Plateau Living May 2015
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Meet Robin Purcell and her daughters, Halle and Reese Blankenship Photography by Mary Vance of AdVance Photography
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“A very friendly atmosphere. The most impressive and
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PUBLISHER Anne Wilcox 425-757-0706 Anne.Wilcox@n2pub.com EDITOR Diane Meehl Diane.meehl@n2publishing.com PHOTOGRAPHER Barbara Roser Photography roserphotography@msn.com Mary Vance - AdVance Photography www.advance-photography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Diane Meehl: Business Beat, Suburban Dish Susan Maki: In the Dirt Debora Buerk: Day of Service Creative Team Angelina Garcia
Jenna Wood Heather Mcilrath
CITY NUMBERS (425) 295-0500
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(425) 295-0730
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(206) 296-4692
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WSDOT Road Conditions
Picture your child here! Preschool through 12th Grade Campuses in Bellevue and Woodinville Discover BCS at an Open House! Preschool: Contact Admissions K-6th Grade: April 22, 9am-10:30am 7th-12th Grade: Contact Admissions
bellevuechristian.org We are always looking for residents to follow up on leads, find great stories and send us ideas. Let’s celebrate the great things happening in our community! No contribution is too small. Please email diane.meehl@n2publishing.com with your pictures, suggestions, or requests. DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Plateau Living magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.
admissions@bcsmail.org or 425.454.4402 x215
Schedule a tour today! Incoming 1st–12th Grades Athletics, Arts and Enrichment Bellevue and Woodinville Locations
bcscamps@bcsmail.org or 425.442.8391
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Plateau Living
May
BE A WATER WATCHER!
Will The Real “Plateau Mom� Please Stand Up? (So We Can Cheer!)
It’s May—officially we are in spring but with our warmer-thanexpected winter we have eased into spring rather easily. May is also the time to celebrate Mom. Mother’s Day is on May 10. This is the time to reflect on the importance of those who nurture us and provide us with unconditional love and support. Don’t forget to thank your mom and plan a special day for her. In this issue, we introduce a new feature, Mystery Spot. We will show you a picture taken in the community and we will draw a winner from all the correct responses who will win a Starbucks gift card. Send your answers to anne.wilcox@ n2pub.com and enjoy some coffee of us. Finally, we thank all of our advertising partners who make this magazine free for our neighborhood to enjoy, as well as the many residents who are contributing. We work hard to screen our sponsors (with many of them coming as recommendations from you) to ensure that they can provide the types of services that you want or need. If you have a business to recommend that does exceptional work, please send us an email, as your neighbors may enjoy knowing about them too. If you own a business and would like to reach your neighbors, contact me to inquire about advertising. Until next month,
Anne
PROTECT YOUR WATER SECURITY: BE A WATER WATCHER!
Nurturing Each Child’s Unique Potential
24326 SE Issaquah-Fall City Rd Issaquah, WA 98029
Phone: 425.557.7705 i.FBUJOHw PVS DVTUPNFST OFFET TJODF
Anne Wilcox Publisher, Plateau Living Anne.wilcox@n2pub.com 425-757-0706 For more visit our Facebook page, Plateau Living magazine, and join the conversation!
Dish
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Suburban
By Diane Meehl
Dear PLATEAU LIVING Residents,
NeighborhoodNews
May Plateau Living
When I first arrived on the scene in Sammamish just over a year ago, I learned some new lingo fast. First that I lived on “the plateau.� And second, that said area was the domain of the “plateau mom.� As a seasoned mom who’s logged 16 years in the foxhole, I’m not much into labeling us as working, stay-home, mom-preneur, attachment, helicopter, or whatever. Labels only cause division. So I was really curious about this “plateau mom� – was she fact, fiction, or somewhere inbetween? It was only clear to me then that her reputation was sometimes held in a less than favorable light to some observers. (Like moms need any more criticism!) And I’ve learned a lot in a year. First, it’s true; living on the plateau means for many people, life is comfortable. A recent story in the Seattle Times confirms it—Sammamish is one of the wealthiest, safest and friendliest cities in the country. Many moms (but not all!) have enough to eat here, and some lead a life of certain privilege. Still, the stereotype I heard painted this mom as an uber-fit, latte-sipping woman who was impeccably dressed, didn’t work outside her home, spent her days toggling play-dates, manicures and tenniscourt time, was overly invested in her children’s success, and ran in circles with a pack of mamas exactly like her. Now, in my mind, mothering is the hardest, sweetest, and most challenging mission on the face of the earth. I shudder to think where humanity would be without us. (I’m a big fan of fathers too, but I’ll write my compliments to them in June!) So I’m always a bit leery of stereotypes because they typically don’t hold up. In my time here I’ve been blessed to meet moms of every stripe—moms who rock full-time jobs, or run their own businesses, or sell Stella & Dot or Cabi or Pampered Chef wares,
� m o M u a e t a
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or work from home. I’ve met single moms, moms who took time off to focus on their families, long-time stay-home moms, moms retuning to school, CEO moms whose husbands watch the nest, moms transitioning back to the paid workforce, moms caring diligently for a child with special needs, and so many more. I gotta say – the “plateau mom� is as diverse as any other, and she’s really cool! So why the stereotype? If it’s true that for 40 percent of families here, just the fathers are employed, then Sammamish is home to plenty of moms who aren’t traditionally employed. And they’re some of the hardest working people on earth. Many a spouse who doesn’t earn a paycheck still works—logging many (often thankless) hours volunteering, chauffeuring, cooking, cleaning, managing finances, running errands and generally keeping all the balls in the air, often while another spouse travels, or works long hours. So if the “plateau mom� is a stay-at-home mom, don’t paint her life with a broad stroke. Like everyone else, she very likely juggles a full plate, navigates plenty of challenges, and may often cope with less respect than her “working� peers. (Of course, employed moms get criticized for other reasons. See why we need to stick together, ladies?) So in my mind, the “plateau mom� folklore is just that. Every mom has her challenges, no matter what lifestyle choices we make due to finances, preferences and experiences. The best moms I know are satisfied with their choices and support those who made different ones. We need to have each others’ backs in the foxhole, right? We’re all in the trenches of motherhood, so never leave one of us behind! Happy Mother’s Day! Got an idea, a suggestion or comment? Send an email to: diane. meehl@n2publishing.com; social butterflies—see you on Facebook and Twitter!
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NeighborhoodNews
Plateau Living
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NeighborhoodNews
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Family spotlight
Dancing Toward Their Dreams, One Plié At A Time! Photography by Mary Vance of AdVance Photography
Meet The Purcell-Blankenship Family
All mothers want the best for their children. But some are called to go the extra mile when their children show interest or promise in something that moves their spirit. It reminds us of the commercial—you know the one. It was put out by P&G during the Olympic Games, and for once, those that work quietly behind the scenes and underwrite the efforts of so many young athletes takes center stage— mothers. One softly touches a sleepy gymnast to nudge her awake and off to practice. Another sits in a small plastic chair, silently willing for her child to keep going through one more hour of grueling practice. Another folds laundry; another makes breakfast; another watches a performance on a small TV long miles away. You can imagine they’re tired; the good tired that comes from time well spent. Many of these heroic parents bench their own ambitions and forego free time to help their children live out their dreams. (Warning, if you watch it on YouTube, you’re going to need tissues!) Robin Purcell is one of those moms, spending her days working and her evenings and weekends supporting her daughters’ dreams to become professional dancers someday. So in the spirit of Mother’s Day, we thought her story would showcase moms everywhere who support their kids, day after day, in such humble service. Robin Purcell and her daughters, Halle and Reese Blankenship—13 and 11 years
Halle Blankenship
Test drive your Subaru the way you want to let—based on the teachings of the famous dancer, George Balanchine, and European dance. For those in the know, each school of dance uses different techniques and training methods as part of their style. Body styles are also different between the different styles of dance—American ballet dancers have short torsos and long legs where European and Russian dancers have hyper-extended legs and long torsos. Reese (left), Halle (Middle), and Robin (Right)
old—are the quintessential dance family. They have practices and training by day and competitions during the weekend. Robin, a local professional photographer and former Microsoft employee, is a single mom raising these two exceptional daughters. When I met Robin and her daughters it was after school and before practice. The girls were in their training attire and ready to stretch out and practice
their pliés. What is clear when you meet this family is that the passion for dancing comes from the girls. Robin is their driver and cheerleader, but Halle and Reese are both poised, articulate girls who know what they want. And what they want is to become professional dancers! In talking with the family I learned the difference between American bal-
Both girls started taking ballet lessons at the age of 3 and have remained steady students. They train in a variety of styles including classical ballet, lyrical, contemporary and some jazz. And, now and again they add a little bit of hip hop to the mix. The girls train six days each week—typically more than 15 hours of steady preparation. Dance competition season runs from January to July with National Championships in Las Vegas each year. Both girls have received awards and distinctions for their skills and Halle has received scholarships for specialized training with leaders in the dance field. continued...
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G2 Sports & Physical Therapy Voted Best Physical Therapy Clinic in Sammamish Stop by and tour our state of the art clinic – the choice of local and professional athletes Sports Rehab and Performance • Pre- & Post -Operative Care Skilled Manual Therapy • Biomechanical Specialist • Custom Orthotics
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Halle and Reese
Robin Purcell
Ed Koh, OCS Clinical Director ...continued
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Each of the girls sees dance as their future profession. Halle wants to dance professionally with a ballet company and be part of a corps de ballet. Reese would also like to be in a dance company and then she would like to teach in a studio. Either way, Robin is clear that the girls will go to college before they become career dance professionals. Clearly creativity runs in the family. Robin is currently growing her photography business and works with families, seniors, and businesses, such as real estate professionals. Robin pursued her interest in photography after getting really good at baby photography when her girls were small. Her practice and interest grew, and soon people were asking her to take their pictures. And like those two precious girls, her business was born. For this busy mom, juggling her own photography business, doing part-time work in Seattle, and raising two competitive dancers in the house, I hope Mother’s Day will be a chance for her to catch her breath. Maybe her ballerinas will even serve her breakfast in bed! Three cheers to Robin, and to all moms! Mary Vance was our guest photographer. Mary Vance is a Sammamish-based natural light photographer and owner of AdVance Photography. She specializes in senior photography and loves to focus on bright faces. Visit www.advance-photography. com for more information.
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Design Build Maintain Renovate 15
May Plateau Living
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kids kids Meet Plateau Living’s Kid Of The Month: Jay Wheeler Name: Jay Wheeler Age: 6 Grade: Kindergarten School: Creekside Elementary
Parents/Brothers or Sisters: Joe (dad), Tanya (mom), Sal (big brother) and Brownie (dog)
A Little About Me What do you like best about your brothers or sisters? I like that my brother is nice. What are your hobbies, activities or interests? I like to play Lego, Hero Factory, Minecraft and Dragon City. I really like to draw and bounce on my trampoline with my friends. Who do you admire most and why? My family - Mommy, Daddy and Sal and my friend Aiden
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How would you describe your personality? Loud, quiet, silly and serious all at the same time What kind of job would you like to have when you grow up? Artist, toy maker, electronic maker and President My Favorites Animal: Cheetahs and dogs Place to visit in Washington: Seattle Music: Rapping Place to Eat Out: McDonalds Sports Teams: Seahawks and Sounders and Jaguars TV Show: Pokemon If you could do one thing to change the world, what would it be? Make an invention where you tell it what you want and it does it. Do you know a fun, interesting kid who’d like to appear on our pages? Send your suggestion to diane.meehl@n2publishing.com.
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Plateau Living
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Event Review
May Plateau Living
Perfect picnic setting at the Woodinville Lavender Farm
NeighborhoodNews
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Mayor Bernie Talmas of Woodinville stops by to say hello
THE ROAD TO WOODINVILLE IS PAVED WITH GOOD LIBATIONS
It was one of those glorious sundrenched days in Washington when the to-do lists are dropped in favor of fresh air and much needed vitamin D. A group of us gathered together to enjoy a lazy Saturday afternoon touring a few popular spots in Woodinville. This local gem is home to scores of wineries and tasting rooms, “foodie” favorites and stunning scenery, and the day did not disappoint! A Warm Welcome: Butler Transportation Takes us on the Road
Butler Seattle, the premier valet, transportation and tour services company, picked us up in a gleaming new Mercedes high end van to transport us to Woodinville. Our driver, Dan, was a wealth of gardening and wine-growing knowledge gave us a friendly background on the varied vineyards and wine regions across the state. Our friendly conversation and banter was the perfect preparation for the wine-tasting stop ahead. First Stop: A Sweet & Savory Brunch at The Commons
The Commons is one of those neighborhood gathering places frequented by locals and friendly to visitors. Platters of sweet breads were ready and waiting for us: home baked cinnamonrolls, scones, coffee cake and sweet breads welcomed the group as we settled in for brunch. We ordered a variety of different options: the Commons Cobb salad—a fresh take on the classic Cobb flanked by perfectly scalded fried chicken; the egg and bacon burrito, biscuits and gravy, and the tantalizing house burger featuring Painted Hills beef, Beecher’s flagship smoked cheese, bacon and a fried egg all made their way to our table. The food was exceptionally flavorful and the portions were
One of multiple trays of breads to begin brunch at The Commons Enjoying time at the Lavender Farm
generous. Cool mint-raspberry mimosas served as the perfect complement. The mood at the table was happy and content as stories and ideas were shared. Bonus: Woodinville Mayor Bernie Talmas stopped by to offer a friendly welcome! Mid-Day: Brian Carter Cellars for Wine-tasting and a Little Bit of Education
Brian Carter is one of Woodinville’s award-winning wineries, and the tasting room hosted our group, offering a number of their rich and flavorful wines. We started with the Oriana—an easy blend of Viognier and Roussanne with a touch of Riesling. Then, we sampled a series of red wines—the Tuttorosso, Byzance, and Corrida, finishing with the Opulento, a port-style dessert wine fortified with Brandy. As we swallowed and swished and ooohed and ahhhed, resident Sommelier Deanna Richards entertained and informed us with her vast expertise and constant cheer! The Final Round: Lavender Farms
A stroll through the garden was what the doctor ordered after a great brunch and a sampling of fine wines. The Lavender Farm is just down the road from Brian Carter Cellars and guests are free to stroll their beautiful grounds. Owner, Tom Frei greeted us and shared the story of how he transitioned from the tech sector
Deanna Richards of Brian Carter Cellars getting another pour ready!
The fine wines from Brian Carter Cellars
to launching his own family business as a lavender man. Then it was our time to stroll and relax in the garden. We also strolled through Farm’s boutique gift shop and explored their range of lavender products including aromatherapy, cleaning, home décor, bath and body and culinary items. We were also gifted with samples of Lavender tea and Lavender-infused chocolate. It was the perfect cap to an afternoon of decadence!
We boarded the van back to the neighborhood full of delicious food, fine wine, and memories of lush lavender gardens. We wound down from the day with quiet conversation as a few of us even closed our eyes in a relaxed food/wine/lavender/sunshine haze. The road to Woodinville was a lovely one indeed! DISCLAIMER: The businesses reviewed in this section provided products and/or services free of charge in exchange for this review.
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NeighborhoodNews
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May
Discovering Science in Nature
Timberlake Christian Preschool & After School Program: Where Academics, Play And Community Rule By Diane Meehl Enter the spacious, cheerful campus at Timberlake Preschool and After Care and be forewarned: you’re going to want to stop and talk to the kids. They’re full of infectious energy and flash wry little grins with perfect preschool teeth. They’ve got a story to tell you if you’ve got a minute. It’s not a place you leave easily! “It’s the same for the kids,” said Amy Olthouse, the preschool’s director. “Some have a tough time separating at first. But we work closely with them, and in no time at all they don’t want to leave at the end of the day!” Preschoolers often have trouble separating, but the attentive staff at Timberlake’s got a plan. “We always advise parents at enrollment to slowly begin to leave their kids with a friend or relative they trust for short periods of time. Then, we help transition slowly by inviting parents to stay for 10 and 15 minute intervals in the hallway before coming back to offer comfort or take them home, as we did with one student recently coping with severe separation anxiety. Now she loves to stay!” Mission: Ready for Kindergarten, and Beyond!
Nestled inside Timberlake Church’s sprawling campus in Redmond, the preschool serves 133 kids, ages 2 to 5. Their sweet spot is combining a loving, caring preschool environment with a rich, multisensory academic experience. A primary mission
is to deliver excellent Kindergarten preparation through closeknit teacher relationships and play. “So when we say 3-yearolds are doing math, what we mean is that they’re tracing the number 3 with their fingers, they’re listening to the numbers being read aloud, they’re counting cotton balls. They think they’re having fun. We know they’re learning math concepts and developing fine motor skills!” said Amy. The preschool is supported by Timberlake Christian Church but their students come from a diverse background across faith practices, cultures and ethnicities. Fully licensed, the preschool program offers plentiful choices for part-time attendance and extended care for full-time working parents. You can choose from a variety of times and frequencies. “We offer traditional preschool hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and extended care from 7:30 to 9 a.m., and 3 to 6 p.m. for working parents. Part-time preschoolers can also choose to come from 9 to 12 or 9 to 1, which parents love because the kids have lunch too.” Another bonus? Organic snacks. “We’re trying to get away from too many of those goldfish, in response to parent requests.” A Safe Place Where Growing Minds Thrive Under a Loving Touch
Amy Olthouse and Julia Erman, directors of the Preschool and After School Program respectively, are perfect partners in crime. “We’re both passionate about learning through play,” says Julia. And while they maintain an open-door policy for parents, the doors for general entry stay locked. “Safety is a primary concern. Our families want to know their children are safe, above all.” Parents are welcome to talk with the directors at any time. “From 3 to 6, I’m in the classroom with the kids, walking the halls or talking to parents,” said Julia.
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Timberlake’s After-School Program
busses to some 15 schools to deliver 85 kids, ages kindergarten through fifth grade, for an enriching, fun, diverse experience. The center is open until 6:15 p.m., but next year, it will stay open until 6:30. “We listen to our parents,” said Julia. We respond to their needs, because we’re really here to support working families.” They also care for kids coping with special needs.
Timberlake’s beautiful Redmond Campus
BUSINESS beat
NeighborhoodNews
May Plateau Living
Taking safety and accountability another step further, all preschool classrooms are equipped with webcams. “We offer families who activate the program on their phones to peek in on their child’s classroom anytime. They love that they can see exactly what the children are doing while they’re away or at work!” The school always beats the state’s mandate for student to teacher ratios, too. There are two teachers in each classroom for 16 kids. “We’re really a community, a big family. Some of our families make their best friends here, chatting in the lobby at drop-off,” said Amy. They also hold events each year such as a Mother’s Day Tea and Dads and Donuts. “But really, our teachers make the real difference here. Most hold a degree, and many come with 20 to 30 years of experience. They’re as passionate as we are about children, and, we say a hiring requirement is that they love to have fun!” laughed Amy. After School Program: Academics, Foosball, Cooking, Engineering Club and More!
One look at the air hockey and foosball tables, cozy couches and vibrant walls and you get the idea this is a haven for the elementary after-school set. Timberlake’s after school program sends
Each afternoon holds both structure and free time to accommodate the academic, social and health needs of the children they serve. “Each day we meet together and have a healthy snack. Then the kids separate into their age groups for homework or drawing and writing. Then, we have reading time, and sometimes we have the kids all reading the same book for discussion, followed by club activities.” Because of their strong focus on academics, they also offer tutoring for kids who need some extra help academically, or, if parents are looking for enrichment. Best—it’s all included in the tuition. “Each month we offer different activities, often based on what the kids are looking for. We’ve offered cooking, engineering, music and science clubs. The kids really enjoy those. Then we finish up with some free time outside or inside, depending on the weather.” Speaking of which, the campus boasts ample play area, and a covered structure that promotes outdoor activity even when the skies are gray. And the fun and learning doesn’t stop at the doors. During the summer the after-school program takes loads of field trips to places like the Cougar Mountain Zoo, and summer camps are available for ages 2 through 12. There’s something for every kid at Timberlake, and for parents, the best gift of all—peace of mind! Stop by the Timberlake Campus or visit: timberlakechurch.com
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425.765.3346
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Chris@ChristineKipp.com
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Issaquah Founding Director, Christine Kipp is a top-producing broker in the affluent Issaquah and Sammamish neighborhoods who specializes in representing the extraordinary.
A top-producing broker with more than three decades of experience, Christine Kipp is consistently ranked among the top 1% of all residential professionals throughout King County and has been appointed the Founding Director for the Issaquah Branch of the international and global realty network.
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Renowned doctors, expert nursing teams, and the latest technology to back them up, are just some of the reasons Swedish delivers “extraordinary care.” But there’s another side to being extraordinary that’s just as important. It’s a way of being treated that makes you feel like someone truly cares. Because, at Swedish, someone does.
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NeighborhoodNews
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May
athletes of the
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JIMMY JOLLIFFE ON JUMPING RIGHT IN
MONTH
On The Fast Track Written By Diane Meehl
A-MAIZY-ING FEATS: SKYLINE’S MAIZY BREWER IS ON THE RUN
She’s broken Skyline’s Cross Country school record three times, clocking an impressive 18:04.79 for the 5K. She’s traveled to Nike headquarters to compete in Border Crash, where top high school runners from Washington and Oregon compete; she’s participated in the Summer Junior Olympics, and also ran an elite invitational at Arcadia high School in California, where, she says, there are scores of talented runners. How did Maizy Brewer, Skyline’s fierce Track and Cross Country star, sprint so far, so fast?
NeighborhoodNews
May Plateau Living
It seems she was destined. “I was a really competitive little kid. I used to love to challenge my friends to races,” she said. After discovering Track and Field at Beaver Lake Middle School, Maizy entered high school thinking she was a sprinter. “I told my coaches I would never run more than 400 meters!” She initially tried out for the cross-country team for conditioning. “It was hard. But like each of my parents, I’m stubborn and competitive. I thought, ‘I’m not going to be the last girl on the team!’” Maizy discovered her gift and talent for distance running, and made varsity her freshman year. And that was just the beginning. Q&A with Maizy: Who in your sport do you idolize?
First, one of my former teammates, Sam Krahling. She attends the University of Washington now. She’s talented and passionate, but not so serious that she stresses out. She’s just hard working and resilient. Also, Dorie Dalzell, a mid-distance runner who’s now a freshman at KU. She’s one of the most physically strong girls I’ve ever had the privilege to meet, and she has such a passion. Who are your favorite coaches/mentors?
That’s a hard one! I’ve been subject to some of the best running coaches out there. They each bring something new. In crosscountry, Andrea Miller is a passionate distance coach and really helps us to relax; she made me comfortable and helped me to get to know my strengths. In track, Greg Dalzell is one of the most passionate men I’ve ever met. He would work all day, coach us at night and then watch track videos to help make us better.
Which achievements are you most proud of?
Jimmy’s the type of person, who well, jumps in. (Pun intended.) A seasoned football player and consummate athlete, Eastside Catholic’s Jimmy Joliffe (a junior) doesn’t sit still much. He’s done it all—soccer, baseball, soccer and hockey. He’s fairly new to track and field, which he decided to try last year after friends said he’d be good at it and encouraged him to go for it. Three cheers for positive influences!
Most notably, I placed sixth in the state in cross-country, and since so many of them will graduate; I’ll enter my senior year in cross-country in the #2 spot. I also went to the district competition during my sophomore year for the 800 Meter.
“I like the long jump. It’s simple, and not as tiring as running!” The hard part he says is staying consistent. “If you mess up or slow down just a little, it can decrease your score by 2 feet. But he prefers jumping to running, and does track he says, “For fun.”
What’s been your favorite moment so far?
In case you’re wondering—in the long jump, competitors seek to reach the furthest distance in one jump; the triple jump involves three jumps one after the other; and you’ve got to be the last one to make it over the raised bar in the high jump. All demand speed, strength and precision.
This year after crossing the finish line at the state competition, hugging my teammates, was awesome! It was just a great day and we all ran so well. We were predicted to finish 7th and we finished 4th, and the smiles on everyone’s faces were just awesome to see! What have you learned?
If you love something, do it. You’re so much more capable than you think you are. Also, we get caught up in individual achievements—but love your teammates. Be the friend you want to have, emulate the success you want others to achieve— and have fun with it. I love everything about track and cross-country! What’s the biggest challenge?
It’s a mental game. You have to push yourself to exhaustion, and push yourself some more. I get caught up sometimes in comparing myself to others, whether its body image or time, but you have to believe in yourself.
So every spring, he toggles track practice—drilling down on technique for each jump and also the 100 Meter dash—with afternoon football practice, and oh yeah, leadership class, too. How does he get it all done? “I’m willing to stay up late at night,” he says. “It’s tough, but, our jumping coach is also a teacher, and he understands that sometimes we might have to be a little late to practice to get it all done. It’s tough, but it’s worth it!”
his first year at discus. I just really admire his effort and am impressed by his sprint, too. He’s doing really well! Tell us about your achievements so far.
Beating your own personal record (PR) always feels really good. I want to beat my PR for the long jump, which is 19:10, and make it to district or state. Next year I want to get to 21 feet! Who are your favorite coaches or mentors?
Coach Guzman, our long jump coach, is a great coach. He coached before in Texas and around Washington, and really helps us learn and increase our numbers. It’s really fun having him as a coach. What’s been your favorite moment so far?
Actually it was seeing my friend Jake win the 100 Meter last year. He’s pretty quick, and I was sitting in the stands watching, and I just really enjoyed yelling and cheering him on! What have you learned?
I get down on myself when I don’t beat my PR, but it’s all about learning from my mistakes. It’s not just about getting better every time but learning and being consistent. And you’ve got to get the technique down; you can have speed and strength but if you can’t land gracefully, you’re not going to get ahead. Any advice for people thinking about track and field?
Keep trying new things. Keep working at it, because it’s totally worth it!
Q&A with Jimmy Who in your sport do you admire?
Sam Rossmiessl. He’s a junior, and this is
continued...
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EASTLAKE’S PIA RICHARDS “Mom; I beat the boys!” It was back in elementary school during those P.E. testing days when Eastlake sophomore, Pia Richards, discovered she was fast. Really fast. “Sports were my life back the; I played soccer and participated in gymnastics, too,” said Pia. It was on the soccer field she discovered her need for speed was an asset, so she decided to go for track and field at Englewood Middle School.
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After logging time as a sprinter in seventh grade, the next year she tried out cross- country, not believing she’d really like long distances. “But then I tried the 800 the next year and I went that next whole season undefeated; and that was fun! So I went for cross-country as a freshman.” Today in track she runs the long distance events—the 1600 Meter and 3200 Meter. And while she’s still an accomplished soccer player, running is quickly becoming her sweet spot.
make a great team. Troy pushes you to perfection and Jody helps to motivate us. If you’re hurting, she knows how to fix it. Also Nancy Pixler is sort of our team mom in both track and cross- country, and she just makes everyone feel good!
“I like that with running, you get what you put into it. It’s a self-dependent sport. In other sports you have to rely on your team-mates to succeed; in track and cross country, it’s just you against yourself,” she said. “The real challenge is pushing though it when you hit the wall. Everything feels heavier, but you just have to keep pushing yourself past it.”
What has been your favorite moment so far?
Q & A with Pia:
In cross-country this year, we made it to 5th in district, so we didn’t make it to state. It was sad and we cried a lot, but it was also a truly bonding moment. We talked about everything, and all of us went to support the runners that did make it to state.
Who in your sport do you admire?
What have you learned?
I really look up to Devon Bortfeld and Anastasia Kosykh. They were two seniors on the team last year that are both running in college now. I was totally new to the track team as a freshman, and they really took me under their wings. They taught me everything and told me to stick with them. Sometimes that’s tough to do when your team-mates are your competitors, but they really stuck with me and helped me.
Even if something goes wrong, you can’t give up. There’s always another race, so just keep moving forward!
What are your most notable achievements?
Any advice for new runners?
Last year as a freshman I took 4th place at state for the 3200. Also, my best time for the 1600 was 5:10. It was the first meet I ran, and now it’s my goal to break it.
Never stop when it gets tough. Keep training, because you’re going to get better and soon you’ll be lapping everyone. It’s hard but totally worth it!
Who are your favorite coaches or mentors?
Troy and Jody Anderson are the head coaches for track and they
How do you balance sports and academics?
Actually I don’t find that too hard. I’m pretty efficient with my school work because I don’t like that hanging over me; so I get it done quickly. I even have extra time; I’m a good time manager!
Do you know a passionate high school athlete we should showcase? Send your suggestions to diane.meehl@n2publishing.com.
Debbie Kinson Managing Broker ASP, CNE, CRS
206-948-6581 | dkinson@windemere.com www.debbiekinson.withwre.com
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May Plateau Living
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May Plateau Living
travel Get Organized, Then Get Going By Debbie Rosemont, Simply Placed
Summer is right around the corner. It is a common season to travel, given school vacations, good weather and for many, a more relaxed personal and professional schedule. Vacation should be relaxing and rejuvenating, but combined with hectic, disorganized travel, all of the benefit of the vacation can be overshadowed by the stress of getting to your destination or the shock of re-entry into the “real world.” Here are a few tips for organized travel that will leave you basking in your vacation glow just a little longer. BEFORE YOU GO
Plan your trip. Where will you go? How will you get there? Where will you stay? What will you do while you’re there? Make any necessary arrangements and reservations as early as you can. Pack thoughtfully. Make a list. It can be tempting to just open up your suitcase the night before you leave and toss some stuff in, but don’t skip the list step for stress-free travel. Brainstorm a list a week before you go. Do all of your laundry a couple of days before you need to pack so that everything you want to take is clean and ready. Check the long-range weather forecast (www.weather.com) for your destination so you’ll know what the typical temperatures and conditions will be like. Think through what you’ll be doing while on your trip. Will you attend a party, engage in an activity that requires special clothing or equipment? Include appropriate items on your list so that you’ll be prepared. Don’t forget items such as your chargers, swim suit, toiletries, medications, “every day” clothes, special occasion clothes, accessories, pajamas, shoes, and anything else you plan on wearing or using. If you’ll fly, visit your airline’s website and www.tsa.com to become familiar with current regulations, restrictions and charges associated with checked and carry-on baggage. Prepare things at home or work for your absence. Have your mail held at the post office and your newspaper delivery suspended while you will be gone, or have a neighbor come by and pick up daily. Leave some interior lights on or set specific lamps on timers so it appears as if someone is home. Make arrangements for your pets’ care or plant watering while you’re away. Alert a trusted neighbor (and your alarm company, if you use one) of your travel plans and contact information so that they can reach you in case of an emergency. Turn on your out of
office notifications for your work email and voicemail so those who try to reach you while you’re away know when you’ll return and who they can talk to in the meantime if they need help.
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Know what to expect. Map out your travel route. If you’re traveling by car make sure you have directions to your destination (www.mapquest.com) and if you’re traveling by plane, understand your options for ground transportation to and from the airport, both at home and at your destination. Leave a cushion and plan for the unexpected. Most of travel stress comes from time crunches and delays. Leave plenty of extra time to allow for traffic, long lines and anything else that may come up. Be prepared. Bring healthy snacks, reading material and anything else you may need to make your travels, or your waiting time, more comfortable and enjoyable. If you’re traveling with children, help them pack their own activity bag, perhaps including one or two new small items, books or activities, to hold their attention.
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If possible, block off a full day at the end of your travels before returning to school or work. Use this time to unpack, wash clothes, catch up on mail, email and phone calls received while you were away, restock the refrigerator, and ease back into “real life”. You’ll be so glad you did. Debbie Rosemont, Certified Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant, started Simply Placed, in 2003 to help clients increase productivity, maximize efficiency and bring balance and control into their work, homes and lives. They help people work smarter, not harder, to increase their bottom line and peace of mind through consulting, hands-on organizing, and group training. They can be contacted at 206-579-5743 or info@itssimplyplaced.com.
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AS TROSSACHS EXPERTS WE HAVE SOLD MORE THAN 20 HOMES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD! The Saint-Moawad Team are strong negotiators creating excellent buying and selling experiences for their clients. Sellers receive top dollar for their properties through the creative marketing solutions provided. Simona lives in the neighborhood and is invested in supporting her community by volunteering at Cascade Ridge Elementary School, Eastridge Christian Church and the Issaquah Food Bank.
Toby with Emma and Ethan
Pet of the Month MEET TOBY!
Simona Saint 206-250-1100 www.simonasaint.johnlscott.com
The Saint-Moawad Team Serving the Eastside since 1995
Bob Moawad 425-557-1539 www.bmoawad.johnlscott.com
Family Members: Eric, Cheryl, Emma and Ethan Pet’s Name: Toby Type & Gender of Animal/Breed: Chocolate Havanese Male Pet’s Age: 2.5 How has your pet enriched your family? He’s been sleeping with my then 8-year-old son, Ethan, when Eric and Ethan surprised us with him in December 2013. Toby is a totally happy-go-lucky guy and he loves everyone he meets—people and dogs alike.
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Tody getting a bath
Toby in the Christmas spirit!
Does your pet have any special skills? Yes—he’s fast! Once he decides to run, he’s gone. We say he looks like a rabbit when he runs. Would you like your pet to be in an upcoming issue, or do you know one in your neighborhood? We’d love for them to be our monthly Precious Pet! Please email diane.meehl@n2publishing.com with your suggestions.
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Is there a story behind your pet’s name, or how you found him? We knew we wanted a Havanese because they’re hypoallergenic (Cheryl’s allergic) and we know two other chocolates and one other white Havanese, so we knew we loved their temperament and size. Toby was just “brainstormed” the night we got home with him and a bunch of friends. Ethan had a few other crazy names in mind, but we ended up with “Toby” which totally fits his personality—laidback, friendly and just cool! What’s your favorite pet story? He plays with toys on his back and holds them between his front pays. It’s so darn cute. We say he looks like a little sea otter. Has your pet ever caused any mischief? Often—he doesn’t like to go outside to the bathroom when it’s raining (go figure) so he likes to go at the end of the hall where no one finds anything until much later. We’re still working on him!
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ANNUAL DAY OF SERVICE:
Mark Meredith, lead pastor at Pine Lake Covenant Church, says, “We were really excited to be involved with Day of Service. We hope this becomes an annual event for our church as it has for Sammamish Hills Lutheran.”
MAY 2, 2015 By Debora Buerk
Hundreds of volunteers will make a difference in a single day and make memories for a lifetime!
May Plateau Living
Meredith adds, “We are glad to help other organizations that are on the front lines making a difference in people’s lives every day.” “My dream for Day of Service is to continue the event annually and hope the entire plateau looks forward to this day annually as together we lift up those in need,” MacPherson concludes.
Debora Buerk
Do you love to help others in need? Are you a community minded person? Or do you want to teach your children about the joy of giving back? Here’s an exciting way for you to volunteer a few hours of time and invest in the community—it’s time once again for the annual Day of Service!
Lend your helping hand on May2. Learn more and sign up at DAYOFSERVICE.INFO Debora Buerk has been writing for newspaper, radio, television as well as marketing materials for more than 30 years. Currently, Debora provides strategic communications and public relations counsel to small nonprofits in the Seattle area on a pro bono basis. She and her husband Larry have lived on the Sammamish Plateau for 20 years and currently live in Sahalee Estates in Sammamish and attend Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Hundreds of volunteers from churches on the Sammamish Plateau and around the community will spend May 2 volunteering at more than 20 nonprofits across the region. Event organizers from Sammamish Hills Lutheran and Pine Lake Covenant Churches plan to marshal approximately 500 volunteers for the annual one-day event. All members across the community are invited to participate. According to the planning team, more than 480 volunteers signed on to serve in last year’s event, donating more than 2,200 hours of service at 22 not-for-profit organizations in eight communities throughout metropolitan Seattle. Some of the organizations where volunteers will be rolling up their sleeves this year include Northwest Harvest, Cougar Mountain Zoo, Eastside Baby Corner, Vine Maple Place, Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank, Echo Glen, Eastside Friends of Seniors, Lifewire, Seattle Union Gospel Mission, and Habitat for Humanity. The now annual event offers opportunities for all ages. Volunteers often come together from families, companies, service clubs or neighborhoods. Teens can earn community service hours for the school through Day of Service.
This year marks the fourth year for this community-wide initiative originated by Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church. “The best part is we get to go back for a fourth time to many of the organizations we have grown to love, and yet because we anticipate mobilizing more volunteers we get to partner with new organizations too,” observes MacPherson. “There are just so many people out there with so many diverse needs that I feel blessed that we help people through this event,” adds Anita Betchel, event co-chairman.
Volunteer projects are broad and varied, including baking cookies to deliver to a local retirement home; building homes through Habitat for Humanity; making breakfast for the homeless; sorting food and clothing donations at local food banks; cleaning up yards for the elderly; picking up roadside debris, and much more. Everyone can find some way to contribute!
“As communities of faith, this is an opportunity for us to share God’s love and grace,” says Pastor John LaMunyon, senior pastor at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church. “And we hope to inspire people across all walks of life to experience the joy of offering the humble gift of service.” Other churches involved in last year’s Day of Service include various wards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Last year’s Day of Service was an exceptional day all around,” said Nancy MacPherson, event founder and member of Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church.
“We were thrilled last year to partner with our friends at Pine Lake Covenant Church, along with others, and hope more churches will join us this year,” observed MacPherson.
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There are several ways to get to volunteer. To name just a few: Eastside Friends of Seniors: Bring some cheer to an elderly neighbor and help weed and clean their yard. Blanket Making: Offer warmth and comfort to the homeless by helping make cozy fleece blankets at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church. Adopt a Road: Help keep 228th Avenue NE between NE 30th and 8th Streets tidy, and our scenery pretty, with roadside clean-up. Seattle Union Gospel Mission: Serve up breakfast and cheer for this early in the day event. Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank: Help clean, sort & organize shelves to make shopping easier for visitors. Cougar Mountain Zoo: Help tidy up habitats for our furry, feathered and scaled citizens! So many more options: visit dayofservice.info.com to sign up!
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IN THE DIRT
Plateau Living
May
Bug off – Or Not By Susan Maki
The Prize Fighters Your Garden Needs, and the Plants that Love Them It’s the time of year that makes a gardener swoon: flower buds abound with the promise of bursts of color; young leaves unfurl; and ferns send up curlicue fronds giving the garden a bit of whimsy. However, we aren’t the only ones who are excited about all that succulent new plant growth. A lot of bugs are pretty happy about it, too. I know the sight of a new rose bud covered in aphids can cause cardiac arrest, but I am going to share two horticulture secrets that may surprise you: first, not all bugs are bad; and, second, a few bad bugs are good for your garden. You are shaking your head, I know, but to quote Bruno Mars, “Don’t believe me? Just watch…” Read on! We all know how important pollinators such as bees are to our mere existence, but if you dig a little deeper in the insect world, there is a class of bugs that are inconspicuously going about the job of keeping our world in balance, and it’s time to get to know them. To understand their value, we need to view our individual gardens as an ecosystem, or a web of life with many interconnected layers. Plants provide nourishment for a class of insects and other pests that are essentially herbivores. Aphids, slugs, whiteflies, caterpillars, some types of beetles, and sawflies are some examples of pests that can drive a gardener mad. Here is where we often get stuck. We panic that these plant eaters have taken up permanent residence in our beautiful yards, and imagine the havoc that they will wreck. Let me introduce you to the next layer in the garden web: the beneficial bugs. These are the insects you want on your team. Some of the predatory insects simply enjoy having your aphids for lunch, such as the lovely ladybugs. Others are more complex, laying their eggs inside of their prey, often causing the host insect to perish. These parasitoids are truly the most plentiful “good bug” in the garden, but it takes a watchful eye to see them. One of the most common is the parasitic wasp, which injects its eggs into pests such as aphids, cutworms, tent caterpillars and whiteflies. You can imagine what happens when the baby wasps emerge from their eggs, very hungry. How do you lure these fighters to your garden? The same way you create a welcoming home to the friends of your teenaged
boys: with the right food. Beneficial bugs need a solid population of the bad bugs to get to work, so allowing aphids to multiply is like using worms to go fishing. In the web of life in the garden, the population of pests has to grow to attract the predators. Resist the urge to insert yourself into the web, take a deep breath, and wait. Help will come. You can also add plants to your garden that will provide nectar to attract these beneficial bugs. Annuals such as sweet alyssum, sunflowers, cosmos, zinnias, wallflower as well as perennials like coneflower, verbena, goldenrod, heliopsis, coreopsis, yarrow and cinquefoil will be attractive to predatory bugs. You can find most of these plants in the nurseries now, and it’s a great time to plant them in your garden. So when you find aphids covering a rose bud, I hope you will see it as an opportunity to invite more insects to your garden party. My personal plan of attack is to plant sweet alyssum and cosmos in my rose garden, pour myself a glass of lemonade, and let Mother Nature do the work. Guest columnist Susan Maki is covering for Ilse Burch, whose column will return in June. A Certified Professional Horticulturist, container designer, and avid gardener, Susan is part of the Squak Mountain Nursery Retail Team. Check out their class on choosing plants to attract beneficial bugs on June 13 at 10:30: squakmtnursery.com
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Picture
Plateau Living
May
Mystery Photograph provided by Jillian Broughton
Mystery Picture is a picture of something that’s visible to everyone as they walk or drive in Sammamish. If you think you know where this month’s Mystery Picture is, email your answer with the exact location of the subject of the picture to anne.wilcox@ n2pub.com. There will be a drawing of all the correct answers to determine a winner who will receive a Starbucks gift card. The winner will be announced in the next issue of Plateau Living and announced on our Facebook page. So, get to know your neighborhood and locate the location of the Mystery Picture.
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FinancialFitness
May Plateau Living
WHAT DO
MEAN FOR INVESTORS? This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
A
s you’ve no doubt noticed, your trips to the gas station have been a lot more pleasant these past several months. There’s not much doubt that low oil prices have been welcome to you as a driver. But when oil is cheap, is that good for you as an investor? There’s no clear-cut answer. But consider the following effects of low oil prices: Positive Impact on Economy — When you spend less at the gas pump, relative to recent years, what will you do with your savings? Like most people, you’ll probably spend most of it on goods and services. If you multiply the amount of your increased spending by the millions of other Americans who are also saving money on gas, you can see that you and your fellow consumers are likely adding billions of dollars to the economy. Typically, a strong economy is also good for the financial markets — and for the people who invest in them. Different Results for Different Sectors — Different sectors within the financial markets may respond in different ways to low oil prices, even if the overall effect is generally positive. For example, businesses such as consumer goods companies and auto manufacturers may respond favorably to cheaper oil and gas. You could spend a lot of time and effort trying to adjust your investment portfolio in response to low oil prices. In fact, you may well want to consult with your financial professional to determine which moves might make sense for your individual situation. Yet there’s actually a bigger lesson to be learned here: Don’t overreact to temporary developments. The recent decline in oil prices has certainly had an economic impact, but no one can predict how long these prices will stay low or what other factors may arise that would affect the financial markets. That’s why you can’t reconfigure your portfolio based on particular
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events, whatever they may be — oil price drops, interest-rate fluctuations, natural disasters in faraway lands, and so on. If you can keep from being overly influenced by specific events, you may be able to gain at least two key benefits: First, by not making trades constantly in reaction to the headlines of the day, you can avoid piling up heavy fees and commissions —costs that can reduce the return rate on your investments. Second, you’ll find that if you aren’t always thinking about what’s going on in the world today, you can focus your investment efforts more intensely on where you want to be tomorrow. The most successful investors set long-term goals and don’t focus on factors they cannot control, such as oil prices, interest-rate changes or other economic events. Instead, these investors make adjustments, as necessary, to accommodate changes in their goals as well as other changes, such as revisions in tax laws. So be aware of low oil prices, but don’t get so “pumped” about them that you sludge up your consistent investment strategy — because that strategy has the energy to keep you moving toward your important objectives. www.edwardjones.com
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4 Bed + Den, 2.5BA 3,510 Sq. Ft. Outdoor Chef’s Kitchen Natural Hardwoods MLS#752275
206.890.8227
Provided by Christine Kipp of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
4 Bed + Den/3.5 BA 4,630 Sq Ft Gourmet Kitchen Huge 3-Car Garage MLS#753046
C R E AT I N G C U S T O M E R S F O R L I F E
206.890.8227
206-498-0288 Custom Homes Renovation Remodel
rainiercustomhomes.com 360-802-0981
JohnK@Windermere.com
JohnKritsonis.com
206-890-8227 Karl@Windermere.com
KarlLindor.com
WA_Sammamish
Plateau Living
This ring isn’t available at Plateau Jewelers. That’s because it was custom made for Anne after her diamond fell out of her original engagement ring. For 18 years we’ve specialized in custom-designed and beautifully crafted jewelry. But don’t take our word for it. Stop by – we are just north of the Pine Lake QFC. And see how we can make your next occasion spectacular.
2830 228th Ave. S.E., #B
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www.plateaujewelers.com