August 2020

Connections

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ANNA PREYAPONSPIAN GARY ASHBY JIMMY OCHILTREE KIMBERLY KAPUSTEIN PHIL ISSAQUAH ANDS NORED AMI DESAI-MEHTA HIGHL DAVID NGAI MADELINE KANE NATE PEREA RENEE ZIMMERMAN CAROLYN KENNEDY VALERIE KOROCK ALISA GEORGE KUMAR KANNADIAPALAYAM SONYA SMITH TONYA LANE BOB OTIS SHERYL KNAPPENBERGER BEN ARMLIN DEBBIE MATTHEWS DONNA CLARK JONATHAN DODDS LAURA THOMASON MARYBETH KOREMAN PRADEEP SAHOO LISA AUSTIN GU

By Community, forBOWBOW Community August 2020 CATHIE COULTER DENISE WOODS DINO GO ED TELLMAN FRANK CASTRO JR. HENRY HONIG JACK FOGELBERG JASON MAYBELL JASON MOYER JENNY MCCROREY KATIE HAYS KIM GRAZIADIO LINDA RAYMOND LISA COLLINS MARY HALL NICOLE POND PAT NELL SCOTT MOFFAT SHELIA JONES SYLVIA CHIN TAMRA LEE WEI GEIGER YONG LIU LYNN RYAN CHELSEA MUSICK CINDY KLENK AMANDA KEVERKAMP JOHN KNUTH KARI O’NEILL JOHNNA MASTERSON NADA ALWARID TRACIE JONES MAIA ESBENSEN STACY GOODMAN ALVERA MANDAVIA TERESA COWAN MICHELLE ENEBO ELIZABETH SUPER JANICE KING CARRIE MOUNT THUAN STEVENS ALEXANDRA ZHU KAILI KIRSCHBAUM ALLEN ENEBO CHARLIE HERB HOWARD KAPUSTEIN TIM UNDERWOOD LARRY NORTON MATT HRDLICKA SAMANTHA GARRARD SHANNON JALLOW ANIKA MEHTA CASH MENDOZA DYLAN RYAN EMILY PALM ETHAN HUNTER JASMINE CHANG JONAH FOSS KONOMI FAMILY LEIKA WONG MAX MORREY MEGAN KILZI QUINN RYAN RYAN ABY SID THIAGARAJAN SOPHIA HASHMEY VERNIKA JAIN ZOE PARSONS BERTAN AYGUN ELIZABETH GREGG JENIFER REGIS SEAN ALEXANDER YANG HE LEE BEN RUSH BRYAN SHIFLETT DAN VRANDEBURG GREG UNDERWOOD JIM YOUNG ROSSIE CRUZ SHIVAKUMAR BOSEDEVARAHATTI LISA SOBOSLAI ANNE SIMPSON MICHELLE PALM ROBERT LAMACCHIA VICKI BALZARINI ALEX GARRARD JOHN KNAPPENBERGER MELODY GREEN MIKE PETTY JASON BONE JOSEPH BONE AMY ROUPE DAWN HASTREITER DENNIS KOREVITSKI GREG WATTS MARLOWE DAYLEY SARAH FLETCHER BRYAN BELL JAMES CROSETTO MAXIM PORPYLEV JENNIFER MOLLOY NORA PAXTON ALINE BLOCH JESSICA RUSSI ALLEN SPENSER CUB SCOUT PACK #680 JO MOCKFORD GIRL SCOUT TROOP #45335 PAUL DEAN WILL FORREST CHRISTINE STEVENS GIRL SCOUT TROOP #41754 ANGELA BIZARRI CARRIE JAMISON KRISTA FAITH SUE FRANK RANDALL PINKSTON ROB MILLIGAN MAN HA THUAN PHAN CHELSEA MUSICK HULYA DENZALP DEBORAH ("DEBBY") CLARK CROSETTO EDWARD LOCKWOOD DAWN NOLAND ANGELA WANG JENNY PENG AVI SINGH SARAH VENZON KRISTEN DAYLEY ERIC OLINER JOHN ZIELONKA EMILY CROWELL ELLEN BORISON LILY ZOU NUOYAN ZHANG FIONA ZHAN COLIN YUEN SCHERYL YANG FAN YANG SUE WANG CARRIE WANG HAILIAN LIU JEREMY LIN JIAHUA LI LUYAN HUANG NATASHA GOODSELL LILY PINKSTON ASHER PINKSTON MICHELLE FANG NICHOLAS CHIN SOPHIA CHAO PAIGE HUMPHREY LYLE DENG NATHAN NUSA 2020 Winner for Best Non-Profit Print Newsletter!

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E ?

5-7 Feature: Volunteer Appreciation 9 Thank You, Volunteers!

10-11 Highlands Council 13 Volunteer of the Month 14-15 What's Happening 16-17 IHCA 19 Highlands Youth (HY)

20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26

Wish You Were Here Living Green Ask Kari Merchant of the Month Home Organization School Spotlight Community Garden Food & Entertainment

ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON 2550 NE Park Drive Issaquah, WA 98029

PERMIT NO. 83 ISSAQUAH, WA U.S. POSTAGE PAID PRSRT STD

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August 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

1% LISTING FEE! FULL SERVICE FOR 1%

MARKET REMAINS STRONG! CHALLENGING TIMES BUT WE WILL ALL PERSEVERE! GOOD SELLING SEASON LEFT! SELL BEFORE FALL! SOLD FOR $762,500 (12.5k Above)

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SOLD FOR $685,000 (35k Above)

SOLD FOR $900,000

SOLD FOR $477,500

The Brownstones 3 bed / 2.75 bath / 1,467 SF seetheproperty.com/339366

West Highlands 5 bed / 2.5 bath / 2,250 SF seetheproperty.com/350826

Huckleberry Circle 2 bed / 1.5 bath / 1,134 SF seetheproperty.com/345949

Ivy Way

4 bed / 2.5 bath / 1,440 SF seetheproperty.com/347115 SOLD FOR $700,000

SOLD FOR $1,065,000

SOLD FOR $1,150,000 (Full Price)

SOLD FOR $2,479,000

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zHomes 3 bed / 2.5 bath / 1,694 SF seetheproperty.com/343764

28th Avenue 4 bed / 2.5 bath / 2,922 SF seetheproperty.com/335198

Chesapeake Landing 4 bed / 2.5 bath / 3,040 SF seetheproperty.com/331337

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

August 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” – Muhammad Ali Issaquah Highlands is blessed with countless volunteers and innumerable acts of kindness. The community was designed and built to encourage an engaged village lifestyle where everyone chips in.

Attentive, personalized, & gentle dental care

All Issaquah Highlands organizations welcome and value volunteer contributions. Highlands Council, the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA), and Highlands Fiber Network (HFN) all enjoy robust contributions of volunteer time and talent. Inside this issue, please see the many stories about how others are a part of this valuable network – and how you can be, too!

In this issue, we revisit all our cherished volunteers of the month and specially honor one among them: our Volunteer of the Year, Johnna Masterson. Johnna is a tireless contributor to this community, full of great ideas and the energy and commitment to implement them. Thank you, Johnna, for all you do for the community!

Connections Editor Nina (left) with Resident and volunteer Shannon Jallow at the 2019 Highlands Day.

Also, find inside new opportunities to volunteer. Some involve our diversity and inclusion initiatives, local transportation, and community programming. There are many more! Meet your new slate of representatives on the IHCA Board of Directors and see what’s new for homeowners; find tips on how to live a sustainable - and organized – life; stories on community gardening, entertaining during coronavirus restrictions, and so much more!

Dr. Ray Besharati DDS DMD General and Cosmetic Dentistry

We partner with you to attain your dental health goals using leading-edge treatments that improve lives and smiles.

Call us to schedule your appointment today!

(425) 996-0457

About the Cover: Along with a portrait of our volunteer of the year, Johnna Masterson, there is a list of 2019-2020 volunteers of record with our community organizations. Find the complete list on page 9. Thank you, community volunteers! You make Issaquah Highlands a wonderful place!

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

Marcel Dore, State Farm Agent 2405 NE Park Drive Issaquah Highlands, WA 98029 425-391-0200 Marcel@MarcelsAgents.com

2520 NE Park Drive, Suite C Issaquah Highlands 98029 (425) 996-0457 RayBesharati.com

And I am your neighbor!

Issaquah Highlands is my home and the location of my business. As we share a community, I understand your insurance needs and would like to help you get the coverage you need.

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August 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

2020 Elections

JULY FORUM VIDEO AVAILABLE ON THE IH YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Washington state legislature (3 POSITIONS)

DATE: Wednesday, October 7 TIME: 7-8 pm LOCATION: This forum will presented online. Please see issaquahhighlands.com/events for details.

Hear directly from candidates running for local office and learn their positions on issues affecting our community. Forums are moderator-led and driven by community-generated questions.

Submit your questions at issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

August 2020

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Congratulations to Johnna Masterson on being named Issaquah Highlands’ 2020 Volunteer of the Year! With her giving spirit and heart for community, Johnna earned this recognition for her dedication to making Issaquah Highlands a place for everyone to call “home.”

Since moving to the Central Park neighborhood from Kirkland with her family 12 years ago, Johnna has looked for ways to connect with neighbors while showing her four boys the importance of giving their time. Over the years, the family has been involved in several Highlands Days, Green Halloween, winter celebrations, Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY) events, and more.

On top of starting her own small business, Inspired and Organized, Johnna has become even more active in volunteering with Highlands Council over the past couple of years. In 2019, Johnna volunteered to write a column for Connections to share her expertise in home organization.

Seeing a need for residents without garages to have a way to participate in our community-wide garage sales, Johnna hosted Yard Sales on Village Green last year. Knowing that people may need help getting organized before the garage sale, she taught hands-on “Sell $mart” workshops before each sale at Blakely Hall.

Acting on her desire to help small business owners network in a meaningful way, Johnna started the connection-based Issaquah Highlands Business Networking Group in January, blending the best parts of other networking meetings and events. With over 200 members, Johnna continues to bring this inclusive group together online during coronavirus closures, helping business owners support each other through the changing business landscape.

Johnna and her son at 2019's GAME ON! Highlands Day.

Early in the coronavirus crisis, Johnna was following discussions on neighborhood Facebook groups and recognized there was a lot of fear around the need for childcare and food. To help ease that stress for families, she set up “IH Helping Neighbors in NEED,” an online signup form to connect neighbors who need a little extra help with neighbors who are able to provide that help. In just a few days, Johnna was able to connect 75 children and their families with volunteers who were happy to help provide food and other essential items.

We hope learning more about Johnna and other community volunteers in this feature inspires you to get involved in our community. We would love to meet with you to discuss new ideas or just help you feel more connected! Please reach out and let’s chat.

Johnna (far right) hosts the first IH Business Networking Group meeting in 2019.

Johnna is one of the most caring and kind community members I know.

She cares deeply for the Issaquah Highlands and is one of the greatest small business supporters out there.

Her passion and tenacity are what sets her apart. Johnna is a wonderful leader and enjoys seeing others succeed. She is a true cheerleader at heart and a great friend to all who know her. “ — Lynn Crane, Harrison Street resident

“There really is no better way to feel connected to your community than to take part in the supporting and building of that community.” – Johnna Masterson

– Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council Community Programming Manager and Wisteria Park resident

“Johnna is one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever met. I am grateful to work with her as a volunteer, and even more grateful to call her my friend. Our community is stronger because of her – she truly helps make it a place I’m proud to call home.”

— Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council Community Programming Manager and Wisteria Park resident “Johnna is easy to work with and wants everyone to succeed! That’s a rare quality and her positive attitude is much appreciated!”

“I cannot think of a more worthy volunteer of the year!

Johnna is such a huge asset to this community. She works so hard to make our community a better place and is so selfless, especially in her work with the networking group. So happy for her!”

— Marta Cicero, 30th Ave NE resident “Johnna Masterson truly believes that Black lives matter...She practices very basic fundamentals of living her life as a straightforward, honest...person.”

— Krista Mehr, Harrison Street resident

— Matt Crevin, Founder, TalkShop “I don’t know how she does it! Johnna gets more done in a day than most of in a week! She juggles parenting and her own business and still finds so much time to give to the community. Johnna is an amazing person. We are so lucky she chose Issaquah Highlands as her home!”

— Nina Milligan, Highlands Council Communications Manager and Starpoint resident

“Johnna Masterson is not only a great friend, but an outstanding neighbor and a mother. She gives and gives more, without any hesitation, to her community than anyone I know. No matter how much she has on her plate of things to do, she will find a way to help a friend/ neighbor out. I don’t know how she does it, but she gets it done. We are truly lucky to have Johnna in our community and as a friend.”

— Kelly Su, 25th Ave NE resident

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August 2020

by Christy Garrard Executive Director, Highlands Council and Dahlia Park Resident

Issaquah Highlands Connections

In our annual volunteers issue of and feel more connected to the community, by giving of their time Connections, we want to take an opportunity and talents. Don't miss even more community volunteers listed to again recognize our 2019-2020 Volunteers on page 9 of this issue. of the Month.

There is a place for YOU to volunteer! Opportunities to get I always enjoy this annual recap as we select involved are listed on page 7 and 15, and on our website at the Issaquah Highlands Volunteer of the Year. issauqahhighlands.com/volunteer. Questions? Want to connect I hope you are inspired by these neighbors but need help finding a good fit? Contact us at Highlands Council as they share how they feel they bring value, and we will be happy to chat!

SEPTEMBER 2019

OCTOBER 2019

LISA SOBOSLAI

JOHNNA MASTERSON

IHCA Covenant Committee, Highlands Day

IH Business Networking Group, Connections, Highlands Council events, Highlands Day

“I truly believe you get more out of the volunteer experience than the small-time commitment required.

We really love the Highlands and can’t imagine ourselves living anywhere else.”

“There really is no better way to feel connected to your community than to take part in the supporting and building of that community.”

NOVEMBER 2019

DECEMBER 2019

BRYAN SHIFFLET

HENRY HONIG

IHCA Board of Directors, IHCA Architectural Review Committee

Issaquah Highlands Poker Night

“My position on the IHCA Board of Directors has been more interesting and more rewarding than I imagined when I first decided to volunteer.”

“I find myself feeling right at home with the Issaquah Highlands Poker Night. Over the years, I have worked with different co-chairs and many volunteers; without them our club simply would not have thrived. And to all of them, I owe a big thanks!”

JANUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

SEAN ALEXANDER

BRAD & KIM GRAZIADIO

IHCA Architectural Review Committee

Brad: Unofficial IH Facebook Group Kim: Issaquah Highlands Bunco Night

“Just start! There is no judgment, and you will grow and develop a new set of skills, a sense of belonging, and new friendships that reflect the diversity of our community.”

Brad: "There’s certainly a void of daily activity and purpose that’s created when you [retire]. What better way to fill [that time] than by serving your neighborhood and helping your neighbors?"

MARCH 2020

APRIL 2020

BERTAN AYGUN

WEI GEIGER

IHCA Architectural Review Committee

IHCA Architectural Review Committee

“I love being part of the Architectural Review Committee and IHCA. We truly care about the neighborhood and always try to strike a good balance between having aesthetically good-looking neighborhoods while keeping different design requests in mind.”

"Wei has been a valuable volunteer in Issaquah Highlands, working to help others increase their wellbeing both physically and mentally, as well as sharing her spirit and culture."

— Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council Community Program Manager

Issaquah Highlands Connections

August 2020

MAY 2020

JUNE 2020

JENNIFER REGIS

AMI DESAI MEHTA

IHCA Architectural Review Committee

Highlands Council Board of Trustees, Highlands Council events

"It’s rewarding in a variety of ways; you will form new friendships and meet the wonderfully diverse group of people we get to call our neighbors and friends."

"Her quiet and intelligent style lent to playing a significant role in how Issaquah Highlands was to be governed. Her knowledge and leadership have been much appreciated..."

— Larry Norton, Highlands Council Board of Trustees President Emeritus

JULY 2020

AUGUST 2020

ELIZABETH PARKER GREGG

GARY ASHBY Highlands Council Board of Trustees, Highlands Day, Highlands Council events

IHCA Architectural Review Committee

"Volunteering has connected me with others in the community, helped me develop better self-confidence, improved my mind, body, and soul, and gave me a sense of purpose, motivation, and accomplishment."

"It is easy to get involved in the Highlands because there is always an event or activity being planned. Or you are 'volunteered' by your friends!"

Getting more involved in our community is a fun and easy way to meet people and contribute to the participatory culture of Issaquah Highlands. How can YOU get more involved? Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer for more details.

Lead a community group

Help with an event

All our community groups in Issaquah Highlands are volunteer-led. Group leaders share their passion and bring people together with common interests. If you have an interest and would like to connect with others who share your interest, let us know! We are also looking for leaders to take over the following existing groups: Travel Night, Bunco, and Toddler Playgroup.

In partnership with volunteers, Highlands Council puts on events to build community, celebrate cultural events, and just have fun! Volunteers help with preevent planning and help at the event. If you have an idea for an event, email lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.

Highlands Council will help you get a community group started, just email Lindsey at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.

Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer for more information on current opportunities.

Serve on a board or committee

Contribute to Connections

The IHCA Board of Directors and committees (Covenant Committee, Architectural Review Committee, Finance Committee) are all staffed by resident volunteers. The Highlands Council Board of Trustees and HFN Boards of Directors are also open to volunteer members.

Connections is "by community, for community."

Highlands Council is always looking for volunteer contributing writers, photographers, and graphic designers. Contributions can be one-off or monthly.

Examples of regular volunteer contributions include monthly columns like "Living Green," "Home Organization," and "School Spotlight."

No current positions available. Contact each organization to inquire about future opportunities or visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer for updates.

Contact Nina Milligan, Communications Manager, at nina.m@ihcouncil.org for more information.

Join the Cross-Cultural Committee

Various other opportunities

Anyone who has a passion for celebrating the diverse cultures that make up Issaquah Highlands is invited to join the CrossCultural Committee. This committee comes together to learn from each other and helps shape the direction of Highlands Council going forward, including planning cultural events, community resources, and anything else that makes Issaquah Highlands a welcoming and inclusive home for all.

Do you prefer office work? Or preparing things from home? Maybe you have a special talent like photography or music? Reach out and let us know you’re interested in getting more involved in the community and we’ll work with you to find a good fit. We believe everyone has something to offer to make our neighborhood thrive!

Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/IHCrossCultural or contact lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.

Submit the form at issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer to tell us more about how you'd like to get involved.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

We Local Shop&Dine downtownissaquah.com/whatsopen

Issaquah Highlands Connections

August 2020

to Our Volunteers!

RYAN ABY PRANAV ALAPARTHI SEAN ALEXANDER NADA ALWARID BEN ARMLIN GARY ASHBY LISA AUSTIN BERTAN AYGUN VICKI BALZARINI BRYAN BELL ANGELA BIZARRI ALINE BLOCH JASON BONE JOSEPH BONE ELLEN BORISON SHIVAKUMAR BOSEDEVARAHATTI FRANK CASTRO JR. JASMINE CHANG SOPHIA CHAO NICHOLAS CHIN SYLVIA CHIN DONNA CLARK DEBORAH CLARK CROSETTO LISA COLLINS CATHIE COULTER TERESA COWAN JAMES CROSETTO EMILY CROWELL ROSSIE CRUZ CUB SCOUT PACK #680 KRISTEN DAYLEY MARLOWE DAYLEY PAUL DEAN LYLE DENG HULYA DENZALP AMI DESAI-MEHTA JONATHAN DODDS ALLEN ENEBO MICHELLE ENEBO MAIA ESBENSEN KRISTA FAITH KONOMI FAMILY MICHELLE FANG SARAH FLETCHER JACK FOGELBERG WILL FORREST

JONAH FOSS SUE FRANK ALEX GARRARD SAMANTHA GARRARD WEI GEIGER ALISA GEORGE GIRL SCOUT TROOP #41754 GIRL SCOUT TROOP #45335 DINO GO STACY GOODMAN NATASHA GOODSELL KIM GRAZIADIO MELODY GREEN ELIZABETH GREGG BOWBOW GU MAN HA MARY HALL SOPHIA HASHMEY DAWN HASTREITER KATIE HAYS CHARLIE HERB HENRY HONIG MATT HRDLICKA LUYAN HUANG PAIGE HUMPHREY ETHAN HUNTER VERNIKA JAIN SHANNON JALLOW CARRIE JAMISON TEJAASWINI JAYAPRAKASH SHELIA JONES TRACIE JONES MADELINE KANE KUMAR KANNADIAPALAYAM HOWARD KAPUSTEIN KIMBERLY KAPUSTEIN CAROLYN KENNEDY AMANDA KEVERKAMP KIDS OF ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS MEGAN KILZI JANICE KING KAILI KIRSCHBAUM CINDY KLENK JOHN KNAPPENBERGER SHERYL KNAPPENBERGER JOHN KNUTH LARRISA KOLASINSKI

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Issaquah Highlands is fortunate to have an extremely engaged community, always willing to get involved. Below is a list of volunteers of record over the previous 12 months. They serve on IHCA, Highlands Council, and HFN boards and committees, write for Connections, lead community groups, help with events, and step up in countless other ways. They prove that together we can build a stronger community!

Getting more involved in our community is fun and a great way to meet people.

Volunteer opportunities in Issaquah Highlands are always available. Don’t know how you can fit in? Let us know you are interested by completing the form at issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer and we’ll help you find a way to get involved.

MARYBETH KOREMAN DENNIS KOREVITSKI VALERIE KOROCK ROBERT LAMACCHIA TONYA LANE TAMRA LEE YANG HE LEE JIAHUA LI JEREMY LIN HAILIAN LIU YONG LIU EDWARD LOCKWOOD ALVERA MANDAVIA JOHNNA MASTERSON DEBBIE MATTHEWS JASON MAYBELL JENNY MCCROREY ANIKA MEHTA CASH MENDOZA ROB MILLIGAN JO MOCKFORD SCOTT MOFFAT JENNIFER MOLLOY MAX MORREY CARRIE MOUNT JASON MOYER CHELSEA MUSICK PAT NELL DAVID NGAI DAWN NOLAND PHIL NORED LARRY NORTON KARI O’NEILL JIMMY OCHILTREE ERIC OLINER BOB OTIS EMILY PALM MICHELLE PALM ZOE PARSONS NORA PAXTON JENNY PENG NATE PEREA MIKE PETTY THUAN PHAN ASHER PINKSTON LILY PINKSTON RANDALL PINKSTON

ADAM POND NICOLE POND MAXIM PORPYLEV ANNA PREYAPONSPIAN LINDA RAYMOND JENIFER REGIS AMY ROUPE BEN RUSH JESSICA RUSSI DYLAN RYAN LYNN RYAN QUINN RYAN PRADEEP SAHOO BRYAN SHIFLETT ANNE SIMPSON AVI SINGH VAISHI SISTLA SONYA SMITH LISA SOBOSLAI ALLEN SPENSER CHRISTINE STEVENS THUAN STEVENS ELIZABETH SUPER ED TELLMAN SID THIAGARAJAN LAURA THOMASON GREG UNDERWOOD TIM UNDERWOOD SARAH VENZON DAN VRANDEBURG ANGELA WANG CARRIE WANG SUE WANG GREG WATTS LEIKA WONG DENISE WOODS FAN YANG SCHERYL YANG NATHAN YAP JIM YOUNG COLIN YUEN FIONA ZHAN NUOYAN ZHANG ALEXANDRA ZHU JOHN ZIELONKA RENEE ZIMMERMAN LILY ZOU

*Does not include Highlands Day volunteers, over 100 of whom we thank each year following the festival.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

Take the Community Shuttle Survey Your Feedback Could Help Drive the Project Forward

by Christy Garrard Executive Director, Highlands Council and Dahlia Park Resident

Have you ever wished you could zip down to Grand Ridge Plaza or the park-and-ride without taking your car out of the garage? Or send the kids to a movie without driving them there? Have you had a visiting grandparent without a car of their own and wished they could go shopping or visit a friend, without borrowing your family car?

Earlier this year, a group of community and city leaders met to discuss the idea of a community shuttle service for Issaquah Highlands. There are challenges in our community’s hillside topography, and distances to points of interest make it difficult for the transportation-challenged to fully participate in our community. The ideal scenario is to contract with a private, full-service shuttle company that will flex service based on rider data.

Providing your feedback via a survey today, linked at issaquahhighlands.com, will ensure we are ready to safely launch a shuttle service (post-COVID-19) that includes the routes, schedules, and amenities you prefer.

Let us know if you support the idea and how you and your family would use the amenity. Community interest will

drive the scope of this project (i.e. number of shuttles, hours of operation). We will seek a variety of funding sources, including support from our commercial and multi-family landowners, grants, and other resources. The shuttle cannot be fare-based due to state regulations.

Our property values will increase with the addition of this unique amenity. The shuttle service would include an app that would indicate, in real-time, the location of the shuttle and the wait time at your closest shuttle stop. The shuttle service app would allow parents of middle school and older students to monitor the location to and from Grand Ridge Plaza, saving trips to drop off and pick up kids from after school activities, the movies, or shopping.

The shuttle also allows locals to leave the car at home for dinner and a movie. Restaurants will benefit from patrons staying for one more round during happy hour, knowing the shuttle is available to safely transport customers home.

There will be a benefit to your out-of-town visitors to access entertainment, trails, the park-and-ride, and other amenities, all while you are unavailable due to work or other obligations.

Talk to your neighbors and encourage them to complete the survey, too. If there is not enough support at this time, we will not move forward. If the community indicates support of the shuttle program, we will host virtual focus groups this fall. Once we fully understand the community’s desires, we will secure funding and be ready to safely launch postCOVID-19, sometime in 2021 or early 2022.

Providing your feedback via a

survey today...will ensure we are ready to safely launch a shuttle service (post-COVID-19) that includes the routes, schedules, and amenities you prefer.

Take the survey and feel free to reach out to me at Christy.G@IHCouncil.org; let’s discuss, and I will share your ideas and the survey results with the Highlands Council Transportation Committee. The survey closes on August 31.

Note: We understand that many of you who live here really want a community pool. We are working on that, too!

Highlands Council leadership met with owners of land yet to be developed earlier this year, keeping the community’s request top of mind. COVID-19 has halted new land development at this time, but we will stay on it – no promises – but we do hear you and we are trying.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

August 2020

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HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

Highlands Council Enters a New Era, Involves More Volunteers Last quarter, Highlands Council entered a new era. The Highlands Council bylaws were amended, the board of trustees was expanded, and committees have been formed to evaluate ways to move this community forward.

In June, Highlands Council finalized a years-long negotiation with our founder, Issaquah Highlands master developer, Port Blakely, to give complete organizational control to the board of trustees. This includes the ability to expand the number of stakeholder representation on the board. In a letter, Port Blakely representative, John Shaw wrote, “Port Blakely observed with great satisfaction the programs and management of the Highlands Council since 2013 and it has a high degree of confidence that Highlands Council will continue to faithfully administer the Covenant for Community and to the assurances contained therein.”

by Christy Garrard Executive Director, Highlands Council and Dahlia Park Resident

Effective July 1, the Highlands Council Board of Trustees appointed two new trustees to three-year terms.

Chris Beaudoin is the chief operating officer of Swedish Issaquah. It is wonderful to have a representative from Swedish back on the board as Swedish Issaquah is such an important commercial stakeholder of this community.

The board of trustees established four committees. The first is a finance committee that will support staff in managing the ever-changing economic climate due to the pandemic as it impacts Highlands Council’s operations. The Transportation Solutions Committee will support staff in the creation of a community shuttle program. A branding committee will evaluate the community logos and the need for new program images, including the newly formed Issaquah Highlands Community Fund and community shuttle. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee will support staff in not only organizing cultural celebrations, but also help transform discussion around equity and racism into positive action by the community.

Your participation is critical. Your support and encouragement of your neighbors to participate is vital.

This is our home, our future, and our commitment. We are “Stronger Together.”

Highlands Council's 2020-21 Board of Trustees & Committees Highlands Council 2020-21 Board of Trustees President Gary Ashby, Sunset Walk resident Vice President Kimberly Kapustein, Dahlia Park resident Treasurer David Ngai, Daphne Park resident Secretary Anna Preyapongpisan, YWCA King County Trustees Chris Beaudoin, Swedish Issaquah

Zach Hall is a resident and Issaquah city councilmember. He fills one of the first expansion seats on the board, representing the younger community demographic, and providing an opportunity for the community building work of Highlands Council to appear more consistently before city leadership.

Your voice matters, too, and it always has! As Highlands Council determines what the new normal will look like for community group gatherings and special events, how to support moving you around the community while leaving your car at home, and what we can do to weave neighborliness and inclusion of all people into the fabric of our community culture, we will be surveying and hosting focus groups for your feedback.

Zach Hall, Vista Park resident, Issaquah City Council Phil Nored, Discovery Heights/Discovery West Apartments Jimmy Ochiltree, Regency Centers/Grand Ridge Plaza President Emeritus Larry Norton, Crofton Springs resident

Finance Committee Staff Liaisons: Michele McFarland, Christy Garrard Board Representatives: David Ngai, Phil Nored

Transportation Solutions Committee Staff Liaisons: Christy Garrard, Nina Milligan Board Representatives: Anna Preyapongpisan, Jimmy Ochiltree, Chris Beaudoin, Larry Norton Other Members: Barbara de Michele (Issaquah City Council), Geoff Walker (resident)

Branding Committee Staff Liaisons: Christy Garrard, Vicki Grunewald, Katie Cannon Board Representatives: Kimberly Kapustein, Zach Hall Other Members: Allen Enebo (HFN)

Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Staff Liaisons: Lindsey Pinkston, Kim Ngo Board Representatives: Anna Preyapongpisan, Kimberly Kapustein, Ami Desai Mehta

Secretary Emeritus Ami Desai Mehta, Mulberry Street resident

IH Cross-Cultural Committee Takes Action to Support Black Lives Matter The Cross-Cultural Committee met on July 14 to discuss how we can help build a stronger, more aware, and better-educated anti-racist community.

The short-term plans to address community needs include: • Develop a list of books that address and educate on race issues, purchase, and add them to the community’s Little Free Libraries.

by Lindsey Pinkston Community Program Manager, Highlands Council and Wisteria Park Resident

• Form a film discussion group to watch recommended movies related to Black history or race inequality, then come together and discuss. For now, this will be virtual, however in the future, we plan to show these movies at Blakely Hall with a post-film discussion.

• Launch a video series for residents to share their experiences with race with the community.

• Grow the Cross-Cultural Committee to be representative of all races, ethnicities, and cultures in Issaquah Highlands (as well as anyone with a passion for celebrating the diverse cultures that make up our community).

We need you! All are welcome to join us at our next meeting on August 11 (virtually) or on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ IHCrossCultural to get involved. Contact Lindsey Pinkston at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org for more information. You can also help support cultural programming in Issaquah Highlands with your purchase of our special Black Lives Matter T-shirts at bonfire.com/blm-ih.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Bulk Candy • Packaged Candy • Drop-In Craft Time • Shaved Ice • Italian Soda's • Custom Candy Gifts (Gumball Necklaces, Candy Lei's, Candy Corsages) • Specialty Chocolates • Candy Art

Yes, you Can!

CANNING

Season is here!

Lids, Mason Jars, Food Strainers, Steamers, Kits, Pressure Canners, Fermentation Starter Kits,

And we've got all the supplies you need.

Books and more!

All of us at Candy Mâché have missed seeing our customers everyday and are so excited to see you again when it is safe to do so!

At this time we are unclear of an exact opening date but for the latest info. on our hours and re-opening go to www.candymache.com or our Facebook & Instagram pages Thank you for supporting local business!

145 NE GILMAN BLVD ISSAQUAH, WA 98027 (425) 392 - 6469

www.grangesupply.com

shop.grangesupply.com

1836 25th Ave. NE, Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 394-4480 www.candymache.com

Issaquah Highlands Connections

August 2020

13

AUGUST VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Gary Ashby

President, Highlands Council Board of Trustees When my family moved to Issaquah Highlands almost eight years ago, I could see right away it was a unique place.

People talked about community clubs and activities, hiking the trails around the community, playing different pickup games at the various parks, and participating in upcoming events like Highlands Day. The “big talk” was the soon-to-be constructed retail sites, collectively called Grand Ridge Plaza. Construction of the movie theater would start in a few months. I found running to be a popular activity and quickly discovered some courses to run myself. Coming from Denver, I found what I had heard when I was looking for a Seattle area home was true: “Issaquah Highlands is a great place to live, work and play.”

I wanted to be a bigger participant in this community, so I started reading up on all that was available here in

Connections. Connections had several activities highlighted and even provided information on how to volunteer. One opportunity that looked especially interesting was volunteering at Highlands Day. I reached out to Christy Garrard, executive director at Highlands Council, and received my first volunteer assignment: I was tasked to set up canopies, tables, and chairs on the event venue the day before the festival.

I actually had a great time and met several other volunteers. These volunteers emboldened the human spirit and wanted to leave this community a better place.

Volunteering has connected me with others in the community, helped me develop better self-confidence, improved my mind, body, and soul, and gave me a sense of purpose, motivation, and accomplishment. Volunteering helped me develop gratitude, as well as tolerance and compassion for others.

I have really enjoyed all the volunteer opportunities I have had over these last several years. I have now volunteered for several Highlands Day events, bingo nights, and other activities. Most recently, I serve as a member of the Highlands Council Board of Trustees where I work on community transportation issues, a community foundation, and efforts to make sure everyone in our community feels included and valued.

What I have enjoyed most about volunteering in the community is the chance to share my talents and experiences with others. Sharing this small piece of me means I can have a positive impact on my community (if only in a small way) for years to come.

Whenever we volunteer, we share ourselves with the community and develop a community we can be proud of.

We become invested in this community and that in turn makes the community even better. You can also enrich your life and improve your community if you volunteer. It is very much worth the time and energy.

Photos: (Top) Gary wears his Issaquah Highlands "Stronger Together" shirt outside of Blakely Hall. Photo by Robert Milligan.

(Center) Gary helps set up for 2018's Happy Birthday, Highlands Day festival. Photo by Julie Clegg.

Whenever we volunteer, we share

ourselves with the community and develop a community we can be proud of.

Inspired to get involved in the Issaquah Highlands community?

Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer to discover all of the different ways you can get involved in our Issaquah Highlands community or contact Lindsey Pinkston at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.

Gary, second from right, presents the 2019 Volunteer of the Year award to Aline Bloch (third from the right) on stage at last year's GAME ON! Highlands Day at Grand Ridge Plaza. Photo by Julie Clegg.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS

Please Check Our Community Calendar for Updates issaquahhighlands.com/events Due to the coronavirus pandemic, most community group gatherings are on temporary hiatus. Some groups will meet virtually, with more information provided on our website calendar or in their Facebook groups.

Kids & Families Family Game Night

Enjoy an all ages night playing board games with friends and neighbors! Feel free to bring a favorite game and snack to share.

Library-2-Go

The King County Library will bring the Library-2-Go Book Mobile to Blakely Hall. Bring your library card and browse the curated collection of books – check out your favorites and return any KCLS library books you’ve finished! Free fun for all ages.

Minecraft Mania

Join fellow elementary and middle school Minecraft enthusiasts from novice to expert as we share our knowledge of the Minecraft world including Redstone, building, surviving the night, and more. You’ll need a laptop with licensed Minecraft loaded on it. Club leader is Quinn Ryan at boxcargriz@gmail.com and parent leader is Tim Ryan at dadtime@gmail.com.

Toddler Playgroup

Moms, dads, caregivers, and their children are invited for fun, friendship, support and socializing. New group leaders needed. Contact lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org if you're interested.

Arts & Cards Figure Drawing Group

Bring what you need to draw and join a group of artists for weekly sessions to draw from a nude model. The Short-Pose Session meets from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. with poses ranging from 1 minute to 15 minutes in length. The Long Pose Session meets from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. with a single pose repeated in 20-minute sittings. There is no formal instruction. Attend one or both sessions - the cost per session is $10, cash only. See issaquahhighlands.com/ events/ for more information.

Bridge Club

Grab a partner or come solo to play a little bridge! Bring your own beverage of choice and a snack to share.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned bridge player, you are welcome to join us.

RSVP: Ed Tellman, etellman@pobox.com.

Knit for Life

®

A network of volunteer knitters in area hospitals, providing physical and mental support in a nontraditional therapeutic environment to cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers through knitting. We teach anyone with any skill level. You don’t have to bring anything but yourself. We have all the supplies you will need. Contact: Elaine.Eckert@yahoo.com.

 Photography Group

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.

Rovin’ Fiddlers

 IH Business Networking Group

 Yarns & Threads Group

Kick off your month with a new spin on the standard practice of networking, based on knowing the more we connect and share, the more we all grow! This new monthly group will blend the best parts of other networking meetings while being inclusive, connectionbased, and most of all, valuable for all members. Social with refreshments from 9:30-10 a.m., meeting from 1010:45 a.m. No obligations, just genuine connections! For more details, please visit issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Drop in on our jam sessions. We welcome guitars, flutes, whistles, banjos, mandolins, autoharps, dulcimers, stand up bass, and percussion. All abilities welcome. Contact Martha at mclnev@yahoo.com.

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.

Telecommute Tuesdays

Fitness 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 www.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 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.”

Tai Chi Fitness Group

The ancient Chinese martial art, tai chi, will be offered every Wednesday at Blakely Hall. Participation is free; a donation of a nonperishable food item for the Food Bank is encouraged. Contact: taichifitness_IH@outlook.com.

Zumba Fitness® Class

Zumba Fitness is the Latin and world rhythm and dancebased fitness party that will change the way you think about working out. Grab your workout clothes, your water bottle, and join the party! Free class, but please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the food bank! Contact: zumbawithcindy@gmail.com.

Special Interest  Book Club

August's Book: "Olive Kitteridge" Tuesday, August 18, 7 p.m.

Monday, August 3, 9:30 a.m.

Do you work from home? Do you want a little motivation to work from home once each week?

Telecommute Tuesdays were designed for you! Head on over to Blakely Hall on Tuesdays for free wi-fi, coffee and treats and the beautiful setting of our community hall. Questions? Contact Lindsey.P@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1107.

 Toastmasters

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.

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

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. Please join us at our next meeting (virtually) on August 11. More information at issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Lead a Community Group

Do you have a passion or favorite hobby you’d like to share with others? Leading a community group is a great way to get involved and meet people with similar interests. We are currently looking for volunteers to organize Travel Night, Playgroup, and Bunco Night, or you are always welcome to create a new group! Contact lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org to learn more.

For more ways to get involved, including the urgent needs of local non-profits in our community, please visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer.

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.

Poker Night

Whether you are a novice or a salty vet looking for some steep competition, you will love our monthly group Texas Hold ’em tournament! Contact Henry at hlh1969@hotmail.com.

 Indicates this group currently meets online.

See issaquahhighlands.com/events for details.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS

Save the Date Community-Wide Garage Sale Saturday, September 19**

Save the date for the Issaquah Highlands fall community garage sale! Sell or shop throughout the community. **Pending COVID-19 related guidelines at that time. Event will be rescheduled, if needed, to a more appropriate time.

Governance Mtgs*  IHCA Architectural Review Committee Tuesday, August 4, 6 p.m.

IHCA Finance Committee Tuesday, August 11, 5:30 p.m.

Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group Monday, August 17, 5 p.m.

IHCA Board of Directors Monday, August 24, 5:30 p.m.

City Meetings City meetings covering Issaquah Highlands topics will be listed at issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Special Dates Eid al-Adha Ends Monday, August 3

Assumption of Mary Saturday, August 15

Senior Citizens Day Friday, August 21

Dog Appreciation Day Wednesday, August 26

Eat Outside Day Monday, August 31

Looking for local summer camps?

See the full listing of upcoming summer camps at Blakely Hall at issaquahhighlands.com/camps *Highlands Council does not endorse any of these organizations.

For the latest details, see issaquahhighlands.com/events For daily updates, follow us on:

*Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all governance meetings will occur virtually until further notice. More details will be posted to issaquahhighlands.com/events when made available.

All events are FREE unless otherwise noted.

Subscribe to our weekly e-letter at issaquahhighlands.com/connect

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

IHCA Board of Directors 2020 Election Results

2020 Board Elections Results District 2 Bryan Shiflett

73 votes received (Re-elected)

District 4 This year, the IHCA partnered once again with VoteHOANow as the online voting platform for our 2020 Board of Directors elections. We received 385 total votes, averaging 23% participation within each district. Online voting saves the IHCA thousands in mailing and postage costs.

Thank you for your participation!

Special thanks to outgoing director, Shivakumar Bosedevarahatti, for his time serving District 4 over the last two years. And thank you to Sanjay Mahajan for running for the IHCA Board of Directors.

by Sarah Hoey IHCA Executive Director

Next year’s elections will be for Districts 1, 3, 5 and At-Large. Information will be forthcoming in the spring regarding the 2021 elections.

We'd like to thank all of our board members for volunteering their time to serve this community. We look forward to working with our new and returning members.

Elizabeth Parker Gregg

68 votes received (Newly elected)

Shivakumar Bosedevarahatti

66 votes received

District 6 Greg Underwood

71 votes received (Re-elected)

Sanjay Mahajan

67 votes received

*There were an additional 40 votes to serve the quorum without making a candidate choice.

Meet Your 2020 IHCA Board of Directors

District 1 Dan Vradenburg

District 2 Bryan Shiflett

District 3 Rossie Cruz

District 4 Elizabeth Parker Gregg

District 5 Jim Young

Issaquah Highlands is a wonderful community that takes pride in overall community maintenance.

Homeowners can do their part to help, especially when it comes to trash.

Dumpsters Many neighborhoods within the Highlands have designated dumpster enclosures. These dumpsters are not for public use. When people outside of these neighborhoods use a dumpster, it negatively impacts the owners who pay for this service. Dumpsters that overflow before their scheduled pickup date can attract rodents and incur increased garbage fees. If you do not live in a neighborhood with a dumpster, please refrain from using them. Illegal dumping will not be tolerated and may result in fines.

Everything You Need to Know to Do Your Part

by Debbie Orosco Community Manager

Talking Trash Tip Print handy visual guides to sorting your trash, recycling, and compost on the Recology website: recology.com/recology-cleanscapes/issaquah/sorting-guides.

Recycling If you live in a neighborhood with large recycling enclosures, please remember to break down your recycling before disposing of it, and please refrain from disposing garbage in recycling enclosures. Also, please do not dispose of oversized trash, such as furniture, in these enclosures.

Trash Cans Per the community’s Use Restrictions and Rules, “Any trash (grey), recycling (blue), or yard waste (green) containers and/or bags and other trash containers must be stored indoors (garage or ARC approved enclosure) during non-pickup hours. Trash cans may only be placed at the curb/street for pickup 12 hours prior to and 12 hours after pickup time.”

Garbage pickup day for single family homes in Issaquah Highlands is Friday. Please do not put full garbage cans out on Thursday, as they can attract rodents and wildlife activity.

After pickup, garbage cans must be moved indoors, either to the garage or an ARC-approved trash enclosure. No cans should be stored in your backyard or side yard, even if your yard is fenced.

District 6 Greg Underwood

District At-Large Ben Rush

Due to our proximity to wildlife, and bears in particular, the smell of waste in cans can draw animals out, posing a serious safety risk to both you and your neighbors. Leaving your cans outside may result in a compliance notice and fine from the IHCA. If you are interested in installing an outside trash can enclosure, please contact the IHCA and we will help you with the ARC approval process.

Pet Waste Please be courteous to your neighbors and pick up after your pets. This includes picking up in designated dog parks, streetscapes, trails, community parks, and neighbor’s yards.

For your convenience, 102 pet waste receptacles can be found throughout the community.

Park Trash Our parks are here for your enjoyment, but also have rules regarding trash clean up.

“Cleanup: The User shall clean up all litter, trash, and any other debris and restore the Parks to a clean and orderly condition within 24 hours after the conclusion of any Event or activity.” Source: Use Restrictions and Rules, Exhibit C: “Use Rules for Private Park Use at Issaquah Highlands” IHCA parks are equipped with trash receptacles, but they can sometimes become full, especially during the busy summer months. If you have a party or function in one of the IHCA parks and the trash can is already at capacity when you arrive, please pack out your trash so that it won’t attract wildlife.

If you would like a copy of the current Use Restrictions and Rules, they can be found at issaquahhighlands.com.

Thank you for doing your part in making this community a beautiful place to call home.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

August 2020

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OFFICIAL NOTICE

NEW!

Updates to the Architectural Guidelines

Updated Community Maps

by Blair Krieg Community Manager

Per the IHCA governing documents, changes to the Architectural Guidelines (ARC) must be posted for public comment prior to formal approval by the board of directors. The proposed changes to the ARC Guidelines below were originally presented to the IHCA Board of Directors on

June 24, 2020, and approved for publishing with a public comment period.

If you have any comments or questions regarding the proposed changes, please contact Blair Krieg, community manager, at Blair.K@ihcommunity.org. Deadline for homeowner feedback is Monday, August 31. Any feedback will be reported to the board during the September board meeting. The proposed changes may be adopted at the September board meeting.

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.

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.

Our new community map is now available at issaquahhighlands.com and on way-finding kiosks located throughout the community.

ARC TIP OF THE MONTH

Fence Installation Did you know you can install a fence without waiting for approval from the IHCA ARC Committee? Simply submit an application to the IHCA and choose one of the preapproved styles and stains. There is no fee and approval is quick if the application meets the requirements. Email blair.k@ihcommunity.org for details.

OFFICIAL NOTICE

Proposed Amendment to IHCA Policy Regarding Restricted Dog Breeds The IHCA Board of Directors recently reviewed IHCA policies to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The board, along with legal counsel, is purposing an amendment to the IHCA policy regarding restricted breeds, which has

by Sarah Hoey been in place since 2002. The IHCA Executive Director main focus is not to rescind the policy or not call out specific breeds, but rather to focus on the behavior of the animal while it resides within the community.

The following amendment to the policy will allow an owner to apply for permission to own a Staffordshire Terrier dog breed while living in the community as long as they can provide American Kennel Club (AKC) certification of a successful behavior training course. The AKC Canine Good Citizen Test (or similar) assists owners with canine behavior modification and animal control techniques. The owner is then required to submit an application to the IHCA, obtain approval from the board of directors, and submit required documentation and certifications. 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 while in the community. No animal shall create a nuisance and owners are required to pick up after their pets.

The IHCA Board of Directors is required to provide notice to owners and provide opportunity for feedback from the community. The board will then review all submitted comments and will vote on whether to formally adopt the amendment based on the community’s feedback. Please submit your written comments to the IHCA via email to Deborrah.O@IHcommunity.org.

Amendment language to be added to existing policy (in red italics): 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 the IHCA with proof that their dog qualifies, and continues to qualify, for this exemption.

Open comment period runs until August 31.

RULES REMINDER

Landscape Standards Bed Standards: • Weeds in any landscape bed must be minimal and kept under control.

• Mulch or bark must be maintained at a minimum of 1 inch depth to control weeds and conserve water. A depth of 2-3 inches is recommended.

Plant Standards: • All plant material shall be maintained in an orderly state, trimmed and neat in appearance. Selective pruning techniques must be utilized. Topping of trees is prohibited.

• Vegetation shall not encroach on sidewalks, trails, driveways, or any pedestrian right-of-way.

• Dead plants should be removed immediately and then replaced during the appropriate growing season (spring or fall). ‘Dead’ is classified as more than 50% of the plant is without leaves or exhibits dead foliage.

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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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Yes Rediscover our stores and restaurants today!

Grand Ridge Plaza is conveniently located off I-90 at Exit 18 in Issaquah (within Issaquah Highlands Community). To reach the parking garage, set your GPS to 940 NE Park Drive, Issaquah, WA 98029.

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.

DISTANCING. We’re taking steps to ensure appropriate distance between you and other patients, visitors and staff.

5 STARS

HIGHEST R ATING FOR

QUALIT Y

BY CMS (CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES)

SANITIZING. Our staff are regularly cleaning waiting areas and exam rooms in between visits, and hand sanitizer stations are located throughout our facilities.

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.

VIRTUAL VISITS. For on-demand and routine medical care, we offer virtual visits — a reliable way to see your provider from the comfort your own home.

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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HIGHLANDS YOUTH - HY

Welcome Back, Sage and Cole Cowan!

Former HY Members Return After a Year Abroad This summer, we welcome Sage and Cole Cowan back to the Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY) after they spent a year living in England. I wanted to hear their perspective on their move and this impactful year of their lives.

by Ryan Aby, PCMS Eighth Grader and Grand View Park resident

Before leaving for the U.K., Sage said she “had no idea what to expect but [she] knew that [she] was going to make the best of it.” Once the Cowan family arrived in the U.K., they missed “being surrounded by the woods, living in a very peaceful area, having the luxury of being isolated, and having shops close by.”

“I wasn’t used to the busy city, taking the public bus to school every day, and living in a very old house where appliances didn’t always work. It made me really recognize my privilege and how fortunate I was to live in the Highlands,” Sage said.

“Since everyone had to wear uniforms at school, they had to express their personality through their fashion outside of school,” Sage said. “First thing you need to know is that you have to address all adults as ‘Sir’ or ‘Miss.’ I still couldn’t tell you the names of half my teachers because we didn’t need to say them. Of course, you have to wear uniforms, but you come to realize that most kids try to find ways around them. For example, pulling up skirts, untucking shirts, and wearing different shoes for ‘medical’ conditions.”

Cole (left) and Sage Cowan in their school uniforms.

“I rarely got homework and tests in school, but you were given a journal in each class that would be checked every week,” Sage said.

What were their favorite travel destinations this past year?

“I would say, if you are traveling to the U.K. in the summer, Brighton is a must,” Sage said. “It’s right next to the beach and there is always some sort of festival going on that you will want to join. My favorite destination outside of the U.K. is Italy. We went to the Napoli coast and it was one of the prettiest places I have ever been to.”

Cole agreed. He loved the “amazing pier from Brighton…with its park rides and its huge arcade” and said the family enjoyed going for walks in the city and on the beach. They also went to local parks and fields to play sports, like football (soccer).

Before returning to Issaquah, Cole said he was both “excited and sad.” The year went by faster than he realized and new friendships would end; however he was eager to rekindle his old friendships back in Issaquah.

“I feel like my eyes have been opened to a whole other side to the world, and I feel more appreciative of how nice Issaquah is,” Cole said, reflecting on the past year. “Now I can say I lived in two different countries and I feel like it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m glad I could experience it.”

(Left to right) Tony, Cole, Sage, Teresa, and Indie Cowan enjoying family time during their year in Brighton, U.K.

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August 2020

, r o b h g i e Dear N

u o Y h s Wi ! e r e H e r e W

First Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt

Throughout June, Highlands Council challenged families to explore our neighborhood while social distancing in the first Issaquah Highlands Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt. We had so much fun! The Cho family completed all 15 challenge tasks and won the prize package drawing!

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

August 2020

21

LIVING GREEN®

How to “Green” Your Events Easy Ways to Make Your Next Event Environmentally Friendly Every occasion deserves a celebration, but celebrations do not need to be extravagantly wasteful. Learn how to celebrate and make positive changes for the environment at the same time*.

What is a “green” or sustainable event?

A “green” event is a gathering that incorporates environmental considerations. The goal of a “green” event is to minimize negative impacts on the environment, from planning to catering and décor.

by Aline Bloch Eco-Artist and Central Park Resident

Why is being “green” important to consider?

Parties and events usually generate huge amount of waste.

Did you know that the events industry is one of the most wasteful? When organizing an event, it is important to limit unnecessary amounts of waste and energy. Guests will notice the sustainable habits you adopt for your party and you will create a positive influence in your life and the lives of people around you.

How can you plan a successful “green” event?

It is possible to have a unique, elegant, and fun event while honoring our sense of environmental consciousness.

There are many ways to maintain negative impacts on the environment. I promise there will be no complications, extra expenses, headaches, or logistical nightmares; just a few easy steps to follow that will make a real difference while keeping all the fun.

The key to a successful “green” event is to use what we already have and think outside the box. Adapt these small changes to the size of your party or event.

Invitations Avoid paper invitations. Save trees, money, and time!

• Send digital invitations: There are many companies that offer event invitations online, like Evite, Paperless Post, or Punchbowl. You can choose your themed invitation and reach out to hundreds of guests in just one click!

If traditional invitations are a must have, pick up a sustainable brand and choose recycled paper.

• Name cards (if applicable): Use leaves, flat pieces of bark or wood from outside, or even pieces of cardboard to write names on with water-based paint.

Transportation Anticipate and provide guidance.

• Encourage carpooling, walking, public transportation, or biking.

Food and Drinks Minimize waste and opt for reusables, not disposables • Ditch single-use plastic: Use washable, recyclable, or biodegradable plates and utensils instead.

• Borrow or buy mason jars to use as glasses – so trendy!

• Opt for larger drink packages, glass bottles, or aluminum cans instead of individual plastic bottles.

Who said you can't have your cake and live sustainably, too? Aline, pictured here, created this amazing five-tier birthday cake out of cardboard for 2018's Happy Birthday, Highlands Day festival. Photo

by Julie Clegg.

Eco-Friendly Décor Get inspiration and be creative.

• Be crafty: Usually at this time of the year, my garage is full of paint, cardboard boxes, blueprints, and ideas for Highlands Day decorations. Do you remember Blakely Hall disguised as a castle for the day in 2017? The giant birthday cake outside Blakely Hall in 2018? Or the Grand Ridge Plaza parking garage transformed into a Mario Bros. adventure last year? All this décor was made with recycled materials and reused several times on many occasions since then.

• Borrow, rent or reuse: Use durable décor elements, like drapes and candle holders. How about a wheelbarrow with ice for your drinks?

• Buy “green”: Check out your local thrift store to find second-hand décor treasures.

• Substitute: Trade balloons for paper poms, and paper or can lanterns.

• Decorate with nature: Use natural wood or upcycle pallets into signs. Use fresh and local seasonal flowers. (Ask your florist for their leftover flowers that are ready to go to the compost bin. Offering a second chance to these flowers before they end up in the bin would be perfect and cheap!)

Be creative with pinecones and needles across the table, branches, and rocks in jars on your buffet table.

Toss It Properly: Spread the goodness and inspire green practices

• Use cloth instead of paper napkins (rent if needed).

• Encourage your guests to recycle properly by putting recycling and compost bins next to garbage bins with a “what goes where?” sign.

• Offer healthy and local foods to reduce gas emissions during transportation.

• Favors and Goodies: Think of something useful, handmade, personalized, plastic-free or edible.

• Have a leftovers plan: We always buy more food than we consume. Consider donating or freezing excess food.

• When the fun is over, share your ideas and pass your decorations on to someone else on local Facebook pages.

(Top) Cardboard Castle: Aline transformed Blakely Hall into a fairy tale castle using just cardboard for 2017's Once Upon a Highlands Day festival. (Bottom) The Grand Ridge Plaza parking garage became a giant Super Mario Bros. adventure at 2019's GAME ON! Highlands Day. Photos by Julie Clegg.

*For your safety, please refer to coronavirus.wa.gov/ what-you-need-know/stay-home-stay-healthy for the latest COVID-19 guidance related to gatherings and events.

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August 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

ASK KARI

Ask Kari!

Dear Kari, I am unsure about what to do with my relationship with my boyfriend. We have been together since high school (over 10 years). We are in a place in our relationship where I feel we either need to get engaged or at least move in together. My boyfriend disagrees. I should also share that he still lives at home with his parents. How can I get him to better understand my feelings and convince him to make a more permanent commitment to our relationship?

Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW – Tired of Waiting Clinical Social Worker and Dear Tired of Waiting, Issaquah Highlands Resident Ten years is a long time to be in a relationship and be at the point you describe, each of you wanting different things. I wonder if you felt a desire to have a stronger lifelong commitment earlier, but denied those feelings based on your partner’s desires. Either way, now is the time to seriously review if you have common goals in life. Do you have similar ways of viewing your path through life, e.g. do you want to work/have careers? Have children? Travel? Own a house? Have friendships/ connections with others? The most successful couples do not have to be identical in personality, but they do need similar goals to help with the harmony of a long-term relationship.

If your partner is content with living at home with his parents, view his choice as a sign of who he truly is. He may find living with his parents is less stressful, so he’s chosen the path of least resistance or effort, modeling a slow path to maturity. He may not have the same drive as you to move into adulthood. This will play out poorly long-term.

Many times, we have signs of the truth in front of us, we just choose to look away. I really suggest you do a deep assessment of your compatibility for the long haul now versus forcing the issue and having a different outcome from what you hoped.

– Kari

Dear Kari, I am so confused and frustrated with people who will not wear masks in our community. Why don’t they get there is a worldwide pandemic going on? I feel like I just want to yell at everyone I see at the store who is not wearing a mask. Do you think it is okay to educate people on the rules of wearing a mask for health reasons or do you think I am crossing the line?

– Losing It Dear Losing It, I understand your frustration with others in your community who are not following the rules regarding COVID-19 and face masks. While it has become a requirement to wear a mask when outside your home in Washington, enforcement at this point is self-monitored. I empathize with your feelings that there may be others in the community who are not considering the bigger picture of overall community health and wellness, but I do not suggest you be the one to educate them. It’s just too confrontational and potentially dangerous, since you do not know how a stranger will respond to your engagement. Instead, continue to make good choices for yourself and move forward remembering that we are not in charge of others. (Hard to hear, but true.) You get to choose what you do and who you want to be, and others around you get the same choice.

I know worrying about others in life can cause anxiety, but accepting you are not responsible for everyone can actually be freeing, in the end. This, in turn, helps you focus your energy on your own life moving forward.

– 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.

About Kari:

Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker and is a resident of Issaquah Highlands. 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.

Vie by Shanti Shanti Willett Founder & Skin Coach

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 Communications Manager at nina.m@ihcouncil.org.

About the business: Vie by Shanti offers sustainable, plantbased, vegan-friendly skincare products.

What do you find most rewarding about this business?

Shanti: Helping build confidence through healthy skin! Our skin is the first thing people see and often leaves an impression. Seeing my clients smile and hearing their stories of how Vie has changed their lives has been life-giving.

In which neighborhood do you live in Issaquah Highlands?

Crofton Springs Contact: (206) 778-8485 info@viebyshanti.com viebyshanti.com

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

Issaquah Highlands Connections

August 2020

23

HOME ORGANIZATION

Your Organized Life How to Organize a Cluttered Entryway for the Whole Family Hello August! We are in the full swing of summer now and, like I promised last month, I will share ideas on how to create an organized and welcoming entryway so you can make the most out of that space.

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

No matter the size of your entryway, it can be a frustrating space! Entryways can become a bottleneck of people coming in and out and end up being a dumping ground for everyone: coats, shoes, backpacks, briefcases, and everything we pick up on our trips.

First, I recommend you stand back and evaluate the space.

Does anything work really well? Are there things you really like, but aren’t quite cutting it? Is there anything you absolutely can’t stand that drives you crazy? Start a list so you can brainstorm what would make it a space that will work for everyone in your home.

Some ideas I found helpful are to make sure you have a place for coats that ensures they don’t end up scattered on the floor.

If you don’t have an entry closet, you can place hooks on one of the walls right inside your door. If you have younger children, hanging hooks at their eye level can really help.

If you live in a rental, the Command brand has options that don’t cause damage and are easy to remove.

While we’re thinking about hooks, look for an area you can place a few to hold keys. It will save time if you have a designated spot you can put them every time you come home.

I chose one side of a window frame, closest to the door.

Another option is to place a basket on your entry table where you can toss them. I don’t know how many times someone in my house has lost their keys. But once I had a place for them to live, the mad rush to find them never happened again.

Speaking of baskets, I highly recommend having one on your entry table for all incoming mail or items from school that need to be reviewed. You won’t have papers cluttering up flat surfaces throughout your house, or worse, getting lost or overdue because they were on the bottom of a pile somewhere. You can also use a wall mounted organizer. This is what I use in my home since space in our entryway is at a premium.

You can designate the angled baskets for different categories, or for each person in your home. If you have children, make sure their basket is at eye-level. Kids love the independence and having a system that makes it easy for them to help keeps things tidy.

One last tip: tame your shoes!

It’s even more important now to remove your shoes at the door to help keep your home clean and safe. One thing I almost always recommend, even in small spaces, is a double duty bench with shoe cubbies underneath. This creates an area to sit, take off (or put on) your shoes, and ensures they don’t end up scattered on the floor. If you have out-of-season shoes, store them in bins in your closet and only use the cubbies for the shoes you wear the most.

Join me next month as I share some of my favorite ideas for organizing Having a designated spot in your entryway for mail and school papers (like this stylish mailbox) can make a big difference in keeping your entryway clutter-free. Photo by Johnna Masterson. the linens throughout our homes.

TIPS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR ENTRYWAY • Hang coats in a closet or on hooks • Hang keys on hooks or have a designated basket • Put mail/papers in a basket or wallmounted organizer • Put hooks and hanging baskets for children at their eye-level • Store shoes in a bench with cubbies • Store out-of-season shoes in the closet.

Tips provided by Johnna Masterson.

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saquah he Year! s I s i t a Johnn olunteer of ns to o i t u b i V contr ge 5.

2020 r e h t bou n pa Read a ommunity o our c

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August 2020

SCHOOL SPOTLiGHT | August ISD Enrollment Verification Process

The Enrollment Verification Process (EVP) will take place completely online, paperless, through Family Access for returning ISD students in mid-August (dates vary by school). EVP confirms enrollment through multiple steps, allowing families to download/print necessary forms, pay applicable fees, and update information. ISD will send an email detailing the process to ensure a smooth school start. Students will not receive classroom assignments until all forms are completed and submitted. Parents may also support local PTSAs through memberships, as well as by purchasing yearbooks and school gear and making charitable donations. Questions? Contact neighborhood school offices.

Free and Reduced Lunch Program

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. Applications are available, in 49 additional languages. If you need an application in a specific language, please contact ISD at 425-837-5060.

Children from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.

Reduced price meals cost each eligible student 40¢.

Online applications will be available in early August. For more information, visit issaquah.wednet.edu/district/ departments/operations/foodservice.

Cultural Families Partnership: Getting Ready for School

The ISD Cultural and Families Partnership Team, with ISD Family Liaisons, parent volunteers, and interpreters are available to answer back to school questions, such as ELL, bus info, lunch, and Family Access, for families requesting help with the different ISD online verification processes. Questions? Email Lorna Gilmour, GilmourL@ issaquah.wednet.edu.

Grocery Help with the Summer Lunch Program

Do you need extra grocery help for your kids this summer? The Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank will offer its summer lunch program again this year. Register online today at issaguahfoodbank.org/summer-lunch-program.

Registration is important to ensure the food bank has the right amount of food each week to serve all families.

Serving K-12 children living in these zip codes: 98027, 98029, 98059, and 98075. Pickup available on August 7 and August 21 from 12 - 4 p.m., providing breakfast, lunch, and snack for about two weeks, with a rotating selection of fresh fruit, veggies, bread, dairy, and deli foods. For questions or help registering, contact Erin at 425-392-4123 x16 or erin@issaquahfoodbank.org. Due to COVID-19 safety protocol, there is drive-up service only at either entrance of the food bank, and volunteers will load your car. You do not need to leave your vehicle.

Per King County Public Health guidelines, everyone in your vehicle needs to wear a mask at pickup.

Sign-up for ISD and Community Schools E-News

Families and community members can sign-up to receive E-News from multiple schools and ISD offices at issaquah.wednet.edu/news/ENews. Note: Junkmail filters may screen ISD messages from your inbox; please check and identify ISD emails as "safe senders."

Questions or subscription issues? Email supportenews@ issaquah.wednet.edu.

Required Back-to-School Immunizations

Before school starts, make sure students are up-todate on vaccinations. Sixth grade attendance requires updated vaccination documentation and completed immunization health forms before the start of school.

For more information, contact individual school health offices. Required Vaccinations: Varicella (chickenpox): High school students required to have two doses of chickenpox vaccine. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis): Students entering sixth grade are required to have vaccination at age 11.

Volunteer at Echo Glen Children's Center

Echo Glen Children’s Center is a Washington state juvenile detention facility within ISD boundaries. There are 130 kids, aged 11 to 20 years old, many of whom are neglected and/or abused. Echo Glen strives to provide positive experiences, memories, and encouraging attention from adults serving as good role models. At Echo Glen, there are many small volunteer opportunities that can make a tremendous difference in the lives of our youths. Questions, contact Susan at 206-715-6322 or email susan@smilepower.org.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

written and produced by Tracie Jones, Wisteria Park Resident

Join Issaquah PowerPacks!

Childhood hunger is a real problem. Teachers see differences in ability to learn and focus when children are hungry. PowerPacks are simple: students at-risk of hunger take home Friday bags of food. No forms to fill out or registration needed. Issaquah PowerPacks donations ensure kids have enough to eat when not receiving free/ reduced lunch on weekends. Filling this gap helps kids start the week with fuel to learn and grow. You can help!

Make a $50 donation to fill ten PowerPacks! Donations go to the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank, earmarked for this program. Questions? Contact Erin at 425-3924123 x16, or Erin@isssaquahfoodbank.org. Donations are tax deductible.

Tools4Schools School Supplies Drive

Tools4School is a partnership between the Issaquah Schools Foundation and Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank to provide new backpacks filled with basic school supplies to ISD K-12 students who need financial support. Help with your cash donation ($15-30) here: supplyallkids.com/#/donate/isf. Those who need backpacks/supplies can register at isfdn.org/tools-forschool-registration before August 14. Pick-up is August 18 at Clark Elementary, via curbside pickup.

Upgrading Your Computer?

Consider Donating to Echo Glen

Java with PCMS Principal Jeff McGowan

Make an investment in the success of students by donating your old computer equipment to Echo Glen Children’s Center, within ISD’s boundaries. Computer access allows for online college courses, resume building, job applications, and more. Donate a computer, printer, router, and other hardware. More info, including wish list at EchoGlen.org/computerlab. Questions, email Susan, susan@smilepower.org.

Parents are invited to an informational virtual coffee break and opportunity to talk with Pacific Cascade Middle School Principal McGowan on August 31.

Principal McGowan welcomes families, while sharing a virtual cup of coffee or tea, ready to discuss the start of the year. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about what’s happening at PCMS, directly from the principal. Questions? Email PacificCascadePTSA@yahoo. com. Check the PCMS website for the Zoom invite, PacificCascadePTSA.org.

Washington State Meals and Snacks for Kids

Join Your Community PTSA!

The Washington summer meals program feeds kids and teens 18 years old and under. Pickup sites are located at places like schools, parks, and community centers.

Resources for families: • Text "food" (or "comida" for Spanish) to 877-877 to find free summer meals near you.

• No Kid Hungry meal site locator: Visit nokidhungry. org/find-free-meals to find free summer meals near you by entering your zip code.

• USDA Summer Meals Hotline: Call 1-866-348-6479 to receive assistance finding locations, mealtimes, and contact information for summer meals based on your full address, city, and/or zip code.

• USDA summer meals finder: Visit fns.usda.gov/ meals4kidsto find free summer meals near you by entering your zip code.

Stay Up to Date with WA OSPI 2020-21, School Guidance & Resources

The Office of Superintendent and Public Instruction (OSPI) is committed to providing ongoing guidance and resources as our Washington state schools and children experience this unprecedented situation. The most current guidance and resources are provided here: k12. wa.us/about-ospi/press-releases/novel-coronaviruscovid-19-guidance-resources.

Join your Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) to support students, programs, and school enrichment not funded through the state and ISD. Membership gives families a strong voice and a vote in education.

When parents are involved, students are more likely to succeed! Demonstrate your support in the PTSA’s mission and goals through membership. Please consider and join today. Visit your school’s PTSA website for registration.

ISF “Step-up for Kids”

Since1987, the Issaquah Schools Foundation has impacted the lives of over 20,500 ISD students. ISF is an important resource, supporting programs like after school academic assistance, robotics, dedicated fine arts, Cultural Bridges, basic student needs, and homework help. ISF also provides grants to teachers and schools.

Donations provide students opportunities to explore and cultivate interests, thrive academically, and graduate with skills needed for rewarding and productive futures.

“Step Up for Kids” and donate to their fall campaign by visiting ISFDN.org.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

August 2020

25

COMMUNITY GARDEN

The Art of Gardening Finding Passion in a Patch of Dirt in Issaquah Highlands “Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas.”

(Elizabeth Murray) We have a fair amount of gardening artists in our midst here, in Issaquah Highlands.

Beyond my own experience

by Sheryl Knappenberger, as a community gardener, I Community Gardener wanted to know why folks and Crofton at Village would spend time digging, Green Resident planting, and weeding away their busy days in a patch of dirt that offered no guarantees to reward their efforts. What is it about looking at a packet of seeds or a tiny seedling plant with such positive expectations?

Our community boasts four different community gardens, totaling 140 patches that are leased by our neighbors on a yearly basis. If you’ve had the pleasure of strolling by the garden patches, you can see for yourself the ever-evolving gardens coming to life and flourishing throughout the spring and summer months. Many still grow through the late fall and winter.

A peek into the delightful Sunset Walk gardens show small, storybook-like garden plots teeming with beautiful plants. From blueberry bushes bursting with berries and tall artichoke plants to an abundance of lettuce, kale, cucumbers, and tomatoes, we know these gardeners enjoy their fresh salads and veggies all summer long. We also know that people who stroll by often stop and gaze at the beauty of the place. I’m one of those people.

Further up the hill, in the Vista gardens, the plots are larger.

More room for vegetables and flowers also means more opportunity for bunnies, field mice, weeds, and slugs to take up residence. At times, one feels like every fresh green bean was won after a tough battle with nature.

All of the community gardeners I met spoke with passion about their gardening experiences. It becomes less like a pastime for a lot of us, and more like a way of life. Sure, it can be frustrating at times, but the smell of the rich soil and the fresh air seem to be a remedy for many of life’s ails.

Even when I wasn’t comfortable going into a grocery store, I would allow myself to visit plant nurseries. As community gardeners, we talked about our love for roaming the outdoor aisles of Squak Mountain Nursery, or the Gray Barn, or all the knowledge one can get from The Grange, among other local places.

As my friend, Pradeep said, “it’s all about seeds, good soil, water, and sun.” But beyond that, my conversations at the garden have made clear that, for many of us, gardening nourishes far beyond the home-grown fruits and vegetables on our plates. The simple act of growing a garden can be spiritually uplifting, physically exhilarating, and soothing to the soul. Ultimately, in our busy lives, during good times and bad times, or in these days of uncertainty, who doesn’t need more of that?

Enjoy Sheryl’s interviews with gardeners from Sunset Walk and Vista Gardens at issaquahhighlands.com/connect/newsand-media.

For further information on leasing a community garden plot, visit issaquahhighlands.com/community-garden.

Monica tends her patch at the Vista community gardens in Issaquah Highlands. Photos

by Sheryl Knappenberger.

"Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas."

— Elizabeth Murray “Right after the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders hit, I was bewildered with uncertainty. I live alone and I really felt that isolation. I came to the garden… it was just wonderful to find a place where I could safely interact in this calming environment with neighbors who share the same interests.”

— Kim Johnson, Sunset Walk gardener

“Our experience is that kids learn to grow while they are growing,”

— Pradeep Sahoo, Vista gardener

“I absolutely love to have my hands in the dirt, and I wanted my grandchild to grow up with that experience as well.”

—Debbie and Tom Braceland, Sunset Walk gardeners, with granddaughter, Stella

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August 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

Try Southern-Style Hospitality for a Socially-Distant Get Together

by Kimberly Kapustein, Highlands Council Board of Trustees Vice President and Dahlia Park Resident

P

rior to moving to Issaquah Highlands, living in Atlanta for eight years led me on a Southern journey of food, amazing friends, and of course, entertaining.

Neighborhood entertaining often meant enjoying that famous Southern hospitality on someone’s porch – an extension of their home and just as important as the interior. These easy, breezy, strolling get-togethers can be done relatively simply and yes, from afar* . You get to enjoy some needed neighbor or girlfriend time, and you can easily sit 6 feet apart with no need to make the house pristine. So how do we pull this off?

Bring the indoors outside.

No need to purchase extra items, just bring out a nice side table, maybe a rolling bar cart for drinks, an extra floor rug, pillows, throws for cooler evenings, and some plants. Dress the porch as you would a room in your home. Don’t have enough outdoor chairs? Bring some from the dining room table or the kitchen counter – everyone will be outside.

Keep it easy and safe.

In this time of COVID-19, we need to think of safety when offering food. Purchase individually wrapped items to share.

This is the perfect time for already-wrapped offerings of Baby Bell cheese, chips, pretzels, goldfish crackers, Little Debbie snack cakes (a Southern favorite), moon pies, otter

pops, and ice cream. Don’t wish to leave the Highlands?

Place a delivery order from Safeway, Costco, or our wonderful (and local resident) Ben Armlin of Issaquah Ice Cream Trike, who will deliver a unique assortment of ice cream right to your porch. Save the amazing recipes for family, and one day soon, friends. But for this, food is more about the gesture than the actual items.

It’s time for batch drinks.

Again, this is a relaxing kind of event – so allow people to help themselves. Feel free to make a large batch of a universal drink, wearing gloves if cutting fruit or handling ice, and place in a serve yourself drink container. I recently created a raspberry hibiscus iced tea for Juneteenth. It was kid-friendly as is or adults could add vodka, whiskey, or a hard spritzer for a little more fun. Just have enough on hand so it is easy to refill when low. Provide individual recyclable glassware with a marker for names. Or place a large tub or cooler of sodas, juice, beers, and wine (decent wine does come in cans and individual boxes now) where people are welcome to choose their drink of choice.

Light up the night and kick on the tunes.

Just as lighting is so important in the home, light up your porch! A summer porch party is all about the ambiance so

add your colorful Glassybabies, citronella candles, LED tea lights, bright lanterns, and string lights so the party can continue as the sun goes down. Music should be low enough to talk over but set a feeling. I love to play my Spotify playlist of all Madonna tunes, nothing but 80s to 70s R&B. And now you are ready for company!

In my former Atlanta neighborhood, one week the odd numbered homes, by address, hosted and the even numbers strolled, and the following week we switched. It allowed everyone to participate. Some homes decided to do a progressive menu, offering food and wine pairings. A threecourse meal was offered with matching wine at different homes: an appetizer at one home, an entrée at another, and finally an amazing dessert at the third, all pared with a unique wine. The following week a group of homes offered a dessert extravaganza; everything from crème brûlée to full-sized candy bars – it was a bit more work, but so much fun for those who stopped by to enjoy. And to keep things moving, the event was for a limited time – 7-9 p.m. – so no one stayed too long so they could meet and see what was offered at the next home. I guess it was a bit like a summer Halloween, but in true Southern style.

As we navigate this age of crisis, and think of new ways to engage, maybe we become “a little bit country” and take a moment to stop, say ‘hello,’ sit a spell, have a treat, and connect with the people who call this unique Issaquah Highlands community home. *For your safety, please refer to coronavirus.wa.gov/ what-you-need-know/stay-home-stay-healthy for the latest COVID-19 guidance related to gatherings and events.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

August 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 Gary Ashby, President Kimberly Kapustein, Vice President David Ngai, Treasurer Anna Preyapongpisen, Secretary Phil Nored, Trustee Jimmy Ochiltree, Trustee Chris Beaudoin, Trustee Zach Hall, 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, Communications 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 Kim Ngo, Blakely Hall Specialist| kim.k@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107 Vicki Grunewald, Communictions Specialist | 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 Tim Underwood Larry Norton Charlie Herb Allen Enebo Howard Kapustein David Ngai

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 20 -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 | kim.k@ihcouncil.org | 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

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 Nina Milligan, Communications Manager, at nina.m@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, Communications Manager, at nina.m@ihcouncil.org.

More information, ad packets/pricing, editorial calendar and electronic archives can be found here: 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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August 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

The Market Is Hot, The Time To List Is Now! Listing commissions starting at 1%, 2% and 3% options too

Upgrade Upgradeto toHarrison!

Harrison!

3566 3566 NE Harrison Harrison Way Drive NE

Just Listed!

SOLD/Multiple Offers!

Just Listed!

Pending Multiple Offers!

1880 25th 25th Ave 1520 24th 2024 Ave NE NE

1546Kensington 24th Ave NECt. 1915

$1,225,000 $775,000

MLS#1604864 MLS#1595809

$1,189,000 $875,000 $560,000

4 Bed / 2.5 Bath / 3,420 Sqft / Corner / 2rec.

Bonus Rooms Lower Lot level room

SOLD/Multiple Offers!

Just Listed!

27731943 NE Magnolia Street 12th Ct NE

$2,630,000 $2,630,000

1873 Ct 2436 NE 28thKenyon Place NE

$700,000 $745,000

SOLD/Multiple Offers!

Just Listed!

2034 2048 2492NE 32nd NENelson Ivy Ave Way NE Ln

MLS # 1583844 MLS#1583844

4 Bed / 3.75 Bath Luxury Finish Level/ 16,375 Sqft Lot/ Call for appt.

SOLD/Multiple Offers!

Just Listed!

MLS#1600992 MLS#1584625 MLS#1577330

4 Bed / 2.5 Bath / 2,900 Sqft / Great Location near Central Park

$$775,000 $695,000

MLS#1581263 MLS#1600080

$898,000 $989,000 $725,000

MLS#1567289 MLS#1596102 MLS#1554117

3 Bed / 2.5 Bath / 1,535 Sqft / Amazing Value and Location

2 Bed / 2.5 Bath / 2,290 Sqft / Irresistible Dahlia Park Home

Sold for $35,000 OverOffers!

List Price!

SOLD! SOLD/Multiple 1489 29th Ave Pl NE 1733 27th Ln NE 2048 32nd NE

SOLD/Multiple Offers!

All Cash Sale!

1880 24th 25th Ave 1545 Ave NE NE

2430 NE Iverson Lane

$1,525,000 MLS#1554791 $775,000 $989,000 MLS#1504969 MLS#1567289

$30,000 Over List!MLS#1577330 MLS#1518922 $560,000

MLS#1551921 MLS#1600078

3 Bed / 2.5 Bath / 1,420 Sqft / Immaculate Parkside Home

4 Bed / 2.5 Bath / 2,640 Sqft / Buchan greenbelt home

All Cash Sale!

$785,000

5 Bed / 3.25 Bath / 3,660 Sqft / Central Park view home

MLS#1524988

4 Bed / 2.5 Bath / 1,890 Sqft / Open concept parkside home

CALL (206) 890-6347 TO BUY OR SELL A HOME Preferred placement on Zillow & Trulia Open Houses/Brokers Open Unlimited Color Flyers Individualized Property Website Social Media Campaign Full Internet Exposure for your listing Professional HDR photography Virtual Home Tour 2 Listing Agents = Highest Level of Service Aerial drone photography

Professional move in/out cleaning as client gift Free staging consultation Zero pressure, 100% friendly, in home consultation designed to inform you about your options Local office next to SIP! Whole house staging Professional video production with narration Zillow video walk through RELOCATION CERTIFIED SIRVA, CARTUS, ALTAIR & MORE

Krista Mehr

Lynn Crane

Joey Dalupan

Krista Owen

Lisabet de Vos

Owner/Broker

Broker

Broker/Handyman

Broker

Broker

lynncrane.re@gmail.com

jdalupan@hotmail.com

206.890.6347

kristamehr@gmail.com

425.241.3225

206.437.0142

425.891.1545

photogbykrista@live.com

206.482.7211

ldv@lisabetdevosre.com

Carla Domingues Broker

425.614.6834

carlad47@outlook.com

Visit our NEW Issaquah Highlands Office located at 1114 NE Park Dr. - right next next to to SIP SIP Wine Wine Bar Bar