Liberty medals at state, Hazen is shut out Page 14
Students show a passion for the past Page 12
Public works director leaving for North Bend By Christina Corrales-Toy Newcastle Public Works Director Mark Rigos has only worked with the city for three years, but his impact on the community is so great that when he announced his resignation, at least one resident became emotional at the thought of losing him. “Honestly, I teared up a little bit,” Newcastle Trails representative Peggy Price said. “He’s been absolutely fabulous to Newcastle Trails. He’s proactive and he backs us up.” Rigos announced in May that he will leave to become the public works director for the city of North Bend. His last day in Newcastle is June 13. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave, Rigos said, especially since he has certainly grown to love Newcastle and
its residents, but North Bend offers some new opportunities that Newcastle didn’t. In North Bend, Rigos will manage the city’s water and sewer district, something he couldn’t do in Newcastle, because that falls under the Coal Creek Utility District’s purview. He’ll also get the chance to manage North Bend’s wastewater treatment facility. “In the private sector, I’ve designed miles and miles of water mains and sewer mains, but I’ve never managed a full facility, a district, a fund, so that will be a new challenge for me that I just haven’t been exposed to yet,” Rigos said. Rigos wore many different hats during his time in Newcastle. Sometimes, he was a trails manager. Other times, he was like a parks manager. But whatever he
did, his constant dedication to customer service touched everyone that came into contact with him. “He is a very humble leader and I liken him to a modern day Nehemiah, doing his best for others and the city with a sincere purpose and calling,” Newcastle Weed Warriors President Grace Stiller said. Along with his staff, Rigos managed several sidewalk projects, oversaw a tricky landslide-stabilization project along Newcastle Golf Club Road, worked with Newcastle Trails to develop and acquire new trails, and guided the city through some major pavement rehabilitation projects in his three years. His proudest accomplishment was the huge strides the city’s stormwater division See RIGOS, Page 7
Summer events lined up By Christina Corrales-Toy
Alldritt will likely join other community members at the park, where between 1 and 3 p.m., the planes will fly over, offering spectators a close look at the collection. The flight time is vague, because the planes are expected to visit at least 30 cities. Following the flyover, Regency Newcastle, a premier independent and assisted living community, will host a light reception with snacks at the park shelter for any attendees.
Fireworks will again grace the Newcastle skies this Fourth of July, and this time for more than a few minutes. Attendees at last year’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Boren Park will remember that technical difficulties shortened what was supposed to be a 12-minute fireworks display. The Olympia-based company Entertainment Fireworks Inc. took full responsibility for the problems, City Manager Rob Wyman said last year. Newcastle will contract with the company again for its 2014 fireworks show, with assurances the issues won’t occur again. “I have spoken with the owner multiple times on the phone and he has assured me 200 percent that we will not have the problem again,” said Wendy Kirchner, Newcastle’s community activities liaison. “They’ve got a very, very experienced pyrotechnician that’s going to be working with us.” Residents can start filing into Lake Boren Park at 6 p.m. July 4. Vendors will serve hot dogs, kettle corn and more. Soul Siren, a band whose appearance is sponsored by The Golf Club at Newcastle, will take the park stage from 8-10 p.m. The fireworks show starts shortly after it gets dark, or at about 10 p.m. The city’s annual Independence Day celebration at Lake Boren Park is
See D-DAY, Page 5
See SUMMER, Page 5
By Christina Corrales-Toy
Mark Rigos, outgoing Newcastle Public Works director, with his son Alexander, speaks at the May Creak Trail ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 15.
Regency Newcastle residents remember D-Day By Christina Corrales-Toy Four P-51 Mustangs from the Flying Heritage Collection at Paine Field will do a flyover of Newcastle’s Lake Boren Park on June 6, the anniversary of D-Day. They’re not unlike the ones Regency Newcastle resident Roy Alldritt flew as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. In fact, Alldritt, a fighter pilot, was there June 6, 1944, among the 13,000 aircraft supporting the invasion that experts
If you go D-Day anniversary flyover q 1-3 p.m. June 6 q Lake Boren Park q 13058 S.E. 84th Way call the beginning of the end of World War II. “I got in on the invasion and there was just a lot of action,” he recalled. “You just didn’t have any relaxation or anything.”
During World War II (19391945), the Battle of Normandy, which lasted from June to August 1944, resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the battle began June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, when some 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France’s Normandy region, according to History.com.
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Trails club to celebrate National Trails Day June 7
Newcastle Trails will celebrate National Trails Day on June 7, with a special walking tour of the May Creek Trail from 10 a.m. to noon. Prior to the walk, sponsored by Newcastle Trails and Weed Warriors, a speaker will talk about native edible plants along the trail. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Meet at the Lake Boren Park map kiosk near the restrooms, 13058 S.E. 84th Way. Jim Price joined Garry Kampen, Giles Velte and other trail enthusiasts in 2002 to form Newcastle Trails, and his wife Peggy Price joined soon after. Since, Newcastle has become a “trail city” with a network of trails that provides access throughout the city and connects to trails in Bellevue, Renton and Issaquah.
June 11 luncheon. Heslet oversees operations of The Issaquah Press, Sammamish Review, SnoValley Star and Newcastle News. He will talk about how to create advertising retention with top-of-mind awareness. Before joining Issaquah Press Inc. in October 2013, some of his more noteworthy career experiences include his tenure as director of sales and advertising at the Puget Sound Business Journal, general sales manager for Fisher Communications’ KOMO and KVI stations, and founding and leading his own research firm. The luncheon starts at 11 a.m. June 11 at Tapatio Mexican Grill, 6920 Coal Creek Parkway S.E. The cost is $20 for chamber members and $25 for nonmembers. RSVP for the luncheon at http://bit. ly/1lb7n0c.
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Events Newcastle Chamber of Commerce monthly lunch: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 11, Tapatio Mexican Grill, 6920 Coal Creek Parkway S.E., guest speaker is Issaquah Press Inc. General Manager Joe Heslet, $20/members, $25/nonmembers, register at newcastle-chamber.org Chamber Networking Breakfast, speaker Theresa Callahan, talent management consultant, 7:15-8:30 a.m. June 25, Regency Newcastle, 7454 Newcastle Golf Club Road, free, register at newcastle-chamber.org Five Chamber Networking Breakfast, 7:309 a.m. June 27, Issaquah Holiday Inn, 1801 12th Ave. N.W., Issaquah, $20/advance, $25/at the door, newcastle-chamber.org
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Local schools celebrate 2014 graduates As another school year comes to a close, local public high schools are getting set to celebrate the class of 2014 with annual commencement ceremonies. Hazen High School will honor its graduates at noon June 13 at the ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Liberty High School will hold its ceremony at 5 p.m. June 13 at KeyArena, 305 Harrison St., Seattle.
Public meetings All city public meetings are at City Hall, 12835 Newcastle Way, Suite 200. Call 649-4444. q Finance Committee Meeting — 4-5 p.m. June 9 q Community Activity Commission meeting — 7-8 p.m. June 11 q Economic and Community Development Committee meeting — 5:30-6:30 p.m. June 17 q City Council meeting — 7-8 p.m. June 17 q Planning Commission — 7-8 p.m. June 18 q City Council Meeting — 7-8 p.m. July 1 The Newcastle Trails board meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Regency Newcastle, 7454
Liberty High School seniors cheer during last year’s graduation ceremony at Safeco Field. By Greg Farrar
Newcastle Golf Club Road. Learn more at www.newcastletrails.org. Friends of the Newcastle Library meeting, 7 p.m. June 25, 12901 Newcastle Way
YMCA Coal Creek Family YMCA, 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Road, has regular family programs for all ages. Get a schedule or register for classes by calling 282-1500 or at www.coalcreekymca.org.
Small Group Personal Training, 18 and older, $120/ facility members Itty Bitty Soccer Class, All Star ages 5-6, 5:30-6 p.m., Majors ages 4-5, 5-5:30 p.m., Minors ages 3-4, 4:30-5 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, June 9 to July 2, $50/facility members, $75/program members Parents Night Out At the Y, ages 3-10, 5-9 p.m. June 15, $30/facility members, $40/program members Community Excursions,
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Centurylink Field tour, ages 50 and older, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 20, $17/program members, $15/facility members Senior Bridge, 9:30 a.m. to noon Thursdays Senior Pinochle, 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays Club Tyee, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, grades six through eight, free to Tyee Middle School students Achievers, entering grades nine through 12, 2:15-3:15 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, free for
Hazen High School students Tween Time, 5:30-7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, meet by upstairs fireplace Teen Drop In, ages 11-16, 5-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Family Pickle Ball, 3-4 p.m. Sundays, Gym 2, free to facility members ‘Shrek’ Family Movie Night, popcorn will be served, See CALENDAR, Page 11
Newcastle News
JUNE 6, 2014
Calendar From Page 10 6:30 p.m. June 20 Tumbling-Mommy/ Daddy and Me, 10:4511:30 a.m. Thursdays, ages 10 months to 3 years, $5/ class for facility members, $9/class for program and community members ‘Zumbatomic,’ Zumba for kids, 4:455:30 p.m. Wednesdays, ages 5-8, free to facility members, first-come, first-served Open Basketball, times vary Monday through Friday, free to members Open Volleyball, ages 14 and older, 8-9:45 p.m. Thursdays Power Volleyball, 8-9:45 p.m. Tuesdays, free to facility members Teen Dodge Ball, ages 11-16, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, free to facility members Swimming lessons, ages 3 and older, $54, call for age group times and dates Summer Camp registration going on now for preschool through high school children
Walking the Camino de Santiago, 7 p.m. June 11 at Coal Creek YMCA Circulo de Lectura en Español, for adults, 7 p.m. June 19 Newcastle Library Book Club: “Me Before You,” by Jojo Moyes, for adults, 7 p.m. June 26 Gravity Catastrophe Show, 2 p.m. June 27
Clubs East Shore Singles, social group for single adults older than 45, monthly activities and special events on the Eastside, new members welcome, 270-3599, monthly bulletin at 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, play dates at parks and other locations, new activities planned daily; nonprofit, nonreligious organization providing daytime support for moms and their fami-
lies, 260-3079 Bridge players wanted, evening or daytime, games at various homes in Hazelwood area, 255-0895 Devotional gathering, sponsored by Baha’i Faith of Newcastle, 7 p.m. last Friday, 430-8047 Drinking Liberally, 7 p.m. first and third Thursday, Mustard Seed Grill & Pub, 5608 119th Ave. S.E., Bellevue, www. drinkingliberally.org Cub Scout Pack 738, first Friday of every month at 7 p.m., Newcastle Elementary School, 8440 136th Ave. S.E., grades one through five welcome, www.pack738.com
Health
Liberty PTSA hosts recycling drive Newcastle residents can donate unwanted items at the Liberty High School PTSA electronics recycling drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 7 at Renton Technical College, 3000 N.E. Fourth St., Renton. Accepted items include working and broken electronics, appliances, bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, batteries, fitness equipment, medical equipment, lawnmowers and barbecues. Computers, laptops, printers, scanners and other computer parts are also accepted. Recycling is free, but a suggested donation of at least $10 is encouraged.
PAGE 11 The money raised will go toward senior events for the Liberty class of 2016.
Council to consider marijuana freeze
The Newcastle City Council directed city staff to prepare an ordinance placing a moratorium on marijuana-related business in the city at its May 6 meeting. It mirrors the actions of neighboring cities Issaquah and Renton, both of which have moratoriums on marijuana business practices. Councilman Gordon Bisset made the motion, which passed 4-3. The direction came after a failed attempt to pursue
a ban on marijuana businesses in the city, but that motion, made by Deputy Mayor John Drescher, was shot down 5-2. City staff considers the potential for any marijuana-related business activity in Newcastle very low due to state Liquor Control Board rules on where marijuana facilities can set up shop. Also, the state’s marijuana retail license lottery came and went without any impacts on Newcastle. The council was set to review the ordinance May 20, but decided to table it for a to-be-determined date. The council last considered a moratorium at its Dec. 17 meeting, but that motion failed.
Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundationtrained survivors offer free emotional support to the newly diagnosed, www. angelcarefoundation.org Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group, 6:30-8 p.m. third Thursdays, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 3030 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue, 822-3549
Library events The Newcastle Library is at 12901 Newcastle Way. The following programs are offered the rest of the month: Russian World Language Story Time, ages 3 and older, 11:30 a.m. June 10 Study Zone, for grades K-12, 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays June 10 and 17, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays June 11 and 18 Talk Time, improve your English skills, 7 p.m. Tuesdays June 10, 17 and 24 Children’s Writers Share Stories, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays Teen Leadership Board, 6:30 p.m. June 11 at Coal Creek YMCA
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Schools
PAGE 12
JUNE 6, 2014
Hazelwood student’s poem inspires
Contributed
Liberty High School students (from left) Sally Rim, Lauryn Hepp and Carlyn Schmidgall accept an award for their project about the Vietnam draft at the regional History Day competition.
PASSION for the PAST History Day competitors make it to nationals By Christina Corrales-Toy Liberty High School student Lorrin Johnson is almost at a loss for words when asked to describe her love of history. It’s not because she can’t find the words, it’s just that she has so many things to say about her favorite subject, it’s hard to whittle them down to a few coherent sentences. “Don’t get me started,” she joked. “I’ve gone on rants about it before.” She isn’t the only Liberty student with an affinity for history, and it certainly paid off for a few of them, as they took top spots in the state’s
recent History Day competition. Seven Liberty participants scored high enough to move on to the national competition June 15-19 at the University of Maryland. Johnson partnered with classmate Vincy Fok to create a display exhibit about the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. The two explored the site’s role in World War II, its legacy and the environmental issues associated with it. The site in southeastern Washington produced plutonium for the bomb that ultimately ended World War II, and as tensions heightened during
Locals graduate from ECHS
Contributed
Newcastle residents (from left) Moni Ioane, Lara Tkachenko, Mason Hitchings, Callie Enfield and Bradley Strode will graduate from Eastside Catholic High School June 8 in a ceremony at Benaroya Hall in Seattle.
Hazelwood Elementary School student-teacher Joshua Heintz gave his fifth-graders 30 minutes and a prompt. “Write a poem about a time when you did not fit in,” he told them. Upon review, one poem in particular stood out from the rest, Heintz said. Faith
Montes’ uplifting poem about image and self-confidence struck a chord with all who have read it. “I have received such a positive response from the teachers and staff I have shared the poem with,” he said. Faith is a fifth-grader in Michelle Ervin’s class, where Heintz student teaches. Read Faith’s poem in its entirety, below.
“I wish I fit in, I wish I was cool. I wish those popular girls wouldn’t be so cruel. I wish I had cute clothes and soft bouncy curls, But my hair is black, unlike those other girls’. Why don’t I fit in? Am I not pretty?
Maybe, because they look down at me with pity. What am I doing? Why do I care? It doesn’t matter if they have cute clothes or curly hair. How foolish of me! Who cares? Let them be! I’d rather be me than what they want to see.”
Hazelwood authors release book Contributed
Liberty High School students Lorrin Johnson (left) and Vincy Fok stand in front of their History Day exhibit about the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. the Cold War, the plant continued to produce the element. The last reactor ceased operation in 1987, before efforts to clean up the site began. It is still very much in the news, as recently as March, when it was discovered that some of the site’s waste tanks could leak, and that’s one of the reasons Fok said she was attracted to the topic. “It was great for us because we could understand firsthand the legacy of the site,” she said. Fok and Johnson actually had an opportunity to visit Hanford as they worked on their project. “It’s like living history,” Johnson said. “It’s something that’s still here, that we can actually go see, and a lot of people can’t do that with their projects.” The team took second place at the state competition and will travel to nationals in June. Liberty students Carlyn Schmidgall, Lauryn Hepp and Sally Rim also qualified for nationals with their group project about the Vietnam draft. The trio crafted a website that took second place at state. Schmidgall said they decided on the topic because it involved a very polarized period in the nation’s history.
“It called upon citizens, it called upon their responsibility to serve their government, but people believed that they had a right to oppose that, so it was just an interesting conflict that occurred between the government and the people,” she said. Liberty students Andrew Cooper and Dhamanpreet Kaur also qualified for nationals. Cooper did his project on the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, and Kaur explored the Indian caste system for hers. Cooper and Kaur both made websites. The June trip across the country is a little tricky for the students, considering it coincides with Liberty finals. They’ll work it out with their individual teachers, though, they said. None of the nationals qualifiers are seniors, and all expect to submit History Day projects again next year. “There are so many things that we’ve done in the past that are so different from now, it’s astounding,” Fok said. “I mean, we would never create Hanford today, so it’s really interesting to explore history, see the mistakes that we’ve made and how we’ve learned from them.”
First-graders in Kristen Schutter’s class at Hazelwood Elementary School are now published authors. The students recently worked with Eastside Fire & Rescue firefighter Tim Castner to write and illustrate a book about firefighters called “Nozzlehead: What Firefighters Do.” The publishers and students will hold a book release and signing celebration from 4-5 p.m. June 16 in the school library, 7100 116th Ave. S. The student’s words and illustrations capture a moment that provides readers an inside look into the world of firefighting in a very educational and endearing way. Themes of the book include health, wellness, responsibility, compassion, teamwork, fellowship, understanding, order and a sense of community.
Patriot in aerospace scholars program
Liberty High School student Steven Tuttle will participate in one of the four Washington Aerospace Scholars Summer Residency sessions held in June and July at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. The competitive educational program is designed to connect high school juniors with educational and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through independent learning, hands-on interac-
tion, professional guidance, and site-based tours. To qualify for the residency program each student spent five months studying a University of Washington and NASAdesigned online curriculum and have been selected based on their academic performance in these lessons.
Elementary school principal is leaving
Newcastle Elementary School Principal Marla Newton announced May 30 that she is leaving at the end of the school year. Newton has accepted a position in the Federal Way School District. “I believe this is not only an opportunity for me professionally, but for Newcastle Elementary to continue to grow and develop with new ideas as well,” she said in an email to families. “I have every confidence that your next principal will be a leader with the energy, ideas and the heart necessary to care for and expand this school’s achievement levels in new ways into the future.” Before coming to Newcastle in 2010, Newton served as principal at Apollo Elementary School. The search for Newton’s replacement will begin in earnest, but first, Issaquah School District Superintendent Ron Thiele wants to know what traits the community would like to see in their new principal. Families can offer feedback in an online survey at http://svy.mk/1h54AbM until 4 p.m. June 9.
Newcastle News
JUNE 6, 2014
Rotary clubs honor top seniors Renton Cindy Hanson, a senior at Hazen High School, was selected as a Renton Cindy Rotary Hanson Club Youth of the Month for May. She maintains a 3.8 grade point average, and is involved in Associated Student Body office, National Honor Society and the varsity soccer team. Hanson has received the Joe Dahl Award, Director’s Award, varsity letters and academic awards. Her performance on the soccer team also earned her Seamount AllLeague honors. She works part time and also finds time to volunteer with the YMCA. Hanson plans to attend either the University of Washington or Washington State University to study medicine. She hopes to become a world traveler, with aspirations to serve people in Africa.
Issaquah The following Issaquah School District students have won awards from the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah: Tara Johnson q Liberty High School q Athlete of the Year q three-sport athlete; state 3A soccer champions, team co-captain, Defensive Player of the Year; state
3A tournaments in basketball and track q 3.85 grade point average, four years in Tara Honor Johnson Society, University of Arizona Excellence Award q Associated Student Body vice president, 2013-14; director of student activities, 2012-13; Yearbook, Key Club q will attend University of Arizona and pursue business management degree Kellan Birdsall q Liberty High School q Athlete of the Year q basketball Kellan varsity co-captain, Birdsall First Team All KingCo and conference leading scorer q 3.8 grade point average, scholastic interest in English and psychology q “A shining example of what our community, and I can only hope Liberty basketball, represents,” notes nominating teacher Omar Parker q will attend Cal Lutheran University and play basketball
Liberty senior receives honors
Liberty High School senior, and Newcastle resident, Neil Chakravarty is a National Merit Scholarship finalist.
He is also a winner of the National Merit Boeing Scholarship. He was selected based on his academic record, leadership abilities and his exceptional performance on the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Chakravarty is also a Washington Scholar. The merit award represents the highest honor the state confers on graduating seniors each year. Recognition as a Washington Scholar celebrates a student’s excellence in academic achievement, leadership and community activities during a high school career. Chakravarty is also Liberty’s valedictorian. He plans to study bioengineering, and is currently deciding among three schools: Harvard University, the University of Washington or the University of Southern California.
Eastside Catholic student honored
Newcastle resident Bradley Strode is one of five Eastside Catholic High School salutatorians. The senior will graduate with the rest of his class June 8 at Benaroya Hall. Strode plans to attend the University of Southern California.
Local SPU students make dean’s list
The following students made the Seattle Pacific University 2014 winter quarter dean’s list: Newcastle: Joshua Guimaraes and Jacob Zimmer Renton: Kiana Hafferty, Nichole
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Hazen students named AP Scholars Thirty-eight Hazen High School students earned Advanced Placement Scholar recognition for their hard work and accomplishments in the school’s college-level courses and for their individual high scores on AP exams.
Montinola, Christian Roy, Evelyn Turner and Haley Vincent
Newcastle student makes NU dean’s list Newcastle resident Kaitlyn Tsutakawa was named to Northeastern University’s spring semester dean’s list. Tsutakawa is majoring in criminal justice.
Liberty Booster Club hands out awards The Liberty High School Booster Club announced its 2014 awards recipients at its May meeting. The club awarded scholarships to students who support its mission to promote the school through co-curricular activities. Colin Larson and Seattle Gomez both received the Jace Werre
AP college-level courses and exams are offered to high school students through the College Board. American colleges and universities often grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on AP exams. While many Hazen students scored a perfect 4 on their AP exams, twenty Hazen students
Unsung Hero Award, given to students who make a substantive yet unrecognized contribution to the community. Cade Hubbard was awarded the Steve Johnson Liberty Patriots Spirit Award, while Emily Elledge received the George Vanni Liberty Patriots Spirit Award. Both awards are given to students who demonstrate the highest level of Patriot spirit and pride. Neil Chakravarty earned the Ray Reeves Outstanding Patriot Citizen Award, given to a student who contributes to both the Liberty and greater community.
received AP Scholar recognition for receiving a minimum score of 3 on three or more AP exams; 15 Hazen students received AP Scholar with Honor awards for averaging a score of at least 3.25; and three Hazen students received AP Scholar with Distinction honors for averaging a score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams.
standing Hazen High School seniors at its May 14 meeting. Brooks Jacobs, Alan Yeh, Bahari Watkins, Daniel Snitkovskiy, Malcolm Mitchell, Alisha Piazza, Arden Phu, Kirsten Donno, Cindy Hanson, Kylie Magar, Emma Tuschhoff and Jessica Carey were honored for their academic achievement, leadership, co-curricular involvement, citizenship, community service and contributions to their classmates and school.
Renton School Board honors Hazen seniors The Renton School Board recognized 12 out-
Upcoming Events
How to build a successful team. Theresa Callahan June 27 • 7:15 am - 8:30 am • Regency Newcastle
Chamber After Hours at Dolce Vita Salon and Nail Spa • June 26 • 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm RSVP on the Chamber website Five Chamber Breakfast June 27 • 7:30 am - 9:00 am at the Issaquah Holiday Inn Representative Judy Clibborn Chamber Lunch July 9 • 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Tapatio Mexican Grill
Keith E. McDonald, DMD 425-228-KIDS (5437)
451 Duvall Ave NE, Ste. 140 Just minutes from Lake Boren Park
www.newcastle-chamber.org
Sports
PAGE 14
JUNE 6, 2014
Liberty’s return to state tourney is short-lived By Christina Corrales-Toy The Liberty High School fastpitch team’s postseason magic came to an end May 30 after two straight losses in the 3A state tournament at Lacey’s Regional Athletic Complex. Liberty was dealt the toughest possible openinground game when they were matched up with Kamiakin, winners of the previous two state championships. The Braves went on to make it three in a row before the weekend finished. The Patriots fell to Kamiakin, 12-6. Despite the loss, Liberty’s offense was the Braves’ only tournament opponent to score more than three runs against the champions. Liberty senior Liza VanCamp led Liberty hitters, going 3-4 with two runs and an RBI. “We came out against the two-time defenders
and didn’t give up the whole time,” secondyear Liberty coach Zach Bartholomew said. “We weren’t that far back. That’s a tough first game no matter who you are.” Liberty was back in the state tournament after missing out a year ago. The Patriots emerged from the KingCo tournament, something they couldn’t do last year, and proceeded to clinch the fifth and final state berth in the SeaKing District Tournament May 21-22. “I’m just trying to get back to where the program should and used to be,” Bartholomew said. “It’s always kind of been the same story. They’re not always the most talented group, but nobody ever wants to play us because we’ll jump up and beat anybody at anytime.” Liberty’s season came to See SOFTBALL, Page 15
Photos by Greg Farrar
Above, Kelley Johnson, Liberty High School junior, clears a fence in the state 3A championship 300-meter hurdles May 31 to finish seventh in 46.97 seconds. Below, Cherelle Demps (left), Liberty High School junior, anchors the 4x100 relay race after taking the baton from twin sister Danielle in the state 3A championships May 31.
Liberty track brings home medals By Christina Corrales-Toy
By Greg Farrar
Riley Gregoire (right), Bainbridge junior second baseman, plows into Madison Jones, Liberty High School sophomore, while trying to cover first base, during the third inning of their 3A state tournament fastpitch game May 30 in Lacey.
The Liberty High School track and field team brought home six medals after a fruitful weekend at the 3A state championships May 29-31. Liberty junior Cherelle Demps led the way, taking home four, including the two she earned with relay teams. Demps earned a pair of seventhplace finishes in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes. She ran the 100 in 12.81 seconds and the 200 in 25.74. She partnered with twin sister Danielle and teammates Tara Johnson and Shannell Thompson to capture a fourth place finish in the 4x200 relay (1:42.93) and seventh in the 4x100 relay (49.56). Kelley Johnson and Romney Noel each received individual medals. Johnson placed seventh in the 300 hurdles (46.97) and Noel, the boys’ only medalist, finished fourth in the 110 hurdles (14.88). Senior Aaron Bowe just missed the podium in the 1,600 with a ninthplace finish (4:18.60). Patriots Nate Solly, Ashby Brown, Nick Klatt, Andrew Baugh and Kelli Anderson competed at state but did not medal. The Hazen High School track and field team sent a handful of girls to the state championships, but none of them medaled. Kate Lilly, Sarah Hart, Sablena Milinganyo, Amy Warmenhoven and Alexis Rogers all made state appearances.
Newcastle News
JUNE 6, 2014 Liberty catcher Madison O’Connor (left) tags Bainbridge baserunner Riley Gregoire out at home plate. By Greg Farrar
Softball From Page 14 an end though, May 30, after it lost to Bainbridge, 5-0, in the double-elimination state tournament. A little more than a week earlier, the Patriots narrowly lost to Bainbridge, 13-12, in the SeaKing District Tournament. His girls struggled to adjust to a slower pitcher, Bartholomew said. The Liberty offense mustered just three hits off of Bainbridge pitcher Alison Reichert. It was the last game for a special group of seniors that included VanCamp, third baseman Olivia Kutzke, outfielder Jenny Walker, second baseman Ashley Knox and outfielder Breanna Olsen. “This group of seniors, they are great leaders,” Bartholomew said. “They don’t yell and scream at people, they lead by example, they’ll do anything for you on the field and off the field, which to me, there’s nothing better than that.” This year’s team embodied some of the old-school toughness that defined past Liberty squads, Bartholomew said.
It’s why, as soon as they earned the state berth, the team sent out orders for T-shirts emblazoned with the words “Liberty Tough.” “That’s what our coaches have been telling us. We’re swift and scrappy like we were back when Liberty baseball won the championship and Liberty softball was at the top,” Kutzke said. The coach knows exactly what “Liberty Tough” means. Bartholomew graduated from Liberty, where he won a 3A state baseball championship in 2003. “This group of kids and these seniors are just amazing,” he said. “It’s the whole reason that I came back here, and I love it.” Hazen’s season ends at subdistricts The Hazen High School softball team finished the regular season with a 14-6 record, just behind league champion Kennedy Catholic, according to the Seamount Athletics website. The Highlanders’ performance earned them a spot in the sub-district playoffs, where teams from the South Puget Sound League face off against Seamount teams. Their season ended May 15, after a 14-4 loss to Bonney Lake.
Hazen senior becomes a Sea Gal Hazen High School senior Errin Mekel was selected as a member of the Seattle Seahawks dance team, the Sea Gals, for the upcoming season. Mekel, who is also a member of the statechampion Hazen drill team, competed in a marathon of workshops, tryouts and auditions to be selected as a Sea Gal. She used her athleticism, knowledge of choreography and passion to win over judges in the selection process. Out of the hundreds of women who try out, only 24-32 are selected for the squad. See Mekel and the 2014-2015 squad on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/Sea.Gals.
PAGE 15 not medal.
Colton Ronk named Local tennis players Most Valuable Player make it to state The postseason accoLiberty High School senior Jenny Adams placed fourth at the 3A state tennis singles tournament May 31. Adams defeated Shadle Park’s Audra Spargo in three sets to win the fourth-place medal. Last year, Adams teamed with Kristy Braunston to take second at the state doubles championship. Hazen High School sent two athletes to the 3A state tournament. Gregg Furumasu and Misa Takami each made the field of 16, but did
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lades continue to pileup for Liberty High School senior soccer player Colton Ronk. The midfielder was a key reason the Patriots won the KingCo 3A/2A regular-season title for the second straight year. Ronk recorded nine goals and seven assists for Liberty. Coaches across the league recognized that, voting him the KingCo 3A/2A league’s Most Valuable Player. Ronk was also named to The Seattle Times’ All-Area team. He’ll play at Highline Community College next fall.
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Police blotter Mailbox damage
An unknown suspect tore a mailbox from its post and pried open the door in the 8000 block of 116th Avenue Southeast on May 2. It is unknown if there was any mail stolen.
Seedless and sweet A watermelon was among the items taken from
a car parked in the 7400 block of Newcastle Golf Club Road between May 3 and 4. An unknown suspect also caused $1,500 in damage to the car’s rear passenger window and door.
Double jeopardy A resident reported the theft of his 1997 Honda Accord from the 7900 block of 110th Avenue Southeast on May 6. It is the second time in less than a year that the vehi-
cle was stolen. It was eventually recovered in Kent.
Elementary memories
A mother and daughter set off an alarm at the Renton Academy, 6928 116th Ave. S.E., May 11, when they stuck their upper bodies through an open window. The mother stated that she had gone to the old elementary school, and wanted to show it to her daughter.
ADS FOR your GRADS! Congratulate grad ! Graduation Wishes!
2014 Extend congrats to our local grads
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Congratulations Genny! Wishing you the very best... You are an amazing daughter, sister and friend. You’ve successfully conquered everything life has thrown at you these past four years and we are so proud of you.
Good luck at Western. Love, Mom, Dad, Fred & Spot.
Newcastle News
PAGE 2
JUNE 6, 2014
Hazen’s new principal returns home By Christina Corrales-Toy When new Hazen High School Principal Kate O’Brien officially begins her duties July 1, she certainly won’t need a tour of her workplace. O’Brien knows the Hazen halls very well, because she roamed them as student, having graduated from the school in 2000. “There’s no hiding from me, I know where you all are. I know all the spots,” she joked when talking about her familiarity with the school. O’Brien remembers spending long hours at Hazen, participating in as many activities as she could. She was an athlete, a cheerleader, a club president and an active member of the Associated Student Body leadership. It all led to a memorable four years, and a great appreciation for all that the Hazen community has to offer, she said. “I was a very involved high school student in the building, and I think that’s one of my primary interests for returning, is to make sure that other students have that same experience,” she said.
She comes from a family of educators. Her parents are retired teachers, and both are passionate members of the Hazen Kate community, O’Brien having raised their family in the Renton Highlands. O’Brien’s father, John, taught and coached at the school, and continues as a substitute. Though education is in her blood, it wasn’t something she immediately planned to pursue, but once she did, she always had an eye toward one day returning to the Renton School District. When she got the chance to helm the Highlanders, she jumped at it, knowing how much it would mean not only to her, but her entire family, especially her dad. “My mom and I got dressed up in Hazen clothes and surprised him, and he was just speechless,” she said. “He has such respect for the principals he worked for there, I think that, for him, makes it even more special
and more important.” O’Brien’s teaching career began at Federal Way High School, where she taught social studies. It was a subject that appealed to her, in part, thanks to Hazen humanities teacher Cathy Ames, who is still at the school. “She was absolutely my inspiration for choosing social studies,” O’Brien said. “I fell in love with it after taking her course. I always wanted to teach the same things that she did.” O’Brien then moved to the Clover Park School District, where she served as the Lakes High School assistant principal. At Lakes, she worked with a diverse school community, serving students from nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord. After that, she spent time as an educational consultant for Ignite for Schools. In that capacity, she worked with high school administrative teams, including high schools in the Renton School District, to create staff development workshops focused on achieving a positive culture and climate, in addition to increased academic success. She returned to the Renton
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School District in 2012, accepting an assistant principal position at the Secondary Learning Center. “I really did want to come back and serve in my home community,” she said. She is now working closely with current Hazen Principal Randy Taylor, as she transitions to her new position, soaking up as much information as she can. Taylor served as the interim principal this school year, taking over while district staff found a replacement for John Kniseley, who left to become principal at Kentwood High School in 2013. “Kate brings passion, vision, outstanding leadership and instructional skills to this position,” Taylor wrote in an email to staff. O’Brien said she can’t wait to hit the ground running working with Hazen staff, forming community partnerships and making sure the school continues its tradition of excellence. “Teachers are clearly committed to getting students across that stage,” she said, “and I’m so excited to be a part of a team that puts kids first.”
Candidates file for public office, August primary Local voters will have to choose candidates in an August primary. King County candidate filing week ended May 16 with more than two applicants in a race for the local Congressional representative. U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-9th) seeks re-election against three challengers, one of which should be very familiar to Newcastle voters. Newcastle resident Mark Greene, who last year unsuccessfully ran for Newcastle City Council, is one of the candidates who hope to unseat Smith. Democrat Don Rivers and Republican Doug Basler also filed for the 9th Congressional seat. In the state Legislature, Rep. Judy Clibborn (D-41st) will run for reelection against Alex O’Neil, who did not identify a party affiliation. Rep. Tana Senn (D-41st) will seek to retain her seat against Republican Bill Stinson, of Bellevue. Senn, a Mercer Island City Councilwoman, was appointed to the seat in September, replacing Marcie Maxwell, who left to join Gov. Jay Inslee’s education team. Stinson, a University of Washington political science student, will look to become one of the state’s youngest legislators ever. Lastly, Newcastle resident Julia Garratt will run unopposed to maintain her spot on the King County Superior Court. Inslee appointed her to replace retiring judge Patricia Clark in October.
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File
Above, Mayor John Dulcich stands with hundreds of mourners June 27, 2002, watching a procession of more than 450 police vehicles drive through Newcastle as the city mourned the death of King County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Herzog. Below, flowers, balloons and American flags lie on the spot where officer Richard Herzog was shot and killed as hundreds of mourners gather for his memorial motorcade.
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Opinion
PAGE 4
Editorial
Letters
City has big shoes to fill in public works
PSE power lines will lower property values
T
he community will lose an important asset this month, when Public Works Director Mark Rigos leaves for the same position at North Bend. North Bend’s population is smaller than Newcastle’s, by about 4,000 residents, but it offers greater responsibilities, including managing the city’s water and sewer district. Rigos was only with Newcastle for three years, but it has certainly felt like much longer than that, given the way he has fully ingratiated himself within the community. In his time with Newcastle, Rigos redefined what it meant to be a public works director, when he equally prioritized public safety and customer service. He worked weekends and evenings if necessary, often bringing one, or a few of his sons, to an event, and he was highly visible in working with groups like Newcastle Trails and the Weed Warriors. When residents in a west end neighborhood lost out on a grant for a future park, Rigos was instrumental in working with neighbors and the Newcastle City Council in making sure it still became a reality. Little Rhody Park is now a complete hit in the community. The playground is installed, with a gazebo and halfbasketball court to come. “When residents look around at some of the recent improvements that continue to make Newcastle such a great place to live, they should know that Mark Rigos was heavily responsible,” said Danny Finan, a resident who worked with Rigos on Little Rhody Park. It’s true. Rigos was responsible for managing a pavement rehabilitation program that makes Newcastle’s streets some of the best in the region. He worked with Newcastle Trails to continuously improve the city’s trail system, one of the community’s greatest assets. City Manager Rob Wyman has a very tough task ahead of him in naming Rigos’ replacement, and he knows it. It will be difficult to find someone to replicate Rigos’ blend of industry experience and community commitment. Like it or not, Rigos has raised the bar of what it means to be a public works director in this city. Residents now expect a certain level of community engagement. If his replacement cares half as much about this city as Rigos did, though, Newcastle will be in good hands.
Newcastle news Published since 1999 by
Is s a q u a h Pre s s , In c . P.O. Box 1328 Issaquah, WA 98027 Phone: 392-6434 q Fax: 392-1695
Puget Sound Energy plans to more than double the power lines in height and in voltage will not only increase the potential ills effects on our health in Olympus, but will destroy the natural beauty of our area. Our skyline will be blocked by these ugly structures, and the property values will impact not only the homes by the power lines, but for the entire area. Keep in mind that property values are not isolated, but reflect the demand for housing and the prices that future homeowners will be willing to pay. PSE’s unattractive power lines will deter many from buying homes in our area, so it behooves us all to get involved and fight their intrusion in our lives. Carmen Cieslar Olympus, Newcastle
Power-line project is just all-wrong for Olympus In the 27 years I have lived in Olympus, I’ve known seven
Guest column Get involved in PSE ‘Energize Eastside’ decision By Larry Johnson After having lived in Newcastle for the past 10 years next to the Puget Sound Energy power lines and the Olympic gas pipelines, my wife and I first gave little thought to PSE’s proposed “Energize Eastside” project that contemplates Olympus as part of one of two pre-selected routes an upgrade in PSE’s equipment might take. After all, these “H” poles date back to the 1960s and need to be replaced or removed at some point, we figured. But then we learned things. The proposed new poles would be twice the height of the cur-
JUNE 6, 2014
people with cancer — and five lived along the 115kV power lines we have currently — my own electromagnetic fields study. We have paid property taxes since 1929 on their easements without compensation. HUD and some will not loan or provide mortgages to homes with high-voltage power poles nearby that could fall over and hit them. Ninety-five-foot to 125-foot poles will hit a home in Olympus if they fall. Crazy that they design to wind and ice conditions and not as concerned with earthquake damage — especially along a gas pipeline and along a major earthquake fault line. Of course, PSE says it will be around for years — does it matter to any of us when dead if PSE is around? They will spread the cost of any catastrophic compensation they have to pay to all their ratepayers — because they can. People have no voice. PSE is like running into a brick wall. If you aren’t a bird, fish or tree — you don’t count. PSE holds all the cards — they can do what they want and will — and
we have to all pay the price for their profit. They never compensate — unless they condemn your property — which they keep reminding us! They are almighty, can do no wrong, they are a large business and get a free pass. People can’t oppose them; the cities won’t stand up to them or the state. They are a privately owned Australian company profiting from us. If they don’t condemn my house for this project — I should just feel blessed to stay in my home that I have spent 27 years making it me. They could never pay enough for my upgrades — roofing, siding, deck, kitchen, bathroom remodeling, carpeting, yard, natural habitat and beautiful view of Mount Rainier, and all the wonderful neighbors I have had over the years. It makes safety, health, views, quality of life seem insignificant just to be able to continue to live here. So, is this where PSE wants us to get in the process? The wearing down of human beings. Sue Stronk Newcastle
rent ones, as high as 12-story buildings, and the increase in voltage from 115,000 volts to 230,000 volts would quadruple the power flowing through the lines and add to dangerous EMFs (electromagnetic fields). In addition, the new poles would require much bigger cement foundations that would require heavy equipment and massive vibrations to settle them into the soil, all within narrow 100-foot easements and over and near gas pipelines that are 50-plus years old. In 1999, this was the same Olympic gas pipeline that was ruptured in Bellingham by a mere backhoe. This rupture allowed jet fuel under pressure to escape, causing an explosion and fires that killed three youths and resulted in massive property damage. Is there really no alternative to PSE’s risking our lives? Is that sane? Can PSE guarantee our safety? “We have done this before,” they say. “We have a good
relationship with the Olympic Pipeline Co., and we are a gas company, too.” In other words, “Trust us,” PSE says. But what PSE will never tell you in their multimillion-dollar PR blitz is that in 2008 PSE was fined a record $1.25 million by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission for having falsified gas pipeline safety inspection records over a span of four years! And we are to trust them to care about our safety? PSE is a private for-profit utility owned by Australians and Canadians who don’t have to live daily with the consequences of running 18 miles of industrial blight through our Eastside cities. We do. This is not a case of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard). This project should be built in nobody’s back yard. To learn more and add your voice to oppose PSE’s ill-considered project, go to www.sane-eastside-energy.org, www.CENSE.org and www. lakecorridor.org.
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Newcastle News
JUNE 6, 2014
Summer From Page 1 able to continue this year, thanks to title sponsor AvalonBay Communities Inc. Fourth of July isn’t the only summer event on tap. The city’s all-volunteer Community Activities Commission is already well into planning for the Concerts in the Park series and Newcastle Days. The city has scheduled four free summer concerts at Lake Boren Park this summer. The Fabulous Roof Shakers will perform July 23; Ian McFeron Band takes the stage July 30; Cherry Cherry plays Aug. 6; and Crumac will close out the series Aug. 13. Cherry Cherry, a Neil Diamond tribute band, is particularly notable because the group is sponsoring its own performance, free of charge to the city. Its lead singer, Steve Kelly, is a Hazen High School graduate. All concerts are from
7-8:30 p.m. Vendors are available onsite for attendees to enjoy. The city will celebrate its 20th year of incorporation at Newcastle Days on Sept. 6. Planning is still underway, but one thing is for certain, the car show will return after getting scrapped in 2013. Community Activities Commissioner Linda Newing is also spearheading an effort to add an in-park parade to this year’s festivities. She said she envisions inviting school drill teams, bands, Boy Scouts and members of the Newcastle Historical Society to officially open the festival with a loop around Lake Boren Park. “It’s the city’s 20th anniversary, so we’re looking at adding some fun, special activities to commemorate that,” Kirchner said. Newcastle resident Alan White’s group, White, will again be the headline band. White is also the drummer for the band Yes. Singer Gil Réne will bring the city’s 20 years
full-circle when he performs at Newcastle Days. Réne was there in 1994, playing at a special city ceremony in honor of Newcastle’s incorporation. Popular pony rides, petting zoos and inflatable toys will also return. The Coal Creek Family YMCA will bring its special KidZone activities, including inflatable slides and an obstacle course. Clowns Unlimited, the company that provided a pay-forplay area last year, will have some sort of presence, though it’s unclear what exactly it will bring, Kirchner said. Last year, the company brought a climbing wall, swing chairs and more. Kirchner and commissioners are hoping that with sponsorship money, kids won’t need to pay to use the equipment this year. “We don’t want to do pay-for-play,” Kirchner said. “We don’t want to have people paying for things.” For adults, the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce’s beer and wine
PAGE 5
garden is also expected to return. The Community Activities Commission has worked with Kirchner to plan the city’s summer events. Kirchner joined the city staff just three months ago as the community activities liaison. She will assist in the planning of city events and provide outreach to city volunteer organizations. “I’m enjoying working on different aspects,” she said. “One day it’s events, the next day it’s parks and the next day it’s something else. You kind of have your hand in a lot of things, which is fun.” Newcastle residents Newing, Jim Price, Russ Segner, Diane Lewis, Angela Ursino, Victoria Hupf and Zaquis Ross are members of the Community Activities Commission, an all-volunteer advisory board to the Newcastle City Council. Email Kirchner at wendyk@ci.newcastle.wa.us for more information about summer events and ways to get involved.
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D-Day From Page 1 What Alldritt remembers most about D-Day was the waiting, he said. He remembers staying fit and working on flight skills while they stood by for the call to action. “We had to sit back and get ready for the invasion,” he said. “We didn’t really know what to expect. We hadn’t done anything like that.” Regency Newcastle resident Max Pope “just missed” participating in World War II, but the Army veteran had a special connection to D-Day after a Normandy visit. Pope was stationed in Europe in 1954, 10 years after the invasion. Just before he was set to return home, he made a special trip to Normandy, where he toured Omaha Beach and paid tribute to those lost. Even 10 years after D-Day, the beach was still littered with land-
ing crafts and destroyers parked in the surf, Pope said. He still keeps the pictures he took from that visit. “Can you imagine coming in, people just throwing lead at you like crazy, and you’ve got to get up to get to the enemy and there’s nothing to hide behind?” Pope asked. “It’s amazing we didn’t lose more casualties than we did.” As he stood on the bluff overlooking the beach, he said he could only imagine what it must’ve looked like as more than 150,000 troops advanced. “As a German soldier, you must’ve just been scared spitless,” he said with a smile. Pope will probably be among those at Lake Boren Park to watch the planes, he said, because it’s important to always remember the sacrifices made during D-Day. “It’s necessary to keep these things in mind as to what happened, why it happened and why it’s important,” he said.
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PAGE 6
Newcastle News
JUNE 6, 2014
Newcastle News
JUNE 6, 2014
Rigos From Page 1 made under his watch, he said. He credited surface water engineer Laura Frolich and infrastructure manager Brian Smith for making sure the city was dialed in on capital and maintenance needs. “I’ve had a wonderful staff. There’s certainly no I in team,” Rigos said. “My staff has just been incredible in getting these projects done.” Rigos is known for going the extra mile, City Manager Rob Wyman said. Whether it was finding a way to give west end residents their Little Rhody Park, even after the grant they applied for was denied, or bringing his son along to an off-hours May Creek Trail ribbon-cutting ceremony, Rigos always put in the extra effort to make something special.
“He was a true member of the community here,” Wyman said. “I’m going to personally miss him quite a bit, and going to miss all he’s done.” Rigos has a long list of things he will miss about Newcastle, he said, among them, the people, the City Council, his staff and his city manager. He doesn’t expect to stay a stranger, though. Rigos, an Issaquah resident, already has plans to attend the city’s Fourth of July event and maybe make it out for one of the city’s Concerts in the Park series. “I’ll especially miss folks like Peggy Price, Garry Kampen, Grace Stiller and Lee Strom,” he said. “There are so many people that contribute in so many different ways to Newcastle, and that makes it a neat small town.” Rigos joined the Newcastle staff in 2011. Prior to that, he spent 12 years as a senior project manager at Concept
Engineering. He holds bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering and biology from Washington State University, and a master’s in business administration from Seattle University. Wyman now has the arduous task of finding Rigos’ replacement. Whoever it is, he or she will certainly have some big shoes to fill. “He’s not been a typical public works director,” Wyman said. “That’s the big challenge I have in trying to replace him.” Rigos, who will start his new North Bend job June 16, does have some advice for the person that follows him, though. “Public safety is always No. 1 in my mind, and as a civil engineer, it has to be, but almost equally important is excellent customer service,” he said. “Customer service is often overlooked in a public servant and I think it’s especially important in a small town like Newcastle.”
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May 28, 2014
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Newcastle News
PAGE 8
Laughing all the way
Safe, but not secure
My sisters and I are a cautious lot. My mother was a careful, self-reliant German Midwesterner, and my father — German as well — was an insurance adjustor, cleaning up after accidents, tornadoes and fires. We heard all of the horrific possibilities that life could serve up while we were at the dinner table. My mother’s caution and my father’s profession sucked the fun out of stuff that my friends did without a second thought. Dangerous carnival rides? No. Trampolines? No. Boat trips without life jackets? No. In fact it wasn’t sufficient for us to simply wear a life jacket on a boat; the entire family was lifeguard-certified, so we had to figure out a way to save everyone else on board as well. When we moved to a new home, we had a fire drill to explore routes out of the house. In an over-
crowded place, we were taught to be aware of escape routes if the crowd began to press, and if there Pat Detmer were disasters caused by mob panic in the news, we talked about ways that we might have escaped injury had we been there. Everything was a threat, whether we were likely to encounter them in Farm Town, Illinois, or not: Buzzing insects, quicksand, slips and falls, dog bites, men following us to our cars, strangers at the door, fire, poisonous snakes. Had there been a handy delusional safety bubble nearby, I don’t doubt that all three Detmer sisters would have happily crawled into it and assumed the fetal
position. But here’s what I’ve come to know: Even if you’re as careful as our parents taught us to be, stuff still happens. Do I ever feel perfectly safe? No, I don’t. But that’s all right, because here’s the flip side: I’m pleased when I take a drive on the freeway and no one chooses to take a hard right turn into my car. I’m happy that I don’t choke on something that I’m eating or drinking, and that the people who hand out pamphlets in my neighborhood don’t try to rob me. When I walk to my car in the dark, I’m ecstatic that the man walking nearby doesn’t lunge for me, and I’m relieved that when I open my garage doors, a carjacker doesn’t run in. When I turn on the gas stove, I’m tickled that it doesn’t explode, and when I’m home alone and can get out of the tub without falling,
cracking my head and drowning, I’m filled with joy. So the largest measurable result of all our inbred vigilance is that it gives me an extremely low threshold for happiness: Merely surviving is enough to make me euphoric on a daily basis. And if not for the possibility of dislocating my shoulder, I would pat myself on the back. You can reach Pat Detmer — who has a sudden hankering to put a trampoline in the backyard — at patdetmer@ aol.com.
JUNE 6, 2014