someday take on roles such as the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Emma Mason, 11, said that each year dancers are exposed to new steps and performance opportunities through the annual show.

“We’ve all worked really hard on this,” she said, “and I think the audience will really appreciate the practice we’ve put into it.”

What to know ❑ Buy tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com by searching for “The Nutcracker” under the search criteria bar on the left side of the screen. ❑ Learn more about the performance at the studio’s website at www.cornerstonestudio.com.

Each of the studio’s four performances sold out last year.

Polar Express adaptation features local residents With a cast featuring performers from 3 to well over 60 years old, including residents of Newcastle, the third annual Blue Dog Dance production of “The Polar Express” will be Dec. 16 and 17 at Renton’s Carco Theater.

Performances are at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 16 and 3 and 6 p.m. Dec. 17.

Tickets are $10 and are available online at www.bluedogdance.com.

After choreographing a “Nutcracker” performance, Blue Dog Dance Director Barbara Walshe was looking for something new to try — something to showcase many different aspects of performance art as well as ballet. Inspiration came while listening to the soundtrack of “The Polar Express” with her family.

She envisioned tapping elves, flipping wolves, dancing reindeer and breakdancing chefs with singers and actors to help tell the story of a child who doesn't believe in Santa Claus and ends up on a train to the North Pole along with other doubters.

The production’s sets have become more elaborate each year.

Walshe’s first production used dance interpretation, singers and actors in pantomime to tell the story. The second year, she added speaking parts and more singing roles.

This year, the studio was awarded a Make Art Happen in Renton grant from the Renton Municipal Arts Commission.

The grant will pay for a new set mural of the North Pole.

More than 90 local performers from Bellevue, Newcastle, Issaquah, Maple Valley and Renton make up the production.

This year the production is under the acting direction of Lisa Edwards, a Newcastle resident.

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Newcastle News

DECEMBER 2, 2011

Bellevue resident Anne Moore readies to join school board

By Tom Corrigan Long before the first ballot was mailed back to King County, Issaquah School District residents were guaranteed of Anne Moore seeing at least one new face on their school board of directors next year.

Bellevue resident Anne Moore ran unopposed for the District One seat being vacated by current board president Jan Colbrese.

“I will always be deeply invested in the Issaquah School District,” Colbrese said.

But after what will be 12 years on the board, Colbrese said that following discussions with her husband, she decided it was time to move on. She further noted that all of her children have now graduated from district schools.

Colbrese announced her decision not to run in June, prior to the election filing deadline.

Issaquah School District 1 covers an area of the district to the west of Issaquah and south to Coalfield and north to Lake Sammamish.

While board candidates run for specific geographic seats, voters from across the district cast ballots for all board members.

Issaquah School Board members each serve four-year terms.

Board members may request pay of $50 per meeting, but the current board has chosen not to take that money, said Sara Niegowski, district executive director of communications.

Moore described herself as no stranger to the district, having served with the PTSA and on various district committees for 14 years. For example, Moore served on numerous bond and levy committees, including the committee that made initial recommendations for the bond question that will be in front of voters in April. She said joining the school board feels like a natural progression of her past involvement with the schools.

Talking about the bond issue, Moore said she does not believe the schools have been lavish in their recent capital improve-

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ments or with the projects now under consideration. One current board member voiced a hope the new performing arts center at Issaquah High School is not “too beautiful,” possibly convincing voters officials have gone overboard with improvements.

“It was time to rebuild Issaquah High School,” Moore said referring to the overall new construction at the school.

Because they hoped groups from outside the schools might be able to use the facility, Moore said some community members lobbied for the new performing arts center to be larger than it is.

In general, Moore said her goals on the board will remain

PAGE 11 the same as they were when she served on school committees or in the PTSA. In short, she wants to ensure that when students leave Issaquah schools, they are ready for whatever comes next, be that college or entering the job market.

“I think there is more we need to be doing in the area of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math,)” Moore said.

As for the never-ending questions regarding state funding of schools, Moore said she has worked in the past and will continue to work to adjust the levy lids that in her opinion hurt the property tax collections of the district especially when com-

pared with surrounding districts.

At 49, Moore still has children in district schools. Now a stay-at-home parent, she previously spent 12 years as an electrical engineer for IBM.

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Community

PAGE 12

Events The Newcastle Chamber of Commerce presents the free teleseminar “How Not to Gain Weight Over the Holidays” from 5:30-6:45 p.m.

Dec. 7. Sign up at http://healinghypnotherapy.com/eventsclasses/free-teleseminar-5-tips-onhow-not-to-gain-holiday-weight.

Contact Jackie Foskett at JackieFoskett@comcast.net or 227-8120 to learn more.

Festival of the Nativities, featuring a display of more than 500 nativity sets from around the word, including contributions from Newcastle residents, is from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 and 12:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15205 S.E. 28th St., Bellevue.

The Newcastle Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon is from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Dec. 14 at Tapatio Mexican Grill, 6920 Coal Creek Parkway S.E. Guest speaker is business coach Chad Rudolph. Cost is $20. RSVP by emailing info@newcastlecc.com.

The Newcastle Weed Warriors next project is maintenance and restoration work from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 14 at Lake Boren, 13058 S.E. 84th Way.

Public meetings All city public meetings are at City Hall, 12835 Newcastle Way, Suite 200. Call 649-4363.

City Hall will be closed Dec. 26 for holiday observance. ❑ City Council — 7-10 p.m.

Dec. 6 ❑ Parks Commission — 6-8 p.m. Dec. 14 ❑ City Council — 7-10 p.m.

Dec. 20 ❑ Planning Commission — 7-9 p.m. Dec. 21

DECEMBER 2, 2011

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Cub Scout Pack 738 hosts annual Pinewood Derby The 2012 Pinewood Derby — Cub Scout Pack 738’s largest event of the year (at left) — pairs adults with children to design and build small race cars. This year’s derby will be held Jan. 15 at Newcastle Elementary School.

Learn more by contacting John Dietz, committee member, through the pack’s website at www.pack105pa.org/publicsite/ unithome.aspx?UID=7627 and clicking on the “Contact Our Pack” link at the top of the page.

Newport Way Library Association Meeting — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Newport Way Library, 14250 S.E. Newport Way, Bellevue The Newcastle Trails board meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. 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.seattle-

ymca.org/Locations/CoalCreek/ Pages/Home.aspx.

December

Library events The Newport Way Library is at 14250 S.E. Newport Way, Bellevue. It will be closed for the Christmas holiday Dec. 24 and 25. The following programs are offered the rest of the month: ❑ eReader and Digital Download Demonstration, for adults and teens, 1 p.m. Dec. 11 ❑ Computer class: “Word Level 1,” for adults and teens, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 ❑ Opera preview: “Attila,” for adults, 7 p.m. Dec. 27

4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28

2011 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30 31

❑ Baby Rhyming Time, for children and families, 10:15 a.m. ❑ Young Toddler Story Time, for ages 1-2 with an adult, 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays ❑ Toddler Story Time, for ages 2-3 with an adult, 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays ❑ Preschool Story Time, for

January

2012

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

ages 3-5 with an adult, 1 p.m.

Tuesdays ❑ Baby Rhyming Time, for children and families, 10:15 a.m.

Wednesdays ❑ World Language Story Time, for children and their See CALENDAR, Page 13

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Newcastle News

DECEMBER 2, 2011

Calendar From Page 12 families, 1:30 p.m. Saturdays ❑ Study Hall, for teens, children and families, 3 p.m.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays ❑ Study Zone, for teens, children and families, 3 p.m.

Thursdays

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 2550895.

Newcastle Historical Society meets at 4 p.m. the first Thursday at City Hall, 13020 S.E. 72nd Place. Call 2264238.

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 p.m. the first Monday September through June at the Newport Way Library, 14250 S.E. Newport Way. Call 255-9705.

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 Work parties continue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 18 on the May Creek Trail extension east to Coal Creek Parkway. Scouts from several troops will work on both ends of the new trail, but more volunteers are needed.

Newcastle Trails is a nonprofit organization that can provide certificates of community service. Supervisors are also welcome. Adults who can move along the trail, keep people on task and answer questions are also needed. Contact Peggy Price at 829-2196 or info@newcastletrails.org for more information.

The Regional Coalition for Housing has a volunteer position opening on its Citizen Advisory Board. The board consists of 12-15 community residents and housing professionals that work with ARCH staff to evaluate local housing funding proposals and increase awareness of housing issues on the Eastside. The board meets one Wednesday evening a month for two hours. Learn more at www.archhousing.org. Apply by contacting Arthur Sullivan at 861-3677 or asullivan@bellevuewa.gov.

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.

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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 www.newcastletrails.org.

PAGE 13 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.

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 3,000-acre park with more than 30 miles of trails and the site of the 1880s coalmines. Go to www.metrokc.gov/parks.

ISSAQUAH EDUCATORS DELIVER QUALITY EDUCATION TO OUR STUDENTS O Middle School studentsʼ scores in Math, Reading, Writing and

Science are among the highest in Washington O Issaquah seniors lead the State

and the nation in student scores on college entrance exams (SAT, ACT) and in participation rates O On-Time Graduation rate for

Issaquah students is 95.6% – one of the top rates in Washington O 78 National Board Certified teachers and 70.4 percent of educators with at

least a Master’s degree or higher O Issaquah educators provide a wide range of quality instruction for at-

risk students, English Language Learners, and students with disabilities through reading support, math support, student learning plans, transition plans, GLAD, and other special programs O Issaquah educators provide quality instruction to excelling students

through MERLIN, SAGE, Honors, Advanced Placement, College in the High School, and the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) O Elementary studentsʼ scores in

Math, Reading, Writing and Science are among the highest in Washington O Recognized as a regional leader

in promoting Respect and Responsibility and other character-building programs for our students

The Issaquah Education Association proudly salutes our educators during American Education Week.

Newcastle News

PAGE 14

DECEMBER 2, 2011

Liberty High School grad loves the title role in ‘Annie Get Your Gun’

By Warren Kagarise The title star in “Annie Get Your Gun” — sharpshooter Annie Oakley, a folk heroine — is a coveted role for actresses. So, too, is Elphaba, the green-tinted protagonist in “Wicked” and a witch infamous for menacing Oz. Vicki Noon claims both roles — Elphaba in “Wicked” as the mega-musical embarked on a national tour and Oakley in the recently opened production at Village Theatre.

The actress, a Liberty High School graduate, said the ties between the characters, outcast Elphaba and country bumpkin Oakley, extend beyond the person in the role.

“Both of them have kind of been on their own,” she said.

“Both of them have kind of had to fend for themselves and pull up their bootstraps and get on with their life. They’re both very independent people.”

“Annie Get Your Gun” opened at Village Theatre on Nov. 9 and runs through the holiday season.

“For me, it’s one of those ultimate female empowerment stories,” said Kristin Culp, a cochoreographer on the show.

“The song at the end, ‘Anything You Can Do,’ it’s a story about if you put your mind to doing anything, you can really become a star or the best, no matter who you are or what your upbringing is.”

The proto-feminist Oakley is a challenge for actresses in the role.

“You have to do the things that scare you, especially when you’re an actress,” Noon said

“Annie Oakley, the character in this show, she really is a caricature. The accent is over the top. To step into this fun, outlandish person, she’s a hoot.”

— Vicki Noon Liberty High School alumna

before donning a red-andturquoise getup for a photo shoot. “You have to put yourself in a situation that might scare you or make you feel a little uncomfortable. That’s the only way that you grow.”

The lead characters in “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Wicked” transform into adults as the musicals unfold — a lesson not lost on Noon.

“The role of Elphaba is everything that someone who loves to sing and perform aspires to,” she said. “For women in theater, it’s the role.”

Still, the character can exact a toll on actresses due to the constant demands.

“Elphaba is a beast of a role and after doing it for three years, I think I needed a little break,” Noon said. “I wanted to rest my voice, and see my family and friends.”

Noon studied the “Annie Get Your Gun” film adaptation released in 1950 and YouTube clips from recent stage productions.

“When I’m reading the script, every line out of Annie’s mouth is funny,” she said. “I just hope I do her justice.”

The musical meant the lead actress needed to trade the pop

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sensibilities in “Wicked” for the country twang required to portray Oakley.

Producers modeled the Village Theatre musical on a much-lauded 1999 Broadway revival. Bernadette Peters and Reba McEntire starred in the title role.

In the local staging, the Oakley role is more McEntire and less Peters. (The country music superstar stepped in after Peters left the show.)

“Annie Oakley, the character in this show, she really is a caricature,” Noon said. “The accent is over the top. To step into this fun, outlandish person, she’s a hoot.”

Culp said the local production adds the athletic and graceful dances missing from the classic film. (The film relied more on horseback riding rather than dancing.)

“Annie really goes through a transformation, because at the top of the show, she’s a fantastic shooter, but she comes from a humble upbringing and doesn’t know how to read,” she said.

“By the end of the show, she’s really established herself as a

By Jay Koh/Village Theatre

Liberty High School alumna Vicki Noon stars in the title role of 'Annie Get Your Gun' at Village Theatre. world champion.”

Noon, 26, returned to the area for the “Annie Get Your Gun” role. The actress, a former forward on the girls soccer team at Liberty High School, balanced commitments at Village Theatre and on the soccer field as a teenager.

Longtime Village Theatre Artistic Director Steve Tomkins, a mentor and a friend, asked Noon to consider the Oakley role after she settled in the Renton Highlands area after the “Wicked” commitment ended.

“A lot of my friends, when I told them I was thinking about doing this, were like, ‘Oh my

gosh! That’s such a great show for you,’ and I had no idea,” she said.

Noon gradated from Liberty High School in 2003. San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum is a classmate and friend.

“I would come to rehearsals in my soccer stuff,” she said. “I’d show up in my team uniform — sweaty with my hair in a ponytail. I’d be taking my shin guards off right at the top of rehearsal.”

The chance to star as Oakley in “Annie Get Your Gun” is a homecoming for the actress.

“I always say that I grew up at Village Theatre,” Noon said.

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Newcastle News

DECEMBER 2, 2011

PAGE 15

Hazen orchestra students share their passion for music

By Christina Corrales-Toy Everywhere they go, they hear music. Whether it is the ring of the school bell or the wail of a police siren, they can recognize the subtle notes.

The world of three Hazen High School orchestra students revolves around music and it all began at Hazelwood Elementary School.

For Hazen seniors Kent Coburn, Ena Kim and Stephanie Lee, orchestra has been an important part of their lives, ever since they first picked up their instruments at Hazelwood.

For Coburn, it was the string bass; for Kim it was the viola; and for Lee it was the cello.

Initially, though, they all wanted to play different instruments.

“We all wanted to play band instruments,” Kim said. “That’s kind of funny.”

The three have been very successful with their music. They’ve won numerous awards at the local, regional and state levels, and will perform with the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra in an upcoming concert.

Every Wednesday for the past five years, they’ve shared their musical talents with students from the Renton School District through the after-school program East Hill String Lessons.

The program allows younger students from the district to receive one-on-one string lessons from older students in high school and middle school.

Coburn, Kim and Lee have been tutors since the program’s inception five years ago, and they’ve all learned valuable lessons along the way.

“I think after I’ve done it so long, I actually like teaching,” Lee said. “I never really knew that before.”

Coburn believes tutoring pushed him to stay on top of his technical musical skills.

“It really does help you musically, because you start to realize how much of a hypocrite you are for telling students to do certain things and you don’t do it yourself,” he said.

Kim enjoys watching the growth of her young students.

“I just like seeing these kids grow up,” she said. “We saw them perform last year when they were eighth-graders and they improved so much.”

Lee admitted that the students, who are affectionately referred to as cherubs among the tutors, have a special place in her heart.

“I think I’ve actually gone soft,” she said. “The kids have their way with me.”

As seniors, this will be their last year as tutors with the program. They will be sorely missed, according to Elizabeth Petersen and Sharon Olsen, co-

supervisors of the program.

“They exemplify leaders,” Petersen said.

“They’re here every week, they’re faithful and they’re excited. It’s been fun to watch them grow into young adults.”

Photos by Christina Corrales-Toy “I’ll miss their Warming up before East Hill dedication and String Lessons program starts are their willingness (from left) Hazen High School to be a part of seniors Ena Kim, Stephanie Lee anything,” Olsen and Kent Coburn. said. “Whether it’s their playing or whether it’s their students, it in their life. it’s never halfway with them.”

“It really is amazing playing in All three are destined for colan orchestra,” Coburn said. “It’s lege after they graduate. They going to stay a part of my life.” may not choose to major in When asked to share advice music, but they all agree it’s for any future cherubs hoping to important to find a way to keep follow in their footsteps at

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SCHOOLS

PAGE 16

DECEMBER 2, 2011

Gift-A-Book campaign collects 114 books for school library

By Christina Lords Although Newcastle Elementary School librarian Laura Berry has come in contact with thousands of books over her lifetime, she distinctly remembers sitting down and reading “Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel” as a small child.

Thanks to the school’s annual Gift-A-Book campaign, which allows children and parents to select books to donate to the school’s library, Newcastle will be able to add the 60-year-old story to its growing collection.

“It’s still a great story, and it’s nice to have a library-bound edition of it,” Berry said. “One of our first-graders chose that. He and his family donated three wonderful books.”

There have been 114 hardcover, library-bound books donated for students to use for years to come, she said.

And with continued cutbacks handed down from the state Legislature, those contributions will mean all the difference to librarians like Berry.

Curriculum funding for new materials for the library has dwindled in the past several years, going from $14 per student to $7 per student to $3.50 per student, she said. The Issaquah School District has cut that support to zero dollars in the past two years due to the cutbacks.

Parents have stepped up in a

“They’re recognizing we need more books in our library that kids want to have. There’s something special about putting your name in a book and picking it out and you can always come back and look at it and say, ‘That’s me.’”

— Laura Berry Newcastle Elementary School librarian

big way through the school’s campaign to make sure children have the books they need to succeed, Berry said.

“Our community is really supportive, and we’re really lucky we have such a strong program that parents and kids want to donate to,” she said. “Not every school in every school district has that luxury that we do.”

The other major fundraiser that provides new materials for the library is the school’s PTSAsponsored book fair.

Parents contribute to the GiftA-Book campaign in two ways.

Some parents donate a dollar amount to go toward books of the librarian’s choice list or they can select a specific book from a wish list from the school library’s website.

If the book a student wants for the library isn’t on the list,

By Christina Lords

Newcastle Elementary School student Claire Frederick, 10, and her brother Andrew Frederick, 7, hold books they’ve chosen to donate through the school’s 2011 Gift-A-Book campaign. students can request other titles and special orders are made.

Students can chose anything that interests them, including nonfiction Zoobooks about wildlife, mystery books or popular children’s series.

Children are able to choose books that will benefit the library in perpetuity, Berry said.

“The thing that’s really nice about Gift-A-Book is that it’s something that they can pick so they know they’ll have books they’re interested in,” she said.

“You get a nice variety of books that are timely, current and desired. The kids want to read those books.”

Andrew Frederick, 7, a firstgrader, said he selected the

“Lego Star Wars Character Encyclopedia” because he has seen all of the movies and wanted to share more about Star Wars with other students.

“I have a friend, and he likes Legos and Star Wars, too,” he said.

His sister, Claire Frederick, 10, chose to select “The Son of Neptune,” the second of five books in Rick Riordan’s fantasy series “The Heroes of Olympus.”

She said she loves reading chapter books about fairies and magical creatures. The series, which includes characters in Roman and Greek mythology, is highly popular among students right now, Berry said.

Students are recognized in a

Gift-A-Book display outside the library area and get to sign their name on a personalized bookplate inside their selected book.

Berry said she’ll continue to contact her state legislators to explain how budget cuts are affecting public schools, but until funding is restored, she said she’s grateful for community support for the school.

“It really does bring so much to the school when parents are involved,” she said. “They’re recognizing we need more books in our library that kids want to have. There’s something special about putting your name in a book and picking it out and you can always come back and look at it and say, ‘That’s me.’”

Officials encourage council to support $219 million school bond

By Christina Lords Issaquah School Board President Jan Colbrese knows the district must maintain equitable resources, infrastructure and quality education throughout its 15 elementary, five middle and four high schools.

That’s one reason the district will ask voters to support its April 17 $219 million capital improvement bond, which includes money for upgrades to nearly every school in the district — even during a time during such economic uncertainty, she said.

“Our problem is that we have children in school right now,” Colbrese said. “You can’t tell those kids, ‘I’m sorry, you’re in this economic time. It’s a really

hard time.”

Members of the school board met with the Newcastle City Council on Nov. 7 to discuss the bond and other issues facing the district, including possible improvements to traffic flow in the drop-off area at Newcastle Elementary School.

“We’ll be coming to you with reports for support on this measure because if the district is soundly managed, and if the district is a place where people know a quality education is being provided, then it helps your city as well,” Colbrese said.

Because the new bond package is expected to be about half as much as the district’s bond debt that is retiring in 2012, residents in the district should see a decrease in school-related taxes,

even if the bond is approved, according to the district.

“If we don’t do this well and convince people of the need, if we fail this, what are our odds of ever coming back to our community and say, ‘Oh guess what? Now we’re going to raise your taxes,’” Colbrese said. “It can be extremely difficult.”

As the district’s bond debt retires, the owner of a home valued at $500,000 would pay about $430 less per year in property taxes if the bond fails, while the resident of the same house would pay $215 less in property taxes if it passes.

Part of the $219 million bond includes $44.5 million for a project that would reconfigure and expand the Liberty High School commons, relocate the school’s

kitchen, modernize classrooms, and complete video and TV labs.

The measure would add an auxiliary gym, modernize the locker room and repair roofing outside of Liberty’s remodel area.

The plans call for moving the existing football bleachers at the high school to the visitor’s side of the field, build new home bleachers that would seat 2,000 people and create a new press box on the west side of the field.

Projects totaling $3.8 million at Maywood Middle School include replacing windows, kitchen flooring, classroom carpeting and vinyl wall coverings at the school.

It also provides funding for converting the school’s football field to artificial turf and

improving its track.

“A number of the items that are in the bond are there to reduce our operations and maintenance costs,” said Steve Crawford, director of capital projects for the district. “If we can spend money to put turf fields in and save $150,000 in maintenance, those are dollars that don’t have to be spent out of the general fund to maintain those fields.

Those are classroom dollars.”

About $7.2 million worth of the bond would go toward increasing Apollo Elementary School’s permanent capacity by 120 by adding six classrooms; expanding the commons; enclosing the school’s exterior walkways; and replacing carpeting in corridors, classrooms and office space.

Newcastle News

DECEMBER 2, 2011

PAGE 17

Rotary clubs honor teacher, students of the month Academy counselor chosen for Rotary award Allison George, a counselor at the Renton Academy in Newcastle, has been awarded the Renton Rotary’s Teacher of Allison George the Month honor.

George attended the University of Washington where she earned a Bachelor of Science in zoology and a Bachelor of Arts in music theory and history.

George earned a master’s in psychology in mental health counseling from Western Washington University.

She received Educational Staff Associate Certification from City University and is a licensed mental health therapist. She has worked in various health centers in Western Washington and has been a member of the Renton team for five years.

Hazen’s Daniel Huie selected for Rotary award The Renton Rotary has selected Daniel Huie, a senior at Hazen High School, for its Youth of the Month award for Daniel Huie November.

Huie maintains a 3.9 grade point average and is the Future Business Leaders of America vice president, Bike Club president, cross

country and track and field captain, and National Honor Society member.

He has received the Outstanding Junior Achievement Award and took third at FBLA State in ECommerce.

He works part-time as a videographer for Swerve Driver Training, and he volunteers with the Renton and Kent parks departments, the Newcastle Weed Warriors and the Salvation Army.

Huie plans to attend the University of Washington to pursue a bachelor’s degree and dental degree. He hopes to continue to serve as a videographer for small businesses and corporations as a hobby.

Rotary Club of Issaquah honors Liberty students The Rotary Club of Issaquah recently honored the following seniors from Liberty High School as its students of the month for November: Macaire Ament ❑ Category of recognition: English ❑ Parents: Tom and Andreé Ament ❑ Academic achievements: National Merit Scholar commended student; honor society/honor roll; 3.976 grade point

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Michael Payant ❑ Category of recognition: social studies ❑ Parents: Susan Cohodes, Tom Payant ❑ Academic Michael Payant achievements: National Merit semifinalist; scholar athlete; National High School Institute Journalism Division at Northeastern University; 800 on SAT math two-subject test ❑ Athlete achievements: three years varsity tennis, two years team captain, managed JV baseball sophomore year, managed girls tennis junior year ❑ Activities: managing editor of Patriot Press 2010-11 and coeditor in chief 2011-12; Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference; tuba since sixth grade ❑ Scholastic interests: journalism, math, social studies ❑ Hobbies: watching sports, playing sports, blogging about sports, tennis ❑ Future goals: attend a highcaliber university focusing on journalism ❑ Career: broadcast journalist (television anchor or radio host)

District sees increase in PSAT participation In the past four years, the Issaquah School District has seen a dramatic increase in students preparing to take the PSAT, the most widely used college admission exam in the country.

Participation for students taking the PSAT in the past four years has gone from 30 percent of sophomores and juniors taking the test to 89 percent, or 2,290 students, taking the exam.

The main driver of the increase is that the district’s high schools now offer the PSAT during the school day once every October.

The PSAT helps students prepare for the SAT collegeadmission exam, gives feedback about academic strengths and weaknesses, and is a gatekeeper for National Merit Scholarships.

The Issaquah Schools Foundation provided financial assistance for students to take the test.

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SPORTS

PAGE 18

DECEMBER 2, 2011

Liberty takes second at 3A state soccer championship game

By Christina Lords After the Liberty High School girls soccer team dropped its first match of the season to the Skyline Spartans on Sept. 6, the Patriots made a commitment to themselves — and each other.

“We never wanted to feel that way again,” Liberty starting forward and co-captain Cassidy Nangle said.

Eighteen straight victories, including the 1-0 win against Eastside Catholic Nov. 18 to catapult Liberty into the 3A state championship game, brought the Patriots closer to their ultimate goal: a state title.

The Nov. 19 state championship at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup pitted experience against unfamiliarity as Liberty faced Seattle Prep, the defending state champions who have played in the title game five of the past six years.

It was Liberty’s first time in the final game in the school’s 34-year history.

After battling hard into the final seconds of the game, the

Patriots fell to the Panthers, 3-2.

And although it was an emotional finish to end the season, especially for graduating seniors, Nangle said the experience of making it to the finals will have lasting implications for Liberty soccer.

“My junior year, we made it into the playoffs,” she said. “This year, we made it to the state championship. You get a taste of it. You gain that experience, so it’s easier next time around.”

While their final game didn’t end the way they wanted, Nangle said she’s proud of the team’s accomplishments.

“We were able to take the name of Liberty soccer further than it’s ever been,” she said.

“We made it to the state championship, and that was something we couldn’t frown upon.”

Part of the Patriots’ success this season has centered on creating a family atmosphere on the team, from the youngest underclassmen to the graduating seniors, Nangle said.

See SOCCER, Page 19

By Greg Farrar

Eric Jacobs, Hazen High School senior running back, shakes off Trevon Harris, of Franklin, during the fourth quarter on a 30-yard touchdown run, his third of the game.

Hazen earns first state playoff berth since 1993 Highlanders beat Franklin, 36-15, before falling to Capital, 47-0

By Christina Lords

By Greg Farrar

Kimi Fry (6), Liberty High School senior midfielder, battles Seattle Prep senior midfielder Sarah Schwaegler late during the second period Nov. 19 at Carl Sparks Stadium in Puyallup.

1993. That was the last time the Hazen High School Highlanders earned a spot in the state football playoff run.

That was the number players echoed after their 36-15 win over the Franklin Quakers on Nov. 15 on the cold turf of Seattle’s Memorial Field, placing them in the state championship hunt for the first time in 18 years.

That was the Highlanders’ motivation to defeat the Quakers, after Franklin had sent Hazen home in the same do-ordie situation last year.

And although Hazen went on to lose Nov. 12 to Capital in a 47-0 shutout that put the team out of the playoffs, coach Drew Oliver said the progress made during the season will leave a lasting impression on the program.

“These players believed in themselves,” he said. “If we’re playing our own game, they know they can go out there

By Greg Farrar

Daymontray Brown, Hazen High School senior running back, gets 45 yards worth of daylight against Franklin High School during the first quarter of their Nov. 5 state playoff game at Memorial Stadium. and compete against any team.”

The Highlanders boasted 392 rushing yards and three interceptions against the Quakers.

Hazen senior running back Eric Jacobs had 115 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while sophomore wide receiver

J.D. Peterson and senior running back Daymontray Brown added a touchdown of their own, respectively, in the contest.

Brown, who racked up 195 rushing yards in the Franklin See FOOTBALL, Page 20

Newcastle News

DECEMBER 2, 2011

PAGE 19

Hazen basketball standout signs to play with Huskies

Medals to honor Liberty and Hazen high school 200 medley relay teams stand together on the winners' podium Nov. 12 during the state 3A swim championships. Swimmers (from left) Mackenna Briggs, Elise Tinseth, Caitlin Duffner and Cecilia Nelson finished sixth for Liberty, and Taylor Gale, Talisa Wibner, Kayla DiMicco and Kourtney Brunings finished fourth for Hazen.

By Christina Lords Airashay Rogers, the star senior point guard for the Hazen Highlanders girls basketball team, will be the first student athlete in two years to graduate from the school and go on to play a Division I sport in college.

Rogers signed a letter of intent Nov. 21 to play basketball for the University of Washington — the first high school recruit to be brought into the new helm of firstyear coach Kevin McGuff.

Rogers, who will study business and marketing at the school, said she’s still focused on a successful season with Highlanders basketball.

“It's not going to be anything easy," she said. "I still have to focus on my high school season before I try to go past it. I still want to make sure I have the same connection with my team as before.

Nothing has changed, I'm just moving on next year."

Rogers averaged 26 points per game, 2.4 assists, two blocks, 9.4 rebounds and 6.5 steals per game for the Highlanders last season.

“She bought into the system,” Hazen coach Jeff Bernhardt said. “She plays hard. She’s a team leader but

By Greg Farrar

Soccer From Page 18 “Each of us has respect for each other when we step out on the field,” she said. “It’s just kind of a mindset that we got in. We know that you can’t accomplish things just as individuals.”

The Patriots started strong in the championship game after Liberty junior Kiana Hafferty found the back of the net with an assisted goal from Nangle only two minutes into the game.

With an assist from senior Kimi Fry, Liberty sophomore Kali Youngdahl slipped a goal by Panthers goal keeper Abby Rockwell four minutes later.

Liberty coach Jamie Giger said being up 2-0 is often the one of the most difficult places to be in

a competitive game.

“You feel comfortable,” she said. “You feel that you have the game … that’s just the way it goes. They came back. Give it to them, they played really hard when they were down.”

Seattle Prep senior Sarah Schwaegler put the Panthers on the board 21 minutes into the first half to bring the score to 2-1.

The Panthers added two unanswered goals, sealing the statechampionship win.

Giger the said she knew the Patriots had the potential to make it to the championships early on in the season.

“The first day we were at practice, I looked at these kids and I knew we had the talent to do it,” Giger said. “It was just (up to) them if they could believe in themselves. I think throughout the season, talentwise, we were

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Liberty 1, Eastside Catholic 0 The Patriots made Kailiana Johnson's goal in the 16th minute stand up to earn a spot in the final for the first time. They lost in three previous semifinal appearances, most recently in 2001.

Eastside Catholic goalkeeper Lauren "Nemo" Thomas made several diving saves and Liberty missed three wide-open shots.

One shot, with Thomas out of the net, hit the post while the others sailed high or wide.

Johnson's goal, her 15th of the season, came off a feed from Nangle.

Liberty goalkeeper Macaire Ament recorded her 11th shutout of the season. It was the 18th consecutive victory for Liberty.

By Christina Lords

Hazen High School senior point guard Airashay Rogers signs a letter of intent to play for the University of Washington.

I’m proud because it shows a little validation into what we’re doing.”

Attending the UW will benefit Rogers academically as well as athletically, said Ed Crow, Hazen’s assistant principal and athletic director.

“We take pride in kids getting into an environment that’s really competitive,” he said. “Going to a Pac-12 school means a lot. It means we have athletes that are going to go compete at the highest level.”

Bernhardt said Rogers would be a valuable addition to the university’s lineup.

“There aren’t many around that can match her,” he said.

“She’s powerful, but yet graceful. She’s not out of control.

The speed and the power that she plays with … there’s not anyone around that has that.”

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RE/MAX Integrity Greater Eastside & Seattle

Coldwell Banker Bain Greater Eastside & Sammamish

(425) 442-4942

(206) 819-6166

Debbie Kinson

Kathy Lee

Marisa Ormando

Bev Parsons

Windermere Greater Eastside

Coldwell Banker Bain Greater Eastside

Sammamish Realty Greater Eastside

Coldwell Banker Bain Greater Eastside & Seattle

(206) 948-6581

(206) 465-7062

(425) 445-9616

(206) 972-0649

Also try us at the CRS web site

www.crs.com CRS Agents: Increase your visibility by participating in the special CRS page.

Contact Jill at (425) 392-6434 ext. 229 or jgreen@isspress.com

“Fewer than 4% of the Realtors in the nation have their CRS designation but they account for 24% of all the transactions.

Do the math. Maybe it’s time to call CRS!” –Jerry Rippeteau, Associate Broker, CRS CRS Washington State Chapter

Newcastle News

PAGE 20

DECEMBER 2, 2011

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

ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER

Football Visit our website www.MyNewcastleHouseValue.com designed to help you follow the activity of house sales in your neighborhood. This is current and accurate information direct from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

Call Julie today! 425.444.SALE (7253)

From Page 18 game, said the team was full of renewed passion throughout the season and during the game against the Quakers. He said he hopes the team’s momentum can carry forward in upcoming seasons.

“Even though I won’t be here, and some of our other players won’t be here next year, we feel this is the start of something new at Hazen,” he said. “We’ve been putting so much hard work into this, that we think this is something the next players that come along can take and use in the future.”

Last year’s season-ending game against Franklin ousted the Highlanders from the state playoffs. Hazen’s season abruptly ended in the first round of the playoffs during Oliver’s inaugural year as coach in 2009 as well.

“I love that we’re back here at the same place and that we got to exercise some demons,” Oliver said. “These guys have guts, and they played with such heart. I’m proud of what they’ve been able to do here.”

OH WHAT FUN IT IS TO BUILD YOUR OWN GRAND SLAM.® Introducing three holiday additions along with all your regular Build Your Own Grand Slam® favorites.

So stop in and be merry with Denny’s NEW Taste of the Holidays Menu.

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY.

(Regular Menu)

25% OFF

ENTIRE GUEST CHECK (Regular Menu)

FREE ENTREE

Purchase one entree and two beverages from our regular menu and receive the second entree of equal or lesser value FREE. Offer Expires 12/31/11.

Receive 25% off your entire check from 2:00pm to 10:00pm.

(Does not include alcohol beverages.)

Offer Expires 12/31/11.

Purchase one entree and two beverages from our regular menu and receive the second entree of equal or lesser value FREE. Offer Expires 12/31/11.

FREE BREAKFAST Valid with coupons at participating locations. Not valid with any other specials, discounts, senior programs, kids eat free, all-you-can-eat promotions or holidays. Limit one coupon per party. Dine-in-only.

Kennydale/Renton 4750 Lake Washington Blvd. NE Renton Bellevue/Overlake 2223 148th Ave NE Bellevue Code: WNA

Valid with coupons at participating locations. Not valid with any other specials, discounts, senior programs, kids eat free, all-you-can-eat promotions or holidays. Limit one coupon per party. Dine-in-only.

(Regular Menu)

Valid with coupons at participating locations. Not valid with any other specials, discounts, senior programs, kids eat free, all-you-can-eat promotions or holidays. Limit one coupon per party. Dine-in-only.

Kennydale/Renton 4750 Lake Washington Blvd. NE Renton

Kennydale/Renton 4750 Lake Washington Blvd. NE Renton

Bellevue/Overlake 2223 148th Ave NE Bellevue

Bellevue/Overlake 2223 148th Ave NE Bellevue

Code: WNA

Code: WNA

Offers good at following locations only

Kennydale/Renton 4750 Lake Washington Blvd. NE

Bellevue/Overlake 2223 148th Ave NE