November 2019

Connections

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By Community, for Community November 2019

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E ?

Highlands Council Community Group Profile Volunteer of the Month Highlands Youth - HY Milestones Wish You Were Here IHCA Operations & Updates 14 What’s Happening 5 5 7 9 9 10 12

15 21 21 23 23 24 25 27 27 29

Feature: Community Table 30 Emergency Preparedness Home Organization 31 Directory Ask Kari Highlands Fiber Network Trivia Challenge Living Green Giving Back City News Commuter News School Spotlight

ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON 2550 NE Park Drive Issaquah, WA 98029

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

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November 2019

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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SOLD FOR $2,550,000

Harrison Drive

4 bed / 3.5 bath / 4,760 SF seetheproperty.com/287460

SOLD FOR $1,795,000

SOLD FOR $1,120,000

Summit Park

Pine Crest

SOLD FOR $1,100,000

Ichijo - 14th Pl.

5 bed / 4.5 bath / 4,655 SF seetheproperty.com/319373

3 bed / 2.5 bath / 3,040 SF seetheproperty.com/317639

4 bed / 2.75 bath / 2,890 SF seetheproperty.com/325100

SOLD FOR $1,080,000 (5k ABOVE)

SOLD FOR $1,020,000

SOLD FOR $945,000 (5k ABOVE)

Magnolia Park

3 bed / 2.5 bath / 2,793 SF seetheproperty.com/326181

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Unparalleled service; Top tier marketing; Exceptional contract negotiation, results & statistics.

Local Issaquah Highlands real estate oďŹƒce designed to serve & support your real estate needs. “Listings of the Weekâ€? feature in resident E-newsletter emailed to all the residents weekly.

Prominent page 2 Connections newspaper advertisement.

Pre-listing preparation services.

Extensive social media marketing of your listing (locally and regionally).

FREE professional staging consultation with each new listing. Whole house staging.

FREE 1-year AHS home warranty to buyer, with seller converge during listing & pending phase.

Full accessorizing with a custom home-book, feature tags, shoe removal & more.

SmartBoard yer & custom yers always stocked.

Open houses, proprietary E-blast marketing system to all showing agents with survey reports.

Honest & Trustworthy. Goal oriented to your goals & timing. Great recent references always available.

CertiďŹ ed Negotiation Expert & other top-level designations. RELOCATION CERTIFIED BY ALL. Representing Seller and Buyers in Issaquah Highlands and surrounding communities.

A complete and exclusive personal property website branded speciďŹ cally to your home/listing. • See Example: www.seetheproperty.com/287460 • Professional HDR photography, including oorplan images & drone photography. • True virtual 3d walkthrough tour.

Vista Park

4 bed / 2.5 bath / 2,365 SF seetheproperty.com/326096

Longmire Court

4 bed / 2.5 bath / 2,350 SF seetheproperty.com/321773

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1% Listing Fee plus 3% to Buyer’s Agent = 4% Total Real Estate Commission. • Oering less than 3% to the buyer’s agent creates less showings and less enthusiasm for your listing! Don’t fall for 1.5% listing fee with the 2.5% buyer’s agent fee structure, which hurts you and only beneďŹ ts the listing agent!

Staging Costs are Low! Approximately just one dollar per square foot – give or take given size and accessibility. • Do not fall for the 1.5% to 2% listing fee with staging included, because the staging costs are LESS than the dierence between this and a 1% listing fee!

Why do Matt’s listings on average sell for a higher price when compared to the competition for a similar home? • Tactical positioning amongst competition to sell. • Strategic timing. • Fine price point lines (over pricing is counterproductive and only backďŹ res!).

Why do Matt’s listings on average have a higher success rate of selling/closing? • Preparation • Presentation • Publicity (advanced marketing equals more buyers) • Price • Procurement – stronger negotiation; more advanced contract knowledge; stronger closer.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE To me, Thanksgiving is the most welcoming holiday of them all.

No membership required! No gifts! No staying up late or getting up early! All that is required is getting together with other people over a meal and sharing appreciation of one another.

(Oh, and in some cases, there must be football on the TV.) My favorite Thanksgiving from the past was a Community Table. About a dozen colleagues of various backgrounds got together for the traditional early-afternoon dinner. We all brought a favorite dish and beverage and sat down to many hours of leisure and camaraderie. That was my first Thanksgiving away from home. Since then, and especially here in Issaquah Highlands, I have enjoyed many wonderful meals at a Community Table, at various times of the year.

In this issue of Connections, we bring you a virtual Issaquah Highlands Community Table, with recipes from around the world. I hope it inspires you to get together with neighbors and friends this season, be it for Thanksgiving or Sunday night supper.

Kim Kirshbaum, Highlands Council, arranges a charcuterie board for this month’s cover photo.

Don’t miss the other great stories inside: tips for the homeowner, for emergency prep and for organizing your home. Stories about people and things to do. And our comprehensive community calendar with all the events and happenings in Issaquah Highlands this month.

About the cover: This photo, and the feature story cover photos inside, were taken by staff photographer, Julie Clegg. The appetizing spread of food was arranged by Kim Kirshbaum (pictured here, also on staff at Highlands Council) and displayed on a hand-crafted board provided

by Dahlia Park resident, Jim Halas (Jim’s Woodshop). Blakely Hall’s tall south facing windows provided ample natural light, keeping the food colors true and the ladies faces bright and cheery.

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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HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

Shopping, Santa, and Sweets!

Kick off the Holiday Season with Family Fun

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

Shop Small Saturday is a national movement with a mission to “support local economies and promote vibrant communities.” In Issaquah Highlands, that means it’s time for our 5th annual Shop Local Holiday Bazaar! Highlands Council, in partnership with neighborhood volunteers, hosts the holiday bazaar at Blakely Hall, where our local artisans and home-based businesses can share their passions with the community.

This year’s bazaar includes many returning favorite vendors like glassybaby, Aline’s Cardboard and Amicreative. We also welcome those new to the bazaar like Jim Halas, a resident of Dahlia Park who will be selling his unique woodworking products like the charcuterie board

Santa & Mrs. Claus take a moment with organizers from last year’s Bazaar.

we used on this month’s Connections cover, and resident photographer Shubha Tirumale. Shoppers can depend on a wide variety of quality items that will make great gifts for all ages. We’re excited to have a few kid-preneur tables again, too!

Santa and Mrs. Claus will return to Blakely Hall for free photos during the event and we’re welcoming FrogLegs Culinary to host cookie decorating activities. As always, we’ll have complementary hot chocolate and coffee for you while you shop, and art projects for the kids with Angela Bizzari of Epic Art. Be sure not to miss the amazing raffle baskets to benefit Eastside Friend of Seniors!

Cookie decorating is always a popular activity at the Bazaar!

Tarrang Art is another vendor returning this year.

COMMUNITY GROUP PROFILE

Stop Thinking...Start Hiking!

Join the New Issaquah Highlands Hiking Group

by Avi Singh, Magnolia Park Resident

As soon as I mention I am from the Seattle area, the next statement almost always is, “Doesn’t it rain there all the time?”

To that I just say, “Yes, it does!” This is somewhat true, but there’s a secret I am not sharing. We get a lot of rain, but that’s why the northwest is so green and beautiful. We have tall mountains and beautiful waterfalls. We have azure alpine lakes and pristine meadows. All this almost at our doorstep.

I have always loved hiking in the northwest with my family.

Over the years we have explored from Poo Poo Point in the Issaquah Alps, to Mt. Rainier, and beyond. But I admit I spend more time thinking that I should go on a hike, than actually hiking.

I also love living in Issaquah Highlands (we’re such an awesome community!).

I am putting my love of hiking and my love of this community together and starting a brand new ‘Issaquah Highlands Hiking Group’, an opportunity to connect with other hiking enthusiasts and go on planned hikes in the beautiful northwest.

The idea is to encourage all of us to get off the couch where we think about hiking and get out and explore.

Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/nwhiking to find out about our next planned hike.

Avi Singh at the summit of Mt. St. Helens.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2019

NOVEMBER VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH Bryan Shiflett My wife and I first stumbled upon the Issaquah Highlands in 2007 and instantly loved the neighborhood. We ended up buying a house here in 2011 after our two boys were born. We were drawn to the aesthetic appeal of the area and the sense of community we perceived as we watched families walking the sidewalks and playing at the parks. We lived in several different cities and neighborhoods across Washington before moving to Issaquah, some in urban areas, some more rural, some singlefamily homes, some apartments and condos, some with HOAs and some without. But we felt the character of the houses and the focus on green space in Issaquah Highlands was not something available in most modern communities.

After living here for several years, I wanted to learn more about the specifics of how the community is managed and hoped to influence some of those decisions, especially related to maintenance, spending, and home modifications, so I volunteered for the Issaquah Highalnds Community Association (IHCA) Architectural Review Committee (ARC)

and ran for one of the open positions on the Board of Directors. I was fortunate enough to join the ARC and be elected to the Board last summer.

It is a lot of fun to see all the great home improvement plans that come through the ARC and I enjoy the opportunity to leverage my experience in home improvement within our community. I also enjoy the opportunities and experiences that come along with serving on the Board of Directors for a community of this scale. This position has been more interesting and more rewarding than I imagined when I first decided to volunteer. I’ve met some great people and have great confidence in the way the Issaquah Highlands is managed on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis.

Volunteering in the IHCA has really helped me understand the complexity of our community and all the hard work that goes into keeping it running successfully. Thanks to all the employees and other volunteers who make the Issaquah Highlands a great place to call home.

Volunteer of the Month for November 2019 is Bryan Shiflett.

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HIGHLANDS YOUTH - HY

Waiting for Winter Break

By Emily Palm, Co-President of The HY and Crofton Springs Resident

The start of the school year is always the best part. With football games, homecoming, and back to school festivities the first month flies by. But as the days go on, the stretch before winter break can seem never-ending. It seems as though the only thing left to do is to wait it out. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are some tips that help make these few months my favorite out of the whole year.

1. Break your routine! This is incredibly difficult since once we find a pattern that is comfortable for us, we don’t want to switch it up. But trust me, it helps! Whether this means stopping at a coffee shop in Grand Ridge Plaza to do your homework instead of heading straight home or maybe going for a walk in your study breaks, just a slight change can totally improve your day!

2. Make time to relax. For me, this is one of the hardest things to do. Between school, work, SAT prep, clubs and sports, there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. But time spent with friends, family, and even alone is incredibly important.

Whether this means requesting time off from work one Saturday a month or telling your club/sport that you will have to miss a practice, know that it is totally okay to spend time to regather yourself.

3. Get OUT and enjoy something new. This last one is a bit of a combination of the first two tips- push yourself to go do something new! This might mean attending a new club meeting that you are interested in, OR it might mean that instead of going to the friend’s house, go ice-skating, or shopping! Just push yourself to try something that you want to do, and for some reason you haven’t. There are plenty of events in the community and at school during this season. Keep watch to see if there is an event that piques your interest!

Issaquah Highlands community events are all listed online at issaquahhighlands.com/ events/

Congratulations Bhavya Chhabra White coat ceremony 09-08-2019

Ashland Park Congratulations Bhavya Chhabra for getting into medical school at the most competitive graduate program in California. We are so proud you!

You became class rep, started your own club, joined an elite group of physicians advocating in California for patient rights, started your own research project, gained awesome mentors and your professors love you - all within your first month! Never stop being you and stepping up to the challenge of serving humanity.

Embody your white coat, and its meaning of compassion, honor, and purity.

Congrats to you! We would like to thank Issaquah Highlands Youth (HY) Board, its coaches and mentors for teaching Bhavya volunteering and invaluable leadership skills.

Proud Parents of (Would be) Dr. Priyam Chhabra and Dr. Bhavya Chhabra,

Ravi and Sachi Chhabra

(From Left to Right) Emily with friends Emily Webber, Liv Ollestad, Avery Taylor, Paisha Watkins, Fiona Boskavich, Neha Talluri, Jade Bayley, Nicole Morris, Mia Randall, Emily Palm, Emma Lake, Zoe Parsons Emily Palm at Pickering Barn, Issaquah, with Madi Yeh.

BECOMING ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS CITY VISION MEETING November 7, 2019 7:00-8:30pm Blakely Hall 2550 NE Park Drive, Issaquah Highlands The City of Issaquah invites you to a neighborhood workshop on the Issaquah Highlands “Vision”. The live-work-play design of Issaquah Highlands was first envisioned over 20 years ago. After much planning and 20 years of development, did we get it right?

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Dear Neighbor, November 2019

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah School Board Candidate Forum

It was great to learn more about the candidates running for the Issaquah School Board. We heard briefly from the uncontested candidates, and then listened to the candidates for the contested seats share their answers to moderated questions. Now we’re ready to vote!

Cultural Conversations We loved sharing the evening connecting with members of the Issaquah Community, talking about building roots, and discussing the multi-cultural challenges we face here. We made a lot of new friends and can’t wait to do it again on December 5 – all are welcome.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2019

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wish You Were Here...

Travel Night

We had an amazing time at October’s Travel Night, featuring Rick Steves’ tour guide and mapmaker, Dave Hoerlein, talking about Scandinavia. We also noshed on Swedish meatballs, pickled herring, Havarti cheese, reindeer sausage, and many other Scandinavian specialties.

Yarns & Threads Group Every Friday morning, we get together in front of the fireplace at Blakely Hall to work on our knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint projects. We have such a nice time chatting and enjoying some treats together.

Come join us if you have a craft to work on, or even just to chat!

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Landscape: The month of November can be tricky as far as landscaping is involved. We can go from sunny to rain to snow in a few days or overnight. This makes scheduling difficult at times. The way we overcome this is by having a lot of options for work to choose from. On sunny days we pick up leaves, clean garden beds and prune where needed. On rainy days we either plant trees and groundcover or do bed work. On snow days we deal with snow removal as our first priority.

Landscape & Irrigation Updates

by Lyle Dickey, IHCA Landscape Manager

On days that are too cold and the ground is frozen we install bark in our many street trees.

All this is challenging, involving a very big site.

Sometimes things fall through the cracks. When any of you are out walking and notice something that seems wrong, please let the IHCA know and we will see what we can do to take care of it.

Irrigation: The month of November is mostly spent winterizing the many irrigation systems here in the highlands. The winterizing starts in mid-October and we wrap up a few days before Thanksgiving and the holidays. Upon completion of winterizing the irrigation staff switches over to landscape work or extra irrigation repairs and upgrades, weather permitting. The winter months are the hardest to schedule for irrigation work, too, but with such a large site there is always lots to do and never a dull moment.

Contact the IHCA: 425-427-9257 or see the Directory on page 31 for direct contact listings.

Did you know… Outside

ARC Tip

burning of trash, leaves, debris or other materials is prohibited.

Interior wood burning stoves are prohibited. Outdoor recreational fires are allowed only in professionally manufactured fire pits and cooking devices. Permanent, in-ground fire pits or similar installations require IHCA ARC approval.

IN THE KNOW

Get Ready for Winter!

by Matthew Hendrikse, IHCA Maintenance Manager

Tis the season for changing weather and preparing for the winter months. As we pick up leaves from this fall it is time for you to prepare your house for the colder months.

Issaquah Highlands as a community is doing the same tasks, just on a large scale.

First, make sure your frost- free water spigots are properly insulated. You can buy these covers from almost any home repair store.

It is also a good time to look around your house for gaps or openings.

During colder months animals are looking for a warmer, dryer place to stay. This could mean your house. If you find a gap in your siding, or other opening, there are several ways to fill it, but one good way is to use foam insulations.

Next, get ready for holiday lighting. Make sure all outdoor receptacles are working properly. If not, now would be a good time to upgrade the outlet to a Weather Resistant GFI outlet.

While you are on the ladders around the

eaves of your home, you will also want to clear your gutters of debris. Leaves in the gutters will back up water and could cause water damage to your house.

These are all very important items and will make your winter months go a little more smoothly.

One last task to remember is snow preparation.

Now is a great time to order salt for the sidewalks and make sure you have a snow shovel. As a homeowner you are responsible to maintain the sidewalk around your house. And you will want to be able to leave your house in a snowstorm, so prepare to either have the equipment to remove the snow for your sidewalk and driveway or have a contractor available to maintain your property. Preparing ahead of the storm will allow you to have the ability to maintain your property or have a contractor take care of it. If you try to buy salt and shovels, or hire a contractor, during or after a storm, it may be too late. Let’s prepare and be ready for this year’s “Snowmageddon.”

Political Signage

One (1) Political Sign shall be permitted on a Unit at a time; provided, the Political Sign shall (i) not be more than five (5) square feet in size, (ii) be a maximum height of four (4) feet if posted in the ground, (iii) be of professional quality and design, and (iv) not obstruct line of sight for any traffic or traffic signals and signage. The term “Political Sign” means a sign which advocates for one particular candidate, political party or ballot measure. The period in which Political Signs may be displayed shall be in accordance with state and local law. No Political Signs shall be placed on street frontages, common areas, facilities or grounds.

Thank you for doing your part.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Holiday Lights Brighten Our Long Nights Thank You Ben!

by Sarah Hoey, Executive Director, IHCA

The holidays are here again. The IHCA has been planning for the 2019 holiday season for several months. This year IHCA is upgrading the holiday lighting to a 5mm LED coaxial lighting system. This will be beneficial for two reasons: 1. The LED lights use less energy while still providing the warm white color. 2. The Coaxial connection will stand up to PNW winter storms. The coaxial connection screws together creating a solid connection that means less chance of strands not working inside the tree stung strings.

Thank you, Ben Rush, for nine years of service as Chair of the IHCA Architectural Review Committee (ARC)!

The IHCA and Regency Centers partner to provide all the Grand Ridge Plaza lighting and IHCA and Highlands Council partner to light the giant tree in Village Green park. IHCA also provides the holiday lights on the upper part of Park Drive.

Holiday lights will begin being installed in October and November.

Some trees are wrapped with lighting towards the interior of the tree and some will be wrapped outside depending on the size of the tree.

Lights are planned to be officially lit right before Thanksgiving in preparation for local business sales.

Lights will be removed after the 1st of the year. If you see lights on prior please know we are in the process of installing and testing the system. We light over 500 trees annually. If you see an outage or would like to report an issue, please contact the IHCA office at 425427-9257 or through the Ask the IHCA portal found on the Issaquah Highlands website: issaquahhighlands.com.

Village Green tree lights. Photo by: Shubha Tirumale

Happy Holidays to all from the IHCA staff.

ARC Announces New Committee Chair Jennifer Bishop

The IHCA Architectural Review Committee (ARC) announces Ben Rush, who has served as Chair of the ARC committee for 9 years, has passed the responsibility to Jennifer Bishop effective October 2019. During the September board meeting the Board approved Jennifer as the new ARC chair. Ben, who is currently an at-large member elected to the IHCA Board of Directors and a commissioner for City of Issaquah Development Commission, will remain on the ARC as a board liaison. Jennifer Bishop has served on the ARC committee since 2015.

Jennifer Bishop is the new Chair of the IHCA Architecture Review Committee.

The ARC committee is a tasked with review, approval and/or denial of all residential ARC applications. This committee reviews or 40 applications a month during the spring and summer months. A big thank you to all the ARC members for their time and dedication to upholding the architectural integrity of the Issaquah Highlands Community.

Thankful from the IHCA

IHCA Translates in 42 Languages We can help in any language

by Sarah Hoey, Executive Director, Issaquah Highlands Community Association The IHCA recognizes that we have homeowners and visitors from all over the world.

Effectively communicating with IHCA staff over sensitive matters can be a challenge. We recently met with a new homeowner from China. He had received a non-compliance letter from us for weeds. He came into the office to discuss the letter with an electronic two-way translator. With the help of this amazing technology we were able to communicate through the device and explain our process and the owner’s responsibility. We even set up an appointment to meet with him onsite and give him helpful pointers on how to maintain his property in every season.

This was an eye-opening experience for all of us. The IHCA has now purchased an electronic two-way translator for the office which has over 42 languages! We are ready to help if you receive a non-compliance notice or just have a question. Please take a few moments out of your day and talk with our team. We are on your side and we are all in this together. Thank you for being part of this wonderful community!

Accounting Update

by Kristyn McKinnon, IHCA Accounting Manager

Upcoming January 2020 Assessment Billing IHCA Assessments Reminder: The annual assessment for 20192020 fiscal year is $936 per year. The semi-annual Issaquah Highlands Community Association homeowner (IHCA) assessments are effective January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020. Homeowners will be mailed semi-annual assessment statements for $468 by December 7, 2019.

Residents on the monthly electronic bank debit payment (ACH) plan will receive statements for informational purposes only and NO payments are required (unless there are other delinquent balances, e.g., unpaid fines or late fees).

We encourage the semi-annual payers to convert to the mandatory monthly ACH payment plan.

This ensures timely payments and internal efficiency. This is IHCA’s recommended monthly payment plan; 86% of the community residents are currently on this plan. An ACH form is provided with your billing statement for your convenience.

A heartfelt thank you to all Issaquah Highlands residents for helping to make this community a wonderful place to live, work and play! As we enter into this holiday season, we wish you the best and are sincerely grateful for all of you!

For check payers, the semi-annual assessments are due by January 1, 2020. Payments not received

by January 10, 2020 may incur late and other collection fees. Those on the semi-annual payment plan must pay in full all six months of the assessment period by check or via online. One-time online payments can be made with eCheck (free) or credit/debit cards, which comes with a fixed fee of $14.95 per transaction (rates subject to change) to the homeowner.

Our bank’s online payment portal is available on our issaquahhighlands.com website. Please direct any inquiries to 425-507-1119 or payments@ihcommunity.org. Thank you very much.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS

Kids & Families Minecraft Mania

Tuesdays, November 12 & 26, 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 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 Bridge Club

Monday, November 4, 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.

Library-2-Go

Tuesday, November 12, 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: December 10.

Photography Meet Up

Saturday, November 16, 10:30am Blakely Hall

Yarns & Threads Group

Every Friday, 9:00am Blakely Hall * 11/29 meeting is at Swedish Hospital

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

Fitness NEW! 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 November 29 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 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 Every Saturday, 9:00am* *No Zumba Class on 11/30 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.

Special Interest Book Club

Tuesday, November 19, 7:00pm Blakely Hall This month: One Day in December

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, November 8, 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.

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 except 11/28 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, November 13, 7:00pm Blakely Hall Topic: Living on a Boat in the Bahamas

Experience the Bahamas through the Jarvis Family, who spent 5 months living on a boat in this unique travel destination. They’ll share their experiences with deserted islands, diving and spear fishing, feeding the famous pigs, and eating conk. We’ll hear, with great humor, why they were glad to come back to the Highlands. Please bring a snack or beverage to share.

For more information, visit our Facebook group at ‘Issaquah Highlands Travel Night.’

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, November 21, 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

We Want Your Questions!

What do you wish we would ask on the Annual Community Survey?

Tell us here: IssaquahHighlands.com/survey

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.

For the latest details, see IssaquahHighlands.com/events

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2019

15

Local residents share favorite cultural recipes that bring their family and friends together.

A couple of years ago, I started writing the “Culture Through Cuisine” column for Connections. I loved the column because it combined three of my favorite things: talking to people, learning about different cultures and, above all, food.

I interviewed people in the community from diverse backgrounds. They would invite me into their homes, into their kitchens. I would sit at their tables and ask them question after question while they cooked. I remember it was a warm sunny afternoon in Aline Bloch’s kitchen while she made madeleines, a favorite after-school treat for her kids. It was in the Oshima’s home where Sedi served up dish after dish of Korean goodness that featured her homemade kimchee. I talked with Sharon Fong on her back deck among her flowering garden while her Malaysian crepe batter chilled in the fridge. We would talk about family, tradition and, above all, food.

Each culture and tradition is almost always celebrated with food. It’s not just about the flavors and taste, although the flavors are important as I learned from my neighbor, Jyothy Praveen. Each trip home to India, Jyothy brings back the spices that fill her kitchen with the aromas of home. It’s also the process, the chopping, the stirring, the tasting. And it’s about cooking and eating together as a family like when Maile Zahand celebrates New Year’s Eve with family and friends making her grandmother’s dumpling soup. Maile and her family gather together folding each dumpling. They laugh and talk and they celebrate the New Year together.

As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, it always turns my attention to what I will be serving on my own table. I think about the traditions in my own family. Seafood always on Christmas Eve. I can see my grandmother in the kitchen. I’m leaning over the yellow formica countertop as she dredges oysters in egg, then cornmeal, and then to the fryer. For my husband, it was always beef stroganoff over rice. Although I haven’t gotten him on board for fried oysters, we do switch back and forth between our traditional Christmas Eve dinners.

Pictured above (and on the cover): On the next page, find recipe contributions from residents Thuan Stevens (left) and Shubha Tirumale (center), among others. Kimberly Collette (right) captured numerous stories of food and family as a volunteer writer in her past Connections column, “Culture Through Cuisine.”

Photo by Julie Clegg.

Whether you’re hiding an almond in your Risalamande for Christmas Day or rolling out the dough of your Empanadas for a birthday, it’s the tradition that is most important. The flavors that remind us of our childhoods, our families, our cultures. The dishes that our families and friends gather around the table for. The meals that we share. It’s the traditions that not only bring us together, they keep us together.

– Kimberly Collette, Central Park resident Kimberly Collette contributed to the Connections “Culture Through Cuisine” column from 2015-2016. You can access past issues of Connections to get all the recipes and stories Kimberly collected at issuu.com/ihconnections.

We loved staging with this beautiful wooden charcuterie board crafted by Dahlia Park resident, Jim Halas. Be sure to stop by his booth, Jim’s Wooshop, at the Issaquah Highlands Shop Local Holiday Bazaar on November 30! See issaquahhighlands.com/events for details.

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November 2019

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Vietnamese Bánh Bao (Steamed Buns) Recipe provided by Thuan Stevens, Central Park resident

Thuan made these Vietnamese steamed buns (Bánh Bao) for Thanksgiving last year and plans to make them again this year. This recipe is the closest she could find to the authentic steamed buns her family often enjoyed when they lived in Vietnam for 20 months in 2017-2019. Steamed buns are more common in Vietnam because most people don’t have ovens.

“Motorcyclists would drive them around with a hot stove attached and would steam them as they go... [Y]ou could hear them yell out ‘bánh bao đây,’ sometimes late into the night,” Thuan said. “They tasted so fresh and better than any bakery steamed rolls.” Her kids enjoy helping to prepare them as much as they love eating them.

Ingredients: (makes 10-12 buns) For the filling: 1/2 cup mushrooms (wood ear or any of your favorite) 1 dozen boiled quail eggs (or chicken eggs cut in half) 1 lb. ground pork 1 clove garlic 1/4 cup onion 2 tsp mushroom seasoning salt (or seasoning salt of choice) A dash of salt and pepper For the dough: 11/4 tsp instant yeast 3 tsp sugar 1 tbsp cooking oil 1/2 - 3/4 cup milk 3 cups cake flour, plus more for dusting 1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

1. For the dough: Mix the first four ingredients and then add the last two. Knead the dough. Shape into a ball, then flatten to make a circle. Divide the dough into 10-12 equal portions.

2. For filling: Mix ingredients and add filling in the middle of each dough portion, wrap and seal the top with a twist. Pull and tuck the dough from bottom to the top.

3. Let the buns rise at room temperature to proof until about 50% larger than original size.

4. Leaving about 1 inch of space between them, steam buns on low heat for 10 minutes, 15 minutes for larger buns. Buns are done when they are fluffy and fillings are cooked.

Now that the family has moved back to the States, Thuan’s children eagerly help to assemble the Vietnamese bánh bao at their home in Issaquah Highlands. See the buns steamed and ready to eat in the top right photo. You can find this recipe and others by Thuan on her blog, thuanscreatingcorner.blogspot.com.

Indian Chitranna (Lemon Rice)

Recipe provided by Shubha Tirumale, Davis Loop resident “Lemon rice or chitranna is a traditional Karnataka dish. Most moms in Bengaluru, my hometown, make this recipe.

It’s either prepared as a daily diet for lunch or as a speciality for holidays and festivals. It’s one of the many varieties of food that’s served for feasts as a rice starter. It’s prepared usually with or without nuts, turmeric, lemon juice, green chili and mustard, mixed with rice & salt. My mom made it very often for us for not just holidays but also for our lunch boxes.

The variations of this rice recipe are made with either coconut as coconut rice or mango as mango rice for festivals.”

Ingredients: 3 tsp oil 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp chana dal (red gram, optional) Pinch of hing/asafoetida 1 tsp urad dal (split black gram, optional) Few curry leaves 1 dried red chilli 3 tbsp peanuts/groundnut, roasted (optional) 10 whole cashews (optional)

Directions:

1 green chilli, finely chopped 1 inch ginger, finely chopped ½ tsp turmeric 2 cups cooked rice Salt to taste Half a lemon 2 tbsp cilantro leaves

1. In a large pan or kadai, heat oil and add 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp chana dal, 1 tsp urad dal, pinch of hing, a few curry leaves and 1 dried red chilli. Allow to splutter.

2. Optional: Add 3 tbsp peanuts and 10 whole cashews, roast until cashews turn slightly golden.

3. Add 1 green chilli, 1 pinch ginger and ½ tsp turmeric. Saute for 30 seconds.

4. Add 2 cups of cooked rice and salt to taste. Mix well, making sure rice doesn’t break.

5. Turn off heat and add juice from half a lemon and cilantro leaves. Mix well.

Shubha’s traditional chitranna recipe is simple enough to enjoy for your daily lunch, and is a must to share with family and friends at festivals and holiday celebrations.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2019

Catonese Soup of Fat Choy (Black Moss) Ho See (Dried Oyster) Recipe provided by Sylvia Chin, Magnolia Park resident

“Our family came from the humid southern coast of China where people believe drinking hot soup “clears heat” in the body. The Cantonese also believe that hot soup can nourish one’s beauty, strengthen physical health, and even prevent and cure diseases. Soup is a big part of Cantonese culinary culture, so my mom cooks seasonal soup for dinner whenever she can.

The Soup of Dried Oyster (ho see), Black Moss (fat choy) & Dried Beancurd Sheets (fu chuk) simmered with dried mushroom & dried scallops in a bone soup base is a traditional treat that is served almost exclusively during Chinese New Year. It’s a popular holiday favorite in southern China.

So why is this dish served for Chinese New Year, a time when everyone wants to start off on a high note of prosperity, health and ‘auspicious’ everything and anything? Well, it’s all about the phonetics of the Chinese, specifically Cantonese words, and a bit of superstition.

Dried oysters are called ‘ho see,’ which sounds like the word for good market or deeds in Cantonese. ‘Fat choy’ (black moss) sounds like the word ‘to get rich.’ Beancurd sheets, pronounced in Cantonese as ‘fu chuk’ sounds like the word for ‘prosperity and satisfied.’ Dried mushrooms, nicknamed ‘golden coin mushrooms’ due to their appearance and size, much like an ancient Chinese coin, adds body and a nice flavor in this dried seafood soup. Just remember that this only applies to Cantonese pronunciation. As a result, this dish isn’t all that common outside of Cantonese kitchens.

Dried oysters can be found in well-stocked Chinese and Asian grocery stores. They are expensive and come in different grades, depending upon their size, origin, and whether they are fresh/raw-dried or cooked before drying.

Fat choy is a dried black moss that is found in the Gobi desert, not seaweed. The literal translation of fat choy is ‘hair vegetable,’ and when we were kids, we used to say to our parents at the Chinese New Year’s table, ‘Yes please, I would like some hair!’ Today, I am so glad to see my daughter, Angelina is willing to accept the ‘hair’ eating challenge for her first time. She used to say ‘no’ to the ‘hair’ but love the soup.

Ingredients:

All can be found at your local Asian grocery store.

6 dried oysters 6 pieces of dried scallops A couple sticks of dried beancurd sheet 1 ounce dried moss (fat choy) 12 large dried shiitake mushrooms 2 cans (2 qt) bone soup & 2 qt water 5 slices ginger 1-2 pieces of dried orange peel

Sylvia’s daughter, Angelina, takes the “hair” eating challenge for the first time, eating the fat choy (black moss) from what is sometimes referred to as “lucky” soup.

Directions:

1. Fill pot with broth and water.

2. Rinse all ingredients then put all in the pot. Bring it to a boil.

3. Simmer at low heat for 1-11/2 hour.

4. Add dried moss (fat choy) at the last 10 minutes and salt for personal preference. It will be a delicious soup full of rich seafood flavor and an unique aroma from the mushrooms and beancurd sheet.

All of the ingredients (see above) in this recipe can be found at your local Asian grocery store (several are located on the Eastside). Left, take a closer look at some of they key ingredients that make this soup so auspicious in Cantonese culture, including black moss (fat choy), beancurd sheet (fu chuk), dried oysters (ho see) and dried mushrooms (“golden coin mushrooms”).

“Wishing everyone Fat Choy, Ho See & Fu Chuk all year long!”

– Sylvia Chin

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November 2019

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Brazilian Quindim

Recipe provided by Karenina Rincon, Kirk Park resident “In Brazil, growing up, I always had Quindim as a dessert for the holidays. Quindim is an adaptation of a Portuguese dessert. It was created by the African slaves who were trying to recreate a Portuguese dessert replacing some ingredients, with others more abundant in Brazil (like coconut). It has been a very traditional dessert and very loved by Brazilians since then! My family makes it every Christmas and New Years.

Since I moved to the US I tried to add dishes from both cultures to our holidays, since my husband is American and I am Brazilian, we always have pies, Pudim de Leite (which is another very common and easy recipe for Brazilian Flan) and Quindim! I cannot celebrate Christmas or New Year without it! It is a piece of home on a plate.”

Ingredients: 10 egg yolks 1 cup, plus 2 tbsp of sugar ½ cup of shredded coconut 200 ml coconut milk 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) 2 tbsp butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix 1 cup of sugar, coconut, coconut milk, egg yolks and vanilla in a blender. You can also mix it by hand in a bowl.

3. Grease an 8-inch diameter baking dish with 2 tbsp butter. It is better if the baking dish has a whole in the middle.

Sprinkle 2 tbsp sugar all over dish. Shake the pan a few times so the sugar sticks to the butter evenly.

4. Pour the mixture into the baking pan. Place the baking dish into a large roasting pan. Pour enough boiling water into the bottom of the roasting pan to reach approximately 1½ inches of water.

5. Bake in the water bath until golden brown on top, about 50 minutes.

6. Allow to cool completely before turning over onto a serving dish. Refrigerate until serving.

Tip: If less egg taste is desired, you can sift the egg yolks, making them less eggy.

Dutch Oliebollen (Doughnuts)

Recipe provided by Michael Pronk, Logan Park resident There’s a Dutch saying, “Eet Smakelijk!” It carries the same sentiments as “Bon Apetite” as they say in France and “Enjoy” here in the United States. According to Michael, within moments of arriving at a Dutch person’s house there’s a drink in your hand and food on the table.

Michael makes Oliebollen with his children as a New Year’s tradition. The recipe comes from Michael’s mother.“They go really fast in our house,” Michael’s daughter, Christina, said. When she was in third grade, she made them to share with her class for a cultural celebration.

Michael is a first generation American; both of his parents were born and raised in the Netherlands.“This was an especially good summer as I took my family, total with my wife, children, spouses and two grandchildren, back to the Netherlands to experience the culture and attend a family reunion with my mother’s family in Eindhoven (southern Netherlands) and my father’s side in Rijswijk, a small community near Den Haag,” Michael said. “It was an opportunity to make a ‘connection’ between my children and their extended family in the Netherlands, so they can feel comfortable to connect with them in the future.”

(Includes excerpts from September 2016’s Connections “Culture Through Cuisine” column by Kimberly Colette.)

Ingredients: 1 cake (2/3 oz) yeast 1 cup milk 2 ½ cups flour 2 tsp salt 1 egg

1½ cups currants and raisins (washed) 1 tart (cooking) apple, peeled and minced Fat for deep frying Powdered sugar

Directions:

1. First blend yeast with a little luke-warm milk.

2. Sift the flour with salt.

3. Add milk, mix to a batter with yeast and egg. Add currants, raisins and peeled, minced apple. Leave batter in a warm place to rise to double its size.

4. Heat the fat to 375 degrees. Drop by spoonful into fat and fry for 8 minutes, until brown. Remove from fryer.

5. Cover thickly with powdered sugar.

Michael Pronk and his daughter, Christina (pictured top right) with their finished Olibollen (close-up bottom right), republished from October 2016 Connections.

Karenina’s Quindim recipe was originally featured in the October 2016 Connections “Culture Through Cuisine” column. (Left) See Karenina preparing Quindim from the 2016 article. The Quindim dish pictured (top) is from a past family holiday celebration.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2019

19

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS

Don’t Miss This Annual Candy Buy Back

November 1-5, During business hours Highlands Kids Dentistry

Holiday For the latest information, please visit our Holidays in the Highlands page at www.issaquahhighlands.com/holidaysin-the-highlands

Highlands Kids Dentistry will buy your candy at $1/ lb up to $5 per child to support our troops. All children welcome with a parent or guardian.

Giving Tree Lighting

El Dia de los Muertos Celebration

Enjoy live music by area schools to open the Season of Giving! Support neighbors in need by donating new, unwrapped toys, clothing and care essentials to benefit Eastside Baby – come help us fill the EBC truck!

Friday, November 1, 6:30-8:30pm Blakely Hall

All are invited to join our community el Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration to honor your loved ones, pets, or anyone who has passed away – feel free to bring a photo, note, or special offering to add to the community altar. We’ll have activities for all ages including a pinata for the kids. Event is free; food truck will be available for purchasing dinner.

Issaquah Highlands Travels Gallery Exhibit Opening Reception

Tuesday, November 5, 6:30-8:30pm Blakely Hall

Join us for an opening reception to view our newest Blakely Hall art gallery exhibit – Issaquah Highlands Travels. The exhibit, curated by volunteers from the Travel Night committee, features photographs taken by Issaquah Highlands residents on their travels. From local excursions to far off destinations, we’ll see the beauty of the world through their eyes. All are welcome; light refreshments will be served.

Veterans Day Gift Making

Wednesday, November 6, 1:30-3:00pm Blakely Hall

Calling all Issaquah Highlands kids! Come by Blakely Hall to make special gifts to give to our Veterans at our community Veterans Day celebration. Kids must be accompanied by an adult (this is not a drop off event). We hope you’ll join us in honoring our veteran neighbors this year!

Becoming Issaquah Highlands Community Workshop Thursday, November 7, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Join the City of Issaquah for a neighborhood workshop on the “Vision” of Issaquah Highlands. The live-workplay design of our community was first envisioned over 20 years ago in the Development Agreement, which was terminated last year. Let’s reflect after this 20 year milestone and discuss what Issaquah Highlands should look and “live” like 20 years from now. All are welcome, from interested residents to commercial property owners.

Veterans Day in the Highlands

Monday, November 11, 9:30am Village Green Park / Blakely Hall (Rain or Shine)

Calling all Issaquah Highlands veterans and their families, as well as all community members who would like to take this opportunity to honor our veterans. A simple ceremony with music and community-made gifts for our veterans will be followed by a reception for social time.

Shop Local Holiday Bazaar

Saturday, November 30, 11:00am-3:00pm Blakely Hall

Join us for family fun and shopping to celebrate the holidays. We’re excited to welcome back Santa & Mrs. Claus to our winter wonderland again this year, so be sure to bring your camera for FREE photos!

Complimentary hot chocolate and coffee will be available while you shop and there will be fun activities for kids. Vendor applications now being accepted! We also have special tables for resident kids to sell their crafts. Visit issaquahhighlands.com/events for more information.

Saturday, November 23, 1:00pm4:30pm Grand Ridge Plaza

Thanksgiving Feast

Sunday, November 24, 6:00pm Blakely Hall

All are invited to join Summit Life Church for free food and fun to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Santa’s Party on the Plaza

Sunday, December 15, 12:00pm-3:00pm Grand Ridge Plaza

Enjoy free treats, crafts and entertainment. Take your own photos with Santa!

Save the Date Cultural Conversations Thursday, December 5, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Cultural Conversations is a safe space for community connection that inspires change through storytelling, new friendships, awareness of diverse cultures, and common bonds. We invite all members of the Issaquah community to join us for an uplifting evening of conversation.

Free to attend – adults of all faiths and cultures are welcome. Pre-arranged childcare is recommended. Light refreshments will be served.

Living Green – Green Holiday Workshop

Saturday, December 7, 10:00am-12:00pm Blakely Hall

Let’s make it a Green Holiday with help from Aline Bloch!

Bring a small gift to this workshop and learn to wrap it beautifully using eco-friendly materials and handmade decorations. Families are welcome; advanced registration required to ensure we have enough supplies – www. issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Parents Night Out

Saturday, December 7, 6:00pm-9:00pm Blakely Hall

K-5th Graders enjoy a night at Blakely Hall with games, snacks, crafts, and a holiday movie supervised by Highlands Council and The Highlands Youth Advisory Board. $10 per child – registration information at issaquahhighlands.com/events. Space is limited!

Registration deadline is Saturday, 11/30.

Get Involved

Governance Mtgs Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group

Monday, 11/4, 5:00pm, IHCA Office

IHCA Architectural Review Committee

Tuesday 11/5, 6:00pm IHCA Office

IHCA Finance Committee

Tuesday, 11/12, 5:30 pm IHCA Office

IHCA Board of Directors

Wednesday, 11/20, 5:30pm, IHCA Office

City Meetings Becoming Issaquah Highlands Community Workshop Thursday, November 7, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Join the City of Issaquah for a neighborhood workshop on the “Vision” of Issaquah Highlands. The live-workplay design of our community was first envisioned over 20 years ago in the Development Agreement, which was terminated last year. Let’s reflect after this 20 year milestone and discuss what Issaquah Highlands should look and “live” like 20 years from now. All are welcome, from interested residents to commercial property owners.

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

Holidays Daylight Savings Ends Sunday, November 4

Election Day

Tuesday, November 5

Veterans Day

Monday, November 11

Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 28

Small Business Saturday Saturday, November 30

Office Holiday Closures

IHCA Office, Blakely Hall, Highlands Council and HFN Offices will be closed November 28-29 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Lunar New Year Planning Committee

Help plan 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 planning.

If you would like to be involved, please let Lindsey know (lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org) so you can be included in future meetings.

Shop Local Holiday Bazaar

For daily updates, follow us on:

Saturday, November 30

Volunteers needed for our annual Shop Local Holiday Bazaar! Volunteers ages 14+ are welcome to sign up for a shift to help with refreshments, crafts, etc., during this popular event at issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer. Santa will be watching!

*All Events are FREE unless otherwise noted.

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

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November 2019

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2019

21

HOME ORGANIZATION

Declutter Challenge #11

Creating an “End-of-Year Master List”

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

Hello neighbors! November is the perfect opportunity to dive in and tackle a few small organizing projects. This time of year can get a little crazy, which is why it’s even more important to take a little time out to help make your holiday season a breeze.

Johnne’s End-of-Year Master List helps her start the new year strong.

Living with intention is important, but even more so over the next few months. How do you want November and December to feel? Do you have big parties on your calendar, or do you just plan to enjoy one-on-one time with a few loved ones? Do you celebrate any of the seasonal holidays? If so, have you set a budget for gift giving, donating or household help? Do you have out-of-town guests visiting? The first step in reducing seasonal stress would be to answer these types of questions, and then setting up a “End of Year Master List” to help you prep and plan.

Here are a couple examples about how a Master List should work for you. Say you have family scheduled to visit in December. Have that as Task #1. Under Task #1 jot down everything that needs to be done in order for that to go smoothly. Has your guest room been taken over by the “to do’s” in the house? If so, your first order of business will be to declutter that room.

You will want to revisit the Keep, Donate, Discard process we have talked about in past months. Next, ask yourself if the guest room is welcoming and comfortable. Are there clean sheets and pillows? Are there empty hangers in the closet, or a place where they can set their suitcases? Also, set out a basket filled with fluffy, white towels and travel size toiletries. Now you can rest knowing all this is ready for your guests!

Next, let’s cover gift giving. Make that Task #2. As a professional organizer, I almost always recommend “experience gifts”. They take up zero space, reduce the possibility of clutter, and create wonderful memories! If you decide to pursue this route, start thinking about who is on your list, and what things they like. If you start this month, you will be more likely to find great deals! Here are a few experience gifts ideas:

Regal movie passes* Discover Pass Aquarium, Zoo or Museum passes A cooking class* A gift certificate for a massage or manicure* Sports or concert tickets A weekend away at Treehouse Point Comedy show Rock climbing or trampoline punch card Escape room certificate Yoga or Barre3 passes* If you take just a few minutes out of your day to start your End-of-Year Master List, you can be sure your holiday season will be one of your best yet! You will finish the year strong, organized and ready for all 2020 has to offer!

NOVEMBER DECLUTTER CHALLENGE: To help get ready for the holidays, walk through your home with an empty box and collect clothing to donate that your family has outgrown or is just collecting dust. You get extra points for winter jackets, as they are always needed at the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank. And while you are checking those closets and drawers, keep an eye out for any gifts or fun sets that your kiddos haven’t used, and get those to your local toy drive. *These experiences are all available in Issaquah Highlands!

Ask Kari!

Dear Kari, My daughter just told me that her long-term boyfriend has a substance abuse problem. She shared with me that he has been using marijuana and cocaine to relax. I am shocked to hear this information, as her boyfriend works full-time and seems so responsible. My daughter states that she is concerned that he is addicted to these substances and needs help. What do you suggest she do?

- Concerned Mom Dear Concerned Mom, I am sorry to hear that your daughter’s significant other is using substances and needs help. First, his issues need to be addressed by a health care professional, either his primary care physician (PCP) or a licensed mental health professional with experience with substance use, not your daughter or you. This issue is too big for individuals and families to address on their own. Suggest that your daughter’s boyfriend call his PCP today for an appointment and/or look into local counselors with chemical dependency experience for support. I wish all of you well.

-Kari

Dear Kari, I am feeling torn about the upcoming holiday season. I like my family and in laws most of the time, but I don’t know if I want to spend another boring Thanksgiving or Christmas with them.

The last few family occasions have left me feeling disconnected and sad, as hardly anyone puts effort into connecting with each other, people sit like lumps on the couch. Help me decide, do I invite everyone over or should I just keep it small to my immediate family members (my husband and our children)?

- Feeling Bored with the Status Quo Dear Feeling Bored with the Status Quo, I hear your pain, as I think that most family systems get stuck in a rut as each person assumes their role at family occasions. Consider this: try sharing one holiday with your extended family and bring a game into the mix. Tell everyone about the game ahead of time, so that they bring their energy to the gathering. Watch to see if people engage further when there is a planned activity. If so, this is a new tool to use when your family gets together to help mix things up. If not, move forward with your branching out to celebrating holidays with people who you connect with and matter most to you. 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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November 2019

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2019

23

HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

Holiday Season is Coming Gifts For the Geek

by Frank Pineau, General Manager, Highlands Fiber Network It seems almost every day a new product hits the shelves which allows us to be more connected, and with it comes the promises of making our lives easier.

While I’m not the biggest geek I know, I am pretty “up-there” on the scale. Some of my favorite tech products do help make my life easier, such as:

Highlands Fiber Network: Fiber to the Home, Community Owned Issaquah Highlands was designed as an innovative, highly connected, urban village enjoying traditional neighborhood design.

Canary – Home Monitoring Canary is a self-contained camera and monitoring system which allows me to get real time alerts and streaming video on my smartphone. It senses when my wife and I are both away from home and will then let us both know of any movement, rapid temperature or humidly increase (fire, broken pipes). When we get home, the unit goes passive. It also has a “learn mode” so pets can be identified. What really attracted me to this style of unit is that it is Wi-Fi connected, and can be moved anywhere without rewiring my home.

Nest – Learning Thermostat We’ve had a Nest for years and are now on the second version. This unit allows us to change, program and set our home temperature remotely, and supports both heat and A/C. When we are away on a trip, I set the temps to be at least 55, and then turn it up remotely as we get close to home. Pretty cool device, and energy efficient.

Ring – Video Doorbell We’ve all seen those clips on TV where people are seen stealing packages from front doors, right? Many are recorded on a “Ring”. We have a Ring doorbell, which monitors my front entrance 24/7. It sends me an email with a video clip when movement is detected.

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

Add to the mix our Xbox, Wii, Apple TV, TiVo, smartphones, Wi-Fi printer, tablets and laptops… you get the picture, and an extensive shopping list for the Geek in your life.

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

(All of the items above have competing brands; these are just the ones we purchased.)

Direct questions about the Covenant for Community to:

Of course, all this activity does require Internet bandwidth, and the more we stream, connect, check Facebook, etc. the more we need. If you’re like me, you’ll need a fast Wi-Fi router and fast internet.

Thankfully, Issaquah Highlanders have HFN: fast, reliable, community-owned internet service.

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

I also have an array of Wi-Fi connected wall switches which turn my front porch light on dusk to dawn, plus other items I can control from my smartphone.

ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS TRIVIA

Every month we ask three Issaquah Highlands-related questions. Prove your knowledge of the Issaquah Highlands by emailing me the answers! Some months may be easy - other months will test your internet search skills.

October 2019 answers: 1. Blakey Hall hosted the Candidate Forum for the Issaquah School Board on October 12.

November is election month! How much do you know about our local elections?

1.

How many Issaquah City Council seats are on the ballot this year?

2.

rue or False: Issaquah voters T vote on all school board district representatives whether they live in our district or not.

3.

Ballots are due by what date?

2. Spooktacular Halloween Bingo was on October 18.

3. There are so many great events for kids at Blakely Hall! My kids love Minecraft Mania on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays.

Correct answers were submitted by:

Colin Yuen Toni Hunter Benny Biesmans

Sarah Soriano Anjali Jain

Thanks to everyone who participated!

If you think you have the answers, please It’s election month! email it to IHTrivia@gmail.com along with your full name. Responses will be accepted until Nov 12th. Those with correct answers will see their name published in next month’s issue of Connections. Everyone who responds with a correct answer will be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Habit Burger. Every correct answer is an entry!

Trivia is brought to you by Chelsea Musick of Central Park Neighborhood.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

LIVING GREEN

Let’s Think Outside the Bag and Bottle How you can reduce plastic use

By Aline Bloch, Eco-Artist and resident of Central Park Neighborhood

It was invented in 1907. It’s resistant to corrosion, durable, lightweight and cheap to produce. We love it and use it every day. About 350 million metrics tons are produced per year but only about 10% is recycled and about 100 million metrics tons is ending up in the nature and ocean…

It’s time to rethink the way we use plastic.

This month, I have been lucky to meet and interview Robert Milligan, business owner of - Clean-H2O - and Issaquah Highlands community member. We talked about clean water in the oceans and for drinking, and plastic pollution.

Rob, can you please introduce yourself and the purpose of your business:

I’ve enjoyed a long exciting career as a business information consultant and have built systems for many

governments and businesses around the US. For my last project, a huge one, I led a team that managed all the scientific and economic data collected during the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill of 2010. That exposed me to a great many topics related to marine life and water pollution. Near the end of that project, the 2014 Flint Michigan water crisis surfaced. This raised my interest in public water sources and testing and how public health concerns drive large numbers of people to buy their drinking water in disposable plastic water bottles, versus taking it from their own home kitchen tap.

I saw an opportunity to merge two topics together, testing water - to help citizens realize their own water at home is perfectly clean, or just needs some filtering, and that by learning this they would consequently stop buying water in disposable plastic bottles. Really more than an opportunity, I felt there was a dire need to go in this direction; This has to happen. And in my research and communications with professionals, it seems no other NGO, government agency, or municipal water provider is paying attention to the issues in this way, with this approach.

Americans today buy 30 billion plastic bottles a year.

Nearly 50% don’t trust the quality of the water coming out of their home tap. And for the rest who buy plastic bottles, only 13% of these get inserted into the recycling process.

Why do you do what you do?

• To increase awareness of the enormous quantity of sea life and water birds that are dying by choking on plastic.

• When these creatures are eaten by humans and other creatures, microplastics are transferred and absorbed into our bodies.

• To show people that they can easily test their own water at home, for many different factors.

• To increase awareness and sell water test kits, filters and reusable bottles, all via Amazon

100 million metric tons of plastic ends up in natural areas.

How do you help people to reduce their water bottles consumption?

It is a matter of education and acculturation, to reach into social networks and share information, stimulate participation in my efforts, volunteering in the public reach-out process, and generally asking people to practice

conservation. It takes broad communication efforts and will certainly take time to mature.

What are your solutions to reduce our water and plastic footprint?

My focus is mainly on helping to purify the water we consume, and to not pollute into the sea water with plastic where animals will consume it. This doesn’t at this point Rob aims to reduce the market for singlerefer to reducing use plastic water bottles. water consumption, just plastic consumption” – clean-H2O.com

Simple TIPS to reduce plastic use: • Bring your own shopping bags and reusable vegetable bags • Refill your reusable water bottle at home for free • Bring your own mug or thermos to local coffee shop • Store food leftover or lunch in reusable stainless steel or glass containers • Recycle as much as possible - Plastic bags (shopping, newspaper and drycleaning bags when bagged together) Resource recology.com

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2019

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GIVING BACK

PSE Gives Back to Environment and People

by Renee Zimmerman, Ashland Park Resident and PSE’s Community Project Manager

As we approach the holiday season, it’s a good time to reflect on giving back to others and nonprofit organizations, whether it’s sharing your talent, treasure or time. One of the many reasons I enjoy working for PSE is the company’s focus on meaningful and intentional philanthropic support in the communities where we provide electricity and gas, including Issaquah.

Last year, I had the honor of organizing a back-to-school drive for our own Eastside Baby Corner where employees donated more than 2,200 items to support school readiness for our local children! In September, PSE provided a team of over 30 staff to volunteer at Eastside Baby Corner to sort clothes, make clothing kits, and work on other projects to support this treasured nonprofit.

People in Issaquah Highlands value this principle with their steadfast support of local organizations such as the Issaquah Schools Foundation, Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank, Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, Eastside Baby Corner, Eastside Friends of Seniors, At-Work, Friends of Youth, and numerous other local nonprofits. Many of our Highlands neighbors also get together on a quarterly basis as part of the 100 Women Who Care Committee to collectively impact a local nonprofit by donating thousands of dollars.

LOCAL SPONSORSHIPS PSE provides sponsorships to a portfolio of nonprofits to support their important work.

This year, I’m proud that we were able to support the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank with dollars for operations.

At Puget Sound Energy, giving back to the community is an important part of what we do. As a provider of critical services, we understand our responsibility as a part of the community to be a good corporate citizen and help where we can.

PSE FOUNDATION The PSE Foundation was formed to support local non-profits and the important work they do in our communities every day.

We also support our employees, retirees and board members by matching their financial charitable gifts at $.50 on the $1.00, and compensating volunteer work at $12.50 an hour.

TEAMPSE Another way we help in the community is with our TeamPSE program, a group of employees, retirees, and their families and friends who volunteer their time and talent to improve the lives of our customers by supporting volunteer initiatives.

TeamPSE provided 30 volunteer crew members to Issaquah’s Eastside Baby Corner to help sort donations for families in need.

POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS PSE has also teamed up with several nonprofit organizations under its Powerful Partnership program, providing funding to those making a difference in the community.

In addition to selecting organizations committed to environmental conservation as PSE did in 2017 and 2018, this year’s ‘Powerful Partnerships’ also include partners with a commitment to human services. In 2019, one of only two regional Powerful Partnerships was with Eastside Baby Corner!

Remembering to give back to the community is just a small way to make a big difference.

Sign up today with a local nonprofit and see the incredible benefit YOU receive by sharing your treasure, time and/or talent while providing meaningful contribution to a local nonprofit organization.

Eastside Baby Corner and the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank are Highlands Council Community Partners.

Author Renee Zimmerman (second from right) with members of the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank Board of Directors, posing on Ellis Drive, Issaquah Highlands, with a $1,000 donation from PSE.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2019

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CITY OF ISSAQUAH NEWS

Voters: It is time to make decisions on important issues Once you’ve completed and sealed your ballot, you can return it by first-class mail or deliver it to the King County Elections drop box at Issaquah City Hall, 130 E. Sunset Way, until 8pm Election Day, November 5, 2019.

Help Protect Your Pipes from FOG Help protect your pipes — and our sewer system — by recycling used cooking oil and fats from your Thanksgiving feast.

Still not sure who to vote for? Hear from Issaquah City Council candidates in recorded forums on our YouTube Channel: youtube.com/CityofIssaquah

The impact of fats, oils and grease (FOG) is serious.

If disposed of improperly, FOG can cause serious plumbing problems. These substances build up along the pipes, which can cause sewage backups and overflows, as well as extensive building and property damage.

To learn more about the candidates on your ballot, and how to complete your ballot, see King County Elections online.

Kingcounty.gov/depts/elections.aspx

Once your feast is done, take the following steps to dispose of fats, oils and grease:

Santa’s Backup: Police Start Holiday Patrols You better watch out. Santa’s backup is coming to town.

• Pour fats, oils and grease into a covered disposable container — such as glass, plastic or a sturdy zip-top bag

During the holiday season, Issaquah police officers increase patrols in Issaquah’s business districts to prevent thefts during the busiest shopping days. Think of them as Santa’s backup.

• Store it in the freezer and then put it in the trash after it has hardened.

Officers also warn shoppers if vehicles and valuables are left too susceptible to prowlers and other Scrooges.

Help prevent a Grinch from ruining your holiday good cheer:

• Use paper towels to wipe greasy dishes before washing. Put the paper towels in your food waste.

• Use sink strainers to catch food waste when washing.

• Lock your vehicle every time you leave, even for a short time.

• Don’t leave valuables in plain view.

• Put food scraps in compost bin or in the trash.

• Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended.

If you place items in the trunk, do it discreetly or before you arrive at your destination.

To prevent package thefts, require a signature for deliveries or leave specific instructions. If a package is stolen, file a police report and contact the shipper immediately.

If you see somebody acting suspicious or looking into vehicles, call police at 425-837-3200.

Use #SantasBackup to find tips and photos from police throughout the season. If you see our officers on holiday patrols, tag your photos #SantasBackup.

Our waste hauler, Recology CleanScapes, offers curbside pickup of used cooking oil. Complete the Special Recycling Item Collection Request form at recologycleanscapes.com/issaquah.

Or drop off used cooking oil at the Recology CleanScapes Store in Gilman Village, 317 N.W. Gilman Blvd., No. 22.

To learn more, go to issaquahwa.gov/fog.

COMMUTER NEWS

Reserve Space at Park and Ride Beginning November 1 New Permits for Single Occupant Vehicles

Anyone can now reserve parking at the Issaquah Highlands Park and Ride (P&R) through a new King County Metro parking permit program that allows single occupant vehicles (SOVs) a reserved parking spot P&R for $60 a month. SOV permitted stalls will be held until 10:00am on weekdays, after which it becomes available on a first come, first served basis. To qualify, the permit holder must be a regular rider of transit (12+ days each month).

For income-qualified ORCA Lift card holders, permits only cost $20 per month. (People with household income of less than double the federal poverty level qualify.) 10% of the spaces will be designated for ORCA Lift participants.

But space is limited! Apply online starting November 1, 2019 at Republic Parking Northwest www.rpnw.com and if approved, you will have a guaranteed parking stall at the Issaquah Highlands P&R starting December 1, 2019.

In July, King County Council members voted 5-3 to approve this program which sets aside up to 50% of parking stalls in the Issaquah Highlands P&R for permit holders. The Issaquah Highlands P&R fills up fast. In Q4 2018 its 1010 stalls were recorded at 100% occupancy. The maximum stalls that will be set aside for permit priority is 505. Metro will designate as many parking stalls to permit priority as there are active permits.

The program is part of King County’s 2019-2020 biennial budget. The County expects to gross over $1M a year from this program. However, the Council, and the public, are divided about the program’s value (see comments at IssaquahHighlands.com). Besides generating revenue, King County Metro states the program also “was designed to make accessing transit at park and rides equitable and accessible to everyone in King County.”

Ten high demand Park and Ride lots qualified for the program, measured by the lot being “90% or more of the stalls fill on a typical weekday.” Ours is the largest lot qualifying for this program.

Free parking permits have been provided to carpools at the Issaquah Highlands P&R since 2018. These stalls were guaranteed until 8:30am weekdays. With this new program, carpool and single occupant vehicles will be guaranteed until 10:00am. In the 50% parking stall allocation for permits, HOV (carpool) permits and ORCA Lift holders will be given priority.

Republic Parking Northwest will sell the permits through their website and will monitor permitted parking stall use during peak morning hours. Fines for improper parking or invalid permits begin at $20. Repeat violators will have their cars towed.

Republic has been running the carpool permit program since 2018.

Monitoring and feedback will be ongoing, but the Council mandated to receive a report every September, and to consider any necessary adjustments.

Only carpool permits are available at the Issaquah Transit Center. ITC is a Sound Transit facility and as such, carpool parking permits are limited to residents of the RTA district.

Issaquah and Sammamish city limits constitute the eastern boundary of this district. These carpool parking permits are free.

A waiting list will be employed if demand outpaces supply.

Primary resource for information: A. Metro Parking Facility User Fee Revenue Expenditure Plan and Parking Fee Program Plan, dated July 24, 2019 Metro’s own story: https://kingcountymetro.blog/2019/07/29/make-your-commute-easierwith-a-reserved-parking-spot-at-metros-busiest-park-and-rides/

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2019

NOVEMBER SCHOOL

SPOTLIGHT written and produced by Tracie Jones, Wisteria Park

6 11 14 14 28 - 29

Family Partnerships – Elementary Conferences Veterans Day, No School Issaquah PTSA Council Membership Meeting School Board Meeting Thanksgiving Holiday, No School

Issaquah Schools Foundation

6 14

Dining for Kids – Chinoise Shop for a Cause! Kendra Scott & glassybaby

Challenger Elementary

1 6 12 13 15

Popcorn Friday Reflections Reception PTA Membership Meeting After School Movie Bingo Night

Clark Elementary

1 8 14 15 25

Popcorn Friday All Reflections Due Coffee w/ Christy Recess with the Kids Staff Appreciation – Please Donate!

1 4 & 5 13 13 19 22

Popcorn Friday Vision and Hearing Screening After School Movie Reflections Reception PTSA General Membership Meeting Grizzly Guys’ Recess – Volunteer!

Endeavour Elementary

1 5 12

Popcorn Friday Vision and Hearing Screening PTSA Membership Meeting

Issaquah Middle School

1 5 20 22 27

All Reflections Due Web After School PTSA Membership Meeting Spirit Day All-School Party

4 5 7 11 14 21 25 - 29

Fundraiser Distribution Fall Choirs Concert Fall Band Concert PCMS Play Productions Begin Orchestra Concert PTSA Membership Meeting ASB Holiday Giving Program

8

Last day to submit “Reflections” entries

2 6 14 15 20 23

Evergreen Philharmonic Season Premier Jazz Percussions Concert Reflections Reception IH PTSA Membership Meeting Staff Appreciation Breakfast – Please Donate!

ACT/SAT Practice Test

Issaquah School District

issaquah.wednet.edu

isfdn.org

challengerpta.org

clarkpta.org

Grand Ridge Elementary

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

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Holiday Gift BarnPickering Barn Drive Many PTSAs partner with Issaquah Food Bank to help Issaquah families make the holidays merry and bright with the Holiday Gift Barn, serving 1,200 ISD children each year. The Issaquah Food Bank and volunteers turn Pickering Barn into a huge toy store, where parents select gifts for their children, plus stocking stuffers.

Childcare and wrapping keep gifts a secret. Holiday Gift Barn needs volunteers and donors to support our families throughout November and December. Details, donations, collection sites: visit IssaquahFoodBank.org. Questions about donating?

Contact Bonnie@issaquahfoodbank.org at 425-392-4123 x14.

Volunteering? Call Lisa at 425-392-4123 x10.

Grand Ridge Grizzly Guys Grizzly Guys are Grand Ridge dads, grandfathers, uncles, big brothers and other positive male role models who participate and play fun activities with ALL kids at recess.

Come play once or every month, from 1:40-3:00pm. Dads, your presence greatly benefits children. Let them know you care. Meet their friends and play everyone’s favorite games. Questions, email Cliff Alcordo - hondamb5007@ gmail.com. Next playdate: November 22, 2019. Sign-up at GrandRidgePTSA.org.

Family Partnership: What to Expect at Elementary Conferences?

Family Partnership invites culturally and linguistically diverse families to attend an overview session, helping new elementary parents understand December’s ParentTeacher Conferences. Topics include - contacting schools, norms, expectations for parent-teacher communications. Facilitated by district staff and volunteers.

New parents may ask questions, talk directly with staff. Join us November 6, 2019, starting at 6:30pm. Interpretation available in Mandarin, Spanish, and Korean. If other language interpretation needed, contact Lorna Gilmour, GilmourL@issaquah.wednet.edu.

NEW 2019-20 Cultural Bridges Family Guide Wonder how your child finds anything in their binder, with papers everywhere, and assignments frequently missed or misplaced? Sound familiar? Binder Bootcamp helps students struggling with organization. Parent volunteers work one-on-one with students, organizing paperwork to create a system for success. Approximately three times a year, volunteers work with students referred by teachers, counselors, and parents. Sign-up or volunteer, email BinderBootCamp@ issaquahmiddleptsa.org.

GRE After School Movies: Monthly Movies with Friends!

After-school monthly movies are a great way for students to have fun, relax, providing extended care.

PTSA parent volunteers pick-up the kids from classes, and safely bring everyone to the Multi-Purpose Room to watch movies on the big screen. Space is limited to the first 100 registrants. Kindergarten siblings may also attend, when dropped off and signed-in by a parent. Register at GrandRidgePTSA.org, under “Activities” icon. Next up: Detective Pikachu on November 13.

Coffee with Christy @Clark Elementary Join Principal Otley for “Coffee with Christy” at Clark Elementary on November 14, at 9:30am. Principal Otley will discuss timely topics centered around Clark Elementary and answer your parent questions. Don’t miss this great opportunity learn more about what’s happening at Clark directly from our principal, in a small group setting, with coffee or tea. See you there!

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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Issaquah Highlands Connections

How to “Shelter in Place” November Installment for Your 2019 Readiness

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

Over the course of the year, we’ve spent an hour each month completing an emergency preparedness activity that will help us if we ever face disaster. We’ve talked with our families about communicating during an emergency, identified meeting places, put together emergency kits, learned how to purify water, and more.

This month, we’re going to learn what to do when we’re told to shelter in place. The rainy season is upon us, so what could be better than an indoor preparedness activity?!

Authorities have issued shelter in place directives during situations when they felt the public would be better off at home, avoiding an uncertain or emerging medical or life safety situation.

One such example was in 2013 when the entire city of Boston was told to shelter in place while authorities searched for the Boston Marathon bombing suspect. Another time the warning was issued was in 2012, when a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed near Louisville, Kentucky.

Meet Issaquah’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or join these training opportunities:

First Aid Class

November 2 9:00am – 3:00pm Issaquah City Hall

HAM Radio Technician Class December 7 & 14 9:00am – 5:00pm Issaquah City Hall

Map Your Neighborhood (MYN)

The basic idea of sheltering in place is to use your home or work as a shield between you and an outside danger – be it contaminated air or dangerous individuals.

To shelter in place, bring your family, including pets, inside and close and lock all doors and windows. In the case of contamination, close fireplace dampers, air vents, and turn off any ventilation, like air conditioners. Next, identify an interior room you can “seal off” from any additional outside air. To seal the room, you should: • Go into an interior room with few windows, if possible.

• Bring your emergency supply kit with you.

• Seal all windows, doors and air vents with thick plastic sheeting (like painters’ plastic) and duct tape by cutting the plastic sheeting several inches wider than the openings.

• Duct tape corners first and then tape down all edges.

• Once sealed, turn on your emergency radio and listen for updates from authorities.

• Avoid using your cell phone which will help keep lines open and your battery charged.

As with the other preparedness planning we’ve done these past ten months, many of these steps can be completed in advance of a potential emergency, saving you and your family precious time and stress. Here, you could measure, cut, label, and store the plastic sheeting in the safe room you’ve identified.

This might be scary to think about, but planning ahead will enable you to react quickly when an emergency happens.

To learn more about sheltering in place visit ready.gov/shelter .

Improves disaster readiness at the neighborhood level, teaching neighbors how to rely on each other until service responders arrive.

Interested in hosting an MYN gathering? See issaquahcitizencorps. org/myn.html for more information.

Visit issaquahcitizencorps.org/ training.html for details about these events and more.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2019

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 our webpage for more information or contact Lindsey at Highlands Council 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

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 Larry Norton Tim Underwood Allen Enebo Charlie Herb

  

@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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