Plateau Living May 2016 by Plateau Living Magazine

Plateau Living May 2016

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Meet the Shriber Family! Fencing with Sammamish Twinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Ketki & Mallika Sponsor Spotlight Integrity Automotive The Award Goes To, Skyline Swim and Dive!

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Cover Courtesy of Susan Stockman Portraits

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

Vaughn family photographed by Studio B Portraits in Issaquah

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

2 Plateau Living • May 2016

May 2016 • Plateau Living

I M P O RTA N T

PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTENT SUPPORT CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CREATIVE TEAM

Eric Redfern 206-419-6405 Eric.Redfern@n2pub.com Susan Stockman Photography Malia Nakamura Betsy Matias Abbie Richert Arya Ajwani Diane Meihl Malia Nakamura Grant McGugin Kevin Simmons

EMERGENCY

PUBLISHER

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

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

UTILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

(425) 898-1720

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

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

Sammamish City Hall Sammamish Parks & Recreation

(206) 296-4692

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

SCHOOLS

www.n2pub.com

We are always looking for residents to follow up on leads, find great stories and send us ideas. Let’s celebrate the great things happening in our community! No contribution is too small. Please email betsy.matias@n2pub.com with your pictures, suggestions, or requests.

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

4 Plateau Living • May 2016

COUNTY NUMBERS

CITY NUMBERS

(425) 485-1824

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

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.

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. If no one believes in you, believe in yourself!

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION visit info@escapetopeace.com

NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING 1-888-373-7888 Text BEFREE or 233733 May 2016 • Plateau Living

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

AUTO DEALER Acura of Bellevue 13424 NE 20th St. Bellevue, WA 98005 (425) 644-3000 AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Integrity Automotive Maintenance and Repair 80 NE Gilman Blvd Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 557-8665 www.integrityautorepair.com 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/issaquahcampus

JEWELRY STORE Plateau Jewelers 2830 228th Ave SE, Suite B Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 313-0657 www.plateaujewelers.com MEDICAL AESTHETICS Vein, Vascular and Aesthetic Assoc. (425) 250-9999 myvivaa.com MEDICAL SPA Gilman Facial Aesthetics (425) 413-1418 www.mdcote.net

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 ORTHODONTIST CPM Orthodontics 22731 SE 29th St. Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 392-7533 www.cpmortho.com PAINTING Procraft Painting (206) 691-9416

PHOTOGRAPHER Susan Stockman Portraits (425) 736-0576 PHOTOGRAPHY Barbara Roser Photography (425) 391-9371 www.roserphotography.com PRIVATE PRESCHOOLS The Bear Creek School 8905 208th Ave. NE Redmond, WA 98053 (425) 898-1720 x326 www.tbcs.org PRIVATE SCHOOLS The Bear Creek School 8905 208th Ave. NE Redmond, WA 98053 (425) 898-1720 x326 www.tbcs.org

NATURAL MEDICINE Naturomedica 1220 10th Ave NE Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 587-8900 www.naturomedica.com

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

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

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

Your Solution For Vein and Vascular Care in Issaquah If you’re experiencing the pain and embarrassment caused by varicose and spider veins, the medical team of Vein Vascular & Aesthetic Associates can help. Led by Board Certified Vascular Specialist, Dr. Sidhu, our talented staff and advanced treatment technologies make it possible for you to no longer have to suffer the burden of vein and vascular disease.

Anti-aging, Skin Rejuvenation, and Body Sculpting Services The aesthetic services at VIVAA make it possible for you to look 10 years younger by utilizing state of the art treatment including CoolSculpting®, Fractional resurfacing, IPL, laser hair removal, laser facials, stretch mark and scar reduction, Botox® and Juvederm. We also carry products such as Latiesse® and Epionce®, a botanical skincare line only available through a physician.

HOUSE CLEANING Suprema House Cleaning (425) 999-2705 www.supremacleaning.,com

4 2 5 . 2 5 0 . 9 9 9 9

1301 4TH AVE NW #302, ISSAQUAH, WA 98027 Visit MyVIVAA.com to check all the services VIVAA provides.

6 Plateau Living • May 2016

May 2016 • Plateau Living

staff intro

PLM Writer,

Abbie Richert Abbie is a creative writer — aka: a professional daydreamer, based in Seattle. She loves how even the most simple of stories can make an impact and can change how we interact with the world. Abbie began writing professionally in 2012 while living in Buenos Aires and it only took her a year to realize that her Argentine paycheck was only slightly more valuable than a heap of Monopoly cash, which ultimately prompted her return to the States. Although she is back in Seattle, she continues to work on projects for clients across globe and is always looking for new opportunities or collaborations. WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTIBUTE TO MPL? Please submit any neighborhood story ideas or interest to betsy.matias@n2pub.com.

Special Offer!

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8 Plateau Living • May 2016

Indication Statement: Important Safety Information:

May 2016 • Plateau Living

• $2,198,000 • 5 Bedrooms / 6 Baths • 5,940 Square Feet • Lot Size 2.07 Acres • Remodeled in 2004 • Spacious Chef’s Kitchen + Butler’s Pantry • Award Winning Skyline High School • Large Patio & Hot-Tub • 4 car garage + Shop

Flawless Lancaster Ridge Estate P R I VA C Y. E L E G A N T. T R A N Q U I L .

1025 Lancaster Way SE, Sammamish, WA, 98075 Immaculate Lancaster Ridge estate surrounded by serene native firs and gorgeously manicured grounds. This elegant rambler was remodeled from 2004-2006 and is situated on a secluded 2 acres. Entertainment driven floor plan flows seamlessly from room to room providing ideal spaces for both intimate gatherings and large holiday parties. Create lasting memories in the state-of-theart kitchen with high-end appliances, 6-burner gas range, generouslysized slab Granite Island and prep kitchen with spacious butler’s pantry. Impressive 5-piece master suite, custom walk-in closet and attached home office with gas fireplace. The many windows and French doors take full advantage of the surrounding Pacific North West scenery and natural light. Multifunctional spaces with pocket doors allow ease when closing off certain areas and opening others. High-tech media room, sound system, work-out space, den and 3

10 Plateau Living • May 2016

additional bedrooms with adjoining baths for practically every room. Privacy guaranteed with perfectly hedged landscaping, outdoor lighting and plenty of room to play. Sprawling patio just off kitchen and living room, hot-tub, 355 sq. ft. shop and 5-car garage. This one-of-a-kind residence boasts exquisite craftsmanship with finest attention to detail. Tracking to the award winning Issaquah School District and sought after Skyline High School. Lancaster Ridge location offers a year-round abundance of outdoor activities. Walk the trails at Big Rock Park, swim at Lake Sammamish state park, enjoy tasty breakfasts at nearby Sammamish Café and visit the new community center. Sammamish has something for everyone! Presented by Kritsonis & Lindor Karl Lindor, 206.890.8227, Karl@windermere.com John Kritsonis, 206.498.0288, JohnK@windermere.com Visit Exclusive Luxury Properties at: KritsonisLindor.com May 2016 • Plateau Living

Serge says, “For all fencers, fencing is not something that they do, its something that they are.” Timacheff explains that fencing’s robust cultural history paired with the fact that it is a lifelong sport connects people to something greater than the game. “There’s a nobility about it and when you teach kids about something beyond just the rules, they understand the context of it and how it is portrayed in literature and how it goes beyond just the playing field.”

SAMMAMISH TWINS KETKI & MALLIKA KETKAR

Fence Their Way Through Life By: Abbie Richert Photographed by: Malia Nakamura

“In the Olympic Games, the only thing faster than a fencing blade is a bullet,” says Kevin Mar, Executive Coach and Co-Founder of the Washington Fencing Academy.

Although the girls have only been fencing for two years, they quickly found their step, or lunge if you will. They are currently ranked number 1 and number 2 in the region for the Women’s Epee in the Youth 12 and Youth 14 age groups.

Walking into the Academy I am met with a room full of sparring duos whose swords fly blurredly past my eyes, a testament to Mar’s statement. The athletes practice along strips, or playing areas that flank the 2,500 square foot room; attached to their uniforms are sensors connected to the scoreboard that trigger the buzzer each time an opponent is touched, indicating a point is made.

The multitude of meets oftentimes means the girls face competitors at least twice their size. “It’s kind of scary.” Says Ketki, “They look like they are 7 ft. tall, but you also have an advantage if you are fast you can hit their feet and hands, you can still beat them.”

The Washington Fencing Academy is an inclusive environment that trains athletes of all ages including Plateau residents and 11-year-old twins Mallika and Ketki Ketkar.

Mallika speaks to her love of fencing saying, “It was hard at first; the blade felt super heavy. But it’s fun and you get to go to different places when you travel and you get to make new friends.”

The girls, who seem to be made for fencing, became interested in the sport mostly by chance. “We were at Columbia Athletics just passing by a demo class. They saw people with masks, swords, all white uniforms and that was it,” says Sonali Tikekar, mother and avid supporter of the twins. “They were offering a camp in the summer, which the girls went to; fencing became our life after that,” Sonali adds.

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Executive coach Kevin Mar adds to Timacheff’s outlook with his personal goal of ensuring every athlete he trains walks away with something that impacts him or her. “We teach life lessons through fencing. I know not everyone is going to be an Olympian. I understand that. But if I can convey something to them, then my time with that student has been beneficial and it was worth it. Mar says, “Over my whole career, I’ve had what I call the ‘shy person athlete.’ Typically it’s a very small, petite girl and after I work with them, after they put that mask on it’s like their personality suddenly changed. The parents come and are, like ‘who is that out there?’ The whole metamorphosis happens when that mask comes on. That person can be anonymous, like, ‘I know I can do whatever I want,’ and that has been a wonderful thing in boosting confidence.”

“They learn to understand size does not always matter, if you continue to focus you can win,” says Sonali. “It’s also about your brain and how you use it to your advantage.”

The positive fencing community is something that the girls and their parents all love about the sport. “It’s very closely nit community. They want their friends more than the competition part of it,” says Sonali. She adds that the approach taken by the wonderful coaching staff of the Washington Fencing Academy is also a big reason why the sport means so much to them. Serge Timacheff, CEO and Co-Founder of the WFA, is a nationally ranked fencer with five Olympic appearances under

his belt as well as is the only photographer credentialed by the International Fencing Federation.

Timacheff and Mar’s dedication to their athletes and the Washington Fencing Academy is impressive. Aside from their ability to train Olympicstyle fencing, the Co-Founders ambition to equip their athletes with real life skills is something that should be applauded. Mar sums it up when he says, “[the athlete’s] self-image improves. That’s why I keep drilling life lessons through fencing.”

May 2016 • Plateau Living

meet your neighbors

One-to-One Instruction • No Small Groups • Month-to-Month Tuition • No Contracts!

The Shribers By: Abbie Richert Photographed By: Susan Stockman Photography

The Shribers are one of those families who seem to do it all and more. For Katelyn and Greg, pursing their own passions and raising four boys — Will 13, Henry 11, Graham 8, and Owen 5, means schedules are packed and the house is more often than not bursting with activities ranging from impromptu music recitals to the construction of pillow-forts in the living room. “It is crazy to have four boys. I think we just decided, ‘let’s go with it, embrace it, and have some fun,” Katelyn says. And embrace it they have. Katelyn and Greg have not only built a closeknit relationship with the community at large, but they have taken an active role in their boys’ interests. “Projects that involve creativity are what set our family apart most,” says Katelyn. “Greg loves to create things — he designed and built our playhouse in the backyard and is in the process of illustrating a children’s book.”

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Greg’s affection for the arts has rubbed off on his kids. The boys share a love of making music, singing, and acting in their own home movies. Katelyn says, “Our house is in a constant state of activity surrounding the latest project.” Their love of all things creative also makes its way to the dinner table. Katelyn, who holds the green thumb in the family, is an avid gardener and is inspired to make interesting meals using the produce from her own garden. The family as a whole enjoys a range of dishes from Vietnamese pho’ to ebbleskivers (Swedish pancakes). Their broad taste in cuisine is coupled by the family’s enjoyment of travel. “We love to travel, either as a family or as a couple and we enjoy finding unique things from our trip to display in our home,” which undoubtedly adds to the imaginative atmosphere and the boys’ willingness to try new things.

Call Today to Schedule Your FREE Diagnostic Assessment.......

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425-202-7306

711 228th Ave NE Sammamish, WA 98074

Reading • Math • Writing • Pre-Algebra • Algebra I • Geometry • Algebra II • Study Skills

The Shribers have lived on the Plateau since 2005 and have no plans to leave the area. “We love the diverse community; we love the proximity to other parts of the Eastside, the mountains and Seattle. We love the nature that is so near; nearby trails and parks. Love the schools, especially Pine Lake Middle and Sunny Hills — we will be at Sunny Hills for 12 years by the time our kids are done with elementary school! And of course all of our friends we’ve made over the years.” The Shribers are also involved in their church, which is allows them to find ways to give back to the community as well as got their children involved in Boy Scouts. Katelyn is a Den leader for Graham and Greg is a Scoutmaster for 10, 12, and 13-year-olds. Boy Scouts has been important for all of the boys in learning leadership and building new skills. Will can especially attest to this after he recently conquered a 75-mile hike through the North Cas-

VOTED TOP ORTHODONTIST In Seattle Metropolitan Magazine by his peers in 2015!

cades with Scoutmaster Greg and his Boy Scout Troop, earning him his backpacking merit badge. “They slept outside, they went over really big mountains,” says Katelyn. “My son’s shoes were so thrashed that a dentist dad who was on the trip actually used his dental floss to sew them up. They were destroyed.” “My son said, ‘I never want to do that again, but I did it.’” Will’s accomplishment took mental and physical perseverance to complete, which is something to be proud of.” The family’s enjoyment in engaging within the community is a reminder of the many opportunities the area has to offer. Although they may constantly be on the move, their genuine love for the Plateau keeps them rooted.

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Building Positive Impressions One Smile at a T ime May 2016 • Plateau Living

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May 2016 • Plateau Living

around town

The Sammi Awards Celebration Photographed by: Barbara Rosser Photography

On March 13 the SAMMI Awards were presented to the 2016 Honorees at the Sammamish City Commons. SAMMI, which stands for Sammamish Acknowledging Magnificent Moments of Inspiration, attempts to unite the Sammamish community by hosting a yearly event in which outstanding members of the community are recognized for their inspiring volunteer work. The night is filled with storytelling meant to encourage teamwork and leadership as well as inspire residents to continue volunteering for

18 Plateau Living • May 2016

the betterment of Sammamish, all of which illustrates the SAMMI Awards Foundation mission: “Celebrating and Promoting Community Involvement.” Awards are given to community members who best exemplify the following five categories: Courage, Circle of Service, Community Spirit, Youth Spirit and Environmental Stewardship. The 2016 Award Honorees include: Courage – The Taylor Family “Strong4Sam” Circle of Service – Norm Bottenberg, Tina Butt, Julie Siefkes, Kristina Williams Youth Spirit – Mitch Flippo, Liem Kaplan, Afeef Sheikh, Angela Shi Community Spirit – Lee Chumbley, Alan Finkelstein, Cheryl Smith Environmental Stewardship – Jan Bird, Sid Gupta May 2016 • Plateau Living

business beat

INTEGRITY AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR & MAINTENANCE:

NATE BEAN ON THE MEANING BEHIND THE MONIKER By: Diane Meehl Photography by: Malia Nakamura

Nate Bean, founder and owner of Integrity Automotive Maintenance & Repair, doesn’t exactly look the part of an auto mechanic. Suited up in a buttondown, sporting gleaming dress shoes and a sharp tie, his stride is purposeful as he makes his way around the front office. He chats with the service advisors, and takes a call from a customer. He knows engines like the back of his hand, but after logging years under the hood, he discovered cars weren’t his biggest passion. That was taking care of people.

Integrity Service Team (left to right) Ridge, Tyler, Tom, Nate and Susan

office to whisk your vehicle away for repairs. Nate’s team can repair and maintain just about any make and model vehicle, but specialize in those popular to the area including LandRover, Mini, Volvo and BMW. They also offer a lifetime warranty on most repairs. “I can’t offer that warranty on parts or services designed to wear out, like brake pads and oil changes. But if I replace your water pump, and it breaks again while you own the car, I’m going replace that at no cost.”

After founding his business in 1998, along with his wife, Susan, who quit her job at Coca-Cola to help Nate realize his dream, he says it was a book called The E-Myth that changed his outlook. “It was about a lady who loved to bake cakes and pies, so she opened her own business. Then, she spent so much time running her business she had no time to bake cakes. So as a business owner you have to decide — do you want to be the manager, the technician or the entrepreneur? I wanted to be the entrepreneur, and focus on providing great customer care,” he said. But before he arrived at such wisdom, Nate had to navigate his own winding road. Rebel turned Entrepreneur If necessity is the motherhood of invention, it can also be the birthplace of skill. “When I was 17, I got my first car and it broke down. I didn’t have money to get it fixed. So I tinkered with it and found I enjoyed it, and I was good at it.” Nate admits he didn’t apply himself to school or paperwork. “I always loved working with my hands and learning how things worked.” After high school, the Washington native attended Lake Washington Voc-Tech School and completed the 2-year program, then earned his ASE certification (National Association for Automotive Excellence), as have each of his technicians. And he’s got a message for students who don’t always excel in academics. “All of the skilled trades are facing a huge problem; we‘re sending a message you have to attend a 4-year college to be successful. I’m proof it’s not true.”

20 Plateau Living • May 2016

Nate, Susan and top dog, Finian

Typically, Nate says, technicians who excel have a natural aptitude. “You can teach someone in a class, but if they don’t make the connection to what they do with their hands, it doesn’t matter. Cars are so technologically advanced now … the human body never changes; we just discover new things about it. We see the doctor, and sometimes they make a best guess. We don’t have the luxury of saying, I think this is what’s happening. So a guy who has mechanical aptitude, if he applies himself in the right direction — can write his own ticket.” Nate learned the business working in independent shops for 7 years, and logged time at Chrysler as a lead/technician, and later, service writer. That process seemed like an impersonal one. “I never felt there was much of a relationship there; it was all about the business. But our business survives and grows and if we take good care of our customers. So I’m not in the business of fixing people’s cars; I’m in the business of solving people’s problems.” Integrity: Nothing to Hide and Everything to Gain The name of his business, Nate explains, was inspired by scripture, and by his internal code around keeping promises. “Integrity is all about doing what you say you’re going to do, and being honest and fair with people. You need to know I have your best interest in mind. I don’t just have the name up there; it’s about how we do business.” He and his staff do this, he says, by offering superior service and warranties customers won’t get elsewhere. The small fleet of Smart Cars stands ready and waiting to loan while repairs are being made, and they’ll even provide valet service to your home or

Speaking of oil changes, Nate says today, while manufacturers recommend longer intervals between oil changes, Washington is considered a “severe service area.” “We’re sitting in stop-and-go travel, going up and down hills,” he says. He takes a moment to explain why getting oil changes at Integrity make more sense. “Our mechanics are experts--they’re not just changing oil and recommending fluids all day. We do a courtesy inspection on every car, check lights, and look at belts and hoses. With us, you’re not just seeing a dental hygienist — you’ve got the dentist changing your oil.” After Hours: Taking Integrity Behind Bars As much as he loves cars, customers and his business, Nate has a full life after hours. His real passion involves prison ministry, something he does both locally and abroad. “We all make mistakes. I discovered that those men are just dealing with issues, and that I could have just as easily gone down the wrong path,” he says. And when I go overseas, I’m just amazed — they have such faith with so little; it’s very humbling. It’s changed my life immensely. It makes me want to use what I’ve been given for the right thing.” Susan and Nate have three children together, one of whom, Tom, also works for Integrity. They enjoy camping, time with their grandchildren, and life in their Sammamish neighborhood. Moving to the eastside, says Nate, was one “smart” decision! Visit integrityautorepair.com, and check out Nate’s video series on car maintenance tips!

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bellevuechristian.org May 2016 • Plateau Living

Brandi Hughes: Catch Her If You Can

By: Malia Nakamura

Brandi Hughes, a senior at Skyline High School, is a hard girl to catch. Literally. My first attempt to interview her, I discovered she was on her way to New York to compete in a club track meet. Despite the distance, Brandi was able to successfully complete a thoughtful and passionate interview—the notion of which is a symbol for her journey through high school. Throughout her high school career, Brandi has made multiple trips cross-country in pursuit of athletic success, and despite her demanding schedule she remains dedicated to her studies— even participating in the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Although Brandi makes success in track and field look easy, the road to achievement was neither short nor easy. Moving from California to Washington freshman year of high school was not easy for the now 18-yearold. “Not only did I have to adjust to the weather but I was at a new school with new people and I had to find my own way. It was tough trying to fit in.” Prior to coming to Washington, Brandi was a dancer at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, but she was unable to find a dance studio that was right for her in Sammamish. As a result, Brandi left the sport and took up another—track and field. “I still wanted to be active and I had remembered that several of my friends in California did track and field, so I thought I'd give it a try and I fell in love.” Brandi’s start with the sport was rough, as she sustained a hip injury that prevented her from participating in her favorite event, the 100 meter hurdles, her sophomore year. This setback didn’t stop Brandi from pursuing her passion. “That summer of my junior year I dedicated myself to the hurdles and ended up winning state in the 100 meter hurdles at the end of my junior season. I now love the race and don't know where I'd be without the hurdles.” Schools began to take notice of Brandi’s triumphs on the track and in the classroom, and this past fall, Brandi fielded several offers from notable universities. Ultimately, Brandi accepted a full ride scholarship to run track and field for Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Brandi attributes most of her success to her experiences participating in track and field. “It showed me that hard work can truly lead to success. If I hadn't trained as hard as I had or been as dedicated as I am, there's no way I would have won state or been in the position I am now.” As her senior year season gets underway, Brandi has her eyes set on defending

22 Plateau Living • May 2016

her title of state champion in the 100 meter hurdles. The 2015-16 club season foreshadowed her imminent victories. “I’m now number 15 in the nation in the 60 meter hurdles for indoor and am hoping to continue the trend during my upcoming outdoor season.”

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Brandi regards her dad as her biggest inspiration, with this quote: “You pay the price now, so you don't have to pay the price later.” This mentality will hopefully prepare Brandi to take on her final season of high school track, and bring home another big win for Skyline High School. 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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May 2016 • Plateau Living

the award goes to

fulfill and carried through. I feel very lucky that I got to end my [high school] swim team career as a State champion, and I will continue to cherish the friendships I made.”

SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL Girls Swim & Dive By: Arya Ajwani

Butterflies flutter in your stomach as cheers from your teammates and the crowd become so loud that you can barely hear the “congratulations” whispered by the woman handing over your award; the smiles on the faces of your teammates are but a small tribute to the hard work and dedication that made this milestone a reality for everyone.

When asked about what they would like to see in the team’s future, Stephanie said, “In the future, I hope of course, we would be able to take the state title again, but what really was the best part of high school swim was all the support from our teammates. It honestly wouldn’t be at all the same without them, so I really hope that we’ll continue [swimming] all four years.”

This is a glimpse into the emotions experienced by the Skyline High School Girls Swim & Dive team when they won the state championship on November 13th/14th, 2015.

Christina’s love for the sport also makes her confident she will continue swimming post high school, saying, “I do hope to continue swimming through college and possibly get a scholarship.”

Freshman Stephanie Young, who placed first with freshmen Christina Bradley and Sarah DiMeco, along with senior Kathy Lin in the 400 Free Relay, gave insight on how it felt to win State. “Everyone was just really overwhelmed by the time they announced our name, and we were all screaming and hugging and there was a lot of energy with all our team members and those who came to support us.”

Who will you AWARD?

A very hearty congratulations, girls! After pouring their souls into the sport they obviously loved, they ended the season on a high note, which

is what every sports team hopes to accomplish. While this win might be inspirational for the girls to continue swimming after high school, it is also motivational for the incoming girls arriving on the swim team when the 2016-2017 school year is upon us. As Kathy mentioned, it might put some pressure on their heads, but just remember Skyline Girl’s Swim & Dive team is for you to have fun and swim to your heart’s content! 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.

The Skyline High School Girls Swim & Dive team has been practicing since late August 2015, and it is clear that their efforts swimming five days a week gave the girls the motivation needed to pull off the big win at the State competition. Christina Bradley, also a freshman on the team who placed at state, commented on how tough the competition was. “I was elated when we won state because throughout the whole meet, everybody was counting up the team points. Newport [High School] and Skyline were neck to neck in many of the point totals and I’m so happy that we pulled through.” The girls swim team has a tendency to place at state; they’ve won in many divisions each year almost consecutively since 2008 until present day, save 2012 and 2014.

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Kathy Lin shed light on how it felt as a senior to win her last possible high school state championship. “I joined the Skyline swim team right as it was coming off of a three-year winning streak, so I, and the rest of the freshman team, felt pressure to continue the legacy. However, we did not win State that year, or he next two years of high school. When senior year arrived, we were very lucky to have several fast freshmen join our team. While swimming is usually regarded as an individual sport, I believe our State win was truly a group effort, because everyone knew they had a duty to May 2016 • Plateau Living

sammamish farmers market

Commemorating Eight Years Written By: Abbie Richert Photographs by: Jean Johnson Productions

‘Tis the season for May flowers and the beloved Sammamish Farmers Market. This year the market will convene on May 11th, celebrating its 8th consecutive year on the Sammamish Commons. I spoke with Deb Sogge, Executive Director of the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce, who shared with me the history of the market and the impact it’s made on the community. In 2005, the City Council of Sammamish approached the Chamber and other non-profits in the area with the idea to start and run a farmers market, but it was not until 2007 that the Chamber agreed they had the capacity to take on the endeavor. A committee was formed and the market opened in May of 2008. Sogge says that the behind the scenes work was instrumental to their success. “We hired a Market Manager; she did the outreach for the vendors and surveys to figure out what day and what time would work best.” The surveys showed that many residents were commuters, which prompted the idea to run a Wednesday market for the dinner crowd from 4-8p.m. “We have a big celebration the first day,” Deb adds. “The Mayor comes out, the President of the Chamber; we thank the public and have special entertainment that day.” The first year the market saw an average of 500 people a day; nowadays it welcomes an average of 1,600 people a day for the whole season. The influx of market-goers directly correlates to the growth of the market. Sogge says their goal is to grow financially by about 10% each year, “Part of the money goes right back into the market fund for the next year.”

26 Plateau Living • May 2016

The farmers market is unique in that everything has to be handmade or sustainable. Deb says the nature of the market is rooted in their mission that a farmers market should be about the community. “Even our entertainment,” she adds, “we take first from the community.” This is also why the Chamber opted to include youth entrepreneurs as vendors since the get-go in 2008. “We are a market and we want to encourage youth to get involved in business too. So if they make it themselves and bring something sustainable they can have a booth,” says Deb. “We charge them only a small fee, like five dollars for their vendor booth, but we do charge them because we want them to know that this is business. We teach them how to market their product and how to get a business license if they are there more than three weeks. So it’s good for them.”

Family Member Names: Jim & Tina Yerges, Jensen, Elena, Jackie & Ryan (adults, married, out of the home) Pet’s Name: Edgar (Martinez) Type of Animal/Breed: English bulldog Male or Female: Male Pet’s Age: 8 (birthday in May, will be 9)

Where/why did you get Edgar? We got Edgar from a breeder in Snohomish. Tina always had bulldogs growing up and has always favored the breed and been familiar with their personalities and special traits. Is there a story behind Edgar’s name? We’ve always been Mariners fans and our bulldog immediately preceding Edgar was named Griffey. When we got Edgar (initially named Billy by the breeder), we knew we wanted to go with another Mariner name. Anything special or unusual about Edgar (talents or quirks)? He loves to sit in front of the fireplace and he will crawl up on the ledge and will sit staring into the fire for hours, apparently enjoying the heat and contemplating his cushy life. He, like most bulldogs is quite the snorer. He loves to sleep under our beds although it’s a big of a squeeze for him to get under the bed.

In addition to the Chamber’s interest in working with youth entrepreneurs, the market opens itself to partner with non-profits. Deb is especially excited about the prospect of working with new non-profits like the Issaquah Food Bank. Deb says, “The other thing we are adding this year, which is really big, is we are going to have the Issaquah Food Bank at our market every week. We are going to ask our shoppers if they want to make donations of fresh produce to give to Issaquah Food Bank while at the market.” Deb has seen firsthand how the market has served as a platform for community engagement and outreach. “We’re in this together,” she says. It’s a chance to meet your neighbors, support local businesses and learn about how you can better serve the community. If you can’t make opening day, don’t fret. You’ve got 20 weeks to pop over to the Sammamish Commons on

Edgar The Bulldog What do you like most about Edgar? Like all beloved pets, especially dogs, Edgar is always there for us. He just wants to be around us and hang out with us and simply provides us with dedication and love. Any funny stories? Shortly after we’d gotten Edgar, we went on a trip to Sun River and took him with us. We took him outside the condo and let him play in the grass. I was taking candid photographs of him during this time and at one point, he started rooting in the grass. I had the camera ready to take a shot of his face and when he lifted his head, I hit the button. As soon as I took the picture I realized that he had a cigarette butt hanging from his lips, perfectly positioned as if he were smoking. No photo shopping was involved; it was exactly as reality and it was quite the funny shot.

Wednesday evenings from 4-8p.m. The market runs from May 11th to September 21st. See you there!

How spoiled is Edgar? Edgar is quite a spoiled pet but we haven’t let him get to where he is allowed on the furniture. That wouldn’t be a good idea for him, anyway, because his stature isn’t great for allowing him to jump high. It is probably true that Tina spoils him the most and he’s definitely a mamma’s boy before all others. Jim acts like Edgar is a

dumb dog, but we are sure that when the rest of the family is gone, he spoils Edgar with loving and treats because Edgar has a special connection with Jim that just can’t otherwise be explained. Edgar is very much a part of the family, and we can’t imagine how our lives were before he came along! May 2016 • Plateau Living

Don’t Skip The Most Important Meal Of The Day! Written by N2 Staff Writer, Elizabeth McCabe

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With the demands of early morning meetings, getting Johnny and Jill to school, or just the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to “forget” to eat breakfast. After all, you can get your calories in later, right? Not so fast. Before you head out the door without some nourishment in your belly, think again. The word “breakfast” is essentially about “breaking a fast.” By the time breakfast rolls around, most people won’t have eaten or drank anything for 10-12 hours. It is critical to eat something to kick start your metabolism. But it’s even better when it is a protein-packed, fiber-rich meal, which will help you avoid blood sugar spikes. Students have a lot to gain by chowing down on the most important meal of the day. According to the Food and Nutrition Service, eating breakfast can improve academic performance and can help students do better on tests. But that’s just the beginning! Higher math scores, decreased absences, and decreased tardiness are all tied to eating breakfast. If you really want to maximize the potential of breakfast, opt for a low-glycemic meal. Students will be able to sustain attention longer in the classroom, improve memory, and even exhibit fewer signs of frustration when accomplishing tasks. Get their day started on the right foot with a veggie omelet with cheese or an old-fashioned bowl of oatmeal sprinkled with walnuts. Did you know that eating breakfast can help overweight people lose weight? That’s right. Breakfast has far-reaching consequences for those trying to win the battle of the bulge. People who eat breakfast generally consume the bulk of their calories before 5 p.m. – eating earlier in the day can aid weight loss. One misconception in today’s world is that skipping breakfast will help cut calories. Nothing could be further from the truth. Those who skip breakfast often indulge in more calories throughout the day. According to the National Weight Control Registry, eating breakfast is a daily habit for those who have maintained a 30-pound (or more) weight loss for a year or longer. Ninety percent of those surveyed report eating breakfast at least five times a week.

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May 2016 • Plateau Living

financial fitness Article Provided By: EdwardJones.com

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ou’re probably accustomed to measuring the progress of your investments, and the overall condition of the investment world, by checking on indexes such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500. And since these types of benchmarks focus almost exclusively on American companies, you might get the idea that the best investments are located right here in the United States. But that impression would be false — because there are, literally, a world of investment opportunities beyond the U.S. borders. In fact, as of the end of 2010, U.S. stock markets constituted less than a third of the total global stock market value, according to the World Bank. And you can probably just look around at the products you use in your daily life to identify many successful foreign companies. www.edwardjones.com

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30 Plateau Living • May 2016

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Why invest a portion of your portfolio internationally? Here are a couple of reasons to consider: • Growth potential — The United States is a mature, highly developed economy. That doesn’t mean, of course, that we have no “upside” here. However, you can also find considerable growth potential in emerging markets — countries such as China, India, Brazil and Mexico that are characterized by younger, less mature economies. • Diversification — The world’s financial markets are somewhat dependent on one another, but that doesn’t mean they constantly move in unison. In any given year, the U.S. markets may be down, but international markets might be doing better. Consequently, if during that year, you had invested only in U.S. companies, your portfolio may have taken a hit. It’s important to diversify your portfolio by investing in many different vehicles, but you can also boost your diversification through geography. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss.) While international investing can be beneficial, it does not come without risks. For one thing, when you invest overseas, you may encounter political instability, which could threaten the financial markets of a country or region. Conversely, financial problems, such as the European debt crisis, can result in loss of confidence in individual governments. Also, you might experience currency risk, which means that changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could harm the value of your investments. And in any given year, any market, foreign or domestic, may be down. Ultimately, you should probably limit your exposure to international investments to no more than 20% to 25% of your overall portfolio, with the exact amount, if any, depending on your situation — your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, financial situation and other factors. You may also want add an international flavor to your portfolio by investing in quality U.S. companies that do a considerable amount of business abroad. In any case, given the more complex nature of international investing, you’ll want to consult with a financial professional before writing a check. Still, consider the international investment world. With a little exploring, you may discover some good possibilities out there. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

May 2016 • Plateau Living

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