January 2020

Connections

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ISSAQUAH HIGHL ANDS

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By Community, for Community January 2020

Celebrating the Lunar New Year in Issaquah Highlands + What is it? + Upcoming Events W H AT ’ S I N S I D E ?

5 Feature: Happy New Year 2020 - Year of the Rat 9 Volunteer of the Month 10 Highlands Youth - HY 10 Milestones 11 Highlands Council 12 Wish You Were Here 14 What’s Happening 16 IHCA Operations & New Year

City News Living Green® The Smart Home Home Organization Ask Kari Understanding Public School Funding 25 School Spotlight 26 Emergency Preparedness 18 19 21 23 23 24

27 Directory

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January 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE Creating each issue of Connections is an adventure in learning for our team, a combination of research and social experiences. The issue you are now reading was a fun learning experience, especially for our feature story about the Asian new year, called the Lunar New Year. We discovered how various Asian cultures have celebrated the new year for centuries by following lunar cycles. Other cultures follow lunar calendars, but with different new years. The Asian Lunar Calendar begins on January 25.

This issue brings perspectives from two Asian residents who follow the lunar calendar in their own cultural tradition. Learn about their festivities, foods, and other practices in our feature stories and also by scheduling into your calendar Lunar New Year events in Issaquah Highlands we’ve produced for the community. There are many to choose from!

We enjoy collaborating around Blakely Hall’s dining table with drafts of Connections news all laid out. We cut and paste the old fashioned way as we fine tune the content for you.

You will find many other new year’s celebrations inside these pages.

See Aline Bloch’s “Living Green” resolutions and Johnna Masterson’s home organizing new year. Also enjoy Ask Kari’s suggestions for the new year, and those from the HY’s Sophia Hashmey. I bet you will find a lot of inspiration as you read these stories from your neighbors.

About the Cover: This special feature of Connections was a collaboration between Highlands Council and the Chinese Heritage Club to welcome the entire community to celebrate the Year of the Rat. The cover graphics were created by Highlands Council’s Vicki Grunewald. Congratulations Vicki on balancing all the diverse opinions on what constitutes the best rat for the cover and for the event marketing designs. What might seem a simple task was anything but! Go ahead – Google “Year of the Rat / Images” and you will see a wide variety of rat images celebrated in this holiday! I think Vicki and the team chose the best rat for incorporating tradition and modernity, significance and joy.

Nina Milligan

Nina Milligan | Editor of

Connections - Highlands Council Communications Manager

Highlands Council is the publisher of Connections, producer of community-wide events such as Highlands Day, owner and manager of Blakely Hall, liaison with the greater community. The mission of Highlands Council, and therefore, Connections News, is “to foster the development of a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, and well-being.”

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

Produced by Highlands Council We’re celebrating Lunar New Year, the most important holiday of the year for many East Asian and South Asian people. The holiday occurs in late January or early February (in 2020 it starts on January 25) and marks the arrival of spring. Each year is named after an animal zodiac sign, which may differ depending on the country. For example, China’s zodiac calendar includes a rabbit, which is presented as a cat in Vietnam. This year is the Year of the Rat!

Common New Year’s Greetings

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới

While each country has its own unique traditions to celebrate, there are many common customs. Workers are given extended time off to celebrate. Families hold big family reunion dinners where traditional foods of that country are served. Markets and shops are festively decorated and busy with the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. People exchange gifts, including money given in red envelopes. Fireworks displays light up the nights. In China, this holiday is commonly referred to as “Spring Festival,” while in Vietnam it is known as Tết Nguyên Đán.

Vietnam “Happy New Year”

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè China “Happy New Year”

The Issaquah Highlands Chinese Heritage Club has brought Chinese New Year celebrations to Blakely Hall for many years. This year, they invite the community to join them in celebrating the Year of the Rat! Thanks to support from Grand Ridge Plaza and the City of Issaquah, the Chinese Heritage Club and Highlands Council have planned more Lunar New Year festivities than ever. Whether Lunar New Year is part of your cultural background or not, everyone will enjoy the wide range of activities across the community, including food, entertainment, workshops, arts & crafts, kids activities and more. All are welcome!

According to the Chinese zodiac, people born in a Rat year are clever, likeable, and kind but often have poor communication skills. They can be stubborn but are sensitive to the emotions of those around them. They are quick thinking and successful, but content living a quiet, peaceful life.

Are you a Rat? The most recent years of the Rat are: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

China “Happiness and Prosperity”

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January 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Celebrating the Lunar New Year At Home and Abroad

Two residents from different cultural backgrounds share how Lunar New Year is celebrated traditionally abroad, and how they continue those traditions today with their families in Issaquah Highlands.

CHINA: Celebrating Chinese New Year

by Alexandra Zhu, Central Park resident What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese Lunar New Year is the most important festival in China, and in surrounding Asian nations. It is not a fixed date on our normal calendar. Most of the time it takes place in February, sometimes in late January. The legal paid holiday period usually is seven days in urban areas, while the traditional celebration lasts for 15 days.

having dinner, and watching the annual Spring Festival show on TV.

The date of Chinese New Year is regarded as the arrival of the spring, the start of a new cycle of seasons. In Chinese tradition, each year has its own guarding animal (2020’s guarding animal is the rat). It is also a time to pray for good fortune in the coming new year. Symbolic elements representing blooming life are revered, like wearing red clothes, pasting the ‘luck’ poster on your front door, and loud fireworks.

How are Chinese New Year traditions changing?

With WeChat (an app like Facebook), the traditional New Year’s gift of money in red paper envelopes is being replaced by the “e-red envelope” (digital cash gift) among young people. But older generations still stick to the traditional way of giving their grandchildren red paper envelopes with a large amounts of cash inside.

How do people traditionally celebrate?

The big family pattern used to be quite popular in China and it was normal to live with grandparents, even greatgrandparents. As China becomes more westernized, young couples are no longer willing to live with their parents, so the Chinese New Year turns out to be the most important date for family reunions and friends visiting. It is like an annual ceremony for family members, sitting together,

Like turkey is to Thanksgiving, dumplings are the traditional food for Chinese New Year. The homemade dumpling is regarded as the best and most admired food to serve visiting guests.

How does your family celebrate Chinese New Year in Issaquah Highlands?

Before we moved to United States, we gathered with our grandmother, aunties, uncles, cousins and their children – more than 20 people total – to make the New Year’s Eve dinner together and watch the fireworks.

Alexandra (left) with her daughter and husband wearing red during last year’s Chinese New Year.

to celebrate and make wishes through phones to our loved family members. Most of all, wearing red.

Wishing you, my dear friends in this wonderful community, all the best in the ‘Rat’ Year!

After we moved to Issaquah Highlands in 2017, we still make our traditional dumpling Chinese New Year dinner

VIETNAM: Celebrating Tết Nguyên Đán

by Thuan Stevens, Central Park resident

What is Tết?

Tết has a very special meaning to all Vietnamese people.

It is the time of year when family members return to their hometowns, visit relatives, sing together, and relax after a hardworking year. If you have the opportunity to visit Vietnam during the Tết holiday, this is a festive holiday you don’t want to miss!

How do people traditionally celebrate?

Vietnamese people begin their preparations well in advance for the upcoming New Year. It starts with an event called “Chụp mã,” where people spend a few days cleaning their homes, the gravestones of ancestors, and the ancestral altar. They polish every utensil, then invite nearby friends and families to celebrate with a feast and religious rituals.

People begin to shop for things like kumquat trees, branches of peach blossoms, and many other colorful flowers such as Hoa Mai to decorate the homes.

The marketplace is an especially fun and exciting place to visit during this holiday because fresh and luscious fruits, candies, and gifts are on beautiful displays to attract customers from near and far. Every household buys votive paper clothing and accessories for the ancestors along with many other purchases, such as new clothes like áo dài and shoes to wear on the first day of New Year.

Thuan Stevens (third from the right, in blue), her husband, Dan (third from the left) celebrating Tết in Vietnam. Thuan, Dan and their children lived in Vietnam for about 20 months between August 2017 and August 2019 before returning to Issaquah Highlands.

Workers are given end-of-the-year money in red envelopes as they try to pay off debts and resolve all arguments among their colleagues, friends or family members. Children who have left home for jobs send money home to their parents as a way to show gratitude. Young children get red envelopes with money inside from family members and close family friends.

Which foods are traditionally eaten during Tết?

Weeks before the New Year, you can see scallions and carrots being dried in the heat on the streets as people get ready to make pickled onions and pickled carrots. Xôi Gấc (red sticky rice) is also commonly used in cooking at this time because the color red means good luck. Among the savory dishes are sweet treats such as Mức (colorful roasted, sweetened coconuts), mức gừng (sweetened roasted ginger), and bánh thuẫn (steamed cake). The most popular finger snacks are roasted nuts and watermelon seeds.

How did your family celebrate Tết in Vietnam?

When I was growing up, New Year’s Eve included firecrackers and fireworks. Now it is celebrated with just fireworks [firecrackers are banned in Vietnam] as families gather around eating Bánh chưng/Bánh tét (sticky rice cakes in a square shape).

When our family lived in Vietnam in 2017-2019, it was our very favorite time of year and our children loved getting red envelopes as we served up big meals over the two-week period.

How does your family celebrate Tết now that you’ve moved back to Issaquah Highlands?

We decorate our house and usually have family come to bring the spirit of the holiday. This year, my sisters and parents are coming into town. We also go to the Vietnamese Tết celebration in Seattle to see the lion dance performances at the Seattle Center.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

Join Us! Upcoming Events Celebrate the Year of the Rat in Issaquah Highlands

Lunar New Year Celebration Saturday, February 1 2:00 - 3:00pm Grand Ridge Plaza (next to Regal)

Bundle up the family and join your neighbors on the plaza for exciting Lunar New Year performances including dragon and lion dances, martial arts, and family friendly activities. Don’t forget your camera to capture the excitement!

Dumpling Making Workshop

Community Dinner

Friday, January 17 6:30pm Blakely Hall

Sunday, January 26 5:00 - 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Join fellow neighbor Wei Geiger for a hands-on workshop making “jiaozi,” traditional Chinese dumplings. During the Lunar New Year families get together to prepare dumplings together. 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, happiness and prosperity for the New Year. $10 per person, pre-registration required at issaquahhighlands.com/events. This event is adults only.

Drop by for a casual community dinner to celebrate Lunar New Year together! A special Lunar New Year menu will be available for purchase from Auntie’s Family Kitchen Food Truck, featuring shrimp shumai, steamed pork buns, chow mein, fried rice, cashew chicken and more! Connect with neighbors and friends while kids enjoy a variety of free Lunar New Year activities.

Caligraphy Workshop

Mahjong Night

Sunday, January 19 2:00pm Blakely Hall

Wednesday, January 29 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Calligraphy, or “the art of writing,” was a highly valued visual art form in traditional China.

At this free workshop sip on traditional Oolong tea while learning from Allen Chen, an experienced artist from Si Chuan, China, who has been practicing the art of calligraphy from a young age. You’ll leave with a better understanding of the art form, as well as your own name in calligraphy!

Mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed in the early 20th century in China during the Qing dynasty and has spread throughout the world. It is commonly played by four players. Whether you are an experienced player or made a resolution to learn something new in 2020, all levels are welcome for this night of fun! Free to attend. Refreshments served. Ages 10 and over only, please.

Get Involved in the New Year!

Be a part of our Lunar New Year festivities by volunteering at one or more of our upcoming events! Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer and find more details under “Volunteer at an Event.” Sign up for dates and times directly online or contact Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council Community Program Manager, at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.

For complete event details, visit issaquahhighlands.com/lunar-new-year

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

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JANUARY VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

January Volunteer of the Month, Sean Alexander with his family: Ryan, Sean, Dian, SueAnn, and Tristan.

Sean Alexander " ...it was his passion for giving back to the community that won us over."

- Sean Alexander on how Highlands pioneer Geoff Walker inspired the Alexanders to move to the Highlands and to get involved.

Congratulations to Sean Alexander, our volunteer of the month for January! Sean has been a volunteer member of the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Architectural Review Committee (ARC) for the past three years, has spoken with his wife at Issaquah City Council meetings, as well as volunteering at events and activities in and around the Highlands.

Tell us what’s unique about your family?

We’re a blended, multi-generational family living under one roof and we are loving it.

My wife, SueAnn, is a pilot, flying the 737 commercially and the C-17 in the USAF Reserves, and I lead a multi-national team at Microsoft. We’re also raising two sons, Ryan (16) and Tristan (12), with the help of SueAnn’s Mom, Dian, who came to live with us last year. You’ll often find Dian at Blakely Hall on the 3rd Saturday mornings with the Photography Group or out photographing the fantastic birds that soar over the Highlands.

What do you love most about your neighborhood in the Highlands?

We love how quickly our neighbors became friends despite our unusual family situation and schedules. A highlight is our end of summer neighborhood party and outdoor movie night. When the Highlands Council Party Wagon arrives, all of the kids get excited!

What drew you to volunteering in Issaquah Highlands?

It was a conversation with fellow Issaquah Highlands resident Geoff Walker that was the tipping point in SueAnn's and my decision to move here and to volunteer. I’ve known Geoff for over 20 years and remember attending his open house when the Highlands was mostly undeveloped. Five years ago, we reconnected over coffee, and it was his passion for giving back to the community that won us over. In three years, I’ve gone from being a school volunteer to the Architectural Review Committee, to a Trustee for my University, mainly from this one conversation.

What advice would you have for someone who is considering or new to volunteering?

Just start! There’s no judgment, and you will grow and develop a new set of skills, a sense of belonging, and new friendships that reflect the diversity of our community.

Sean was interviewed by Sarah Hoey, IHCA Executive Director

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January 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

HIGHLANDS YOUTH - HY

Finding Peace and Happiness in 2020

By Sophia Hashmey, Member of the Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY)

As the new year arrives, new goals are set and all different people try their best to become nicer, stronger, and happier. Time is important too, and it always seems limited.

I am a high school student with a tight schedule and some stressful days at school.

I can imagine that full grown adults definitely have the same problem with work.

Maybe even children sometimes feel burdened. Everyone can feel pressured from the holiday season and new years. However, I tend to feel at ease when I share my experiences with my family. The heavy burdens of life melt away when I laugh with them. I feel that everyone should experience a welcoming love from the people around them.

“

We will open the book. Its pages are

blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. - Edith Love-joy Pierce

Putting time aside for friends and family is often the first thing that becomes sacrificed in order to overcome life/work problems and schoolwork. But the time spent with the people who care about you can help you stay in the spirit, and push you to reach the place you want to be, especially if these problems can be talked about and solved with them. The time to enjoy these things should be cherished and lengthened.

Sophie Hashmey (right) gives the gift of time to children from the community at the 2018 HY Parents Night Out.

We live in such a wonderful community in the Highlands where there are so many opportunities to spend time with families and friends, and even donate to people who need the gift of love in the new year. By just setting aside a sliver of time to give to people around you, and especially yourself and family, something will always be gained, and you will feel the happiness that can never be simply checked off a list.

MILESTONES

Congratulations Samantha Garrard Engagement to Matt Hrdlicka Alex and Christy Garrard are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Samantha to Matt Hrdlicka.

Samantha lived with her parents, in Dahlia Park, through middle and high school. Matt is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. They met in graduate school at Seattle University. They currently live in Seattle.

Congratulations Elise White Happy 1st Birthday!

This month we are celebrating our daughter Lissie’s first birthday! Elise “Lissie” James White was born on January 25, 2019 at Swedish Issaquah. She was welcomed by her ecstatic parents, James and Lynn, and her feline sisters, Lucy and Molly. Lissie loves going to her Saturday swim classes, going on a Starbucks date with her dad, and bouncing to Elmo’s Slide. We are so proud of what she has already achieved in her first 12 months, including overcoming a major surgery, and we can’t wait to see what she will accomplish next!

Lynn and James White, Starpoint Residents

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

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HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

New Year, New Opportunities to Connect We are excited to welcome three new Community Groups to Blakely Hall this month!

See What’s Happening on page 14 for the specifics – we hope to see you there.

Issaquah Highlands Networking Group (IHNG) will offer a new spin on the standard practice of networking based on knowing the more we connect and share, the more we all grow! Volunteer leader Johnna Masterson explains, “The group will blend the best parts of other networking meetings while being inclusive, connectionbased, and most of all, valuable for all members.” Her vision is a group with no obligations, just genuine connections! Meetings will be held each first Monday of the month and start with informal social time with refreshments (courtesy of HFN) from 9:30-10:00am, followed by a structured meeting from 10:00-10:45am.

Free to attend.

The Figure Drawing Group will meet every Monday, offering two drop-in sessions to draw from a nude model.

The group welcomes experienced artists, beginners, and everything in between. While no instruction is provided, members are welcome to share insights. All attendees need to bring their own drawing materials, including an easel if you prefer not to draw from a sketchbook on your lap. The short-pose session from 9:30-11:30am will offer poses ranging from 1 minute to 15 minutes in length. The long-pose session from Noon-2:00pm will be a single pose repeated in 20-minute sittings. You may attend one or both sessions. Each session is $10 (cash only) to cover the cost of the model.

Do you love Monopoly? Battleship? Jenga? Whatever board games you like to play, come on out to Family Game Night to enjoy board games with friends and neighbors. This exciting new group brings families together for a casual, fun night out on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm. All ages are invited, and you are welcome to bring a family favorite game or two, as well as a snack to share.

The Issaquah Highlands ‘Melting Pot’ Get Involved with the Cross-Cultural Committee

by Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council Community Program Manager, Wisteria Park Resident

As we welcome 2020 here at Highlands Council, we are excited about growing our cultural offerings within the community. Our mission is to create a vibrant and caring community, committed to service, diversity and well-being. We are passionate about bringing people together in fun and friendship, as well as pursuing multi-cultural understanding.

Issaquah Highlands is a “cultural melting pot” - we live, work and play with people of diverse backgrounds from all over the world. It is a heartwarming demonstration of community when residents volunteer to share their cultures with neighbors and friends, whether through Connections news, Community Groups, or special events.

We can grow as a community as we offer more opportunities for residents to share their culture and learn from each other. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds to join our cross-cultural committee – anyone who has a passion for celebrating the diverse cultures that make up Issaquah Highlands is invited to join! The committee will come together to learn about the different cultures that are represented in Issaquah Highlands, and to help shape the direction of Highlands Council going forward. The time commitment is based on each member’s interest – some may choose to help put on events or contribute to Connections, while others may only have the time to meet once a month.

Our first meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 8 at 10:00am at Blakely Hall.

Future meeting dates and times will be determined based on what works best for members of the committee. Please visit Issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer or email lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org for more information or to RSVP.

Please send us your thoughts about our community building activities.

See Community Survey details on page 3.

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Dear Neighbor, January 2020

Shop Local Holiday Bazaar We had a wonderfully festive time at this year’s Shop Local – visiting with Santa, decorating cookies with FrogLegs Culinary, making art with Epic Art, and shopping with amazing local vendors! We’re already looking forward to next year!

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

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wish You Were Here...

Holiday Décor Swap

Our first annual holiday décor swap was a huge success! Like a treasure hunt, we had a great time trading our old holiday items for things that are new to us.

Living Green®: Green Holiday Workshop

We had a great time wrapping presents the “green” way with Aline Bloch! We even picked up a lot of tips for making our holidays greener.

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January 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS

Kids & Families NEW! Family Game Night

Starting Thursday, January 9, 6:30pm Blakely Hall

New community group starting in January - Enjoy an all ages night playing board games with friends and neighbors! Feel free to bring a favorite game and snack to share.

Library-2-Go

Tuesday, January 14, 3:30-4:40pm Outside Blakely Hall

The King County Library will bring the Library-2-Go Book Mobile to Blakely Hall. Bring your library card and browse the curated collection of books – check out your favorites and return any KCLS library books you’ve finished! Free fun for all ages. Next visit: February 11.

Minecraft Mania

Tuesday, January 14 & 28, 5:00pm Blakely Hall

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

Toddler Playgroup

Every Wednesday, 10:00am, Returns January 8 Blakely Hall

Moms, dads, caregivers and their children are invited for fun, friendship, support and socializing. Contact katiels84@gmail.com. Search Facebook for Issaquah Highlands Toddler Playgroup.

Arts & Cards NEW! Figure Drawing Group

Starting Monday, January 6, 9:30am & 12:00pm Blakely Hall

Bring what you need to draw and join a group of artists for weekly sessions to draw from a nude model. The Short-Pose Session meets from 9:30am-11:30am with poses ranging from 1 minute to 15 minutes in length. The Long Pose Session meets from 12:00pm-2:00pm with a single pose repeated in 20-minute sittings. There is no formal instruction. Attend one or both sessions - the cost per session is $10, cash only. See issaquahhighlands.com/ events/ for more information.

Bridge Club

Monday, January 6, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Grab a partner or come solo to play a little Bridge!

Bring your own beverage of choice and a snack to share.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned bridge player, you are welcome to join us.

RSVP: Ed Tellman, etellman@pobox.com.

Knit for Life®

Every Monday, 1:00pm Swedish Medical Center, Main Lobby

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

Photography Meet Up

Saturday, January 18, 10:30am Blakely Hall

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

Contact ihpc@outlook.com.

Poker Night

Thursday, January 30, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

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

Rovin’ Fiddlers

Every Tuesday, 7:00pm Issaquah Highlands Fire Station 73

Drop in on our jam sessions. We welcome guitars, flutes, whistles, banjos, mandolins, autoharps, dulcimers, stand up bass, and percussion. All abilities welcome. Contact Martha at mclnev@yahoo.com.

Yarns & Threads Group Every Friday, 9:00am Blakely Hall

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

Fitness Issaquah Highlands Hiking Group

The Issaquah Highlands Hiking Group is open to all ages to connect with other hiking enthusiasts and go on planned hikes in the beautiful northwest. For more information and details on our next scheduled hike, join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/ nwhiking.

Meditation Group

Every Friday, 2:00pm, except 1/3 Blakely Hall

Discover how to find moments to relax the mind. The group practice exercises that promote balance, strength, and calmness. Learn techniques to help deal with stress and strain of a busy life. Free to attend and open to all!

Questions? Contact ih.meditation@gmail.com.

Mountain Biking Group

The Issaquah Highlands Mountain Biking Group is open to all ages to meet other mountain bike enthusiasts while exploring some of the amazing local mountain bike trails! For more information and details on all planned rides, join us on Facebook at “Issaquah Highlands Mountain Biking Club.”

Taichi Fitness Group

Every Wednesday, 6:30am, Returns January 8 Blakely Hall

The ancient Chinese martial art, Taichi, will be offered every Wednesday at Blakely Hall. Participation is free; a donation of a nonperishable food item for the Food Bank is encouraged. Contact: taichifitness_IH@outlook.com.

Zumba Fitness® Class

Special Interest Book Club

Tuesday, January 21, 7:00pm Blakely Hall This month: Little Fires Everywhere

The book club is a great place to meet neighbors, socialize and explore a variety of books.

Email lindsey8@gmail.com or join the Facebook group at facebook.com/ihbookclub.

Bunco Night

Friday, January 3, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Come roll the dice with friends and neighbors at Bunco Night! Please bring $5 for the prize pool and a snack or drink to share. No experience necessary. For more information and updates, join the Facebook group: Issaquah Highlands Bunco.

NEW! IH Business Networking Group Monday, January 6, 9:30am Blakely Hall

Kick off your month with a new spin on the standard practice of networking, based on knowing that the more we connect and share, the more we all grow!

This new monthly group will blend the best parts of other networking meetings while being inclusive, connection-based, and most of all, valuable for all members. Social with refreshments from 9:30-10:00am, meeting from 10:00-10:45am. No obligations, just genuine connections! For more details, please visit issaquahhighlands.com/events/.

Telecommute Tuesdays

Every Tuesday, 10:00am - 1:00pm Blakely Hall

Do you work from home? Do you want a little motivation to work from home once each week?

Telecommute Tuesdays were designed for you! Head on over to Blakely Hall on Tuesdays for free wi-fi, coffee and treats and the beautiful setting of our community hall. Questions?

Contact Lindsey.P@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1107.

Toastmasters

Every Thursday, 7:00am Swedish Hospital – 1st Floor Flex Space

Say it better with Toastmasters. Share your interests and goals in a positive, supportive environment. Let us help you expand your knowledge and horizons. Guest are welcome to join a meeting to see what it’s about – it’s one hour of fun, and you won’t be put on the spot!

Learn more at https://ihtm.toastmastersclubs.org.

Travel Night

Wednesday, January 8, 7:00pm Blakely Hall Topic: Hiking the Grand Canyon

Few places in America offer the vistas and breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon! Roger Ulrich, a frequent trekker of the Canyon and IH Resident, will take us along on the adventure of a hike down to the roaring river and back up the magnificent slopes of the canyon, including an overnight at the famous Phantom Ranch.

Please bring a snack or beverage to share. For more information, visit our Facebook group at ‘Issaquah Highlands Travel Night.’

Every Saturday, 9:00am, Returns January 11 Blakely Hall

Zumba Fitness is the Latin and world rhythm and dance based fitness party that will change the way you think about working out. Grab your workout clothes, your water bottle, and join the party! Free class but please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the food bank! Contact: zumbawithcindy@gmail.com.

For the latest details, see IssaquahHighlands.com/events

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

15

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS

Don’t Miss This Curbside Tree Pick Up Saturday, January 4, 8:00 am Issaquah Highlands

Let the Boy Scouts recycle your Christmas tree! Place your tree and donation curbside by 8:00am on January 4, cleaned of tinsel, nails or flocking. For more information, please visit scouttreedrive.org.

Living Green : Vision Board Workshop ®

Wednesday, January 15, 6:30pm Blakely Hall

Let’s kick off 2020 right! Join Aline Bloch to create your vision board for the year, taking into account the impact your goals will have on the community. We’ll also work together to create a “green” board for Issaquah Highlands. Don’t miss this inspirational workshop!

Adults only. Free, but please register in advance at issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Lunar New Year For the latest information, please visit our Lunar New Year page at issaquahhighlands.com/lunarnew-year.

Dumpling Making Workshop Adults Only Friday, January 17, 6:30pm Blakely Hall

Join fellow neighbor Wei Geiger for a hands-on workshop making “jiaozi,” traditional Chinese dumplings.

During the Lunar New Year families get together to prepare dumplings together. 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, happiness and prosperity for the New Year. Adults only. $10 per person, pre-registration required at issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Calligraphy Workshop Family Friendly Sunday, January 19, 2:00pm Blakely Hall

Calligraphy, or “the art of writing,” was a highly valued visual art form in traditional China. At this free workshop, sip on traditional Oolong tea while learning from Allen Chen, an experienced artist from Si Chuan, China, who has been practicing the art of calligraphy from a young age. You’ll leave with a better understanding of the art form, as well as your own name in calligraphy!

Community Dinner: Auntie's Family Kitchen Food Truck Food for Purchase Free Activities for Kids Sunday, January 26, 5:00pm – 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Lunar New Year Celebration Sponsored by Regency Centers and the Issaquah Arts Commission Saturday, February 1, 2:00pm-3:00pm Grand Ridge Plaza (Next to Regal)

Bundle up the family and join your neighbors on the plaza for exciting Lunar New Year performances including dragon and lion dances, martial arts, and other family fun.

Don’t forget your camera to capture the excitement!

Gallery Exhibition – Raindrops Presented by the Kirkland Arts Center January 17 through March 27, 2020 Blakely Hall

Asian artist Soo Hong says that her paintings are records of her “molla,” meaning “don’t know” in Korean, addressing themes of psychology and spirituality related to human emotions. Blakely Hall will feature her painting series, “Raindrops,” during Lunar New Year celebrations and beyond, including an opportunity for the community to participate, having their art brought to life for the last two weeks of the exhibit. Learn more about Soo and this special exhibition in February Connections!

Save the Date Community Art Project and Cultural Conversation: Home

FREE and Family-friendly Presented by the Kirkland Arts Center Funded by the Issaquah Arts Commission and artEast Saturday, February 8, 1:00pm Blakely Hall

Join artist Soo Hong and members of the Issaquah community for a discussion on what home means to each of us followed by an artist-led interactive workshop using YOUR drawing of a raindrop image and a 3D printer!

Kids will attend their own fun, hands-on workshop in the adjacent Blakley Hall studio facilitated by the education team from the Kirkland Arts Center. The raindrop artwork created on this day will be featured in special community exhibition in March!

Monday, 1/6, 5:00pm IHCA Office

IHCA Architectural Review Committee

Tuesday 1/7, 6:00pm IHCA Office

IHCA Finance Committee Tuesday, 1/14, 5:30 pm IHCA Office

IHCA Board of Directors

Wednesday, 1/22, 5:00pm IHCA Office

City Meetings City Meetings covering Issaquah Highlands topics will be listed at IssaquahHighlands.com/ events.

Holidays New Year’s Day Sunday, January 1

Epiphany/Three Kings Day Monday, January 6

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 20

Office Holiday Closures

IHCA Office, Blakely Hall, Highlands Council and HFN Offices will be closed on December 31 and January 1 for the New Year holiday.

Wednesday, February 26, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Sit back, relax, and weave a basket out of Pine Needles!

Each attendee will receive a kit with all of the supplies needed to make a small pine needle basket. We’ll enjoy a relaxing evening in the company of friends and neighbors while learning a new skill using materials we connect with in nature. Light snacks and drinks will be provided to enjoy while we work. Adults only. Cost for supplies is $20/person and registration is required by February 14 at issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Get Involved Lunar New Year

Help with our celebration to welcome the Year of the Rat! In 2020, we are planning multiple, multi-cultural festivities and need lots of volunteers to join in. If you would like to be involved, please let Lindsey know (lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org) or visit issaquahhighlands.com/ volunteer.

Mahjong Night

Anyone who has a passion for celebrating the diverse cultures that make up Issaquah Highlands is invited to join our cross-cultural committee. We’ll come together as a group once/month to learn from each other and to help shape the direction of Highlands Council going forward. Our first meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 8 at 10:00am. Learn more on page 11 or online at issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer.

Mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed in the early 20th century in China during the Qing dynasty and has spread throughout the world. It is commonly played by four players. Whether you are an experienced player or made a resolution to learn something new in 2020, all levels are welcome for this night of fun! Light refreshments will be served. Free to attend. Ages 10 and over only, please.

Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group

Living Green®: Pine Needle Basket Making

Drop by for a casual community dinner to celebrate the Lunar New Year together! Auntie’s Family Kitchen Food Truck will feature a special Lunar New year menu including shrimp shumai, steamed pork buns, chow mein, fried rice, cashew chicken and more! Connect with neighbors and friends while kids enjoy a variety of free Lunar New Year activities. Everyone is welcome!

Wednesday, January 29, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Governance Mtgs

Cross-Cultural Committee

*All Events are FREE unless otherwise noted.

For daily updates, follow us on:

Subscribe to our weekly e-letter at IssaquahHighlands.com/connect

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January 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Highlighting IHCA Board Districts Board District 2 - Bryan Shiflett Bryan Shiflett has lived in Issaquah Highlands for eight years with his wife and two sons. He has served on the IHCA Board of Directors for the past year and a half. Bryan is also serving as a member of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). Bryan’s knowledge and experience in home improvements are invaluable to the IHCA Board and the ARC Committee.

The IHCA Board of Directors is comprised of Issaquah Highlands homeowners from seven board districts who have been elected to the board by Issaquah Highlands homeowners during the annual board elections. District 2 has 513 homes which includes (in green on the map) Pine Crest, Sunridge, The Brownstones, and Forest Ridge neighborhoods.

Thank you, Bryan, for serving your community!

Have a question for your representative? Email the board at any time at ihcaboard@ihcommunity.org.

Did you know‌ Any exterior lighting

ARC Tip

changes that are not part of the original structure and/or any changes to the original lighting that are not comparable in style, scale, and color to existing lighting, must have ARC approval. This includes all walkway and landscape lighting not installed by the original builder. Holiday lighting displays are always permitted during the holiday season!

IHCA Maintenance Update

by Matthew Hendrikse, Maintenance Manager

January is generally one of the coldest months we will see all year. As stated in previous issues of Connections, and online in the community e-letter, etc., residents of Issaquah Highlands are responsible for cleaning their own sidewalks in the case of snow. Please be prepared with a good shovel and ice melt on hand. Maintaining sidewalks will help reduce the risk of people slipping and falling.

IN THE KNOW

Use Restrictions and Rules: Holiday Decorations

Holiday Decorations: Holiday decorations may be neatly displayed and secured during seasonal time lines and only on the Unit. Winter holiday decorations and lighting (including light clips) may be displayed from October 1st through January 15th.

Regarding roads, the City of Issaquah's snow route maps show where the priority areas will be. We published that map in December Connections and you can find it online at issaquahhighlands.com/explore/maps-and-webcams/. Make a plan on how you will travel during snow events. This is important because if you have not planned ahead, you may find you cannot travel during these times.

The maintenance crew has been working on several projects including finishing the Vista Community garden fence painting, replacing wetland signage, finishing fencing in Bark Park, and taking down holiday lighting. It has been a great time of year to finish projects and get ready for the upcoming spring.

Thank you for doing your part.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

17

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Happy New Year!

Is it Really 2020 Already?

by Sarah Hoey, IHCA Executive Director

Custom Architectural Oversight: The Custom Architectural Review Committee (CARC) process required for Harrison Street and Grand Ridge Drive will be concluding most of the custom construction within the next couple of years. There are currently eight custom homes under construction, nine lots in plan review and five lots which have not started the building process. Over the course of five years the Custom ARC has overseen the construction process of 39 homes.

IHCA Fiscal Mid-Year 2019/2020 Update: The IHCA will be moving to our new office location in early 2020. Our new office will be located at 2420 NE Park Drive Suite B (across from Zeeks Pizza). This move is very timely as the current IHCA office lease on High Street expires in February. The IHCA actively sought a smaller and less expensive office space in Issaquah Highlands for years. Although the new space will be substantially smaller, we jumped at this opportunity to be more centrally located in the community. In August the board approved $250,000 to be allocated from the 2018/2019 year- end surplus to remodel our future office space from its past use as a yogurt shop. The new office space will realize a savings of approximately $170,0000 annually on our current rent!

IHCA Fiscal- Year Financial Report:

We ended the 2018/2019 fiscal year on June 30, 2019 with a $384,000 cash surplus and the financial records were independently audited by Newman & Company CPA, which presented a clean audit report.

The Board voted to reallocate surplus funds to maintain the master association’s reserves fund at 100%. Funds were also allocated to • Increase funding for better play structure upgrades

Builder Architectural Oversight: The IHCA has been working diligently with Polygon Northwest on the Westridge neighborhoods and parks. The Westridge South single-family neighborhood has been sold out and the common areas and trails have been transferred to the IHCA master association. In addition, Westridge South townhome buildings are selling quickly. Polygon Northwest has begun infrastructure and home construction in the remainder of Westridge.

• Continue Bark Park improvements*

In the commercial sector, the Alexan Apartments are under construction and moving at a rapid pace. This project on 10th Ave NE and Falls Drive will have 135 units.

• Continue to invest in Living Green® with the purchase of all electric landscape equipment which not only reduces our carbon footprint but also reduces noise levels.

It is still unknown what will be built on undeveloped lots, such as the Shelter Holdings parcels along 9th Ave NE and on Discovery Drive, Block 20 (behind Dicks Sporting Goods) and the Bellevue College parcels.

And as always, the IHCA Board of Directors continues to partner with Highland Council Board of Trustees and HFN’s Board of Directors on community-related events such as Highlands Day. Let’s make 2020 amazing! *Look for information in July Connections regarding the 15th anniversary celebration for the IHCA’s Bark Park.

Ask the IHCA

New Fences | Register Your Renters We answer many questions each month. Here are a few recent FAQs. THE SOUTH-WEST SIDE OF MY PROPERTY IS NOT FENCED. I WANT TO GET IT FENCED. WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR GETTING IT DONE? HOW DOES THE MAINTENANCE OF THE FENCE THAT IS SHARED BETWEEN TWO NEIGHBORS WORK? An Architectural Review Committee (ARC) application is One of the pre-approved fence types in Issaquah required for any changes to your Highlands. Complete the application online and the approval will be immediate. property. The IHCA has a specific ARC application for fences at IssaquahHighlands.com which includes pre-approved fence styles and a color pallet.

Normally, neighbors share in the expense on fences abutting property lines. However, if your neighbor does not want to split the cost, you can still install a fence on your property only. You just need to ensure it does not encroach on their property.

I'LL BE RENTING OUT MY TOWNHOUSE AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO I NEED TO CONTACT TO MAKE SURE I FOLLOW ALL THE RULES. Please also register your renters with the IHCA office and provide an offsite address for owner correspondence.

All owners and renters are required to follow IHCA rules. All of the IHCA governing documents, including Use Restrictions and Rules and the Community Wide Standards apply and can be found on the community website at issaquahhighlands.com/learn/issaquah-highlands-community-association-ihca/ ihca-governing-documents/. We recommend you have your renters sign a statement of understanding and acceptance of Issaquah Highlands rules as part of your lease agreement.

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January 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

IHCA 2020-21 Annual Budget Development is Underway

by Kristyn McKinnon, IHCA Accounting Manager The Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) and its Finance Committee are preparing the IHCA 2020-21 budget. The budget will be presented to the IHCA Board of Directors (BOD) for approval in late February, published in April’s Connections newspaper, and ratified at a scheduled community meeting in late April.

present the budget to the IHCA BOD for approval. After the BOD approves it, an open meeting is scheduled to publicly ratify the budget. In accordance with state law and the IHCA Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs), ratification is automatic unless 75% of all members (not just those in attendance) vote to reject the budget.

The Finance Committee is comprised of Issaquah Highlands homeowners who volunteer their time to serve on the committee. This committee is appointed by the IHCA BOD and works directly with the IHCA staff to develop a budget recommendation to the BOD. Using financial expertise, knowledge of community and legal requirements, and a commitment to maintaining the communitywide standards, the budget is developed using a proactive group effort.

The Finance Committee reviews the funds needed for daily operation of the community, such as common electricity and irrigation water, grounds maintenance, management, insurance and general maintenance. These operational expenses are either contracted or can be reasonably estimated based on experience. The Finance Committee also reviews the income needed to maintain the reserve fund at sufficient levels. Reserve funds provide money for the repair and replacement of community assets — such as playground equipment, drainage infrastructure, and irrigation equipment.

There are many factors that the Finance Committee must consider when developing the budget.

These driving factors include: • Protecting the integrity of the investment of every homeowner in Issaquah Highlands.

• Maintaining the standard of care and safety of community property and common areas.

• Ensuring efficient planning for future community needs.

Once the budget is reviewed and approved by the Finance Committee, the committee will

Landscape: The landscape crews have been on a biweekly schedule for the last couple of months and will continue until the first of March. The crews will then resume weekly visits to each of their designated sites in the Highlands.

During the month of January, as you may have guessed, there is not a lot to do as far as landscape maintenance. The crews may be cleaning up garbage, branches, and moss and may perform dormant pruning on some shrub varieties.

The IHCA in-house crew will be working on landscape maintenance duties as well as performing needed landscape upgrades and improvements. For instance, the crew will install bark in the tree pits in sidewalk planting beds throughout the community. Along with this the crews will be finishing up installing new grass in the damaged or sunken areas of the streetscape.

Irrigation: The irrigation staff (for the most part) during the month of January will assist the landscape crews with their daily tasks. We will however be doing some system upgrades behind the scenes that are not prohibited by weather. Some of these include system controller upgrades, which help us be more efficient with labor and water use. We may also upgrade irrigation pumps and filters in cases where they have reached their useful life and need replacing. As weather permits, we will excavate turf and bed areas to upgrade some system components. This work will only be done when weather and temperatures allow.

All of this can change in a second in the month of January.

The month of January can also be cold with snow and ice, but we are ready for whatever Mother Nature dishes out.

Armed with this knowledge, the committee will estimate total expenses for the coming year and compare that sum to the association’s potential revenue (assessments, interest on investments and shared costs revenue). The committee will look for ways to lower expenses without compromising service, and address areas where operating efficiencies may be realized.

The annual budget must also meet all federal, state & county legal requirements regarding operating a nonprofit association and addresses any economical and operational challenges that may lie ahead.

Landscape & Irrigation Updates

by Lyle Dickey, IHCA Landscape Manager

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

19

LIVING GREEN

Community Garden Rentals/RenewalsDue Now

by Christy Garrard, Executive Director, Highlands Council, Dahlia Park Resident Issaquah Highlands has 140 individual garden patch spaces, located in two places in our community. These patches are governed by Highlands Council and managed by a Community Garden Committee made up of resident community gardeners.

Sunset Walk Gardens

The Sunset Walk patches are located off Park Drive, across from Fire Station 73 in the Sunset Walk neighborhood.

These raised patches are smaller than the Vista garden beds and newer. The Sunset Walk patches lease for $75 per year, plus 4 hours of volunteer time to common area maintenance.

Vista Patches

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

The annual lease rate for Vista Gardens is $100 per patch plus 8 hours of volunteer time in maintenance of the Vista garden common area.

Gardeners may opt to buy-out of the required volunteer hours for an additional fee. Volunteer buy-out fees are applied to pay for maintenance-contracted services.

Patch sharing is permissible between two or more gardeners.

Current patch holders, in good standing with the Community Garden Committee, and who have met their volunteer service hour requirement, may renew their patch each year. The garden renewal season begins on January 1, 2020. All patches not renewed will be offered to residents on the waiting list, in the order they were placed on the waiting list, beginning February 1, 2020.

Vista Gardens were the community’s first p-patch, located north of Central Park and Park Drive, along the community trail. Pictured here is Sarah Games at her patch.

For more information on the Issaquah Highlands Community Garden Program or to add your name to the waitlist visit: issaquahhighlands.com/community-garden.

Questions? Contact Lindsey Pinkston, Community Program Manager for Highlands Council at 425-507-1109 or Lindsey.P@IHCouncil.org

The patches at Sunset Walk are raised beds and smaller than those at Vista Gardens.

How to Create and Achieve Living Green Resolutions for 2020

by Aline Bloch, Eco-Artist and Central Park Resident

Why do we make new resolutions at the beginning of every year? Is that a tradition? It feels like more, like something inside us wants us to make things better than last year, begin with a fresh start… We see it all around, in our personal or professional lives, in surveys and annual reviews. But you won’t be surprised to learn that less than 10% of people making new resolutions achieve their goals.

they be? What are you most grateful for? What achievements are you most proud of? What is one change you could make to your lifestyle that would impact you most?

How can we make lasting change in our lives? How can we think outside the box and accomplish meaningful goals for ourselves and our community?

Self-Reflection Questions:

Here are a few ideas to make a new year “fresh start” happen.

And beyond our individual desires for the year, can we make real and ecological changes for ourselves and for others?

Of course, we cannot change everything at the same time. The commitment that you make for yourself has to be attractive, intense and exciting. I recommend focusing on one to three goals. And consider employing a “vision board” to keep it creative and tangible.

How would you determine what to include in your “vision board”? Ask yourself the following questions: What is important for you?

Do you have a clear vision of what you want to improve?

Do you have good and strong reasons to keep you motivated?

Do you have a plan to celebrate each little step along the way?

How can you prioritize your ambitions into do-able objectives for the new year? Employ a few intentional questions to organize your plan for the new year:

Review 2019:

If you had to describe 2019 in three words, what would

Ask yourself about your health, your relationships, about work effectiveness and self-care. Give yourself a check-up!

Lifestyle Questions:

After you have established a good base through selfreflection, broaden your scope with these lifestyle questions that address your impact on your community and environment.

• Which habits am I willing to change, cultivate or get rid of?

This year, try a “vision board” to organize, and to keep creative, your new year’s resolutions. Here is one Aline made.

• What little things can I start doing to live an eco-responsible life?

• Are my decisions, dreams and endeavors ecological for myself and others?

• What would I like the impact on my community to be?

It’s all about slowing down for a moment and positively reflecting on what happened this past year and what we want to

do in this coming year. From love and relationships, to health, work and travel dreams, the beginning of a new year is the opportunity to reevaluate and re-map, and create a “vision” for certain parts of our lives and bring more intention and purpose to them.

I wish you all the best for 2020!

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January 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

21

THE SMART HOME

Wireless Networks in a Smart Home

by Frank Pineau, General Manager, Highlands Fiber Network (HFN)

Wireless routers enhance the experience of HFN and leverage today’s technology. But they are not all the same and performance varies between routers. So, choose yours to fit your needs.

Highlands Fiber Network: Fiber to the Home, Community Owned

How many people do you have using your Wi-Fi? And how many devices will be connected to it? Smart TVs, smart speakers, smartphones, lighting systems, and other mobile devices can all be connected to your Wi-Fi. With all this in mind, shop carefully for your new router. Consider the size of your coverage area, the number of people, and the number of devices that will connect to the router.

Also consider router features such as gigabit & USB ports to connect wired devices like a desktop computer, network storage drives and home automation hubs. Router speed (usually the better routers will have faster speeds) parental controls, Quality of Service (QoS), and guest-network are all features you might appreciate, as well as important firewall protection for your home Internet connection.

Router Speed: Routers come in B, G, N, and AC classifications. B and G routers are less common and are on the slower end of the spectrum. These routers can prevent you from utilizing the full speed of your HFN connection. N routers are most common and will suffice for most needs like streaming or multiple devices connecting. However, AC routers are faster, and now, the new AX, even faster.

Devices and Location: Even the most powerful routers won’t help if your attached devices have speed limitations. And the location of your router matters. When the router is tucked away in a closet or far away bedroom, elements in your home can block and diminish the signal. Place your Wi-Fi router in a centralized location for best results.

Wi-Fi v Direct Connection: Adding Wi-Fi devices to your internal network add great functionality but it is important to note that use of wireless routers, regardless of the type, limits bandwidth. You should never expect the same Internet connection speed when using them compared to a directly wired connection.

Research which wireless router fits your needs before purchasing the local big box special. We have seen positive results from Ubiquiti, Asus, and Linksys, but user’s results vary depending on their needs. I was once told a good rule of thumb is to buy the best and most powerful one you can afford.

Several years ago, I needed to change out the Wi-Fi router in my office, as I was experiencing a slower connection. To troubleshoot this, I bypassed the Wi-Fi router, and connected directly into the wired HFN equipment port. When I did a speed test, I found that the HFN equipment was in fact providing the correct speeds and placing the router back the circuit again decreased the speed.

First-hand experience that the right Wi-Fi router can bring out the best in your fast HFN connection!

What’s on Your Wi-Fi? Smart TV Smart Speaker Smartphone House lighting

Tablet Printer Doorbells Window Blinds

Issaquah Highlands was designed as an innovative, highly connected, urban village enjoying traditional neighborhood design.

The “Covenant for Community” was created to fund it, attached Fiber to the home, to land titles. The Covenant states community owned! that each home purchase must include a connection to the network ($250 one-time fee, required at closing). And each home is required to subscribe to the minimum connection (10/10mbps), which is currently $50/month.

Most apartment rentals in Issaquah Highlands provide the option to join the network, with the same hook up fee ($250) and the same monthly rates.

HFN’s High Speed Fiber Optic Network is fast, reliable, and competitively priced. Our current offerings include 10/10mbps, 100/100mbps and 1000/1000mbps speeds.

For rates and information Highlands Fiber Network Customer Service: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week highlandsfibernetwork.com (425) 427-0999 support@hfnservices.com or see highlandsfibernetwork.com/support Direct questions about the Covenant for Community to:

Hot Water Heater Clocks Surveillance Cameras AC/Home Heating

Frank Pineau, General Manager, HFN fpineau@hfn.org, 425-394-4184 HFN Office is at Blakely Hall

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January 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

23

HOME ORGANIZATION

Your Organized Life

by Johnna Masterson, Central Park Resident and Owner of Inspired and Organized

January means a fresh start for most people. We celebrate this transition all around the world. Whether you watch fireworks, attend a party or settle around a fire in cozy pajamas to ring in the New Year, we all tend to do one thing. Make resolutions! I want to help you with one that tends to make the top five for most people: Live a more organized life!

Johnna begins the new year with an organizing calendar.

For 2020, I will expand on some of our Declutter Challenge topics we tackled in 2019, but we will focus on one area in the home each month, and dive in a little deeper. I will give you more ideas and plans on how to be successful in each space. I will offer DIY versions of what I do with my clients. I am hoping this will lead to long term solutions for everyone. See the Monthly Home Organization calendar (right). I hope you will join us and by the end of this year, you will feel refreshed, renewed and confident in all you have accomplished!

years)? Or is it something you think someone else will appreciate and use more than you will? This is no place for guilt. Every item you welcome into your home needs to fit with your new way of life. Holding onto something because you “should,” doesn’t help you work toward a new, improved and organized home. It will end up being a wasted resource and will take up valuable space. So, go around your home and make those swaps. Ask your family for input and sell or donate extra items. Start this new year by clearing out what you no longer need!

2020 Home Organization Calendar

For our first objective, we will start with household clutter. I want to start with this because it tends to become a huge issue right after the holidays. All the extra toys, clothes, electronics, etc. tend to make our homes feel extra “stuffed” in January. You may be feeling like you need to find a new place for everything. People give gifts out of love, and while we appreciate the thought, you will want to decide if these things actually *HAVE* a place in your home.

While you do this, keep in mind this is going to be how you want to tackle the rest of this year. This mindset will help you in so many ways as we move through each space on our Monthly Home Organization calendar. Next month we will be talking about organizing ideas for the master bedroom and bathroom. I have some great tips I can’t wait to share!

June - Garages

See you then!

Revisit the “one in, one out” practice we talked about last year. Is this an upgrade opportunity? Can you swap out the old for the new? Or regarding clothing, can it take the place of something you haven’t worn in months (or even

Ask Kari!

Kari is on vacation this month. Please enjoy a “Best of” Ask Kari questions.

Dear Kari, I want to change being a pushover for men, but I don’t know how. How can I make a permanent change this year that will last? I know that I settle for less than I really deserve and want in a relationship. I give in to accepting however a man treats me, even if it’s abusive or thoughtless. What’s wrong with me?

- Looking for More

Dear Looking for More, Simply by noticing something is not working in your life is a good first step to change. Next, reflect on what change would look like to you. (e.g. How you would act in a good relationship; how you would be treated in a good relationship; how would you establish good boundaries of behavior you feel are respectful in a good relationship). Then, focus on those initial few changes that matter the most to you and put them into active practice by reciting them to yourself daily. Use those few statements of desired change as a reminder to yourself each day how you want to live your life. Finally, share the statements with the men you date as the behavior that you offer and expect in return.

This is how change happens, by practicing it each day. Good luck!

-Kari Dear Kari, I am desperate for alone time with my wife. We have two children, ages two and four, and she is a great mom, but she will absolutely not let anyone babysit the kids so that we can have a date night. At first, I was understanding, but four years in, I have lost my patience. Help me, I

January - Clutter February - Master Bedroom/Bath March - Office, Paper, Finances April - Electronics May - Clothing July - Children’s Rooms August - Entry and Coat Closets September - Linens October - Guest Spaces and/or Spare Rooms November - Pantry, Kitchen Cabinets/Drawers December - Holiday Prep

am lonely in the marriage even though we are together all the time (but it’s with our kids 24/7).

What do you suggest I do?

- Lonely in Issaquah Dear Lonely in Issaquah, I agree. Four years is a long time to wait for a night out alone with your wife. I recommend you pick a good time to talk with your wife and share your feelings completely. Tell her that you feel very lonely in your marriage and you would like the two of you to focus on shifting the dynamics towards putting effort again into the relationship. Let her know you miss your alone time as adults. Then, I recommend the two of you focus on finding someone you can trust to help care for your children while you go out together. Ask friends and family for babysitting recommendations, and then set-up a time for the babysitter to visit to your home to meet your family. Take it slow, allowing your wife to grow her confidence in other people caring for your children in a healthy manner. If needed, ask your pediatrician to have a talk with her about the benefits of children growing relationships with others in their lives other than their parents.

Good luck!

-Kari I love to hear from our readers. Email your Ask Kari questions to kari@ihcg.co.

All questions will be answered in upcoming columns.

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

This column is for entertainment purposes only.

If you are in crisis and in need of support, please contact the Crisis Clinic at 866-427-4747.

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January 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections

UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING

What is an Educational Programs and Operations Levy?

Prepare to vote! This background information helps sort out the details.

Provided by the Issaquah School District Offices Educational Programs and Operations or EP&O levies are ballot measures that allow local communities to approve funding to pay for classroom and educational needs not funded by the state. When a community approves a measure, the funds stay within the district to benefit students locally. Levies may be authorized up to four years, but may also be for a shorter term, and must be renewed or re-authorized by voters at the end of the term in order to continue funding. The Issaquah School District (ISD) is asking voters to renew its EP&O levy on the February 11, 2020 special election.

In the ISD, the EP&O levy pays for career and technical education, mental health counselors, early childhood learning and preschool, special education, professional development for teachers, school security staff, the dual language program, extracurricular activities, athletics, and the new expanded high school schedules at Issaquah and Skyline High schools. The District has a full list of levy-funded programs on its website. issaquah.wednet. edu/district/levy-2020. By approving the 2020 Renewal EP&O Levy, voters can ensure these programs continue benefiting our students for another two years.

The District is asking voters to authorize funding in the amount of $49.85 Million in 2021 and $54 Million in 2022. This will allow the District to maintain its current programs while remaining fiscally responsible and sensitive to the overall tax rate. Because the District is retiring previous bond debt and has conservatively planned for replacement measures, the total estimated local school tax rate will go down from $3.46 per $1,000 of assessed property value to $3.25 in 2021 and $3.30 in 2022.

Other types of Levies Districts may also run Capital Projects and Technology levies. In 2018, local voters approved a four-year Capital Projects and Technology levy in the ISD, which will expire in 2022. These levies are used for major renovations, purchasing and installing equipment, facilities improvements, as well as technology systems, training, hardware and software. School districts may also ask voters to approve Transportation levies for the sole purpose of purchasing new buses or making major repairs.

Voters approved a one-year transportation levy in the ISD in 2018.

What does the EP&O Levy Fund?

• Career and technical education • Mental health counselors • Early childhood learning and preschool • Special education • Professional development for teachers • School security staff • Dual language program • Extracurricular activities • Athletics

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

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Building Family Connections w/ ISD

JANUARY SCHOOL

SPOTLIGHT written and produced by Tracie Jones, Wisteria Park

Issaquah School District

issaquah.wednet.edu

Issaquah Schools Foundation

6 8 14 14 16 & 30 20 21 22 27 29

School Resumes Session Family Connections Meeting ISD Special Services: Strength-based IEP Planning ISD Reflections Reception & Gallery Walkthrough School Board Meetings Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School ISD Special Services: Financial Planning ParentWiser: Raising Culturally Competent Family Teacher Workday – No School for Students ISD Kindergarten Informational Meeting

Challenger Elementary

Popcorn Friday Festival of Cultures

Clark Elementary

10 13 17 17 28

Popcorn Friday Staff Appreciation – Donate!

Coffee w/ Principal Christy Recess w/ the Kids DONATE to “Lunch for the Break”

Grand Ridge Elementary

10 13 15 15 16 22 29 31

Popcorn Friday Spelling Bee Week Kickoff Java w/ Principal Jill After School Movie PTSA General Meeting Grand Ridge Talent Show After School Movie Grizzly Guys @ Recess

Endeavour Elementary

10 10 15 24

Popcorn Friday Eager Reader Kick-Off Kind Kids Parents Night Out

Issaquah Middle School

9 13 21 22 25 29 29

NJHS Meeting School Play Auditions Begin Clash of the Cans Begins PTSA General Meeting Spirit Day Eastshore Jazz Festival Mid Tri II

14 16 21 29

8th Grade Class Picture PTSA General Meeting Clash of the Cans Begins Mid Tri II

6 13 31

Open 8th Grade Registration Information session for 8th grade families Ek-Fest Open House

8 14

Staff Appreciation – Donate!

New Family Mixer – Capri Cellars

grandridgeptsa.org

endeavourptsa.org

issaquahmiddleptsa.org

Pacific Cascade Middle School pacificcascadeptsa.org

Gibson Ek High School GibsonEk.org

Issaquah High School

issaquahhighptsa.org

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

Gibson Ek High School is opening the applications process for current ISD 8th grade students, the Class of 2024. Families are invited to learn more about our Gibson Ek programs by attending one of our Informational Sessions, taking place in January and February. Application submissions close mid-February 2020.

Information, issaquah.wednet.edu/gibsonekhs.

PCMS & IMS ‘Clash of the Cans’ 10 24

clarkpta.org

Gibson Ek Events: Join the Graduating Class of 2024

No January events for Issaquah Schools Foundation

isfdn.org

challengerpta.org

Families new to the district are invited to attend a ‘Family Connections’ meeting to better understand and navigate the school system. ISD will provide overviews, discuss programs, resources offered in the district. Families are invited to ask staff members their questions. Spanish and Chinese interpreters are available. Join us January 8, 2020, 9:30 - 11:30am, at the ISD Admin Building 5150 220th AVE SE, Issaquah, WA 98029. Questions? Lorna Gilmour GilmourL@issaquah.wednet.edu

CLASH OF THE CANS IS BACK!!! Can PCMS retain the crown? IMS, PCMS, and Maywood are kickingoff the annual “Clash of Cans” MEGA Food Drive.

ALL Families are invited to donate food items, scored/ranked based on nutritional sustenance, and tallied to determine a Leader of the Cans. Donations support Northwest Harvest in their fight against hunger. Northwest Harvest only accepts non-perishable donations, along with baby diapers. For more information and suggestions, visit Issaquah.wednet.edu/IssaquahMS, or Issaquah. wednet.edu/PacificCascadeMS. Amazon delivers to school, too!

Every donation COUNTS!

ISD Special Services – Parent Sessions ISD Special Services and The Arc of King County are offering a training session open to parents, guardians, caregivers, and teachers of students with special needs, providing an overview to effectively and impactfully participate in “Student Strength-based IEP Meetings,” on January 14, 2020, 6:30pm, 600 2nd Ave SE, Issaquah, WA. Also, ISD Special Services and Sheldon Sweeney present “Special Services Financial Planning” training for parents, guardians, caregivers to discuss financial future planning for special needs students, on January 21, 2020, 6:30pm, IMS. Questions? Call ISD Special Services, at 425-837-7085.

2020 PTSA Awards: Golden Acorn Issaquah PTSA Council honors dedicated volunteers, educators, and advocates from our community by nominating exemplary individuals with the 2020 Golden Acorn Award, Outstanding Educator Award, and Outstanding Advocate Award. If you’re a parent, student, or staff, Issaquah PTSAs invite your nominations for an outstanding volunteer, educator, and advocate. For more information and nomination forms, visit your local PTSA website. ALL forms available online.

ISD Second Grade CogAT/TTCT Testing through January The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT test) is a gifted screening test, with national standards and norm references, used by districts to qualify children for gifted and talented programs through applied reasoning skills, and not as an achievement/IQ test. The CogAT does not use defined curriculum, like a spelling or a math test, where students who know the words or facts score well. Scores are reported in a percentile rank which indicates the percentage of students whose scores fall at or below the score obtained by a particular student. Contact individual schools for testing schedules.

26 January 2020

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Issaquah Highlands Connections

How to Employ Tech in an Emergency

by Amanda Keverkamp, CERT Team 9, Resident of Crofton Springs

Issaquah Citizen Corps website shares the following resource information:

As we all have experienced, technology has helped simplify many aspects of our lives. It makes sense that technology can help us prepare for disasters, too.

That tiny computer in your pocket can become your lifeline, as it has for others.

Did you hear the story about how a Facebook post, the WhatsApp, and a global network of strangers saved the lives of two lost, injured travelers in Bali? If you haven’t, it’s definitely a must-read.

Outside of the usual tools like Facebook and Twitter that the great majority of us utilize every day, to not only hear from our friends, but to get our news, there are apps and websites designed to help us live safer lives. Here are just a few:

Issaquah Alerts

Sign up for Issaquah Alerts, an email listserv designed to help residents stay informed during emergencies and disasters.

Visit https://issaquahwa.gov/list.aspx to sign up. It’s also a good idea to follow the City’s Facebook (facebook.com/ cityofissaquah) and Twitter (twitter.com/cityofissaquah) accounts.

FEMA App

FEMA has created their own app, designed to provide real-time weather alerts, share emergency shelter location information and disaster recovery centers, as well as emergency preparedness and safety tips. You can download their app from Google Play or the Apple Store. You can also visit fema.gov/ mobile-app to learn more.

The Red Cross “Safe and Well” Web Portal

The American Red Cross has developed a web portal for disaster survivors to list themselves as safe after a disaster.

Family members can use the website’s search function to find their loved ones and see any messages they might have left on the Safe and Well website. For more information visit https:// safeandwell.communityos.org.

There are many other disaster preparedness apps developed by the Red Cross and other organizations. Depending on your information-sharing comfort level, there are even apps available that can, at the tap of an on-screen button, instantly send your GPS coordinates to your designated emergency contact (see redpanicbutton.com/ for more information).

Use one or download them all, but whatever you choose to do, make sure to include it in your emergency plan. And don’t forget to have that conversation with every member of your household so they know which tool(s) to use during an emergency.

“

Depending on your

information-sharing comfort level, there are even apps available that can, at the tap of an on-screen button, instantly send your GPS coordinates to your designated emergency contact.

In case of emergency

Tune to AM radio 1700 and monitor 444.525Mhz + 103.5 or FRS Channel 2

For Weather Information

National Weather Service Seattle: weather.gov/sew/ Seattle Weather Map: weather.com/weather/ radar/interactive/l/ WA0395:1:US?layer=radar Monitor 162.550Mhz or FRS weather channel

Issaquah Road Webcams

Issaquahwa.gov/1383/ Traffic-cams/ webkams.com/unitedstates/washington/ issaquah/436459 Visit issaquahcitizencorps.org/ for more information.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

January 2020

RENTAL FACILITIES

DIRECTORY ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 1011 NE High Street Suite 210 Monday–Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

MAIN PHONE: 425-427-9257 | AFTER HOURS: 425-223-8887 | IssaquahHighlands.com Governing Body Responsible for:

Property Management Enforcement of CCRs, Rules, Regs

Architectural Review

Common Area Landscape

Board of Directors ihcaboard @ihcommunity.org Jim Young, President Rossie Cruz, Vice President Dan Vradenburg, Treasurer Greg Underwood, Secretary Bryan Shiflett, Director Shiva Bosedevarahatti, Director Ben Rush, Director

Funded by:

Annual IHCA Assessments Neighborhood Assessments

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL Blakely Hall 2550 NE Park Drive Monday–Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm*

MAIN PHONE: 425-507-1107 | IssaquahHighlands.com Blakely Hall Social Programs

Community Garden Connections Newspaper issaquahhighlands.com BlakelyHall.com

E-Letter Official Social Media

Blakely Hall

2550 NE Park Drive 425-507-1107 | kim.k@ihcouncil.org | BlakelyHall.com Blakely Hall is Issaquah Highlands’ award-winning community center that feels like a luxury lodge. With a variety of meeting, art & dining spaces, an outdoor patio, and adjacent park, it accommodates groups from 20 -200. See BlakelyHall.com for more information or contact us with your questions.

Fire Station #73 Meeting Room

1280 NE Park Drive 425-313-3200 | eastsidefire-rescue.org/Facilities

Homestreet Bank

Conference Room 909 Northeast Ellis Dr. | 425-677-2210 homestreet.com/branches/issaquah-branch

Sarah Hoey, Executive Director | sarah.h@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1120 Barbara Uribe, Senior Accountant and Benefits Coordinator | barbara.u@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1123 Kristyn McKinnon, Accounting Manager | kristyn.m@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1117 Soledad Ruiz, Account Receivable Specialist | soledad.r@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119 Blair Krieg, Community Manager | blair.k@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1121 Debbie Orosco, Community Manager | deborrah.o@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1134 Lyle Dickey, Landscape Manager | lyle.d@ihcommunity.org Matthew Hendrikse, Maintenance Facilities Manager | matthew.h@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1137 Billing Inquiries | payments@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119

Responsible for:

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Governing Body

Board of Trustees hcbot@ihcouncil.org Gary Ashby, President David Ngai, Vice President/Treasurer Ami Desai-Mehta, Secretary Kimberly Kapustein, Trustee Philip Nored, Trustee Jimmy Ochiltree, Trustee Anna Preyapongpisen, Trustee Larry Norton, President Emeritus

Funded by:

Sponsorships/Grants & Advertising Community Enhancement Fees (1/4 of 1% on sale of home) Retail/Commercial pays by the square foot, Rental Apartments by the door Christy Garrard, Executive Director | christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1110 Nina Milligan, Communications Manager | nina.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1111 Michele McFarland, Controller | michele.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1108

YWCA Family Village

Community Rooms 930 NE High St. | 425-270-6800 ywcaworks.org/locations/family-village-issaquah

CONNECTIONS Connections: By Community, For Community Connections News is a nationally recognized monthly community newspaper written mostly by volunteer-resident writers, edited and published by Issaquah 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 Highlands Council is always looking for volunteer contributors. Contact Nina Milligan, Communications Manager, at nina.m@ihcouncil.org.

Submit an Announcement for “Milestones” See your announcements published in the new life “Milestones” section of Connections. We accept birth/adoption, graduation, marriage, obituary and culturally-recognized life milestone announcements for Issaquah Highlands residents only. See submission form and guidelines at IssaquahHighlands.com.

Interested in Advertising in Connections?

For more information, contact Nina Milligan, Communications Manager, at nina.m@ihcouncil.org .

More information, ad packets/pricing, editorial calendar and electronic archives can be found here: issaquahhighlands.com/ connect/connections-news/ Opinions expressed either by paid advertisers or editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of Highlands Council or this newspaper.

Highlands Council reserves the right to accept or refuse submissions, and to edit content. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising or content that in our opinion does not reflect the standards of this paper.

Lindsey Pinkston, Community Program Manager | lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1109 Kim Kirschbaum, Administrative Assistant | kim.k@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107 Vicki Grunewald, Graphic Design & Digital Marketing Coordinator | vicki.g@ihcouncil.org Julie Clegg, Creative Coordinator | julie.c@ihcouncil.org

GET INVOLVED

COMMUNITY SERVICES AT BLAKELY HALL

Getting move involved in our community is a fun and easy way to meet people and contribute to the participatory culture of Issaquah Highlands.

Neighborhood lost & found • Free Wifi • Limited Copy & Fax Services (fee-based, by appointment) • Notary Service (fee based, by appointment)

Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer/ for more information or contact Lindsey at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1109

* Excluding holidays and private event closures.

HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

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

Governing Body

Board of Directors Tim Underwood Larry Norton Charlie Herb Allen Enebo Howard Kapustein David Ngai

  

@issaquahhighlands @IssHighlands @issaquahhighlands Sign up for our weekly E-Letter at issaquahhighlands.com

EMERGENCY Emergency: 9-1-1 Issaquah Police (non-emergency) 425-837-3200 WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife 425-775-1311

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

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January 2020

Issaquah Highlands Connections