February 2014

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY NEWS

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www.ihwebsite.com | facebook.com/highlands.council

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Valentines Day • Seahawks • IHCA New Pet Policy WHAT’S INSIDE? 4 4 5 6 8 9 10 12 12 13

Volunteer of the Year HY - Youth Board Resident Orientation Field of Dreams Volunteer of the Month Issaquah News Fashion Movie Review Arts & Entertainment 100 Years Ago

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What’s Happening Fitness & Health Ask Kari Wits and Tidbits Sportshound IHCA News HFN News Schools Spotlight Living Green Resident Profile

Photo by: Julie Clegg / julieclegg.com

Dreams of

ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON 2550 NE Park Drive Issaquah, WA 98029

PERMIT NO. 83 ISSAQUAH, WA U.S. POSTAGE PAID PRSRT STD

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February 2014

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2014

FROM THE EDITOR Dear Neighbors, In January’s Connections we identified that the sale of the Microsoft property was the “next biggest thing” after Grand Ridge Plaza to occur in Issaquah Highlands lately.

This story nearly slipped by us. But it’s not too late to bring you the details. The ultimate development of this property is being decided by the City of Issaquah right now.

Get caught up on the details in this month’s feature, “Field of Dreams”.

Also this month we hope that Seahawks fever will be alive and well, and that the 12th Man will still be hard at work supporting the Super Bowl effort. Connections brings you two Seahawks stories this month: the Sporthound’s interview with the retired hall-offamer, Seahawk Cortez Kennedy. The Sportshound also supplied us with facts and figures about the Seahawks, which we scattered throughout this issue. A treasure hunt for you!

My contribution is this month’s Resident Profile: Drew Bley. This neighbor works for the Seahawks and is very much a part of their winning formula. See the inside back page.

And we would be remiss if we did not honor Valentine’s Day! I am pleased to include two stories from our volunteer writer crew: Marty and Molly in Arts and Entertainment, and Sree Dadissety’s thoughts on the holiday in “I Think I Like it, Too!” fashion article.

Don’t forget to check out What’s Happening in the center spread. I hope to see you at one or another of these community gatherings.

Yours Truly, Nina Milligan, Crofton Springs Editor of Connections - Highlands Council Communications Manager Highlands Council is the publisher of Connections, producer of community-wide events such as Highlands Day, owner and manager of Blakely Hall, liaison with the greater community.

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February 2014

Issaquah Highlands Connections

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

Highlands Council is pleased to announce the 2013 Volunteer of the Year!

It was a very impressive slate of 2013 Volunteer of the Month candidates. YOU voted and the congratulations go to:

Larry Norton

Introducing HY

by Vyvian Luu, Highlands Council Student Intern, Sunset Walk resident On December 12th, 2013 Highlands Council’s newly formed youth board had a two hour gathering at Blakely Hall to finalize our name, mission statement, select our officers, and plan our first event. Many of the board members had great ideas about forming the youth board’s name. We finally decided to call ourselves HY (Highlands Youth Advisory Board). We wanted our name to be welcoming and friendly which is why we decided to name ourselves HY. After naming ourselves, and under the supervision of Highlands Council Director Christy Garrard and resident adult HY leader Adam Gervis, we discussed how to make our mission statement less wordy and to use certain words in order to target our audience (teens) by using adjectives. After editing, we agreed on this: The mission of HY is to unify Issaquah Highlands youth through meaningful and fun social experiences; creating lasting memories and building pride in our community.

Next, the HY had a smooth and fast vote for this year’s 2014-15 HY Board officers.

The inaugural slate of officers is: President: Robyn Davidson, Junior at IHS Senior Co-President: Bhavya Chhabra, Senior at SHS Secretary: Sean Davidson, Freshman at IHS Committee Chairs: Events: Larissa Kolasinski, Junior at IHS Communications: Rachel Rosewater, 8th grade at PCMS Graphic Design: Choe Kilzi, 9th grade at IHS HFN Representative: Huston Warrick, 8th grade at PCMS Finally, the HY began planning for our first student event: a Teen Tailgate, Pre Super Bowl Party at Blakely Hall, on Sunday, January 26th from 2pm-5pm for middle and high school students only. At press time the HY anxiously awaits the results of the Seahawk playoff games in hopes of giving the party a 12th Man theme! Go Seahawks!

Issaquah Highlands Council Board of Trustee President Highlands Fiber Network Board President Covenant Committee Chairperson for Issaquah Highlands Community Association Logistics Leader for community festivals Crofton Springs Resident

Next up for HY? We will be finalizing a logo for this Youth Board to make our events visually identifiable and adding more fun events to the calendar for IH teens in 2014.

If YOU want to get more involved in the community, Highlands Council is here to help! We have a multitude of volunteer opportunities to fit your schedule and interests. We have onetime volunteer roles for community events, monthly governance committees that support the management of the homeowners association (IHCA) and even weekly opportunities to lead a special interest group or club at Blakely Hall. We are also always looking for writers, photographers, and copy editors for our monthly newspaper, Connections.

Do you have a volunteer wish list? Have you participated in an area of community service before that you really enjoyed? Tell us about it!

Additionally, we can connect you to the local YWCA Family Village, Issaquah School District, or local faith-based organizations that are all looking for volunteer support right here in IH. We are happy to meet with you in person or email Christy.G@IHCouncil.org to start your community volunteer journey.

Building community together in 2014!

Adult Leader Adam Gervis leads HY members through a socratic seminar as they brainstormed a mission statement.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

New to Issaquah Highlands?

Plan to Attend Resident Orientation

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

Who should attend? The Issaquah Highlands Community Association and Highlands Council invite all residents to attend the next Orientation meeting to become familiarized with the governance and fun side of Issaquah Highlands. Even if you have lived here for awhile and just never quite found the right date to attend – you are welcome!

Why should you leave your cozy home on a Thursday night in February to attend the Resident Orientation meeting? Because you decided to move to Issaquah Highlands.

Because it is a unique place to live, work and play. Because attending the orientation meeting will help you feel immediately more connected to the leaders and staff that manage this urban village. And because you have a lot of questions that deserve answers!

Have you ever wondered what the approval process is for changing the paint color on your house or how to rent Blakely Hall for a party? Who organizes our fun community events?

How are the rules and our assessments determined? How can you practice green landscape techniques? How can you get more involved with the community?

What to expect: This 90 minute meeting will start promptly at 7:00pm at Blakely Hall.

Representatives from the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) will explain what it means to live in an urban village and review the staff structure and responsibilities of our homeowners association. Next, Highlands Council staff will briefly review the difference between the IHCA and the Council, share the multiple ways residents can get more socially connected to neighbors and the greater community and explain the various communication methods managed by this office. The last 30 minutes will be a time for questions and answers.

Where is the Resident Orientation held? This community meeting will be held at Blakely Hall (our community center) located on 2550 NE Park Drive, near Zeek’s Pizza, next door to Highlands Dentistry. Come meet your community leaders, community staff members, and new neighbors! This is a great opportunity to discover what your community has to offer, answer your questions, and help you get involved in the community.

Welcome to Issaquah Highlands!

February 2014

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February 2014

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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Dreams of

by Nina Milligan, Crofton Springs,

Editor of Connections

2004: “Your new home is being built right here. And there will be a town center. Luxury homes are planned for the upper part of the hillside, and here,” sweeping his hand across the wide swath representing the western ridge of Issaquah Highlands, “Here is where Microsoft will be!” The people working in Issaquah Highlands’ New Home Center were just as excited as we were about the prospects.

It was huge. Dreams of a campus just like the one in Redmond danced in our heads: a world-class, information-age employer within walking distance of our new home.

We wanted to work there. Even if we couldn’t land a job, the mere existence of such a powerhouse in the neighborhood would drive all sorts of awesome outcomes.

While my husband and I waited for our townhouse to be built, we often visited the building site and the New Home Center. Anchoring the center was a six foot square, scale model of Issaquah Highlands showing homes, parks, trails, retail and commercial, and in a class of its own: Microsoft. We just liked looking at it and dreaming.

Urban Village: As the name implies, an Urban Village is a densely built small town, sometimes part of a bigger city (such as ours). Details of land use are defined by development agreements (DAs) and entitlements, which establish the number of homes or amount of commercial development allowed, as well as community benefits, circulation, etc.

Back in 2002 Microsoft bought its 63 acres within the Urban Village of Issaquah Highlands.

The Microsoft land was entitled with 1.2 M square feet of commercial development. It was a glorious dream.

But soon messages from the Redmond center-of-power indicated a possible change of heart…

News Center REDMOND, Wash. — Feb. 9, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced it will accelerate campus development plans and spend $1 billion over the next three years to expand its Redmond campus by one-third its current size. Roughly half of the development agreement, approved by the city of Redmond in May 2005 to expand Microsoft’s Redmond campus over the next 15–20 years, will now be fulfilled by 2009, making the company’s Redmond campus one of the largest corporate campuses in the world.

I dreamed that Microsoft’s growth would continue and the Issaquah campus would still be built. But then everything began to change, for Microsoft and the economy on the whole.

My dreams dimmed…

Microsoft to delay starting new construction on Redmond campus January 21, 2009

By Benjamin J. Romano Seattle Times technology reporter Microsoft is putting the brakes on its rapid facilities expansion in the Puget Sound area as the company navigates a bleak economy.

An internal Microsoft plan calls for delays of certain construction projects…

The company will allow some of its leases to expire as it brings the West Campus expansion on line. As of Oct. 31, Microsoft was leasing about 4.3 million square feet of space at 53 sites around Puget Sound….

One of those sites is in Issaquah, near Costco. Could Microsoft be leaving Issaquah all-together?

Is Microsoft pulling out of Issaquah?

July 18, 2013 Marc Stiles Staff Reporter There are signs that Microsoft will abandon Issaquah as it expands in Redmond, where the company is headquartered.

A representative of Vulcan Inc., which owns Sammamish Park Place, a 587,000-square-foot office campus in Issaquah, said that Microsoft is not renewing its lease for one building at 21930 S.E. 51st St. The company’s leases for the other two Sammamish Park Place buildings are expiring in the coming years, said commercial real estate broker Mike Schreck of Colliers International. But he said he thinks that “Microsoft will leave before then if they can, and find someone to back-fill the space.”….

The light of day was shattering my dream. I held no more hope that the shining campus on the hill would ever be built. Would this vacant land remain a field of shattered dreams forever?

Microsoft sells Issaquah Highlands property October 18, 2013

By Keith Ervin Seattle Times staff reporter Microsoft, which once envisioned a major campus in the Issaquah Highlands, sold the 63-acre tract to a local developer for a mixed-use project.

Microsoft representatives signed paperwork Friday to sell the land to a company apparently affiliated with Bellevue-based homebuilder Polygon Northwest.

“We no longer had requirements for office developments in Issaquah,” Microsoft spokesman Lou Gellos said….

Alleluia! By this time I was ready say good-bye to Microsoft. They had tied up this prime, view property long enough. I was thrilled.

But as is true with most of my dreams, this one was not as simple as it seemed. In December 2013 the City of Issaquah officially began negotiating a Development Agreement with Polygon. Why? First of all, the development agreement that governs Issaquah Highlands expires by 2017. That would not be enough time to cover the development of this tract.

Secondly, without a new development agreement, Polygon NW may build up to 360 homes and be done. With a new development agreement the city can negotiate for community benefits, just as the land owner can negotiate for their own interests . Such a development agreement will go through a workshop period of several weeks with the Urban Village Development Commission, UVDC (Disclosure: I serve on this commission). The UVDC makes recommendations to the City Council for final adjustments and ultimate approval.

This could occur within the next six months.

The UVDC is scheduled to begin discussions on the new development agreement on February 4, 2014.

I am not alone in looking forward to something being done with the field that Microsoft has abandoned. What dreams I had can be replaced with new dreams.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2014

Other 2014 Real Estate Developments in the Highlands Swedish Hospital The City Council approved a new 20-year development agreement (DA) in November 2013 that adds 10 acres north of the current 17 acre campus. This agreement replaces the 1996 Issaquah Highlands DA that would have expired in 2017. The DA allows the campus to double in size. Plat applications could come before the Urban Village Development Commission in 2014.

Bellevue College

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Dreams for the Field “As one of the last projects in Issaquah Highlands and adjacent areas, the Microsoft/ Polygon property is a figurative capstone to Issaquah Highlands. By capstone, I don’t just mean the last piece, but rather the most important. My dream is that this project showcase what IH could be. Getting past the disappointment of losing Microsoft, I have warmed considerably to the project’s idea of mixed use: housing and education. I’ve read of Caltech, Stanford and MIT being the types of institutions that might be approached.

That’s great! Issaquah is teeming with welleducated, well-paid, and entrepreneurial people. Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing employees and alumni alone spin up new companies seemingly every day in our region.

Expanding on the offerings of Bellevue College, the previously mentioned institutions and resident brain-power, we could become a unique center for living, for work, and for interesting growth.”

Karl Leigh, Chairman Economic Vitality Commission City of Issaquah “I would love to see the combination of attractive, high-quality and well-built, landscaped, and maintained residential neighborhoods, some higher learning opportunities or corporate training facilities, and a well-thought-out addition to the retail and commercial center recently opened at Grand Ridge Plaza. A dream come true would be dining options that feature outdoor seating, rooftop patios and at least one restaurant with a view overlooking Lake Sammamish. Of course, a thoughtful transportation, circulation, and parking plan is necessary, as well as an eye toward meaningful planning with the school district.

That’s not too much to ask, is it?”

Their 20 Acre site is currently under review with the City of Issaquah. Full build-out may take 20-30 years. The college submitted an conceptual plan to the City in August 2013. Permit approval began with UVDC in January 2014, returning on February 19th. The plan includes 427,000 square feet of building space and 1,650 parking spaces. It is located south of College Drive, West of Central Park.

Issaquah Highlands permits approved, building in 2014: Discovery Heights West

West of Highlands Drive, south of Discovery Drive 4.3 Acre Site 209 Apartments Permit approved December 2013 Amenities include dog park, clubhouse, indoor pool, parking garage, bike barn Builder/Owner: DevCo

Lakeside (Outside but adjacent to Issaquah Highlands) East of Highlands Drive, north of YWCA Family Village 13.5 Acre site 298 Apartments Building permit approved in May 2013; Fall 2013 Grading December 2013 concrete footings were begun Amenities include a clubhouse, children’s play area, P-Patch, outdoor pool, garden areas Builder: Polygon NW

The Brownstones

East of Highlands Drive, west of 10th Ave NE, north of Discovery, south of Ellis 8.48 Acre Site 176 Attached Homes Builder: Polygon NW

Pinecrest

The tabletop-looking plateau above and to the east of Discovery Heights Apartments 81 Homes March 2014 homebuilding begins Builder: CamWest, a Toll Brothers Company (Burnstead sold the land) Ichigo – 2 New Developments High Street Townhomes: 12 units (between 10th Ave NE and Z-Home) 30-40 custom homes (South of Forest Ridge, east of Pinecrest)

Geoff Walker, Chairman Urban Village Development Commission City of Issaquah “Like others I too mourn the loss of a Microsoft campus and the significance it played in the overall Highlands vision. It’s very unfortunate, but we move on. Land and Shore discussed on-the-fly what we thought might be important considerations for the Development Agreement, which included parks and transportation/transit benefits for the community. Swedish recently committed in its Development Agreement $50,000 to fund or improve an existing transit service.

With Swedish, Lakeside, and now Polygon, could the city parlay those developments into some sustainable transit services? That would be one dream of mine, to have all of these DAs marching toward the same overarching goals. We need to be visionary now, taking incremental steps with parties such as Polygon.”

Stacy Goodman Issaquah City Council Chairman of its Land and Shore Committee *All Issaquah Highlands Residents

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February 2014

Issaquah Highlands Connections

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: CHANTAL STEVENS

Chantal Stevens Volunteer of the Month – February 2014 For my family, moving to Issaquah Highlands in 2005 was part of a commitment to sustainability that includes green living and community involvement. We treasure living within walking distance to the Park & Ride and businesses, the urban village feel, the access to miles of walking trails, and the many opportunities to participate in the life of the community.

My very first involvement was with the old Parks & Trail Committee. From there, I helped get the community garden built and served for two years as the chair of the inaugural Garden Committee. When I started a coursework on sustainability for IH residents, there was some overlap between the two committees and I had the pleasure of connecting with a remarkable group of people.

I became quite familiar with the founding documents and particular structure of our community while participated on a Strategic Planning Committee that had been set up to advise the Council, so I gladly accepted when asked, last year, to serve on two Transition committees. One of the outcomes of that work was the realization that the Community Garden (I had remained an active and avid gardener) was being moved from under the IHCA to Highlands Council and needed a new leadership model. This led to a series of informal meetings by passionate gardeners to plan the shape, role and responsibility of a new Committee, which

was confirmed by the gardeners at the January 15 Annual Meeting.

Because of the transition, the Community Garden received more attention and we became aware of some grumbles about the appearance and shape of the garden and some vague questions about its future. To respond to those concerns, we organized three work parties last summer that successfully involved dozens of hard working gardeners, families with children, young and old, who spent long, hot days putting up a fence and moving gravel.

The Vista Garden up by Central Park is now looking good and the pesky rodents are being kept out. The Sunset Walk garden is getting ready to experience its first full planting year.

Gardeners are looking forward to a fantastic year in 2014 and the Garden Committee is gearing up to plan educational and fun activities throughout the year for the whole community.

In addition to volunteering up here, I have also gotten involved with citywide issues by serving on the Planning and Urban Village Development Commissions. It is my belief that the more one knows about a place, the better one can love it.

It may have led to spending too few evenings at home, but those experiences have been incredibly rewarding and worthwhile.

It’s been nine years since we moved to the Highlands and the place really feels like home!

Why is Issaquah Highlands a great community?

photos by Rob & Nina Milligan

by Monica White The city of Issaquah is generally a great place to live, but the Issaquah Highlands community surpasses the others in the city. There’s good food, community activities, and not to mention great people. There’s many restaurants in the Highlands, and it seems that there will be many more to come. Most all of the restaurants welcome families, and it’s always nice to see a neighbor while eating dinner. Also, there are many community activities that occur in the Highlands. One of the coolest community events is definitely Open Mic Night. It’s a great way to get to know other people in the Highlands, and to see many people’s talents. These kinds of activities help the Highlands become a closer community. One of the main reasons that the Issaquah Highlands is a great community is because of the people. Anyone that

moves to the Highlands will automatically notice the welcoming mood of the people. The Issaquah Highlands is an all-around wonderful community. * These stories will be printed throughout the months in a multi-part series highlighting all of the wonderful entries from the EMA (Erik Mehr & Associates Real Estate) Summer Essay Contest.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2014

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ISSAQUAH CITY NEWS

Now Appearing: Issaquah International Film Festival Our Issaquah Arts Commission is joining forces with the Seattle International Film Festival to present an international film festival here in Issaquah.

Issaquah International Film Festival, an international film festival with selections for all ages, will run Feb. 1-2, 2014, at Issaquah High School, 700 Second Ave. S.E. For a complete film lineup, and to purchase tickets, visit our website, issaquahwa.gov, and SIFF’s website, siff.net.

Founded in 1976, SIFF is Seattle’s leading year-round film organization that brings the best in international and independent film to the Seattle area with the Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF Cinema and Futurewave Education.

Formed in 1988, the Issaquah Arts Commission enhances the quality of life for citizens and visitors by supporting and encouraging visual and performing arts in and for our community.

Issaquah International Film Festival Feb. 1-2, 2014 (All Ages) Issaquah High School More Information: issaquahwa.gov and siff.net

Join Us: Father-Daughter Dance For girls, grades 1-5, and their dads or a caring adult!

Come casual or formal, but come ready to have a blast!

Refreshments will be provided, and photo packages are available.

Join us from 7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Issaquah Community Center, 301 Rainier Blvd S. The cost is $20 per couple in advance, or $40 per couple at the door. There’s no cost for more than one daughter!

Register at issaquahwa.gov/parks.

Eastside Baby Corner Welcomes Highlands Residents to the BOD!

by Renee Zimmerman, Ashland Park

Eastside Baby Corner (EBC) is pleased to announce Jennifer Lucas & Jason Shindler the newest members of the EBC Board of Directors. Lucas is a resident of the Issaquah Highlands in Roanoke Woods and a tireless volunteer for the eastside community.

business, I think EBC is an important part of our community as it helps families meet basic needs for children,” indicates Shindler.

As an Issaquah Chamber of Commerce Member, Shindler takes pride volunteering with various non-profits. He is no stranger to serving on non-profit boards and committees. For example, Shindler spend over eight years as a board member for the Children’s Response Center in Bellevue and two years on the board for the Congregation Herzl Ner Tamid on Mercer Island.

“I’ve seen firsthand what a profound difference Eastside Baby Corner has made in the lives of families,” say Lucas, who began working with EBC in 2001. As a dedicated volunteer, Lucas has held many roles, working in the warehouse as well as EBC’s organized events. Some of her most profound experiences were as a provider, picking up orders and delivering the items directly to families.

Lucas holds a Masters Degree in Social Work and for more than a decade has worked with homeless families on the eastside. In addition to EBC, Lucas also a volunteers for the Issaquah School District, is a proud mother of two boys, and enjoys fly fishing.

Marshawn Lynch is tied for the NFL lead in rushing touchdowns with Jamaal Charles.

They both have 12.

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Jason Shindler, a resident in Timarron, recently joined the Board of Directors as well. “I own a website development business in Bellevue (Curvine Web Solutions). As part of running a

For more information about volunteering or donating, please contact Renee Zimmerman, EBC Executive Director and Highlands Resident at reneez@babycorner.org or 425.865.0234 x702. New and gently-used donations for children birth to age 12 can also be dropped off at the Issaquah Highlands Self-Storage 7 days a week. All items donated get delivered to children on the eastside on a weekly basis.

Other IH residents on the Board of Directors: • Dan Foster, Grand Ridge • Meghan Altimore, Dahlia Park • Raj Thiagarajan, Black Nugget Park

The Seahawks defense gave up the second least touchdowns in the league, giving up just 1 more than Carolina

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“(I remember) a young mother fleeing domestic violence with her children and having to leave all of their belongings and favorite toys behind,” say Lucas. “The children cried when I delivered a bag of toys and books. Every week would be a different story and a grateful family.”

EBC is very lucky to have Highlands residents Jennifer and Jason join the team!

Russell Wilson has the most wins in the first two seasons of a quarterback’s career, with 24

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February 2014

Issaquah Highlands Connections

LET’S TALK FASHION - VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL

by Sree Dadisetty, Forest Ridge

How do you feel about the whole Valentine’s Day concept?

If someone had asked me this question back when I was in college my answer would have been that it’s a waste of time and money. I always believed that holidays like this one are nothing but a marketing gimmick. Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about love and caring, but everything around you makes you feel like it’s less about love and more about things.

Maybe I should blame my attitude during college on not having a boyfriend or a bank balance. But now that I have been married for a few years there is a slight shift in my attitude.

While I still think it’s a marketing gimmick, I started to embrace the concept of dedicating a day for your loved ones. In this crazy, busy world, it’s almost a necessity.

The next big question would be, “What are you wearing for the big “V” Day?”

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Seahawks corner Richard Sherman leads the Seahawks and the NFL in interceptions by two picks, with eight.

Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka is fourth in the league in scoring, with 143 points

While a RED dress is still the top contender, you will be surprised to know that there are a lot of other options available and it all boils down to how you want to look. Here are few of my favorite “V” day looks.

1. Sexy Outfit – While monochromatic red dress is great I would suggest color blocking.

After all, you want to stand out and not blend in with all the decorations around you. In this first outfit, I paired a red lace top with a fitted black leather pencil skirt for a more conservative yet sexy look.

2. Romantic Outfit- Nothing screams romantic like a white lace and pearls. So I paired a white lace top with a long black skirt and added strands of pearls for a more romantic look.

Oh! And don’t forget to add a red lipstick, after all what’s a Valentine’s Day outfit without a touch of red.

3. Romantic yet Sexy - Pink is a great alternative to red. Its in the same color family but will stand out from the crowd. I love this dress as is, but for a much more romantic feel, I paired it with a pin dot stockings and finished it off with a Russian hat.

Sree Dadisetty moved to Issaquah Highlands in 2012. She is delighted to be walking distance from the excellent shopping at Grand Ridge Plaza. Equally valued are Issaquah Highlands’ beautiful settings for photo shoots which she frequently uses in her fashion blog: IThinkILoveItToo.com.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Pet Tip of the Month

Eating their way to good health.

Who would have thought cats were such terrible drinkers?

If you’ve ever watched the slow-motion photography of cats drinking, you’ve seen them using the unusual dip and pull method to lift liquid to their mouths and catch it before it falls. Science has shown us that a cat is designed to get the majority of its needed hydration from eating foods high

February 2014

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Adopt “Mary Lambert” Age: 2 years Breed: Domestic Shorthair

in moisture. In fact, eating fresh foods allows a cat to better keep its kidneys, urinary tract and liver healthier through digestion rather than drinking, To better care for your cat’s long term health, think about canned or raw foods making up at least half of your cat’s diet. Healthy moist foods for cats should be made of fresh meats and organs. Cats are “obligate carnivores”, which means their bodies must consume muscle meat and organs to survive. The amino and fatty acids they get from these foods gives them the ability to produce healthy skin and coat, muscles, immune system and brain activity.

Check out http://www.catinfo.org for more information on feeding your cat for better health.

Mary is a quiet, loving kitty. She loves attention and food. She is very people oriented. She also enjoys watching the world through a nice window perch. She is curious, but not especially playful. She gets along just fine with dogs and cats.

She loves to explore!

Available for adoption through MotleyZoo.org

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Making the Valentine Experience Last for More than Just One Day

by Molly and Marty Fisher, Ashland Park

What matters more, nailing the date or nailing the sentiment of Valentine’s Day? Is making the romance last long after the flowers have wilted and the candy is gone more important than simply “checking the box” for just one day?

For us at least, Valentine’s Day is both art and entertainment.

Dr. John Gray’s blockbuster book “Men Are from Mars and Women Are from Venus”, highlighted the differences between the communication styles and emotional needs of men and women. And nowhere are the differences between the ways men and women think more obvious than in how they think about Valentine’s Day. For many women, Valentine’s Day is about romantic feelings. It’s about saying how much they really value someone through words, deeds, or, of course, material objects. They dream of romance, surprises, and having sweet nothings whispered into their ears.

and good causes together. Contact local women’s and domestic violence shelters to ask how you can best show love to the people who live and work there.

Do touristy things in our own quaint town. Since plenty of people already think Valentine’s Day is corny, plan a few touristy activities that you and your honey have never gotten around to doing. Go ahead, take all of the selfies you want while you’re at the Issaquah State Salmon Hatchery watching the salmon spawn. Sounds pretty romantic, huh?

Get worldly. Every culture celebrates the day of love a little differently. For instance, in Japan, women give men chocolates on February 14th, while some parts of Britain serve buns baked with caraway seeds and raisins. Check out how cultures around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day to mix some fun new traditions into your date nights throughout the year.

Be sweet together. Gather all of your loved ones and take chocolate-making classes at Boehm’s Candies on Gilman Blvd. in Issaquah. Two-hour classes are offered on Sundays at 2 p.m. and on Thursdays at 4 p.m. for adults and children 8 and older. Other days and times may be available for parties of 4 or more. The class begins with a tour of the Boehm’s factory along with an explanation of how chocolate is made, followed by an opportunity to create your own chocolate masterpieces.

Reservations are required in advance.

For many men, Valentine’s Day is about romantic things. It’s about following through on Hallmark Holiday rules that say they’re supposed to buy flowers, candy, or special dinners for their significant others.

But if you really want to make the Valentine’s Day experience last, our advice is to think like the person you’re trying to please. Here are some ideas that are sure to put just about anyone in the mood to love.

Romance sparks with spontaneity, but ignites with a bit of planning and careful thought. Just because the calendar says Friday, February 14 is Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean it has to be the date of your celebration. Restaurants really are expensive and crowded on Valentine’s Day, so postpone your date night to Saturday, February 15th and spend the holiday at home, relaxing with takeout and a couple of romantic movies. Go all-out on an unexpected day with bouquets and a reservation at a great restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. There are lots of new ones in Grand Ridge Plaza, so this one is easy.

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, so consider branching out from romance into charity and friendship. Great organizations like the Issaquah Food Bank and the Eastside Baby Corner always can use a helping hand, so schedule time for you and your loved ones to volunteer together. Send flowers to nursing home residents, or check websites like volunteermatch.com that bring good people

DIY. By do-it-yourself, we don’t just mean cooking dinner and mixing a CD. Do some research to personalize a gift your partner won’t expect. For instance, a British company called Blends for Friends creates a blend of loose leaf tea based on the recipient’s personality. Simply provide your significant other’s date of birth, hobbies, personality and physical appearance and see what the service comes up with when the box arrives in the mail. Put a contemporary spin on homemade scrapbooks by using Blurb.com to compile a book of love poems, photographs or literary passages that describe your relationship.

Sparks fly when two truly opposite forces come together. And if you’re lucky enough to have a special person or people to share it with, the artificial parts of Valentine’s Day won’t matter much at all.

Just be sure you make it last long past February 14.

Movies by the Month

by Paul Slater, Crofton Springs

By now you are probably far enough into 2014 to be writing the date correctly, and quietly giving up on your new year’s resolutions. So with all the extra time you have from not working out any more, why not spend more time at the movies? To help you prepare for the rest of your year in film, here are some of the highlights you can expect in the first half of the coming year.

January - depending on when you read this, you might have a day or two left in January. This time of year is a good time to catch up with Oscar contenders. Unfortunately at the time of writing, we don’t know what they are, but you can place a pretty safe bet on 12 Years a Slave - a remarkable film that is justifiably an early favorite for Best Picture.

If you missed it first time around, you might want to also check out Captain Phillips, which is now available on DVD, and was one of my favorite films of last year and a true return to top notch acting from Tom Hanks.

a traditionally long night, this year hosted for the second time by Ellen DeGeneres. Unlike most movies, second time Oscar hosts generally do a fairly decent job. Next month I’ll make myself look foolish with a few predictions, so seeing how wrong I was will at least help pass some of the time.

Issaquah International Film Festival Feb. 1-2, 2014 (All Ages) Issaquah High School More Information: issaquahwa.gov and siff.net

February - this is traditionally a pretty poor month for new releases. If you want to be considered for an Oscar, you need to be showing in Los Angeles County by December 31st, and therefore are typically in general release by January. But there is one potentially fine film that missed the deadline and is consequently releasing in February. The Monuments Men tells the true story of a World War II platoon consisting of museum directors, curator and art historians trying to rescue artwork stolen by the Nazis before they are destroyed. Told as an action thriller, the film stars and is directed

by George Clooney, and also includes Jean DuJardin (The Artist), Matt Damon, and Cate Blanchett.

March - talking of the Oscars, they are late this year, thanks to the Winter Olympics. So set your calendar for March 2nd, and prepare for

April - You may not have heard of Olivia Colman, but she is one of the most versatile actresses working today (as an example, look for her in the British television version of Broadchurch - one the best pieces of television of 2013). She is also strikingly good at reading a script, which is why I’m intrigued

by Locke, which releases in April. The film also stars Tom Hardy, who we previously saw in Inception. All I know at this stage is that Locke follows a man trying to salvage his life over the course of a single car ride. Not much to go on, but might be worth a look by the time April comes around.

May - As we live in Issaquah, the sunny days will still be few and far between, so May is a great time for a film festival, and it so happens that we have one of the largest and best in North America with SIFF. Like all recent years, the festival will feature a great crop of independent, foreign language and documentary films, and like any good film festival, it will also feature its fair share of duds. As we get nearer the time, I’ll provide more of a detailed preview to help you sort the wheat from the chaff.

June - Summer is around the corner, SIFF will be drawing to a close, and it will be time for action movies. One, Edge of Tomorrow, looks quite intriguing. It’s based on a science fiction light novel by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, called “All you need is Kill”, and tells the story of a soldier dropped into battle who is killed on his first sortie, and then mysteriously wakes up again to refight the same battle, over and over again. Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt star in this one and Doug Liman directs. Alternatively, if you are in the mood for a musical, look to the adaptation of the popular Jersey Boys, intriguingly co-directed by Clint Eastwood and Jon Favreau.

Christopher Walken is in it, and any musical with him in is likely to be alright by me.

Well, there you have it - some of the possible highlights of the coming half year. Enjoy the upcoming months at the movies.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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Planes, Trains, and Automobiles - 100 Years Ago

by Dr. Paul Dean, Kirk Park

1914 opened with the roar of airplane engines. Airplanes had been flying for a decade, but no one had capitalized on the idea of using them for routine-scheduled travel. Florida businessman P.E. Fansler teamed up with airboat designer Thomas Benoist to change all that. Their plan was to offer the unique service of regular paid service from St. Petersburg Florida to Tampa. The Benoist XIV Lark of Duluth was chosen for the honor of the first flight. This airboat was 26 ft long and had a 44 ft wingspan. It featured a Roberts straight 6, 75 hp engine mounted on a pedestal behind the cockpit that drove a two-blade pusher propeller. In order to raise money for this spectacular project the first passenger had to provide the winning bid. The Ex-mayor of St. Petersburg, A.C. Pheil more than doubled his nearest competitor with his winning $400 bid for the honor.

At 10 am on Jan 1, 1914 Pheil climbed into the sole passenger seat, and pilot Tony Jannus gave the order to the ground crew to “crank her up.” The crank turned by Jay Dee Smith brought the conventional biplane with equal-span wings and small pontoons to life. Thousands of spectators cheered as the airboat pushed across the water and up into the air above the bay into a brisk wind. Jannus brought the airboat safely across the bay landing in Tampa 23 minutes later. The pilot picked up a passenger in Tampa and returned with the wind at his back in 20 minutes flat.

Scheduled air travel was born.

Regular passengers paid $5 per trip and could choose from one of two flights a day between St. Petersburg and Tampa. The service continued until subsidies dried up 3 months later, but in the meantime carried over 1,200 passengers over Tampa Bay. Hundreds of miles north and 13 days later another travel innovation was stabilized.

Michigan mechanic-turnedmanufacturer Henry Ford had introduced the assembly line in his plant in 1913, but the neverending repetitive work kept turnover prohibitively high. In January of 1914 he stabilized his work force by doubling their wage and shortened their work day by an hour. Now Ford

assembly line workers made $5 a day, worked 8 hours, and could afford the cars they produced. The casual observer of the assembly line saw a moving monstrosity of chains and links and parts that moved through the room in a series of 84 steps.

The mass-produced interchangeable parts enabled assembly in a speedy and organized fashion. The chassis of the car was pulled down the 150 foot line by a chain conveyor and the 140 workers all did their job on the line, supplied by additional workers who brought the parts to them so they could stay focused and on the line. What took 12 hours the year before now took 93 minutes.

The only color that could dry in that short time was black, but the lack of choice of color didn’t slow sales. Ford managed to sell 248,000 in 1914.

One thing worth driving to in 1914 was the movie theater. Film Critics in the important trade magazine The Moving Picture World noted that, “The clever player who takes the role of the nervy and very nifty sharper in this picture is a comedian of the first water who acts like one of Nature’s own naturals…People out for an evening’s good time will howl.” The film was titled Making a Living, and the impoverished gentleman dressed in a top hat, frock coat, monocle, and sporting a drooping moustache was 24 year-old England-born actor Charlie Chaplin performing in his first film.

One event you could not drive to in February of 1914 was the baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and New York Giants. Both teams were on a world tour to promote baseball and on February 1st were riding the railroad from Suez to Cairo, Egypt. The world tour included stops in Nagasaki, Shanghai , Sidney, Cairo, Rome, Paris, London, and Dublin. The official promotional materials for the tour noted that the foreign world had adopted America’s technological inventions like farming implements, light bulbs, and sewing machines. Time would tell if they would also adopt baseball for “the physical development of their people, and for the recreation of the indoor workmen of their nation.”

As February 1914 went on, workers laid the first stone of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. The year certainly looked promising and full of progress. But the year was young. Clouds were gathering in February of 1914, one hundred years ago.

The Deans (Paul, Kathryn, Nathan, Carolyn, Alaina, and Lizzie) moved to the Highlands in 2006. My work in the community started Alathia Community Church (now Soma Communities Eastside) a church that values working in and for the community. We outgrew Blakely Hall and now meet at PCMS but still work to serve our community in meaningful ways.

My interest in history started in my youth with books about explorers and adventurers. I studied History at Cedarville University in Ohio.

I completed my studies at Washington State University earning a M.A. and PhD in U.S. Diplomatic History with minor fields in Latin America and SE Asia. I’ve enjoyed writing for national magazines and scholarly journals, and currently have two books in the works.

One book is on a World War I soldier, the other on average citizen’s attempts to affect U.S. foreign policy in the 80s.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Book Club

A Do you enjoy reading AND sharing with friends? The book club is a great place to meet neighbors and explore a variety of books. We take turns hosting—all opinions are welcome! Please bring a snack to share. Dates sometimes change, so be sure to email lindsey8@gmail.com to get on the distribution list.

ESL Classes – FREE!

Cancer Survivor Brunch

Free Please contact Andi Wolff at awolff@rtc.edu or 425.235.2352 (ext. 2117) to register.

(No class the week of February 17th )

A

Sunday, March 9th, 12:30pm Blakely Hall

The Relay For Life of Issaquah, the largest Relay For Life event in King County, is dedicated to creating a “village” or support network of cancer survivors and caregivers in our Issaquah community. We are excited to host our first Issaquah Village Lunch! If you have ever heard the words “you have cancer”, or have ever cared for a loved one with cancer, come join us for lunch and socializing with others who have been where you are. RSVP by March 1st to Erika Simon at erikarsimon@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!

Chinese Heritage Club

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F

New Year Celebration Saturday, February 1st, 1-5pm Blakely Hall Contact Hailain (lian_lhl@hotmail.com) or 425-633-0242

This club promotes and preserves Chinese cultural heritage awareness among the next generation for many local families. We welcome everyone interested in a neighborhood celebration for many traditional Chinese/ American festivals right at Issaquah Highlands.

Computer classes YWCA Family Village

A

Free computer classes are provided in the computer lab.

Contact Sondi at slind@ywcaworks.org

Cub Scout Issaquah Highlands Pack 680 F

Come join Cub Scouts – A year round values-based program for boys grades 1-5 and is considered one of the premier organizations that help youth build character and prepares them for adulthood. Scouting is learning by discovery and discovery by doing. It’s fun, friends, and family where skills are learned, confidence is built, and stories are born. For more information or if you would like to join Cub Scouts, please contact Pack 680 via email at scoutpack680@gmail.com or join us at our next meeting.

Open Mic Night

F

English as a Second Language YWCA Family Village Mornings ~ 9:30am -12:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Evenings ~ 6:00-9:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Gardener Class

Saturday, February 22nd, 10am Blakely Hall

Do it Right the First Time – Successful Garden Design Instructor: Meghan Fuller, Groundskeeper at Seattle Children’s Hospital Get the tools you need to create a design that is functional and meets your unique needs.

Cascade Water Alliance and Highlands Council bring to the community again this year a series of free gardening classes at Blakely Hall. Classes are led by notable gardening experts, authors or media personalities. See details and register at http://www.savingwater.org/LawnGarden/ SavvyGardenClasses A

Third Mondays, February 17th, 7:30-8:30pm Blakely Hall

The Community Garden Committee meets monthly to help Highlands Council manage Issaquah Highlands community gardens. Members provide a forum to support all gardeners in the community. You don’t have to have a plot in the community garden to join! Container pots gardeners and yard landscapers welcome! Contact Chantal at Garden.

Committee@ihmail.com

NEW! Latino Club

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Second Thursdays, February 13th, 6pm Blakely Hall

The Latino Club welcomes everybody who would like to celebrate and learn about Latino traditions. There will be activities for kids, adults and seniors. Their first meeting was in November 2013. They will meet monthly at Blakely Hall.

Already about 50 people have signed up. Open to all – join the fun! Interested? Contact Alicia Spinner alispinner@yahoo.com

Mountain Bike Club

A T F Open to all skill levels. Contact Marc for more information: 425-837-8367 or msteins@msn.com or Find “Issaquah Highlands Mountain Bike Club” on Facebook

COMMUNITY MEETINGS IHCA Architectural Review Committee Tuesday, 2/4, 6:00 pm IHCA Office

T

Open to all Acoustic instruments, singer-songwriters, acapella vocalists, pianists, poets, and Stand-up comedians.

For more information contact Cindy at zumbawithcindy@gmail.com

NEW! Pet Club

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F

Third Thursdays, February 20th, 7:00 - 8:00pm Blakely Hall

A

Garden Committee

A

First Fridays, No February Meeting Next Meeting March 7th 7:00pm Sign up, 7:30pm Show Blakely Hall

The Pet Club is a friendly gathering for those who enjoy learning and sharing information, stories, and experiences about animals. Enjoy seminars, discussions and activities about nutrition, health, behavior, training, social responsibility, safety and play. Bring your ideas for what you would like to discuss and share. IHPetclub@gmail.com

Photography Club

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Third Saturdays, February 15th, 10:30 - 11:30am Blakely Hall Enjoy monthly meetings with guest speakers, share and discuss your work with others, and participate in an online community throughout the month. Open to everyone, even if you don’t live in the Issaquah Highlands. IHPC will focus on creating opportunities for members to display their work.

See the Flickr Group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/ihphotoclub/) and contact the group’s coordinators to join the club. Scott Moffat and Ravi Naqvi at ihpc@outlook.com

Playgroup

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Wednesdays, 10:00 - 11:00am Blakely Hall

Moms, dads, caregivers and their children (newborn - 4 years old) are invited to come to the Issaquah Highlands Playgroup for fun, friendship, support and socializing. We talk, laugh, sing, play, read stories and blow bubbles! We hope to see you there! Information, contact Alicia alispinner@yahoo.com and see www.issaquahhighlandsplaygroup.blogspot.com.

We are also on Facebook! www.facebook.com/IssaquahHighlands.coopplaygroup

Poker Night

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No February Meeting, Next meeting March 6th 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Love watching the World Series of Poker on TV? Want to win a chance to go to Vegas and play on TV against the world’s best players? Join us the last Thursday of each month for a $20 buy-in, No-limit Texas Hold ‘em tournament! If you are a novice wanting to network or a salty vet looking for some steep competition you’ll love our monthly club!

More info kyledeanreynolds@gmail.com.

Want to Start a Club?

Contact:

Christy Garrard, Director/Special Event Planner

IHCA Finance Committee Meeting Tuesday, 2/11, 5:30 pm IHCA Office

Meetings are subject to change.

Visit www.ihwebsite.com for calendar updates or sign up for your weekly email bulletins at ihwebsite.com

HFN Advisory Group Wednesday, 2/12, 7:00 pm IHCA Office

For City of Issaquah governance meetings, see www.ci.issaquah.wa.us

christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1110

IHCA Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, 2/26, 5:30 pm IHCA Office

Are you getting the Community E-Letter on Thursdays?

Communication Committee Thursday, 2/27, 10:00 am Blakely Hall

Sign up at ihwebsite.com

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Resident Orientation

A

Thursday, February 6th, 7pm Blakely Hall Free Village Theatre ticket for each resident household attending!

Resident Orientation is hosted by Highlands Council and the Issaquah Highlands Community Association. Learn more about community governance and social aspects of Issaquah Highlands living. If you are new to the community this orientation is for YOU. Even If you have lived here for some time and need some “orientation”, please join us! Get your questions answered. RSVP to Brianna at Brianna.E@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1107.

The Rovin’ Fiddlers

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Every Other Tuesday, 7:00 - 9:00pm Issaquah Highlands Fire Station

Our musical group is made up of primarily fiddle players of varying backgrounds and abilities, all working toward the goal of learning Irish and other Celtic tunes, along with occasional Old Timer and Quebecois tunes. Informal.

We share and learn a new tune every other week and then practice our old material in a jam session. Other welcome instruments for accompaniment are guitar (chords available for most tunes), drum, flute or whistle. We attempt to learn the new tunes by ear in a traditional manner, however, sheet music is usually also provided.

Interested? Email Ken at ken_w_neville@yahoo.com

Running Club

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The Highlands Running Group is a community for Runners who share in the passion of group runs! Weather permitting, we will typically meet up in front of the tennis courts at Central Park on Saturdays at 7:30 am. If you are interested in joining us or have questions, please contact Joey, jbc224@cornell.edu, so he can add you to the distribution list.

Russian Highlanders

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Second Sundays, February 9th, 4pm (See Facebook page for updates)

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Russian Highlanders is a club for those who live here, just moved in or planning to move to our beautiful community.

Meet other Russian-speakers in your community for friendship! Gather with others who share the same goals and interests as you. Join Russian Highlanders Facebook page to see what activities are planned -- dining out, movies, kid play dates or just go out to have a fun. The possibilities are endless... http://www.facebook.com/ groups/rusisshigh/ Please follow the FB page for schedule changes or location of meetings.

School Homework Help: “Cozy Cave” K T

Wednesdays, 3:45 - 5pm Lower Community Room YWCA Family Village This is an after school, tutoring group for students of all grades! Come with your homework ready to learn but also have some fun! High school teachers and students from Issaquah High will be here to provide tutoring and group activities. Please do not come in late as it interrupts the students who are doing homework.

Soccer Club

K Highlands Soccer Club opens 2014 Registration at www.hsclub.org. 12 Week, Spring/Fall (combined) recreational soccer program. Open to boys & girls, ages 3-10. Season starts April 27. Issaquah Highlands Central Park turf fields, 3:30 on Sundays. $95 Program Fee. New members also pay $39 Uniform Fee. Space is Limited.

Speaking in Public Class Youths and Adults K T A

Saturday mornings 9:30-11:30am Lower Community Room YWCA Family Village

All ages 8 years and older are welcome! Let your voices be strong and mighty! Join professional mentors and learn the importance of developing solid communication skills. Drop ins are welcome or register with David Hall at orator@live.com or 425.427.9682

Tennis Group - Ladies Meet Up

A The IH ladies tennis group is a non-competitive group so all levels are welcome - even if you haven’t played in a while and are feeling a bit rusty. Meet and connect with other IH women tennis players and come to have fun and stay or get fit! We’ll be playing on Thursdays and Saturdays at 10 am at Central Park when the weather is dry.

We also have a Facebook group page. Please join us there too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/570656519667143/.

Toastmasters Club

A

Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00am Swedish Medical Center Conference Center (Second Floor)

Do you get nervous before a speech? Does your heart pound? Does your stomach turn to knots? Do you wonder how other speakers deliver speeches so effortlessly? Well help is along the way! To find out more visit the club website at http://ihtm.freetoasthost.cc/ or contact George Barns at 425-516-3750.

Programming is appropriate for the following groups.

A Adults T

Teenagers

K

Kids

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Fun for the whole family

Wine Club

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Friday, February 21st, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

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

Writing Workshop for Kids Children’s Storybook Making Monday, February 17th , 1-2 pm Blakely Hall, Issaquah Highlands

K

Become an author with a simple idea and a single sheet of paper. In this workshop, kids will make an eight-page folded book and write and illustrate a basic story. Bring your imagination. Everything else will be provided. Open to Grades 1-5. Space is limited and registration is required.

Register online at www.eastsidewrites.org. FREE EVENT.

Yarns & Threads Group Fridays, 9-11:30am Blakely Hall

A

All knitters, crocheters, and stitchers are welcome.

Beginners are welcome as instruction in knitting and crocheting is available. For more details of questions, please contact Cathie Coulter at Catherine.coulter@ihmail.com

Zumba Class

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Tuesdays (7:00pm) & Saturdays (9:00am) Blakely Hall

Get Ready - Get Fit - Go! Ditch the workout and join the fitness party at Blakely Hall! Zumba Fitness is the Latin and world rhythm and dance based fitness party that will change the way you think about working out. Grab your workout clothes, your water bottle, and join the party! Free class but please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the food bank! For additional information, email (Cindy) at zumbawithcindy@gmail.com

Volunteering?

Are you a High School or College student looking for community service hours? Do you need a volunteer project to add to your resume? The YWCA has an opportunity for YOU! Currently we are looking for volunteers who would like to create and host School Break Activities for the kids as well as after school tutoring and activity at the Family Village. Contact Sondi at 425-270-6807 or slind@ywcaworks.org for more information and getting started on volunteer opportunities at the YWCA Family Village.

CALENDAR HOLIDAYS

OTHER FUN THINGS

National Freedom Day

Election Day

Susan B Anthony’s Birthday

January Birthstone

Groundhog Day

Lincoln’s Birthday

Presidents’ Day

World Wetlands Day

World Radio Day

Mid-Winter Break

National Wear Red Day

Valentine’s Day

Washington’s Birthday

Not a Leap Year: Every four years we add one day to the month of February. The actual length of a year (the revolution of Earth around the Sun) is 365.2422 days. If we didn’t have leap years, the seasons would shift about a quarter of a day every year, and after 100 years the seasons would be off by 25 days. The extra leap day adjusts this drift.

Next Leap Year: 2016

Saturday, February 1 Sunday, February 2 Sunday, February 2 Friday February 7

Tuesday, February 11 Wednesday February 12 Thursday, February 13 Friday, February 14

Sunday, February 2

Monday February 17 Mon, February 17 - Fri, February 21 Saturday, February 22

Amethyst

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

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FITNESS & HEALTH

Ready, Set, Snow?

by Erick K. Harada, DPT, Highlands Physical Therapy Where is all the snow?? This is the question all skiers and snowboarders are asking right now. Instead of feeling bummed that we don’t have a blanket of powder covering the nearby Cascades, think of this as extra time to train and prep for the big snowfall. The last thing anyone

Jump, pushing up and out to side, gaining distance and height. Land on outside foot. Repeat to other side.

1. Perform 10 reps on each side. 3 sets. 1x/day

wants to do is hit the slopes and get injured the first day out because of a lack of conditioning or strength. Even if you have a solid baseline of fitness, use the following exercises to help take you to the next level.

Place cones at two foot intervals. Start behind and to side of first cone. Push off with right foot to jump diagonally over first cone. Land and immediately jump diagonally over next cone.

1. Break for 30 seconds and repeat.

2. Perform 10 reps.

Like always, be wise about exercising and do not continue if they begin to hurt. If the pain continues beyond 24 hours, contact your local physical therapist.

Stand behind 8-10 inch box. Jump onto box while turning 90° to right while in mid-air. Return by jumping and turning opposite 90°.

1. Repeat 10 times. Break for 1 minute and repeat other side.

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ASK KARI Dear Kari, I have been married for 5 years. I thought that my husband and I had a good marriage, but he recently told me that he is not happy with our sex life. He says that he is bored with the ways things are. When I asked him what that meant, he told me “he wants to be more intimate and adventurous”. I don’t know what to do to make things better. What do you think I should do?

- Loving and Confused Dear Loving and Confused, I would ask your husband to sit down with you and share his feelings in more detail with you.

Is he looking for a change in routine during your intimate moments, or is it something more (i.e. he is no longer attracted to you or committed to your marriage). Also, reflect on your own happiness level; do you feel that your relationship could be better? If so, tell him how you feel, then both of you discuss what you would like to bring into the relationship (more date nights, more activities out) to help reconnect and move your love forward.

- Kari Dear Kari, My 20 year-old daughter is in her second year at college and has been in a relationship with her boyfriend for two years. She recently told us that she is almost 3 months pregnant. I am overwhelmed with what she has ahead for her now. Her life is going to be different from what I thought it would be. How can I best help her?

- Too Young to be a Grandma Dear Too Young to be a Grandma, I realize that your college age daughter becoming pregnant at 20 is a surprise for you, as it is probably also for her and her boyfriend. First, tell her that you love her and it will all be okay. Tell her that life sometimes turns down a different path from what we plan, but more often than not human beings develop the coping skills to make their way. Next, ask her how she needs to be supported, and how you can help her with her pregnancy and her plans to finish her education, if possible. Include her boyfriend in the process. Help them build a support system, and plan for their baby to be welcomed into this world the best that they can as young parents. Remember, your love will grow for her, and the grandchild you will soon meet. Good luck.

- Kari Dear Kari, My wife recently thought that she was having a heart attack and ended up in the emergency room.

She was told that she had an anxiety attack. She was told to de-stress her life, but she won’t do it.

She is always doing too much for everyone. She is exhausting herself trying to keep up with all the tasks and committees she volunteers for. Plus, we have three teenagers in our home, and she works part-time. How can I make her take care of herself before everyone else?

- Loving Husband Dear Loving Husband, It sounds like you are attempting to be a good support for your wife by reminding her to take care of herself. Anxiety is often brought on by stress, fear, and feeling overwhelmed to the point that one loses their ability to function. With your wife’s schedule, I could see how she could become overwhelmed. It would be important for her to look at what she truly needs to be doing in her daily life, and what can be cut to allow her more downtime for herself. She will have to do this on her own, as she is the one who volunteers and overcommits herself to a fault. Sometimes people who over-commit lack self-esteem and sign up for too much as a way to compensate for poor self-image, including the belief that they cannot say no to a request and take time for themselves. If she continues to struggle with anxiety, I recommend that she talk with her doctor and follow-up with a therapist for additional support.

- Kari

Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker and ta resident of Issaquah Highlands.

This column is for entertainment purposes only. If you are in crisis and in need of support please contact the Crisis Clinic at 866-427-4747.

ASK KARI QUESTIONS CONTEST: TWO $20.00 RAM RESTAURANT GIFT CARDS WILL WIN Readers, I love receiving your questions, so please keep sending them to me. We are having an Ask Kari questions contest from Feb.1- March 30, 2014. Email me an Ask Kari question and it will be put into a drawing for a $20.00 gift card to the RAM Restaurant (2 are available). Ask me about your relationships, family dynamics, neighborhood issues, work challenges, healthcare/ wellness issues, parenting questions, I am open to anything.

Email questions to kari@issaquahhighlandscounselinggroup.com.

All email user personal information will remain confidential and will not be published.

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WIT & TIDBITS

Brontosaurus, Starfish and Pluto

by Tami Curtis, Summit (or Two Slides) Park

Many months back Connections ran a questionnaire asking readers to comment on the following prompt: “What does lifelong learning mean to you?” At first I thought, “Oh, I can bang out something clever in a jiffy.” Well, that jiffy turned into a day, then a week, then a missed deadline.

I dropped a fishing line into my brain and caught nothing. I stirred that soup upstairs and no steam came out. I became immobilized in that dry desert called “Over Analysis Wasteland”. After the issue was published I finally put my finger on some of the reasons why “lifelong learning” was such a barren land for me.

Part of being stumped with “lifelong learning” was because I was looking at the question with a desired and expected answer. I wanted to be able to say, “I want to accumulate facts and knowledge in abundance over the years.” I wanted my answer to be something solid, and fortress-like. However, deep down I knew I couldn’t say anything conclusive or unambiguous about “lifelong learning”. Our memories are wiggly things. Very few of us are able to hold onto facts solidly over a lifetime. Facts become mushy and malleable over the years – just go to a family reunion with your cousins, aunts and uncles, and try to come to a mutual conclusion of why Grandma Loretta always wore a specific bracelet. You’ll get ten different perspectives. “Her birthstone was on that bracelet.” Countered by, “No, she always wore it because it was a gift from Grandpa when he retired.” And in opposition, “I always thought that bracelet reminded her of their trip to Australia.” The voice of youth and reason will chime in, “She just thought it was pretty.” Lifelong learning is not determining WHY Grandma wore that coveted bracelet, but that there will always be a multitude of perspectives that ebb and flow into one another about the fact that she always wore the bracelet.

That ebb and flow that sullies the facts is illustrated in the brontosaurus, starfish and Pluto.

Growing up I knew for a fact that the brontosaurus was that long-necked vegetable eating

dinosaur; the starfish was that craggy and slimy creature stuck to rocks with lots of arms; and Pluto was the last in a string of nine planets in our solar system. If anyone has children in the Issaquah School District, you’ll be reminded frequently that what you learned growing up is NOT what is being taught today…and for good reasons. With a little investigation, it was determined that 130 years ago two paleontologists were engaged in…shall we say “unprofessional behavior” which included sabotage, smear campaigns and lies, in order to assert their authority on the paleontological ladder of hierarchy. End result? No brontosaurus.

It was really an Apatosaurus whose head was missing because it got bashed by a devious scientist. So, what happened to the star fish? Did it too suffer the wrath of two feisty marine biologists duking it out for supreme reign over the watery kingdom? Not quite, but the distinction between the two resides in a long explanation about classification and etymology.

When you go to Alki Beach with your elementary school student, it will become clear that you’re WRONG when you call it a “star fish”, and will be told in no uncertain terms by a pack of nine-year-olds that the “sea star” is not a FISH. That pack of know-it-all nine-yearolds will be quick to beat you over the head with the fact that Pluto is not a real planet – it’s just a dwarf planet, whose status got revoked in 2006 because it lacked the qualities for membership amongst the eight other planets. Now how am I going to sing the preschool planet song that ends in, “Don’t forget about little Pluto way out there in space, space, space…”?

With many of my objectives for fact-based “lifelong learning” now kicked to the curb like Pluto, I’ve begun to embrace new goals. Aside from the nebulous abstract topics like love, acceptance, tolerance, etc., I hope that in my lifetime I will learn to accept that there will be many answers to a question and many perspectives to consider, and that lifelong learning is a journey that shouldn’t take me into a desert. However, if I do get stuck in the desert, I’ll be sure to bring my “starfish”..

A two-slide park resident (Summit Park), Tami Curtis is mother of two middle school boys and can be seen running all over the Highlands with Lacey Leigh. Her very supportive husband, Glenn, is a great fan and sounding board of her Celtic band, The Fire Inside.

IH Sportshound Talks with Cortez Kennedy

by Aadit Mehta, Seventh Grade, IH Sportshound and Youth Board Member

Where did you grow up? Were you planning on being an NFL player when you were growing up?

I grew up in Wilson, Arkansas. When I grew up, I always wanted to be an Arkansas state trooper. I didn’t have any idea that I wanted to be an NFL player.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life? Why?

I think there’s been a lot of people that have been a big influence, from my mom and dad raising me right [to] my cousin, in sports. He was my hero growing up; he played football in high school, was a great athlete, and I wanted to be like him when I grew up.

How did you become interested in football?

That’s the only thing we had to do in Arkansas; to play football. I tell this story that when I was in college, when I first got in the league, I said that we used to throw rocks at each other; that’s what we used to do for fun. But when I started to play football everybody in my small town played football.

Were you always a defensive tackle? What other positions have you played and which do you prefer? Why? Yes. I played nose guard and defensive tackle my whole life. I sure did.

Do you still remember scoring your NFL touchdown against the Chargers?

How did it feel?

Yup. I never forget it. We were playing the San Diego Chargers, and when I recovered that fumble, and I was runnin’, and I thought that Fred Thomas was going to tackle me, and he was my teammate, and I did this [juking motion], and I saw him, and then I just took off, so my guys were trying to get me into the end zone.

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?

My parents always said, “do the right thing and don’t take shortcuts”. If you’re going to do something, go all out with it.

How did it feel to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame?

I tell you what, I have a lot of awards, and this is one of them, this is the pinnacle. You can’t get any higher. I wake up in the bed every morning and I (say) what can I do now as a football player, so it feels so great to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame; it feels great to represent the Seahawks in the Hall of Fame.

What is your most memorable football moment?

I think when in 1989, when I was at the University of Miami when we beat Notre Dame, and then we went on to win the national championship, that was a great accomplishment for myself and the University of Miami.

What are some things people don’t necessarily know about you?

A lot of people don’t know that I deer hunt a lot; also, I’m kind of a loner sometimes; I just like to be by myself.

What are some of the ways you think that the game has changed today from when you were playing?

Well, there are a lot of rules. You can’t hit the quarterback. You know, I was watching the Seahawks game, IH Sportshound and Cortez Kennedy when Bennett tackled low, you know, and I was like he didn’t do anything (but was called for a penalty). So, you know, there are a lot of changes, but I’m glad I played when I did, I’m happy with it, and look at me now, sitting here, getting interviewed by you!

What message would you give to young kids thinking of playing football?

I would advise that you wait until you reach the seventh grade, to play. I don’t have a problem with Pop Warner, but sometimes, the parents take it too seriously, and I don’t like to take it too seriously. I think that you should start taking it seriously when you get into junior high.

But until then, you have fun with it. You can be serious, but you should still have fun with it.

I think that you should let kids be kids.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

IHCA Board of Directors Propose New Rules

The IHCA Board of Directors will vote to adopt the following rule changes at their February 26, 2014 meeting.

Animals.

Raising, breeding or keeping animals, livestock, or poultry of any kind is not allowed, except that a reasonable number of dogs, cats, or other usual and common household pets may be permitted in a Unit, subject to the Board’s authority to establish rules and regulations with respect to keeping such pets. Dogs must be kept on leash and under control of a responsible party at all times when not contained within the boundaries of the Unit. Pets shall not be allowed to roam free. Owners must clean up after and properly dispose of pet waste. Owners shall take sufficient steps to prevent their pets from unreasonably disturbing others and shall be responsible for any damages caused by their pet or the pet(s) of any guest or tenant. Pets which, in the sole discretion of the Board, make objectionable noise, endanger the health or safety of, or constitute a nuisance or inconvenience to the occupants of other Units shall be removed on the Board’s request. If a pet owner fails to honor such request, the Board may remove the pet.

Political signage.

One (1) Political Sign shall be permitted on a Unit at a time; provided, the Political Sign shall (i) not be more than five (5) square feet in size, (ii) be a maximum height of four (4) feet if posted in the ground, (iii) be of professional quality and design, and (iv) not obstruct line of sight for any traffic or traffic signals and signage. The term “Political Sign” means a sign which advocates for one particular candidate, political party or ballot measure. The period in which Political Signs may be displayed shall be in accordance with state and local law.

No Political Signs shall be placed on street frontages, common areas, facilities or grounds.

If a pet has been deemed vicious or potentially vicious by the King County Regional Animal Services or other governing agency, the pet shall be removed immediately from the community.

Avoiding Those Dreadful Landscape Maintenance Violation Notices After a round of inspections and sending out violation notices, the Community Managers often get calls or emails from homeowners that are shocked because they received a “friendly notice”. It is our goal to educate unsuspecting folks about the rules on how to maintain their properties so warnings and fines can be avoided. Hence we will be providing a series of articles to help residents understand their obligations to keep this beautiful community in pristine condition and some Dos and Don’ts of various topics.

The most common violation notices sent over the course of the year are for landscape maintenance. With the diversity we relish in Issaquah Highlands, many residents have never had the obligation of maintaining a formal landscape and are uncertain of how to do this. The Community Wide Standards, which can be found under the Resource and Document Center tab by visiting and signing in on the Issaquah Highlands website (ihwebsite.com), list the requirements for landscape maintenance. They include keeping lawn mowed to 4” or less, weeding beds, trimming bushes, removing dead plants, raking fall leaves, plus other various items. One of the most common issues is how to keep your lawn looking even and green.

Below is an illustration of a well maintained lawn compared to a patchy, uneven lawn.

A Seattle car dealer was forced to pay up when the Seahawks shut out the New York Giants. Jet Chevrolet of Federal Way is paying 12 people $35,000 each ($420,000 total). Fortunately the dealer took out an insurance policy to cover.

Cliff Avril had the fifth most forced fumbles in the NFL with five this season.

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5

420,000

When a lawn gets to the condition of the patchy lawn shown above, it is probably best to start over as it would undoubtedly take too much time and effort to bring this lawn back to life.

The Seahawks have gone 15-1 in their last 16 home games.

Remove the lawn, put down some good topsoil, and either install some sod or sprinkle some seed. Be sure to water often while the new grass takes root.

Though some yellowing will naturally occur in the driest days of summer, if your lawn is unseasonably yellow or has a few patchy spots, the best bet is to start with a good fertilizer.

It is amazing what one treatment will do to bring the lawn back to life! The patchy areas can be reestablished with some grass seed. Fertilizer should be applied at least two or three times during the active growing season.

Remember….

• DO mow your lawn regularly to keep it within the 4” standard. DON’T let it grow long while you are away on vacation; arrange for someone to take care of it for you.

• DO weed your beds regularly. DON’T ignore the landscape in the alleyway.

• DO call or email your Community Manager with any questions or to arrange for an onsite meeting to discuss your landscape. DON’T be afraid, we are here to help!

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2014

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Meet the Team | Crystal Bently Crystal Bentley joined the IHCA team in 2013.

Crystal recently moved from Los Angeles, California where she spent the last six years working in property management. Initially, her focus was in sales where she was leasing high-end luxury apartment homes but it wasn’t long before she found her passion in accounting. Crystal was very excited to start working at IHCA in Accounts Receivable.

This position attracted her because it allows the interaction with the Issaquah Highlands community while contributing to the accounting team.

Crystal graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Communications and a Minor in World Dance. Her dance minor enabled her to learn dances from around the world and better understand different cultures through their language of dance. Some of her favorite types of dance include Ukranian, Clogging and Irish dance. On occasion, Crystal can be seen dancing a jig in one of the aisles at the local grocery store. She also enjoys going country and salsa dancing.

Spending time with family is very important to Crystal. Although her family is very spread out, her goal is to recruit family members to move to Washington one by one.

Crystal moved to Washington with her fiancé Michael and together they enjoy trying out new restaurants and traveling. Crystal’s most recent travels were to Italy, Egypt, Israel and Turkey.

2014 Mulching Campaign Underway

Each year IHCA refreshes the water-conserving and weed-suppressing bark mulch in landscapes across the Highlands. It’s a big job and generally needs dry weather to reduce the messiness inherent with this work. As in years past, the blower trucks will arrive at West Highlands Park first and work their way east across the community. When they reach Village Green Park, they will move north. When that’s complete they will turn to the southern portions of the Central Park and Harrison Street neighborhoods last. For more precise dates and location updates, check your weekly e-blast. Our goal is to be finished before Spring unfolds so the neighborhoods look their best.

Davis Loop Street Tree Upgrade Complete

The IHCA landscaping crews were very busy for much of December, allowing us to all but finish the street tree replacements on NE Davis Loop and adjoining streets. The original tree plantings were so weak that they proved to be quick and easy to remove, thus speeding the project. In total, 171 street trees were changed in the Wisteria Park neighborhood. Five new cultivars were planted which should provide new and better visual interest.

On nearby 28th Avenue, another 27 brittle pear trees were replaced with another new cultivar, Stewartia pseudocamellia. This is another flowering tree and is commonly known as Japanese Stewartia. It will be a bit smaller than the pears it replaces but it is also known for year-round interest, relatively slower growth and requiring less-intensive maintenance.

It’s won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit and we think it will be a welcome addition to our streets. In a departure from the usual tree replacement program, these new trees will be planted at the ends of the street where the damage to the pears occurred repeatedly and was most severe.

New Open Space Contracts Commence Everyone knows about the goats that seem to roam the Highlands each summer as they munch their way across many of our open spaces. Certain other open spaces have been contracted to human crews to maintain. This is necessary when the open space has been ‘revegetated’ with native trees and shrubs which our goat visitors would devour. Such an open space has been installed between the Sunset Walk and Forest Ridge neighborhoods, running from a sliver on Park Drive southwards to include the community trail up to the PSE corridor. Being newly installed, this space features temporary irrigation to help with plant establishment. As the water will also fuel rank growth from the accompanying grasses our contractor will periodically line trim the grass to help the other plantings.

The second open space tract runs from Falls Drive south towards Discovery Heights and separates Grand Ridge Plaza from the new residential neighborhood being built at Pinecrest.

It’s steep and appealing to our goats but again the slope has been revegetated, though not to the degree near Sunset Walk. Our goat visitors actually do get training from their mothers and herdmates on what plants make a good meal, however, our wranglers have not been successful at teaching goats which plants do NOT make a good meal. As a result we cannot put the goats into just any steep open space. Where you and I see a pine tree they see a pinesicle treat! IHCA works with builders and the city to minimize the number and intensity of these revegetated tracts to help keep the community sustainable.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

Start Out The New Year With A Clean Slate!

by Pat Sarles of Isomedia, HFN Service Provider

Back in the day – before most of us were born – a clean slate meant that you had completely erased everything on your personal “writing slate” and you were starting out with a fresh page to write on. You may not want to completely erase your computer, but cleaning it up a bit to get a fresh start may improve your performance and your Internet experience! Just like the closets and shelves in your home, clutter and poorly organized items in your computer can slow you down and cause frustration. And just like those pesky friends who give you things that you don’t want or need, organizations and individuals on the web can give your computer files and programs that you don’t want or need. Regular maintenance and cleaning is the key to keeping frustration low, both in your home and your computer. What better time to do that than at the beginning of a New Year!

We recommend uninstalling programs that you don’t need so that they aren’t using up needed RAM. It’s often hard to tell what a file does just by reading the title, so uninstalling gives you the option of re-installing the program should you find that you do need it. Backing up important files and programs can save you if something goes awry with your computer.

When you purchased your computer, one of the first things you saw was a recommendation to back up the basic installation program files so that you can reinstall them later. Make sure that you have those backup disks! Purchasing a backup drive and using it regularly can save you a lot of headaches in the future.

The Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter features in your operating system help optimize your computer’s hard drive space and speed.

Newer operating systems perform these functions automatically. If you have an older operating system and are using 75% or more of your hard drive space, you may need to perform the Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenting functions manually. For optimal performance, weekly cleanup is recommended.

Now that you have your clean slate, here are some tips for maintaining your computer: • Protect Your Computer From Viruses!

Install an anti-virus program and maintain updates. This is the most important security measure that you can take to safeguard your personal information, files and computer.

Viruses can delete information, damage programs and permanently damage hard drives. There are free programs available on the Internet or you can buy one.

McAfee and AVG have very effective Anti-Virus programs.

• Avoid Unauthorized Access to Your Wireless Network Unless the security feature in your wireless program is activated, outsiders can access your internal network. The device manual or support center will provide the information that you need to configure wireless security and activate the security feature. If you have problems, reboot before attempting to change your computer configuration. This may save you a tremendous amount of time and effort.

When you do have a problem with your computer, Remember the Reboot Reflex!

If a program isn’t working right, your computer is slow or you are having some other problem, the first step is to shut down your computer, wait 10-30 seconds, then reboot (turn the computer back on). If the Internet or email is the problem, you may want to unplug your router, then plug it back in to reboot it before you reboot your computer. This simple reboot often takes care of the problem. If you do have any issues with your HFN service that can’t be solved by updating programs or rebooting your equipment, you can call our 24 hour support center at 425-427-0999 and a representative will be there to troubleshoot any HFN service issues.

We wish you a 2014 filled with happy computer and Internet experiences! We hope these tips will improve the quality of your computer experience on the HFN network.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2014

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HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! NOW OPEN IN ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS!

NEW PATIENT SPECIALS

$100 Gift Card r) +$50mbeGr+*if*$t 50C-2nad rd Fam. Membe ject to

. Me ng. Sub x-rays and cleani only with exam, d from Costco, For new patients choice of gift car r You ily. fam per ds car 2 it Lim . s.

Dollar availability Target or Dental (*$100-1st Fam

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White® ning FREE Zoomn!ic or So atrare ys or Sonicare) e bleaching

(Free take-hom

y. age 18+ years onl For new patients cleaning. and ays x-r m, exa Valid after ility.

Subject to availab

Healthy Smiles For A Healthy Life!

ConVenient hoUrS: Late & Friday/Saturday Appointments Available

Meet Dr. Madhuri Vanama Dr. Vanama is a gentle, caring dentist who practices using state of the art materials and equipment. She is well versed in the latest procedures and continually seeks out advanced education. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California, and has had her practice in the Seattle area for 10 years.

959 NE Discovery Drive • Issaquah, WA 98029

425.295.7975 • www.discoverydentalwa.com

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Grand Ridge Elementary

Grand Ridge PTSA Elementary Auction: February 8th, 6:30 - 10:30pm at the Bellevue Club Hotel Last chance to purchase tickets for the Grand Ridge Elementary Auction!

It’s not too late to get raffle tickets for the 50/50 raffle (over $3,000 worth of tickets have already sold); the winning ticket will be drawn on the night of the event. You don’t want to miss out on a fun night of great food, music, dancing, games, and auctions! For more details about the auction, please visit the GR PTSA website: www.grandridgeptsa.org

Music Together® mixed age classes for children and the adults who love them

2/4 2/10

2/13 2/17 - 2/21

Parent Ed: Healthy Snacks - 7:00 - 8:00pm in the Art Room VIS Honk and Wave: 6:30-8:30am and 5:00-7:00pm on the corner of Front Street and Sunset Science Fair Mid-Winter Break

Pacific Cascade Middle School 2/10 2/17 - 2/21 2/27

VIS Honk & Wave: 6:30-8:30am and 4:00-6:00pm Mid-Winter Break PTSA General Membership Meeting 12:30pm

Issaquah High School 2/8 2/14

2/17 - 2/21 2/25

Swingin’ in Vienna IHS Commons: 7:00 – 10:30pm IHS PTSA Meeting: 9:30 - 11:00am in the Main Office Conference Room Mid-Winter Break Sophomore Parent Night: IHS Theater 7:00 - 8:30pm

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Tiger Mountain Music Together Singing! Dancing!

Drumming! Jamming!

Clark Elementary

The Seahawks rank first in the league in average points allowed with 9.

539

The Issaquah School District’s Evergreen Philharmonic and the Issaquah High School Jazz Band will be hosting their annual semi-formal event of music and dancing. This amazing evening event has been a long-standing tradition; it’s an opportunity for people of all ages to attend an elegant Viennese ballroom full of beautiful lights and music ranging from waltzes to Swing and Big Band venues. A big bonus is offered for attendees - they can come in early to learn the basic waltz and swing dance steps. Dessert buffet will be available as well. Proceeds from this event will benefit both the orchestra and jazz band. Please stay tuned on the IHS website for more details.

GR PTSA Auction @ Bellevue Club Hotel – 6:30 - 10:30pm Science Fair Kick-Off Assembly – 9:30 - 11:30am Mid-Winter Break

Russell Wilson ranked third among quarterbacks in rushing yards with 539.

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Swingin’ in Vienna: February 8th (Saturday) Issaquah High School Commons 7:00pm - 10:30pm

2/8 2/12 2/17 - 2/21

FEBRUARY EVENTS

Issaquah High School

Grand Ridge Elementary

The Seahawks really do spread the ball around, nobody on the team had over 65 receptions.

At Blakely Hall in the Issaquah Highlands Classes held Tuesday and Friday mornings Sign up for your free trial class at

www.tigermountainmusictogether.com

Say you saw it in Connections!

Issaquah Highlands Connections

February 2014

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LIVING GREEN

Reusable Bag, Happy Planet

by Cassandra Schoenman, CleanScapes Store Associate

The second phase of Issaquah’s Plastic Bag Ban begins July 1, 2014. Small stores, less than 7,500 square feet, will join larger retailers and will no longer be providing lightweight plastic bags to customers. Larger paper bags will continue to be available for a minimum $0.05 fee. Many Issaquah residents are already bringing reusable bags on their shopping trips. This not only helps conserve natural resources, but saves money and stress at the check-out station. In the first six months after the ban went into effect, paper bag use at one local grocer increased by 160,000 bags while plastic bag use went from 1.2 million to 0. This suggests that residents are utilizing reusable bags to replace many of their plastic bags.

Reusable bags are incredibly versatile. They can be used for grocery and all other shopping trips, easy gift wrap, lunch totes, travel, gym bags, the list goes on! As you adopt reusable bags for multiple uses, it’s important to keep them clean and avoid cross contamination. Don’t worry! It’s easy to keep your bags clean as you switch between uses by following these suggestions: • Wash your bags frequently: Many reusable bags are designed to be washed. We recommend using a scent-free castile soap. Most can be put into the dryer as well, but check the tag for specific washing instructions.

• Bring multiple bags: The best way to prevent cross-contamination among your groceries (for example, raw meat and vegetables) is to bring multiple bags to the grocery store and let the bagging clerk know what goes where. Most grocery stores prefer flat bottom bags for easy packing.

• Have bags just for buying in bulk: All stores allow the use of reusable bags for things in the store, like bulk grains, nuts, dried fruit and bakery items. Just write the “tare” weight of the bag directly on the bag with a washable crayon or sharpie so the bag weight can be accounted for at check out.

• Bring reusable containers in addition to bags: Deli items, meat, seafood and cheese can be taken home in reusable containers that you bring with you. Using a re-usable container can save you time since you can purchase and store in the same container. Remember to write the tare weight on the container or have it weighed at the Customer Service counter.

• Produce bags: Choosing to bring re-usable, non-plastic produce bags can save you money.

Produce will last longer if stored in a mesh bag vs. a plastic bag. Fruits and veggies produce ethylene gas, nature’s ripening agent. When this gas is trapped in a plastic bag, it significantly shortens the life of produce. Mesh produce bags allow the ethylene gas to easily escape, helping to prolong the life of your produce.

• Label your bags: If you use reusable bags for different activities such as the gym, school, or for kid’s toys, label them to reduce confusion with grocery bags.

• Store them properly: Keep your bags in a clean, dry place to limit the potential for bacterial growth.

Though it may at first seem like extra work to bring your own bags and remember to wash them, you will be doing your conscious part as a consumer to conserve our energy and resources.

Americans consume more than 10 billion paper bags each year, which requires cutting down 14 million trees. While paper can be recycled, national recycling rates for paper bags are only 1015% and the recycling process for one pound of paper bags requires 1,444 BTUs of energy. * We thank the Issaquah Highlands community for doing their part by switching to reusable bags!

A complementary reusable bag provided by the City of Issaquah, and other reusable bags and containers are available at the CleanScapes store in Gilman Village.

For more information on Issaquah’s Plastic Bag Ban, please visit http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/index.aspx?NID=1170 *Washington Post, “More Than Meets the Eye: Paper or Plastic?”: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2007/10/03/GR2007100301385.html

Rainy Days

by Shelly Hawkins, Crofton Springs “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

Dolly Parton In Issaquah Highlands, February is a month of rain and more rain, and sometimes snow. A succession of seemingly endless rainy days inevitably delay our attempts to start planting this year’s garden. Because planting anything in waterlogged soil is a bad idea, we long for a break in the weather.

When I first moved to the Maritime Pacific Northwest, I was told that snow peas and sweet peas could be planted on Presidents’ Day. The top few inches of soil should be warmed by the sun and dry enough to plant some seeds. Although this rule of thumb might work if you live on Whidbey Island or in Seattle (perhaps even in Issaquah Valley), in Issaquah Highlands the weather is much wetter, cooler, and windier. And so, it’s best to wait until mid-March before planting your peas. To test this hypothesis, I once planted snow peas on Presidents’ Day, and then again in mid-March.

The peas I planted “late” far surpassed the earlier peas in terms of quality and quantity.

If you bought your seed packets from a Pacific Northwest seed company (see last month’s Connections), the packet information will tell you the best times to plant your seeds outdoors unprotected, outdoors protected by a row cover, or indoors under plant lights. If you decided to get a jump on the season by planting your seeds indoors under plant lights, you need to acclimatize (“harden off”) your seedlings to the harsher conditions outdoors before you can plant them in your garden.

To harden off seedlings, move your seedlings to a shady outdoor spot away from the wind. After a few hours, bring them back indoors. Repeat the process the following day for a little longer, gradually increasing the time over two weeks when you can plant your seedlings in your garden.

Some people find this process a bit of a bother and just wait until the garden soil is warm and dry enough to plant their seeds directly outdoors. (Check the seed packet planting guidelines for the correct timing.)

When designing this year’s garden, you need to consider the eventual size of your plants, making sure that the taller plants won’t crowd out or create too much shade for the smaller plants.

If you’re planting a shade-loving plant, such as lettuce, you’ll want to plant your lettuce to the north of your tallest plants so they’ll be protected from the summer sun.

Different plants have different nutritional requirements, and are subject to different diseases and pests, which is why experienced gardeners often rotate their crops each year. Alternating deep- and shallow-rooted plants helps improve your soil’s structure and fertility. Alternating heavy feeders, such as leafy vegetables (which deplete the soil) with a green manure (cereal crop or legume, which enrich the soil) improves your soil’s fertility. Rotating plants prevents the build up of plant-specific diseases and insect pests in your soil.

You might also want to plant “companion plants” close to each other, because these plant pairs appear to do well when planted in close proximity (such as beans and corn).

Additional information: Crop Rotation: http://www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com/crop-rotation.html Companion Planting: http://www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com/companion-planting.html Happy gardening!

Do you have a household item you no longer have a use for? Perhaps an old tea pot, crock-pot, children’s clothes, tools, dishes, toys, furniture, books, canned good or even something from your garden? These are all wonderful things that you can offer your neighbors on the Buy Nothing Issaquah Highlands group. In addition, you can also post something that you are in need of. Perhaps someone in the community is in a position to provide it.

Have you heard of the Buy Nothing Project spreading through Issaquah Highlands? If not, you are missing out! But give me a moment and I’ll fill you in. It just might change your life and our community!

The Buy Nothing movement is a facebook gifting economy spreading across the country and beyond.

In only a few short months it has grown to over 15,000 members and is adding new groups and members every day. All the while it enhances lives and leaves a positive impact in the community it touches.

The idea is simple: It starts with a gift.

“Gifting” an item is a great way to clear out clutter, help your neighbor and the environment by keeping consumables out the landfill, but best of all, it gives you a good feeling by helping to create the very essence of what a community can be.

Our project also has a Lending Library made up of items that members no longer want and have “gifted” the group which are in the care of the author (me – Sarah!), one of the admins for the Buy Nothing Issaquah Highlands group. This is a good option for someone what needs a certain tool, cake pan for a Princess Birthday Party or who wants to try frying a turkey, canning or gardening. It’s a great alternative to purchasing something that you may only need to use once or twice a year, or even a lifetime!

For more information or to join, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/BuyNothingIssaquahHighlands/

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

RESIDENT PROFILE: DREW BLEY Drew Bley lives in my neighborhood of Crofton Springs. He, his wife Lindsay and their delightfully big poodle Addy moved in last summer. All the neighbors were delighted on first acquaintance. We looked forward having them around. But we haven’t seen much of Drew lately. He works for the Seahawks and is therefore as busy as can be. I chose to profile Drew to feed the Super Bowl spirit. Let’s get to know a member of the Seahawks team who gets his work done behind the line, out of the lime-light.

Where did you grow up?

Lindsay and I both grew up in Sterling, Illinois.

What do you like best about your neighborhood, Crofton Springs?

We love the fact that the neighborhood is so clean and friendly. People greet you with a warm smile and actually care about you. It’s nice when people greet you by name.

What do you think is special about Issaquah Highlands?

It’s Awesome! It’s far enough away from the bigger cities, yet it still has the community feel. I love all the restaurants up here. Most importantly, it’s safe and the people are very nice.

What is your job with the Seahawks?

I am an Assistant Equipment Manager.

How did you get such a job?

I started out as a student equipment manager at Iowa State University during my under grad. Then I was a training-camp intern in Seattle, did three full-season internships before being promoted to Assistant Equipment Manager. My career goal is to become a Head Equipment Manager for an organization. I really love working in the NFL.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Just being a part of the organization. Throughout the week we work to make sure the

Photo by: Nina Milligan

team is ready for game day so that the players and coaches just have to worry about the game. It is a fun job.

You’ve got quite a beard! Is there a story behind it, or just a fashion statement?

Ha ha ha! Yeah, the beard is getting some publicity! Some people think it has its own life…it’s pretty savage. A bunch of guys in the organization all started growing beards on Week 1 of the regular season. It’s actually been fun. We’ve got beard brushes and wore flannel looking like lumber jacks on a couple of game days. I’m sure Lindsay will be happy when I cut it off after the season… However, I do like to think of it as a fashion statement - ha ha ha!

What do you do for fun?

I love spending time with Lindsay and Addy. It doesn’t really matter what we do, I just enjoy the time that we have together. If it’s my choice, we do outdoor stuff. We love to go hiking and camping. I enjoy fishing. Also like to play golf and hang with friends.

Your favorite day-off scenario?

Shoot I don’t know…don’t really take many days off!

Umm… I’d say waking up in the morning and having breakfast and coffee with Lindsay then taking Addy to Bark Park. Crossing stuff off my to do list…. Doing anything outdoors. Then grilling dinner on the deck since Lindsay makes a lot of the meals while I’m at work.

What is your favorite movie or book of all time?

Very good question...My favorite book has to be Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy because it’s the only one I’ve read more than once. Movies? I like comedies and action.

Tops might be Rocky III and IV or any of the Batman movies, Pirates of the Caribbean, Moneyball.

Monthly resident profiles are produced by Nina Milligan, Resident and Communication Manager for Highlands Council

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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DIRECTORY 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

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

BW Color

Mini (text only): 3” x 3”

$50

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION esponsible for: • Property Management R • Enforcement of CCRs, Rules, Regs • Architectural Review • Common Area Landscape

Funded by: • Annual IHCA Assessments • Neighborhood Assessments

GOVERNING BODY Board of Directors Jim Young, President Andrea Gregg, Vice President Tad Pease, Secretary David Ngai, Treasurer Scott McKay, Member Walt Bailey, Member Dan Vradenburg, Member

Rectangle Vert: 3” x 4.625”

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Rectangle Horz: 4.625” x 3”

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$150

Square: 4.625” x 4.625”

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$195

Quarter Page: 4.625” x 6.25”

$150

$275

Half Page Vert: 4.625” x 13”

$275

$495

MAIN PHONE: 425-427-9257

Half Page Horz: 9.625” x 6.25”

$275

$495

Full Page: 9.625” x 13”

$595

$950

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

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

Print ads must be submitted electronically in .eps, .tif or .pdf format with all fonts embedded. 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. All files must be in CMYK (not RGB). Resolution should be a minimum of 200 dpi. Please allow for 15-20% gain. Graphic design services are available.

WEBSITE ADVERTISING AVAILABLE! www.ihwebsite.com Content and advertising in Connections does not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of the Highlands Council or staff.

Rental Facilities Blakely Hall Award-winning Blakely Hall has a feeling and comfort of a lodge. It is a wonderful place for parties with 70 or more guests, fund raisers, galas, and any type of reception. Blakely Hall can accommodate up to 230 guests. In addition to the atmosphere Blakely Hall will give you, there is a patio with outdoor seating and BBQ grill that is available for rent.

Blakely Hall Meeting Room The Conference room is perfect for your meeting or seminar.

It is private. It can accommodate up to 46 guests. A screen is provided as well as comfortable conference chairs and tables that can be configured to your liking. A projector is available for rent. 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.

STAFF

Sarah McKee, Executive Director sarah.m@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1120 Rachel Garrett, Director of Community Operations rachel.g@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1115 Erika North, Community Manager erika.n@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1121 Jennifer Fink, Community Manager jennifer.f@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1113 Russ Ayers, Landscape Manager russ.a@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1130 Crystal Bentley, Office Manager crystal.b@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119 Joon Chang, Accounting Manager joon.c@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1117 Homeowner Account Inquiries payments@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119 Escrow Payoffs accounting@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1123

Emergency: 9-1-1 Issaquah Police (non-emergency): 425-837-3200 WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife: 425-775-1311 Emergency Contact Number For after-hours emergencies not involving police and fire response or gas or water main breaks, contact IHCA at 425-313-2209

Highlands Fiber Network

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

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL esponsible for: • Community Events R • Blakely Hall Community Center • Facility Rentals • Connections Newspaper • www.ihwebsite.com

Funded by: • Sponsorships/Grants • Advertising • Community Enhancement Fees (¼ of 1% on sale of home) • 12¢ per sq. ft. retail/commercial

GOVERNING BODY Board of Trustees Larry Norton, President John Thompson, Vice President Linda Hall, Treasurer Philip Nored, Secretary Susan Terry, Member Patrick Byers, Member Ray Besharati, Member

STAFF MAIN PHONE: 425-507-1107 Blakely Hall 2550 NE Park Drive Monday–Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm Christy Garrard, Director/Special Event Planner christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1110 Nina Milligan, Communications Manager nina.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1111 Brianna Eigner, Blakely Hall Coordinator 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 Keith Luu, Events/Administrative Assistant, keith.l@ihcouncil.org Vyvian Luu, Intern vyvian.l@ihcouncil.org

Community Services at Blakely Hall • Notary Service by Appointment • 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 and Found

www.facebook.com/highlands.council Weekly E-Letter: Sign up at ihwebsite.com

Governing Body Board of Directors Larry Norton Allen Enebo Tim Underwood Charlie Herb

www.ihwebsite.com

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Issaquah Highlands Connections