Plateau Living by Plateau Living Magazine

Plateau Living September 2015

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Meet The “Woulter” Family: Believe in the Power of Love

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Plateau Living

September

“Pine Lake Family Dentistry is a wonderful family oﬃce. Not only is it a great place to bring our entire family, but when we come, it feels like everyone working in the oﬃce is a family. They are friendly and always concerned with making sure your visit is as comfortable as it can be. Dr. Chen explains every single thing in great detail.” – Misty Messer

September Plateau Living

Chip Perrault

Monique Verger-Perrault

Chip@MVP4Homes.com 425-765-2447

International Previews Property Specialist Monique@MVP4Homes.com 425-985-4696

Experience in the Sammamish/Issaquah lifestyle as a resident since 1990.

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

For More Information, Please Visit: MVP4Homes.com

Plateau Living

www.n2pub.com

September

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

PUBLISHER Anne Wilcox 425-757-0706 Anne.Wilcox@n2pub.com EDITOR Diane Meehl Diane.meehl@n2publishing.com PHOTOGRAPHER Barbara Roser Photography roserphotography@msn.com Malia Nakamura

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

CONTENT SUPPORT Betsy Matias SCHOOLS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Diane Meehl Claire Wright Morgan Karbowski Arya Ajwani Malia Nakamura Dr. Jill Monster CREATIVE TEAM Grant McGugin Heather Mcilrath Jenna Wood

A running hose can waste 300 gallons of water an hour!

(425) 837-7700

Skyline High School

(425) 936-1500

Eastlake High School

(425) 295-3000

Eastside Catholic

(425) 837-4150

Beaver Lake Middle School

(425) 837-5700

Pine Lake Middle School

(425) 295-3000

Eastside Catholic

(425) 837-7400

Sunny Hills Elementary School

(425) 837-5500

Cascade Ridge Elementary School

(425) 936-2750

Rachel Carson Elementary School CITY NUMBERS

(425) 295-0500

Sammamish City Hall

(425) 295-0730

Sammamish Parks & Recreation COUNTY NUMBERS

This gardener is using a hose nozzle for smart watering.

(206) 296-4692

Hazardous Waste Center, Household Information

(206) 296-PETS

King County Animal Control

(206) 296-PETS

King County Pets Lost and Found

(360) 705-7000

WSDOT Road Conditions

We are always looking for residents to follow up on leads, find great stories and send us ideas. Let’s celebrate the great things happening in our community! No contribution is too small. Please email diane.meehl@n2publishing.com with your pictures, suggestions, or requests.

spwsd.org

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.

September Plateau Living

NeighborhoodSponsors

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 / SERVICE Acura of Bellevue 13424 NE 20th St. Bellevue, WA 98005 (425) 644-3000 AUTO DEALERSHIP Chaplins Subaru 15150 SE Eastgate Way Bellevue, WA 98007 (425) 427-9690 www.chaplinssubaru.com AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Integrity Automotive Maintenance and Repair 80 NE Gilman Blvd Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 557-8665 www.integrityautorepair.com BUTCHER Fischer Meats 85 Front Street Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 392-3130 www.fischermeatsnw.com

CAKES Nothing Bundt Cakes 775 NW Gilman Blvd #C-2 Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 786-4068 www.nothingbundtcakes. ccom COUNSELING SERVICES Nystrom and Associates 301 116th Ave SE Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 454-1919 www.nystromcounseling.com CUSTOM BUILDER / REMODELER Rainier Custom Homes (360) 802-0981 www.rainiercustomhomes. 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

EDUCATION TUTORING & TEST PREPARATION The Tutoring Center (425) 202-7306 sammamish.tutoringcenter. com

JEWELRY STORE Plateau Jewelers 2830 228th Ave SE, Suite B Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 313-0657 www.plateaujewelers.com

September

NeighborhoodSponsors

September Plateau Living

KIDS ACTIVITIES Adventure Kids Playcare 775 NW Gilman Blvd C-3 Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 391-5358 www.adventurekidsplaycare. com LANDSCAPE DESIGNBUILDMAINTENANCE Bear Creek Landscapes (425) 222-9222 www.bearcreeklandscapes.net MEDICAL SPA Gilman Facial Aesthetics (425) 413-1418 www.mdcote.net MORTGAGE Caliber Home Loans - Jenny Boyce 11255 Kirkland Way Kirkland, WA 98033 (425) 605-3141 www.jennyboyce.com MORTGAGE LENDER Sammamish Mortgage 3015 112th Ave NE Ste 214 Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 401-8787 www.sammamishmortgage. com 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

PHYSICAL THERAPY Pine Lake Physical Therapy 2850 228th Ave SE, Suite B Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 391-4488 www.pinelakept.com

ORTHODONTICS / INVISALIGN Tingey Orthodontics 22516 SE 64th Place Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 392-9224 www.tingeyortho.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY / SPORTS PERFORMANCE G2 Sports Therapy 486 228th Ave NE Sammamish, WA 98074 (425) 836-8444 www.G2Sports.net

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 PET FOOD AND ACCESSORIES Civilized Nature 1527 Highlands Dr. NE #110 Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 868-3737 www.civilizednature.com PHOTOGRAPHER Barbara Roser Photography (425) 391-9371 www.roserphotography.com

PRIVATE SCHOOL Bellevue Christian School 1601 98th Ave NE Clyde Hill, WA 98004 (425) 454-4402 www.bellevuechristian.org PRIVATE SCHOOLS The Bear Creek School (425) 898-1720 www.tbcs.org REAL ESTATE Debbie Kinson - Windermere Real Estate (425) 392-6600 www.debbiekinson.withwre. com Kritsonis and Lindor 14405 SE 36th St., Suite 100 Bellevue, WA 98006 (425) 643-5500 www.karllindor.com

Monique Verger-Perrault 150 Bellevue Way SE Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 985-4696 www.mvp4homes.com The Saint-Moawad Team Simona Saint (425) 250-1100 www.simonasaint.johnlscott. com The Saint-Moawad Team Bob Moawad (425) 557-1539 www.bmoawad.johnlscott. com WATER DISTRICT Sammamish Water and Sewer District 1510 228th Ave SE Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 392-6256 www.spwsd.org

Note

NeighborhoodNews

Plateau Living

September

September Plateau Living

Publisher’s

P R E S E N T E D

B Y :

2 ND A N N U A L

HOODS FOR GOOD C H A R I T Y G O L F TO U R N A M E N T

Dear Plateau Living Residents,

It’s September and we all know what that means — back to school! Here at Plateau Living we are helping you get ready for the change in schedule with some helpful tips from a variety of sources. Student Writer, Arya Ajwani, provides insight in her article Surviving Middle School with Tips from the Trenches. LearningRx provides an article on Homework Tips that Really Work to help parents and students turn the nightly grind into a better experience for everyone. And, in our Athletes of the Month column we are celebrating the hard work and athleticism of our high school cheerleaders. This month we meet the Welch/Coulter Family and learn how great loss and difficulty brought a family together — their story is a testament to believing in the power of love. And more great stories inside from your community. I would like to give a shout out to Barbara Roser our Studio Photographer. Barbara’s work is showcased most months on the cover and pages of this magazine. Barbara is a gifted photographer and we are lucky to work with her. For those

in need of professional photography, reach out to Barbara — you’ll be glad you did. Finally, we are thankful to our advertising partners as they make our neighborhood magazine free for all of us to enjoy! We take pride in recommending these partners to you and we thank you for continuing to recommend and support these businesses that specifically support our community.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 1 5 P R O S P E C TO R G O L F C O U R S E , S U N C A D I A

REAL

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Best,

Anne

PLATEAU LIVING VS. MADISON PARK LIVING VS. THE POINTS LIVING VS. LAURELHURST & WINDERMERE LIVING

Anne Wilcox Publisher, Plateau Living Anne.wilcox@n2pub.com 425-757-0706 For more visit our Facebook page, Plateau Living magazine, and join the conversation!

C R E AT I N G C U S T O M E R S F O R L I F E For more visit our Facebook page, Plateau Living magazine, and join the conversation!

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Plateau Living

September

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September Plateau Living

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By: Diane Meehl

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A Flat Tire Full Of Wisdom Of course it was raining when my tire went flat. Because it is Washington, after all. And, because life will choose its teachable moments about as carefully as a toddler plans a grocery store meltdown.

Just 5 minutes before, I was dashing to a meeting with my publisher, chock full of ideas and confidence. We’re going to rock the next issue! Then suddenly, thud. Thud again. My dashboard flashed warnings; my heart sank. My tongue swore. I pulled into the closet neighborhood and sat for a minute.

23 Years as a Sammamish Plateau Specialist Listening and responding to the unique needs of every client is my way of doing business. A client should expect an agent to be communicative, concerned and committed to making their experiences enjoyable and stress-free. I am here to help!

Debbie Kinson

Managing Broker ASP, CNE, CRS 206-948-6581 | dkinson@windemere.com www.debbiekinson.withwre.com

Now what?

I did what I do too often; I called my husband. But he was 40 minutes away and unavailable for a quick roadside rescue. My publisher valiantly offered to fetch me, but then I also tried in vain to describe exactly where I was. Because (of course) the address wasn’t showing up on GPS. Seems I was not only I overwhelmed with a flat tire, I was also rendered brainless under pressure. Way to impress your boss, Diane! I stood sheepishly outside of my car, looking forlorn and pathetic as I waited. And that’s when he showed up, my knight-in-faded-denim. “Looks like you could use a hand,” he said in what was clearly an understatement as he tried to preserve my dignity. “One time my wife was stranded and someone helped her, so I thought I’d

stop.” Angels sang choirs behind me, but inside, a battle waged. I was experiencing a very, er, “girl moment.“ (Forgive me Gloria Steinem and Sheryl Sandberg!) I felt absolutely awful that I didn’t know how to change that tire. It only got worse when this kind gentleman asked if I happened to have a spare. “Um I think so,” I stammered, and realized I had never once bothered to look. So while I felt downright inept, I asked this gentleman to teach me as he changed my tire. His son was with him and I noticed he asked for his assistance while his daughter looked on. We do that sometimes — step aside. I made a mental note to ask my husband for a future tire-changing clinic in our driveway for everyone in the family. Still, I beat myself up. Later, I gave myself a little talking-to. Why did I feel so badly? I wondered — does my husband feel guilty that I can wrap gifts at warp speed? Does he have a “man moment” when he marvels at my ability to fold his shirts so precisely they never wrinkle in his suitcase?? I doubt it. So, I can’t change a tire. I can edit an article while cooking dinner and supervising homework. Yes, at the same time! So I gave myself a break. Turns out that teachable moment had other lessons in mind. I learned it was OK to graciously receive help, and that I don’t have to know how to do everything to feel like a competent adult. Plus, that nice guy who gave me a hand got the chance to do something he’d wanted to do – pay it forward. Oh, and I got a column out of it, too!

Plateau Living

September

September Plateau Living

Family spotlight Anne spent many hours pushing her small children on this very tire swing in their Trossachs neighborhood.

Meet The Welch/Coulter Family (The “Woulters”) --“Believe” In The Power Of Love By: Diane Meehl Photography Courtesy of Barbara Roser Photography

“I believe what happened to me wasn’t fair. I believe I’m scared. And I believe I’m going to get through this; and that I’m going to survive and thrive!”

Those were words of hope Anne Welch, half of the Shane and Anne Real Estate Team, proclaimed at a grief counseling session many years ago after the sudden death of her husband, David, in 2002. She thought counseling might be a good idea. But she discovered her children had already helped her to heal, and she wouldn’t need those classes after all. “When my husband died, Jack was 5, Emily and Lizzie were in diapers, and I was nursing Kate,” Anne said. “I survived because I didn’t have a choice, and because I had always wanted to be a mommy and have a lot of children. I couldn’t let what hap-

pened to David change that, and knew I had to raise these children the way we had intended.” She attributes that rock solid strength to being raised in a solid, loving family. It was the urge to be a present mother, she said, “oh, and diet coke and chocolate,” that kept her going. Anne’s a keepin’-it-real kind of woman, and her joy and authenticity is disarming. And when I shake her son, Jack’s hand, I could tell he, too, had inherited that strength. He carries himself with a confidence beyond his years. His three younger sisters, Lizzie, smart and funny, Emily, empathetic and perceptive, and Kate, the superindependent “baby,” all seem to agree that big brother rocks. Not that they don’t have their moments! continued...

NeighborhoodNews

Plateau Living

September

September Plateau Living

NeighborhoodNews

Family spotlight ...continued

As their brood nestles around the kitchen table in their Sammamish home, the man who brought the “fun factor” into their lives beams. Shane Coulter seems happy to cede the spotlight. “He is the most selfless person you’ll ever meet,” said Anne. “He has never missed a sporting event, attends back-to-school nights, photographs the kids, zips up prom dresses and even flatirons the girls’ hair. I’ve been told on many occasions you’d never know he wasn’t their daddy from the beginning.”

preneurial. Even when she was wee little, she started a business called, ”Katie-pies,” and everyone in the family worked for her. As for Jack, his place at the kitchen table will be vacant as he leaves this month for the University of Portland, where he’s committed to running track. “I want him to let loose and have fun and fall in love and have it all,” says Anne. “But it’s going to be a hard day when he leaves,” Anne said. “I may have a weekly craving for Voo-Doo Donuts!”

Growing Great Kids: Kitchen Table Wisdom

Luckily, he’s not the only man around the house anymore.

“I always knew what kind of family I wanted to raise,” said Anne, who wanted to follow her parents’ example. A stay-home mom who loved her work, she got some help financially and didn’t have to return to employment right away when her husband passed away. “There was as lot of structure during those years,” she said. “I believe our kids are who I am and now who we are,” she said. “And I never wanted my children to go down the kind of path where people might attribute any problems to not having a man in the house.” But it turns out, there was one. Jack had picked up where his father left off. “From the day David died, Jack changed. He assumed a leadership role,” his mother explained. “I definitely felt the pressure to help out, and to keep my dad’s memory alive,” Jack said. “Jack and I have a tender relationship I would not ever change,” said Anne. Looking back, Anne has wisdom to share. “I have never pressured my kids in regards to grades and over doing it, and end results. I simply want my kids to be hard working, loyal, compassionate, and to do their best. And when I was staring at the future of raising them without a father, I knew I had to do whatever that took, and so far, I could not be more proud!” When her children are challenged to describe each other, they are genuinely complimentary. I discover Emily (16), a runner like her brother, is quiet, loyal and witty; Lizzie (15) is the family cheerleader, peacemaker and guitar player; and “baby” Kate (13) is most like her big brother – hardworking and also entre-

Sip on This: Getting Past the Cheese Plate Anne says she was content raising her children alone. “A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she’s put in hot water!’” So in 2007, she was just enjoying good times with girlfriends. “I started going out to Sip (in Issaquah) because I liked the cheese plate!” Anne said with a hearty laugh. It was there she met Shane, a bartender at the time. He’d never been married and was planning his next move after the real estate crash that benched his career in mortgage lending.

Anne and Shane decided their vibe was so harmonious they could start a business together, and Anne suggested real estate. They went to real estate school together and launched their team in 2011.

“We played this cat-and-mouse game for a year, just texting each other. We didn’t have our first kiss until 2009,” he said. He and Anne exchange winking smiles that might make you envious if you weren’t so happy for them. At first I hung back,” said Shane; “I didn’t want to meet them until we were sure it was forever — their family was such a strong unit. When Anne told me she had 4 kids, I said, ‘gift with purchase!’” In 2013, the two shut down Sip for an evening and got married with friends and family celebrating their unexpected love story, 40-plus years in the making. “I waited for the perfect woman, and she will never, ever leave my heart,“ said Shane, who says his own father modeled how to be a gentleman. “At our wedding, Shane made a toast and told my parents, ‘Your daughter has been through more than any woman should have to endure; please know from this day forward, you will never have to worry about her or your grandchildren, because I prom-

ise they will be loved, honored and cherished for the rest of my life.’” (Tissue alert!) Anne reports that Shane still opens the car door for her, and rests his hand on her head every night when they go to sleep in a show of protection.

Two Picture Frames and a Business to Boot Today, the kids say, “We love having Shane in our lives; he is the perfect father figure and friend at the same time.” Jack may have offered the ultimate in acceptance when he wrote a paper titled, “The Man in the Picture Frame,” in which he detailed the sadness of one frame that held pictures of their father, and a happier frame that held a picture of their new family with Shane.

“We were so nervous on that first meeting to sell ourselves to a potential client. I told Anne to follow my lead, but she was the one who did all the talking!” Shane laughed. “I do have a passion for people. We go for a quick introduction and 2 hours later they’re inviting us to dinner and pulling out photo albums,” said Anne. The joy and pride they take in each other, in their work, and in the family they’ve blended, is infectious. “Life can be hard, and sometimes people think the grass is greener somewhere else. But we’re here to tell you – the grass is greener where it’s watered!” Judging by their constant smiles, we “believe” it!

NeighborhoodNews

Plateau Living

September

Design Build Maintain Renovate 17

September Plateau Living

Surviving Middle School: Tips From The Trenches By: Arya Ajwani

s a fifth grader makes the giant leap of graduating elementary school and beginning middle school, many things change. Suddenly, there are bigger, older students that might be intimidating. You have five more teachers than you did last year, which leads to the natural conclusion that there will be more homework. While you might feel overwhelmed, follow these nine tips to help you survive and thrive in middle school! ·

Be organized. Organizing your binder by classes will help immeasurably as you may become overloaded with papers that many students lose in their bird’s nest of a binder. Use dividers to separate your binder into sections by subject. Hole punch and date every paper. Put all your papers away in an organized fashion before class ends. · Don’t throw away any old work. Once a student receives his or her assignment back from the teacher, the most common assumption is that the homework is no longer needed and can be thrown away. Keep all homework until the end of the trimester. Why? Your teacher may ask for an assignment back to change a grade. · Work ahead of schedule. If a teacher gives you more than one day to complete an assignment, that usually means it will take you more than the typical fifteen to twenty minutes. Therefore, if you get the assignment on Monday, and it is due Friday, do NOT wait until Thursday night to complete it. If you fulfill all of your other homework on Monday night, get a head start! · Study for tests. Students are under the misguided notion they don’t need to study for tests. “Trick” questions are often answered correctly only by students who studied the material like their lives depended on it. Some efficient ways to prepare are: - Create flashcards or a Quizlet account (it’s free!). - Try and find practice online quizzes based on the test you are about to take.

Treat your teacher as you would a boss. Teachers work very hard and keep our best interests at heart. Thanking a teacher for their hard work often makes them feel appreciated. This might also pay off if you need an extension or you need to re-take a test. Pay attention in class. Do not avert your eyes or ears from the teacher. As a student once told me, “I looked away for one second and when I looked back, the whiteboard was covered and I had missed the entire lesson.” Do not let this happen to you! Do not procrastinate. Students mistakenly believe that procrastination will not affect their grades negatively. The definition of procrastination is: to put off something until the “last minute” or right before a deadline. Even if you start the assignment early, just a few minutes the day it’s assigned, it will help immensely while you work toward the due date. This will also give you the time to overcome any obstacles you might Ask for help. I’m not going to lie; middle school can be frightening to begin with. The most beneficial thing a new student can do is to ask for help. Raising your hand in class, talking to an older student (they’re not scary!), or making an appointment to talk with a teacher or a counselor are some of the best ways you can get answers to your questions. As you progress to sixth grade, the size of the school increases. Don’t be afraid to ask a kind teacher or student to point you in the right direction if you are lost. Have fun!

Following these nine tips allowed me to be successful at Beaver Lake Middle School. I wish you the best in your middle school. Hopefully you will be able to use these guidelines to be an effective student, and that you enjoy this new season!

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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NeighborhoodNews

athlete of the

MONTH

Three Cheers For Those Who Lift More Than Spirits Cheerleaders are often unsung heroes. They lift the spirits of the home team and act as ambassadors to the entire student body. They chant, perform stunts, wave pom-poms and lift other athletes in the air – while smiling! Cheerleaders are serious athletes with game.

FLYING HIGH: Eastside Catholic’s Sarah Wente is Here To Bring Some Cheer By: Claire Wright

As a member of the first cheer team to ever go to Nationals in Eastside Catholic’s history, Sarah Wente eats, sleeps, and breathes cheerleading. She began her career as a cheerleader when she first joined the team as a freshman. Although she had not had any experience with cheer before joining the team, she had learned similar techniques through other outlets. She had participated in gymnastics, but still needed to devote her time and energy to picking up the basics of cheer. Sarah says she was hooked. “I love every aspect of it. I love cheering on the football team under the "Friday night lights" as well as performing at assemblies and spread-

Plateau Living

September

ing school spirit.” Cheer is a big time commitment and Sarah must manage her time very carefully in order to balance school, a social life, and other extra - curricular activities. The cheer team practices for long, hard hours all year round. The team takes full advantage of all the facilities the school has to offer by practicing outside on the track during the summer and inside in the “matt room” during the winter. Luckily, having her favorite mentor, Courtney, as her cheer coach makes for a very enjoyable time. “[She] is awesome. She's such amazing cheerleader and it's great having her share all of her knowledge with us.” Through her time as a cheerleader, Sarah has had to learn to adjust to new heights. As a flyer, she’s required to be the one flying through the air and being on top during stunts. “It can be pretty scary knowing that I'm trusting three people underneath with me with my life, but I wouldn't want to be in any other position.” As much as it may be a challenge, she absolutely loves it. Her favorite part is being able to support her school at football and basketball games and have the opportunity to compete at such a high level. Sarah has come a long way from being the shy freshman that only tried out for cheer to get involved at a new school and meet people. It has pushed her outside of her comfort zone and allowed her to grow in ways she never thought possible. As a captain on the cheer team this year, she has taken on more responsibility and learned to be a positive role model to the younger girls. She realizes the influence she has over the direction of the cheer team in the years to come. Starting the new year as a captain Sarah says, “It seems like yesterday I was walking into the mat room to completely new faces; but I'm excited to help lead the team this year and hopefully we leave a legacy they can continue to build upon.”

September Plateau Living

Hard work pays off. After years of dedication, Sarah was awarded the All American award at UCA cheer camp, the Universal Cheerleaders Association camp at Great Wolf Lodge. She plans to continue her love of cheer and dance in college. Although it depends on where she attends school, it is a goal she hopes to achieve. Her advice to all the girls beginning cheer as intimidated freshmen like she once was, she says is, “Don't be shy; you won't know if you love it unless you give it everything you got.” Claire Wright is a National Honor Society Student at Eastside Catholic High School. She enjoys public speaking and writing and plans to become a broadcast journalist.

SKYLINE’S DIANA HILD: Just Keep Cheering By: Malia Nakamura

Diana Hild is the quintessential cheerleader. Equipped with enough pep and spirit for an entire team, the Skyline High School senior leaves a bubbly impression and optimistic atmosphere wherever she goes. For six years, Diana has worked hard to be a leader within the cheer community, and as she embarks into her senior year, all eyes are on her. Her journey had humble beginnings. “I would see cheerleaders around and they just looked so cool, so I signed up for YMCA camps,” she said. When high school rolled around, Diana’s hard work paid off. She has been competing at the varsity level for her entire high school career, with visits to nationals and three state trophies to her credit. Although the routines and cheers are flawless in execution, Diana and her team must work incessantly to overcome obstacles; for example, cheer is infamous for the high level of risk the athletes face every day. “I’ve had pain, I’ve been kicked in the face, and I’ve had black eyes. Numerous ankles and wrists have been broken, lots of concussions, dislocated hips and shoulders. Some of it is from wear-andtear, some from falling while doing stunts. Cheer is statistically the most dangerous sport for women.” This constant cycle of injury

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and setback can often dampen an athlete’s enthusiasm for the sport, but Diana doesn’t let anything get her down. “In cheer, if you mess up a stunt, you have to keep going; you can’t let things psych you out. You have to keep moving forward, keep a positive outlook,” she explained. Cheer has become a part of everyday existence for Diana, and it influences all aspects of her life. “I coach two programs for cheer, the Skyline youth cheer, and a special needs team, Eastside Dream Elite. They’re for all ages, 10-40 years old; it’s really fun. We get to go to competitions, and they learn football cheers. They’re going there to have fun, not to win an award, they just love to cheer.” Community is a recurring theme found in the cheerleading environment. “With cheer I’ve been able to meet so many people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Last year our team was 50 people. I’ve gotten to know the freshman continued...

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Looking ahead toward the end of the competition season, Diana hopes to carry her team to Nationals in Orlando, Florida. “I really want to make it into finals at Nationals and win State again, that’d be awesome.” As one of the most decorated sports at Skyline, the team is used to taking home trophies. Diana wants to bring her passion for cheerleading with her into college and beyond. “I plan on doing cheer in college; it will always be a part of my life. I think I’ll be coaching it when I’m older.” Malia Nakamura is a high school senior with a passion for photography, swimming, DECA, and Swedish fish. Athletics have played a huge role in her life and remaining active is important to her. Malia hopes to pursue writing in college.

EASTLAKE’S CAITLIN BOWERS: Putting The ‘Leader’ In Cheerleader By Morgan Karbowski

As they are seen flipping around on the field and chanting from their stadium boxes, many people think cheerleaders play “the easy sport” and that “anyone can do it.” However, Eastlake senior Caitlin Bowers shows us that there is an incredible amount of love, compassion and dedication amongst the 17 members that make up the Eastlake Cheer Team. “I joined Eastlake Cheer my freshman year of high school. It’s surreal to think that I am going into my fourth and final year of this program,” said Caitlin. With three years already under her belt, Caitlin moves into her senior year with a healthy appreciation of what cheer has given her thus far.

“I [have] learned that it’s important to have a relentless mindset when learning new stunts and skills — there is always something you can do better and it’s imperative that you always give it your all,” said Caitlin. Recently, Caitlin has taken on the role of showing her immense dedication in an unparalleled way. “Right now we do not have a coach, so I (along with Jane Adams and Heather Menninger — also Eastlake seniors) have learned how to lead a team as we have scheduled team bonding [activities] and taken responsibility for teaching the new members cheers,” said Caitlin.

my freshman year, and ever since have carried on the tradition. The student-section participates in the wobble as well, and sometimes the football team will run over and join in,” said Caitlin. As she begins her senior year, Caitlin has left some advice for the new members of the cheerleading world. “Make sure to always focus on positive energy with high school cheer. To excite the crowd, it’s necessary to have a smile on your face and loud voice at all times! Optimism is very important as it is your job to lift your team and fan’s spirit!”

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and I still talk to girls who have graduated. It’s fun to have that connection. I just think about how lucky I am because I have a whole team of friends. It’s like a little sorority!”

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Caitlin is an imperative leader of the squad and Eastlake Cheer could not have picked a better person to help out. She comes with a huge heart and much love for her community. “I value the relationships I have formed with my teammates with this sport — some of my teammates are my closest friends! I also like that it ties me to our community. Eastlake Cheer has allowed me to support my school and [the] city that I take great pride in, and form several long-lasting relationships along the way,” Along with her team, Caitlin has cheered at the Rock-n-Roll Marathon held annually in Seattle, as well as the Sammamish 5k. She has volunteered at local food drives and the Issaquah Triathlon, performed at a nursing home and hosted a chili-cook off to honor local firefighters. Caitlin plans to carry on this tradition of serving the local community as she takes on the role of coaching with her fellow seniors.

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But when asked about her favorite moment as a cheerleader, she mentioned their ritual when the mighty Wolves win the game. “My favorite moment of Eastlake Cheer would be “wobbling” after winning home football games. We learned how to wobble

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Homework Tips That Really Work Ways To Turn The Nightly Grind Into Brain-Building Fun!

By Cornell Atwater, Learning RX, Issaquah

The new school year is upon us and for parents and kids everywhere back to school routines include homework. As the rosy glow of a new school year begins to fade, the relationship with homework has turned to drudgery, and the lighter homework level is a romantic bygone for parents, students, and teachers already feeling the pressure of looming standardized tests and meeting core curriculum requirements. While most homework tip lists simply offer ways for parents and students to get through homework as quickly and painlessly as possible, this list promises double duty: making homework fun and gaining the long-term benefits of better cognitive abilities. “There are many ways parents can use homework time to build their children’s cognitive skills – basically build up the mental tools that help them think, reason and pay attention,” says Dr. Ken Gibson, author of Unlock the Einstein Inside: Applying New Brain Science to Wake Up the Smart in Your Child. Building up those cognitive skills (short and long term memory, visual and auditory processing, logic and reasoning, attention and processing speed) is the primary focus of braintraining company LearningRx – Issaquah which is part of 82 training centers nationwide. “Intensely focused bursts of mental activity can be a very effective and fun way to build cognitive abilities,” says LearningRx Vice President of Research and Development Tanya Mitchell. Kids who go through an intensive cognitive skills program are often able to build these skills to the point where they no longer need medication for ADHD, or no longer have reading problems. Anything that can build mental skills will make schoolwork, and learning in general, much easier.” The key to homework success is finding ways to make it fun while building cognitive skills with activities that are intensely focused. With that in mind, here’s a list that goes beyond the typical homework help tip sheet, to turn the nightly grind into brain-building fun.

BEFORE YOU START: Adopt an attitude of “Homework can be fun!” Your kids will take their cues from you and will quickly learn that homework can be challenging, rewarding and even enjoyable. Help your children develop a written homework plan that includes timelines and goals, using whatever tools are the most appealing to them: computer, notebook, giant calendar page, blackboard, sticky notes on the refrigerator door, even dry-erase markers on their bedroom window. Anything will work, as long as it’s something they find fun and are eager to take part in. Develop a reward system that promises more fun. Create a system that works for your family and budget. One possibility uses fun tickets as motivation. Each time your child earns a reward, give him a ticket toward a set goal: movies with mom, breakfast in bed, extra TV time or a special trip to the playground. Making the rewards something memorable rather than monetary will inspire long-term positive attitudes regarding homework. Feed your child first. People don’t realize a child’s brain is burning through energy very, very rapidly and needs consistent brain food. Develop the habit of “fueling up” when kids get home from school, they need to eat a “meal” which consists of a portion of carbohydrates, protein and fat. The point is: food has to go in before homework goes on. Eating is critical for homework to be effective. Kids would be short-changing themselves in terms of production, concentration and productivity if they try to do brain work on an empty stomach. Set the stage. Find a place to do homework, make sure supplies are ready, have a stopwatch available at all times or use a visual watch such as a TimeTimer (www.timetimer.com) so that the time allocated for homework can be “visually” seen and measured. Get geared up to pour on the praise. When your students finish one of the following activities, always reward them with a “Great job!” and possibly a handful of a healthy snack mix.

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BUILDING BRAIN SKILLS DURING HOMEWORK: Break down assignments into smaller chunks. This is especially helpful if your child suffers from attention problems. Use a stopwatch to time your child to see how long they can pay attention to a task before giving up, then encourage them to go longer during the next timed round. This will work on sustained attention and will help your kids become independent learners. Don’t be afraid to break the homework session into two to three chunks as well, and remember to time the breaks too.

child would say /s/ /k/ /oo/ /l/ or if the word is “reindeer” your child would say /r/ /ae/ /n/ /d/ /ee/ /r/.

Turn math problems into a fast-paced game. Time your children as they do a row of problems as fast as they can, then challenge them to do the next row faster. This will build the cognitive skill of processing speed; basically turning them into faster thinkers.

If it’s still an issue, consider having your child’s cognitive skills tested to check for an underlying problem. A cognitive skills assessment can often get to the root of the problem, instead of just trying to address the symptoms. The time you put in now will help your child become a smarter, faster, more independent learner in the future.

Tell your child to do their best to stay focused on a short homework assignment while a sibling tries to distract him in a goofy way. Reward them for blocking out the distraction and completing the task. This fun, and often funny, activity is very rewarding because it builds the mental skill of selective attention which will help kids block out distractions in school and throughout life. Give your child two tasks at once. Test him on his spelling words while he’s doing a math problem, drawing a picture, or simply packing up his homework. While he’s spelling the word aloud, make sure he doesn’t stop the other activity. This challenging exercise is harder than it may seem and will grow the divided attention skills that will help people multi-task or listen to directions while working.

While these tips can make homework more fun and rewarding in the long term, if the homework load is simply too much, parents may need to do more. The general standard for homework amounts is 10-15 minutes, multiplied by grade level. If your child is spending significantly more time than that, talk to the teacher to see if all that homework is really necessary.

Dr. Ken Gibson spent several decades working with more than 1,000 professionals in education, psychology, and related training professionals, developing the LearningRx systems that successfully measure and train specific cognitive learning and reading skills. Visit: www.learningrx.com/issaquah or call (425)657-0908.

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Play charades. Have your child demonstrate or act out what a word or concept means. This can build the skill of comprehension and visual processing. Let your children play teacher. Letting them teach you a skill or concept that they’re working on will improve their understanding of the concept and will build logic and reasoning skills. Let your kids “test” you, and let them determine a fitting reward if you pass their exams! Put spelling words or vocabulary words in a word search using www.puzzle-maker.com, then give your kids clues as to where to find them, such as, “It starts in the upper left and runs right.” This will help them learn the words, and will build auditory and visual processing skills. If you have them type the words into the puzzlemaker list, it’ll help them learn the words and practice keyboarding. When practicing spelling words or reading aloud have your child break up the word by sound. If the word is “school” your

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kids kids

MEET RAEGAN & LORELEI: Super Nice Sisters

NAMES: Raegan (12) Inglewood Middle School & Lorelei (9) Christa McAuliffe Elementary WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR SISTER?

Raegan: Lorelei is funny and she likes to play with me. She comes up with funny jokes that no one else would come up with. Lorelei: Raegan is super nice and she is funny and playful. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES, ACTIVITIES OR INTERESTS?

Raegan: I love to dance – ballet, hip hop and lyrical, and riding bikes. I love doing anything outdoors, the jungle gym, hoola hoops, shooting hoops or games like hide and seek, dodge ball and all of the tag game variations. Lorelei: I like playing on X-box; Minecraft is my favorite. I like to play the piano and anything to do with art. I especially like to draw and to sew. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST AND WHY?

Raegan: My mom because she is smart, strong and she loves and encourages me. Lorelei: I admire a writer named Shannon Messenger. She writes the Keeper of the Lost Cities Series. She writes with great detail, so I can visualize the story – which is great since there are no pictures in the book. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

Raegan: I’m kind of shy, but not as shy as I used to be - I used

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to be shy about talking to other kids at parties, especially if I didn’t know them. I try hard to be a nice person. I think I’m a good friend. Lorelei: Well, my parents say I should be a lawyer, because I am really persistent. Raegan says I’m “complicated.” I think I’d have to agree with both descriptions.

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WHAT KIND OF JOB WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

Raegan: I might like to be a firefighter because it’s physically demanding, so I’ll be in good shape and get to help people. Lorelei: I want to be an animator. IF YOU COULD DO ONE THING TO CHANGE THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Raegan: I would want to put an end to the suffering and murder of innocent people. Lorelei: I would cure Ebola.

FAVORITES: TOPIC/S I LIKE TO LEARN ABOUT:

Raegan: Algebra, trumpet, drawing Lorelei: Art – I would like to know more about famous artists like Picasso.

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PLACE TO VISIT IN WASHINGTON:

Raegan: My grandparent’s cabin in a tiny town called Republic. The cabin is right on the beach of Lake Curlew. Lorelei: Pike Place Market THING TO DO WITH MY FAMILY:

Raegan: Camping Lorelei: Going to Sun River on vacation. MUSIC:

Raegan: I like classic rock, pop and Jazz, if it’s not too “sad.” My current favorite song is “Fight Song.” Lorelei: Pop music – I like R5 and Fifth Harmony

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PLACE TO EAT OUT:

Raegan: Chipotle Lorelei: I like Asian take out – love potstickers and rice TEACHER:

Raegan: Mrs. Kelly, my third grade teacher. Lorelei: Mrs. Case – my second grade teacher. For more on the girls’ cute pup, Jinx, head over to our Precious Pets section! Photographs by: Jillian Broughton Do you know a fun, interesting kid who’d like to appear on our pages? Send your suggestion to diane.meehl@n2publishing.com.

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precious 30

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Meet Jinx: This Pup Unwraps Family Fun Photographs by: Malia Nakamura

Family Member Names: Robert, Michelle, Raegan and Lorelei Pet’s Name/Age/Breed: Jinx/5 months/Porteguese Water Dog Male or Female: Female How did Jinx come to join your family? The girls had been begging for a dog for ages. We knew we wanted a puppy we could raise ourselves, and one that was also hypoallergenic and low-shed. We started researching PWDs and found Stargazer breeders. The timing was just perfect – they had a litter of puppies and we loved the idea of raising a puppy over the summer when the girls were home. Is there a story behind your pet’s name? The breeder, Stargazer, matches the puppy to the family after they have temperament testing done on the pups at 7 weeks old. So, we didn’t know if we were getting a female or male dog until a week before we brought Jinx home. We tried to come up with names that would work for either. It was between Jinx and Taz. Our Jinx is definitely a minx and often up to all sorts of “highjinx.” She is well-named. Tell us an interesting or funny story about Jinx. One of Jinx’s favorite treats are cheese-sticks. We chop them up into little squares and feed them to her when training. The girls also eat cheese sticks — it’s a family thing. Jinx can identify the sound of cheese stick plastic ripping open from any room in the house. She thinks it’s her treat even if it’s for the girls. Jinx may not always respond to the “come” command, cocking her head to one side and looking at us as if she must have misheard the call; but, she is always underfoot when that cheese stick plastic is torn! How has your pet enriched your home or family? Having a puppy has definitely added a new element to our daily routine. The girls have been great about doing their part to take care of Jinx – feeding her and making she sure is let outside when she needs to “do her business” -- which for a puppy is often! But the best part is just having such a cute little fluff to play and snuggle with.

Is there a quirky, cute, or friendly feathered or furry friend in your neighborhood we should feature in Precious Pets? Send your suggestions to: diane.meehl@n2publishing.com

Does your pet have a friend in the neighborhood, or does s/he prefer a particular family member? Jinx definitely loves the kids, but we all agree she dotes on Michelle the most, probably because she walks her multiple times a day and gives her lots of treats.

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BUSINESS beat

Pelage:

By: Diane Meehl

Peel Back The Layers And Get Comfortable In Your Skin

Take a moment and look at the inside of your arms. “It’s the most beautiful skin you have,” says JoAnne Gerri, owner and clinical director at Pelage Spa and Skin Care Centre. “That skin never sees the sun, and, because your arms swing at your sides all day, it’s a natural exfoliate.” Who knew? The sloughing off, she says, is critical to maintaining healthy skin. “Before you do anything, use a gentle exfoliate on your skin every day for 3 months (in the shower, were you’re likely to get your entire face), and then watch the results!” Skin is her passion, and JoAnne offers up a few tips in the name of education, her real mission. Don’t skimp on sunscreen (she recommends using a powder, because it won’t burn into your eyes) and don’t buy into the old wives tales. “You can’t avoid wrinkles by tapping the skin around your eyes to cleanse instead of rubbing. Skin is a living, ever growing organism. And like the rest of our bodies, as we age, elastin and collagen production slows, so movement acts as a stimulant.” (Collagen and elastin are proteins that serve as “glue” which adds shape to tissue.) JoAnne says for those who want to turn back the hands of time, you’ve got to go skin deep and investigate all the options available at a MedSpa, where the goal is to achieve real results without surgical intervention. It’s why after years of offering everything from hair to nail to skin care services at their former location in Gilman Village, the move to Front Street signaled a new focus on her primary mission – to help her customers achieve healthier, more youthful looking skin. To Protect and Educate: Pelage begins with Passion

MedSpas like Pelage (French for “Skin”) are gaining momentum by the day. “As women, we just want to feel young forever.” But it’s her desire to protect women from negative outcomes and bad information that spurred her original desire to launch her business. An LPN, JoAnne initially served in internal medicine with a focus on infectious disease, dermatology and plastics, and laser hair removal. She learned so much about skin

she forged a path as dermatology nurse and worked for the first laser clinic in the Pacific Northwest back in 1996. JoAnne noticed a shift in the “medical plan of care,” as cashbased cosmetic services seemed more appealing to physicians looking for increased profitability. However, she stood witness to many damaging and negative outcomes such as scarring. “This was before there was so much information out there, and I wanted to protect women from buying into bad treatment.” Fed up, she launched her own clinic in 1999, The Center for Skin Science. That business evolved into a full-service spa that offered massage, facial, hair, skin and nail services, but she found the business was spread too thin. She yearned for a new level of professionalism. The new Pelage, on Front Street, focuses exclusively on services for the skin, including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, massage, facials, permanent makeup, and cellulite and laser treatment. Initial consultations are free,

and master aestheticians take the time to determine each customer’s sensibilities. “My clinic is a for-profit business, but education comes first.” (The parking lot out back, lush and soothing décor, and cheerful welcome are just icing on the cake.) The Anatomy of Skin: Going Deep & Getting Red

Maintaining healthy, smooth, hydrated skin that retains that youthful glow takes time, effort and consistency. Popular treatments such as peels and Microdermabrasion remove layers of old skin over time to achieve real, repeatable change. Many people, she explains, worry about the redness that often appears after peels. “But red skin is normal. Think about it - when you go to the gym, you sweat. It means a change is going on, and after a few months, you should see results. Same goes for caring for your skin. The redness and flaking after a peel signifies progress; it means there is a re-circulation going on.” A range of her services however, require minimal down time. The “before” and “after” pictures customers can flick through serve as testimonies. The results are striking, particularly from Microdermabrasion, where strategic layers are removed in targeted areas, such as around the eyes. “Our ‘smart lasers’ act like snipers instead of grenades; they target very specific areas for a specific response.” What’s the big deal about Botox?

If your friends rave about Botox but you’re still skeptical, JoAnne says it’s true – Botox (a nicer, gentler word for botulism, used to treat a range of maladies) does in fact prevent your facial muscles from making certain animated movements that leave creases. She says, however, that an aesthetician worth their salt will know how to inject just enough to smooth the lines but allow for a normal range of movement. “We never push any of our services on anyone. The first consultation is always free. We listen and we determine our clients’ sensibilities, and we can take it slow. We invite them to take those pictures so they can really see the difference we make, because we work for those ‘report cards!’” Visit: pelagecenter.com

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Health September Plateau Living

& WELLNESS

Menopause:

bone up on the change

By Dr. Jill Monster

Menopause is not a disease, but it can cause symptoms that are disruptive to daily life. Thankfully, for most women a well-managed menopause can be a welcome change and lead to a vibrant and productive life stage. Menopause occurs when your menses has stopped for one year. In the U.S., the average age of menopause is 51, but a “normal” menopause can occur between ages 35 and 55. “Perimenopause” can begin as long as 10 years prior to menopause and is defined as the time period when hormones begin to drop.

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The main female hormones are estrogen and progesterone, and to a lesser degree testosterone. Estrogen is the hormone that is most associated with femininity. During your reproductive years, it builds up the lining of the uterus and keeps skin plump and bones strong. Progesterone balances estrogen and is largely responsible for the timing and consistency of the menstrual cycle. Testosterone increases libido and helps you build muscle mass. During perimenopause, progesterone is usually the first hormone to drop. This often leads to increased PMS, anxiety, insomnia and changes in your menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels tend to drop closer to menopause. This can trigger hot flashes, vaginal dryness, cognitive changes, thinning skin, incontinence and lower sex drive. There are also changes you can’t see like thinning bones and increasing cholesterol levels. Lower libido and loss of muscle tone are at least partly due to lower testosterone levels. Some women are unfortunate enough to experience all of the negative symptoms of menopause while other women breeze through the transition relatively unscathed. If intervention is needed for menopause, it can vary from diet and lifestyle changes to hormone replacement therapy.

Diet and Lifestyle: During the menopausal transition, a healthy diet becomes more important. Sugar is enemy #1. Exercise is your new best friend. You may notice that you are not coping with stress as well as you have in the past. It is time to give in to relaxation and rejuvenation. Acupuncture can be a particularly effective treatment during these transition years. Ask your doctor to recommend nutritional supplements. Botanical Medicines: These have been used to manage menopausal symptoms for hundreds if not thousands of years. Plant medicines should only be used under the advice of a physician.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT means prescribing estrogen, progesterone and sometimes testosterone to manage menopausal symptoms. These can be synthetic or “bio-identical.” Bio-identical hormones are made from plants and are identical to the hormones in created in our body, rather than being made of synthetic compounds. They come in many different forms including creams, patches, liquids and capsules. They are available at regular pharmacies or can be custom blended at compounding pharmacies. With HRT, most women get relief from their menopausal symptoms fairly quickly. However, not everyone is a candidate for hormone replacement therapy. Your doctor can discuss risks and benefits with you. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to have an open and honest discussion about your concerns. This area of medicine is rapidly evolving. A physician that works frequently with patients experiencing menopause can help you make informed decisions about how to navigate symptoms.

Braces Aren't Forever - Smiles Are! Issaquah, WA Where we practice by Dr Tingey’s motto...

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Plateau Living

September

FinancialFitness

September Plateau Living

WHAT DOES

SECURITY

MEAN TO ME?

A Look At Retirement Income “I’ve worked since I was 17 years old. I think I’ve saved plenty for retirement – but now I’m wondering: Will it be enough? To me, that spells security.” ONE STEP AT A TIME It’s impossible to predict how long your retirement will last or how much you will spend. But there are some steps you can take to help ensure you can retire on your terms. STEP 1 – ESTIMATE HOW LONG YOUR RETIREMENT MIGHT LAST. For a 65-year-old couple, there is a 50% chance that one spouse will reach age 90.* If that couple were to retire today, this would translate into 25 or more years of retirement income. STEP 2 – FACTOR IN INFLATION. Those of us who remember the double-digit inflation rates of the 1970s may view today’s economy as calm by comparison. But did you know that even at a 3% inflation rate, your expenses will double in 25 years? Your retirement income will need to keep pace with rising prices. STEP 3 – THINK ABOUT HEALTH CARE COSTS. Many people assume that Medicare will simply pick up the tab once they’ve retired, but it doesn't cover everything. While the amount varies by individual, initially budgeting $4,000 to $6,000 per year per person for traditional medical expenses in retirement may be a good starting point. WHAT’S YOUR RETIREMENT INCOME STORY? Your financial advisor can look at your entire financial picture and help create a retirement income strategy that’s right for you.

Article source: EdwardJones.com | *Milevsky, IFID; Society of Actuaries RP-2000 Table. www.edwardjones.com

You put your family first. Don’t you deserve a financial advisor who puts you first? At Edward Jones, your goals are our priority. That’s why your financial advisor will meet with you face to face to talk about what’s most important to you and your family. From there, you’ll work together to create an investment strategy to help you work toward your goals.

Join the nearly 7 million investors already working with an Edward Jones financial advisor.

Corynne N Wiediger Financial Advisor

3302 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy Se Suite B Sammamish, WA 98075 425-837-4686

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Plateau Living

September

September Plateau Living

The Stone House features a full bar with a small list of craft cocktails, some of which change seasonally, and are open for dinner only from 5:00 pm-10:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. In the summertime, they open at 4:00 pm. With only 32 seats indoors and another 25 out on the patio during the summer months, reservations are highly recommended. Our guests were spoiled not only by the amount of food to which Ryan treated us (some 2/3 of the menu), but also by our wonderful servers, Teresa Conley and Gillian McManus, who regularly “man” the floor of the restaurant while Ryan works his magic in the kitchen!

neighbors’ night out The Stone House: Comfort Food That Excites

ver the past 25 years, I have watched Redmond transform from a sleepy little town into a bustling center of activity with new businesses, restaurants, condos, apartments, and more. Yet through it all, one tiny stone cottage has remained standing and unchanged along Cleveland Street. As sturdy as ever, The Stone House has been home to several businesses since its original inception as a residence a little over 100 years ago. The house’s first owner bootlegged moonshine during prohibition. He had a small still in the back shed, and paid off policemen to run booze through underground tunnels. Built out of rocks from an adjacent river, this little house is now on the Historic Registry and, for the past seven years, has been the site of a fantastic farm-to-table restaurant owned by Ryan Wales Donaldson, who also serves as head chef. Ryan’s passion for what he does is evident when describing the everchanging menu, and detailing the many

local farms and boutique wine producers from which he sources high quality ingredients and spirits. As passionate as he is about cooking, being a chef wasn’t always his dream. “I played sports in high school and was scouted to play Division 1 basketball, but during my senior year I blew out my knee,” he says. “Everything sort of went away, so I got a job to fill the time,” he explains. He knew he didn’t want to do retail, so he decided on the restaurant industry. “My mom is a really good cook, so she is someone I learned a lot from. I’ve always loved food, and it’s an industry that is pretty easy to break into from the bottom,” he says. He got hooked on the high energy and excitement of it all after starting at a small café inside Bellevue Square. He then went on to get a degree in Hospitality Business Management from Washington State University, and attended

By: Jenny Hart Danowski

Betsy Matias said, “I’ve always been curious about The Stone House, wondering if Hansel & Gretel lived here! It reminds me of a restaurant you would find in Napa Valley, with impeccable service, food, and flavors!“ Michael and Marnie Hutchings thought everything was cool, saying, “The simple tables and décor were appropriate for a cozy little house like this, and the crouching pig on the mantle was awesome. The service was tre-

mendous — especially when you consider that Teresa and Gillian routinely handle the entire restaurant, which, while small, is still quite a feat! But the crown jewel is the food.” Chef Ryan clearly loves what he does, and does it well. The ingredients were noticeably fresh and extremely flavorful, and the taste combinations were unexpected, but electric. The Asparagus and Fried Egg small plate was perfectly prepared; the halibut, salmon, and tenderloin entrees were equally fantastic, and the desserts were divine (particularly the salted caramel ice cream banana split and the bananas foster bread pudding). These two desserts are alone worth an evening out! The Stone House: 16244 Cleveland St., Redmond, WA 98052, (425) 558-5625. To rent the space, visit: stonehouseredmond.com DISCLAIMER: The business reviewed in this section provided products and/or services free of charge in exchange for this review.

culinary school at Seattle Culinary Academy. “I worked for Schwartz Brothers for about six years, starting off at Cucina Cucina, then on to Daniel’s Broiler. I did everything there — served, bartended, worked up to sous chef, everything. I just learned the entire business,” he said. After spending most of his life here, he left for four years to be the Chef de Cuisine at the JW Marriott in Tucson, Arizona. “That was a great experience as well.” When describing the cuisine, Ryan said, “It’s what I like to call ‘high-end comfort food,’ in that I use high-end ingredients and high-end preparations.” But food to Ryan is something one always has an emotional connection with. “My mom makes Swedish Pancakes, which takes me back to my grandmother’s house up in Anacortes on special occasions,” he says. “I want to give my guests that level of comfort in a warm, informal setting,” he adds. The menu changes every two days, based on season and availability.

HAWKINS ORTHODONTICS Your Neighborhood Orthodontist…a Reason To Smile Offering Complimentary Orthodontic Evaluation

C onv enient ly l o c at ed in t h e K l ah anie Vil l ag e Shoppi ng C e nt e r 4540 K la ha nie D r. SE · Is s aqua h, WA 98029 · 425-557-8100 · www.haw k i n s o r tho.com

Plateau Living

September

IN THE DIRT

The Xerces Society’s Message: Bee Mindful of Conservation Ilse Burch

Currently, pollinators are being eliminated from our world. (Pollinators, such as bees, cause plants to make fruit or seeds.) It is a very scary thing to watch, because we truly depend upon bees; without them, we would have to hand-pollinate many of the food crops we like to eat. Foods such as almonds, beans, zucchini (to name only a few) and fruit in general will become very expensive if we lose pollinators. The Xerces Society is a wonderful organization devoted to the conservation of invertebrates. These creatures — bees, dragonflies, butterflies, various mussels, sponges, and other little critters — lack spines, but they have important roles to play in their ecosystems. So what is posing such a threat to our friendly bees? There is no really simple answer — but toxins have a big part in the problem, both by killing bees outright and by making them weaker so they succumb to disease. The local bee suffering the worst of afflictions appears to be the large bumblebee. At one time, they were common, but now they are almost gone. They are particularly sensitive to Neonicotinoid pesticides, or powerful synthetic toxins derived from tobacco. Neonics have a longer lifespan than any other agricultural chemical — they last for an entire year in the plant! The pesticide crosses into the pollen and nectar of the treated plants. Bees, in turn, are very sensitive to these toxins. They become disoriented, making it hard for them to get home if they aren’t killed outright. New studies suggest that they actually prefer pollen and nectar from treated plants. This seems terrible to me.

Online, there are lots of suggestions about how to support the native bee population. Most of them can be condensed into just a few ideas. First: don't use pesticides, especially the longacting systemics that contain Neonicotinoids such as Imidacloprid, Clothianidin and several others. Virtually every pesticide that says “systemic” or “long-acting” contains Neonics. Next: buy organic food when you can — organic farmers are kind to bee populations. Also, choose organic flower starts and plants, or those that specify, “No Neonicotinoids.” More and more nurseries, aware of Neonicotinoids’ danger to bees, are growing plants without using these pesticides. Annie's Annuals is one example, or any nursery that produces organic plants. They are worth searching out and patronizing. Or, grow your own plants from seed. Not only do you avoid poisoning your bees and yourself, you also get true value for money! If you want to truly help the bees, think of them when you plant your garden. Plant flowers they like, and consider allowing the bumblebees to nest in your yard. They like unused birdhouses, rotten logs, and places like that. If you enjoy native plants or tomatoes; host these little creatures gladly. They can pollinate plants that many other bees cannot, by “buzzing” the flower to make it release pollen. Many of our native plants are dependent upon our native pollinators. All the more reason to protect the little creatures that make our food possible and our forests so beautiful! Learn more: xerces.org

September Plateau Living

Plateau Living

September

make any moment

a Celebration

Mill Creek • 15421 Main Street, #H102 (425) 379-0300

SOLD

4 Bed + Den, 3.5 Bath 3,330 Sq Ft Dock, Boat & Jet Ski Lifts Striking Lake & Mountain Views MLS #797705 Listed at $2,400,000

Redemptive Faith · Rigorous Academics Relational Community · Relevant Transformation

Issaquah • c 2, 775 NW Gilman Blvd (425) 427-0722

NothingBundtCakes.com

206. 498.0288

“Meating” our customers’ needs since 1910 !

108’ OF LAKE SAMMAMISH WATERFRONT

SOLD

Integrity Excellence Community l

4 Bed + Den, 3.25 Bath 3,420 Sq Ft Dock & Boat Lift Sport Court & Majestic Views MLS #800930 Listed at $2,468,000

Academic Excellence in Preschool - 12th Grade Campuses located in Bellevue & Woodinville

Discover BCS at an Open House!

7th - 12th Grade: Nov 17, 7pm-8pm Preschool - 6th Grade: Dec 2, 9am - 10:30am

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September Plateau Living

bellevuechristian.org

206.890.8227

admissions@bellevuechristian.org · 425.454.4402 x215

51’ OF BEACHFRONT LIVING

Mental Health Programs

PENDING SALE

Services Offered

2 Bed, 1.5 Bath 2,070 Sq Ft Deck, Dock & Boat Lift 1/2 Acre+ on Apex Point MLS#802491 Listed at $2,200,000

Psychiatry & Medication Management Individual, Family, and Couples/Marital Counseling Evaluations for ADHD, attention, concentration, and learning disorders

206.498.0288

Teenage Coping Skills Group

60’ OF WEST FACING WATERFRONT

Bellevue Clinic

301 116th Avenue SE., Suite 105 Bellevue, WA 98004

425-454-1919

Bringing help and healing to those who need it.

JOHN KRITSONIS

206-498-0288

JohnK@Windermere.com

JohnKritsonis.com

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Karl@Windermere.com

KarlLindor.com

V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N A B O U T T H E S E A N D O U R O T H E R P R O P E R T I E S Licensed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

WA_Sammamish

Plateau Living

This ring isn’t available at Plateau Jewelers. That’s because it was made for Janet using diamonds from her old ring. For nearly 19 years we have specialized in custom-designed and beautifully crafted jewelry. But don’t take our word for it. Stop by – we are just north of the Pine Lake QFC.

2830 228th Ave. S.E., #B