Winter 2023

In 2023, we celebrate 25 years since the first residents moved into their homes on Jade Street in Issaquah Highlands. Dating back to 1998, our neighborhoods have evolved from piles of dirt into an urban village with a variety of diverse restaurants, shops, amenities and people.

And while I was only 1 year old during the early days of Issaquah Highlands, I remember growing alongside the community as new businesses and developments started popping up. It was always a treat to visit and watch a movie at Regal Cinemas or stop by Agave after a soccer game. Now, working here 25 years later, all those memories have become even more special.

As we celebrate a quarter of a century, reflect on all that’s been accomplished since then. Continue reading to meet the two original families who still live in Issaquah Highlands and to check out a timeline of milestones achieved by our community since 1998.

Enjoy our first-ever Puzzles & Games page, featuring a cake decorating contest based on this issue’s cover photo. And don’t miss our 2022 Volunteer of the Year announcement, followed by a recap of our 2022 Volunteers of the Month.

As we enter another new year, consider making some resolutions for self-improvement like our Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY). Or try nine new habits for increasing your happiness in 2023 with neighbor Kim Foster. Or if you want to improve your garden this year, we've got several different ways for you to get started.

We have a lot to celebrate this year! Cheers to a happy and healthy 2023!

Maddie Coats

Maddie Coats, Highlands Council Media Editor

A Neighborly View

Photographer Jenny Lee Issaquah Highlands Neighborhood Dahlia Park

About the Photo

“This photo is of my son Sammy, taken when all the neighborhood kids run out to play and have snowball fights at the first good snow.”

Share your "Neighborly View" with the community!

Submit your photos to Highlands Council for the chance to be featured in Connections and earn a $25 gift card. Email your high-res image taken in Issaquah Highlands to Maddie Coats at maddie.c@ihcouncil.org.

Community Management Directory

More information available at issaquahhighlands.com

Issaquah Highlands Community Association

Our Dedicated Homeowners Association

Executive Director: Sarah Hoey

2520 NE Park Drive, Suite B Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 425-427-9257 | 425-223-8887 (After Hours Only) asktheihca@ihcommunity.org payments@ihcommunity.org

Highlands Council

A Community-Building Organization

Executive Director: Lindsey Pinkston

2550 NE Park Drive (inside Blakely Hall) 425-507-1107 info@ihcouncil.org

Highlands Fiber Network

Community-Owned Fiber to the Home

General Manager: Jeremy Fallt

2550 NE Park Drive (inside Blakely Hall) Customer Service: 425-427-0999 support@hfnservices.com General Inquiries: 425-394-4184 jfallt@hfn.org highlandsfibernetwork.com

Issaquah

Highlands Community Fund

A Philanthropic Community Organization 425-507-1107 president@ihcommunityfund.org issaquahhighlandscommunityfund.org

Printed in Canada

By Community, For Community

Connections is a nationally-recognized community publication produced mostly by Issaquah Highlands residents, including volunteer contributors, edited and published by Highlands Council. Connections helps Highlands Council fulfill its mission to develop a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, stewardship, and well-being.

JOIN THE CONNECTIONS TEAM

Interested in volunteering your skills or pitching a story? Contact Maddie Coats, Highlands Council media editor, at maddie.c@ihcouncil.org.

ADVERTISE IN CONNECTIONS

Print ad sizes in every price range; digital advertising opportunities are also available. Contact Carol with Highlands Council at carol.h@ihcouncil.org

SUBMIT A FREE ANNOUNCEMENT

For Issaquah Highlands residents only. See submission form and guidelines at issaquahhighlands.com/news/connections/ announcements.

MORE INFORMATION issquahhighlands.com/news/connections

Opinions expressed by editorial or paid content do not necessarily reflect the views of Highlands Council. Highlands Council may refuse content that does not meet quality standards or reflect the organization's mission.

Celebrate

the Community's 25th Anniversary in Fun and Meaningful Ways

Enter our anniversary "cake decorating" contest. See page 21.

Help us collect 25 items such as coats, gloves, mittens, hats, boots for KidVantage (formerly Eastside Baby Corner).

Help us fill 25 bags of groceries with highly requested items for the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank.

Journal 25 acts of kindness you've shown. The first 25 residents to complete this will receive a prize.

January February March April May

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

by MADDIE COATS Highlands Council Media Editor

In 1998, the Pilapil and Walker families moved into the very first homes in Issaquah Highlands. Many people have come and gone since then, but these two families still remain active members of the community. This year, they celebrate 25 years as residents! On the following pages, read their stories, see how far we've come as a community and more.

The Pilapils

Edwin and Maria Theresa Pilapil acted fast and bought the first house in Issaquah Highlands all these years ago. They were drawn to the community for its vision and potential as well as the promise of a hightech urban village.

Their son, also named Edwin, was still in high school when he moved here with his parents in 1998. Armed with that same enthusiasm as his parents when they bought their home, Edwin purchased his first home in the community in 2003.

“To see mounds of dirt and vacant land turn into a vibrant community full of wonderful people and great amenities has been an awesome experience,” Edwin said. “I recall when it was just a handful of houses. It was hard to fathom how they were going to accomplish everything and how it would

look. Now, 25 years later, we have schools, restaurants, stores and even a hospital!”

Since moving here, Edwin has started a family of his own and remains fully committed to our community. His wife, Kathryn, volunteers as the assistant art director at Grand Ridge Elementary, where their two boys attend.

Several years ago, Edwin’s parents moved to warmer weather in Arizona and put their home up for

“Knowing how much love, time and dedication my parents put into their home, we decided to buy it from them,” he said. “We were fortunate to be able to keep the house in the family and it feels great being able to raise our kids in the home of my youth.”

The Walkers

Geoff and Ursula Walker bought the second house in Issaquah Highlands after stumbling upon the community in its early days. They were attracted to the variety of housing, parks, trails, retail and entertainment as well as the preservation of open space.

“And getting in early also meant that we could help shape the community with our input, and grow with it,” Geoff said.

From early on, Ursula served on the Community Development Committee and Geoff was appointed to the Urban Village Development Commission (UVDC). They appreciated having their voices heard and ideas respected, which still happens today despite the population growth, Geoff recalls.

Their family of five eventually moved into a larger home in Issaquah Highlands. Over the years, grandparents and relatives decided to move here—even their daughter bought a condo. At one point, their immediate family occupied six homes in our community.

“This has been such a great place to live,” Geoff said.

“We’re close to everything we need: great neighbors, city centers, lakes, mountains, shopping recreation.

It’s hard to find many places so convenient.…

We live in an amazing place, and especially while life can be tough at times, we’re all pretty lucky to have what we have here.”

Top Stories of 1998

Bill Clinton is impeached following the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

Google is founded by two Stanford PhD students.

The last episode of Seinfeld airs to an audience of 76 million viewers.

Nearly 40 years after being the first American to orbit the earth, John Glenn returns to space at age 77 to become the oldest person in space travel.

Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa captivate the baseball world by surpassing Roger Maris' single-season home run record.

Financial Trends

Average federal minimum wage: $5.15 Average income: $38K

Average home price: $152K Average cost of a gallon of gas: $1.06

Most Popular TV Shows

Sex in the City That 70's Show Will & Grace Dawson’s Creek Charmed

Biggest Films

Top Songs

First residents move into homes on Jade Street. First members join the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA).

Highlands Fiber Network begins.

Connect Quiz

Are You a Good Neighbor?

What kind of neighbor are you? Take our quiz to see where you rank on the good neighbor spectrum.

1. How many neighbors do you know on your block (or in your building)?

2. When a new neighbor moves in next door, what do you do?

I wouldn’t know they are new. Give an enthusiastic wave from across the street.

Introduce myself and give my phone number in case of an emergency.

Bring over a welcome basket, invite them to the next community event and direct them to IssaquahHighlands.com for information and resources.

3. Do you clean up your dog’s poop, and discard it in a waste bin?

Never. The rain will wash it away anyway.

Usually, unless it’s in a hidden place and no one’s watching.

Yes, but sometimes I forget a bag. Always!

4. How do you respond to a neighbor that’s repeatedly disturbing you with loud noises or clutter?

Leave harassing phone messages and prepare to sell the house.

Avoid addressing the conflict until emotions are extremely high.

5. How do you prepare to go on vacation?

Don’t tell a soul. Nobody will notice that I’m gone anyway.

Leave a phone number where I can be reached in an emergency with a trustworthy neighbor.

Complain about them on Facebook.

Approach the neighbor in a kind and compassionate manner.

8. Do you attend community meetings, events or activities?

Make sure the automatic sprinkler is on.

Arrange with a neighbor for the lawn to be mowed and plants watered. I also leave phone numbers, house keys and travel plans with neighbors.

6. If you host an outdoor BBQ, when do you clean it up?

When it’s time for the next one.

The next day.

Later that week.

That same night.

9. How do you park your car in the neighborhood?

I park on my lawn.

I park in front of a neighbor’s house, but I’m careful to turn my music down to avoid disturbing them.

Speed onto my block with the stereo blasting before parking in front of a neighbor’s house.

I park in my garage, driveway or in front of my own house.

10. If you’re hosting a party at your home late at night, what do you do?

I usually expect to receive a noise complaint--or several.

Leave neighbors with a phone number to contact me or a sober host if they are disturbed.

Invite the neighbors to join the party.

Notify neighbors in advance, identify a sober host at the party, control the number of people invited to the party and monitor guests as they arrive and leave.

2022 Volunteer of the Year

ETHAN HUNTER

by LINDSEY PINKSTON Highlands Council Executive Director & Wisteria Park Resident

It is with great pleasure that I announce Ethan Hunter as Issaquah Highlands’ 2022 Volunteer of the Year! As a current Issaquah High School senior, he has served on the Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY) since sixth grade.

You may have seen Ethan working hard behind the scenes during many past youth programs and Highlands Day celebrations. Always the first to jump in when help is needed, Ethan took on a valuable leadership role at our Global Grub & Groove events this summer, working on logistics and helping to organize other youth volunteers.

Ethan has been pivotal in bringing live programming for teens

back to Issaquah Highlands this year, after a pause during the pandemic. His drive, background and desire to connect our community’s youth have been invaluable in leading the HY Board back to in-person events like Parents Night Out in December and the Middle School Halloween Party in October, which was attended by 180 students.

“I like to lead a group through challenges,” Ethan shared in his application to join the HY Board in 2016.

Looking back on his tenure with the HY Board, he has lived up to that statement time and time again. As I’ve come to know Ethan over the past several years, it’s clear there is no

Ethan Hunter at the top of NE Park Drive. Photo by Katie Cannon

challenge he won’t undertake. He has truly become an inspiring leader.

At age 7, Ethan moved from Minnesota to Issaquah Highlands with his mom, dad and brother. His family chose this community for the excellent schools, active and vibrant community, nearby shopping and quick commute to Seattle.

After doing a few volunteer projects in elementary school, Ethan jumped at the opportunity to apply to the HY Board as an incoming middle schooler. Upon his acceptance to the HY Board, he said: “Being able to work with a group of people from your local community to make that community a better place is always rewarding.”

What They’re Saying About Ethan

"In my time in the HY (Highlands Youth Advisory Board) with Ethan, I saw him consistently volunteer himself in any way that he could. His desire to be helpful was so strong that at times I wondered why I was in the co-president position and not him. In my time working with Ethan, I can say that he embodies what it means to be a servant leader– humbly and consistently building and supporting his community through leadership by example.”

Jonah Foss – Co-President HY Board, 2019-20 – Manchester Court resident

“Ethan’s one of the nicest people I know. He always shows up to volunteer with a smile on his face and passes it on to the rest of us. Ethan’s been working and volunteering for a long time now, so whenever one of us has a question, we immediately turn to him. His leadership is amazing, and I love working with him! Congratulations Ethan!”

Ryan Aby – Co-President HY Board – Grand Ridge Drive resident

“I met Ethan when he applied to the HY as a rising 6th grader. He was a small kid with big leadership gifts and was unanimously selected to the youth board. There are so many things I respect about Ethan. He has a huge heart for this community and deeply understands the desire of teens to have a sense of belonging and feeling included. Ethan is happy to serve, no matter the task, from behind the scenes to being out front, if it’s helpful, he is ALL IN. I am excited for Ethan’s future and the big differences he will make wherever he goes next. Congratulations Ethan!! Well deserved.”

“Ethan, you have grown so much since joining the HY in 6th grade. You've embraced the community and grown both in your volunteerism and leadership skills. You are patient, kind, and you truly enjoy helping those around you. It has been a joy watching you flourish in this space. We are incredibly proud of the person you have become.”

Mom, Dad, and Logan – Kirk Park residents

Rarely do you ever meet someone as knowledgeable, dedicated, kind, and humble as Ethan. Being able to work with him has been such an amazing experience, and seeing his willingness to lend a hand to those around him and help them feel included is part of what inspires me to continue doing my best to serve the community as well. It is my hope that everyone gets the chance to meet an amazing person like Ethan at least once in their life!

Photos: Top left: Ethan and Quinn Ryan help out at Highlands Day in 2016. Top right: Ethan works on an event in the kitchen at Blakely Hall. Middle: Ethan and Ryan Aby staff the registration table at the 2019 HY Fest. Bottom: Ethan (far left) and other HY volunteers take time out for a picture while helping at Highlands Day in 2017.

Christy Garrard – Former Highlands Council Executive Director – Dahlia Park resident

Colin Yuen – Co-President HY Board – Central Park resident

"I LIKE TO LEAD A GROUP THROUGH CHALLENGES."

Volunteers of the Month

COMMUNITY GIVING BUILDING TIES THROUGH 2022

Congratulations and THANK YOU to our 2022 Volunteers of the Month! We hope they inspire you as much as they do us.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people and make friends, while also seeing all the talent, culture and creativity our community has to offer. Issaquah Highlands offers to many ways to volunteer—there’s a place for everyone.

Do you want to get more involved in our community? Visit IssaquahHighlands.com for more details. Volunteer opportunities are always available.

JAN FEB

Katia Zakharova Akshadha Seshamani

"After moving to the Highlands, I learned the structure of this planned community is the main reason behind the welcoming vibe I felt back in 2010…As I planned to reside in Issaquah Highlands for a long time, I wanted to contribute to the community by dedicating my time to serving my neighbors. I am a member of the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board of Directors and the IHCA Covenant Committee… I look forward to meeting more residents in person!"

"During the pandemic, I realized the value of community and the people around me. I wanted to get out and do something meaningful instead of being stuck at home, so I applied for the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board… The HY Board has provided an environment where I can express my ideas and bring out the best in me…I’ve been able to meet a lot of people, volunteer for a lot of events, learn new things, and help my community in various ways."

MAR APR

"I moved to Issaquah Highlands in 2004, selecting a home in Crofton Springs and getting involved in Issaquah Highlands governance from the get-go…Doing this work allows you to meet and interact with your neighbors and stay involved in the life of the community...Issaquah Highlands is a special place to live; our organizations – the IHCA, Highlands Council, and HFN – have developed a very strong fabric of community that fosters a sense of pride and wellbeing.”

"My fellow ARC Committee members are impressive, and we all share a passion for community service…The committee has proven to be a good way to become more involved in the Issaquah Highlands community and I look forward to continuing that service. Over the years, I have served on several nonprofit boards, finding volunteer service a good use of my skills and knowledge.”

Larry Norton

Tom Pucci

Sophia Hashmey Ben Armlin

"Each event I helped plan with the HY made me feel a little wiser, a little more involved and a little more like a leader. More than anything else, I learned what community really meant to me once I became a part of the HY Board. At first, I thought community events were only about the fun that we have together and friends we meet, but I realized that being part of a community is much, much more than that.”

MAY JUN JUL AUG

"Upon arriving in Issaquah Highlands, we immediately knew we wanted to live here…I love the tight knit community and being able to walk or bike all over the Highlands while feeling safe and proud of where I live. I really like being near the mountains and being surrounded by trees while in a larger community…I am proud to call Issaquah Highlands home and am looking forward to volunteering and contributing even more in the future.”

Bryan Bell Ethan Hunter

"Karin and I love living in our zHome and continue to say just that to each other every day, even eight years later. We want to live our entire lives here. That’s what has motivated me to volunteer in maintaining and improving our neighborhood… We have a really good thing going here in Issaquah Highlands. To ensure we continue to enjoy our wonderful neighborhood, we each have a responsibility to participate in whatever ways we can—big or small—to keep things great.”

"I have absolutely loved being a member on the HY Board… It’s something I’ve always looked forward to doing. Being able to work with a group of people from your local community to create a better place is always rewarding…I’ve found that volunteering is a great excuse to get out of my comfort zone and socialize. It’s a really good way to meet new people and make friends, while also seeing all the talent, culture and creativity our community has to offer."

SEP OCT

Aline Bloch

"Moving to the U.S. with my husband and our kids has been a real adventure as well as a challenge. However, we were pleasantly surprised with the level of community spirit in the area. Everybody was so kind, helpful and culturally open-minded. To me, it became natural to do my part and give back to my new neighbors. Sharing, advocating and spicing people’s life with joy is a part of my personality. This community helped me find my path and become fulfilled.”

Krista Owen

"As someone who experienced a situation reflective of the uptick in local crime, I want to do something to fight back. I want to do whatever I can to help our community as a whole… Although the police force is short on staff, we can come together and do our part to try to eradicate crime from our neighborhoods by participating in Block Watch. …I would love to see everyone get involved, that's my aim!”

NOV DEC

"My time with the HY Board has been incredible. The ability to work with mentors and other members that are just as passionate about serving the community has been extremely rewarding…I have found there truly isn’t anything more rewarding than watching your actions have a profound and positive impact on the people around you. Volunteering has been extremely helpful in getting me to socialize and obtain a deeper connection with Issaquah Highlands."

“Years ago, we went to Minecraft Mania at Blakely Hall and it was really fun! Emmett and I started thinking, why not start it up again? We both love playing Minecraft and wanted kids to have an opportunity to socialize and play games together… We have seen some really amazing builds/talent from all the kids. The kids that come are very funny, entertaining and kind…Our biggest takeaway is that it can be fun to help others do something you enjoy.”

Colin Yuen

Eli Feduff Emmett Roughgarden

IHCA Boasts Strong Fiscal Position

The IHCA ended the 2021-2022 fiscal year on June 30, 2022, with a cash surplus of $277,000. The financial records were independently audited by Newman & Company CPA, which presented a clean assessment.

In October 2022, the board voted to allot 2021-2022 year-end surplus funds from the master account to the areas seen in the graph at right.

by SARAH HOEY IHCA Executive Director

The mid-way point is always a good time to reflect on what we have accomplished and what we have left to do. The IHCA Board of Directors (BOD) and staff remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of the community and its financial security.

I am happy to report that the association’s fiscal position is strong despite the pandemic and slowing economy. The forecasted reports show that we are currently under budget in several categories.

Just like the rest of the world, IHCA operations have been hindered by the lack of labor and materials. However, we are slowing getting through the back log of projects.

Visit bit.ly/3tULgXD to apply.

The new Westridge community is about 85% constructed. Staff is anticipating a full transition of all common areas and parks to be brought under the IHCA master association management, with the exception of the townhome condominiums.

HOME

Sales numbers above were reported between July 1, 2022, and Nov. 17, 2022.

Taylor Morrison broke ground in the fall of 2022 on the Reserve at Forest Ridge project, formerly known as Tract D, located off 15th Avenue and College Drive. The planned 10 singlefamily homes are expected to be completed in approximately 18 months.

Additionally, the custom home lots on Harrison Street are finishing up two active construction projects. One last vacant lot is slotted to begin construction in the coming months.

Grand Ridge Drive currently has three homes under construction and eight in the planning stages, leaving 11 homes left to be completed.

The remaining commercial parcels along Ninth Avenue and Discovery Drive are yet to be determined—as well as Block 20 on 10th Street and Falls Drive.

Trees Take Hit From Storm, Distracted Drivers

Unfortunately, between the big windstorm in November and an increased number of motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted or impaired drivers, we have lost over 35 trees this year alone.

The hardest hit area was the northwest section of Katsura, which lost nine trees on the same street within one hour during the November storm. The uprooted trees caused massive damage and uprooted large expanses of sidewalks.

The IHCA and the City of Issaquah are working together to remove stumps and roots, while also replacing large sections of the sidewalks in various locations to ensure safe passageways.

Park Updates, Vista Garden 2 Renovation Top Future Plans

ARC TIP OF THE MONTH

Diagnose Your Lawn: Dormant

or Dead?

Issaquah Highlands is a green, environmentally conscious community. As a result, you can let your lawn go dormant (brown) without being required to water it constantly in the hot summer months. This does not mean, however, that you may let your lawn die.

But how does one know if their lawn is dormant or merely dead? Below are examples of dormant vs. dead lawn.

Left: A well maintained, dormant lawn. Brown lawn will turn green with watering and rain. Right: A poorly maintained lawn. Dead spots will not turn green regardless of the amount of watering.

Find ARC guidelines and applications at issaquahhighlands.com/ARC.

RULES REMINDER

Holiday Lights

In Daphne Park, replacement of the new playground equipment is currently in-progress. The IHCA secured a triple tower structure from KOMPAN, the world’s number one supplier of innovative playground equipment.

The previous play equipment was a tot lot designed for ages 2-6. Meanwhile, the new structure is larger, taller and intended for all ages. It also offers a vairety of features such as hand eye coordination, tactile stimulation, a climber, hammock, two slides, walking bridge, climbing poles and balance bars.

The existing swing set is staying, but it will be removed during the renovation and powder coated with a paint color to match the new play structure.

This project is possible due to the master reserve fund as part of the IHCA’s five-year playground/park upgrades. The following parks will be updated in the next five years:

• Daphne Park -- In progress

• Wisteria Park -- Summer 2023

• Ashland Park (first park to open in Issaquah Highlands) – Summer 2025

• Kirk Park – Summer 2026

Vista Garden 2 Renovation

After 15 years of use, all wooden garden plots in Vista Garden 2 will be removed and replaced with stone. New fencing will surround the garden as well.

According to the Use Restrictions and Rules (URRs), holiday decorations may only be displayed and secured on your unit during season timelines. Winter holiday decorations and lighting (including light clips) can be displayed from Oct. 1 through Jan. 15.

For complete rules and standards, visit issaquahhighlands.com. Questions? Call the IHCA at (425) 427-9257 or email asktheihca@ihcommunity.org.

CHECK THIS OUT We Are Hiring!

The IHCA is currently seeking qualified candidates to join our team. Open positions include maintenance technician, landscape groundkeeper and community manager.

IHCA is an equal opportunity employer and offers competitive wages with full benefits (including 401K, paid time off, and medical and dental insurance). Please contact the office for an application.

Construction on the new Daphne Park play area began the week of Oct. 17 and will continue for several months.

Photo: Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

Sidewalk damage caused by uprooted trees on Katsura.

Get a Grip on Driving in the Snow

Eastside Fire & Rescues shares 12 tips for safe road travel in winter weather conditions

ZAK MOHAMED EFR Emergency Management Analyst

Driving on snow covered roads can be dangerous! Eastside Fire & Rescue recommends that you avoid driving in these conditions if possible. However, if you need to drive, preparing your vehicle and knowing how to maneuver a car on snowy roads is important.

Check out the following suggestions to prepare to take on winter driving conditions safely and confidently.

Tires

Ensuring you have the right type of tires for the winter season is important for navigating snowy conditions. Allseason or all-weather tires are okay, however, purchasing winter tires is recommended. This is especially important if you live in an area where an inch or more of snow sits on roads below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This will increase your safety and improve your winter driving experience!

Inspect Tread Depth

As a rule of thumb, tires require a minimum of 2/32 inches of tread depth to be legal. However, that's not the best model to follow in wintertime. In fact, anything less than 4/32 inches of tread depth is unacceptable. Fortunately, checking your tread depth is very easy and can be done rather quickly. A tread depth gauge is a useful tool for this, but the change in your pockets can work in a pinch.

Take out a quarter or penny. Place the coin in the grooves with Lincoln's head pointing to the inside of the tire and the backside facing you. If the tread reaches the Lincoln Memorial, you have roughly 6/32 inches of tread depth—and you're good to go. Using a quarter, follow the same steps with Washington facing you. If the tread just reaches his head, you have 4/32 inches of depth and should have the tires replaced

*Check your tread depth at least once a month to avoid balding, cupping, spotting and other uneven wear issues.

Snow Chains

Putting snow chains on your tires helps to increase traction, giving you more control of the car. Before the next snowstorm,

purchase a set of chains designed to fit your vehicle and practice putting them on your tires. For vehicles with frontwheel drive, put the chains on the front wheels. For vehicles with rear-wheel drive, put them on the back wheels. And if your vehicle is all-wheel drive, put the chains on all the tires (or just the front wheels for better steering traction).

Ready the Spares

Make sure you always carry a spare tire with more than 50 miles on it. Check for dry rot!

Mechanical Checklist

Prepare for a snow event by staying up to date on your vehicle maintenance. This includes steering, brakes, suspension, coolant and wiper fluid.

Tools and Emergency Equipment

Your vehicle should always have a jack, stands, lug wrenches and a first aid kit! It’s also crucial to add an emergency roadside kit with items such as road flares, hand warmers, flashlights, jumper cables and first aid. Now that your vehicle is ready for winter weather conditions, it’s important to practice defensive driving on the road. A slick patch of black ice or an unexpectedly deep patch of snow can send any vehicle into a slide—or worse.

Slow Down

The winter is no time for speeding. When you’re moving too fast, things can get out of control quickly and you will have less time to react. Take your time and stick to the speed limit!

Braking

Brake steadily and lightly when you need to slow down. Remember that braking distances are increased when slush or snow is on the road, and you should begin applying the brakes sooner.

If you’re skidding or driving in low-traction conditions, apply the brakes at an even slower rate to prevent the vehicle from going into a spin.

Following Distances

Do not tailgate other vehicles in snow or ice conditions! You will not be able to slow down as quickly as normal, and that may lead to an accident if you’re following too closely. It’s recommended to give a little more following distance than normal.

Approaching Hills

Whenever you're going uphill, you want to use momentum to your advantage. In other words, you want to hit the hill with enough speed so that light throttle can get you to the top. Applying too much gas will break traction, which you definitely want to avoid. Going downhill is a different story because you shouldn't apply any gas. You still want the momentum to provide motion, but your right foot should be on the brake pedal, slowly applying pressure to keep you rolling at a manageable speed.

Steady, Deliberate Throttle

Don't stab the throttle to get up to speed. Instead, use smooth and steady motions to maintain traction. If you do break traction while turning, try to back off the throttle slowly as you correct the vehicle's trajectory. Rear-wheel drive vehicles will oversteer, meaning the rear end will try to swing out in a turn. You should turn against the direction of the rear end to correct it. Front-wheel drive will understeer, which means it will try to keep going straight. When this happens, easing off the throttle and keeping the wheel pointed into the turn will help you regain traction.

Black Ice

Driving slowly will give you enough time to see the road ahead and identify any dangerous patches of black ice. If you ever suspect that an upcoming spot could have black ice, stop and assess your options. Either drive around the spot (if you find a safe path) or turn around and look for another way to your destination. Keep an eye out for skid marks, stranded motorists or vehicles going at extremely slow speeds. These are important indications that a patch of black ice might be ahead of you.

Illustration by Katie Cannon

With the new addition of a Block Watch program to our community, crime prevention is a hot topic in Issaquah Highlands.

According to data from the City of Issaquah, crimes related to noise complaints, non-injury collisions, vandalism, thefts and vehicle prowls are consistently recording the largest number of offenses and remain relatively steady over the last 90 days.

From September to December 2022, there were 68 instances of theft in Issaquah Highlands. This is compared to 66 offenses from May to August 2022. Additionally, non-injury collisions increased from 15 in the first period to 25 in the second.

The City of Issaquah recently brought on Crime Prevention Analyst Ryan Smith to track offenses and statistics across town. She says the Upper Highlands tend to see more thefts, vehicle prowls, noise complaints and minor collisions with no injuries. Meanwhile, a majority of thefts are centered around the shopping areas in the Lower Highlands.

“For the vehicle prowl cases, many of them tend to include either unlocked vehicles or those who left items on display in the vehicle where they can be seen, which makes them potentially preventable crimes,” she said.

According to these trends, Tuesday is the most popular day of the week for thefts, vehicle prowls and vandalism. Thefts also tend to increase on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Lighter Side of the Blotter

1400 BLOCK 10TH WAY NE, Issaquah: On Nov. 25, around 10:10 a.m., a resident reported seeing “very nice sneakers” near a retention pond. Officers responded and searched the area but found no evidence of anyone entering the pond or still being in it. They were nice shoes, though.

900 BLOCK NE HIGH ST, Issaquah: On Dec. 10, around 12:11 p.m., a caller reported being trapped inside the trash chute room on the second floor of their building. Eastside Fire and Rescue was able to free the caller. Inquiring minds want to know if a ride down the trash chute led to the predicament.

1400 BLOCK HIGHLANDS DR NE, Issaquah: On Oct. 23, around 8:50 p.m., a local resident accidentally backed into another car in a parking lot. They reported concern for leaving a note in the rain and decided to wait 30 minutes for the owner of the vehicle to return to exchange information. When the owner did not return, the good Samaritan called our officers to report what had happened. The situation was resolved peacefully and the good Samaritan probably scored highly on the Good Neighbor quiz! (See page 8).

For the full Issaquah Police Department blotter, visit: issaquahwa.gov/3370/Data-and-Statistics

Noise complaints record the highest volume of offenses on Saturdays, Sundays Mondays and Wednesdays.

Thefts are most common in Issaquah Highlands between 12-8 p.m., but they spike again from 6-9 a.m. A majority of the noise complaints are recorded between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., while offenses related to vandalism, non-injury collisions and vehicle prowls vary by the hour.

See the graph above for a rundown of criminal offenses from Sept. 1 – Dec. 1, 2022, compared against numbers from the previous 90 days.

Block Watch on Facebook

The HY Board Commits to an Awesome Year

BY LINDSEY PINKSTON Highlands Council Executive Director

A new year is upon us—and the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board is looking toward the future

After a successful fall with events like the Halloween Middle School Party and Treats & Tails, students on the board are excited to continue engaging the community with impactful and inclusive events in 2023. Stay tuned for information about a watch party for The Big Game on Feb. 12, an Egg Hunt on April 1 and much more.

As we transition into 2023, members of the HY Board have many goals and aspirations for the new year—from learning new skills to making new friends. Keep reading to learn what these student leaders plan to achieve in the next year.

Follow @HYBoard on Facebook and visit IssaquahHighlands.com/events for upcoming activities and programs.

The HY Board is seen behind the scenes at Blakely Hall as they listen to mentor and Highlands Council Executive Director Lindsey Pinkston in preparation to host the first "Treats and Tails" Halloween event that was a huge hit with the community. (Photo: Katie Cannon)

Puzzles & Games

DOWN

2 Local station serving the community and keeping it safe in emergencies (acronym).

4 As a resident of Issaquah Highlands, this service will help improve connectivity in your home (acronym).

5 The only emergency room in Issaquah Highlands.

6 Master developer of Issaquah Highlands

7 Shop from local artisans and vendors at this event on the first Saturday of each month at Blakely Hall.

10 Organization with a mission to eliminate racism and empower women (acronym).

12 Community-building organization committed to service, diversity, stewardship and well-being.

14 Public play areas for dogs in Issaquah Highlands.

15 Primary road heading up the hill toward Village Green Park.

17 Oldest community group started at Blakely Hall.

18 In 1998, the first residents moved onto this street.

20 First restaurant to open in Issaquah Highlands.

23 Color; relates to sustainable practices.

ACROSS

1 Mascot at Grand Ridge Elementary School.

3 People who live very close to you.

6 Trailer with everything you need for an outdoor neighborhood block party.

8 Owners of a 63-acres tract of land that sold in 2013.

9 Feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.

11 Organization that manages the community’s fiscal and common area assets (acronym).

13 Community program designed to curb crime in our neighborhoods.

16 In 2015, this retail center opened.

19 Popular animal used to mow grass in the summer.

21 Quarterly publication from Highlands Council.

22 People who donate their time to our community.

24 Number of years since Issaquah Highlands was founded.

25 The first park in Issaquah Highlands.

Power Packs from Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank

Family and childhood hunger is a real problem in our community. Some children don't have enough food to eat over the weekend, making Mondays extra challenging. In response, Issaquah Power Packs work to get weekend food bags into the hands of children who need them. The program is confidential and all Power Packs are picked up at the school. Issaquah Power Packs currently serves 25 Issaquah School District schools. To donate, visit secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=47783f. Contact your local school counselor to sign up for the program.

2023-24 Grand Ridge Elementary Kindergarten Round-Up

Keep up with happenings across the Issaquah School District

TRACIE JONES Wisteria Park Resident

Will you child be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2023? Do you live within the Grand Ridge Elementary attendance area? If so, Grand Ridge PTSA invites your family to join a parentsonly Kindergarten Information Night on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. It will take place in the Grand Ridge Multi-Purpose Room at 6 p.m. Enrollment has moved online, so enrollment forms won’t be available. However, a supplemental information packet will be distributed. Student enrollment begins in February 2023.

Grand Ridge Cultural Club Starts a New Year of Travel in 2023

Grand Ridge Cultural Club is getting ready to stamp two new countries on student passports. The club is visiting India on Jan. 5, 2023, and China on Jan. 12, 2023. Students "visit" other countries to learn about different cultures on Thursday recesses during rainier months! All it takes: families willing to share their cultural heritage and customs through hands-on activities, games and crafts! Get involved by signing up to lead three 20-minute recess sessions from noon to 1:30 p.m. To learn more, visit grandridgeptsa.membershiptoolkit.com.

Coffee with Christy at Clark Elementary School

Join Principal Otley for a cup of coffee/tea and an informal chat via Zoom on Jan. 20, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. This is the quickest way to learn what’s happening in and around Clark, upcoming events, news of the day and Q&A. Visit ClarkPTA.org for details.

Clark Elementary Angel Program Support

The Clark Elementary Angel Program provides a helping hand to other Clark families in need. We’re also looking for Angels to help support the program. This confidential program aims to help students needing extra support with basic necessities. To sign up as a donor or get placed on our list, email OtleyC@issaquah.wednet.edu.

Lunchtime Walkabout Program at Issaquah Middle School

Issaquah Middle School PTSA is seeking volunteers for the Lunchtime Walkabout Program. It’s important our kids get outside at lunchtime for some fresh air and exercise. This program is only possible with parent support. Parents provide eyes, ears and smiles for the kids.

Students love seeing parents involved at school, and it’s a great way to watch your kids interact with friends. Sign-up with a friend and hang out at the school for a short 30 minutes. Sign up at IssaquahMiddlePTSA.org under “Volunteer Opportunities.”

Eighth Grade Transition Night for Families New to U.S. High School System

Join Issaquah School District’s Cultural and Family Partnership for a discussion with new U.S. families about the transition from eighth grade to high school. The Zoom event will take place on Jan. 25, 2023, from 6:30-8 p.m. Topics cover high school credits, how credits are earned, AP, IB, Running Start and other high school opportunities. District staff will be available to answer questions. Translation services available. Register to receive Zoom link and/or request additional services at www.isd411.org/about-us/calendars/event-details/~occurid/8630.

Online Learning Program Accepting Applications for Spring 2023

High school or middle school students interested in taking self-directed online learning courses, within or in addition to your schedule, should register before the end of January 2023. Students can take one or two semester course(s) each term, with maximum of eight semester classes (four credits) during high school. For more information, visit www.isd411. org/programs-services/middle-high-school-programs/online-learning.

Washington State PTA Focus Day

Are you interested in what’s happening in education, learning about policy, and understanding state priorities at the Washington State Capitol? Focus Day allows PTA members a chance to talk with lawmakers for a full day of engagement, discussions and Q&A centered around the PTA mission on Jan. 20, 2023. For more details, visit www.WAStatePTA.org.

2023 PTSA Awards: Honoring Educators and Individuals Impacting ISD

Issaquah PTSAs will honor dedicated volunteers, educators, and advocates from our community by nominating exemplary individuals for the 2021 Golden Acorn Award, Outstanding Educator Award, and Outstanding Advocate Award. Parents, students and staff are encouraged to nominate a dedicated individual who has gone above and beyond! For information and nomination forms, visit your local PTSA website.

About School Spotlight

Check the Issaquah School District (ISD) and school websites to confirm details and dates.

Find the ISD calendar at isd411.org/about-us/calendars. Specific school calendars are on each school's website.

Highlands Council Expands Board of Trustees

Four new members represent a broad cross-section of our diverse community

BY LINDSEY PINKSTON Highlands Council Executive Director

Highlands Council is a nonprofit organization governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. Our members represent homeowners as well as rental and commercial properties in Issaquah Highlands.

We are excited to welcome the four newest members of our Highlands Council Board of Trustees.

Alisa hopes to gain a more in-depth understanding of our residents, and also keep the community informed about running Grand Ridge Plaza.

Kashif Zahoor

Ben Armlin has been a resident of Huckleberry Circle in Issaquah Highlands for 11 years. He has served as present of the Huckleberry Circle HOA for the past three years, and also volunteers as a Garden Ambassador with Highlands Council.

Additionally, Ben owns and operates the Issaquah Ice Cream Trike, which is often seen around Issaquah Highlands and at community events.

In his trustee application, Ben wrote: “I love the tight knit community and being able to walk or bike all over the Highlands while feeling safe and proud of where I live. I really like being near the mountains and being surrounded by trees while in a larger community.”

As a trustee, Ben is looking forward to learning and seeing where he can best help to fulfil the Highlands Council mission, while gaining a deeper appreciation for everything that goes into living in this community.

Alisa Taggert is the property marketing manager for Grand Ridge Plaza/ Regency Centers. Although she lives and works out of the Los Angeles area, Alisa has made it a point to learn about the Issaquah Highlands community and the mission of Highlands Council since starting with Regency Centers in 2019.

In her trustee application, Alisa wrote that her favorite thing about Issaquah Highlands is “its dedication to community and preservation of the natural aesthetics that surround the community.”

As a trustee, Alisa is looking forward to progressing the relationship between Grand Ridge Plaza and the Issaquah Highlands community. She plans to facilitate partnerships between Highlands Council and Grand Ridge Plaza that further the company’s core values. Additionally, an increased commitment to expand Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts is a top priority for her.

Highlands Council Welcomes New Program Coordinator

Cece Kennedy joined the staff in October

BY LINDSEY PINKSTON Highlands Council Executive Director

Kashif Zahoor has lived in the Vista Park neighborhood of Issaquah Highlands for 13 years. He currently serves as treasurer of the Arboretum at Vista Park HOA.

This year, he became vice chair for Imagine Housing’s Board of Directors. He previously served on the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank Board of Directors for nine years as well as the Nourishing Network Board of Directors for five years. Kashif brings with him a wealth of volunteering/board experience along with his love for our community.

Kashif said his favorite things about Issaquah Highlands are the sense of community, the diversity and the ability to walk to restaurants, movie theaters and transit.

As a trustee, Kashif is looking forward to connecting with like-minded community members and continuing to find new ways to serve his community, while helping to make Issaquah Highlands a great place to live for decades to come.

Her primary responsibilities include coordinating and managing the community events that our neighbors look forward to every year. She hopes to grow and expand programs and events in order to reach even more people within the Issaquah Highlands community.

“I am really excited about meeting so many new people and helping to plan and participate in some awesome outdoor summer events,” she said.

Albert Wang is new to Issaquah Highlands! He moved from Seattle to Westridge just three months ago.

He currently works as a social worker at Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS). Before this, he worked at World Relief and helped to resettle refugees.

He got his bachelor’s degree from University of California, Berkely, followed by a master’s in counseling psychology from The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology.

Albert is excited to dive in as a newer resident with his energy and zest for community. He also hopes to draw greater involvement in the community from the under 50 crowd. Additionally, he’s looking forward to contributing to the well-being of the Issaquah Highlands community.

Albert’s favorite thing about Issaquah Highlands (so far) is our commitment to building community equitably and intentionally.

Cece says she chose to join Highlands Council because of its mission to foster the development of a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, stewardship and well-being. She also wanted to be part of something that brings the community together and makes people happy and proud of where they live.

“Having only been here a few weeks, I can already tell that I’m going to love it here,” she said. “The Highlands Council team has been extremely welcoming, supportive and is beyond dedicated to services they provide for the community. I’m thrilled to be part of the team!”

Prior to working at Highlands Council, Cece worked as an outdoor preschool teacher in Redmond. She loves being outdoors and exploring the gorgeous PNW wilderness.

When her kids were younger, most of her free time was spent volunteering in the community. On top of that, she’s been a girl scout troop leader for nine years.

The team at Highlands Council continues to grow! Cece Kennedy recently jumped on board as our new program coordinator.

Ben Armlin

Alisa Taggert

Albert Wang

I am really excited about meeting so many new people and helping to plan and participate in some awesome outdoor summer events.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

25th Anniversary

"Cake Decorating" Contest

Ends Jan. 31

Blakely Hall

Art enthusiasts of all ages: Use your imagination and decorate the anniversary cake for Issaquah Highlands on page 21. Drop it off at Blakely Hall by Jan. 31 to be entered for a prize!

Winter Wear Drive

Throughout

Blakely Hall

February

Help us collect at least 25 coats, gloves, mittens, hats, boots and scarves) for KidVantage (formerly Eastside Baby Corner). Drop off in the box at Blakely Hall.

Food Drive

Throughout March

Blakely Hall

Help us fill 25 bags of groceries with highly requested items for the food bank! VIsit issaquahfoodbank.org/ donate#needs-list for a current list of what's needed. All items should be unopened and unexpired.

Kindness Journals

Throughout April

Blakely Hall

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

Blakely Hall

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

Community Events

Scout Christmas Tree Pickup

Saturday, Jan. 7, 8 a.m.

Recycle your Christmas tree with local Boy Scouts! Place your tree curbside by 8 a.m. The suggested donation is $15-25 per tree. Donate online (preferred) or attach a check to your tree payable to “Scouts BSA.” More information at scouttreedrive.org.

Dumpling Workshop

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Celebrate Lunar New Year and join neighbor Wei Geiger for a fun, tasty, hands-on workshop making "jiaozi," traditional Chinese Dumplings. Wei will demonstrate how to properly form dumplings using pre-made filling. Enjoy a glass of wine while making your dumplings, then we will cook and eat them together while toasting to joy, happinerss and prosperity for the New Year. $20/ person. Pre-registration required. Adults only. Visit issaquahhighlands.com/events for more information.

Snowman Building Contest

For the third year in a row, keep an eye on the forecast and get your mittens ready for our Snowman Building Contest. We’ll watch for snowfall and announce the contest on the official Issaquah Highlands Facebook page (@issaquahhighlands) and our website at issaquahhighlands.com/snowmancontest when it’s time to get building. Enter to win a prize by submitting a photo of your creation online!

Community Groups

ADHD Caregivers Group

First and Third 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!

Book Club

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.

Chess Club

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.

Game Night

Third Thursdays, 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 Night

Feb. 10, May 12, Aug. 11, Nov. 10

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 the Highlands. All ages are welcome to participate! For more info, contact: tom.perea@gmail.com

Photography Group

Third Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.

Online

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. Check issaquahhighlands.com/events for details.

Poker Night

Last Thursdays

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!

Yarns & Threads Group

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.

Zumba Fitness Saturdays, 9-10 a.m.

Blakely Hall

Join in if you're looking for an exercise class that feels more like a party than a workout!

Don't Miss This

Village Market at Issaquah Highlands

First Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct.-April

Blakely Hall

Support a variety of local artisans, vendors, and farmers 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 happening each month.

App-Based Scavenger Hunts Ongoing

Embark on an exciting journey as you explore Issaquah Highlands using your smartphone! We currently have two scavenger hunts active: Art in the Wild Adventure – Visit and learn about 10 different pieces of our community’s outdoor art as you follow the path solving puzzles as you go. Learn more at issaquahhighlands.com/art-adventure.

Coexisting with Carnivores Adventure – Follow the hunt to 12 special spots in the community while learning about the carnivores we share our spaces with. Learn more at issaquahhighlands.com/ carnivores-adventure.

Global Grub & Groove Series

Village Green Park

Highlands Council is excited to plan another summer of Global Grub & Groove events! The 2023 summer series will begin with a celebration of Juneteenth on Friday, June 16. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us for live music, delicious food and more.

HY Events

The Big Game

Sunday, Feb. 12

Blakely Hall

Regardless of the team you support, swing by Blakely Hall to watch Super Bowl LVII with your neighbors! Kickoff starts at 4:30 p.m.

Flashlight Egg Hunt Saturday, April 1

Blakely Hall/Village Green Park

Calling all middle school students for the annual Flashlight Eggstravaganza! Bring a flashlight and something to connect your eggs. Student ID is required.

Governance Mtgs

Highlands Council Board of Trustees

Feb. 6, 5 p.m.

April 6, 12 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, 5:30 p.m.

Wanted: Community Group Leaders

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 Available

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!

Connect With

Hooray! Zumba Returns on Saturdays!

Join longtime instructor Cindy Klenk at Blakely Hall

If you’re looking for an exercise class that feels more like a party than a workout, Zumba Fitness at Blakely Hall is the perfect fit for you.

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance workout that blends rhythmic music with highintensity choreographed movements. The low-impact activity is adaptable and suitable for all ages, body types and levels of fitness.

Wynhaven resident and Zumba instructor Cindy Klenk is starting up classes again in January after a small break. While it’s free to participate, she encourages attendees to bring a non-perishable food item for the local food bank (see list at right).

Change the way you think about working out! Join the party at Blakely Hall on Saturdays from 9-10 a.m.

Suggested

Progresso or Campbell's Chunky Soup

Peanut Butter

Canned Tuna / Canned Chicken

Protein Bars

Dried Pasta and Pasta Sauce

White Rice (2 lb bags only)

Canned Fruit / Vegetables

Coffee (not decaf)

Cooking oil (16-20 oz bottles only)

Cereal

Baby Wipes

Diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6)

Pull-Ups (sizes 2T-3T & 3T-4T)

Feminine pads (regular or super, no tampons)

Incontinence supplies

Body Wash and Bar Soap

Deodorant, Shampoo and Toothpaste

Cindy Klenk teaches a Zumba Fitness class at Blakely Hall.

AGarden Begins in January With Chores

Tips and maintenance suggestions for your garden during the cold winter months -by Ben Armlin

January in the Pacific Northwest can be a tricky time to work in the garden. It’s cold, the ground is frozen, nights are longer and the weather is unpredictable.

But there’s still work to be done! Kick off the new year in your garden with renewed energy and plans for the months ahead. First, take some time to consider your growing strategy as well as any changes to your garden plot. Do you want to add a raised garden bed? Or redo your entire garden design?

Winter is also ideal for taking inventory of your garden seeds to ensure they are viable for planting. Old or improperly stored seeds often have very low germination rates. Generally, if your seeds are more than 3 or 4 years old, it’s probably best to buy new ones.

In the spirit of planning ahead, it’s always a good idea to test your soil and identify what nutrients are missing in order to fertilize accordingly. Consider testing it yourself with a soil test kit or using a specialty lab.

You can get a head start on food and flower production by sowing early crops indoors in January. Early crops include beets, broccoli, cabbage, celery, kale, leeks, lettuce and mustard. In early February, you can likely start sowing summer crops such as eggplant, peppers and tomatoes.

Crops like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage can be direct seeded into your garden around mid-February, but it's better to start them indoors around mid-January and then transplant them into the garden at the beginning of March. Do the same with lettuce and spinach.

Do you want to grow tomatoes, peppers and eggplants? Start these

indoors in mid-January. Transplant them into the ground around the end of March, or when frost is no longer forecasted.

Seeds for summer vegetables like beans, cowpeas, corn, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelons, gourds and sunflowers should be planted directly into the ground near the end of March (or when your soil reaches a temperature of roughly 60 degrees Fahrenheit).

January is also a great time for pruning and tidying as well as other hands-on chores in the garden. Make sure to trim any perennials with dead or diseased branches. You can start pruning dormant fruit trees, shrubs and grapevines as well. Removing dead and dying branches allows room for healthy growth and fruit production. It also improves air circulation and sun penetration.

Additionally, spraying your fruit trees this winter will help to suppress pests and diseases. Dormant oil sprays prevent leaf curl and other fungal diseases by controlling certain aphids, mites, scales, and pear psyllas on fruit trees.

While planning for the next year ahead, think about attending a local flower show! One of the largest flower shows in the country is the Northwest Flower & Garden Show, which is held each year in Seattle. Flower shows enable gardeners to compare their talents and learn new techniques.

In Issaquah Highlands, community garden patches are available to rent by the season in three separate locations: Vista Gardens, Sunset Walk Gardens and Westridge Garden. Join the Issaquah Highlands Community Garden on Facebook to meet fellow gardeners and learn more: facebook.com/groups/325551157547613.

Photos: Above: The Vista 1 Community garden is seen after a light snowfall on Nov. 30, 2022. Below: A cloche protects a plant from cold weather. Photos by Katie Cannon

How to Garden with Christmas Trees

Seven ways to upcycle Chirstmas trees in your garden and bonus ideas for inside your home

While the holiday festivities are coming to an end, there’s still a way to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. Rather than discarding your tree like millions of folks each year, consider repurposing it in your garden!

garden beds, stakes for other plants and much more. Plus, if planted properly, they can be used again next Christmas.

by BEN ARMLIN Garden Ambassador & Huckleberry Circle Resident

Christmas trees can provide winter protection for birds and wildlife, mulch for perennial

1REPLANT YOUR TREE

Instead of trashing your tree, replant it in your yard! Before doing this, check to make sure your tree still has the root ball intact. Typically, the root ball will come covered by a piece of burlap. Once a tree is cut from the root ball, is can no longer be planted outside.

Start by digging a large hole in the ground, then place the tree and water it thoroughly. Make sure to include a thick layer of mulch with either wood chips or leaves. And add some extra nutrients to help your tree survive the rest of winter.

2ADD TO YOUR COMPOST PILE

Give new life to an old tree by adding it to your compost pile. Rather than tossing the tree into your compost bin all at once, cut it into smaller chunks and gather them into a pile in your yard. Let the pile sit until the pine needles have fallen off and the branches are dry and brittle. Then, use these materials as a carbon source for your compost bin.

The compost you create can be used to increase soil quality, while also allowing better water drainage and aeration. It’s a great way to decrease your carbon footprint by reducing (or completely eliminating) the use of artificial pesticides, fertilizers and landfill waste.

4USE BRANCHES AS SUPPORTS FOR PLANTS

Reusing branches from your Christmas tree is a cheap way to support houseplants, seedlings and youth plants in your garden. Strip the sturdiest branches of their needles and cut them into various lengths to use as plant stakes.

The “stick trick” is also useful for protecting tomatoes and other seedlings from cutworm damage. By placing a small stick against the stem, you will prevent the cutworm from wrapping itself around the stem and chewing on your plant.

3USE BRANCHES AS MULCH

Cut off the boughs (branches) of your tree and layer them in a crisscross pattern on your perennial garden beds as a natural mulch to protect the roots and prevent frost heave. It will also prevent soil erosion caused by heavy rains.

These branches are a great alternative to straw or wood chips. They will break down slowly over winter, adding nutrients to the soil for spring.

For those of us who opted for real trees this year, here are seven creative possibilities for reusing them:

5CREATE A HOTEL FOR BIRDS

After taking all the decorations off of your tree, move it outdoors and create your own natural bird hotel. Stop your tree from falling over by using a secure base such as traditional Christmas tree stand.

6CHIP IT

Chip the wood for garden paths and beds! Wood chips are excellent for filling garden paths, mulching your beds and smothering weeds.

A thick layer of wood chips (up to 6 inches deep) is more effective for killing weeds than using a sheet of plastic. The chips block sunlight while allowing water and air to circulate, enabling the soil food web to stay intact. Soil will also benefit from nutrients in the decomposing wood.

To mulch, use a 1-2-inch layer of wood chips to control weeds and conserve moisture. The chips will prevent soil from splashing up onto leaves.

If you don’t own a woodchipper, consider splitting costs with a few neighbors to rent one for the weekend.

You can hang bird feeders and suet cages from the branches, or even a small house or two. Give garden birds a reason to visit by hanging edible ornaments and treats such as popcorn, peanuts, citrus fruits, etc.

Once spring arrives, compost the tree or use the dried wood for kindling.

7TOSS IT PROPERLY

Boy Scout troops from Issaquah Highlands and Sammamish will pickup your Christmas tree in exchange for a donation on Saturday, Jan. 7. Since 1985, these troops have been collecting trees via curbside pickup and recycling them. The donations play a critical role in their ability to provide a quality Scouting program for youth in our community.

*BONUS IDEAS FOR AROUND THE HOUSE

Looking for other ways to reuse your Christmas tree? You could simmer some pine needle potpourri to scent your home. Or use the tree as fuel for an outdoor fire pit. Or get creative with craft projects such as wreaths, drink coasters, ornaments, jewelry, wall art and more. The options are limitless.

by KIMBERLY KAPUSTEIN Highlands Council Board President

In my home and across the South, blackeyed peas are a symbol of prosperity and luck on New Year’s Day. They instill memories of my grandmother cooking our favorite dishes, followed by us devouring those Southern comfort foods.

As time passes, familiar recipes are reimagined and displayed in ways that convey progression.

The look of the food may change, but the taste will always call back to the past — the culture.

These smells and tastes continue to remind me of cherished family traditions and gatherings.

Traditional New Year's Southern favorites to add to these black-eyed pea dishes on your table for even more luck, prosperty and health in 2023 include collard greens, cornbread and stewed tomatoes. Enjoy!

Cook Up Your Own in the New Year

Photos and food styling: Katie Cannon

RECIPES

Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

This recipe is a twist on the classic hummus appetizer. Substituting chickpeas with black-eyed peas gives the dip a very smokey flavor you will not regret. It’s the perfect dish for large gatherings or dinner parties.

1 can (15 ounces) black-eyed peas

3 tablespoons tahini paste

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or one lemon) 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ½ teaspoon garlic power

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt (add more to taste)

3-4 tablespoons water 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

Drain and rinse black-eyed peas under cold water, reserving liquid (set aside). Place in food processor (a bullet machine also works).

Add tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic and onion powder, salt, water and olive oil. Blend together until creamy and smooth. Add more salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Hummus can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a week in a covered, air-tight container.

Hoppin' John

The origin of the name Hoppin' John is debated. Some believe the dish got its name from an old, hobbled man named hoppin' John, who sold rice and peas in Charleston, S.C. Others believe children hopped around the table in anticipation of eating this tasty meal. Serves 4-6

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (if using ham hock)

1 smoked ham hock or 8 ounces slab bacon, cut into ¼ inch pieces

1 small onion, finely chopped

½ green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 ¼ cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 bay leaf

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Kosher salt

Cooked long-grain rice and thinly sliced scallions (for serving)

Instructions

If using ham hock, heat oil in a medium Dutch oven or other heavy pot over mediumhigh heat. If using bacon, cook in a medium Dutch oven or heavy pot over mediumlow heat. Stir occasionally until bacon is crisp (8-10 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Carefully pour out all fat, leaving about 2 tbsp in pot.

Add onion, bell pepper and celery to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally until beginning to brown (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Add black-eyed peas, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, bay leaf and ham hock (if using). Pour in broth. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and cover pot. Simmer until peas are tender but not mushy (about 1-1½ hours).

Drain pea mixture in a fine mesh sieve, then discard cooking liquid and bay leaf. Return pea mixture to pot and add pepper. If using bacon, return to pot and stir to combine. If using ham hock, remove from pot and let cool slightly. Pull meat from bone and return to pot. Discard bone. Taste and season with salt.

Divide rice among bowls and top with a ladleful of peas. Scatter scallions over.

Habits for Happiness in the New Year

Incorporate these nine tips into your life for a more positive 2023

This year, instead of making a sweeping resolution, why not try some small new behaviors that are proven by research to increase happiness?

I have spent the past two years studying the Science of Happiness (also known as positive psychology).

Research findings show that making small changes in your daily life can have a big impact on your overall happiness. Not only do happier people generally feel better, but they also have more energy, better relationships, improved mental and physical health, higher income, better performance at school and work, more creativity and better productivity— among other things. The researchbased strategies for increasing happiness are quite varied. Here are some ideas to try for yourself:

by KIM FOSTER Grand Ridge Drive Resident

Cultivate Optimism

The Science of Happiness does not suggest that we must be positive and happy all the time to have a great life. In fact, research suggests that it’s important to feel all of our emotions fully. However, we can make a big difference in our lives by cultivating an optimistic outlook.

Are you usually focused on the “worst case scenario,” all the things that could go wrong or how horrendous your to-do list is? These thoughts are powerful and they create your attitudes, your words and your actions.

Try these strategies for cultivating optimistic thoughts:

• Work to notice pessimistic thoughts and try replacing them with more optimistic ones.

• Notice what’s right in the situation, rather than just what’s wrong.

• Ask yourself, “What good could come from this situation?”

• Remember times things have worked out in the past and know that they can/will again.

• Visualize (or journal about) what is possible for yourself.

• Give yourself and others the benefit of the doubt.

2

Do Something Purposeful

Pursuing goals and projects that align with our strengths and values makes us happier. Think about your strengths and how you could put them to use on something that sounds fulfilling to you.

Are you a good team builder? A creative person? A problem solver? Find something that uses those strengths! Also, when setting a goal, make sure it’s something that aligns with who you are and feels personally significant to you as opposed to something you think you should do.

3 Practice Gratitude

Most of the time, we fail to appreciate the good in our lives. Research shows that humans have a “negativity bias,” which causes us to focus mostly on mistakes we made, work that didn’t get done, bad news, complaints we hear from family and friends, etc. That definitely makes us less happy! Simply noticing and feeling gratitude for what is going well makes a BIG difference and creates an “upward spiral of growth and wellbeing.”

Here are some ways to feel gratitude:

• Try a gratitude journal. Write down five things that you are grateful for every day. These can be big things (my health, living in a beautiful city) or small things (my comfy bed on this stormy day, a big hug from my daughter this morning, beautiful orange leaves on my walk).

• Think toward the future. Once per day, write down three things you’re looking forward to today or tomorrow.

These simple exercises (done daily or even once a week) can shift you toward more hopeful, positive and joyful emotions, allowing you to reach goals more easily and even improve your health. Good and bad things happen to everyone – it’s fundamentally what we choose to focus on that determines our happiness!

4

Spread Kindness

Believe the research – extending kindness to others absolutely makes you happier! Being generous and considerate raises our positive emotions, making us feel more confident and useful as we use our personal strengths. Kindness often includes genuine social connection with others, and it distracts you from your own troubles and ruminations.

Kind acts can be small and brief. Here are some ideas: return someone’s grocery cart, donate blood, do someone else’s dishes, cook a meal for a friend, offer a sincere smile and kind words to a cashier, visit a nursing home, really listen (with eye contact) to someone, volunteer your time, thank someone for their hard work. Research shows that doing something “new and special” and doing several kind acts per day will give you a big happiness boost.

5

8 Celebrate Your Successes

Relationships are the number one predictor of happiness. Add more happiness in this area by making time for the people in your life who are important to you. We aren’t fully present with our loved ones when distracted by technology and to-do lists. Our fun, communication and connection suffer as a result.

Make time to be fully present (phones away), even for a few minutes, with someone important to you every day! Your happiness (and theirs) will go up!

Increase Social Connections 6

Add More Movement

Just adding movement to your day can bring big improvements to your psychological and physical health! The Journal of the American Heart Association has published multiple studies that show a great improvement in overall health from short spurts of activity – even under 10 minutes!

Movement and exercise help with anxiety and ADHD/ADD, and also improve mood, memory, creativity and ability to focus. It increases self-esteem, decreases likelihood of dementia by 52%, reduces chronic diseases, and helps you live longer!

Try incorporating micro-movements every two hours: walk up and down the stairs a few times instead of scrolling on your phone, go for a walk to catch up with a friend, have a dance break, stretch while you watch TV, or fit in a mini yoga session.

7

Make Time for Recovery & Rest

Our lives are generally go, go, go! It has been proven that we need time to rest and recover. Our bodies and minds do not perform at their best when we don’t have downtime. We end up feeling grumpy, shorttempered, less creative, and more.

It’s counterintuitive, but you will be more ready to tackle your to-do list if you take a break every day! What works for you – a quiet walk, reading a book, a few minutes enjoying a cup of tea, a dance break, a bath or a nap?

Every time you do something good (from drinking your water to completing a work project), celebrate it and be your own cheerleader! Write it in your journal, share it on social media or tell a friend! It might sound silly but celebrating even our small “wins” has a big impact on our happiness. It increases our mood, self-confidence and the likelihood that we’ll take more positive action.

9 Meditate

In our fast paced, hectic world we have many inputs in our lives (phones, emails, people, long to-do lists), which make us anxious, depressed, scattered and unhappy. We’re often worrying about the past and the future and have a monkey mind full of thoughts that jump around and don’t stop for a split second!

The goal of meditation is to allow your mind to rest and get present. When we rest it, we feel better and research shows amazing results: reduced anxiety and stronger immune responses as well as improved mood, memory, creativity, focus – and more. We also feel calmer and more present in our everyday lives, which allows us to notice all the awesomeness around us (from the chirping birds to the smell of the cookies baking).

Try this:

• Meditate 2-3 minutes per day. It has shown amazing results.

• Try a free meditation app.

• Try “square breathing,” something you can do anytime. Breathe in for a count of 4, hold breath for 4. Repeat a few times and feel the relaxation wash over you.

Increasing your happiness is absolutely doable and within your control, but you do have to take action to make it happen! Why not try all of these things and see how each of them help you?

Another big benefit of improving our happiness is the ripple effect, which is known in positive psychology as the “virtuous upward spiral.” The happier we feel, the more likely we are to help others. So, work on your own happiness, and you’ll spread it through ripples into your family, your friends, your local barista, etc.

Join my new workshop “The Science of Happiness, Tools to Help You Thrive” in March 2023.

by JEREMY FALLT HFN General Manager & Central Park Resident

As Highlands Fiber Network (HFN) approaches a couple of big milestones in 2023—such as the 25th anniversary of our first customer and 10 years of being a community-owned asset—it felt appropriate to take a look back and see how we got here.

The Early Days

In 1997, Port Blakely Communities (PBC) sought to provide an advanced communications infrastructure for Issaquah Highlands. PBC started working with Vialight, a third-party entity responsible for constructing, operating and owning the network. At that time, PBC’s involvement focused on installing the conduit and vaults.

In 2001, Vialight ended its operation as a result of financial default. PBC rescued the network by assuming ownership and management responsibility. HFN was then formed.

PBC worked with the community to determine a longterm operating model that would facilitate payback of its investment in the network. A mandatory “network fee” and connection requirement was implemented for all residents in the second phase of development in order to accomplish PBC’s financial recovery goals, and the groundwork was set for HFN to potentially become a community-owned asset. At the time, the maximum speed was a whopping 1.5 Mbps.

From 2001 to 2003, PBC made a number of technology changes in order to keep the network serviceable. This evolved into a mixed hardware and network architecture, which wasn’t engineered for advanced IP services. Additionally, subscribers and residents constantly complained about poor service.

In 2004, HFN began the implementation of network architecture changes. PBC made an additional investment by upgrading, deploying and maintaining Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology to every home and commercial building, vastly improving the network's reliability and the end user experience. This decision proved pivotal in the coming years. With no constraints or expensive hardware between the data center and the end user, speed increases were more manageable and continue to be so to this day.

Also in 2004, the HFN operation was outsourced to a northwest regional Internet Service Provider (ISP), which kickstarted our great relationship with IsoFusion/ GigabitNow. During this time, the transition to Active Ethernet saw speeds jump to 4 Mbps in 2004, 20 Mbps in 2006 and 55 Mbps in 2008.

Download The HFN

Establishing Direction

During this time, direction for the company came from community residents, who made up an eight-member technology advisory committee known as the HFN Advisory Council.

The council formed the HFN Task Force to oversee community interest in the business opportunity process, product changes and price setting. This was unheard of in the industry, where most providers are focused on the bottom line and reporting earnings to Wall Street.

The direction had been set for HFN to solely focus on being a great asset for the community.

Becoming an Industry Leader

PBC, IsoFusion and HFN Advisory Council came together with the idea of being one of the first providers in the world to offer Gigabit service in 2011. HFN Quantum was launched that October.

At $199 per month for a mind-boggling 1 Gbps down and 100 Mbps up, residents in Issaquah Highlands had access to the fastest internet in the nation! Although some were skeptical that the plan would ever gain much traction, it was important to everyone involved that HFN was an industry leader, while continuing to provide high-quality and reliable service.

A few years later, HFN adopted a fully symmetrical Gigabit plan. With feedback from our neighbors, the price eventually came down to $70 per month in 2015. HFN has

the qualities of an industry leader in speed and reliability— all at a great price!

Move to Community-Owned Asset

In 2013, Port Blakely looked at the potential of selling off the network as they started the transition out of managing the community. Recognizing an opportunity, the HFN Advisory Council and Task Force took on the responsibility of determining if the community could afford to purchase the assets from Port Blakely. Ultimately, they decided to go ahead with the purchase.

The HFN Board of Directors was established to continue providing direction and oversight of the company—with the community’s best interest in mind. The groundwork has now been laid to not only provide great service to the community, but the potential for the company to give back to the community some day.

Looking Ahead

HFN now has 10 years under its belt as a community-owned asset, and a total of 25 years in existence! We look at 2023 with much excitement as HFN continues to be an industry leader. We’re also looking forward to the launch of a future “multi-gig” service offering, further network modifications and improvements, and the phasing out of older network gear and cabling.

The great decisions made in the past has set HFN up with a robust and dependable network, solid financial outlook, and flexibility to continue to make modifications that best serve the community at large for years to come.

The council formed the HFN Task Force to oversee community interest in the business opportunity process, product changes and price setting. This was unheard of in the industry, where most providers are focused on the bottom line and reporting earnings to Wall Street.

The HFN office trailer is seen outside of Blakely Hall in 2005..

This Month on the Blog

Emergency Preparedness Ready for Anything: Preparing Your Documents

Highlands Fiber Network HFN Download: Most Popular Questions

Read these upcoming stories from your Issaquah Highlands neighbors at issaquahhighlands.com/news.

Community News Shelter Holdings Wins Latest Appeal in Development Battle

Residents Doing Cool Things How to Properly Recycle Your Batteries

JOHNNA MASTERSON

In the case of an emergency, it’s essential that your personal documents are easily assessable. Make sure to compile your passports, identification cards, medical information and financial documents in a safe place!

JEREMY FALLT HFN General Manager

Highlands Fiber Network (HFN) receives many requests and questions from Issaquah Highlands residents. Each month, HFN breaks down support requests and answers the top few questions from users regarding connectivity and services.

Shelter Holdings won its latest appeal against the City of Issaquah regarding the 1.8 million-square-foot property on Ninth Avenue in Issaquah Highlands. This decision should open up the opportunity to finally develop that L-shaped parcel.

ROCKSTARS PCMS Eigth Grade Robotics Team

The Robo Rockstars is a team of eighth grade students participating in a robotics competition called First Lego League. As part of the competition, the team is focusing on energy and how recycling batteries can be a very difficult process.

MADDIE COATS Highlands Council Media Editor

Owner of Inspired & Organized & Central Park Resident

ROBO

There Was Fall Fun for Everyone!

Take a look back in pictures at the Middle School Halloween Party, Treats and Tails, Halloween Bingo and our Veterans Day Celebration.

BY MADDIE COATS Highlands Council Media Editor

It was a busy fall at Blakely Hall!

In October, the Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY) connected with youth in the community through two Halloween events: Middle School Halloween Party and Treats & Tails. Over 180 middle schoolers attended the Halloween party and roughly 800-1,000 residents (and their pets) stopped by the first ever Treats & Tails.

Later that month, guests enjoyed a scary good time during our annual Spooktacular Halloween Bingo. The event featured lots of lucky winners and crazy costumes.

In November, we honored our veterans with breakfast and a video compiled by residents during our Veterans Day Open House. Several local Girl Scout troops attended to thank our veterans for their service and give them a special gift.

To learn more about upcoming community programming, visit issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Photos by Katie Cannon and Maddie Coats (moving counterclockwise from left): Middle School Halloween Party, Treats & Tails, Spooktacular Halloween Bingo, Veterans Day Open House.