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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY NEWS www.issaquahhighlands.com | facebook.com/issaquahhighlands
HALLOWEEN IN THE HIGHLANDS
IHS Football • Meet the Witch of Issy Highlands • Telecommuters
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Highlands Council Art at Blakely Hall Arts & Entertainment Halloween Feature Election Sportshound IH by Design Doing Business What’s Happening HFN News
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Photo by: Julie Clegg / julieclegg.com
October 2014
ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON 2550 NE Park Drive Issaquah, WA 98029
PERMIT NO. 83 ISSAQUAH, WA U.S. POSTAGE PAID PRSRT STD
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October 2014
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
FROM THE EDITOR Dear Neighbors, Halloween in the Highlands is more than just a holiday; it’s a philosophy. I never liked Halloween much, but Halloween in the Highlands has converted me with a sweetness that pervades every neighborhood. It is irresistible. It’s crazy fun. Now I look forward to every Halloween with an enthusiasm that just won’t die! (Uh oh, am I a Zombie?) My little corner of the highlands is a courtyard shared by thirteen families. Oh, there were only singles and couples when we moved in ten years ago. But our neighborhood has grown by about 30% with babies and now toddlers everywhere! It is these very children that make Halloween sweet for me. They put such pride into their costumes each year and can’t wait to show them off to us! Compared to other neighborhoods our trick-or-treater traffic is light. We are nothing like Dahlia Park which has been asserting they are Halloween Central for years now. To increase traffic in our little courtyard we combine forces with our toddler-free next door neighbors, who have a well-decorated front door with spider webs, goblins and lighting. We go over there to party! While we all wait for the super-heroes and princesses to appear, we get caught up, tell scary stories, and share food and drink. Even if only a few trick-or-treaters appear from the darkness, we older folks still have fun! As the day approaches, please remember to prepare early, so you can show off your costume at “Halloween in the Highlands” on Saturday, October 18th (details inside), as well as Halloween day. And please come ring some doorbells in Crofton Springs and holler, “Trick-or-Treat” at our neighborhood this year. It’s very walkable with more paths than roads, perfect for little ghouls and goblins! Happy Halloween to All! Nina Milligan, Crofton Springs Editor of Connections - Highlands Council Communications Manager Highlands Council is the publisher of Connections, producer of community-wide events such as Highlands Day, owner and manager of Blakely Hall, liaison with the greater community.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
HIGHLANDS COUNCIL
Halloween in the Highlands
by Christy Garrard, Highlands Council Executive Director, Dahlia Park Resident Highlands Council, community volunteers and generous business sponsors are busy prepping for the Halloween in the Highlands Festival at Grand Ridge Plaza on Saturday, October 18th. Resident zombies of all ages have been staggering into Blakely Hall every Sunday afternoon to rehearse the Michael Jackson Thriller dance for a festival-opening flash mob performance you just can’t miss! We make it easy to get to the Halloween in the Highlands Festival, too! Guide your ghouls and goblins to Park Drive and hop on the FREE Zombie Trolley beginning at 11:30am and looping continuously until 4:30pm. Stops between Blakely Hall and Grand Ridge Plaza include: Trail Head Vista, 15th Ave, and Grand Ridge Elementary Bus Shelter.
Everyone comes in costume, adults too, to enjoy the fun festival rides, inflatables and vendor booths from noon – 4pm. Get there early to enjoy the Thriller Flash Mob at noon – always a favorite! And don’t forget to seek out the Witch of Issaquah Highlands to enjoy a good British cackle and a treat from her cauldron! Those zombies still in the mood to party can stay on the trolley and travel down to Front Street at 4:30pm for the annual Zombie Walk to City Hall and then enjoy another Thriller Flash Mob at 5pm on the steps of City Hall. The Zombie Trolley then loops between Grand Ridge Plaza and Downtown Issaquah until 7pm.
BLAKELY HALL ART GALLERY
Blakely Hall Features Abstract Artists
by Jan Lipetz, Blakely Hall Gallery Curator, Village Green “Amazing Abstracts” opens at Blakely Hall on October 14th and runs through December 30th. It is a compilation of four wonderful artists. This is a show you don’t want to miss. Valarie Cox abstracts, with mixed media, Cammille Vonegut abstracts, acrylic and mixed media, Diana Grant abstracts, Oil on canvas and Jan Lipetz abstract Watercolors.
All artists are artEast members and currently show at artEast’s main gallery, UpFront, on Front Street. I am very pleased to be able to bring you this new show. All the artists’ styles are distinctly different and well worth coming in to Blakely Hall to view. Please be our guest. We are honored to have such talent in the area. Here’s a little about each artist: Valaree Cox is an artist whose work is an expression of stories that are or have been happening in her life, and the emotions that are evoked from those experiences. Those stories change as life does, but the work is recognizable as hers, no matter the subject. Valaree has been influenced by artists such as Rauschenberg, Rothko and Frankenthaler, whose works are “thrilling to be in the presence of”. However, she has her own story to tell and that is what her mixed media paintings are doing.
Camille Vonnegut: “I have worked in a variety of traditional media, including oils, acrylics, charcoal, and inks. I tend to use a variety of elements that are worked into and incorporated within my representational abstract and abstract paintings, including found objects, surgical gauze, and Boeing surplus items. Subject matter is usually determined by key issues in my life. For instance, studying for a Massage Therapist License resulted in a series on upper body anatomical abstracts, while raising and showing llamas produced a series of llama and other exotic animal paintings and cement sculptures. In addition, gardening resulted in a floral series and reading a journal on Africa resulted in a book cover of a Masai woman. My mark, an irregular circle, is a reoccurring theme in all of my works of art. This has been an influence from my earlier childhood experience visiting the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde. Painting for me is an intimate affair that takes me to a creative place to play out and try to understand my life and share my experiences with others.”
“I just have to paint something using a multitude of materials to express the passions I feel about a personal or social issue. It is my way of expressing those deep feelings.”
“The Pond” Abstract oil on canvas painting by Diana Grant.
Jan Lipetz: “As a Northwest native I have always loved art, nature and adventure. As a daughter of an artist I was always surrounded by art and art projects to fill my time. I became an art Director and Graphic Designer for nearly 20 years and now have found artEast who has enabled me to stretch my art background to abstract watercolor. I love primitive shapes, color and design. Taking a crazy shape and making it work into a painting gives me great pleasure. It’s amazing how it changes minute to minute. Art is a wonderful way to get lost in another world.”
Camille Vonnegut poses amongst her acrylic and mixed media work.
Diana Grant: “I paint abstracts or landscapes, working mainly with oil on canvas. I enjoy using accents of contrasting colors and leaving lots of “air” in the painting to give the eye a chance to rest. To create a painting, I consider color, texture, form and proportion. Achieving an intriguing balance of all of these elements is my goal. Using brush, palette knife, or rag, I work to draw out the effect I want on the canvas.” Valaree Cox’s mixed media painting called “Seeing the Light”.
Abstract watercolor painting by Jan Lipetz, “Swimming”.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
October 2014
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Halloween Fun and Fright, Not Just One Night by Molly and Marty Fisher, Ashland Park
What whets your appetite for an entertaining Halloween, tricks or treats? Around our house, the treats bring a glow, but the scary stuff is the real show. Halloween in the Fisher household always starts a year in advance on November 1 with early morning treasure hunting trips to places like the Spirit of Halloween pop-up store to find bargain-priced goodies to add to our creepy collection. Over the years, we’ve collected enough life-size, motion-sensitive, talking ghouls to make our driveway and front porch look like the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. All year long, Igor, Dr. Frankenstein’s assistant, the Wicked Witch of the West, Trashcan Pete, and the Misfortune Teller (think the movie “Big”, but creepier) sit quietly in our basement storage room, waiting for their mid-October debut. Every once in a while we send unsuspecting guests down to the storage room just for laughs as a Halloween warm-up It takes an entire day to meticulously place the fake spider webs, wire up the ghouls, and add more details and trimming than anyone can take in during one visit. Shopping for candy is another one of our favorite Halloween rituals that probably would make for a good reality show. The negotiations that go on between the two us as we shop for mechanical ghouls and candy sound more like a Mom and her 12-year old son – “Ooh, let’s get that,” and, “No, that bag is too big!” - Priceless! You can’t take this one laying down! Beware when trick or treating at the Fishers!
Of course, Halloween night always is the main event, as we hand out sweet treats and watch the kids howl at the mechanical monsters while their parents take pictures. Marty is the big kid in our house and Halloween is his favorite holiday of the year. He’s obviously not alone because Americans now spend an estimated $6 billion annually on Halloween, making it the nation’s second-largest commercial holiday. The good news is that living in the Issaquah Highlands means that you don’t have to spend a ton of dough to get a really good Halloween show. Halloween in the Highlands Festival (formerly known as the Green Halloween® Festival) will be held again this year at Grand Ridge Plaza from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 18. This outdoor, familyfriendly festival has become an autumn tradition in Issaquah, featuring Thriller Flash Mob performances, carnival rides, games, inflatables and great food; lots of free fun and lots of giveaways! Come in costume (adults too!) and bring a trick or treat bag for all the giveaway goodies. For the past 10 years, something Don’t let Trashcan Pete catch you off-guard! disturbing has been happening just down the road in the woods around Beaver Lake in Sammamish. The coming of October casts a fearsome shadow over Beaver Lake Park that last year attracted nearly 13,000 daring fearfollowers.
This creepy occurrence is the Nightmare on Beaver Lake, hosted by the Rotary Club of Sammamish. It will be open for fright most nights from Friday, October 17 through Halloween night. Check their website for exact times and dates. Staffed entirely by volunteers with more than 120 actors and 30 scary sets each night, the event has become the Seattle area’s largest indoor/outdoor haunted house. It is a ¾-mile walk through Beaver Lake Park, culminating with 10 scary sets in the 1,000 square foot picnic shelter. Over the years, this Nightmare has helped the Rotary Club of Sammamish raise nearly $500,000 for local charities, international projects, and college scholarships. “We’re like a big, weird family,” said Nightmare on Beaver Lake Artistic Director, Dana Young. “We’re working on this all year round and we’re all committed to the idea that we’re doing this for charity. It’s also great fun to scare people – especially people who have paid for it!”
Issaquah Highlanders dressed in scary costumes fit right in at the Fishers on Halloween.
For younger, more family-oriented Halloween fun, Issaquah’s Fox Hollow Farm, located at 12031 Issaquah Hobart Road SE, once again is holding its Fall Festival and Halloween Party. The Fall Festival will feature horse-drawn carriage rides, a pumpkin patch, a huge hay-bale maze, a corn bin, pony rides, unlimited use of their huge inflatables, and an opportunity to interact with all of the friendly animals who live on the farm. The Fox Hollow Farm Fall Festival will be open most days in October from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check their website for exact times and dates. Admission for adults and children is $10 per person; babies under 12 months old are free. The Fox Hollow Farm Halloween Party will be held on October 31. Tickets are $10 per person. Be sure to go in costume and don’t forget your treat baskets as tickets cover everything included in the Fall Festival plus trick-or treating and games. Halloween fun and fright isn’t limited to just one night, so get out there and enjoy the fun.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
Halloween in the Highlands by Christy Garrard, Highlands Council Executive Director, Dahlia Park Resident
We LOVE autumn in Issaquah Highlands! By September fall-themed wreaths and baskets of fall-colored mums start to appear on the front doors of our homes just as the trees are barely starting to turn; we are already in the spirit. The return of the salmon to Issaquah’s rivers and streams also signals the season. And on the first weekend of October everyone hops on a school bus and heads down to the Salmon Days Festival with friends and family; a reunion not just for the salmon but for our community as well. Halloween comes next and the Highlands REALLY turns on the spooky charm! It gets darker earlier so it is easy to have an after dinner family walk and explore the creepy curb appeal of each neighborhood aglow with jack-o-lanterns, boo-blinking porch lights, flowerbed cemeteries, and haunting motion-detected laughs, screams and cackles. Halloween in the Highlands Festival is our local ghoul and goblin gathering, held once again at Grand Ridge Plaza. Join the fun on Saturday, October 18th from Noon – 4pm. Leave the car at home in true, Highlands-style and take the FREE Zombie Trolley from stops along Park Drive NE. Everyone comes in costume, adults too, to enjoy the festival fun! More details are on Page 18.
Finally it is Halloween night! And nobody trick or treats better than Issaquah Highlands! New to Halloween? Here’s what you should know: • An unwritten rule is that middle and high school students are discouraged from trick or treating – they leave this night to the little ones. • Trick or Treating typically starts at twilight, around dinner time this time of year. • If a home is dark assume they are NOT participating or are out of treats – move to the next illuminated home. • By 8pm the giggles and door bell ringing begins to die down as the fairies, firefighters, black cats, and batmans return to their lairs to examine their Halloween haul. And from the written rules: From the IHCA Rules & Restrictions document: Holiday decorations and lights may be neatly displayed during seasonal time lines only on the homeowner’s lot. Decorations and lights may be installed 30 days prior to the holiday and must be removed within 14 days after the holiday. More information on page 20. Happy Halloween, Issaquah Highlands!
My favorite thing about Halloween in the Highlands is... Vyvian Luu
“I like to see all the Halloween decorations in my neighborhood and throughout the Highlands. Also, to see the leaves change color and the feeling of the crisp cold air makes Fall such a beautiful season. I hope everyone enjoys it as well!”
Larissa Kolasinski
”I love to see all the houses decked out in spooky decorations the whole month of October! And I love how the whole neighborhood participates on Halloween night by passing out candy, creating mini haunted houses in their garages, and dressing up in costumes.”
Anika Mehta (10 yrs)
“Pumpkin pie, warm apple cider, colorful leaves, some bare trees, dress up for Halloween, meet friends, Trick or treating together as a family.”
Rachel Rosewater
“My favorite thing about Halloween in the Highlands... is my street! 28th AVE! We have an annual pumpkin race. I also enjoy seeing all of the costumes everyone has worn for the year. They’re all so creative!”
Ami Desai-Mehta
Enessa Olivas
Norton Frank Milligan – Team Halloween
“We like that all the neighborhood kids know that our two households get together for trick-or-treat time, usually at the Norton house because of their superior, scary décor. Just a few of our favorite scary little ones come by for treats. We have happy hour together and then usually a hearty, fall-flavor stew with crusty bread and a great red wine.”
Avril & Charlize Olivas
“I love the friendliness of our neighbors and how safe I feel trick-ortreating with my kids around the Highlands! My kids look forward to meeting more neighbors, and of course, “getting lots of candy!”
“There is much excitement and anticipation during the months of October/ November. In addition to fall and Halloween, these months bring renewed energy; Diwali (“Festival of Lights”) is celebrated, typically around late Oct/early Nov. Diwali is the beginning of the Hindu New Year and it’s wonderful to celebrate the occasion with friends and family.”
“Anika, Aadit and Ami Mehta in their 2010 Halloween costumes”
Issaquah Highlands Connections
October 2014
Marty and Molly Fisher
“Halloween in the Fisher household always starts a year in advance on November 1 with early morning treasure hunting trips to places like the Spirit of Halloween pop-up store to find bargain-priced goodies to add to our creepy collection. Over the years, we’ve collected enough life-size, motion-sensitive, talking ghouls to make our driveway and front porch look like the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.”
Nathalie Isensee
“Before moving to the USA, Halloween was not a tradition that came to our minds. It did not exist where we grew up. We had no idea what it was. Very quickly our family learned to love Halloween and everything that comes with it. We know this one seems like a given, but nothing says Halloween like a carved pumpkin, such a fun family activity. We also love seeing all the houses in the neighborhood decorated. It brings out such a wonderful spirit and not only the kids but parents and grandparents get ready for the big night. Everyone joins in the fun.” Nickles, Nathalie & Christian Isensee
Melissa Tubbs
“We love celebrating together as a family! I continue the tradition of making pancakes every Halloween evening. My mom use to feed them to us every year so we’d be too full to eat a lot of candy!”
Ben, Melissa and Superdog Raiden
Dahlia Park does Halloween!
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October 2014
November 4, 2014 State Wide Election
Issaquah Highlands Connections
By now you have received your King County Elections ballots in the mail. This election is very important as it lets you decide our representation in Washington D.C. and in Olympia, as well as in our courts. There are measures about classroom size, gun laws and how marijuana taxes should be managed. Do not miss your chance to participate in these important decisions.
Advisory Vote No. 8 (Senate Bill 6505) The legislature eliminated, without a vote of the people, agricultural excise tax preferences for various aspects of the marijuana industry, costing an estimated $24,903,000 in the first ten years, for government spending.
How to return your ballot • Ballots are mailed to voters 20 days prior to each election in which they are eligible to vote. • Return your ballot by November 4 • By mail: use first class postage and postmark by November 4. • To an accessible voting center by 8 p.m. • To a 24-hour drop box or a scheduled drop van by 8 p.m.
This tax increase should be: [ ] Repealed [ ] Maintained
U.S. Representative Partisan Office, 2-year term Dave Reichert (Prefers Republican Party) Jason Ritchie (Prefers Democratic Party) State Representative Position 1 Partisan Office, 2-year term Jay Rodne (Prefers Republican Party) Essie Hicks (Prefers Democratic Party) State Representative Position 2 Partisan Office, 2-year term Chad Magendanz (Prefers Republican Party) David Spring (Prefers Democratic Party) Initiative Measure No. 1351: K-12 education This measure would direct the legislature to allocate funds to reduce class sizes and increase staffing support for students in all K-12 grades, with additional class-size reductions and staffing increases in high-poverty schools. Should this measure be enacted into law? [ ] Yes [ ] No Initiative Measure No. 591: firearms This measure would prohibit government agencies from confiscating guns or other firearms from citizens without due process, or from requiring background checks on firearm recipients unless a uniform national standard is required. Should this measure be enacted into law? [ ] Yes [ ] No Initiative Measure No. 594: background checks for firearm sales and transfers This measure would apply currently used criminal and public safety background checks by licensed dealers to all firearm sales and transfers, including gun show and online sales, with specific exceptions. Should this measure be enacted into law? [ ] Yes [ ] No
Advisory Vote No. 9 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1287) The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, the leasehold excise tax on certain leasehold interests in tribal property, costing an estimated $1,298,000 in the first ten years, for government spending. This tax increase should be: [ ] Repealed [ ] Maintained
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Fantastic Football Close to Home by Aadit Desai Mehta, IH Sportshound, Eighth Grade, HY Board Member
Football. Arguably, it may be referred to as “The New America’s Game.” From our hometown champions, the Seahawks, to the former Pac-12 champions the UW Huskies and former Pac-10 champions the WSU Cougars, Kick-Off the Eagles first home game September 5th. Credit: Nina Milligan football is very much alive in our corner of the world. However, dig deeper, and there are many more football levels, from Pop Warner to high school football. You may even know people who play (or have played) these two sports. With the limelight taken up by all the above, it’s easy to overlook our own high school football team - the Issaquah High School Eagles! According to MaxPreps, a leading nation-wide high school sports rankings website, the Eagles are ranked #4381 in the nation (out of 16,047 total high school football teams) and 94th within WA State (out of 337). Since 2004, the Eagles have won 70 games and lost just 38. They have ranked in the top 25 on five different occasions and finished second, once. MaxPreps also ranked them as the 13th most dominant high school football team in Washington, since 2004. With three different sections of football (Freshman, Junior Varsity [JV], and Varsity) separated by both skill and age levels, there is an abundance of opportunity for any Issaquah High student who wants to play to play. I spoke with one of the players who lives here in Issaquah Highlands, Mohamed Osman. Mohamed is a running back and a cornerback (in high school football, players are often two-way players, playing both, offense and defense). One of the reasons Mohammed plays running back is that “I don’t like goin’ down when I
IH Sportshound Aadit Desai-Mehta visits an Issaquah High School Eagles practice.
get hit,” and also plays cornerback because he likes “Not letting the opposing team catch the ball.” His role model is Adrian Peterson, though he says he also likes Marshawn Lynch. But “Marshawn is huge; Adrian Peterson is not super big but he is really fast, that’s what I like.” Mohamed is going into his second season of high school football (he is a junior), but has already advanced to the varsity team, which is incredible, considering he only started playing football in eighth grade.
On game days, he listens to music; “Everyone has a playlist [for game-day] I was told”. When he gets to the locker room, though, he just “Sits there and think[s].” Mohamed is always the first player to touch the ball for either the first or second half, as he is “really fast.” He says his most memorable high school football moment was “Last season, during the first game, I returned the ball for a touchdown from our ten-yard line, against Interlake.” The varsity and JV teams are coached by Buddy Bland, who also coaches the defensive lineman, and Mark Gray coaches the freshmen. With 13 games a season, and at least one practice a week, plus additional training during the week, high school football isn’t easy, but players like Mohamed make it look easy.
Issaquah High School Varsity Football Games start at 7pm Home Games in October: October 3: vs Olympia Bears October 10: vs Newport Knights October 24th: vs Woodinville Falcons (Homecoming)
The cheer squad and the Eagle (sometimes one of our Issaquah Highlands students) at the Issaquah High School football games get everyone in the spirit. Credit: Robert Milligan
Attending an Eagles game is a great community event full of sport, friends and spirit. If you drive there, allow for plenty of time. The games are very popular. http://www.issaquahfootball.com/
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS BY DESIGN
Issaquah Highlands, By Design – Part II by Sierra Womak, Wynhaven Last month we covered the zoning rights of Issaquah, and community meetings held to keep the Issaquah residents informed and happy.
Throughout the planning process of the Issaquah Highlands, there were points in time where the people of Issaquah Highlands heavily disagreed with Port Blakely’s plans, and they made their voices heard. For example, there was a portion of land drawn out for what would become a ninth-grade campus. Once the community got word, they completely rejected it. The public said they wanted an elementary school where families could take advantage of the walkability of the neighborhood, and escort their children to and from school each day. Through numerous meetings with Port Blakely, the community worked with the developer and the school board and an elementary school, Grand Ridge Elementary, was eventually built. In addition to urban planning, Port Blakely as a company focuses on sustainable living. They created Issaquah Highlands to hold a high standard of green construction, and living. Fire station number seventy-three in the highlands was the first LEED certified fire station in the nation, something the highlands is very proud of. In addition to this, Port Blakely and the City of Issaquah created a green building standard called the Evergreen Builders Guide “…The Evergreen Builders Guide was the foundation of Built Green®, the current standard for green home design and construction, created in partnership with the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties.” (Port Blakely) Not only was Port Blakely passionate about diligent urban planning, but they were also focused on providing the most sustainable living possible for its future residents. Even though Port Blakely brought their passion for sustainability into the community, there still was room for improvements. “When my husband and I moved into Crofton Springs, an awesomely sustainable neighborhood, we discovered that our garbage arrangement had a big bin for garbage and a tiny one for recycle. My husband Rob led the change to get our recycle bins to be the same size as the garbage; next we will request that the recycle be bigger than the garbage. We are almost there!” recalls Nina Milligan, a resident of Crofton Springs for 10 years.
Garages are often placed in “Garage Alleys” in order to preserve the social aspects of Front Porch design.
In addition to Port Blakely’s efforts in participatory design, the city of Issaquah formed the Urban Village Development Commission, which is made up of volunteers who live in the community to
serve as a voice for the people throughout the design process. While commissioners can reside anywhere in Issaquah, many live in Issaquah Highlands, giving this commission an edge when it comes to the highlands. They know what their neighbors, friends, and Front porches are key in Issaquah Highlands. They provide the platform for neighbors to get to know one another. Many front shared park spaces, ideal for family in this families with small children. community want. The commission receives public comment at meetings, which provides information so the commissioners can make informed decisions. This setting makes the participatory design approach much more convenient for public voices to be heard. The Urban Village Development Commission focuses on topics such as trails and parks, front porch design, communal spaces, and strategically placed garages all to enhance the village feel and bring people closer together, and closer to nature. The Urban Village Development Commission felt passionate about front porch design, and made sure all builders that came with plans to develop in the community included prominent front porches. Their reasoning was because this activates sidewalks, and keeps homeowners outdoors and communicating with passers-by and their neighbors. In order to do this, and keep front porches close to sidewalks, the framers of the development agreement eliminated most driveways, and placed garages in “garage alleys.” Garage alleys are located behind a row of homes, and are still connected. These alleys have their own street names, and this is the way many homeowners enter their houses. This gave direct unobstructed walking paths and picturesque entrances to homes, and gave the neighborhoods more of a village and tight knit feel. Next issue I will discuss the public spaces located around the highlands, Home Occupation Districts, as well as the planning process for Grand Ridge Plaza. Come back next issue for more!
Issaquah Highlands Connections
October 2014
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
October 2014
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
DOING BUSINESS IN THE HIGHLANDS
Agave Celebrates Five Fiesta Years
The Ramos Family opened Agave Cocina & Tequilas in Issaquah Highlands in 2009, and celebrated their 5th anniversary in September with a mariachi band and birthday cake. Issaquah Highlanders loyal to Agave have grown fond of the charming owner/ manager Federico (Freddy). But in May, Federico redirected his attention to the new Agave Tequila location in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. Though we miss him, we are in good hands with his sister Faviola Ramos, co-owner and now manager of the Issaquah location.
Federico Ramos and his sister Faviola proudly serve up birthday cake at the September 10th celebration. Credit: Courtesy Photo
The Ramos siblings are from Guadalajara (near Tequila). Hardworking restaurateurs, they serve a growing tequila fanbase, and are tequila experts in their own right. They have 150 curated tequilas at their restaurants, the largest selection in the Northwest.
Highlands Kids Dentistry Moves Across the Street When Highlands Kids Dentistry first opened in 2010 many of us eagerly called to make appointments for our kids, then ask for an appointment for ourselves! Dr. Shadi was great with the kids. We begged, “We are just like kids when it comes to the dentist! Can’t we come, too?” In response, Dr. Ray Besharati began taking a day a week from his practice to help his wife Shadi in Issaquah Highlands by taking care of the grown-ups. His Issaquah client base quickly grew to occupy him full-time. With both of their practices growing, they could no longer be contained in their original location on the north side of Park Drive near Village Green. Dr. Shadi had move out – across the street! While Highlands Dentistry will remain in the original location, Highlands Kids Dentistry has set up shop between Zeek’s Pizza and Highlands Physical Therapy. Dr. Shadi is joined by Dr. Garcia, DDS, Certified Pediatric Dentist and Dr. Silas, DDS, MSD, Orthodontist. They opened their doors on September 8th. But Dr. Shadi and Dr. Ray are still a team. Scheduling appointments for both parents and kids can be made with just one phone call. 425-557-KIDS if you want to approach it that way. 425-996-0457 if you want to talk to the grown up side.
The staff at Highlands Kids Dentistry, from left to right: Nely Garcia-Front Office Receptionist, Michelle Ngo-Certified Dental Assistant, Dr. Shadi- DDS, Certified Pediatric Dentist, Brenda Quinones- Office Manager, and Sophia Hsu- Dental Assistant.
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Halloween Media Recommendations
by Josh Zhanson, Junior at Issaquah High School, Resident of Central Park, Easily Scared October. The tenth month of the year, which is funny, because “octo” usually means “eight”. It sure is getting cold around here, but we sure don’t need to be putting the “brrr” in “Octobrrrr” yet. Hopefully. But, to help you get your Halloween shiver on, here’re are some spooky picks straight from the rec list! Scare factors from 1 (very mild, suitable for teatime) to 10 (extreme horror, you will need a night light) are included, as well as recommended ages. Anna Dressed In Blood is a young adult novel, pretty short and a fast read. It stars a teenager who travels from town to town tracing tales of ghosts and spirits, which he then proceeds to put to rest. Literally. By killing them. What’s even harder than fighting the supernatural? Fitting into high school.
Ghostbusters (1984), the comedy-horror classic from thirty years ago is still one of the best family-friendly horror movies out there, where a bunch of misfits team up to capture ghosts with malfunctioning machinery. Scare Factor: 3. Not all that scary at all, really.. My age recommendation: It’s PG. All ages appropriate.
Scare factor: 4. Might feel a chill, like someone’s watching from behind while reading, or a cold breeze, at worst. My age recommendation: Twelve and up.
Fablehaven is the first book of a fantasy series about two kids who spend a summer with their uncle and his nature preserve for magical creatures. They fight a plague of evil, a wicked witch, a wellspring of demons, and that’s just the first book. It’s stylistically similar to the famous Percy Jackson and the Olympians and the Harry Potter series. Scare factor: 5. There are some ominous parts, but they’re pretty basic and easily put to rest. It’s just a book, after all. My age recommendation: Ten and up should be fine, or precocious eight-year-olds.
Welcome to Night Vale is a podcast about the fictional town of Night Vale, where nothing is as it seems and everything is really strange. It’s told as the town radio show, mixing up news, announcements, and commentary by the aloof host Cecil Palmer. Offbeat and refreshing humor abounds. Scare factor: 2. Fairly funny, some pretendreal shenanigans. My age recommendation: All ages appropriate. One “date” date happens. Spoiler: It’s adorable!
Candy Buy Back! Don’t eat all that Halloween candy! Support healthy eating habits and do a good thing for our people serving in the military. Donate your “extra” candy to Operation Gratitude: Sending care packages to the US Military Receive a $1 for each pound! November 3-5, 2014 Bring your unopened candy to: Highlands Kids Dentistry 2525 B NE Park Drive Issaquah Highlands (At the shops at Village Green) 425-557-KIDS (5437)
http://www.highlandskidsdentistry.com/
Alternatives include: Poltergeist (1982), rated PG, a classic, smart scary flick appropriate for kids (SF: 5); Gremlins (1984), also rated PG, to warn about all the dangers of toys (SF: 3); and for older fans looking for their horror fix, The Cabin in the Woods (2013), rated R, is a modern masterpiece (SF: 8)
Year Walk is an app for iOS and PC/ Mac, which explores the Swedish tradition of year walking. Go for a walk in the haunted woods and discover if your beloved will love you back. Scare factor: 7, not a joke, especially when played under the covers with headphones at night. Very suspenseful. My age recommendation: Apple says 12+. I agree. It is pretty scary though, so beware! Josh is a new volunteer/resident/ writer whom we hope to see more of in Connections. Check back for more of his witty and informative columns in future issues.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Art at Blakely Hall
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October 14th through December 30th Blakely Hall
“Amazing Abstracts” is a compilation of four wonderful artists. This is a show you don’t want to miss. Valarie Cox abstracts, with mixed media, Cammille Vonegut abstracts, acrylic and mixed media, Diana Grant abstracts, Oil on canvas and Issaquah Highlands’ own, Jan Lipetz abstract Watercolors. A
Book Club
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4th Thursday at 7pm
Do you enjoy reading AND sharing with friends? The book club is a great place to meet neighbors and explore a variety of books. We take turns hosting—all opinions are welcome! Please bring a snack to share. Dates sometimes change, so be sure to email lindsey8@gmail.com to get on the distribution list.
Candy Buy Back
November 3rd -5th Highlands Kids Dentistry 2525 B NE Park Drive
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October 12th and 26th Every other Sunday 7:00pm - 8:30pm Blakely Hall
Sponsored by Timberlake Church, DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. See www.divorcecare.org Childcare provided. Facilitators: Craig and Kara Richards. Karamurphy@live.com (425) 869-4400.
Halloween in the Highlands Saturday, October 18th Noon -4:00 pm Grand Ridge Plaza
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See details on page 18.
Knit for Life®
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Mondays from 1:00 to 3:00pm Swedish Medical Center, Main Lobby
Don’t eat all that Halloween candy! Support healthy eating habits and do a good thing for our people serving in the military. Donate your “extra” candy to Operation Gratitude: Sending care packages to the US Military. Receive a $1 for each pound! See page 27. A
NEW! Bridge Club
Divorce Care Classes
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First Monday of each month 7:00pm - 10:00pm Blakely Hall
Latino Club
Grab a partner or come solo to play a little Bridge! Bring your own beverage of choice and a snack to share. Everyone is welcome. RSVP by September 5th to Penny Storie: pennystorie@msn.com
Chinese Heritage Club
Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor, Tanya Parieaux, we are a network of volunteer knitters in many 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
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October Cancelled. Resumes in November.
This club promotes and preserves Chinese cultural heritage awareness among the next generation for many local families. We welcome everyone interested in a neighborhood celebration for many traditional Chinese/ American festivals right at Issaquah Highlands. Contact Hailain (lian_lhl@hotmail.com) or 425-633-0242.
Cub Scout Issaquah Highlands Pack 680 K
Come join Cub Scouts – A year round values-based program for boys grades 1-5 and is considered one of the premier organizations that help youth build character and prepares them for adulthood. Scouting is learning by discovery and discovery by doing. It’s fun, friends, and family where skills are learned, confidence is built, and stories are born. For more information or if you would like to join Cub Scouts, please contact Pack 680 via email at scoutpack680@gmail.com or join us at our next meeting.
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Love and Logic Classes
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Every Wednesday October 8- November 19 7:00-9:00 pm Blakely Hall
Hosted by Timberlake Church. For parents of kids ages 5-18. Bringing the fun back into parenting for 40 years. Course materials fee: $60/family for the sixweek series includes childcare and one handbook. www. timberlakechurch.com/parenting.
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)
October 13th and 20th and then the 1st and 3rd Monday starting in November 10:00-11:30 am Blakely Hall
Hosted by Timberlake Church. Programming just for moms. Professional speakers, fun events, and opportunities to connect with friends and meet new people. Your kids receive their own, age-specific programming. Course materials fee: $150 for all sessions, through June. www.timberlakechurch.com/mops.
Pet Club
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Thursday, October 16th, 7:00 - 8:00pm Blakely Hall
The Pet Club is a friendly gathering for those who enjoy learning and sharing information, stories, and experiences about animals. Enjoy seminars, discussions and activities about nutrition, health, behavior, training, social responsibility, safety and play. Bring your ideas for what you would like to discuss and share. IHPetclub@gmail.com
October Cancelled. Resumes Nov. 2nd for Day of the Dead
Photography Club
Little Mandarin Group
Enjoy monthly meetings with guest speakers, share and discuss your work with others, and participate in an online community throughout the month. Open to everyone, even if you don’t live in the Issaquah Highlands. IHPC will focus on creating opportunities for members to display their work. See the Flickr Group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/ihphotoclub/) and contact the group’s coordinators to join the club. Scott Moffat and Ravi Naqvi at ihpc@outlook.com
The Latino Club welcomes everybody who would like to celebrate and learn about Latino traditions. There will be activities for kids, adults and seniors. Open to all – join the fun! Interested? Contact Alicia Spinner alispinner@yahoo.com. F
Every 2nd and 4th Monday mornings Beginning September 8th, 10:00 – 11:30am Blakely Hall
Young children are uniquely suited to learning a second language. “Little Mandarin” will give young children the opportunity to learn mandarin through telling stories, singing songs and playing games. Witnessing your children learn another language is exciting! Welcome parents and their kids (newborns to 4 years) to join the group. Dates sometimes change, so be sure to email lian_lhl@hotmail.com to get the details.
COMMUNITY MEETINGS
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Saturday, October 18th, 10:30 - 11:30am Blakely Hall
Playgroup
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Every Wednesday, 10:00am Cancelled October 1st and October 8th Blakely Hall
Moms, dads, caregivers and their children (newborn - 4 years old) are invited to come to the Issaquah Highlands Playgroup for fun, friendship, support and socializing. We talk, laugh, sing, play, read stories and blow bubbles! We hope to see you there! Information, contact Alicia alispinner@yahoo.com. We are also on Facebook! www.facebook.com/IssaquahHighlands.coopplaygroup
Want to Start a Club? Contact:
IHCA Architectural Review Committee Tuesday, 10/7, 6:00 pm IHCA Office
Brianna Eigner, Blakely Hall Manager brianna.e@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107
IHCA Finance Committee Tuesday, 10/14, 5:30 pm IHCA Office
Meetings are subject to change. See Calendar at issaquahhighlands.com for more information or date changes.
IHCA Board of Directors Wednesday, 10/22, 5:30 pm IHCA Office
For City of Issaquah governance meetings, see http://issaquahwa.gov
Communication Committee Thursday, 10/23, 10:00 am Blakely Hall
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Are you getting the Community E-Letter on Thursdays? Sign up at issaquahhighlands.com
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Poker Night
Russian Highlanders
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Thursday, October 30th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall
Love watching the World Series of Poker on TV? Want to win a chance to go to Vegas and play on TV against the world’s best players? Join us the last Thursday of each month for a $40 buy-in, No-limit Texas Hold ‘em tournament! If you are a novice wanting to network or a salty vet looking for some steep competition you’ll love our monthly club! Contact Henry hlh1969@hotmail.com.
Police Town Hall Meeting
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Thursday, October 23rd, 6:30 – 8:30pm Blakely Hall
Please join the officers of our Issaquah Police Department for an informal discussion about the services the department provides and your concerns. Meet our new police chief and the other officers and get those tough questions answered!
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Saturday mornings 9:30-11:30am Lower Community Room, YWCA Family Village All ages 8 years and older are welcome! Let your voices be strong and mighty! Join professional mentors and learn the importance of developing solid communication skills. Drop-ns are welcome, or register with David Hall at orator@live.com or 425.427.9682
Rovin’ Fiddlers
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Every Tuesday, 7:00 - 9:00pm Second & fourth Tuesdays Issaquah Highlands Fire Station First, third & fifth Tuesdays Issaquah Valley Senior Center
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Russian Highlanders is a club for those who live here, just moved in or planning to move to our beautiful community. Meet other Russian-speakers in your community for friendship! Gather with others who share the same goals and interests as you. Join Russian Highlanders Facebook page to see what activities are planned -- dining out, movies, kid play dates or just go out to have a fun. The possibilities are endless... http://www.facebook.com/ groups/rusisshigh/ Please follow the FB page for schedule changes or location of meetings.
Tennis Group - Ladies Meet Up
A The IH ladies tennis group is a non-competitive group so all levels are welcome - even if you haven’t played in a while and are feeling a bit rusty. Meet and connect with other IH women tennis players and come to have fun and stay or get fit! We also have a Facebook group page. Please join us there too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/570656519667143/.
Telecommuters “Brown Bag “Meet Up
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The Highlands Running Group is a community for Runners who share in the passion of group runs! Weather permitting, we will typically meet up in front of the tennis courts at Central Park on Saturdays at 8:00 am. If you are interested in joining us or have questions, please contact Joey at jbc224@cornell.edu, so he can add you to the distribution list. See Facebook - Issaquah Highlands Running and Multi-sport
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Friday, October 24th, 12:00 – 1:00 pm Blakely Hall
Are you a part-time or full-time telecommuter living and working in Issaquah Highlands? Bring a sack lunch and join me for the first Telecommuter Brown Bag to share ideas and experiences. See my story The Accidental Telecommuter on page 23. ‘Hope to see you there! Contact dawn_noland@comcast.net (subject line: Telecommuter Brown Bag) if you have questions.
Thriller Flash Mob Rehearsals K T A
Our musical group consists of musicians with varying backgrounds and abilities, playing a variety of genres, including traditional old-time (often with a Northwest flavor), Irish and other Celtic, Quebecois, Scandinavian and more. Besides fiddles, we welcome guitars, flutes and whistles, banjos, mandolins, autoharps, dulcimers, standup bass, and percussion. We try to learn new tunes by ear in a traditional manner; however, sheet music, including melody and chords, are usually provided. Club contact is Ken Neville ken_w_neville@yahoo.com
Running Club
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See Facebook for monthly event information
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Sundays, September 14th - October 12th 5:00 – 6:00pm Blakely Hall
Workout Warriors
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Sundays 7:30am, Zeek’s Pizza (hills) Tuesdays 7:00pm, Zumba class Wednesdays 7:30pm, Zeek’s pizza (flats) Thursdays 7:30pm, Zeek’s Pizza (combo) Saturdays 9:00am Zumba class
The facebook group is now open so check in out and join in the fun! https://www.facebook.com/groups/531023903643201/ Check facebook for any schedule updates, but don’t worry about rsvp – just show up read to workout! Group contact is Michelle Champley at mchampley@gmail.com
Yarns & Threads Group
Fridays, 9am - Noon Cancelled for October 3rd and October 10th Blakely Hall
All knitters, crocheters, and stitchers are welcome. For more details of questions, please contact Cathie Coulter at Catherine.coulter@ihmail.com
Zumba Class
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Tuesdays (7:00pm) & Saturdays (9:00am) *Cancelled October 4th, 7th and 11th* Blakely Hall
Get Ready - Get Fit - Go! Ditch the workout and join the fitness party at 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 non-perishable food item to donate to the food bank! For additional information, email (Cindy) at zumbawithcindy@gmail.com
Join the community zombie horde rehearse to perform Michael Jackson’s Thriller at the Halloween in the Highlands Festival, Saturday, October 18th at NOON. FREE weekly rehearsals welcome everyone from elementary students to retirees! Beginners are more than welcome to learn this fun, but complex dance! If you just need a refresher or just love to hang out with fellow zombies – please join!
Wine Club
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Rescheduled to October 17th, 7:00pm 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.
See the NEW Community Calendar at IssaquahHighlands.com Programming is appropriate for the following groups. A Adults T
Teenagers
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Fun for the whole family
CALENDAR HOLIDAYS
Feast of St Francis of Assisi Saturday, October 4
Yom Kippur
Saturday, October 4
Eid al-Adha Sunday, October 5 First Day of Sukkot Thursday, October 9
Leif Erikson Day
Halloween
Columbus Day
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, October 9 Wednesday, October 13
Diwali/Deepavali
Thursday, October 23
Muharram
Saturday, October 25
Friday, October 31
Highlands 5K Run
Saturday, November 8
HY Seahawks Watch Party Sunday, December 14
Shop Local Saturday and artEAST bazaar Saturday, November 29
OTHER FUN THINGS October Birthstone: Opal
October is the National Month: Cookies, Chili, Pizza, Dessert and Seafood!
Columbus Day is a Federal holiday except in 16 states, including Washington. Since 2009 Washington State has recognized Columbus Day as a holiday, but not as a legal holiday. That is why the banks are closed but the schools are not.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
October 2014
HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK
The Cloud
By Frank Pineau, General Manager, Highlands Fiber Network While Cloud Computing is the new buzz phrase, most of us have been cloud computing for years! The Cloud is basically the Internet, but most people use the term to describe using applications on the Internet, typically through a web browser, rather than running them locally on your computer. The advent of iPhones, iPads and laptops and the need for data portability has catapulted the use of the Cloud (Internet) into the forefront as “new” technology. Your HFN Quantum service not only allows you to surf the web and download sites, movies and music super fast, it also allows you to work in the Cloud more quickly and efficiently. The Internet is an effective method to interactively use, share and save data and applications among a group of both portable and stationary electronic devices. Important features of using the Cloud are that the data is still there if your own equipment crashes and, the applications and data don’t bog down your computer because they aren’t stored there. If you have more data you wish to store, you just use more space in the cloud. However, we recommend keeping your data on your computer, also, and/or synchronizing your electronic devices to maintain the same information on your electronic devices as is in your Cloud storage. Occasionally a web site or the entire Internet may be down for awhile and your information stored in the Cloud won’t be available to you. The Internet does rely on hefty – and expensive – equipment to house and transmit data. Big companies create networks of redundant servers that are designed so that any time a server goes down, another server immediately takes over and data is preserved. However, the cost of this equipment is prohibitive for most residential users. There are many cloud computing options for business users that are generally more expensive and more robust than residential users need. Luckily there are free and inexpensive programs for residential users. Google Drive (drive. google.com) and Microsoft SkyDrive (skydrive.com) are free programs for residential Cloud users. They offer email, calendars, document storage and instant messaging and are adequate for most need. These Cloud programs can be accessed from your computers, iPads and iPhones wherever you are. Dropbox (dropbox.com) is another site that has a free plan for the average user that stores and synchronizes data to all of your electronic devices. If you are an iPhone and/or iPad user, iCloud is part of your Apple subscription that allows sharing of iCloud-based information among Apple devices. At my home, we have 2 iPhones, 2 iPads and 2 MacPro computers that all share cloud-based data. When working the Cloud from home, your Quantum 10M, 100M or 1000M is the most reliable, consistent and fast Internet service around! Quantum 100M will make your data and applications downloads 10 times as fast as Quantum 10M, giving you an even better Internet experience. For service or to upgrade your Internet plan, please email hfnsupport@hfnservices.com or call 425-427-0999
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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Be Safe from House Fires
• Be cautious with electricity – Throw away appliances that spark, overheat or have frayed cords. Do not overload outlets or power strips with appliances. Do not place cords under rugs. Avoid placing lamps too close to drapes or bedding.
October is fire prevention month so this is a good time to review safety tips with your family members to help protect them and safeguard your home. A small flame can turn into a huge blaze in less than 30 seconds. Even more devastating, an average-sized home can fill with black smoke and become engulfed in flames in only three minutes!
• Hide matches and lighters – Purchase child-resistant lighters only and keep them out of your child’s reach. Explain the dangers of playing with these types of items. • Prepare for an emergency – Place your local emergency phone numbers in a prominent place in your home, such as on the fridge or next to the phone. Clearly mark your address outside of your home so emergency personnel can find it easily.
Does your family know how to prevent a fire in your home? Would you or your child know what to do in the event of a fire? Fire Prevention Tips: • Install smoke detectors – Place them on the ceilings of rooms on every level of your home, including the basement. Test the batteries once a month and replace them every 6 months (or when they “chirp”). Replace the entire detector every 10 years. • Keep fire extinguishers on hand – Place at least one fire extinguisher on each level of your home (the kitchen should have an all-purpose extinguisher for grease and electrical fires). • Cook smart – Never leave food that is cooking unsupervised. Avoid placing towels or oven mitts too close to stove burners. Turn off all appliances when you are finished using them, and turn pot handles on the stove inward, to avoid catching your clothing on them (or to avoid children’s curious hands.) • Use candles safely – Never leave a candle or lit cigarette unattended. Keep these items out of a child’s reach and far away from curtains or furniture. Always extinguish candles and smoking materials before going to bed (or even if you simply feel tired, as you could fall asleep when they are still lit!) • Warm up safely – Avoid using artificial logs in a fireplace and check your chimney and fireplace for damage often. Never leave your home or go to bed with a fire still burning.
Plan Your Escape In the event there is a fire in your home, you and your family need to be prepared with a predesigned escape plan. As a family, go through each room and identify two feasible exits in case one is blocked by a fire. Also, place escape ladders outside of upper-story rooms. Once you have a plan, decide on a meeting place outside, such as the mailbox or fence post where everyone will gather once they are out. Make sure the location is far enough away from the home so that the fire cannot cause injury to you and your family. Then, practice your escape plan by setting off the smoke detector. Time your family to see how long it takes everyone to get out of the house from one of the pre-determined escape exits. Make sure you have family members designated as the pet rescuer or as the person who assists a small child out of the home. Hopefully you will never have to use this plan, but practice makes perfect in case you do! In the Event of a Fire... Should the worst occur, remember the following to escape injury-free: • Cover your nose and mouth with a moistened shirt or towel to prevent fumes from entering your lungs. • Crawl on the ground to the nearest escape exit. • Feel all doors (not metal doorknobs) before opening them to make sure they are not hot. If they are, use an alternative exit. • Do not gather personal belongings while trying to exit – these items can be replaced; YOU cannot! • Once you have exited, stay outside and wait for emergency personnel. • If your clothing catches on fire, remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL: Stop moving, drop to the floor, cover your face and roll on the ground/ Please be safe and review this information with your loved ones!
Halloween Decorations and Contracted Yard Maintenance While everyone enjoys staging a haunted house for the kids, please be aware that webbing materials and decorations in the landscape can interfere with scheduled maintenance work. Residents in supplemental neighborhoods that receive additional landscape services through the IHCA are advised that decorations, especially those stretched across hedges, will result in their yards being skipped while the decorations are in place. Whether and when the crews can resume their usual schedules will be determined by the amount of time remaining in the season. The cost savings afforded by running neighborhood contractors in neighborhoods such as Crofton Springs, Dahlia Park and Manchester Court are based on economies of scale and the
Noxious Weed Notes
Not to be confused with the all too common OBnoxious weeds, noxious weeds are legally defined and require various specified control measures be taken by homeowners. IHCA is in regular contact with the King County Noxious Weed Control Board (KCNWCB) about tansy ragwort and other noxious weeds of concern in our corner of the county. Regular readers of Connections may remember photos of biocontrol at work on tansy ragwort here in the Highlands. We do love the cinnabar moth here! Recently the KCNWCB shared some tips and Internet links which may be of interest to residents who hike about the area. Sharp-eyed residents may have noticed certain garden invaders in the woods, too, including English holly, laurel and the OBnoxious Himalayan blackberry, among many, many others. Invasive species and noxious weeds spread easily by attaching to
absence of a ‘hop scotch’ approach to maintenance. If the decorations require special access or special handling necessitated by lack of access to work areas, it may lead to increased costs and disruption. Adding to the difficulty of providing special handling, crew sizes are also reduced in October as plant growth slows. Enjoy the holiday but please consider the community’s rules concerning the time allowed for holiday decorations.
our clothing, pets, boats or catching a breeze, following water downstream, etc. They aren’t necessarily unattractive – noxious weeds cause significant economic and environmental harm. Many are also poisonous to humans or livestock. On the King County Website(www.kingcounty.gov), you can locate a list of noxious weeds and also report regulated noxious weeds on roads and trails. It’s not too late to control noxious weeds along roadsides, trails and parks but we can’t find all the weeds ourselves. If you see a patch of tansy ragwort, purple loosestrife or any other regulated noxious weed, please file a report online or contact the King County Noxious Weed Board at 206-477-9333 and they will make sure the right agency or property owner gets notified quickly
ARC Blurb of the Month... Did you know… that if you do not want to store your trash cans in your garage you can build or buy an enclosure for storing them? The ARC has pre-approved the following designs so you can get immediate approval on your application for installing one of them and there is no application fee required. Although they will be hibernating soon, bears have been very active this year so it is important not to leave your cans out where our furry friends can get an easy meal. Install your enclosure before they wake up next spring.
Build It Yourself Leisure Season 5’2”x2’10”x4’ Leisure Season 65”x53”Cedar (The Leisure enclosures are available at Home Depot or on line.)
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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Wayfinding Kiosks Point the Way Hot on the heels of the completion of Grand Ridge Plaza and additional neighborhoods at Issaquah Highlands, there’s a new resource to help residents and visitors find their way around the walkable community.
pedestrian-friendly community. This is at the core of the community’s design, which was established more than 20 years ago by the master developer, Port Blakely Communities.”
A series of eight information kiosks, known as wayfinders, have been installed throughout Issaquah Highlands. The kiosks will help both residents and visitors find what they need, whether it’s the closest park, a plaza, restaurants or community services. Each kiosk features a graphic community map, as well as directional arrows to key identified locations.
The IHCA is managing the kiosks and will determine what information is eligible for posting. Information will be restricted to non-profits and community organizations, as well as events presented by merchants for the benefit of charities.
By the end of August, kiosks will have been installed at many of the community’s main intersections, including Zeeks Pizza, Discovery Heights, Grand Ridge Plaza, and the entrance to Central Park. While many of them have two sides, some kiosks feature four sides and include a bulletin board for non-profits and community organizations to promote their events. “The new kiosks will make it easier for pedestrians to navigate through the community and find what they need, or simply learn more about their home neighborhood,” said Sarah McKee, executive director of the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA). “The vision for Issaquah Highlands is a
Port Blakely Communities led the project as one of its few remaining tasks being completed in the development agreement. The kiosks are a collaborative effort by Berry Signs, Tube Art and Aero Construction.
“There is always something happening at Issaquah Highlands,” continued McKee. “The information kiosks will be another venue to share community news of a nonprofit or arts and culture nature. We also hope that visitors will learn more about what Issaquah Highlands has to offer, whether they are seeking services, shopping or parks.”
“Informative “wayfinding” kiosks will point the way to merchants and points of interest throughout the community.”
For more information about submitting posters, contact Sarah McKee at sarah.m@ihcommunity.org.
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS PU8BLIC NOTICE NO. 14-002 A home business application has been submitted to the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board of Directors from an owner at 1475 Huckleberry Circle, a condominium. The business application is for a state licensed tax accounting business. The public comment period will be October 1st, 2014 through October 15th, 2014. 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.ihwebsite.com/ resourceenter/livework/publicnotice/14-001 and published in the October 2014 issue of Connections and the weekly e-blasts to the community.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
ASK KARI Dear Kari, My daughter was not invited to a birthday party recently that most of her friends attended. Now it’s her birthday and I am wondering if I should invite the girl who left her off her party invite list to my daughter’s birthday celebration? - Protective Party Mom Dear Protective Party Mom, It can be hard to watch your children navigate the in and outs of social dynamics and not want to protect them from harm and hurt feelings. That said, you don’t know if the party she was not invited to was simply a numbers issue; perhaps the birthday host had to leave a few children off the list, including your daughter. It wasn’t personal, as the parents probably gave birthday girl a number she had to stick to. From that standpoint, I would invite the girl to your daughter’s party if your daughter is friendly with her and wants her to come to the party. This is a good teaching moment for your daughter, as she should not consider every act a direct action against her. Sometimes things are the way they are and it’s not a personal statement against us. I believe that it’s better to function from a place of enjoying peoples’ company whom we like without keeping score of who owes who. - Kari
Dear Kari, I recently logged into my husband’s Facebook account and discovered that he has been chatting with a lot of women that he is friends with. Almost of all the conversations include direct flirting with very suggestive statements. He has even propositioned two of the women to hook up with him. I am devastated that he is doing this to me, to us. How should I bring it up to him? - Broken Hearted Dear Broken Hearted, First, I would choose a good private time to speak with your husband and inform him of your findings. Then, I would let him know that you were deeply hurt to find him speaking to other women in a suggestive manner since he is married to you. Ask him if he has participated in acting out his suggestive statements or intends to do so in the future. Based on his answers, determine his commitment to you and your marriage. I also suggest that you consider seeking out counseling if you find that the marriage is struggling to overcome this situation. - Kari
Dear Kari, My husband and I lead a boring life. I feel like I cannot take another day of us living in the same home but not speaking to each other except to check in with what’s for dinner each night. I have tried everything, including marriage counseling with him and nothing changes. Everyday I think about leaving him but I never make it to the door or follow through with making a real effort to save myself. What is wrong with me? - Married and Lonely Dear Married and Lonely, You sound very sad and disappointed with the state of your marriage. I believe you when you say that you have tried everything. I recommend that you and your husband focus on the things that brought you together as a couple in the first place. See if you can refocus your energy on those things now. From there, have an open conversation on what is not working for both of you and what you both would like to bring into the relationship today. Move forward by making agreements about what you will accept and not accept in the relationship moving forward, then take action to do it. Good luck. - Kari 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.
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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Ann Finney Volunteer of the Month – October 2014 It’s been my privilege to live in the Issaquah Highlands Vista Park neighborhood since 2009. Last year I had an “aha” moment and decided to dedicate more time to my community. I wanted to make a personal stand in some small way to increase sustainability, and to give back. Since childhood, I’ve loved to garden, so becoming an active committee member of the IH Community Garden was a natural step. I help promote the organic garden community where we can all share in our tools and resources to reduce waste, reuse and recycle. I have organized Master Gardeners to come speak at Blakely Hall to this end and to share their knowledge on a variety of issues, such as how to grow tomatoes, how to water wisely, how to compost, etc. I do even little mundane things like replacing broken hoses and weeding garden paths. I spent my childhood playing in my mother’s flower and vegetable garden in Zaire, what is now the Congo. With only the outdoors to entertain us, gardening was my sister’s and my first introduction to science. Today, it’s fun to use my vegetable patch in the Vista 1 Community Garden to teach children the same principles of science, recycling and sharing. For example, during our northwest summers, we are
essentially in drought, so how do we water more efficiently? One way is by using buried empty milk jugs, with a single pinprick, filled with water and placed strategically next to more thirsty plants. We can water the roots slowly over several days. Also, during the day, water walls around heat loving plants absorb the sun’s energy, and radiate the heat back to the plants during our cool evenings. Using simple cold frames and cloches to create a greenhouse effect lets us start our seedlings early and extend the growing season. Composting kitchen scraps into the garden returns nutrients and microbiome to the soil. Not only is it fun to see these principles work, but the best part of all this is getting to eat and share this great tasting fresh produce with the food bank and friends. Also, it has been my pleasure to serve the greater Issaquah community. The Issaquah Highlands is an urban village designed as a walking neighborhood. We can so easily walk to wonderful entertainment, restaurants, parks, nature trails, public transportation, etc. Some of us can even walk or bike to work. I really believe in this urban village concept where we build more densely, allowing us to preserve large natural areas. As a volunteer member of the City of Issaquah’s Urban Village Development Commission, it is my goal to contribute in some positive way to help shape future neighborhoods like this one, balancing the needs of the environment, homeowners and developers. I challenge everyone to do what they can to contribute to sustainability, give back to our community and make a difference. Any act of innovation or improvement will do. It doesn’t have to be big. It can be just a single kind thing or simply just picking up a piece of litter. Just do a little something every day. Living here in this community, we have all won the lotto of life. Once our basic needs are met and we are reasonably comfortable, what makes us feel happy and worthwhile? Simply put, it’s doing some good. Ann waters her community garden plot at Vista 1.
Ann’s suggestion for efficient watering in the heat of the summer.
The Accidental Telecommuter
by Dawn Noland, The Terraces I make this reference to “The Accidental Tourist” by Anne Tyler tongue-in-cheek. I read the 1985 novel while living abroad, enjoying popular American works to keep connected to the country where I was born. I enjoyed this novel for its quirky romantic story, but it captivated me for another reason: Macon Leary’s profession was a travel guide writer for people who did not enjoy traveling, and hence were accidental and not intentional tourists. That idea stuck with me because it took me to a place that I could not imagine…how could anyone not love traveling? And yet, I am taken back to that place Tyler’s novel created as I find myself now an accidental telecommuter. I didn’t mean to become a telecommuter – the working world I entered over three decades ago was office-bound. Working from home was viewed with suspicion by management and co-workers alike. But eventually, my telecommuting life evolved. I began working from home two days a week so I could volunteer at my daughter’s elementary school. Two days became three when I was assigned to a Project Management Office in Atlanta and began to work East Coast hours. I arranged any face-to-face meetings during the two days in the office, but as my work became more involved with team members in India and Israel, there were fewer and fewer opportunities to meet in the same place and time zone.
noticed a strange phenomenon: The very same office mates who chided me (all in fun, mind you) were now working from home. Our office had begun transforming to part and full-time telecommuters. When an appeal was made to voluntarily vacate cubicles for an adjoining building’s office remodeling, I gave up my window cube of over a decade and joined the ranks of full-time telecommuters. My daughter and I moved to Issaquah Highlands last summer. Did you know the community was designed for part- and fulltime telecommuters? Even though I have a classic technical person’s introverted makeup (Leave me alone! I’m working!), I am a project manager and love the energy of working closely with others. I bet there are more like me in the highlands.
Friday, October 24 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm Blakely Hall, 2550 NE Park Drive Issaquah, WA 98029
Are you a part-time or full-time telecommuter living and working in Issaquah Highlands? Bring a sack lunch and join me for the first Telecommuter Brown Bag to share ideas and experiences. See the article The Accidental Telecommuter in the October issue of Connections for more detail -- hope to see you there! Contact dawn_noland@comcast.net (subject line: Telecommuter Brown Bag) if you have questions.
I didn’t mind the early morning hours as my then home in downtown Issaquah was noisy with delivery workers by 4:30 am. I felt a secret and silent solidarity with these other early risers. I logged in at 5:30 am to join team members at the beginning their work day. When I did drive in to the office, I’d worry about what I was missing during the commute. Then my cubicle mates would greet me with, “Nice of you to show up today.” I’m sure they were joking, but it still stung. I was too immersed in my life at that time to worry about my cubicle mates too much. I was a single parent caring for elderly parents and a younger brother with brain cancer, and oh yes, holding down a full-time job. I went into the office less and less. When I did go in, I
How does a club for telecommuters sound? We could meet once a month and discuss the challenges and benefits of telecommuting, and of living in a community designed for teleworkers. The club would be company agnostic – that is, we will not discuss our companies by name, only the challenges facing part- and full-time telecommuters. (Some, like me, are bound by a company code of ethics and others by nondisclosure agreements.) The purpose of the club is to come together for a bit of face time (in person – what a concept!) and share our stories. For our kick-off meeting how about we discuss the Pros and Cons of Commuting to the Office and Working from home. Big cons for Working from Home are: no physical interaction with fellow office workers, isolation, feeling of being “left out,” no visual clues when giving presentations (no furrowed brows, wandering eyes, grimaces or smiles), battling the multitasking workforce during teleconferences, interference from family/pets during work hours.
I would like to discuss these challenges in an open and engaged forum. How do you handle them? Is there really such a state as work/life balance? What about recommended readings or podcasts addressing the challenges and benefits of being a telecommuter? It is sure to be a learning experience, if not fun, too! What do you say? Willing to give it a shot? Let’s meet! Teleworkers Unite!
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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT by Carolyn Kennedy, Summit Park
Are you in?
Issaquah School District
School is under way for the year… are you in? Great schools are a huge asset to communities and there are many ways you can help contribute to education in our community.
http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu 10/13
Teacher work day, no school for students
Issaquah School Foundation http://www.isfdn.org 10/10 10/13 10/21 10/28
A good way to start is with a donation to the Issaquah Schools Foundation’s annual “All in for Kids” campaign. The Issaquah Schools Foundation (“ISF”) helps bridge the gap between funding the state provides for basic education and the resources our schools need to give every student an education that prepares them for success. To do this, ISF funds a variety of ongoing programs that help support every student in the Issaquah School District. Examples include: Financial Literacy, Academic Enrichment Grants, VOICE mentor program, National Board Certification, Computer Science Classes, the Healthy Youth Initiative and the Fine Arts Fund. These programs help Issaquah students by providing everything from breakfast for a student in need, to materials needed for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), to new instruments for the music classes. Your support of ISF can make a huge difference. “Go All In” for great schools by making a donation to ISF now at http://isfdn.org.
Many Issaquah schools also have a “pass the hat” fundraiser in the fall, which is a simple request for donations without product sales or an event tied to it. For example, Grand Ridge Elementary has “Feed Gilman,” which collects donations specifically for classroom enrichment. Each teacher and grade level receives an allocation of money to pay for classroom enrichment opportunities such as science labs, guest speakers, and classroom library materials. Pacific Cascade Middle School and Issaquah High School each have a fall fundraiser that is the only one of the year. As a direct request for donations, it takes the place of kids selling items like wrapping paper or cookie dough. Super easy! So, be sure to show your support. The money will provide wonderful enrichment opportunities otherwise not available at the school. Great schools make for great communities, so please go “all in” and support our students today!
Challenger Elementary http://challengerpta.org 10/3
PTA Fun Run
Clark Elementary http://clarkpta.org 10/3 10/6 - 10/17 10/15 - 10/17
Bingo Night Food Drive 5th grade camp
Endeavour Elementary
OCTOBER EVENTS
Another great way to support education in our community is by joining a PTSA. Each PTSA membership gives an adult voice and vote on education issues and also supports the PTSA’s programs and events at school. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to become a PTSA member.
Last day to donate and add your name to the thank you ad in the Issaquah Press Last day to donate to remove your name from calling lists All in for Kids calling night All in for Kids calling night
http://endeavourptsa.org 10/2
Walk-a-Thon & BBQ
Grand Ridge Elementary http://grandridgeptsa.org 10/1 10/13 - 10/24 10/15
After School Movie Box Tops Collection Reflections artist workshop
Pacific Cascade Middle School http://pacificcascadeptsa.org 10/3 10/15 10/16
Vision & Hearing screening (7th grade only) Picture retakes PTSA GMM 12:30 -2:00 in the PCMS library
Issaquah High School http://issaquahhighptsa.org 10/10
PTSA General Membership Meeting, 9:30am
WITS AND TIDBITS
Getting to the Heart of the Tell-tale Blossom by Tami Curtis, Two-Slides or Summit Park
Percy had his heart set on a lady who lived in Ashland Park. Annabel had a heart of gold, but she was blind to the existence of this gentle software test engineer whom his coworkers would describe as “a bit quirky but always having his heart in the right place.” Her daily descent off the 554 bus at 5:41pm was always followed by the lone walk up Northeast High Street…or at least she thought she was alone. Percy descended the Connector bus at 5:37pm each day pinning his hopes on Annabel’s timely arrival. Her steady-paced ascent up the sidewalk was met with a rising heartbeat as step after step she closed in on her duplex. Percy knew Annabel’s route home by heart. For an entire week he had followed her from a distance, not wanting to bring attention to himself, yet hoping to catch her response to his gifts. Each morning on his way to the bus stop he placed a crimson geranium on Annabel’s front steps, embellished with a ribbon around the pot. Each evening her steps were empty, he observed, as he delayed his passage in front of her house after she shut the front door. He had hoped that maybe she would display her accumulated flowers in recognition of a secret admirer, in appreciation of the gesture, but each day the steps were empty, and the porch had nothing but an Adirondack chair on display. Percy knew Annabel loved geraniums. He discovered her and her adoration for this velvety plant by accident last week when he missed his Connector bus and ended up on the 554. Sitting across the aisle from him was a lovely young woman who couldn’t take her eyes off the potted plant in her lap. A plastic Fred Meyer bag swaddled her new charge, and she gazed at it for the duration of the commute. Seven days later Percy stood on the sidewalk feeling a bit brokenhearted that his secret daily deliveries went unacknowledged. Saturday morning Percy rose early and purchased his eighth red geranium plant – hoping this would elicit a response. He carefully tied the pink satin bow so that it was snug around the plastic rim and gently placed it on the fourth step of her stairs. Then he retreated across the street to wait in his car. With half an eye on Annabel’s doorstep and the rest of his gaze on his hands
he played out scenarios in his head of her reaction to the flowers. How she would swoon, or say, “Bless his heart!” But Percy reminded himself of his anonymity. Disgusted with his daydreams he reached for his car keys but then stopped. Out of the corner of his eye he caught a movement in front of the duplex. Could it be Annabel? Serene eyes and delicate eyelashes glanced his way, but this was not the object of his desire. A graceful four-legged creature swung away its head from Percy and leaned over the fourth step. In one nonchalant bite the deer nipped off the red blossom and began to chew. At that same moment Percy leaped out of his car and shouted at the thief, but he paused when his eyes met Annabel’s, who had flung open her front door to the sound of Percy’s yell. The deer leaped over the shrub and scampered across the neighbor’s lawn. The man and woman were left staring at each other with sheepish grins. “Are you the one with the special deliveries?” Percy made a half-hearted attempt to explain his position, but Annabel smiled and beckoned him up to the porch. She led Percy around the side of the duplex and through a gate where she paused and gestured at a planter box filled with seven bloomless geraniums, and his heart skipped a beat. “I was heartbroken seeing your gifts gobbled up by the deer while I was at work. Maybe they’ll grow back.” Percy responded, “You stole my heart the first time I saw you on the 554.” Annabel smiled in return and said, “You’re a man after my own heart.” Author’s Note: It’s a little known fact that Issaquah Highlands is teeming with mischief and romance. For this October edition I chose to channel a little Edgar Allen Poe and sprinkle it with Harlequin Romance. I hope you’ve enjoyed this story’s pulsing, heart-stopping idioms with a groan and rolling eyes, all in good fun for the Halloween season. A two-slide park resident (Summit Park), Tami Curtis is mother of two middle school boys and can be seen running all over the Highlands with Lacey Leigh. Her very supportive husband, Glenn is a great fan and sounding board of her Celtic band, The Fire Inside.
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ISSAQUAH CITY NEWS
Get Spotted With Our Reusable Bag — and Win Shoppers: The hottest accessory this fall is our reusable bag.
If we spot you out shopping with a City of Issaquah reusable bag, you’ll receive a 15 percent off coupon to the CleanScapes store. The store in Gilman Village offers recycled, recyclable and up-cycled goods, including durable housewares and gifts.
Carry this bag and win!
You can pick up a free reusable bag (while supplies last) at the CleanScapes store, located at 317 N.W. Gilman Blvd.
Salmon Days is Almost Here! In early October, Issaquah will host more than 150,000 people for the Issaquah Salmon Days Festival! Salmon Days, presented by the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, celebrates the annual return of salmon to our lakes, streams and historic downtown hatchery.
Join us for the free festival from 10am-6pm Oct. 4-5, 2014 to visit the October 4-5 Issaquah celebrates the return of the hatchery, browse works from artists salmon at its renowned festival, Salmon Days. and craftspeople, sample delicious Foods of the World, listen to live music, catch the Grande Parade, play on the Field of Fun and, of course, see salmon in Issaquah Creek. Also be sure to join us online! Use #SalmonDays to share your festival experiences. To learn more about the festival, visit the Salmon Days website at salmondays.org.
Storm Drains: Help Us Keep Them Clean The rainy season is coming!
To prevent any localized flooding, Issaquah Highlands residents can help out by keeping the storm drains near their homes clear of debris and leaves.
To learn more about the plastic bag ban, visit issaquahwa.gov/bags.
Be Safe This Halloween Ghosts, ghouls, monsters and witches aren’t the only things to be afraid of on Halloween. Accidents and mishaps increase dramatically when children trick-or-treat. To avoid the many dangers children face while trick-or treating, use common sense and be aware of potential Halloween hazards, even take precautions to eliminate them.
Play it safe with the little ones this Halloween!
Tips for trick-or-treaters: • Carry a flashlight. • Walk while treat-or-treating, do not run. • Look both ways before crossing the street and check for cars. • Cross the street only at corners. • Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars. • Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible (remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards and brooms, too)! • Plan a route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you. • Visit homes that have the porch light on. • Accept treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house. • Have an adult inspect your treats before eating and don’t eat the candy if the package has already been opened. Tips for homeowners: • Make sure your yard is clear of items that can trip young ones, such as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots. • Pets get frightened on Halloween. Ensure they can’t inadvertently bite a trick-or-treater, or come close to cars.
For larger stormwater issues, call the City’s Public Works Operations Department at 425-837-3470. Thank you for your assistance in keeping our streets clear!
Issaquah’s plastic bag ban took effect in 2013 and followed a phased approach, applying to larger retailers March 1, 2013, and smaller retailers July 1, 2014. The ban was upheld by Issaquah voters in February 2014.
Keeping storm drains clear near your home can prevent flooding.
Most importantly: Have fun and stay safe! Happy Halloween!
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FITNESS & HEALTH
Hauling that Halloween Load by Erick K. Harada, DPT, Highlands Physical Therapy
The air is crisp and the days are getting shorter, Halloween must be here! With the copious amounts of candy that you and your children will be carrying on October 31st I would like to offer a few exercises to prevent any hand/wrist/shoulder injuries that you might incur.
Wrist Flexor stretch
Triceps Stretch
1. With arm outstretched and palm up, gently fold wrist and hand backwards until stretch is felt in forearm.
1. Reach behind head/ neck. Gently pull elbow with the other hand until stretch is felt in triceps.
2. Hold 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
2. Hold 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
Lower Cervical / Upper Thoracic Stretch 1. Clasp hands together in front with arms extended. Gently pull shoulder blades apart and bend head forward. Hold 30 seconds. 2. Repeat 3 times.
Like always, stop any exercise program if you have any pain lasting longer than 24 hours. If pain continues, contact your local physical therapist. Have fun trick or treating and be safe!
Let’s Talk Fashion – Costumes! by Sree Dadisetty, Forest Ridge, Fashion Blogger
Even though it’s been only few years since I moved to this country, I have embraced many American traditions. However, Halloween was never one of them. The whole thing felt childish and silly. I had never worn a costume, well except for maybe when I was in 5th grade. But last year, I was invited to a Halloween Party at my friend’s place and she was very strict about the dress code. I gave in and decided to go with the flow. Though my lack of interest in spending a ton of money on a costume limited my options, after a ton of research I did find one I loved: “1920’s Gatsby inspired Flapper Girl”. Why not? I had almost everything that I needed in my closet and not to mention, I loved the movie.
After that party, I have to admit Halloween is fun. Not just the party itself, but everything that leads to it – coming up with a costume idea, exploring aisles in Party City and then keeping your mouth shut so that you wouldn’t give away too many details to your friends. All this still feels silly, but it’s more fun than I expected. The big question now is, what am I going to wear this year? While I am not sure what I am going to be dressed up as this year, I have narrowed it down to three options. Here they are.
3. Game of Thrones craze “Mother of Dragons” 1. Forever Classis – Audrey Hepburn 2. Forever Fun Katy Perry Fashion Flapper
So what is your favorite costume this year? Let me know at IThinkILoveItToo
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LIVING GREEN
Tomato Love
by Sarah Lally Brown, Community Gardener, Resident Two Slides Park Neighborhood Garden tomatoes are a lot like relationships. In our climate you can’t just pop them in the dirt and walk away. I’m always impatient in the spring. I push past signs that proclaim “Plants must be protected at night! Not suitable for cold weather!” For days I ferry the plants out of doors during the day like a doting mother, and then tuck them inside by the back door after dinner. This buys me time to get my hoop house built. Each tomato goes into the ground with a scoop of fertilizer. Between every two tomatoes is buried an upside down empty 2-liter plastic bottle with a teeny hole drilled out of the cap and a bigger hose-sized hole cut out of the top. These won’t be needed for a while, but in the summer they are the perfect slow watering device for plants that don’t like their leaves getting wet. Then plastic floats up over the hoops and seals the plants in for the next month. It may be too cold in the real world for them, but I make things as comfortable as I can.
When I met my husband, I also met his grandmother. She was a profound force in his life. And when he told her the story of how he first cooked tomato fritters for me, from her recipe, she asked him with her typical twinkle, “Well, did they work?” Oh yes indeed they did. If tomatoes are a relationship and food can be love, then Mimi’s tomato fritters were one of the first love letters Charlie ever gave me. So now with the first tomato harvest of the season we always make Mimi’s Fritters. And then we keep making them, of course.
Mimi’s Fritters
3 cups diced tomatoes 1tsp baking powder 1t salt 1/2c flour
“The first tomato of the year. I ate it right then, gloriously, standing in the garden.”
Then, like relationships, they grow. Pick off the slugs, sing the praises of the new fence at Vista that keeps out the rabbits and other nibblers. When they grow even more, prop them up as best you can to help them reach their full potential. Time passes and you wonder if they love you as much as you love them. The plastic gets flung away in favor of sunshine. Flowers tease. And then you get it. The first tomato of the year. I ate it right then, gloriously, standing in the garden. A week after that we had our first harvest. And the first harvest of tomatoes in our house truly brings the relationship of these little fruits full circle.
Combine in a bowl. Add a minced serrano pepper if you like spice. Mix gently to combine. Add more flour so that it’s the consistency of thin pancake batter (or water, if your tomatoes aren’t juicy). Heat oil or bacon fat in a pan until water sizzles when you flick it, and fry fritters until crispy on each side. Feel the love. Sarah continues her monthly series on gardening for our Living Green section with this article. Come back next month for more! Sarah’s harvest, tomatoes on their way to become Mimi’s Fritters.
Issaquah Highlands Photography Club
Photo of the Month October Challenge: “Curves” Winner: Shruti Malugu for the photo titled, “Curves of Cups”. Scott Moffat won last month, which gave him the honor (and the challenge) of judging this month’s challenge. His reasons for choosing Shruti’s image are: “Of all the images submitted, I feel that Shruti’s “Curves of Cups” was the closest to embodying “Curves”. Virtually all of the images presented curves on the context of circles and related geometry. Shruti’s “…Cups” shot positioned the viewer such that the lip of the cups overlapped and diminished into the distance, giving feeling of undulating curves. The colors and patterns of cups’ sides make it interesting without detracting from the image, and the “bokeh” manages transform the right angles of the tiled backsplash into an abstracted recursive pattern, which is reflected with the cups on the surface of the counter. I would only suggest increasing the depth of field to transition the view from the first cup to the one behind it, and perhaps increase the saturation of the cups to make them “pop” a little more. Well done Shruti!”
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LIVING GREEN
Happy Hallogreen!
by Brenda DeVore, Recology CleanScapes retail manager Among our many joys of fall are the turning of the leaves, the crisp autumn nights and of course every kid’s favorite holiday, Halloween. The big question is, what are you going to be this Halloween? With school and neighborhood parties, costumes and treats ahead, it’s easy to be the consumer and end up with costly items that we will use only once, along with trinkets and clutter. Here are a few tricks that will increase the fun and reduce the impact on the planet and your budget this Halloween. • Remember, according to Bea Johnson, author of “The Zero Waste Home,” the first rule of waste reduction is Refuse. Encourage your kids to take only what they really like and kindly refuse plastic trinkets. • Reduce your waste by handing out single candies instead of allowing the kids to take handfuls of candy at a time. You can still let them choose their own treat. • Consider candy wrapped in recyclable material such as junior mints, milk duds or anything in a cardboard box. All plastic candy wrappers are trash. • Consider alternatives to candy such as: • Fruit leather
Ideas for costumes: • Swap costumes with your neighbors. • Creating your own, homemade costumes; there are endless ideas on the Internet. • Shop at second hand store such as Small Threads and Doubletake in Issaquah. • Create or purchase natural face paints. ** • Collect treats in a reusable bag instead of a plastic bag or consider decorating paper shopping bags for trick-or-treating.** • Steer clear of costumes and bags that are made of synthetic materials that may contain toxins. Did you know that Halloween is the second biggest holiday for decorating after Christmas? Consumers spend millions on everything from life-size plastic mummies to strings of ghost lights, throw-away plastic utensils, cups and plates. Alternatives? • Set the frightful mood with a zero-cost decoration swap with friends. Combine craft supplies and create your own unique décor.
• Boxes of raisins or other dried fruit
• Use less plastic and paper service ware. Invest in an inexpensive reusable set.or use compostables. **
• Taffy - the paper wrapper is compostable
• Set a festive table with mason jars and colorful paper compostable straws. **
• Pencils or recyclable pens **
• Place votive candles in deep jars and scatter them around the yard.
• Plant seeds
• Support local farmers and decorate with gourds, squash and pumpkins you pick yourself.
• Soy or beeswax crayons
• Remember that all food-soiled paper can be disposed of in your yard waste container.
• Jokes or word games • Rally your neighbors and consider buying candy in bulk. • Stickers have become a popular candy replacement, but keep in mind the sticker back is recyclable however the sticker itself is not. • Leftover candy? You can donate the extra treats to a shelter, soup kitchen, food bank, a store that offers candy to customers, or send them to the military through a Halloween Candy Buy Back Program.
A green Halloween doesn’t mean giving up on your favorite activities! To ensure a memorable night for all those trick or treaters check out the website for GreenHalloween.org for dozens of suggestions and plan ahead so you are prepared for the delight of little monsters on their favorite night of the year. Happy Hallogreen! Resources: Celebrate Green by Corey Colwell-Lipson & Lynn Colwell ** Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson ** **These items are available at the Recology CleanScapes store in Gilman Village.
Sustainable Morning Buzz by Beth Nustad, Caffe Ladro, Issaquah Highlands Manager
Caffe Ladro is excited to now offer reusable/recyclable Sustain Cups for all its to-go drinks! Billions of disposable cups end up in the landfills each year. And over 6.5 million trees would be saved in one year if everyone stopped using paper cups. We want to help! Caffe Ladro Sustain cups will pay for themselves in just eight uses because we offer a 25 cent discount with each use. The cups are microwave and dishwasher safe, FDA compliant and BPA free. Plus, the Sustain cups are recyclable at Ladro—to make more Sustain cups! It’s a closed-loop system: no cups go to the landfill! We’re glad to offer this easy way for our customers to reduce their environmental impact on a regular basis. Come and enjoy a (recyclable) cup with us!
Highlands Council Staff Members, Executive Director Christy Garrard, Administrative Assistant, Vyvian Luu and Brianna Eigner, Blakely Hall Manager fell under the spell of the Issy Witch!
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October 2014
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Photo by: Julie Clegg / julieclegg.com
RESIDENT PROFILE: THE ISSY WITCH
Monthly resident profiles are produced by Nina Milligan, Resident and Communication Manager for Highlands Council
Issaquah Highlands Connections
October 2014
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DIRECTORY ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
HIGHLANDS COUNCIL
1011 NE High Street Suite 210 Monday–Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
MAIN PHONE: 425-507-1107 IssaquahHighlands.com
MAIN PHONE: 425-427-9257 IHWebsite.com Responsible for:
Property Management Enforcement of CCRs, Rules, Regs Architectural Review Common Area Landscape ihwebsite.com
Funded by:
Annual IHCA Assessments Neighborhood Assessments
Responsible for:
Governing Body
Community Events Board of Trustees Blakely Hall Community Center hcbot@ihmail.com Governing Body Facility Rentals Larry Norton, President Community Garden Linda Hall, Treasurer Board of Directors Facebook Philip Nored, Secretary Jim Young, President Dan Vradenbug, Vice President E-Letter Patrick Byers, Member Connections Newspaper Ray Besharati, Member Walt Bailey, Secretary www.issaquahhighlands.com Stuart Johnson, Member David Ngai, Treasurer Jody Turner, Member Daniel Eyman, Member Jitendra Vats, Member Funded by: Linda Liaw, Member Sponsorships/Grants Advertising Community Enhancement Fees (1/4 of 1% on sale of home) 12¢ per sq. ft. retail/commercial
Sarah McKee, Executive Director sarah.m@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1120
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
Erika North, Community Manager erika.n@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1121
Brianna Eigner, Blakely Hall Manager brianna.e@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107
Russ Ayers, Landscape Manager russ.a@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1130
Michele McFarland, Finance Manager michele.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1108
Crystal Bentley, Office Manager crystal.b@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119
Julie Clegg, Creative Coordinator julie.c@ihcouncil.org
Joon Chang, Accounting Manager joon.c@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1117
Vyvian Luu, Administraive Assistant vyvian.l@ihcouncil.org
COMMUNITY SERVICES AT BLAKELY HALL
Escrow Payoffs | accounting@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1123
Frank Pineau General Manager FPineau@HFN.org Support: 425-427-0999 HighlandsFiberNetwork.com
Christy Garrard, Executive Director christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1110
Rachel Garrett, Director of Community Operations rachel.g@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1115
Homeowner Account Inquiries payments@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119
HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK
Blakely Hall 2550 NE Park Drive Monday–Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
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 230 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.
Ads are due by the first Friday of the month for the following month’s publication. For best results with newspaper printing:
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
• Please avoid small text in color or reversed out of color.
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ON-LINE ADVERTISING AVAILABLE! Content and advertising in Connections does not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of the Highlands Council or staff.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
