Your locally-owned newspaper, serving North Bend and Snoqualmie, Washington
February 14, 2013 VOL. 5, NO. 6
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Another try for lakes Alpine Lakes bill re-introduced in congress. Page 2
Who will pay? Possible EFR funding changes raise tempers. Page 3
Police blotter Page 5
A pair of Mount Si wrestlers go to state Page 10
North Bend camping ban is now in effect hike or fish on public lands and encountered homeless camps. North Bend Police Chief Mark Lindell also cited large Toner has been making the amounts of garbage being left at rounds at the homeless camps camps, illegal “human waste disaround town, letting people posal and urination,” and pubknow that the city will start finlic health risks associated with ing folks $100 if they are caught discarded hypodermic needles camping on city other drug “Since the shelter opened, and property. paraphernalia as On Jan. I haven’t received a single reasons for the 15, the City new law. complaint about the Council unaniSpecial permously adopted homeless,” mits for groups a new law prosuch as Girl hibiting camp— Mark Toner Scouts and Boy ing in public Police chief Scouts will be parks, public available for rights of way overnight campand other public lands, effective ing in city parks. Jan. 28. Toner has said that about 24 At the council meeting, City regular homeless people have set Administrator Londi Lindell up camps near the Snoqualmie cited public safety as the No. 1 River at Tollgate Park. reason for the new law. He said he wanted to give She said the city has received them a heads-up first about the complaints about people feeling intimidated when they went to See BAN, Page 2
By Michele Mihalovich
By Sebastian Moraga
North Bend shelter moving to new church and operations costs to help get the temporary winter shelter in The Snoqualmie Valley North Bend up and running. Winter Shelter, which opened Matthysse said that from Dec. 23 at the North Bend Dec. 23 through the first week Community Church, is moving of February, the shelter has to Mount Si Lutheran Church served 561 meals and provided on Feb. 15. 348 overnight stays to people Paula Matthysse, who helped without shelter in Snoqualmie organize the Valley. “Three members of the shelter and Michael serves as a shelter have been able to Small, a volsupervisor, said unteer with find jobs.” it had always the shelter, been the hope said that since — Michael Small the shelter has that the shelter Volunteer opened, more would be hosted by multiple than 1,900 volfaith communities in the Valley. unteer hours from 100 people That follows the same model have been logged. used by Congregations for the “All of us from the shelter Homeless in Bellevue, which have been pleasantly surprised hosts a winter shelter at a differby the great amount of supent church each month, accordport from this community,” he ing to Executive Director Steve said. “The shelter has been able, Roberts. through all of its many partners, That organization has comSee SHELTER, Page 5 mitted $14,000 in staff, training
By Michele Mihalovich
California dreamin’ Neil Simon play coming to the Black Dog. Page 6
Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71 POSTAL CUSTOMER
Native studies in arts and crafts
Carver Bruce Larson and one of his many pupils Feb. 6, Lucia Diaz. Diaz and her fellow exchange students from the Peruvian town of Chaclacayo visited Larson and other carvers at their Snoqualmie shop and tried their hand at the ancient art.
Two charged in attempt to rob truck stop By Michele Mihalovich Two Renton men were charged with first-degree attempted robbery when they tried stealing cash from the truck stop in North Bend at gunpoint. Randy Joseph Peters, 21, and Tanner M. Neal, 20, were charged Jan. 23 in King County Superior Court. Charging documents say Peters, who is known as R.J. to friends and coworkers, used to work at the TA Truck Stop until he quit late last year. At 2:30 a.m. Jan. 12, Peters went to the truck stop and was talking to the clerk and then, about an hour later, Neal entered the store carrying a
handgun and backpack and told the clerk, “Give me the money from all three tills,” according to charging documents. A video surveillance camera at the truck stop showed the clerk emptying the first cash register and getting ready to move on to the second one, when another employee entered the store to refill his soda, according to the documents. The clerk took the opportunity of the distraction to run into the truck stop office with the backpack and lock the door and call police, at which point Peters and Neal left the See CHARGED, Page 3
SnoValley Star
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FEBRUARY 14, 2013
Alpine Lakes Bill reintroduced in U.S. Congress
Above it all
Ban From Page 1 new law, and said he was grateful that the group did have a place to go since volunteers and church organizations opened the
Photo by Lillian O’Rorke
Looking northwest from Rattlesnake Ridge, fog settles on Snoqualmie Valley Jan. 19.
Snoqualmie Valley Winter Shelter on Dec. 23. Toner said he has not had to issue any $100 citations to any homeless people since the law went into effect. “They heard it was coming and knew it was going to happen,” he said,
adding that he’s only had to tell a couple of people twice to pack up. Toner said he thinks the new law will probably result in some unintended consequences — like homeless people being very visible in town during the day because they
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have nowhere to go after the shelter closes at 8 a.m. He said there’s already been an uptick at the library, and a couple of weeks ago, police had to kick some people out because of suspected drug activity. The shelter has been an effective tool in reducing citizen complaints about the homeless, he said. “In fact, since the shelter opened, I haven’t received a single complaint about the homeless,” he said. The shelter offers a hot meal every night. Toner said that has reduced shoplifting complaints and
Sen. Patty Murray, Congressman Dave Reichert and Congresswoman Suzan Del Bene last month reintroduced the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act into the House and the Senate. The legislation is identical to the Senate bill that passed the Energy and Natural Resources Committee last session. “We are happy to see the continued bipartisan leadership from Sen. Murray and
it has helped reduce garbage, because food wrappers aren’t getting tossed outside at camps. But, the temporary shelter is slated to close at the end of March, and Toner said he doesn’t know what will happen then. He said he is trying to direct people to shelters in Bellevue and Seattle, but he said the closed shelter, along with the camping ban, could mean an increase in break-ins at vacant homes — or people will just try to camp again. “I really don’t know what’s going to happen,” Toner said.
Congressman Reichert for this popular piece of legislation,” Tom Uniack, Washington Wilderness Coalition’s Conservation Director, said in a press release. “We also are pleased to see newly elected Congresswoman Suzan Del Bene join the effort as an original co-sponsor of the legislation.” The legislation would protect an additional 22,000 acres of wilderness adjoining the existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, and would add 10 miles of See LAKES, Page 3
Paula Matthysse, one of the organizers who helped get the shelter opened, said, “There is, of course, great concern about where people who have been camping closer to town will go. The wild areas of Snoqualmie Valley are not safe. We need to engage in a rich conversation about public health and safety that applies to everyone, especially those living unsheltered or in substandard housing in our community.” Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
SnoValley Star
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
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EFR funding discussion sparks heated words Lakes By Caleb Heeringa Eastside Fire & Rescue partners had the equivalent of couple’s counseling at a Feb. 7 meeting, complete with accusations of duplicity and calls to salvage fraying relationships. With less than two years left on the agency’s current interlocal agreement, and months of prep work necessary if a partner were to go somewhere else for fire service, partners began laying out their positions on the thorny issue of funding the agency. EFR serves the cities of Sammamish, Issaquah, North Bend and King County fire districts 10 and 38. Sammamish representatives have in the past threatened to withdraw from the partnership unless the funding model was changed to more accurately reflect the amount of calls each partner produces. The agency currently determines each partner’s bills based on the assessed value of property covered by specific stations, something Sammamish representatives feel unfairly impacts them due to the expensive homes in the city. “Nobody wants to see this organization fall apart, but we have a fiduciary responsibility to our taxpayers to be sure that they’re getting what they pay for,” Sammamish Mayor Tom Odell said. “And there’s a lot of concern that they’re not.” Sammamish representatives
And the nominees are…
The GIVE GOOD Awards Foundation of Snoqualmie Valley released its 2013 nominees Feb. 8, announcing the names of 34 community members and one school body who represent the foundation’s mission of “Recognizing and celebrating those that inspire others,” according to a press release. Following are the categories and the nominees: Arts: Sue Korol, Aria Vickers, Nick Mardon and Michelle Dutton Business: DMW Martial
Charged From Page 1 store, according to documents. The clerk told police that he “figured they (Peters and Neal) were working together.” Five days later, Peters came to
have been advocating a new funding model based partly on the amount of calls each partner generates. While they were originally seeking a 50/50 split between assessed value and calls for service, Sammamish representatives have since said they would accept a 75/25 split with the new formula phased in over several years to limit the impact to partners that would pay more. According to department staff, Sammamish would lower their annual fire expenses by 2.8 percent a year, while Issaquah would see a 4.8 percent rise and North Bend would pay 9.7 percent more under a 75/25 split. Despite the higher costs, North Bend representatives said they supported a hybrid assessed value/calls funding model if that’s what it took to keep EFR together past 2014. North Bend City Administrator Londi Lindell said the ability to share administrative costs between multiple partners makes for significant cost savings compared to each partner having to run their own fire department. “I’ve had my own fire service before, and I never want to do that again,” Lindell said in reference to her last job for the city of Mercer Island. “I never want to have to negotiate another labor deal.” But a switch of the funding model did not sit well with representatives from Issaquah and Districts 10 and 38. Issaquah City Administrator
Bob Harrison noted that the city is already paying $400,000 more this year for fire service and expects to pay $300,000 more next year thanks to commercial growth in the area. Harrison said it’s hard to fathom making Issaquah taxpayers pay more for the same service. District 10 Commissioner Mike Mitchell pointed out that all partners’ revenue streams – and those of the rural districts in particular – are based on property taxes collected according to assessed value. And despite complaints about the inequity of using assessed value, Mitchell pointed out that a fire station costs the same to staff and run regardless of how many calls it is responding to. District 38 representative Ron Pedee suggested that most of Sammamish’s issues with service – namely that its fire units spend too much time responding to calls outside of its area – could be addressed through smaller tweaks to dispatching patterns or bilateral cost-sharing agreements between two partners, rather than wholesale changes to the way the agency is funded. North Bend Councilman Alan Gothelf said he was disappointed to see Issaquah and the rural fire districts refusing to compromise on the funding model, despite Sammamish giving ground on its original demand for a 50/50 split. “I think we need to be sure we’re not standing on our positions because of some
principle rather than doing what’s right for the organization,” Gothelf said. Near the end of the meeting, Pedee suggested that Sammamish had been using the threat of its exit to pressure other partners into a funding model that didn’t make sense for them. “It seems like there are two questions here,” Pedee said. “One is, ‘How do we make this partnership work?’ The other is, ‘How do we keep Sammamish from leaving?’ The implication of the first is to improve the partnership, while the implication of the other is extortion.” With some partners openly speculating about EFR’s dissolution, Chief Lee Soptich passionately urged partners not to throw away the baby with the bathwater. Soptich said that by quibbling over $150,000 to $300,000 a year, partners could lose out on even more valuable economies of scale that come with sharing administrative costs. “I am begging you to take a look at what you’re talking about and ask yourself if you’re doing what’s right for the residents of this area,” Soptich said. EFR staff will be preparing more statistics outlining the costs to specific partners if Sammamish were to withdraw from the agency ahead of another committee meeting at 2 p.m. March 18 at EFR Headquarters, 175 Newport Way NW in Issaquah.
Arts, Down to Earth Photography, Boxley’s Place and Carnation Farmers Market Courage: Peggy Fursman (posthumously), PJ Duvall Educational Excellence: Nancy Baker, Mount Si High School TEALS Team – JuanPablo Jofre, Steve Hollasch, Charles Parker and Hani Khoshdel-Nikhoo Youth Advocate: Curtis Lily Parent Volunteer: Cathy Renner, Lori Hollasch and Deanna Pleasants Haverfield Inspirational Youth: Noah Riffe, Snoqualmie Valley Middle School student body and Keenan Fagan
Teen Spirit: Caleb Salmon, Amber Boyce and Conner Skylstad Unsung Hero: Richard Terbrueggen, Nancy White, Sandy Mount, Jan Van Liew and Julie Blaskovich Spirit of the Valley: Bev Jorgensen, Donna Padilla and Kelly Stokesbary Recognizing inspirational people and highlighting the hard work invested into making the community a great place to live, the GIVE GOOD awards aim to celebrate the everyday heroes, outstanding citizens, youth, businesses and organizations with a red car-
pet event that will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 1 at Church on the Ridge in Snoqualmie, according to Angela Craig, president of the GIVE GOOD foundation. Along with recognizing moments of the awardees’ achievements that will inspire others to get involved, the GIVE GOOD awards plan to highlight local charities, local school programs and other community organizations during the red carpet event. Learn more at www.givgood.org or www.facebook.com/ www.givgood.org.
the King County Sheriff’s Office to give a witness statement and eventually confessed to his involvement in the robbery, according to court documents. Peters said he and his roommate were at home when Neal came over and talked them into robbing the truck stop. Peters said his roommate drove them to the truck stop and waited by
the Interstate 90 exit 34 ramp while Peters and Neal robbed the store, according to documents. Peters said he figured they would probably be able to steal $6,000 from the truck stop and would split the money with Neal getting 50 percent, and Peters and his roommate splitting the rest of the money, according to
From Page 1 the Pratt River and nearly 30 miles of the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River to the National Wild and Scenic River System. “This bill has demonstrated strong local support from a wide variety of stakeholders and Washington residents,” Uniack said. “It also continues to have strong and growing leadership within our Congressional delegation.” After significant outreach to local stakeholders, the legislation was crafted by Reichert and Murray, and resulted in strong local support, according to the release. The bill had garnered endorsements from more than 70 local elected officials, more than 100 outdoor local businesses in the Snoqualmie River Valley and leading members of the outdoor industry, and nearly 150 conservation, recreation, hunting, fishing and religious leaders. Originally designated in 1976, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area has since become one of the most popular wilderness areas in the country. The legislation would add an additional 22,000 acres to the existing wilderness area, according to the release. The proposed additions are comprised of dense, low-elevation forests whose wildlife populations include cougars, black bears, bobcats, elk, deer and trout. The inclusion of lowelevation land will conserve diverse ecosystems, add to the biodiversity of the wilderness area and protect recreation opportunities such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Washington state only has 200 miles of rivers designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act — far less than neighboring Oregon, which boasts 2,000 miles. This legislation would designate the first wild and scenic river designations in the central Cascades, targeting the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and Pratt Rivers. The rivers are home to world-class fishing, kayaking and whitewater rafting. Their protection under the National Wild and Scenic River System safeguards high water quality for downstream residents and preserves critical wildlife habitat. The rivers will be protected as freeflowing streams that are within easy reach of a major urban center, providing residents of the Seattle area with increased access to water-based recreation. Learn more about the legislation at www.wawild.org.
documents. The charging documents indicate that Neal also admitted to his role in the robbery and using a handgun. Peters was booked into the King County Jail on Jan. 17 and is being held in lieu of $55,000 bail. Neal was booked the following day and is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. Both
pleaded not guilty at their Feb. 4 arraignment; a trial setting date is Feb. 20. Dan Donohoe, with the King County Prosecutor’s Office, said the roommate is still under investigation. Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www. snovalleystar.com.
Opinion
PAGE 4
Editorial
Letters
Use caution in seeking open records changes
State patrol should patrol all vehicles
Reporters can be pesky. Annoying even, particularly when trying to get information out of government entities. Reporters file requests for information under the state’s open records law more often than Joe Citizen, as they do their job on your behalf. Forgive us if reporters tend to be more sensitive to possible changes to those laws, particularly changes that might dam up the river of information. Cities across the state are lobbying the Legislature to make changes to open records laws that could make public records — your records — harder to get. The cause for this latest discussion stems from the city of Gold Bar, a small city facing tremendous fiscal problems. Many put the blame on a few citizens there for filing too many records requests. They say the cost of those requests is bringing the city down. It is simplistic to say that answering records requests is what did in Gold Bar. While the requests do seem to have a role, other forces were at play. But now, with the specter of Gold Bar lurking behind a lobbying effort, government agencies say that responding to harassing requests creates a large burden on taxpayers and want a way to deny or slow down responses to requests. It’s the idea of “bullying” that is the problem. There can be a fine line between a bully on an information treasure hunt or a well-meaning citizen or reporter. State lawmakers should work with open government advocates when considering changes, to be sure they understand the perspective of those who seek information regularly. Maintaining open channels for public information is critical to the functioning of a democractic society. Legislators should always err of the side of keeping records open and easily accessible. The cost of closing access goes well beyond dollars and cents.
WEEKLY POLL Spring Training starts this week. The Mariners should: A. Take the year off and stop embarrassing themselves B. Rename themselves the Seattle Astros. C. Do the best they can to upgrade the club by trading their front office. D. Hire a baseball-savvy witch doctor. Vote online at www.snovalleystar.com.
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I’m writing in response to a Jan. 10 press release in the Star regarding state troopers focused on improving driving habits of automobile drivers in relation to commercial truck traffic on Interstate 90. My husband and I, semiretired, live on Snoqualmie Pass and drive I-90 to North Bend two to three times a week. We have a lot of experience with sharing I-90 with trucks. We’ve seen truck traffic increase drastically in the past several years. We’ve also seen truck drivers’ manners take a turn for the worse on a stretch of road filled with hazards. We would like the patrol to see the many truck drivers who have cut us off by swerving left to pass another slow truck on the upgrade, only to end up at the same speed or slower (10-15
FEBRUARY 14, 2013 mph in a 50-65 mph zone) than the truck they are trying to pass. Many times, slow trucks driving abreast in the three right lanes have forced us to pass them in the only passing lane available – the snowy and icedin left lane; and we sometimes have even had four, yes four, trucks abreast, blocking all traffic lanes. Are these truck drivers chatting with each other? Or, are they just bent on flaunting and taunting and angering the auto drivers sharing the road with them? Well, they are accomplishing the last, whatever their intentions. We would like to see trucks forced by law to keep to the right lane(s) over the pass on the upgrades and in no circumstances occupy the two left lanes. Just how many seconds do they gain on their total trip time by creeping by another truck uphill? Really? Coming down-grade into North Bend is another issue. Big time truck speeding and danger-
ous tailgating by trucks is experienced nearly every trip we make to North Bend. We have never seen a patrol car stop a speeding or reckless trucker between the pass and North Bend, only cars. So, state patrol, I think your eyes are on the wrong problem. Marlys Svensson Snoqualmie Pass
Share your views Citizens can make a difference by contacting their elected representatives. County King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Chinook Building 401 Fifth Ave., Suite 800, Seattle, WA 98104; 206-2964040; or kcexec@kingcounty.gov King County Councilwoman Kathy Lambert, District 3. King County Courthouse, 516 Third Ave., Room 1200, Seattle, WA 98104; 206-296-1003; 800-325-6165; kathy. lambert@kingcounty.gov
Home Country
Love makes old things, people seem new By Slim Randles In the week before Valentine’s Day, Marvin Pincus had two new customers for his (free of charge, of course) love advice and fly-tying consultation services. He tied up a midge for one client, a salmon streamer wrapped in lead for another, and wished them well. This was his busy time, of course. He knew another would come in midMay, in desperate anticipation of June weddings. “Marge,” he said, sipping coffee and looking out at the snow, “I think we need a vacation.” Marjorie Pincus smiled. They’d both been retired and on permanent “vacation” for years now. “I’ll go if it means I don’t have to make the beds or do the dishes,” she said. “The only thing is, what if someone needs the fly-tying love advice service while we’re gone?” This bothered Marvin. A man who spent more than 40 years being dependable every day can’t be expected to just turn it off like a faucet. “Honey,” Marge said, “maybe you could designate someone to be on call? Like a doctor does? You know?” Marvin thought about that and buttered some toast. “Only one I can think of who could tie flies well enough would
be Delbert McLean, our chamber of commerce. Knowing him, instead of giving love advice, he’d talk them Slim Randles into starting Columnist a business here.” “You have a point,” Marjorie said, laughing. “But what would be wrong with just going away for a week and letting people figure out their own love lives for a while?” Marvin sat quietly and Marjorie looked at him and thought how maybe she should be his customer. She was under no illusion about her looks. She was old. Old and wrinkled.
She was hoping Marvin wasn’t just married to her because he was used to it. She studied his face, and strangely, didn’t really notice his wrinkles. Marvin smiled at Marjorie then. “Any vacation ideas?” She shook her head. He saw in her the years of love and friendship, and he saw, right in front of him, the same gorgeous, sexy young woman he was once ready to kill for. She hadn’t changed a bit. He took her hand. “How about we drive for a hundred miles, get a motel room, watch old movies and eat take-out pizza?” “You’re on!” Brought to you by “A Cowboy’s Guide to Growing Up Right,” for young people of all ages. Read a sample at www.slimrandles.com.
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:
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P.O. Box 1328 q Issaquah, WA 98027 Fax: 391-1541 q Email: editor@snovalleystar.com
SnoValley Star
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
Police blotter North Bend
Vehicle keyed
A man reported to police at 9 a.m. Jan. 29 that sometime during the night, someone used a sharp object to scratch the driver’s side and hood of his vehicle, which was parked in his driveway on Pickett Avenue Northeast.
Stolen generator Someone reported at 9:37 a.m. Jan. 30 that a generator was stolen from a carport on West North Bend Way.
Tagged T-shirt Ace Hardware staff reported at 3 p.m. Feb. 1 that a man was lingering by the T-shirt display. They did not observe the man stealing any shirts, but did see a tag sticking out of his jacket when he left the store.
Snoqualmie
Shattering glass A woman phoned police at 4:50 p.m. Feb. 3 to report that someone broke a window above her garage on Southeast Sorenson Street.
Shelter From Page 1 through all of its many partners, to find V.A. benefits for one of its members and Social Security benefits for another. With some work shirts and boots, three members of the shelter have been able to find jobs.” Small also said that enough funding has been secured to keep the shelter, which was slated to close March 7, open through the end of March. A public meeting was held at the Lutheran church Feb. 9 to let neighbors know about the shelter and answer any questions they might have. North Bend Police Chief Mark Toner attended that meeting and said it was a completely “mellow” meeting. Many in attendance asked how they could help, he said.
DUI A man was stopped for speeding on Meadowbrook Way Southeast at 8:50 p.m. Feb. 3, but ended up being arrested for driving while under the influence. He was transported to the Issaquah Jail.
There’s a dog in a trunk
A caller phoned police at 9 a.m. Feb. 4 to report that it looked like a person was sleeping in the trunk of a vehicle on Better Way Southeast. Officer found a large dog in the vehicle.
North Bend fire calls q One fire engine responded to a carbon monoxide
incident at 4:16 a.m. Feb. 3 in the 300 block of Southeast Orchard Drive. q Two fire engines responded to a vehicle accident with injuries at 10:54 a.m. Feb. 3 in the 14000 block of 437th Place Southeast. q One fire engine responded to a smoke scare at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 6 in the 8200 block of 382nd Avenue Southeast.
Snoqualmie fire calls q Firefighters assisted Eastside Fire & Rescue Feb. 1 for a woman trapped in the Snoqualmie River in North Bend. An off-duty firefighter from Snoqualmie was first on the scene and kept her from being swept away until swift water technicians from Snoqualmie and Eastside Fire
& Rescue could pull her from the water. q Firefighters responded Feb. 3 to a vehicle accident with Eastside Fire & Rescue. Units were cancelled before they arrived. q Firefighters responded Feb. 3 to the Salish Lodge for a fire alarm. Upon arrival, the crew was notified that the alarm was tripped due to smoke from a fireplace and a stuck flue in the chimney. The east hallway on the first floor was filled with smoke. Firefighters assisted building engineers in removing the smoke and resetting the alarm. The Star publishes names of those arrested for DUI and those charged with felony crimes. Information comes directly from local police reports.
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Missing Redmond man shot himself at Rattlesnake Ridge
A Redmond man missing near Rattlesnake Ridge was found dead at about 10 a.m. Feb. 9, according to Jim Bove, spokesman for the Redmond Police Department. Bove said King County Search and Rescue found the body of Ira Thomas Clodfelter, 28, about three-quarters of a mile from the main trail, and it appeared to be a suicide. The King County Medical Examiner said Feb. 11 that Clodfelter died from a gunshot wound to the head, and ruled it a suicide. Clodfelter was known to suffer from cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that sometimes makes it hard to breathe, according to Sgt. Cindi West, spokeswoman for the King County Sheriff’s Office. A release from the Redmond Police Department said there was also some concern he may have been suffering from depression. West said Clodfelter was reported missing Feb. 4 when he didn’t show up for work. His vehicle was found a day later in the Rattlesnake Mountain trailhead parking lot in North Bend.
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community
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
Neil Simon’s play ‘California Suite’ is coming to Snoqualmie By Sebastian Moraga Darker than the regular Neil Simon play, but still packing a comedic punch, “California Suite” arrives at The Black Dog on Feb. 14. The play, directed by Rich Wiltshire, tells four separate stories happening in the same hotel suite. In the first act, an ex-husband and wife — each living on a separate coast — discuss the custody of their teenage daughter. In the second act, a man tries to hide a passed-out hooker from his wife, who is arriving from the East Coast. In the third act, an English actress trapped in a marriage of convenience with a homosexual man swings from hope to despair as she learns she may win an Oscar. In the fourth act, two married couples of friends bicker after three weeks of vacation together. “The human emotion in all of it,” Wiltshire explained, “I think all of us have felt at least some of it.” The play will run every Friday and Saturday — plus Valentine’s Day — until March 2. Originally created in 1976, the play dealt head-on with serious issues — divorce, homosexuality — that weren’t as mainstream as they are today. “It’s not ‘The Odd Couple’ or ‘The Sunshine Boys,’” Wiltshire said, referring to straight-upcomedy hits by Simon, adding that the dialogue is still humorous. “I’m not sure an 8-year-old would get it,” he said. “Maybe a teenager would get into it. I would not get much lower than high school age.”
By Sebastian Moraga
Rene Schuchter and Robin Walbeck-Forest play a couple of ex-spouses debating custody of their rebellious teen daughter in Neil Simon’s “California Suite.” The first and third acts are high on emotion, while the second and fourth acts are more tilted toward the comedic, said actress Robin Walbeck-Forest. Walbeck-Forest plays two roles in “California Suite”: the ex-wife in Act I and the British actress in Act III. “It’s Neil Simon for sure,” she said. “But, it’s encapsulated in these tiny little vignettes. So, you have the entire umbrella of what he does in his shows: It’s relationships and it’s complicat-
“I don’t know where that came from. It’s probably because he’s such a jerk and it’s really easy.”
— Ed Benson Actor ed, and people have to deal with each other, but they also have a good sense of humor about it.”
Bill Stone, who plays one of the stressed-out husbands in the play’s fourth act, agreed. “That’s the beauty of Neil Simon,” he said. “It can be very funny but with a lot of serious moments.” The other husband is played by Ed Benson. Both husbands, like Stone and Benson in real life, are longtime friends, which makes their exchanges all the funnier. “Bill and I have a tendency to just go at each other,” Benson
said. “I don’t know where that came from. It’s probably because he’s such a jerk and it’s really easy.” Stone retorted, “and he’s a short man with a lot of complexes, so it’s easy.” A lesser-known play like “California Suite” gives a director more freedom, Wiltshire said. Everyone has seen “The Odd Couple” and knows what to expect. Not everyone has seen “California Suite”, more often than not confusing it with Simon’s “Plaza Suite.” “It’s probably one of his best ones,” Wiltshire said of “California Suite,” “but it’s not done much.” One of the more unusual roles went to Wiltshire’s wife Sharon, who plays Bunny, the passed-out hooker in Act II. “I have fear of memorizing lines, and I’m not really an actress, but I always wanted to be in a play,” she said. “This role has no lines.” It’s her second play and her second time playing a hooker, causing her to joke about being typecast. Eyes closed and all, Sharon still had to respond to some cues to roll over, all the while pretending to be asleep after six margaritas and a bottle of vodka. “I’m told it’s quite funny. I can’t see it,” she said. “But, I can hear it. It sounds funny.” For dinner reservations, call The Black Dog at 831-3647. Get tickets, at www.brownpapertickets.com. Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
Valentines will line up for these hearts By Deanna Morauski You can never go wrong with a basic shortbread cookie. This latte-stand favorite is adorable when cut into big hearts and topped with a gorgeous, pink buttercream frosting. Make them a day ahead so the frosting can firm up and then wrap to make into a unique valentine for friends.
Latte stand shortbread cookies recipe:
1 cup (or two sticks) butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 2 1/4 cups flour 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 tablespoon almond extract* Preheat oven to 350F. Cream
together butter and sugar. Add flour, salt and almond. Mix until it becomes dough. Use a little flour to help roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into circles or hearts with a cookie cutter. Makes about 1 dozen 3 1/2-inch cookies. Place cookies on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until light golden brown. Pink buttercream frosting: 1/2 cup (or one stick) butter, room temperature 4 cups powdered sugar 1/2 cup milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
extract 1 dash of salt 1 smidge pink food coloring Mix together all ingredients except food coloring together until they become a perfect frosting. Add a tiny bit of pink food coloring (start small) and mix in until frosting becomes pink. If darker pink is desired, add a bit more until it reaches your desired shade. *Almond extract can be replaced with vanilla extract if sending cookies to school or a
function where there may be nut allergies to consider. Deanna Morauski owns, operates and cooks at the Old Hen Bed and Breakfast near North Bend with her husband John.
She also blogs about food and cooking at www.theoldhen.com. Follow her on Facebook at www. facebook.com/theoldhen or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/theoldhen.
SnoValley Star
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
By Sebastian Moraga
“Faces: a study in the diversity of the Snoqualmie Valley” is one of the four parts in an exhibit by Ranita Chowdhury and her daughter Alraune at the Mount Si Senior Center.
Mother-daughter exhibit: A study in contrasts and similarities By Sebastian Moraga They are mother and daughter, but not two drops of water. They both love art, but you can tell them apart. Ranita Chowdhury and her daughter Alraune have brought their art to the Mount Si Senior Center for a mother-daughter exhibit that Mount Si Artists Guild’s Audrey Zeder said is receiving positive reviews. A self-made artist, Ranita has been painting for most of her 67 years. Although she could be counted as a source of encouragement for her daughter, they each have their own style. “Hers is not at all similar to mine,” Ranita said. “I paint mostly from my imagination. She likes to paint landscapes. She loves nature.” Her daughter prefers oil paints, while Mom tends to mix media, combining oil colors with pastel. The exhibit is divided in four sections: One feature is called “Faces from the Snoqualmie Valley,” another is called “Flowers From the Land of Color,” a third is called “Glimpses of Indian Life” and the fourth is called “Art Everyday.” The second and third parts feature art from Alraune. The first and last show Ranita’s work. She drew “Faces” purely from
imagination, she said. “Those faces are painted totally from nowhere,” Ranita said. “I did not see photographs or anything. I just imagined the features, different shapes of faces and eyes and noses.” One of the faces is Hawaiian. Ranita said she used a trip to Hawaii to remember the features of the local people. Art has been a part of Alraune’s life for years, Ranita said. With more than a bit of motherly pride, she points out that whenever Alraune has put up her paintings, she has received good reviews. Now, they are getting the good reviews together. “Both derive inspiration for their work from travels around the world, their heritage, the rich natural
and cultural diversity of the Snoqualmie Valley, and the infinite grandeur of the Pacific Northwest,” Zeder wrote in a press release. Alraune is also selftaught. Both have lived in the Snoqualmie area since 2007. This is their first exhibit together. “I never imagined before that we could do that,” Ranita said. “It’s really, really a great experience.” Asked if maybe a third generation of Chowdhury artists would join them, she laughed. “It would be nice,” she said. Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
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PAGE 7
Schools
PAGE 8
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
Evening of fine arts showcases Opstad Elementary School talent By Sebastian Moraga Move over McGruff. A new sort of crime-fighting dog made its appearance at the Evening of Fine Arts at Opstad Elementary School on April 6. James Nye, a third-grader, drew a picture of a sorcerer dog, complete with wand, beret and magical powers. His drawing was one of dozens featured at the event, which has become a tradition of winter in North Bend. Nye said that drawing regular things does not hold the same charm as drawing legendary figures. A dog on a field has nothing on a horse with a horn growing out of its head. Even his sorcerer dog was more human than dog, standing on two legs. “I like drawing mythical creatures instead of normal things,” Nye said. “Dragons and unicorns and things like that.” The sorcerer dog idea came to him after reading a book about him in art class, Nye said. After his work is done, he
likes to doodle a little bit and that’s how his sorcerer friend came to him. Besides magic canines, Indian totems, flowery fields and robots also found a place at the event. Not everyone went mythical. Payton Matthews drew a picture of herself with her dog Gracie. Most students came to the exhibit with art they made in class at school, although some brought creations from home. Second-grader Cora Landstrom brought some works she did on her birthday. Her mother Sheryl said she had rented an art studio for her party. “Everyone who came got to draw something,” Sheryl said. “I draw every day,” Cora added. Her siblings also brought their talents to the exhibit. Elijah and Isaiah also had pieces and delighted in showing visitors what they had created, while Sheryl patiently chased them and got them to pose for a picSee OPSTAD, Page 9
By Sebastian Moraga
Third-graders Lexie Yingst and James Nye watch as Valley schools chief Joel Aune comments on their works of art as Nye’s mom Jill looks on. The Evening of Fine Arts returned to Opstad Elementary School last week.
Mount Si students practice the admirable rightness of caring By Sebastian Moraga Tess Davis manages to smile and the grin suppresses her frustration. “They have no idea what it is,” said Davis, a member of the Amnesty International chapter at Mount Si High School. “They don’t even know what the word amnesty is.” “They” is the rest of the school community, which Davis and her Amnesty cohorts said often misunderstand what the group is all about. “Everyone thinks we are a charity group,” said Molly McElroy, a member of the chapter, peace sign earrings dangling from her ears. “We are an advocacy group.” Charities help people directly and are not concerned with the system, Colby Bentley said. That’s not Amnesty. “Amnesty seeks to change the system,” he said. To that end, the group writes letters to prisoners, and protests what the students see as violations of human rights. McElroy and her friends went as far as to protest the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, by wearing orange jumpsuits and black bags over their heads in Seattle in 2010. They were freshmen. “You have to be pretty open,”
By Sebastian Moraga
The Amnesty International chapter at Mount Si High School, complete with pan of brownies featuring the Amnesty logo. Top row from left: Logan Madani, Thomas Crozier, Colby Bentley, Tess Davis, Yousef Baioumy and Terra Hauser. Bottom row, from left: Molly McElroy, Sarah Larson and Christine Stapleton. said Thomas Crozier, a freshman himself nowadays. “We advocate for prisoner rights, so we oppose the death penalty and we fight for gay rights, so if you join the club, you have to accept human
rights as they are.” Today, the group is mostly upperclassmen. While this adds experience to the discussion, it also requires that the group pushes to mod-
ernize, lest successive graduations thin its ranks. Never easy when the rest of their peers tend to have less-than-ideal views of the group. “I tell people what we do,
and they go, ‘Oh, but that’s so depressing,’” McElroy said. The group is the only one of its kind between Bellevue and Cle Elum. Wanting to catch the attention of youths, Mount Si High School’s Amnesty chapter will host a fifth annual rock concert and fundraiser at 7 p.m. March 1. “A lot of people in the area don’t know about human rights, so we are trying to relate to the younger people in our community and make it cool,” McElroy said. In the past, local bands have participated. This year, it’s Seattle band Knowmads headlining the event, with Eastside Catholic High School grads Ronnie Dylan and Max Wang as openers. “This is the first time we have a big Seattle group,” McElroy said. Terra Hauser agreed. “It’s cool how it worked out. Lots of people listen to the Knowmads, so they are going to know who they are,” Hauser said. Hopefully, the group agreed, that will extend to the chapter itself, which was started by Hauser’s older brother Craig. He even recruited the group’s thenand-current adviser Bill Dillon. See AMNESTY, Page 9
SnoValley Star
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
The future meets the past in Snoqualmie By Sebastian Moraga Among canoes, bowls and ancient tree trunks, two cultures inched closer together in Snoqualmie. “We’re happy to have you come,” Bruce Larson, a carver with the Snoqualmie Tribe told exchange students from Peru. “It makes our hearts feel good.” Members of the Snoqualmie Tribe taught their centenarian carving art to the students Feb. 6. Students mixed their attempts at carving hearts or their initials with wideeyed stares at the felled tree trunks. “There are no mistakes,” Larson told the students. “There’s just design changes.” Students learned about using maple or cedar, the angle needed on the tools to carve big or small pieces of wood. They also asked questions about the origin of their hosts. “Is this like an NGO?” asked student Ernesto Riedner about the tribe, referring to nongovernmental organizations. They also learned the entire process of making a canoe, from cutting the
Opstad From Page 8 ture. Watching it all was Susan Baysinger, art teacher at Opstad. “I accepted everything that came in,” Baysinger
tree to taking the finished product for a sail. The trip starts at the Snoqualmie River, goes to the Snohomish, and then to the Skykomish and then to Puget Sound, said Wayne Graika, a member of the tribe. “Everything is done by hand,” Larson said, then adding, “we use a chainsaw to make the planks.” The tribe made no canoes for decades until the early 2000s, Larson said. The Makah Indians taught them, Graika said. The students kept a steady line of chatter, only quieting when the carvers showed them something. They attempted to climb the language barrier to ask questions in English, but mostly kept a respectful silence, until they learned what the Makah used the canoes for. “Whales?” student Ximena Lopez asked. “How do you hunt a whale in a canoe?” Riedner asked. “It takes 14 of us, one to steer it, and somebody to be a harpooner,” Larson explained. “That’s on my list, to make, a harpoon.” The silence broke again
when they saw the felled trees. “It’s huge,” said Riedner while staring at one tree, whose rings numbered more than 800. The trees come donated from national parks and watersheds, Graika said. “We’ve only paid for one or two trees in the six, seven years I’ve been here,” said Graika, one of five carvers working at Snoqualmie Carvers near downtown Snoqualmie. While the students were quiet, the carvers told them the trees do By Sebastian Moraga plenty of talk- Bruce Larson, a carver with the Snoqualmie Tribe teaches exchange ing. student Roberto Guanilo the intricacies of his art. “It will start to tell you where cut, so it says, ‘Stop, wood.” Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, to make the first cut,” look at me, there’s ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalLarson said. “The tree something I want differtalks to us. There’s time ent. It’s called reawaken- leystar.com. Comment at www. snovalleystar.com. where nothing would ing the spirit within the
Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
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“I heard him talk about all the causes and that got me interested,” Terra Hauser said. “So when I became a freshman I joined, too.” Craig graduated in 2010. Family influence also played a part in Colby Bentley’s joining, albeit differently. “My family has always been aware of politics,” he said. “It wasn’t fulfilling to me. It just made me angry. It was all so corrupt. I looked for a different side to it and found this.” The group’s heroes run the gamut from the famous — Malcolm X, Gandhi and MLK — to the unknown. And that, Dillon said, is what makes the club’s members special. Asked what faces they would like to see in the club’s version of Mount Rushmore, names like Tibet’s Palden Gyatso and Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi surface. “Outside of the people in this room,” Dillon said, “95 percent of the school would fail the test of knowing who these people are.”
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PAGE 10
Sports
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
By Sebastian Moraga
Mount Si High School’s Tim Corrie finished third at Regionals, earning a direct berth to state Feb. 15 and 16 at the Tacoma Dome.
Mount Si wrestling team sends a pair to state championship meet By Sebastian Moraga
state last year. The Mount Si High School At regionals, Corrie defeated wrestling team will take two Kelso’s Tyler Murphy by pin in wrestlers to the 25th annual Mat the second round of the match. Classic in Tacoma on Feb. 15. Then, he lost in the semifinals In Kelso on Feb. 9, Mitch to eventual champ Tyler Duncan Rorem finished second in by pin in the first round. regionals at 195 pounds. In consolation, he defeated Rorem put on a gutsy perforMountain View’s Jeff Longust, mance, overcoming a bloody 9-7, and then Hazen’s Jairo nose to take eventual champion Barahona, 6-2. and hometown favorite Keoni Besides Corrie and Rorem, Garcia, of Kelso, to two over120-pounder Eli Clure and times before “I got placed in situations 220-pounder losing, 2-1. Nate Whited that I didn’t know what to finished fifth At regionals, Rorem pinned and will travel do.” Alex Tsytsyn, to the Tacoma from Fort Dome as alter— Nate Whited Vancouver, in nates. Wrestler the first-round “I didn’t match. He then do as well as I outpointed was hoping,” Highline’s Tyler Mosier, 9-4, Whited said. In 2011, he went before losing to Garcia. to regionals as an alternate. Rorem’s first-round rival in Now, he goes to state as one. Tacoma will be Meadowdale “Progress, I guess so,” he said. junior Ciaran Ball, who finished “Just a little bummed that it’s fifth last year. my senior year. I didn’t wrestle Wildcat Tim Corrie finished badly, just tough competition.” third at 182 pounds. Whited lost to James “I wanted that third place,” Niemela, from Columbia River, Corrie said of his mindset before 9-6, before defeating Sebastian his last match. “That way, I Ferraro, from Kennedy wouldn’t have to face a state Catholic, by pin in the first champion in the first round round of consolation. He then next week.” lost to Hudson Bay’s Jovanny His first-round rival at the Quintero and beat Mercer Dome will be Decatur’s Spencer Island’s Andy Picton in the Smith, who finished seventh at fifth-place match.
“I was pretty primed,” Whited said. “It was just my technique. I got placed in situations that I didn’t know what to do.” Clure came close in every one of his losses. In the semifinals, he lost to Mercer Island’s Luke Wilson ,11-9, in overtime. He then lost to Hazen’s Zack Moore in the second round of the consolation bracket, 2-1, before overcoming Mountain View’s Emmanuel Mendez in the fifthplace match, 10-6. “I’m decently happy with the day,” Clure said. “I could have done better. The guy I beat in the first round is going through and that kind of upsets me.” In the first round, Clure defeated Alex Ojeda, of Hudson Bay, by another close score, 12-11. Ojeda went on to defeat Moore in the third-place match. Clure wrestled with his health all week long, he said, so when match time came he wasn’t ready enough. Still, he managed to take fellow KingCo wrestler Wilson to overtime. The last time the two wrestled, Wilson won by seven points, Clure said. “I still came in there strong,” Clure said. “And wrestled hard.” Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
By Michele Mihalovich
Mount Si High School’s Levi Botten saves a ball from going out of bounds in the Feb. 7 bout against Liberty High School. The Wildcats won, 67-60.
Mount Si basketball playoff picture over By Michele Mihalovich The Mount Si High School boys basketball team earned a No. 3 seed going into the SeaKing District 2 tournament, but lost, 55-50, in the first round Feb. 9 against Eastside Catholic. Mount Si’s earned the spot after a 78-50 loss to Bellevue Feb. 5, and a 73-46 win against Liberty Feb. 7 in the KingCo 3A conference tournament. The Wildcats faced Bellevue twice this season and walked away with wins, so the recent loss took Mount Si by surprise. Trent Riley, a guard/forward for Mount Si, said Bellevue was “on fire with the threes.” Coach Steve Helm confirmed that assessment, and said Bellevue shot 55 percent of its attempted 3-pointers. “They just wouldn’t miss a shot,” he said. And because of the Wolverines’ phenomenal defense, Mount Si really strug-
gled with trying to get shots in, Helm said. “Bellevue really set the tempo of that game, but today, we were the ones setting the tempo — offensively and defensively,” he said of the Wildcats’ win against the Liberty Patriots. “I’m so proud of these guys tonight,” Helm said. Riley put 30 points up on the board against Liberty, his best showing of the season. Helm said he was also impressed with Levi Botten’s 11 points, Griffin McLain’s six points and Beau Shain’s 13 rebounds. The loss against Eastside Catholic in the SeaKing District 2 tournament, however, was a loser out game — meaning their road to the playoffs ended that night. Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www. snovalleystar.com.
SnoValley Star
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
PAGE 11
Five Wildcat athletes sign college offers on the dotted line one is the holy grail for a high school football player For four of the Mount looking to land at a D1 Si High School senior athschool. letes set up to sign their Riley said he spoke with letters of intent to commit both coaches that night, to a university, it was an asking what they expected easy decision. For one of from him, and he weighed them, it was a bit more the pros and cons, trying difficult, and he stayed to decide the best fit for up all night before comhim. ing to the decision just a In the end, he went few hours before the early with his gut and signed morning signing Feb. 6. on the dotted line with Trent Riley not only UNLV. tore up the gridiron this But, as he sat at the season — breaking the table with the four other school’s record for most athletes in the school’s touchcommons “It’s a big deal, signdowns, but with paring away four years of ents snaphe’s also a basketball ping photos your life.” standout, of the big leading the — Cameron Van Winkle moment, KingCo Future Husky Riley said conference his hand with the was still a highest average points per bit shaky. game. “It’s a big deal, signing Choosing whether to away four years of your play football or basketball life,” he said. at the college level was Wildcat football kicker “definitely a hard decision Cameron Van Winkle because I really like playhad no such qualms. He’s ing both,” he said. always wanted to be a He said that because University of Washington the football team had such “Dawg,” and officially a good year — making it signed his letter of intent to state for the first time Feb. 6 after a verbal comin school history — that mitment last June. helped him set his sights Van Winkle is so exciton football. ed to get started there, “And to get three offers he’s graduated early from for football, I guess I did Mount Si, is taking an something right,” Riley online class at the UW said. and if everything goes Portland State (D1AA), according to plan, he Idaho State (D1AA) and should be practicing with University of Nevada, Las the Huskies in April, he Vegas (D1) were all trysaid. ing to snatch up the wide Signing with the receiver. University of Minnesota Riley said he’d whittled Duluth was also an easy it down to Portland and choice for wide receiver/ UNLV, but he kept going defensive back Hunter back and forth between Malberg. the two all night. His mother Janine grew Both are great teams. up in Duluth, so he has One is closer to home, and lot of family there, includ-
By Michele Mihalovich
ing his grandfather, who has been traveling the 2,000 miles every weekend during football season to watch Malberg play in Washington. Grandpa’s commute to watch Malberg play home games will be just 10 minutes, Janine said. Other signers included right tackle Tyler Rutherford, who is heading to Central Washington University this fall, and soccer player Miranda Rawlings, who also signed with UNLV. Football coach Charlie Kinnune said after the signing event that, “it was a great day for Wildcat football for sure. “These student athletes put themselves in this position because No. 1, they were academically in a position to get accepted to their respective universities and, No. 2, they are extremely talented and have the potential to get better.” About Riley’s decision, Kinnune said, “Trent pushed his decision all the way to the end. He had many sleepless nights working through the decision. He was extremely mature about this and took his time. In the end, he balanced academics, coaching and facilities. UNLV was the winner of his services.” Kinnune said the Feb. 6 signings were a record for Mount Si, but also said another six to seven athletes will be signing on as walk-ons or with D3 commitments. Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
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By Michele Mihalovich
Wildcat athletes sign their letters of intent Feb. 6. From left are Tyler Rutherford (CWU), Hunter Malberg (U of Minn Duluth), Cameron Van Winkle (UW), Trent Riley and Miranda Rawlins (UNLV).
calendar
PAGE 12
California state of mind
writing exercises, critique and lessons on voice, plot and point of view. Email snovalleywrites@gmail. com for assignment prior to coming to class. Adults only please.
Snoqualmie Library Unless otherwise noted, all events occur at 7824 Center Blvd. S.E., Snoqualmie, 888-1223. Libraries will be closed Feb. 18 in observance of The Black Dog presents Neil Simon’s “California Suite” at 8 p.m. Feb. 14-March 2. Dinner is available every night from 6-7:45 p.m. Cost is $15. 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie. Get tickets via www.brownpapertickets.com or call 831-DOGS (3647).
Music/ entertainment q Valley Center Stage presents “Pinocchio: A Participation Play for Young Audiences,” by Kathryn Schultz Miller, 7 p.m. Feb. 15, 2 p.m. Feb. 16, a show for children 4 and older. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $7.50 for children. Purchase tickets at www. valleycenterstage.org.
Classes q Zumba classes for people with special needs, 10:15-11 a.m. Saturdays through Apr. 27, $7 drop-in fee or punch-pass 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 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.
North Bend Library Unless otherwise noted, all events occur at 115 E. Fourth St. North Bend, 888-0554. Libraries will be closed Feb. 18 in observance of Presidents’ Day. q Study Zone, 2 p.m.
Feb. 17, 24. Drop in for free homework help in all subjects from volunteer tutors. For teens. q One-on-one Computer Assistance, 1 p.m. Feb. 20, get extra computer help from a KCLS tech tutor volunteer. q AARP Tax Prep assistance, 10 a.m. Feb. 20. The AARP will have three trained individuals preparing taxes every Wednesday through April 10. Free to everyone regardless of income or age. q Senior Transitions, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21. Are you worried about your parents’ safety and health? Are you an older adult thinking about making a change in living arrangements? Come hear from three experts who assist older adults in making informed decisions about their future. q Infant and Family Story Time, 11 a.m. Feb. 25. Newborn to age 3 with adult. Sibling and older children welcome. q Talk Time, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group. Learn more about American culture and meet people from around the world. q Toddler Story Time, 10 a.m. Feb. 26, for children ages 2-3, with adults and younger children and siblings welcome. Share the world of books with your child and come for stories, songs and surprises. q Preschool Story Time, 10:45 a.m. Feb. 26, ages 3-6, with adults and siblings welcome. q SnoValley Writers Work Group, 6 p.m. Feb. 26, join local writers for
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
Presidents’ Day. q Snoqualmie Valley Genealogy Group, 10 a.m. Feb. 15. Join us to research your family history using library resources. Learn how to start filling out pedigree charts and interviewing relatives before you sit down at the computer. q Aging Well With Consciousness Book Club and Conversation. 10:15 a.m. Feb. 16, come for a
book discussion and talk on aging. Contact the library for this month’s title. Drop-ins welcome. q Anime and Manga Club, 3 p.m. Feb. 20, 27, watch anime movies, eat popcorn and practice your manga drawing. All skill levels welcome.
q Study Zone, 3 p.m. Feb. 20, 27. Drop in during scheduled hours for free homework help in all subjects from volunteer tutors. Send us your calendar item by emailing us at smoraga@snovalleystar.com.
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