November 2020

Connections

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ISSAQUAH HIGHL ANDS

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By Community, for Community November 2020

Cover art by Katie Cannon

NUSA 2020 Winner for Best Non-Profit Print Newsletter!

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E ?

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Feature: Give Local Wish You Were Here Highlands Council Volunteer of the Month Highlands Youth (HY) What's Happening IHCA

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Community Groups Living Green Merchant of the Month Home Organization Ask Kari Smart Home

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE I’m proud to live in a community with so many neighbors who generously give their time, talents, and treasure. In a time when so many people in our community are in need, the nonprofits that serve our community are more valued than ever. In this issue of Connections, you’ll read stories from neighbors who “give local” by volunteering their time with just a few of these nonprofits. While each volunteer story is unique, from organizing diapers to providing grants for local schools, there is a common thread — a genuine desire to give back to our community.

ME (Right), volunteering at My own volunteer story started with an interest in learning an IHM Valentine's Day event more about local history after I moved to Issaquah. at Blakely Hall in February.

Volunteering for the Issaquah History Museums (IHM), I transcribed handwritten diaries kept by a young woman in Issaquah during the 1920s and 1930s. Five years later, as president of the IHM Board of Directors, I volunteer with staff and volunteers on a mission to preserve and share Issaquah’s history with the community, including expanding our collections to capture the notable events of today.

Enjoy more stories of giving back throughout this issue, including recognition of Christy Garrard’s 10 years of service with Highlands Council, November’s Volunteer of the Month, this month’s Living Green® column with tips to help the planet by reducing food waste, and HFN’s call for cell phone donations to benefit nonprofits (and the environment).

With so many volunteer opportunities out there, where do you start if you want to get involved?

Visit our website at issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer for information on some urgent local nonprofit needs, as well as opportunities available right here in Issaquah Highlands. Do you have a local volunteer story to share? Email me at vicki.g@ihcouncil.org and we may feature your story on our official Issaquah Highlands blog at issaquahhighlands.com/blog.

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Thank you to all our community’s volunteers for all you do for our community and beyond.

You inspire us all!

VickiGrunewald

Vicki Grunewald | Highlands Council Media Editor

Highlands Council is the publisher of Connections, producer of community-wide events such as Highlands Day, owner and manager of Blakely Hall, and liaison with the greater community. The mission of Highlands Council, and therefore, Connections, is “to foster the development of a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, and well-being.”

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS RESIDENTS DESERVE AN ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS EXPERT.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2020

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Eastside Friends of Seniors

Offering a Ride and a Listening Ear I started volunteering for Eastside Friends of Seniors (EFS) more than three years ago after retiring from my work as an emergency room nurse. I worked for over 40 years and felt retirement was not just about playing and enjoying personal activities, it was also

by Nedra Simon an opportunity to serve others Kirk Park Resident in need. My children have grown and now have families of their own, and although I do play an active part in their lives, I also know God calls me to serve others.

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n this issue of Connections, we give thanks for our neighbors who give back to our community by generously donating their time to local nonprofits. Just a few of their personal stories are featured here. Many deserving nonprofits operate in our community, providing valuable services and resources, and in need of volunteers — more than what we could fit in this issue. This holiday season, we hope you are inspired not only to "shop local" but to "give local," if you can, too!

Eastside Baby Corner

Spending Our Saturdays Giving Back, Together When I came to the U.S. from India more than 20 years ago, volunteering was a convenient way to keep myself occupied and meet people.

As an EFS volunteer driver, I can work driving appointments into my schedule, taking seniors to the grocery store, doctor's appointments, hair appointments, or any other need they may have. Their life stories are interesting and many of the elderly people I volunteer with just need a person to listen to them.

Through EFS, I meet a variety of people, which is super rewarding. I hear so many stories, I could write a book.

Over the last two years, I have driven and become good friends with an elderly man who is 95 years old and has lived in Issaquah most of his life. I feel blessed with this relationship and would not trade it for anything. Many times, I have told my friend he is the “Forrest Gump of Issaquah” because he knew so many of Issaquah’s prominent residents.

I encourage anyone who wants to help others and enjoys connecting with people to consider volunteering with EFS. For EFS volunteer information, visit eastsidefriendsofseniors.org/volunteer.

My family and I have volunteered with Eastside Baby Corner (EBC) for more

by Jyothy Praveen than seven years. I came Central Park Resident to know the organization through my family’s Sunday cultural study school. A couple of people from the school volunteered with EBC on the first Saturday of every month, and my family decided to join them. When we first started volunteering, it seemed like a tedious job to get up early on a Saturday morning, get dressed, and go volunteer. Over the years, it became part of our Saturday routine; it is part of our life now.

As an EBC volunteer, I have made goody bags for kids at the holidays, participated in diaper and winter clothing drives, sorted through many toys, sorted clean and washed clothes, and made care bags for newborn babies. My family’s specialty is sorting clean diapers. As the years have passed, we have motivated more volunteers from our Sunday school to join us.

EBC is a great place to volunteer. It is close to where we live, and the thought we might make a difference in a child’s life with a simple act, like making goody bags filled with toys or bags of baby supplies, is really satisfying to me. The organization’s dedicated staff are easy to work with and will help you find a volunteer activity that appeals to you.

EBC is still operating during the pandemic, trying to fulfill a variety of needs in our community. Currently, donation drives are the easiest and safest way to volunteer with them.

From left to right: Daughter, Neeti, Jyothy, Jyothy's husband, Praveen, and their son, Pavan.

Volunteering with EBC has made me grateful for everything I have in my life. I have had the opportunity to meet and build relationships with wonderful people who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes to make miracles happen for kids and families in need. Volunteering is a simple way to give back to society and bring smiles to the faces of vulnerable children and families.

For EBC volunteer information, visit babycorner.org/how-to-volunteer.

Nedra with her friend, Leo. As a volunteer for Eastside Friends of Seniors, Nedra has driven Leo for the past two years and enjoys hearing his stories of "old Issaquah."

Photo provided by Eastside Friends of Seniors.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Laura and her daughter, Anna, at the Grand Ridge Elementary PTSA-sponsored drama club play in April 2019.

Grand Ridge Elementary PTSA

Volunteering While Following in My Mom's Footsteps

Volunteers gather groceries and supplies from various bins during an Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank drive-up food pick-up event.

Photos provided by Colin Yuen.

Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank

Volunteers Needed to Meet Increasing Demand for Food

by Colin Yuen, Issaquah High School Sophomore and Central Park Resident

During remote learning, some families wonder how they will get the food and resources they need to nourish their minds and bodies. I spoke with Cori Walters, Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank executive director, and Bonnie DeCaroMonahan, the organization’s development director, to find out how families can get the resources they need during the pandemic and what the community can do to help.

According to Bonnie, the pandemic created an “exponential demand for food bank resources,” which is why the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank expects service numbers to double by next year.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the food bank has created a drive-up, no contact service, making it safe and efficient for families to get the food they need. Anyone can access the food bank’s resources without barriers, such as income verification, and no one is turned away.

because of restrictions on the number of people permitted in the building safely.

While volunteering with the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank has changed during the pandemic, volunteers are still needed. If you would like to volunteer for the food bank, go to issaquahfoodbank.org to see all available times you can give your support.

Another way to get involved is through the Issaquah/ Sammamish Food Project, an easy way for Issaquah Highlands residents to give back to the food bank. Simply fill a provided green reusable bag with non-perishable food items from a list to be picked up every two months by your neighborhood coordinator, who will deliver the items to the food bank. You can sign up to be a food donor or a neighborhood coordinator online at issaquahsammamishfoodproject.org.

I have vivid memories of my mom volunteering and leading Parent Teacher Association (PTA) committees at my school growing up, most notably when she was chairperson for my school’s fundraising auction.

Fast forward many years to 2017. My daughter was in

by Laura Gaffney second grade at Grand Ridge Kirk Park Resident Elementary School and I found out the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) was organizing a spring auction and needed planning committee volunteers. I figured signing up would be a great way to get to know other parents and it would be fun to follow a volunteer path similar to my mom’s.

The experience turned out to be all that and more. I made friendships with parents whose kids are in different grades than mine, learned more about how PTSA fundraising makes a difference at Grand Ridge Elementary and saw the many ways the PTSA can help bring different skill sets together to enhance our students’ experience. That initial experience led me to take on additional PTSA volunteer roles and join the board.

The Issaquah Turkey Trot benefitting the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank also provides opportunities for Issaquah Highlands residents to give back and volunteer. See Larissa’s story on page 7 for more details.

I am now in my second term as president of the Grand Ridge Elementary PTSA. It is incredibly rewarding getting to know more families and seeing the impact of PTSA funding and volunteer resources at the school – from the pride in student faces at the Reflections art reception or talent show, to improvements to the playground, to the laughter and fun families have on the dance floor at Falloween.

Remember, volunteers are just as important to the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank as the food that is donated. Any help you can offer will have a huge impact.

“Those who need aid getting healthy food into their homes will receive the help they need,” Cori said.

For Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank volunteer information, visit issaquahfoodbank.org.

Because of COVID-19, most of our local PTSAs are not hosting big community nights and other school day events like usual, but there is still programming and planning underway. We always have room for volunteers – whether you only have one hour to share or more. While people often think about our volunteer roles that engage with students, there are many behind-the-scenes roles for writers, designers, accountants, and others.

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly reduced the number of volunteers with the food bank, as the initial 2,100 hours of volunteer hours in February decreased to 830 hours in June

Read Colin's full story on the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank on our official blog at issaquahhighlands.com/blog.

For volunteer information, visit grandridgeptsa. membershiptoolkit.com or your local PTSA website.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2020

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Issaquah History Museums

Issaquah Schools Foundation

Volunteering to Preserve Issaquah's History

Giving Back to Benefit Issaquah's Kids, Teachers, and Schools

I have always been passionate about museums. My lifelong hobby of seeking out museums wherever I go was first inspired by an elementary school field trip to a local history museum.

When my wife and I moved to the Seattle area, we probably had the same priorities and discussions as many of our neighbors. We wanted to find a safe neighborhood, an inclusive and vibrant community, and great schools for our children.

As we explored the area,

by Nick Jensen we instantly connected with Black Nugget Park Resident Issaquah and the Issaquah Highlands community.

I continued this appreciation

by Rebecca Lawrence as a student in the University Discovery Heights Resident of Washington’s certificate program in museum studies.

In 2011, I came to the Issaquah History Museums (IHM) as a practicum project student. As a result of my project, I discovered working to preserve Issaquah’s past provided me with a rewarding and meaningful way to connect with my community, while also contributing my time and skills to further the museum’s mission.

Over the years, my volunteer work at the Issaquah History Museums has largely focused on caring for the museum’s collections. In this role, I assist IHM Collections Manager Julie Hunter with a variety of hands-on tasks, including cataloging artifacts, documenting the condition of collection items, and preparing artifacts for exhibits and storage. I have interacted with a broad range of artifacts, from paper-based collections and photos to three-dimensional objects. My volunteer experience has also included collaborating with other volunteers to design exhibits.

At this time, the Issaquah History Museum’s two locations, the Gilman Town Hall Museum and the Issaquah Depot Museum, have temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, I have been exploring new ways to stay engaged as a volunteer. I am currently assisting with the organization’s fall fundraiser, “Collecting History, Connecting Community,” and am also attending the museum’s virtual “History Happy Hour” series. Both opportunities have been instrumental in helping me stay in touch with fellow volunteers while providing another great way to learn more about Issaquah.

Whether you are inspired to discover Issaquah’s history or motivated to connect with the community, museum volunteers of all ages and backgrounds bring unique talents, interests, and skills to the organization. There are many ways to contribute to the current needs of the museum, from transcribing documents and assisting with fundraising, to participating in virtual programming.

For IHM volunteer information, visit issaquahhistory.org/join-us/volunteering.

Larissa (right) with sister, Andie, at the 2019 Issaquah Turkey Trot.

Issaquah Turkey Trot

Running is an Issaquah Thanksgiving Tradition You might recognize me as the gal who is always running around the neighborhood.

With the extra time I have had during the pandemic, I have put in a lot of miles to train for upcoming marathons. Because of the pandemic, so many road races have been canceled

by Larissa Kolasinski or are going virtual. For me, Manchester Court Resident one of the most unfortunate cancellations this year was the 2020 Boston Marathon in April. As one of the world’s longest-running annual marathons, this is the first time it has been canceled in 124 years. (Yes, it even still went on as a military relay in 1918 during World War I.) Running through the rainy winter season can be a slog, but I have always looked forward to the welcoming atmosphere of the annual Issaquah Turkey Trot in November. Every Thanksgiving morning, thousands of “trotters” line up by the Issaquah Community Center for 3.1 miles of earning those extra calories at Thanksgiving dinner (and to benefit the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank). This year marks the 10th annual Turkey Trot. I have fond memories of racing the 5K in high school with my cross-country teammates and greeting neighbors with holiday wishes early in the morning.

We were impressed by the welcome we received from the Issaquah School District (ISD). Everyone focused on helping our son thrive through his transition to a new school. When I learned about the Issaquah Schools Foundation (ISF) and the $12 million they contributed to ISD over the years, making some of the resources my son was using possible, I reached out to volunteer.

ISF offers many services to help over 20,000 students in our school system, supporting a wide array of programming including grants for teachers, basic needs and academic support to students, STEM, art and music enrichment, professional development, and family engagement activities. Those grants help enrich our children’s learning environments across the district. I grew up in a family of public school teachers and remember how excited my mom, an eighth grade life skills teacher, would be when she received a grant to get a new activity for her classroom. As an Issaquah resident, I love the Cultural Bridges program and its ability to help all families through events, mentoring, and translation services in several languages.

I started volunteering with ISF about a year ago, first as part of the marketing committee before joining the board of trustees this spring. As a board, we strive to help provide oversight and guidance for ISF as they make an impact across the district.

As a volunteer board member, I enjoy having the opportunity to hear from representatives of the school board, district leadership, and teachers. I also appreciate the diverse backgrounds and educational experiences of our board of trustees. After every meeting, I feel like I learn something and connect more deeply with the community. I have most enjoyed visiting with ISF donors. Our donors’ passion for this community and our kids inspires me every time. It reinforces my family’s decision to make Issaquah our home.

For ISF volunteer information, visit isfdn.org/get-involved.

I recently got involved as a volunteer on the Issaquah Turkey Trot’s planning committee. Last year, we had about 4,200 participants. The Turkey Trot is rapidly becoming one of the largest events in Issaquah. This year, the event will be virtual with seven different courses to choose from, including one in our very own Central Park. For an entry fee of $15$30, the marked course can be “trotted” any time over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend (Thursday, November 26 – Sunday, November 29) and participants each receive an Issaquah Turkey Trot t-shirt, hat, or buff.

Look for me at Central Park on Thanksgiving weekend!

Rebecca stands outside the Gilman Town Hall Museum, one of two museums sites operated by the Issaquah History Museums.

For Issaquah Turkey Trot registration and volunteer information, visit issaquahturkeytrot.org.

Nick (far right) with (from left to right) his wife, Sarah, daughter, Ellie, and son, Sam.

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, r o b h g i Dear Ne

Issaquah Highlands Connections

u o Y h Wis e Here! r e W

Issaquah Highlands Cross-Cultural Committee

Members of the Issaquah Highlands Cross-Cultural Committee labeled and distributed almost 50 books to the nine Little Free Libraries throughout Issaquah Highlands. To educate and build inclusivity, the group selected a wide range of books, from toddler board books to adult-themed novels.

Learn more at issaquahhighlands.com/cross-cultural-committee.

Look for these books marked with the special sticker!

For upcoming Issaquah Highlands Cross-Cultural Committee programming, see What's Happening on page 15 or visit issaquahhighlands.com/cross-cultural-committee.

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HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

lie Clegg

Photo by Ju

tive tive cucu Exe ounncicil lExe s CCou d lannds ig h H at at , ig H rd ry , ra sa erersary niv ararrard rist niv y yGG -y ear ranan ChCrihst er 10 -yea her 10 ed at h br d le r. te ce beber. ptem irec Se r, r,celebra Councill in toto tem Sep DirDec s Counci in Highlanndds

Highla

Celebrating Christy Garrard's 10 Years of Service to Highlands Council and Community

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n 2010, Christy joined Highlands Council with a mission to bring the organization “back to life” following the recession, starting with building community engagement using Blakely Hall and Connections.

With the support of volunteers, she grew the organization as the economy rebounded, hiring a talented staff who share her passion for building community and promoting Issaquah Highlands as a special place.

Christy ( Highlan center) with membe ds You th Adv r isory B s of the oard (H in 2019 Y) .

In 2013, Christy established the Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY) and continues to oversee the program and mentor its teen members today. She has served on the Grand Ridge Elementary Site Council for four years and as an Issaquah School District V.O.I.C.E Mentor for the last three years. Christy represents our community across the city as a member of the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, an Issaquah Economic Development Vision Partner, a Certified Emergency Response Team member for Issaquah Emergency Management, a member of the city’s Creative Arts District Committee, a member of the Issaquah History Museum’s Past Forward Leadership

Council, and a founding member of the Issaquah/Sammamish 100 Women Who Care charitable giving group.

This year, Christy launched and serves as president of the Issaquah Highlands Community Fund, a 501(c)(3) foundation and long-time goal of the organization. Christy is a certified grant writer and used those skills this year to jump-start an effort to find public transportation solutions for our community. Through a grant, Highlands Council received a 7-person passenger van from King County in October that will be used to provide rides to and from Blakely Hall when the facility re-opens post-pandemic.

Over the next five years, Christy’s goals include establishing a scholarship program for resident students via the Community Fund, improving public transportation access across our neighborhoods, keeping the desire for a community pool top of mind to the few remaining land developers within our boundaries, and growing the positive brand image of this unique and special urban village and its associated organizations nationally and internationally.

"Thank You, Christy!" Notes from Issaquah Highlands Neighbors and Friends "Christy is simply delightful! She has such positive energy that she shares with our community. Christy has helped Issaquah Highlands grow into the type of community we all can be proud of."

— Kari O'Neill, Central Park resident "She is a mama for teenagers, an aunty for little kids, a sister for her friends, an inspirational leader for her team, and the queen of Highlands Day. ‘Thank you’ is not the right [phrase] for me. ‘Merci, Christy,’ is the one that comes from the bottom of my soul."

— Aline Bloch, Central Park resident "Thanks so much for being such a great community mentor to me over the last eight years. I have learned so much about serving in communities and how to appreciate what our community has to offer. You are a real treasure to this community."

— Gary Ashby, Sunset Walk resident "Thank you, Christy, for all you have done and continue to do for Issaquah Highlands and the broader community!

You are a big thinker, results-oriented doer, thoughtful collaborator, inspiring mentor, and effective community advocate. Looking forward to more fruitful partnering in the next decade!"

— Amy Dukes, Issaquah Arts Program Administrator

"With her trademark smile and unwavering can-do attitude, she maintained focus and over time, growing the organization to celebrate community and inclusiveness. She is just getting started."

— David Ngai, Highlands Council Board of Trustees and Daphne Park resident "Thank you for making us feel welcome in this great community since day one. Issaquah Highlands would not be what it is without you!"

— Ben Armlin and Melissa Tubbs, Crofton Springs residents "Behind many of the successful accomplishments of the Issaquah Highlands Council in the past 10 years, there has been your beautiful mind pushing them forward. It just amazes me how you manage to get things done every time you put your mind to it!"

— Kimberly Kapustein, Highlands Council Board of Trustees and Dahlia Park resident "A huge part of me exists because of the amazing work you’ve done for us. Working on the HY Board with you is a dream come true. I am so very honored to have worked with you as I grew up. Thank you for everything, Christy!"

— Sophia Hashmey, Park Drive resident

"Christy is a pillar of the Highlands community. Her flawless execution of Highlands Day, organizing multiple community events in Blakely Hall, and her mentorship of the Highlands youth in the community is commendable."

— Juhi Jain, Magnolia Park resident "Thank you, Christy, for your boundless energy, big picture vision, and tireless work during your 10-year tenure at Highlands Council."

— Larry Norton, Highlands Council Board of Trustees Emeritus and Crofton Springs resident "When you meet Christy and her family, you know right away that you're grateful to have them in your neighborhood.

Christy does more for her community than just about anyone I know. Yes, we know it's her job, but you can tell she's driven more by her passion for her neighbors and community than anything else. I can definitively say... the Highlands would not be what it is without Christy."

— Nate Perea, Dahlia Park resident "Your unceasing energy, positivity, and shrewd talent are evident in the projects you take on...Here’s hoping you have another ten years in you to continue working your magic!"

— Sheryl and John Knappenberger, Crofton at Village Green residents

Note: While we could not print all the wonderful "thank you" notes we received to commemorate Christy's 10-year anniversary, all notes will be passed along for her to cherish and enjoy.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Safety is our top priority So much has changed in recent months and maintaining your health now is just as important as ever. Your health and safety continue to be our top priorities and we have protocols in place to keep patients and caregivers safe in our hospitals and clinics.

SCREENING. We conduct routine coronavirus symptom screening on patients, visitors and employees.

MASKING. Our facilities have adopted policies that align with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Find connection and joy

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Schedule a virtual tour or learn more (425) 200-0331 | eraliving.com Ask about special benefits for

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SEPARATING. COVID-19 patients, as well as those caring for them, are safely isolated from the rest of the population.

VISITORS. We are limiting people coming into our facilities to those deemed essential. This helps maintain appropriate physical distancing and reduces spread of germs.

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To learn more about Swedish safety protocols, visit www.swedish.org.

SWEDISH ISSAQUAH 751 NE Blakely Drive, Issaquah, WA 98029 425-313-4000 swedish.org/issaquah

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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NOVEMBER VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Jim Young

IHCA Board of Directors This month, it is my pleasure to present Jim Young as November's Issaquah Highlands Volunteer of the Month. As the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) board president, Jim collaborates with me, other IHCA board members, and IHCA committees with the greatest leadership and professionalism.

Issaquah Highlands is an amazing community and a lot of planning and managing is done behind-the-scenes. The IHCA's responsibilities can be challenging, but the beauty of this community shines through in all we do. Moving into the future, there will be new challenges and I feel confident our dedicated volunteers will rise to the challenge and ensure the success of this community for generations to come. — Sarah Hoey, IHCA Executive Director Like many of my fellow residents, I really like living in Issaquah Highlands. I will always remember the snow and power outage on our move-in day in December 2006.

I was a Certified Professional Accountant for over 30 years with a large international accounting firm, so it was a natural fit for me to join the IHCA Finance Committee. I joined in September 2010 and became committee chair in early 2011. It was at that time I started to attend IHCA Board of Directors meetings.

Volunteer of the Month and IHCA Board of Directors President Jim Young.

I served on the search committee in 2011 to find our first executive director for the IHCA. Issaquah Highlands master developer, Port Blakely, was in the process of transitioning the responsibility of maintaining our community to the IHCA. This was a national search, which afforded me the opportunity to see how special, unique, and diverse our community is in so many ways.

In July 2012, Port Blakely asked me to become president of the IHCA board. Since then, the board has asked me to continue as board president each year, over multiple terms on the board. (IHCA board members serve two-year terms. My current term ends on June 30, 2021.)

I also chaired the search committee for our current executive director, Sarah Hoey. It has been extremely rewarding to work with her over the past five years. With her leadership, the IHCA board has accomplished many goals, including opening our first maintenance facility and this year's move to our new office on Park Drive. Sarah has built a strong team, proven beyond a shadow of a doubt this year with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarah and her team did not miss a beat and our board has become very proficient with Zoom.

Outside of volunteering with the IHCA, I keep busy walking around the many options we have in Issaquah Highlands, as well as serving on other nonprofit boards, including Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital in Yakama. I also love to travel and was lucky to take several trips this year before the pandemic.

Jim collaborates with me, other

IHCA board members, and IHCA committees with the greatest leadership and professionalism."

Jim (left) with Ben Rush, IHCA Board of Directors member, and Sarah Hoey, IHCA executive director.

Are you inspired to get involved in the Issaquah Highlands community?

Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer to discover all the different ways you can get involved in our Issaquah Highlands community, including opportunities to join boards and committees.

Questions? Contact Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council Program Manager at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.

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Pragmatic leadership for the Issaquah Highlands 9

New turf fields at Central Park

9

Revitalizing Lake Sammamish State Park

9

New paved parking lot at Tiger Mountain High Point trailhead

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Increased education funding for the Issaquah school district and much, much more...

Join our campaign: electmarkmullet.com Facebook: /electmarkmullet Paid For By Elect Mark Mullet (D) 2520 NE Park Drive Issaquah, WA, 98029 Coupon expires November 3rd, 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2020

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HIGHLANDS YOUTH - HY

Dear Sid, A Letter to My Future Self The COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine lasted much longer than you expected.

Remember going skiing with a friend in January 2020, excited to have a two-week break?

All you could think about was how much you were going to

by Sid Thiagarajan ski. Little did you know the HY Board Member, pandemic would last so long, Issaquah High School Senior, you would start your senior and Park Drive Resident year of high school online.

The sudden adjustment to online school was hard for you.

You are a very social person and care very much about human interaction. You were much more motivated when you were in normal in-person school, but you adapted to online learning and learned some new ways to stay motivated.

Remember using the “30-minute rule”? You would leave your cell phone in a different room where you could not access it and set a 30-minute timer. During this time in your life, your phone was one of your biggest distractions, but once you went 30 minutes without it, you were able to focus and finish your homework.

You really missed seeing all your friends at school and being able to hang out with your friends in a group or to get dinner.

Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY) members were asked to write letters to their future selves, reflecting on how their lives have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This series of articles, one published each month, will enter into the Issaquah History Museums collections to be preserved for generations of youth to come.

During the pandemic, you enjoyed playing video games on Xbox because you were able to hang out with your friends virtually — the closest thing to pre-COVID get-togethers.

Being in quarantine wasn’t all bad; you made some positive personal discoveries during this time.

Growing up, you always had short hair and never thought about growing your hair out. Because of COVID-19, you decided to wait to get a haircut and were surprised when you liked your long hair.

Another personal discovery you made during the COVID-19 pandemic was your love for golf. When you were younger, you never cared for golf because you thought it was a very slow game and took lots of concentration and patience.

Because you were not able to play other group sports due to social distancing guidelines, you gave golf a chance and loved it. Your favorite part of playing golf during this time was playing with Dad and scoring better each time you played. You still missed soccer and running, especially since it was your senior year, and the last year you could compete in high school sports. Hopefully, you were able to participate in cross-country before graduation in 2021.

At this time, your hope was for everyone to stay safe, wear a mask, and follow public health guidelines so you could return to normal sooner rather than later.

During the pandemic, Sid learned to love golf, playing at the China Creek Course at The Golf Club at Newcastle in September 2020.

Hopefully, when you read this letter in the future, you are sitting next to your friends again and the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

— Sid

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2020

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS

Community Groups  Book Club

November's Book: "Where the Story Starts" Tuesday, November 17, 7 p.m.

The book club is a great place to meet neighbors, socialize, and explore a variety of books. Join the Facebook group at facebook.com/ihbookclub.

 IH Business Networking Group Join other small business owners for a new spin on the standard practice of networking, based on knowing the more we connect and share, the more we all grow! This group is inclusive, connection-based, and valuable to all members. No obligations, just genuine connections!

Monthly Meeting Monday, November 2, 9:30 - 10 a.m.

Virtual Happy Hour Tuesday, November 17, 4 - 5 p.m.

Issaquah Highlands Hiking Group

The Issaquah Highlands Hiking Group is open to all ages to connect with other hiking enthusiasts and go on planned hikes in the beautiful Northwest. For more information and details on our next scheduled hike, join our Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/nwhiking.

 Meditation Group Fridays, 2 p.m.

Discover how to find moments to relax the mind. The group practice exercises that promote balance, strength, and calmness. Learn techniques to help deal with the stress and strain of a busy life. Free to attend and open to all! Questions? Contact ih.meditation@gmail.com.

Mountain Biking Group

The Issaquah Highlands Mountain Biking Group is open to all ages to meet other mountain bike enthusiasts while exploring some of the amazing local mountain bike trails! For more information and details on all planned rides, join us on Facebook at “Issaquah Highlands Mountain Biking Club.”

 Photography Group

Saturday, November 21, 10:30 a.m.

Enjoy monthly meetings with guest speakers, share and discuss your work with others, and participate in an online community throughout the month.

Contact ihpc@outlook.com.

 Work Rock from Home Group

Join a support group of neighbors full of ideas, resources, and tips to help you “rock” at working from home! We will share positive vibes and ideas about how to balance life/work at home, avoid loneliness, and stay motivated. Join us on Facebook and for monthly webinars on relevant topics at facebook.com/groups/ rockfromhome.

 Toastmasters Thursdays, 7 a.m.

Say it better with Toastmasters. Share your interests and goals in a positive, supportive environment. Let us help you expand your knowledge and horizons. Guests are welcome to join a meeting to see what it’s about – it’s one hour of fun, and you won’t be put on the spot!

Learn more at ihtm.toastmastersclubs.org.

 Yarns & Threads Group Fridays, 10 a.m.

All knitters, crocheters, and stitchers are welcome. For more details or questions, please contact Cathie Coulter at Catherine.coulter@ihmail.com.

Get Involved Neighbor to Neighbor Services Directory

Join our directory to connect neighbors in need with neighbors looking to help. Learn more at issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer.

 Cross-Cultural Committee Wednesday, December 3, 7 p.m.

Anyone who has a passion for celebrating the diverse cultures that make up Issaquah Highlands is invited to join our cross-cultural committee. We’ll come together to learn from each other and to help shape the direction of Highlands Council going forward. Contact Lindsey at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org or visit issaquahhighlands.com/ volunteer to learn more.

Welcoming Committee

Do you love to meet new neighbors? Enjoy bringing people together socially? Join the new Welcoming Committee as we plan how to welcome new residents to Issaquah Highlands and introduce them to our neighborhoods. We’d love to have representatives on the committee from all over the community! Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer to learn more or contact lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.

Flag Volunteers

The IHCA and Highlands Council are looking for volunteers to help manage the two American flags in the community – one at Village Green Park by Blakely Hall, and one on 10th Ave. near Vista Park. Responsibilities would include raising and lowering flags on holidays and when designated by the city, state, or federal government. Training will be provided. Please visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer or email Lindsey at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org if interested.

For more ways to get involved, please visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer.

Don't Miss This!  Transportation Focus Groups Monday, November 2, 12 p.m.

Wednesday, November 4, 4 p.m.

Thursday, November 5, 7 p.m.

Share your thoughts on the IH Community Shuttle idea during one of our virtual focus groups – all opinions welcome and needed! Visit issaquahhighlands.com/allaboard-for-focus-groups for more information and to sign up.

 Veterans Day in the Highlands Wednesday, November 11, 9:30 a.m.

Calling all Issaquah Highlands veterans and their families, as well as all community members who would like to take this opportunity to honor our veterans. Join us online for a brief ceremony with music. Veterans, please register in advance to let us know you’ll be there at issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Blood Donation Pop-Ups

November 20, 21, 27, 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Blakey Hall

Highlands Council has partnered with Bloodworks Northwest to provide a safe, local opportunity to donate blood. The pop-up donor center at Blakely Hall is conducted in accordance with social distancing guidelines. No walk-ins, guests, or children under age 16 are permitted onsite. To make your appointment, visit schedule.bloodworksnw.org.

 Indicates this group/event occurs online. All events are FREE unless otherwise noted.

For daily updates, follow us on:     and at issaquahhighlands.com/events. Subscribe to our weekly e-letter at issaquahhighlands.com/connect.

Holiday Fun For all Issaquah Highlands holiday event information, please visit our online Holidays in the Highlands guide at issaquahhighlands.com/holidays.

Festive Digital Window Show at Blakely Hall Ongoing through December 31

Stroll by Blakely Hall to view a seasonal digital window show from the sidewalk, every evening through December 31! The show will change throughout the season so be sure to visit before each major holiday.

Please note, the show can only be viewed from outside the building. Blakely Hall remains closed to the public.

Letters to Santa

Ongoing through December 15 Outside Blakely Hall

Kids of all ages can drop their letters to Santa in the big red mailbox outside Blakely Hall. No stamp needed; the IHCA and Highlands Council will ensure letters get to the North Pole. All letters dropped by December 15 will receive a response! (Be sure to include your mailing address in your letter.)

Holiday Lights Showcase & Contest Enter by December 15

Share the decorated exterior of your home for the winter holidays! We’ll create a directory of lighted homes in the neighborhood to view for a fun family outing this holiday season. Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed homes and to the most festive IH neighborhood! Thank you to Krista Mehr of Mehr and Associates for sponsoring this fun program. Please visit issaquahhighlands.com/holidays for details and the directory.

Governance Mtgs  IHCA Architectural Review Committee

Tuesday, November 3, 6 p.m.

IHCA Finance Committee Tuesday, November 10, 5:30 p.m.

Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group Monday, November 16, 4 p.m.

IHCA Board of Directors Monday, November 23, 5:30 p.m.

Special Dates El Dia de los Muertos Monday, November 2

Election Day

Tuesday, November 3

Veterans Day

Wednesday, November 11

Diwali

Saturday, November 14

Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 26 IHCA, Highlands Council, and HFN offices will be closed November 26-27.

Native American Heritage Day Friday, November 27

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Amendment to Restricted Breed Policy Exception Clause Approved Earlier this year, the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board of Directors reviewed an existing 2002 policy regarding restricted breeds. The board, along with legal counsel, put forth a proposed exemption clause amendment to the community

by Sarah Hoey in August. The main focus IHCA Executive Director was not to rescind the policy or avoid calling out specific breeds, but rather to focus on the behavior of the animal while it resides within the community.

A public comment period was placed in Connections from August 1-31 and 22 owner responses were received and reviewed by the board at its September board meeting.

The exemption clause amendment (underlined in red on this page) allows an owner to apply for permission to own a Staffordshire Terrier dog breed while living in the community, if they can provide American Kennel Club (AKC) certification of a successful behavior training course.

The AKC Canine Good Citizen program (or similar) assists owners with behavior modifications and animal control techniques. Owners are now required to submit an application to the IHCA, submit required documentation and certifications as proof of training, and obtain written approval from the IHCA Board of Directors.

The existing animal rules still apply to all dogs in the community. It is the owner’s responsibility to keep their dogs immunized, trained, and under control (leashed) while in the community. No animal shall create a nuisance and owners are required to pick up after their pets.

The IHCA-owned Bark Park (located off NE Natalie Way) is a public park and currently the only dog park in the city of Issaquah. Additionally, any condominiums and apartments located in Issaquah Highlands retain their rights to uphold any existing animal rules or policies.

This rule does not apply to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to registered service animals.

Owners should inform guests visiting our community of our policies as they relate to Staffordshire Terrier dog breeds.

Policy Regarding Restricted Breeds Adopted on January 25, 2002. Effective Date: March 1, 2002 Amended: September 28, 2020 For purposes of this Policy, the term “pit bull dog” means any of the following: Staffordshire Bull Terrier; American Staffordshire Terrier; American Pit Bull Terrier; any dog which has been registered at any time as a Pit Bull Terrier; any dog which has the appearance of being predominantly of the breed of dogs know as Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier. A dog shall be deemed to have the "appearance of being predominantly of the breed of dogs" named herein if the dog exhibits the physical characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club for any of these breeds.

Keeping Pit Bulls is Prohibited: Subject to the exemption set forth herein, no resident of Issaquah Highlands shall own or possess a pit bull dog within the boundaries of Issaquah Highlands.

Pit Bull Prohibition Exemption: A resident of Issaquah Highlands shall be allowed to own or possess a pit bull dog within the boundaries of Issaquah Highlands if the dog passes a “Good Citizen Test” which may be the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test or a reasonably equivalent canine behavioral test that has been approved by the Board. Any dog passing a Good Citizen Test is exempt from the Pit Bull prohibition for a period of two years. Any dog that is exempted from the Pit Bull prohibition, but fails a subsequent test attempting to extend the exemption, shall have three months from the end of the exemption to pass a Good Citizen Test and maintain the exemption. Any dog that is not qualified for the exemption is in violation of the prohibition and subject to the enforcement procedures set forth herein but shall have three months to pass a Good Citizen Test and qualify for the exemption to avoid additional enforcement. The Board may extend the deadlines and time periods set forth in this exemption If it finds the Owner has reasonably attempted to comply and an extension is warranted. It is the Owner’s obligation to provide IHCA with proof that their dog qualifies, and continues to qualify, for this exemption.

Enforcement: The Residential Association is not assuming responsibility for enforcement of applicable governmental regulations. Any person observing a violation of leash laws, pet licensing requirements, regulations regarding dangerous dogs as defined in RCW ch. 16.08 or other rules adopted by a government agency should contact King County Regional Animal Services.

In the event of a violation of this Policy regarding the restrictions on keeping pit bull dogs in Issaquah Highlands, the Board of Directors or its designee shall have the discretion to impose sanctions appropriate to the severity of the violation. The sanctions may include warning notices, fines, and/or permanent expulsion of the dog from Issaquah Highlands.

Enforcement shall be conducted in accordance with the following procedures: In the event of a violation of this Policy, the owner of the pit bull dog shall be notified by the Residential Association in writing of the violation and proposed penalty. Such notice shall be delivered by mail or by delivery to the residence of the owner.

If the owner of the pit bull dog disputes either the fact that a violation has occurred or the proposed penalty, the owner shall submit a written notice of appeal pursuant to Section 4.24 of the Bylaws (to the Covenants Panel if then existing or otherwise to the Board) within ten (10) calendar days of the issuance of the notice of violation. The appeal shall explain the factual basis of the appeal.

If no appeal is filed, the proposed penalty shall be deemed accepted by the owner of the pit bull dog and it shall be enforced in accordance with the CCR. If an appeal is filed, the hearing shall be held by the Covenants Committee if then existing or otherwise to the Board of Directors, consistent with Section 4.24 of the Bylaws, as soon as reasonably possible after the appeal is submitted. The Covenants Committee or Board, as applicable, shall consider all evidence submitted at the appeal and render a written decision, which may sustain, modify or overturn the notice of violation or proposed penalty. The decision, if by the Covenants Committee, may be appealed to the Board. The Board’s decision shall be final.

NOTES: The Board of Directors reserves the power to expand, modify or repeal this Policy at any time.

Nothing in this Policy shall be construed as an assumption of liability or responsibility for activities within Issaquah Highlands or as a modification of Section 7.7 of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for the Issaquah Highlands Residential Properties, which provides, in part:

Have a question for the IHCA? We are here to help! Submit your question using the "Ask the IHCA" form online at https://www. issaquahhighlands.com/ask-the-ihca or call the IHCA at (425) 427-9257.

THE RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION MAY, BUT SHALL NOT BE OBLIGATED TO, MAINTAIN OR SUPPORT CERTAIN ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES DESIGNED TO MAKE THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SAFER THAN THEY MIGHT OTHERWISE BE. THE RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION SHALL INCLUDE WITHIN THE COMMON EXPENSES THE COSTS RELATED TO ANY SUCH ACTIVITIES THAT THE RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION INCURS. NEITHER THE RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION NOR DECLARANT SHALL IN ANY WAY BE CONSIDERED AN INSURER OR GUARANTOR OF SECURITY WITHIN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES, NOR SHALL EITHER BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE BY REASON OF FAILURE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SECURITY OR INEFFECTIVENESS OF SECURITY MEASURES UNDERTAKEN.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OFFICIAL NOTICE

ARC TIP OF THE MONTH

Updates to the ARC Guidelines

Dormant Grass

The following changes to the Issaquah Highlands Community Association’s (IHCA) Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Guidelines were adopted by the IHCA Board of Directors on September 28, 2020, after a 30-day comment period in August 2020.

These changes will be enforceable as of October 1, 2020.

by Blair Krieg Community Manager

Because Issaquah Highlands is a “green” (environmentally-conscious) community, you are allowed to let your lawn go dormant (brown) by not watering it constantly in the hot summer months. This does not mean you may let your lawn die. So, how do you know if your lawn is dormant or dead? Below are examples of a dormant lawn vs. a dead lawn.

If you have any comments or questions regarding the changes, please contact Blair Krieg at Blair.k@ihcommunity.org.

CURRENT GUIDELINE Singular exterior painting is discouraged. Every attempt should be made to paint exterior to blend with the surrounding neighborhoods architectural elements and colors. Owners are encouraged to complement existing external building materials such as brick or stone by choosing subtle paint colors for contrast on the homes body, trim, garage, and doors etc. Subtle contrast will be provided depth which complement the overall home including the existing roof color.

ADOPTED GUIDELINE CHANGE Painting with a single exterior color is discouraged.

Every attempt should be made to paint the exterior to blend with the surrounding neighborhood's architectural elements and colors. Owners are encouraged to complement existing external building materials such as brick or stone by choosing subtle paint colors for contrast on the home's body, trim, garage, and doors.

Subtle contrast provides depth which will complement the overall home.

DORMANT LAWN This is a well-maintained, dormant lawn. A brown, dormant lawn will turn green with watering and when rain returns in the fall.

IHCA Assessments Reminder Upcoming January 2021 Assessment Billing

by Kristyn McKinnon IHCA Accounting Manager

The annual assessment for the 2020-2021 fiscal year is still $936 per year. The semiannual Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) homeowner assessments are effective January 1, 2021, through June 30, 2021. Homeowners will be mailed their semi-annual assessment statements for $468

by December 7, 2020.

Residents on the monthly electronic bank debit payment (ACH) plan will receive statements for informational purposes only and no payments are required (unless there are other delinquent balances, such as unpaid fines or late fees).

We encourage semi-annual payers to convert to the mandatory monthly ACH payment plan. This ensures

timely payments and internal efficiency. This is the IHCA’s recommended monthly payment plan; 86% of Issaquah Highlands residents are currently on this plan. An ACH form is provided with your billing statement for your convenience.

For check payers or one-time online payments, semi-annual assessments are due by January 1, 2021. Payments not received by January 10, 2021, may incur late and other collection fees. Those on the semi-annual payment plan must pay in full for all six months of the assessment period by check or online. One-time online payments can be made with eCheck (free) or with credit/debit cards, which come with a 2.95% fee per transaction (rates subject to change) to the homeowner.

Our bank’s online payment portal is linked at https:// www.issaquahhighlands.com/learn/issaquah-highlandscommunity-association-ihca/pay-online. Please direct any inquiries to (425) 507-1119 or payments@ihcommunity.org.

DEAD LAWN This is a poorly-maintained lawn. Dead spots will not turn green, regardless of the amount of watering.

RULES REMINDERS

Political Signage One political sign shall be permitted on a unit at a time; provided, the political sign shall not be more than 5-square-feet in size, be a maximum height of 4-feet if posted in the ground, be of professional quality and design, and not obstruct line of sight for any traffic or traffic signals and signage. The term “political sign” means a sign which advocates for one particular candidate, political party, or ballot measure. The period in which political signs may be displayed shall be in accordance with state and local law. No political signs shall be placed on street frontages, common areas, facilities, or grounds.

LEARN MORE! These tips and rules reminders are only a subset of IHCA guidelines and regulations. For complete standards, visit our website, issaquahhighlands.com/ learn/issaquah-highlands-community-associationihca. Questions? Call the IHCA at (425) 427-9257.

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Send a Nurse to the State Senate!

I am running for State Senate because we need and deserve leadership focused on the issues facing our communities. I will bring a fresh perspective, committed to putting families, schools, and our environment first – not special interests.

ENDORSED! Governor Jay Inslee Washington State Labor Council Washington State Nurses Association NARAL Pro-Choice WA Washington Education Washington Association Conservation Voters

Paid for by Ingrid for State Senate (D) | PO Box 2990 | North Bend, WA 98045

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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SCHOOL SPOTLiGHT | november Issaquah School District issaquah.wednet.edu

written and produced by Tracie Jones, Wisteria Park Resident

Canvas, SeeSaw, and Clever Anytime Support!

Are you struggling to use Canvas, SeeSaw, or Clever?

The Issaquah PTSA Council, working with Issaquah School District and the Issaquah Schools Foundation, created two Facebook pages manned by experts to quickly answer questions. Check out the links, as many questions have already been posted and answered.

For elementary school students: facebook.com/groups/InformedIssaquahCleverSeeSaw. For secondary school students: facebook.com/groups/InformedIssaquahCanvas.

New Cultural Bridges Family Guide is Available

Designed for families from diverse cultures and languages, the Cultural Bridges Family Guide has information on the Issaquah school system and how to get involved in your children’s schools. Download a free Family Guide in Mandarin, English, Korean, Russian, Spanish, or Vietnamese. For other languages and questions, contact Lorna Gilmour at GilmourL@issaquah. wednet.edu. Visit isfdn.org/our-purpose/advancingacademic-achievement5/cultural-bridges.

ISD PTSA Special Education Facebook Group

If your child has an IEP, 504 plan, or academic struggles, join the Issaquah School District (ISD) PTSA Special Education Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/ IssaquahSpecialED. Our goal is for families to come together, creating a community to support and advocate for our children, as well as provide resources and conversation. Questions? Email ISD PTSA Council Special Education Chair Betsy Grant at Special-Education@ IssaquahPTSA.org.

Student Mental Health Help Available

Is your student feeling anxious, depressed, or facing other mental health challenges? Help is available through school-based mental health counselors. Swedish Hospital and Issaquah School District offer free, remote mental health counseling and skill-building through Zoom conferences. For a list of providers, visit issaquah.wednet.edu/family/counseling-services/SBHC.

Holiday Gift Barn Gift Card Program

Starting in November, PTSAs will partner with the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank to help local families celebrate during winter break through the Holiday Gift Barn. The program serves more than 1,200 Issaquah children each year. Due to public health and safety restrictions, the Holiday Gift Barn is collecting gift cards for families to purchase goods and presents throughout November and early December. For details, visit IssaquahFoodBank.org and check your local PTSA websites for specific suggestions and info.

ParentWiser: 2020-21 Keynote Speaker, Julie Lythcott-Haims

Plan on sharing your evening, Wednesday, November 18, at 7 p.m. via Zoom with Julie Lythcott-Haims to discuss “How to Raise an Adult,” her provocative, antihelicopter parenting manifesto. Julie will highlight ways overparenting harms children, parents, and society while offering practical, alternative strategies for raising selfsufficient, resilient, successful kids. Register to attend at ParentWiser.org.

November Dates 1 11 12 18 26-27 30

ParentWiser: Motivating Teens Veterans Day (No School) School Board Meeting ParentWiser Keynote Event (See Below) Thanksgiving Holiday (No School) First Trimester Ends

Become a PTSA Cultural Leader Moving to a new community can be overwhelming for parents and students. PTSA Cultural Leaders are here to ease the transition for diverse families moving through the Issaquah School District system. Through shared languages and community, we are building a local network of diverse parents to promote conversation, shared resources, and information. Help start the discussion by volunteering to be a Cultural Leader. We’re looking for leaders fluent in other languages and willing to offer support for ISD families. Contact your PTSA’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) chair, or email Alicia Spinner at AliSpinner@yahoo.com.

ISF Grants Support Innovative Ideas in Education

Issaquah Schools Foundations Classroom Enrichment and Kateri Brow grants fill gaps not funded by state or federal dollars by championing innovation. Issaquah School District parents, students, PTSAs, teachers, staff, and administrations may apply for grants. During remote learning, parents and students may write school grants, helping schools move forward through realtime experiences. Classroom Enrichment Grants (less than $3,000) enhance individual classroom learning environments, libraries, computer labs, resource centers, and schools. Kateri Brow Big Idea Grants (ranging from $3,001 - $10,000) fund programs responding to compelling needs, reflecting innovation in education.

Applications and info can be found at isfdn.org.

Join Teens Encouraging Community Health (TECH) Teens Encouraging Community Health (TECH) is an affiliate of Influence the Choice and open to middle and high school students, ages 12 -18. Join TECH to become a community agent for change through active involvement in public assessments, prevention presentations, and advocacy through community service.

Let’s work together for a better tomorrow! Apply to join TECH at influencethechoice.org/tech-youth-coalition.html Questions? Email Katie Moeller at Katie@InfluenceTheChoice.org.

Student members of TECH with Katie Moeller (far right) of Influence the Choice.

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COMMUNITY GROUPS

Gaining Confidence, Connection, and Community At Issaquah Highlands Toastmasters After moving to the United States from Vietnam, my family chose to settle in Issaquah Highlands in October 2019. The transition was overwhelming. We moved from a sunny, tropical country to the rainy season in Seattle; from a crowded street of a Southeast Asian city to a neat, quiet town; from a big family and a network of close friends to a strange place where I knew only two people.

by Thu Nguyen Brownstones Resident

When I got to Issaquah Highlands, my biggest challenge was feeling isolated. It can feel discouraging when you can’t find a friend to talk to and when you see hardly any neighbors outside in the cold and rainy winter. For months, my burning question was: "How can I connect with others in the community, especially as a non-native English speaker?"

Then a local paper called "Connections" arrived in my mailbox. There was plenty of information about activities inside. I selected one group to join – a community group that helps members improve their public speaking and communication skills.

I still remember the Thursday morning in February when I had to force myself out of my comfy bed at 7 a.m. to rush to Swedish Hospital in Issaquah Highlands to attend my first meeting of this community group with a strange name – Toastmasters. I asked myself, how can they make a toast before breakfast?

Even though I arrived late (and embarrassed), I soon realized this was the opportunity I had been looking for. At Issaquah Highlands Toastmasters (IHTM), people talked – some beautifully and smoothly – while others still struggled like me. Regardless, members cheered each other on, provided constructive feedback, and everyone had fun. After the meeting, I registered as a member for a simple reason: I love to meet and talk with people.

Toastmasters offers much more than what I first imagined. It is a structured international organization that helps its members improve not only their public speaking skills but also other interpersonal and leadership skills. I can apply these skills to every aspect of my life, from communicating with people from different cultures and engaging different audiences, to developing meaningful relationships. I joined the group six months ago and am surprised by how much I have improved my communication skills in this second language. I feel more confident at work and in other areas of life.

What I treasure most about IHTM is the people. Coming from different places to the beautiful Issaquah Highlands, each member has an inspiring story. Members keep surprising me with

Thu (left) with her son, Leo (2), and her husband, Ken, at Deception Pass.

their speeches, knowledge, and personal experiences. Sometimes they just entertain me with their charms. I long for each Thursday morning to fill my day with positive energy.

I have become a strong advocate for IHTM by serving as an officer of membership, helping to connect with neighbors who are looking for the same opportunity as I was ten months ago, especially in this “new normal” time when in-person connections are limited. We “Zoom in” every Thursday morning (meeting virtually through Zoom), and you can start connecting with us from the kitchen, basement, or living room of your house. Please be our guest and I will be happy to welcome you, just as this group welcomed me.

For more information, please visit our website: ihtm.toastmastersclubs.org.

Hear from other Issaquah Highlands Toastmasters members on their Toastmasters experience on our official blog at https://www.issaquahhighlands.com/blog.

JOIN UP for a wine pairing class with me ONLINE via ZOOM

Food and Wine Pairing for Thanksgiving and other Holidays Saturday, November 14, 11:00 a.m - Noon $15/pp (you may enjoy your own wine during class) Sign up through ReggieWine.com Or contact me at reggiewine@icloud.com 206-229-4790 Reggiewine offers numerous online classes and ideas for engaging, learning and enjoying wine education, safe travel to vineyard tours, harvest tours, and wine walks through these challenging times.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2020

21

LIVING GREEN®

Reduce Food Waste Save Money and Protect the Environment Do you enjoy eating? I love eating, sharing recipes, and tasting new flavors, but I hate food waste.

by Aline Bloch Owner of Aline’s Cardboard and IntentionallyCoaching and Central Park Resident

Food waste affects the environment more than we think. Did you know, in the U.S., we waste an average of 30 - 40% of the food we produce? Keep in mind, one of every six Americans does not have enough food to eat. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), food waste is responsible for 8% of annual greenhouse gas emissions, from production, packaging, shipping, and food rotting in landfills.

Food waste also costs the average American family of four about $1,500 per year.

By becoming more mindful of and more efficient in how we consume our food, we can have better control of its production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money.

Here are 10 tips to help you reduce food waste:

#1 Buy only what you need.

• Plan your meals for the next week (including leftover nights and takeout).

• Check your fridge and pantry before going to the store so you only get what you need.

• While you shop, avoid impulse buying. Start shopping first for fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat so you spend less time in “unnecessary item” aisles.

#2 Go for the perfectly imperfect.

“Ugly” produce does not mean rotten or damaged. Forget about cosmetic standards, an imperfect vegetable does not make a difference chopped up in a casserole.

#3 Store food properly.

• Check the temperature of your fridge (40 degrees is recommended).

• Create an “eat me first” shelf or basket with more perishable food upfront.

• Take care of fresh produce right away. Chopping and storing your veggies properly will save you time during the busy week. Keep carrots and celery in water.

• Don’t keep tomatoes, pears, potatoes, or avocados in the fridge.

• Store bread in a cotton bag or reuse a pillowcase.

• Store your grains properly in sealed reusable containers (they will last longer).

#4 Cook the roots, stew the scraps.

• Cauliflowers leaves, beetroots, and carrot stalks and leaves can be cooked.

• Peel broccoli stems to add to soups.

• Make broth, stock, and chutney with vegetable scraps and meat bones.

• Turn overripe fruits into jellies and apple sauce.

#5 Revive your greens, regrow from scratch.

• Save tomato, pumpkin, eggplant, and red pepper seeds for next spring’s garden.

• Regrow lettuce, carrots, celery, and potatoes in water.

• Revive “tired” lettuce in an icy bath.

#6 Be creative.

• Cut quiche and pizza leftovers in pieces for a happy hour snack.

• Dry fresh herbs or chop and freeze them in an ice cube tray with olive oil.

• Enjoy fresh produce into the winter by canning or pickling your harvest.

• Roast forgotten veggies with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper, then store them in a jar with olive oil.

• Turn stale bread into garlic croutons or bread pudding.

#7 Manage the excess.

• Freeze it. Learn more about what to keep, how long, and where using the FoodKeeper app.

• Share it with friends and neighbors. Think of edible gifts for the holidays.

• Donate it to a local organization, like the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank (check for acceptable donations at issaquahfoodbank.org).

#8 Compost!

Food that rots in landfills releases methane into the atmosphere, one of the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. We can reduce this gas emission by simply using our “green” bin and compost.

#9 Learn how to read the labels.

Did you know the expiration dates are not regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration?

• Use the “best by” label on foods to determine their peak window of freshness.

• The “use by” date is a suggestion of when the item might start to go bad. Trust your sense of smell, too!

#10 Vote.

By making “greener” decisions at the ballot box, you can think differently about your consumption and choose more sustainable ways of living.

... to grow many more tomatoes!

Aline used tomato slices to regrow tomato plants for her garden. "I'm super proud," she said. How will you reduce food waste in your home?

Photos by Aline Bloch (except top stock photo).

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November 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Jim's Woodshop Jim Halas Artisan, Founder, and Owner

Highlands Council wants to showcase your business! Each month, we will choose one Issaquah Highlands-based business to profile in our print and digital media, for free!

Selected Merchants of the Month will receive: • Printed profile in one monthly issue of Connections • Feature on Merchant of the Month web page with link to your business site • Feature in one weekly official Issaquah Highlands e-letter • One shoutout on official Issaquah Highlands Facebook and Twitter Questions? Contact Nina Milligan, Highlands Council Business Outreach and Services Manager at nina.m@ihcouncil.org.

About the business: Jim re-purposes wine barrels into household products such as tables, wine racks, candle bridges, and novelty items. He also makes charcuterie boards from live-edge hardwoods and custom pieces for neighbors, including live-edge tables and Peloton shelves.

What do you find most rewarding about this business?

Jim: The most rewarding part of this business is the sense of community it brings. I thrive on the interactions and connections made at the Issaquah Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, the North Bend market on Thursdays, wine and art walks, and other events around Issaquah.

Contact: (949) 351-0544 | jamesmhalas@gmail.com amazon.com/handmade/Jims-Woodshop

Submit your business for consideration at issaquahhighlands.com/merchant-of-the-month

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2020

23

HOME ORGANIZATION

Your Organized Life Organizing Your Kitchen and Pantry Really Pays Off

by Johnna Masterson Owner of Inspired and Organized and Central Park Resident

Two of my favorite areas of the home to organize are the kitchen and pantry. Given these are often the most frequently used areas of your home, investing time in organizing your kitchen and pantry can reduce stress, help you save money by reducing food waste, and even encourage you to eat healthier by making meal planning and prep easier.

Here are a few tips to help you get started. Be sure to enlist help or be ready to dedicate at least a few hours to this project. You want to be as thorough as possible to set yourself up for long-term success.

Start by removing everything from your pantry. Check dates and toss expired or stale food items. Set aside items you haven’t used in the last six months to be donated.

Next, go through all the drawers and cabinets in your kitchen.

Try to reduce your “extras” by at least half, toss any broken or chipped dishes, and start a donation pile for anything you haven’t used in the past year. If you find you have a large number of small appliances, keep only the ones you’ll use.

Store them in an “appliance garage” in the pantry or a large cabinet. It is very helpful to have them all located in one place.

Once you have downsized and discarded everything you can, giving you some empty shelves and breathing room in cabinets and drawers, wipe everything down. Consider lining your shelves and drawers with a thick liner to make future cleanups easier. Now you are ready to organize.

Most of the time, I like to repurpose things throughout the house before purchasing any new organizational products.

For the kitchen and pantry, I recommend doing the opposite.

In my opinion, buying a proper set of organizing containers and bins for the kitchen and pantry can make a huge difference in helping you stay organized. When deciding which products to use, think of not only aesthetics, but also who will be using them and which features will be most helpful. For example, while glass containers are my personal preference, they are not always the best choice for children.

There are a lot of options out there; find a line of products you can easily add to down the line.

A few products I think are useful in every pantry are turntables for sauces and oils, gravity-fed can organizers, sealed canisters for baking supplies, and cereal containers.

Open-front bins are a must-have if you have kids or teenagers because they are so handy for grab-and-go snack items.

When putting everything back in the pantry, be sure to group like items together and label as much as you can. It will be easier to keep things organized when everything has its place.

Some must-have products for your kitchen are a lid organizer, bamboo drawer dividers, pull-out cabinet organizers (especially for those deep lower cabinets), and an organization system for under the sink. While most everything can be tamed by decluttering and downsizing, these few products have always been worth it, in my experience.

Once you organize your kitchen and pantry, your entire family will reap the benefits. Next month, I will discuss ways to stay organized as we prepare for the holidays.

Find a line of organizational products for your pantry that is aesthetically-pleasing and fits your family's needs. Photo by Johnna Masterson.

Quick Tips for Organizing Your Kitchen and Pantry Toss expired or stale food Toss broken or chipped dishes Only keep small appliances you'll use; store in an "appliance garage" Donate anything you haven't used in the past year Line shelves and drawers Purchase organizing containers Use open-front bins for snacks Group like items together in the pantry

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ingrid anderson:

November 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

A REAL PERSON. Not a politician.

Ingrid Anderson grew up in the Snoqualmie Valley and attended local public schools.

From humble beginnings, she worked hard to put herself through nursing school and went to work at a local hospital. Now, as a mom, she is choosing to raise her family here and is dedicated to making our community better.

A hardworking nurse, risking her own health for our neighbors on the front lines of COVID-19

An effective advocate for local working families, standing up to special interests to lower health care costs and improve patient outcomes The only candidate to reject campaign funding from big corporations, so we can count on her to be accountable to us

Vote by November 3

Ingrid Anderson (D) for State Senate www.wa-cares.com

No candidate authorized this ad. It is paid for by Washington Cares, P.O. Box 527, Issaquah, WA 98027. Top contributor to this ad: SEIU Local 925 PAC. Top donors to PAC contributor: SEIU Local 925 and Service Employees International Union.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2020

25

ASK KARI

Ask Kari!

by Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW Clinical Social Worker and Issaquah Highlands Resident

Dear Kari, I feel so lonely. I have not seen my family or friends in a while due to COVID-19. My family members are staying pretty closed off, and I am honoring their desire not to see people outside their homes. My friends’ feelings about meeting up with others are all over the board. Do you think I should get out of the house and start seeing people again?

– Lonely and Done Dear Lonely and Done, This has been an incredibly unusual year, to say the least. At this point, I bet almost every human being has felt lonely and bored more than once. I recommend you decide what your comfort level is regarding social contact with others, in accordance with state guidelines.

If you are okay with meeting up with a friend for coffee but feel unsure about having dinner with four friends, then start with the coffee date. See how you feel as you get out in the community.

Are you anxious? Or do you feel happy and pleased to return to a somewhat regular routine (e.g. meeting someone for a bite to eat)?

Everyone needs to determine their own comfort level during a worldwide pandemic while taking into consideration that every day, our actions have risks and we can follow safety guidelines while slowly returning to allowable normal activities. I call it my “freedom tickets” during a crisis; how do I want to use my freedom tickets this week? I base my choices off the necessities first (going to work, the grocery store), then what makes me feel the best/most like me (getting my hair cut).

Dear Kari, I am newly divorced and thinking about online dating. I’m unsure of my approach: should I date everyone who contacts me or wait until my “dream date” shows up?

– Newbie to Dating Dear Newbie to Dating, First, I believe online dating is one of the best ways for people to meet a potential partner today.

Socially, it is much more challenging to strike up a conversation with a stranger in person because of our attention to our phones – we always look busy!

I recommend you consider what you have to offer a potential partner and what you would like in a partner. The list should have about five important examples on each side (not 25). Keep these examples at the forefront of your mind as you talk with others and see if they meet at least two or three of your desired traits. See if they notice one or two of your positive traits, too. From there, set up a coffee date, a walk in a park, or maybe meet for a drink; something quick and interactive to help with the dating jitters we all have.

Be open to the fact that first impressions matter, but know a person may need a second chance to show us their true self. Good luck!

Best wishes as you branch out of your home and connect with others again.

– Kari

– Kari

I love to hear from our readers!

Email your "Ask Kari" questions to kari@ihcg.co.

All questions will be answered in upcoming columns.

Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker and Issaquah Highlands resident. She is the longest-running volunteer Connections writer, celebrating eight years of "Ask Kari" in 2020.

This column is for entertainment purposes only.

If you are in crisis and in need of support, please contact the Crisis Clinic at (866) 427-4747.

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November 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

SMART HOME

Recycle Your E-Waste An Opportunity to Help the Planet and People in Need Electronic waste, or e-waste, is typically defined as electronic products that are unwanted, not working, or near the end of their life. E-waste consists of everyday items like mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines.

by Jeremy Fallt HFN General Manager and Black Nugget Park Resident With most of us stuck at home, we’ve all had extra time to look around and see what home projects need our attention. If you have decided to tackle a home project that includes getting rid of or replacing older electronics, you need to know where to take your older items to dispose of them properly. Don’t just put them in your garbage bin.

Globally, electronic waste is expected to exceed 50 million tons in 2020, with annual growth between 4-5%. In the United States, it’s estimated that every person produces around 44 pounds of e-waste, annually. Between 80-85% of electronic products are discarded in landfills or incinerators, which can release toxins into the air we breathe. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in America to date.

Fortunately, as we consume more electronics, there are more ways for us to recycle and reuse them, helping to protect the environment and ourselves. This makes electronics recycling programs crucial to the future health of our world.

Washington’s Department of Ecology’s E-Cycle Washington program, a free program helping residents easily recycle electronics, is a resource for finding e-waste recycling locations near you.

Jeremy Fallt, HFN General Manager, recycles a cell phone for charity at the HFN-designated dropbox in front of the IHCA office.

HFN Helps You Recycle Your Working Cell Phone for Charity Highlands Fiber Network is collecting working cell phones to donate to the following nonprofits:

(Go to E-Cycle Washington's website to learn more: https://ecology.wa.gov/Waste-Toxics/Reducing-recyclingwaste/Electronics-E-Cycle.)

• Cell Phones for Soldiers: Helps soldiers stay in touch with family and friends back home. More information at cellphonesforsoldiers.com/donate.

Before you take your e-waste items to be recycled, always clear as much personal data from mobile phones, computers, and laptops as possible. Here are some steps to take for working mobile phones, desktop computers, and laptops:

• Medic Mobile: Website: Supports healthcare workers and funds healthcare programs in 26 countries around the world. More information at medicmobile.org/phone-donations.

Mobile phones: Easily back up your contacts and calendar with Apple iOS or Google Android cloud servers that make backing up personal information fast and easy.

Be sure your latest information has been synced with your Apple ID on iCloud or Google account. Backups for your apps, data, and media like music, photos, and video can all be done through your Apple ID and iTunes account or Google Drive and Google Photos. Once you have backed-up all of your data you will need to perform a factory reset. This will wipe the device clean of all installed apps, photos, videos, email accounts, personal accounts – everything.

Desktop computers and laptops: Be sure to save important files you don’t want to lose using a cloud service like Google Drive or OneDrive, or an external hard drive. Before you recycle your device, you should remove all personal information. Directions differ depending on your operating system. Look for directions from credible sources online (this article could be a good starting point: consumerreports.org/computers/how-towipe-a-computer-clean-of-personal-data).

• Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County: Provides phones for safety reasons to victims of domestic violence. More information at dvs-snoco.org/support-us-donate-a-cell-phone.

If you recycle an old device and need help connecting a new device to your HFN network, do not hesitate to reach out to our customer service team. We are happy to help!

Our goal is to provide you with state-of-the-art internet service. HFN Customer Service can help you get the most out of your network and are available 24/7 at (425) 427-0999, HighlandsFiberNetwork.com, or email support@HFNServices.com.

HFN provides more e-waste recycling resources on our official blog at https://www.issaquahhighlands.com/blog.

To donate: Bundle your working cell phone with its charger, label with your preferred nonprofit from the list provided, and drop in one of the designated drop boxes. HFN will periodically collect and ship donated cell phones to the indicated nonprofits.

Dropbox locations: • IHCA office, 2520 NE Park Drive, Suite B (outside in front of the office, available during business hours) • Coming Soon: Regency Center, 1011 NE High Street (inside main building lobby, available during business hours)

Highlands Fiber Network: Fiber to the Home, Community Owned For rates and information, contact HFN Customer Service: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week highlandsfibernetwork.com (425) 427-0999 support@hfnservices.com highlandsfibernetwork.com/support

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2020

RENTAL FACILITIES

DIRECTORY NOTE: Offices are slowly reopening in accordance with the state's Safe Start program.

Contact staff members by email or call each office's main line to confirm office hours and staff availability.

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 2520 NE Park Drive Suite B Monday–Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

MAIN PHONE: 425-427-9257 | AFTER HOURS: 425-223-8887 | IssaquahHighlands.com Governing Body Responsible for:

Property Management Enforcement of CCRs, Rules, Regs

Architectural Review

Common Area Landscape

Board of Directors ihcaboard @ihcommunity.org Jim Young, President Rossie Cruz, Vice President Dan Vradenburg, Treasurer Greg Underwood, Secretary Bryan Shiflett, Director Elizabeth Parker Gregg, Director Ben Rush, Director

Funded by:

Annual IHCA Assessments Neighborhood Assessments

Blakely Hall 2550 NE Park Drive Monday–Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm*

MAIN PHONE: 425-507-1107 | IssaquahHighlands.com Governing Body

Board of Trustees hcbot@ihcouncil.org Kimberly Kapustein, Interim President David Ngai, Treasurer Anna Preyapongpisen, Secretary Chris Beaudoin, Trustee Zach Hall, Trustee Phil Nored, Trustee Jimmy Ochiltree, Trustee Lisa Soboslai, Trustee Larry Norton, President Emeritus Ami Desai-Mehta, Emeritus

Funded by:

Sponsorships/Grants & Advertising Community Enhancement Fees (1/4 of 1% on sale of home) Retail/Commercial pays by the square foot, Rental Apartments by the door Christy Garrard, Executive Director | christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1110 Nina Milligan, Business Outreach and Services Manager | nina.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1111 Michele McFarland, Controller | michele.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1108 Lindsey Pinkston, Community Program Manager | lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1109 Vicki Grunewald, Media Editor | vicki.g@ihcouncil.org Katie Cannon, Graphic Designer and Social Media Coordinator | katie.c@ihcouncil.org * Excluding holidays and private event closures.

HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

Customer Service: 425-427-0999 | HighlandsFiberNetwork.com Jeremy Fallt, General Manager jfallt@HFN.org, 425-394-4184

Governing Body: Board of Directors Charlie Herb, President Larry Norton, Vice President Allen Enebo, Treasurer Tim Underwood, Secretary

Howard Kapustein, Director David Ngai, Director Frank Pineau, Director

Blakely Hall is Issaquah Highlands’ award-winning community center that feels like a luxury lodge. With a variety of meeting, art & dining spaces, an outdoor patio, and adjacent park, it accommodates groups from 5 -200. See BlakelyHall.com for more information or contact us with your questions.

Fire Station #73 Meeting Room Homestreet Bank

Conference Room 909 Northeast Ellis Dr. | 425-677-2210 homestreet.com/branches/issaquah-branch

YWCA Family Village

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

Blakely Hall Social Programs

Community Garden Connections Newspaper IssaquahHighlands.com BlakelyHall.com

E-Letter Official Social Media

Blakely Hall

2550 NE Park Drive 425-507-1107 | info@blakelyhall.com | BlakelyHall.com

1280 NE Park Drive 425-313-3200 | eastsidefire-rescue.org/Facilities

Sarah Hoey, Executive Director | sarah.h@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1120 Barbara Uribe, Senior Accountant and Benefits Coordinator | barbara.u@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1123 Kristyn McKinnon, Accounting Manager | kristyn.m@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1117 Soledad Ruiz, Account Receivable Specialist | soledad.r@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119 Blair Krieg, Community Manager | blair.k@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1121 Debbie Orosco, Community Manager | deborrah.o@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1134 Lyle Dickey, Landscape Manager | lyle.d@ihcommunity.org Matthew Hendrikse, Maintenance Facilities Manager | matthew.h@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1137 Billing Inquiries | payments@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119 General Inquiries | asktheihca@ihcommunity.org

Responsible for:

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Community Rooms 930 NE High St. | 425-270-6800 ywcaworks.org/locations/family-village-issaquah

CONNECTIONS WINNER 2020 Neighborhoods, USA Non-Profit Print Newsletter of the Year!

Connections: By Community, For Community Connections is a nationally recognized monthly community newspaper written mostly by volunteer-resident writers, edited and published by Highlands Council. Connections helps Highlands Council fulfill its mission to develop a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, stewardship and well-being.

Join the Connections Team Highlands Council is always looking for volunteer contributors.

Contact Lindsey Pinkston, Community Program Manager, at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.

Submit an Announcement for “Milestones” See your announcements published in the new life “Milestones” section of Connections. We accept birth/adoption, graduation, marriage, obituary and culturally-recognized life milestone announcements for Issaquah Highlands residents only. See submission form and guidelines at IssaquahHighlands.com.

Interested in Advertising in Connections?

For more information, contact Nina Milligan, Business Outreach and Services Manager, at nina.m@ihcouncil.org.

More information, ad packets/pricing, editorial calendar at issaquahhighlands.com/connect/connections-news.

Opinions expressed either by paid advertisers or editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of Highlands Council or this newspaper.

Highlands Council reserves the right to accept or refuse submissions, and to edit content. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising or content that in our opinion does not reflect the standards of this paper.

GET INVOLVED Getting more involved in our community is a fun and easy way to meet people and contribute to the participatory culture of Issaquah Highlands.

Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer for more information or contact Lindsey at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1109.

  

@issaquahhighlands @IssHighlands @issaquahhighlands Sign up for our weekly e-letter at issaquahhighlands.com

EMERGENCY Emergency: 9-1-1 Issaquah Police (non-emergency) 425-837-3200 WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife 425-775-1311

Emergency Contact Number For after-hours emergencies not involving police and fire response or gas or water main breaks, contact IHCA at 425-223-8887

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November 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections