SUN June 2017 Neighborhood News from the Somerset Community Association www.Somerset98006.org “NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS” P.O. Box 40531, Bellevue, WA 98015 ▪ www.somerset98006.org ▪
Somerset Community Association
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Newport Way Sidewalk/Bike Lanes
Update
IT’S SUMMER -
SOMERSET BE READY
TIME TO JOIN THE SOMERSET REC CLUB!
WHATS YOUR FAMILY PLAN?
Energize Eastside
Preserving Neighborhood
Quality of Life
Updates
Bellevue School District
BOARD UPDATE
Election Year in Bellevue
Get Engaged!
Photo Courtesy of Benson Zhang
4th of July
Celebration in Somerset
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It’s hard to believe we are already almost half way through 2017! It has been a wet and soggy beginning to our year, but we look forward to a green, lush and comfortable summer! Many wonderful things are happening this time of year, the Somerset Rec Club is now open, our 4th of July Neighborhood Event planning is well underway, and new programs are continuing to be developed for our community. As announced in the last newsletter, a Somerset Volunteer Committee has been developed for both adults and teens. We had our first event in April with Earth Day! We focused much of our attention on clean-up prep on the Somerset Highland Entrance. It was fun getting to know some of our neighbors as we weeded, swept and hauled.
The Somerset Volunteer Committee is not ONLY for landscaping!! The Board is also developing a new program called Connect and Care. This program is intended to be multifaceted: Inter-generational Buddies: Pairing teens with 65+ community members for 1-2 hours each month, teens visit their assigned buddy to help with yard work, take out trash, do small chores, aid with technology (phones and/or computers), or just sit and chat. Our older generation has so much to offer our younger generation in pure experience and knowledge. The goal is to develop a mutually beneficial relationship between generations within our community. In cases of emergency, snowstorms, power outages, etc., these relationships could be invaluable! Sunshine Club (revitalization): We have heard of a group that used to exist in our community called the Sunshine Club. These are the folks that would reach out to community members who were sick, just had a baby, or maybe even a death in the family. They would send cards, organize dinner trains and provide support to families experiencing such life events. We would love to revitalize this club… if you have experience or interest in helping to bring this club back… please contact us! Neighbors Helping Neighbors: In the spirit of our Neighbors Helping Neighbors community motto, we would love to put together a roster of neighbors who need help and individuals/families who are available to volunteer, and the tasks they are willing and able to perform. This might include relieving a primary caretaker for an hour so s/he can run an errand, driving an elderly neighbor to an appointment, picking up kids from school, or providing some yard work or minor household maintenance. Please go to our Website – www.Somerset98006.com – to sign up for any of our wonderful volunteer opportunities. WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING WORTHWHILE TO CONTRIBUTE. Let us know how you would like to help.
- Tanya Franzen-Garrett, 2017 SCA President
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Communications Committee Update Our Somerset Community Association website is being updated. We plan to make the community directory, babysitters and other listings available through a secure log-in. We are also considering ways to digitize back issues of the Somerset Sun newsletter and create an online archive. Please check out www.somerser98006.org to see the changes we’ve made and to keep on top of community updates in real-time. You can also sign up to volunteer on the website for a variety of volunteer opportunities around our wonderful neighborhood. As you may have noticed, we are in the process of changing the format of the Somerset Sun. We are experimenting with ways to make it a more engaging community resource. That’s why I’m sending out this OPEN CALL FOR CONTENT to all Somerset residents. I invite all Somerset residents to submit articles, notifications of upcoming events, artwork or high-quality photographs, neighborhood rants and raves, a neighbor/family/pet profile, or even a favorite family recipe with a story about its origin and significance.
I want to encourage our young community members to take part, too. Any creative or academic writing, drawings or news of outstanding achievements are welcome. I hope to get enough content for an entire youth page. Did you know you can advertise your local business in the Sun? If interested, reach out to me about sizing and rates. Please keep in mind that the Sun is published quarterly in March, June, September and December, so time your notifications accordingly. If you have any questions or would like to submit content for the upcoming September issue, please email me at mdavis3@uw.edu. Have a splendid summer!
Melissa Katherine Davis SCA Communications Chair
Status of Newport Way Sidewalk/Bike Lanes The general design of the Newport Way project will be a 37-ft. option, which includes a 10-ft. mixed use sidewalk and a 5-ft. bike lane. The design is based on public feedback from an Open House in March 2016 and initial surveying results. The project is estimated to cost $9.7 million, which is over the initial $8.1 million budgeted. Project Manager Paul Krawczyk is looking at alternative sources of additional funding, as well as cost saving measures. As of this writing, the city plans to host a second Open House on May 31 at South Bellevue Community Center, from 4:30-6:30PM, to present more specific and refined design concepts for public review and comment. Once the design process and environmental review are completed, construction could start in June of 2018, with completion in late 2019. If you would like to receive occasional email updates from the Newport Way Sidewalk Committee, send a request to newportwaysidewalk@gmail.com. You can also check the following website periodically for the latest: www.newportwaysidewalk.org
- Kristi Weir, Somerset Resident and Newport Way Sidewalk Committee
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A Message from the CRC Chair I am pleased to be introducing myself to you as the new Covenant Review Committee (CRC) Chair. I’ve spent the last few months getting up-to-speed with the other committee members and with the covenant issues in our community. The CRC is here to help, whether by making sure that changes to property are in compliance with the covenants, or in neighborly disputes that start to get a little.... un-neighborly. All we ask is that you take the time to do your homework by consulting the Somerset Community Association website: www.Somerset98006.org. There, under the tab labeled “Covenants,” you will find the answers to many of the questions that we hear repeatedly. There is a detailed description of our role, copies of the covenants for each property area, forms for your use to submit requests for review, and a list of procedures for requesting service from the CRC. We have worked hard to update the site so that it will serve as your first resource for covenant-based questions.
PENDING!
13610 Se 59th St. Listed by Lynn
The most common request we have seen lately begins “Would you please tell my neighbor to ....” We have learned that a personal approach is the best way to communicate your concerns and get the results you want. In the event that disagreements arise, we require that you approach your neighbor directly, explaining your concerns or questions and asking whether a compromise can be made. We hope that the information on the SCA website will be useful as a tool to facilitate these communications. The CRC will not step in unless and until this first effort has been made, and failed. At that time, you can start the process to file a formal complaint to the Somerset CRC; however, we have found that most issues are settled and closed without formal action taken. Most neighbors do just want to get along, once they understand their Somerset community covenants.
- Diane Fern, CRC Chair dianefern@hotmail.com or 425.562.5138
Lynn was all we could have asked for in an agent. Even months before we were able to list it, she was there for us, and was right on top of everything before, during and after the sale. I found her very honest and trustworthy, and appreciated her experience and knowledge of the market, especially in Somerset area. I could always depend on her to be there if there was any question I had. She worked hard to present our home in beautiful photos and staging, and the house sold in one weekend of an open house. I would not hesitate to recommend her to any friend or family member. She always had our best interests at heart and I feel like I made a new friend. - Mickey
M.
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A Hillside Transformed
Recently our Somerset neighbors, Mark and Mary Hendrickson, have creatively transformed the hillside in front of their home, located at 4509 144th Avenue SE. The project began with Mary and Mark determinedly clearing the hillside of the well-established ivy.
The photos show the area before the ivy was removed, after it was removed, and the completed project. All the rocks used, both the large ones on the hillside, as well as the small ones located below the log border, were purchased from Sunset Materials. The larger rocks are both decorative, as well as helpful in retaining the soil on the hillside. New plants were purchased from Squak Mountain Nursery in Issaquah and Flower World in Maltby, northeast of Woodinville. Other plants were obtained by dividing and relocating existing plants from other areas of their yard. The plants they chose have interesting variation in both color and foliage texture.
Mark built the log border using treated fence posts obtained from Tractor Supply Co. Wood mulch from Sunset Materials was used to overlay the newly planted hillside.
This was quite an amazing project to follow. Neighbors watched as Mark continued to work on this project even through some of our coldest fall and winter days. Mark and Mary are not professional landscapers, but with a creative vision of their own, and a lot of determination, they transformed an ordinary hillside into a landscaping masterpiece. - Carol Robl & Katherine Ma, Landscaping Co-Chairs
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4th of July Celebration in Somerset Please plan to join us for our annual Somerset Community Association (SCA) Kids and Family Walking Parade and BBQ Picnic in the Park on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. It’s a fantastic way for neighbors to come together, have fun and celebrate the holiday. The parade begins at 11:00 am at the Rec Club pool/tennis parking lot on the corner of Somerset Boulevard/Drive and proceeds down to Forest Hill Park. Plan to arrive early to reserve your spot in the lineup. Prizes will be presented for best and most patriotic costumes. Hots dogs, chips, sodas and other refreshments are provided courtesy of the SCA. There will be field games, a bouncy house and even a fire truck for the kids. Donations gladly accepted. Don’t forget to swing by the SCA table to say “hi” and learn how to get more involved in our community.
Have a safe and happy 4th
Newport High School Students can now Earn AP Capstone Diplomas
Bellevue Schools Foundation donors support program that enriches AP education at Newport and Bellevue High Schools.
Newport High School students gained a new option this year to help them hone their college chops with 21st-century skills. The AP Capstone™ program from the College Board is helping AP students up their game and enhance their diplomas. AP Capstone is a two-course high school sequence—AP® Seminar and AP Research—designed to equip students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. Students who successfully complete the sequence and score a three or above on four other AP exams earn the AP Capstone Diploma. Students have been responding positively to the program. Here’s what one student said about AP Seminar: “For AP Seminar, one huge aspect and part of the AP test is the group research project. This
group research project teaches students about working in groups and is very helpful. Furthermore, in general peers are helpful and provide good feedback on how to improve.” After a successful launch of AP Seminar at Bellevue High School in the 2015-16 school year, AP Seminar was launched at Newport—100 Newport High School students enrolled this year—and AP Research debuted at BHS this school year. From fall forward, both schools will offer the full sequence. “I love AP Seminar and all of the projects it has to offer. I have never felt so stimulated in a class, and it has improved the student I am in so many ways. From communication skills, presenting skills, researching skills, I feel as though I have so many real-life applications I can take out from this project.” AP Capstone is just one of the wide-ranging portfolio of programs that Bellevue Schools Foundation donors support and helps students round out the skills they learn in AP courses through an extended research project on a topic they choose. With AP Research launching at Newport in the fall, you can expect to see some AP Capstone Diplomas awarded at graduation 2018.
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uyers
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ellers are having to review multiple
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STEPHANIE KRISTEN WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE/EAST INC
THE GREATEST EXPENSE IN SELLING YOUR HOME IS THE MONEY YOU DON’T MAKE. Eastside markets are at a fever pitch. But there’s more to selling a home than putting a sign in
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My team consistently closes homes in the Somerset market with multiple offers, over asking price with all contingencies waived! Please check us out online. You’ll find we excel in not only managing transactions, but in cultivating relationships that result in happy clients and successful outcomes. If you’ve even remotely considered moving, taking advantage of this historic seller’s market could be your best “move.” We’d love to talk to you about your options and how to best position yourself to make the most money, with the least stress. If you love where you live, we’re right there with you. But if there’s a move in your future, lets talk. We’re here to help.
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It’s Summer - Time to Join the Somerset Rec Club!
The Somerset Rec. Club hosted its annual Open House on Saturday, May 6th, and is open for the summer! Join your friends and neighbors because the Rec Club is the place to be! Build community, make new friends and create happy summer memories that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime. Once school lets out, swim lessons, tennis lessons, tennis team and fun social events for the whole family begin. We have decks and grills for our members to use and the pool is kept heated all summer long for your swimming enjoyment. Still Time to Join Sharkies and Swim Team! The Rec Club offers an outdoor, 4-lane swimming pool, water slide, toddler pool, and tennis court facilities. Practices began in late May for our Sharkies (pre-swim team for 5-7 year olds) and Swim Team programs. It’s not too late to join our spirited and supportive team! Swim Lessons Start in July – Sign Up Today! Learning how to swim is a necessary life skill, and we offer both group and private swim lessons. Weekly group sessions consist of daily 30-minute lessons. Swim lessons are offered for five weeks during the summer, so sign up today to get your priority week(s). Sessions fill up and priority registration is given to SRC members. Sign up at www.somersetrec.org/ swimlessons. Inquire at the front office for private lessons. Social Activities for the Whole Family We have a very active social calendar for members here at the Club, including pizza/bingo nights, family potlucks while the kids swim, our fabulous dinner/auction with live jazz music and amazing food, outdoor movie nights in August, wine tasting, moms’ and dads’ night out, and more! More information about fun social activities and dates can be found on the calendar at www.somersetrec.org. Junior Tennis Team Runs June 28 – August 4 Tennis is the ultimate family sport, and our tennis program offers opportunities for social play, team play, and lessons. Our junior tennis team teaches sportsmanship, rewards practice with better play and challenges mental and physical abilities, all while having a good time.
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on pool news and happenings! For more information about membership and the programs offered at the Club, visit www.somersetrec.org. You can also email questions to somersetrecclub@gmail.com. You can join the Club anytime! We accept payment online, by mail, and during business hours in the Club office by talking to a lifeguard. Our Club has been managed for almost 30 summers by Jim Umbeck, a beloved, retired 5th grade teacher at Somerset Elementary. If you’d like a tour of the Club, call Jim on his cell at (206) 601-3492. He’d love to hear from you! If you are looking for community and social fun – a place where you can swim, smile, hang out with friends, play tennis, and enjoy a BBQ on a balmy summer’s eve as you watch the sunset and enjoy a beautiful view – then what are you waiting for?! Join the rest of us for a wonderful summer at the Rec Club!
- Patricia Magnani and Michele Brown-Ruegg, Somerset Recreation Club
Swim team practice at the Somerset Rec Club
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It’s an Election Year in Bellevue Take the Summer to Get Engaged! By Council Member Jennifer Robertson As I walk around our wonderful neighborhood and see all the beautiful gardens in bloom, I know how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful place with such great neighbors. It is truly a privilege to live in Bellevue and in the Somerset neighborhood. Summer is a great time to meet more of our neighbors and enjoy the beauty here in the Pacific Northwest, our neighborhood pool and the nearly 100 parks located in Bellevue, the “city in a park.” Summer is also the start of “election season” and with four council seats up for election (and only two incumbents), it is more important than ever to learn about the people who want to represent you on the Bellevue City Council. All Council terms, except Position 5, Jennifer Robertson are for 4 years and all seats are nonpartisan which works well in Bellevue since most local issues are not “democrat” or “republican” but rather are “good government” issues. Every current council member served on a City board or commission prior to running for office. This is great training for stepping up to serve on the Council. Position 2: Currently held by Conrad Lee (Somerset neighbor and 6-term council member). Conrad is running for re-election. (http://www.conradlee.org/) His opponent is Randy Grein whom I have no infor mation about. To my knowledge, he has no prior involvement with the City of Bellevue. Position 4: Currently held by Kevin Wallace (2-term council member) who has decided not to run again. There are three people vying for this open seat: Jared Nieuwenhuis is a hightech manager, a Parks and Community Services Board Member, on the board of Sophia Way and Lifewire and engaged with the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce. (https:// www.jaredforbellevue.com/) Jared is being challenged by Karol Brown who is an immigr ation attor ney, sanctuar y city advocate, advocate for the low barrier Eastgate homeless men’s shelter and the democrat party 41st district chair. Ms. Brown has no prior service to the City of Bellevue. (https:// karolbrown.nationbuilder.com/) Also running is Heidi Chiat about whom I could find no information. To my knowledge, she has no prior involvement with the City of Bellevue. Position 5: Ernie Simas was appointed to this seat and has decided not to run. Two are vying for this open seat: Janice Zahn is a for mer Transportation Commissioner and is a manager for the Port of Seattle. (http://www.janicezahn.org/) Phillip Yin is a for mer financial manager and holds an International Masters in Business Administration from Georgetown and is currently working as a journalist. To my knowledge, he has no prior involvement with the City of Bellevue but did run for statewide office last year. Continued on page 11...
“Bellevue Way” - Preserving Neighborhood Quality of Life Bellevue, like the rest of the country, is becoming more politically divided. The residents feel that they are not listened to. Government is seen as not accountable. Decisions are made without the public’s input and involvement. Individuals are feeling less and less relevant. In my 20 plus years of service on the City Council, I have not seen so many people, and so often, come to council meetings with frustration and even anger toward staff and council members. It has become people vs. government. It is a dangerous gulf we must close. How? Elect the right people to the Council. Vote in the right people this November. The community needs council memConrad Lee bers who can bring the community together. We need individuals who listen and engage the public to come to decisions before decisions are made rather than afterwards. We need council members who put Bellevue and its people’s interest first rather than outside interests and entities. We must do things the “Bellevue Way”. We and the people of Bellevue must be on the same page. Our interest and people’s interest must be the same. Another thing is that there is always money involved. Bellevue has fared well over the years of economic ups and downs because of our fiscal prudence. My principle has always been “budget what we need, not what we can tax”. We must consider and know what we are committed to and that we are responsible for and are able to commit for the long term and not to leave the responsibility to others in the future. Everything we do costs money and we must know what we are committed to and if we are willing and able to support our commitments. I am such a person. I have demonstrated my responsiveness to the public I am elected to represent. I have consistently lived and acted based on my fiscal responsibility and prudence. The public knows and has responded in showing their continuing support in record turn-out of over 450 supporters to my re-election kick-off event in early April. This added over $70,000 to my campaign war chest of new contributions with total cash on hand of over $125,000. I am grateful for your support over the years. I am committed to another four years of representing you faithfully and responsibly.
- Conrad Lee, Councilmember/Former Mayor
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Position 6: Currently held by Lynne Robinson who is finishing her first term on Council. Lynne is a former Parks and Community Services Board Member and member of the Network on Aging. (http://allinforlynne.com/) Steve Fricke, a former prosecutor, is a Microsoft intellectual property attorney, heads up NSI Girls Lacrosse League and has been an active neighborhood leader on issues of power lines and excess density. (http://stevefrickeforbellevue.com/) Whatever your politics, we all want our City to be the best it can be and to provide high quality services and amenities to our residents. The Council elections are often decided by fewer than 300 votes. It’s your City, so make sure you learn about the candidates and vote in both the primary and the general election this year. If you’re not registered to vote, there’s still time to get registered. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/ how-to-vote/register-to-vote.aspx to register and then VOTE! In the meantime, I will see you around the neighborhood or on the pool deck cheering for our Somerset Stingrays!
- Jennifer Robertson is a 3-term member of the Bellevue City Council and a municipal attorney. She lives with her husband and children in Somerset.
Accounting Help Needed to Assist SCA Treasurer The SCA Treasurer is looking for some assistance. The ideal candidate with be familiar with QuickBooks and have some accounting experience. Tasks include picking up SCA mail, recording dues payments, and paying bills for the association. If interested, please contact Bev at (425) 6389788 or edwardsbd@q.com.
Fruit Trees: WIN-WIN Opportunity Announcing a fantastic opportunity for our community members who have fruit trees, but are not interested in harvesting the fruit for themselves. The Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank has a gr oup of volunteer s who will br ing ladders to people’s homes, pick the fruit, and then donate it directly to the food bank. Homeowners won’t have messy, dropping fruit to deal with and the fresh fruit is provided to those in need. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Megan Edwin at megan@issaquahfoodbank.org or (425) 392-4123.
Please place Alvin Lai ad here
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Somerset Be Ready - What’s Your Family Plan? By Angela Cheung Co-chair SCA Emergency Preparedness Committee When disasters and emergencies strike, they come quickly and often without much warning! Where could you be when a disaster strikes? - At home? - At work? - At school? -In your car? - Out and about running errands? Do you know where your family will be? How will you know whether your children will be safe? How will you find them? Do you have a family plan or communications plan or plan of action? Have you discussed it so your family members and others know about it? What do you do if basic services were to be cut off, (e.g., water, electricity, gas, telephone, internet access)? We take these services for granted and feel the inconvenience when services are interrupted for an extended period of time. Life happens and so do emergencies – there are many possibilities of personal crises or emergencies, e.g., car accidents, unexpected health complications, winter storms, active shooters, violence, terrorism, earthquakes, other natural disasters and more. Although the world has become more complicated and dangerous, both large and small steps can help empower us to be healthier, safer and more prepared. Pr epar edness is not about expecting the worst, or worrying about the uncertainty. Being proactive with advanced planning gives us confidence, reduces our risk for injury and harm, helps us better cope with disasters and become more resilient, comfortable and better off. Below are some ways to get started on Family Disaster Planning (and it doesn’t hurt one bit!): 1. Have a plan in the event of an emergency. Think about what how you will be in contact with one another before an emergency before it happens. Sit down with your family members where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. 2. Keep a copy of your plan in your emergency supply kit and/or another safe place. Include contact information on cards and keep them accessible in places such as car, wallet, kids backpacks, etc. 3. It’s a good idea to reach out and discuss your plan with neighbors, family and friends who might act as back up caregivers and helpers if you are unable to reunite immediately. Families who take a few minutes to make family emergency plans often find such plans useful in nonemergencies. Having ways to improve communication and peace of mind by knowing what to do when unexpected circumstances arise helps in everyday life circumstances.
Family Disaster Plans - List family names and household address List family members and contact information, home/ work/cell phone numbers and emails - List pet description (name, type/breed, color and registration #) - List out of state contacts, emergency contacts and other important phone numbers and info. Plan of Action - Discuss and list the disasters most likely to affect your household. - What are the escape routes from your home? - If separated during an emergency, what is the plan? What is the best way to call in or account for one another? Do you have a meeting place near home? - If you need to evacuate and/or you cannot return home, what are other possible meeting places outside our neighborhood? - If you are at work or out of the area and unable to return for an extended period of time, are there neighbors with whom you would feel comfortable having your children stay with temporarily? How would you check on elderly family or neighbors? - What is the route to get home? Do you have an alternative route? How do you reunify or communicate with one another? - In the event that your household is separated or unable to communicate or the local services are down, do you have out of state or out of the area contacts? - After a disaster, let your family and friends know that you are okay by registering at the Red Cross’s “Safe and Well” at safeandwell.communityos.org/cms// or by calling 800-733-2767. You can give them info by call/text, or update status on social networking sites. -If at school/daycare, know to where your children will be evacuated and the procedure for reunification. List child’s name, emergency info and evacuation site (address and contact info). - List any plans for people in household with disabilities or special needs. - Local authorities may ask you to “shelter in place” in your home. Discuss what rooms in your home are most likely to be accessible and safe. - Discuss and assign family member responsibilities in advance that could be important in the event of a disaster Disaster Kits and Go-Bags: Stock your disaster kits and think about being ready to take items on the go, if needed. Don’t forget special need like medicines, glasses, children’s comfort items and pets. Be informed: Check the weather and announcements on NOAA or local radio, TV, email, text alerts, email from the city, community association, neighborhood block group, immediate neighbors, and more… Think continued on Page 13...
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social media on Next Door, Facebook, etc. Family Medical Info: Take household medical info if evacuation is required. Take your insurance information and card with you. Financial: Cash machines and credit cards may not work due to power outages. Keep some cash readily on hand and keep copies of bank statements for record. Bring copies of utility bills to prove residency when applying for disaster aid. Pets: Evacuate, keep phone list of pet friendly areas and assemble kit for pets. Sharing and Maintaining the plan: Your plan should only be reviewed and shared with those who need to know it. Meet every 6 months, once a year or however often it is practicable to update and make any necessary updates. A special thank you to the Red Cross, PrepareAthon, FEMA Ready, Washington State Emergency Management and City of Bellevue for much of the content for this article. And thank you to YOU for making a family plan! Here are some links to sample family emergency plan and emergency contact card forms: Family Emergency Plan (FEMA): www.fema.gov/media-library-data/201307261802-25045-8711/familyemergencyplan .pdf Adult Family Emergency Plan Card Wallet (FEMA): www.fema.gov/media-library-data/201307261802-25045-3811/famemeplan_adult.pd f Child Family Emergency Plan Wallet Card (FEMA): www.fema.gov/media-library-data/201307261802-25045-0907/famemeplan_child.pdf FEMA Emergency Plan Contacts: www.fema.gov/media-librarydata/1440517182204fd5e99bd2931f0f566d068ca8443 70ce/ Family_Emergency_plan_wallet_2015.pdf AAA Ice Card: www.aaa.com/AAA/057/static/news/ AAA_ICE_CARD.pdf Red Cross Emergency Contact Card: www.redcross.org/images/ MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/ m4240194_ECCard.pdf
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Emergency Preparedness at the Somerset Rec Club’s May 6 Open House The Somerset Rec Club held its annual open house on Saturday, May 6. It was a beautiful day and the event was well-attended and enjoyed by all. Coordinating with Sophia Lopez, the outreach coordinator at City of Bellevue's Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Somerset Community Association preparedness co-chair, Angela Cheung, organized and hosted an information table at the open house. Sean Cox, preparedness co-chair, helped with set-up. Stephanie Carstens, OEM Citizens Corp Council member, also helped with set up, gave demonstrations, and talked with community members during the first half of the event. Demos of how to use a fire extinguisher properly, properly turn off gas utility, and turn on/off the breakers in a home were offered. Home safety and other preparedness tips, along with materials for families to take home to create their own plans, were also provided. An OEM outreach representative from AmeriCorp brought many of the items used for demonstrations at the event. Bellevue's OEM kindly provided goodto-go sample items that are ideal for a home emergency preparedness kit such as crank flashlights, emergency blankets, utensils, bottle openers, umbrellas, and more. The table volunteers were able to spend a surprising amount of time with each person who stopped by, connected with a few block captains, and even met a new SCA resident who works for the Red Cross. Thank you to Dana Knorr and Gary Albert for providing the SCA Division map. The map is a helpful resource that was placed alongside the preparedness pictogram with tips for residents to think about their own plans. Much gratitude to the Rec club for allowing us to host an emergency preparedness table at the high-profile community event.
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There are three significant developments in the never-ending saga of PSE’s “Energize Eastside” transmission project (the one that would run taller poles through Somerset, increasing risk of dangerous pipeline accidents, and also cut down thousands of trees): 1. Comment period opens for the Environmental Impact Study, part 2 2. Bellevue City Council takes evasive maneuvers 3. WUTC orders a review
Comment period for EIS, part 2
The Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for Energize Eastside is an intimidating document. About a year ago, the first phase of the study was released. The purpose of the first phase was to study the need for the project and feasible alternatives. Unfortunately, PSE submitted old data and questionable analysis to influence the conclusions. Alternatives were prematurely eliminated that have been serving other cities very well. CENSE will hire industry experts to point out these deficiencies at the appropriate time. The second phase of the EIS was released on May 8 (after this article was sent to press). This phase will finalize the route, identify specific pole locations and heights, and
describe some of the mitigating steps PSE might take to reduce negative impacts of the project. In our opinion, these details are out of order when the need for the project is still far from clear. For this reason, it is important for the public to submit comments detailing problems with the proposal. Comments must be submitted by June 21. One never knows which comment might strike at a weak point and cause major changes and delays. There will be three public meetings where residents can speak: ● Tuesday, May 23, 6:00 - 8:30 PM at Oliver Hazen High School, Renton ● Thursday, May 25, 6:00 - 9:00 PM at Bellevue City Hall ● Saturday, June 3, 2:00 - 4:30 PM at Rose Hill Elementary, Kirkland Continued on Page 15 ...
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… continued from Page 14
You can attend any or all of these meetings, not just the one for your city. Comments can also be submitted via letter or email at www.energizeeastsideeis.org. CENSE is planning to hold a workshop to help residents identify parts of the EIS that are especially worthy of comment, in case you don’t relish the task of reading a thousand pages yourself. The date and location of the workshop will be announced on the CENSE website (CENSE.org) and through the CENSE electronic newsletter (sign up at CENSE.org).
Bellevue City Council tries to avoid tough issues
The Bellevue City Council is considering a change to the city’s Land Use Code which would eliminate the opportunity for citizens to appeal a questionable finding by an appointed “Hearing Examiner” on land use cases. At present, the city council hears any appeal of the Examiner’s findings and then votes to approve or reject his conclusion. If the proposed change is adopted, citizens would no longer have one free appeal to their elected representatives. Citizens would instead be forced to take their objections to King County Superior Court, a process that can cost tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. Bellevue’s land use code would be interpreted by a county or state judge, rather than people who live in Bellevue and represent us. This change would affect Energize Eastside, the Eastgate men’s shelter, the Northtowne fire station, and many future land use cases. If the council insists on changing the code, residents want to see the process improved. We want better representation for residents and neighborhoods, instead of tipping the scales further in favor of big developers and corporations. Please defend your neighborhood and let the council know how you feel by sending an email to council@bellevuewa.gov. Every email counts!
WUTC orders review
PSE is a state-sanctioned monopoly that is regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC). Every two years, PSE must file a document called the “Integrated Resource Plan” with the WUTC, describing how the company intends to improve our energy infrastructure. CENSE has been visiting commissioners and writing letters asking the WUTC to require PSE to include big transmission projects like Energize Eastside in this plan. This requirement is already a state law, but PSE has been ignoring it for many years. In late April, the WUTC agreed with CENSE. Energize Eastside must be described in the plan, and it will be reviewed by electrical engineers and industry experts who understand grid planning better than most politicians can. PSE will have to answer some of the basic questions submitted by CENSE or risk not being allowed to raise our electricity rates to recover the quarter-billion-dollar cost of the project. Even a whiff of financial risk would not be welcomed by PSE’s foreign investors. Some of these investors manage pension funds that expected PSE would provide safe, predictable returns on their capital. The investors are already unhappy that PSE’s revenues have been falling for most of the last decade. The WUTC is gradually awakening to the weakness of PSE’s case for Energize Eastside. This is a major development and another confirmation that citizens are playing a crucial role in evaluating the safety, reliability, cost, and environmental impact of energy plans for the Eastside.
Babysitter Listing The Somerset community is fortunate to have many youth interested in babysitting. Please respect their privacy and do not distribute this list beyond the neighborhood. Birth Year
Grad Year
Phone
Baylee Bartels
1999
2018
518-9839
Maddi Brooks
1999
2018
802-2412
Kara Cox
1998
2017
503-0037
William Hendricks
1999
2017
562-7080
Lailey Khatibloo
2000
2018
372-8731
Simone Ray
1995
2014
652-5216
Susanna Skaran
1998
2017
894-2580
Erin Stepka
1996
2015
206-6939429
Name
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Bellevue School District Board Update As we get ready to welcome summer, our kids are resting in preparation for their next transitions/adventures, and the Bellevue School District welcomes its next Superintendent – Dr. Ivan Duran. I’d like to share with our community a few highlights of the work BSD took on the past year. Board priorities: Racial Equity • Professional Development throughout the leadership levels • Equity teams are at all 28 schools – supporting students and educators • Development of Culturally Responsive curriculum • Development of Civic Engagement curriculum Inclusion Creating essential structures to ensure each and every student has access and opportunity for a quality educational My-Linh Thai experience • Short-term project with the SWIFT framework with intention to incorporate into long range planning • Continuing making progress on the critical need identified in the Special Needs study • Continuing building partnership with the Special Needs PTSA Culture of Service • Internally – embed into all departments and schools, ultimately this work would guide district operational practice • Externally – create guiding principles and practices in schools and outreach into the community. Growth and Planning • Developing annual process to understand and adapt to changes which impact students’ learning • Data from demographer used to inform the annual teacher staffing process • Centralize student placement and standardize enrollment process across all schools • Developing long-term plan to inform future capital construction needs, potential new school locations and attendance
Academic Success Preschool curriculum including Literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) • Implemented K- reading model including reading specialist • Developed and implemented K-12 STEM curriculum, including computer science College and Career Readiness • Increased CTE certification/courses at both Middle and High schools • Implemented system for World languages proficiency Positive and Productive Life • Implemented SEL (Social Emotional Learning) at Elementary schools • In process of implementing SEL at Secondary schools (Middle and High schools) • Developed commitment to the community through civic education Community partnerships which support students and families - to name a few • PTSA Council • Bellevue Schools Foundation • Jubilee Reach • Bellevue Life Spring • Eastside Pathways • Youth Eastside Services (YES) • City of Bellevue • Bellevue Chamber of Commerce As a school district, we have so much to celebrate and many areas to improve in order to serve each and every student. This effort requires the commitment from all of us. I am encouraged that we continue to engage and to partner with our community.
- My-Linh Thai Bellevue School District Board of Directors, VP Washington State School Directors Association – Board of Directors – Director Area 2 Representative
Join Somerset on Facebook! facebook.com/groups/somerset98006/
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“One of the major draws for new people to our community is the
strength of our schools. I am proud to support the Bellevue Schools Foundation, which makes so many enriching programs possible.” ~Stephanie Kristen Managing Broker, Windermere Real Estate SALUTATORIAN ($5,000+)
VALEDICTORIAN ($10,000+)
Full Page Bellevue Schools Foundation ad here
Kathy Madsen, Becky Gray, Cindy Paur, Mary Nelson, Paige Norris Fujii & Mary Norris
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty* 206.354.9799
Jason Cook Windermere 206.280.1911 JasonECook.com
www.RSIR.com
Maureen Khan* Coldwell Banker Bain 206.769.4989 maureenkhan.com
MERIT SCHOLARS ($2,500+)
Brooks Beaupain* Windermere 206.778.4663 BrooksBeaupain.com
Sue Bethke Windermere 206.755.4005 suebethke.com
Beth Billington* Michael Collier* Eddie Chang Christi Clark Coldwell Banker Bain Realogics Coldwell Banker Bain Sterling, Johnson & 425.450.5208 Associates Sotheby’s Int’l Realty 425.450.5257 bethbillington.com 206.550.1845 425.922.7136 christi-clark.com sjarealestate.com eddie-chang.com
Tanya Franzen-Garrett* Team Foster * Renuka Getchell at Avenue Properties The Sound Properties Team, Windermere MSIR 425.637.8373 206.853.5023 206.226.3723 FosterRealty.com RenukaInRealEstate.com Sound-Properties.com
Matt Deasy* Windermere 425.643.5500 Windermere.com
Tom Covello* Windermere 206.972.8101 tomrcovello.com
Denise Niles* Windermere 425.301.1769 deniseniles.com
Julia & Mark Krill John Kritsonis & Karl Lindor* Stephanie Kristen Windermere Windermere Windermere 206.406.9000 206.498.0288 / 206.890.8227 206.200.0222 206.406.9700 SheKnowsRealEstate.com KritsonisLindor.com juliakrill.com
FRIENDS ($500+)
Cheryl Nygaard Windermere 206.465.3105 cherylnygaard.com
Lisa Pazooki* Ann Pierson* Wendy Paisley Coldwell Banker Bain John L. Scott Windermere 425.890.2393 425.785.8000 206.650.5812 LisaPazooki.com annpierson.com wendypaisley.com
HONORS ($1,500+)
Anna Riley* Windermere 425.761.8836 westbellevue.com
Britt Wibmer Windermere 206.683.1737 BrittsPicks.com
Christine Hemnes Windermere 425.417.6892
Rondi Egenes Windermere 206.953.1771 Rondi.com
The Lawrenson
Mary Lee & Jeff
Tony Marrese
Cindy Paur
Windermere Real Estate Team Realogics Sotheby’s Shaffer Coldwell Banker Bain Mary Lee & Associates, 206.799.1472 Intl. Realty 425.241.9400/ tonymarrese.com 206.949.4497 Keller Williams 425.919.3611 cindypaur.com 425.941.4229 LawrensonHomes.com seattleplace.com
We salute these Honor Roll Realtors® who know quality schools are the foundation of a great community. *Founding Members
Sandi Tampa
Windermere 425.445.8863 sanditampa.com
Lynn Eng-Lei John L. Scott 206.234.5966
Marianne Barkman John L. Scott 206.718.9751
Dr. Feng Hong Windermere 206.551.2142
Michael Etezadi John L. Scott 425.269.7101
Eileen Hoxit Windermere 206.766.0111
Lisa Whittaker
Coldwell Banker Bain 425.748.8000 lisawhittaker.com
ASSOCIATE ($250+)
Jerry Olson Jane Kim Coldwell Banker Windermere Danforth & Assoc. 425.260.0103 206.293.5263
Bill Pallis Elaine Pagones Avenue Properties Windermere 206.979.2880 425.985.1306
Thadine Bak, Coldwell Banker Bain 425.454.0470 Denise O’Connell, Coldwell Banker Bain 425.449.9533 Lisa Viereck, Windermere 206.852.2289 Courtney Windh, Coldwell Banker Bain 253.303.1193
Jennifer Ruud-Johnson RE/MAX 206.909.7883
Aiko Suganuma Kohtoku Enterprise, Inc. 425.644.7437
Hideo Suganuma Kohtoku Enterprise, Inc. 425.644.7437
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2017 SCA Board of Directors and Committee Members President
Tanya Franzen-Garrett
tanya@sound-properties.com
Vice President
Dana Knorr
knorr.dana@gmail.com
Treasurer
Bev Edwards
edwardsbd@q.com
Secretary
Muriel Mittelstrass
mmittelstrass@comcast.net
Covenants Review Committee Chair
Diane Fern
dianefern@hotmail.com
CRC 1
Jingdong (JD) Yu
jingdong.yu@gmail.com
CRC 2
(Haresh Sangani)*
hareshsangani@gmail.com
Communications
Melissa Davis
mdavis3@uw.edu
Website Admin
Priya Telreja
priyatelreja@gmail.com
Emergency Prep
Angela Cheung (Co-Chair)
avcheung@msn.com
Emergency Prep
Sean Cox (Co-chair)
Sean.ozell.cox@gmail.com
Landscape
Carol Robl
crobl@comcast.net
Schools Liason Welcoming
Katherine Ma Shabri Kelkar
ma_katherine@yahoo.com shabrikelkar@gmail.com
Membership
(Gary Albert)*
albert.gary@gmail.com
CENSE Liaison
(Steve O’Donnell)*
sdofour@aol.com
Somerset Community Interest Groups Do you want to start a Somerset Group? Want to participate in an existing Group or Club? Contact the Club/Group Chair listed below and start having more fun with your neighbors!
Club
Chair
Contact
50 and Over Singles
Kathy Judkins
260-4324
Bob Miller
641-7414
Welcoming Committee
Aileen Wu
206 890-1717
Book Club
Becky Mills
425-223-6520
Bible Study (non-denominational)
Carrie Myers
643-6655
Somerset Woods
Aileen Wu
206 890-1717
SomersetMoms
Sylvia Vasilik
sylvia.vasilik@gmail.com
Somerset Women for Medic One
Evelyn Bateman
747-7775
Senior Skiers
Some Clubs Need Leaders Some Community Interest Groups are in need of a chairperson. Please contact anyone on the SCA Board if you are interested in chairing a Club, or if you would like to start one centered around a different interest!
A SOMERSET CHOIR Hello Neighbors. My name is Sonia Tanielian and our family has been here since 1987. An idea recently came to mind about something I am very passionate about, and I'm hoping some of you would be interested in participating in – A Somerset Choir! I've always loved to sing! I am currently Choir Director at our church. I do have professional voice training, and can teach all voice parts. This will not be a professional choir, just one made up of people who like to sing for fun. The only skills you need are the ability to read music and hold a tune. We will learn songs from various genres, to be determined as we go. We could perform for various neighborhood functions, private events -- the possibilities are endless. I'm so excited at the thought of a Somerset Choir materializing! If you have any questions, and/or would be interested in auditioning for this fun, new Somerset group, please e-mail me at: IMBgonia@comcast.net. And please...don't be shy! Thanks so much! Sonia
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Somerset Community Association
Presorted Standard US Postage Paid Seattle WA Permit #1809
P.O. Box 40531 Bellevue, WA 98015
Your Somerset neighbor helping Clients achieve their real estate dreams for the last 17+ years Call Jane for a private consultation to maximize results in this competitive market!
5209 137th Place SE Bellevue SOLD with 11 offers!
Jane Kim 1/2 page ad 206-293-5263 www.janekimrealty.com janekimrealty@gmail.com
20228 24th Ave NW Shoreline PENDING SALE with 3 offers! Jane represented this Homeowner in 2005 with the purchase of this home
12109 Bel-Red Rd #C-204 Bellevue PENDING SALE with 16 offers!