February 2017

CONNECTIONS FR

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNIT Y NEWS www.issaquahhighlands.com | facebook.com/issaquahhighlands

February 2017

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E ?

4 5 12 13 14 16 18 18 19 19

New Resident Orientation Feature: Development News Winter Concert IHCA Role in Development IHCA News What’s Happening Volunteer of the Month Life in the USA Highlands Council Highlands Youth

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Issaquah City News Photo Treasure Hunt Highlands Fiber Network Ask Kari Emergency Preparedness Fitness & Health School Spotlight Living Green RE in the Highlands Culture through Cuisine

31 Directory

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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February 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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3 bed / 2.5 bath / 1694 sq ft

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Issaquah Highlands Premier Real Estate Program Designed to Serve Your Needs!  Top tier marketing package; Exceptional contract negotiation; Outstanding results & statistics.  Local Issaquah Highlands real estate office designed to serve & support your real estate needs.  “Listing of the Week “ feature in resident E-newsletter emailed to all residents weekly.  Prominent page 2 Connections Newspaper advertisement.  Proprietary & paid premium placement on Homes.com; Zillow; Trulia ; Realtor.com among others.  FREE professional staging consultation by top local stager. Furnishing & accessorizing options.  FREE 1 year home warranty to buyer, with seller coverage during listing & pending phase.  Full accessorizing with a custom home-book, featured tags, shoe removal & more.  Color flyers, always stocked, plus “SMART-FLYER” sign-boards.  Open houses, proprietary E-blast marketing system to all showing agents with survey reports.  Honest & trustworthy. Goal oriented to your goals & timing. Great recent references always available.  Certified Negotiation Expert & other top level designations. RELOCATION CERTIFIED by all.  Representing Sellers & Buyers in Issaquah Highlands & surrounding communities.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

FROM THE EDITOR Groundbreaking

Living in a construction zone is nothing new to folks in Issaquah Highlands. The first residents moved into their homes in 1998. The community has been under construction ever since, except for a few years in the late 2000’s. Many will remember how the heavy machinery evacuated and things quieted down during the recession.

But for a few years now, Issaquah Highlands has been a bee hive of construction activity. Have you checked out our new neighborhoods?

The Brownstones, Sun Ridge, Pine Crest? How about the new homes on Harrison Streets? Besides beautiful homes, these neighborhoods all provide our quintessential walking paths and neighborhood parks, well worth a visit.

It takes years for a neighborhood to be planned, approved and then built. What was on the boards in the last couple years are just now being built. And there’s more still in planning stages! See in these pages where we are today and what to expect over the next couple years.

Development is a big topic of interest around here. That’s why we dedicate more pages to this topic than we usually dedicate to the feature story. But your favorite resident, volunteer columnists are still in here, too. Ask Kari, Life in the USA, Living Green, the Photo Treasure Hunt, and more. HFN provides a development update of its own. The IHCA provides valuable information for homeowners and the community on the whole.

Keep this issue of Connections handy as the year rolls along. I think you will find that you refer to it, as I do, when you have questions, or your neighbors have questions, about what’s going on. Keep these answers handy!

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.

February 2017 •

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February 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2017 •

NEW HOMES MEAN NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO UPGRADE OR DOWNSIZE WITHIN ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS

By Nina Milligan, Highlands Council Communication Manager

It’s obvious to anyone traveling along Highlands Drive that new construction continues in Issaquah Highlands. How many new homes are they building over by West Highlands Park? And by Swedish? Will the property across from Starbucks always be

undeveloped? Find out the answers to these questions in the following pages and in our special Development News page at IssaquahHighlands.com.

BUILT HOMES

4,012

HOMES COMING 2017-18

438

TOTAL HOMES ENTITLED IN ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS

4,450 Central Park The High Street Collection Westridge North Townhomes Grand Ridge Plaza And more!

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February 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections To Lakeside Apartments

GROUNDBREAKING

POLYGON BROWNSTONES

1.2M SQFT COMMERCIAL

Y ER OV S SC T DI IGH HE

ds

lan

gh

ive Dr NE

KING COUNTY PROPERTY

SWEDISH HOSPITAL ISSAQUAH

Dr.

8th Ave NE

7th Ave NE

See page 11.

Di

y ver sco

Hi

NE

THE HIGH STREET COLLECTION

King County Property

GRAND RIDGE PLAZA

ERY COV DIS HTS G HEI T WES

In last year’s Development Update issue, we focused on the public process that projects go through in the Highlands. Throughout the year, Highlands Council kept you up-to-date on opportunities for you to participate and speak your mind about development plans in the Highlands. Many of you showed up. And you made a difference. Now you can learn in these pages the results of that process, along with details of what’s breaking ground in Issaquah Highlands in 2017. .

NE Park Dr.

NE Ellis Dr.

WEST HIGHLANDS PARK

It is unclear if any additional schools will be sited in Issaquah Highlands, but one thing is for sure, there will be a lot of construction. In addition to new residential housing, in the forms of apartments, townhomes, single family homes and luxury, custom homes, Central Park’s Pad #1 is getting an overhaul and the IHCA is building a new maintenance facility down below Black Nugget Park.

WESTRIDGE NORTH 193 HOMES

9th Ave NE

As for schools, the 2016 Issaquah School District bond passed with strong support. This capital bond provides for construction of two new elementary schools, one new middle school and one new high school, district wide. At press time, there was no report of new school locations. But Superintendent Ron Thiele, in his State of the Schools address to the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce on January 11th said that he expects the District to close on at least one land deal by this spring.

THE HIGH STREET COLLECTION

72 homes – Westridge South 193 homes – Westridge North 135 apartments – Block 19 38 homes – Harrison Streets & Grand Ridge Drive = 438 New Homes in Issaquah Highlands

NE High St.

Highlands Drive NE

Groundbreaking in 2017-18

Over 400 new homes are expected to be under construction in Issaquah Highlands over the next couple years. Many residents have expressed concerns, particularly about traffic and schools. Regarding traffic, master developer Port Blakely paid it forward by building all the roads required before the buildings were built. Don’t expect any significant capacity increases to come with these new homes.

NE Blakely Dr.

WESTRIDGE SOUTH 72 HOMES

H

SWEDISH HOSPITAL ISSAQUAH

The City of Issaquah is in the process of purchasing a parcel of land owned by King County just west of Westridge South and east of I-90.

Expect to see more news on this in Q2 2017.

To I-90 and Downtown Issaquah

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2017 •

WESTRIDGE SOUTH SINGLE FAMILY HOMES In 2016, Issaquah’s City Council approved Polygon Homes’ Westridge South application to build 72 single family homes immediately west of Swedish Hospital. IH residents raised issues and complaints about neighborhood character and the removal of the storm water pond and the trail around the pond. Polygon responded by revising home designs. Members of the public worked with the city and Polygon Homes to design a new trail going around the perimeter of the property.

Homes here will range from 2,200 to 3,550 square feet with three configurations: 2-story, 2-story with daylight basement, and 3-story with “tuck under” garages. The model homes could be under construction by early February with homes offered for sale by midsummer. This neighborhood should be finished in the spring of 2018.

WESTRIDGE NORTH TOWNHOMES

In 2016 the City of Issaquah’s Urban Village Development Commission (UVDC) approved 109 condominium-townhomes to be built on 8.5 acres west of 9th Ave N.E., north of Discovery Drive, in the middle of what once was the Microsoft property.

This accounts for a portion of the 265 entitled units slated for the larger residential development on this land. There will be new roads and pedestrian through-ways to the West Highlands Park neighborhood.

The floor plans for these townhomes will be similar to The Brownstones, just completed on Ellis Drive.

They will be three to four stories, each building comprising two to six units. However, the exterior character will be significantly different, with a more contemporary or modern style. At press time, building designs were not available to include here. Design plans go through a lengthy review process (see IHCA page 13). Polygon expects construction to begin late summer 2017.

On January 18th the City of Issaquah’s City Council Land and Shore Committee voted unanimously to deny Polygon’s proposal to add 100 residential units to Westridge North as per a transfer of development rights (TDRs) from Park Pointe. The proposal goes before the full Council on February 21st.

Primary pedestrian circulation routes Primary vehicular access into the site is provided via Alleys and Character Streets which have multiple points of connection with the perimeter Sub-Collector I streets which flank the Property.

BLOCK 5 GRAND RIDGE PLAZA

At press time we did not have any details about future additions to Grand Ridge Plaza. However, if the Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement (DA) terminates at the end of 2017, unused entitlement could be lost. From the 2012 Site Development Permit, Regency has approval to build up to 3,000 square feet of retail on the corner of NE High Street and 9th Ave NE. Regency has approximately 5,200 square feet of remaining entitlement, which might be constructed in that location if it were consistent with the conditions of approval. Watch Issaquah Highlands media for any news on this as it is released.

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February 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

BLOCK 19

Block 19, located at the northeast corner of NE Falls Drive and 10th Avenue NE, is now in the early stages of design after a series of meetings with the City of Issaquah and the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Builder Architectural Review Committee (BARC). Property owner Sumitomo Forestry America has partnered with Trammell Crow Residential to develop 135 residential apartments, each approximately 1,000 sf. Clark Design Group of Seattle are the architects. Fronting on 10thAve NE, units will enjoy views of the community pond behind, especially from the roof-top deck. (commonly referred to as the WSDOT pond).

BLOCK 20

This 1.24 acre lot on 10th Ave NE, south of Falls Drive, has had a chain link fence around it for years. The most action we have seen on this property was a “For Auction” sign go up, and then fall down. The owner of record is SYCAN B CORP+NEWGATE LLC. The Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement (DA) entitlement allows for up to 90,000 square feet of commercial development.

Tract D

The City of Issaquah owns the property at the base of College Drive at 15th Ave NE that some locals fondly call Stump Park. It’s a little over an acre and currently slated for up to 50 units of “affordable housing”. In 2016, Polygon NW proposed developing this land for the City with 25 units of for-sale affordable housing, plus one group home. On January 18, the City Council Land and Shore Committee, tasked with researching and deliberating this proposal, voted unanimously to deny the proposal when it goes to the full City Council for a vote on February 21st.

Bellevue College

Bellevue College (BC) owns 20 acres on College Drive, behind Grand Ridge Elementary. They have an approved permit to build a 425,000 square foot campus. There has been no further action taken towards building the campus. Keith Niven, Director Development Services and Economic Development for the City of Issaquah, surmises, “Until they (BC) hire a new president, plans seem to be stalled.”

The land uses entitled to this property could be converted to 310 residential units.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2017 •

GRAND RIDGE ELEMENTARY

NE Park Dr. NE High St.

15 th

Av e

NE

TRACT D

SUNSET PARK BLOCK #19 135 Apts.

BELLEVUE COLLEGE FOREST RIDGE

10th Ave NE

BLOCK #20

Central Park Pad #1

ICHIJO SUNRIDGE

See Page 10.

PINE CREST

DISCOVERY HEIGHTS

Harrison Street & Grand Ridge Drive Custom Homes

The Harrison Streets neighborhood includes 90 building lots total, 61 homes are complete, 22 home sites are currently under construction, leaving seven lots yet to be developed. Of the 40 properties total in the Grand Ridge Drive neighborhood, there are six remaining available for sale (and one resale). 16 are built, eight have construction plans in process.

Definitions

Audience Comments: An opportunity to speak publicly, addressing a body such as the City Council, on a topic that is not scheduled for a Public Hearing at that meeting. City Council provides this opportunity at the beginning of each meeting. The UVDC and City Council committees also welcome audience comments. (See specific agendas on the City website.)

Affordable Housing (distinct from low income housing): As governed by the Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement (DA), 30% of residential development shall be “affordable housing”. The DA further defines “affordable” as that which is calculated as affordable to those earning 80, 100 and 120% of the King County median income. (Currently, the King County household median income is $73,000.)

Commercial Uses Include: Office, Hotel, Restaurants, Fitness, Entertainment, Warehousing/ Storage, Light Manufacturing, etc.

Development Agreement (DA): An agreement (contract) between a land owner and a jurisdiction, such as a city, that determines how a property will be developed. The agreement has a term (i.e. 20 years) and “runs” with the land, if sold. Issaquah Highlands’ original DA was signed in 1996.

End of DAs: A casual reference to the end of buildout period of the Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement (DA), and the agreement’s termination. Even though undeveloped properties remain in the Highlands, the City or the Master Developer can choose to terminate the DA at the end of the buildout period, which occurs in 2017.

Entitlement: Amount of residential, commercial or institutional development allowed by a contract such as a Development Agreement.

Moratorium: In September 2016, the City of Issaquah enacted a six-month moratorium on certain types of development. There are many exceptions. Notable to Issaquah Highlands is that all land governed by Development Agreements is excluded.

Public Hearing: A scheduled opportunity to speak on the record on a specific topic. The Urban Village Development Commission (UVDC) and City Council both hold Public Hearings.

Public notice of a hearing will be provided at least 10 days in advance. Sign up on the City’s website, “Notify Me” to receive email notices of Public Hearings.

Retail Uses Include: Stores and Shops, Grocery Stores, Banks, Winery/Brewery, etc.

Site Development Permit (SDP): When a development is large or complicated the Site Development Permit application process is used, which includes a Public Hearing.

Urban Village Development Commission (UVDC): A commission serving by appointment of the Mayor to review and approve (or recommend to approve) applications to develop land in the city’s Urban Villages, such as Issaquah Highlands.

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February 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Where Are We Now?

CENTRAL PARK UPDATES Central Park Pad 1 Site Plan

Central Park Good to Go, Mostly

by Nina Milligan, Highlands Council, Communication Manager After years of planning and almost four years after the people of Issaquah voted to pass a bond measure that slated Central Park’s Pad 1 as a lighted, artificial turf field, reconstruction of Pad 1 begins this year.

Pad 1, the grass baseball field nearest the big playground, will be reconstructed with artificial turf, some peripheral amenities and field lights.

Background Central Park was deeded in 1993 to the City of Issaquah by the Highlands master developer, Port Blakely Communities, as mitigation from another Issaquah development, Montreaux. The original development of the park followed a Site Development Permit approved in 2003.

Central Park Pad 1 site plan as per the November 2016-approved amendment to its Site Development Permit. Expect to see Pad 1 replaced with artificial turf and lights in 2017. But not all elements have funding at this time. For instance, parking will not be extended to the north. Rather, the City Maintenance Yard to the west, behind the water tank on Park Drive NE, will be converted into interim parking.

Site Plan - Phase II

Approval Process & Budget After a robust public process, the Urban Village Development Commission (UVDC) passed an amendment to the 2003 permit on November 15, 2016. This major amendment covers all foreseeable park improvements, including to Pad 4 (across from Pad 1) and Pad 2 (tennis court side of park), as illustrated in Phase II (see graphic).

Approved plans still need funding. During council budget deliberations, Issaquah Highlands community members, such as Peter Kim and Mark Burles, reminded the council of the importance of LED lighting and expanded parking on Central Park Lane. Neither were included in the 2017 budget.

Breaking Ground What we expect to see constructed in 2017 are the following improvements to Pad 1: • Replace grass baseball field with two multi-use, artificial turf fields • Install field lighting • Install some spectator seating • Install some field amenities and paths • Convert City Operations Yard into interim parking Other upgrades to Pad 1 requested but not yet funded in the 2017 budget include: • Expanding the width of on-street parking on Central Park Lane • Upgrading lighting to LED, low-spill, directional lighting • Picnic Shelter • Additional amenities /seating/paths

The City of Issaquah’s Urban Village Development Commission (UVDC) approved this comprehensive plan to amend Central Park’s Site Development Permit in November 2016. Changes to the park are therefore “approved” but many still require funding to be realized.

Currently, some of the upgrades to Pad 1 are funded in 2017.

Concerned Residents Speak Out at City Council Meeting

These additional upgrades may still be performed in 2017.

They are being put out to bid so that the City Council can consider competitive pricing options.

If you are interested in following Central Park’s development in 2017, sign up for alerts on the City of Issaquah web page. Choosing both Parks and Finance news topics should work keep you up to date.

Expect to see work begin in the spring.

Visit our website for more information and a closer look at these plans: www.issaquahhighlands.com/learn/ development-in-issaquah-highlands/.

Peter Kim and son, Issaquah Highlands residents living on 24th Ave NE, voiced overall support of the project December 12, 2016 when the Issaquah City Council deliberated the parks costs for the 2017 budget. Kim also expressed that he was “concerned about road safety” and pointed out that “LED is a big concern with light pollution.”

Issaquah Highlands resident, Mark Burles, also from 24th Ave NE, expressed opposition to the project on the whole at the December 12th Issaquah City Council meeting, but stated, “If you are going to do it, do it right!” He reiterated others’ concerns about field lighting saying, “Light impacts are severe!”

Images of public comments were derived from ICTV, Issaquah’s 24-hour government access TV. All city council meetings are televised. They can be seen on a TV with Comcast channels, or online. See IssaquahWA.gov > Your Government > ICTV.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2017 •

Where Are We Now?

THE HIGH STREET COLLECTION Proposal Scaled Back, For Now

Early High Street Collection Conceptual Design

by Nina Milligan, Highlands Council, Communication Manager The last big piece of undeveloped land in Issaquah Highlands is what was formerly owned by Microsoft, the large parcel to the west of 9th Ave NE. A little over 47 acres, the western portion is slated for residential development (see pages 6-7). The other portion, directly along 9th and Discovery, is owned by Shelter Holdings, LLC. Shelter Holdings proposed in July 2016 “The High Street Collection”, a large-scale, mixed-use residential development.

The development diverges from the current land uses entitled* to this property. Therefore, Shelter Holdings proposed a new Development Agreement* to govern the land.

Much has changed in Issaquah since then. Here is background information, along with the latest proposal by Shelter Holdings, revealed at their open house at Blakely Hall on January 19th.

Lay of the Land

At the July 13th 2016 open house at Blakely Hall, developer Shelter Holdings presented its plan to develop 21.5 acres along 9th Ave NE. Plazas and wide sidewalks would provide gathering spaces for the public. The much-requested swimming pool could be commissioned to a member-based club.

As per the Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement (DA): • 21.5 undeveloped acres along 9th Ave NE and Discovery Drive • Entitled with 1.86 million square feet of commercial and retail uses, plus 3 residential units

Current Conceptual Design

The Issaquah Highlands DA is expected to terminate at the end of 2017. At that time the City of Issaquah’s administration (the Mayor’s office) has proposed to apply zoning to Highlands’ properties that mimics their current entitlements.

Market Data Leads Development Concept In May 2016, Shelter Holdings shared at an open house at Blakely Hall what their market research revealed about demand for potential development on their site: • 330,000 square feet retail, office and commercial space • 2,500 residential units Shelter Holdings representatives also spent time talking with members of our community to learn what they would like to see in such a development.

Conceptual Plan Returning to Blakely Hall in July 2016, Shelter Holdings presented their first design concepts, called The High Street Collection: • 316,500 square feet retail, office and commercial space • 1,800 residential units Shelter Holdings filled Blakely Hall with large displays of building renderings and data. Colorful sketches illustrated lively ground floor retail and commercial uses topped by four stories of residential.

About 60 residents attended the open house, bringing a mix of opinions, though most agreed that 1,800 additional homes in Issaquah Highlands were too many.

January 2017: Shelter Holdings representatives returned to Blakely Hall. They explained that they now plan to scale back a proposal to the City.

Shelter Holdings followed up by hosting several small focus groups in Blakely Hall to learn about community preferences and priorities.

2017 Development Update January 19, 2017, Shelter Holdings representatives returned to Blakely Hall. They announced that they plan to scale back their plans for the short term.

The current Shelter Holdings plan is to: Focus on commercial and retail • Focus on developing the blocks nearest Swedish Hospital, along Discovery Drive, as medical office, commercial and retail • Request an extension of the Issaquah Highlands

Development Agreement on their blocks under the same development regulations as the rest of the Issaquah Highlands so they be developed.

Apply for a Binding Site Plan and/or Plat • A plan or plat would not only establish blocks and roadways, but also 1.8 million square feet of “allowable development” of commercial and retail plus three units of residential across the property (see “entitlement” definition on page 9).

For reference, Grand Ridge Plaza has approximately 325,000 square feet of retail space. Discovery Heights and Discovery West have 570 residential units combined.

For more information, visit issaquahhighlands.com/learn/ development-in-the-highlands.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2017 •

13

Building an Urban Village Neighborhood

in

How It All Gets Done

by Sarah Hoey, IHCA Executive Director Ever wonder what role the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) plays when it comes to building a new neighborhood with a production builder? Many do not realize the complexity and collaboration involved in planning and approving new construction neighborhood projects within Issaquah Highlands.

As the Executive Director for IHCA, I administrate the building process together with the Builder Architectural Review Committee (BARC) which consists of architects, engineers, and designers, as well as developers, builders, and representatives from the City to ensure the new neighborhood design follows the spirit and vision of the Issaquah Highlands. This includes following architectural

standards, created as part of the master developer’s (Port Blakely) original vision for the community.

Currently, we have three neighborhoods completing construction in 2017: Ichijo’s Sun Ridge, Toll Brother’s Pine Crest (both off Falls Drive), and Polygon’s Brownstones south of Grand Ridge Plaza.

In 2017, we will be working on Polygon’s Westridge South neighborhood which will consist of 72 single family homes adjacent to Swedish Hospital. I am also involved with several new projects that are in the design concept/ development stage.

IHCA Works At Every Step of the Architectural Review process:

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1

3

4

5

Getting Started: Site Plan Review

Next: Building Permit Process

Then: Landscape Design Process

Site Building Construction Process

Finally: Landscape Construction Process

1. BARC orientation meeting with applicant

1. BARC design review of all architectural plans with applicant

1. BARC design review of all landscape plans with applicant

1. Pre-construction meeting with BARC

1. Landscaping pre-construction meeting with builder

2. Review feedback/corrections required submitted back to applicant from BARC

2. Post framing field inspection per house/building completed

by BARC

2. Inspection of soil and site preparation

3. Additional follow up meetings, if required

3. Post siding/color inspection completed by BARC

4. Conditional BARC approval

4. Final neighborhood inspection completed by BARC, punch list created

2. Collaborative meeting with city development team 3. Pre-application meeting to review initial plat plans/ review comment period 4. Additional joint meeting with city and applicant to review any revisions 5. BARC application approval from IHCA 6. City grants conditional approval 7. City approves via Urban Village Development Commission and City Council approval

2. Review feedback/corrections required submitted back to applicant from BARC 3. Additional follow up meetings, if required 4. Conditional BARC approval 5. Submit building permit to City 6. City review process 7. City approval of architectural plans including architectural style and design

5. Submit building permit to City 6. City review process 7. City approval of landscape plans considering architectural style and design

5. Additional follow up final inspection as needed

3. Final inspection of as built/ designed approved plans, punch list created 4. Follow up final inspection 5. Irrigation system audit by engineer to ensure compliance with as-built designs and city code

6. BARC issues final field review report to City based on approved as built/designed plans 7. City completes final inspections

Each application can take years to complete. This is just one element of the work your HOA does for you.

The IHCA goes beyond how a traditional HOA is involved in the process. Typically after a community is built, the builder completes the entire project and transitions it to a homeowner-appointed board.

Given the dynamic development in Issaquah Highlands, it is my job to support growth without wavering from our mission: to manage the governance structure, community standards, administration, maintenance and preservation of Issaquah Highlands as a master planned community of residential, nonresidential, open space and other uses.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Is My View Protected?

How Does the Violation Policy Work?

A Covenant for View Protection establishes corner height limits for any structure and vegetation height limits on a lot and is only enforceable if it is recorded. A number of homes within the Issaquah Highlands, particularly those higher up in the community, have this covenant. It should be listed on the Owners Title Insurance Policy that you received from the title company at the time of your closing.

Did you receive one of the pesky violation notices in the mail? It may have been a Warning Notice or worse, a Fine Notice. The Violation Schedule Policy was adopted by the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board of Directors in December of 2008 and was last amended December, 2013. This policy is not and was never intended to be used as a source of revenue for the IHCA. Instead, it is in place to ensure that all rules are abided by all members of the community.

by Collene Cordova, Owner Services Coordinator-Compliance

A Covenant for View Protection does not mean that your view is protected, it means your neighbor’s view is protected. It means that your home was built with structured elevations to protect views of neighboring homes, typically those slightly higher and behind your home. It also means that any vegetation on your property can not grow past the roofline of your home, and that you are responsible for such maintenance.

by Collene Cordova, Owner Services Coordinator-Compliance

Since your home is already built, you would not need to be concerned with the structure, unless of course you were planning on exterior remodeling that changes your roof lines. To ensure that your vegetation does not exceed your roofline, stand in the highest corner of your lot to get a clear view in determining if anything is higher than your roofline. This includes all trees and shrubs on your property, especially vegetation planted on the back of your property if your backyard is sloped or terraced. If anything does exceed your roofline, it is your responsibility to have those trees and or shrubs trimmed. It may be necessary to ask your neighbor who lives behind you to access their backyard to get a better view of your roofline. They will appreciate your consideration of maintaining the Covenant for View Protection.

If you are not sure if your lot has this covenant recorded against it, please contact me at collene.c@ihcommunity.org as I have a list of lots with this covenant. Remember, the lot in front of you may have a covenant and you would want them to maintain it just as you are required to maintain yours should your lot have one. Thank you for doing your part in making the Issaquah Highlands a wonderful place to call home.

Below is a hypothetical situation of how the violation process works: • A Warning Notice is sent via US Postal Service to the unit owner for a lawn that is overgrown which is a violation of the Community Wide Standards. The unit owner has seven days to comply from the date of the notice (we take into consideration the mailing time before conducting the follow up inspection which is usually two weeks after the Warning Notice).

• If the lawn is still overgrown (remember, this is two weeks after the inspection that initiated the Warning Notice) a 1st Fine Notice is mailed and a $50.00 fine may be issued.

• If the lawn is still overgrown at the next inspection (two weeks after the 1st Fine) then a 2nd Fine Notice is mailed and $100.00 fine may be issued.

The views are breathtaking from Issaquah Highlands. But very few are protected. Enjoy this one while you can, a view of the City of Seattle and the Olympic Mountains from Grandview Park.

Section of IHCA Bark Park Closed for 4 Days in February

This winter, the wooden bark portion of the large dog section of Bark Park has turned into a muddy, frozen mess.

While doing some investigation, we learned that the bark was placed directly on the dirt which leads to this muddy mess. For the love of our furry friends, we will be temporarily closing the large dog section February 7 - 10th. We will remove all the old bark, line the flooring with a barrier and apply fresh bark. While we are at it, we will be removing the old wood shelter and replacing it with more covered seating. The small dog park will remain open and large dogs will be allowed in the small dog section for these four days only. As a reminder, we ask that you do not allow your dog to dig holes in the grass areas as this create hazardous holes in which other dogs can trip and injure their legs.

Happy Valentine’s Day to our four legged friends – enjoy!

Sarah Hoey, IHCA Executive Director

• If the lawn is still overgrown and at this point, it’s been six weeks since the initial Warning Notice, the lawn would be a jungle and a 3rd Fine Notice is mailed and a $150.00 fine may be issued. Any subsequent inspections would continue to be fined at $150.00.If you received a notice that you feel is in error, email the IHCA representative who sent you the notice. Maybe it’s not your property; maybe there is a valid reason for the violation. Many times, we can remedy the situation before it escalates. If we can’t come to an agreeable conclusion, you may issue an appeal to the Covenant Committee, which is made up of homeowners just like yourself. Please do not wait until you receive the statement with the fine from the accounting department. The time to issue an appeal is when you receive the violation notice. Also, the email address to submit an appeal is located at the bottom of the notice. Please make sure you type it in correctly or we will not receive your appeal.

Once you have received a Warning Notice for a particular rule violation, you will not revert back to Warning Notices until you have been violation free for two years from the date of the prior notice. For example: if you received a landscape Warning Notice in June of 2016 for not mowing your lawn, received a subsequent 1st Fine Notice and then didn’t mow your lawn in May of 2017, you would not receive another Warning Notice. You’d receive a 2nd Fine Notice.

If you have tenants living in your unit and a rules violation occurs, we will mail a notice to your tenant at the property address and also one to you at your forwarding address. If we were never informed that you are renting out your unit, the violation notice would only be mailed to the property address in your name. You may never receive it. If that is the case, this is not an acceptable excuse as to why the notices were not addressed in a timely manner. Also, we do not bill your tenants for violations. It is your responsibility as the unit owner/landlord to pay any fines. (You may seek reimbursements from your tenants on your own, if your lease provides for this.) You may have a new tenant every year but violations are issued at the level (Warning Notice, 1st Fine, 2nd Fine, 3rd Fine) dictated by the history of the property under the unit owner, so please make sure your tenants are aware of the rules.

The Violation Schedule Policy can be found on our website at issaquahhighlands.com on page 24 of the Use Restrictions and Rules (URRs). These policies are put in place to ensure that the Issaquah Highlands remains clean, well-maintained, and aesthetically pleasing to residents, while enhancing property values. Thank you for doing your part in making the Issaquah Highlands a beautiful place to call home.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

When a Tree Falls, Who is Responsible for the Damage?

The IHCA often receives calls from homeowners who have either had a tree fall in their yard or are worried about an ominous looking tree in the green belt that “could fall at any time”. They want to know who’s responsible. It is presumed that whoever owns the land the tree is on is responsible. Easy right? Wrong…

Under state law, if a healthy tree that does not appear to be a danger falls, the person who sustains the damage has to pay for it, because it is considered an act of nature.

The owner of an obviously dead or dying tree, one that a reasonable person would presume is a risk, can be held responsible for damage caused when it falls if they are aware of that potential.

Anyone who sees a tree that may be in danger of falling should take photos and notify the property owner by certified letter immediately. This will help if the tree does fall and damage

property. The letter and photos will help prove the property owners were aware and should have taken action.

Without documentation, property owners can assert they were not aware their tree was in bad shape, and can be absolved of responsibility.

This map shows you who owns the land that is next to your property. If you are worried about that scary looking tree, especially if there is a wind storm in the forecast, don’t hesitate to contact the responsible party and let them know you would like it examined so hopefully any disasters can be avoided.

Protect yourselves and be proactive if you are suspicious of dangerous trees surrounding your yard!

Contact information: IHCA: Lyle Dickey, Landscape Manager, 425-2238039 or lyle.d@ihcommunitylorg or after-hours emergency number: 425-223-8887 City of Issaquah: Matt Mechler, Open Space Steward , 425-837-3362 or mattm@issaquahwa.gov Excerpt from City of Issaquah web site: “What about emergency situations?

The City recognizes that emergency situations may arise that require a rapid response and immediate removal of imminently hazardous trees. This is certainly allowed, but it is asked that as much documentation as possible of the removed/altered trees be recorded – digital photos are most helpful – so that permits, as necessary, can be issued retroactively and tracking of removed trees can be completed. If a permit is required for removal of a hazardous tree as part of an emergency action, then the permit fee is waived.”

King County: 206-477-4527 or parksinfo@ kingcounty.gov. The 24-hour duty officer can be reached after-hours by calling the Helpline at 206477-8100 or toll-free at 800-527-6237 (they have an agreement for after-hours assistance with King County Roads customer service).

If you are worried about a tree that seems diseased or damaged, threatening to fall in your yard or on your house, contact the tree’s property owner.

It’s Time to Schedule Those Big Projects

by Collene Cordova, Owner Services Coordinator-Compliance Spring is just around the corner which is typically the time of year that the big household projects begin to take shape. Now is the time to schedule with your contractors for exterior house painting, fence repair and painting, moss removal, major landscaping projects, A/C installation, satellite dish installation, roof replacement and the like.

Many of these improvements require Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval. Forms can be found at IssaquahHighlands.com. Some of these improvements can be approved in a matter of days while others will need to go before the ARC Committee, which only meets on the first Tuesday of each month. See What’s Happening, pages 16-17.

2017 IHCA Board of Directors Election Begins in February

• Districts 1,3,5, and ‘at large’ are up for election this year (see district map at IssaquahHighlands.com) • Statement of interest forms (SOI’s) will be mailed to all homeowners for the 2017 election districts the week of February 6th • Deadline for submittals of SOI’s is February 28, 2017 • SOI’s reviewed by nominating committee • Nominating committee presents slates of candidates to board for ballot consideration • IHCA Board of Directors selects candidates • Ballots mailed to all owners in those districts May 1,2017 (available on survey monkey) • Return date for ballots May 24, 2017 • Election results announced at the IHCA annual meeting June 28, 2017 at Blakely Hall

Issaquah Highlands Use Restrictions & Rules Reminders Animals: Dogs must be kept on leash and under control of a responsible party at all times when not contained within the boundaries of the Unit. Pets shall not be allowed to roam free. Owners must clean up after and properly dispose of pet waste. Owners shall take sufficient steps to prevent their pets from unreasonably disturbing others and shall be responsible for any damages caused by their pet or the pet(s) of any guest or tenant.

Thank you for doing your part.

ARC Tip of the Month:

Did you know… You can get immediate approval to install a fence with a preapproved style without waiting for the Architecture Review Committee (ARC) meeting? There is no fee and approval is immediate if it meets the requirements.

See issaquahhighlands.com/learn/ihcaapplications-forms/ for the appropriate application.

Email erika.n@ihcommunity.org for details.

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February 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Kids & Families

Club Inclusive

Cancelled in February, Next meeting March 9th Blakely Hall Sponsored by LEO and Athletes for Kids A club for kids with special needs focused on acceptance and inclusion. A safe and fun place where kids can be themselves. Contact Alicia Spinner at alispinner@yahoo.com Also see facebook.com/ClubInclusiveBlakeyHall/

Minecraft Mania

Tuesday, February 14th & 28th, 5pm Blakely Hall

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 Every Wednesday, 10am Cancelled February 22nd Blakely Hall Newborn to Age 4

Moms, dads, caregivers and their children are invited for fun, friendship, support and socializing. Contact katiels84@gmail.com or Alicia Spinner at alispinner@yahoo.com. Search Facebook for Issaquah Highlands Toddler Playgroup

Russian Highlanders Kids Club

Thursday, February 2nd, 9:30am Blakely Hall

Please join us once a month for a fun hour of music, stories and games in Russian language for kids ages 2.5-4.5.

Younger kids and siblings are welcome, just bring some toys to keep the kids engaged. Wonderful opportunity for you spend time with Russian speaking families, to make new friends and learn, preserve and enrich the Russian cultural traditions. All are welcome! We hope to see you there.

Questions? Please contact Elena at 860-716-6467

New! SCRATCH-ing the Surface Tuesday, February 7th, 5:00pm Blakely Hall

A new club for kids interested in coding and pursuing a future in computer science. For elementary and middle school-aged kids. Contact is Sharon Godavarthi.

Parent contact: Rajesh.godavarthi@gmail.com. You’ll need a laptop with SCRATCH program downloaded.

See sharongodavarthi.Wixsite.com/mysite or IssaquahHighlands.com/events for more information.

Arts & Cards Art in Blakely Hall

Solo Show, the Late Dorothy Bonneau through February Blakely Hall

Please join artEAST and Highlands Council as they honor the artwork of the late Dorothy Bonneau with a solo show at Blakely Hall. Dorothy is remembered for her mastery in many mediums from oil and acrylic painting, to ceramics, slump glass and hand painted silk clothing. Dorothy’s extensive background in portraiture infused personality even when painting chickens and barnyard animals.

Art Reception

Yarns & Threads Group

Open to the public, join fellow art-lovers as they take in the extensive show of Dorothy Bonneau’s work and discuss this much beloved local artist’s work and her contributions to the art community. Refreshments provided.

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

Wednesday, February 1st, 6:00pm Blakely Hall

Bridge Club

World Cultures

Monday, February 6th, 7pm Blakely Hall

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. We usually play the first Monday of every month starting at 7 p.m. RSVP: Contact Chuck Leininger at: cleininger@seattletimes.com or David Trowern at: dtrowern@gmail.com.

Interior Design Club

Monday, February 13th, Noon Blakely Hall

Chinese Heritage Club

Sunday, February 26th, 4pm - 6pm Blakely Hall

This club promotes and preserves the unique Chinese cultural heritage awareness among the next generation for many local families. We welcome everyone who is interested in a neighborhood celebration for many traditional Chinese/American festivals right. The club meets monthly at Blakely Hall. Contact bowbow.gu@outlook.com.

Latino Club

This club welcomes interior design enthusiasts to enjoy presentations from guest speakers about residential and commercial design; new trends in furniture, color, staging, Vastu and Fen Shui, window treatments, floorings and more.

Contact: meetamehta@putali.org

Sunday, February 12th, 4pm Blakely Hall

The Latino Club welcomes everybody who would like to celebrate and learn about Latino traditions. We have activities for kids, adults and seniors. Open to all – join the fun! Contact Alicia Spinner at alispinner@yahoo.com

Knit for Life®

Every Monday, 1pm Swedish Medical Center, Main Lobby

India Culture Club

A network of volunteer knitters in area hospitals, providing physical and mental support in a non-traditional 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

Open Mic

Friday, February 17th, 6:30pm Blakely Hall

Please come and join us for an evening of fun and entertainment from local talents. All ages are welcome. We welcome those who wish to play music, read poetry, tell a story, or perform a standup comedy routine. Please remember this is a family event and everyone is expected to show respect to performers and audience. Performers are limited to 2 songs or 10 minutes, whichever comes first. For more info, please contact: Dino Go at kabalen.geo@gmail.com.

Photography Club

Saturday, February 18th, 10:30am Blakely Hall

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

Poker Night

Sunday, February 12th, Noon Blakely Hall Theme: Bollywood Workout

Come learn about beautiful India! This club highlights the arts, culture, and festivals and is open to all who want to explore and learn about India. Topics for our meetings may include preparing for a trip to India, basic overview of languages, places to visit, arts and cultural landmarks to visit, etc. Let’s celebrate and share cultural riches of India in our community together! Contact: Anita at aani001@gmail.com

Travel Club Night See where it takes you!

Wednesday, February 8th, 7pm Blakely Hall TOPIC: Nepal, Before and After the Earthquake

Two presenters will share their pictures and stories of Nepal’s highlights before and after the 2015 earthquake. The bulk of the evening will be unstructured, get acquainted time so we can all share and learn about travel. Light snacks are provided but feel free to bring a beverage (perhaps a bottle of wine from your favorite country!) to enjoy. We hope to see you there. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/issaquahhighlandstravelclub or Email: ihtravelclub@gmail

Russian Highlanders Kids Club * See Kids & Families

Thursday, February 23rd, 7pm Blakely Hall

Whether you are a novice or a salty vet looking for some steep competition, you will love our monthly group for $40 buy-in, No-Limit Texas Hold ’em tournament! Don’t forget to join us on Facebook for all the latest info and results at our “Issaquah Poker” group page. Contact Henry at hlh1969@hotmail.com.

Rovin’ Fiddlers

Every Tuesday, 7pm Either at the Issaquah Highlands Fire Station 73 or Issaquah Senior Center

Every Friday, 9am Moved to Swedish February 24th Blakely Hall

Fitness Taichi Fitness Club Every Wednesday, 6:45am Blakely Hall

The ancient Chinese martial art, Taichi, will be offered twice each week at Blakely Hall. Participation is free; a donation of a nonperishable food item for the Food Bank is encouraged.

Contact: taichifitness_IH@outlook.com

Drop in on our jam sessions. We welcome guitars, flutes, whistles, banjos, mandolins, autoharps, dulcimers, stand up bass, and percussion. All abilities welcome. Contact Sue at bellesue@comcast.net.

*All Events are FREE unless otherwise noted.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2017 •

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Hatha Yoga Classes Saturday

Toastmasters Club

Join us every Saturday for free Yoga! Hatha Yoga Classes are for anyone interested, including neophytes wanting to try yoga for the first time, the experienced looking to improve, and anyone in-between. Yoga class will be led by Melanie and her mother, Deyin. For more information, contact deyiny@microsoft.com

Join us to improve your communication skills.

To find out more, visit the club website at toastmastersclubs.org or drop in any Wednesday as a guest.

Every Saturday, 10:30am Cancelled February 11th & 18th Blakely Hall

Running Club

Every Saturday, 8am Central Park Tennis Courts

Please contact Joey at jbc224@cornell.edu, so he can add you to the distribution list. See Facebook - Issaquah Highlands Running and Multi-sport

Yami Yoga Classes Sunday Every Sunday, 7:45am Blakely Hall

Join these free yoga classes for a systematic organized teaching as it is supposed to be, as opposed to treating yogasanas as mere exercises. Yoga guru Kiran Balijepalli will not only teach correct physical posture, but also explain the conceptual basis for these different yogasanas. No prior experience required. Please bring your own yoga mat and do not eat anything for at least two hours before (except drinking coffee/tea/milk/water).

Contact: srik.satya@gmail.com

Zumba Fitness® Class Every Tuesday, 7pm Every Saturday, 9am Blakely Hall

Zumba Fitness is the Latin and world rhythm and dance based 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 nonperishable food item to donate to the food bank!

For additional information, email zumbawithcindy@gmail.com.

Special Interest Book Club

Location & Dates vary

The book club is a great place to meet neighbors and explore a variety of books. Date and location sometimes change, so be sure to email lindsey8@gmail.com to be added to the Facebook group.

New! Entrepreneur Club

First Meeting: February 12th, 7:30pm Then every 2nd & 4th Sunday Blakely Hall

Are you a small business owner or an entrepreneur looking to kick off a business idea? This is an opportunity for IH entrepreneurs to gather and be a resource for each other. Join us to meet like-minded entrepreneurs, learn about what’s working for others and bounce ideas for feedback. Here’s a chance to extend your network of support. For more information, contact: Johnathan Chu johnnychu@outlook.com

Meaningful Movies

Wednesday, March 22nd, 6:30pm Blakely Hall MOVIE: 13th

Meaningful Movies provides social justice and environmental documentary films followed by community discussion. Every other month at Blakely Hall, alternate months at the Issaquah Historic Train Depot. meaningfulmovies.org/neighborhoods/ issaquah-wa/

Every Wednesday, 7am Swedish Medical Center 2nd Floor Conference Center

Wine Club

Friday, February 10th, 7pm Blakely Hall

Come out and meet your fellow wine lovers in the Highlands! Are you a wine enthusiast, connoisseur, or just a fan? We usually get together the second Friday of each month to discuss and enjoy wine. If interested please send an email to Dianne at danielsondd@yahoo.com for details.

Please RSVP the Tuesday prior to the event.

Don’t Miss This!

Issaquah Schools Foundation Fundraiser glassybaby Road Show Thursday, March 23rd, 7pm Blakely Hall

Please join us for an illuminating evening to learn about the Issaquah Schools Foundation, their mission, work, and partnership with the School District. There will be a brief presentation, light appetizers, and a glassybaby Road Show. 10% of all sales goes directly to the Issaquah Schools Foundation! Please RSVP to ingrid@isfdn.org or phone Ingrid at 425 391-8557. Bring friends!

Live Music at Blakely Hall!

Love in the Big Easy Saturday, February 11th, 7pm Blakely Hall

Enjoy Mardi-Gras style fun with live music, libations and small plates for $25/person. 21+ only. Get your tickets through the community calendar at IssaquahHighlands.com

New Resident Orientation Thursday, March 2nd, 7pm Blakely Hall

Join your fellow new neighbors for a welcome reception in your honor and a brief presentation regarding the IHCA, Highlands Council and HFN. For more information contact Brianna.E@IHCouncil.org . Even if you have lived here for quite some time but have never attended a resident orientation, you are very welcome as well! Refreshments provided.

Latino Club

Saturday, March 18th Blakely Hall

Join in the Latino Club for a special womens event! Contact Alicia Spinner for details alispinner@yahoo.com

Purim Celebration Sunday, March 12th, 5pm Blakely Hall

Join our Jewish community in celebration of Purim. Hosted by the Chabad of the Central Cascades.

Governance Mtgs Highlands Council Board of Trustees Tuesday, 2/7, Noon, Blakely Hall

Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group Wednesday, 2/7, 5:00 pm, TBD

IHCA Architectural Review Committee

Tuesday, 2/7, 6:00 pm IHCA Office

IHCA Finance Committee

Tuesday, 2/14, 5:30 pm IHCA Office

IHCA Board of Directors

Wednesday, 2/22, 5:30 pm, IHCA Office Meetings are subject to change.

See Calendar at issaquahhighlands.com for more information or date changes.

For City of Issaquah governance meetings, see http://issaquahwa.gov

Holidays Groundhog Day

Thursday, February 2nd

The Day the Music Died Friday, February 3rd

Super Bowl LI

Sunday, February 5th

Valentine’s Day

Tuesday, February 14th

Random Acts of Kindness Day Friday, February 17th

Presidents Day

Monday, February 20th

Oscar Night

Sunday, February 26th

Mardi Gras

Tuesday, February 28th

Holiday Closures Highlands Council, Blakely Hall and the IHCA Offices will be closed Monday, February 20th To honor Presidents Day Issaquah School District Second Winter Break, February 19th - 23rd.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Kimberly Collette It was a beautiful crisp autumn day when we happened through the Issaquah Highlands. We stopped to let the kids get their wiggles out at what we call ‘the crazy slide park’ up on 30th. My boys played with my husband and my youngest and I sat together on a bench. The leaves looked like they were on fire with red, orange, and gold against the bright blue sky. It was in this visit that my husband and I decided that the Highlands was where we wanted to be.

My family and I came to the Highlands the summer of 2013. We had just celebrated the 3rd birthday of my youngest. Saying goodbye to my old kitchen window that I looked out at my three kids playing daily was probably the hardest thing in moving.

It’s the little things about a house or a neighborhood that make it home.

The stars eventually aligned and we found a home in the Highlands. We were immediately welcomed by the neighborhood. Kids played in the street

and yelled “car!” to initiate the kid’s scramble to the sidewalks for safety.

The Highland’s community is what was making our house feel like a home, even being surrounded by our boxed belongings.

I began volunteering writing articles for the Culture Through Cuisine column the summer of 2015. Each piece I write is unique because each person I meet with is unique. I started with friends and neighbors but soon I was meeting with strangers in their homes to talk about the food they love and the culture they are proud of.

Each written article is just a small percentage of what I learn about the person. The rest I get to keep with me. Volunteering with the Highlands Connections combines three of my favorite things: food, people and writing. And it has become one of the biggest things that makes me proud to call the Issaquah Highlands my home.

Kimberly Collette with husband Jon, and children (L-R) Fae, James and Samuel.

LIFE IN THE U.S.A.

Young Indian Home Buyers Part of Demand

by Anita Ayela, The Cottages

“We’ll give you a house, you make it a home.”

I saw this pitch a long time back in India; it was an advertisement of a real estate company.

Back when I was a child in India, buying a house was not a priority until retirement. Most of the jobs were government jobs. People lived in houses allotted by the government through the tenure of their career. Most of the people thought of buying a house when they retired, with the money they got from their provident fund (similar to a retirement account in the US).

Times have changed. My dad was one of the pioneers in my family to take out a loan and buy a house while he was still working. I’m sure he received a few negative comments from his siblings and other relatives and friends.

Back then, taking out a loan to buy anything was considered too much a risk, and hence, no one dared to even think of loans.

And now the scene is totally different back in India. Most of the youth today in India choose to buy a house as soon as they get their first job; that is in their 20’s. They even plan to get married only after buying a house. As most of the young generation have a job in corporate sectors or in IT industry, it is not difficult for them to take a housing loan and buy a house.

It sure is an achievement for the current generation to buy a house so young in their career, unlike their father or grandfather who might not have bought one until they retired.

But, not many think of buying a second home in India, as they do in the US. You buy one house, the one where you live through your life. If anyone does buy a second house, it is for investment purposes only and hence, they rent it out.

Two summers back when my family started searching for a home to buy in the Issaquah area, our eyes popped out looking at the prices. It was hard to comprehend such an expensive commitment!

Our eyes are even more popped out now when we see that the houses that sold for $600K then are almost a million now. Highlands and Sammamish are both equally expensive now.

West facing aerial photo of Issaquah Highlands, provided by PNW Aerials

As far as I have seen, Indian families who buy a house in the US have double incomes. For most of them, both the spouses are working, preferably in the big IT companies, and hence, it becomes a little less burden. Also, these people might not have any kind of investments in their home country, India. But just as it is in India, for Indians, buying a house is a luxury, not a necessity.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2017 •

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

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Our Position on Development

by Christy Garrard, Executive Director, Highlands Council, Dahlia Park resident

The work of Highlands Council is guided by our by-laws and vision & mission statement; including the values and assurances statement, implemented upon the organization’s founding in December of 2005. With a mission to build community, our primary functions are overseeing official communications and social programming in Issaquah Highlands.

Why can’t this be done under the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA)? The Community Association is limited to concerns and issues affecting individual residential homeowners and residential common areas as defined in the Covenants, Conditions and Regulations (CC&Rs). The scope of the Highlands Council has a much broader Stakeholder responsibility, including multi-family (rental units) and commercial/retail, as well as residential (community association- IHCA) to achieve the development of community.

Highlands Council’s objective is to accurately communicate the facts that are public. Once a parcel is noted in the City of Issaquah Public Records we reach out to the planning department for more information. And before we publish a blog post or articles (like those in this annual Development Update issue) we vet the information with the appropriate party (city, developer, IHCA, etc.).

In recent years, the Highlands Council Board of Trustees have chosen to stay fully informed on the development of the remaining parcels in Issaquah Highlands without taking a side (for or against).

Our role is to provide all stakeholders a voice in community matters. We achieve this in multiple ways on our stakeholder’s behalf.

• We use Blakely Hall as a venue for community and town hall meetings; allowing all stakeholders to engage face-to-face with developers and community leaders.

• Staff (often alongside IHCA staff) attends, or follows on ICTV, pertinent city council and committee meetings as it relates to development and the termination of the Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement.

Issaquah Highlands is uniquely positioned to benefit from the advance leg work of Highlands Council. Other city of Issaquah neighborhoods (i.e.

Talus, South Cove, etc.) do not have an organization with a paid staff to follow closely and report back on their behalf.

Our priority regarding development updates is to keep all stakeholders informed and aware of opportunities for YOU to civically engage. We want our stakeholders to understand that waiting until ground is broken is far too late to support, protest or influence a building project. Writing the mayor and city council members, attending meetings when an opportunity for public comment exists, and meeting face-toface with developers and community leaders, are just a few ways to support or oppose a project you feel strongly about.

Highlands Council’s Governing Document: Vision & Mission Statement Section III. Values and Assurances b. Community Relationships • To provide all stakeholders a voice in community matters, and to foster communication within the community.

• To build community while respecting value and privacy of each individual.

• To be proactive in addressing issues and community needs.

As ground is broken on new projects in the Highlands and the Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement approaches its final days of authority, and even as new building applications are submitted, follow Highlands Council communications in Connections, the weekly e-letter, Facebook, Twitter, and IssaquahHighlands.com to keep up to date on stories affecting Issaquah Highlands.

• We share development information with our stakeholders via our multiple communication channels. These channels include this publication, blog posts on IssaquahHighlands.com with links to the posts on social media sites and in the weekly community e-letter.

HIGHLANDS YOUTH - THE HY

Community Development: Growing Up in Issaquah Highlands

by Sean Davidson, IH resident, High School Senior and Co-President of the HY

executed events solely designed to help bring people together, thus bringing the community closer.

People at school now ask me when our next event will be, how to become a member, if I’m glad I became as involved with the board.

The answers are all relatively easy, especially to that last question.

When I first moved to the Issaquah Highlands, it was little more than a husk of its modern glory. My house, surrounded by trees and undeveloped land, seemed to be the largest object my six-year-old self could imagine. However, as I look back on my days spent tadpole hunting in the nearby ponds, or walking to the (former) tiny community center at the base of the hill (a HY Board Co-President, Sean Davidson, with his family in 2005 at the portable building across newly opened Blakely Hall. from the firestation), I am shocked to see how drastically our community has changed for the better.

As an officer and founding member of the Issaquah Highlands Youth Advisory Board (the HY), it is easy to blur together the past years into a chaotic, event-driven progression.

However, as my time comes to an end in this astounding community, I can see just how far we have come not only as a board, but as a means of connectivity amongst our community’s children.

“People at school now ask me when our next event will be, how to become a member, if I’m glad I became as involved with the HY board as I am? The answers are all relatively easy, especially to that last question.”

When I began serving on the HY board, the few members were excitable and full of ideas, yet a bit anxious about our levels of success with our utmost goal of creating connections amongst our peers. Pre-HY Board, I remember seeing the kids of my neighborhood at events such as Highlands Day or the Halloween festivals. This, however, was the limit of my non-academic socialization. When the HY board came around, opportunities emerged for free-flowing, teen-

The number of opportunities, connections, and meaningful experiences I’ve received due to my time spent with the HY board is unbelievable. I have formed bonds with some of our community’s most influential members, been offered internships, given the chance to create lasting community facilities, and just as importantly, made some amazing friends in my board-mates.

Sean enjoying one of the many HY Board events at Blakely Hall in 2014.

I am eternally grateful to have been selected as a member of the board, and I know it has prepared me for countless aspects in my rapidly changing life as a young adult. Seeing my community change and grow so quickly and astonishingly has been such an amazing journey, made even better by my ability to be involved with an organization as influential as the HY.

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February 2017

ISSAQUAH CITY NEWS

Watch it Live on ICTV Channel 21, or YouTube Did you know that ICTV (the City’s local cable channel) covers everything from the Salmon Days parade to what happens inside City Council Chambers?

The City also maintains an online YouTube channel, where you can view all City Council meetings, along with fun videos about your community.

All televised meetings air live online (ci.issaquah.wa.us) and on ICTV Channel 21 and are rebroadcast the following day at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Replay them anytime on the City of Issaquah YouTube channel.

Walk ‘n Wag: Dog-Friendly Event Returns to State Park Bring your dog to Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park’s Walk ‘n Wag — and help raise funds for improving the park — on March 19, 2017 from 10 a.m. to noon. The park is at 2000 N.W. Sammamish Road.

Bring your best pals for a walk around the park on a 5K trail walk or a 3K all-accessible option. You’ll also find a dog agility course along the way for added fun! Stop by the Doggie Village to visit booths from sponsors and other local dog service providers.

Walk ‘n Wag family entry is $50 for a family of up to four. Individual entry for children 15 or younger is $15 and $20 for participants 16 or older. Purchase tickets online at lakesammamishfriends.org/ March 19 is a state parks free day; no Discover Pass is required to park.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Apply Now: Student Scholarship Opportunity

Issaquah will nominate one local candidate to compete for the Association of Washington Cities’ 2017 Center of Quality Communities Scholarship. Six $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to Washington state students who have been actively engaged with their community and/or city government.

To be eligible, a student must be graduating from high school, home school or receiving a GED in spring/summer 2017; live in Issaquah; plan to continue their education at an accredited post-secondary institution in the 2017-18 academic year on a half-time or more basis; and been involved with a city government or with a community/school leadership activity.

To apply, email Darcey Strand (darceys@issaquahwa.gov) to obtain an application and further instructions. Applications and supporting materials are due by March 3, 2017. More information about the scholarship program is available online at cfqc.org/nominate students

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2017 •

HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

Issaquah Highlands Photo Treasure Hunt Every month we publish a photo of something (or somewhere!) in the Highlands.

While some months are easier than others, all photos are of something accessible to the public. It is up to you to guess where the photo was taken.

Last month’s photo was of a little hidden overlook on the corner of 30th Ave NE and NE Harrison St. Follow the path down the stairs and you’ll be treated to a lovely view of the community and surrounding mountains.

Correct guesses were submitted by: Heather Krabbe

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State of the Network, 2017

by Frank Pineau, General Manager, Highlands Fiber Network (HFN)

As Issaquah Highlands continues to grow, and with the recently increased turnover rate of home ownership, we felt it was a good time to revisit and explain to our new residences our charter here at HFN. As you may be aware, the fiber optic Internet system we have here in the Highlands is rare in the industry. There are only a few hundred systems throughout the country at all like it. Some cities are investigating and costing out ways to build a like product. As you can imagine, trying to retrofit or build a new network in an existing community is almost prohibitive in cost. (With cable costing $25- $50 per foot alone!)

Even amongst its peers, Issaquah Highlands’ HFN network rises above the rest, for many reasons.

First, it’s 100% fiber. That means no choke-points in delivering the fastest speeds. In addition, fiber cable is not subject to the same issues copper-based cables are in terms of water, interference and corrosion.

Second, the fiber from our data centers to the home (fiber to the home, FTTH) is not shared, so no speed reductions occur from your neighbors. (In shared networks, such as internet delivered by cable, one “data-intensive” customer streaming content will reduce the overall speed to others.)

State of the Network 2017 2015: GigE was introduced at $70/month Over 130 customers have upgraded to GigE 2016: We connected over 128 new homes to HFN 2017-18: We expect 265 (or more) new homes in IH and on HFN

Third, our community-owned fiber network is not subject HFN currently has over 3,200 subscribers to rate increases for investment purposes. When rates do increase, it’s for good reasons, like extending cable to new homes, maintenance, equipment upgrades or system enhancements.

Lastly, we at HFN are very aware of the value of services. Keeping our subscription rates as low as practical drives all our decisions. Our goal is to provide cutting edge broadband speeds and reliability at near cost. (We are patiently waiting for Non-Profit status, to further enhance our cost position to the community.)

Thanks to everyone who participated!

This month’s photo is below. Can you identify the location in this picture?

Fiber to the home, community owned!

Entry Deadline: Sunday, February 12th If you think you have the answer, please email it to IHPhotoHunt@gmail.com along with your full name. Please be as specific as possible when emailing your response.

Responses will be accepted until February 12th. Those with the correct answer will see their name published in next month’s issue of Connections, as well as have their name entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Ben and Jerry’s. Everyone who responds with a correct guess will be entered to win. Every correct guess is an entry!

The Photo Treasure hunt is coordinated by volunteer Chelsea Musick of the Central Park neighborhood.

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February 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2017 •

Dear Kari, I have a good friend at work that I have become close with. We both work in the same position at the same company, and probably earn close to the same salary. My challenge is that in the past when I invite people over to my house, they become uncomfortable with how nice it is. My parents were kind enough to gift me the house that I live in and helped me decorate it completely. It is a very nice home for someone my age, 26. How should I handle the comments that come when guests visit my home, especially the comments that seem to be backhanded and ask me how I paid for everything?

- Grateful One Dear Grateful One, It sounds like you are a truly grateful person who does not brag about her good fortune. I do feel that you are already handling the situation very well by not bragging about your nice home to friends prior to them coming over for a visit. When people arrive at your home, and see how nice it is, I would just respond graciously to any of their comments/questions; something along the line of, ‘yes, it is a very nice home and I enjoy it’, or ‘I feel blessed to live here’. I would not mention the price of the home, how much it cost to decorate it, or how you acquired it. That is your private business. I would also respond to any poor comments that are based in jealously; just move the dialogue forward if possible. If you find one of your guests is chomping at the bit to get information from you and you feel inclined to share the truth about the home purchase, you can tell them it was a gift from your parents, but nothing more is needed. Again, your home and your assets are your private business and good friends will respect your boundaries of privacy.

- Kari

Dear Kari, How can I find love today? How can someone find a good person, who is respectful, kind, happy, and fun in today’s dating world? I feel that I have tried to everything, I mean everything, and I am still single. How can I find a life partner who is interested in the same things I am?

- Loveless in Seattle

ASK KARI

Dear Loveless in Seattle, I do believe that it is hard to date and find love in today’s world, mostly because we have so few connections with other human beings on a regular basis. While I do appreciate all the wonderful technology we have today (phones, computers, etc.), I do feel that it has impacted the spontaneous encounters that we used to have with others, especially when it comes to dating. To find love today, I would do activities that interest you, whether it be sports, taking classes, or volunteering at an organization that interests you. Just get out of your home and do activities that are a good match for you. Typically, when you do, you will find others who you connect with. When you do find a connection, look for these traits: someone who follows through with making plans with you; someone who shows up on time; and one who treats other people respectfully when you are out on a date. These are the beginning traits to look for when you are dating. Someone who typically follows through with their word usually is a good partner in life because you can count on them. They demonstrate a strong sense of maturity in their predictability of actions. Also, remember to go slow and allow a relationship to develop naturally over the course of weeks and months vs. claiming love too soon, or having unrealistic expectations about what a potential partner should offer you early on.

Good luck and take your time, as real love does exist when you maturely wait for it.

- Kari

Do you have a question for Kari? Please email her at askkarioneill@gmail.com. All questions will be answered in upcoming columns. All personal information will remain confidential and not be published.

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

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS HOW TO PREPARE FOR AND RESPOND DURING AND AFTER AN ACTIVE SHOOTER INCIDENT

NOW PREPARE

Sign up for active shooter training.

If you see suspicious activity, let an authority know right away.

Recent national tragedies remind us that the risk is real: an active shooter incident can happen in any place at



any time. The best ways to make sure you and your loved ones stay safe ready. Taking a few steps now and

Map out places to hide. Solid doors with locks, rooms without windows, and heavy furniture like large filing cabinets and desks make good hiding places.

mentally rehearsing what to do can help you react quickly when every

Sign up for first aid and tourniquet training.

second counts.

TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN YOUR OWN SAFETY DURING

NOW PREPARE

BE SAFE

Run

If you see something suspicious, say something

Hide

Know community response plans

Fight

Learn and practice first aid skills and use of tourniquets

AFTER

SURVIVE

Sign up for active shooter training

Identify the exits and good places to hide

Many places like houses of worship, workplaces, and schools have plans in place to help you respond safely. Ask about these plans and get familiar with them. If you participate in an active shooter drill, talk to your family about what you learn and how to apply it to other locations.

When you visit a building like a shopping mall or health care facility, take time to identify two nearby exits. Get in the habit of doing this.

are to prepare ahead of time and be

RUN

RUN

HIDE

Help law enforcement RUN

HIDE

Seek out medical help FIGHT Help others survive

HIDE

FIGHT

You may need to use more than one option.

FIGHT

Seek help to cope with psychological trauma

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DURING

AFTER BE SAFE

Keep hands visible and empty.

Know that law enforcement’s first task is to end the incident, and they may have to pass injured along the way.

Follow law enforcement instructions and evacuate in the direction they come from.

Consider seeking professional help for you and your family to cope with the long-term effects of the trauma.

HELPING THE WOUNDED Take care of yourself first, and then you may be able to help the wounded before first responders arrive: If the injured are in immediate danger, help get them to safety.

While you wait for first responders to arrive, provide first aid—apply direct pressure to wounds and use tourniquets if you have been trained to do so.

Turn wounded people onto their sides if they are unconscious and keep them warm.

SURVIVE

RUN. Getting away from the shooter or shooters is the top priority. Leave your things behind and run away. If safe to do so, warn others nearby. Call 911 when you are safe. Describe each shooter, their locations, and weapons.

Additional Resources

HIDE. If you can’t get away safely, find a place to hide. Get out of the shooter’s view and stay very quiet. Silence your electronic devices and make sure they won’t vibrate. Lock and block doors, close blinds, and turn off the lights. Don’t hide in groups— spread out along walls or hide separately to make it more difficult for the shooter. Try to communicate with police silently—like through text messages or by putting a sign in an exterior window. Stay in place until law enforcement gives you the all clear.

ONLINE COURSE Active Shooter: What You Can Do https://training. fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-907

FIGHT. Your last resort when you are in immediate danger is to defend yourself. Commit to your actions and act aggressively to stop the shooter. Ambushing the shooter together with makeshift weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, and books can distract and disarm the shooter.

VIDEO Run. Hide. Fight. Surviving an Active Shooter Event www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0

GUIDE FOR HOUSES OF WORSHIP www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/ Developing_EOPs_for_Houses_of_Worship_FINAL.PDF GUIDE FOR K-12 SCHOOLS www.fema.gov/media-librarydata/20130726-1922-25045-3850/rems_k_12_ guide.pdf WEBSITES www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness www.fbi.gov/about/partnerships/office-of-partnerengagement/active-shooter-incidents www.fema.gov/faith-resources www.redcross.org/ux/take-a-class

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February 2017

HIGHLANDS PHYSICAL & HAND THERAPY "My passion is to educate and empower patients to understand their body and the reason they are having their symptoms. Through this approach we are able to treat the root cause rather than simply mask symptoms, which allows the patient to sucessfully return back to what they love."

Rachel Hammack, PT, DPT

Specialized Training • Injury Prevention and Post-Surgical Rehab • Orthopedic Physical Therapy • Myofascial Manipulation

RACHEL HAMMACK, PT, DPT Contact Us Today for a Complimentary Injury Screen!

425.686.7654 l IRGPT.COM 2525 NE Park Dr., Suite C, Issaquah, WA 98029

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2017 •

#HighlandsFit – Love Your Core

FITNESS & HEALTH

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by Rachel Hammack, DPT Highlands Physical and Hand Therapy

Can you feel the love in the air as we move into February? Whether you have a valentine this year or not, working out with a partner can be extremely motivating, effective, and fun! Grab your spouse, partner, or friend and get ready to feel that core!

This month I want to introduce a dynamic core and lower body exercise routine. Performing these exercises while maintaining a constant abdominal contraction will help build your core fast and protect your low back.

Routine: Dynamic Warm up/stretching x ABCD x rest 1 min x ABCD x rest 1 min x ABCD x Cool Down Equipment: Medicine ball – Choose weight you are comfortable with (2 to 8 lb weight)

A: Ball Twists • Start back to back with partner, slight bend at knees holding medicine ball at waist height.

• Contract core to stabilize back and twist at hips/pelvis to hand off ball to partner. ◦◦ Ensure not twisting at low back to prevent injury • Twist to opposite side to grab ball from partner • Continue to alternate passes between yourself and partner x 15 reps, then perform going opposite direction x 15 reps

B: Sagittal Ball Passes • Start by standing approximately 10-15 feet from partner facing each other • Hold ball low in hands as you lower into a squat ◦◦ Keep chest high to prevent bending through low back during squat • Contract core to stabilize back as you use glutes to stand quickly and toss ball to partner • As partner throws ball to you, stand tall with knees slightly bent and arms in front of you • Contract core to stabilize back as you catch ball and slowly lower self into controlled squat

C: Transverse Ball Passes • Start by standing approximately 10-15 feet away from partner both facing same direction • Hold ball low in hands as you lower into squat and bring ball to the side of your body furthest from your partner ◦◦ Keep chest high to prevent bending through low back during squat • Contract core to stabilize back as you use glutes to stand quickly and toss ball to partner at your side • As partner throws ball to you, stand tall with knees slightly bent and arms in front of you

• Continue to alternate passes between yourself and partner until each has performed 10 reps

D: Single Leg Ball Passes • Start standing on one leg 10 feet away from partner facing each other • Contract glute of standing limb and core as you pass ball to partner

• Contract core to stabilize back as you catch ball and slowly lower self into controlled squat with arms down to side of body furthest from your partner

• Focus on maintaining balance while catching ball from partner

• Continue to alternate passes between yourself and partner until each has performed 10 reps

• Continue to alternate passes between yourself and partner until each has performed 20 reps

• Repeat facing opposite direction

◦◦ Challenge: • have partner throw the ball to sides, low, or overhead • stand on pillow or other dynamic surface

That’s it! Have fun introducing this routine to a friend or valentine this month. If you do this routine, you will definitely feel those legs and core the next few days. But don’t worry, you won’t be alone, your friend will surely feel it, too! Try to add this routine in two times per week to see great results.

If you have and questions or sustain any injuries this winter contact your local physical therapist.

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February 2017

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Issaquah School District issaquah.wednet.edu

2/8 School Board Meeting @ 7:00 P.M. 2/19-23 Second Winter Break – No School

Issaquah School Foundation isfdn.org 2/3

Dining Out for Kids – Flat Iron Grill and Black Duck Restaurants

Challenger Elementary challengerpta.org

2/3 2/10

Popcorn Friday General Membership PTA Meeting

Clark Elementary clarkpta.org

2/3 Dads@Recess 2/10 General Membership PTA Meeting

Endeavour Elementary endeavourptsa.org

2/3 2/3 2/7 2/8

Eager Reader Ends Popcorn Friday Student Banking Family Culture Night and Talent Show

Grand Ridge Elementary grandridgeptsa.org 2/1 2/3 2/5 2/6 2/14 2/27

Family Engineering Night Parent Ed @ 7:00 P.M - Library Popcorn Friday Kindergarten Informational Meeting Coffee with Christy Read Across America Challenge Begins

Issaquah Middle School

FEBRUARY EVENTS

issaquahmiddleptsa.org 2/1 2/1-3 2/3 2/15 2/17

Jazz Band Festival Middle School Food Drive Competition Career Fair Festival PTSA Meeting @ 10:30 A.M. All School Spirit Day

Pacific Cascade Middle School pacificcascadeptsa.org 2/1-3 2/12 2/25

Middle School Food Drive Competition All School Social PTSA General Membership Meeting

Issaquah High School

issaquahhighptsa.org 2/11 2/12 2/28

“Swingin’ In Vienna” Concert PTSA General Membership Meeting Change the Game @ 6:30 P.M.

**Be sure to check individual web sites for details and updates

2016-17 PTSA Awards

Please help the Issaquah PTSA Council honor dedicated volunteers, educators, and advocates from our community by nominating exemplary individuals with the 2016-2017 Golden Acorn Award, Outstanding Educator Award, and Outstanding Advocate Award.

Honorees receive an Award pin, a special certificate from the Washington State PTA, along with individual recipient’s name engraved on a plaque showcased at school, donations made in recipient’s honor, and acknowledgement during a district-wide reception. For more information and nomination forms, visit your local PTSA website.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

by Tracie Jones, Wisteria Park

Recess STEAM Club

Get out of the cold, and join the STEAM Club at recess, where kids can have fun, learn, and explore STEAM activities: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. STEAM sessions are every Thursday during second recess, through March. No sign-up necessary, but space is limited; first come, first serve. Interested or need information, please contact Anh Leith, at grptsavpprograms@ gmail.com. We’re also looking for volunteers to help students with STEAM activities, sign up at: signup.com/go/avcakY.

Gibson Ek High Mentors, Internships One of the distinguishers at Gibson Ek high school is that students go into the real world as part of their learning. Students explore their interests and passions by working with mentors at internships. As a core part of our model for building relevancy and engagement, we expect our students to be at their internship for two days per week, for most their high school career. For more information see http://www.gibsonek.org/mentor

Save the Date and Donate!

Endeavour PTSA Dinner & Auction March 18th, 2017 Mark your calendar for “To the Moon and Back” auction fundraiser! Auctions are held only every two years and raise critical funds for our PTSA programs and school. Endeavour parents and staff will enjoy an evening of delicious food and drinks, a silent and live auction, and, most importantly, family and friends.

All funds raised provide for programs, services, and events, such as: Eager Reader, Science-To-Go Labs, Science Fair, Reading Assistance Program, Grade Level Enrichment Activities, Discover Art Program, Art Walk, Teacher Grants, and much more! We hope everyone will come enjoy the fun, and help support our beloved school! Auction donations needed! For more info, please visit our Auction Donation Page at auction@endeavourptsa.org.

AP Exam Registration Information

Register today for 2017 Issaquah High School AP Exams. Advanced Placement Exams are an important part of all AP courses. Scoring well can earn college credit for high school classes, saving on college tuition. Current registration is ongoing. Late registration (February 26, 2017) will incur a $10 late fee. Final day to register will be March 1, 2017. Please contact Ms. Danielle Zelinski for questions and financial assistance information. Register at: TotalRegistration.net/AP/480500 .

Swingin’ in Vienna, with IHS Evergreen Philharmonic and Jazz Band “Swingin’ in Vienna” is a wonderful evening of dancing and desserts, February 11, 2017. We bring in a hardwood dance floor, and set up the orchestra to play Viennese Waltzes on one side, and the jazz band to play big band swing era tunes on the other. For those times when you need a rest or a little pick-me-up, we even provide fancy desserts. The Evergreen Philharmonic and IHS Jazz Band will perform for your dancing pleasure! For Valentine’s Day, why not treat your sweetie to an enchanted evening of dancing and live music?

For more information and tickets, evergreenphil.org/event/swingin-in-vienna-2016.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Parent Education: Creating a High Performing Mindset in our Kids

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Issaquah PTSA’s Parent Education Series continues with John O’Sullivan, author of Changing the Game, discussing youth sports as a positive experience, on February 28, 2017, at the Issaquah High School Theater, at 6:30 P.M. Youth sports has become an ultra-competitive, adult centered enterprise, but we can change that. Changing the Game can help families navigate the maze of youth sports, and put a smile on young athletes faces. Free for Issaquah PTA/PTSA members. Nonmember suggested donation of $10. Register online at parentwiser.org.

GRE Book Swap 2017

Share the love of reading by donating gently-used books to the Grand Ridge PTSA Book Swap.

Students may drop off gently-used books in designated collection stations at the school during the last few weeks of February. Then, join the PTSA on March 1, 2017, for the Book Swap, which is an entirely free event for all Grand Ridge families, regardless of ability to donate books. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to encourage reading, and swap for a few “new to you” books. Cookies & milk are provided, and chaperons required. Happy Reading!

GRE Kindergarten Registration Information Night

February 2017 •

It’s that time of year again, kindergarten registration. If you have a child, or know someone who has a student, turning 5 years old by August 31, 2017, there will be an informational, parents-only meeting on Tuesday, February 6th, at 6:00 P.M., in the Grand Ridge Elementary Commons.

GRE will review the lengthy registration process in detail, answer questions, and hand-out registration packets to all prospective students.

Registration begins March 1st, 2017. For more information, contact the GRE office, or visit connect.issaquah.wednet.edu/elementary/grand

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What is SchoolPool??

SchoolPool is a way to help share rides with other families at your children’s local schools, through a free, secure, ride-match service. All King County schools can set up a SchoolPool program for free! Parents decide whether to participate, and what schedule works best for them. Arrange carpools, walking or biking groups to school-related activities, such as sports practices and events, school musical performances, clubs, and tutorials. SchoolPool matches families with other parents taking the same trip. The more people who sign up, the more likely our community will collectively find convenient carpools, biking, and walking groups. Questions or comments, email: salmonfriendlytrips@issaquahwa.gov. or see: rideshareonline.com/Image/SchoolpoolBrochure2013.pdf.

Battle of the ISD Middle Schools Food Drive

We’re coming to the home stretch in the Battle of the Middle Schools Food Drive, between Pacific Cascade, Issaquah, and Maywood Middle Schools! Who will be crowned Champion? Your last-minute donations can push each of the schools forward in our competition, benefiting Northwest Harvest’s 380 food banks, which provide over 2 million meals each month. Donate February 1-3, 2017. Take a few minutes to browse through your pantry, and consider donating to a worthy cause. Contributions may be dropped off at the school’s office, or taken to school by students. For more information and suggested donations, visit your home school’s website. The winner is announced February 6th, 2017.

Grab Your Hat, and Read with the Cat! Celebrate Read Across America Day

Those who are six, sixteen, sixtyfour, and more, we have all kinds of great things in store for “Read Across America.” The Grand Ridge PTSA is calling on everyone, both young and old, to celebrate the joys of reading, especially on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, as we’re rereading the classic Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Our Grand Ridge PTSA reading party starts on February 27, through March 3, 2017, because we’re off to great places, and today’s our day!!! Stay tuned for further details, and information coming home soon!

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February 2017

LIVING GREEN

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Giving Some “Green” Love

by Susie Sharp, The Brownstones

4. Offer to walk a dog for a friend or neighbor.

Show some neighborly love. Dogs love an outing and it’s a great way to meet new people.

Where should you start? Our very own Bark Park, located at 25th and Natalie Way.

The oldest Valentine was written in the form of a poem by Charles, Duke of Orelans, to his wife in 1415. In the United States, it is believed the exchange of homemade valentines began in the early 1700s. In the 1800s, a rather enterprising young woman, Esther Howland, started selling mass-produced valentines, famous for their artistry and lace decorations. She was so successful that she became known as the “Mother of the Valentine.”

5. Create cards with your children from items you already have at home. Show your children how to create unique and thoughtful cards for family members. Ask them to write a sentence about each person. I guarantee in years to come those hand-made cards will have far more value than the prettiest commercial one. If creating by hand is not your cup of tea, send e-cards that never need to be recycled.

From such humble beginnings, Valentine’s Day is now the second largest day for card exchange after Christmas Day. Recent statistics report the exchange of cards on Valentine’s Day has reached 180 million cards. Interestingly, women purchase 85% of cards but 73% of flowers are purchased by men (maybe the men create their cards?).

Think about how many of these cards, gift boxes and flowers end up in landfills after Valentine’s Day. Here are some fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Issaquah Highlands in a more environmentally friendly way: 1. Dine at a local restaurant that supports local farmers. All ingredients used at Sip at the Wine Bar and Restaurant (Grand Ridge Plaza) are organic and locally sourced. They not only grow some of their own organic produce, they also work with many local farms.

While Valentine’s Day tends to focus on romantic love, there are many other versions of love to consider, especially for family, friends and community. I remember a quote that says “Children spell love T-I-M-E.” I was recently inspired by a group of New York University students who, last year, began volunteering on Valentine’s Day as an act of love. They created care packages for women and children in need. The gift of our time should never be underestimated as the ultimate sign of our love.

2. Have a romantic dinner at home – with dessert. Dim the lights to reduce energy usage. And for those who like desserts but not baking, pop into PinkaBella (Grand Ridge Plaza). As of 2015, owner Margo Engberg has donated over $500,000 and 500,000 cupcakes to support the local community.

3. Enjoy the outdoors. Plan a trip to a park with your Valentine. Head out to Central Park for a walk around South Pond. Or try an IH park you’ve never visited before (there are 28 parks in IH!).

REAL ESTATE IN THE HIGHLANDS

Roanoke Woods Neighborhood

by Aimee Holy, Erik Mehr & Associates and Dahlia Park Resident

are huge, basically 4 cars, two cars across and two cars deep. This affords tons of storage, parking and an occasional gym.

Building stopped during the 2008 recession and another builder took over to finish out the project. Phase II added 13 more units listing for about $600K in 2012. Currently homes in Roanoke Woods are worth high into the $800’s. At press time, there was one home on the market for $1,000,000.00 Although the homes are zero lot line, this little neighborhood feels open and truly has that Americana feel. The homes are tastefully decorated with inviting front porches that spill out onto the centrally located park and kids playing in the street. Roanoke Park (aka Bear Park) is a favorite for all ages of children. The park has a family of bear statues, wide paths to learn how to ride bikes, a climbing rock and a fun “big toy”. Roanoke Woods also has terrific walkability to Grand Ridge Elementary, the community garden and to the upper Highlands amenities; just jump on the Lee’s Loop trail and you have easy access to the above mentioned.

Carrie M enjoys the neighborhood community and says, “My most favorite thing about our neighborhood is that my children know every house on our street. It is a safe for them and full of people who would help them if they needed it.”

Roanoke Woods is tucked away, but worth a visit.

You most likely won’t find Roanoke Woods unless you live there or have an invitation to visit a friend there. Tucked away behind Dahlia Park and running alongside the 1.63-mile trail “Lee’s Loop”, Roanoke Woods was completed in two phases. The original build began in 2006 selling for the mid $700’s. Roanoke Woods homes are craftsmen in style, are over 3000 square feet, three stories and include the hard to find basement. The homes back to mature green space and have decks to enjoy the view or BBQ. Garages in these homes

Melinda B likes the private feel of the neighborhood and says, “What brought my family to Roanoke was the tucked-away seclusion provided by the surrounding green belt, and the play ground.”

And finally, Julia S, a southern California native finds a strong community when needed.

“So.CA natives, it can be difficult when all your relatives live out of State. But in COUNTLESS ways we’ve seen the heart of our Roanoke community come together to have fun & help each other as opportunities arise!! It’s the people that make this a wonderful place to live!”

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2017 •

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February 2017

CULTURE THROUGH CUISINE

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2017 •

DIRECTORY

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL MAIN PHONE: 425-507-1107 IssaquahHighlands.com

MAIN PHONE: 425-427-9257 | AFTER HOURS: 425-223-8887

Responsible for:

IssaquahHighlands.com Responsible for:

Property Management Enforcement of CCRs, Rules, Regs

Architectural Review

Common Area Landscape

Funded by:

Annual IHCA Assessments Neighborhood Assessments

Governing Body

Board of Directors ihcaboard @ihcommunity.org Jim Young, President Rossie Cruz, Vice President Dan Vradenburg, Treasurer Walt Bailey, Secretary Jim Noel , Director Ellina Charipova, Director Rob Knight, Director

Sarah Hoey, Executive Director sarah.h@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1120 Erika North, Senior Community Manager erika.n@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1121 Collene Cordova, Owner Services Coordinator collene.c@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1134 Barbara Uribe, Senior Accountant and Benefits Coordinator barbara.u@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1123 Joon Chang, Director of Accounting joon.c@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1117 Soledad Ruiz, Account receivable specialist soledad.r@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119 Jessica Dorsey, Community Manager jessica.d@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1113 Lyle Dickey, Landscape Manager lyle.d@ihcommunity.org Billing Inquiries payments@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119

HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

Blakely Hall 2550 NE Park Drive Monday–Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

1011 NE High Street Suite 210 Monday–Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Community Events Blakely Hall Community Center

Facility Rentals

Community Garden Facebook E-Letter Connections Newspaper issaquahhighlands.com

Governing Body

Board of Trustees hcbot@ihcouncil.org Larry Norton, President Patrick Byers, Vice President Ami Desai-Mehta, Member Philip Nored, Secretary Ray Besharati, Treasurer Jody Turner, Member Fred Nystrom, Member

Funded by:

Sponsorships/Grants & Advertising Community Enhancement Fees (1/4 of 1% on sale of home) 12¢ per sq. ft. retail/commercial | $50/door per year for apartments Christy Garrard, Executive Director christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1110

Frank Pineau General Manager FPineau@HFN.org Support: 425-427-0999 HighlandsFiberNetwork.com

Governing Body

Board of Directors Larry Norton Allen Enebo Tim Underwood Charlie Herb Emergency: 9-1-1 Issaquah Police (non-emergency) 425-837-3200 WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife 425-775-1311

Nina Milligan, Communications Manager nina.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1111 Brianna Eigner, Blakely Hall Marketing Manager & Special Event Consultant brianna.e@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107 Michele McFarland, Finance Manager & Office Administrator michele.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1108 Vicki Grunewald, Graphic Design & Digital Marketing Coordinator vicki.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1109 Julie Clegg, Creative Coordinator | julie.c@ihcouncil.org

COMMUNITY SERVICES AT BLAKELY HALL

Notary Service by Appointment • Per signature fee applies • Fax Sending & Receiving • Fax sending, local $.50 per page • Fax sending, long distance $1.00 per page • Fax receiving, $.50 per page • Limited B/W Photocopying, $.05 per page • Lost & Found

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

Weekly E-Letter: Sign up at issaquahhighlands.com

RENTAL FACILITIES

Blakely Hall

Award-winning Blakely Hall has a feeling and comfort of a lodge. It is a wonderful place for parties with 70 or more guests, fund raisers, galas, and any type of reception. Blakely Hall can accommodate up to 200 guests. In addition to the atmosphere Blakely Hall will give you, there is a patio with outdoor seating and BBQ grill that is available for rent.

Blakely Hall Meeting Room

The Conference room is perfect for your meeting or seminar. It is private. It can accommodate up to 46 guests. A screen is provided as well as comfortable conference chairs and tables that can be configured to your liking. There is a wash station, and a countertop to place your refreshments.

To inquire about booking facilities at Blakely Hall, please contact Brianna at 425.507.1107 or email brianna.e@ihcouncil.org

Fire Station Meeting Room

The Fire Station 73 meeting room is great for community or group meetings. It comes with tables and chairs. It can accommodate up to 85 guests in a meeting setting or comfortably 30 guests. There are two whiteboards for writing down your ideas and agenda.

There is also a television with a DVD player for your instructional videos. Because this is a city building they do not allow religious, partisan, or for-profit meetings to take place in this facility. To inquire about booking the Fire Station Meeting Room, please contact Fire Station #73 at 425.313.3373.

CONNECTIONS

Connections is published by the Highlands Council. Our mission is to foster the development of a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, and well-being.

Connections is printed and mailed every month to every Issaquah Highlands residence as well as local Issaquah residents and businesses. For article submissions and advertising sales, contact Nina Milligan at nina.m@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1111 Size Mini (text only): 3” x 3”

$75

Rectangle Vert: 3” x 4.625”

$150

Rectangle Horz: 4.625” x 3”

$150

Square: 4.625” x 4.625”

$195

Quarter Page: 4.625” x 6.25”

$275

Half Page Vert: 4.625” x 13”

$495

Half Page Horz: 9.625” x 6.25”

$495

Full Page: 9.625” x 13”

$950

Discounts available with 3 and 6 month contracts.

We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit to content and length.

We also reserve the right to refuse advertising that in our opinion does not reflect the standards of the newspaper. Opinions or expressed either by paid advertisement or editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of Highlands Council or this newspaper.

Ads are due by the first Friday of the month for the following month’s publication.

For best results with newspaper printing: • Please avoid small text in color or reversed out of color.

• Do not use a built black of CMYK combined. Instead, please setup all black as “K” only.

• Convert all RGB files to CMYK before creating PDF. • 85 line screen and 300 dpi for photos.

• All process color ads should be converted to CMYK. • Acceptable art for use by our production department includes TIFF or JPEG files.

• Convert all Photoshop files to JPEG or TIFF before sending.

• DO NOT send Quark, Illustrator, Publisher or other native files.

Content and advertising in Connections does not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of the Highlands Council or staff.

On-line advertising available

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February 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections