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April 2016

The Development Update Issue

29 Life in the USA 30 Culture through Cuisine 31 Directory

Feature: Living Green Highlands Council HY Board Opening IHCA Budget IHCA Community Standards 15 Art in Blakely Hall 15 Dean Arts and Culture 16 What’s Happening 18 Issaquah City News 5 8 8 10 13

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4 Feature: Development Update The Old Microsoft Property Central Park Bellevue College 10 IHCA 11 Real Estate in IH 14 Highlands Council 15 Volunteers of the Month 16 What’s Happening

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Photo by Julie Clegg / julieclegg.com

A Year in Review VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR!

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August 2016

Celebrating our Parks!

Class of 2016 Beginning page 18

Cover Design by Vyvian Luu

Improvements Made.

Money Saved.

The IHCA Annual Report

Oil Painting by the late Dorothy Bonneau

Photo by Julie Clegg / julieclegg.com

Front Porch Living

Photo by Tony Cowan, 24th Ave Neighborhood

And future parks! Beginning page 5

CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS N TI Feature: Our Parks Central Park Update Restoring Ashland Park IHCA Real Estate in IH Highlands Council 20 Years IH What’s Happening GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Zhanson Retires Dean Arts and Culture Highlands Youth - HY School Spotlight Volunteer of the Month Emergency Preparedness Ask Kari Living Green Highlands Fiber Network Photo Treasure Hunt

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13 Highlands Day Festival Guide 19 Issaquah City News 21 Fitness & Health 23 School Spotlight 24 Living Green 25 Highlands Fiber Network 25 Photo Treasure Hunt

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29 Highlands Fiber Network 29 Photo Treasure Hunt 30 Culture through Cuisine 31 Directory

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Feature: Thank a Veteran Highlands Youth – HY Highlands Council Volunteer of the Month Emergency Preparedness Arts and Culture Living Green IHCA Shop Local Bazaar Blakely Hall Art Gallery

Community Survey Feature: Year in Review Special: Volunteers 2016 Highlands Council Volunteer of the Month Arts and Culture IHCA News Winter Concert Blakely Hall Art Gallery Doing Biz

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January 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

FROM THE EDITOR

January 2017 •

MONDAY

Night

5-10 P.M.

Kids Eat

FREE

When the adults buy a large pizza, kids under 12 get two free personal pizzas – or one free personal pizza if the adults only buy a medium size.

(425) 893-8646 www.zeekspizzaissaquah.com

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January 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2017 •

YOUR COMMUNITY AT WORK A Year in Review

by Christy Garrard, Executive Director, Highlands Council and Dahlia Park resident Issaquah Highlands wrapped up a very busy 2016! Read about the community updates, events and excitement we enjoyed in the past year and what’s in store for us in 2017.

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Development & Civic Engagement The Development Agreement between Issaquah Highlands master developer, Port Blakely Communities, and the City of Issaquah will expire in 2017. This approaching milestone launched a focus on our community’s 20-year anniversary and the impact the expiration might have on yet to be developed parcels of land. Highlands Council and the IHCA are meeting regularly with the City to ensure our property values are protected in the process.

Ground was broken on the Westridge South Polygon housing development next to Swedish Hospital and Swedish added additional parking by paving a portion of their yet to be developed parcel on Blakely Drive.

Real estate developer, Shelter Holdings, announced its interest in developing The High Street Collection, the L-shaped parcel along 9th Avenue across from Grand Ridge Plaza between High Street and Discovery Drive. Highlands Council hosted two community meetings, in May and July, to allow residents to provide input on what ought to be done (or not) with this land.

Central Park was also a hot topic as the City of Issaquah Parks and Recreation Department shared its plans for improvements to Pad 1 (grass to lighted artificial turf) and Pad 4 (undeveloped to developed passive space) during a public meeting hosted by Highlands Council in June.

Highlands Council listens to the concerns of our community.

In response, we partnered with the Issaquah School District to provide a community meeting regarding the April School Bond Measure. The City of Issaquah held two Town Hall meetings regarding traffic (in February and June).

In November, the Issaquah Police Department hosted a Town Hall about traffic, crime, IPD Officer Smith and public safety.

At press time, we are working on the February issue of Connections News that will provide the annual comprehensive development update, including new land areas currently being considered for development inside our boundaries.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Community Association The Brownstone, Pine Crest, and Sun Ridge developments and the hot real estate market provided a frenzied sellers-market in 2016.

Long-time employee, Lyle Dickey, was promoted to Landscape Manager; replacing another long-time employee, Russ Ayers. The Association welcomed two new employees, Soledad Ruiz, Accounts Receivable Specialist in September, and Jessica Dorsey, Community Manager, in November. Homeowner, Jim Noel, joined the IHCA Board of Directors as well as Rossi Cruz Lyle Dickey who is now serving as the Vice President of the Board.

Grand Ridge Plaza Our very own, awardwinning Grand Ridge Plaza is now managed by a neighbor, Shannon Jallow.

Shannon took over property management last spring and is an employee of Regency Centers. She and her husband are raising their two sons here in IH. Shannon Jallow

La Boutique Jolie Soledad Ruiz

Jessica Dorsey

Social media lit up again this summer with excitement about the return of the GOATS, our summer landscape crew.

However, not all the commotion was positive as a few individuals thought it would be funny to cause a stampede by exploding fireworks and even tried to steal one of the members of the herd!

Thank you to all the residents who came to the rescue of our four-legged friends!

The community’s 20-year anniversary was commemorated by the IHCA with the refurbishment of our very first park, Ashland Park, in October. Milenko Matanovic, the park’s original designer, was invited back to lead the project.

Sarah Hoey, Executive Director for the IHCA, recognized him with a plaque in his honor at the re-dedication.

IHCA Senior Community Manager Erika North, and Executive Director Sarah Hoey with Ashland Park designer, Milenko Matanovic. ceremony.

Grand Ridge Plaza welcomed a boutique, a bank, and a much-needed pediatric medical office in 2016. La Boutique Jolie opened in June. Harborstone Credit Union joined the community in September, and Allegro Pediatrics opened in October. All three new businesses participated in our annual Highlands Day Festival and Shannon was a member of our festival leadership team!

Harborstone Credit Union

Allegro Pediatrics

Milenko Matanovic is honored with a plaque to commemorate his design of Ashland Park by IHCA Senior Commu-

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2017 •

Highlands Council Who could forget Highlands Day! Did you attend? It is our biggest event of the year but not the only event we produce.

In 2016 we highlighted our community’s Living Green mantra. Highlands Council staff member, Nina Milligan, welcomed regional experts around built green to a Green Genius seminar at Blakely Hall in February. Later that month, we hosted a screening of the documentary, Urbanized, followed by a panel discussion about urban village design. We also hosted gardening seminars, a bear safety seminar, and a bird-friendly communities seminar.

Photos (from left to right, top to bottom): Catwoman teases the crowd at August’s Super Hero Highlands Day Festival; Vicki Grunewald, Highlands Council’s new Graphic Design & Digital Marketing Coordinator; A communty conversation about mental illness as part of the Incredible Intensity of Being Human art exhibition curated by artEast; The HY constructed eight Little Libraries last January for parks in our community.

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS 2016: By the Numbers The number of new homeowners the IHCA welcomed to our community in 2016.

Speaking of educational seminars, did you see the Black Hawk helicopter land in Central Park in June? I was proud to be a part of the City of Issaquah Emergency Management team as we planned and executed a portion of the multistate disaster simulation, Cascadia Rising. Emergency Preparedness education is an important initiative for us at Highlands Council. We hosted two personal preparedness seminars for residents in October.

Record attendance of our Super-Hero-filled HIGHLANDS DAY festival in August 2016. What will our 2017 theme be?

Cascadia Rising disaster simulation in Central Park We continue to partner with artEAST by creating free and open to the public gallery space in Blakely Hall. Of specific note, The Incredible Intensity of Being Human exhibition last spring brought attention to the issue of mental illness and its negative stigma. We were proud to be a venue for such an important topic.

Highlands Council welcomed a new member to our staff in October, Vicki Grunewald, Graphic Design & Digital Marketing Coordinator, replacing our beloved Vyvian Luu, who is now a full-time college student. Long-time homeowner, Ami Desai-Mehta, joined the Highlands Council Board of Trustees earlier this year.

Coordinating volunteers is a big part of Highlands Council’s mission to build community. We added new volunteer writers to Connections News: Aimee Holy, Rachel Hammock, Meeta Mehta and Suzy Sharp.

Let’s also congratulate The HY, the Highlands Youth Advisory Board, for their work in 2016. They built Little Free Libraries for the community, added six new members and attended two leadership development seminars. They also hosted four special events for middle and high school students plus one Parents Night Out service project.

Number of Little Free Libraries built for the community by the Highlands Youth Advisory Board.

Number of new clubs and groups Highlands Council staff member, Brianna Eigner, added to our community’s roster of programming in 2016, all volunteer initiated and led.

The number of community garden p-patches we oversee.

The harvest was plentiful in 2016!

Number of unique rotating art exihibits shown in the great room of Blakely Hall in 2016 as part of a continued partnership between Highlands Council and artEast. Free and open to the public!

The Year Ahead...

Our 2017 focus will continue to be marking the milestones that lead us to the 20th Anniversary of the first family that moved into Issaquah Highlands in 1998. We will follow the land development issues and keep you informed along the way.

Let us know what YOU think about Your Community at Work. Please take our community survey, now available at IssaquahHighlands.com.

Wishing you a 2017 filled with PEACE, prosperity, good health, and a community filled with friends!

Christy Garrard, Executive Director, Highlands Council

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January 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Our Community at Work: Thank You 2016 Volunteers of the Month!

The large cogs that make up Our Community at Work are moved forward by the many small cogs that are turned by the board members, club leaders, and community committee members that represent Highlands Council, the IHCA, and HFN. Each month we recognize

one resident for their service to our community and then each January we select ONE to be named Volunteer of the Year for Issaquah Highlands.

If you are interested in volunteering, see issaquahhighlands.com/connect/volunteer

Board Members David Ngai

IHCA Board of Directors, Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee The IHCA says, “David exemplified amazing servant leadership qualities, especially during our annual budget season and recurring financial statement reviews.“

Walt Bailey

IHCA Board of Directors, Secretary and Architectural Review Committee, Member Volunteering at IHCA has allowed me to give back to my community and in turn, has provided me with an excellent learning experience - what it really takes to operate one of the most desirable places to live in Washington.

Emily Palm

8th Grade Member of the Highlands Youth Advisory Board I love the leadership opportunities I get from being on the HY board and meeting new people at events.

I look forward to many more great memories here in the Issaquah Highlands!

Club Leaders Quinn Ryan Founder of the Twice-Monthly Minecraft Mania Club and 6th Grade Member of the Highlands Youth Advisory Board

Thuan Stevens & Katie Hays

Co-Leaders of the Wednesday Morning Toddler Play Group What inspires us to continue volunteering our time to the Toddler Playgroup?

Connections, a sense of belonging and a place we feel appreciated.

I started the Minecraft Mania club because I wanted kids to make new friends, learn teamwork and have fun while playing the popular game of Minecraft.

Mike McMillin & Pat Nell

Co-Leaders and Founding Members of the Monthly Travel Club Volunteering in the Travel Club has strengthened our connection to our neighborhood; this was what we needed.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2017 •

Community Committees Jennifer Kodosky & Lindsey Pinkston Co-Coordinators of the Shop Small Saturday Holiday Bazaar

We love bringing people together and planning community events. Getting involved has been a phenomenal way to meet and interact with new people.

Sarah Lally Brown

Connections News, Living Green Column, Contributing Writer I write for Connections about one of my favorite hobbies, gardening; and when I hit send it is always done with a happy smile.

Kumar Kannadiapaayam

Leader of Issaquah Highlands Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) I joined the 2009 Spring Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class organized by Issaquah Citizen Corps (ICC). I love the CERT motto – “Doing the greatest good to the greatest number of people”.

Residents Who Saw a Need and Got Involved Community Photographer

Community Garden Member

Victoria & Noelle Lasch

I have had the opportunity and pleasure of volunteering as a photographer in the Issaquah Highlands since 2014. Capturing those wonderful moments have been heart-warming experiences.

In the week it took to paint the Vista Community Garden shed after it had been vandalized, I had several community members assist me and even more gave words of gratitude and encouragement. I can’t think of many feelings better than being appreciated.

We really like doing community service because we enjoy helping people. Plus, we get to meet new people and have a great time together.

Shubha Tirumale

Sarah Games

Ashland Park Refurbish Project Volunteers

2016 Volunteer of the Year will be announced at our Volunteer Appreciation Event in February.

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HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

Issaquah Highlands Connections

New Events and Annual Favorites Return to Blakely Hall

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

Community Building is the mission of Highlands Council. Providing a free venue for over 20 clubs and groups, and a location for special events that serve a variety of demographics, are ways we fulfill our mission to create a vibrant and caring community in Issaquah Highlands.

New Clubs The ancient Chinese martial art, Taichi, will be offered on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 6:45am-7:45am at Blakely Hall beginning January 6th. Participation is free; a donation of a nonperishable food item for the Food Bank is encouraged.

Scratch is a new computer coding club for kids starting January 17th. This free club will meet at Blakely Hall every other Tuesday from 5pm-6:30pm, alternating with the already popular Minecraft Mania Club.

All clubs sponsored by Highlands Council are resident-initiated, resident-led, and free to everyone.

Special Events Highlands Council is proud to present Love in the Big Easy! Enjoy a night of live, New Orleansstyle, jazz music, Cajun food by Jemil’s Big Easy, and Mardi Gras-style fun on Saturday, February 11th at Blakely Hall. Adults only. For ticket information see page 14.

New to our community? Highlands Council, together with the IHCA an HFN will host a Resident Orientation Reception on Thursday, March 2nd. Even if you have lived in Issaquah Highlands for years, plan to attend and meet your community staff members and get your questions answered.

See page 17 or 23 for details and to RSVP. Community Gardening Love to garden? Renewals are in progress for our 130 community garden patches. To be added to the waitlist, fill out the webform at IssaquahHighlands.com.

The Cascade Water Alliance will host two FREE gardening seminars on Thursday evenings, March 16th and April 6th. Save the date and we will provide more details on topics in the February issue and on the community calendar at IssaquahHighlands.com.

Annual Traditions The Friday Night Flashlight Egg Hunt returns for middle and high school students on April 7th at Blakely Hall, hosted by The HY, Highlands Youth Advisory Board. More details coming soon.

Save the Date: 19th Annual Highlands Day Festival, Saturday, August 26th at Blakely Hall and Village Green Park.

For a comprehensive list of clubs and groups and community events see the What’s Happening pages on 16 and 17 or visit the community calendar at IssaquahHighalnds.com.

Resolve to get Involved This Year!

The City of Issaquah is accepting applications for volunteers to serve on boards and commissions.

With 16 boards and commissions to choose from, there is something for everyone!

Serving on a City board or commission is a fun, interesting and impactful way to make a difference in our community. See “Thank a IH Resident Volunteer” on page 19 featuring longtime commission volunteer, Karl Leigh. Karl serves on both the Urban Village Development Commission (UVDC) and the Economic Vitality Commission. (In November we featured Jyotsna Warikoo of the Arts Commission and December Geoff Walker, UVDC and the Mayor’s Traffic Task Force.)

Boards and commissions cover a broad range of topics — arts, economic development, environmental issues, growth and even international diplomacy.

The city accepts applications online for all boards and commissions for terms that begin in May 2017. Qualified candidates will be interviewed and have their application reviewed by the mayor’s office. Appointments will be made by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council in late spring.

Terms lengths vary.

Questions? Contact the City Clerk’s Office at clerks@issaquahwa.gov or at 425-837-3000.

Issaquah’s Boards and Commissions Arts Commission Cable TV Commission Cemetery Board Civil Service Commission Development Commission Economic Vitality Commission Human Services Commission

Library Board Lodging Tax Advisory Board Parks Board Planning Policy Commission Sister City Commission Urban Village Development Commission + More!

Scott McKillop, Wisteria Park, has enjoyed serving on the Urban Village Development Commission for almost seven years.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2017 •

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

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Rossie Cruz, Crofton Springs Volunteerism: I don’t think people realize how much they really volunteer.

When I asked Siri the definition of volunteer she said: “a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task.”

There you have it. We all volunteer in one form or another. Whether we were aware of it or not. It might be as simple as helping someone unload their car or helping to collect toys during the holidays for less fortunate children.

My parents first got me to volunteer when my siblings and I were young. Of course, we didn’t really know that we were volunteering; we just went to “help out.” That “helping out” turned into a bit of a habit, one that I truly enjoy. One time I was helping a neighbor remove some junk from their yard so that my friend could play sooner.

The point here is, volunteering sometimes works in your favor. I even have friends who met at a volunteer event and now have a lasting relationship.

My volunteerism really kicked in when I first moved here from San Diego. It started with helping out on the Children’s Miracle Network telethon and feeding Thanksgiving dinner to families. Then I started getting more involved feeding the homeless at Union Gospel Mission in Seattle, passing out blankets in the winter, serving food for runaway teens. Then more volunteering at First and Goal (they reward at risk children for setting and completing school goals), basketball camps, Toys for Tots, Seafair Pirates Holiday Treasure Chest, sorting clothes at Treehouse, even adopt -a-highway. These were all so rewarding and I met different giving people.

Next thing you know, I became one of the founding members for Costco’s Volunteer Board. This opened up even more opportunities to volunteer and meet some great giving people.

The point I’m trying to get across is we volunteer more than we realize and it can start at a young age or a later age. Let’s encourage everyone to volunteer and just “help out” once in a while.

Rossie Cruz serves as the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Vice President, representing District 3. Rossie has lived in Crofton Springs for 12 years. She also serves on the Crofton Springs Neighborhood Committee, where she helps to manage the budget, landscaping and other neighborhood matters.

ARTS & CULTURE

Author Exhibition

by Kathryn Dean , Kirk Park Anyone who has ever imagined themselves a writer, probably envisions a dark wood study, lined with bookshelves, comfy reading chairs, and an uncluttered desk where a laptop rests and creativity is poured out one cup of coffee and typed one page at a time.

Allison Krieger engages young attendees.

Anyone who has actually written a book can tell you that reality bears little resemblance to the imagination.

On November 12th, 2016, Issaquah Highlands Council hosted its first Author Exhibition night at Blakely Hall. The exhibition featured a panel of authors from multiple genres sharing how their books came to be from the idea, to the writing process, to publication.

The methods were as varied as the book topics and gave the audience a great look into what it takes to be a published author.

Elizabeth List wrote her children’s book out of a passion for endangered animals and a desire to expose children to different cultures.

She approached an artist friend for the illustrations and published through the independent publishing platform called CreateSpace. Her book, The Potluck, is available on amazon.com. (Featured in Connections April 2016)

Our romance author, actor and playwright Raegyn Perry, finished writing a play and realized she had many other ideas for stories. Lavender Fields was inspired by a love story from her own family history and included the idea of reincarnation as a way a forbidden love might eventually be realized. She started her book while going to school and job hunting during the recession of 2008, began editing, but then shelved it for a while. After more editing and sharing with friends, Lavender Fields was released to the public in September 2015 (available on amazon.com.)

Joe Beernink, another author featured in my April column, wrote his book, Nowhere Wild, while commuting to his day job as a software developer. A member of PNWA (Pacific Northwest Writers Association), Joe pitched his book at their annual conference in 2009 where he met his agent, Sally Harding. After many revisions and rewrites, HarperCollins Canada published Nowhere Wild in 2015. Nowhere Wild is an action adventure novel and available from many booksellers.

(L-R) Allison Krieger, Elizabeth List, Raegyn Perry, Kathryn Dean, Paul Dean, Joe Beernink and Jerry Kaufman.

Allison Krieger’s picture book, Howard and the Wompoopus, came about from stories her father told her when she was a child. She couldn’t wait to share these stories with her son and decided to preserve them forever by publishing a book. Her story took under an hour to write down, but the illustrating, formatting, and publishing took close to a year. Find this book and future Howard stories at allisonkrieger.com I met Jerry Kaufman through the ArtEast exhibition at Blakely last January (Connections Febraury 2016). A third generation photographer and a veteran, Jerry’s book, Renewal at the Place of Black Tears, is a photographic essay containing evocative images of Pearl Harbor. He put together the images with the hope of bringing renewal and restoration out of the tragic event.

Visit www.imagesofrenewal.com for a personalized copy.

Paul Dean, the historian on the panel, began researching and writing his book 16 years ago while in grad school. His master’s thesis about WWI led him to acquire the diary and letters of Roy Blanchard, a young soldier from Michigan. Paul spent several years turning an academic thesis into a compelling story. Courage: Roy Blanchard’s Journey in America’s Forgotten War was published by Lucid Books in 2016 and tells the story of World War 1 through the eyes of the common soldier. (available at paultdean.com) After the panel discussion, the audience asked questions and spoke with the authors one-onone while enjoying refreshments provided by Sip and Nothing Bundt Cakes. Many took home several signed books.

As the night came to a close, it was apparent that while there is not one method for becoming a published author, an idea or inspiration when given much time, creative energy, hard work, and patience can turn into a finished book.

Whether you find yourself in an idyllic study or using a laptop on the train, the key is to keep writing one page at a time. As for me, I’ll still imagine the dark wood and bookshelves while typing from my couch amidst the chaos of reality.

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January 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

IHCA 2017-18 Annual Budget Development Underway

The Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Finance Committee has begun preparing the IHCA 2017-18 budget. The budget will be presented to the Board of Directors (BOD) for approval in late February, published in April’s Connections newspaper, and ratified at a scheduled community meeting in late April.

The IHCA in 2016

by Collene Cordova, Owner Services Coordinator-Compliance After the many changes we experienced in 2015, this past year was a bit quieter. This welloiled machine continues to chug along, tweaking procedures here and there to make them more efficient, putting out fires (not literally) and making sure that the Issaquah Highlands continues to be revered as a sought-after community to call home.

The Finance Committee is composed of Issaquah Highland’s homeowners who volunteer their time to serve the committee. Members are appointed by the IHCA BOD and work directly with the IHCA staff to develop a budget recommendation. Using their financial expertise, knowledge of community and legal requirements, and a commitment to maintaining the communitywide standards, the budget is developed using proactive group effort.

Once the budget is reviewed and approved by the Finance Committee, the committee presents the budget to the IHCA BOD for approval. After Board approval, an open meeting is scheduled to publicly ratify the budget. In accordance with state law and the IHCA Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs), ratification is automatic unless 75% of all members (not just those in attendance) vote to reject the budget.

There are many factors that the Finance Committee must consider when developing the community budget. These driving factors include: • Protecting the integrity of the investment of every homeowner within Issaquah Highlands.

• Maintaining the standard of care and safety of community property and common areas.

• Ensuring efficient planning for future community needs.

The Finance Committee reviews the costs of daily operation of the community, such as for common electricity and irrigation water, grounds maintenance, management, insurance and general maintenance. These expenses are either contractual or can be reasonably estimated based on experience. The Finance Committee also reviews the income needed to maintain the reserve fund at sufficient levels. Reserve funds provide money for the repair and replacement of the community’s assets — such as playground equipment, drainage infrastructure and irrigation equipment.

Armed with this knowledge, the committee will estimate total expenses for the coming year and compare that sum to the association’s potential revenue (assessments, interest on investments and shared costs revenue). The committee will look for ways to lower expenses without compromising service and address areas where operating efficiencies may be realized.

The annual budget must also meet the legal requirements of operating a nonprofit association and address any economical and operational challenges that may lie ahead.

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 16-007 A home business application has been submitted to the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board of Directors from an owner at 1312 Williamsburg Walk NE. The business application is for a city licensed acupuncture business. The public comment period will be January 1, 2017 through January 15, 2017. Residents may provide their comments on the business application via email to homebusinessapp@ihcommunity.org. This public notice and the application are posted on the Issaquah Highlands website at www.issaquahhighlands.com.

This month a huge ‘thanks’ goes out to the very watchful homeowner who not only observed vandalism to our Village Green Christmas tree when a couple of mischievous hooligans decided to tear the lights off and wrap them in balls, but they chased them off so the damage was minimized. We always appreciate it when residents go the extra mile in these situations. It saves money and in this case, saved the community lighted tree!

Thank you!!

Dan Adams, Maintenance Staff, in between the old and new benches on Park Drive

We did experience a few big changes, namely the IHCA office location. We moved just across the hallway. A new three-year lease beginning February 2017 was negotiated and the good news, our address and suite number didn’t change . We didn’t even need to order new envelopes. As change is inevitable, we also said goodbye to some familiar faces and welcomed new members to our team.

Again in 2016, our Accounting Team received a “clean” audit opinion for our 2015-16 financial statements. In June, an on-line bank payment option via a link on our website was implemented.

Homeowners can now pay semi-annual assessments and one-time charges such as ARC fees, late fees and fines using a free eCheck or a credit/debit card (fees apply). Our team also contracted for IT upgrades switching from SharePoint to our own network, saving the HOA $5,000 annually.

The Community Management Department reviewed and revised the Issaquah Highlands Use Restrictions and Rules (otherwise known as the URR’s). Some new rules were added, some rewritten for clarification purposes, but the intention is always the same: to make sure that this community continues to remain clean, well-maintained, and aesthetically pleasing to residents while enhancing property values. Ashland Park, the oldest park in the community, was given a makeover including a freshly painted totem pole and lamp posts, and a repaired, stained and sealed water feature. Soon all of the IHCA-owned parks will be enhanced with nameplates so the next time someone says “meet me at Roanoke Woods (Bear Park)” you’ll know what they are talking about.

Our landscaping staff has been busy upgrading water filters on the non-potable irrigation systems. Upgrades on the new irrigation control systems are currently 40% complete. Every year, a few more are upgraded with the goal of having all of them completed within five years.

All open space areas with vegetation are under control, including ponds, slopes and paths, thanks to our in-house landscapers and our four-legged summer helpers, the goats. Because some trees have a limited lifespan, a master tree replacement plan is underway, replacing trees that are either diseased, growing sideways or simply too big for the space in which they were planted.

All insurance policies were reviewed realizing a $20,000 annual savings. Our Maintenance Shed, and I use that term very loosely, will soon be replaced with a proper Maintenance Facility to house all of our equipment and supplies. Our maintenance staff is still in the process of replacing the worn-out mailbox kiosks throughout the community. Electrical upgrades were done in all of the tree wells in time for the holiday lights. If you’re looking for a nice place to sit and watch the sunset, try the new benches on Park Drive.

We’ve said goodbye to 2016 and are now ready for the challenges and victories that lay before us. As always, we welcome your feedback and appreciate everything you do to make this community a home to all.

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 17-001 A home business application has been submitted to the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board of Directors from an owner at 2454 NE Julep St. The business application is for a city licensed Child Care for up to 12 children. The public comment period will be January, 1 2017 through January 15, 2017. Residents may provide their comments on the business application via email to homebusinessapp@ihcommunity.org. This public notice and the application are posted on the Issaquah Highlands website at www.issaquahhighlands.com.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2017 •

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Trash Can Violation Percentages Decline

by Collene Cordova, Owner Services Coordinator-Compliance

Rules are an essential element of community management in an HOA community. Without them, “anything goes” and what one homeowner may deem acceptable, others may not. And the continuity of the community can be lost. Because of this, the Issaquah Highlands Use Restrictions and Rules were adopted and made a part of the CC&R’s in January 2001.

One area that we have tried to bring into compliance regards trash cans. The rules state: Trash. Any trash (grey), recycling (blue), or yard waste (green) containers and/or bags and other trash containers must be stored indoors (garage or ARC approved enclosure) during non-pickup hours. Trash cans may only be placed at the curb/street for pickup 12 hours prior to and 12 hours after pickup time. The ARC will consider variance requests in accordance with the variance policy in section 4.5 of the Declaration under the following circumstances: a.

Topography b. Natural Obstructions c. Hardship

alleyways and homeowners to navigate in and out of their garages. Also, we are surrounded by woods which is home to a very healthy bear population. Bears are attracted to the smell of the cans and will associate your garbage can with their next meal, a dangerous situation.

Best Practices?

Put your cans out early Friday.

Return your cans to the garage or an ARC approved outdoor enclosure Friday evening after pick up, Saturday morning at the very latest.

If you will be out of town, please make arrangements to have your cans properly tended to.

If that can’t be done, simply skip that garbage pickup.

Thank you for doing your part in making the Issaquah Highlands a beautiful and safe place to call home.

Basically, what this means is that cans can be put out on Thursday evening at the earliest and must be returned to the garage or an ARC approved enclosure by Saturday morning. The last pick up in the community is typically done by 4:30pm on Friday, often earlier. When doing inspections on Saturday, we typically start in the early afternoon so if your cans are out, it is well past the 12 hours.

We receive many phone calls and emails from residents stating that cans are left out on Saturday and often through the weekend, some even into the beginning of the week. In September, we began doing trash can inspections on Saturday afternoons and have seen a decline in this infraction over the past three months. The initial Saturday inspection resulted in Warning Notices to all residents with cans out, approximately 3% of the community. During the following inspection, there were still approximately 3% of the community that left their cans out but 10% of those were repeat offenders receiving 1st Fine Notices. During the third inspection, only 2% of the community left their cans out and of those, 13% were repeat offenders.

You might be asking yourself, why is this so important? Well, there are a few reasons. We live in a very densely populated community, some areas more so than others. When cans are left out in the streets and alleyways it makes it difficult for cars to park on the street, kids to play in the

Spotted May 23, 2015 on NE Logan St.

ASK THE IHCA

Do you have a question about homeowner responsibilities, or how our common areas are managed? Complete the simple form in IHCA’s section of IssaquahHighlands.com and we will respond to you promptly. Your questions (and our answers) might be shared here, in the next issue of Connections.

Welcome Packets are processed once we receive the closing paper work from the escrow companies and then processed into the IHCA data base. We apologize for the delay, however it can take several weeks for this process to be completed.

Please feel free to contact me if you a have any further questions.

look into appropriate signage for this court area. I would like to point out the tennis courts and all of Central as well as Black Nugget Park and Grand View Park are owned, operated and maintained by the City of Issaquah. IHCA owns and maintains the remainder of the parks throughout the community.

Q: Recently we moved into the community and requested our welcome package. Actually this has been the third time we requested it and have not received it. We requested it since September. We are concerned that our HOA fees are due soon, if not due already, and we want to make sure everything is setup and we collect our welcome package. Can we request the package again? Would you be able to confirm our bank withdrawal is setup and should be processed soon? We can pick the package up in person if that expedites things.

Q: Would it be possible to have signage put up on the basketball courts that are adjacent to Fire Station 73 indicating that the courts are for basketball only? The courts are frequently used for activities that have nothing to do with basketball. I have seen it used as an off leash dog park, child play area for a birthday party, arena soccer court, and tennis practice to name a few. My kids and I use the courts regularly and it is frustrating when the court is being re-purposed for other activities. We don’t have many options to play / practice elsewhere. I know similar signage exists for our community tennis courts. Thank you for considering.

Q: Why were trees recently cut at the ground level on 30th Ave. north and south of Harrison St.? Will they be replaced?

Thank you for contacting the IHCA. A welcome package was mailed to you but was returned by the Post Office as undeliverable. It’s quite possible that it was mailed prior to your actual move in date. At closing, your September and October dues were collected in advance. In your case, you signed up for ACH and your first payment was withdrawn on November 7th from the account you authorized on the ACH Direct Debit Authorization Form.

Thank you for contacting the IHCA. You bring up a good point. Is the basketball court designed only for basketball?

I would agree with you, but as a community we should show some flexibility for the IHCA common areas. Obviously using this court for anything other than its intended purpose should not take precedence over a good game of hoops. I will

Holiday Decorations Deadline January 15th, 2017 IHCA URRs: Holiday decorations may be neatly displayed and secured during seasonal time lines only on the Unit. Winter holiday decorations and lighting (including light clips) may be displayed from October 1st through January 15th.

Thank you for doing your part.

Thank you for contacting the IHCA. Common area trees that are diseased or growing incorrectly are being removed as part of the master tree replacement plan. The IHCA is spending over $10,000 this year to remove and replace some common areas trees. Replacements will be made in a timely manner.

We look forward to hearing from more of you. Please keep submitting your questions for them to be featured in the next issue.

Sarah Hoey, CMCA®, AMS® Executive Director Issaquah Highlands Community Association

ARC Tip of the Month:

Did you know… If satellite service was under your tree at Christmas, please remember the IHCA has a process to follow for installing the dishes. Prior to installation, homeowners are required to submit a “notification form” (found at issaquahhighlands.com), along with a photo of where the dish will be placed. Follow placement guidelines on the form, which protect the aesthetics of the community.

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January 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2017 •

BLAKELY HALL ART GALLERY

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Celebrating Dorothy Bonneau Blakely Hall | Show Opens January 25th

Please join artEAST and Highlands Council as they partner to honor the artwork of the late Dorothy Bonneau with a solo show at Blakely Hall beginning January 25th. Dorothy is remembered in the art world for her diverse talents and mastery in many mediums from oil and acrylic painting, to ceramics, slump glass and hand painted silk clothing. Dorothy’s extensive background in portraiture carried over into her painting of chickens and barnyard animals, with personality. These became her signature work at the artEAST Gallery on Front Street in Issaquah.

Dorothy Bonneau passed away in May after a lingering illness. Through her final months her painting became even more important to her. When her energy faded, the line and strokes in her work became even more animated and her color choices became brighter. The work we have selected for the Dorothy Bonneau show will certainly provide the viewer with an understanding of her range of her talent as well as a glimpse into the brightness of personality that was Dorothy.

Dorothy painted with a joy and brightness that touched many people. She won awards for her landscape work and her paintings were sought after throughout the Northwest. Words from Dorothy’s widower, Peter Bonneau, provide a lovely description of her work:

Wednesday, February 1st, 6:00pm | Blakely Hall Open to the Public Refreshments Provided

“Color and light were always important to her and she almost always mentioned this when she gave descriptions of her work. Endless seeming days of overcast skies were, I think, why she always had a hard time in the Pacific NW. That, and the cold. When we moved back east briefly, she went on and on about how beautiful the light was there. Interestingly, though, she did not paint much during that time. Maybe she painted more here because she somehow felt this place needed some lightening up. Her paintings certainly reflect that. Dorothy rarely tried to make any kind of social statement with her work. But, after knowing her, I believe she ultimately did by simply decorating the dark with light.”

DOING BUSINESS

Waste Not and Win! Congratulations, Golden Dumpster Award Winners, announced on December 9, 2016.

The awards recognized four businesses and organizations for waste reduction, recycling and customer education efforts. The only winner in Issaquah Highlands was Bai Tong Thai Restaurant.

Noi and Noina, sisters and owners of Bai Tong. Noina lives in Issaquah Highlands and runs the Bai Tong in Grand Ridge Plaza.

Artist Reception

Other winners: Doubletake Vintage & Consignment, Lake Sammamish State Park, REI The competition is sponsored by Recology CleanScapes, the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce and the City of Issaquah’s Office of Sustainability.

To learn more about the annual program, and how your business can qualify, go to cleanscapes.com.

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January 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Kids & Families

Club Inclusive

Thursday, January 12th, 6pm 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, January 10th & 24th, 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 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, January 5th, 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

First meeting: Tuesday, January 17th, 5:00pm Then every 1st & 3rd Tuesday 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 Starts January 25th 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

Monday, January 9th, 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, January 9th, Noon Blakely Hall

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

World Cultures Chinese Heritage Club

Sunday, January 29th, 4pm - 6pm Blakely Hall Chinese New Year Celebration

The Year of the Roster celebration includes musical and dancing performances, arts and crafts, afternoon tea, a raffle and family portraits. Free and open to the public but donations are encouraged to cover the event’s costs ($5 adults, $3 seniors and children) Sign up at facebook. com/ihchc The Chinese Heritage Club meets monthly at Blakely Hall. Contact bowbow.gu@outlook.com for more information.

Latino Club

Sunday, January 8th, 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

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, January 27th, 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, January 14th, 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

India Culture Club

Sunday, January 8th, Noon Blakely Hall

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, January 11th, 7pm Blakely Hall TOPIC: El Camino de Santiago

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.com

Russian Highlanders Kids Club * See Kids & Families

Poker Night

Thursday, January 26th, 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 Blakely Hall

Fitness New! Taichi Fitness Club

First Meeting: Friday, January 6th Then every Wednesday & Friday, 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

January 2017 •

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS

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Hatha Yoga Classes Saturday

New! Entrepreneur Club

High Street Collection Update

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

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

Shelter Holdings will host a community meeting to provide an update to the High Street Collection, a commercial/residential project that is proposed along the undeveloped parcel of land that runs along 9th Avenue between Discovery Drive and High Street.

Every Saturday, 10:30am Cancelled January 21st 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 Cancelled January 21st 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.

CERT Team 9 - 2017 Kick Off Meeting Wednesday, January 18th, 6pm Blakely Hall

Issaquah’s Highlands-based Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) will meet to plan outreach and programming for 2017. Agenda: new member recruitment, volunteer opportunities, Emergency Preparedness Seminars, monthly columns in Connections News, and more. If you are interested in learning more about CERT training or if you are CERT certified from another city or state, please attend.

The more residents trained as volunteer emergency workers to support the City’s Emergency Management office, the better! A pizza-dinner will be served. For information or to RSVP contact: Christy.G@IHCouncil.org or 425-507-1110.

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

Family History Night Tuesday, January 17th, 8pm Blakely Hall

Genealogy Made Easy! Come join other Issaquah Highlands family history enthusiasts in an informal setting designed to make genealogy research fun. Bring your laptop or tablet and some basic information about your family and discover your heritage. All events are free and open to the community. Third Tuesdays.Contact: Darrell Reising, dreising@gmail.com or 425-427-1417. highlandsfamilyhistorygroup.com

Meaningful Movies

Wednesday, January 25th, 6:30pm Blakely Hall MOVIE: Dream On

“Dream On” explores whether the American Dream is alive and well or whether George Carlin was right when he quipped “It’s called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.” 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/

Toastmasters Club

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

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.

Wine Club

Friday, January 13th, 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!

Christmas Tree Recycling

Boy Scouts pick up on Saturday, January 7th, 9am Place your trees on the curb with a donation by 9AM. Please place your donation in an envelope affixed to the bottom with a rubber band, inside a ziploc bag in bad weather. $15-$30 per tree suggested donation. Please make checks payable to “Boy Scouts of America”.

City Council Public Hearing

Amendment to IH Development Agreement Tuesday, January 17th, 7pm City Council Chambers, 135 E Sunset Way

The Issaquah City Council will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting to take public testimony regarding a proposed amendment to the Issaquah Highlands Two Party Development Agreement to allow the transfer of development rights by Polygon Northwest for the Westridge Development project, and to develop the City of Issaquah’s land on Falls Drive NE as “affordable housing”. See further information at IssaquahHighlands.com.

Community Meeting Thursday, January 19th, 6:30pm Blakely Hall

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.

Governance Mtgs IHCA Architectural Review Committee

Tuesday, 1/3, 6:00 pm IHCA Office

IHCA Finance Committee

Tuesday, 1/10, 5:30 pm IHCA Office

Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group Wednesday, 1/10, 5:00 pm, TBD

IHCA Board of Directors

Wednesday, 1/25, 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 New Year’s Day Sunday, January 1st

Martin Luther King Day Monday, January 16th

Inauguration Day Friday, January 20th

Chinese New Year

Saturday, January 28th (Chinese Heritage Club celebrates 1/29)

Holiday Closures Highlands Council, HFN and Blakely Hall will be closed on Monday, January 2nd to honor the New Year holiday.

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January 2017

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Development Update

Highlands Council will continue to follow development updates within Issaquah Highlands and keep you informed of opportunities to provide public comment. In addition to the events below, keep your ears open for opportunities to engage over the end of the term of our Development Agreement, the document that guides how much, and where, development occurs in Issaquah Highlands.

High Street Collection Community Meeting: Thursday, January 19th at Blakely Hall Shelter Holdings will host a community meeting to provide an update to the High Street Collection, a commercial/residential project that is proposed along the undeveloped parcel of land that runs along 9th Avenue between Discovery Drive and High Street.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

UVDC Backs Polygon Proposal for Additional Homes, Affordable Housing

by Nina Milligan, Highlands Council, Communications Manager

Public Hearing: Tuesday, January 17th, 7pm at City Council Chambers, 135 E Sunset Way The Urban Village Development Commission (UVDC) of the City of Issaquah met on December 6th to review a proposal (AB 7215) by Polygon Homes, the developer who owns almost 40 acres in the western edges of Issaquah Highlands. The commission voted unanimously to recommend city council approval of the proposal, with several “conditions”.

Tract D, City-owned property next to Forest Ridge, is “entitled” for 50 units of affordable housing. Learn more in February’s “Development Update”.

Central Park As of press time, the City Council approved only budget funds required to cover the basic project of converting Central Park Pad 1 to lighted, artificial turf sports fields. More information will be provided in the February issue of Connections: The Development Update Issue.

Speaking to the six commissioners and an audience including a dozen concerned Highlands residents, Development Services Department (DSD) Director Keith Niven, and DSD Land Development Manager, Lucy Sloman, described the application to amend the Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement for the ninth time in its 20-year life. The proposed amendment asks for approval to add to Issaquah Highlands 100 Transfer Development Rights (TDRs) and to develop Tract D (located at College and Falls Drive) as 25 units of “affordable housing” plus one group home for LEO (Life Enrichment Options).

The 100 additional residential units has long been considered part of the future development in Westridge, the residential community planned for west of 9th Ave NE, east of West Highlands Park.

Connections reported in February the total housing count including these TDRs. These development “rights” were sold and removed from forested land on Tiger Mountain, preventing future development in a sensitive and valued natural space. The proposal is a formal step required by the TDR program. Issaquah Highlands is a designated receiving site for TDRs. This proposal does not increase development density above previously approved levels.

“Groundbreaking” news coming in February Connections Last February in Connections, we brought you “Still Growing”, up-to-date news of construction projects coming to Issaquah Highlands. Pick up your copy of this year’s Development Update, “Goundbreaking” to learn what’s in store this year.

Speaking to the Issaquah Highlands standard that 30% of housing developed in the Highlands be “affordable”, Niven said this proposal could be interpreted as “satisfying their [Polygon’s] affordable housing obligation”. Tract D is city-owned property, entitled for affordable housing. It was added to Issaquah Highlands through the 2011 development agreement that increased the size of Issaquah Highlands to include the Bellevue College Campus, among other additional development. Tract D is currently logged and undeveloped.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2017 •

ISSAQUAH CITY NEWS

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Carpool Parking Permits Available at Issaquah Transit Center

For $5 per month, carpool permits allow regular transit commuters to access priority parking at Sound Transit’s most popular parking facilities, including from 4-8:30 a.m. at Issaquah Transit Center.

If you carpool to your transit facility and transfer to a bus at least three days each week, you may be eligible for a carpool parking permit. Two or more carpool members can apply together by visiting the rpnw.com, selecting “Transit Riders” as your “City” to search and find Issaquah Park and Ride. Complete the on-line application.

Permits are not available at the Issaquah Highlands Park and Ride.

Thanking an IH Resident City Volunteer: Karl Leigh Urban Village Development Commission (UVDC): Reviews land use applications to assure “conformance with policies, goals and objectives” in governing documents, such as the Grand Ridge Development Agreement, Issaquah Highlands’ governing document.

Meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00pm at Council Chambers Meetings can be viewed online live or recorded. (See City channel on Youtube)

Economic Vitality Commission (EVC): Provides expertise – both to the Mayor and City Council – to enhance and facilitate economic development within the City, acting as a catalyst to expand and improve the economic climate of Issaquah within the context of the City’s commitment to social and environmental objectives.

Meets on the third Wednesday of March, June, September and December at 5:30 p.m.

All commission meetings are open to the public. Audience comments are welcome at all meetings.

(Check the issaquahwa.gov calendar for agendas.)

One of Issaquah Highlands’ first residents, Karl Leigh and his family moved to Issaquah Highlands from Bellevue in 1998. They are on their third house in the Highlands, now enjoying the empty-nester lifestyle in the Brownstones. Karl is a busy volunteer. He serves on the Urban Village Development Commission (since 2007), for many years as its Vice Chair, and on the Economic Vitality Commission, where he serves as Chair, since it started in 2012.

Why did you join the UVDC? We chose to live in Issaquah Highlands very consciously for the urban village setting including walkability, zero lot lines, density, etc. The UVDC serves my passion for the community and my background in engineering and planning.

Why did you join the EVC? I joined Economic Vitality when I thought UVDC was slowing down. It hasn’t, but the EVC was a natural evolution of growing Issaquah in a smart way, as we do in the urban villages. The commissions themes are consistent with smart growth, smart companies, smart citizens, and smart City staff to affect our growth. Good employment, density, and transportation management are smart for Issaquah, not just in urban villages.

What do you enjoy most about serving on these commissions?

It’s been great to further the vision of the urban villages and try to remain true to why we came here in the first place. I’ve been able to see things we worked on come to fruition. Swedish Hospital, Grand Ridge Plaza and many neighborhoods benefit from the work we did. Parking, streetscapes, pedestrian ways, trail connections, are all things we’ve worked on to make a better community. And I get to see what’s going on in detail just a bit before everyone else! (Even though everything we do is public.)

Why did you choose to live in the Issaquah Highlands?

We saw Issaquah Highlands covered in the Journal American while it was still called Grand Ridge. They showed an artist rendition of sidewalks leading to houses with porches – not a common vision in Bellevue or most of the Eastside. We’re now living that vision and walk to Safeway, The Ram, Aji, Regal, Highlands Cleaners, Starbucks, Dicks, Marshalls – all literally in the last week.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the Issaquah Highlands?

Hmmm, IH Wine Club, The Ram, there might be a theme there. I love the snowfall, and if it’s not too stormy, my wife and I like go for walks. Invariably we’ll join up with long-time friends the Walkers (2nd longest resident). It’s just so beautiful when people are out walking and enjoying. The community seems to draw just a bit tighter.

City News Volunteer Jan 2017

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January 2017

Time: January 29, 2017, 4:00 - 6:00PM Location: Blakely Hall Admission Donations: $5 Adult, $3 Child & Senior, Under 2 Free!

Please sign up to attend at www.facebook.com/ihchc

Presented by

Highlands Council and the

IH Chinese Heritage Club

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2017 •

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ASK KARI

In keeping with this month’s theme of a year in review, please enjoy these “best of” questions for Kari.

say anything to help move things forward or let it go. What do you think I should do?

- Too Close for Comfort

Dear Kari, My son’s friend, who is seven, comes over almost every day to play at our home. My son enjoys his company and they get along great, but his parents never come looking for him at dinnertime or call to tell him to come home. He has eaten at our home more nights than I can count. What should I do to get his parents to come pick him up?

- Free Childcare

Dear Too Close for Comfort, I recommended that you let it go. Consider it a mistake that your friend’s husband made due to him either drinking too much alcohol that day or his misguided ideas about your interest in him.

Dear Free Childcare, It sounds like you like your son’s young friend; you just don’t like the behavior of his parents.

Taking into account that your son and he play very nicely together and have a good play relationship, I would either call or speak to his parents in person and confirm a pick-up time prior to him coming over. Or if the child stops by on his own, call his parents at the beginning of the play date and confirm when they will be coming over to pick him up that day, gently reminding them that you like their son but have a full schedule in your home that you need to keep.

- Kari

Dear Kari, I was at a neighborhood cocktail party and my friend’s husband put his arms around me, grabbed my backside and tried to kiss me. I moved his hands off me and pushed him away, and then I left the room. I realized that as I walked away that his wife saw the whole thing.

Our kids play together, and now I feel uncomfortable around them. I don’t know if I should

Either way, since you are neighbors and will see each other on a regular basis, one poor choice of action should be ignored. But, if it happens again, I would confront him about his actions and state that his inappropriate behavior will not being tolerated by you.

- 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

When Might You Have to Shelter in Place?

Source: Ready.Gov

We don’t like to think about it much, but we live in the land of volcanoes. There are 10 volcanoes in Washington State, including Mount Rainier and Mount Baker. In 1980 Mount St Helens erupted and filled the air with hazardous ash that covered everything for miles in all directions. Evacuating the area via an automobile would not be wise immediately following a volcanic eruption because the ash would clog the car’s air filters and could leave you stranded on the roadside.

Closer to home, did you know those giant tanks at the Darigold Plant on Front Street are not filled with milk? They contain chemicals that, if compromised, could be incredibly dangerous to breathe.

Whether you are at home, work or elsewhere, there may be situations when it’s simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside, according to Ready.gov.

There may be circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as “sealing the room,” is a matter of survival.

Use common sense and available information to assess the situation and determine if there is immediate danger. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you may want to take this kind of action.

The process used to seal the room is considered a temporary protective measure to create a barrier between you and potentially contaminated air outside. It is a type of sheltering in place that requires preplanning.

• Bring your family and pets inside.

• Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers.

• Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems.

• Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been contaminated.

• Go into an interior room with few windows, if possible.

• Seal all windows, doors and air vents with 2-4 mil. thick plastic sheeting and duct tape.

Consider measuring and cutting the sheeting in advance to save time.

• Cut the plastic sheeting several inches wider than the openings and label each sheet.

• Duct tape plastic at corners first and then tape down all edges.

• Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to seal gaps so that you create a barrier between yourself and any contamination.

• Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

For more emergency preparedness tips visit Ready.Gov

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January 2017

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2017 •

WELCOME TO

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS RECEPTION & ORIENTATION MEET NEIGHBORS / LEARN GOVERNANCE / BUILD COMMUNITY

REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED

THURSDAY, MARCH 2ND, 7PM BLAKELY HALL - 2550 NE PARK DRIVE RSVP BY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH BRIANNA.E@IHCOUNCIL.ORG 425.507.1107

ISSAQUAHHIGHLANDS.COM

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January 2017

CLUB PROFILE

SCRATCH-ing the Surface

by Sharon Godavarthi, Issaquah Highlands Resident

This new club is for kids interested in coding and pursuing a future in computer science.

Open to elementary and middle school-aged kids, the club is primarily focused on 9 to 12-year-olds.

I will be 16 in January and am a sophomore at Issaquah High School. I am pretty interested in code, but more interested in interactive code than Java or C#. I think interactive code makes coding fun and is a way to gain interest in coding before going on to the higher-levels.

Together with my dad, Rajish, and my friend, Rose, we hope to inspire in other kids the interest we have in coding. They can decide what they want to do with it, such as taking classes later on in high school.

Anyone interested in coding, or trying something new, should definitely join. Scratch Club is super low stress and a fun time for kids!

For more information see sharongodavarthi.wix.com/mysite or contact: sharon.godavarthi@gmail.com. Or you may contact Sharon’s dad at rajesh.godavarthi@gmail.com.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2017 •

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HIGHLANDS YOUTH - THE HY

2016 Trends in Memes

by Indiana Cowan, Highlands Youth Advisory Board member The internet is a wonderful, crazy, weird, relatable place. I would say lit, but adults would probably misunderstand it, since nowadays teens use ‘lit’ the same as we would use ‘sweet’ or ‘cool’, so it no longer means ‘drunk’. But that’s only the beginning of our little peek into teen life this month. In honor of the new year, this month’s teen theme is… 2016 internet trends! May they rest in peace.

Damn Daniel This trend started from a vine (an app that will soon be deleted, RIP) and soon spread like wild fire. Everyone in school was pointing at white vans (shoes) and screaming the phrase. Say “Damn Daniel!” to anyone today, and they will grimace at the sound of your stale memes.

The Bee Movie The Bee Movie came out in 2007, but really made it big in the meme industry this last year. Edits of the movie were all over YouTube, and every teen had the first few minutes of the script memorized. One reason it became popular in 2016 was because we know bees are dying at an alarming rate. The movie is about a bee, Barry Bee Benson, who meets a human, Vanessa, and she finds out that he can talk. He tries to stop the exploitation of bees, and eventually humans and bees end up getting along. The movie is especially considered weird because of the love between the Vanessa and the bee. Barry interesting indeed.

Mountain Bike Team for Students!

Pokémon Go Everyone had Pokémon Go. If you didn’t, who were you, really? But that only lasted a good two months, and eventually, people got tired of exercising. Go figure. Pokémon Go is an app that allows you to capture pokemon in relation to where you actually are.

Maybe a Pokémon was at the park, or the movie theater, but you would have to actually get up and walk there to capture the Pokémon. The three teams, Valor, Instinct, and Mystic, were great rivals, since they all fought over gyms in the app.

Mostly, everyone hated Instinct, and Valor was the most common team to chose.

Pokémon GO Teams: This common meme compared the team’s quality with eyeliner application. In order, it goes Instinct, Mystic, and then, of course, Valor.

Arthur The popular childhood cartoon was used to show our anger when a picture of Arthur’s clenched fist surfaced among meme teams. You would have spotted tons of Arthurs on Halloween 2016 because of how popular this meme was.

Hopefully you learned something from our trip through the past. If your kid ever mentions an old meme, you should be covered. Happy new year, and happy memeing!

Highlands Youth Advisory Board is comprised of Issaquah Highlands middle and high school students that plan events especially for teens that are social, service, or educational oriented and always FUN! For more information, contact HY Mentor, Christy Garrard 425-507-1110 Christy.G@ihcouncil.org

FITNESS & HEALTH

by Bridgette Scheppat, Black Nugget Park

I am a Highlands resident and we love it here. Part of the benefit is being surrounded by trails. After moving here, my middle school son took a strong interest in mountain biking.

The schools here do not have mountain bike teams and the non-profit, Washington Student Cycling League did not have a team in Issaquah. So, we are starting one! I am the team manager. We have volunteer Issaquah coaches. Several middle schoolers already have joined the team.

We are recruiting riders now for the 2017 season. This team is really all about making a positive impact for our teens and our community. Issaquah Highlands has amazing trails and this team will help connect our teens the great outdoors we have wisely protected as part of the Highlands.

The team is open to all middle and high school students (a team for each) who live in the Issaquah school district, including home school and private school kids. Practices will be mainly at Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Skills Course, Grand Ridge Trail and Tiger Mountain, starting in late January 2017.

Issaquah Area Student Mountain Bike Team Informational Meeting Wednesday January 11th 7-8:30 PM Sammamish Community YMCA For more information, email us at issaquahMS@washingtonleague.org

Please joins for an informational meeting in January.

Facebook event: facebook.com/ events/275251139543308/ The Issaquah Area Student Mountain Bike Team is a member of the Washington Student League (WSCL). washingtonleague.org The WSCL mission is to promote youth development, confidence, leadership, health and public stewardship through mountain biking and positive outdoor experience and to create a foundation for lifelong cycling enjoyment. Through local teams the League provides trained coaches and safe riding opportunities for every student regardless of gender, skill, fitness level, or socio-economic status.

I hope to see you there!

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Issaquah School District issaquah.wednet.edu 1/2 1/3 1/10 1/11 1/16 1/19 1/25 1/30

Winter Break – No School School Resumes Session ISD Reflections Reception and Gallery Walkthrough School Board Meeting @ 7:00 P.M Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School Special Education Parents Night: IEP Process School Board Meeting @ 7:00 P.M. Teacher Work Day – No School for Students

Issaquah School Foundation isfdn.org 1/4

Dining Out for Kids – Zeeks Pizza

Challenger Elementary challengerpta.org

1/13 1/17 1/27

Parents Night Out PTA General Meeting Festival of Cultures

Clark Elementary clarkpta.org 1/6 1/18 1/19 1/20

Dads at Recess Coffee with the Principal @ 8:30 A.M. General Membership PTA Meeting Sharks on Ice

Endeavour Elementary endeavourptsa.org

1/6 1/6 1/9 1/20

Eager Reader Kick-Off Popcorn Friday, Bring $.50 General Membership PTSA Meeting PTSA Movie Night

Grand Ridge Elementary grandridgeptsa.org 1/6 1/11 1/15 1/19 1/25

Popcorn Friday, Bring $.50 After School Movie @ 1:30 P.M. Last Day to Hand-in Yearbook Artwork PTSA General Meeting @ 10:30 A.M. After School Movie @ 1:30 P.M

Issaquah Middle School issaquahmiddleptsa.org

JANUARY EVENTS

1/6 - 12 1/17 1/19 1/23 1/24 1/25 1/26

School Play Auditions Diversity Assembly PBSES Parent Meeting, 6:30 P.M. Food Drive Starts Geography Bee, 7:00 P.M. PTSA General Meeting, 10:30 A.M. NJHS 8th Grade Meeting, Afterschool

Pacific Cascade Middle School pacificcascadeptsa.org 1/12 1/19 1/27

NJHS Mandatory First Meeting, 2:15 P.M. General Membership PTSA Meeting @ 12:30 P.M. Career Fair

Issaquah High School

issaquahhighptsa.org 1/15 1/20 1/28

5K Run Semester Finals Begin Winter Formal

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

Issaquah Highlands Connections

by Tracie Jones, Wisteria Park

Reflections

Reflections celebrates our incredible artists for their imagination and creativity! Many Issaquah Highlands students were honored for their artistic achievements, advancing to the Issaquah District level competition, those students are: Moriyah Brown, Meher Chadha, Claire Davenport, Katherine Farr, Angelina Lopez, Riya Jonnala, Angelina Pimkina, Megha Narra, Anna Pimkina, Medha Rao, Hayleigh Talton, Sanjwal Srivastava, Meilani Bayona, Gareth Black, Olivia Fu, William Johnson, Reflections artists’ work on display in the foyer at Grand Anika Kumar, Sean Lim, Ethan Lou, Genevieve McMillin, Isha Rudramurthy. Ridge Elementary.

Congratulations to all our amazing participants, and thank you for your remarkable contributions to this year’s Reflections.

SHARKS ON ICE

Clark PTA is hosting “Sharks on Ice”, a fantastic, fun-filled family event, January 20th, from 6:30 - 8:30 P.M., at Sno-King Ice Arena, in Renton.

Admission is $10 per person, including skate rentals. Save the date, bring the entire family, and share a great evening with classmates, friends, all while supporting students at Clark Elementary, through the PTA. More information is at ClarkPTA.org.

Nourish Every Mind SAVE THE DATES

Mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Nourish Every Mind Luncheon, on May 11, 2017, at its new location, Bellevue’s Meydenbauer Center, and the 4th Annual Breakfast, on May 17, 2017, at Eastridge Church in Issaquah. The Breakfast and Luncheon are the best ways to learn more about the District / Foundation partnership, and see how students directly benefit from your investments. For further information, to donate, volunteer, or captain a table, please visit isfdn.org.

2016-17 PTSA Awards

Please help the Issaquah PTSA Council honor dedicated volunteers, educators, and advocates from our community by nominating exemplary individuals for the 2016-2017 Golden Acorn Award, Outstanding Educator Award, and Outstanding Advocate Award. If you’re a parent, student, or staff, the PTSA invites your nomination. Award recipients receive an Award pin, a special certificate from the Washington State PTA, acknowledgement during a districtwide reception, and the honoree’s name engraved on a plaque showcased at school. In addition, Pacific Cascade PTSA contributes $70 in the recipient’s name to the Washington State PTA Scholarship Foundation. For more information and nomination forms, visit your local PTSA website.

PCMS Lunchtime Walkabout Program-Volunteers Needed TODAY! The PCMS Lunchtime Walkabout Program needs volunteers, now! Without help, the Walkabout Program will cease, and students will miss the opportunity to unwind, socialize, and play outside during lunchtime. PCMS need parents to volunteer for just 30 minutes during lunchtime to help supervise the outside courtyard areas, by the picnic tables and basketball hoops. Parents are welcome to shoot baskets, throw a football, or just lounge outside with the kids. Please sign up, bring a friend, grab a coffee, and hang out with the kids. Links for lunch sign-up, visit PacificCasadePTSA.org, and specify A, B, or C lunch. For more information or questions, contact Nicole Garcia, at Nicole@G12com.com.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

GRE Kindergarten Registration Information Night

January 2017 •

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

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, come to our informational, parents-only meeting on Tuesday, February 6th, at 6:00 P.M., at Grand Ridge Elementary Commons. GRE will review the lengthy registration process in detail, and hand-out registration packets to all prospective students. For more information, visit connect.issaquah.wednet.edu/elementary/grand/.

Sign up for “SchoolPool” Carpools and More…

Want less traffic and a green commute to school? Sign up for Issaquah Salmon Friendly Trips SchoolPool by filling out an online enrollment form, at surveymonkey.com/r/IssaquahSchoolPool.

A few days after filling out the form, log back into your account to see if there’s a ride match. SchoolPool trips aren’t just from home to school and back! Parents can arrange carpools, walking or biking groups to schoolrelated activities, such as sports practices and events, school music events, clubs, and tutorials.

Just type in where you live, where you want to go, and the time of the event. SchoolPool will match you 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. Spread the word! Questions or comments, email: salmonfriendlytrips@issaquahwa.gov.

Challenger PTA Festival of Cultures

The PTA Festival of Cultures takes students “around the world,” celebrating Challenger’s rich diversity through food, music, art, and traditions, on January 27th, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. And the PTA needs your support! They’re looking for families to host tables, representing many cultures. Joining the Festival of Cultures is a fun way to meet new people, while sharing cultures. Also, we’re looking for performers, such as dancers, martial artists, traditional musicians, to perform on stage at the Festival. For more information, participation, and to volunteer, please contact Emily Lee, Festival of Cultures Chair, emilyakemi@gmail.com.

Positive Behavior and Social Emotional Support Family Night at IMS

Families are invited to join the second ISD PBSES (Positive Behavior and Social Emotional Support) workshop, January 19, 2017, at IMS. Topics covered include engagement vs. compliance, demonstrations of strategies that enhances engagement with students, and using PBSES at home.

Workshops focus on motivation, organization, positive relationships, and social and emotional learning strategies. For more information, other dates, visit issaquah.wednet.edu.

Endeavour Eager Readers Program Eager Readers is back, making reading more enjoyable and exciting! Kicking-off January 6th, 2017, students earn prizes by reading outside school: at home, in the car, before bed, or even waiting for the dentist. Families record the time online to track every minute. The Eager Reader Program is a voluntary reading program sponsored by the Endeavour PTSA. Their objective is to foster a love of reading, and encourage students to read for their own enjoyment, while earning prizes. For more information, visit endeavourptsa.org.

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Issaquah Schools Foundation Dining for Kids

On the first Wednesday of every month, restaurants around the Issaquah Community partner with ISF to donate a portion of their proceeds to benefit our students. Join us for dinner during our next Dining for Kids on Wednesday, January 4th, at Zeeks Pizza, located at 2525 NE Park Drive, Issaquah, 98029. Please visit isfdn.org for a list of future dates and participating restaurants.

ENDEAVOUR AUCTION DONATIONS NEEDED!

The 2017 Endeavour Auction, “To the Moon and Back,” promises to be a wonderful evening of food, friends and fun, while benefiting all Endeavour students. The biannual auction is our biggest and most important PTSA fundraiser. Our procurement team is working hard and would love community support and expertise. EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS! To donate, provide contacts, suggestions, volunteer, please email our auction committee, auction@ endeavourptsa.org, or Taya Montgomery, at tayamo1@yahoo.com. Donation deadline: February 15th.

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LIVING GREEN

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Reduce, Recycle and Thrive in 2017

by Susie Sharp, The Brownstones

As I move into this brand-new year, and wonder what lies in store, I plan to live a simpler, more streamlined life. This will allow me to thrive, spending more time doing what really matters to me – spending quality time on my family and friends, and on personal growth – and to live a “greener” life.

Simplifying will allow me to reduce not only the clutter in my home, but my footprint on the planet.

Eastside Baby Corner (EBC) Also in Issaquah, has a donation site kindly provided by Issaquah Highlands Self-Storage. EBC focuses on gathering infants and children’s clothing, toys and furniture for the children of local families. Their accepted items may vary so please check the website for the most up to date information: babycorner.org.

I have been inspired by a book titled “Unstuff Your Life” by Andrew Mellen. Mellen built a career helping clients from all walks of life who had “ too much to do and not enough time to get it all done, and absolutely no idea of what to do with all that stuff!” In his book, he explains that we are not our stuff even though we surround ourselves with miscellaneous objects which on some level have become part of who we are. I am certainly guilty. My family and I lived in a home for 10 years with a garage full of boxes of possessions I felt I might need at some point in the future. However, when we moved out I realized most of those boxes had never even been opened!

Or, instead of donating, you can sell or trade your stuff through Issaquah’s Buy-Sell-Trade group on Facebook. It is open to anyone; however, buyers should be willing to come to Issaquah to pick up. I requested to join the group and received a reply within 24 hours. All types of items can be offered here, and it works on a first come-first served basis.

To de-clutter and simplify my life, I intend to donate my extra stuff to local charitable organizations. When we simplify this way, we are not the only ones to benefit. Here are two charities on our very doorstep who help families and children in need.

The Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank Located at 179 1st Ave SE in Issaquah provides clothing, shelter and food to those facing difficulties. See: Issaquahfoodbank.org.

As I simplify my life, I am hopeful that my ecological footprint will go down. To measure your footprint, see: earthday. org/take-action/footprint-calculator. I ran the calculator and was quite surprised by my result: It was far higher than I anticipated! Going forward I plan to reduce my energy and water usage to reduce my footprint. In a future column, I will share my before-and-after results.

I am inspired by those who have adopted a more minimalist approach to life and report a greater sense of contentment. In the new year, I plan to employ the above to create a simpler, more streamlined life. I believe that’s a big part of “Living Green”, a way to benefit my family as well as the health of my community and the environment. Here’s to our simpler, more contented and “greener” New Year!

REAL ESTATE IN THE HIGHLANDS

Grand View Park Neighborhood

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

This little neighborhood of homes has a mix of styles, sizes and builders, but they all have one thing in common; Grand View Park. The neighborhood streets include Natalie Way, NE Magnolia, 29th Avenue NE, Marquette and a tucked away court, 30th Court NE. Homes range from $500,000 to the mid $900,000 range (next selling season might push homes to the $1,000,000 mark).

Villagio Townhomes built in 2005 by DR Horton are on the corner or Natalie Way and 25th.

Cute exterior elevations with Northwest colors, these townhomes are 1400-1500 square feet, have open living areas downstairs, all the bedrooms upstairs and two car garages.

Steadily increasing in price, in 2005 you could buy in for under $300K. In 2014 they hit the mid $300,000s and just two years later, 2016 sales were upwards of the mid $500,000 range. With their quiet location, easy access to parks and walkability to the upper Highlands amenities, Villagio townhomes are a great buy.

Allison K. says, “Living across from Grand View Park has been a huge blessing! With a 16 month old on-the-go, the park is a great escape to burn some energy. But it isn’t just the park that makes it great; it is also the neighbors. I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who are willing to help and support in any way they can! We love it here!”

Bennett Homes built along Magnolia, Marquette and 30th Court NE. The Bennett homes along Magnolia run about 1800 square feet have 3 or 4 bedrooms and alley access to their garages. Built in 2005 with starting prices in the upper $200,00s, in 2016 sales were $500,000 to the mid $600,000s, depending on the lot.

Jennifer K. says, “We fell in love with the amazing view from our porch of Grand View Park.

After two years here, we can’t think of being anywhere else in the area.”

The homes on Marquette and 30th Court are larger, about 3,000 square feet. Bennett homes are known for their open floor plans and loft area, and do not disappoint. 30th Court backs to green space and some homes back right onto Grand View Park. My prediction, homes on Grand View Park will sell for over a million in 2017 if the market is similar to last year.

All homes in this neighborhood enjoy proximity to Grand View Park.

Paula C. says, “Those of us on 30th Court are like one big happy family. I love that we are there to help each other in times of need as well as to play. I especially love our cul-de-sac BBQ’s.”

There are five homes on a very short street, 29th Avenue NE. These homes sit right across the street from the park, with outstanding views not only of the park, but of Bellevue and Seattle. Rarely coming on the market, these Rainier Homes were built in 2005 are just under 3000 square feet with interesting floor plans. Tall ceilings, big windows, loft areas make these homes unique. The last sale in 2015 was for $750,000. I would think that these homes would easily sell for the mid $800,000 to upper $900,000 range in the Spring market.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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.

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HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

Overrun with Spam?

by Frank Pineau, General Manager, Highlands Fiber Network (HFN) Spam email is sent en masse usually in hopes of making money, some with malicious intent. Computer viruses can be sent via spam email, hitting inboxes one after the other. Following a few simple tips, you can stop spam from invading your inbox. Below are top tips to prevent spam. A great feature of The Highlands Fiber Network (HFN), we aggressively upgrade spam filters to protect your “ihmail”.

Last month’s photo was of the new utility box artwork on the corner of Highlands Dr NE and NE Discovery Dr. Artist Stacey Boyd designed “Paragliders” after watching paragliders land (a common sight in the Highlands).

Do Not Respond If you recognize an email as spam before opening, do not open it. However, if you have already opened the email and then see that it’s spam, do not click any link or button or download a file or respond. Simply delete it from your inbox.

Correct guesses were submitted by: Nicole Pond Ann Taylor Sunitha Vivek Tiffany Nance Michelle Enebo Rachel Birrell Michele Arnold

January 2017 •

Kay Hager Melissa Tubbs Sarah Venzon Melinda Berardi Toni Hunter Katie Rebecca Cole Liz Frost

Filter Luckily for HFN ihmail users, spam filtering is ON by default when your account is created.

Spam emails are tagged as spam and sent to the spam folder where they are recoverable for about seven days before the system automatically purges them. You may disable this if you wish. If you use a third-party email service such as Gmail, Yahoo! or others, make sure that you utilize their spam filters. Filtering spam is not a perfect science; occasionally legitimate emails look like spam to a spam filter. It is important to check your spam box by logging into the HFN Webmail system. If you are not sure what your username and password are, Customer Service will be happy to help.

Hide Your Email Address One way to protect yourself is to have one email address that you use with friends and relatives, one that you use for personal business and another that you use for random one-time online purchases or inquiries. Random businesses that you contact are more likely to put you on their mailing list or sell your name to other businesses, which generates a lot of spam. Businesses you use regularly for personal business are less likely to have policies that will negatively affect your relationship, such as selling your email address and subjecting you to spam. When spam starts hitting your email it’s best to close the email address and create a new one.

The more common email addresses are easily spammed with simple address-generating programs. Some of these first name-last initial, first initial-last name or something similar. Avoid being spammed by simplistic auto-generated email by including numbers, dashes, dots and random letters to create a more unique address. T12Hockinson@ihmail.com, Foxylady-29@ihmail.com or J.Johnson_5@ihmail.com are much less likely to be caught in a random-address spam.

Thanks to everyone who participated this year! And special congratulations to the winner of the $25 Caffe Ladro gift certificate: Joel Roy – Congratulations Joel!

This month’s photo is below.

Can you identify the location in this picture?

Entry Deadline: Thursday, January 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 January 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.

Give Personal Domain Hosting with HFN a try! Learn more by going to the HFN website/Customer Service/Setting up Email and Other Services. Utilizing this tool, you can create email addresses or email aliases @ my domain name. You can do this for as many businesses and online sign-ups as you wish. If any of these receive spam you just delete the alias or mailbox.

Please let the billing department know if you update your email address to assure invoices and other notices will be sent to the appropriate email address. If you need help or have any questions about setting up your new email address, please contact us at 425-427-0999 or support@hfnservices.com or chat live at highlandsfibernetwork.com/support they are available 24/7.

Happy emailing!

Fiber to the home, community owned!

Volunteer Opportunity: YWCA After School Homework Help Our YWCA Family Village seeks volunteers for school homework help for 1st through 5th graders. Volunteer hours are flexible -- Monday through Friday from 2:45pm-5:00pm during the school year. This is an excellent opportunity for high school students. Students can fulfill their community service hours, supplement college applications and resumes, make new friends and contacts, gain valuable job skills, as well as give back to the community! If you have time to spare to help a student succeed, please contact Victoria Thai at vthai@ywcaworks.org or at (425) 270-6800.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

CULTURE THROUGH CUISINE

Culture Through Cuisine – Hawaii

by Kimberly Collette, Central Park

Pork & Shrimp Dumplings Ingredients & Directions

Ground Pork Diced Shrimp Salt Pepper Diced Water Chestnuts Cilantro Diced Green Onions Sesame Oil Oyster Sauce Wonton Wrappers

1 pound 1 pound 1/8 teaspoon 1/8 teaspoon 1/2 Can 1/3 Bunch 1 Bunch 1 teaspoon A couple shakes

Mix the ingredients together and fill wonton wrappers. Make sure to get the “soup” wontons and not the “frying” ones as the soup ones are thicker and will not break while boiling.

Boil the dumplings several at a time. When they float they are done. Lift out dumplings with slotted spoon. Let drain in a colander and then cool separately on a cookie sheet so they don’t stick together.

Serve in broth with toppings. (Makes 24)

Maile Zahand grew up in Hawaii. Many of her family traditions are based in Hawaiian culture, such as throwing a luau for her children on their first birthday. “When you grow up in Hawaii you embrace all the cultures there.” Maile learned, and grew to love, the Hawaiian history and culture in school.

Maile’s New Year’s Eve celebrations revolved around fireworks. “We love fireworks in Hawaii,” she says. And each New Year’s Eve Maile’s grandmother would make her Chinese dumpling soup passed down from her family.

Maile’s grandma’s dumplings are famous. She is often asked for the recipe but has never written it down. “Grandma would just say, ‘come on over and watch me’,” says Maile.

The recipe itself is simple and is adjusted according to taste. Maile prefers just a bit of crunch so opts for a half can of water chestnuts. Maile’s grandma would make the filling and cook one dumpling and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Here in the Highlands Maile will invite her friends and family over to celebrate the new year.

“My friend’s joke that they can’t order them at restaurants anymore,” because Maile’s are so good. She will mix up the filling and everyone will gather around to make the dumplings.

“Our family tradition is if you don’t help in making them, you don’t get to eat them.”

Each person has a different style to fold their dumplings. Maile’s grandma would make a boat, the way Maile makes them. A new brother-in-law in the family made his totally different. Maile laughs about how all the sisters and aunties gave him such a hard time.

“Making them is the fun part,” she says. With lots of hands the work goes quickly so you can start boiling them right away.

Maile makes her boats with about a tablespoon of filling and folded corners to make a triangle, using a bit of water as glue. The points don’t meet up exactly. “That makes it pretty,” says Maile. Then you invert the triangle and bring the outside points together sealing them with a bit of water. Turn the dumpling over, flip up the edges and there you have your little boat.

Maile and her family go home to Hawaii once a year, but never for New Years as tickets are the most expensive then. “I’d go back for the dumplings,” Maile laughs. With her friends and family, she’ll make her grandma’s dumpling filling and cook them up. They are served in a thin chicken broth with cilantro, green onions, steam fish cake and BBQ pork.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 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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Issaquah Highlands Connections