March 2016 by Plateau Living Magazine

Plateau Living March 2016

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Meet the Armstrongs Helping the Ladybug House Kids 2 Kids – Clementine’s world EHS – Sammamish Start-Up Breaking Down Our St Patrick’s Day Traditions The Award Goes To…

Photography Courtesy of Barbara Roser Photography

Plateau Living March

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. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Michael H

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

March 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

Plateau Living March

www.n2pub.com

I M P O R TA N T P H O N E N U M B E R S

PUBLISHER Eric Redfern 206-419-6405 Eric.Redfern@n2pub.com CONTENT SUPPORT Betsy Matias CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Abbie Richert Diane Meehl Malia Nakamura Arya Anwani Ilse Burch PHOTOGRAPHERS Barbara Roser Photography Malia Nakamura CREATIVE TEAM Grant McGugin Heather Mcilrath Jenna Wood Tanya Wright 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.

PROTECT YOUR DRINKING WATER QUALITY! “It’s best to test!”

Do you own an irrigation or fire sprinkler system? Test your backflow prevention assembly each year to avoid contaminating the drinking water supply. Your kids will thank you!

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) 454-4028

Bellevue Christian High School

(425) 837-4150

Beaver Lake Middle School

(425) 837-5700

Pine Lake Middle School

(425) 295-3000

Eastside Catholic

(425) 454-4028

Bellevue Christian Junior High

(425) 837-7400

Sunny Hills Elementary School

(425) 837-5500

Cascade Ridge Elementary School

(425) 936-2750

Rachel Carson Elementary School

(425) 454-3977

Bellevue Christian School – Three Points Elementary

(425) 485-1824

Bellevue Christian School – Mack Elementary (Woodinville) CITY NUMBERS

(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

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.

March Plateau Living

NeighborhoodSponsors

Plateau Living March

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 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

NeighborhoodSponsors

March Plateau Living

ORTHODONTICS / INVISALIGN Tingey Orthodontics 22516 SE 64th Place Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 392-9224 www.tingeyortho.com ORTHODONTIST CPM Orthodontics 22731 SE 29th St. Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 392-7533 www.cpmortho.com PAINT & PAINT SUPPLIES Bellevue Paint and Decor 612 228th Ave NE Sammamish, WA 98074 (425) 454-7509 www.bellevuepaint.com PAINTING Procraft Painting (206) 691-9416

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 PRESCHOOLS The Bear Creek School 8905 208th Ave. NE Redmond, WA 98053 (425) 898-1720 x326 www.tbcs.org PRIVATE SCHOOLS The Bear Creek School 8905 208th Ave. NE Redmond, WA 98053 (425) 898-1720 x326 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 Bob Moawad (425) 557-1539 www.bmoawad.johnlscott. com

The Saint-Moawad Team Simona Saint (425) 250-1100 www.simonasaint.johnlscott. com WATER DISTRICT Sammamish Water and Sewer District 1510 228th Ave SE Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 392-6256 www.spwsd.org

Note

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Plateau Living March

March Plateau Living

Publisher’s

Dear Plateau Living Residents,

It is with mixed emotion that I announce that I am stepping away from being the publisher of Plateau Living. Prior to developing this publication, I worked in corporate America in marketing and communications. I will be returning to my roots. I relished the change away from focusing on a company and product to shifting the focus to community in all of its forms and flavors. I believe in community and believe in the value of this publication and know that it will continue to thrive and connect the community on the Plateau. Developing a magazine requires the support and contributions of many people and I want to acknowledge and thank them for their contributions. First and foremost is Diane Meehl, editor of Plateau Living. Diane is a true writer and finds joy in telling people’s stories. She has been the voice of many neighbor’s stories, business spotlight features, community organization insights and numerous Kid2Kid features and Precious Pet stories. Diane’s regular column, Suburban Dish, has given us a glimpse to all sides of her life experience: wife, mother, daughter, friend and each column has showcased a part of a common human experience. I will miss working with Diane each month. I would also like to thank Betsy Matias--Betsy runs Henry and Mei Art Studio. I met Betsy early on in the life of Plateau Living and she has been an invaluable connecting point to many families and community members who have let us tell their stories. Barbara Roser has been another critical resource to the quality of the publication. Barbara runs Roser Photography and has been the primary studio photographer for the magazine. Barbara’s photography has graced most of the covers of the

magazine and she has captured the essence of the families she photographs. Ilse Birch from the Pine Lake Garden Club has been our In the Dirt writer and has shared her love and expertise of gardening with us. Reisha Holton was the first editor of Plateau Living and her contributions have also been invaluable. Gina Mazzaferro and Mary Vance have also lent their photography talents to families and features we have covered. Laura Wilcox and Kevin Batchelor have made substantial contributions in client services and on-going administrative support for the magazine and their assistance has been invaluable. Finally, I would like to thank the student interns at Skyline, Eastlake, and Eastside Catholic High Schools for their on-going features and contributions. The new publisher of Plateau Living will be Eric Redfern. Eric runs the Madison Park Living magazine and, most importantly, is a Sammamish resident. Eric, his wife Kali, and their sons, Cooper and Brady, are excited to continue keeping the spirit of community alive through the publication. You’ll read more on Eric and his family in the next issue of PLM.

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.

Anne

Kind regards,

For more visit our Facebook page, Plateau Living magazine, and join the conversation!

Looking for a Swedish physician? Find them all at swedish.org/physicians

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Plateau Living March

Sammamish Startup At

Eastlake High School A Class Solving Problems For Our Community’s Businesses By: Eric Redfern

While searching local business events, I saw that the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce was holding a luncheon at the Plateau Club, highlighting Eastlake High Schools, Sammamish Startup class. It is a class that fuses multiple academic pathways such as Engineering and Entrepreneurship to create a leaning opportunity which benefits students with applicable college business credits. This course can also benefit local businesses. This course and these students are always looking for new problems to help solve in the local business community. The businesses they reach love the fresh set of eyes and outside the box thinking that your typical consultant might not bring to the table. The project highlighted at the Chamber’s lunch was in association with Evergreen Healthcare. The Startup students met as a 34 person group with Evergreen CEO, Bob Robertson and his executive team. Evergreen allowed the kids to ask questions and participate in a discussion of real world problems that Evergreen Health faces today. With the meeting under their belts, the students could start thinking and begin applying their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) theories to develop a plan and a pitch to

present to Evergreen. Out of the ten ideas presented by the class, three were chosen for further exploration and it was those ideas that were also present, in public, to the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce. All three of the presentations were well thought-out, innovative and helped solve an Evergreen Health pain point. The three ideas selected by Evergreen were: “International Shots/Delta Airlines Partnership” – Presented By Max Langston, Connor McCabe, Austin Westover “In Hospital Nursing Software Integration” – Presented by Connor McNeal, Laura Brockway, Cory Flynn, Jerry Lau “Traveling Medication Website for Infectious Disease Clinic”- Presented by Anna Avellaneda, Erik Anderson, Abe Escarda, Ty Blatter Laureen Burton of Evergreen Health helped set up the connection between Sammaish Startup and Evergreen to us… “We are so proud of the kids work. It’s amazing to see the exciting ideas and applications they were able to come up with. I think local businesses should give serious thought to letting this class assess their business. Who knows what problems they could solve?!”

March Plateau Living

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March Plateau Living

2 s d ki

kids

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Brothers or Sisters: One brother, Viggo Sports I play: Gymnastics

Musical instrument I want to learn: Drums Something unique about me: I can make up funny songs. When I grow up I’m going to be: a rock star Favorites Activities/Hobbies: Drawing and coloring, bouncing in my

bouncy house Animal: Horses, bunnies, turtles, dogs, cats Color: Every color! Food: Mac n’ cheese and corn on the cob Movie: Lord of the Rings, Penguins of Madagascar, Home Alone Music: Rock n’ roll Place to play: Disneyland Subject in school: Math TV show: Pokemon, Goosebumps Vacation: Disneyland What’s your favorite thing about Easter?

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March Plateau Living

football season, the weekends are spent cheering on the Seahawks or rooting for Colorado. They often attend Gonzaga basketball games and every April go to the Mariner’s home opener as a family.

Meet Your

Neighbor

Jeff, Leaza, Zoe and Thomas like to take advantage of the Pacific Northwest and enjoy traveling to the San Juan Islands or Ocean Shores. Leaza told us, “With this being our first summer with Izze, we can’t wait to take her to the beach!” If they are looking to get a little further away from home, you can often find them going back to Leaza’s home away from home, San Diego.

The Armstrongs: Jeff, Leaza, Zoe, Thomas And Izzy By: Kathleen Hartwick | Photographed By: Barbara Roser Photography

eff and Leaza Armstrong have called Sammamish home since 2006. They discovered the area by renting a house on the lake and loved it so much that they purchased a home in 2012. Their family has also grown since 2006, and they now have a daughter, Zoe who is 3 and a 1-year-old son, Thomas. They recently added to their family again and adopted a new puppy, whom Zoe affectionately named Izzy-Tutu. Leaza, who is originally from San Diego, attended Gonzaga University and is now a physical therapist at Pro Sports Club. Jeff grew up in Kenmore and spent his college years at the University of Colorado and is a now a Sales Rep at Cascade Products. The Armstrongs are a very active family! In 2015 Jeff ran RAGNAR and he plans on doing it again this year while adding the Sammamish Half Marathon to his events calendar. Jeff said, “Training around Sammamish is tough. Honk for support if you see me out there! Leaza received her Pilates instruction certification in 2015 and teaches a couple times a week at Pro Club along with her PT duties. As a family, they like to go hiking and camping in the summer. In fact, one of their family traditions is to go camping at Birch Bay with family and friends over the 4th of July for Zoe’s birthday. They also love to support their local and alma mater sports teams. During

Zoe will be starting her first year of preschool next year and also dances at

DECKS Stain • Restore

Craft

Gotta Dance studio in Redmond. Both Zoe and Thomas also take swimming lessons at Pro-Sports Club. Around town, they head to dinners at the Pine Lake Ale House and Mod Pizza. In the summer, you can often find them cooling off at the Sammamish Commons Splash Park or wandering around the Sammamish Farmer’s Market. PLM asked the Armstrongs what their favorite part about living in Sammamish is. Leaza said, “We love the sense of community. We love that we are conveniently right in the middle of a major metro city and the wilderness. We appreciate the diversity this neighborhood provides for our kids and excited to see them grow up here!”

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March Plateau Living

Keep Calm

Wear Green &

Breaking Down Our St. Patty’s Day Traditions By: Arya Ajwani

HAWKINS ORTHODONTICS Your Neighborhood Orthodontist…a Reason To Smile

There’s always one day a year where the whole world looks like it’s been overrun by trees. Sound familiar? That’s right, St. Patrick’s Day, which takes place on March 17, is rapidly approaching, and before the day is upon you, take a moment to brush up on some history and fun traditions about your favorite green day. Wearing Green

The most popular ritual to carry out on this day is to don all your green. People of all ages dig their lime-colored clothes out from the back of their closets, frantically trying to find something suitable to wear, so they aren’t the recipients of yet another popular tradition – pinching the unfortunate folk who didn’t have time to run to the store to buy something as simple as green nail polish. The tradition of pinching is beloved by many, but make sure to choose your victims wisely — it is not uncommon for people to sport a pair of green socks, hidden under a seemingly “un-green” outfit. Before running off to pinch your friends, keep an eye out for sly, deceptive smiles that might tip you off to their trickery. Believe it or not, the color green was not always associated with St. Patrick’s Day. Originally, the color blue represented the saint after whom the holiday was named. It was only after Ireland was given the reputation of The Emerald Isle that green was put on the national flag and became the associated color for everything Irish, including our very own St. Patrick’s Day.

Why Pinching?

Now, while the pinching tradition is fun for some, the recipients may not encounter the same pleasure. The custom actually comes from America from around the 1700s. Celebrants believed that wearing green made you invisible to the tiny leprechauns and fairies that ran around pinching anyone they could see. So next time you get pinched for not wearing the correct color, you might just see a petite fairy or a plump leprechaun darting away!

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Corn Beef And Cabbage

To conclude the day of green, enjoy a nice meal of corned beef and cabbage. Although it is a classic St. Patrick’s Day dinner, it is again more American than Irish. In the 19th century, Irish Americans wanted food to remind them of home, and corned beef was the most affordable. And cabbage? It’s a spring vegetable, which is what St. Patrick’s Day is associated with. St. Patrick’s Day is a festivity full of fun and laughter. Be sure to enjoy yourself this year by enjoying an Irish dinner and finding people to pinch. However, make sure you wear green loud and proud so people can see it! Arya Ajwani is a freshman at Skyline High School. She loves to dance and read fantasy novels. In her free time, Arya plays tennis and hangs out with her friends.

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March Plateau Living

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When high school rolled around, Will immediately found his place on the Skyline team. As a freshman, Will swam four events at State, the ultimate achievement for a high school swim athlete. His 400 freestyle relay left the previous school record behind by a wide margin of four-seconds, and he was the only individual swimmer to earn points for the team. After his personal successes of 2015, Will is hopeful for the 2016 post season. “I’ve improved so much this year, and I think that potentially I could place top 10 at state this year.” Despite being an underclassman, Will is respected by his teammates and friends alike for his inspiring work ethic and drive to be successful. His perseverance has paid off and he now has his sights set on swimming D1 in college. Through countless hours spent in the water, Will has accomplished what many athletes can only dream of. “When I’m practicing, I try to envision what the payoff will be, you know, when I’m at a meet—how I’ll be glad that I put in the extra effort.”

Will O’Daffer, Skyline Swimming The Biggest Splash Is Not Always The Best By: Malia Nakamura

Go to a men’s high school post-season swim meet on any given day, and you will be overwhelmed by throngs of Speedo-clad, imposing swimmers who are typically over six feet tall. The prevalence of successful, tall swimmers is why the achievements of Will O’Daffer, a sophomore at Skyline High School who stands at a mere 5’9” are especially notable. Will is referred to by his peers as “the fastest athlete on the Skyline team.” Although his overall performance in the 2015 State Meet as a freshman was impressive, the swimmer’s height has been something to continually overcome. “I didn’t grow for a long time,” Will says, “so I was pretty slow. I’m just 5’9”. I would always work really hard, but there were so many kids faster than me. I used to be the only guy swimming in the first heat of three guys. Not growing for a long time was pretty frustrating for me.” Will began swimming competitively with Edgebrook Swim Team at the age of 6 and shortly thereafter joined the Issaquah Swim Team where his career eventually took off. Characterized by consistent appearances at championship meets and steady personal records, Will’s time with IST has culminated with a spot on the coveted Nationals squad. Will is one of the youngest boys in the swim group, and his position there is well deserved. “In IST, it’s a lane of eight guys that motivate me to work harder, and it’s been a big thing for me this year.”

Malia Nakamura is a Skyline High school senior who divides her time between presiding over her local DECA chapter and managing her own photography business. She hopes to pursue writing and marketing in college.

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Plateau Living March

Goes To…

Claire Wright, Sammamish Resident And Miss Teen Washington

Winning the title of Miss Teen Washington USA takes more than good looks and a crowd pleasing talent; many contestants say that knowing who you are, and thus, how you can be an agent of change, is actually the most important aspect of the competition. For Claire Wright, who faced adversity in a bullied past, winning the 2016 crown is a testament to her unbreakable character.

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Claire also had the opportunity to attend Miss Universe 2016, further inspiring her pursuits. “The experience was surreal,” she says of being in the audience, but it was that much more memorable when host Steve Harvey announced the wrong winner. “Everyone’s jaw dropped in the entire auditorium. I couldn’t believe it,” she says. “But both women handled it so well and it was great to see them put in that situation and come out so poised,” which she sees as a quality to strive for.

By: Abbie Richert

Who will you AWARD?

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Project Claire Bear thus far has been successful and she hopes it will not only be an outlet for support, but also a perspective shift for both the perpetrator and the bystander. “I’ve moved on. It’s not something that makes me emotional anymore because it’s just a fact that it’s something I went through and I can use it to help other people now,” Wright says of her experience.

The Award

Wright says the bullying started at an early age. There were issues in elementary school, but it was nothing compared to what she faced in middle school. Wright though, was determined to overcome it and sought help in counseling, which encouraged her to build confidence through new activities.

March Plateau Living

Claire’s title of Miss Washington Teen USA is rooted in her resilience, and with no plans to slow down, it is safe to say that her ambition and positivity will continue to bring great things. Claire was drawn to the idea of pageants, yet knew nothing of how to get involved. As fate would have it, she received a pamphlet for an upcoming pageant in the mail the day after bringing the idea to her mother. “It turned out to be such an amazing thing, and I met so many amazing girls,” she says of her first pageant. Wright has since been successful on more than one occasion, but her current crown is the most significant to date. “I gave it my all and it was the most incredible blessing that I’ve ever had,” Wright says. Claire also notes that the preparation for a pageant is fully consuming. “People don't realize what goes into it. It’s healthy eating, working out, and really making sure you know yourself and what you stand for.” For Claire, pageantry also serves as a platform to advocate against bullying. “After I experienced being bullied in middle school, I didn’t want anyone else to go through that, so I started Project Claire Bear.” It is a non-profit organization in which Wright speaks to students, predominantly those in the 4th to 6th grade, about the effects of bullying. Wright shares her experience and lends support to victims, but also emphasizes the power of the bystander. “I don't think people realize the impact they have,” she says. “I just received an apology from a girl a month ago who was a bystander in a situation. The bystander really can stop bullying in its tracks.”

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Plateau Living March

Making a Difference

can be built; with a goal of opening its doors by 2019. In addition to acquiring land in Seattle, the biggest milestone will be achieving the fundraising goals: about $20 million to build and operate for one year. The logistics required for such an endeavor may seem daunting, but the progress thus far has been prolific and unbreakable. The Ladybug House mission states, “If we cannot add days to the life of a child, we will add life to their days;” a simple reminder of our duty as a society to ensure this right is fulfilled.

Ladybug House By: Abbie Richert

Tom High — Treasurer of the Board and Plateau resident

There are many people with ambitious dreams and innovative ideas, yet very few act on those dreams and ideas with a determined effort to turn them into a reality. Suzanne Gwynn, who comes equipped with a gripping passion and unwavering vision, has dedicating every bit of her life to her dream: to build and operate the Pacific Northwest’s first palliative care home and hospice for children.

Palliative Care is a multidisciplinary approach to medical care that is focused on improving quality of life for both the patient and the family. It is an extra layer of support, tending to their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. The goal of Ladybug House is to be a unique home-away-from-home, offering medical support for children, respite for parents, and end-of-life care if needed. Currently there are only two pediatric palliative care homes and hospices in the United States; the UK has 53, Canada 8, and Australia 5. For Suzanne, who spent a significant portion of her 30-year nursing career specializing in pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant care, the need for these homes in the U.S. is desperate. She holds that the disparity is a result of a difficult topic that no one wants to talk about. “Seattle has amazing hospitals, and a wonderful in-home visiting hospice program, but it’s not enough,” Gwynn says. The reality is that “these families are exhausted; they deserve a place to go, to be cared for and not caregivers, and to truly be a family.” Ladybug House will be a place where memories are made and legacies are built, allowing families to “truly celebrate every day, every moment and every life.” One of Suzanne’s greatest abilities is her aptitude for networking. Over the last year she has drawn in a team of highly skilled individuals who volunteer their time, resources, and expertise to

NeighborhoodNews

March Plateau Living

Ladybug House team including founder, Suzanne Gwynne (2nd from the right)

Along with a dedicated team of volunteers, Ladybug House has also begun to find success in partnering with local businesses. Recently, Malika Siddiq, owner of the clothing boutique, Lika Love, which has locations in Madison Park and West Seattle, was looking for opportunities to support a local charity and became acquainted with Ladybug House through social media; Siddiq felt moved to meet with Suzanne to find a way to get involved. “After chatting with her and hearing what Ladybug House stood for, it was just a no-brainer [to partner with Ladybug House],” says Siddiq. Malika hosted a shop-for-a-cause benefit at her West Seattle location and says she is looking forward to next steps in fundraising and spreading awareness. Although the community is readily embracing Ladybug House, there is still much work to be done before the 12-family home

rated. This was in most part due to emotional, social and environmental issues. Our family still remained separated, unable to sleep under one roof. Adrianna felt torn and sensed that she was causing all of us difficulty. She was tired of the emotional and relational tolls. At the age of 15, Adrianna’s strong faith in Jesus caused her to make a difficult decision. She believed that being completely healed in heaven and living in Jesus’s presence far outweighed remaining a burden here on earth. Her options were so limited: remain in the hospital to continue treatment, or receive hospice with no further treatment. Adrianna yearned to all be together as a family. She no longer wanted to feel like she was tearing her family apart. I believe that if we had any other option she would have chosen to remain in the fight. The existence of Ladybug House may have changed Adrianna’s story.

Ladybug House; many of whom are impassioned by their own connections to the cause. Sammamish resident of 15 years, Tom High, an accomplished CPA and Treasurer of the Board, was particularly drawn to the cause because of his experience caring for one of his children who required medical care in Portland at a young age. Tom says, “Ladybug House will be a necessary place of refuge for families. Like Portland, Seattle has great resources for children with life-limiting illnesses. But where Ladybug House stands out is in its mission to provide medical care and end-of-life care for children while accommodating for the entire family. Ladybug House will help to complete the care options for children and families in Seattle, and I am excited for it to one day become a reality.”

I am not sure how words on a page may influence you or your decision making, but Adrianna and other children like her aren’t just words on a page. She mattered. They all matter. The death of a child is real; the experience changes you forever.

Meet Adrianna Marie Lizaola

– Ladybug House Patient Advocate Rapid progression of systemic scleroderma Unexpected move from Los Angeles to Seattle Separation from immediate family and community (It was just she and I for six months. Stepdad and two sisters reunited after six months.) Experimental treatments Two umbilical cord stem cell transplants Chemotherapy and radiation therapy My daughter Adrianna felt lonely and disconnected. She carried guilt and felt like an unfair burden — she was tired. Our family lived under separate roofs for approximately two years. Adrianna could not see an end to this and so she pleaded to return to California where she was transferred to City of Hope. At that point Adrianna’s quality of life deterio-

My daughter isn’t just a name and a story. Adrianna was a person; embodiments of faith, worship, joy, laughter, creativity, and dance. She is… all the people that prayed for her, that love her, that knew her; she lives on in so many of those things. She does not live on merely as a memory no longer affecting the present. Instead, Adrianna lives on as a ripple throughout our present lives and time — an echo in eternity. — Scarlet Estrada Adrianna wrote this message and hung it on her hospital room door — for all to see before entering her room. Things I want the team to know about me:

1. The most important thing in the world for me is to eat. I want to eat even if it’s one chicken nugget, even if i throw it up afterwards. 2. I want out of the hospital, even if there are risks involved, even if it means potentially shortening my life. 3. I am not depressed, I am angry. There are no answers; there is no light at the end of the tunnel. It makes me mad when people come in here with sad faces. This is not a sad room; I’m not sad. Don’t come in here looking sad.

continued...

NeighborhoodNews

Making a Difference

Plateau Living March

March Plateau Living

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4. I don’t want anyone’s pity. I want to be seen as a person. When I feel pity, I don’t feel seen. 5. I don’t understand what the medical teams are saying. They talk a lot using big words. 6. I am not afraid of dying. That is not the worst outcome; the worst outcome is staying in the hospital without eating forever. 7. I am not comfortable making decisions that would directly end my life. That is God’s work. I am, however, comfortable making decisions that would shorten my life in the name of quality of life — eating and getting out of the hospital. 8. I want my mom to be in charge of medical decisions and giving me medical information. However, if there is a decision that includes anesthesia and could result in a breathing tube, I want to be involved. I want this to be heavily discussed.

I am not giving up. I am still in this to fight but during the fight, I need some life.

NeighborhoodNews

Plateau Living March

NeighborhoodNews

March Plateau Living

pets

precious

Royal The Beagle And Baxter The Puggle

Pet’s Name: Royal and Baxter Type of Animal/Breed: Royal is a beagle mix and Baxter is a puggle. Male or Female: Royal is a female and Baxter is male. Pet’s Age: Royal is 6 and Baxter is 5. Where/why did you get Royal and Baxter? We saw an ad for Royal in The Seattle Times; once we saw her picture we were sold! Baxter came from a breeder in Vancouver. We got him because he was cute and we wanted a buddy for Royal. Is there a story behind their names? Royal was given her name because we could tell that she thought she was queen of the house right away. Baxter just acted like a Baxter…sweet, smart and curious. Anything special or unusual about them (talents/quirks)? They love sleeping under the covers in bed. Any funny stories? They love chasing each other in circles around the house. Every time they do our sons love getting into the chase!

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In The Dirt 28

NeighborhoodNews

Plateau Living March

Wonderful Foliage Makes For Fabulous Gardening! By Ilsa burch

March Plateau Living

den. It is a huge subject and ever-growing as more variegated plants are found, and more interesting foliage plants become available. Many books also offer advice on what plant will really look great with what other plant- priceless information for anyone who gardens. Another source of good information is Google. You can use Google to see images of many lovely foliage plants. How is it best to use variegated foliage? Use variegated foliage plants as accents, and avoid putting too many close together because they look too busy if you do this. Place a bright gold or white accent in a corner of your garden that is easily overlooked, to bring the eye. Don't put a variegated plant next to something you don't want to look at- it will act as a visual magnet. Think of variegated foliage as “spice”- how much spice you enjoy depends upon your personality and the feeling you want your garden to convey. A useful exercise is to go outside and look at your garden. Imagine how it looked in the summer. Were there areas that appeared kind of “dead” or boring? These can be made more visually enticing by the use of a fantastic foliage plant. No matter what the conditions are in the area that was boring, there is a variegated plant that will fit the bill. There are variegated veggies, too! The variegated variety of basil is a lovely, tasty plant that is very compact and doesn't need a bunch of pinching because it rarely flowers. And of course, many houseplants have been selected for fantastically colorful foliage.

eaves, the powerhouses of the plant world, confer interest, color, and texture to the garden. Different plants have different sized and shaped leaves, as well as different colored leaves. Over time, gardeners have selected plants for foliage that is interesting- and many of these plants boast colored foliage that would not survive on their own. Alternatively-colored plants do turn up from time to time in random seedlings but they usually don't survive in the wild since they often don't photosynthesize quite as well as the normal-colored leaves do. They need coddling, and so they find a place in our gardens. This amazing variety of foliage gives another, perhaps even more interesting quality to gardens, than is given by flowers. One way to look at it is that flowers are generally fleeting, while foliage lasts longer. Texture is also an important quality in gardening. Fine textured leaves look wonderful next to larger leaves. It is

good to have variety! Going to a garden store and setting plants next to one another can give you an idea of what sort of foliage contrasts appeal to you. In an artistic composition of any type, there is a balance of contrast and harmony that gives some quality to the whole. This quality can be restful or exciting, chaotic or harmonious. It turns out that repetition of plants gives a restful quality to a garden, and individual contrast provides a bit of drama. How do you want your garden to look? The time to think about the plan is now, before the onslaught of very cute, appealing and adorable plants are available wherever you shop. It is hard not to take them all home! There are many good books available, both for sale and in the library, on the subject of colored foliage and its use in the gar-

Given the vast assortment of available garden plants, there are so many possibilities for colored foliage. It is worthwhile looking for something that really works for you, and creates a nice feeling in your garden. If you find your garden a bit unexciting, try adding the spice of a few variegated plants or some textural contrast, and see how much better and more enticing your garden can be!

NeighborhoodNews

& Wellness

Plateau Living March

health

Why Choose Two Phases For Orthodontic Treatment?

Though many orthodontic problems can wait to be corrected when all the baby teeth have fallen out, there are some orthodontic problems that are better corrected when the patient is younger and can provide critical assistance to development. Delaying treatment for some orthodontic problems can lead to increased difficulty in correcting the problem, abnormal jaw growth, abnormal tooth wear or chipping, and even less stable long-term results. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines physical and structural changes with tooth alignment. The purpose of a two-phase approach is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the goals for health,

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function, and esthetics at a time when the developing structure can be more easily manipulated. It is called a two-phase approach because it involves two separate and distinct periods when your child receives orthodontic treatment. The early phase, or first phase, usually begins when your child is between seven and ten years old, but varies because of the eruption of the teeth and growth of the patient. The main goal of the first phase is to correct structural problems, such as crossbites or underbites, and to help to make room for the permanent teeth, allowing them to grow in with less crowding and strain. Helping the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together during early treatment benefits children tremendously. It is one of the reasons fewer teeth are extracted for orthodontics these days compared to past years and improves the overall health of the child. The second phase of treatment usually begins once the permanent teeth have all erupted into the mouth, around 12 years old. This is the phase where braces are on all the teeth. The purpose of this phase is to finalize the alignment of the teeth and also the bite. The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth and jaws will function together properly providing better health and stability for all the structures. Not every patient requires two phases of treatment. It is often better treatment to postpone some correction and combine all the treatment into one phase. But the value that early treatment provides for certain problems is vital for normal growth and development. That is why it is recommended that every 7-yearold be evaluated by an orthodontist to discover potential functional and structural problems. Your smile is your greeting to the world. It’s also a window to an important part of your dental health. The development of the smile begins well before all the permanent teeth are in place. The foundation for that smile, that health and that confidence begins early. An orthodontist is trained to recognize and treat those difficult issues before they become difficult problems.

March Plateau Living

FinancialFitness

Plateau Living March

LIFE INSURANCE MISTAKES TO AVOID Article Source: Edwardjones.com

Potential pitfalls and how to avoid them

It's a fact of life – insurance. You know you need it, and you want to protect your family from life's unexpected events. But you might not know where to start. And if you already have life insurance – through your employer, for example – it might not be enough.

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1. Guessing how much life insurance coverage you need

You want to be certain about the protection you have in place for your family's future. There are a few things to consider when it comes to the amount of life insurance coverage you need: • Debt – How much debt do you have (mortgage, car loan, etc.)? • Income replacement – How much income will your family need should something happen to you? • Planning for the future – Do you want to help pay for your child's or grandchild's education? Do you want to leave a legacy for future generations (charitable donations)? • Health care expenses – Are you prepared for unexpected medical expenses (disability, long-term care, etc.)?

Spring

CLEANUP

Tips To Ready Your Home For A Fresh Season By N2 Staff Writer, Megan Weatherly

2. Choosing the wrong type of policy (term or permanent)

Depending on your family's needs and goals, you'll want to weigh your options. Term insurance is the most basic type of insurance. If you choose term insurance, you will be covered for a specific time frame, such as 10 years, 20 years, etc. Permanent Insurance can provide protection over your entire lifetime and build cash value at the same time. 3. Relying solely on insurance provided by your employer

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Although sometimes overlooked, life insurance is an important part of your overall financial strategy. There are five common mistakes you should be aware of as you think about protection against life's unexpected events.

HomeMatters

March Plateau Living

Member SIPC

Even if you already have some life insurance coverage at work, chances are your safety net isn’t big enough. Those with families and bigger financial obligations – like a mortgage – may need more than what they would get from employer-provided life insurance, which is rarely more than three times an individual's annual salary and can be as little as six months' salary. Relatively low benefits are not the only reason to consider supplemental coverage. Employers may drop life insurance benefits, or employees may change jobs and find their policy isn't portable. 4. Neglecting to designate beneficiaries

Naming beneficiaries can help ensure that your proceeds go directly to those whom you intend – thereby helping them avoid probate (the legal process of distributing your estate), which can save time and expense for your family. 5. Ignoring your policies

You should review life insurance policies at every life event, or at least every three to five years. Your life circumstances can change over time. If you've experienced a milestone event such as a marriage, a new baby or a divorce, you'll want to ensure your loved ones are provided for.

Spring is the time of year for new beginnings. After a long winter, chances are your house may be in need of a little refreshment, as well. These tips will help you jump-start your spring cleaning and get your home ready for warmer weather. WINDOWS

For a clear view and fresh air, start by cleaning up your windows. Check the screens for any tears and replace those that are damaged. Screens should be cleaned annually to remove buildup of dust and dirt. Use a soft brush and mild soap and water mixture to scrub both sides of your screens, then allow to air dry. Before reinstalling your window screens, take the opportunity to clean up your window glass and frames. DECKS, PORCHES AND PATIOS

To maximize your enjoyment of outdoor spaces, make sure they are prepped

for warm-weather use. Check the stability of any wood, stone or cement structures and make sure there are no cracks or crumbles. Some surfaces may require sanding or pressure washing to remove splinters, mildew and other discolorations. Reapply paint, stains and sealers as needed. Freshen up your outdoor spaces with colorful plants and outdoor furniture. SPRINKLERS AND SPIGOTS

Test all sprinklers and outdoor spigots to be sure water is flowing correctly and no damage has occurred during winter freezes. Repair or replace any pipes and

sprinkler heads that are faulty in order to prevent further damage. SWIMMING POOLS

Before going for a swim in your pool, test the water’s chemistry. Make sure that chemical levels are not too high or too low, and adjust as necessary. If your pool needs to be drained and refilled, now is the ideal time to do that. Have your filters and equipment tested to ensure that the system is working properly. With these basic updates out of the way, you can enjoy your home and the warmer weather with no worries.

Plateau Living March

March Plateau Living

WA_Sammamish

Plateau Living

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