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CONNECTIONS
WINTER 2024
New Opportunities for Community
A Group for Every Interest in Issaquah Highlands New Year’s resolutions tend to start out strong for most, then fizzle out over a few months. However, achieving goals can feel so much more rewarding and attainable with support from the community around you.
MADDIE COATS Highlands Council Communications Manager
Figure Drawing Group Mondays, 9:30 a.m. Blakley Hall
Leader: Eric Oliner
Starting on Jan. 8, Figure Drawing Group is returning with weekly three-hour sessions at Blakely Hall. Please register in advance. The cost to pay our models is $15 per attendee. Our goal is to bring together artists, regardless of experience, who share a love of drawing the human figure and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people in our community. Artists bring their own easels and other drawing aids. Some use charcoal, pencils, watercolors or a combination of media. Typically, we vary the length of poses to exercise our observation and drawing skills, frequently alternating short and long poses. Aside from simply enjoying drawing as a pastime, we hope to encourage interaction among the artists and appreciation of one another’s talents. The group is open to all— newcomers and old-timers alike. We are non-judgmental and excited to share the work everyone creates, regardless of experience or approach. But for those who wish to keep their drawings private, there is no pressure to share at all.
Is your goal for 2024 to exercise more? Consider joining Tai Chi Fitness Class or Yoga Club. Do you want to pick up a new hobby? Try your hand at Figure Drawing Group, Photography Club or Chess Club. Are you hoping to grow your network of friends in the new year? We hope to see you at Toddler Playgroup, Senior Social Group or any other group that looks enjoyable to you. In Issaquah Highlands, we offer an assortment of groups for all types of interests. Explore each of the community groups and meet the leaders below. We are always looking to add new community groups. If you have an idea for a new group, email lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org with suggestions.
Senior Social Group
Book Club
2nd Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Blakely Hall
Tuesdays, 2 p.m. Blakely Hall
Leader: Position Open!
Currently searching for a group leader. Are you interested? Email lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org. Highlands Council formed Senior Social Group after numerous requests from neighbors to connect seniors in the community. The group meets at Blakely Hall for social time every Tuesday from 2–3:30 p.m. Coffee, tea and snacks are provided each week, courtesy of Sunrise Senior Living. The group participates in a variety of activities, from bingo to philanthropic projects. Guest speakers are planned occasionally—one previous speaker covered the various ways to receive Medicare benefits. Neighbors are encouraged to visit, share stories and bond over common interests. If you have ideas for activities or speakers you want to see, email lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org with suggestions!
Leader: Lisa Collins
The goal of Book Club is to connect with others over a shared love of reading. It’s an opportunity to read books you might not pick up on your own, discuss them and perhaps better understand the story. It’s not a requirement to have finished the book to come to the discussion, although you must be okay with spoilers. Sometimes, a discussion helps someone to decide if they want to finish the book after getting stuck. We’re open to everyone and enjoy having multiple perspectives. Everyone reacts to books differently; it makes for wonderful discussions. New people can check the community calendar at issaquahhighlands.com/events or join the Facebook group “Issaquah Highlands Book Club” to know what book is being read next and come to a meeting.