snovalleystar122211

A Christmas not quite miracle, but something really nice Page 8

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

December 22, 2011 VOL. 3, NO. 51

Elk hunt at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge squelched

By Dan Catchpole

Snoqualmie OKs budget “Conservative” spending plan cuts some services.

Page 2

Police blotter Page 6

Community recipe box Warm up the holidays with gingerbread cookies.

Page 8

Pollard sworn in Gene Pollard wins hospital district seat by six votes.

Page 10

A plan to discourage elk from visiting — and tearing up — TPC Snoqualmie Ridge golf course by allowing a limited hunt by master hunters has been put on hold indefinitely by the club’s owners.

The hunt had been set to begin Dec. 19, but public outcry about the announcement caused the club’s owners to reconsider their position. What will happen next and when is not clear.

“We have no comment,” said Brian Donohue, vice-president of BrightStar Golf Group, which bought the club in 2008.

The golf course has endured increasing damage from a subset of Snoqualmie Valley’s elk herd for two years, and has worked

with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officials to discourage the animals from visiting the Jack Nicklaus-designed course. However, nothing had proven effective, and the elk have caused worse damage in some cases, according to Ryan Whitney, the club’s general manager.

Loud and quick response Public response came soon after the story was first reported Dec. 12 on www.snovalleystar.com. Calls and emails opposed to the hunt flooded into TPC Snoqualmie Ridge and Department of Fish and Wildlife offices.

“This proposed action makes us embarrassed to live on the Ridge,” Gary and Joyce

Tomlinson wrote in the comment section on the Star’s website.

Another Snoqualmie Ridge resident, Beci Mahnken, said the incident would change how she sees the golf course and even the city, which did not oppose the hunt.

“The thought of what will happen just down the street from my home, in a packed residential area, is upsetting,” she wrote in an email.

Moving to Snoqualmie meant living in close proximity to wildlife. An immediate threat to a person’s life would justify selfdefense, she said, “but that’s a far cry from damaging a green.”

Ongoing problem For TPC officials and its own-

One VOICE helps Valley families B to the U to the S

By Sebastian Moraga

Balanced approach

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

See ELK, Page 2

Food bank aids all families

School bus driver raps his safety messages.

Page 14

Gymnastics team is poised for a new season.

Page 16

ers, damage to greens and fairways means economic loss.

Golfers don’t want to play on a course that is torn up, and the club has spent substantial amounts of money in the past two years on repairs and attempts to drive the elk away, Whitney said.

However, Whitney and Donohue declined to quantify the extent of economic damage the club has suffered.

The club had asked fish and wildlife officials to be included in its Master Hunter Permit Program, which conducts limited elk hunts on private property — at the owner’s request — in developed areas in the upper Valley. The department’s

By Clay Eals

Curstyn Williamson (left) and Zoe Thompson, members of the Twin Falls Middle School Key Club, sort toys Dec. 14, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Bend for the One VOICE Holiday Event on the following two days. The event helped several hundred Snoqualmie Valley families in need. More than two dozen organizations, businesses and community groups put on One VOICE’s inaugural holiday event.

Salish Lodge & Spa hosts Christmas events A fixture in America’s Christmas traditions is coming to Snoqualmie.

Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu Bailey in Frank Capra’s classic film “It’s A Wonderful Life,” will read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the Salish Lodge & Spa from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 22.

As Zuzu Bailey, Grimes gave breath to the

now-famous line, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” The actress lives in the Snoqualmie Valley and has performed the annual reading for several years. Learn more about her at www.zuzu.net.

The Salish Lodge & Spa is also hosting a Holiday Tea from 2-4 p.m. on Saturdays through Dec. 30, in the inn’s dining room. Ten percent of proceeds from the tea go to the Sno-Valley Center, which is run by Hopelink.

It feeds your tummy, your family and your soul.

The family of 17-year-old Jaykrishna Dave gets its food from the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank.

For religious reasons, the biweekly haul is mostly veggies, no meat.

For sentimental reasons, the biweekly haul is mostly fond memories, no regrets, in Jaykrishna’s mind.

As a member of Mount Si High School’s Key Club, Jaykrishna volunteered for almost a year at the food bank.

“If you are going to take something,” Jaykrishna said, “you have got to give something, too.”

A native of India, Jaykrishna arrived with his family to Snoqualmie in July 2008, before moving to North Bend in February 2009. Before long, the food bank filled a vital need in his family’s diet.

“There’s a Indian grocery store in Bellevue,” said Janardan Dave (pronounced Dah-VAY), Jaykrishna’s dad. “But it’s too long of a distance.”

Instead, the family stocks up See FOOD, Page 2

SnoValley Star

PAGE 2

DECEMBER 22, 2011

Snoqualmie 2012 budget makes modest cuts to cope with tight revenue

By Dan Catchpole Snoqualmie City Council passed a conservative budget for 2012 that makes modest cuts while preserving services.

The council adopted the budget at its Dec. 12 meeting.

While next year’s $15 million budget is balanced, the city’s finance officer, Rob Orton, is concerned about the future health of the city’s general fund. In recent years, Snoqualmie’s general fund, which pays for day-to-day operations, has seen its revenue streams come under increasing strain from the sluggish economy and voter-approved limits on taxes.

To balance the budget in 2012, the city cut some costs, such as freezing salaries for all non-union employees, and it will use $518,000 of its reserves.

The salary freeze saved the city about $165,000.

Snoqualmie also saved about $160,000 by switching to a health insurance plan with fewer options.

Snoqualmie had to contend with modest cost increases.

Budget officials expect the cost of its fire department to rise

State will require rabies vaccine in dogs, cats, ferrets Under a rule due to go into effect Jan. 1, the state is requiring dog, cat and ferret owners to vaccinate the animals against rabies.

The rule is meant to reduce the number of rabies exposures in Washington. Statewide each

from an estimated $1.76 million in 2011 to $2.09 million next year.

The cost of police services is rising from an estimated $3.27 million this year to $3.34 million next year.

The increases are due, in part, to anticipated rises in the costs of the city’s contracts with the fire and police unions, Orton said.

Both contracts are still being negotiated.

The increases also include price increases in equipment replacement, minor building improvements and services costs.

But while costs rise, there is little that Snoqualmie can do to increase its revenue. In Washington, cities can adjust only the rate on non-regulated utilities and the business and occupation tax. They can also increase property taxes by 1 percent.

The health of municipal coffers depends on the local economy.

“People now are expecting local government to live on the rise and fall of the economy,” Orton said.

But there is little individual

cities can do to affect the economy. Snoqualmie is trying to boost its own economic future by enticing some of the millions of tourists who visit the area each year to travel to the city and spend some money.

Doing that could become more difficult next year, as the city is losing its full-time economic planner. Instead, those duties will be handled by the director of the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Currently, the position is empty. Once filled, the city will pay part of the director’s salary.

In Snoqualmie, city officials took what they call a careful approach with short-term revenue sources by largely setting them aside for one-time uses.

The city has seen a boost in its retail sales tax revenue due to the construction project underway at Snoqualmie Falls.

But that project is slated to wrap up by March 2013, so the City Council decided to put that money aside for a one-time use rather than use it for dayto-day operations like a sustainable source of income.

The approved 2012 budget includes a 3 percent increase in city-run utilities.

year, several hundred people must receive a series of rabies shots because of possible exposure to the rabies virus.

The state Department of Health’s Zoonotic Disease Program said the rule requires owners of dogs, cats and ferrets to have pets vaccinated against rabies.

Many cities and counties require rabies vaccinations for

some pets, but vaccinations have never been required by the state. Vaccinating pets is one of the most effective ways of preventing rabies.

In Washington, bats act as the primary source of rabies.

Many bats test positive each year for rabies across the state.

If a person is exposed to rabies, he or she should seek treatment immediately.

By Sebastian Moraga

Veronica Quiroz (left) holds a bag of groceries she gathered from the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank. Quiroz, who does not speak English, said the language barrier is no barrier at all at the food bank.

Food From Page 1 on veggies and some dessert at the little warehouse tucked between a church and the library in downtown North Bend.

“It’s been very good, very good,” Janardan said. “Good variety, fresh variety.”

Janardan speaks in clipped sentences, perhaps fearful of making a mistake in the American English he said he still does not master.

“We speak British English,” he said of himself and his wife.

“Ninety percent of what we hear, we can understand.”

Veronica Quiroz does not speak English.

A North Bend resident for the

Elk From Page 1

Contributed

Elk tracks cover a fairway at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge. The private club has experienced ongoing damage to its grounds, caused by a subset of Snoqualmie Valley’s elk herd, for two years.

enforcement officials verified the damage and determined that a hunt could be safely conducted.

When the golf course was first planned, there was little concern about elk, because the Valley’s herd was small and lived in more remote areas, said Brian Kertson, the Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist for the region that includes the upper Valley.

Human residential development has proven to be a boon for the elk, which are not native to the area.

“The herd grew because of the existence of really, really high-quality elk habitat within the development,” Kertson said.

past seven years, one of the things the Mexico-born Quiroz appreciates the most about the food bank is that language is not a barrier.

“You put your name in and they find you in the computer,” she said in Spanish. “They just give you a little square, pink or yellow.”

Quiroz, mother of two, gets the yellow square, meant for a four-person family. After that she gets her food.

“The children like the fruit,” she said. “So I get them the fruit.”

Her oldest child is a 5-yearold girl. Her youngest is a 2month-old boy. Once her boy arrived, the food bank stepped up, Quiroz, said.

“Diapers, Gerber, milk,” she said. “They found many ways to help. I don’t know what I would do if it closed.”

“Residential development offers better benefits to elk than those wildlands.”

Among the neatly laid out housing developments, elk found good food and few predators, he said.

The Valley herd probably has not hit the area’s biological carrying capacity — the number of a particular animal capable of existing in a certain area, he said. But they are bumping up against the area’s social carrying capacity — the number of animals tolerated by humans.

Part of the department’s mandate is managing natural resources such as elk, which means “finding that sweet spot” for social carrying capacity, Kertson said. “The reality is there’s no easy answer.”

Dan Catchpole: 396-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

SnoValley Star

DECEMBER 22, 2011

PAGE 3

OPEN UNTIL 10 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK Drive Through Convenience With Reservation Pricing

Visit us on Facebook find out how to

WIN 2 TICKETS

Congratulations to last week’s Santa Train winners Keith & Vanessa

to the Snoqualmie Casino Buffet

SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Tobacco Smoke Increases The Risk Of Lung Cancer And Heart Disease, Even In Nonsmokers

www.snotobaccoandliquor.com *All prices do not include sales tax * All prices subject to change without notice.

SMOKELESS TOBACCO Log $9.99 $9.99 $9.99 $9.99

Copenhagen Wintergreen Copenhagen Straight LC Copenhagen Natural Extra LC Skoal Xtra

WARNING: This product is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.

Can $1.99 Grizzly $1.99 Kodiak $1.99 Husky $1.99

Log $14.69 $23.99 $15.29

Can $3.29 $5.29 $3.45

SHOP LOCALLY – ALWAYS FRESH! Skookum Creek

Skookum Creek – A Locally Crafted Tribal Brand COMPLETE Carton $39.75 Pack $4.45

PREMIS Carton $38.75 Pack $4.35

TRADITIONS Carton $47.49 Pack $4.99

ISLAND BLENDZ Carton $16.49 Pack $1.89

$5 off the purchase of any carton 12/21/11 - 12/31/11

MAJOR BRANDS CARTON PACK Marlboro $59.54 $6.35 Camel $58.05 $6.21 Winston $57.05 $6.11 Newport $59.58 $6.36 Vir. Slim $63.15 $6.72 Now featuring fine Humidor Cigars

Marlboro 72’s Pall Mall Box Amer. Spirit Kool Parliament Jäger Bomb

Free 8.3oz Red Bull with the purchase of .75 L of Jägermeister 12/21/11 - 12/31/11

Directions:

I-90 East bound take exit 27 turn left (North). Follow North Bend Way around curve.

I-90 West bound take exit 31 (North Bend) and follow the signs to the reservation.

CARTON $49.54 $54.64 $66.40 $61.55 $64.35 Stop in and check out our Made in Washington Craft Distillerly Selection Featuring – Soft Tail Vodka, Peabody Jones Vodka, Skip Rock Vodka, Dry Fly Gin and many more…

PACK $5.35 $5.86 $7.04 $6.56 $6.84 Fine Humidor Cigars

10% off all Holiday Cigar Gift Packs 12/21/11 - 12/31/11

Store Hours: Open 7 Days a week 7am - 10pm Daily SUNDAYS TOO!

HOLIDAY HOURS: 10am - 10pm Xmas Day 37500 SE North Bend Way Snoqualmie, WA 98065 (425) 888-3071 *Tobacco & Liquor company promotes the responsible use of Tobacco products. If you are interested in quitting smoking please visit http://www.smokefree.gov/ or call 1-800-QUIT NOW to learn more about the resources available to you.

Opinion

PAGE 4

Editorial

Letters

Celebrate holidays by helping others

Heartfelt thank you to Snoqualmie Valley residents

The economy seems to be picking up steam, but things are still tight for many families. In Snoqualmie Valley, most residents still have presents under the tree or near the menorah.

Now is the time to remember those in greater need than you. It doesn’t hurt that it is also the end of the year, a good time to assess your finances and your tax bracket to determine your ability to give.

Valley residents as a whole are among those in a position to share. We have no doubt that most in the area are generous with what they have.

For Valley families making donations, the only real question is which charity to support, which one can make a real difference in the lives of others.

These agencies do good work helping others help themselves. We recommend local tax-deductible donations to: Fund for the Valley — A fund set up by the SnoValley Star to support local charities. This year’s recipient is the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank. Donate by mailing checks to Fund for the Valley, c/o SnoValley Star, P.O. Box 2516, North Bend, WA 98045.

House of Hope — This privately-funded shelter for homeless women with children transitions families into stable housing situations. Along the way, the women learn the skills they need to succeed. It is run by Mamma’s Hands, a Bellevue-based group. Donate online at www.mammashands.org, or mail donations to Mamma’s Hands, P.O. Box 40464, Bellevue, WA 98015-4464. Make your checks payable to “Mamma’s Hands.”

Hopelink — Food, shelter, homelessness prevention, child development, transportation and adult literacy education. Donate online at www.hope-link.org. Mail checks or drop off food donations to 16225 N.E. 87th St., Suite A-1, P.O. Box 3577, Redmond, WA 98073.

Once the holiday gifts are unwrapped and the winter vacation is over, take a few minutes to count your blessings and consider a year-round gift to community neighbors nearby.

WEEKLY POLL Do you believe in Santa Claus?

A. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

B. No! It’s poppycock.

C. I certainly know someone who looks like Santa.

Vote online at www.snovalleystar.com.

Deborah Berto Kathleen R. Merrill Jill Green

Publisher Managing editor Advertising manager

Dan Catchpole

Editor

Sebastian Moraga

Published by

Ari Cetron

Page designer

Michelle Comeau

ISSAQUAH PRESS, INC. P.O. Box 1328 Issaquah, WA 98027 Phone: 392-6434 Fax: 391-1541

Reporter Advertising rep.

MAIL SUBSCRIPTION

$30 per year Call 392-6434

With the demand for toys increasing since 2009, the kindness and generosity of the people in the Snoqualmie Valley has shown brightly this holiday season. The Snoqualmie Valley Toy Drive doubled the toys received from the past two years combined! Hundreds of terrific new toys were collected including four brand new bicycles to benefit the Kiwanis Giving Tree.

A special thanks goes out to Deputy Amy Jarboe for all her hard work in expanding the toy drive to the King County Sheriff’s Office in North Bend and hosting a special visit from Santa Claus.

We appreciate the Sheriff’s Office allowing her to use their facilities to collect so many toys.

Thanks to everyone who contributed wonderful gifts this year. While you couldn’t see the smiles on their faces, you can be certain that you made a little girl or boy happy this Christmas and helped a family in need.

DECEMBER 22, 2011

Thank you so much and have a wonderful holiday!

Hold up the hotel

The editorial of your last issue (Dec. 15) proclaimed “Hunting elk is a humane solution.” One might wonder just what exactly is humane about killing unsuspecting wildlife. Perhaps gunning them down is more humane than poisoning, strangling, or starvation, but I would think even more humane solutions might include tranquilizing or trapping and relocating.

Alert TPC golf officials declared fence-building impossible when they realized a fence would need gates. But, thankfully, the executions will be left to the elite “Master Hunters” who can shoot straight and have done 20 hours of work to benefit wildlife. These elk must be exterminated, else golf as we know it will reach extinction.

This is a call for action. Rush hour is coming to North Bend.

Sound the alarm for Forester Woods, Uplands, Harmon Heights, Southfork Road.

Let’s boycott that hotel application until we get another access road to the other side of I-90 between Snoqualmie Casino and North Bend. Write to your Congressman.

Stop the project until we can get across the freeway. We already get pinned in because water at Forest Woods floods our sole access road.

One year we had to cut the fence to get out.

Save our children from starving, dying from lack of medical care, getting lackey jobs because of lack of education, due to the lack of transportation.

Flood the hearings with vitriol. Throw it in the face of the developers and the greedy city.

Unite ‘Other Side of I-90.’

Rev. Jan Larson North Bend

Sheila Hunter North Bend

David and Lisa Cook North Bend

How is killing humane?

Home Country

A chance to look back at the past year

By Slim Randles When it’s cold, build a fire in the fireplace, or the woodburning heater, or maybe just light a candle and look in the flames, look deep in the flames for the answers.

I’ve always believed they are there, and this time of year is a time for questions. It is a time to weigh the events of the past year and toss them around and ask why.

It has been a good year for each of us in some respects, and a bad year in others. Just like every year.

A few of our young people died this year. Others were born.

Some precious old-timers left us, too, but at least they’d had the chance to hang and rattle and turn gray. It was the young ones that make us ask the tough questions.

But there were also the beautiful things that happened this last year. People went out of their way to help others. People tried valiantly to better themselves. Some did it by studying a foreign language. Some did it by taking wood shop at the community college. Dewey did it by managing to get acquainted with his dream woman. Doc held another of his unique golf tournaments to raise money for

winter clothes for kids. The old Miller dairy got pulled down.

Many of us were worried about kids playing in there and get- Slim Randles Columnist ting hurt. It really wasn’t safe any more. And while we’ll miss seeing it out there, with that big tobacco ad painted on its roof, we’d miss having those kids around even more. You make decisions and hope for the best.

There were some new homes built this year, and Steve has

been spending more and more time in his cabin up in the mountains not too far from Jasper Blankenship’s mining claim. Steve just needed a holeup spot. A place where a cowboy can go and no one can kick him out. And so our world says goodbye to another year and we’ll hope the next one is better, and it probably will be. Life brings the good and the bad together at this time of year and helps us wash our lives with a laugh and a tear and a dollop of forgiveness.

Brought to you by Slim’s award-winning advice book “A Cowboy’s Guide to Growing Up Right.” Start your year off right at www.nmsantos.com/Slim/Slim.html.

Write to us Snovalley Star welcomes letters to the editor about any subject, although we reserve the right to edit for space, length, potential libel, clarity or political relevance. Letters addressing local news will receive priority. Please limit letters to 350 words or less and type them, if possible. Email is preferred.

Letters must be signed and have a daytime phone number to verify authorship. Send them by Friday of each week to:

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

DECEMBER 22, 2011

SnoValley Star

PAGE 5

SnoValley Star

PAGE 6

Police Blotter Snoqualmie police DUI At 5:59 p.m. Dec. 10, police traveling north on Snoqualmie Parkway saw a car travel in the same direction without lights on. The car had no taillights, dim front driving lights and was traveling at about 10 mph under the speed limit.

When the vehicle stopped, just south of Fisher Street, the driver rolled down the window and the smell of marijuana emanated from the car. The driver had red, watery eyes and constricted pupils.

He told police he had a license, he just did not know where and identified himself with his passport. Police told him they could smell the pot and asked him where it was.

The driver, 42-year-old Travis Boothe, handed police a small container with about one gram of marijuana and a pipe.

After failing sobriety tests, he

was arrested for driving under the influence. Police took him to the Snoqualmie Police Department and later to Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, where personnel took two vials of blood from his arm.

He was released close to his residence, from where he requested to walk home.

DUI At 2:03 a.m. Dec. 10, police saw a car speeding in the 9200 block of Meadowbrook Way. The car, a 2011 Acura was clocked at 54 mph in a 35 mph zone.

Police stopped the vehicle in the 8200 block of Railroad Avenue. The driver and the interior of the vehicle smelled of alcohol and the driver struggled to find her purse.

The driver, 62-year-old Nancy Osborne was traveling with her son, who also appeared intoxicated.

After failing sobriety tests, she was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. She

was taken to the Snoqualmie Police Department. She was later booked into the King County Jail.

A wanted man At 11 a.m. Dec. 10, police watched a 1992 Honda drive south on 384th Street Southeast and saw that the Honda’s license plate was perpendicular to the road. Police also noticed that the exhaust system was broken, causing amplified engine noise.

Police stopped him and the driver said he had no I.D. on him. A status check showed the driver had a suspended license and two warrants for misdemeanors in Everett.

The Honda’s passenger also had a suspended license. Police arrested the driver and took him to the King County Jail.

Because that’s where the mail is At 6:13 p.m. Dec. 10, police arrived at the Snoqualmie Post Office regarding a theft of mail.

A man told police that his P.O. box had been pried open along with three others.

Police contacted postal authorities who told police the

425.396.1410 SnoValley Star Storage Special

5’x5’ unit

for $39!

Refer to this ad when you call for details.

victims needed to call on a weekday.

Police gave the victims that information along with the number to the postal inspector.

DUI At 12:25 a.m. Dec. 11, police saw a car southbound on Snoqualmie Parkway near Fairway Avenue.

The vehicle traveled at 11 mph above the 40 mph speed limit. Police stopped the car and when they contacted the driver, smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from him.

The driver, Justin Stepek from Illinois failed sobriety tests and police arrested him for driving under the influence. Stepek was taken to the Issaquah City Jail for booking.

DUI At 12:55 a.m. Dec. 11, police saw three vehicles headed north on Snoqualmie Parkway, the third vehicle seemed to be catching up to the others and speeding. Police clocked his speed at 46 mph in a 40 mph zone.

Police began following the vehicle as it inched closer to the other cars and bumped against

Everyone Needs a Little Help Now and Then...

Stress Depression Life Transitions Loss and Grief Relationship Problems

35501 SE Douglas Street Daily 9am - 6pm www.snoqualmieridgestorage.com

Patty Groves, M.A., L.M.H.C.

Issaquah Creek Counseling Center 545 Rainier Blvd. N., Issaquah www.issaquahcreekcounseling.com

(425) 898-1700

the curbing of the center median.

The driver, Isaac P. Eilers, 33, had a strong smell of alcohol and a red face. Eilers asked police for a ride home, stating he just lived around the corner, although his address was in Sammamish.

After failing sobriety tests and refusing to give a breath sample, Eilers was arrested for driving under the influence and taken to the Snoqualmie Police Department. He was later booked into the Issaquah City Jail.

North Bend fire ❑ At 12:20 p.m. Dec. 16, firefighters responded to a structure fire on 246th Avenue Southeast near Issaquah. ❑ At 10:47 p.m. Dec. 15, firefighters responded to a structure fire near the intersection of Southeast 136th Street and 423rd Avenue Southeast near North Bend. ❑ At 7:48 a.m. Dec. 12, firefighters responded to a structure fire near the intersection of Meadow Drive Southeast and Si View Place Southeast.

The Star publishes names of those arrested for DUI and those charged with felony crimes.

Information comes directly from local police reports. No information was available from North Bend Police or regarding Snoqualmie fire calls.

Follow us on Twitter @SnoValleyStar

Make An Offer on ALL Bikes & accessories

Another beautiful smile A “BIG” thank you to Dr. Kirby Nelson, Dr. Lee and Staff giving us three beautiful smiles. We went in to have orthodontic care and left with new found friendships. Thank you for always being friendly, caring, and reliable. It will be an experience we will always remember.

- Cierra, Angela and Aubry Anna Diaz

DECEMBER 22, 2011

in stock

Cierra, Angela and Aubry Anna Diaz, North Bend patients

Courtesy of

Get a great deal on Holiday Gifts!

2 year FREE tune-ups on new bikes

We’ve expanded • Plenty of easy parking • Family-owned bike store • Over 250 family & kids bikes in stock

Call to find your perfect smile...

Your dentist’s choice for their family www.kirbynelsonorthodontics.com North Bend Office 425-888-1896

Maple Valley Office 425-413-2121

Snoqualmie Ridge Office 425-831-0386

HOURS: Tues, Wed & Fri 10-6 Thurs & Sat 10-5 Sun & Mon CLOSED

410 Main Ave S. (Next to Ace Hardware) www.rattlesnakelakecycles.com www.rattlesnakecycles.net

DECEMBER 22, 2011

SnoValley Star

PAGE 7

Community

PAGE 8

DECEMBER 22, 2011

Boy receives a new bicycle a month after Thanksgiving fire Quiet leader’s old bicycle had been destroyed

By Sebastian Moraga

By Sebastian Moraga

Matthew Mortier can’t help but smile as he sits on his brand-new bicycle, a month after he lost his in a Thanksgiving fire in North Bend.

Compass Outdoor Adventures, Singletrack Cycles and Specialized Bicycles contributed to buy Mortier a new bike. Brandon Schmid, store manager of Singletrack, stands next to Mortier.

Warm up the holidays with gingerbread cookies

By Deanna Morauski What would the holidays be without gingerbread boys?

Sugar, spice and everything nice... We could all use a little more of these things in our lives.

Start celebrating today with these cookies, which win in the category of “Most likely to make someone smile.”

Cream together: 1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup brown sugar Add: 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon ginger 2 teaspoons Jamaican allspice (or allspice will work fine) 1 tablespoon ground cloves

1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg 1/2 cup molasses 1 egg Slowly add: 3 cups flour Preheat oven to 350F. Roll out dough onto a floured surface to about 1/4th of an inch thick.

Bake for about 8 minutes. Allow gingerbread boys to cool completely. Decorate with simple powdered sugar frosting: Add a few teaspoons of water to about 2 cups of powdered sugar. Stir well and pipe with a decorating bag onto gingerbread boys. Allow to dry overnight or for several hours before plating or wrapping.

Nine-year-old Matthew Mortier had his reasons.

He approached his new bicycle the way one would approach a newborn kitten — barely touching it, as if to convince himself it was real.

The Thanksgiving fire that destroyed his home in North Bend also destroyed his bicycle, less than two months after his grandma had given it to him.

Worse yet, he had to see his bicycle burnt to a crisp — on TV. So although his buddy Luke Talbott had told him about a new bike almost a week ago, Mortier could be excused if he kept quiet about it.

Not saying a word is Mortier’s M.O. Cate Reynolds, his grandmother said she wished he were more loquacious, but she could tell the shy child caressing the bike’s black seat as if he waited for it to purr, was excited.

“This is very much a blessing,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds had approached Talbott, a mountain biker like Mortier, and told him about the burnt bike.

Talbott is Mortier’s instructor in a leadership class for elementary school students.

Talbott’s company, Compass

Outdoor Adventures teamed up Mortier said. with Brandon Schmid of Talbott and the other adults Singletrack Cycles. Schmid then advised him to instead save his approached Specialized Bicycles tires and brakes. He might just and among the three, they got do that.

Mortier a new ride.

After all he’s a leader and “We just wanted to help out leaders are supposed to do the anyway we could,” said Schmid, right thing, no matter how hard. who added a kickstand and a Like days after the fire, when water bottle to the brand-new, Mortier and other members of 21-speed mountain bike.

Talbott’s class showed up to “Wanted to make sure he’s make brown bag lunches for ready to go.” homeless people.

The bicycle is valued at Talbott did not know it but at $359.99. that time Mortier’s home was “It’s the same, if not compacharred and burned. rable to the one he had,” “He did not say a word about Schmid said. “He had just gotten being in the fire,” Talbott said. it when he lost “He went to “He did not say a word it in the fire.” downtown The new fed the about being in the fire. He and bike looked homeless.” the way a new Now that went to downtown and fed bike is suphe was no the homeless.” posed to look. longer bikeShiny and less, Mortier — Luke Talbott immaculate. kept his silent Teacher ways.

Mortier looked the way his His grandgrandma said ma asked him he usually if this was looks. “the most awesome thing.”

Silent, with the slight hint of Mortier responded “uh-huh.” a smile on his lips, staring at his Mortier is a leader, though, new toy. and leaders know when to dole Once he strapped on the out the praise. helmet, Mortier’s feet spoke Sitting on his bike, he lifted volumes. his left palm for a high five and He took his new speedster without waiting for a response, and zoomed up the street he thanked Schmid. behind the store and back.

“You rock,” Mortier said.

When grown-ups told him to take it easy, he spoke his longest Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at sentence of the afternoon. www.snovalleystar.com.

“I want to do a burnout,”

SnoValley Star

DECEMBER 22, 2011

PAGE 9

New Mount Si Senior Center director is earning rave reviews

By Sebastian Moraga One month into the job, with the paint on her new office’s walls still looking immaculate, Mount Si Senior Center Director B.J. Libby lets out a sigh that is three parts contentment and one part impatience.

“I can’t wait for the honeymoon to be over,” she said, “so I can engage in the work of the center.”

Center members and visitors seem to think Libby is already plenty engaged and engaging.

“I teach watercolors here,” Audrey Zeder said. “Been here for more than a year and she has been the first person from the center to visit us for that class. It was so nice for her to take time on a Saturday and visit.”

With energy to spare and an easy smile, Libby seems to be winning people over faster than she can meet them.

A Nov. 7 open house was Libby’s community debut as a hostess of the center, and in her short speech she displayed many of the qualities that have people so enchanted with her.

She drew her share of yuks by asking a man in a Santa hat if he could bring her a yellow Lamborghini for Christmas, and then asking a woman whether the container of eggnog was spiked and then making a beeline for it.

Eric Thies earns Eagle Scout award Eric Thies, of Sammamish Troop 571, received his Eagle Scout Award in a Court of Honor ceremony Dec. 11 at the Skyline High School Theater.

For his Eagle project, Thies led a crew of volunteers in the construction of stairway railing and installation of pathway lighting at Valley Camp in North Bend. The planning and completion of the project took almost 125 hours.

On the road to Eagle Scout, Thies earned 28 merit badges, hiked more than 350 miles, spent 75 nights camping and provided more than 160 hours of community service.

He also earned the Triple Crown of National High Adventure award after completing a 110 mile backpack trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, a 63-mile canoe trek out of the Northern Tier Canoe Base in Atikokan, Canada, and being a crew member aboard a 57-foot racing catamaran from the Bahamas Sea Base.

Thies is a senior at Skyline High School, where he is the co-community liaison for the Associated Student Body, and is a four-year team member of the state champion Skyline High School football program.

“It’s a really good thing to have her here,” said Mary Ann Moss, who attended the open house. “She has a lot of great ideas it seems like.”

Ideas include tournaments that go beyond that staple of senior centers across America: bingo.

“I want to start a chess club here,” Libby said. “Checkers, cribbage, Scrabble…”

Someone suggested Texas Hold ‘em, and the crowd laughed.

“I want to hear laughter,” Libby added. “Laughter makes things more fun.”

Libby’s idea that has people

most intrigued is opening the center to people other than senior citizens.

“It’s very exciting,” Pam Whittington said. “It’s great for those who may not be young in age but are still young at heart.”

Mount Si Senior Center director B.J. Libby (right) welcomed people from the Valley to an open house, one of her first official activities as center director. Libby said she wanted the entire community, not just the elderly, to make the center its own.

By Sebastian Moraga

SnoValley Star

PAGE 10

from the merchants and children of Snoqualmie/North Bend

Gene Pollard wins hospital district commissioner seat by six votes King County Elections has declared Gene Pollard as the winner in the race for a seat on the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital District’s Board of Commissioners.

The department’s Canvassing Board verified Pollard’s win over Karyn Denton by six votes after a manual recount. The Snoqualmie resident garnered 4,613 votes.

The close outcome of the initial results triggered an automatic recount. In the final results, both candidates lost one vote, leaving Pollard’s lead unchanged.

Denton had been appointed to the position this past summer following Fritz Ribary’s resignation from the board.

Ribary left to Gene Pollard take a job as the hospital’s communications director.

Since Denton had been appointed rather than elected, Pollard takes over the position immediately, according to King County Elections officials.

He took the oath of office, which was administered by King County Judge Peter Nault on Dec. 16 in Issaquah.

The election’s outcome could have lasting effects for the district, which is getting ready to break ground on a $37 million facility.

Pollard ran on a reform platform, and has been critical of the district’s executive leadership and its decision-making process.

He has called for increased transparency and a refocusing on providing basic health services.

Denton supports the administration, which she used to belong to as the district’s former chief operating officer.

During the campaign, Denton said she would work for improving services and keeping costs down.

In a statement, Pollard thanked voters for participating.

“Our democracy clearly depends upon such participation. Each vote was very important, since my final margin of victory was only six votes,” he said. “I believe the outcome expressed the concern many voters have about the management of Snoqualmie Valley Hospital.”

DECEMBER 22, 2011

Drawing by Releigh Shelton, 5th grade, North Bend Elementary Main Line 425.831.2300 www.snoqualmiehospital.org New

Like Us

Follow us

Drawing by Haley Specht, 5th grade, North Bend Elementary

425-888-0101 119 W. North Bend Way Located in Downtown North Bend

Open 7 days a week

www.SingleTrackCycles.com

Drawing by Ethan Peterson, Opstad Elementary

North Bend Chevrolet

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

Drawing by Jessica Hamilton, 4th grade, Opstad Elementary

Season’s Greetings!

Snoqualmie Indian Tribe 8130 Railroad Ave. SE Snoqualmie, Washington 98065 Phone: 425-888-6551

Drawing by Emma, 10 years old daughter of Nicki Torres, Encompass Preschool Teacher Drawing by Vera Harrison, 3rd grade, S.E.S

Voted Best Senior Care in the Valley

425.888.7108 • 650 E. North Bend Way • North Bend

Alpine Coachworks

425-888-4343 • Snoqualmie, WA

SnoValley Star

DECEMBER 22, 2011

PAGE 11

from the merchants and children of Snoqualmie/North Bend

Drawing by Gwen Luccio, 3rd grade, Opstad Elementary Drawing by Audrey, 3rd grade, S.E.S.

Expert Intervention Makes a Difference

Jerry & Michele Pearson

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

“Happy Howlidays from the Pet Place Market Pack” 213 Bendigo Blvd N #2 North Bend, WA 98045 425.888.8828 www.petplacemarket.com

Like us on

What will you do with your Christmas tree?

When the holidays have come and gone, here are a few options for disposing of live trees. ❑ Drop off at the corner of Snoqualmie Parkway and state Route 202, Dec. 27 through Jan. 15. Flocked trees and those with tinsel, decorations and tree nails will not be accepted. This service is provided free of charge by the Snoqualmie and King County Solid Waste Divisions. ❑ Pick Up by the Boy Scouts, Jan. 7. Local Boy Scout troops will collect Christmas trees left at the end of your driveway by 8 a.m. Jan. 7.

Flocked trees and those with tinsel, decorations and tree nails will not be accepted.

A donation of $10 is suggested with checks made payable to BSA Troop 425. Place the donation in an envelope and attach it to the base of the tree with a rubber band.

Boy Scouts will distribute envelopes to residences in midDecember. ❑ Recycle trees. The King County Tree-Cycling webpage has a list of options for recycling your Christmas tree on the Eastside. Go to the page at http://1.usa.gov/5byOmR.

Nature Conservancy says real trees make for a greener Christmas

Drawing by Avery Hamby, Opstad Elementary

425.831.6300

610 E North Bend Way - North Bend www.lesschwab.com

Drawing by Jaqueine V., Opstad Elementary 45710 SE North Bend Way North Bend, WA 98045 Phone: (425) 888-0623 Fax: (425) 888-5688 www.tannerelectric.coop/contact.html

Drawing by Abby, 5th grade, North Bend Elementary

Open 7 Days a Week

425-831-5511 137 W North Bend Way North Bend, WA 98045

Open Mic Every Tuesday Night

Drawing by Jessica Taylor Korich, 8 years old -- granddaughter of Donna Crowe, Encompass Preschool Teacher 425.888.2777 Main Campus, 1407 Boalch Ave. N.W. 425.888.3347 Downtown North Bend, 209 Main Ave. S. www.encompassnw.org

This Christmas season, the Nature Conservancy in Washington is telling people to go with real trees and not artificial ones.

“If you choose a real Christmas tree over an artificial one, count yourself among the ‘greener’ holiday makers,” said Jon Hoekstra, science director for The Nature Conservancy in Washington.

Each year, only about 10 percent of trees being grown for use at Christmas are cut down, according to a news release from the Nature Conservancy. In the U.S., people use about 30 million out of 350-500 million trees being grown on tree farms across the country, including several in the upper Snoqualmie Valley.

At the same time, about 10 million artificial trees are purchased each year, with most coming from China, according to the Nature Conservancy.

Most artificial trees are not recyclable.

Using real trees helps keep more land covered by trees.

There are other ways to have a greener holiday: ❑ Use LED lights; ❑ Use garland made from popcorn or cranberries, rather than tinsel, which can’t be recycled; and ❑ Use (and re-use) heirloom ornaments.

SnoValley Star

PAGE 12

DECEMBER 22, 2011

from the merchants and children of Snoqualmie/North Bend

Neighborhood can’t leave school district

By Sebastian Moraga and Christopher Huber The Snoqualmie Valley School District denied a petition from Sammamish neighbors to leave and join the Lake Washington district.

On Dec. 1, two Sammamish residents, speaking on behalf of their neighbors told Valley school board members that they liked the education their children received, but the schools were too far from their homes.

Schools like Eastlake High School, they said, were much closer.

Members from both districts met Dec. 12 and decided that the petition hurt more than helped both districts.

The three Valley representatives who attended the meeting said Dec. 15 that they feared a domino effect if they allowed these neighborhoods to move.

“It’s just a matter of time until another neighborhood asks,” said Snoqualmie Valley School Board member Marci Busby.

Busby said that if the neighborhood were to leave, the hit on the district’s revenue would be substantial. The properties have a total assessed value of about $39 million.

It would cost the Lake Washington district about $35,000 to create a new bus route to the neighborhood, which sits on the northeast end of the city of Sammamish.

Furthermore, Busby said, Lake Washington schools near that neighborhood are full and that part of Sammamish has a long history of belonging to the Snoqualmie Valley district.

Superintendent of Valley schools Joel Aune said he understood the neighbors’ complaints about the distance from their home to Valley schools.

However, he added, many families in the district have the same issue.

“We have a number of routes where our kids get on the bus at 6:20, 6:25, 6:30 in the morning,” Aune said.

Snoqualmie Valley School Board President Dan Popp said he could empathize with the neighbors but that he supported the district’s decision.

“I am probably farther than they are from the district,” said Popp, who lives near Redmond.

“But that’s not an incentive for me to rally my neighborhood to leave the district.”

The neighbors still wanting to join Lake Washington schools may still petition that district to See DISTRICT, Page 13

Courtesy of

Drawing by Emily Sheldon, 4th grade, N.B.E.

7802 SE Center Blvd, #A Snoqualmie (425) 367-4747

North Bend Office 425-888-1896

Maple Valley Office 425-413-2121

Snoqualmie Ridge Office 425-831-0386

Drawing by Keaira Nelson, 4th grade, North Bend Elementary

425.392.6434 www.snovalleystar.com

Drawing by Jake Young, 5th grade, North Bend Elementary

Drawing by Emma Walker, 4th grade, Opstad Elementary

(425) 888-0001 Family Owned & Operated Since 1989

44800 SE North Bend Way, North Bend

SnoValley Star

DECEMBER 22, 2011

PAGE 13

from the merchants and children of Snoqualmie/North Bend

Drawing by Kalena Comeau, 3rd grade, SES 8096 Railroad Ave. SE Snoqualmie 425-831-1772 www.snoqualmieflowers.com We’re on Facebook

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

Drawing by Madeline Nowickie, 4th grade, N.B.E. Best of the Valley

2010 Reader Choice Awards

Voted Best Burger 7 years in a row

234 North Bend Way North Bend 425-888-2301

Drawing by Ametia Rose Barnes, 3rd grade, SES Travel Centers of America 46600 SE North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045 425.888.3322 I-90 East Take Exit 34 Best kept secret in North Bend! Kids Eat Free! Try our new menu!

County offers stress relief tips Feeling stressed by the holidays?

King County has some helpful suggestions for managing stress.

Stress is a natural part of daily living, but when it is not addressed, it can affect many parts of a person’s life, including productivity and performance on the job.

Workplace stress causes about 1 million U.S. employees to miss work each day, according to the county’s Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division’s website.

More importantly, stress impacts a person’s health.

Chronic stress weakens the immune system, which can cause fatigue and leave a person more vulnerable to colds and flu, according to the agency.

How to handle stress ❑ Treat your body right.

There is a connection between health of the mind and the body. Eating right and exercising will increase a person’s tolerance for stress. ❑ Take things one at a time.

Pick one task and work on it.

When that’s done, move on to the next. Focus, get one thing done and feel good about it, and then move on. ❑ Be realistic. Set reasonable goals. Setting expectations too high is setting yourself up for failure.

See STRESS, Page 18

District From Page 12

Drawing by Kylie Hunter, 3rd grade, Snoqualmie Elementary Bellevue Issaquah Proliance Surgeons Building 510 8th Ave NE Suite 310 Issaquah, WA 98029

A Proliance Care Center

1135 116th Ave NE #500 Bellevue, WA 98004

Issaquah

Lake Washington Facial Plastic Surgery 510 8th Ave NE Suite 300 Issaquah, WA 98029 425-278-1810 www.lakewashingtonfacial.com

Drawing by Max Crowder, 4th grade, Opstad Elementary

WYRSCH’S TOWING 225 E. North Bend Way North Bend.WA 98045 Phone: (425)-888-0233 www.wyrschstowing.com

transfer on an individual basis, but may not get a spot in the schools nearest their homes, board member Scott Hodgins said.

Busby said the Lake Washington School District’s decision will not become official until Jan. 9, but that district representatives had agreed with Valley board members during the Dec. 12 meeting.

“It looks like our board is not supporting the transfer,” Lake Washington Communications Director Kathryn Reith said.

Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Christopher Huber, 392-6434, ext. 242, or chuber@isspress.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

schools

PAGE 14

DECEMBER 22, 2011

Bus driver teaches safety with a beat

By Sebastian Moraga

By Sebastian Moraga

School bus driver Chuck Smith in what he calls his 'office.' Smith has become a celebrity of sorts among his student-passengers, who love how Smith gives his safety lecture as a rap song.

Grade-schoolers learn lessons “en Español” through four have studied Spanish under the guidance of Some things don’t change, Houde, founder of North Bend’s even if the language does.

Spanish Academy.

Seven grade-schoolers played “The children arrived here bingo in Spanish. Dec. 14 at speaking a few words,” said Cascade View Elementary Houde, for whom Spanish is a School. second language. “Now they are The mechanics of the game combining words to make stayed the same. Listen for the phrases.” number to get called and drop a Houde learned Spanish in marker on your card.

Argentina, so the children are The mechan“Go to a Spanish—speak- learning ics of the chilSpanish with dren also stayed ing country for a summer an the same.

Argentinean and just be immersed.”

After losing flavor. Tú (the the first two word “you”) — Kimberly Houde games, secondbecomes “vos” Teacher (“ya.”) “Yo” grader Jordan Raybon asked (the word “I”) instructor Kimberly Houde, sounds like “Sho.” “Can we play until I win?”

“I had the option of being an The group did play two more exchange student in Argentina games, with Raybon remaining my junior year of high school,” winless. she said. “I lived in Argentina By the time she went home, for a year.” though, Raybon could count She highly recommends that and recite the names of the children travel abroad to learn a planets in Spanish. language during their teen years.

For fourteen weeks, Raybon “Go to a Spanish-speaking and about 11 other students See SPANISH, Page 15 from grades kindergarten

Portly and with a long white beard, Chuck Smith resembles someone he’s quite familiar with, Santa Claus.

Add his red cap to the picture and he resembles Denver Pyle, the actor who played Uncle Jesse in the old “The Dukes of Hazzard” TV show.

Twist that cap to the right and he becomes someone else entirely: He becomes Chuck Smith, the school bus-driving rapper.

“He’s really funny and cool and stuff,” said seventh-grader Julia Carroll at Twin Falls Middle School, where Smith begins his route early every morning.

Standing behind Carroll at the lunch-break line were classmates Cody Longwell, James Bent and Quinn Madsen.

“He’s awesome,” all three said in unison.

Smith has become a hit with students, thanks in part to a song he performs on the bus to tell them what to do in case of an emergency. Smith wrote the song to keep children interested while he gave his safety talk.

“My wife sent me a video of a Southwest Airlines steward named David Holmes, and he

did it for the airline passengers,” loved it even more because it Smith said. “When I watched it, had music,” he said. it was funny and it was cute, but Step four was taking the song what struck me was, when the to the stage, at a talent show at camera panned down to the the school. Step five was adaptaisle, everyone was paying atten- ing the song to the different tion.” ages of children he drives. The That’s not normally the case song changes when he drives with safety drills, in a school bus children from elementary or loaded with children wearing high schools. headphones and iPods. Smith, a When he’s not getting in onetime glazer and book salestouch with his inner Jay-Z, man, wrote the Smith has WEB EXTRA lyrics to a song another child> > www.snovalleystar.com friendly gig: of his own, OK’d it with he plays his supervisor, Santa. And See a video of local school and then he’s so good bus driver Chuck Smith showed it to at it, some of rapping on his bus. the children. the children “They loved it,” he said of his in his route have sat on his lap first performance, almost two and talked toys with him on years ago. “It was just me a Saturday and not recognized him capella, no music, no nothing.” on the bus the next Monday.

The children loved the song “Once you’re in a suit and so much that Smith had to do you’re in costume, you take on a the song twice a day for two whole different aura,” he said. weeks, until he told them he His Santa job has taken him was getting tired of it. Smith to places like Safeway and then searched online for a royal- Encompass. ty-free rap beat. Step two was Not bad for a guy who still mixing the beat with a recording describes himself as shy and of his voice. Step three was laywhose only regret seems to be ing the complete track and a he did not start driving a bus track with just the music onto a sooner than five years ago.

CD. “This is the best job that I’ve “Once I did that, the kids ever had in my life,” he said.

Twin Falls honors its honor roll

By Sebastian Moraga

By Sebastian Moraga

Middle schooler Ana Duarte speaks during an event honoring her and other Twin Falls Middle School students who made the school's honor roll Dec. 8.

SnoValley Star

DECEMBER 22, 2011

Spanish From Page 14 country for a summer and just be immersed,” she said. “It makes a huge difference.”

The academy is 100 percent immersion, but their programs at public schools have to be more lenient.

“We only have the kids for an hour and a half, once a week,” she said. “So we have to be more flexible to help them understand what we are talking about.”

Homework is optional during the lessons.

Students who did any homework received a tiny plastic swan.

The student with the most swans received a gift at the end of the last class, Dec. 14.

Bailey Cornell had 12, Emily Dann had 13.

A long-faced Cornell watched as Dann received a multitude of presents, including a sombrero.

After the fuss died down, Dann walked to Cornell’s seat and quietly gave Cornell some of her loot.

Such behavior is common in the class, Houde said. Not only do the students get along, but

Jacob, Sophia rank as most popular baby names in state Washington parents caught a national trend last year.

The most popular names for babies born in the Evergreen State — Sophia for girls and Jacob for boys — reflect the No. 1 choices nationwide.

The state Department of Health released the information Nov. 29.

Jacob — buoyed in recent years for a tie to a character in the “Twilight” saga — has held the top spot nationwide for the past decade. Jacob claimed the top spot in Washington in all but three recent years. Alexander topped the list in 2009, and Ethan ranked No. 1 in 2008 and 2002.

The most popular names for girls change more frequently.

Statewide, four names filled out the top five for most of the decade: Olivia, Isabella, Emma and Emily.

Of the 44,247 boys born in Washington last year, parents picked the name Jacob for 416 babies. Of the 42,233 girls born statewide during the same period, parents selected Sophia for 474 babies.

“Naming a baby is an important decision that will last for the child’s whole life,” Dr. Maxine Hayes, state health officer and a pediatrician, said in a statement.

they teach each other.

“The older ones always help the younger ones,” Houde said.

“It’s beautiful.”

They may have mature moments, but children know well how to be silly.

They interrupted a lesson to ask for song requests (Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad” is a favorite this time of year), and snickered when a visitor talking about planets mentioned Uranus.

Still, it worked. They put phrases together and tried hard to spell the planets’ names.

And when they got something right, nobody looked happier than Houde, who extended the palm of her right hand toward her students and shouted “Dame Cinco!” (DAH-may SEEN-coh) Dame Cinco is “give me five” in Spanish.

Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221 or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

PAGE 15

By Sebastian Moraga

Emily Dann (left) listens as instructor Kimberly Houde teaches her and the rest of her after-school Spanish class about the solar system and the universe. Dann joined a handful of grade schoolers at Cascade View Elementary School to learn the basics of the language.

Come, Worship With Us Join us for our Christmas Eve Services 2pm & 4pm

Just 5 min. from Issaquah Highlands & Snoqualmie Ridge Preston Industrial Park, exit 22 Regular children’s programs meet @

sports

PAGE 16

DECEMBER 22, 2011

Mount Si gymnastics team set sights high

By Sebastian Moraga

By Sebastian Moraga

Coach Jessica Easthope talks to her gymnasts during a practice at Mount Si High School. The team looks poised for another run at a state crown. The state gymnastics championships are in February in Tacoma.

It was the last five seasons, compressed into to 10 seconds.

After a set of reps on the beam, Mount Si High School gymnastics head coach Jessica Easthope gathered her Lycraclad troops.

“What did you learn from the exercise?” Easthope asked. One gymnast spoke up: “I’m not very good at beam,” she said, cracking up her teammates.

Easthope allowed herself a chuckle and then asked her girls to believe in themselves.

“That’s where the confidence comes in,” Easthope told them.

“If you can’t do it in practice, it’s going to be much harder in a meet setting, when it’s just you and the judge.”

This gymnastics lifer has served her charges that mixture of psychology, coaching and “girls just being goofy girls,” as Easthope put

it, for almost five years.

“I run a pretty tight ship, but I also try to have fun with the girls,” she said. “The program has stayed consistent the past few seasons, and it has resulted in success, so the community and the team have bought in.”

This year, once again, Easthope is betting on her team.

“Definitely,” she said. “You’ll see them there as a team again.”

“There” is how Easthope referred to the Tacoma Dome, which hosts the State Gymnastics Championships this year, Feb. 18 and 19.

Last year, the Wildcats took sixth at state, capping an undefeated regular season and a strong showing at the KingCo Conference and the district tournaments. The team lost two seniors to graduation, but has two seniors and four exchange students that will count as See GYMNASTICS, Page 17

Valley cyclists seek new outlet

By Sebastian Moraga Bigger may just mean better for mountain bikers in the Valley.

Right now, the nearest mountain-biking team gathers cyclists from the Issaquah-Sammamish area.

If Luke Talbott and Karen Auletta have something to say about it, that chapter of the Washington State Mountain Biking Association may include Valley riders in 2012.

“Our goal is a mountain biking team,” said Auletta, a mountain biker and the mother of two mountain bikers. “But that’s way in the future. The route that looks the most safe for us is having the Issaquah team expanding.”

That way, she said, Valley riders will learn from Issaquah coaches right away, instead of waiting until a Valley team opens.

Auletta and Talbott have scheduled an information meeting 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Singletrack Cycles, 119 W. North Bend Way in North

Contributed

Members of the Middle Schools’ Mountain Bike Club take a break during one of their runs. Luke Talbott, their instructor, said many of these middle schoolers want to keep biking once they reach high school. Talbott and other parents want an existing Issaquah club to expand to the Valley before Valley cyclists break out on their own.

Bend, to get as many mountain biking enthusiasts into the fold.

“The goal is to let kids know about this great thing,” Auletta said.

At first, the Valley riders may have to compete with riders from places like Bellingham, Auletta said.

She predicted that as interest grows, more teams would emerge on the Eastside. Then,

Valley riders would have a calendar similar to high school sports, with nearby rivals.

The state league has about 14 teams, with more than 70 riders, said Talbott, a rider and mountain bike instructor.

A Valley team may well be in place as soon as next year, but the races occur in spring.

Right now, Valley middle schoolers have a mountain-biking program, Talbott said. They

love the idea of continuing their hobby in high school.

“Next year, we are going to have about eight to 10 kids who are going to be ninthgraders,” he said. “They are really excited about having a team to ride in.”

A mountain-biking child becomes closer to his environment, Auletta said, connecting with the outdoors as its caretakers, not just its users.

“We want to get the kids that don’t fit the normal sports mold,” Talbott said, “and get them active.”

Auletta agreed.

“We want to get kids outside,” she said. “And help them stay away from the computer and the Wii.” Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

SnoValley Star

DECEMBER 22, 2011

Scoreboard Prep boys basketball KingCo Conference 3A/2A Standings: Sammamish 4-0 (L), 6-0 (S); Bellevue 2-0, 4-0; Lake Washington 4-1, 5-1; Mercer Island 2-1, 4-1; Mount Si 2-2, 2-4; Liberty 1-2, 3-3; Interlake 0-4, 1-4; Juanita 0-5, 2-6.

Dec. 13 Game MOUNT SI 46, JUANITA 44 Juanita 8 17 8 11 – 44 Mount Si 9 10 11 16 – 46 Juanita – Ty Eng 11, Ryan Reid 10, Sean Brennan 8, Avery Britton 7, Landyn Milburn 6, Brett Hamry 2, Trevor Andrews 0.

Mount Si – Anthony McLaughlin 17, Jason Smith 9, Levi Botten 7, Beau Shain 5, Ryan Atkinson 4, Jack Nelson 2, Miles Zupan 2, Hunter Malberg 0, Tyler Button 0, Josh Piper 0, Joe Williams 0, Griffin McLain 0.

Dec. 15 Game JACKSON 58, MOUNT SI 42 Mount Si 6 16 9 11 – 42 Jackson 16 8 16 18 – 58 Mount Si – Anthony McLaughlin 13, Levi Botten 7, Jason Smith 6, Tyler Button 5, Griffin McLain 4, Joe Williams

3, Beau Shain 2, Miles Zupan 2, Ryan Atkinson 0, Jack Nelson 0, Charlie Corriveau 0, Brandon Justham 0, Hunter Malberg 0, Josh Piper 0.

Jackson – Jason Todd 14, Dan Kingma 13, Andrew Graff 9, Brian Zehr 4, Trevor Waite 3, Andrew Dodd 2, Connor Willgreen 2, Sam Brown 10, Tyler Graff 0.

Prep girls basketball KingCo Conference 3A/2A Standings: Liberty 4-0 (L), 6-0 (S); Juanita 3-1, 5-1; Lake Washington 3-1, 4-2; Bellevue 22, 3-3; Mount Si 2-2, 2-3; Mercer Island 1-3, 1-6; Interlake 0-3, 24; Sammamish 0-3, 1-3.

Dec. 14 Game JUANITA 64, MOUNT SI 45 Mount Si 11 10 9 15 – 45 Juanita 20 12 13 19 – 64 Mount Si – Jordan Riley 9, Shelby Peerboom 8, Alex Welsh 6, Dariam Michaud 5, Molly Sellers 5, Katy Lindor 4, Grace Currie 2, Kelsey Lindor 2, Elizabeth Prewitt 0, Katie Swain 0.

Juanita – Kate Cryderman 19, Bre Carter 16, Mikayla Jones 13, Molly Grager 6, Linnie Leavitt 3, Molly Steck 3, Taylor Lloyd 2, Mckenzie Waltar 2, Shannon Brink 0, Mary Carter 0.

The Ultimate Place for Kids!

2 FREE Trial Classes

Dec. 17 Game LAKESIDE 37, MOUNT SI 23 Mount Si 5 3 6 9 – 23 Lakeside 10 5 10 12 – 37 Mount Si – Shelby Peerboom 9, Jordan Riley 4, Grace Currie 3, Alex Welsh 2, Darian Michaud 1, Kelsey Lindor 0, Elizabeth Prewitt 0, Ally Pusich 0, Molly Sellers 0, Katie Swain 0.

Lakeside – Danielle Estell 12, Kaylee Best 11, Sydney Koh 6, Lauren Estell 3, Darby Mason 4, Christina Cheledinas 0, Makayla Dejong 0, Avalon Igawa 0, Alena Kantor 0, Grace Noah 0, Ishami Ummat 0, Zoe Walker 0.

Metro League Dec. 13 Game HOLY NAMES 90, EASTSIDE CATHOLIC 53 Holy Names 22 19 28 21 – 90 E. Catholic 15 10 18 10 – 53 Eastside Catholic – Michael O’Rourke 29, Emma Burnham 8, Sara Hill 8, Shelby Newell 7, Ashley Blanton 3, Molly Callans 3, Lauren Johnson 3.

PAGE 17

Gymnastics From Page 16 seniors come Senior Night Jan. 5. It’s a young squad, but a squad that can make some noise along the road to Tacoma, not least of all, four newcomers from overseas.

“We have never had four before,” Easthope said. “They are a great ball of energy.”

About 30 girls joined this year’s team, splitting the varsity and junior varsity squads into almost identical groups.

The varsity team seems to be strongest on floor exercise, with a handful of girls able to score nine points, a really good floor score, Easthope said.

Without excelling, the team defeated Mercer Island Dec. 17

on the road.

“Not our best meet but we won,” Easthope said. “Our big goal is to have a team score of 165. If we put it all together we can be a 165 team.”

Until they hit that mark, and likely after, Easthope will continue keeping an eye on her girls, her “Rotate!” shout piercing the warm air of the school’s third gym.

Gymnastics being a winter sport, Easthope, as many of her charges do, arrives at school when it’s still dark and leaves for home when it’s already dark. The darkness sometimes wears on her, but when she sees the girls working hard for a common goal, it lifts significantly.

“I do get pretty excited,” she said, “to have a chance to work with these girls.”

Instant Rebate Up $ to

500

See SCOREBOARD, Page 18

Limited time offer

Call for details

High Efficiency Furnace Filtration • Heat Pump System

Heating • A/C • Air Quality

Call your trusted experts

425.881.7920

www.mmcomfortsystems.com

New or returning customers only 1-18 • Boys & Girls • Gymnastics & Fitness Dance & Theatre 546 Boalch Ave NW Suite 20 North Bend, WA 98045 • 425.888.4242 mailto:amypsgd@hotmail.com • www.psgdnorthbend.com

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

It’s our goal to implement the highest standard of care at every patient encounter whether it’s a child’s first visit, a teenager who’s headed off to college, or a special-needs adult we’ve been treating for decades.

2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

25% OFF

15% OFF BIKES

ACCESSORIES Must present coupon. No cash value.

Cannot be combined with any other offer. Valid on MSRP only.

Cannot be combined with any other offer. Valid on MSRP only.

Must present coupon. No cash value.

Expires 12/23/11.

Expires 12/23/11.

425-888-0101 119 W. North Bend Way Located in Downtown North Bend Open 7 days a week

www.SingleTrackCycles.com

PAGE 18

Stress Continued from Page 13

SnoValley Star

DECEMBER 22, 2011 FREE ADS FOR

home services

personal items under $250

Classifieds

To place your ad call 425-392-6434, ext 222 Deadline: Monday 5pm

❑ Cut yourself some slack. No one is perfect. ❑ Just say no. If you are overwhelmed at home or at work, learn to say, “No.” ❑ Exercise. Thirty minutes of physical activity per day helps both body and mind. Use part of your lunch break to take a walk. ❑ Share your feelings. Don’t try to cope with big things alone. Let friends and family help. ❑ Be flexible. Whether at home or at work, arguing only increases stress. Be prepared to make allowances for other people’s opinions and to compromise. ❑ Don’t be overly critical.

You may expect too much from yourself or from others.

When to seek help If you experience some or all of these markers, and they persist, it may be time to seek help: ❑ Feeling constantly overwhelmed ❑ Strained relationships ❑ Poor work performance ❑ Overly emotional ❑ Little things set you off ❑ Insomnia ❑ Fatigue ❑ Headaches and backaches ❑ Rise in blood pressure Talk with your doctor, spiritual or religious leader, or employee assistance program about what the problem is.

They may suggest that you see a mental health professional to help you manage your stress or suggest other resources.

Scoreboard

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

13-Apartments for Rent

63-Items for Sale/Trade

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY, studio apt., $650/month, utilities & cable included. Downtown Snoqualmie. Call Judy, 425-888-4727

4 USED STUDDED snow tires, P195/65R15, $100. 360618-6689

CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN, North Bend. Quiet, convenient.

Edelweiss Apartments, 1BD $700/month. 425-392-5012

41-Money & Finance 500$ LOAN SERVICE. No credit refused. Fast and secure. Easy on the budget.

Payments spread out over three months. toll free: 1-855626-4373. LoanHere.com <w> LOCAL PRIVATE INVESTOR loans money on real estate equity. I loan on houses, raw land, commercial property and property development. Call Eric at (800) 563-3005. www.fossmortgage.com <w>

44-Business Opportunity SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY START UP LESS THAN $325.00 www.kgincomeforlife.com ISSAQUAH BUSINESS COACH

63-Items for Sale/Trade TODDLER GIRL’S COWBOY boots, size 9, demin with pink trim, worn once (inside), $12.

425-392-8415 TWO ENGRAVED MEXICAN leather gun holsters & 2 newer Big Mike side holsters, $50/all/OBO, 425-753-8848

NATIVITY SET, MADE in Italy, 7 hand-painted figures, wood stable, music box, $25. 425392-8415 OAK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, 2 side bookshelves, $200. U p[ick up, 425-4418113 SOLID OAK QUEEN bed frame, excellent condtion, $230. U pick up, 425-4418113

77-Free For All FISH/AQUARIUM, 20 GALLON tank w/biofilter, gravel, 5" cichlid, cleaning items. Needs new light fixture, 360-6186689

117-Classes/Seminars ALLIED HEALTH CAREER Training -- Attend college 100% online. Job placement assistance. Computer Available. Financial Aid if qualified.

SCHEV certified. Call 800481-9409, www.CenturaOnline.com <w> EARN COLLEGE DEGREE online. *Medical Business *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified.

Call 866-483-4429. www.CenturaOnline.com <w>

134-Help Wanted

AUTO TECHNICIAN SALES & SERVICE $9.20+/Hour to Start Plus Benefits

Must have Customer Service or Sales Experience Prefer Automotive Knowledge Apply online:

www.henrysjobs.com select "Issaquah, WA"

MAINTENANCE MECHANIC 4, Washington State Patrol Fire Training Academy, North Bend. Responsibilities: shop administration, supervision, facility/machinery/water maintenance. For full job description and/or to apply visit: www.careers.wa.gov

146-Health & Fitness

LOSE WEIGHT LIKE CRAZY!!

ISSAQUAH CLASSES 8AM SATURDAY & 2PM SUNDAY

888-230-54389

ADVERTISING? Call 392-6434 Ext. 222

Yo u r f a m i l y newspaper online too!

From Page 17

Prep wrestling KingCo Conference 3A/2A Dec. 14 Match MOUNT SI 51, BELLEVUE 28 106: Hunter Conway (MS) won by forfeit. 113: Christian Villani (B) p. Gunnar Harrison, 0:09. 120: Ryley Absher (MS) won by forfeit.

126: Tanner Stahl (MS) p. Garret Williams, 3:18. 132: Andrew Ewing (B) p. Lucas Currie, 0:27.

138: Bruce Stuart (MS) d. Ben Matteucci, 6-1. 145: Colin Small (B) maj. dec. Aaron Peterson, 9-0.

152: Peter Ovens (B) p. Tye Rodne, 2:36. 160: AJ Brevick (MS) p. Sam Bassford, 1:18. 170: Cole Palmer (MS) p. John Manusco, 0:27. 182: Douglas Knox (MS) p.

Alex Palander, 0:35. 195: Jamey Mange (B) p. Tyler Hutchinson, 1:20. 220: Mitch Rorem (MS) won by forfeit. 285: Joshua Mitchell (MS) p. James Trull, 0:27.

s u t i Vis ne i l n o y toda www.snovalleystar.com

calendar

DECEMBER 22, 2011

Public meetings ❑ Snoqualmie city offices will be closed Dec. 26. ❑ North Bend city offices will be closed Dec. 23 and 26. ❑ North Bend Planning Commission, 7 p.m. Dec. 22, 211 Main Ave. N.

PAGE 19

What does this dog do?

December

2011

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Events ❑ Reuel Lubag Duo, 7 p.m.

Dec. 22, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend ❑ Game on!, 3 p.m. Dec. 23, North Bend Library, 115 E. 4th St., North Bend. For teenagers interested in gaming. Free. ❑ Cherlyn Johnson & Heartdance Christmas Special, 7 p.m. Dec. 23, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend ❑ Carolyn Graye Singer’s Soiree, 7 p.m. Dec. 26, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend ❑ Future Jazz Heads, 7 p.m.

Dec. 27, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend ❑ Mommy Matinee, 10 a.m.

Dec. 28, North Bend Theatre, 125 Bendigo Blvd. N., North Bend. Cost: $5 for ages 3 and older. ❑ Free health seminar, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 28, Agape Chiropractic Health Center, 145 E. Third St., North Bend. The seminar will cover health issues for the whole family. Register by calling 8881670. ❑ John Hansen, 7 p.m. Dec. 28, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend ❑ Leah Stillwell Duo, 7 p.m.

Dec. 29, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend ❑ New Year’s Eve with Rich and Richard, 8 p.m. Dec. 31, The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie ❑ SVHD Lunch & Learn: Get to know your senior center, 11:30 a.m. Jan. 5, Snoqualmie Fire Station, 37600 Snoqualmie Parkway, Snoqualmie. Register at www.svhdlunchandlearn.eventbrite.com. ❑ Poetry open mic night, 6 p.m. Jan. 5, The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie.

Classes ❑ S.A.I.L. (Stay Active and Independent for Life) exercise class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Mount Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend. Led by certified exercise instructor Carla Orellana. Call 888-3434. ❑ English as a second language, 6:30 p.m. Mondays, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. A formal class to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversational skills. ❑ One-on-One Computer Assistance, 1 p.m. Wednesdays, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. A KCLS volunteer instructor can give you one-on-

File

Meet Karelian bear dogs and learn about the wildlife of the Cedar River Watershed with free hands-on activities, crafts, wildlife presentations and nature walks (during the winter school break) at ‘Wondering About Wildlife’ from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 28 at the Cedar River Watershed Education Center, Cedar Falls Road Southeast. Bring a lunch. Get directions or learn more by contacting Chris Holland at 206-615-0831 or chris.holland@seattle.gov.

one assistance with computer questions. ❑ Community yoga class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 18, at North Bend Yoga, 325 Bendigo Blvd. N. Free.

Volunteer opportunities ❑ Encompass is currently seeking volunteers to help with our landscape and maintenance at both the downtown North Bend and Boalch Avenue locations along with office help.

This can be a weekly or monthly commitment. Email michelle.mccormick@encompassnw.org or call 888-2777. ❑ Snoqualmie Sister Cities Association invites community members to join a newly formed group to support Snoqualmie’s new sister city, Chaclacayo, Peru. The association already has developed a close relationship with sister city Gangjin, South Korea, which more than 30 residents have visited in the past four years. Email maryrcorcoran@gmail.com or call 503-1813. ❑ The Mount Si Food Bank is looking for volunteers to help unload food at noon Mondays, sort food at 9 a.m. Tuesdays or pass out food on Wednesdays.

Call the food bank at 888-0096. ❑ The Elk Management Group invites the community to participate in elk collaring, telemetry and habitat improvement projects in the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. Project orientation meetings are at 6 p.m. the third Monday of the month at the North Bend City Hall, 211

Main Ave. N. Email research@snoqualmievalleyelk.org. ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Hospital is accepting applications for ages 16 or older to volunteer in various departments of the hospital. Email carolw@snoqualmiehospital.org to arrange an interview. ❑ Senior Services Transportation Program needs volunteers to drive seniors around North Bend and Snoqualmie. Choose the times and areas in which you’d like to drive. Car required. Mileage reimbursement and supplemental liability insurance are offered.

Call 206-748-7588 or 800-2825815 toll free, or email melissat@seniorservices.org. Apply online at www.seniorservices.org.

Click on “Giving Back” and then on “Volunteer Opportunities.” ❑ Mount Si Senior Center needs volunteers for sorting and sales in the thrift store, reception and class instruction. The center is at 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend. Call 888-3434. ❑ Hopelink in Snoqualmie Valley seeks volunteers for a variety of tasks. Volunteers must be at least 16. Go to www.hopelink.org/takeaction/volunteer.com or call 869-6000. ❑ Adopt-A-Park is a program for Snoqualmie residents to improve public parks and trails.

An application and one-year commitment are required. Call 831-5784. ❑ Study Zone tutors are needed for all grade levels to give students the homework help they need. Two-hour week-

ly commitment or substitutes wanted. Study Zone is a free service of the King County Library System. Call 369-3312.

Clubs ❑ Mount Si Fish and Game Club, 7:30 p.m. first Thursday (October through May), Snoqualmie Police Department, 34825 S.E. Douglas St. ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Rotary Club, 7 a.m. every Thursday, TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club Restaurant. All are welcome. Go to www.snoqualmievalleyrotary.org. ❑ American Legion Post 79 and the American Legion Auxiliary, 7 p.m. second Thursday, 38625 S.E. River St., Snoqualmie, 888-1206 ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Garden Club, 6:30 p.m. second Thursday, Mount Si Senior Center, North Bend, 888-4646 ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Kiwanis Club meets at 7 a.m. every Thursday at the Mount Si Golf Course restaurant in Snoqualmie, snovalley@member.kiwanis.org ❑ Snoqualmie Fraternal Order of Eagles Women’s Auxiliary, first and third Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Men’s Aerie, first and third Wednesday, 7 p.m., both at 108 Railroad Ave., 888-1129 ❑ Cancer survivor group, 9 a.m. second Saturday, Sawdust Coffee, North Bend Factory Stores mall, newellvl@yahoo.com ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Youth Hub — cultural, athletic, recreational and educational opportunities for young people —

831-1900 ❑ Loyal Order of Moose, 108 Sydney Ave., North Bend. Men — 6 p.m. first and third Monday; Women — 7 p.m. third and fourth Tuesday, 888-0951 ❑ Washington Freemasons, 7:30 p.m. first Wednesday, Unity Lodge No. 198, North Bend, 888-5779 ❑ Mental illness support group, 7-8:30 p.m. Fridays, Snoqualmie Fire Station, 37600 S.E. Snoqualmie Parkway, free for anyone with a mental illness or who has a family member with a mental illness, 829-2417 ❑ Mount Si Artist Guild meeting, 9:15-11 a.m. third Saturday, Mount Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend, www.mtsiartistguild.org. ❑ Job club, Dec. 19 and 26, 2 p.m. at the North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. Presented by Seattle-King County WorkSource. ❑ Sno-Valley Beekeepers, second Tuesday, 7 p.m., Meadowbrook Interpretive Center, Meadowbrook Farm, 1711 Boalch Ave., North Bend, www.snoqualmievalleybeekeepers.org. ❑ Trellis gardening club, 10 a.m. third Saturday, Valley Christian Assembly, 32725 S.E. 42nd St., Fall City, new and experienced gardeners are welcome. ❑ Moms Club of North Bend, 10 a.m. last Monday of the month, Totz, 249 Main Ave. S., Suite E, North Bend, children welcome, www.momsclub.org. ❑ Elk Management Group, 6:30 p.m. second Wednesday, U.S. Forest Service conference room, 130 Thrasher Ave., behind the visitors’ center on North Bend Way; interagency committee meetings, 1:30 p.m. first Monday, North Bend City Hall annex, 126 Fourth St.; both meetings open to the public, www.snoqualmievalleyelk.org. ❑ Anime and Manga Club, 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E.; watch anime movies, eat popcorn and practice anime drawing ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Chess Club, 7 p.m. Thursdays, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St.; learn to play chess or get a game going; all ages/skill levels welcome ❑ The North Bend Chess Club, every Thursday from 7-9 p.m., North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St.; all ages and skill levels are invited Submit an item for the community calendar by emailing editor@snovalleystar.com or go to www.snovalleystar.com.

PAGE 20

SnoValley Star

DECEMBER 22, 2011