Plateau Living Magazine - August 2016 by Plateau Living Magazine

Plateau Living August 2016

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Meet the Riskin Family Skyline Baseball Wins State! Sammamish Days & Nights Schedule Youth Teaching Youth About Financial Awareness Building Community Through Skateboarding and Art

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Cover Courtesy of Studio B Portraits

“I am very pleased with Pine Lake Family Dentistry and will continue to refer my friends and co-workers. Dr. Chen is pleasant and thorough, and Jackie is an excellent hygienist. She always makes me feel comfortable when I’m in the chair.” — Greg Vaughn

Ella, Age 10 Plateau resident, future Concert Pianist and TLX driver!

“I love my TLX because of its style, plus it can fit all of my friends!”

Vaughn family photographed by Studio B Portraits in Issaquah

Experience the difference at Pine Lake Family Dentistry

Exceptional Care. Convenient Location. Professional Options.

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2908 228th Avenue SE | Suite A | Sammamish, WA 98075 | 425-391-9414 | www.pinelakefamilydentistry.com

2 Plateau Living • August 2016

ACURAOFBELLEVUE.COM

425.344.6000 | 13424 NE 20th St, Bellevue, WA 98005 August 2016 • Plateau Living

I M P O RTA N T

Photography

Content Support Contributing Writers

Creative Team

Eric Redfern 206-419-6405 Eric.Redfern@n2pub.com Susan Stockman Photography Brooke Clark - Studio B Photography Betsy Matias Abbie Richert Brandon Kay Mackenzie Williams Malia Nakamura Grant McGugin Kevin Simmons

Emergency

Publisher

P HON E N U M B ER S 911 (425) 836-5674 (425) 313-3200 (800) 222-1222 (425) 836-5674

Emergency Police Fire Department National Poison Control Center Police Dispatch – Non Emergency

Utilities

(425) 455-5120 (877) 824-2288 (425) 392-6256 (800) 592-9995

Puget Sound Energy Comcast Cable/Internet Sammamish Plateau Water & Sewer Waste Management of WA SnoKing

(425) 837-7700 (425) 936-1500 (425) 295-3000 (425) 454-4028

Skyline High School Eastlake High School Eastside Catholic Bellevue Christian High School

(425) 837-4150 (425) 837-5700 (425) 295-3000 (425) 454-4028 (425) 837-7400 (425) 837-5500 (425) 936-2750 (425) 454-3977

(425) 898-1720

Pine Lake Middle School Beaver Lake Middle School Eastside Catholic Bellevue Christian Junior High Sunny Hills Elementary School Cascade Ridge Elementary School Rachel Carson Elementary School Bellevue Christian School – Three Points Elementary Bellevue Christian School – Mack Elementary (Woodinville) 4 Bear Creek School

(425) 295-0500 (425) 295-0730

Sammamish City Hall Sammamish Parks & Recreation

(206) 296-4692

Hazardous Waste Center, Household Information King County Animal Control King County Pets Lost and Found WSDOT Road Conditions

Schools

www.n2pub.com

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 betsy.matias@n2pub.com with your pictures, suggestions, or requests.

Clean water is always there because we’re always here. spwater.org

4 Plateau Living • August 2016

County Numbers

City Numbers

(425) 485-1824

(206) 296-PETS (206) 296-PETS (360) 705-7000

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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.

Karl Lindor 206.890.8227 Karl@windermere.com

John Kritsonis 206.498.0288 JohnK@windermere.com

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August 2016 • Plateau Living

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood vendor to use. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring Plateau Living . These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting Plateau Living!

ATHLETIC CLUB Pro Sports Club 4455 148th Avenue NE Bellevue, WA 98007 (425) 861-6225 www.proclub.com AUTO DEALER Acura of Bellevue 13424 NE 20th St. Bellevue, WA 98005 (425) 644-3000 AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Integrity Automotive Maintenance and Repair 80 NE Gilman Blvd Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 557-8665 www.integrityautorepair.com

BOAT SALES/ SERVICE/ STORAGE Seattle Boat Company Eastside 3911 Lake Washington Blvd SE Bellevue, WA 98006 (425) 641-2090 www.seattleboat.com CAKES Nothing Bundt Cakes 775 NW Gilman Blvd #C-2 Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 786-4068 www.nothingbundtcakes. ccom DENTISTRY/COSMETIC, FAMILY, AND GENERAL Issaquah Highlands Dentistry 2520 NE Park Drive, Suite C Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 642-0003 www.ihdentistry.com

Pine Lake Family Dentistry 2908 228th Ave SE, Suite A Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 391-9414 www.pinelakefamilydentistry. com EDUCATION TUTORING & TEST PREPARATION The Tutoring Center (425) 202-7306 sammamish.tutoringcenter. com FARM AND GARDEN SUPPLIES The Grange 145 NE Gilman Blvd Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 392-6469 FINANCIAL ADVISOR Edward Jones, Corynne Wiediger 3302 E. Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 837-4686 www.edwardjones.com

HOSPITAL Swedish Hospital/Issaquah 751 NE Blakely Dr Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 313-4000 www.swedish. org/locations/issaquahcampus HOUSE CLEANING Suprema House Cleaning (425) 999-2705 www.supremacleaning.,com JEWELRY STORE Plateau Jewelers 2830 228th Ave SE, Suite B Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 313-0657 www.plateaujewelers.com

MEDICAL SPA Gilman Facial Aesthetics (425) 413-1418 www.mdcote.net NATURAL MEDICINE Naturomedica 1220 10th Ave NE Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 587-8900 www.naturomedica.com ORTHODONTICS Hawkins Orthodontics 4540 Klahanie Dr. SE Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 557-8100 www.hawkinsortho.com ORTHODONTICS / INVISALIGN Tingey Orthodontics 22516 SE 64th Place Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 392-9224 www.tingeyortho.com

THINK

ORTHODONTIST Manley Orthodontics 22731 SE 29th St. Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 392-7533 www.cpmortho.com PAINTING Procraft Painting (206) 691-9416 PHOTOGRAPHER Susan Stockman Portraits (425) 736-0576 PHOTOGRAPHY Barbara Roser Photography (425) 391-9371 www.roserphotography.com PRIVATE PRESCHOOLS The Bear Creek School 8905 208th Ave. NE Redmond, WA 98053 (425) 898-1720 tbcs.org

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PRIVATE SCHOOLS Eastside Preporatory School (425) 822-5668 www.eastsideprep.org The Bear Creek School 8905 208th Ave. NE Redmond, WA 98053 (425) 898-1720 tbcs.org REAL ESTATE Debbie Kinson - Windermere Real Estate (425) 392-6600 www.debbiekinson.withwre. com

WATER DISTRICT Sammamish Water and Sewer District 1510 228th Ave SE Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 392-6256 www.spwsd.org

John Kritsonis and Karl Lindor 14405 SE 36th St., Suite 100 Bellevue, WA 98006 (425) 643-5500 www.KritsonisLindor.com

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August 2016 • Plateau Living

Building Community Through Skateboarding & Art making a difference

By Abbie Richert Photographs by Susan Stockman Photography

ists: Sky Siljec, Quincy Quigg and Jamie Lynn, who created art for non-permanent, public installations to go along with the skate competitions. “I can’t even go to the depth of how artistic what these guys do is, and how that changes the whole sport of snowboarding and skateboarding—both on their boards and on their art. It’s very transcending.”

Skateboarding oftentimes comes with an outsider reputation, one that Pam Miller argues is unfair and is a stigma that holds people back from connecting with the art of the sport. As an event planner and advocate of the skate community, Pam’s mission is to break down those stereotypes by creating visual events that engage the public with the art of skateboarding. This past June, Pam organized the Sammamish Skate Comp, which paired a skateboarding competition with visual art from some of the most talented alternative artists in the world.

Pam says the public has responded positively to her events, which is rewarding in itself, but she recognizes there is still work to be done. “For 15 years I’ve watched the numbers grow. It used to be that the skaters were there and no one was on the other side of the fence, now there are hundreds of people. The appreciation is growing, but it’s still an under-appreciated art.”

Over the last 15 years, Pam has been a part of the skate community as both an event planner and parent to a skater. Her experience running skate events and building a relationship with the sport was deeply inspiring. “I’ve always seen the art in skateboarding and nowboarding, they have their own culture. They are their own entity,” Pam says. “As a person I really appreciate that.” For Pam, the art is twofold: there is the art of the sport, “it’s very beautiful, very artistic,” and there’s also the visual art created for the boards, which is some of the most whimsical art she has ever seen. Her love for this art prompted her to find a way to bring it to the community at large. “About a year ago I became acquainted with 4 Culture [a King

12 Plateau Living • August 2016

County public development authority that supports ‘citizen and groups who preserve our shared heritage, and create arts and cultural opportunities for residents and visitors.’]. I saw they were in the Seattle area and offered a grant. With my goal in mind to connect those cultures through creating live art, I saw that it was a great opportunity and applied.” 4 Culture awarded Pam the grant, which allowed her to work with noteworthy art-

“I was really happy to see the reception out of Sammamish. I’ve worked with Sammamish, I think eight years now doing that event for the city and I deeply love the city, it’s awesome to work with; their passion for the community and service to the kids and families there is really special.” Pam’s goal is simply to create community and join cultures though the experience of live art. If you missed the Sammamish Skate Comp in June, be sure to head to Woodinville for their skate event this August. August 2016 • Plateau Living

Sammamish Days & Nights By Abbie Richert

One of the most entertaining days for kids and adults alike is just around the corner. On August 20, the City of Sammamish will host the annual Sammamish Days event from 10a.m. to 2p.m., followed by Sammamish Nights run by the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce from 6p.m.-10p.m. Sammamish Days commences with a traditional Irish Dance by Scoil Rince Slieveloughane. Families can also expect a range of free activities including cultural performances throughout the day, bouncy toys, face painting and crafts as well as and vendors with food for purchase. The day is indented to celebrate culture and bring together the Sammamish community. “It’s a fun event for families to come out to,” says Deb Sogge, Executive Director of Sammamish Chamber of Commerce. The full list of stage events include:

14 Plateau Living • August 2016

10:00-10:30a.m. Scoil Rince Slieveloughane - Traditional Irish Dance 10:40-11:00a.m. Bolly Steps - Bollywood Dance 11:00-11:05a.m. Mayor Welcomes everybody to Sammamish Days 11:05-11:35a.m. DE Cajon Project - Afro-Peruvian music and dance 11:40-12:10p.m. Melody Institute - Chinese Dance 12:15-12:35p.m. From Within Academy - Bharatanatyam dancers 12:40-12:55p.m. Karate West - Martial Arts demo 12:55-1:25p.m. Te Fare O Tamatoa - Tahitian dance 1:30-2:00p.m. Bailadores de Bronce - Mexican traditional dance Once the daytime event winds down, Sammamish Chamber of Commerce takes over and transforms the entire commons into a classy, white tablecloth event for Sammamish Nights. “It’s quite difficult to do in a short time, but we do it,” Deb says. She mentions, “This event was created because our surveys showed that the adults never felt they had anything to do on the Plateau.” Being that this year marks the 8th annual Sammamish Nights, it is clear that the 21+ event is widely received, and Deb is happy to report that the event is quite looked forward to. “It’s a night under the stars, it’s just gorgeous,” she says. Tickets for the event can be purchased online for $45 or at the door for $55. The ticket grants you full access to everything the night has to offer—wine tasting, beer and spirits, signature small plate entrees and desserts from local, fine restaurants

and an outdoor concert with music by the beloved BrickHouse Show Band; event goers can even expect a preview by the Sammamish Art Commission for their fair in October. Deb is also excited to share that this year part of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Lake Washington School Foundation and the Issaquah School Foundation. $10 of each sale will be donated to the foundations when anyone who is referred by either foundation buys a ticket. And if you think you can lend an extra hand, Sammamish Chamber of Commerce is in need of volunteers to help set up and run the event. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit sammamishchamber. org for more information. See you there!

August 2016 • Plateau Living

Skyline High School

on base and no outs, shortstop Sinatro and pitcher Connor Knutson picked off a runner and held the Conquerors to one run. Due to excellent defense in the field and stellar starting pitching by Jack Rooney, the Spartans were up 2-1 by the seventh and final inning.

Varsity Baseball By: Brandon Kay

From the moment players begin to swing a bat and hit a ball in little league, they dream of playing baseball for their high school team. The boys of the Skyline High School varsity baseball team have long since made this dream a reality, and to make things even sweeter, the team made school history by winning its first state championship on May 28, 2016.

The Spartans hold the trophy and tournament bracket in victory

The journey to the championship was anything but easy--Skyline lost its first game of the season and players dealt with several injuries including starting pitcher Jack Rooney. However, the resilient Skyline Spartans battled back. After losing the first game of the playoffs, the Spartans went on a five game winning streak to get to the state championship.

With the game on the line, the Kentwood Conquerors refused to go down without a fight and put their first two batters on base. However, Connor Knutson maintained strong control over his pitches, and proceeded by striking out the next two batters. The Kentwood Conquerors were down to their last out, and after three short pitches from Knutson, the count was one ball and two strikes. Fans and parents nervously cheered, while coaches and players paced back and forth throughout the dugout. With one last pitch, Knutson struck out the final batter, and the Spartans had won their first baseball state championship in Skyline history. Immediately after the final out, the players and coaches rushed out of the dugout and piled on top of each other in celebration of the victory. Ben Smith, Skyline’s catcher, described the feeling as surreal and chaotic. He stated, “Winning the state championship was a dream come true. All I felt was raw emotion, joy and the relief that all of our hard work had paid off.” Though the Spartans ended their season on the highest note possible, tears were shed as the seniors had played their final game in Skyline history. While Skyline will continue to play their hearts out in the coming years, the players, fans and coaches will always remember the special brotherhood of the team and the euphoric feeling of victory.

Before the game began, right fielder Riley Gill was equally nervous as he was amped to play in a state championship. He described the situation stating,

The victorious Spartans hoist their championship trophy in the air

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Catcher Ben Smith gets ready for pitch

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“The atmosphere in the dugout before the game was electric and chaotic. We were all ready to give it all we had and win a championship for our school, our team and each other.” And that they did. At the start of the game, Skyline jumped to a quick lead when Washington State University commit Danny Sinatro scored on an RBI single by Dax Kringle. In addition to the spectacular offense, the Spartan defense prevented the Kentwood Conquerors from ever taking the lead. In the sixth inning, with two runners August 2016 • Plateau Living

resident business beat

by being engaging participants in Julie’s teaching curriculum. Not to mention, these classes serve as a great way to build intergenerational relationships. Julie says that many families are displaced from their relatives and this is an opportunity to connect on somewhat of a familial level. “The positive effect the program has on the kids and the elderly is immediate. I don’t want people to miss this opportunity on the Plateau to make a difference right here in our community together,” Julie says.

Julie Millar Of Lake View Music Together

These classes allow families in Sammamish and Issaquah to give back to the community and connect to people in a way that can be deeply changing. Although Julie has seen nothing but wonderful changes come from the classes, she understands when people are hesitant to dive in. “It’s a little edgy and it’s not for everybody. There’s fear, people have fear of going into the home of a residential place,” She says. Ultimately, her dream is for new families to simply come check it out. “I offer a free trial class, or demonstration class—an open opportunity to come at any time and give it a try. To not make judgment of the place before you come in and see the magic that’s happening inside. It’s really a beautiful, unique experience.” Julie has made an incredible impact since launching Lake View Music Together two years, and her phenomenal passion for making a positive difference in Sammamish and Issaquah keeps her going. “I’m not done here, I think I have a lot of work to do,” she says.

By Abbie Richert

If there’s one thing we can all relate to, it’s the experience of music—the way it seems to make sense of life and explain emotions that are difficult to put into words; how it can shift our mood and stimulate the brain more than any other thing. Julie Millar, Director and Founder of Lake View Music Together and Certified Child Life Specialist understands this concept better than most, and this year introduced a unique approach to her curriculum, which involves intergenerational music classes. Julie says simply, “It has been personally and professionally the most profound experience.” The Millars moved to Sammamish three years ago from California and Julie did not waste much time in setting up her business, Lake View Music Together. Julie explains that Music Together in itself is an internationally recognized curriculum; it’s early childhood music movement program is for children birth to five years of age. “My business is Lake View Music Together. It’s based on the recognition that all

18 Plateau Living • August 2016

children are musical and so we take those concepts and bring them to the community.” This fall, Millar will celebrate two years with Lake View Music Together in Sammamish and Issaquah, offering regular parent and child music together classes and now intergenerational classes. Julie partners with the retirement community, Spiritwood at Pine Lake where she hosts the weekly, 45-minute classes. “For me, personally, I was super nervous the first day of doing the intergenerational music class. I didn’t know if it was going to work, but Spiritwood really believed in me and gave me an opportunity to have a space there,” she says. “We were moving the couches and the coffee tables and stuff to set this up and [the residents] we just checking me out like, ‘What is this all about? What are you doing?’ Then of course the kids march in and then the smiles begin and the light bulb turns on of the beautiful class that it is.” Needless to say, the first class was incredibly successful experience for both

the kids and the elderly, a win-win for Julie on all ends. She says the class is hard to put into words, “It’s something you have to experience, you can’t always read about it on paper or on a website. It’s very beautiful, powerful; very emotional.” Julie’s goal for the class is multifaceted. “The goal is for the kids to have fun and then to have accurate rhythm and tonality so that through the educational music exposure and the benefits if they want to choose to play an instrument someday, they’ll have that foundation. And with the intergenerational classes, the children through Lake View Music Together get the benefits of the regular music together class and have the added benefit of meaningful connections that are made with the elderly in the program.” As far as for the elderly, or grand-friends as theys call them, Julie says they serve as role models for the kids. The class steaches the kids how to interact with and be comfortable with adults, and the grand-friends come out of it with a sense of purpose

For more information visit www.LakeViewMusicTogether.com

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the riskins meet your neighbor

By Abbie Richert

The Riskins are a truly charming family with a great sense of humor and a life jam-packed with activities. Lori and Rich are both Pacific Northwest transplants – Lori hails from Texas and Rich from southern California. They met playing on the same soccer team in Seattle and moved to the Plateau in 2002 when their oldest girl, Riley was 14 months old. Riley is now 15 and her two younger sisters Josie, 12, and Ruby, 10, along with their gaggle of pets make up the rest of the Riskin clan. What sets the Riskins apart are their unique interests and ability to juggle it all. Rich works in finance and Lori is a substitute teacher, Girl Scout Leader and President of the Pine Lake PTSA. When she’s not busy running the world, she is likely shuttling the girls around to their various activities, or can be found playing soccer with Rich. As for the girls, Josie is in the process of becoming an expert makeup artist. “She likes to do effects,” Lori says, “where she will have a blistering boil with pus dripping down her arm or something.” She watches a video tutorial called “Glam and Gore” and has big plans to do “something really gross” for Halloween. Ruby loves coloring and wants to be a farmer when she grows up, “animals and crops, like fruit and corn,” she says. And Riley is passionate about riding horses, will volunteer as a program assistant for the Girl Scouts day camp this summer and is beginning to think towards her future, shifting a bit of her focus to researching colleges. On top of everything, all three girls take Hebrew classes and have a desire to learn other languages as well. When it comes to living on the Plateau, for the Riskins it’s a hard place to beat. They love the

20 Plateau Living • August 2016

close-knit community, great schools and proximity to friends and nature. And with their abounding schedules, it makes sense for the Riskins to be in an area where all of their interests can be easily accessed. “We love skiing, hiking and we love sports. All the girls play sports and all the girls have done Girls Scouts,” Lori says. This summer the girls will be attending various camps and the family will embark on two trips to Chelan and a dude ranch in Montana, which Lori says is a great experience for them. “We took a trip three years ago to a dude ranch and that kind of brought out the country in us. Rich ended up buying a truck, grew a little beard out and fly fishes now.” As far as what the future holds, Lori would like to travel more with the family, especially so her girls can see life

from a different point of view. Years ago, Lori lived with a family in Costa Rica while studying Spanish at a language institute; the experience had a lasting impact. “I remember when I was in Costa Rica, I thought, this should be a requirement for every American student to see what it’s like to live outside of the United States and appreciate how good we actually have it. I’m not talking about feeling safe or being well-fed, but about how smoothly our system actually runs,” she says. A concept that for Lori has grown in importance since working as a teacher. Despite their varied schedules and interests, the Riskins all agree on the value of spending time as a family. Lori says Rich “really enjoys being the dad to girls. When we ended up having all three girls he said it was just the best thing for him. He’s pretty devoted to the girls, when he has time off he wants to spend it with them.” Lori’s job as a substitute also allows her to spend ample time with the kids. “It’s a fabulous job if you want to work, but then spend time with your family,” she says. The Riskins may be busy bees, but they never lose sight of what’s most important in life, and for them that’s family. August 2016 • Plateau Living

growing to love the game

Chris Mogg’s Golf Career By Malia Nakamura

Many young athletes struggle with a love-hate relationship with their sport from the very beginning–hours of practice, sweat and tears hang in a precarious balance with the triumphs and joy that athletics bring. For Chris Mogg, a class of 2016 senior of Skyline High School, his love of golf was certainly not something that was present from the start. “I began golfing when I was a little kid, probably like 8 or 9 years old. I didn't like it at first, in fact I made fun of my brother for playing it. I probably golfed only 2-3 times a year.” However, after some convincing by the same brother, Chris decided to take up golf full time during high school. As a freshman, Chris successfully made the JV team, shooting scores just under 100. From there, Chris and golf became inseparable. “I am naturally an extremely competitive person and through my early years of high school, my dedication for the game grew and grew. I definitely caught the bug by playing competitive golf and became obsessed with lowering my scores.” As with any pursuit, Chris experienced a grueling learning curve as he began to hone his game throughout high school. His first two years on the team, qualifying for State, where the best players in the area congregated to show their skills, was a far cry. With time and persistence, Chris was able to make the cut. “My junior year in the state qualifying I got off to a bad start but was able to hang in there and qualify for State. That year at state I ended up in a playoff for first place, finishing second. So ultimately the finish I had at Districts paved the way for the opportunities that I have now.” Although Chris has enjoyed his fair share of successes, he attributes much of his tenacity and character to failures. “I have learned the most from failure. I have failed many times and I will continue to fail in the future. This year at state I shot an 83 and missed the cut after almost winning the tournament my junior year. I will take the same approach with this failure as I have in the past, I will flush it, but at the same time it's impor-

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tant for me to reflect and learn from it and strive to become a better golfer and person through it.” Acting as a senior captain during his final year at Skyline, Chris gained many valuable skills in leadership as well as imbued the underclassmen with the honor and legacy of Skyline golf. Although playing for Skyline was a notable chapter in Chris’ career, he is moving on to bigger and better things. “I plan to attend and play golf at Gonzaga University over the next four years. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity for a higher education as well as a chance to take my golf game to the next level.” All eyes are on Chris as he shows Gonzaga the Skyline way next year.

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financial literacy and beyond

Skyline’s Quest

For Real-World Financial Aptitude From Within The Classroom By: Mackenzie Williams

From the moment I step into the gymnasium at Cascade Ridge Elementary School during one of the Financial Literacy Program’s routine Tuesday afternoon classes, the excitement is palpable. Children as young as kindergartners sit attentively and play a financial version of Pictionary, asking questions and enthusiastically volunteering answers as they are taught by Skyline juniors. Despite an ongoing game of flag football outside, the students are unfazed. They want to be here. Since its inception in January 2015, Financial Literacy and Beyond (FLB) has sent high school ambassadors to middle and elementary schools across the Plateau, tasked with the daunting mission of educating curious students in finance for the real world. Their lessons span from simple questions such as “what is value?” to how to determine lucrative investment opportunities and navigate resource management, in order to provide a well-rounded education for FLB students. The organization’s objective is to develop fiscal cognizance from a young age, building the skills for a successful life by encouraging a positive attitude towards financial affairs both now and in the future. FLB finds its origins in founder Tony Tian, a Skyline High School student in the class of 2017. A transfer to the Issaquah School District from China, Tony found his inspiration to create FLB in the results of a 2008 Jump$tart Coalition survey of national financial literacy, which many Washington State students failed. Through FLB, Tony aims to “fill in the gaps” by setting the tone among his students towards money management. In the words of co-treasurer Grace Wu, “Saving money and being financially responsible isn’t a scary thing. A lot of times, kids hear finance and think it’s boring or hard, something that their parents do. What we can do is let them know what you can do with money and how, even at a young age, you can start thinking about the future and saving money.” Looking forward, Financial Literacy and Beyond hopes to improve its promotional reach, as “we are

24 Plateau Living • August 2016

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.

Teachers Ben Wolters and Nile Drochak in the Classroom, FLB Image 2: FLB teachers with Club Advisor Kelly Rolon, FLB image 3: Middle School Students in the FLB Program

sometimes hindered by the lack of exposure of FLB to extend the help we can provide to students. We wish to have more people to know us and understand the hard work and dedication that FLB grants to youth financial literacy education,” as Tony Tian puts it. FLB is spending the summer conducting youth education camps around the Plateau. If you want to bring FLB to your school or learn more about the program, please refer to flbedu.org.

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August 2016 • Plateau Living

Fenders

On Front Street By Abbie Richert

The 11th annual Fenders on Front Street Vintage Car Show took place on June 18th and 19th along Front Street in downtown Issaquah. The sun-filled weekend attracted many a vintage car enthusiast as well as families celebrating Father’s Day. Visitors meandered through the packed street from W. Sunset Way clear to Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in, and if the cars weren’t entertaining enough, live music and other family activities were abound for the crowd to enjoy. The big highlight included the

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Saturday “cruise” from downtown Issaquah to Blakely Hall, ending at Grand Ridge Plaza in the Highlands. The Pacific Northwest DeLorean Club was also a spectacle in itself, who knew there were so many DeLoreans in Washington? Overall, the event showed off some spectacular cars, of which their owners should be proud of and their participation in the event supported the LEO Organization, which “advocates for and works to support individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their lifestyle goals through supportive housing, recreation, employment opportunities and community education.” The 2016 Shelly Trophy Winners included: Best of Show: 1931 Duesenberg, Tom Armstrong Favorite Original: 1956 Mercury, Larry Lindsay Favorite Classic: 1960 Imperial, Joel Holland Favorite Pre 1950: 1929 Ford, Bruce Leven Favorite 1950-1969: 1968 Dodge, Don Sansich Favorite Post 1970: 1997 Viper, Lori Tyler Favorite Foreign: 1967 Austin Healey, Scott Thomas Favorite Truck: 1947 International, Bruce Rice Most Unique: 1971 Mini, Jim Maynas Cuz It's Cool: 1954 Chevrolet, Arnie Mondloch Powder Puff: 1957 Buick, Jan Da Favorite Modified: 1957 Chevrolet, Steve August Hall of Fame Award: Tony Rehn August 2016 • Plateau Living

Should I

Prioritize My Children’s College Costs Over Retirement?

financial fitness By N2 Staff Writer, Elizabeth McCabe

With mounting college costs these days, it is important for families to plan ahead, but equally important is saving for retirement. Some families are forced to wrestle with the question, “Should I prioritize my children’s college costs over retirement?”

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In short, no. Financial planners advise funding retirement before building your child’s nest egg for college. Why? Derailing retirement money is highly cautioned against because you cannot borrow for retirement. However, a plethora of possibilities exist for funding education. Consider grants, scholarships, federal work study programs, and using loans (Perkins loans, Subsidized Stafford loans, and Unsubsidized Stafford loans) as a last resort. Don’t make the mistake of shortchanging your 401(k) for your children’s college education. Take advantage of the maximum employer match and aim for the maximum annual contribution allowed. Furthermore, invest in a diversified portfolio with stocks and bonds, which will yield a higher rate of return than the interest rate for current student loans (undergraduate loans are currently fixed at 4.29%). Investments and savings accounts are options to fund your children’s college, as well as educational savings plans, such as the 529 plan, which will allow you to grow your college funds free of federal income taxes. One perk to 529 plans is that contributions are deductible on state taxes up to a certain limit in some states. Or you could tap into your Roth IRA if necessary. Contributions can be withdrawn without penalty. Another plus is that Roth IRAs (and other retirement accounts) aren’t considered an asset on the FAFSA form, which calculates the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Students can quality for student aid and parents can still accumulate growth in their Roth IRA. Be sure to consult your financial advisor in preparing for children’s college costs and retirement savings. Start planning today to ensure a better financial future tomorrow.

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August 2016 • Plateau Living

healthy living By N2 Staff Writer, Elizabeth McCabe

Should I Protect My Eyes From

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ou’ve heard of ultraviolet light, black light and white light, but what about blue light? Blue light radiates from florescent and LED lighting, computer screens, flatscreen televisions, cell phones and tablets. With the demands of a digital society comes increased dependence upon technology for communication, translating into more exposure to blue light. According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, 68% of American adults have a smartphone, which has almost doubled from 2011. The demand for tablets has also increased with up to 45% of adults owning these hand-held devices.

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Blue light waves have shorter wavelengths than other light waves, creating a glare. If you’re a power computer user, you may have noticed digital eye strain, which can affect clarity of vision and sharpness. Headaches and fatigue are additional common ailments reported. While blue light does have benefits, such as heightening alertness, increasing reaction times, and even elevating people’s moods, it has drawbacks too. Over time, the cumulative effect of blue light can damage the retina and is linked to age-related macular degeneration, as well as early cataracts. Furthermore, it can create problems in sleep by disrupting circadian rhythms. Even Apple has recognized that blue light can be problematic with a special Night Shift for the iPhone and the iPad. Unfortunately, the natural filter of the eye does not filter out blue light. But that’s where computer glasses can help. Optometrists recommend computer glasses for those who log hours behind a computer. These special glasses will reduce eye strain, damaging blue light, and protect overall eye health. According to one recent study, participants who wore a lens with a blue-light filter coating reduced eyestrain (including dry eyes, sticky eyes, and the feeling of grit in their eyes) and improved visual performance. Inexpensive glasses even exist to block 100% blue light, which can prove beneficial for those working after 5 p.m. on a computer. Protection from blue light can also be aided by eye vitamins, such as lutein and zeaxanthin. These two supplements pack a powerful punch. According to the American Optometric Association, “Lutein and zeaxanthin filter harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light and help protect and maintain healthy cells in the eyes. Of the 600 carotenoids found in nature, only these two are deposited in high quantities in the retina (macula) of the eye.” Consider taking supplements or eating green leafy vegetables or eggs (which contain these two nutrients) to improve your eye health. Taking simple steps today to preserve your vision will result in better vision for years to come. Be sure to consult your eye care professional annually for your ocular health.

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August 2016 • Plateau Living

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