December 2015

CONNECTIONS FR

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNIT Y NEWS

December 2015

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5 Feature: Holidays in the Highlands 10 Highlands Council 11 Blakely Hall Art 12 IHCA News 14 Volunteer of the Month 14 Jiggle While Jogging 16 What’s Happening 18 Living Green 19 Ask Kari

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December 2015

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

FROM THE EDITOR

Happy Holidays, Neighbors!

The holidays are upon us! Grand Ridge Plaza and Park Drive brightly gleam with decorative white lights, cheering our hearts through the long, dark nights. Homes are decorated with lights, too, be they for Diwali, Chanukah or Christmas. Blakely Hall is buzzing with festivals, parties and informal gatherings.

Issaquah Highlands is home to countless cultures, all sharing one community. At no time is this diversity more apparent than during the winter holiday season. Diwali, Chanukah, Christmas and The Kings’ Day in January sequentially mark the passage of winter with joy and celebrations.

Sometimes even the Asian New Year is in play (though this year it comes late, February 8th).

In our feature story you will find four delightful Nina in the Holiday Spirit! stories by our neighbors explaining each of the most significant holidays in the highlands. Throughout this issue there are more holiday missives: one on traveling tips when heading ‘home’ to see family, another on gifts for the community gardener in your life. Highlands Council and the IHCA both provide seasonal advice and information.

Posters for community events are sprinkled among the pages.

And there’s more! Get ready for the arrival of Star Wars at Grand Ridge Plaza with Zhanson’s movie preview. Check out the hottest new club in Issaquah Highlands, Minecraft Mania. Learn about HFN connectivity and how to configure that new wi-fi router under the tree.

Happy holidays to everyone!

Cheers!

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.

December 2015

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December 2015

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

December 2015

s y a d i Hol in the Highlands

The winter holidays in Issaquah Highlands come in a month long, multi-cultural sweep of festivities. As is our tradition, community organizations and clubs host their holiday at Blakely Hall on or near the actual holiday so they can welcome the entire community to celebrate with them. You don’t have to be Indian to attend Diwali at Blakely Hall, nor Jewish to join the Grand Chanukah Celebration, nor Christian to visit the live nativity and attend the candlelight service on Christmas Eve, nor Mexican to enjoy cake at The Kings’ Day. Happy Holidays are for everyone!

If we missed your holiday, send us a story and photos for next year. We tried to find celebrants of Kwanzaa, for instance, but no one came to our call. But there is always next year!

Holidays celebrated at Blakely Hall: Diwali – November 11th Celebrated on November 15th Chanukah – December 6th (begins) Celebrated on December 10th Christmas – December 25th Celebrated on December 24th The Kings’ Day – January 6th Celebrated on January 5th

See Pages 16-17, What’s Happening, for details.

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December 2015

Issaquah Highlands Connections

s y a d i l Ho

in the Highlands

‘Diwali’-A Galore of Happiness

by Anita Ayela, The Cottages

‘Diwali’ is the short form of the word ‘Deepavali’ which means an Array of lights. Though there are different stories pertaining to the celebration of this festival in India, everything points in the same direction, the direction of prosperity and happiness. In India, though it is a Hindu festival, Diwali is celebrated by all religions as the festivity of lights and fireworks.

In the southern part of India, Deepavali starts with girls wearing new clothes and making Rangoli in front of their houses. They pray to the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, and offer sweets to her. A day prior to Diwali is celebrated as ‘Naraka Chaturdashi’, the day Lord Krishna’s wife Satyabhama, killed the demon ‘Narakasura’.

No Matter How We Spell It, Hanukkah Lights Up Our Lives

by Molly and Marty Fisher, Ashland Park Although we’re never really sure which way to spell it, we always look forward to celebrating Hanukkah. For us, it’s eight wonderful nights of celebrating miracles, lighting candles, laughing, singing, exchanging gifts, and eating delicious fried treats with family and friends.

What’s not to love?

In the east, in the states of Bengal, Orissa and Assam, Goddess Kali, another form of Lakshmi, is worshipped on the Diwali day. An idol of Kali is installed and in the night, fireworks are initiated at the Kali pandal (pedestal) first, and then in individual houses.

Chanukkah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the unlikely victory of the ancient Israelites over the Syrian Greek army and the miracle that followed when a single day’s vial of oil lasted for eight days in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The word Hanukkah means dedication in Hebrew, which is what it takes to launch a war against a superpower and light a single flask of oil that can’t possibly last long enough. The moral of the story is simple - with enough dedication and commitment, miracles really can happen.

In North India, Diwali is celebrated for another God, Lord Rama. The belief is that Rama returned home on Diwali day after 14 years of exile, and hence all lights are to welcome him. Fireworks sparkled when he was crowned the King. An edifice of Ravana, the demon King, is lit up on every Diwali, signifying the end of evil.

Let’s clear up a major misunderstanding right away – Chanukah is not the Jewish Christmas.

Although we love giving and getting presents, there is no historical significance to giving gifts on each night of the holiday. There is, however, a tradition of giving kids “gelt” (money) as an incentive to learn Torah (the law of God as revealed to Moses and recorded in the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures). In our house, we exchange gifts with a different theme each

In the western part of India, in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan, people worship for five days, inviting the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, to their houses. According to the Gujrathi calendar, Diwali is the start of a new year, and so it calls for double celebrations.

Diwali celebrations always start about a month before the actual date. New clothes, sweets and fireworks are bought. In my house on the Diwali day, my mom made a lot of sweets and I continue the tradition here in the Highlands. As kids, it was fun to light the ‘Diyas’ or the small decorated clay pots and arrange them outside the house at every door and window. Here, I buy the diyas from one of the Indian stores in Bellevue and my kids decorate the house. They wear ethnic clothes bought from the Indian shops in Renton or Redmond.

In 2003, when the White House officially recognized Diwali, Indians in America were overjoyed beyond compare. Now in America, Americans are eager to join the Diwali cultural events to get a feel of India’s culture.

In November, Issaquah Highlands witnessed a grand celebration of Diwali organized by the India Cultural Club for the highlanders. The Rangoli, the Henna, the dances, the songs, and the food from Indian cuisine, gleamed of the Indian culture, entertaining and enticing everyone. In India, all Diwali celebrations would end with the sounds of fireworks, which every person would light and enjoy. Here too, every year we go to the Hindu temple in Bothell to watch the fireworks show and light the sparklers that they provide! Any celebration with friends and family always invokes happiness!!

night. There are the practical gift nights – like socks and underwear – but there also are mystery nights with fun gifts that make us all feel like little kids.

We celebrate each of the eight nights by lighting the menorah, one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith. During Hanukah, the nine-branched menorah, or hanukiah, is used for eight nights, with a new candle lit each evening at nightfall from left to right using the “shamash” – the raised, middle helper candle. By the end of the eighth day of Chanukah, each menorah burns through a total of 44 candles, hence the Festival of Light.

With the exception of a few wildcards, there are 16 different spellings for Hanukah based on four phonetic variations: the word starts with “H” or “Ch”, the second consonant is either “nn” or “n”, the third consonant is either “kk” or “k” and the word ends with either “ah” or “a”. Although the most common spellings are Hanukkah and Chanukah, you get to choose.

The reason for the differences is transliteration, changing letters or words into characters of another alphabet or language. In Hebrew, the word for Hanukkah is not easily transliterated into English.

In our house, we love to play dreidel (a 4-sided spinning top), and eat latkes (fried potato pancakes – yummy!) topped with applesauce. Jelly doughnuts also are popular because many Hanukkah foods are deep-fried in oil, symbolizing the oil from the menorah used in the Temple - not a good time to start a diet!

Our favorite Chanukkah memory is laying the gifts on the floor of the living room of my parents’ home with a pile for each person in the family. With the fabulous aroma of latkes wafting through the air and our stomachs full of these fantastic fried delights, the kids tore open their gifts with joyful abandon, laughing, screaming, and jumping up and down! It’s one of those rare moments in life when everything comes together in a perfect package – religion, tradition, culture, family, friends, and, of course, food!

From our family to yours, here’s to a miraculous holiday filled with light and love!

Issaquah Highlands Connections

The Kings’ Day

by Alicia Spinner, Summit Park

Every year on January 6th our family celebrates Kings’ day. According to the Christian story this was the day in which the Three Kings -Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar- arrived bearing gifts for baby Jesus.

This tradition at our house marks the end of the holiday season and we gather together with family and friends to celebrate how fortunate we are. We always have a very special sweet bread, the Rosca de Reyes (or King’s Bread) that is a staple of this holiday in many countries of Latin America and Spain. It has a round shape as an allusion to a King’s crown, and it is decorated with candied fruits that represent jewels.

All kids and adults love this pastry, and we enjoy eating it with a delicious Mexican Hot Chocolate. But the part that kids enjoy the most is that this bread has hidden inside baby Jesus figures, around three or four, depending on the size of the bread.

The tradition says that whoever finds a figurine in their slice is blessed, and in Mexico the person who finds it has the responsibility of hosting a dinner with tamales and atole on February 2nd, the day of the Candlemas.

I like to believe that this is a way to extend the holiday’s season, and to have more excuses to get together and to enjoy each other’s company. However, my kids and their friends are just happy to get one of the figures and be the ones who will keep such a special treasure.

I get our King’s Bread every year online (www.mexgrocer.com), it comes directly from El Molino bakery of Mexico City. But there are some local stores that sell them, such as La Venadita Store in Gilman Blvd. They put them on the shelves the day before this holiday, and they are normally sold out by noon on King’s Day. We also celebrate this holiday as a community; the IH Latino Group has been getting together every year to share a King’s Bread. If you would like to try it, please stop by.

We would love to give you a slice. Who knows, maybe you will be one of the blessed ones this year!

Latino Club Presents:

Three Kings Celebration Blakely Hall Tuesday, January 5th, 2016 Save the Date!

Chabad of the Central Cascade Hosts:

Grand Chanukah Celebration 5th Night of Chanukah Blakely Hall Thursday, December 10th, 5:30pm

Rivers Edge Church Hosts:

Christmas Eve in Issaquah Highlands Blakely Hall Thursday, December 24th Live Nativity 4:00-6:00pm Candlelight Service 6:00 – 8:00pm

December 2015

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It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

by Kathryn Dean, Vista Park

There’s nothing I love more than returning from Thanksgiving holiday, driving up Park Drive and seeing the trees all lit up for Christmas. I don’t know what’s so magical about strings of tiny lights, but when the streets and houses are illuminated the spirit in the air changes.

As a child I would beg to sleep under the Christmas tree to enjoy the twinkling “nightlights”. I didn’t care to stay up to see Santa; it was all about the campout under the Christmas lights – the one, peaceful, illuminated spot while the rest of the house was dark.

What is it about the lights that makes us feel festive and nostalgic? Perhaps it has to do with the brilliant light that ushered in the first Christmas.

I grew up in church where my dad was the pastor and hearing about that first Christmas years ago in Bethlehem. At some point I was forced to dress up as an angel with an itchy gold garland around my head, and march on stage with the other children to sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing. I had no idea what a Herald was, but I loved everything about the story of the baby Jesus born in a manger.

My favorite Christmas in the Highlands was the year Village Green became Bethlehem.* A wooden structure decorated with hay sat beneath the lighted tree with live animals from a nearby farm, including a camel, added to the scene. A star on top the tree served as the star of Bethlehem. A glowing angel floated atop the Starpoint condominiums. Hundreds of people visited the Nativity outside while Santa and Mrs. Claus read stories to children in Blakely Hall.

My parents never made much of Santa, choosing instead to focus on Christ, but I teach my kids about the original St. Nicholas as well. He was a rich, kind, bishop from the 4th century known for giving gifts to others. The story of Santa Claus coming at night bringing gifts began with his generous spirit.

Another memorable Highlands’ Christmas was marked by the absence of lights. During the storm of 2006 (our very first winter in the Highlands) we were without power for four days. Our whole family slept in the living room with the dark Christmas tree. We read books wearing headlamps while snuggled under blankets around scented candles.

But even darkness couldn’t dampen our Christmas spirit. Neighbors rallied together, checking on each other and organizing makeshift potlucks made from ingredients we could warm up on our gas cooktops. Many fled to relatives or hotels, but those of us who stayed took care of one another in the generous spirit of St. Nick.

With Park Drive full of lights once again ushering in another Holiday season, I hope that whatever our traditions, we won’t let the busy-ness of the season crowd out the love, joy, and peace represented by the Christ child, or the spirit of generosity demonstrated by St Nicholas.

But if it all becomes too stressful, you’ll find me napping under the lights of my Christmas tree.

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December 2015

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

December 2015

King Cake

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

The Dean family favorite, especially handy in winter when the power goes out.

Ingredients 1/2 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees) 2 packages dry yeast 2 teaspoons sugar 4 to 5 cups flour 1/2 cup sugar 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind 1/2 cup warm milk (105 to 115 degrees) 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, cooled 5 egg yolks 1/2 cup finely chopped candied citron 1 pecan half, uncooked dried bean or King Cake Baby

Yield - 24 cookies Ingredients 1⁄2 cup butter or 1⁄2 cup margarine 2 cups sugar 1⁄2 cup milk 4 tablespoons cocoa 1⁄2 cup creamy peanut butter (or chunky but is seems to make a more crumbly dry cookie) 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 -3 1⁄2 cups dry old fashioned oats (or quick-cooking) Directions 1. Add the first four ingredients into a 4-quart sauce pan.

2. Bring to a rolling boil and hold for 1 minute.

Glaze: 2 cups sifted powdered sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons water Purple, green and gold sugar crystals

3. Remove from heat.

4. Add peanut butter into the hot mixture and stir until melted.

5. Add in vanilla. (almond extract is good also, but i only use 1/2 teaspoon almond and 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla).

6. Mix in the oats and drop by tablespoons onto wax paper.

7. Let cool until set.

8. *please remember that even if you do follow the recipe exactly, it doesn’t always turn out just right. I have had these not set up for me and be hard and dry. But most of the time, the recipe is just right. I have also found that it makes a difference if you use quick cooking oats or old fashioned. In my experience it takes more old fashioned oats than quick cooking and i like the texture of the quick cooking better. When you make it a few hundred times like i have you learn a couple of things:) also, chunky peanut butter tends to make them more dry and crumbly.

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Directions Preheat the oven 350 degrees. Combine the warm water, yeast and 2 teaspoons sugar in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside to a warm place for about 10 minutes. Combine the 4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, nutmeg, lemon rind and add warm milk, melted butter, egg yolks and yeast mixture. Beat until smooth. Turn dough out on a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Place the dough in a well-greased bowl. Turn once so greased surface is on top.

Cover the dough and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk (about 1 1/2 hours).

Punch the dough down and place on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle with the citron and knead until the citron is evenly distributed. Shape the dough into a cylinder, about 30 inches long. Place the cylinder on a buttered baking sheet. Shape into a ring, pinching ends together to seal. Place a well-greased 2-pound coffee can or shortening can in the center of the ring to maintain shape during baking. Press the King Cake Baby, pecan half or dried bean into the ring from the bottom so that it is completely hidden by the dough. Cover the ring with a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the coffee can immediately. Allow the cake to cool. For the glaze: Combine the ingredients and beat until smooth. To assemble, drizzle cake with the glaze. Sprinkle with sugar crystals, alternating colors.

Latkes Makes 12 to 16 latkes

Gulab Jamun

This Diwali sweet is a melt-in-the-mouth sweet that is so typical Indian that it is available in almost all Indian restaurants. This is an easy to make version of the otherwise elaborate process of making it.

Ingredients 1 cup Milk Powder 1/2 cup Whole milk 1/4 cup unsalted butter 4 tsp All Purpose Flour Oil for frying gulab jamun For Sugar Syrup 2 cups Sugar (400 grams) 1 cup water Method: Take butter in pan and melt it; add milk and mix well.

Cook it on low flame. Now add milk powder and stir constantly till the mixture is smooth and doesn’t have any lumps. Once, it is ready, turn off the flame and take it out in a bowl. Add the all-purpose flour and knead until it gets smooth in texture. If the mixture appears to be dry, add a little milk into it and knead.

Put sugar and 1 cup water in a pan and cook until the sugar dissolves completely. Now check the sugar syrup by dropping 1-2 drops on a plate. With help of your thumb and finger check the syrup. It should be gooey in texture. Sugar syrup is now ready, turn off the flame. Add cardamom powder in the syrup and mix well.

Preheat oil in a pan. Take small amount of the prepared dough and make a ball and drop it into the oil for frying. Fry until it gets golden brown in color. Take out the fried gulab jamun and place it on a paper napkin to soak the excess oil. After 1 or 2 minutes, transfer it into the sugar syrup. Prepare all the gulab jamun. Let the gulab jamuns soak in the sugar syrup for at least one hour so that they are sweet enough.

INGREDIENTS 1 pound potatoes 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil Accompaniments: sour cream and applesauce DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 250°F. Peel potatoes and coarsely grate by hand, transferring to a large bowl of cold water as grated.

Soak potatoes 1 to 2 minutes after last batch is added to water, then drain well in a colander.

Spread grated potatoes and onion on a kitchen towel and roll up jelly-roll style. Twist towel tightly to wring out as much liquid as possible. Transfer potato mixture to a bowl and stir in egg and salt.

Heat 1/4 cup oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches of 4 latkes, spoon 2 tablespoons potato mixture per latke into skillet, spreading into 3-inch rounds with a fork. Reduce heat to moderate and cook until undersides are browned, about 5 minutes. Turn latkes over and cook until undersides are browned, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to paper towels to drain and season with salt.

Add more oil to skillet as needed. Keep latkes warm on a wire rack set in a shallow baking pan in oven.

Cooking notes: • Latkes may be made up to 8 hours ahead. Reheat on a rack set over a baking sheet in a 350°F oven, about 5 minutes.

• Grating the potatoes, soaking them briefly in water, and then squeezing out the liquid keeps the batter from turning brown too quickly.

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December 2015

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

Issaquah Highlands Connections

A LIVE Holiday Season!

Issaquah Highlands comes ALIVE in December with an array of holiday events for the whole family!

by Christy Garrard, Executive Director, Highlands Council and Dahlia Park Resident Highlands Council will be busy collaborating with many organizations and talent to bring you a December to remember!

Walls ALIVE with ART! Anything Goes is the theme of the current artEast art show inside Blakely Hall. We welcome the artists on exhibition and ALL OF YOU to an artist’s reception and art sale on December 2nd from 7pm-8:30pm. Meet local artists and shop from their work while enjoying a glass of wine and appetizers. A unique and very personal holiday shopping opportunity that is FREE to attend and open to everyone!

LIVELY Networking! Local business leaders will celebrate the holidays on the evening of December 3rd at the Annual Chamber of Commerce After-Hours Holiday Party! Highlands Council enjoys co-hosting the business community each year at Blakely Hall.

ALIVE with Giggles! Hopefully you reserved a spot for your elementary student and will be enjoying a Parents Night Out on Friday, December 4th. The HY (Highlands Youth Advisory Board) has planned a fun night for 60 lucky (and pre-registered) elementary age kids at Blakely Hall.

Games, crafts, snacks and a fun movie with everyone in warm pajamas is the plan for the night!

LIVE MUSIC! On Saturday, December 5th at 7pm we switch from students to a sophisticated, adults-only evening; Soulful Sounds of the Holidays! Mcyle Wastman will be this year’s featured artist, accompanied by Tiffany Wilson. Mycle was featured in Season 3 of The VOICE! Tickets are only $40 and include two adult beverages and a buffet of heavy appetizers throughout the evening. Tickets available via BrownPaperTickets.com.

ALIVE with LIGHT! The Chabad of the Cascades hosts a community celebration on the 5th night of Chanukah on December 10th. The celebration begins at 6:00pm inside Blakely Hall.

Enjoy the outdoor menorah inside Village Green Park all week long. See page 4.

LIVE NATIVITY on Christmas Eve! Join your neighbors for “Bethlehem Revisited” and witness a live nativity on the patio adjacent to Blakely Hall from 4pm-6pm. The Rivers Edge Church will host a Christmas Eve candlelight service inside Blakely Hall at 6pm. See page 8.

On behalf of the staff and Board of Trustees at Highlands Council we wish you all the happiest of holidays!

Are You Resolving to GROW Next Year?

Did you know Issaquah Highlands has community gardens? There are 130 individual garden patch spaces, over two locations; two sets of patches at the Vista Gardens and two sets of patches in the Sunset Walk neighborhood.

These patches are governed

by Highlands Council and managed by a Community Garden Committee made up of resident community gardeners.

Community gardening is challenging but fun. You learn to grow your own produce, teach your children where food really comes from, and share ideas and harvest with fellow gardeners. Gardening seminars and work parties happen throughout the year to provide opportunities to improve your growing skills.

Sunset Walk Gardens The Sunset Walk patches are located off Park Drive, across from Fire Station 73 in the Sunset Walk neighborhood. These raised patches are smaller than the Vista garden beds and the newest additions to the community. The Sunset Walk patches lease for $75 per year.

Vista Patches Resident gardeners built the Vista Gardens by hand, 10 years ago. These 61 patches are located along the paved path between Park Drive at Trail Head Vista and Natalie Way (near Bark Park), just below Black Nugget Park, under the power lines. These rustic beds are framed in wood and are larger than the Sunset Walk patches.

The annual lease rate for Vista Gardens is $100 per patch plus 8 hours of volunteer time to the common area maintenance of the Vista garden area. Vista Gardeners may opt to buy-out of the 8 required volunteer hours for an additional $100. Volunteer buy-out fees are applied to pay for maintenance-contracted services, specific to Vista Gardens, as needed.

Patch sharing is permissible between two or more gardeners.

Current patch holders, in good standing with the Community Garden Committee, and who have met their volunteer service hour requirement,

may renew their patch each year. The garden renewal season begins on January 1, 2016. All patches not renewed will be offered to residents on the waiting list in the order they were placed on the waiting list beginning February 1, 2016.

For more information on the Issaquah Highlands Community Garden Program or to add your name to the waitlist visit: www.issaquahhighlands.com/community-garden . Questions? Contact Christy Garrard, Executive Director for Highlands Council at 425-507-1110 or Christy.G@IHCouncil.org

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Artists Reception Blakely Hall Art Gallery Wednesday, December 2nd 7:00 - 8:30 pm Open to the Public Light Refreshments Provided

December 2015

BLAKELY HALL ART GALLERY Local Artists, Juried Show: “Anything Goes – Within Reason”

Please join us for an evening of art and artists, neighbors and inspiring conversation. Artist receptions at Blakely Hall are the perfect after-work opportunity to view the show, as well as a way to meet like-minded members of the community.

“Anything Goes – Within Reason”, artEAST Exhibitions’ juried show at Blakely Hall November 19th – January 15th provides a varied show for the art lover showcasing a broad range of material from some of artEAST’s best established, and emerging artists.

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“The show theme was ‘open’, so the work was not judged on how it would hang together as an exhibition,” Anna Macrae, exhibit curator, distinguishes from other themed shows. The show includes works from Pamela K. Beer, Dorothy Bonneau, Ruty Daniels, Juliette Fiessinger, Maureen Glidden, Terri Gordon, Britt Greenland, Bonnie Johnson, Anita H. Lehmann, Vikram Madan, Hester Morrissey, Krista Owen, Liz Ruest, Janis J. Smith and Jan Tervonen.

The exhibition is open for viewing through January 15th, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

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December 2015

Issaquah Highlands Connections

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Decoration Decorum Greatly Appreciated

by Russ Ayers, IHCA Landscape Manager The holiday season is all about fun, family and festivities. Decorations are traditionally the symbol of the holiday season. In neighborhoods where yard maintenance is contracted maintenance, strand lights, ornaments and other decorations can halt the contractor’s schedules for leaf collection and hedge maintenance, etc. Throughout the community please remember to only decorate your yard. Common area trees and vegetation may not be decorated, unless contracted by the IHCA. Our goal is to make sure that the landscaping work in your community proceeds with proper efficiency. Additionally, damage to vegetation and irrigation systems is costly and this is why decoration decorum is greatly appreciated. Decorations maybe displayed in keeping with the CCR’s rules on holiday decorations and lights. Help us make sure that your holiday season is joyous and common areas are serviced properly without delay.

Thank you and Happy Holidays from the IHCA staff.

Issaquah Highlands Use Restrictions & Rules Reminders: Holiday Decorations: Holiday decorations and lights may be neatly displayed during seasonal times only.

Decorations and lights may be installed 30 days prior to the holiday and must be removed within 14 days after the holiday.

Thank you for doing your part.

Accounting Update

by Joon Chang, IHCA Accounting Manager Independent Auditor’s Report We have received an unqualified “clean” opinion on our Independent Auditor’s Report. It states that the Issaquah Highlands Community Association’s financial statements for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2015 appear presented fairly and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

The audit was completed by Cagianut & Company, CPA. The audit report is posted on our website: www.Issaquahhighlands. com.

Homeowner Billing Assessments The homeowners of Issaquah Highlands Community Association will be mailed semi-annual assessment statements

by December 8, 2015. These statements are mailed in December and June.

Residents on the monthly electronic bank debit payment (ACH) plan will receive statements for informational purposes only.

Residents on the semi-annual payment plan must pay with one check for all six months of the assessment period. The payment is due by January 10, 2016. We encourage semiannual payers to sign-up for the monthly ACH plan. Nearly 80% of the residents are on the monthly plan. An ACH form will be provided with your billing statement. Please contact katherine.o@ihcommunity.org or 425-507-1119 if you have any questions.

Do you make payments to the IHCA Semi-Annually?

Due by January 10, 2016

ARC Tip 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 the bears hibernate in the winter, they have been very active this year. 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.)

Issaquah Highlands Connections

December 2015

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

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Talking Trash – Everything You Need to Know

by Collene Cordova, IHCA Owner Services Coordinator-Compliance

Issaquah Highlands is a wonderful community that takes pride in well-maintained common areas. But you must do your part as a homeowner and take care of your responsibilities, especially when it comes to trash.

The Issaquah Highlands is governed by CC&R’s which include certain rules that all must abide by.

TRASH CANS The rule in the Issaquah Highlands Use Restrictions and Rules regarding trash is as follows: Any trash (grey), recycling (blue), or yard waste (green) containers and/or bags and other trash containers must be stored indoors during non-pickup hours.

Trash cans may only be placed at the curb/street for pickup 12 hours prior to and 12 hours after the pickup time. The ARC will consider variance requests in accordance with the variance policy in section 4.5 of the Declaration under the following circumstances: a. Topography b. Natural Obstructions c.

Hardship This means that once the garbage has been picked up, all three cans must be moved indoors either to the garage or an ARC approved outdoor storage facility. No cans should be stored in your backyard or side yard, even if you have a fenced yard. The reason for this is our proximity to wildlife. Bears in particular are drawn to the smell of

the cans. They pose a serious safety risk to both you and your neighbors. Leaving your cans outside can result in a violation notice. If you are interested in installing an outside trash can enclosure, please contact Erika North at Erika.n@ihcommunity.org and she will help you determine if that is an option for you and help with the ARC process.

HOLIDAY TREE REMOVAL To dispose of your holiday tree, cut off the branches and cut the tree trunk into pieces and place in your green yard waste container for pickup by CleanScapes. If you would rather have a no fuss method while supporting a good cause, the Sammamish Boy Scout Troops will be in our community on Saturday, January 2, 2016 for their 31st annual holiday tree curbside pickup and recycling fundraiser.

If you would like more information, please visit their website at www.scouttreedrive.org.

PET WASTE Please be courteous to your neighbors and pick up after your pets. Not only does this include picking up in the designated dog parks but also the streetscapes, trails,

community parks, neighbor’s lawns and don’t forget your own. For your convenience, pet waste receptacles can be found throughout the community.

PARK TRASH Our Private Parks are here for your enjoyment but also have rules regarding trash clean up: Cleanup – The User shall clean up all litter, trash and any other debris and restore the Parks to a clean and orderly condition within 24 hours after the conclusion of any event or activity.

The parks are equipped with trash receptacles but they can sometimes become full. If the garbage receptacles are full, please pack out your trash. Garbage left outside receptacles attracts wildlife.

If you would like a copy of the Use Restrictions and Rules emailed to you, please contact me at Collene.C@ihcommunity.org and I will make sure you receive a copy. Thank you for doing your part in making this community a beautiful place to call home.

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December 2015

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Chloe & Megan Kilzi

Chloe and Megan Kilzi are inaugural members of the Highlands Youth Advisory Board, HY, helping name the board, design the logo, and draft the mission statement, legacies that will carry on for generations to come! The Kilzi family is relocating to Chicago later this month. These two girls worked tirelessly at HY events, with no job being too big or too small. Their input and energy will be missed by their peers and the staff at Highlands Council.

The sisters tell you what volunteering in Issaquah Highlands has meant to them: Chloe Kilzi: The HY has planned so many great events for teens in the community from super bowl parties to egg hunts, and I’m honored to have been a part of it. I know there are many more events and projects to come out of the HY in the future from my fellow board members. I’ll miss them all, and

Megan, 8th grader at PCMS, Chloe, 11th grade at I.H.S., with Alex Morrey, 9th grader at I.H.S.

I’ll miss being part of such a great community.

I encourage everyone to come out to the events the HY plans, and to apply to be part of the board itself when spots open up next spring. It really is a great opportunity and I know my fellow HY members will continue to do great things for the community. Being a part of the HY board has been incredibly fun, incredibly rewarding, and allowed me to grow as a leader.

Megan Kilzi: When I first moved to the Highlands in 2014 it was just the place where my house was, but that changed quickly. It began to become something much bigger. Thanks to Mrs. (LoriAnn) Morrey and her daughter, Alex, who took me and my sister to the introductory meeting for the HY (Highlands Youth Board).

When I first joined the HY I wasn’t sure if it was my thing and if it was what I wanted to do with my spare time, but it changed my life. The Highlands Youth Board brought a group of teens together to plan events just for teens. I met so many wonderful people through the HY, some of which are now my closest friends. The HY made me feel as if I belonged.

I had so many amazing opportunities to volunteer, from wearing a stretch suit for Grand Ridge plaza, to volunteering at the Highlands Day Festival. For anyone out there who wants to be more involved in your community or try something new I would definitely apply for the HY. Last but not least I want to thank Christy Garrard for everything! She took a chance on me and it evolved to something so much bigger. Christy I cannot describe the effect you have on our community. Thank you so much!

L-R Alex Morrey, Chloe and Megan, and Rachel Rosewater race to decorate their gingerbread house at last December’s SeaHawk-Holiday Watch Party at Blakely Hall

Megan, standing in yellow, volunteering in a Grand Ridge Plaza stretch suit for Highlands Day 2014

JIGGLE WHILE JOGGING

Highlanders Returning to Their Homelands for the Holidays

by Audrey Slade, Discovery Heights

Hard to believe, but this year will mark our fifth year of holiday travel planning. When we moved to the west coast from the east coast, we knew that traveling home for the holidays would become a regular occurrence for us. Having just traveled across the country and being regular adventure seeking travelers even before our move, we figured that we would have a good grasp on the concept.

We figured wrong.

It has taken us five years, but we finally feel like we’ve got this holiday travel thing down. Whether you’re traveling across the country by plane, or driving hours in a car or train, here are some of the things I have learned about holiday travel over the past few years.

• Book EARLY By the time you read this it will be too late to book early. However, keep this in mind for next year: Buy your tickets the minute you find a decent fare.

• Red eyes don’t have to be miserable …not even with kids. One of the greatest tips I have for travelers with small children? Get the red eyes. They are less expensive and your child is more likely to sleep on these flights.

• Make it a mini spa session Okay, I’m getting a little girlie here, but the day I realized that I could utilize my flight time as Mommy Time was a glorious one indeed. I now pack a little bag of spa-type goodies to pamper myself on the (usually overnight) flight.

Lotion and moisturizing socks? Check. Cool, soothing under-eye cucumber treatment while I rest? Absolutely. Leave in hair conditioner under a scarf? You know it. Just be considerate of others: use unscented products.

• It’s okay to say no After our first trip home, we were exhausted. There were a million people we wanted to see. We ran around to see everyone who asked us to visit. Now we hold one night open for visiting with friends. My parents graciously open their house to everyone who wants to see us and hang out. We eat, we drink, and we’re merry. We understand not everyone will be able to make it, and that is okay. It’s okay for them to say no, as well.

• With a few exceptions, your Presence is the Present Traveling is expensive. As we get older, we start to realize that the importance of the holiday season is not the material presents, but rather being with the people we love. While you might feel guilty or awkward initially, understand that nearly everyone you are going home to see could care less about receiving gifts. There are exceptions, of course, specifically kiddos.

• What presents you are giving out, mail them ahead of time Checked baggage can be costly and miserable to drag around the airport. Mailing out the presents ahead of time will save you time, troubles, and money.

• Accept travel hiccups Unless you’re flying to somewhere tropical, holiday travel usually involves winter weather worries such as icy runways, snowstorms, and wind.

Sure, it is never ideal to get delayed, but it is also an unfortunate hazard of winter travel.

Be kind to the people who work for the airlines and show patience for those around you. Everyone wants to get home. Doing so safely is the number one priority.

• Be prepared for those hiccups Yes, that means an extra set of undies in your carryon and a toothbrush in your purse. It also means cash on hand and a charger in your carryon. Your prescriptions. Some games. Perhaps a little blanket. No one ever wants to get stuck in an airport, but if it happens, it is better to have the little things you need.

• Bumps can be your friend I hesitate to say this last piece of advice, but it has helped us pay for several of our trips back home over the years. If you have the time and the flexibility in your schedule, the holidays are an incredible time to get bumped off your flight in exchange for travel vouchers. One trip alone resulted in $2,400 in vouchers for my family, and we were put up in a nice hotel and had our meals paid for.

Ultimately, the key is finding ways to make the holiday travel work for you and your situation. Make a plan ahead of time and seek out every opportunity to enjoy the place you are and the people you’re with. After all, isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

A happy, prosperous, and success-filled 2016 to you all. May your bellies and hearts stay full, and your adventures be silly and many.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

December 2015

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December 2015

Issaquah Highlands Connections

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS

Art in Blakely Hall

“Anything Goes – Within Reason” Through January 15th Artists Reception Wednesday, December 2nd, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

This juried exhibition showcases artEAST members twodimensional artwork, subject matter wide open. Enjoy a broad range of material from some of artEAST’s best established, and emerging artists. See page 11.

Book Club

Thursday, December 10th, 7:00pm Location varies

The book club is a great place to meet neighbors and explore a variety of books. We take turns hosting.

Dates sometimes change, so be sure to email lindsey8@gmail.com to get on the distribution list.

Bridge Club

Monday, December 7th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

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: Contact Julia Woo at jkbwoo@yahoo. com or Penny Storie at pennystorie@msn.com.

Chanukah Celebration

Thursday, December 10th, 6:00pm Blakely Hall Hosted by The Chabad of the Cascades

All are welcome to join the Chabad of the Central Cascades on this fifth night of Chanukah celebration at Blakely Hall. This annual event is a highlight of the season in the highlands. Also make sure to visit the menorah at Village Green Park through the holiday. Admission is free but donations are welcome. www.chabadissaquah.com.

Chinese Heritage Club

Sunday, December 20th, 3:00pm Blakely Hall

This club promotes and preserves Chinese cultural heritage awareness among the next generation for many local families. Contact: Hailain (lian_lhl@hotmail.com) or 425-633-0242.

Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 24th 4:00 pm Live Nativity Scene 6:00 pm Candlelight Service Blakely Hall

Join your neighbors for “Bethlehem Revisited” and witness a live nativity on the patio adjacent to Blakely Hall from 4pm-6pm. The Rivers Edge Church will host a Christmas Eve candlelight service inside Blakely Hall at 6pm. Free to attend. Open to everyone.

Cub Scout Issaquah Highlands Pack 680

ESL Classes (English as a Second Language) Mornings 9:30am - 12:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

Free classes hosted at the Family Village sponsored by Renton Technical College. Please contact Andi Wolff at awolff@rtc.edu or 425.235.2352 (ext. 2117) to register.

Flex Worker Brown Bag (Formerly, Telecommuters) Friday, December 4, 1:00-2:00pm December Theme: TBD Blakely Hall

We meet every other month to discuss topics of interest such as technology, distance working tips, etc. Anyone can lead a discussion. Future meetings are February 5th, and April 1st (no fooling). Contact dawn_noland@comcast.net (subject line: Flex Worker Brown Bag) if you have questions or would like to be added to the meeting notes distribution.

French Club

Thursday, December 17th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

This club will highlight language lessons, French food and wine, travel tips for visiting France, and more! Contact: Alex rmst12@aol.com or Aline aline.bloch@hotmail.com

Family History Night

India Culture Club

Monday, December 28th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Let’s celebrate and share cultural riches of India in our community together. Contact Anita Ayela, aani001@gmail.com

Knit for Life®

Mondays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm Swedish Medical Center, Main Lobby

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

Contact: Elaine.Eckert@yahoo.com

Latino Club

Resumes Wednesday, January 6th, 5:00pm Celebrating The Kings’ Festival

Join us as we celebrate the end of the holiday season by gathering together with family and friends to celebrate the King’s Day. We will have the traditional King’s Bread to share. If you would like to try it, please stop by. 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.

Resumes January 19th Blakely Hall

Little Mandarin Group

Holiday Concert: Mycle Wastman from The VOICE!

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. Dates sometimes change, email lian_lhl@hotmail.com for details.

Genealogy Made Easy! Contact: Steve Balkman, steve@balkman.com 425-260-4451.

Saturday, December 5th, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Doors open at 6:00pm Blakely Hall $40 pp includes buffet-style heavy appetizers & show.

Enjoy an evening of music with an old soulful vibe, R&B sensibilities and a splash of pop. A great way for neighbors to get together this holiday season! See page 10.

Monday, December 28th, 3:30 - 5:00pm Newborn to Age 4 Blakely Hall

Meaningful Movies

Resumes January 27th, 6:30pm Blakely Hall, FREE

Documentaries regarding social justice and environmental issues. See IssaquahHighlands.com/events

Holiday Tree Recycle

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

2016 is our 31st Year! The Sammamish Boy Scout troops have performed Christmas tree curbside pickup and recycling as our primary fundraiser since Christmas 1985. Your donations are a critical part of our ability to provide a quality Scouting program for local youth. We thank you for your support. We cover Sammamish including the Issaquah Highlands. We pick-up your tree curbside - no reservation required. http://www.scouttreedrive.org/

Sponsored by Timberlake Church PROGRAM COST: $150 for the 2015-16 school year We meet twice monthly on Monday mornings through June.

Enjoy quality, positive programming just for moms. We make sure your little ones have an amazing time as well.

To register, visit www.timberlakechurch.com/mops

Saturday, January 2nd Place Tree and Donation Curbside by 9am

December 7th, 9:30 - 11:30am Blakely Hall

A year round values-based program for boys grades 1-5.

Scouting is learning by discovery and discovery by doing.

For more information, please contact scoutpack680@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS IHCA Architectural Review Committee Tuesday, 12/1, 6:00 pm IHCA Office Highlands Council Board of Trustees Tuesday, 12/8, 12:00pm, Blakely Hall IHCA Finance Committee Tuesday, 12/8, 5:30 pm IHCA Office IHCA Board of Directors Wednesday, 12/16, 5:30 pm IHCA Office

Meetings are subject to change.

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

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

Holiday Closures IHCA Office Closed Friday, December 18th, 11:00am Friday, December 25th and Friday, January 1st Highlands Council and Blakely Hall Closed Thursday and Friday, December 24th-25th and Friday, January 1st

Issaquah Highlands Connections

December 2015

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Minecraft Mania

Tuesday, December 8th, 5:00pm - 6:30pm Blakely Hall

Join fellow elementary and middle school Minecraft enthusiasts from novice to expert as we share our knowledge of the Minecraft world including Redstone, building, surviving the night and more. You’ll need a laptop with licensed Minecraft loaded on it. Club leader is Quinn Ryan at boxcargriz@gmail.com and parent leader is Tim Ryan at dadtime@gmail.com. See page 21.

Russian Highlanders

See Facebook for monthly event information

Meet other Russian-speakers in your community for friendship! Join Russian Highlanders Facebook page to see what activities are planned.

Toastmasters Club

Wednesdays, 7:00am - 8:00am Swedish Medical Center 2nd Floor Conference Center

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Yoga Club

Saturdays at 10:30am Cancelled December 26th & January 2nd Blakely Hall

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

Photography Club

Join us to improve your communication skills.

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

Zumba Fitness Class

Enjoy monthly meetings with guest speakers, share and discuss your work with others, and participate in an online community throughout the month. Contact ihpc@outlook.com

Travel Club Night Let see where it takes us!

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.

Saturday, December 19th, 10:30am Blakely Hall

Playgroup

Wednesday, December 9th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Moms, dads, caregivers and their children are invited for fun, friendship, support and socializing. Contact Alicia alispinner@yahoo.com and see facebook.com/IssaquahHighlands.coopplaygroup

Please join us for a special night highlighting one of our favorite places to travel (or desire to travel to) - ITALY. Each guest is encouraged to contribute an Italian appetizer and a favorite Italian beverage to share with the group. This will be a highly social, interactive, fun evening discussing our favorite Italian destinations with like-minded, travel neighbors!

Please RSVP to ihtravelclub@gmail.com. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/highlandstravelclub

Poker Night

Wine Club

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

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.

Rovin’ Fiddlers

Yarns & Threads Group

Every Wednesday at 10:00am Cancelled December 23rd & 30th Newborn to Age 4 Blakely Hall

Tuesdays (7:00pm) & Saturdays (9:00am) Cancelled December 15th, 26th & January 2nd

Resumes January 8th Blakely Hall

Resumes January 28th Blakely Hall

Every Tuesday, 7:00pm-9:00pm Either at the Issaquah Highlands Fire Station 73 or Issaquah Senior Center

Looking for a place to play your instrument? Drop in our jam sessions. We need more fiddles (!) but welcome guitars, flutes, whistles, banjos, mandolins, autoharps, dulcimers, stand up bass, and percussion. All abilities are welcome. We play a variety of genres from traditional old-time to Celtic selections. We play the occasional performance if you care to join us, but that is optional. For more information and to learn where we’re rehearsing each week contact Sue at bellesue@comcast.net.

Fridays at 9:00am Moved to Swedish on December 11th Cancelled December 25th & January 1st Blakely Hall

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

Running Club

Saturdays 8:00am Central Park Tennis Courts

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

CALENDAR HOLIDAYS

Human Rights Day Wednesday, December 10 Chanukah Begins Monday, December 6 Winter Solstice Sunday, December 21

Christmas Thursday, December 25

DECEMBER FUN FACTS

Kwanzaa Begins Friday, December 26

Fun Facts: Boxing Day December 26th, Canada Boxing Day marks a big shopping day in Canada with lots of sales to spur on shopping.

Traditionally Boxing Day is celebrated in the U.K as a day for employers to give gifts to their employees or for people to give gifts to those who provide them services through the year.

New Year’s Eve Wednesday, December 31

Birthstone: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise

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December 2015

LIVING GREEN

Issaquah Highlands Connections

First Zero Net Energy Townhome in the U.S. – zHome

by Nina Milligan, Crofton Springs, Highlands Council Communication Manager zHome is a real-life experiment in sustainable living.

This neighborhood provides homes for their residents and sustainability data for greater public. zHome is the first zero net energy townhome development in the country, leading the way in “carbon-free living”.

zHome achieves Net Zero Energy: They produce more energy than they use. zHome is a 10-unit townhome neighborhood next door to the YWCA Family Village on High Street. They were completed in 2010 and open to the public for their first three months as showcase homes, providing tours and classes for builders and sustainability professionals. Then the zHomes were sold for market rates. One unit remained a public facility for classes and tours. This October the City of Issaquah, Office of Sustainability hosted a “Close-Out” celebration, marking the selling of that remaining unit (selling as “affordable housing”) and celebrating zHome’s successes.

The celebration attracted members of the community, sustainability leaders, King County and City of Issaquah staff and elected officials. Issaquah’s Mayor Fred Butler welcomed all with a proud address especially proud of Issaquah partnering on the first every net zero energy townhome in the U.S. How does zHome reach net zero?

First of all, zHomes are super Issaquah’s Mayor Fred energy efficient. Innovations such Butler proudly opened as a ground source heat pump, heat the zHome celebration recovery ventilators and hydronic “close out”. heating result in a 35% reduction in energy use. zHome’s roof top solar panels produce more energy in a year than the homes use.

During the high production months, zHome’s surplus power goes back into the grid for use elsewhere.

zHome is also an innovator in water use. Since much of their water comes from a rainwater catchment (cistern) system, the homes use 70% less utility water than the average home. Also, zHomes have outstanding indoor air quality.

I asked Erika North, Community Manager for zHome for the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) what is different about managing the zHome neighborhood. “The neighborhood is more challenging to manage. They have a lot of technical components, such as the geothermal and cistern systems. But the community is much like other neighborhoods when it comes to working with the residents to make their living experience enjoyable. They have a Neighborhood Committee that is very involved and committed to controlling costs while keeping the best interests of the owners in mind. I truly enjoy working with this group.” zHome is just one of the many sustainability stars in Issaquah Highlands, a project to be proud of and to learn from. See their informative website at zHome.org. Stop by the neighborhood on your way to the movies or the park and ride. There you will see the features first hand while you can read the many placards on site describing the technology and building designs the neighborhood employs.

Come back next month for an interview with residents on how the zHomes work in real life, how living in an experiment in sustainability influences choices and habits, and how it saves money! zHome Awards: Emerald Star The highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council Built Green Hammer Award (King and Snohomish Counties): For builder Ichijo USA Good Design Award from Japanese Institute of Design Promotion: For builder Ichijo USA Development of the Year Award 2011: Named by Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes Green Globe Award: Along with YWCA Family Village jointly recognized for Community Leadership in Green Building by King County Design & Build Award from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): For builder Ichijo USA Salmon-Safe Certification: First Salmon-Safe certified residential project in Washington

zHome “Close-Out” Celebration Panelists were experts and people materially involved in the project (L-R): Moderator: David Fujimoto, City of Issaquah; Leah Missik, Built Green; Brad Liljequist, International Living Future Institute; Patti Southard, King County; Jessica McColgin, Puget Sound Energy; and Chuck Murray, WA State Department of Commerce.

Issaquah Highlands’ zHome neighborhood enjoys net zero energy use due to energy efficient design and on site solar power production.

Waste Zero this Holiday Season

by Brenda DeVore, The Recology Store Each year, the volume of household waste in the U.S. increases nearly 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. As the holiday season comes to a close, be sure to properly “wrap up” all of your material by following these tips: Stop waste before it starts Many presents can be creatively wrapped with recyclable materials found in your household. Old newspaper, magazines, paper bags or other paper products that are slated for recycling can be repurposed as wrapping paper. Other ways to cut down on your holiday costs and waste include reusing gift bags and avoiding unnecessary tissue paper.

For decorating tips, come down to The Recology Store every Saturday in December to learn how to make holiday bows out of magazines. Bring the kids for other holiday-themed recycling crafts.

Recycle at home Roughly 60% of the materials going to the local landfill could have been recycled or composted.

Check our recycling guide at Cleanscapes.com to review what is recyclable. Cardboard boxes, nonmetallic wrapping paper, and many holiday materials can be recycled.

Compost Be sure to compost your food leftovers and plant decorations this holiday season. Any food scraps, including meat and bones, can be put into your green compost cart. In six to eight weeks, your food and yard waste will be turned into nutrient rich soil amendment used to grow more healthy food.

Drop-Off and Shop Smart at The Recology Store: Give your hard-to-recycle items another life by dropping them off to be recycled at The Recology Store. Accepted items include StyrofoamTM, small electronics & appliances, used cooking oil, holiday lights and more. For a full list of accepted items and preparation details, visit www. recologycleanscapes.com/store.

Finally, shop for eco-friendly holiday gifts. A simple web search for “eco friendly gifts” provides plenty of inspiration. The Recology Store at Gilman Village is one of your shop-local options for unique items made from recycled and repurposed materials. We also carry tools to help you keep your waste to a minimum during the holiday season. Happy Waste Zero Holidays!

Issaquah Highlands Connections

December 2015

Gifting your Gardener

LIVING GREEN

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by Sarah Lally Brown, Community Gardener, Resident Two Slides Park Neighborhood If you ask me what I’m using in my garden right now I will tell you: A rainsuit. Muck boots. Rubber gloves. Umbrella. Hot tea.

Oh, who am I kidding? I am not working in my garden right now. It is cold, soaking wet and dark. I am counting the days until the sun is out long enough to wake up the onions and the garlic. My overwintering greens are growing at a snail’s pace.

But a girl can dream. And a girl can also help you with gift ideas for the plant person in your life. Everyone has their favorite thing that they can’t live without. My mom always had a pair of thin leather gardening gloves. They were almost always grey, smooth and cool to the touch, and gave her the perfect mix of protection and dexterity.

Since I garden a lot in the wet I love gloves that have rubber on the palm, fingers where you grip and a breathable fabric back. If you ever work with brambles thick leather gloves won’t be the prettiest or let your fingers play the piano. But you can grab annoying blackberry canes without crying making a dreadful job just a little more bearable.

There are two final things I can’t garden without: a basket that I love and something to kneel on.

The kneeling pad helps with two things. In the spring, everything is soaking wet even if it’s not raining and I really don’t care for wet pants. And in the summer, I am wearing shorts or a skirt and my tender knees can’t take much resting on gravel or the wood frame of my garden bed. The garden basket travels with me all year, since I don’t garden at my house. In the winter it’s full of tools and string and scissors. The spring brings seed packets, labels, and markers. Summer it is crammed full of all of these things plus whatever I have harvested to bring home. In the fall there are recycled plant markers and any seeds that I’ve managed to save from plants for the next year. Having one beautiful basket makes me smile whenever I see it in the garage because I know I just have to grab it to have everything I need.

Keep warm, stay dry, and have fun feeding the daydreams of the gardener in your life.

A nifty tool with a ridiculous name is a Daisy Grubber. It looks like a flathead screwdriver with a notch carved into the tip. It is wildly effective against weeds that have infuriatingly long taproots like dandelions or the broadleaf dock that thrives in the Vista plots.

I’ve written before about my favorite garden item: the Eliza Bucket. I am not exactly sure how one would go about wrapping a personalized five gallon slow-watering bucket, but it definitely shows that you care. (Quick construction refresher: five gallon bucket, drill one very small hole in the bottom, illustrate as desired with permanent marker)

Dear Kari, I need help with something that happened to me last holiday season. A neighborhood friend gave me a very special gift, but I had nothing to give back to her. She is a nice neighbor, but I was blindsided when she showed up a few days before Christmas with an expensive gift for me. I thanked her for her thoughtfulness, but I felt like a terrible person for not having something special for her. I don’t know what to do for this Christmas; she is not someone I spend time with other than waving hello and making small talk with when I see her. Do you think I should buy her a great gift just in case she does the same for me again this year?

- Confused Gift Recipient Dear Confused Gift Recipient, Although it can feel socially awkward to receive a gift from someone and not give a gift back, I believe that it is fine to do so. Gifting should come from a desire to be thoughtful and kind to someone, to tell them through our gift that they matter and you were thinking of them. If you feel that your neighbor is someone who matters to you, then buy her a small gift of your choice. If you feel that your relationship is one of proximity and buying her a gift feels forced, then I would not. If she buys you a gift again this year, I recommend that you thank her and maybe invite her in for cup of coffee, as your gift of conversation may be the perfect gesture for her instead.

- Kari

Dear Kari, I am feeling terribly sad as this is the first holiday season since I moved my mother into a care facility due to dementia and we won’t be celebrating the holidays like we usually do.

I am feeling both the loss of her recognizing me when I visit her, and the loss of our family traditions. How can I make it through this time of the year without feeling depressed?

- Too Sad to Celebrate Dear Too Sad to Celebrate, I am sorry that you are struggling during this time of transition both for you and your family.

It can be very challenging to have one’s parents diagnosed with dementia. Moving them into a more supportive setting is the best, safest plan for them. I recommend that you reflect on one or two traditions you most what to continue and focus on them happening this holiday season

ASK KARI

(e.g. attending church together, baking a special family recipe). As you are moving thru these few traditions, share the value of the acts with yourself, your mother, and any other family members who are with you. Speaking about what we feel can sometimes help us move through change better, versus storing our feelings up inside which can later lead to depression.

Although this season will be different in some ways, maybe even many ways, I remind you to take the time to speak to those around you who matter. Remind both them and yourself that you are grateful and that the small moments can still be good, even if they are different from before. Best wishes to you.

- Kari Happy Holidays to all my readers!

Many blessings of hope, kindness, and love for 2016.

Do you have a question for Kari?

Please email her at askkarioneill@ gmail.com. All questions will be answered in upcoming columns.

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 866-4274747.

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Issaquah Highlands Photo Treasure Hunt Welcome to the 3rd Issaquah Highlands Photo Treasure Hunt! Every month we will publish a photo of something (or somewhere) in the Highlands.

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

Last month’s correct answer was the south post at the top of the stairs off Jonquil Lane which leads into Ashland Park. The park was designed by Pomegranate Center in 1998.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

A Technical Note related to Switches and the HFN Network

by Frank Pineau, General Manager, Highlands Fiber Network

Every now and then, a number of HFN subscribers experience slowdowns on their Internet upload and download speeds. While these occurrences are quite rare, we have managed to isolate the most common cause: Apple Extreme Routers.

Here is what happens: Think of our network as a very large office building, with many floors. Each floor operates in its own part of the network, and most issues on one floor isolated from the other floors. We refer to our architecture as a Switched Ethernet network, or “ActiveE”.

That being said, and unlike most office environments, our customers purchase network components and build their own internal networks in their homes, using Wi-Fi devices. And not all Wi-Fi routers work the same way. Some can cause issues for our network if misconfigured.

The number one router that can cause issues is the Apple AirPort Extreme.

Apple makes awesome and really smart equipment.

Our problems occur when an Apple Airport (or Airport Extreme) is configured in Switch Mode. Basically, every device behind the Apple Airport is getting IPs from our network. In most other circumstances this isn’t a big deal, however something about the Apple routers makes it a big deal. The way they handle packets coming through somehow causes a massive ICMPv6 packet flood across the network. Sometimes they send out a single packet, and that packet hits another router and burst to 10,000. We were also seeing bursts from Netgear Routers at about 10,000 packets per second. After researching the issue further, we found this originated from an Apple Airport. The Netgears were just replicating the data being passed to them. This would affect only the customers on that “One Floor” as referenced above. (The floors are really neighborhoods in the Highlands)

Correct guesses were submitted by: Lin Bogobowicz Jeannie Kenyon Stacey Ann Edgerley Sprinkle Sarah Venzon Heather Krabbe Doreen Kolenc Sarah Games This month’s photo is below. If you think you have the answer, please email it to IHPhotoHunt@gmail.com along with your full name. Please be as specific as possible when emailing your response (just the name of the building, park, street, etc. is not enough). Responses will be accepted until December 8th. Those with the correct answer will see their name published in next month’s issue of Connections, as well as have their name entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Mod Pizza. The drawing will happen once a year in December.

You may also see hints or clues online on our Twitter (@ IssHighlands) or Instagram (issaquahhighlands) accounts, so check there as well.

Enjoy, and good luck!

Entry Deadline: Tuesday, December 8th Photo Treasure Hunt Coordinator: Chelsea Musick, Central Park

The easiest solution we’ve found is to have HFN subscribers with Apple Airports configure them as routers, not a switches. The Apple Airport is then the only device getting an IP from our network. All of the other devices in their house then get IPs from the Apple Airport. When configured this way, the Apple Airport stops sending broadcast traffic on Apple Airport Extreme sends out ICMPv6 packet floods, the network side. The biggest problem with this disabling connectivity for homes around it. configuration is the Apple Airport software thinks the device is not configured correctly and displays an orange light instead of green. However, the device is configured correctly, for our HFN network requirements.

One solution we are looking at is to change the fiber device in homes from a switch to a router. Then every port in their house would be on its own local network and could have any device plugged in.

We monitor our network constantly, and when we encounter this type of anomaly, we isolate the subscriber’s port on our switch and turn it off. Our Customer Care Center will try to contact this subscriber through their CBR (Can Be Reached) number on file. Unfortunately, many times this number is not up to date. We will always work with the customer from the point we turn them off, until we can turn them back on again.

If you find that you want to use an Apple Airport router, the best way to avoid trouble is to put your Airport into “Router Mode” or DHCP. You can go to the Airport Utility, on the Internet tab, change “Connect Using” to “DHCP”.

Our Customer Care Center (425-4270999) is becoming more aware of the signs that point to this issue and can assist you 24/7. And, please be sure that your CBR number is current.

Editor’s note: the people at our td curran in Grand Ridge Plaza have been briefed on this matter and can help you with your installation on HFN.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

DOING BUSINESS

How Do Issaquah Highlanders Gather Information?

By Jennifer Molloy, M-Power Coaching, Daphne Park

Good Advice for Work or Home

byLast Jennifer Molloy, M-Power Coaching, Daphne Park Did you figure out if you have a month we talked about how to stay energized. preference for introversion or extroversion? thefigure series Last month we talked about how to stay energized.Next Didin you outonifunderstanding you have a your personality preferences and how your brain is wired is delving deeper preference for introversion or extroversion? Next in the series on understanding youron how personality preferences and Knowing how your your brain preferences is wired is delving deeper you gather you gather information. and those ofon thehow important information.

Knowing yourbe preferences and those and of the important people around you can be people around you can both empowering productive. both empowering and productive.

Have you noticed the distinct crispness in the air, or how the mist settles among the hillsyou as you drive Highlands the Weamong all usethe ourhills fiveas Have noticed thedown distinct crispnessDrive in theto air,get oron how thefreeway? mist settles senses gather this information. gather data on weour can see, hear,tofeel, you driveto down Highlands Drive to getWe on the freeway?

Wewhat all use five senses gather this information.

WeThere gatherisdata on what wewe can see, hear, feel, smellthrough and touch. smell and touch. another way gather information: ourThere isintuition. another way wegoes gather information: our intuition.

This and goeshelps beyond realon orthe This beyond the realthrough or concrete set of facts us the focus concrete set relationships of facts and helps focus on theofmeaning, relationships and possibilities a set meaning, andus possibilities a set of data.

The crispness in the airofand oflights data. The crispness in the air and lights in the trees in the Highlands must mean it is holiday in the trees in the Highlands must mean it is holiday season. That is what our season. That is what our intuition tells us from the facts our senses provide us. intuition tells us from the facts our senses provide us.

December 2015

CLUB PROFILE

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Minecraft Builds Friendships, Too!

by Quinn Ryan, IH Resident and Grand Ridge 5th Grader

My dad gave me the idea of starting a Minecraft Club because I love Minecraft so much! I have many friends who are Minecraft enthusiasts. It is set up to learn as well as teach.

The first meeting last spring was great in that we had 25 kids show up, boys and girls from 1st to 6th grade from all over the community of Issaquah Highlands. We had a great time learning, getting to know one another and seeing a vision for our future.

We allall gogo back and forth between sensing and intuition all theall time we do not We back and forth between sensing and intuition thehowever, time however, weuse do them equally or equally well.

Here is a quick comparative list to help you narrow down not use them equally or equally well. Here is a quick comparative list to help you whether prefer sensingyou or intuition as your or primary preference gathering information: narrowyou down whether prefer sensing intuition as yourfor primary preference This set of preferences can produce some powerful misunderstandings.

Sensing types often for gathering information: dismiss Intuitives as dealing in a world of unreality or abstraction. Intuitives can become

Sensing • Focus on the here and now • Seek facts, details and concrete examples • Like step-by-step explanations • Prefer practical, plain language • Observe and remember specifics • Are comfortable with familiarity and practicality • Trust what has already been proven or tried

Intuition • Focus on the future and long term aspects and impacts • Become bored or impatient with details • See patterns and understand the big picture • Use metaphors, analogies and other symbolic language • Trust and are eager to apply theories and models

very impatient with the Sensors’ need for detail. For example, when you ask your child to Thisthe setkitchen of preferences can produce some powerful Sensingvery clean and they look at you with a blank stare, misunderstandings. they may be a Sensor needing specific instructions.

Embracing the gifts that come with each type of brain wiring can bring types often dismiss Intuitives as dealing in a world of unreality or abstraction. great harmony.

Intuitives can become very impatient with the Sensors’ need for detail. For example, when you ask your child to clean the kitchen and they look at you with a blank stare, they may be a Sensor needing very specific instructions. Embracing the gifts that come with each type of brain wiring can bring great harmony.

Minecraft is a very popular sandbox game (your imagination is the limit!). We work in Minecraft while we build creations and to learn to work together. It’s a bit like Legos but you have infinite blocks and materials at your touch to work with. It is also very helpful in learning to code. We have a server of our own where all of us can play at once.

We hold the club in Blakely Hall because it is a very open space and a perfect setting for collaboration.

It feels right to hold it in the community I live in so that we can build friendships as well.

My hope for the future is to get more kids to participate and to work on projects cooperatively.

Would you like to join us? Contact me at boxcargriz@gmail.com and our parent leader, my Dad, Tim Ryan at dadtime@gmail.com.

Jennifer’s children Jacob (18) and Jessica (13) might need very specific instructions regarding cleaning the kitchen.

One last point about preferences, if you are working in an environment or role that requires you operate out of preference, it can be very draining. Give yourself an opportunity to recharge by doing activities in preference. If you are a Sensor, take a walk through one of the many parks in the Highlands and notice the details, the bird song, the shape of the tree branches and the green grass. If you are an intuitive, attend one of the affinity groups the Highlands offers, learn about a new topic and let your imagination run wild!

Jennifer is passionate about career and leadership coaching with 24 years business, leadership and coaching experience at Microsoft. She will be writing columns like this each month. Jennifer’s business, M-Power Coaching, is headquartered at her home in the Daphne Park neighborhood. m-powercoaching.com Quinn Ryan commands the Minecraft game from a visible, center position at Blakely Hall at the monthly club’s meeting.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

December 2015

MEDIA REVIEWS

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How to “do” the Star Wars Opening at Regal

by Josh Zhanson, Senior Issaquah High School, Resident of Central Park

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is coming out really soon. Like December 18 soon. Are you ready? I know that I am practically exploding with excitement for a galaxy far, far away.

When I open my mouth, the Star Wars theme blares at full volume. If you’re in the same boat fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy as I am, you want more Star Wars, and you want it now!

Star Wars fan Gavin Krell poses outside his Central Park home, on the ready with his Star Wars t-shirt. His advice to prepare for the big opening? “Rewatch (all) the movies, even the prequels.”

Start by reading Star Wars: Aftermath, the official prequel novel for the new movie.

Not only is it very solid writing, but it’s also perfect at setting the mood for the next movie by giving us a solid look at what happened after Episode VI. The diverse cast includes a mom returning to her homeworld after flying a starfighter for the Rebellion in the Battle of Endor, her tech-savvy estranged son and his droid, an adaptable bounty hunter, and an ambitions female Imperial admiral. In case this doesn’t hook you, there are a couple cameos from very familiar characters that I won’t reveal right now. The cover is also really, really cool.

Star Wars fan Gavin Krell of the Central Park Neighborhood suggests preparing for the The Force Awakens. “Of course,” he says, “the first thing you want to do is rewatch the movies, even the prequels.”

I know the prequels are controversial, but I think Episode III holds its own against the original trilogy. There’s a fan recut out there called Star Wars: The Fall of the Galactic Republic that compresses them into about three and a half hours. Here’s a link: bit.ly/1bueNNJ For the actual movie, Gavin advises, “Bring all your fan gear like t-shirts” and to “get there early because it’ll be jampacked. I mean, it’s Star Wars!” When I asked him if he’s got a cosplay—a full costume—ready, he shook his head no.

Cosplay is honestly so much fun: sewing the costume, putting together props, and maybe even some photoshoots with friends before the movie. And, of course, being the coolest person at the premiere and chatting with all the other fans there.

There’s no better way to show your dedication.

Opening night for Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Thursday, December 17th in IMAX 3D. Tickets were sold out at our Regal more than a month in advance. There are several showings each day through the weekend and beyond. It’s playing in every conceivable format from RPX to IMAX 3D to Real-D 3D and even a few non-3D showings, so there’s something for everybody, so long as it’s Star Wars.

Highlander Star Wars fans know how to “do” Star Wars anytime Photos here from Highlands Day, Halloween and other occasions to feel the force. Star Wars, The Force Awakens opens at our Regal Cinemas on December 17th.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

December 2015

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December 2015

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Issaquah Highlands Connections

by Tracie Jones, Wisteria Park

Issaquah School District

Issaquah School Foundation

12/2 & 12/3 12/21 - 1/1

Grand Ridge Elementary

http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu

Elementary Conferences, No Elementary School Winter Break, No School

Challenger Elementary

DECEMBER EVENTS

http://challengerpta.org 12/1 - 12/3 12/9 12/18

PTA Book Fair Winter Comet Choir Concert @ 7:00 P.M. Winter Sharing

Clark Elementary http://clarkpta.org 12/8 - 12/17 12/1

Winter Coat Drive Gingerbread House Night and Auction

Endeavour Elementary http://endeavourptsa.org 12/1 - 12/3 12/1 - 12/7 12/9 12/14

PTA Book Fair and Kids’ Corner Caring through Sharing Movie Day @ 12:45 P.M. Science Fair Kick-off

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

“Caring through Sharing” Holiday Drives

This is a wonderful time of year to open our hearts to families in the Issaquah School District who may need a little help this holiday season.

Issaquah families and PTSAs are partnering with the Issaquah Food Bank once again through their annual ”Caring through Sharing” program, helping local families make their holiday celebrations more merry and bright. “Caring through Sharing” encourages families to purchase a few extra dinner items, new or unused toys and clothing, or gift cards while shopping, to ensure children of all ages have warm clothing, a family dinner, and a few gifts to unwrap. (Please keep in mind, every year IFB is short of middle and high school gifts.) Donations will be collected at neighborhood schools through early December. For specific information, questions, or gift ideas, please visit your local PTSA website, on how to help. Thank you for participating in our annual “Caring through Sharing” program, and making a difference for a child this season!

PCMS: Please return UNWRAPPED gift on December 2nd and 4th.

If you have questions please contact Deena Eastern at djeastern@comcast.net Students can bring their purchased, UNWRAPPED gift to the Gingerbread House in the commons before school.

GRE: “Gifts from Gilman” Drive is still underway. Please drop off donations by December 7th, 2015. Collections boxes will be located in the school’s main lobby, at Grizzly Club, and at the lower rear student entrance.

PCMS Drama Presents “Villain School”

The PCMS Drama Department would like to invite the community to their production of “Villain School,” where everyone loves a good villain! The Villains’ Institute for Learning Evil (V.I.L.E.) is where all the famous storybook villains go to learn their wicked ways.

But everything is turned upside down when the smart and talented new student, Frank Stein, shows up and challenges the status quo. Things get even worse when he falls in love. Ultimately, will the forces of evil win, or will true love prevail?

Come find out on December 4th, at 7:00 P.M., or on December 5th, at 2:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. Admission is $5 for students with an ASB card, and $7 for the general public.

http://www.isfdn.org

http://grandridgeptsa.org 12/1 - 12/4 12/1 - 12/7 12/2 12/4 12/9 12/18

Scholastic Book Fair and Online Gifts from Gilman Donations Collection Grizzly Reading Campout Popcorn Friday After-school Movie @ 1:30 P.M. Lost and Found Items Donated

Pacific Cascade Middle School http://pacificcascadeptsa.org 12/4 12/4 12/5 12/10 12/14

Grading Day, Early Release @ 10:20 A.M. School Play, Villain School @ 7:00 P.M. School Play, Villain School @ 2:00 and 7:00 P.M. PTSA General Membership Meeting @12:30 P.M. Holiday Concert @7:00 P.M.

Issaquah High School http://issaquahhighptsa.org 12/1-12/18 12/11 12/14

Angel Closet Community Drive PTSA Membership Meeting Candlelight Concert @ 7:00 P.M.

Make Your Holiday Shopping Count!

Dining for Kids on the First Wednesday of Every Month!

Looking forward to family time, while supporting our local schools? On the first Wednesday of every month, restaurants around Issaquah are partnering with Issaquah Schools Foundation by donating a portion of the evening’s proceeds to benefit students. Our local Highlands businesses are great about supporting the Issaquah Schools Foundation. Join us with” Dining for Kids” night on Wednesday, December 2nd at Chinoise, and Wednesday, January 6th at Zeeks Pizza.

Amazon When logging into Amazon.com, through the Issaquah Schools Foundation website, Amazon donates up to 8% of the purchase price back to ISF. There’s no additional cost. Donations will automatically be calculated, and forwarded to ISF upon checkout. Happy shopping! Details at ISF.org. eScrip All ISD schools win with eScrips, at Safeway and Fred Meyers, through their Community Rewards Programs! These programs donate a percentage of your purchases directly back into our schools. Check individual school PTSA website for more information. Sign up today so your holiday shopping supports programs throughout our schools, at eScrip.com.

Local Issaquah Businesses Directory Support business who promote and sponsor our schools, during the holiday giving season.

Shop many of the local merchants who continuously donate a percentage of sales to the Issaquah Schools Foundation. To view a full directory of our generous sponsors, visit the “Business Partnership Directory” at IssaquahSchoolsFoundation.org.

IHS College Prep Practice Exams

TAKING THE ACT OR SAT THIS YEAR? Sign up for a practice test first! Only $25 at Issaquah High. Four Saturdays remain in 2016. Find a test and time that’s right for you: The ACT exam has four sections: Reading, English, Mathematics and Science; The SAT Reasoning Test has three sections: Math, Critical Reading, and Writing. Practice tests are held from 8 A.M. to noon, and arrive by 7:45 A.M. Please note: The NEW SAT will debut March 6, 2016. Additionally, The ACT/SAT combo could help indicate which test is best for you. Ideal for sophomores getting a head start on summer college prep. For more information, and to register for the prep exams, follow the link to IssaquahHighPTSA.org.

ACT Practice Test............January 9, 2016

ACT Practice Test.............March 12, 2016

SAT Practice Test.............January 30, 2016

ACT/SAT Combo.............May 21, 2016

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Grand Grizzly Guys

Grizzly Guys is a group of dads, grandfathers, uncles, big brothers, and other important men, who play a special role in the lives of our Grand Ridge students. Grizzly Guys encourage men to get involved in the school by engaging kids at recess. The last Friday of the month, from 11:15 to 12:50 P.M. and/or 1:50­to 3:10 P.M., the Grizzly Guys help supervise by playing soccer, football, basketball, foursquare, jump rope, or even wall ball with all the kids, in every grade. For more information, or to volunteer, contact

ISF Career Cruising

Students in 8th-12th grade have new tools in planning their futures, thanks to Issaquah School Foundation. Donations purchased a new program “Career Cruising” for our students. The Career Cruising is an internet-based career exploration and planning tool used to explore careers and colleges, and develop career plans. Career Cruising can be accessed from school, home, or wherever students

Scholastic Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair is continuing through early December, at many local elementary schools, right in time for the holidays! The community is invited to attend these fun reading events that inspire children to become lifelong

December 2015

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

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IHS Candlelight Family Concert

the Chief Grizzly Guy, Bob Bakh, at Bob@theBakhs.com.

(Reminder, all volunteers at the schools must submit a district background check, with photo identification.)

have access to the internet. ISD students will explore a multitude of options that await, using the Interest and Skills Assessment, Career Profiles, Multimedia Interviews, College and University Information, Career Portfolio, Communication Platform, and Resume Builder. Here’s to a more brightly lit path ahead! Thank you, ISF!

readers. What a great way to support our school libraries, and find the perfect book for every family member. For more information, check local PTSA websites.

CANDLELIGHT is a family concert that appeals to all ages.

Issaquah High School Concert Chorale, Treble Clef Women’s Choir, Mix It Up, Hi Tones, & In Harmony will move you with a wide variety of songs, including music of the season, and a new tradition, our Candlelight Processional. In order to make this event more accessible to families and friends of our choir members, admission is FREE for students with an ASB card and children. General tickets will be $8.00 at the door. Save the date for this holiday concert to remember, December 14th, at 7:00 P.M.

Grand Ridge Elementary Auction Donations and Sponsorships The Grand Ridge Auction Team is looking for donations and sponsorships from local businesses, who would like to support the school. Please contact Carrie Mount, at carehamilton@gmail.com.

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December 2015

FITNESS & HEALTH

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Injury-Free Holiday Heavy Lifting

by Becky Pelton, DPT Highlands Physical Therapy

Happy holidays in the Highlands! Whether you’re decking the halls, lighting the menorah, or celebrating any holiday tradition, it is time to decorate for this festive time of year. Decorating the home can sometimes involve heavy

lifting, reaching overhead, and repetitive movements. If these movements are done improperly, they can result in a shoulder injury such as a muscle tear, or inflammation of a tendon or bursa. Here are exercises you can perform this

1.Shoulder external rotation: Hold your elbow at your side, and bend your elbow to 90 degrees with your palm facing inward. Gently push the back of your hand into a doorway with the force directed outward. Hold this for 5-10 seconds, relax and repeat about 10 times each side.

2. Shoulder internal rotation: Hold your elbow at your side and bend your elbow to 90 degrees with your palm facing inward. Gently push the front of your hand into a doorway with the force directed inward. Hold this for 5-10 seconds, relax and repeat about 10 times on each side.

month to help prevent this type of shoulder injury, and the only equipment you will need is a doorway.

3. Pectoral stretch: Reach your arm to the side of your body, bend your elbow to 90 degrees, and place your arm on a doorway. Lean your body forward and rotate away from your arm until your feel a stretch in the front of your shoulder. Hold this for 20-30 seconds and repeat 2 times on each side.

Enjoy those holiday decorations and if you have any questions or sustain any injuries, contact your local physical therapist. Have fun and stay classy Issaquah Highlands!

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425.295.7975 • www.discoverydentalwa.com

Issaquah Highlands Connections

December 2015

ISSAQUAH CITY NEWS

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Go Green: Celebrate Sustainably This Holiday Season

Confluence Park: Share Ideas for New Bridge, Trails We’re working to share the beauty of Issaquah Creek with our community as we further enhance Confluence Park.

The holiday season is a great time to go green and help preserve the planet for ourselves and future generations.

Using voter-approved park bond dollars and a state grant, we will add a pedestrian bridge across Issaquah Creek, as well as soft-surface trails, to the 15.5-acre park.

As a bonus, going green can also save money and reduce stress.

While we feast, give gifts, decorate and travel during the holiday season, we also consume a lot of resources and generate lots of waste. The amount of household garbage in the United States can increase by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

As we plan for the future of Confluence Park, we want to hear your ideas. Join us from 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Tibbetts Creek Manor, 750 17th Ave. N.W. Confluence Park west of Rainier Boulevard in Olde Town Issaquah

Confluence Park — located in Olde Town provides lots of covered gathering and picnic areas.

Issaquah at 595 Rainier Blvd. N. — is comprised of three contiguous parks: Tollë Anderson voters approved a $10 million park bond measure to Homestead, Cybil-Madeline Green and Margaret’s improve neighborhood parks and playgrounds, make Meadow. To learn more, go to issaquahwa.gov/confluence. repairs to Julius Boehm Pool and Central Park in Issaquah In November 2013, more than two-thirds of Issaquah

Highlands. To learn more, go to issaquahwa.gov/parkbond.

Work Starts on East Lake Sammamish Parkway

To help lessen your impact — and your stress level — we’re offering tips to go green during the holiday season: • Give experiences instead of stuff to reduce waste from production and packaging of goods.

• Compost your food scraps and be sure to eat your holiday feast leftovers. Plan your meals to reduce food waste and store leftovers in clear containers so they don’t get lost in the fridge.

• Donate excess food to food banks and old toys to charities.

• Upgrade to energy-efficient LED holiday lights and recycle any old strands of lights.

• Wrap gifts in recycled or reused paper. Get creative and use alternative gift wrapping, such as old calendars, newspaper or posters.

• Make your celebrations zero waste. Use reusable or compostable plates and cutlery.

• Shop locally and walk, bike or take public transportation when possible.

We’re making it easier to get around North Issaquah.

East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast will be widened and a new southbound travel lane will be added between Southeast 56th Street and Southeast IssaquahFall City Road.

In addition, a new bike lane will be added to the west side of the parkway between 56th Street and IssaquahFall City Road. The project includes sidewalk and utility upgrades, as well as new trail connections.

Any lane restrictions will occur between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or at night.

To maintain two northbound lanes and one southbound lane during construction, the bike lanes are closed

during construction. Bikes are to use the E. Lake Sammamish paved trail for north/south bound trips. The sidewalk on the east side of the parkway will remain open.

Work started in October 2015, and crews are restricting lanes on East Lake Sammamish Parkway through the construction zone.

You may not see crews onsite every day due to inclement weather.

The $7.6 million project includes $3.5 million from the Puget Sound Regional Council, $3.4 million from the Transportation Improvement Board and $727,000 in City funds.

Looking to recycle some specialty items?

Gilman Village’s Recology CleanScapes Store accepts certain items from residential customers that can’t be tossed into the curbside recycling carts, such as plastic foam, small electronics and appliances. For more information, go to cleanscapes.com.

Plan Ahead: Holiday Closures Mark your calendars! City offices will be closed the following dates: • Dec. 24-25 – Christmas • Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day In case of emergency, please contact police at 911 or the non-emergency line at 425-837-3200. Thank you, and have a safe and fun holiday season!

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Earthquake Insurance is a Personal Decision

by David Ngai, Allstate Insurance, resident, and IHCA Board of Directors Treasurer

Do I need earthquake insurance? This is a common question clients ask when we are reviewing their house insurance.

As a rule homeowners are obligated to carry house insurance because it’s prerequisite for their mortgage. Auto insurance is a legal requirement in order to drive. But there is no legal or mortgage requirement to have earthquake insurance. Soon after the 2001 Olympia quake all the major insurers decided to stop bundling earthquake with their homeowner insurance.

As a local insurance agent you would think I would be inclined to steer folks to buying earthquake insurance. Not necessarily. And truth be told only a small percentage of my clients opt for earthquake. Here’s why.

The average cost to rebuild a house in the Highlands is about $400,000. The rebuilding cost is the dwelling replacement value and what the insurance companies are obligated to pay up to rebuild your house in case of a covered peril such as fire.

$1.000 deductible is what most homeowners carry on their policy – as the insured this is what you are obligated to pay when a claim is made. For earthquake there lies a twist as the allowed deductible range is 10 – 30% of your dwelling coverage. Deductibles less than 10% do not exist. For the average Highlands house with the above $400,000 in dwelling coverage you as a homeowner would be out of pocket for the first $40,000 to $120,000 in repairs before the earthquake insurance pays you a dime. That is a lot of money out of pocket before the policy kicks in.

Who are good candidates for earthquake insurance?

Typically folks who own their house outright and/or have a great deal of equity in the house.

Annual premium/cost? In the Highlands your average standard earthquake policy with a 10% deductible runs around $800 a year. For many folks it is difficult to justify paying the premium if the equity criteria is not met.

Lastly what happens to my mortgage if my house sustains heavy earthquake damage?

This is a personal decision. Mortgages by the definition are securitized loans. Banks provide you a loan with your house as collateral. If the mortgage is not paid the bank will seize their collateral (house) to satisfy payment…

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December 2015

CULTURE THROUGH CUISINE

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Culture Through Cuisine – Canadian Holiday Treats

by Kimberly Collette, Central Park

Colleen Feltis, of West Highlands Park, has many memories and stories of her Grandma, Gladys Card Peterson. “She was a Card from Cardston,” Colleen says. Gladys’ family settled the small town of Cardston, Canada in the late 1880s.

“I think she was a little bit of a rebel,” Colleen says. As a little girl, Gladys begged and begged to ride her horse in a local race. In those times it was unheard of for a girl to compete. “She went anyways and her dad came and grabbed her and took her home.”

In her early twenties, her family sent her to work at the beautiful and historic Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Park. Laughing, Colleen says the job had more to do with separating Gladys from her boyfriend rather than any career opportunities.

Pecan Tassies Crust Cream Cheese (room temp) Flour Butter

6 ounces 2 Cups 1 Cup

Stir together. Divide into 48 – 1 inch balls. Press into tiny tin, muffin tins.

Filling Eggs Brown Sugar Karo Syrup Vinegar Pecans (chopped fine, but not crumbs)

3 1 Cup 1 Cup 1/2 tsp 1 Cup

Melt butter and remove from heat. Beat eggs and add those plus everything else. Stir up.

Bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees. Crack on top get puffy not white, go kind of golden. thumbprint cookies, sugar cookies and pies. She made homemade angel food cake. “She was always cooking.”

The night before Thanksgiving is the beginning of pecan tassie season in the Feltis’ household.

“We have to have pecan tassies every day from Thanksgiving to Christmas.” Colleen likes them chilled from the fridge and come Thanksgiving morning everyone can have as many as they want.

Gladys went on to meet her husband, Colleen’s grandpa, at a dance. They fell in love, married and started a family.

The sugar dissolves in the filling as it rests on the counter. Colleen mixes the crust dough together. She rolls the dough into ping pong sized balls and presses them into a mini muffin tin.

“Grandma lived most of her life in Southern Alberta and Montana.” She was a school teacher who taught everything but Math. “She didn’t like Math.”

Colleen fills the shortbread crusts almost to the brim with the filling. She stirs the filling in between spoonfuls as the pecans float.

However, she did like to cook. “She did everything by hand.” One of her specialities was her pecan tassies. Pecan tassies are like a rebellious little pecan pie. Baked in a mini muffin tin. Two bites at most. The filling isn’t too sweet with a little bit of vinegar. “The vinegar cuts through all that sweetness,” Colleen explains. “People who don’t like pecan pie because it’s too sweet, like pecan tassies.” The pecans are chopped small and held in a thick shortbread crust.

The pecans rise to the top while they bake making a crunchy, caramelized layer atop a jelly filling and a flaky butter crust.The pecan tassies pop out of the pan with the help of a butter knife. “There’s always one that breaks and that one is for the cook.”

Gladys made more than just pecan tassies. Her kitchen, and freezer, were filled with

Colleen inherited more than just a holiday tradition from her Grandma. “We are all pretty independent,” she says. “Thinking about her makes me happy.” Making the pecan tassies and carrying on the tradition keeps Colleen close to her grandmother’s memory. She shares it with her family and friends and smiles.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

December 2015

DIRECTORY

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

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

MAIN PHONE: 425-427-9257 | AFTER HOURS: 425-223-8882

Responsible for:

IssaquahHighlands.com

Governing Body

Community Events Board of Trustees Responsible for: Governing Body Blakely Hall Community Center hcbot@ihmail.com

Facility Rentals Larry Norton, President Property Management Board of Directors Community Garden Philip Nored, Secretary Enforcement of CCRs, Rules, Regs ihcaboard@ihcommunity.org Facebook Patrick Byers, Member

Architectural Review Jim Young, President E-Letter Ray Besharati, Treasurer

Common Area Landscape Dan Vradenburg, Vice President Connections Newspaper Jody Turner, Member Walt Bailey, Secretary Funded by: issaquahhighlands.com David Ngai, Treasurer Annual IHCA Assessments Chris Hawkins, Director

Neighborhood Assessments Ellina Charipova, Director Funded by: Rob Knight, Director Sponsorships/Grants Advertising Sarah Hoey, Executive Director Community Enhancement Fees (1/4 of 1% on sale of home) sarah.h@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1120 12¢ per sq. ft. retail/commercial Erika North, Senior Community Manager erika.n@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1121 Russ Ayers, Landscape Manager russ.a@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1130 Collene Cordova, Owner Services Coordinator collene.c@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1134 Barbara Uribe, Senior Accountant and Benefits Coordinator Barbara.u@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1123 Joon Chang, Accounting Manager joon.c@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1117 Katherine Olson, Accounts Receivable Specialist Katherine.o@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119 Melissa Schneider, Community Manager/Project Manager Melissa.s@ihcommnutiy.org, 425-507-1113 Chelsea Johnson, Administrative Support Chelsea.J@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1135 Homeowner Account Inquiries payments@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119 Escrow Payoffs | Katherine.o@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119

Christy Garrard, Executive Director christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1110

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

Governing Body

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

Nina Milligan, Communications Manager nina.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1111 Brianna Eigner, Blakely Hall Manager brianna.e@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107 Michele McFarland, Finance Manager michele.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1108 Julie Clegg, Creative Coordinator julie.c@ihcouncil.org Vyvian Luu, Administraive Assistant vyvian.l@ihcouncil.org

COMMUNITY SERVICES AT BLAKELY HALL

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

Emergency Contact Number For after-hours emergencies not involving police and fire response or gas or water main breaks, contact IHCA at 425-223-8887

Weekly E-Letter: Sign up at issaquahhighlands.com

RENTAL FACILITIES

Blakely Hall

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

Blakely Hall Meeting Room

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

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

Fire Station Meeting Room

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

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

CONNECTIONS

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

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

$75

Rectangle Vert: 3” x 4.625”

$150

Rectangle Horz: 4.625” x 3”

$150

Square: 4.625” x 4.625”

$195

Quarter Page: 4.625” x 6.25”

$275

Half Page Vert: 4.625” x 13”

$495

Half Page Horz: 9.625” x 6.25”

$495

Full Page: 9.625” x 13”

$950

Discounts available with 3 and 6 month contracts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On-line advertising available

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HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

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

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

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December 2015

Issaquah Highlands Connections