snovalley star 013113

Your locally-owned newspaper, serving North Bend and Snoqualmie, Washington

January 31, 2013 VOL. 5, NO. 4

Pillars of the community North Bend names Citizens of the Year.

Page 2

Girls win nail-biter in overtime Page 10

Volunteer firefighter saves lives

Schools will add portables

By Sebastian Moraga

By Michele Mihalovich

Moving on Local business to close.

Page 3

Police blotter Page 5

Rock band Fifth annual rock festival coming soon.

Page 8

A volunteer firefighter saved the life of a wheelchair-bound man and several dogs at a Jan. 25 fire where a North Bend home was destroyed.

Josie Williams, spokeswoman for Eastside Fire & Rescue, said a call came in about a structure fire at the 13600 block of 432nd Avenue Southeast at 9:13 p.m. that night.

Volunteer firefighter Kevin Nolet, 43, said his pager went off and he noticed the address was “very, very close to my house.”

He said he drove by the house and saw the flames and a young woman in her late teens

Contributed

Firefighters respond to a fire at a North Bend home late Jan. 25.

Volunteer firefighter Kevin Nolet rescued a disabled man and four dogs from the fire. or early 20s on her cell phone man laying on the floor,” he standing in the doorway. said.

Nolet said he got her out The man was disabled, and of the house and noticed a Nolet said he “scooped him woman just inside the house up” and placed the man, who and a man about 10 feet into was wearing only a T-shirt and the home. underwear, in a car to keep “I took a step into the home and almost stepped on another See FIRE, Page 2

The Snoqualmie Valley School Board approved a purchase of portable classrooms for the district’s middle schools, shelving a plan to relocate Mount Si High School’s portables.

With a 4-0 vote – Carolyn Simpson was out sick—board members OK’d a plan that will probably have the portables in place by June 14.

The relocation of seven portables from Mount Si would cost between $1 million and $1.5 million. The purchase will cost about $1.8 million.

Stokes recommended purchasing three portables each for Twin Falls and Chief Kanim middle schools, and one for Cascade View Elementary. Chief Kanim will likely need a fourth one in 2014, Stokes said.

See PORTABLE, Page 2

Mount Si cheer squad makes history as state champs

By Michele Mihalovich

Big donation Students give money to artist.

Page 9

Seniors show off Gymnasts win big at senior night.

Page 11

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So much can go wrong performing at the state cheerleading championship.

Cheerleaders are in an auditorium filled with ponytailed peers watching their every move. That kind of pressure could result in a miscount and throw the whole squad off.

Seven stern-faced judges sit just 10 feet away from the mat, scrutinizing every jump, flip and pyramid formation. One wrong move and an entire pyramid collapses, and precious points are shaved from scores.

Erin Antoch, a cheerleading junior on Mount Si’s red squad, said she was so nervous in the huddle right before performing, that she could barely breathe.

“And then about five seconds before we began, I don’t even know how or why it happened, but I just felt total calm on the floor,” she said.

Coach Jessii Stevens could do nothing but sit behind the judges and watch her cheerleaders compete and hope for the best.

See CHEER, Page 3

Contributed

Mount Si’s cheerleading red squad made school history when it won a state championship Jan. 26.

SnoValley Star

PAGE 2

JANUARY 31, 2013

North Bend citizens of the year named

By Michele Mihalovich Each year, the city of North Bend names a Business of the Year or a Citizen of the Year.

At the Jan. 15 City Council meeting, where the 2012 winners were to be announced, Mayor Ken Hearing said two of the nominations stood out so much and had such an impact on the community that two awards would be given this year.

The first award went to Danny Kolke, who opened Boxley’s in 2009.

Kolke, along with the support of his wife Robyn, has provided North Bend with more than just a topnotch restaurant, but also built a world-class music venue, which recently was named one of the top Jazz clubs in the world

by DownBeat Magazine, Hearing said.

Kolke, described by the mayor as “an accomplished pianist with unprecedented vocals,” also volunteers as a band director at Twin Falls Middle School, and started the Future Jazz Heads program, where he and other professional musicians invite middle and high

school students to play alongside professionals.

Kolke also helps plan events for downtown North Bend, like the block party and holiday festival, created the first North Bend Jazz Walk and is working on adding a Blues Walk in April, Hearing said.

Hearing also pointed out accomplishments that maybe a few citizens weren’t aware Danny Kolke of.

Kolke, who moved to North Bend 15 years ago, is the founder of Etelos Inc., and was recognized as one of the most influential people of the Internet in 2007 for writing CRM for Google, a Web-based contact management application. He’s also the author of a programming language called EASE, English Application Scripting Engine, which enables users to write code in conversational English and computer systems convert it into the lan-

guage a computer needs.

“You’ve probably noticed servers at Boxley’s take orders on their iPads,” Hearing said.

“Well, that is an application written by Danny, in EASE, in his spare time.”

The second award winner was Nela Cumming, the director of pediatric therapy programs at Encompass.

Hearing said Cumming oversees tailored treatment plans and homebased therapeutic services for more than Nela Cumming 100 families with children from birth to age 18 with developmental delays, and that therapy is delivered in a positive, fun and nurturing environment.

Cumming used to work for Children’s Home Society, where she directed the agency’s statewide Early Head Start Program, and she is the kind of person who continually goes above and beyond in her

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daily duties, Hearing said.

She not only works long hours serving the community through her work at Encompass, but she also volunteers her time at schools during her lunch breaks and spends countless hours translating for the Latino population in the Valley, he said.

Cumming translates meetings, makes phone calls, relays concerns and communicates school information that is needed to help students be successful. She has translated the PTA’s forms into Spanish to help families become and stay involved.

Hearing said one of the most impressive things about Cumming is her ability to connect with families in such a genuine and caring way.

“Her ability, connection and ease with families has led to many great relationships that go far beyond a translator/ client relationship, See CITIZEN, Page 3

Fire From Page 1 warm since it was about 30 to 35 degrees that night.

The other man went back into the home saying he had to get the dogs.

Nolet said he managed to get him out of the house again, which at this time had flames moving from a back bedroom into the living room.

Nolet said he then saw the man walking toward the back of the house, and he followed him.

“I guess there were nine dogs and two cats that live at the house,” Nolet said.

When he got to the back of the house, he saw Snoqualmie firefighters, and one of them reported seeing a dog jumping up and down at the window.

Nolet grabbed the homeowner’s ladder that was close by and broke the bedroom window.

He said a Snoqualmie firefighter climbed the ladder and went into the bedroom “which was charged with smoke. He’d grab a dog, hand him to me and I’d hand it to a firefighter on the ground.”

All in all, four dogs were pulled from the smoky bedroom, but one

of them didn’t survive.

“Seven of the dogs survived, one didn’t and one is unaccounted for. Both the cats got out of the house on their own,” said Nolet, who has been a volunteer firefighter on and off for about 20 years.

Nolet said people keep saying he’s a hero, but he thinks the granddaughter who was in the home at the time was the real hero.

“She had pulled him (the disabled man) off the bed or the couch, we’re not really sure which, and drug him to the door,” he said. “He was about 250 pounds, and she was maybe 120. She had no training and under those stressful conditions, she really impressed the heck out of me.”

Firefighters from Fall City and Snoqualmie assisted with the fire, which is believed to have started in the bedroom, Williams said.

Firefighters treated two patients with minor injuries and transported them to a local hospital for further evaluation.

The King County Fire Investigation Unit will investigate the cause of the fire, Williams said.

Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext.

246, or editor@snovalleystar.com.

Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

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Zo Home moving to its mother store Zo Home, a North Bend home store specializing in recycled and reclaimed furniture, will officially close its doors at the end of February.

Nancy Wray, one of the Zo Home and Birches

Citizen From Page 2 and she is often called upon in times of need within the local Latino community,” he said.

She also loves North Bend, and attends city meetings to stay involved and be informed on local issues. She has worked tirelessly to help others in many ways without seeking recognition for herself, Hearing said.

“She is a very caring, selfless person who is working to make the community a better place for all of us,” he said.

Kolke and Cumming were tricked into attend-

Cheer From Page 1 “The beginning of their routine included a lot of difficult stunting skills. It’s the most difficult part of the routine. When I saw that they hit everything perfectly, I knew they had this and I think that momentum carried them through the rest of the routine. The beginning was our do or die moment – and they nailed it,” Stevens said.

The girls also knew they had just executed a perfect routine. The second they got away from the crowd and were behind the backstage curtain, the girls let loose their emotions. They giggled, they screamed, they hugged and they cried.

“I’m crying because

Habitat owners, said the furniture was “industrial chic, but the urban look just didn’t fly here.”

Any products not sold at Zo Home, which opened in November 2011, will head over to her Birches Habitat store on the corner of Bendigo Boulevard and North

Bend Way, she said.

Mary Miller Photography was also housed in the same location, but she has decided to operate out of her home.

She said the business will be called Studio 120.

Go to http://maryjmiller. com.

ing the City Council meeting. Both said they were shocked to hear their names.

Kolke thought he was going to address the council on an agenda item, but said he knew something was up when he walked into the council chambers and saw all his customers.

Hearing, who owns Scott’s Dairy Freeze, said, “Hey, those are my customers, too!”

Kolke said receiving the award overwhelmed him.

“I did not set out to win awards, do youth programs or improve the community,” he said. “I just love jazz. And I love food … so, thank you.”

Cumming could only say “Wow” when she heard the mayor say her name. She said a friend asked her to attend the meeting because her husband was supposedly going to be named citizen of the year.

“And he’s very, very deserving of that honor, so I did not suspect a thing,” Cumming said.

“It was a total surprise.”

Hearing teared up a bit after announcing the winners.

“I can’t help it,” he said. “These people do these things for their community and they don’t expect any recognition for it. And that’s why I love these awards so much.”

during every routine, there is something that goes slightly wrong,” said senior Hailey Barrett. “But when we finished — I just knew everything went perfect. It’s the best we’ve ever done.”

The judges on Jan. 26 at the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion at the University of Washington, also recognized the perfection they saw that day from the Wildcat’s red squad— and awarded them the first place trophy of the medium-sized 2A/3A/4A division.

This is the first time in Mount Si’s history that the cheerleaders had won state.

Coach Stevens described what it was like sitting in the pavilion and listening to the results.

“First they named the third place winner,” she said. “And after they

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named the second-place winner, my entire body started trembling because I knew Mount Si was about to get recognition for all the hard work they’ve put in since April.”

Mount Si’s red squad, which went undefeated during this competition season, racked up 232 points at state – that’s 14 points more than Juanita, which came in second, and 29 more points than Jackson High School,

PAGE 3

Portable

ing portables off Mount Si High School might spell trouble in the near future.

“If we move portables From Page 1 off Mount Si High School, Relocation could not we would be over capacity be funded by impact fees by 2015,” he said. “What (paid by developers as if we have a spike in 2014? they build new houses), We would be back here because it does not create buying portables for the additional capacity. So the high school.” district would likely have Board member Geoff to have Doy said, “I don’t think people paid for “We spent the new money putgive a care about portables ting these impact fees. They care portables out of its capital in, now about local schools.” project we’ve got to fund.

— Linda Deutsch move them, “Using Parent and they almost are going to all of it,” be empty added Stokes. at the Freshman Learning Relocation could also Center?” he said. “That’s turn more expensive in a hard story to put a posithe long run, he added. tive view on.”

If the high school ever He then added, “I m needed them back, adding never going to sit here and portables to that campus ignore hundreds of thouwould be much more sands of dollars of taxpayexpensive due to the site ers’ money.” being in a floodway.

Valley schools School board members Superintendent Joel Aune backed Stokes, expresspledged that the portable ing their skepticism at the classrooms would not be relocation from Mount Si. empty. Still, some comBoard member Dan munity members opposed Popp warned that movthe move.

“$1.8 million is a familiar number for portables,” North Bend parent Stephen Kangas said. “One year to one and a half years ago, about $1.8 million in capital construction funding was burning a hole in your pocket.

It was used to cover the courtyard at Snoqualmie Middle School while some suggested new portables.

There are going to be folks out there who are going to remember that.”

Aune said that it was $1 million, not $1.8 million.

Other community members supported the purchase.

“Purchase makes the most sense,” said Linda Deutsch, whose son is one of two student representatives on the board. “I don’t think people give a care about impact fees.

They care about local schools.”

Jill Looper, a Snoqualmie parent also supported purchase.

“We need an elementary, we need a middle school and we need these portables at Mount Si High School because we are going to need them.”

which finished third.

Mount Si’s silver squad also made it to the state competition and also executed a perfect routine, but they ended up with a fourth place finish in the non-tumbling 3A division.

After their routine in front of the judges, senior Jannel Rasmussen said, “I could not be more happy.

We hit everything, and I’m completely content, especially compared to our

stunts,” she said. “This is the first time I have ever competed. I didn’t know how exhilarating this would be — it was just awesome!”

For the silver squad, the season is over; but the red team heads to nationals in Florida Feb. 7.

“We are headed to nationals after an undefeated season and being named state champions,” Barrett said. “That’s just an incredible feeling.”

last competition when we dropped an entire pyramid. No matter what, I’m proud of how we did and especially proud of our first year girls.”

Annie Bruckner is a freshman and due to multiple injuries on the silver team, moved up from the junior varsity team to compete with the silver squad.

“I had two days to learn an entirely different routine, new dances and new

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Opinion

PAGE 4

Editorial

Letters

Eva lives a full life, Lucy is not so lucky

Save our sacred spaces

No one knew when the day started Jan. 18 that two women’s lives would unknowingly intersect.

Both received death sentences. But one was on stage delivering a monologue interspersed with songs about how she cheated death; the other was being buried in Bellevue.

Eva Moon told the audience gathered at Valley Center Stage how her mother had died of breast cancer. Eva tested positive for the breast cancer type-one genetic mutation, and made the difficult decision to undergo a double mastectomy and hysterectomy. She chose life.

Lucy Pieczatkowski was not given a choice. Someone else made that decision for her when they struck and killed her with a pickup while she walked down a dark road New Year’s Day, and then left the scene of the crime.

These two women had much in common. Eva is 56, Lucy 57. Both raised sons. Both had men who loved them. Based on Eva’s stage presence and what people told us about Lucy, both women loved laughter and life; were caring, kind and compassionate; both loved a party and quiet, self-reflective moments. Both were talented: Eva is a musician and Lucy played a mean game of pool.

Eva is taking full advantage of her new lease on life by skydiving, performing her “Mutant Diaries: Unzipping my Genes” show in London and doing anything else she darn well chooses.

Lucy will do nothing more than live on in spirit.

Eva ends her performance by saying, “I got to change the future.” We want that for Lucy, and her friends and family.

Right now Lucy’s case remains unsolved. The person who cheated Lucy out of life remains free. For her future to be changed, justice needs to be served and the person responsible needs to turn in himself or herself.

Eva and her family are enjoying peace of mind right now. We wish the same for Lucy’s family.

WEEKLY POLL If you could add an eighth dwarf, what would its name be?

A. Techie B. Druggie C. Wary D. Cop Vote online at www.snovalleystar.com.

Deborah Berto

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Managing editor

Michele Mihalovich

Editor

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After reading last week’s article about the roundabout and Dorman’s letter to the editor, we realized that we all have an opportunity here to do what is best for all the citizens of the Valley.

The members of the Snoqualmie Tribe seem to be against the roundabout because it will defile a sacred place, and at the same time they are considering building a 20-story hotel on the casino site.

As non-tribal, but long-term members of this community, the prospect of the roundabout will defile a sacred space for us, too, as will a hotel. The Falls is a sacred place, and so is Mount Si, the river, the oxbows, Snoqualmie Point, Three Forks, Rattlesnake Ridge and Meadowbrook Farm.

The character of the entire Valley is sacred to many of us.

Both projects really amount

JANUARY 31, 2013

to the same thing, which is further building, whether at the casino or at the falls. Is this what we want? We don’t think so. Do we need to accept that it will happen? Again, we don’t think so.

We have been accused of rejecting inevitable change. We say, what is wrong with that?

Our “radical idea” is that we think it is a perfectly reasonable concept that the occupants of a place should be able to say they want it to stay the same, and that their elected representatives abide by that.

The only reason that would not happen is so some other interest can have their way, and we all know that other interest is those who make money and then walk away.

Consequently, we urge all Valley residents, tribal and otherwise, to take the larger view of what is sacred here, and to tell our elected representatives and

businesses that the roundabout and the hotel are both wrong, that they will degrade our sacred space, and that we want to keep our beautiful Valley the way it is. Like it here? Let us hear your voice!

Dave Eiffert and Kit McCormick Snoqualmie

Share your views Citizens can make a difference by contacting their elected representatives.

County King County Executive Dow Constantine, 206-296-4040; or kcexec@kingcounty.gov King County Councilwoman Kathy Lambert, District 3. 206296-1003; 800-325-6165; kathy. lambert@kingcounty.gov

Home Country

There’s more to a club than meetings

By Slim Randles The Club didn’t last long.

It wasn’t the dues, which were nothing. It wasn’t being worried about being elected recording secretary or something if you missed a meeting.

There were no officers, no directors and no meetings.

It was born of an idea that occurred to Doc one day.

He said the members of the Mule Barn truck stop’s philosophy counter and world dilemma think tank should organize.

After his third cup, Doc turned to the others and said sitting there having coffee day after day without any real purpose just didn’t seem right.

Doc said, “There are so many things a real organization can do.”

“What would those things be, Doc?” Steve asked.

“Giving shoes to orphans,” Doc said. “Or curing hunger in third world countries. Or we could watch TV and file complaints.”

Then Dud piped up. “Would we have to wear funny hats and have a secret handshake and a password?”

“Absolutely,” Doc said.

“Otherwise, how would you know who was one of your brother club members and who wasn’t?”

Mavis said, “What’s your

secret password?

Regular or decaf?”

“I don’t think we should let women join,” said Bert.

Slim Randles Nobody Columnist nodded until after Mavis had topped off the cups, and had gone into the bowels of the kitchen.

“Okay,” Steve said. “Let’s get this straight. No meetings. No name for The Club, right? No officers. No dues to pay. All we have to do is give our shoes to some orphans, right?”

“And feed kids in third world countries.”

“I don’t know any kids in

third world countries. Could we feed one or two around here, just to kinda e-e-e-ease into it?”

“I don’t think so,” said Doc. “We gotta come up with a third world country and then find out who’s in charge of feeding kids.

Then we can send them something.”

“I move we adjourn this meeting,” said Steve.

“There are no meetings,” said Doc. Since no one could name a third world country without a map or listening to National Public Radio, The Club died a quiet death.

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Write to us Snovalley Star welcomes letters to the editor about any subject, although we reserve the right to edit for space, length, potential libel, clarity or political relevance. Letters addressing local news will receive priority. Please limit letters to 350 words or less and type them, if possible. Email is preferred. Letters must be signed and have a daytime phone number to verify authorship. Send them by Friday of each week to:

snovalley star

P.O. Box 1328 q Issaquah, WA 98027 Fax: 391-1541 q Email: editor@snovalleystar.com

SnoValley Star

JANUARY 31, 2013

Police blotter

and jumped into a 2003 Toyota Rav4.

North Bend

Wonder if they float

Taking too long in the bathroom ends in arrest A customer at a local gas station phoned police at 8:30 p.m. Jan. 11 to report that a man was in the bathroom, possibly doing narcotics. Police arrested the man, who had an Issaquah warrant for third-degree theft. It’s unknown if the man was doing narcotics in the bathroom.

Shoplift Police were called to Pac Sun at 6:15 p.m. Jan. 11. An employee reported to police that a heavy woman and a thin woman came into the store for a bit, and then both ran out of the store and got into a Honda. The employee thinks the two may have shoplifted a multi-colored sweater.

Assault Police responded to a fight in progress call about midnight Jan. 13 at Mount Si Tavern. Police found one of the men involved with blood running down his face. The other man had left in a Jeep Cherokee. Police found the vehicle and learned that the man had a suspended license and had failed to appear in court for an unpaid ticket.

Police punched the man’s driver’s license and towed his vehicle.

Minors steal a half rack

A QFC employee reported at 3:50 a.m.

Jan. 13 that two juvenile males just stole a half rack of Keystone light beer,

A manager with the Rock Creek Ridge Apartments reported Jan. 13 that sometime during the night, someone entered the fenced and locked pool area and tossed patio furniture and two potted plants into the pool.

Burglary It was reported on Jan. 15 that suspects had broken into Triple J Tow’s office and stole a laptop.

Snoqualmie Jake-brakin’ logging trucks

911 hang up Officers responded to a hang up call at 5:54 a.m.

Jan. 4 on 384th Avenue Southeast. Two subjects had gotten into an argument and one subject called police. No assaults or threats occurred.

Two for the price of one

interlock device, which was required. Police also smelled alcohol on the driver’s breath. He was arrested for driving while intoxicated and transported to Issaquah Jail.

And don’t come back

Police arrested a man at 1:58 p.m. Jan. 6. The man had been banned earlier that day from the 76 gas station on Railroad Avenue Southeast for buying alcohol for minors and suspicious drug behavior.

The man was booked into the Issaquah Jail for being in violation of seconddegree trespass when he returned to the gas station later that day.

Plate thief

Officers were on traffic patrol Jan. 4 on the corner of Snoqualmie Parkway and Orchard Drive Southeast looking for logging trucks using compression brakes. One driver was warned and told to notify other drivers about Snoqualmie’s ordinance.

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Engagement party fireworks

Police issued an infraction at 8:49 p.m. Jan. 7 on Swenson Avenue Southeast. A man was lighting fireworks in a driveway at an engagement party.

A Snoqualmie man involved in a non-injury motor vehicle accident at 10:31 p.m. Jan 8 on Railroad Avenue Southeast drove off after the accident. Police found his green Honda Accord in the Snoqualmie Casino’s parking garage a bit later, and then found the man at a slot machine. The See BLOTTER, Page 7

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A man reported at 4:12 p.m. Jan. 7 on Southeast Park Street that a white female, approximately 18 to 19 years old had a screwdriver and was attempting to steal the license plate from his vehicle. Police were unable to locate her.

Hit and run

Police pulled over a black Nissan Altima at 6:25 p.m. Jan. 5 at Railroad Avenue and Southeast River Street.

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Special Section of the SnoValley Star Advertising Dept.

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Winemaking has returned to the city of Snoqualmie Sigillo Cellars founders Ryan and Mike Seal say their winemaker, Steve Bailey, has had a passion for winemaking since 1985. It was during one of their weekly golf outings at Mt Si Golf Course that Steve asked Ryan and Mike if they would like to make wine for personal consumption.

They began their journey in 2005 with several varietals and never looked Mike, Ryan and Steve back. By 2009, Steve had honed his craft and Ryan had convinced Mike to partner in a winportfolio with additional varietals of ery named from an Italian translation Tempranillo, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot of their last name. In 2010 they brought and Cinsault. on board longtime friend Scott and in “We love our relationship with the 2012 they opened their doors in the old Snoqualmie Valley,” said Mike. “Since Meadowbrook town of Snoqualmie, just joining the Chamber of Commerce, we two miles from that fateful golf outing. have been asked to participate in many Sigillo Cellars’ 2010’s production local events. They love us here and we release included six wines: Chardonnay, are happy to bring a winery back to Viognier, Cabernet Franc, a blend called Snoqualmie.”

Confluence (for the blending of the three Sigillo Cellars’ Snoqualmie tasting forks of the Snoqualmie River), Cabernet room is open weekends, noon to 5 p.m.

Sauvignon and a Reserve Cabernet and managed Vicki Curnutt, a valley Sauvignon (to be released in February) local who spent four years in the old both from Red Mountain. “We chose Snoqualmie Winery tasting room. our contract vineyards carefully,” said “Vicki’s passion for wine, food and Ryan, “and found some good partners in people has brought a warm presence to Red Mountain, Rattlesnake Hills, Horse the tasting room,” said Ryan.

Heaven Hills with the goal of producSigillo Cellars also offer affordable ing high-end artisan wine at reasonable wine clubs that ship only two bottles prices.” quarterly. The clubs offer 20% discounts 2011’s production included a repeat on all wines and gives members free of Chardonnay, Viognier and Cabernet tastings and the benefits of special wine varietals as well as the Merlot, Syrah, releases and parties. The tasting room is Grenache and Roussanne. In 2012, they also available to members and non-memincreased production to over 1300 cases bers for hosting small to medium sized and added to their already well-loved events for a nominal fee.

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SnoValley Star

JANUARY 31, 2013

Blotter

Valley Realty team offers 1% listing fees 100% service Now is a great time to be a real estate buyer, whether you are looking for a single family home, acreage or a condo.

With interest rates at record lows, buyers are able to stretch their purchasing power.

It’s also a great time to sell. Home sellers are also enjoying the healthier market, prices are on the rise and in many cases they are receiving multiple offers!

Whether buying or selling, the first step is to find a real estate agent — a professional that offers thorough knowledge and service, but also gives you peace of mind as they walk with you through the process.

Meet a trio of conscientious professional realtors who all live, work and specialize in the beautiful Snoqualmie Valley. They are members of The Cascade Team Real Estate.

Tonya Eliason, Karen Derwin and Kathleen Irish are excited to share their knowledge and experience with you. As long-time area residents, they know the communities, the schools, the abundant recreation opportunities and the ease of traveling from here to just about anywhere.

Karen is a 24-year real estate veteran, Kathleen brings 18 years experience, and Tonya has been a top-producing broker with The Cascade Team for the last four years straight. They are committed to providing you with top quality service, cutting-edge technology and huge savings!

Karen explains. “The Cascade Team lists homes for a 1% commission fee while providing outrageous service.

A seller who lists their home at $500,000 will actually save $10,000 over the typical brokerage fees.”

The Cascade Team goes the extra mile for sellers, including complimentary home staging, virtual tours, a property

From Page 5 man admitted to drinking and leaving the scene of the accident. He was arrested for driving while intoxicated and hit and run and was transported to Issaquah Jail.

Marijuana impaired driver

Karen Derwin, Tonya Eliason and Kathleen Irish are Snoqualmie Valley experts. website, professional photos, cd flyer’s, open houses, home warranties, full internet exposure, and your home as a featured listing on multiple sites. This is truly full service.

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Police at 6:30 a.m.

Jan. 11 found a man parked behind a bank on Meadowbrook Way Southeast. The man, who could provide no identification other than a Costco membership card, admitted to police that he had just smoked marijuana and that he probably did have a suspended driver’s license.

The man, who said he was a medical marijuana patient, failed field sobriety tests. He was taken to the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital for a blood test, was arrested for driving while under the influence and was transported to Issaquah Jail.

North Bend fire calls

EFR assisted Snoqualmie Fire Department at a structure fire at 7:18 p.m.

Jan. 14 on Southeast Park Street in Snoqualmie.

One fire engine responded to an unauthorized burn at 4:46 p.m. Jan. 18 at the 43000 block of Southeast 76th Street.

Five fire engines responded to a “road freight or transport vehicle fire” at 7:57 p.m. Jan. 18 on westbound Interstate 90.

PAGE 7

One fire engine responded to an unauthorized burning call at 3:47 p.m. Jan. 21 at the 42000 block of Southeast 133rd Street.

Snoqualmie fire calls

Firefighters responded Jan. 11 to a fire alarm at Echo Glen Children’s Center. The alarm was tripped due to the overheating of a florescent light ballast.

Firefighters, with Fall City Fire and Eastside Fire & Rescue, responded Jan. 14 to the Colonial Square apartments for a reported structure fire. Crews found a small fire in one of the apartments that had been extinguished by residents with a fire extinguisher.

Crews checked for extension and ventilated smoke from the building. The occupant was taken to the local hospital with minor smoke inhalation. All residents were able to return back to their apartments.

EMTs responded with EFR Jan. 16 to a vehicle accident on Interstate 90.

Three cars were involved in the accident, but no occupants were injured.

Firefighters were dispatched Jan. 21 to the Snoqualmie Ridge area for possible smell of natural gas in a residence. After investigation, it was determined that the smell was coming from the furnace.

The furnace was turned off and a service technician was called to service the unit.

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

to be awarded in each category: • Life in the Valley (people) • Animals/pets • NW nature (scenics)

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Karen Derwin Tonya Eliason Karen@TheCascadeTeam.com Tonya@TonyaEliason.com 425-785-0587 425-831-5721 Kathleen Irish www.TonyaEliason.com Kathleen@TheCascadeTeam.com 425-221-2606 355 NW Gilman Blvd, Ste 101 • Issaquah, WA 98027

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Community

PAGE 8

JANUARY 31, 2013

Clay Eals to leave Encompass volunteer recruitClay Eals, communication ment, officer for Encompass since fundrais2008, will transition out of the ing and North Bend nonprofit in the outreach. next six months to become the “Clay full-time executive director of is a wellthe Southwest Seattle Historical known Society. author, Eals started part-time as commuthe executive director Jan. 1, nity activClay Eals and will continue part-time at ist, and Encompass until June 30, he passionsaid. ate advocate for history and Encompass serves children preservation,” Marcy Johnsen, and families through its mispresident of the society’s sion to nurture children, board, said in the release. “He enrich families and inspire has volunteered hundreds, if community. Its programs are not thousands, of hours for our designed to provide a nethistorical society, and his track work of suprecord, which “Clay is a well-known port and eduincludes cation, giving work author, community activ- recent families the in commutools they ist, and passionate advo- nication and need to help for cate for history and pres- fundraising their children a children’s reach their services orgaervation.” full potential, nization, has and are based — Marcy Johnson prepared him on prominent Southwest Seattle Historical Society to lead us to research in greater visibilthe fields of ity and comchild development, family munity engagement.” management and abuse preMore locally, Eals is known vention. not only as the face of Eals is perhaps best known Encompass and the occasional in Seattle as editor of “West Santa-suit-wearer, but he’s also Side Story,” a history book the author of an 800-page book about the Duwamish peninsula on musician Steve Goodman. and a leader of the successful Eals said he would continue drive to secure city landmark with Encompass for the next status for the Admiral Theater, six months, working every according to an SSHS press Monday and Tuesday. If you release. have a communication-related Part of Eals’ job with the question Wednesday through society includes oversight of its Friday, e-mail Helene Wentink, programs and projects, includcommunication support speing the Log House Museum. cialist, at helene.wentink@ He will also be responsible for encompassnw.org.

By Michele Mihalovich

Contributed

Northwest guitarist Randy Hansen is among the 10 performers featured in this year’s Finapalooza V at Finaghty’s.

Rock festival returns to the Ridge Finapalooza V, a rock ‘n’ roll showcase for Northwest bands returns to Finaghty’s Irish Pub Feb. 7-9, with 10 bands sharing the stage during those three days.

“We put on this show as a ‘thank you’ to our dedicated customers and friends,” read a press release issued by the restaurant that calls the Ridge’s Center Boulevard home.

Tickets are on sale at Finaghty’s and online at www. brownpapertickets.com.

Tickets are $5 for Thursday, $12 for Friday and $18 for Saturday. A three-day pass costs $25.

Obituaries Karla Mae Griffith Oct. 14, 1949 — Jan. 2, 2013 We lost a bright light from this world on Jan. 2, 2013, when Karla Griffith passed away from complications related to cancer.

She was 63.

Karla started her life in Belleville, Ill., daughter to Wain and Ethel Westfall, on Oct. 14, 1949. She graduated from Southern Illinois University — Carbondale with a bachelor’s degree in social work, and then moved to Tucson, Ariz., with her close friend Nancy Davis (Fossland). She spent a few years in the groovy world around San Francisco before moving to the Snoqualmie Valley 38 years ago.

The majority of her work career was invested in counsel-

Bands featured in this year’s opening day include Seattle rock band Klover Jane’s frontman Rane Stone at 9 p.m. and rock cover band The Bomb Squad and 10:45 p.m.

On the second night, the bands will be Fox and The Law and The Fabulous Johnsons, before the 11:45 p.m. show of legendary northwest guitarist

and “the foremost Hendrix tribute on Earth,” Randy Hansen.

Hansen has played alongside Steve Miller, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Herbie Hancock and original members of the Jimi Hendrix Experience.

On the third night, Feb. 9, Keith Scott opens at 5:30 p.m., followed by The Voodoos at 7 p.m., Ben Union at 8:30 p.m., and To The Glorious Lonely at 10:30 p.m.

To The Glorious Lonely is a side project of Everclear guitarist Davey French.

The festival closes with the midnight performance of cover band The Hipsters.

ing delinquent youths, starting as a case manager at Echo Glen Children’s Center, then moving to parole services, and then returning to Echo Glen as an associate superintendent, retiring in 2009.

Her home life centered around her brave and wonderful son Darby Summers, rambunctious and loving grandsons Caiden and Hunter, her devoted husband David “Grif” Griffith and a legion of friends.

Karla could not help but be engaging and approachable.

People gravitated to her warmth and generous spirit. Clients loved her, and she had a way of making you feel happy and comfortable. Since her passing, there have been numerous stories shared about times she put someone at ease during small moments of crisis, or advo-

cated for the downtrodden and those not always supported.

She has been described as courageous, Karla Mae Griffith straight forward, funny, one who cared for others above herself, quick to laugh and, at her job, professional while at the same time real.

She was passionate about gardening and playing with her grandkids. She also spent a lot of time on the water — whitewater rafting, sailing, fishing, waterskiing, swimming, snorkeling or just floating on an air mattress.

Though she would be grumpy during long car trips, she loved

IF YOU GO:

Finapalooza V Feb. 7-9, times vary each day.

Finaghty’s Irish Pub 7726 Center Blvd. S.E. Suite 110, Snoqualmie.

the destinations and exploring.

There always seemed to be a parade of cherished pets, most arriving unannounced, that she loved and doted on — prompting a friend to desire to be reincarnated as her dog.

She is survived by her husband, son, grandsons, mother Ethel Westfall, sister Karen Patterson, friend and neighbor Caroline Main, and her tight group of girlfriends.

A memorial get-together will be arranged, and donations can be made to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family’s online guest book at www. flintofts.com.

We will miss you, sweetheart.

In life, you were always the one that got us out on the dance floor.

Thomas Frederick Lewiston Thomas Lewiston, a.k.a. Tommy or Grandpa Tom, of Fall City, passed away unexpectedly.

A celebration of life Thomas will be held Lewiston at the Preston Community Center, 8625 310th Ave. S.E., Preston, on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at 2:15 p.m.

Friends and family are invited to view the complete obituary, share memories and sign the online guestbook at snoqualmievalleychapel.com.

Love and peace.

schools

JANUARY 31, 2013

PAGE 9

Edmonds artist receives tribute from Snoqualmie students

By Sebastian Moraga The guest told one of the hosts ‘Welcome home.’ The children gave a grown-up money.

In a touching morning ceremony at Snoqualmie Middle School, children presented Edmonds artist Michael Reagan with a donation to help him continue his work honoring military casualties of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

Reagan has drawn more than 3,000 portraits of military men and women who have died in both conflicts. Reagan draws every portrait for free.

Every portrait is solicited, and every portrait is mailed to the family of the victim at Reagan’s expense.

His work depends exclusively on donations. He draws three portraits a day, and with $750, he pays for one month’s worth of postage to mail the portraits.

“It’s not about politics or war,” the Vietnam veteran told the students. “It’s about love and support.”

He interrupted his speech to the students to say ‘welcome home’ to a man he had just met, SMS coach Jerry Hillburn.

“Every time I meet a Vietnam

veteran, I tell him ‘welcome home,’” Reagan said.

It was on Veteran’s Day that a group of six students and teacher Tom Burford got the idea to raise money for Reagan.

At first the goal was $700.

On Jan. 18, students presented Reagan with a check for $1,652.50.

The giant check read, “Thanks for your dedication.”

“For every $11 in this envelope, one more hero gets to come home to a family,” Reagan told the students.

The six students who spearheaded the fundraiser — Hannah Waskom, Kallin Spiller, Allie Urbasich, Mady Privatsky, Claire Lis and Sarah Bosworth — said this effort will outlast their time at SMS. “It’s going to be the legacy that we leave here,” said Lis. Next year, Snoqualmie Middle School becomes an annex for ninth-graders and its students will move elsewhere.

“The seventh-graders will continue it,” predicted classmate Spiller.

This year, students placed buckets in the school at every grade level, Lis said “It’s huge,” she said. “I never

By Sebastian Moraga

Michael Reagan thanks the students of Snoqualmie Middle School for raising money for him. Reagan draws and mails solicited portraits of dead soldiers to their families for free. The students told him they had raised about $700 for him, but in reality they had raised more than twice that. expected to raise so much money.” Individual students raised up to $200 for the campaign.

Burford, who helped organize

the fundraiser, wrote in an email that Reagan was moved by the children’s efforts.

“Mike asked me if I knew how many of these fundraisers

he had been to. I took a wild guess and said many,” Burford wrote. “With tears welling up in his eyes he said, “One. This is the first.”

Peruvian exchange students enjoy winter living the in Valley

By Sebastian Moraga It’s cold, it’s windy, it’s wet.

It’s wonderful.

For Gabriela and Ximena Lopez, escaping the summer of their home country of Peru and exchanging it for the pouring rain of our Valley winters has been a deal made in chilly heaven.

Both students – one in college and one in high school, back in Peru— are also part of the second-ever delegation of exchange students to come from Peru’s city of Chaclacayo (Chakla-KAHyo).

So far, the sisters have enjoyed a warm reception from their host families and made friends with their fellow exchange students from Korea, also visiting the Valley this month.

“You feel as though you’ve never left your home,” Gabriela said in Spanish.

And when she looks out the window, she feels even happier.

“Winter is my favorite season,” said Gabriela, a 20-year-old studying to be a dentist at the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences. “There’s a bit of snow, it’s cold and it rains all day. I’m missing summer in Lima and

Contributed

Delegations of students from Peru and Korea traveled to Olympia to meet with state representatives and senators. The youths are visiting the Valley this winter, staying with area families and practicing their English.

I’m happy, I don’t ever want to One of those 16-year-olds is comed them to the Valley. leave.”

Ximena Lopez, Gabriela’s sister.

“They treat us really well, The students, seven in total, She’s a 12th grader at Winnetka they all try to speak a little act as youth ambassadors for College in Chaclacayo. In Peru Spanish so that we understand their country, attending Spanish and other Latin American them,” she said. “They are all classes at Mount Si High School countries, the word college is great.” and visiting places like Boeing a synonym for school, not for They made friends with the and Olympia. They also practice university.

Korean students, speaking mosttheir English skills and stretch Like her sister, Ximena likes ly in English, with an ‘hola’ and their boundaries as budding the cold weather. an ‘adios’ thrown in here and adults.

“There’s snow here,” she said. there.

“It’s a great opportunity “I had never seen snow in my “They don’t talk much,” to learn and be a little more life.”

Ximena said, “but they’re good independent,” Gabriela said.

Like her sister, Ximena people.”

Especially the younger ones, the praised the host families and Back in Peru, they left their 16- and 15-year-olds.” local civic leaders who welparents and a third sibling.

Gabriela said their parents are probably a bit sad but also happy because a trip to the U.S. does not come along every day.

“It’s a big opportunity for us, because we learn a lot and we practice our English,” she said.

“We can show that we have become more independent, because when you’re overseas you have to kind of fend for yourself in many aspects.”

Since this is winter, they went ice skating. Since it’s America, the sisters went shopping. Even after just a week in the U.S. they already have their favorite spots.

At Forever 21, a clothing store, Ximena had herself a good time. At Bath and Body Works, Gabriela did.

“That’s the only thing that drove me crazy was Bath and Body Works,” she said. “I bought everything I could.”

Ambassadors that they are, they both recommended the experience of coming to the Valley or traveling to Peru to other students.

“It’s a different life,” Ximena said of the Valley. “The people are very friendly, very different. Their school is big while the schools in Lima are small.

There’s a pile of students here, but they are all nice.”

sports

PAGE 10

JANUARY 31, 2013

Wildcat girls basketball wins an OT nail-biter against Sammamish

By Michele Mihalovich Wildcat guard/forward Molly Sellers started off the game against Sammamish High School with a bang, dropping an effortless 3-pointer just eight seconds into the first frame.

And, that was just one of seven 3-pointers that helped Mount Si clinch a 59-53 win in overtime Jan. 25 against the Totems.

Mount Si pretty much owned the game in the first three periods, especially the third frame, when Sellers dropped another 3-point swish, followed by guard Grace Currie, who dropped three 3-pointers that evening, and then Katy Lindor, who posted two 3-pointers, ending the period with a 37-29 Mount Si advantage.

But that fourth period is when Sammamish started getting “feisty,” as Wildcats coach Megan Botulinski described it.

The Totems started matching Mount Si’s aggressive offense and defensive play, and tied it up 42-42 in the final two minutes.

Mount Si dropped a few

Up next

Mount Si vs. Juanita 5:45 p.m. Jan. 31 At Mount Si High School

more baskets that put them in the lead again, only to have Sammamish guard Montana Hagstrom steal the ball, drive it down the court and tie the game again at 47-47, followed by another Sammamish basket

by Kelsey Brooks, for a 49-47 Totem lead, their first all night.

With just eight seconds left in the game, it was not looking good for the Wildcats.

But a Sammamish player fouled Sellers, and she dropped two perfect free throws, sending the game into overtime.

It was a mad scramble back and forth on the court during the four-minute overtime period, but the Wildcats finished the night with a 59-53 win.

Botulinski said after the game that she had to give props to her seniors.

Sellers, who had been sidelined most of the season due

to a knee injury, managed to start playing again when the team traveled to San Diego in December for the Holiday Classic.

But her injury started giving her trouble again, and the Sammamish game was the first time Sellers was able to start.

Botulinski said she was so happy to have Sellers back on the team, “and she definitely saved the game for us when she made those two free throws.

Katie Swain battled her heart out tonight, and Katy Lindor and Grace Currie played the game of their lives hitting all those threes.”

The Wildcats overall record stands at 6-12.

Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www. snovalleystar.com.

By Greg Farrar

Grace Currie, Mount Si High School senior guard, watches a three pointer score during the first quarter as the defense of Sammamish sophomore forward Kelsey Brooks goes for naught.

Wildcat boys chop down the Totems

By Michele Mihalovich

Up next

During the first two minutes of play, Sammamish led Mount Si’s basketball team — but after that, it was all Wildcats, which posted a 53-41 win over the Totems Jan. 25.

The last time these two faced off Jan. 4, Mount Si beat the Totems 64-41, which might explain the sluggish start.

But when the Wildcats decided to turn on the fire, they looked unstoppable.

Mount Si forward/guard Tyler McCreadie managed to do something that rarely gets done when senior Trent Riley’s on the court.

He was top scorer against the Totems, putting 19 points on the

By Greg Farrar

Tyler McCreadie, Mount Si High School junior, leaps in the first quarter over defending freshman Chaun Mitchell of Sammamish, for two of his team-high 19 points Jan. 25 in the Wildcats’ 53-41 win.

Mount Si vs. Juanita 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 At Mount Si High School board, compared to Riley’s 17.

Riley is leading the KingCo conference with 19.9 points per game, but McCreadie was pretty low key about the accomplishment.

“Yeah, I posted pretty well,” he said. “But it was a great team effort.”

McCreadie said his teammate Beau Shain’s great rebounding and guard Levi Botten’s ability to move the ball around the court and get the ball into his hands “had a lot do with why I had such a good night.”

The Wildcats now have a 12-6 overall record.

Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www. snovalleystar.com.

SnoValley Star

JANUARY 31, 2013

PAGE 11

Gymnasts’ wins continue on Senior Night

By Sebastian Moraga It was a Senior Night for everybody. For the fouryear senior and for the three-month senior. For the busy star and the sidelined warrior.

It was also, almost, a record-breaking night for Mount Si High School’s gymnastics team. The Wildcats beat Mercer Island 170.900 to 158.350 Jan. 24, falling just shy of the single-meet record for points in school history of 171.05.

The team had set the record a week earlier.

“It was the most fun Senior Night I have ever watched,” said senior Hannah Richmond. “I just wanted to have fun.

We did do good, but we focused on having fun.”

It paid off, with Wildcats Jenn Rogers, Pauline Kaczmarek and Richmond taking the top three individual all-around scores. Rogers took first in beam and floor, while Kaczmarek, an exchange student from France, prevailed in bars and vault.

Kaczmarek is one of the experienced newcomers that have added depth to the team, Richmond said.

A gymnast since age 6, the 18-year-old Kaczmarek has overcome the language barrier to make a big impact in a short time.

She arrived in November.

“This is a wonderful

By Christy Trotto

Pauline Kaczmarek, an exchange student from France was among the gymnasts honored at Senior Night Jan. 24. team for new people,” Kaczmarek said. “They have made a really good place for me. It’s like a big family.”

Richmond praised Kaczmarek, calling her a huge contributor to the program.

“It seems like she’s been here all four years,”

Richmond said.

In France, Kaczmarek competed in club gymnastics with athletes ranging from 12 to 23 years old.

The pressure was higher in France, with teammates barely into their teen years already preparing to join the national team.

Still, she said, Mount Si is at a very good level.

“It’s a very good team, with very good relationships,” she said. “On Senior Night, they made a speech for me and they introduced me as a senior, even if I was here for three months. I will always remember this night.”

Teammate Jessica Trotto echoed Kaczmarek’s feelings. Sidelined all year with her third back injury, she received the medical clearance to perform one last time, on Senior Night, on beams and on bars.

“It was really exciting,” Trotto said, “after a long season of not being able to do anything.”

Now an assistant coach for the team, Trotto performed wearing a back brace as a precaution.

She reiterated that Senior Night was it for her and the sport she loved.

The rest of the team still has some unfinished business, Trotto said.

“All the skills the girls are working on during the season are starting to come together,” she said.

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Levi Botten Basketball “Mount Si point guard Levi Botten, a senior, doesn’t get much credit because he not throwing a bunch of points on the board, said Coach Steve Helm. “But he is the heartbeat of our team. He gets the ball down the court, and gets things set up for our offense and sets up for our defense. Nobody does it like Levi. He is so valuable to our team,” Helm said of the three-year veteran.

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It’s more than just Preschool!

Presented by Mt. Si Gymnastics Academy 1546 Boalch Ave NW #20 North Bend, WA 98045 425-292-3152 Next door to Mt. Si Sports & Fitness

TRACTOR WORK - Post Holes, Excavating/grading, Rototilling, Mowing, Brush Cutting, Cleaning, Demolition, Drainage Solutions DELIVERY - Play Chips, Gravel, Rock, Topsoil, Bark, Compost

REMOVAL - Railroad Ties, Stumps, Concrete, Asphalt, Yard Waste

EXCAVATOR SERVICES Call anytime before 8:00 PM

Mike’s

Hauling & Tractor Work 425.392.6990 www.mikeshaulandtractor.com CCBWEXMIKESHT010DK

Calendar

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Music/ entertainment q Pete Petersen Trio with Donny Osborn, 7 p.m. Feb. 8, Boxley’s Place, 101 W. North Bend Way, 292-9307. q Comedy Night fundraiser for the Mount Si Senior Night 2013, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10, North Bend Theater, featuring comedians Andrew Rivers and Kermet Apio. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for high school seniors. q Valley Center Stage presents Pinnocchio: A Participation Play for Young Audiences, by Kathryn Schultz Miller. 7 p.m. Feb. 8 and 15, 2 p.m.

Feb. 9 and 16. A show for children ages 4 and older.

Tickets are $10 for adults, and $7.50 for children.

Purchase tickets at www. valleycenterstage.org.

Events q The Snoqualmie Valley Hospital District will present “Prevention Works: Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention,” with speaker Karyn Brownson, a King County trainer for

JANUARY 31, 2013 37600 S.E. Snoqualmie Parkway Parkway. Class fee $10 per person.

Contact Liz Luizzo at 888-1551 or at lluizzo@ ci.snoqualmie.wa.us. to register and pay beforehand.

Everyone loves a palooza

Classes q Zumba classes for people with special needs, 10:15-11 a.m.

Saturdays through Apr. 27, $7 drop-in fee or punchpass fee of $30 for five visits. Taught by Jill Saitta, this class is designed to help people of all ages with mobility, physical endurance and cognitive learning. First parent class is free. Students ages 8 and younger must participate with a parent or caregiver. Si View Pool, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Finaghty’s Irish Pub presents Finapalooza V, with 10 Northwest bands over three days. 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Feb. 7-9. 7726 Center Blvd. S.E. Suite 110, 888-8833. $5 tickets for Thursday, $12 for Friday and $18 for Saturday and $25 for a three-day pass. the youth suicide prevention program. Open to the public, 1 p.m. Feb. 7, Snoqualmie Fire Station,

37600 S.E. Snoqualmie Parkway. Lunch available for attendees. Register at www.snoqualmiehospital.

org. q Heart-Saver CPR Class. 6 p.m. Feb. 12, Snoqualmie Fire Station,

Bend, 888-1447. q Acting/improv for children, 4-5:30 p.m.

Tuesdays through Feb. 26, with a break Feb. 19.

Taught by Gary Schwartz Valley Center Stage, for ages 9-12, $150 fee.

Sponsored by Si View Metropolitan Park District.

Classes happen at Valley Center Stage, 119 North Bend Way. q In the Garden with Pat Roome, “Planning Your Vegetable Garden”, 11 a.m. Feb. 9. Roome will present a workshop on starting a veggie garden with skilled advice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. North Bend, 888-0554 Send us your calendar item by emailing us at smoraga@snovalleystar.com.

Everyone Needs a Little Help Now and Then...

Patty Groves, M.A., L.M.H.C. Stress Issaquah Creek Counseling Center Depression 545 Rainier Blvd. N., Issaquah Life Transitions www.issaquahcreekcounseling.com Loss and Grief (425) 898-1700 Relationship Problems Now accepting most major Credit/Debit Cards