$ Portrait Drawing Group
Fridays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Blakely Hall Join fellow art enthusiasts for portrait drawing from a live clothed model. There is no instruction provided, although many group members are willing to share insights. Please bring your own drawing materials. $15 per person will cover the cost of the model.
$ Poker Night
Oct. 30, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, 7-10 p.m. Blakely Hall Whether you are a novice or a salty vet looking for some steep competition, you will love our monthly Texas Hold’em tournament! $40 buy-in to play.
Senior Social Group
Tuesdays, 2-3:30 p.m. Blakely Hall Meet fellow seniors for casual social time every week. Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided, courtesy of Sunrise Senior Living. Check the calendar for planned activities!
Tai Chi Fitness Class
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m. Blakely Hall Increase flexibility, calm your breath and clear your mind with free Chenstyle Tai Chi for all who are interested in learning and practicing together.
$ Toastmasters
First and Third Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Fire Station 73 Expand your knowledge and horizons while sharing your interests and goals in a positive, supportive environment. Visit ihtm.tastmastersclubs.org for more information.
NEW! Voices & Visions
Third Thursdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Blakely Hall Teenagers are invited to join a safe, inclusive space after school to study, hear from guest speakers and discuss ideas—from mental health and medicine to neuroscience and health.
Yarns & Threads Group
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon Blakely Hall Second and Fourth Fridays, 9-9:45 a.m. Online All knitters, crocheters, and stitchers are welcome. For more details or questions, please contact catherine.coulter@ ihmail.com.
Yoga Group
Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. Blakely Hall Explore the mental and physical benefits of yoga with friends and neighbors as we follow videos together. Bring your own mat, towel, water bottle and props. For more details, please reach out to jyothypraveen@hotmail.com.
COMMUNITY GROUPS KEY $ Participation Fee
Book Club Celebrates 20 Years Together BY MADDIE COATS, Highlands Council Communications Manager
For two decades, the Issaquah Highlands Book Club has been bringing neighbors together over a shared love of reading—and building lasting friendships along the way. What started as a casual conversation among a few residents during a Bunco game has grown into a thriving group that continues to meet monthly at Blakely Hall. Over the years, the book club has nurtured friendships that extend far beyond the pages. Lifelong friendships have blossomed among members, with many continuing to thrive long-distance after people leave the community.
believes community grows stronger when people feel respected and free to share their perspectives—even if tastes differ. Does this long-standing community group interest you? Drop by Book Club at Blakely Hall every second Tuesday of the month from 7–8:30 p.m. “Reading books never goes out of style,” Lisa said. “The club will be here when it fits into your life, and it will be waiting until you can come back when life gets hectic.”
“People have come and gone from the group, but most still remain linked,” said Lisa Collins, the current Book Club group leader. “Sharing a love of reading is very powerful.” Lisa said the Book Club stands out because members explore a wide range of books, not just bestsellers. She especially enjoys the variety of titles they read together. She still remembers the very first meeting at Blakely Hall, when the group discussed “The Mermaid Chair” by Sue Monk Kidd. Any member can nominate books throughout the year. In December, the group votes on each selection. The titles with the most votes are added to the reading calendar for the following year. Members don’t even need to have read the selected book to attend the discussions, though they must be comfortable with spoilers. “Funnily enough some of the best discussions come from books that didn’t land,” Lisa added. “There’s a lot to discuss when the writing or editing goes wrong.” Lisa reflected that one of the biggest lessons over the years has been the importance of making space for everyone’s voice to be heard. She
Book Club meets at Blakely Hall every second Tuesday of the month from 7-8:30 p.m.
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