Plateau Living Febr uar y 2016
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Meet Joe Wingen Loving His Life Behind Bars Photography Courtesy of Barbara Roser Photography
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Plateau Living February
Awesome experience. Everyone is super nice and Dr. Chen is very gentle, explains everything and most of all does a great job! The best dentist I have ever had. —Michael H
Experience the difference at Pine Lake Family Dentistry
Exceptional Care. Convenient Location. Professional Options.
Dr. Susan Chen
2908 228th Avenue SE | Suite A | Sammamish, WA 98075 | 425-391-9414 | www.pinelakefamilydentistry.com
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February Plateau Living
Chip Perrault
Monique Verger-Perrault
Chip@MVP4Homes.com 425-765-2447
International Previews Property Specialist Monique@MVP4Homes.com 425-985-4696
As we all strive to find purpose, Chip and I will donate a portion of our 2016 commissions to Escape to Peace
Escape to Peace is an organization which fights exploitation of children across America. Youth sold for sex is a $42 Billion per year global industry. Seattle is the third largest city for human trafficking in the United States. Escape to Peace is taking action to aid these victims by spreading awareness and taking action through education for prevention and detection. We wish you all a prosperous and safe New Year. Chip and Monique
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION visit info@escapetopeace.com
NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING 1-888-373-7888 Text BEFREE or 233733
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Plateau Living February
www.n2pub.com
I M P O R TA N T P H O N E N U M B E R S
© 2016 Neighborhood Networks Publishing, Inc.
PUBLISHER Anne Wilcox 425-757-0706 Anne.Wilcox@n2pub.com ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Laura Wilcox 425-200-8262 laura.wilcox@n2pub.com EDITOR Diane Meehl Diane.meehl@n2publishing.com CONTENT SUPPORT Betsy Matias CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Diane Meehl Malia Nakamura Claire Wright Nina Armstrong Ilse Burch Parker Matias Kailee Amans PHOTOGRAPHERS Barbara Roser Photography CREATIVE TEAM Grant McGugin Heather Mcilrath Jenna Wood Tanya Wright
EMERGENCY 911
Emergency
(425) 836-5674
Police
(425) 313-3200
Fire Department
(800) 222-1222
National Poison Control Center
(425) 836-5674
Police Dispatch – Non Emergency UTILITIES
(425) 455-5120
Puget Sound Energy
(877) 824-2288
Comcast Cable/Internet
(425) 392-6256
Sammamish Plateau Water & Sewer
(800) 592-9995
Waste Management of WA SnoKing SCHOOLS
(425) 837-7700
Skyline High School
(425) 936-1500
Eastlake High School
(425) 295-3000
Eastside Catholic
(425) 837-4150
Beaver Lake Middle School
(425) 837-5700
Pine Lake Middle School
(425) 295-3000
Eastside Catholic
(425) 837-7400
Sunny Hills Elementary School
(425) 837-5500
Cascade Ridge Elementary School
(425) 936-2750
Rachel Carson Elementary School CITY NUMBERS
Sign up for gardening classes! Cascade Water Alliance is partnering with its members, including Sammamish Plateau Water, to present the 2016 Cascade Gardener series. Go to spwater.org to learn more. Classes begin in February!
(425) 295-0500
Sammamish City Hall
(425) 295-0730
Sammamish Parks & Recreation COUNTY NUMBERS
(206) 296-4692
Hazardous Waste Center, Household Information
(206) 296-PETS
King County Animal Control
(206) 296-PETS
King County Pets Lost and Found
(360) 705-7000
WSDOT Road Conditions
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.
February Plateau Living
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NeighborhoodSponsors
Plateau Living February
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!
AUTO DEALER / SERVICE 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 BRAIN TRAINING LearningRx 195 NE Gilman Blvd, Suite 100 Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 657-0908 www.learningrx.com / issaquah
CAKES Nothing Bundt Cakes 775 NW Gilman Blvd #C-2 Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 786-4068 www.nothingbundtcakes. ccom
EDUCATION TUTORING & TEST PREPARATION The Tutoring Center (425) 202-7306 sammamish.tutoringcenter. com
DENTISTRY / COSMETIC, FAMILY, AND GENERAL Issaquah Highlands Dentistry 2520 NE Park Drive, Suite C Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 642-0003 www.ihdentistry.com
FINANCIAL ADVISOR Edward Jones, Corynne Wiediger 3302 E. Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 837-4686 www.edwardjones.com
Pine Lake Family Dentistry 2908 228th Ave SE, Suite A Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 391-9414 www.pinelakefamilydentistry. com
HOSPITAL Swedish Hospital / Issaquah 751 NE Blakely Dr Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 313-4000 www.swedish.org / locations / issaquah-campus
JEWELRY STORE Plateau Jewelers 2830 228th Ave SE, Suite B Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 313-0657 www.plateaujewelers.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
MEDICAL SPA Gilman Facial Aesthetics (425) 413-1418 www.mdcote.net
ORTHODONTIST CPM Orthodontics 22731 SE 29th St. Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 392-7533 www.cpmortho.com
MORTGAGE Caliber Home Loans - Jenny Boyce 11255 Kirkland Way Kirkland, WA 98033 (425) 605-3141 www.jennyboyce.com
PAINT & PAINT SUPPLIES Bellevue Paint and Decor 612 228th Ave NE Sammamish, WA 98074 (425) 454-7509 www.bellevuepaint.com
NATURAL MEDICINE Naturomedica 1220 10th Ave NE Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 587-8900 www.naturomedica.com
NeighborhoodSponsors
February Plateau Living
PHOTOGRAPHY Barbara Roser Photography (425) 391-9371 www.roserphotography.com PHYSICAL THERAPY / SPORTS PERFORMANCE G2 Sports Therapy 486 228th Ave NE Sammamish, WA 98074 (425) 836-8444 www.G2Sports.net PRIVATE SCHOOL Bellevue Christian School 1601 98th Ave NE Clyde Hill, WA 98004 (425) 454-4402 www.bellevuechristian.org PRIVATE SCHOOLS The Bear Creek School (425) 898-1720 www.tbcs.org
REAL ESTATE Debbie Kinson - Windermere Real Estate (425) 392-6600 www.debbiekinson.withwre. com John Kritsonis and Karl Lindor 14405 SE 36th St., Suite 100 Bellevue, WA 98006 (425) 643-5500 www.KritsonisLindor.com Monique Verger-Perrault 150 Bellevue Way SE Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 985-4696 www.mvp4homes.com The Saint-Moawad Team Simona Saint (425) 250-1100 www.simonasaint.johnlscott. com
The Saint-Moawad Team Bob Moawad (425) 557-1539 www.bmoawad.johnlscott. com WATER DISTRICT Sammamish Water and Sewer District 1510 228th Ave SE Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 392-6256 www.spwsd.org
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February Plateau Living
Publisher’s Dear Plateau Living Readers,
In honor of February’s celebration of all things heart-shaped and sweet, we’re showcasing love in its many forms! In our Meet Your Neighbor Spotlight, we’re excited to introduce you to Joe Wingen, owner of the Joker Pub. This soon-to-be-grandpa loves everything about his life – his family, his friends, his business, and his community. Diane Meehl serves up some hard won wisdom about love and marriage, and we’re thrilled to share the story of the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra. Conductor Adam Stern reveals their love for music, and how volunteer musicians deliver the sweet sounds of the symphony right in our own backyard! And so much more. As always, we’re grateful to our sponsors for keeping our publications complimentary to our readers. Speaking of which – you
won’t want to miss our story on Sammamish’s crown jewel: Plateau Jewelers! If the love of your life enjoys all things sparkle, you’ll want to pay them a visit. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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!
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.
Looking for a Swedish physician? Find them all at swedish.org/physicians
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Suburban
Issaquah, WA Where we practice by Dr Tingey’s motto...
By: Diane Meehl
“It’s more than a smile. It’s a work of art.”
425 392-9224 www.tingeyortho.com
THE QUILT THAT LOVE BUILT
Do you remember falling in love? I do. It was easy. It was thrilling. It was a sweet agony; a Rocky Mountain high that meant saying goodbye for even a few moments seemed an impossible task. I thought about my beloved every single minute of the day and counted the hours till I saw him again. I thought he was dashing and exciting. He thought I was cute and sweet – we both believed the other would stay that way. We turned a blind eye to any indications otherwise; we treated each other gently. Those were the days – or so I thought.
Not all love survives the rigors of marriage and family, and it’s heartbreaking; but I understand why. Not all relationships can overcome the constant wear and tear on that quilt, the strain of sharing it with children and jobs and finances and in-laws and stress and temptation. Some unions perhaps are just wrong from the start. Maybe because we put a bit too many expectations on them – we want a February love (pretty, sparkly, brand new but untested) to last through December. But it doesn’t quite work that way. Because real love takes work every day. When the blinding bliss fades, we’re often left with doubts and disappointments and bitterness. And bitterness and resentment, well, those rot away at marriage like moths to a quilt.
True; it was bliss back then, in the Valentine’s Day season of our lives. And it was love, yes, but it hadn’t matured. “Falling” in love is the easiest thing on the planet to do. Nourishing love, protecting it, fighting for it – now that’s the hard part. Real love is not just a feeling; it’s not just defined by how another person uplifts your own ego and satisfies your own longing. Real, enduring, resilient love sprints up the stairs over and again like Rocky Balboa – sweaty, bruised, and exhausted, but victorious. It’s not always sexy (the hard work that is, not Rocky. He is very, very sexy, but I digress!) but it’s been tested, knocked down and out even. But love that goes the distance gets back into the ring and keeps up the good fight against the enemies that try to destroy it.
In his book, The Love Dare (recommended reading for anyone married longer than seven years, in my humble opinion) Alex Kendrick reminds us that love is a verb. Sometimes, when our spouse has disappointed us in ways both trivial or profound, we might want to make a choice to be loving anyway. To offer grace and understanding, to forgive and forget. It’s a high calling and it takes the kind of humility that doesn’t always come easily to us human beans. We’re trained and programmed to look out for number one – because that keeps us safe.
After 21 years of marriage, I can honestly say I love my husband more today then when I married him. But it’s not the same love we pledged with trembling voices at the altar. Enduring love for us was hard won, and still is, every day. If our love story were a quilt, it would be frayed at the edges; it would have several holes with patches; it would be worn thin in some areas. But it would feel soft and comforting. Like a toddler’s “blanky,” it would be seasoned with tenderness and tears and fights and make-ups. Sometimes that quilt sat on a shelf gathering dust, but though it’s tattered, it’s intact.
Braces Aren't Forever - Smiles Are! 11
February Plateau Living
But to place another’s well being ahead of our own, requires, well, love. That kind of love can’t be found in a box of chocolates or even a Hallmark card. (And you know I adore those!) That love is found over and again by offering the quilt to your partner even when you’re the one shivering. When two people trade it back and forth, their love is tested, but it grows. It’s hard in the moment, but ultimately, that fraying quilt will keep you both warm. So I say, enjoy all the sweet reminders of a Valentine’s Day kind of love — shiny baubles (oh, you can find those in our article on Plateau Jewelers) and chocolates and champagne. Then, snuggle up in the real thing — the well worn quilt that love made.
We offer Invisalign, teen invisalign, clear brackets, self-ligating brackets and wild smiles
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NeighborhoodNews
February Plateau Living
Many of Joe’s staff members have been pouring spirits and serving hearty eats for up to 24 years. He takes pride in their success, too. “Two of the girls that work here went on to start their own bars for a time,” he says. One of them earned a law degree but found more success and satisfaction pouring signature cocktails and local brews, such those from as Mac & Jacks, which started on the plateau. “We do everything we can to support local businesses. It’s good for the economy, and I like to support my neighbors.” Every memento on the wall, even, he says, has a tie to a local team or effort. “A corporate bar might look good; but it doesn’t tell a story.”
Meet Your
Neighbors It’s No Joke: Joe Wingen Loves His Life Behind Bars By: Diane Meehl Photography Courtesy of Barbara Roser Photography
Joe says he makes no bones about it; the Joker Pub shows plenty of games on the many big-screens that flank the walls, but his bar supports his alma mater. “We’re a Coug bar and always will be,” he says. So what’s the atmosphere like when the crowds arrive to watch the Apple Cup in November? “Euphoric pandemonium,” he smiles. It’s a bar after all, but the excitement happens for a good reason. Overall, he says, it’s a respectful and fun environment. “It’s not a tough guy bar; it’s conflict free, but it’s a place for adults.”
“The only job I’m really qualified to do around here is wash dishes,” Joe Wingen, co-owner of The Joker Pub (nestled just across the way from Pickering Barn in Issaquah), says with a wink. His quip makes me laugh. Joe’s just finished telling me about the years he logged globe-trotting while he helmed lofty posts the likes of V.P. at Trans Union. Clearly he was successful. But, he was burnt out. Dreaming about owning a bar, he says, kept him sane. “In my mind I kept constructing and deconstructing it,” he said. Back then, he yearned for more personal satisfaction, and the chance to walk his kids to school. So he ditched the fast track. Along with his then wife — and continued business partner — Cindy, they purchased the humble Joker Pub in 1992, now a neighborhood fixture for more than 30 years. He kept the pub’s name but changed up just about everything else. And while he says he “retired” at 37, he plans to stay at this gig until they toss him out. (Side note: If you want to hear the skinny behind the name, you’ll have to belly up to the bar and ask Joe to spill it.) Fast forward. Today, Joe’s sons are all grown up. Josh, 29, who works for Anheuser Busch, and Zack (27 and for-
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Camaraderie, Community and — Duck Tales?
mer GM at the popular Simone’s on the plateau) works for Expeditor’s International. They grew up visiting the Joker Pub, where the staff became their “Aunts and Uncles” and friends. Joe and Cindy are still thriving business partners; she takes the morning shift while he oversees afternoons and the lively happy hour crowd. They’re expecting a grandson this month, and Joe’s beaming at the idea of becoming a grandpa. “It’s going to be great. He’s going to get a drum-set,
all the candy he wants, and a lot of bad direction!” he laughs.
Recipe for Success: A Loyal Staff + Local Flavor
This Washington son has created a life for himself born of risk and nourished by an entrepreneurial spirit. Freed from the shackles of the “golden handcuffs,” he’s riding the ups and downs of business ownership and loving every minute of the chaos. All while cheering on the Cougars, of course.
After all those years traveling, now, Joe says, “I do one thing well – I hire great people.” They are the reason, he says, his bar fills up night after night with regulars. “When you walk in here, you’re going to get efficient service with a smile, and maybe just the right amount of atti-
tude,” he jokes. It’s his staff, he says, that separates The Joker Pub from the rest. “Everyone has food and beer (23 on tap, to be exacting) but the people are what make this place different.” That includes his longtime cooks, he says, who create fantastic fare including to-die-for wings, he brags. His customers, he says, are friends. “Sometimes they even check in just to say hello.”
Joe is a fan of pubs, and his own is an homage to days of old. “Think about it — much of the most important work done in our country started at a pub, such as the writing of the Constitution. Pubs were our first public houses and were the focal points of small towns. People hashed out politics and talked and made friends there,” he says. He wants to continue in that spirit. “I’ve always loved the camaraderie and community found in bars … it’s why we put in ‘buddy bars’ in to encourage conversation,” he says as we take in the continued...
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NeighborhoodNews
NeighborhoodNews
February Plateau Living
funds, and get a little crazy on the lanes at TechCity Bowl in Kirkland. Over the years he’s raised nearly 10 tons of food to benefit organizations such as the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank.
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communal seating. “These inspire people to talk to someone they may not have normally.” His customers include a cross section of people, another point of pride. “We’ve got everyone from millionaires to laborers – in fact, some call this Microsoft’s unofficial conference room,” he smiles conspiratorially. It’s a place, where if you show up often enough, and strike up some conversation, you’re going to make friends. Of course, owning a business means there will be struggles, Joe says. “The bar scene is romantic, but things go wrong. Behind the scenes there is plenty of work to be done in payroll, accounting, liquor licensing, HVACS, etc.” During Bill Clinton’s inauguration night, he recalls, the power went out. But the bar stayed open. “I tell new owners, whatever you need most WILL go wrong, so always be prepared. I want people in the bar to see the duck swimming calmly on the surface of the water, not all the furious paddling that goes on behind the scenes.” Issaquah Life: Small Town with Big City Appetites A Washington native originally, Joe graduated from Washington State University in 1979, and moved around a few times before returning to the evergreen state. He’s made a comfortable home in Issaquah Highlands for the past decade, and says he’ll never leave. “There is a strong sense of community here,” he says. He says the Highlands represent what every new community should look like — a mixture of high density living combined with single family homes, proximity to shops and eateries, schools, trails and public transportation. “I love that this is a town — it’s not a bedroom community. I love that people have an
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This year’s event will benefit Eastside Baby Corner. Perhaps because he’s got babies on his mind, Joe says he’s passionate about their mission to provide diapers, clothing and nutrition to babies and families in need across King County and surrounding areas. “That’s where life begins,” he says. “And if they don’t get what they need right from the start, it goes badly from there. So I want to do what I can to help.” Something tells us becoming a Grandpa is just foam on the icy cold beer for this enthusiast of all things local, who lives his dream every day. Visit him at the Joker Pub, where everyone knows his name!
appetite for things like Salmon Days and Wine Walks. People appreciate culture here.” Bowling for Diapers: A Mission to Give Back We were originally introduced to Joe through his best friend, Rick Rizzs, the veteran announcer for the Seattle Mariners. He’s “Uncle Rick” to Joe’s boys. “We love the Mariners, here, too. Whenever Rick’s face shows up on the TV, everyone cheers.” Seems the affection is mutual. Rick gushed about Joe’s support of the charity he founded nearly 2 decades ago, Rick’s Toys for Kids, where Joe serves on the Board. “I’ve said it many times — Rick is the shortest man I’ve ever looked up to,” Joe says with a grin. Joe is strongly committed to supporting local businesses and charities. This month he’ll hold his 27th annual Food Bowl, one of two charity events he holds every year. He gathers friends, customers and anyone who wants to come out, donate food and
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.
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
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NeighborhoodNews
February Plateau Living
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DIAMONDS — Ethically sourced & Beautifully cut — Are a Jeweler’s Best Friend
While Plateau Jewelers offers a range of gemstones, diamonds continue to represent once-in a-lifetime-love, and the lion’s share of sales. Brides today, says Kelly, love a centerpiece diamond ringed with smaller diamonds. Their staff very much enjoys working with young gentlemen who come in loaded with information and also, questions.
Sponsor showcase Sammamish’s Crown Jewel Dazzles The Heart & Soul By: Diane Meehl
Most businesses claim they’re the best at what they do, but it’s the customer’s opinion that tells the real story. It’s why Kelly Jensen, owner of Plateau Jewelers, decided to lend his customers’ own words to his business’ ad copy. You’ve no doubt seen the campaign. The handwritten notes of affection showcase each customer’s response to a stunning creation — earrings, engagement rings, necklaces, contemporary pieces crafted with heirloom stones, and more. Those words capture what jewelry tends to do — dazzle the eye and stir the soul.
“Yes, those comments are from real customers,” Kelly confirms. Not all of them make the cut on ads that go into magazines like ours, but they each grace a page in the numbered photo albums he pulls out for ideas and inspiration. Poring over them is like thumbing through works of art, and the resident “Picasso” proudly shares his passion for creating pieces that thrill customers — and keep them coming back.
Seems Kelly and his staff of jewelry enthusiasts (most of whom were customers first) enjoys a close-knit relationship with those customers. Maybe it’s because purchasing jewelry is a joyful experience. On the day we visit, a sweet lady pops by to deliver cookies, and calls each salesperson behind the counter by name. “She brings those every year,” smiles Kelly as he stops to greet this loyal friend of the showroom, and tells us that he’s lucky. “We mostly do business with people who live here on the Plateau,” he says. “And they’re just so nice.” BEHIND THE BLING: A Mom and Pop Business that Shines
Seems it was circumstances both joyful and unhappy that brought Kelly to this fixture on the Plateau, where he spends his days designing one-of-a-kind pieces (from the simple to the extravagant, even a jewel crusted crown one groom wore with pride down the aisle) and running the business alongside his wife, Sue. “I was in college when I bought my wife her engagement ring,” he said. “And I really enjoyed the process. I was fascinated with jewelry.” (In case you’re wondering, yes, she’s had that ring reset 5 times over the years. Perks!) He toggled the effort along with a class project and interviewed 12 jewelry shop owners in his research. One of them offered him a job on the spot, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Kelly says he knew back then he wanted to stick with stones, so, he became a certified gemologist — which is not to be confused, he says, with the mechanics of making jewelry. That involves casting metals and setting and polishing stones. He leaves that tedious task to Bruce Henderson, “one of the best jewelers in the region.” Kelly’s expertise lies in identifying, sourcing and designing fine jewelry. He and his original partner, Nick Carter both worked for the same jewelry company for a time and became dissatisfied. An opportunity presented itself, and they bought Plateau Jewelers in 1996, and it’s still nestled in the exact spot where it was first purchased, in the Pine Lake Plaza. (The Jensens bought out the Carters in 1999.) For someone in the business of luxury, what stands out most about Kelly might just be his unassuming nature. He likes working behind the scenes designing custom jewelry according to each client’s vision. “What I love doing most is helping customers get exactly the piece of jewelry they’re looking for.” He does it by using technology that includes CAD drawings, along with his own brand of artistry combined with their vision. For buyers, it means one can arrive with a picture, a specific idea, or a general concept, and Kelly first creates a wax model of the piece using a 3-D printer. This ensures the real thing matches the original vision. “And if it doesn’t, we go back to the drawing board,” he says. While his wife tends to spreadsheets and sales, Kelly gets to do what he loves most while his staff takes superb care of customers. Expert service, he says, is what sets them apart. “We practice the golden rule around here. We treat people exactly how we want to be treated.” What might people not know about the jewelry business? Mostly, he says, that owners and distributors are as well connected as a tennis bracelet. “This is one of the few businesses left where you can do business with a handshake. Reputation is everything, and if we don’t carry something in stock, I can make a phone call, and get it,” he says.
Mostly, he says, expectations often outweigh budgets, so he works to educate customers about how to get the best diamond ring for the most value. “A lot of people read about the 4 C’s,” he says. (Cut, Color, Clarity & Carat) The most critical component, he maintains, is really about the cut. “It’s what gives the diamond its sparkle, and truly affects how large it appears,” he explains. “A diamond that is cut too deep will appear smaller. Most diamonds are too deep; diamonds that are shallow will appear larger but not have much sparkle. It’s about getting the proportions right,” he says. “Carat is a weight, not an actual size, and clarity isn’t as important as getting the cut that’s the most brilliant.” Today’s conscious consumer often wants to know from where diamonds are sourced, and Kelly is glad to answer. “We all now know that diamonds can be mined in exploitive situations. No one wants to be a part of that.” While there is never a 100% guarantee on each diamond, Kelly says Plateau Jewelers purchases diamonds from distributors who adhere to the Kimberley Process. It’s an international initiative to ensure diamonds sourced unethically are prevented from reaching the markets. On the bright side, diamond sales fuel economies in many places that would otherwise stay steeped in poverty. It’s something that the Jensens feel strongly about — caring for the most vulnerable among us. It’s why they support several organizations that offer help and resources to underserved children, families and communities around the globe, including Kiva, Songeas Kids, and Encompass. “We’ve been very blessed, while so many others have not. So it’s our responsibility to help others. Who else will?” Just one more way this local jewelry store with a big heart sparkles and shines!
Visit: plateaujewelers.com
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the clammy hands, the salad between your teeth, the awkward fumbling of words. The recipient makes hundreds of judgments from this simple greeting.
Student Voices
There is no right way to shake someone’s hand, but there are definitely things one wants to avoid. Like the essay, good or bad, a handshake communicates many details and idiosyncrasies, and offers a condensed report of who you are. Each and every one breathes notes of how we were raised, our battles, defeats and victories, but most of all, our present – our now.
The Middle Child Of The College Application: The Essay By: Parker Matias Misunderstood and often neglected, the essay remains undefined. These are my reflections on the college essay writing process.
My essay was a reflection piece. I wrote about my childhood visits to the small town of my maternal relatives. I found meaning in simple, forgotten memories. I challenged the officers to understand the unquantifiable fabric of who I am.
I think of that summer. The college visits, the departing seniors, the countless emails from admissions officers, the SAT and ACT preparatory work, and the looming applications. The air itself seemed woven with collegiate enthusiasm. Most of all however, I think of my time with Reisha Holton, my essay mentor. Our meetings were not laborious, nor filled with discussion of the “college admission equation.” Instead, they were long, analytical conversations about who I was and how I had arrived at this station of my life. At times, I wondered why we weren’t spending more time writing. Her wisdom became apparent after several meetings.
The essay is not a test of a student’s ability to craft a structured, thesis-driven, rigid piece of academic writing. Colleges assess one’s ability to do this based on test scores and English grades. “The essay is the casual Friday of the application!” Reisha says in one of her many humorous analogies. Colleges are urging students to become storytellers, which can be a challenge for many.
As Reisha put it, “High school students are going 90 miles an hour. The essay forces you to stop and look behind you.” Of course, the essay is the 650-1000 word personal statement most colleges, including those on the Common Application, and the University of Washington, ask applicants to provide. After 5 years of close analysis, Reisha has decoded some of the secrets to college essay writing. Shrouded in mystery, the essay is a seemingly arbitrary component to the greater application. While grades and test scores are quantifiable, the essay is ambiguous. However, trends and patterns have been uncovered concerning the woes and triumphs of the essay. Reisha told me during our first meeting that the officers wanted me to tell them a story. I needed to show them what it was like to sit in a room with me. Above all, I needed to be honest. In 2014 the University of California Los Angeles received 86, 548 applications, the highest number of any college in the United States. The fact of the matter is that year-in-year-out, admissions officers and essay readers grow tired of the same stories of dramatic humanism and clichéd athletic theater. So why not give a tear-inspiring account of my 30-day trip to Costa Rica, during which I built a school for 100 underprivileged children? Or possibly display my devout volunteerism at the local animal shelter. Better yet, my heroic endurance during the final game of my sophomore basketball season, in which I played
February Plateau Living
through the excruciating pain of a sprained ankle. Didn’t these things parade my good qualities? Were they not honest stories of my life during the pinnacle season of my youthful existence? This was the critical realization that Reisha bestowed upon me, and served as the catalyst for what I finally submitted in November. In retrospect, I view the essay as a handshake. Brief and fleeting, this first impression conveys a plethora of personal statements. Consider what you bring to the table. Remember the countless handshakes of the past. The rights and the wrongs:
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In response to why many colleges ask for an essay, Reisha believes “the [application] process has become more competitive. There needs to be some differentiating piece of the puzzle. Something needs to say more than test scores and grades.” Colleges are interested in creating a community of individuals that carry diversity in thought and culture. The essay, especially for students that do not have the foremost grades and test scores, is an opportunity to immeasurably strengthen their application. Beyond the applications and the enigmatic opinions of admissions officers, the reflective nature of the essay led me through a spiritual awakening, unlike anything I have ever experienced. By exploring my past and present, I feel more prepared to enter into the future. If nothing else, the essay gave me a voice among the scores. Parker Matias is a senior at Skyline High School. He hopes to attend Reed College in Portland as an English major in the fall of 2016. His passions include tennis, music, reading, and most of all writing. Reisha Holton is the founder of One on One College Essays. She offers individual discussion and writing sessions to guide students through the college essay writing process. Visit her website at: 1on1essays.com.
NeighborhoodNews
athletes of the MONTH
Plateau Living February
DRILLING DOWN WITH GIRLS’ BASKETBALL NOTHING BUT NET One-On-One with Eastside Catholic’s Maddie Banks
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Building Positive Impressions One Smile at a T ime
By: Claire Wright
Teamwork is the name of the game and Eastside Catholic senior, Maddie Banks, emulates this both on and off the field. She’s been playing basketball since second grade, and after taking a short break during her sophomore year, Maddie came back to the sport with full force. Basketball is a sport of determination, grit, and cohesion between players and Maddie understands the importance of that. “I have learned a lot from this sport, but I think the main thing it has taught me is the importance of work ethic and grit.” This summer was filled with difficult training and drills for the girls’ basketball team. The fact that they were able to come together and push through the challenges they faced shows just how far they have come. “We’ve learned to work together and now we know that we can accomplish so much more than we ever thought possible,” Maddie explains.
NeighborhoodNews
February Plateau Living
In the future, Maddie plans to attend college and study criminal justice, and hopefully continue with her love of basketball wherever she ends up. After playing basketball for more than a decade, the game has become part of her. “I love basketball because it’s a sport that allows you to be competitive, but stay creative with what you’re doing,” she says. Fortunately, she has her family’s full support behind her, especially her dad’s. “I think the person who has impacted me the most in sports has been my dad because he's always pushed me to work hard and do my best.” With the determination this girl has, there is no question that she will continue to be successful both on and off the court.
Q & A with Maddie
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really shows on the court. She inspires me to stay determined and play my best.” What do you do for practice?
“For practice, I really focus on working on defense and communicating with my teammates because communication is the key to success on the court. I also work on my shot to help improve my game.” Have you traveled anywhere for this sport?
“I've been to a couple of tournaments around the states for basketball, but I think the best experience was when my team when to camp at Oregon State University. It was so fun being there all together and absolutely is one of my favorite memories from my basketball career at Eastside.”
How do you like being on a team?
“I think being on a team is a great thing because it teaches you how to work with other people. The girls on my team are people that I really enjoy working with and they mean a lot to me, so when I make a mistake it's hard to let them down. No matter what though, they are always there to bring me right back up.”
Claire Wright is a National Honor Society student at Eastside Catholic High School. She is Miss Washington Teen USA 2016 and plans to become a broadcast journalist.
Who do you idolize in this sport?
“I idolize my teammate, Bailey Haner, the most because she is a great leader who works hard every day in practice and it
continued...
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Cassidy Daugherty, Photo Courtesy of Gina Mazzaferro Photography
MAKING THE SHOT Cassidy Daugherty and the Skyline Basketball Team By: Malia Nakamura
At Skyline High School, girls’ basketball is a highly selective, competitive winter sport. That being said, it was no small feat when Cassidy Daugherty, a senior, made the varsity team her freshman year. In order to play basketball at such an intense level, Cassidy had to dedicate herself to the sport from a young age. “I started playing in second grade; my dad’s always loved the sport, so both me and my sister played, but I was the one who stuck with it.” As Cassidy traversed the ranks of rec, then select basketball, it became obvious that she was talented. “I loved the team environment, how you need to work together to be successful — I realized I had a natural talent for it, too.” When Cassidy began playing at the high school level, the team environment became something even more special. “It definitely gives you that built-in friend group, kind of like a sorority, it just lasts.” The seniors that will accompany Cassidy in leading the team have been playing together since the 5th grade. “We have a really strong senior base this year, and some great juniors and sophomores as well.” With a close-knit team, and heightened overall skill
Plateau Living February
level, Cassidy is hopeful for Skyline’s success in the 2016 season. Placing 7th overall at state last year, the team missed competing for the state title at the Tacoma Dome by two games. This year, however, things are looking promising for Cassidy and the rest of the team. “I feel very prepared — I think our goal is the dome. I think it’s a reachable.” Besides playing for Skyline, Cassidy plays for Way to Win, a club team that travels the country to compete in tournaments. “We’re pretty much gone for a whole month in the summer; we went to Vegas, Chicago, Oakland, and Oregon. It’s a really cool group of girls, everybody is so talented.” Through her time playing club, Cassidy gained valuable skills, as well as attention from college scouts. “I’m verbally committed to University of Puget Sound for basketball. My dad went to UPS, and it felt homey. When I met the team, they were a lot like me.” Cassidy’s journey has been full of ups and downs, but her favorite memory was that of success on the court. “This tournament in Vegas, we were down one point, I had just made three three-pointers in a row, and we had ten seconds left. I shot from the corner, I made the shot, and everyone was freaking out. We were able to win the game like that.” Experiences like this aren’t possible without taking a risk. “My favorite quote is from Michael Jordan —‘People always remember the 100 shots I made to win a game, but they never talk about the 500 that I missed.’ I’m known as the shooter on the team, so I’m kind of the go-to. I can’t be reluctant in taking a shot, if it’s for the good of the team I have to try.” With this in mind, Cassidy and the rest of her team prepare to navigate the road to the dome.
Malia Nakamura is a Skyline High school senior who divides her time between captaining the swim team, presiding over her local DECA chapter, and photography. She hopes to pursue writing and business in college.
February Plateau Living
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LEADER OF THE PACK Sarah Priestly And The Eastlake Family By: Nina Armstrong
“Competitive,” “hardworking” and “leader” are just a few of the words used by friends and teammates to describe senior captain and Eastlake’s varsity girls’ basketball post, Sarah Priestly. During basketball season, Sarah is all in. Instead of hanging out with friends she spends her time reviewing films, never taking an opportunity to improve for granted. Her love for the sport also parallels the love that she has to lead. While she is a fierce leader and competitor on the court, Sarah has an undeniable love for all her teammates, all the time. You can often see Sarah cheering, inspiring and encouraging her teammates whether it’s at the game or in the halls. Sarah started playing basketball in first grade with her friend for fun. She quickly joined the club circuit, playing for teams like Top Level Hoops, Flight, and Pinnacle. She eventually ended up playing for Eastlake Select and is now in fourth year playing for the Lady Wolves. Why basketball? What makes basketball special to you?
“Based on the teams I’ve been on, (I played soccer too) basketball does so much together, like tournaments. I liked that it really focused in on the family aspect. I’m really good friends with everyone I play with.” Have you traveled anywhere for basketball?
“I’ve been to California, Las Vegas and I’ve been to Oregon a bunch of times.” What has been your favorite moment?
“Definitely going to playoffs and last year; we beat Skyline which I liked because we weren’t supposed to beat them, but we just worked really hard and ended up winning.” Is there anything that you’ve learned from basketball that has translated over into your everyday life?
“Our coach always says “family first” and we’re supposed to always treat each other like family, so it’s interesting to work with because obviously I don’t play sports with my family. But it really means pushing each other and supporting each other to make each other better.”
One tip you have for someone looking into playing basketball?
“Well I wasn’t very good at basketball when I started; one of my coaches actually told me I shouldn’t play anymore, so I guess find motivation to make yourself better. Never doubt yourself because she told me I should quit but now I’m a senior in high school still playing, so believing in yourself is a big thing.” Do you idolize anyone in the sport?
“Someone I looked up to a lot was Maggie Douglas. She’s wasn’t famous but she went to Eastlake a couple years ago.” And what about her did you admire the most?
“Well she was my captain and she was the people who pushed me the hardest and I got a lot better at basketball that year because of her. This will be Sarah’s last year with the Lady Wolves, however she hopes to finish out the season as a strong leader and competitor.” We welcome Nina to our roster of student contributors! Nina Armstrong is senior at Eastlake High School. When she isn’t dancing for Eastlake dance or BPM Senior Black, she loves watching documentaries and listening to NPR. She hopes to pursue a career in visual communications or journalism in the future.
Arts 24
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NeighborhoodNews
February Plateau Living
The
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The Sammamish Symphony: High Minded Music With By: Diane Meehl Humble Spirit His first memory as a “sentient” person, he says, was sitting in his parents’ living room listening to Boléro, Maurice Ravel’s signature composition. “I knew it then,” says Adam Stern. Music was it for him, and he’s grateful his supportive parents never told him to get a “real job.” Both had strong ties to classical music, and he credits their influence for launching his passion for music that led to his future vocation as a conductor.
Adam Stern, Music Director of the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra
“Every Sunday morning, my father and I had a routine. I would climb up on his lap and we’d read Peanuts in the funnies together; and then he’d open up a big blue book on composers, and read one or two of their biographies to me.” Flash forward. Today Adam Stern has enjoyed a thriving career in music, including his most recent post — Music Director for the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra.
Adam’s infectious enthusiasm for music stands in contrast to his humility when it comes to deferring to the composers he reveres, and their legacy of masterpieces. More on that later — but first: did you know neighboring Sammamish is home to a community Symphony?
Adam was chosen to deputize for longtime and beloved conductor, R. Joseph Scott — the Sammamish Symphony’s longtime, celebrated and award winning conductor, who retired after a 16-year run due to coping with a serious illness — by Joseph himself. After Adam served for a time as Interim Music Director, the orchestra asked him to become their permanent conductor. He is now tasked with leading them to thrill audiences with the sharp, powerful, sweet and soul-stirring sounds of the symphony. “I’ve inherited a fine orchestra,” says Adam. “And I intend to simply build on their gifts.”
“Sammamish is often voted the most livable town, one of the friendliest places in the country, and an appreciation for the arts is part of that,” says Daphne Robinson, Board member of the Sammamish Symphony. The community orchestra was formed several years ago, she says, when a group of like-minded musicians got together and called themselves The Providence Players. They practiced at Providence Point, and performed wherever they could. Some of them are still honing their craft, side by side. “I really admire the mission of the members,” says Daphne. “They work so hard and are so dedicated to their craft.”
Hometown Pride: Volunteer Musicians Bring Beautiful Music to the Eastside
Over time the group grew, and today the roster boasts some 80-plus musicians at any time, 90% of whom work full-time as teachers, in hospitals, and at familiar fixtures such as Amazon and Microsoft. The symphony is supported by ticket sales, grants and fundraising efforts and puts on five concerts (ten performances) a year, including one at the end of February. Two additional concerts performed in August are free to the community. “Our volunteer musicians simply want an opportunity to play and to share the music they love.” The idea, says Daphne, is to deliver classical music with an affordable price-tag right here at home. “Parents don’t have to drive kids over the bridge to Seattle to hear the Symphony,” she says. Most performances are held at Eastlake’s Performing Arts Center. There, she says, the spacious stage lends a generous opportunity for the orchestra to make “that big, full sound of all those instruments working together,” says Daphne. They also play at the Meydenbauer Theatre in Bellevue, which lends a bit more formality.
A critical mission of the Sammamish Symphony, Daphne shares, includes the opportunity for young people to get involved. “There are so many young achievers on the Eastside, and each year we offer a chance for the winner of the Youth Concerto competition to perform during our final concert in June.” Students come from across the state to compete these days, she says. Daphne reports the orchestra is thrilled with their new conductor. “Joseph is an incredible talent, but change is good for reinvigorating and inspiring a new musicality. Adam brings a less formal style; he’s known for turning around to the audience and informing them about a piece of music, and we find that very refreshing.” A Maestro By Another Name: Humble Servant
It was back in college that Adam — whose smart-and-funny energy warms the room instantly — discovered his true gift. Initially, while earning his undergraduate degree, and later MFA at the California Institute of the Arts, his major was the flute. He took a conducting class merely, he says, to round out his musical education. “But the first time I stood on
that podium, I knew instantly that something had happened.” His teacher took him aside and proclaimed, “You realize you’ve just found yourself, right?” And indeed, he had. Adam navigated the path of many working musicians, serving as guest conductor with many orchestras across the country. His biggest break came with the Seattle Symphony, where he served for a time as Associate Conductor before earning a permanent post. Later, in 2003, he was appointed to lead the Seattle Philharmonic, where he still serves today. “Orchestras have personalities,” he explains. “Sometimes there is chemistry and other times, not. I’m fortunate to have good ‘marriages’ with both of my orchestras,” he smiles. Today, you can call Adam a conductor, composer, pianist, actor, writer, collaborator, Grammy-winning producer, educator, and also, husband and father – but just don’t call him, “Maestro.” “I’m just ‘Adam’ to everyone,” he says. While his in-person style is more relaxed, he is a purist when it comes to the music. The job of a conductor, he believes, is not to revise the composer’s intention. “A conductor is not the interpreter; the audience is the interpreter,” he says. “My job is to
do the most faithful rendition of the score with conviction and joy. Then, the audience can figure out what the composer is telling them.” “For example, another conductor might slow down or speed up, or in some way make a deliberate change to the music as written … I can’t abide by that; it would imply I know better than Mozart or Tchaikovsky. It’s far more gratifying to act as their servant, and more fun, too!” Adam has a steady cache of stories and anecdotes to illustrate his points. He quotes one of his heroes, composer/ conductor Antal Doráti. “He said there are two kinds of conductors – one is the ‘Leader Musician,’ for whom power is important. In that group, those would have otherwise been politicians, corporate bosses, etc. The other is the ‘Musician Leader,’ or those who would have otherwise become music teachers, instrumentalists or composers; the music is what matters most to them. And, I happily put myself into the that camp.” To learn more about the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra, visit: sammamishsymphony.org To connect with Adam Stern, check out his blog at: adamsternconductor.com
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NeighborhoodNews
Plateau Living February
February Plateau Living
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February Plateau Living
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kids kids Meet Reagan Magee
Math & Science Lover, Clean Water Advocate NAME: Reagan Magee AGE: 9 GRADE: 3rd SCHOOL (Optional): Sunny Hills Elementary PARENTS: Tori and Bill BROTHER: Bryce
If you could do one thing to change the world, what would it be? For everyone to have food and clean water
A Little About Me
What do you like most about your brother/s or sister/s? I like him because he’s kind and funny.
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What are your hobbies, activities or interests? Reading and going to new places with my parents. Who is your favorite author, performer or artist? Jeff Kennedy from Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Who do you admire most and why? My brother Bryce, because he’s in college and he’s smart. What do you enjoy doing with your family? Putting up the Christmas tree, going on trips, and playing games. What kind of job would you like to have when you grow up? Stylist.
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Reading • Math • Writing • Pre-Algebra • Algebra I • Geometry • Algebra II • Study Skills
FAVORITES • • • • • • • • •
Topic/s I like to learn about: Math, salmon, tableau, science Animal: Elephant and dog Place to visit in Washington: WSU Book: Big Nate books and Diary of a Wimpy Kid Music: Kidz Bop Place to Eat Out: Red Robin Sports Team: Seahawks and Cougs Teacher: Mrs. Clark for second grade TV Show: Brain Games
Do you know a cool kid we should celebrate? Someone who is a great neighbor and good role model? Send your suggestions to: diane.meehl@n2publishing.com
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February Plateau Living
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What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to someone considering this kind of pet? If you are considering a Labrador puppy, be ready for a lot of adventure and for puppy proofing you house. They are fun, energetic and very sweet dogs. What does Griffey add to your family’s life? Griffey adds a lot to our family’s life. He’s part of the family and gets so excited when any one of us comes home. Everyone chips in taking care of him and the kids have had so much fun teaching him new things and playing with him. This summer, he spent a lot of time playing with the kids in the back yard and now that it’s colder, they take him on walks. He goes to the bus stop every day for our elementary aged son and loves to lick all the neighborhood kids as they get off the bus.
precious pets MEET GRIFFEY Bus Stop Greeter And TV Remote Stealer
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Let us guide you home
Family Members: Ric, Heather, Nico (16), Melinda (14) and CJ (10) Dueñaz Pet’s Name/Age/Breed/Male or Female: Griffey, 8 months (birthday 4/21/15), Labrador retriever, male
How did Griffey come to join your family? We got Griffey from a breeder down in Portland, Oregon called Devonshire Labradors. We knew a few people with great labs from them. Is there a story behind your Griffey’s name? With 5 people in the house, we went through a LOT of names before deciding on Griffey. He’s named after the Mariners’ player, Ken Griffey Jr. How would you describe Griffey’s temperament or personality? Griffey is a very sweet and playful puppy. He’s pretty mellow around the family but gets very excited when meeting new people. He’s basically a big goofy boy who loves to snuggle on the couch.
Tell us the funniest, smartest or sweetest thing Griffey ever did. Griffey waits by the back door to go outside when he needs to potty. For a while, he would sit by the door, we’d open it and he’d sit on the other side of the glass, not realizing it was open. He’d sit there for a long time waiting to go outside. We all joked that Griffey is apparently not headed to puppy Harvard.
How would you describe Griffey’s “superpower”? Right now his Superpower is demolishing TV remotes. He loves to get them and run around the house. We are down two remotes right now. They are his favorite chew-toy! Oops.
Do you know a fun furry, feathered or scaled citizen we should celebrate? Send us your suggestion: diane.meehl@n2publishing.com
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The Unseen Supporters of our Community
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ups, encourage students to volunteer with Mountains to Sound Greenway, and take club field trips to learn more about the environment. We even have our own sustainable garden, where we grow carrots and other vegetables. We meet every Friday after school in room 1421 — all students are welcome!”
By: Kailee Amans
E
ach year, a new wave of diverse students brightens our high school hall with new ideas and unique personalities. Yet amongst the hype, and the spirit parades that highlight the achievements of our respective sports teams, there’s still a large portion of the student body that is just as committed to their own hard work. Despite the different motives and participants throughout the student clubs, many of them strive toward a common goal, to help our community in some way, shape, or form. I sought out several of our clubs at Skyline High School to determine what they are really all about, and how they get involved in our communities across Issaquah and Sammamish.. Here’s what I discovered from speaking with several club presidents!
being accepting of everyone; some would say it’s a conglomerate of cultures. While those might be true, I think diversity is actively finding other cultures, other people to understand, not waiting for them to come to you. So that is what our whole club is about. Giving opportunities to our members to go out and experience something new from another culture. It also gives students leadership opportunities, and gets them involved in the community. For example, we plan to go to several cultural exhibitions outside of school to really experience something great!” “We plan to host a cultural fair of some sort at Skyline near the end of the school year, open to the public, where they can come and experience the cultures that we have around Sammamish.”
RELAY FOR LIFE CLUB Presidents: Elyse Kelsey and Puja Ramanathan
“Relay for Life Club is a new club at Skyline High School that provides information about the Relay for Life organization. Relay for Life is a non-profit organization that raises billions of dollars worldwide for the American Cancer Society each year. We educate and motivate team captains and members to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. This club is where members can get the latest news and updates about The Issaquah Relay for Life committee and event that takes place in the spring. We help educate the students of Skyline about Relay for Life and how they can get involved in this great organization.” “Although we are a new club to Skyline, we already have several fundraisers in the works for the winter months. We have plans for school wide fundraisers, individual fundraising challenges, and we will be present at several community events in the area. As our club develops, we are excited to expand our community involvement!”
CULTURAL DIVERSITY CLUB President: Ishaan Bhimani
“Our club is about learning about other cultures in a safe and fun environment. We're all about being culturally diverse. Now what exactly does being diverse mean? Some would say it's
Cultural Diversity Club members making posters of various national flags to hang
GREEN TEAM CLUB President: Arjun Kumar
“The Skyline Green Team is all about making Skyline High School a more environmentally sustainable place to learn! As a King County Green School, we work with the county, district, and school administration to reduce Skyline’s garbage output and energy and water usage. We also work with the Sustainability Ambassadors organization to partner with local schools and carry out our environmental projects in an organized way.” “In the past, Green Team implemented the school-wide composting program to reduce the amount of waste at lunches; this year we are coordinating with local schools to participate in the Waste-Free Wednesday initiative. We also hold campus clean-
2014-2015 Green Team Club members
RED CROSS CLUB President: Collin Tran
“Red Cross Club is an organization with the sole objective of improving the society we live in. One hundred percent of our efforts are driven with the goals to help others and give back to the community that helped us mature into young adults.” “Our club helps contribute to the Issaquah and Sammamish community through many projects we have planned throughout the year. For example, we are just wrapping up our ‘Totes for Hope’ project in honor of Veterans Day. For the past few weeks we have been collecting donations of specific goods to be packaged, or ‘totes’ and bags for our veterans in need. Later in the year, we will be taking part in the Rubella and Measles initiative, where we will be fundraising in school to raise awareness and donating our proceeds to help send vaccines to 3rd world countries!” Kailee Amans is a senior at Skyline High School, and is a member of DECA and the Issaquah Relay for Life Committee. She enjoys running cross country and spending time outdoors with friends and family. She hopes to pursue her interest in journalistic writing in college.
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February Plateau Living
HAWKINS ORTHODONTICS Your Neighborhood Orthodontist…a Reason To Smile Offering Complimentary Orthodontic Evaluation
C onv enient ly l o c at ed in t h e K l ah anie Vil l ag e Shoppi ng C e nt e r 4540 K la ha nie D r. SE · Is s aqua h, WA 98029 · 425-557-8100 · www.haw k i n s o r tho.com
Bellafill is a unique dermal filler that works much differently than many of the temporary fillers on the market. Bellafill is the only FDA - approved filler with established safety and effectiveness at 5 years post-injection. Dr. Cote' is an expert injector and trains other physicians on how to properly administer Bellafill. This level of expertise ensures that you will receive beautiful, natural looking, and long lasting results.
The best way to determine whether Bellafill is right for you is to speak with Dr. Cote' in person. Please call 425-466-0642 today to schedule a consultation at our Issaquah or Maple Valley Office
Bringing you the best of natural medicine combined with conventional healthcare. Let the doctors at NaturoMedica create a personalized health plan for you.
www.mdcote.net
Treat causes, not just symptoms Preventative Healthcare Vitamins and Supplements
1495 NW Gilman Blvd., Suite 1 Issaquah, WA 98027 Phone 425.466.0642
1220 10th Avenue NE · Grand Ridge Plaza · Issaquah, WA 98029 425-557-8900 · www.naturomedica.com
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NeighborhoodNews
Plateau Living February
In The Dirt Color And Design In The Garden By: Ilse Burch
Almost everyone who gardens likes color. We don't all see color the same, nor do we enjoy the same color combinations, but color is one of the defining elements of a good garden. In this article, we will explore the ideas of color combinations and organization with the plan to give some simple tools for making things look better. The emotional effect of color cannot go unmentioned — we all have visceral reactions to colors. If you try to notice these (they are not the same for everybody), you can learn about what colors will give you the restful, or exciting, enjoyable garden that you want. Here is an opportunity to learn something that will serve you very well in all areas of your life!
contrast and help make the colors pop — think of blue and yellow. They are complementary colors. What it chiefly takes to stick to a color scheme is discipline. As a plant collector, it has always been hard for me to only buy plants that fit my color scheme, so my garden looks less planned than it might, but in this life we have to make choices. However, in my garden, I have a bed where I have actually stuck to my favorite color combination — pale yellow and blue, with a bit of orange and purple thrown in for good measure. I really like this spot! The yellow and blue in winter is supplied by conifer, by the way. Doesn't do to forget winter!
There are many good books on plant combinations. Essentially, one way to make a garden look planned is to use good color combinations, and that is what these books are supposed to supply. The very best gardeners are always on the lookout for plants that look great and complement one another, and many people use a camera or cell phone to record these combinations when they find them.
And let's not forget to consider the white garden. This garden does entirely without color but still looks beautiful and planned, if a bit icy to some of us. In the white garden, texture becomes a very big consideration because of the simplicity of the color scheme. (Texture is always important, but even more so with a restrained color palette). Plants variegated in white are very valuable in the white garden. Variegated plants are useful for contrast in every garden (unless of course, you don't like them!).
The color wheel (invented in the late 1700's!) is another useful tool for organizing color. It is really very simple when you have the color wheel in your hands. You just select a color you like and you will see that the immediate neighbors on the wheel are the analogous colors. They give a look of harmony to a garden. Consider a garden of red, yellow and orange; it is a garden of analogous colors. Hard to go wrong with that choice, unless you dislike them! The colors that are situated across the wheel from your color choice are the complementary colors. They give
There are public gardens where you can see color combinations; the Bellevue Botanic Garden has a perennial garden where you can explore and see what you actually like. Other ways to learn about this are by looking at the previously mentioned books, or going on garden tours. If you buy plants at nurseries, take notice of what color combinations appeal. There is so much to learn about what is pleasant and restful, or bright and exciting, or somber, or happy! It is just one more thing that makes gardening such a wonderful hobby!
February Plateau Living
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FinancialFitness
Plateau Living February
Keys To Your FINANCIAL FREEDOM Article Source: Edwardjones.com
www.edwardjones.com
You put your family first.
Don’t you deserve a financial advisor who puts you first? At Edward Jones, your goals are our priority. That’s why your financial advisor will meet with you face to face to talk about what’s most important to you and your family. From there, you’ll work together to create an investment strategy to help you work toward your goals.
Join the nearly 7 million investors already working with an Edward Jones financial advisor.
Corynne N Wiediger Financial Advisor
3302 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy Se Suite B Sammamish, WA 98075 425-837-4686
MKD-7898-A-AD
Member SIPC
What will retirement look like? The beauty of retirement is that it’s up to each of us to decide for ourselves what it will look like: Travel? Spending more time with the grandkids? Exploring what really interests you? Whatever your financial freedom looks like, preparing for it comes with some decisions that can really affect how confident you are about retirement. Here are three key questions to ask yourself now:
1.
How much will you need? Since your goal probably includes living the retirement you want for as long as you want, think through how you see your retirement: When do you want to retire? What lifestyle do you want? How much money will you need? Are there specific things you’d like to do or pay for (like travel or a grandchild’s education)? How much of your money will come from outside sources (Social Security, pensions, etc.)?
2.
How much can you take out each year? Your withdrawal rate is the amount you’ll be taking out of your investment portfolio each year. Nothing has a bigger impact on your retirement strategy than this number. If you choose a number that’s too high, you could run out of money, but setting your withdrawal rate too low could mean you may not be leading the retirement you really want.
3.
How much will you rely on your portfolio? Think about it this way: If you need $50,000 a year in retirement, with $40,000 coming from your portfolio and $10,000 from outside sources, your reliance rate is 80%. The higher your reliance rate is, the more market fluctuations could have an effect on your retirement strategy, which could require you to be more flexible with your spending.
February Plateau Living
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WA_Sammamish
Plateau Living
Diana loved her small diamond stud earrings but wanted to give them a bigger look. So, we made these jackets to enhance the beautiful but size challenged diamond studs. For nearly 19 years we have 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.
2830 228th Ave. S.E., #B
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www.plateaujewelers.com