snovalleystar122012

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

December 20, 2012 VOL. 4, NO. 51

Wildcats win conference opener Page 12

Council OKs budgets with some adjustments

By Michele Mihalovich The Snoqualmie City Council approved the 2013 and 2014 budgets, but first tabled a couple of items that could have affected them.

On Dec. 10, the council approved the budgets, which show that in 2013, the city is expected to bring in $39.9 mil-

lion in revenues, and spend $45 million in expenses; and in 2014, should receive $37.9 million in revenues, and spend $36.7 in expenses.

The deficit in 2013, according to documents submitted by the city, indicate Snoqualmie is going to allocate $8.7 million to capital improvements, com-

pared to $2.9 million spent this year. In 2014, the city will spend less than $1 million on capital improvement projects.

The budgets include monies received from the new public safety operations, street and park maintenance levy, which voters approved in November.

The levy calls for a 24-cent

increase per $1,000 of assessed property value. That means a citizen with a $413,000 home would pay about $99 more per year.

The budget indicates that $385,000 will be generated next year from the new tax, and See BUDGETS, Page 6

What’s on tap?

Salish Lodge creates a beer with an unusual buzz.

Page 3

Passengers struck on I-90 while chaining cars

Police blotter Page 7

jolly ol’ Saint Nick,” Shawn said. “He’s just a little bit off.”

Shawn patched up Creepy Santa’s leg and tried to sell him on craigslist.

“There wasn’t even one taker,” he said.

Creepy Santa also made appearances at Snoqualmie community garage sales.

“People stopped and made comments about him,” Shawn said. “But again, no one wanted to buy him.”

So Creepy Santa was stored with all of the other Christmas decorations — until

While putting chains on a vehicle on Interstate 90 near exit 38, two men were seriously injured when they were struck by two vehicles that slid out of control on the snowy roadway Dec. 15, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol.

Just before 4 p.m., a threevehicle collision occurred on westbound Interstate 90 near exit 38, according to the release.

A Toyota Corolla pulled onto the right shoulder to add chains as roadway conditions worsened.

A blue four-wheel drive Toyota pickup, driven by a 33-year-old man from Kenmore, was traveling west in the left lane when it lost control and struck the driver’s side of a black Honda Pilot traveling in the right lane, according to the release.

Both vehicles were stuck together as they slid to the right shoulder where the two male passengers from the Corolla, a 20-year-old from Burien and a 22-year-old from Seattle, were putting chains on the car. Both men were struck and seriously injured, according to the release.

Collisions often occur that kill or cause serious injury when people drive too fast for the conditions, the release said.

The WSP offers the following advice while driving in winter driving conditions: q Don’t assume roadway conditions will improve because you have left a traction tire restricted

See SANTA, Page 3

See STRUCK, Page 7

Have voice, will travel Valley choirs add holiday flavor in Leavenworth.

Page 10

Gymnastics preview Season starts well for Wildcats tumblers.

Page 12

Friend of the Year North Bend woman wins county library award.

Page 16

Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71 POSTAL CUSTOMER

Contributed

The Carnes family (from left) Malibu the dog, Hailey, Shawn, Michelle and Grace celebrate Creepy Santa’s return after he was kidnapped by Prankster Elf.

Small Santa raises big money

By Michele Mihalovich Santa was just trying to do his Snoqualmie family a solid by helping raise money to build a house for a needy family in Honduras when he was kidnapped and held for ransom.

Don’t worry kids. Your Santa is fine — still at the North Pole with his elves getting ready to deliver presents Christmas Eve. This story is about Creepy Santa — as his family refers to him.

Shawn Carnes, 37, received the 4-foot Santa doll last year from a client after the woman’s grandchildren accidentally

On the Web Learn more at www.facebook. com/creepysanta7 or donate at www.ministrysync.com/event/ website/?m=1076059.

broke the doll’s leg.

Shawn’s wife Michelle said her husband is a magnet for bringing home junk nobody else wants. The family calls this Santa creepy because of his “very humanlike hands” and strange smirk.

“Not at all how you picture

SnoValley Star

PAGE 2

Garbage services are rescheduled for the holidays Republic Services, also known locally as Allied Waste, will not collect garbage, recycling and yard waste from its Puget Sound-area customers, including North Bend, on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Customers with a regular scheduled pick-up on those days will have their waste picked up the following day (Dec. 26 and Jan. 2, respectively), according to a press release. Subsequent days during the workweek will be picked up one day later.

Customers with Wednesday service will have their materials picked up Thursday; Thursday customers will be serviced Friday; and Friday customers will be serviced Saturday.

Customer service is also closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. The normal collection schedule resumes the week of Jan. 7, according to the release.

Body of missing man is recovered at Snoqualmie Falls The body of a 56-yearold Bellevue man was recovered at Snoqualmie Falls on Dec. 16, according to a press release from the Snoqualmie Police Department.

Snoqualmie police

officers located a vehicle in the Snoqualmie Falls Park parking lot at about 2 p.m. belonging to the man reported missing by the Bellevue Police Department, according to the release. The man’s body was found below the Snoqualmie Falls observation area and recovered

by King County Search and Rescue and Seattle Mountain Rescue.

The King County Medical Examiner ruled the death a suicide on Dec. 17.

Locals are state patrol basic training class graduates Two local men were sworn in as Washington State Patrol troopers at a Dec. 14 ceremony held in the Capitol Christopher Rotunda, Kyle according to a WSP press release.

Christopher D. Kyle, of Snoqualmie, and Anthony M. Pasternak, of Anthony Carnation, Pasternak were sworn in with 35 others by Washington State Supreme Court Justice James Johnson, and were presented their commission cards by Gov. Christine Gregoire and WSP Chief John R. Batiste.

The cadets completed more than 1,000 hours of training at the 100th WSP basic training class, according to the release.

Historically, only about 4 percent to 6 percent of the total number of applicants makes the grade to become WSP troopers.

“The 37 cadets graduating today endured a rigorous application process, extensive background investigation and received the best training, unmatched anywhere else in the nation,” Batiste said in the release. “Today, they will join the ranks of Washington’s finest, as troopers of the Washington State Patrol.”

Kyle has been assigned to the Bellevue area; Pasternak will patrol in the Burlington area.

Cook named North Bend mayor pro tem North Bend City Councilman David Cook was elected Dec. 4 as the 2013 mayor pro tem, a title curDavid Cook rently held

by Councilwoman Jeanne Pettersen.

This is the second time Cook, the City Council’s most senior member, has served as mayor pro tem.

He’s been in office since 2004 and will serve as pro tem for 2013.

Mayor pro tems serve in the absence of the mayor, but also set the agenda for

monthly workstudy meetings and assign committees chairs.

Christmas tree disposal options set The following options are available for Christmas tree disposal, according to a press release from the city of Snoqualmie. q Waste Management will pick up trees freeof-charge for residents currently using the yard waste/composting services.

Place trees curbside the first two weeks of January regularly scheduled collection days. Trees should be no more than 4 feet in length. Taller trees can be cut in half. No tinsel, ornaments, metal hooks or flocked trees. q Snoqualmie Valley Boy Scout troops will collect trees curbside Jan. 5. Place your tree at the curb no later than 8 a.m.

Households will receive a tree pick-up envelope in mid-December. Place a suggested donation of $10 to $15 in the envelope and attach it to the base of the tree with a rubber band. Cash is preferred, but checks can be made payable to BSA Troop 425. Flocked trees and those with tinsel, decorations and tree nails will not be accepted. q King County encourages you to tree-cycle your holiday tree. Go to http:// your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/garbage-recycling/treecycling.asp for a list of recycling and transfer stations, and private yard waste facilities that accept trees.

DECEMBER 20, 2012

Snoqualmie fleet is certified green Four area vehicle fleets, including the city of Snoqualmie, received top honors for their environmental performance and became certified through the Evergreen Fleets program, according to a Clean Cities Program press release.

The 2012 Evergreen Fleets were announced at a ceremony Dec. 11 and include CleanScapes, Waste Management, city of Snoqualmie and Quest Diagnostics.

Evergreen Fleets is a voluntary, tiered certification program that recognizes fleets for making smart, environmentally responsible choices that save fuel, improve operational efficiencies and reduce air emissions, according to the release.

Evergreen Fleets is the first green fleet certification program of its kind in the nation, and was created by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and Western Washington Clean Cities in collaboration with a consortium of public fleet managers.

“Evergreen Fleets sets rigorous benchmarks for fleet performance, awarding one- to five-

star ratings for fleets making smart, environmentally responsible choices that save fuel, improve operational efficiencies and reduce air pollution,” Stephanie Meyn, coordinator of Western Washington Clean Cities, said in the release. “The four fleets we’re celebrating today join six fleets in becoming certified through this program — and include our first ever five-star fleet.

“We commend them for leading the movement toward a more sustainable future for our region.”

The city of Snoqualmie received a three-star rating through a combination of strong fleet management practices and increased investment in alternative fuels, the release said.

Your news comments welcome!

Sno-Valley Eagles Presents New Year’s Eve Celebration 2012 Prime Rib Diner, Dancing, Midnight Toast Members and Guests $25 single - $40 Couple Guests please call 425-888-1129 8200 Railroad Ave Snoqualmie

Happy Birthday Dana!

SnoValley Star

DECEMBER 20, 2012

PAGE 3

Santa From Page 1

By Sebastian Moraga

A bartender at ‘The Attic’ Salish Lodge and Spa restaurant delivers two tall orders of the lodge’s honey beer.

Salish Lodge creates a beer with an unusual ‘buzz’ to it

By Sebastian Moraga At first, the idea crosses one’s mind: diabetes in a tall glass.

But one sip (and that’s all it was, one sip, honest) from said glass, and it’s clear that the honey beer sold at the Salish Lodge and Spa is, thankfully, more beer than honey.

That’s the way general manager Rod Lapasin likes it.

The road to beer honey began in 2011, with six hives producing about 600 pounds of honey across the street from the lodge.

In 2012, the operation tripled, enough to produce enough honey not just for the beer but for all of the other honey products sold at the lodge, Lapasin said, like honey truffles, honey scrubs and honey itself.

“The beer just happened to be the next product on the list,” he said.

The product launched two months ago, and it’s been well received, despite its limited debut.

Right now, the beer is only sold at the lodge and the brewery. At the lodge, it’s sold only on tap, not bottled, but Lapasin said he hopes to expand the retail side.

“Once we get past some final touches, we’ll sell that beer in a 22-ounce bottle,” he said, “again in partnership with the

Snoqualmie Brewery.”

Shannon Olsen, from the Columbia Hospitality hotel management company, which works with the Salish, said the beer has “flourished in the hands” of the brewery.

“It seems to be just the right middle ground for those who prefer light and also those who prefer dark, hoppy beers,” Olsen wrote in an email.

A document from Columbia Hospitality described the beer as a combination of pale 2-row and a specially processed honey malt, hops from England, dried orange peel and orange blossom honey from the Salish Lodge.

Microbrew enthusiasts remain on the lookout for new flavors and that has helped the early popularity of the beer, Lapasin said.

Honey beer is not a new concept, he added, but it is a novelty for the Valley.

“We are pioneering, because it’s a local product,” he said. “People want to eat local, they want to know the point of origin

of their food sources, and we know exactly where that’s coming from. It’s a great local partnership.”

The lodge gets honey from the hives all the way through late October and early November. The earlyyear honey is much clearer in color than the late-year color, thanks to the bees’ different diet: flowers in bloom early in the year and tree sap later on.

The honey is then taken to the Snoqualmie Brewery in Snoqualmie, where it is infused in the beer.

“The honey is a lot finer than a lot of the commercial stuff you find in the store,” he said.

The proof is in the glass itself, he said, stealing a businesslike sip from a tall glass.

“It’s a very, very light honey flavor,” he said.

“Most honey beers are to me a little too much on the sweet side. This lets the natural ale come out in the beer.”

The product, Lapasin predicted, will continue to grow as more of the product arrives to local shelves.

“A lot of people are familiar with the lodge and the name behind the lodge,” he said. “I think we’ll do pretty well.”

Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext.

221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com.

Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

the Carnes came up with a good use for the guy who made neighbor kids nervous.

Back in March, Shawn and several others from the I-90 Community Church in Preston built a home for a family in Roatan, Honduras, through a charity called Dwellings.

While there, Shawn said the group also interviewed other perspective families. And that’s when he met Francisco, his wife Raquel and their five children.

Shawn said Francisco had built a home for the family of seven using bamboo and whatever washed up on the island shore.

But what really moved Shawn was that when the group and Francisco started praying, Francisco prayed that all people who needed homes would get them.

“This man and his family was living in poverty, and he was praying for others, not himself,” Shawn said.

“That’s why we wanted to build a house for him — because of his compassion for others.

And we knew it would change his life.”

In order to build the house this coming March, Shawn and eight others from the church need to first raise $1,600 each to cover travel, food and board, and then collectively raise $12,000 for building materials.

Shawn said all nine in the group are coming up with creative ways to raise money.

He owns a tile company and is offering himself for any odd jobs, hanging Christmas lights or renting out his delivery van.

Shawn said he heard others are offering brow waxes and giftwrapping to raise money.

And this is why the Carnes enlisted Creepy Santa’s help.

They hatched a plan to leave Creepy Santa on friends’ and neighbors’ porches with a note saying that Santa was going to be staying with them a couple days, but that the stay could be shortened if they made a donation to the cause. The note directs folks to visit Creepy Santa’s Facebook

Contributed

This photo of a bound and duct-taped Creepy Santa was taken from Prankster Elf’s Facebook page. page for all the information and a website for donations.

Michelle said their friends and neighbors are very familiar with Creepy Santa, and knew Shawn was trying to raise money to build the house.

Michelle is the one who created the Facebook page, and encouraged everyone who was visited by Creepy Santa to upload a photo of him with the family, and to suggest others who might want a visit from the vertically challenged Kris Kringle.

She even posted Google maps indicating where Santa was, and told the Star that donations have been ranging from $10 to $500.

But on Dec. 13, disaster struck.

While he was visiting Snoqualmie resident Tony Russell, someone kidnapped Creepy Santa, and left a ransom note saying he would not be returned until a total of $500 was donated to the cause.

Within hours, a Facebook page had been created by Prankster Elk, who was claiming responsibility for the kidnapping. The cover photo showed a bound Creepy Santa with duct tape over his bearded mouth.

Michelle, on the Facebook page, pleaded for the safe return of Creepy Santa so that he could continue his fund-

raising efforts.

On Dec. 15, Prankster Elf posted that Santa had escaped before the $500 goal could be reached, but that he had managed to raise $150.

Later that day, Creepy Santa’s Facebook page said he’d been spotted at Ana’s Family Mexican restaurant on Snoqualmie Ridge, and Michelle reported that her family went and retrieved Santa and that he’s already on someone else’s porch, raising more money.

Shawn and Michelle say they have a pretty good idea of who Prankster Elf is (probably one of the families who have already been visited by Creepy Santa, but maybe wanted a little more time with him), but said they are just happy to have Creepy Santa back.

The deadline for raising money for Francisco’s house is February, Michelle said.

Shawn said building homes for the needy through Dwellings is just another way to continue Jesus’ work.

“I-90 is an outside-ofthe-box type of church with lots of outside-ofthe-box people,” he said.

“And Creepy Santa fits in perfectly.”

Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext.

246, or editor@snovalleystar.com.

Comment at www.snovalleystar. com.

Opinion

PAGE 4

Editorial

Letters

Make Christmas about giving to those in need

Thanks to the community

The excitement of Christmas is here — the reindeer are being harnessed to guide Santa’s sleigh, the last-minute stocking stuffers and eggnog have been bought, the silver has been polished for the dinner table and the church choir is ready for the candlelight service.

But here and there — in apartments, homes and homeless campsites — if you look closely, you’ll see some families with furrowed brows.

Forget Christmas. This single mom, widowed senior and the unemployed dad are too busy worrying about next month’s rent. A decorated tree, presents tied with bows and a festive dinner are not going to happen.

These are the hidden families among our neighborhoods, those who really appreciate the difference a couple hundred dollars can make when the rent is due or the power is in danger of being shut off.

These are the families that need our help. They are your neighbors. Helping them is what brings the Christmas spirit to life.

Fund for the Valley, a community fund established to address emergency aid for Valley families, kicked off its second year with all donations going to the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank. Send checks c/o SnoValley Star, P.O. Box 2516, North Bend, WA 98045.

You can also donate money to the Snoqualmie Valley Winter Shelter, planning to open Dec. 22. Go to www.snovalleywintershelter.com to learn more.

Encompass may be the Valley’s best known nonprofit, a family service organization with a unique mission: to nurture children, enrich families and inspire community.

Donations are always welcome and always make a difference, www.encompassnw.org.

Local churches also need funds to help parishioners or special missions.

Truth is, most Snoqualmie and North Bend families can afford to share. When your stomach is full of fruitcake and you are counting the blessings of healthy children and grandchildren, take an extra minute to give one last gift — to help a stranger. Someone you know may be glad you did.

WEEKLY POLL The best date to open Christmas presents is: A. Christmas morning B. Christmas eve C. Early January, like in Russia D. The day you get ‘em, in the mall parking lot. This is America.

Vote online at www.snovalleystar.com.

Deborah Berto

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Managing editor

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Editor

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Thank you, Snoqualmie Valley. We love living in such a caring community. Everyone here has been so wonderful helping Patrick “P.J.” Duvall in his long journey fighting leukemia.

Many employees of the Snoqualmie Valley School District donated some of their sick leave so his sister Kelli could take time off from her job to be his caregiver.

He is currently being seen regularly at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, but is making steady progress with his body accepting his sister Kimberly’s stem cell transplant.

Special thanks to his second family of staff, students and parents at Fall City Elementary School. They have been so supportive with cards, special gifts and fundraising.

Thank you to WineFidence and Fall City Bistro, Adventure Bowl, Sahara Pizza, Monte Lynch, Pampered Chef and the Mount Si High School football booster club for their added sup-

DECEMBER 20, 2012

port.

We appreciate the quick response of the Snoqualmie Fire Department and Eastside Fire & Rescue when Patrick needed oxygen and medical transport to the U.W. Medical Center for treatment of pneumonia recently.

Thank you to all our friends, relatives and community members for their continual prayers.

Merry Christmas.

Benny and Kim Duvall Snoqualmie

No thanks to the casino hotel

The Snoqualmie Casino needs to realize that being a “good neighbor” involves more than throwing money at Valley projects so that they can receive press.

As far as I can tell, all this neighbor has done for most of us is to blast concerts all over the tranquility of a Valley summer evening, to erect their ”driveway,” complete with advertising, right in the middle

of the major highway to old Snoqualmie, and to ignore any and all requests to meet with citizens to come to some sort of happy medium about profit versus livability.

Now they want to build a 20-story hotel. Really? From the old winery site, from the top of Mount Si, and from any vantage point on the Valley floor, instead of the natural beauty we all enjoy, we’ll get to see a monument to gambling profit.

Come on, casino — give us a break.

The tribe’s written announcement heralded the expansion as an opportunity to “further invest in the Snoqualmie Valley communities, its citizens and [most notably] the protection of its sacred places.” The irony abounds.

Make your voice heard and let the tribe and the casino know — we like our small town; leave it alone and build your profit, and your hotel, somewhere else.

Kit McCormick Snoqualmie

Home Country

You have to care for beautiful people When Pop Walker sneaked out the kitchen door the other day, it affected all of us. He’s been a resident of the Rest of Your Life retirement home for several years now.

He still remembers who said what during combat in Europe, but has a hard time remembering if he’s had breakfast.

The call went out down at the sheriff’s office at about 10 p.m. that Pop had slipped through the enemy lines, meaning the kitchen staff, and was on the loose. One of the deputies called Doc, who was a friend of his since forever, and Doc alerted the rest of us.

Pop is one of our own, of course. A couple of years ago, he took his coffee black and his philosophy straight at the philosophy counter at the Mule Barn.

It was cold, and they found his heavy coat still in his room, so this wasn’t good.

The deputies checked out the interstate and volunteers hit the all-night diners to see if he’d checked in there. No luck.

The cook at the home was crying, and she said Pop had been talking about going to see his buddy, Jasper, again, and did we know someone named Jasper?

Sure. Jasper Blankenship, up at the cabin in the mountains.

When we heard this, the hunt took more form.

Two guys started up at Jasper’s place and worked down the Slim Randles road. Steve and Dud both Columnist went horseback and started from the edge of town.

Steve found him. Pop was sitting and shivering under a tree high up on a ridge. Steve used the cellphone to let us know he was all right, and then built a fire and wrapped a blanket around Pop.

Pop wouldn’t go back until Steve told him Jasper was down at the home, waiting for him. And Steve let him ride in the saddle, too. But before that happened, Steve ducked off behind a rock and made another phone call, to be sure Jasper would be there.

Two hours later, everyone had coffee and doughnuts back at the home, and they fixed the lock on the kitchen door. We have to be careful with those who have problems. We can’t afford to lose beautiful people like Pop. Brought to you by “A Cowboy’s Guide to Growing Up Right.” 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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DECEMBER 20, 2012

SnoValley Star

PAGE 5

SnoValley Star

PAGE 6

Budgets From Page 1 $435,000 in 2014.

According to documents received from Finance Manager Rob Orton, Snoqualmie will hire a new firefighter probably by March 2013. The position pays $62,004 annually, with $39,345 in benefits for a “full family.”

Some of the other uses for the money will go toward hiring a parks/ public works employee, installing audible crossing signals at five intersections, improving city building security, repairing and renovating the police’s firing range, building improvements at the fire station, equipment for the public works department and expanding rodent control.

The two items pulled for consideration included a proposed 2 percent increase for management and administrative salaries, which were frozen for the 2012 budget year; and combining the parks and public works departments into one department.

Councilwoman Kathi Prewitt said after the meeting that she asked that the salary increase request to be tabled until the city could conduct a salary survey.

She said the last time the city did a survey was in 2006, and that it was important the council have accurate and updated information before making salary decisions.

Prewitt said the council wants to offer competitive salaries so it can retain its employees, “but at the same time, we need to be prudent with our budget.”

Councilwoman Maria Henriksen asked that the

from the merchants and children of Snoqualmie/North Bend

council pull the agenda item that would have combined the parks and public works departments.

Dan Marcinko, the public works director, has been serving as interim director for the parks department since the former director left earlier this year.

City staff recommended combining the two departments because some of the jobs, like park maintenance and street maintenance, overlap.

But Henriksen told the rest of the council that she had concerns about that move.

She said city parks are a big reason people move to Snoqualmie, as well as why they visit the area — and said she didn’t want city parks programs to become stale.

Henriksen told the council that she wants someone to be able to focus on promoting

Snoqualmie parks and branding the parks as places for events, such as weddings and sports tournaments, and felt that long-range planning might get lost under a combined department, especially with so many public works projects coming up.

City Administrator Bob Larson agreed that promoting what city parks have to offer is important, but didn’t think that job description warranted the title of parks director.

Henriksen agreed, but said that was exactly her point — that the council needs a lot more discussion about the subject, and she recommended the issue be taken up at its upcoming council retreat in January.

The rest of the council, except for Councilman Bryan Holloway, agreed to table the issue until the retreat, tentatively scheduled for Jan. 29-30.

DECEMBER 20, 2012

New law requires carbon monoxide detectors Beginning Jan. 1, state law will require carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in all existing apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels and single-family residences in Snoqualmie, according to a press release from the city.

The law follows the January 2011 law that requires CO detectors to be installed in all new singlefamily homes and residences, according to the release.

Owner-occupied singlefamily homes legally occupied before July 26, 2009, are not required to have CO alarms until they are sold, according to the release.

The new Washington State Carbon Monoxide Alarm Law is part of continued efforts to prevent the loss of life from CO poisoning. Exposure to CO

can lead to illness and in some cases death, according to the release.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is generated through the combustion of coal, wood, oil and other petroleum-based fuels. The use of generators, charcoal or gas grills, or other fuel-burning appliances in enclosed spaces are all common sources for CO poisoning, according to the release.

Detectors can be purchased at most home improvement retailers and chain department stores, as well as online.

Learn more at accesswa. gov and search “carbon monoxide.” A fact sheet is also posted at www.cityofsnoqualmie.org in “City News & Information.”

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DECEMBER 20, 2012

Police blotter

bag under a chair. Missing is $860 worth of camera equipment.

North Bend

Backpack fan

Copper theft

Police received a report at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 30 that the night before, someone entered the garage of a house being constructed and stole copper wiring and a jackhammer, valued at $1,000. The garage did not yet have a door.

Car prowl A North Bend man reported Dec. 1 to police that during the night someone stole a first aid kit, gloves and sunglasses from his unlocked vehicle parked on 11th Court Southwest.

Burglary

A North Bend man reported to police Dec. 6 that during the night someone broke his vehicle window and stole several backpacks and a toolbox.

Snoqualmie Gazebo damaged A patron from Smokey Joe’s left the bar at 1:43 a.m. Dec. 7, drove up on the walking area near the gazebo at King Street and Railroad Avenue and struck the gazebo. The man, whom police are not naming, was arrested for driving while intoxicated and transported to Issaquah Jail.

The owner of Another Hair Place in North Bend reported Dec. 1 that during the night someone pried open a door and stole $300 cash from the business.

Theft

Attempted burglary

Malicious mischief

The owner of Mount Si Dental Center reported to police Dec. 4 that someone in the past few days tried to break into the business through the rear door. The owner said there is nothing to steal, as he keeps very little in cash and only has antibiotics.

There was a malicious mischief complaint at 9:57 a.m. Dec. 10 on Douglas Avenue Southeast. Police did not provide details.

Canadian cash theft A North Bend man reported to police Dec. 1 that during the night someone entered his unlocked vehicle and stole a backpack, cellphone charger, sunglasses and $15 worth of Canadian money.

A theft occurred at 10:35 a.m. Dec. 7 on Southeast Osprey Court.

Police did not provide details.

Theft A theft was reported at 2:57 p.m. Dec. 10 on Southeast Swenson Drive.

Police did not provide details.

Theft A theft was reported at 11:08 a.m. Dec. 11 on Southeast King Street.

Police did not provide details.

Camera theft

Animal problem

An Issaquah woman reported to police that on Dec. 1 she had just finished riding the train and ate at Euro Lounge Café. She accidentally left her camera and camera

Police received a report of a pit bull running loose at 12:07 p.m. Dec. 11 near Silva Avenue Southeast and Southeast Newton Street. Police were unable to locate the dog.

Struck

If you’re outside your car, be alert and give yourself a place to run if needed. q Apply safety chains in designated “chain-up” areas that are wider, keeping vehicles further from traffic. q Take an exit if needed to find a safe location to add chains away from traffic.

From Page 1 area. q Slow down. Speed is the leading cause of losing control in adverse weather conditions. q Things happen fast.

PAGE 7

Lovers lane Police received a suspicious circumstances complaint at 10:25 p.m. Dec. 12 near the Mitten Avenue Southeast and Southeast Jacobia Street intersection.

Officer contacted two subjects parked in a truck at a construction site having sex.

North Bend fire call q Two fire engines responded to a gas leak call at 12:49 p.m. Dec. 10 in the 44000 block of Southeast Tanner Road.

Snoqualmie fire calls

q EMTs were dispatched Dec. 7 to the Snoqualmie Ridge area for a medical call. q EMTs responded Dec. 7 to Snoqualmie Casino for a medical call. q EMTs were dispatched Dec. 7 to Snoqualmie Ridge area for a medical call. q Firefighters responded Dec. 8 to Snoqualmie Casino for a man suffering from nausea and head pain. q Firefighters responded Dec. 8 to Snoqualmie Ridge area for a medical call. q Firefighters responded Dec. 8 to the Snoqualmie Casino for a man suffering from leg pain. q Firefighters responded Dec. 8 to a male with a medical emergency. q Firefighters responded Dec. 10 to the Snoqualmie Casino for a man with a headache. q Firefighters responded Dec. 12 to a fire alarm at Echo Glen Children’s Center, which was set off by workers on site. q Firefighters responded Dec. 12 to Mount Si High School for a medical emergency. q Firefighters responded Dec. 12 to the Snoqualmie Ridge area for a male with flu-like symptoms.

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

q Don’t be overconfident in your vehicle’s abilities — four-wheel-drive and chained vehicles crash in poor weather, too. q Have emergency supplies in case you need to wait in your car for help. q Divide your attention — watching for traffic may save your life.

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PAGE 8

DECEMBER 20, 2012

from the merchants and children of Snoqualmie/North Bend

Drawing by Jessica Taylor Korich, 9 years old -- granddaughter of Donna Crowe, Encompass Office Assistant

Drawing by Lydia Humphrey, 5th grade, North Bend Elementary

Drawing by Xander, 4th grader

Open 7 Days a Week

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425.318.1662 www.mmcomfortsystems.com Comfort and Efficiency from Friendly Experts you can Trust.

Drawing by Megan Caro, 5th grade, S.E.S. Patient of Kirby Nelson Orthodontics Drawing by Josh Hall, age 6, Summit Classical Christian School -- son of Kim Hall, Encompass Occupational Therapist

Drawing by Kalena Comeau, 4th grade, SES

Courtesy of

8096 Railroad Ave SE Snoqualmie North Bend Office 425-888-1896

Maple Valley Office 425-413-2121

425-831-1772

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Picture designed by: Kindergarten class of 2012-2013

Drawing by Taylor, 4th grade, North Bend Elementary

Snoqualmie Ridge Early Learning Center

34929 SE Ridge St. Suite 100 - Snoqualmie, WA 98065 425-396-0656 - www.snoqualmieridgeelc.com

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425-888-4343 • Snoqualmie, WA Jerry & Michele Pearson

The Pearson Law Firm, P.S. 35131 SE Douglas Street, Suite 103 Snoqualmie, WA 98065 425 831 3100 www.pearsonlawfirm.com

SnoValley Star

DECEMBER 20, 2012

PAGE 9

from the merchants and children of Snoqualmie/North Bend

Drawing by Dallas, North Bend Elementary

Drawing by Joe Sands, 3rd Grade, SES

North Bend Chevrolet 106 Main Ave. N., North Bend • 425.888.0781 www.chevyoutlet.com

Drawing by Sydney Yocom, 3rd grade, North Bend Elementary “Happy Howlidays from the Pet Place Market Pack” 213 Bendigo Blvd N #2 North Bend, WA 98045 425.888.8828 www.petplacemarket.com

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‘SnowMen at SnowBalls Bakery’ Drawing by Alika Reece, 5th grade, North Bend Elementary Patient of Snoqualmie Valley Kids Dentist

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Season’s Greetings!

Drawing by Emma E., 4th grade, S.E.S.

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Schools

PAGE 10

DECEMBER 20, 2012

Parent participation helps students excel in school

By Sebastian Moraga

By Sebastian Moraga

Students from all three middle schools in the Snoqualmie Valley, including Chief Kanim Middle School (above), performed in the downtown gazebo of Leavenworth on Dec. 14.

Valley choirs add to holiday flavor in Leavenworth

By Sebastian Moraga They came, they broke down, they huddled, they sang.

Not even a busted bus could stop the choirs of the Snoqualmie Valley’s three middle schools from performing in the cold of Leavenworth, the fabled Bavarian village of north central Washington.

Under the city’s downtown gazebo, the students belted out carols in an hourlong performance that was initially scheduled for 1:30 p.m. The performance was then moved to 11:30 a.m., but it had to start at about noon.

By Sebastian Moraga

A Twin Falls student ads his voice and holiday spirit to the choir’s performance.

“Our buses broke down,” Snoqualmie Middle School student

Ingrid May said. “We had to switch buses and sit three to a seat with the Twin Falls people.”

In typical tween hyperbole, students declared the ride had been great or awful, freezing or sweltering.

“It was a pain,” May said. “Some of us were squished against a window for like three hours.”

Classmate Sara Hannan agreed, “I was like ‘I’m freezing. I’m about to die of bronchitis right now.’”

Mortality fears aside, the students sang almost flawlessly when showtime See CHOIRS, Page 11

With the first semester drawing to a close and students worrying about grades more than usual, experts recommend parents’ participation, not just during finals but year round.

And that includes the time before a child enters a classroom.

Years before, said Kerry Beamer, with Encompass Family Services in North Bend.

“It’s not about showing him flash cards when he’s 3, but instead sing songs with your child, songs that teach how to count, ‘one, two, three, four,’ to make learning fun from the start,” she said.

When reading to your child, certain tips make the experience more effective, according to Jerry Miller, director of instructional support at the Issaquah School District.

Tips vary depending on the age of the child.

From kindergarten to third grade, Miller recommends: q Keep reading to your child, even when he or she can read. Read books that are too long or hard for your child to read alone. q Read books with chapters and talk about what’s happening in the story. Encourage him to make predictions. q Take turns reading a story with your child.

File

Experts recommend that parents get involved early in their child’s life and not just when school is in session to ensure academic success.

Do not interrupt to correct mistakes that don’t change the story’s meaning. q Talk about favorite authors with your child.

Ask your child why a character might have taken a specific action. q Talk with your child about stories using the notion of beginning, middle and end. Talk about new words and ideas and help your child

come up with examples of them. q If your child wants to read to you, listen attentively. If he stumbles over a word from time to time, help him. If he misses many words he should know by now, consult his teacher. q Have fun when reading. Enjoy the story together, praise your See PARENTS, Page 11

Science gets a playful boost

By Sebastian Moraga Take a clothespin, a rubber band, a ruler, a nail and a wooden car. Add a curious fourth-grader and you’ve got a physics lesson.

Just ask Rick Hartman, creator of School of Toy, which builds toys to teach children science.

On Dec. 13, Hartman landed at Cascade View Elementary School, where students nudged the rubber band against the vertical edge of the ruler, and stretched the band until

it hooked on a nail under a small wooden car. The ruler stuck to the bottom of the car and a clothespin held the ruler and the band together.

The students released the clothespin and the car took off. The students retrieved the car and repeated the experiment with longer and longer rulers.

“We’re trying to have them experience a controlled experiment,” Hartman said.

“And understand that you only need to manipulate one variable at a time.”

This is the third time in the past four years that Hartman teaches science via toy making to this class.

In first grade, he taught motion and forces with balancing toys. In the second grade, they studied solids, liquids and gases.

“They looked at liquids and solids interacting,” Hartman said, “by building toy boats.”

After a one-year hiatus, he returned, much to the delight of the now-9-year-

By Sebastian Moraga

See SCIENCE, Page 11

Fourth-graders at Cascade View Elementary School learned about the scientific method by building wooden cars and using rubber bands to give them momentum.

SnoValley Star

DECEMBER 20, 2012

By Sebastian Moraga

Kiwanis carolers surprise library Students from the Kiwanis Club of Chief Kanim Middle School surprised patrons at the Fall City Library with a medley of holiday tunes Dec. 13. At the end of the caroling concert, the group happily broke library protocol, opening a door and shouting ‘Thank you!’ to the folks inside.

Choirs From Page 10 arrived.

Students look forward to this trip for months, said Daniel Ray, the choir teacher at Snoqualmie Middle School.

“I think there’s some people who join choir just for this,” Ray said. “This is a big deal for them. They look forward to it.”

Of the concerts, Ray said, “They performed really well. I’m really proud of them.”

Sophie Click, a Chief Kanim Middle School eighth-grader, agreed, kinda.

“It’s one of the best performances we’ve ever done,” she said, before backtracking, “The Peace on Earth part, but not the other one. The other one we hadn’t really practiced, but we sang with the seventh-graders and they

knew it, so it’s all good.”

The rehearsals for the concert started in October, Ray said.

Songs included varied holiday standards and pop hits like, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” before a crowd of well-layered passers-by, parents with camera phones, and couples smooching and letting out muffled applause from under gloves and mittens.

“I was kind of nervous, performing in front of people, but it was fun,” said May, who also performed in last year’s choir trip to Leavenworth.

Hunter Davidson, another SMS singer, disagreed.

“Nervous? We’re professionals!” he said.

Jittery or not, the children had a ball.

Karis Barnes, of SMS, performing in Leavenworth for the second consecutive year, said this year was more fun because the crowds were

larger.

Chief Kanim’s choir performed first, followed

by Snoqualmie Middle School and then Twin Falls Middle School.

After the songs, the students had a different kind of fun, invading the town’s touristic attractions, including the hat shops, ice-cream stands and myriad restaurants.

“I want food now,” Hannan said. “I want to be warm, and not hungry.”

Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext.

221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com.

Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

PAGE 11

Science

Parents

From Page 10

From Page 10

olds.

“Whoa-ho-ho!!” shouted student Josh Ramos, as his clothespin-and-band speedster raced across the floor of the school’s multipurpose room. “Look at it fly out!”

Ramos then returned to a desk to tinker some more with his car, a result that seemed to delight Hartman. It was, he said, the whole point of the afternoon.

“What we are really trying to teach them is the scientific method, hypotheses and theories,” Hartman said.

“There’s a real feeling of purpose, a real-world application of what they have been studying, and it’s fun.”

Nothing mattered more to the children than that last part.

Just ask Ramos.

“It was so much fun,” he said. “You let go of it and it just zooms off!”

child for reading well or for figuring out a word.

Don’t try to use teaching techniques. q Give your child extra opportunities to read. Ask them to “help” you with the cookie recipe or the traffic signs. q Introduce him to the pleasures of the public library. Buy books for children, too, as a basis for a library of their own. q Read every day. Set a good example. q Make reading fun, a time you both look forward to.

With older children, Miller recommends different tactics, including: q Ask your child to compare a book to another familiar book. q Ask your child what part he or she liked best and why. Ask if he or she liked the ending and why.

q Ask what kind of mood the story set and how the author created it. q Ask your child if the book differs or resembles another book he or she has read by the same author. q If they like TV more than reading, provide them with books on the genre of TV they like to watch. If he or she likes westerns, provide her or him with children’s books about the early west. q If they like comic books, don’t make a big deal out of it. Just ensure your child has access with other, more worthwhile books. q If he or she is not enthusiastic at all about reading, choose books about subjects sure to interest him or her: sports, riddles, magic tricks, hobbies. q Be a good role model. Read, talk about what you read and give books as gifts. Listen to a book-on-tape together while on a long trip.

Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext.

221, or smoraga@snovalleystar. com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

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Sports

PAGE 12

DECEMBER 20, 2012

Wildcat boys defeat Kangs, 60-49, in conference opener

By Michele Mihalovich Mount Si High School boys basketball team started off with a technical before the game against Lake Washington even began Dec. 14.

Wildcats guard/forward Trent Riley dunked a ball during the warm up, earning the technical foul, team foul and a “seatbelt” call, meaning head coach Steve Helm had to remain seated the entire game.

But Riley made up for the pregame no-no by shooting 26 points to help the Wildcats come away with a 60-49 win.

Lake Washington, ranked seventh in the state, came to Mount Si with a 5-0 record, compared to the Wildcats, which won 73-71 in double overtime at its season opener against

Up next q Mount Si vs. Liberty High School q 8 p.m. Dec. 21

Kent-Meridian at the Les Schwab Challenge down in Auburn Dec. 1, and hadn’t played since.

“I was worried we’d be a little rusty,” Riley said after the game. “But my shots were definitely falling tonight.”

The Wildcats did have a bit of a slow start, trailing by eight in the first period.

Mount Si was getting some great rebounds and steals in the second frame, but just wasn’t making the shots. Then, guard/forward Beau Shain suffered an

By Calder Productions

See BASKETBALL, Page 13

Wildcat Trent Riley goes for a lay-up Dec. 14 against Lake Washington. Mount Si won, 60-49.

Season starts well for Wildcat gymnasts

By Sebastian Moraga

Contributed

The Mount Si High School gymnastics team continues to be a force in the KingCo Conference, with strong showings against Sammamish, Lake Washington and Juanita to start the season. In the last meet before press time, they defeated the totems 160.9 to 149.25.

Head coach Jessica Easthope said the Wildcat gymnasts are ‘pumped’ for a strong season and getting better every day, with 10 girls who can compete in any event on any given night.

As the days get colder, the Mount Si High School gymnasts continue to heat up, delivering impressive performances in all four disciplines.

“The girls are pumped,” head coach Jessica Easthope wrote in an email, “and showing improvements in every meet. Little by little, they are getting cleaner, trying to incorporate their higher-valued skills into their routines and get comfortable with them.”

The team, Easthope said, has 10 girls able to compete in any event.

On vault, Easthope highlighted the performance of Hailey Johnson and foreign exchange student Pauline Kaczmarek, a sophomore and senior, respectively.

Johnson and Kaczmarek finished first and second in vault at the team’s last meet against Sammamish Dec. 13 at Mount Si High School.

Johnson scored a 9.45 and Kaczmarek scored 9.4.

“We’re definitely seeing

all her hard work pay off in her scores,” Easthope wrote of Johnson, while Kaczmarek is “showing improvements in amplitude in every meet,” she added.

On beam, senior Elizabeth Holmes, junior

Carissa Castagno, and sophomores Johnson and Jenn Rogers have all posted good scores.

“They have been staggered from meet to meet, but if we can get all four of these ladies to stick and

pull it together in one night, we are going to look strong,” Easthope wrote.

Assistant coach Jessica Trotto added that Rogers had the top all-around See GYMNASTS, Page 13

SnoValley Star

DECEMBER 20, 2012

PAGE 13

Gymnasts From Page 12

By Calder Productions

Searching for an assist Grace Currie, Mount Si High School guard, looks to pass the ball during the Dec. 14 game against Lake Washington. The Wildcats lost to the Kangs, 60-49.

Basketball From Page 12

ankle injury and was led off the court.

But with just seconds left in the second period, Riley tied it up, 24-24, followed by a free-throw shot by Jason Smith for Mount Si’s first lead in the game. Smith was Mount Si’s second highest scorer with 11 points.

Wildcats point guard Levi Botten brought in two

more free-throw points to end the period with a 27-24 lead at the half, which they didn’t give up the rest of the game.

The Kangs’ high scorers for the night were Kelly Guy and Jeffery Staudercher, with 10 and 12 points, respectively.

But they couldn’t get around Mount Si’s aggressive defense.

Helm said before the game that it should be an interesting season since he has two players return-

ing who had to sit out last year due to injuries. He was referring to Riley and center Tyler McCreadie.

“I had three starters out last year and 12 to 14 players who had never played varsity before,” Helm said. “This year is exciting because now most have at least a year’s experience under their belts. We’re itching to get going.”

After the win over the Kangs, Helm said he was proud of how everyone played.

“We came out and got a win and protected our home court,” he said.

The Wildcats did lose, 60-51, the following day to Mercer Island, for a 2-1 overall record.

score in the first two meets of the season.

Against the Totems, Holmes and Johnson finished second and third on beam. Holmes scored an 8.3 and Johnson scored an 8.2. Mykaela Dodson, of Sammamish, won with a score of 9.4.

On bars, senior Hannah Richmond continued the family tradition — her sister Kennedy placed among the best in the state for two consecutive years in 2010-2011.

This year, Easthope wrote, Hannah has grown more confident and brave in her performance. Kaczmarek and Mackenzie Brown also look to make an impact as the season progresses.

Kaczmarek and Richmond finished second and third on bars against Sammamish. Johnson and Castagno finished fourth and fifth, and Mount Si’s Maggie Kenow and Brown finished sixth and seventh. Dodson won that event, too.

“Bars altogether is getting stronger for each of my girls,” Easthope wrote. “They know

Up next The team has a meet at Mercer Island Dec. 20 and at Bellevue Jan. 10. The girls return home to face the Bellevue Wolverines again Jan. 17 and the Mercer Island Islanders on Senior Night, Jan. 24. All meets start at 4:30 p.m.

where their weaknesses are, have been working hard to improve and it’s really paying off.”

On floor, Richmond, Rogers and Castagno lead the way in an event that has become a favorite of both the team and the fans.

“That pushes the girls more,” Easthope wrote of the crowd’s predilection for floor. She called it the strongest event traditionally for Mount Si. Castagno and Richmond finished 1-2 against the Totems, with scores of 9.15 and 9.05, respectively.

“There’s the potential for a few more of my girls to push the envelope on the 9.0 mark,” Easthope wrote.

“It’s being greedy, but if we can put five 9.0s on floor, it will be a dream!”

SNOQUALMIE VALLEY

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

Hailey Johnson Gymnastics Her coach, Jessica Easthope says, “She’s really stepped it up on every event, her leadership has been invaluable. She flat out stuck.”

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SnoValley Star

PAGE 14

DECEMBER 20, 2012

Local businessman says thank you

Contributed

This bearded friend of insurance agent Jeff Warren will make an appearance during an event Warren will host to thank the community for five years of support. Warren will show two movies —’Elf’ and ‘The Hobbit’ — for free at the North Bend Theatre 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 23.

Jeff Warren, the goateed, smart-alecky, music-loving, Santaknowing, insuranceselling businessman will thank his customers/ fans in fine style for five years of support since he moved to the Snoqualmie Valley from Illinois.

Warren will host a day at the North Bend Theatre where two movies will show for free Dec. 23. The first movie is “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell, and the second movie is “The Hobbit,” the newest installment of the Lord of the Rings series. The former is rated PG and the latter is rated PG-13.

At the time of the move from the Land of Lincoln, Warren was the married father of a 3-year-old. Now, Kylie Warren is in third grade at North Bend Elementary School, but for the Warrens, the progress reports only begin there.

A month after moving to Washington, his wife Teresa was diagnosed with breast cancer. On Oct. 28, she celebrated four years as a cancer survivor, and last month, she received a clean bill of health from her latest oncology checkup.

home services

To top it all off, Warren said his business is thriving, economic downturn and all.

He said he attributes his success to his desire to help others and explain insurance in layman’s terms, and to his team of employees, office manager Leigh Stone, Rachel Eubanks and Sam Matthyse.

Feb. 1 is the official five-year anniversary for Warren’s business, but why wait? “Elf” will show at 2 p.m. and “The Hobbit” will show at 5 p.m. Refreshments, gifts and insurance advice will be available to the public.

And one of Warren’s closest buddies will take a break from overseeing his toy making operation in the North Pole and make an appearance at the theater, 125 Bendigo Blvd. N. “I know him personally,” Warren said. “He’s a damn good-looking Santa.”

If you can’t make it to the movie, Warren said he hopes you’ll show up and say hello at his office, 8429 Falls Ave. S.E. “Life has been better to me than I have ever been to it,” Warren said.

Washington State Construction Contractor law requires that all advertisers for construction related services include the contractor registration number.

Maple Boys recipe If you’re looking for a special Christmas morning breakfast, you have come to the right newspaper. These adorable little boys have become a tradition at family gatherings and at our bed and breakfast. Everyone loves them and all of their maple-y goodness.

This recipe makes about a dozen Maple Boys. These are perfect for making on Christmas Eve, and then refrigerating and baking the next morning. q 5 teaspoons yeast q 1/2 cup water at about 110 degrees q 1 tablespoon sugar q 1/2 cup sugar q 3/4 cup instant mashed potatoes stirred together with 3/4 cup warm water q 2 1/2 teaspoons salt q 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110 degrees or cooler) q 1/2 cup shortening q 2 eggs q 7 cups white flour (a little more if needed) Place yeast into large bowl. Add warm water and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Give a little swirl and let sit for about 10 minutes in a warm place until somewhat bubbly. This is a great time to get the other ingredients ready.

After yeast mixture has bloomed, add ingredients listed above. Mix well with a whisk, and while adding flour, switch over to a wooden spoon for stirring until dough steers away from the edges of the bowl and clings more to the spoon.

Dough will have gone from somewhat soupy to more elasticity. Give or take, it can take about 7 cups of flour to reach this point.

This isn’t an exact measurement because the amount of flour you’ll need depends on how much moisture is in the air. Kneed with hands about 6-8 minutes. Cover with a clean warm, damp towel and let dough sit in a warm place for about an hour, or until dough has doubled in size.

Turn happily risen dough onto flour-covered countertop. Coat with a little bit of flour and roll out to about 1/2 inch thick. Find a gingerbread boy cookie cutter that is about 5-6 inches tall. Swoosh in flour a bit so it doesn’t stick to the dough, and then use

to create Christmas magic.

If you don’t have a gingerbread cookie cutter, you can just cut into rectangles and make baked maple bars. I promise you that they will taste just as amazing.

If baking on the same day, place oven on 350F to preheat. Place boys on a baking sheet coated with nonstick baking spray or parchment paper. Let sit on tray in a warm place until doubled in size (about 45 minutes), or if your oven has a proofing setting, you can place them in there for about a half-hour to speed things up. After they’re done rising, bake for about 20 minutes or until light golden brown.

If making the night before, cover with nonstick spray coated plastic wrap and place in fridge.

Finally, the almost holy maple frosting: q 8 cups powdered sugar q 6 ounces cream cheese, softened q 2 ounces of (salted) butter, softened q 8 tablespoons of water q 8 teaspoons of Mapleine q 1/4 teaspoon of salt Cool maple boys for about 5-10 minutes and then coat with maple frosting. You’ll also need about 1 cup of powdered sugar and a teaspoon or so of water mixed together to create the white frosting for the gingerbread-y cuteness. Use a decorating bag with a small tip to decorate your maple boys as pictured. Your family might actually have a hard time deciding between gift opening and Maple Boys. OK, maybe not, but there’s no better way to start Christmas morning than to spoil them with both.

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.

Calendar

DECEMBER 20, 2012

Music/ entertainment q End of the World Black Dog Party, dinner followed by a night of local music including Left Coast Gypsies, Late Summers Travelers, Camelia Jade and Mike Antone, Sun Tunnels and Tree of Thoughts, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21, The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 831-3647 q Contra Dance at the Sallal Grange, soup bread and beverages available 7 p.m. Dec. 21, start-up lesson at 7:30 and dancing scheduled for 8-10 p.m.

Admission is a suggested donation of $5-10. Sallal Grange is located at 12912 432nd Ave. S.E., North Bend. Call Leah at 4452840 to learn more. q Jonny Smokes, 9 p.m. Dec. 22, Finaghty’s Irish Pub, 7726 Center Blvd. S.E., Suite 110, Snoqualmie, 888-8833 q Alpenfolk Christmas Special, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 23, Boxley’s, 101 W. 101 North Bend Way, 2929307 q Open Mic Night, 8 p.m. Dec. 24, Snoqualmie Brewery and Taproom, 8032 Falls Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 831-2357.

Events q The White House: 2012 Christmas Light Show, every half hour from 5-10 p.m., through Dec. 31, 35524 S.E. 42nd St., Fall City. The show features lights synchronized to music. The show can be heard on 87.7 FM. Admission is free with a donation of a non-perishable food item to the Fall City Community Food Pantry. Make donations at Fall City’s Farmhouse Market, Creative Business Advantage, the Fall City United Methodist Church and SnoFalls Credit Union.

In Snoqualmie, make your donations at the Ridge IGA Supermarket. You may also make a monetary donation at www.fallcityfoodpantry.org. q Make and take holi-

PAGE 15

Snake bit by nature’s beauty

Wondering about wildlife

Shawna Litwin, a Riverbend resident near North Bend, shot this fall photo a couple of years ago from Rattlesnake Lake looking toward Mount Si.

By Shawna Litwin

December

Contributed

Enjoy a free Family Fun Day at the Cedar River Watershed Education Center, featuring ‘Wondering about Wildlife,’ from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 27 at 19901 Cedar Falls Road S.E., North Bend. Learn about Karelian bear dogs (above) and the wildlife of the watershed through hands-on activities, crafts, wildlife presentations and nature walks during winter break. Learn more by calling 206-733-9421. day gifts at the YMCA, 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 21, Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 35018 S.E. Ridge St. Prior registration required. $10 per family for YMCA members, $15 per family for non-facility members. q Kids’ Night Out holiday party at the YMCA, 6-10 p.m. Dec. 22. Drop the children off in their PJs while you and your spouse enjoy a free night; $18 per child for facility members, $26 per child for program members, $34 per child for non-members.

Call 425-25-3115 to learn more.

Snoqualmie. Learn more at www.stclaresnoqualmie. wordpress.com or call 8316175. q Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church children’s choir performs at 3 p.m. Dec. 24. The teen choir will perform at 5 p.m. 39025 S.E. Alpha St., Snoqualmie, 888-2974.

2 3 4 5 9 10 11 12 16 17 18 19 23 24 25 26 30 31

2012

1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29

North Bend Library Unless otherwise noted, all events occur at 115 E. Fourth St. North Bend.

888-0554. Library will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. All county libraries will close at 5 p.m. Dec. 31. q Mount Si Artists Guild Exhibition, through Dec. 31, during library hours. Theme this year is “Seasonal Fun.” q Study Zone, 3 p.m.

Dec. 20, 2 p.m. Dec. 23 and 30. Drop in during scheduled hours for free homework help in all sub-

To Grandma’s house we go

Churches

jects. For teens. q SnoValley Writers Work Group, 3 p.m. Dec. 23, join other local writers for writing exercises, critique and lessons on voice, plot and point of view. Adults only. Contact snovalleywrites@gmail for assignment prior to coming to class. q Family Story Time, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 26, all young children welcome with adult. Share the wonderful world of books with your child and come for stories songs and surprises. q Infant and Toddler Story Time, 11 a.m. Dec. 31, newborn to age 3 with adult, siblings and older children welcome.

Snoqualmie Library Unless otherwise noted, all events occur at 7824 Center Blvd.

S.E., Snoqualmie. 8881223. Library will be

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

Leah Fitzgerald

A Homehelper for all Seasons!

(Santa’s at Red Oak) Independent & Customized Assisted Living Care Community at the foot of Mt. Si

Winner of Snoqualmie Valley 2012 Best Senior Care Award 650 E. North Bend Way & North Bend www.redoakresidence.com

425.888.7108

Send us your calendar item by emailing us at smoraga@snovalleystar.com.

EXPERT INTERVENTION MAKES A DIFFERENCE. Be represented by legal professionals who are compassionate and experienced advocates.

• Automobile Collisions • Employment & Work Injuries • Product Liability • Insurance Claims • Pharmaceutical Claims • Civil Litigation

q St. Clare Episcopal Church children will perform the Christmas story 5 p.m. Dec. 24, 8650 Railroad Ave/Highway 202,

Everyone Needs a Little Help Now and Then...

closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. All county libraries will close at 5 p.m. Dec. 31. q Learn about eBooks, 11 a.m. Dec. 20, 27. Learn how to download eBooks to your eReader or computer during this demonstration. For adults. q Snoqualmie Valley Genealogy Group, 10 a.m. Dec. 21. 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 in front of a computer. q Anime and Manga Club, 3 p.m. Dec. 26, watch anime movies, eat popcorn and practice your anime drawing. All skill levels welcome.

Jerry & Michele Pearson

Free Case Evaluations

35131 SE Douglas Street Suite 103 Snoqualmie, WA 98065 425-831-3100 • 800-423-8473 www.pearsonlawfirm.com

Appointments throughout Washington

SnoValley Star

PAGE 16

DECEMBER 20, 2012

North Bend woman wins KCLS award

By Sebastian Moraga If John Denver were a song’s best friend, Penny Humphrey may well be a book’s.

Humphrey, a North Bend resident and member of the Friends of the North Bend Library, received the King County Library System Foundation’s Friend of the Year award Oct. 20.

“She’s given the library a lot of time and energy for many years,” former North Bend librarian Lois Hartwig wrote in an email to Friends of the North Bend Library member Dotty Kelly.

Kelly also praised Humphrey, saying she has shown initiative and creativity and a professional approach to the group’s projects.

“Like the book sale,” Kelly said. “Organizing it is a huge job, and Penny has been just a very good leader.”

The Friends of the North Bend Library raises money to support the library’s adult, teen and children’s reading programs. The group also spearheads beautification programs for the library and the annual book

By Contributed

North Bend Library librarian Irene Wickstrom (right) introduces Penny Humphrey during an award ceremony in Issaquah Oct. 20. Humphrey received the King County Library System’s ‘Friend of the Year’ award for 2012. sale. It also keeps a shelf stacked with books for sale year round.

Humphrey said she did not know she had even been nominated for the award. She first found out when she received a letter from KCLS, telling her she had won.

A lifelong reader, she said she believes libraries will transition well into the new era of Kindles and iPads. She owns an iPad herself, and checks out digital books at the library she loves so well.

“They both have their conveniences,” she said of paper and digital books, “but it’s still nice to hold a

book in your hands.”

Besides, she said, people still need someone to help them find “that special book you don’t know about.”

Raised in Seattle, she remembers walking to her neighborhood branch of the Seattle Public Library on 35th Street. Both her dad and a sibling were big readers. Now, she has two children.

“One of my kids is, one of my kids isn’t,” she said with a laugh, before adding they both were very excited to hear she had won.

Humphries joined the Friends of the North Bend Library in 2005 when she

Every child should be treated the way we’d like our own children treated.

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retired from her job as part-owner of an arbitration-and-mediation company.

“I needed to find something to give back, and since I love books and I love being in the library, that was a logical choice,” she said.

Books have always been her friends. Like many a voracious reader, she has no favorite author or title, she just simply loves to be taken away by a good read.

“It’s a good escape,” she said. “It’s wonderful entertainment, and you learn a tremendous amount, obviously.”

Sometimes, her passion earns her a few raised eyebrows around the house.

“I would drive into the garage listening to an audiobook, and I would have to stop at a part of the book that I didn’t want to stop in,” she said.

“So, I would stay. My husband would look in and go, ‘What are you doing in there?’ and I would go, ‘Just wait until the end of the chapter.’”

Photos by Sebastian Moraga

Saving Christmas for many North Bend’s David Cook (above) helps shelve toys for the annual One VOICE event Dec. 13 and 14. One VOICE gets more than 40 nonprofits, churches, businesses, service organizations and private donors to contribute items for low-income families in the Snoqualmie Valley.

This year, the items included jackets, footballs, toys, books, toiletries and rows of bottles of cranberry juice.

Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext.

221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com.

Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

Don’t let Valley families go hungry The Mt. Si Helping Hand Food Bank serves 300 children and their parents and 150 senior citizens from Snoqualmie Valley every week.

Budget cuts have made the future of the food bank uncertain, and that’s just not acceptable.

Join the SnoValley Star in insuring that the Mt. Si Food Bank will be here next year, and the year after that…

WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

Send donations to Fund for the Valley, c/o SnoValley Star, PO Box 2516, North Bend, WA 98045

Donor names will be published (but not amounts) unless anonymity is requested.