sammamishreview032812 by The Issaquah Press

March 28, 2012

COMMUNITY

SAMMAMISH REVIEW

Community rallies to save salmon By Lillian Tucker and Warren Kagarise

our genetic stock.” In the program, experts deploy along creek banks throughout the seaThe message from groups toiling to son to collect fish in creeks near the save a local fish species from extinclake. They then spawn the salmon at tion is simple and stark: S.O.S., for the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, where Save Our Salmon. the eggs are tended until the tiny Kokanee S.O.S. was the March 23 fry can be released into local creeks. fundraiser organized by the Coho Cafe Despite broad participation by the U.S. and Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Fish & Wildlife Service, King County Hatchery that raised nearly $10,000 to and the state Department of Fish and aid the diminishing Wildlife the kokanLake Sammamish “We are on the verge of ee spawning prokokanee salmon gram — considered losing the population.” as a stopgap meapopulation. Money from the night will sure for kokanee – David St. John, now be used to help survival — operates Lake Sammamish Kokanee pay for the emeron a limited budget. Work Group – gency hatchery “This possible supplementation extinction is literally program that is happening right in working to restore the fish population. our own backyard and if a commu“We are on the verge of losing the nity as educated and affluent as King population,” said David St. John, Lake County cannot turn this critical situaSammamish Kokanee Work Group tion around, then I’m not sure there is coordinator and chairman. “There is hope for any people to protect a dwina range of things we are looking at dling and important resource,” said and have to deal with. So as we try to Heather VanDorn, the Coho Café manmake progress we need to also keep ager who spearheaded the fundraiser.

The rally to save the fish intensified in October after the kokanee were denied placement on the endangered species list. In short, the reasoning for this, said Federal Fish and Wildlife Service officials, is because similar kokanee thrive in other waterways around the country. Kokanee are native to the Puget Sound and today are functionally extinct in most places except Lake Sammamish and Lake Whatcom, explained Hans Berge, who has studied kokanee for over 13 years, wrote his masters of science thesis on the salmon and now works as a fisheries biologist for King County. Kokanee and sockeye are actually the same species. But unlike the sockeye, kokanee are the only salmon that spend their adult life in the lake’s fresh water and never venture to the ocean. See SALMON, Page 15 File photo

A boy examines a cooler full of salmon fry about to be released in a Sammamish creek.

Dorm-room recipe energizes entrepreneur‘s career By Lillian Tucker

Just like the energy powder he created, Chris MacPherson is causing quite the buzz. The Skyline 2010 graduate, along with his college buddy Andrew Linfoot, came up with a tasteless energy powder that adds boost to any liquid. So far the supplement has earned the two Purdue students a $10,000 award, national attention from Fox news and an investor for the new business. And it all started with as a casual dorm-room conversation about caffeinated drinks, particularly the controversy caused by the popular alcoholic stimulant drink “Four Loco,” which has been banned in several states. “People were buying up Four Loco and we were joking around about ‘why don’t they just put the energy pack on the side’,” said MacPherson, who added that soon after they realized they actually had come up with a good idea. “We were already big on energy drinks and knew which products on the market gave the biggest kicks.” MacPherson, now a sophomore in Purdue’s entrepreneurship program, and Linfoot quickly found that they could order all the ingredients that go into energy drinks over the Internet. Soon their dorm room became a test kitchen as the two tried out different ratios and measurement of ingredients like caffeine, taurine and guarana. It wasn’t

Contributed

Chris MacPherson and business partner Andrew Linfoot pose with their $10,000 award after they earned second place in Purdue’s Burton D. Morgan Business Plan Competition for their new energy supplement. hard to find eager and willing guinea pigs on a college campus, said MacPherson. They tested the different energy concoctions on themselves and on friends until they came up with the right effect.

“Some of them had way too much energy - guys sprinted up and down the halls,” said MacPherson. “We realized it became a business when people came to us and asked for a batch of the stuff we had made the

other day.” MacPherson and Linfoot began networking and spreading the word about their business idea until one day they got a bite – an investor had $50,000 and offered it to them to get the product out

there. Pure Kyk Energy powder launched Feb. 8, MacPherson’s 20th birthday. To promote their creation, the two students turned to social media and offered free samples to friends of friends online. Word that they were giving away free energy packs went viral via Twitter and within the first 14 hours the pair had 8,200 requests for samples. Pure Kyk Energy’s website was so overloaded that it shut down and with a total inventory of only 50,000 MacPherson and Linfoot had to end the promotion. MacPherson estimates that 100 man-hours have already gone into filling all 8,200 sample orders. He even bribed his 12-year-old cousin to get in on the assembly line. On Feb. 21, the two college students took second place at Purdue’s Burton D. Morgan Business Plan Competition and along with the honor were awarded with $10,000. “The student-led business concepts, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, were among the most impressive and market-ready we have seen in this annual competition,” said Richard Cosier, Purdue’s Leeds Professor of Management, in a press release. In order to devote themselves to their blossoming business MacPherson and Linfoot have become only part-time students. The pair pride themselves on See ENERGY, Page 15

March 28, 2012

SCHOOLS

SAMMAMISH REVIEW

Students find answers at Discovery’s science fair By Lillian Tucker

Photo by Lillian Tucker

Evan Sanders demonstrates his science experiment which shows that as the number of nails a balloon is pressed down upon increases, the chance of that balloon popping decreases.

From the wonderful world of pulleys to sweaty socks, the Discovery Elementary School’s science fair March 21 had something for everyone. The elementary students there were all tasked with posing a question, carrying out an experiment to find an answer and documenting the whole process to show off to their families, friends and teachers at the science fair. Dora Versa, a fifth-grader, looked to her own feet to come up with her science project of figuring out which sock material is the most absorbent. “Especially for me, I always get blisters on my feet. It’s because of sweat, my dad said,” explained Dora. “So, I wanted to find out which soaks up more.” To find the perfect sock, Dora and her friend put different socks in bowls of water, which represented sweat. They then calculated the amount of liquid that each sock absorbed and concluded that cotton stocks were best. Erin Hiliker had always heard that dogs were color blind, but she still wondered if they preferred certain colors to others so she devised a system to find out. Using her own dog, four of

her neighbors’ pooches, several different pieces of construction paper and lots of treats, Erin concluded that the dogs cared more about tasty morsels then the color of paper they came on. Switching from living creatures to surface pressure Evan Sanders turned what he saw on YouTube into a science experiment. The fifth-grader placed a balloon on beds of nails, each time changing the number of nails that pushed against the balloon’s surface. He originally hypothesized that the more nails he added the more likely it would be that the balloon would pop. But several experiments and many popped balloons later he learned the opposite was true. “It was pretty fun just seeing if the balloon popped,” said Evan. Second-grader Konik Mitra wanted to know if plants drank water too. To find out, he placed white flowers and celery in different glasses of water with foodcoloring in each. When the leaves and petals started to look like the color of the water, he knew that they did in fact soak up the water. “Seeing the celery and the seeing the color changing was the funnest,” said Konik.

Smith’s Rock Star Readers rock battle of the books “I feel really honored to be representing the school.”

By Lillian Tucker

The Rock Star Readers from Samantha Smith Elementary School have lived up to their name by becoming the Northern Region Champions in the Global Reading Challenge. The team, comprised of fourth graders Abhi Mantha, Anirudh Iyer, Caroline Oei and Ilana Poznanski and fifth graders Elaine Zheng, Boyoung Yang and Russell Carmichael, first won the school reading challenge by besting six other teams of its peers and then took first in both the east and west divisions before beating Shoreline for the northern region title and advancing to the Grand Challenge on March 23, where they finished third. “I feel really honored to be representing the school and the whole north region,” said Anirudh Iyer. “Actually the whole team was nervous…we were really surprised.” The Global Reading Challenge is a contest put on by the King County library system and local public schools to engage students in a “Battle of the Books” style challenge. This is the third year

– Anirudh Iyer, Student –

Photo by Seong Yang

Rock Star Readers Anirudh Iyer, Abhi Mantha, Boyoung Yang, Caroline Oei, Russell Carmichael, Ilana Poznanski and Elaine Zheng celebrate their team’s accomplishments, which include winning the Northern Region Global Reading title from King County Libraries. that Samantha Smith has taken lenge’s reading list, which is readers. Teachers form teams part in the program. released on the first day of that mix fourth and fifth graders Hanna Chang, the fourthschool. The list is made up of and boys and girls from all readgrade teacher of Ilana 10 books chosen by the county’s ing levels. The students then Poznanski said that the teachchildren librarians that fit a read the books in class and on ers try to make a big deal of wide range of reading levels and their own. the announcement of the chalappeal to the interests of young “I think it’s a great promo-

tion of reading,” said Chang. She read some of the books aloud to her class and said the children’s’ favorite was “Escaping the Giant Wave” by Peg Kehret. “Whenever a teacher does a read-aloud it really gets the kids excited about the book and have a common experience.” Everyone got excited wondering what would happen next to the characters, she said, and explained that the stories provoke a lot of class discussions. The Rock Star Readers also often got together during lunch and practiced. “They didn’t know each other before the practices began and now seem to be fast friends,” said the team’s coach and the school librarian Barb Regan. “They argue, laugh and put their heads together to come up with the answers.” They even, she added, have developed hand signals so See READERS, Page 17

sports

March 28, 2012

SAMMAMISH REVIEW

Skyline tennis team drives home a 7-0 win over Bellevue By Lillian Tucker

Whether you believe tennis is a mental game or all about the perfect stroke, the Skyline tennis team has proven they are good at both. The season kicked off with a non-league match against Bellevue, which the Skyline Spartans dominated 7-0, despite it being split between two separate days because of rain. “It was crazy,” said team captain and senior Alyson Opitz. “It’s kind of weird getting back into it; a lot of us don’t play in the off season. We are a very new team and I was shocked at how well everybody was able to compose ourselves.” She added that even though many of them are freshman and they were all told how challenging Bellevue would be, that each of the Spartans stepped on to the court with confidence. The match began March 19 with the four varsity singles play-

ers taking to the court under gray skies. Before the final score was called the rain came down and forced Skyline and Bellevue to postpone the rest of play until a dryer day. With déjà vu, the singles faced their opponents again March 21 and picked up, point-for-point where they left off. In the varsity number one position Theresa Huang bested Bellevue’s Sabrina Tu 6-2, 6-2. Ali O’Daffer won No. 2 singles 6-1,6-3 and Jasime Ye, No. 4 singles, beat Tracy Monte 6-2, 6-1. Laura Parsons returned March 21 to the intimidating position of having to win her first set of the day in order to not lose her No. 3 singles match. In the end she came out on top 7-5, 6-4. Varsity No. 3 doubles Kasumi Maeda and Kianna Bertolino won their match 6-0, 6-2 while Sonya Ye and Jinny Choi were on their way to taking their No. 2 doubles See TENNIS, Page 19

Photo by Lillian Tucker

Skyline’s Ali O’Daffer volleys against Bellevue’s Karen Park before winning the No. 2 singles match 6-1; 6-3.

Eastlake softball claims strong start with 3-1 preseason run By Lillian Tucker

Photo by Lillian Tucker

Junior Sophie Palenscar pitched her first win of the season on March 19 against the Auburn Trojans.

With five returning starters from last year’s state team and several promising newcomers the Eastlake Wolves are already off to a bright softball season. “We had a great team last year and we have a great core of girls back this year,” said head coach Natalie Hardin. Already the players have put a lot of effort into improving their game as well as building up their team work, she added. “With all that put together we should be in the top of the KingCo this year...It sounds like some of the other teams are looking good too so it definitely won’t be easy. But it will be a challenge and it will be fun.” In order to make up for game time lost to the month’s hectic weather, the Wolves embarked on a jam-packed week March 19-23 and came out on the other end having won three of their four non-conference games. Eastlake kicked the week off on March 19 with a 8-1 win over the Auburn Trojans. Pitcher Sophie Palenscar batted one over the fence in the third inning to start the Wolves off on a homerun spree. After she rounded home plate to the

cheers of the team and crowd, Elizabeth Tracy stepped up to bat and answered with her own homerun. Before the inning was over Lexi Jaeger, who plays shortstop and second base, knocked out a home run of her own to give the team a commanding lead that the Trojans never closed in on. “I definitely think we will be a team to watch if we keep improving,” said Palenscar. “Each day you come out you have to play better than you played the day before.” The junior pitched the whole game against Auburn for six strikes outs. At bat she went two for four and along with her homer, had one RBI. In practice, Palenscar said she has been working to better her pitching location and movements, and did a lot of weight training in the off season. “It was nice to know that the work I’ve put in off the field has finally paid off,” she said. “My teammates really help me out a lot. Without their support and the support of my coaches I couldn’t get through it...when I am on the mound they are always there to See SOFTBALL, Page 19

calendar

March 28, 2012

Events

Easter services

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Sammamish residents Chris Moran and Aaron Kirby will be on the bill of a comedy show featuring Kermit Apio at 8:30 p.m. March 28 at Laughs Comedy Spot in Kirkland. Tickets are $10.

April 6

Issaquah District Superintendent Steve Rasmussen will hold a series of coffees at high schools around the district to discuss the district and education in general. The meeting at Skyline is set for 7:30 a.m. April 6.

Sammamish Family YMCA’s annual Easter Egg hunt will feature carnival booths, bounce houses, a mini-golf course and egg hunts for toddlers and older children. A shuttle is available from Discovery Elementary School. The event is set for 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 7.

Seniors Making Art, a free class about printmaking will run from 10 a.m.-noon on Mondays from April 9-May 21 at the Sammamish Teen Center.

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7 14 21 28

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3 10 17 24 31

March 28 Issaquah School Board meeting, 7 p.m. at district headquarters, 565 N.W. Holly St. in Issaquah

An Easter egg hunt sponsored by Re/Max Realty is scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 31 at Beaver Lake Park. The group is accepting food donations. The event will proceed rain or shine.

2012

Public calendar

The Civil War in Washington Territory, this presentation will consider territorial attitudes toward race and slavery, agitation for northwest secession, and federal suppression of freedom of the press, at 7 p.m. March 28 at the Sammamish Library. Eliminate Chaos: The 10-Step Process to Organize Your Home & Life, in this workshop, learn the steps to getting organized and leave feeling empowered to take action, at 7 p.m. March 29 at the Sammamish Library.

SAMMAMISH REVIEW

April 3 Sammamish City Council meeting, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall

Good Friday services — April 6 A community-wide Good Friday service, sponsored by Sammamish area churches, is scheduled for noon at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church. Sammamish Hills Lutheran, 4 and 7:30 p.m.

Easter Services — April 8

April 4

Pine Lake Covenant Church, 9 and 11 a.m.

City Council office hour 5:306:30 p.m. at City Hall

Sammamish Hills Lutheran, traditional service 9 a.m., contemporary service 10:30 a.m. Mars Hill Sammamish, 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m.

Pine Lake Covenant Church, 7 p.m.

Sammamish Presbyterian Church, 8:15, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Mars Hill Sammamish, 6:30 p.m.

Mary, Queen of Peace, 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Sammamish Presbyterian Church, 7 p.m.

Community Church of Joy, 10:45 a.m.

Mary, Queen of Peace, 3 and 7 p.m.

Spirit of Peace United Church of Christ, 9:30 a.m. Foundation Baptist Church, 10:30 a.m.

Parks and Recreation Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall April 5 Sammamish Planning Commission meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall April 10 City Council Study Session at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall April 16

Passover First seder, 7:30 p.m. April 6, second seder, 9 p.m. April 7 at the Chabad of the Central Cascades house. Fee $36 per adult, $25 per child, but options are available for those who lack funds. Preregistration required, visit www.chabadissaquah.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/846234/jewish/ Passover-in-Issaquah.htm. To register, contact Allison Gubata at 295-0597 or agubata@ ci.sammamish.wa.us.

A computer recycling event is being sponsored by the city of Sammamish. Bring desktop computers and laptops, monitors (LCD & CRT’s) cellphones, iPods, iPads, keyboards, mice, cables, speakers, printers, scanners, copiers and TVs. They will not accept DVD players, old software, VCRs, CDs, microwaves, stereo equipment or appliances, Styrofoam, cardboard and other packing materials. The event is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 14 at City Hall. Learn haiku during a nature

walk. Michael Dylan Welch, president of the Haiku Society of America, will join a guided nature walk and poetry writing session from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 14 at Beaver Lake Lodge.

Used book sale including children’s and adult’s books priced from 25 cents - $1 and DVDs for $3 will run from 8-11 a.m. April 21 and 3-4 p.m. April 23 at Margaret Mead Elementary School.

The Sammamish Symphony will perform “Requiem” by Verdi at 2 p.m. April 22 at Benaroya Hall in Seattle.

Tickets are $30. Visit www. SammamishSymphony.org.

The ARAS Foundation will hold its annual bike drive to benefit Ghana, Africa, April 29 at City Hall. Bikes can be donated at City Hall from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. that day. The group also needs volunteers to help prepare the bikes for shipping from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To volunteer or donate, contact Mary Trask at mary@arasfoundation.org.

Lake Washington School Board worksession, at 5 p.m. followed by a business meeting at 7 p.m. at the L.E. Scarr Resource Center, located at 16250 N.E. 74th St., Redmond April 17 Election Day for the Issaquah School District bond vote April 25 Issaquah School Board meeting, 7 p.m. at district headquarters, 565 N.W. Holly St. in Issaquah

To submit items for the Community Calendar, email to samrev@isspress.com. Items will be edited and must be received by the Wednesday before publication.