Applications Open for 2023-24 HY Board

The Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board is currently accepting applications for 2023-24 positions. Ideal candidates are motivated, passionate, creative and dedicated to building community and making Issaquah Highlands a welcoming and inclusive place.

by LINDSEY PINKSTON Highlands Council Executive Director &

Attendance at monthly meetings, as well as planned events and other opportunities for involvement, is a requirement for all applicants. To be eligible, individuals must be residents of Issaquah Highlands and entering seventh through 12th grade in the fall of 2023.

Interested candidates can learn more and apply at issaquahhighlands.com/youth. The deadline for application submissions is Wednesday, April 26.

Top applicants will be invited to a personal interview in May. We expect to welcome the 202324 HY Board by the end of May, with a planning retreat for the year held in June.

If you are a middle or high school student looking for volunteer hours to fulfil requirements, it is not necessary to join the HY Board to get involved in our community. Please fill out the form at issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer or subscribe to our youth E-News to find available opportunities.

Kindness Journals

Throughout April

Journal 25 acts of kindness you’ve shown neighbors in the month of April. The first 25 residents to complete this will receive a prize at Blakely Hall.

Fitness Challenge

Throughout May

Log 25 miles of walking/running, or 250 miles on your bike. The first 25 residents to complete this in their fitness app will receive a prize.

Grand Ridge Plaza Steps Challenge

May 1-31

Celebrate Issaquah Highlands’ 25th Anniversary with 25,000 steps! Complete four round trips on the 3-mile anniversary trail and enter to win one of 10 $250 gift cards!

Scavenger Hunt

Throughout June

Find 25 items on our scavenger hunt around Issaquah Highlands.

Village Market at Issaquah Highlands

April 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Don’t miss the last Village Market of the season! Support a variety of local artisans and vendors right here in Issaquah Highlands! Each month will showcase different small businesses and activities – be sure to check issaquahhighlands.com/events before you come for any collections, swaps and other fun programs.

Beach Bingo

Friday April 21, 7 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Slip into your favorite flip flops and join friends and neighbors for a fun night of Bingo including drinks, snacks and prizes. Advanced ticket purchase required. $20/person, adults only. Space is limited! Purchase tickets at issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Make Issaquah Beautiful Day

Saturday April 22

Issaquah Highlands

In honor of Earth Day, join various clean up opportunities in Issaquah Highlands and throughout the city. Sign up at issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Spring into Fitness

Saturdays in May, 9 a.m.

Village Green/Blakely Hall

Join local fitness instructors for a free morning workout every Saturday in May. This is a great way to try a variety of workouts and get ready for summer! Each workout is appropriate for all fitness levels.

May 6, Barre3

Feel the benefits of an efficient and effective Barre3 workout by combining strength, cardio and mindfulness to leave you feeling balanced and empowered.

May 13, 9Round

Join 9Round for a full-body circuit training workout where you’ll punch, kick, sweat and walk away ready to tackle anything.

May 20, Orangetheory Fitness

Experience the Orangetheory Fitness high-intensity interval training in this rare out-of-studio setting! A coach will lead attendees through body weight exercises and strength training moves designed to improve your power, strength and endurance.

May 27, Pineapple Life Yoga

Stop by a yoga session to remember for both the body and the mind. Enjoy the benefits of increased focus and clarity, improved flexibility and mobility, and an overall sense of calm.

Issaquah Highlands LEGO®

June 4, 1-4 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Calling all LEGO® lovers! All ages welcome at the biggest LEGO event ever held in Issaquah! The fun includes hands-on activities, LEGO displays and models, shopping and photo ops. Free to attend. If you’d like to display your creations, please register at issaquahhighlands.com/legoexpo2023.

Cones with a Cop

June 8, 6:30-8 p.m.

Ben & Jerry’s

Have a cool time hanging out with neighbors and the Issaquah Police Department during this casual family friendly evening.

Block Watch

May 11, 7 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Join fellow neighbors for an informational meeting with IPD officers about tips for preventing property crimes.

Global Grub & Groove Series

Select Fridays, Village Green Park, 6-8 p.m. Join friends and neighbors at Village Green for fun, food and entertainment to celebrate culture and community! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us for live music and more. Events are free to attend with food available for purchase.

June 16, Juneteenth

Enjoy red velvet cake, the music of Michael Powers and New Orleans soul food from popular food truck Where Ya At, Matt?

July 21, Indonesian & Malaysian Cultures

Experience traditional art, performances and authentic Indonesian street food from Bumbu food truck!

Aug. 11, Indian Independence Day

Join the celebration with traditional and modern Indian music, dancing, art and food. Experience henna and the game of cricket.

Community-Wide Garage Sale

Saturday, June 17

Whether it’s called a yard sale or a garage sale, it’s a summer tradition! Sell or shop throughout the community at the semi-annual community garage sale.

ADHD Caregivers Group

First Thursdays, 10 a.m.

Blakely Hall

If you care for someone with ADD/ADHD, you are welcome to join us to chat, share experiences, and get support. Caregivers and parents with kids of all ages are welcome!

Second Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Book club is a great place to meet neighbors, socialize, and explore a variety of books. Join the Facebook group at facebook.com/ihbookclub.

Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Love to play chess? Come join us for fun and (chess) games! All ages and experience levels are welcome. Please bring your chess set if you have one; otherwise, there will be plenty to share. Join the Facebook group at facebook.com/issaquahchess.

Game Night

April 13, May 18, June 15, 6:30-9 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Enjoy an all-ages night playing board games with friends and neighbors! Feel free to bring a favorite game to share or enjoy learning something new.

Hiking Group

Do you want to connect with like-minded outdoors people? Meet with fellow hiking enthusiasts in your neighborhood to share favorite trails and gear tips! Open to hikers of all levels and abilities. For more information and details, join our Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/nwhiking.

Meditation Group

Fridays, 2 p.m.

Online

Discover how to find moments to relax the mind. The group practices exercises that promote balance, strength, and calmness. Learn techniques to help deal with the stress and strain of a busy life. Free to attend and open to all! Questions? Contact ih.meditation@ gmail.com.

Minecraft Mania

Second & Fourth Wednesdays

4:30-5:30 p.m.

Blakely Hall

All elementary school-aged kids are invited to join friends and middle school group leaders for gaming fun! Participants are urged to bring a device to play on with Minecraft Java Edition installed.

Open Mic and Karaoke Night

May 12, Aug. 4, Nov. 10, 7 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Join us for an evening of fun and entertainment from local talents. Come to sing a song, play music, read poetry, tell a story, perform stand-up comedy, etc., or just join the audience. Make sure to invite family and friends to support our local talent here in Issaquah Highlands. All ages are welcome to participate! For more info, contact: tom.perea@gmail.com

Photography Group

Third Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.

Blakely Hall

Enjoy monthly meetings with guest speakers, share and discuss your work with others, and participate in an online community throughout the month. Questions? Contact ihpc@outlook.com. Join the Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/ ihphotoclub.

Poker Night

April 27, May 5, June 29, 7 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Whether you are a novice or a salty vet looking for some steep competition, you will love our monthly Texas Hold’em tournament! Contact Henry at hlh1969@hotmail.com for more information.

Tai Chi Fitness Class

Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m.

Blakely Hall

Free Chen-style Tai Chi for all who are interested in learning and practicing together. This ancient Chinese martial art promotes health by reducing bodily tension and stress, improving balance and coordination, increasing joint flexibility, calming the breath, and clearing the mind.

Toastmasters

Thursdays, 7 a.m.

Blakely Hall / Zoom Hybrid

Expand your knowledge and horizons while sharing your interests and goals in a positive, supportive environment. Guests are welcome!

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon

Blakely Hall

4th Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon

Blakely Hall

All Other Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon

Online

All knitters, crocheters, and stitchers are welcome. For more details or questions, please contact Cathie Coulter at Catherine.coulter@ihmail.com. Check issaquahhighlands.com/events for details.

“Light

April 1 – June 30

Blakely Hall Gallery

Spring is when the light comes back after the dark hours of winter, and with that light comes new growth and renewal – in the landscape and other areas. In this gallery exhibition, artists from the Puget Sound Group of Northwest Artists interpret what light and renewal means to them through painting, drawing and print making. The exhibition is juried by landscape artist Mike Wise.

Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Be one of the first to view the new exhibition and meet the artists! All are welcome.

Friday, April 7, 7-9 p.m.

Blakely Hall and Village Green Park

Calling all middle school aged students for the annual flashlight extravaganza! Search for over 100 eggs–including 20 golden eggs–in Village Green Park for a chance to win fun prizes like gift cards, candy and snacks. Enjoy ice cream treats, art projects, fun activities and a special photo booth. Bring a flashlight and something to collect your eggs. $10 early bird tickets, $15 after March 31.

Cram for Exams

Sunday, April 30, 2-7 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Enjoy a change of scenery to boost your brain power! Blakely Hall will be open to any high school student studying for AP exams. Individual study space and study groups welcome. Free snacks and beverages.

Check issaquahhighlands.com/events for details on each meeting.

Highlands Council Board of Trustees

April 6, 12 p.m.

June 5, 5 p.m.

IHCA Architectural Review Committee

First Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

IHCA Finance Committee

Second Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group

Third Mondays, 5 p.m.

IHCA Board of Directors

Fourth Mondays 5:30pm

IHCA 2023-24 Budget Ratification Meeting

April 24, 5:30 p.m.

Please check the community website at IssaquahHighlands.com for the Zoom meeting link under the events calendar.

Would you like to connect with neighbors who share mutual interests? Have an idea for a community group that doesn’t currently exist in Issaquah Highlands? Group leaders bring people together by sharing their passions and Highlands Council is there to support them all along the way. Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer or contact Cece at cece.k@ihcouncil.org to learn more.

Financial support is available for all Issaquah Highlands events and programs – if attending is going to be a stretch, please just reach out to lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org. We’re here to help!

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