November 2015

CONNECTIONS FR

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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNIT Y NEWS

November 2015

NEIGHBORS THANKING NEIGHBORS 2nd Annual Thank A Neighbor Issue • Happy Thanksgiving to Our Readers!

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E ?

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Feature: Thank a Neighbor Highlands Council Blakely Hall Art IHCA News Volunteer of the Month Living Green Jiggle While Jogging Highlands Fiber Network Ask Kari Photo Treasure Hunt

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Life in the USA What’s Happening Doing Business Emergency Preparedness Community Events Zhanson Media Reviews Arts and Culture School Spotlight Fitness & Health Culture Through Cuisine

Fiona and Heather Moffat, Manchester Court. Photo Credit: Scott Moffat

www.issaquahhighlands.com | facebook.com/issaquahhighlands

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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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

FROM THE EDITOR Thank you, Neighbors!

I live a pretty neighborly life. My family’s row house sits in the middle of a four-plex in a courtyard of twelve homes, plus a couple carriage houses. It’s cozy. We relish it.

Weekends are the best when we see many of our neighbors over the course of a day. My husband Rob likes to spend the day working in his shop in the garage. If we are lucky, our beer-making neighbor might be in a sharing mood. Another might come and go, moving baby stuff out to the garage and toddler stuff into the house. We can get caught up on the family news between loads. Another family’s Grandma runs to catch up with her littlest boy who has run out to see us. She apologizes in as much English as she knows though we welcome the lad without reserve.

On my way to the mailbox I am accosted with a level of enthusiasm that only a young corgi dog can express; he cannot be denied.

Nina’s neighbors, Sue and Larry.

I hope my petting satisfies some of his yearning for society. But when he sees my ever-popular husband he quickly forgets my charms and darts for Rob. Well, I tried! My feelings of corgi-dejection is assuaged by an invitation from our row-house neighbors as they holler from the kitchen balcony that they’d like to have us over for Happy Hour. Happy Hour at their house is more like a four course meal. The answer is “Yes, of course! What time?”

A day in the life of Issaquah Highlanders is full of such encounters, gifts of simple neighborliness.

It’s so easy, too. All we have to do is get outside of the house. It is all around us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

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November 2015

Issaquah Highlands Connections

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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Thank a Neighbor

Thanks to the Foss's & the Benders who have helped our 7 y/o granddaughter feel welcome in her new neighborhood & helped us adjust to parenting again! - John and Pamela Tomczak "We'd like to thank our Mulberry Street neighborhood and its wonderful residents over the years, especially Raja/Durga, Jennifer/Andy, Kajal/Prashant and Mahua/Suraj for helping us on various occasions, esp. when we've been away.

We're grateful for residing in a community with such caring and friendly neighbors!" -Ami & Tushar Thankful to have great neighbors and friends Larry & Sue and Rob & Nina. Who watch over our neighborhood and the community of the Issaquah Highlands! – Rossie Cruz

Thank you Pat Stas who lives in IH and works at our Kumon Center and takes such good care of the kids who live in our community! - Cindy McVay My neighbor Ira is like a son to me. Anytime I need help he is my go-to guy. He always does more than expected and I so appreciate him. - Elia S. I would like to thank Allison Hanson for being an inspirational garden partner. We broke some new ground sharing a garden plot at Sunset 2 this year!

– Dawn Noland

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

Thank you Pat and Mike for taking the reins of the Travel Club and injecting life, fun and professionalism into what was only an desire in my head. You serve so many with this fantastic club!

- Nina

We’d like to express our gratitude to Mr. Dick Fitzgerald for sharing his amazing experiences with us and for being such an inspiration!

-IH Sportshound (Aadit)

I want to thank my bosses Fabiola and Federico from Agave Cocina for providing such a great restaurant job experience. I have a lot of fun there because they treat me as if I am part of their family. I also want to thank my boss Christy as well as Nina, Brianna, Julie and Michele for providing me wonderful guidance and feedback on my graphic design and other work as well. I appreciate and love the people who I work with and it is with gratitude that I live here in IH. –Vyvian Thank you to my neighbor, friend and trainer, Aimee Holy and all the other moms at Aimee’s 10 More Strength and Conditioning classes for inspiring me to stick with a fitness program and grow lasting friendships. – Christy Garrard

I would like to thank Sofi Humphrey for being my Super Hero Bae. Thank you for making so many ordinary moments, extraordinary. – Alyssa Slade I'd like to express my gratitude to Deyin and Melanie for volunteering their time and expertise for the Yoga Club. - Ami We are so lucky to have wonderful neighbors 4 doors along. Michael and Sherry Dryja, and their little dog Lukas. They are the nicest people ever!!!!

– Lynne Trowern

We'd like to express our gratitude to Nina Milligan for many interesting discussions over the years, wonderful exchange of ideas as well as for making Connections an informative and interesting community newspaper!

– The Mehta Family

Sharan Sathi is a great neighbor! She will take my kids to school, always has an extra cube of butter, glass of wine and a laugh to share. Thank you!

- Wendy Posey

We have a fantastic neighborhood full of great neighbors, but Marty and Molly Fisher have become family. We love you guys! – Patrick Byers

Thank you Lane (SIP) for all the ice you supplied me with through the summer because of my ice machine breaking down. Finally got a new one!! - Federico Ramos (Agave) We'd like to express our appreciation and thank Christy Garrard for spending her time and energy directing the HY Board and giving our young leaders such an amazing opportunity to make a difference in our community. - Mehta Family A big thank you to my neighbor Rob Milligan for closing my garage door when it was left open. Little things like that make a huge impression! – Dolly Allen

Here’s to Max, who takes care of my fish and waters all of my plants when I am out of town.

Thanks again! – Sarah Brown

Thanks to all the volunteers of Highlands day 2015 & special thanks to HRITHIK, Karan, Poonam & Lynne Trowern for helping us with my booth.

- Shubha Tirumale Nicole Topel, thanks for dragging me out at night to walk and get exercise, I need the motivation! - Kelly Minnaar

I just want to say thank you to all my neighbor’s in Wisteria Park!!! I love our Friday nights at the park, movie nights on the rock! Thanks!

- Candace

Thank you Grace for always inviting me to your house, and to share your American Dolls with me. You are the best neighbor in the whole wide world!

– Vyvian Spinner

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2015

Turning 40 Acts of Kindness

by Heather Mofffat, Manchester Court

Me: “It’s a Mom and Me day, what do you want to do today?”

Fiona: “I want to go and get school supplies for Eastside Baby Corner.”

So how did this start exactly?

I was turning 40 in a few weeks, and I kept thinking about what I wanted to remember from this milestone birthday, what I wanted it to mean to me, and how I wanted to celebrate it. I am blessed to have an amazing family, great friends, a job that I love, and to be in pretty good health. In recent years, I had a friend who succumbed to cancer at the age of 31, and so in looking at turning 40 all I could feel was how blessed I am. Her passing weighed on how I would view this birthday: less of a burden and more of a celebration of life. I decided that I would do 40 random acts of kindness for my birthday to give back to those around me, and I determined that while some would be “random” and “spur-of-themoment”, many of them would be planned—focused on those around me—from my daughter’s teacher, to the mail carrier, to the neighbors who we interact with each day. Other acts I would put out into the world and let the universe determine who I could benefit and how I could have an impact.

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Random Acts of Kindness Idea List 1. Buy school supplies to donate to a local charity.

2. Thank your local policeman for their service to the community.

3. Bake and deliver something sweet to your neighbors.

4. Put sticky notes with positive messages on the mirrors in restrooms.

5. Return store carts from the parking lot.

6. Visit a stranger in a retirement home.

7. Send an email or text to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while just to say hello.

8. Buy lunch for a friend.

9. Say thank you to your postal carrier.

10. Be the person who puts a tip in the tip jar.

11. Donate used clothes to charity.

12. Compliment a parent on how well-behaved their child is.

13. Let a car merge in front of you and do it with a smile.

14. Write someone a list of things you love about them (partner, spouse, parent, child) 15. Buy lemonade from a kid’s lemonade stand.

16. Smile at someone on the street, just because.

17. Make a monetary donation to your favorite charity.

They always say “it is better to give than receive” and I can tell you that in doing these random acts of kindness, I am getting so much joy in return. As an added bonus, my daughter and I have started having real conversations about how people have times where they need a hand, and how we can help lift each other up. I’ve found that this act of giving quickly became contagious—Before I knew it, my daughter was donating personal things that really mattered to her, and my husband was doing his own random acts of kindness.

What I have learned so far is that the “easy” ones feel more like “just being me”. The acts of kindness where I had to really put myself out there and get out of my comfort zone are where I have reaped the greatest satisfaction—The little voice in my head that said “give…love…help…”. I listened very intentionally, when in the past I may have ignored it, being “too busy” or overthinking it how to act on it. I have found my genuine nature shining through, and appreciate how my daughter is watching and learning. She is learning how to share her gifts, how to love, and how to look at life and all its many blessings.

18. Bring a welcome gift to new neighbors.

19. Send a note in the mail to someone who lives alone.

20. Leave extra time in a parking meter.

21. Compliment a stranger.

22. Give a generous tip to your waiter.

23. Thank the office staff at your children’s school for all that they do.

24. Send a card and/or care package to a service man or woman.

25. Make Love Rocks and spread love and joy everywhere you go.

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

HY to Host Parent’s Night Out!

by Christy Garrard, Executive Director, Highlands Council and Mentor-Leader of the Highlands Youth Advisory Board The Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY) is comprised of 15 middle and high school studentleaders that live in Issaquah Highlands. Their mission is to plan and host events for teens by teens that are sometimes social, sometimes educational, sometimes service related – but always FUN! As a HY-sponsored service project, parents in Issaquah Highlands can enjoy a night of dining and shopping local, knowing their kids are having a great time at Blakely Hall on Friday, December 4th from 6pm-9pm! See promotional ad on page 21.

Pre-registration is required by December 1st or until the event is full. The event is limited to the first 60 Kindergarten through 5th grade registered children. The cost is only $10 per child; paid in advance. There will be no registrations accepted at the door on December 4th.

Your kids will be grouped by age and will have two HY students assigned to their group. The kids will move through activity centers that will include games, craft activities, and snacks. The evening will end with a big slumber party in the great room to watch a G-rated holiday movie on our big screen until you arrive to pick them up. Kids should wear warm pajamas, slippers, and bring a pillow and blanket.

This event is a fund raiser to offset the supply cost for the My Free Little Library project! On Monday, January 23rd, a no-school day, the HY will host a teen construction party to build eight Little Libraries that will be installed in community parks around Issaquah Highlands.

Residents will then enjoy the opportunity to give a book or borrow a book from eight Little Libraries located around the neighborhood.

More details coming in December’s issue of Connections.

Download the registration forms at IssaquahHighlands.com/Events and scroll down to December 4th, click the calendar item. For more information you can contact me at 425-5071110 or Christy.G@IHCouncil.org .

Happy Holidays! Happy Shopping!

Thank You Stuart Johnson

by Christy Garrard, Executive Director, Highlands Council and Dahlia Park Resident Highlands Council, the Issaquah Highlands Community Association and Highlands Fiber Network wish to thank Stuart Johnson for his long-time volunteer board service to all three organizations over the last 8 years. Stuart and his wife Cyndi have sold their home and will be relocating this fall to be closer to their son and his family.

Stuart served on the IHCA Board of Directors for 5 years, with two terms as Vice President and two terms as Treasurer. Upon his retirement with Boeing earlier this year he joined the Highlands Council Board of Trustees and was elected to Vice President. Stuart concurrently served on the HFN Board of Directors as a Trustee representative.

Issaquah Highlands thanks Stuart Johnson for his many years of service while they lived in Issaquah Highlands, now moving to be closer to family.

Cyndi, a retired nurse, also volunteered for many years as a member of the IHCA Architectural Review Committee. Stuart and Cyndi were also generous with their time during community

festivals, often taking on the least glamourous roles, doing what needed to be done.

The staff and leadership of all three organizations will greatly miss this resident couple; their energy, willingness to serve, and passion for building and maintaining community. We wish them much happiness in their new home and know another community will soon reap the benefits of their leadership and volunteer spirit.

Long time community volunteer Stuart Johnson enjoys relaxing with his wife Cyndi at Volunteer Appreciation, both of them much appreciated for their years of service in Issaquah Highlands.

Board of Trustee Positions Available

by Christy Garrard, Executive Director, Highlands Council and Dahlia Park Resident

The Highlands Council is a non-profit organization in Issaquah Highlands with the mission to “foster the development of a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, and well-being.” Though we work closely with our community association, we are not a part of the IHCA. The Highlands Council manages the communications and social programming for Issaquah Highlands. We maintain IssaquahHighlands. com, publish Connections News, the weekly e-letter, and the official community social media presence.

We organize many volunteers, clubs, committees, and the community garden program. Highlands Council produces community events including the annual summer Highlands Day Festival, art exhibitions, concerts and more.

Highlands Council owns Highlands Fiber Network (HFN) and Blakely Hall.

The Highlands Council affairs are governed by the Board of Trustees, each member with one equal vote.

Two Council Trustees must be members of the Community Association (a homeowner), one Trustee must be a member of the Non-Residential Association (multi-family dwellings), and one Trustee must be a member of the High Street Association (retail/commercial). The Trustees are appointed and the positions are selfperpetuating.

The Trustees meet quarterly to review the work of the Council and HFN staff, as well as the financials for both organizations. Trustees participate on various Council and HFN committees, take leadership roles at community events, represent Issaquah Highlands at various greater community meetings and socials, and ensure that the organization’s mission of building community in Issaquah Highlands is being fulfilled.

Applicants to the Board of Trustees are met with individually by current members of the Board. Qualified applicants are then presented to the Board for discussion and a vote. Selected Trustees are then provided an orientation to the work of the council by the staff.

If you are interested in applying for a Trustee position contact me at 425-507-1110 or Christy.G@IHCouncil. org for an application.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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B L A K E LY H A L L A R T G A L L E R Y

Local Artists Juried Show: “Anything Goes – Within Reason” November 19th – January 15th

artEAST Exhibitions presents “Anything Goes - Within Reason” at Blakely Hall over the holiday season. This exhibition invited artEAST Members to submit two-dimensional artwork to be considered under a jury process. The subject matter was wide open, attracting a broad range of material from some of artEAST’s best established, and emerging artists.

Artists Reception Wednesday, December 2nd, 7:00 - 8:30 pm Open to the Public Light Refreshments Provided The response for this “call for art” was very good. artEAST received nearly 60 entrants. When the art was reviewed, there was a careful balance of considerations taken into account for the work to be accepted into the show.

Because there was a lot of good artwork to choose from, the jury decided to select one piece from each successful artist. “That allowed as many artists as possible to be showcased,” explained Anna Macrae, Exhibitions Manager at artEAST. “Unfortunately not all the submitting artists could be chosen to show their work at this time, which is always a hard call to make.”

“Jury criteria begin with practicalities to consider, such as the number of pieces that can be hung in Blakely Hall,” Anna detailed. Approximately 15 “average” pieces of art fit in Blakely Hall. The optimal size fills its space without overly dominating the wall.

After setting these perimeters, each individual piece of artwork was reviewed. The artwork was considered for its overall appeal, skill level, use of mediums, uniqueness and quality. In most cases, other supporting information was taken into account, such as artist statements, work history and other work as it may appear on the artists’ website.

“The show theme was ‘open’, so the work was not judged on how it would hang together as an exhibition,” Anna distinguishes from other themed shows. As the show is installed at the Blakely Hall gallery, decisions are made to pull the show together to give an overall cohesive appeal by grouping certain pieces together.

The exhibition is open for viewing Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Enjoy 15 talented local artEAST Member artists.

Pamela K. Beer

Terri Gordon

Hester Morrissey

Dorothy Bonneau

Britt Greenland

Krista Owen

Ruty Daniels

Bonnie Johnson

Liz Ruest

Juliette Fiessinger

Anita H. Lehmann

Janis J. Smith

Maureen Glidden

Vikram Madan

Jan Tervonen

Above: Thanatos and Eros by Bonnie Johnson (pen and watercolor) Right: Wake Up by Anita H Lehmann (monotype pastels) Left: What Makes Me Happy by Pamela K. Beer (acrylic and mixed media)

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

I S SAQ UA H H I G H L A N D S C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N

What is the purpose of the IHCA?

For those of you who could not attend the Welcome to Issaquah Highlands Reception, here is some helpful information about your homeowners association.

The Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) is a non-profit community association whose mission is to maintain the value of the property and a good quality of life for the residential community. They manage rules and restrictions, CCRs, architectural review, and maintenance of common areas such as parks and streetscapes. IHCA also manages a number of neighborhood and condominium associations within Issaquah Highlands.

The IHCA serves the needs and concerns of each resident. Whether it is managing conflicts or improving community amenities, the IHCA takes great pride in making sure each resident feels safe and comfortable in the community they call home. HOA management companies often carry a stigma of being the bad guy who puts profits before homeowners’ interests. Not IHCA. Your community association is run by a resident board of directors and is staffed internally.

The IHCA Board of Directors is comprised of Issaquah Highlands homeowners with representation from each Board District. The Directors are elected by homeowners.

Issaquah Highlands Community Association strives to provide the best community management and governance. While IHCA does enforce governance along with the non-compliance and delinquency policies, the purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of owning a home and living in an HOA. The education, tools, and resources are available to each member of the IHCA – empowering them to get involved in committees, events, and outreach. That is the purpose of IHCA, to give members the opportunity to be a part of something great and to inspire their neighbors to be part of it, too.

Making Payments Can Be As Easy as One, Two, Three!

by Chelsea Johnson, IHCA Administrator

For community members new or established, making the HOA dues payment can sometimes be a tricky process. This can be remedied by enrolling in ACH or direct debit – where your dues are automatically withdrawn from your bank account every month. ACH is the easiest method of payment we offer at the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA). It’s out of sight, out of mind.

Easy. And that’s what we are striving for: convenience and efficiency. The more owners we have signed up for ACH, the better your experience will

be—no one likes getting those pesky bills or late fees—with direct debit, you won’t encounter that again! Note: if changes are made to your banking information, please notify IHCA to have your account updated with us in order to avoid NSF charges. And best of all, it’s free to sign up! Please contact the IHCA office directly for further information and visit our website: www.IssaquahHighlands.com for a copy of the ACH Authorization form or feel free to stop by our office at 1011 NE High Street. We’d love to get you signed up!

Thank You...

A heartfelt shout out to all Issaquah Highlands residents that have responded and taken action to do their part in making sure that this community continues to be one of the most desirable places to live on the Eastside. We understand that everyone has a busy life; work, family, commuting etc. and the extra effort made to ensure that your home and landscape are maintained in accordance with the Community Wide Standards is greatly appreciated by all of us at the Issaquah Highlands Community Association.

ARC Tip of the Month: ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 15-009 A home business application has been submitted to the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board of Directors from a homeowner at 2166 30th Ln NE. The business application is for a city licensed child care business.

The public comment period will be November 1st, 2015 through November 15th, 2015. Residents may provide their comments on the business application via email to homebusinessapp@ihcommunity.org. This public notice and the application are posted on the Issaquah Highlands website.

Did you know… that when builders install landscaping they often plant small bushes and trees that, in time, grow way too big for the surrounding area! Removing and/or replacing these overgrown items requires ARC approval.

The process is simple… Just complete and submit an application that can be found on the website, www. issaquahhighlands.com. There is no fee and the approval is immediate. Fall is an excellent time to replant!!

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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I S SAQ UA H H I G H L A N D S C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N

Plant Replacements Begin

by Russ Ayers, IHCA Landscape Manager

Thank You to All Those Irrigation “Eyes”

Most folks probably don’t realize just how big Issaquah Highlands really is. Those of you who took time in 2015 to report irrigation breaks and other troubles are a big help for our irrigators. Technology is improving but cannot match the eye and brain for pinpointing problems. To expedite the reporting process we set up an email address irrigation@ihcommunity.org so reports get to our field people as fast as possible. Thank you all. Working together we had another great season, keeping things green (for the most part) and controlling costs.

Leaf “Control” Underway

Control is probably not the best word to associate with fallen leaves. They go where they will at the whim of the breeze but somehow “control” has been attached to them rather

than the polysyllabic “management” which is perhaps more accurate. In a young community such as Issaquah Highlands our growing trees may “give” us as much as 20% more leaves with each successive season so the work only increases.

Along with leaf drop comes the inevitable tiffs about whose leaves they are. The leaves, all of them, belong to those whose property is blessed with their arrival. The owner of the tree does not own all the leaves from the tree, nor does the tree owner have no responsibility for leaves blown in from elsewhere. Please collect your leaves as the IHCA and its contractors do and either compost them or put them to work as a mulch where the wind cannot find them such as under low shrubs or conifer branches. Leaves are excellent mulch and soil conditioners plus they provide habitat for all manner of wildlife, especially the Pacific chorus frogs

we all love (they’re even recognized as the state’s official amphibian).

IHCA groundskeepers and contractors collect leaves every service visit during the fall season. As part of their work they also collect a few off private property so their work is not undone five minutes after they leave. That being said, they will not collect all of the leaves off adjacent properties nor will they pick up piles placed in common areas or at the curb.

This latter method of disposing of leaves is prohibited in the CC&Rs and may result in a non-compliance notice(s) and possible fines. Leaves left in gutters are also a major source of fall urban flooding when the mats of leaves cover catch basins. Do your part and manage the leaves you receive.

Your whole neighborhood will be the better for it.

Alley Beautification

by Collene Cordova, IHCA, Owner Services Coordinator-Compliance Landscape maintenance is not exclusive to the front yard but also includes the area between your house and your neighbors, the backyard and even the alleyways. Many neighborhoods throughout the Issaquah Highlands include alleys with either a garage entrance or a landscaped area behind the back of your fence. These areas are to be maintained with the same standard of care as the front of your home.

Typically, these areas are rather small and do not always contain an irrigation system thus maintaining a healthy green lawn can be challenging. If you have tried to grow grass without much luck, there are options. For smaller areas you can apply mulch and possibly a few drought resistant species of shrubs, stepping stones such as flagstone to incorporate a hardscape plus the added bonus of a stable pathway from your garage to your backyard.

If you are interested in updating your alley landscaping, please visit our website at www. issaquahhighlands.com, click on Community Association then Recommended Plant List and

see page 3 which directly addresses alleys. If you would like some additional assistance in your planning, please contact Erika North at Erika.n@ihcommunity.org.

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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Theora Dalupan Volunteer of the Month – November 2015 I feel very blessed to live in a neighborhood that fosters a sense of community and volunteerism. When I moved here in 2003 my oldest was six years old and I was pregnant with my youngest. Now they are 18, 15, and 12 years old.

I spent a lot of time volunteering when my kids were in elementary school; this really bonded me to the community. I volunteered in the Issaquah School District (Issaquah Schools Foundation Auction), Issaquah District Reflections Chair, and Issaquah High School Booster Scholarship Committee.

In 2013 I volunteered for the Highlands Council Transition Task Force, Committees and Communications Sub-Committee. I am currently a member of the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Covenant Committee. I have served on this committee for almost six years. I enjoy the Covenant Committee group; we work well together, have great laughs, but know when to get down to business. This group has a great heart and really wants the community to thrive.

In my work life, I was employed by the Issaquah School district for five years and recently started working for Segue, a packing company for elderly people transitioning to a retirement home. This new job at Segue fits perfectly with my multi-tasking personality and my desire to help people. Volunteering for the community has enriched my life so I want to encourage my fellow neighbors to volunteer in whatever capacity they can. It’s a great way to meet people and create lifelong friendships.

Volunteer of the Month Theora Dalupan sits with fellow Highlands Council Transition Task Force committee members. Left is Theora, with Degale Cooper in the middle, Chantal Stevens (Volunteer of the Month Feb 2015) on the right.

LIVING GREEN

Issaquah Residents Excel at Recycling

by Brenda DeVore, The Recology CleanScapes Store

Curbside waste removal has come a long way over the years, and residents in the area excel at recycling cans, bottles, paper, cardboard and plastics. It’s the hard-to-recycle items, however, that have some scratching their heads in confusion.

• 283 bicycles.

We’re thankful that many Issaquah residents know how to properly dispose of items such as electronics, batteries and compact fluorescent light bulbs and tubes. The Recology Store located in Gilman Village is a convenient outlet for the collection and responsible recycling of these items and more.

• 3,320 pieces of electronic equipment – including keyboards, computers, cell phones and more!

Allow us to say thanks to the folks of Issaquah by showcasing the number of such items dropped off over the past 12 months for recycling. Since September of 2014, the following hard-to-recycle items have been collected and recycled through partnerships with local organizations:

• Over 290 gallons of batteries.

• 1,800 fluorescent light bulbs.

• Over 1,500 gallons of textiles.

• Almost 24,000 gallons of Styrofoam™.

JIGGLE WHILE JOGGING

2015 Has Just Not Been My Year

by Audrey Slade, Discovery Heights The year that I have been looking forward to since I was a child (the movie Back to the Future II promised us hoverboards this year) has turned out to be pretty rotten for me. As the title of my blog and my contribution to Connections, Jiggle While Jogging, implies: I am the kind of person who likes to find humor and optimism in every obstacle. Jiggle While Jogging is my carefree attitude to go after and succeed in any endeavor you want, and be alright with the imperfections that come with it. It isn’t all about running. It is about being okay with imperfection, and laughing while doing it. Well, 2015: You almost had me beat. It has been hard to turn the frown upside down lately, with one hit after another.

But salvation came in the form of Pumpkin Spiced ::insert any food, candle, or beverage here::. Once the leaves started to change, the weather started to shift, Salmon Days came and went. I was reminded that Thanksgiving is around the corner. It is with that, gentle readers, that I decided to put on my big girl pants and stop throwing myself a pity party. I have decided to reject the notion that 2015 has been nothing more than a garbagefest wrapped up in a misery blanket. There are a few precious weeks left in this year, and here are the things that I am thankful for here in the Issaquah Highlands.

1. I am thankful for a community where I feel comfortable and safe to let my daughter walk around and explore.

2. I am thankful for the hill that leads up to Zeeks Pizza. It makes me feel like I’ve earned my Thai One On pizza and beer when I arrive.

3. I am thankful to all the amazing people who make Issaquah Highlands work. It takes a village to run a village, and the amount of love and care that the staff, volunteers, and community puts into our home is incredible.

4. I am thankful for the comfy seats in the bar area at Bai Tong. After my recent foot injury, popping up on bar stools wasn’t easy, and their chairs in the bar are a delight.

5. I am thankful for the sky bridge over to Swedish Hospital and the quick access to xrays when needed, coffee when wanted, and shopping for when I needed retail therapy.

6. I am thankful for the way the fog engulfs us in the morning. Looking from a distance, it gives the impression that we’re living in the clouds, and I’ll never tire of that.

7. I am thankful for you, my neighbors. I just am.

As this monstrous year of 2015 comes to a close, I shall raise my glass to the very best community on the West Coast and a terrific finish. May your turkey be moist, your gortex keep you dry, and your days be merry and bright.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

HFN Bats 1000!

by Frank Pineau, General Manager, Highlands Fiber Network

Highlands residents can now get faster speeds, lower prices, simplified plans and symmetrical upload/downloads – all backed by the superb quality and 24/7 support of the Highlands Fiber Network! First introduced at Highlands Day, the NEW HFN Quantum plans and pricing will be updated on November 1st. Here’s the play-by-play!

HFN residents can choose one of the three NEW Quantum plans: Quantum Gig – This world-class plan has an increased upload connection, providing symmetrical upload and download of over 100 mbps (megabits per second) – usually between 300-450 mbps. Some users will even experience speeds up to 800-¬900Mbps! This means that multiple users can play the most advanced video games in real time, download music or movies, stream television and send large files quickly – all at the same time without experiencing the delays, gaps or buffering caused by insufficient bandwidth! This is a great plan for households with teen-agers and/or home businesses and you can’t beat the low-low price for this Gig service - only $70/month!

Quantum 100 – The upgrade on this all-purpose plan will increase upload connections on all 100 mbps download plans. Users will now experience symmetrical upload and download connections as high as 95 mbps! Movie and music downloads, streaming television, real-time game-playing and sending large files are just some of the Internet operations that can be done smoothly and easily. At only $60/month, this plan meets the needs of most families.

Quantum 10 – This basic plan provides upload and download speeds as high as 10 mbps.

Users can watch movies, play games, download music and stream TV, but are using less simultaneous bandwidth. This is a great plan for budget-minded families at only $50/ month!

All homes are eligible for HFN Quantum 10 and HFN Quantum 100, but HFN Quantum Gig service has certain wiring and fiber requirements. The management group that initially set up the Highlands Fiber Network did not expect that higher Internet speeds would be desired, so not all homes in the Highlands have the capability to have Quantum Gig connections.

Upgrades to infrastructure for these Quantum Gig high speed internet with Highlands Fiber homes is being completed in phases Network provides the fastest symmetrical speeds. based on community interest. HFN will be upgrading infrastructure and fiber in neighborhoods with the highest interest in Gigabit first. The more residents in a neighborhood that request Gig, the more priority an infrastructure upgrade request will get.

Quantum Gig service requires an investment in new equipment in the homes and data centers, plus installation labor. Therefore, a 2-year commitment with a plan change penalty is required for this service, as well as setup fees to off-set a portion of the costs.

The setup fee is $250 for “Covenant for Community” homes. Homes must be bound by the covenant in order to be eligible for HFN’s Quantum Gig. The fee for noncovenant apartments and condominiums will be $500.

To upgrade your service or get more information, please visit the website at www.highlandsfibernetwork.com, email support@hfnservices.com, or call customer support at 425-427-0999.

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November 2015

Issaquah Highlands Connections

ASK KARI This month column includes some best of the best questions for Kari. Enjoy!

Dear Kari, My sister is gay and has a partner that she lives with. I love her, she’s my sister, but I don’t condone her lifestyle and I do not want to include her partner in events with my family. There is nothing wrong with her partner; I just don’t want my children to see that type of lifestyle.

Now my sister won’t talk to me until I start inviting both she and her partner to activities with my family. She is the only sibling I have; my wife thinks I should give in to my sister’s demands for the sake of family harmony. What do you think?

- Pressured By Family Dear Pressured By Family, I understand that you have strong feelings that your sister is in relationship with a female partner. But love is love; the love you have for your sister is pure human love, as is the love that your sister has for her partner. It is hard enough to find someone who connects with us, loves us, and carries our heart carefully in this lifetime; the sexual orientation of that person is only part of the puzzle of what draws us to someone. Being gay is not a choice, it is simply who one is, just like being right or left-handed. Our societal norms embed heterosexuality into us from birth; to go against that path is typically only done after coming to the conclusion that one does not fit into that mold. Don’t miss out on being part of your sister’s life, all parts of her life, invite her and her partner over, you might just find out that you all have more in common as couples in committed relationships than you think. The bonus is that your children see you accepting and loving someone who is not exactly like you, making all your lives richer.

- Kari Dear Kari, My old boyfriend from high school found me on Facebook recently and contacted me. I was so thrilled to hear from him, as sometimes I have thought about him and I have wondered what we missed out on had we remained together. I am married now with kids, but keep wondering if maybe he is actually the love of my life. What should I do?

- Smitten

Dear Smitten, You did not state how long you have been married or how many children you have, so I will assume that you have put your family’s feelings on the back burner in regards to this situation.

Facebook is a great way to re-connect with old friends and family, but I suggest you practice caution when considering changing yours and your family’s life based on some old feelings toward a high school boyfriend. Day in and day out living in a marriage takes work; so does putting your children’s needs before your own. Mature people base their choices on deeply felt emotions, not on an email from an old flame. If your marriage is not something you want to remain in, make that choice prior to seeking out connecting with your old high school boyfriend; one should not jump from a bad marriage to an imaginary relationship with old love and expect it to go smoothly.

- Kari

Do you have a question for Kari?

Please email her at askkarioneill@ gmail.com. All questions will be answered in upcoming columns.

Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker and 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 866-4274747.

Issaquah Highlands Connections

NEW! Issaquah Highlands Photo Treasure Hunt Welcome to the 2nd Issaquah Highlands Photo Treasure Hunt!

Every month we publish a photo of something (or somewhere!) in the Highlands. While some months may be easier than others, all photos will be of something accessible to the public. It is up to you to guess where the photo was taken!

Last month’s correct answer was the shelter along Park Drive on the north side of Grand Ridge Elementary. The decorative iron work around the name is filled with charming characters that fits the school perfectly.

Correct guesses were submitted by: Melissa Haggard Gabriel Ombrellaro Heather Krabbe This month’s photo is below. If you think you have the answer, please email it to IHPhotoHunt@gmail.com along with your full name. Please be as specific as possible when emailing your response (just the name of the building, park, street, etc. is not enough). Responses will be accepted until November 8th. Those with the correct answer will see their name published in next month’s issue of Connections, as well as have their name entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Mod Pizza. The drawing will happen once a year in December.

You may also see hints or clues online on our Twitter (@IssHighlands) or Instagram (issaquahhighlands) accounts, so check there as well.

Enjoy, and good luck!

Entry Deadline: Friday, November 6th

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LIFE IN THE USA

Festivities from India!!

by Anita Ayela, The Cottages The other day, someone asked me, “What is it that you miss the most about your country, other than your family?”

Without a second’s lapse, I said, “Festivities!!” Yes, that is what most of the people from India, staying abroad, miss the most! We do celebrate all the festivals of our country here, but we don’t get the spirit of the festivals that we see in India.

If I say that in every month of the calendar there is a religious festival in India, it is not an exaggeration. In January, the three harvest festivals that come to mind are ‘Pongal’, ‘Makar Sankranti’ and ‘Lohri celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab respectively. Colorful patterns are made in front of the house, called ‘Rangoli’; family and friends dance around the ‘Bonfire’, wearing new clothes. The bonfire lit at the set of dawn, where family and friends gather, is what I miss the most in the US. ‘Holi’, a spring festival, is one of the most striking festivals of India, in lieu of its colors.

The color run that we saw in Issaquah is a miniscule of what we do for Holi in India.

Well, I am talking about the color part of it, not the run! Holi is an enthusiastic celebration, irrespective of religion, caste and creed, celebrated with dry colors, and water colors. It is the bonding of friends, the bringing together of communities, in an event where colors prevail and sweets are distributed in every house. Over here too, Holi is celebrated on a small scale in the Isckon temple in Sammamish Rangoli is one of those festivities Anita misses from India. by the Indian communities. But then, the whole nine yards of singing, dancing, making merry on the streets, and giving a colorful touch to each cheek is missing!

Around the month of June and July is the celebration of ‘Ramadan’, which signifies the first introduction of Quran to the Muslims. People fast for 45 days from sunrise to sunset, and eat rich elaborate meals after sunset every day.

They wear new clothes; give money to kids (called ‘iddhi’) on Id, the last day of fasting. ‘Id Mubarak’ is a common greeting for all Indians, irrespective of their religion. The lack of the exact timings of the start and end of Ramadan month makes it difficult for Muslims to celebrate Ramadan in the US.

Diwali in Issaquah Highlands Sunday, November 15th 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm Blakely Hall See IssaquahHighlands.com/events for details People all over the world identify India with ‘Diwali’, a festival of lights. But, ‘Diwali’ is not just a festival of lights. It is a day of fireworks, a day of worship of ‘Lakshmi’ (the Goddess of wealth), a day of sharing sweets with family and friends. Whenever I see the fireworks in US on July 4th, all I remember is the fireworks of Diwali in India. We don’t just watch fireworks, we buy and light them ourselves. The sounds of the fireworks, the arrays of lights (the diyas) lit in the window sills of every house, is what I miss the most in the US. And of course, since fireworks are banned in the Highlands, Diwali is not as fun. All we do here is meet, greet and eat!

Diwali is a festival of not just lights, but of fireworks!

Christmas is celebrated in India by Christians and non-Christians alike.

People light their houses, bake cakes and share with friends. ‘Santa Claus’ visits the malls and shops, and kids flock to get goodies and chocolates from him.

Every Indian invariably wishes the other ‘Merry Christmas’ on Christmas and sends out Greeting cards to all. It is not just the holiday season, but a celebration of the birth of Christ, unlike in the US!

Photo Treasure Hunt Coordinator: Chelsea Musick, Central Park

Christmas is celebrated widely in India with Santa visiting shops and malls.

In spite of having varied religions and communities, people of India celebrate festivals in unison. And that is the beauty of it, ‘Unity in Integrity’!

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November 2015

Issaquah Highlands Connections

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G I N T H E H I G H L A N D S Art in Blakely Hall

New Show: “Anything Goes – Within Reason” November 19th – January 15th Artists Reception Wednesday, December 2nd, 7:00 - 8:30 pm This juried exhibition showcases artEAST members twodimensional artwork, subject matter wide open. Enjoy a broad range of material from some of artEAST’s best A established, and emerging artists. See page 9.

Book Club

4th Thursday at 7:00pm Location varies

The book club is a great place to meet neighbors and explore a variety of books. We take turns hosting.

Dates sometimes change, so be sure to email lindsey8@gmail.com to get on the distribution list.

Bridge Club

November 2nd, 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. Everyone is welcome. RSVP: Contact Julia Woo at jkbwoo@yahoo. com or Penny Storie at pennystorie@msn.com.

Candy Buy Back

November 2nd - 7th Highlands Kids Dentistry Shops at Village Green

A

Get a $1.00 per pound for candy donated to our troops overseas through Operation Gratitude.

Chanukah Celebration

Thursday, December 10th, Blakely Hall Hosted by The Chabad of the Cascades

ESL Classes (English as a Second Language)

Latino Club

Free classes hosted at the Family Village sponsored by Renton Technical College. Please contact Andi Wolff at awolff@rtc.edu or 425.235.2352 (ext. 2117) to register.

Free and open to all! Join us and learn about this Mexican holiday. We will have crafts for the kids, fun, music, and food for all the family. RSVP AliSpinner@yahoo.com

Mornings 9:30am - 12:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

Day of the Dead Celebration Sunday, November 1st, 4:00 – 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Flex Worker Brown Bag

Little Mandarin Group

We meet every other month to discuss topics that interest our group. Contact dawn_noland@comcast.net

Young children are uniquely suited to learning a second language. “Little Mandarin” will give young children the opportunity to learn mandarin through telling stories, singing songs and playing games. Dates sometimes change, email lian_lhl@hotmail.com for details.

(Formerly, Telecommuters) Next Meeting Friday, December 4, 1:00-2:00pm Blakely Hall

French Club

Thursday, November 12th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

This club will highlight language lessons, French food and wine, travel tips for visiting France, and more! Contact: Alex rmst12@aol.com or Aline aline.bloch@hotmail.com

Highlands Family History Night Tuesday, November 17th, 8:00pm Blakely Hall

Genealogy Made Easy! Contact: Steve Balkman, steve@balkman.com 425-260-4451.

Holiday Concert: Mycle Wastman from The VOICE! Saturday, December 5th, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Blakely Hall $40 pp includes buffet-style heavy appetizers & show. See Page 21.

Monday, November 9th & 23rd, 10:00am Newborn to Age 4 Blakely Hall

Meaningful Movies

Wednesday, November 18th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall, FREE

Documentaries regarding social justice and environmental issues. See IssaquahHighlands.com/events

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) November 2nd & 16th, 9:30 - 11:30am Blakely Hall

Sponsored by Timberlake Church PROGRAM COST: $150 for the 2015-16 school year We meet twice monthly on Monday mornings through June.

Enjoy quality, positive programming just for moms. We make sure your little ones have an amazing time as well.

A To register, visit www.timberlakechurch.com/mops

New! Minecraft Mania

See page 21 for details.

Enjoy an evening of music with an old soulful vibe, R&B sensibilities and a splash of pop. A great way for neighbors to get together this holiday season!

Chinese Heritage Club

India Culture Club

This club promotes and preserves Chinese cultural heritage awareness among the next generation for many local families. Contact: Hailain (lian_lhl@hotmail.com) or 425-633-0242.

Let’s celebrate and share cultural riches of India in our community together. Contact Meeta Mehta at info@putali.org

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.

Knit for Life®

Parents’ Night Out!

A network of volunteer knitters in area hospitals, providing physical and mental support in a non-traditional 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

Parents, now’s your chance to enjoy a night out of local shopping and dining while members of the HY Board watch your kids! Sponsored by the Highlands Youth (HY) Board.

Sunday, November 8th, 2:00pm Blakely Hall

Cub Scout Issaquah Highlands Pack 680

A year round values-based program for boys grades 1-5.

Scouting is learning by discovery and discovery by doing.

For more information, please contact scoutpack680@gmail.com.

Diwali Celebration

Sunday, November 15th, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm Blakely Hall

Monday, November 30th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Mondays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm Swedish Medical Center, Main Lobby

COMMUNITY MEETINGS Highlands Fiber Network Wednesday, 11/12, 5pm, Blakely Hall IHCA Finance Committee Tuesday, 11/10, 5:30 pm IHCA Office IHCA Board of Directors Wednesday, 11/18, 5:30 pm IHCA Office

Friday, December 4th, 6:00 – 9:00pm Blakely Hall, $10 per child. See Page 8.

Photography Club

Saturday, November 21st, 10:30am Blakely Hall

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

India Culture Club presents The Festival of Lights. Live performances, dances, songs, food stands, kid activities and more! For more information visit: www.facebook.com/indiaculturalcubatIssaquahHighlands or contact Meeta 973-864-4736 or Darpan 425-443-0947.

IHCA Architectural Review Committee Tuesday, 11/3, 6:00 pm IHCA Office

Tuesday, November 10th, 5:00pm - 6:30pm Blakely Hall

Want to Start a Club?

Contact:

Brianna Eigner, Blakely Hall Manager Meetings are subject to change.

See Calendar at issaquahhighlands.com for more information or date changes.

For City of Issaquah governance meetings, see http://issaquahwa.gov

brianna.e@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107

Holiday Closures - November 26-27 Highlands Council, Blakely Hall and IHCA Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

Issaquah Highlands Connections

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W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G I N T H E H I G H L A N D S Playgroup

Teen Poetry Slam

Every Wednesday at 10:00am Newborn to Age 4 Blakely Hall

Saturday, November 21st, 12:30pm Blakely Hall

Moms, dads, caregivers and their children are invited for fun, friendship, support and socializing. Contact Alicia alispinner@yahoo.com and see facebook.com/IssaquahHighlands.coopplaygroup

Poker Night

Thursday, November 19th, 2015, 7:00pm Blakely Hall End of Year Tournament

Whether you are a novice or a salty vet looking for some steep competition, you will love our monthly group for $40 buy-in, No-Limit Texas Hold ’em tournament! Don’t forget to join us on Facebook for all the latest info and results at our “Issaquah Poker” group page. Contact Henry at hlh1969@hotmail.com.

Rovin’ Fiddlers

This sixth-annual Issaquah Youth Advisory Board comes to Issaquah Highlands in a collaboration with our Highlands Youth (HY) Board. Perform or just listen!

Students present in front of the audience of their peers while a panel of teacher-judges determine winners. First place will be published in the Issaquah Press! Contact IssaquahPoetrySlam@yahoo.com. Entry forms due by November 14th.

Thanksgiving at Blakely Hall

Thursday, November 26, 2:00pm – 6:00pm Blakely Hall

Sponsored by The Rivers Edge Church. Please help us support the Issaquah Food Bank by bringing a nonperishable food items to donate. Join us for lunch, football and more! RSVP by email by 11/19/2015 to info@ thereiversedge.tv

Toastmasters Club

Every Tuesday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm Second & fourth Tuesdays Issaquah Highlands Fire Station

Our musical group consists of musicians with varying backgrounds and abilities, playing a variety of genres and instruments. Club contact is Ken Neville ken_w_neville@yahoo.com

Wednesdays, 7:00am - 8:00am Swedish Medical Center 2nd Floor Conference Center

Join us to improve your communication skills.

To find out more, visit the club website at toastmastersclubs.org or drop in any Wednesday as a guest.

Travel Club Night Let see where it takes us!

Running Club

Saturdays 8:00am Central Park Tennis Courts

Please contact Joey at jbc224@cornell.edu, so he can add you to the distribution list. See Facebook - Issaquah Highlands Running and Multi-sport

Russian Highlanders

See Facebook for monthly event information

Meet other Russian-speakers in your community for friendship! Join Russian Highlanders Facebook page to see what activities are planned.

Fridays at 9:00am Cancelled November 27th Blakely Hall

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

New! Yoga Club

Saturdays at 10:30am Cancelled November 28th Blakely Hall

Join us every Saturday for free Yoga! Hatha Yoga Classes are for anyone interested, including neophytes wanting to try yoga for the first time, the experienced looking to improve, and anyone in-between. Yoga class will be led by Melanie and her mother, Deyin. For more information: deyiny@microsoft.com

Zumba Fitness Class

Tuesdays (7:00pm) & Saturdays (9:00am) Cancelled November 28th

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

Wednesday, November 11th, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

Join us for an informal night of fun with like-minded, travel-loving neighbors! We enjoy a few speakers who cover travel destinations and tips. Then the bulk of the evening is unstructured, get-acquainted time to share and learn about travel. Light snacks provided but feel free to bring a beverage (perhaps a bottle of wine from your favorite country!) to enjoy. Like us on Facebook: www. facebook.com/highlandstravelclub Interested in speaking?

Email ihtravelclub@gmail.com.

Santa Arrives

Veteran’s Day

Santa will be in residence through Christmas Eve. Bring the kiddos down for a photo with Santa.

Scout-led flag raising to be followed by a reception in Blakely Hall where veterans can meet one another and the community can express their thanks individually.

Shop Local Bazaar and Trolley

Wine Club

In support of Shop Small Saturday residents of Issaquah Highlands will host a Holiday Shopping Bazaar. In addition to vendors there will be festive food and beverages, crafts for the kids AND a visit from Elsa from Frozen from 1pm-3pm! Shoppers will arrive via the FREE Shop Local Trolley that will run from 11am-5pm in a loop from Blakely Hall through Grand Ridge Plaza, down Front Street and around Gilman Village.

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

Please RSVP the Tuesday prior to the event.

Friday, November 27th, 4:30 pm The Plaza at Grand Ridge Plaza, near Regal Cinemas

Yarns & Threads Group

Wednesday, November 11th, 9:30 am Blakely Hall and Village Green

Saturday, November 28th, 11:00am – 5:00pm Blakely Hall

Friday, November 13th, 2015, 7:00pm Blakely Hall

We ar e grateful to all the volunteer club & group leaders that make our commun ity a special place to enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving from the Highlands Council Boar d of Trustees and Staff

CALENDAR HOLIDAYS

Election Day Tuesday, November 3 Veteran’s Day Wednesday, November 11 Diwali Wednesday, November 11

Thanksgiving Thursday, November 26

Chanukah at Blakely Hall Thursday, December 10

Daylight Savings Ends November 1st Turn your clocks back one hour

Christmas Eve Services at Blakely Hall Thursday, December 24

SAVE THE DATE Parent’s Night Out Friday, December 4

HY - Little Free Library Construction Saturday, January 23

NOVEMBER FUN FACTS

Daylight Savings Time, when we set our clocks ahead on hour in the Spring, is intended to help us make “better use of daylight hours” (i.e. work longer) and to conserve energy by reducing the hours businesses need to provide artificial lighting. DST was first used in Germany in 1916 to minimize the use of artificial lighting in support the war effort. Britain and the United States soon followed suit.

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November 2015

Issaquah Highlands Connections

DOING BUSINESS

Meet the Mathematicians HomeStreet Bank at Prime Numbers Now Open Prime Numbers opened its doors on June 1st at 971 NE Discovery Drive, just in time to help students with final exams before the summer break.

Residents of Issaquah Highlands have access to bankers who are truly neighbors in the new HomeStreet Bank now open at 909 Northeast Ellis Drive. HomeStreet Bank was founded in Seattle as Continental Mortgage and Loan Co. in 1921 and is still headquartered there. Highlands branch manager Srini Anandakumar lives in Sammamish. On his staff are Christina from Kirkland, Kevin from Sammamish and Autumn from Issaquah.

Srini lives in Sammamish and has been working in banking for over 11 years. “I am a strong believer in providing exceptional customer service and serving the community where I live and work,” Srini said. Srini and his family are big Seahawks fans, but working for HomeStreet, the Official Bank of the Seattle Seahawks, that’s a given!

Christina is a personal banker with almost 18 years of experience. “Building genuine and long lasting relationships with my customers is not just my career but my passion,” Christina said. “Assisting them with even the simplest solutions is incredibly rewarding and what motivates me.

Banking also gives me the opportunity to meet new people that are in the community and learn of events and volunteer opportunities!”

Prime Numbers founders Rena Pitasky (left) and Martha Swallow (right) proudly pose at their new logo sign on Day One.

Founders Rena Pitasky and Martha Swallow have been friends since their sons were buddies in elementary school.

Each have years of experience teaching, tutoring, creating curriculum, and training teachers. Rena worked in math education for the Issaquah School District for ten years. Now she directs Curriculum and Instruction for Prime Numbers, and also teaches some of the Prime Numbers classes because she “just loves teaching math to kids!” Martha has eight years of middle school teaching experience, as an administrator for a private school and as PTA President for a local elementary school. At Prime Numbers, Martha focuses on enrollment and administration. Both live in Sammamish with their families; all children attending schools in the Issaquah School District.

Both enjoy outdoor exploring as well as creative activities such as quilting and knitting.

Autumn is a customer service supervisor and a resident of Issaquah. “I love the community in Issaquah and really wanted to start my career here. My aunt got me a job at a different bank in Issaquah and from then on I loved my customers and really grew with the community.”

Kevin is a customer service representative and grew up on the Sammamish plateau. In fact, his parents still live there. “I know Issaquah very well,” Kevin said. “I began working as a junior loan officer training with another company during the refi boom. Since then, my knowledge and understanding of finance has helped grow my career. I am excited to be working with the residents of Issaquah and the Highlands.”

The bank opened in October and plans to share grand opening festivities with the community in November. Stop by and see their community facilities including meeting rooms inside and a sitting area outside. See more at www. homestreet.com.

When asked why she went into the business of tutoring, Martha explains, “Rena and I had been friends for a long time and always shared a passion for teaching and children.”

Prime Numbers began in June 2014 and this is their first private classroom space. Why start such a business? “We knew that students face new and challenging mathematical standards and demands in the schools. This prompted us to focus on conceptual understanding and problem solving as well as sharing our contagious love for math.”

The business logo is brightly colored and structured in the shape of a hashtag. The hashtag design is a play on the traditional keyboard symbol representing numbers. The colors are meant to convey Rena and Martha’s joy and passion for math. Martha confides, “It is such an enjoyable and exciting experience to develop a business with a great friend. Every work day is filled with laughter and joy as we build the Prime Numbers business.”

See more at www.primenumbers.guru

How Do Issaquah Highlanders Re-Energize?

by Jennifer Molloy, M-Power Coaching, Daphne Park

How do you feel right now? Energized and ready to attend that meeting or spend some time planning your next vacation? Or drained and needing down time to unwind with a good book?

Let’s talk about mental energy - how you receive and spend it as well as how you may differ from other people in your life. There are two ways of replenishing mental energy.

They are described as a preference for either extraversion or introversion.

Extraverts like to focus on the outer world of people and activity. Because they process things externally, extraverts need to hear themselves think so they like to talk through ideas and problems. They get their energy from interacting with people and from taking action.

Introverts like to focus on their own inner world of ideas and experiences. Introverts process everything internally and thus need quiet time to think. They gain energy from reflecting on their thoughts, memories, and feelings.

Why does this matter?

Knowing your energy preference allows you to make conscious choices on how to optimize your energy, and feel like your best self. If you are an introvert but have a day filled with interacting with people, you will want to build in quiet time during the day to re-charge. Take a walk through Central Park and find a quiet place to journal. Or take a short hike on Grand Ridge Trail. If you are an extrovert, consider joining one of the many affinity clubs the Highlands offers.

From book club and wine club to cultural clubs such as French, Chinese heritage and Latino Club, find your tribe to recharge.

This model also allows you to understand family, friends and co-workers better. We have a tendency to think others are like us, but this is not so. Allowing your introverted son some alone time after school will help keep him balanced and able to engage when you need him to. Taking your extroverted daughter to play group or Pokemon Club at Blakely Hall will help her stay fully energized.

Introverts also need time to process information or think about things before talking, so it’s best not to ask your introverted co-workers to brainstorm with you or to put them on the spot for their ideas. Let them know ahead of time what you will be talking about and what they need to prepare for. Conversely, asking extroverts to think about their best ideas and send them to you will not garner their best work.

Suggest they brainstorm in a small group prior to submitting ideas.

The bottom line? You cannot be your best self, either as an engaged parent or an employee, when you are mentally drained. When you honor what’s right for you, what helps balance you, you will be happier and more productive.

For more information go to http://www.MBTI.com

Issaquah Highlands HomeStreet Bank staff from left to right: Srini, Autumn, Kevin and Christina.

Jennifer is passionate about career and leadership coaching with 24 years business, leadership and coaching experience at Microsoft. She will be writing columns like this each month.

Jennifer’s business, M-Power Coaching, is headquartered at her home in the Daphne Park neighborhood. m-powercoaching.com

Issaquah Highlands Connections

November 2015

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E M E RG E N C Y P R E PA R E D N E S S

Are You Ready for Storm Season?

by Christy Garrard, Executive Director, Highlands Council, CERT Team 9 Member, Dahlia Park Resident

This month we launch a new monthly column regarding tips for preparing for emergencies.

We hope you found October’s Emergency Preparedness Connections theme helpful and that you have begun to take steps to prepare your home and emergency kits.

Turn a frown upside down by being prepared for winter emergencies.

Fall and winter in the Pacific Northwest brings wind, snow and ice storms to our area. Don’t wait for the storm warning to jump into action or you will be standing in line for basic food needs, snow shovels, and generators; and those supplies will go quickly and you will be out in rapidly deteriorating conditions. The time to prepare is before the forecast changes.

The most common storm issue is a power outage. Here are a few tips and reminders from the Washington Emergency Management Office: Before • Register life-sustaining and medical equipment with Puget Sound Energy.

• Consider buying a generator and practice how to use it.

• Make sure you have plenty of flashlights, batteries, a wind up clock, and a battery powered radio

Got Snow and Ice on the Ground?

Check Road Conditions at IssaquahHighlands.com/Explore/Maps

The Highlands Fiber Network has a web cam located on top of the Starpoint Condominium building at the corner of Park Drive and 25th Ave shooting down Park Drive. This web cam is helpful when determining if it is safe to venture “down the hill.”

Sometimes it’s just better to work from home…

Fall/Winter Driving Tips & Safety

• Know how to open your garage door manually.

• Make sure your fireplace is operating properly. Many of the fireplaces in IH homes will also operate with D batteries. Check yours NOW for corrosion and stock up on batteries to keep your family warm and cozy near the fire when the power goes out.

AM 1700 is the local emergency management radio station for our area.

• Fill the gas tanks of your car/s before the snow starts falling.

During • Unplug your computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from possible surges when the power is restored.

• Listen to your radio for updates on conditions.

• Heat only areas of your home that you are using.

• NEVER use gas ovens, ranges, propane grills or heaters indoors; they use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation.

• Using kerosene heaters, gas lanterns or stoves inside can be dangerous. Ventilate your home and be sure to have carbon monoxide detectors to detect fumes.

• Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.

The city of Issaquah also has web cams located throughout the area and you can link easily to them on our website at the address above.

Drive Safe IH!

Web cam on Blakely Hall shows you road conditions no matter where you are. On this photo’s winter day you would be good to go, others – not so much.

by Melissa Schneider, IHCA Community Manager

As the days get shorter and the daylight dims early, remember to slow down and use caution in the fall/winter season. Now that the kids are back in school, they will be out in the evenings releasing all their built up energy. We want to be safe for our children and other drivers. Keep a close eye on crosswalks, sidewalks, parks and spaces in between cars where children may cross.

As we head into winter, be prepared for winter like conditions at all times, wet roadways can be just as dangerous as icy roadways. Some tips to prepare you for rainy and snowy season driving:

• If you hydroplane, don’t apply the brakes or speed up, steer straight and slowly let up off the gas until you regain traction. If you must brake, lightly apply pressure to the brake pedal, or if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply steady pressure to the brake pedal.

• Turn on headlights even during the day, be more visible.

• Do not cross flooded roadways, use caution and follow signs.

• Replace your windshield wipers if needed and top off your windshield washer fluid.

• If your car skids on ice, do not perform our natural instinct of slamming on the brakes. Anti-lock brakes, apply steady, even pressure to pedal (do not pump) to reduce speed and steer in the direction of the skid.

• Slow down and don’t use cruise control.

• Leave room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Remember, be alert, be safe!

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November Community Events

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

December Community Events

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Issaquah Highlands Connections

November Media Releases

by Josh Zhanson, Senior Issaquah High School, Resident of Central Park It’s that time of year again in the Highlands! Right after Halloween, our world shifts straight over to holiday season, and the winter media releases! There are so many November releases that I don’t have enough time to get to all of them! Let’s focus on the biggest names and a couple on my personal wish list. Many are for the movie-lover on your gift-list. How about giving them a pre-season gift certificate Issaquah Highlands Regal (works at Cinebarre down the hill as well) so they can choose for themselves?

Spectre makes #1 on this list because not only am I a huge fan of Daniel Craig as James Bond but also because it’s got a bit of a tie-in to the last Bond film, Skyfall, just like how Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace were paired. Once again directed by the fantastic Sam Mendez, Spectre will see James Bond confront the titular criminal organization as more details from his past emerge. With Ralph Finnes―also known as Voldermort―replacing Judi Dench as M and Monica Bellucci as the first, in her words, “Bond woman,” Spectre, out November 6, is sure to be a fighting good time.

Victor Frankenstein also features a former Harry Potter actor; in fact, Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter himself, stars as Dr. Frankenstein’s troubled young assistant Igor. Dr. Frankenstein himself is played by another favorite, James McAvoy, who played Professor X in X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past.

The movie itself works as a bit of an origins or prequel, focusing on the beginnings of Igor and his apprenticeship and friendship with Dr. Frankenstein as the two evade the police to build the legendary monster. Coming November 26, or Thanksgiving.

The Good Dinosaur, a Disney-Pixar joint animated movie, will appeal to more family-oriented viewers this November. This is the first time Pixar has released two movies in one year, after Inside Out in August. The plot is fairly simple and straightforward: in a world where dinosaurs existed side by side with cavemen, a young Apatosaurus is separated from his family and befriends a human boy. Look for it also close to Thanksgiving on November 25.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 needs no introduction― Jennifer Lawrence leads as reluctant revolutionary Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire, as this smash-hit series comes to a conclusion. Expect resolutions for everybody involved, including Peeta, Gale, fan-favorites Finnick and Effie, and Katniss’s sister Primrose. Out a bit earlier, November 20, a week before Thanksgiving weekend.

Fallout 4, not a movie but a video game for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC, is the highly anticipated next entry in the postapocalyptic nuclear wasteland series. Play as a member of a subterranean shelter called a Vault and explore the destroyed world above on November 10. (ESRB rating is pending.)

Star Wars Battlefront, another video game, comes out roughly a month before the main attraction Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens―I get chills just thinking about it. Battlefront will feature starfighter combat in addition to its classic shooterstyle gameplay. Battle across a galaxy far, far away November 17. (ESRB rating is pending.)

Unstoppable: Harnessing Science to Change the World, a book written by everybody’s favorite science guy, Seattleite Bill Nye, where he discusses climate change and expands on his vision of a future made bright by scientific curiosity and optimism; no obstacle is insurmountable, no problem too great. Out November 10.

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A R T S & C U LT U R E

Erin, the Latte Girl

by Kathryn Dean, Vista Park As the weather turns colder and we force ourselves out of bed in the darkness to prepare for work or help kids out the door for school, we develop fond feelings for our coffeemaker or favorite coffee shop.

The barista suddenly feels like our best friend, the only person who really “gets” us in the morning and knows our needs.

A poem for mornings.

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee, Coffee.

Coffee, Coffee, Everyone shut up.

Coffee.

One such local hero (barista) is Erin Saldaña at Caffe Ladro. She prepared my almond milk, hazelnut latte to perfection, then sat down to chat with me after her shift ended.

Erin‘s first coffee shop experience was while on a mission trip to Peru.

She lived and worked there for four months in a little coffee shop called Café Beréa. As she fell in love with the people and the place, she also fell in love with the art of making coffee.

She describes a favorite Peruvian drink served in a clear glass mug, “the cream or milk was on the bottom with the foam on top. The espresso was poured in so carefully that it nestled in between the milk and the foam. You ended up with beautiful layers that could be seen through the glass mug.”

When Erin and her husband Tyler moved into the Highlands last January, she had already applied to work at Caffe Ladro. She started work soon after they arrived and her enthusiasm for coffee quickly advanced her to store educator.

As we talked, she patiently explained to me some of the finer aspects of latte art. “It’s all in the steaming,” she said. “If the wand in the steamed milk creates a spinning vortex, then the milk and foam will turn out right.”

Erin Saldaña is our Caffe Ladro’s store educator, teaching the art of lattes and service to new employees. You can find her there most weekday mornings.

I learned that for different drinks the milk is steamed differently. For example, a cappuccino requires more foam and less heat, so the wand is brought closer to the surface of the milk to create more aeration and thus more foam.

Once the steamed milk reaches the proper temperature and foam content, the latte art begins. Keeping the spout close to the surface of the coffee, the barista pours slowly in a circle to mix the latte. Then the finishing touch — slowly releasing the foam in the center to create a design.

Erin artfully adorns Kathryn’s latte with the classic Rosetta design.

Latte art has become quite the thing with competitions held all over the world. The Coffee Fest** in Portland held the Latte Art World Championship Open. The entrants were judged in five categories: aesthetic beauty, definition, color infusion, degree of difficulty & creativity, and speed. World Latte Art Championships were held in Australia this year, with similar categories, but the baristas were also judged on how quickly they could reproduce identical patterns multiple times.

Latte designs range from the common heart to something called a Monk’s Head that resembles an acorn. The leaf design is called a Rosetta.

Whatever your latte flavor or design, the real draw of the coffee house is social. Erin enjoys this aspect the most. “This job is the perfect community focused job because I get to meet people and serve people.”

So next time you are tempted to swing through a drive through, stop by Caffe Ladro instead. Settle into a comfy chair with your beautiful, artistic latté, and say hello to Erin. *For more latte art, follow ladroroasting on Instagram *For a fun ode to the barista look up Kristin Chenoweth’s Taylor, the Latte Boy on YouTube ** Coffee Fest is an Issaquah-based business.

Arts and Culture is a new monthly column by long-time Highlands resident, Kathryn Dean. She lives in Vista Park with her husband, Paul, and four children. Kathryn teaches high school literature and writing, and is a member of Pacific Northwest Writers Association (or PNWA, based in Issaquah, Gilman Village). She has been published in periodicals and you can enjoy her blog at www.babystepstowriting.com.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Issaquah School District http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu

NOVEMBER EVENTS

11/11 11/26 & 11/27

Veterans Day, No School Thanksgiving Holiday, No School

Challenger Elementary http://challengerpta.org 11/4 11/10 11/22

Reflections Reception Veterans Assembly Hop Jack’s Fundraiser

http://www.isfdn.org 11/10 & 11/17 “All in for Kids” Phone Campaign

Grand Ridge Elementary http://grandridgeptsa.org 11/6 11/19 11/30 - 12/4

Picture Retakes Reflections Reception Coffee with the Principal

Endeavour Elementary http://endeavourptsa.org

11/3 11/5 11/10 11/18 11/19

Choir concert Orchestra Concert Band Concert Reflections Reception PTSA Membership Meeting

Issaquah High School http://issaquahhighptsa.org

Hearing and Vision Testing Veterans Assembly Carking through Sharing Family Movie Night Book Fair and Kids Korner

11/13

PTSA Membership Meeting

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

The IHS Angel Program Holiday Donation Drive

Keeping Connected with IHS

The Angel program is a confidential, behind-the-scenes PTSA program made possible by donations from Issaquah High School (IHS) and local parents. Our program meets the needs of many families helping make ends meet. Donations go a long way letting IHS families breathe a little easier when experiencing tough financial times, while needing a little extra help, especially during the holidays. Please consider making a donation that will ensure no IHS kids worry about food, school supplies, or basic needs. The Angel Program specifically needs holiday stocking stuffers, and gently used teen clothing and accessories, most importantly, shirts, jackets, girls’ warm coats and raincoats, dresses, jeans, and purses, to provide a “shopping opportunity” in our Angel closet, for those kids who can’t afford school clothes. All donations can be dropped at IHS. For more information, please contact Angel Coordinator Julie Siefkes, at JCSiefkes@gmail.com.

Friday, November 13th, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., the Issaquah High School PTSA will hold its monthly meeting, in the school Conference Room. Everyone is encouraged to attend, hear committee updates, and listen to Principal Andrea McCormick. For updates and general information, visit www.IssaquahHighPTSA.org, and “Like” us on Facebook at www.

Facebook.com/IssaquahHighPTSA. Our Facebook page provides up-to-date news, pictures, events, and videos, to easily stay connected, where ever and whenever.

Gifts from Gilman” Holiday Drive

This holiday season, Grand Ridge PTSA is partnering with the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, helping many local families make their holiday celebrations a little more merry and bright!

Families are encouraged to pick-up a few extra presents while shopping, to ensure children of all ages have warm clothing, and a few gifts to unwrap. New or unused toys, clothing, and gift cards will be collected to create a shopping experience at the Holiday Gift Barn, where parents within the Issaquah School District can shop for their kids, choosing the perfect gift for each child. Unwrapped donations may be dropped-off in the Grand Ridge Elementary lobby, through early December. For more information, questions, or gift ideas, visit http://grandridgeptsa.org/Page/Programs/Gifts%20from%20Gilman.

Team Up for Kids Auction at Grand Ridge Elementary!

Save the Date! On March 11, 2016, Grand Ridge Elementary will hold its bi-annual auction to raise funds for the Grand Ridge PTSA, benefiting each child. Are you a local business who would like to help sponsor the auction, or donate goods or services to our wonderful cause? Please join many other local companies and families in supporting our elementary school.

For more information, contact Carrie Mount at carehamilton@ gmail.com, or Alisa George at ageorge@ihmail.com.

Grand Ridge Scholastic Book Fair

The Grand Ridge Elementary PTSA Scholastic Book Fair is back, right before the holidays, from 11/30 – 12/4/15, with evening hours on December 2nd, 2015. The community is invited to attend this fun reading event that inspires children to become lifelong readers. What a great way to support our school’s library, and find the perfect book to read over the vacation! For more information, http://grandridgeptsa.org/Page/Fundraising/Scholastic%20Book%20Fair

Did you see it?

Popcorn Friday Reflections Reception Scholastic Book Fair

http://pacificcascadeptsa.org

http://clarkpta.org

11/3 11/6 11/10 11/13 11/30 - 12/3

Issaquah School Foundation

Pacific Cascade Middle School

Clark Elementary 11/13 11/18 11/25

by Tracie Jones, Wisteria Park

Issaquah Schools Foundation All in for Kids Annual Fund Campaign letters and remit forms should reach your mailbox early this month. Look for the smiling faces on the bright colorful envelope, then open, read carefully and reply. Contribute before November 2nd, and we’ll remove your name from our calling list on November 10th and 17th. Please go to www.isfdn.org to learn more about All in for Kids Annual Fund Campaign, and make your donation today. Our kids are counting on you!

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F I T N E S S & H E A LT H

Get Ready for the Heavy Lifting this Holiday

by Becky Pelton, DPT Highlands Physical Therapy

It’s November, which means it’s time to eat good food and give thanks to family and friends! What better way to give thanks to your loved ones than to cook them a delicious meal. When cooking for a big group, you might have to do some heavy lifting of pots and pans, serving dishes, or even a turkey. Repetitive lifting can put additional strain through your forearm muscles and wrists if you are not careful. Here are a couple of exercises to perform this month to keep your forearms strong and flexible so you can cook to your heart’s desire.

1.

Forearm stretches: Hold your arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing down; pull your wrist downward with your other hand until you feel a stretch in your forearm muscles. Next flip your arm so your palm is facing up, and pull your wrist downward for a stretch on the opposite side of your forearm. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds and perform 2 times/day.

2. Wrist flexion and extension: Start with your forearm in a supported position with your wrist and hand hanging off the end and palm facing down; hold a 2-3 lb weight and bend your wrist up and slowly return to the starting position. Next, perform this exercise starting with your palm facing up. Perform this exercise 20 times in each position.

3.

Forearm supination and pronation: Start with your forearm in a supported position and palm facing down; hold the end of a 2-3 lb weight in your hand and slowly rotate your forearm until your palm is facing up.

Return to the starting position. Perform this exercise 20 times.

To make these exercises harder, increase the weight or repetitions. If you do not have access to weights, you can use a soup can or full water bottle to perform these exercises.

Enjoy abundant cooking and eating with loved ones this month and if you have any questions or sustain any injuries, contact your local physical therapist. Have fun and stay classy Issaquah Highlands!

Happy Thanksgiving

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959 NE Discovery Drive • Issaquah, WA 98029

425.295.7975 • www.discoverydentalwa.com

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ISSAQUAH CIT Y NEWS

Work Starts on East Lake Sammamish Parkway We’re making it easier to get around North Issaquah.

Be Prepared for Floods, Snow

Surrounded by the Issaquah Alps, much of Issaquah is located in a floodplain. Whether you live near water – or simply commute through town – all community members should be prepared for the next large flood. For information on how to prepare, go to issaquahwa.gov/flood.

East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast will be widened and a new southbound travel lane will be added between Southeast 56th Street and Southeast Issaquah-Fall City Road.

In addition, a new bike lane will be added to the west side of the parkway between 56th Street and Issaquah-Fall City Road.

The project includes sidewalk and utility upgrades, as well as new trail connections.

The northbound bike lane will be closed during construction. Use the East Lake Sammamish trail, which is paved and runs parallel, west of the Parkway. Any drive-lane restrictions will occur between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or at night.

To learn more about the project, go to issaquahwa.gov/eastlakesamm.

Santa’s Backup: Police Start Holiday Patrols Don’t end up on the naughty list this holiday season.

Issaquah police officers are increasing patrols to prevent thefts during the year’s busiest shopping days. Think of them as Santa’s backup.They’re also out to warn shoppers if their vehicles and valuables are left too susceptible to prowlers and other Scrooges.

If officers spot a high-risk vehicle — such as one with valuables visible to passers-by — they’ll place a gift tag on the windshield to warn the owner that he or she could become a prowler’s next target. Here are some easy tips you can use to prevent crime from ruining your holiday cheer:

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

• Don’t leave valuable items in plain view.

• Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended.

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

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

You’ll also notice a safety message from police at checkout stands in many Issaquah businesses.

Use #SantasBackup to find tips and photos from police throughout the season.

Power Outages: Information and Safety Tips Carbon Monoxide To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never burn charcoal or use gasoline-powered equipment indoors.

It’s also advised to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Reporting an Outage Puget Sound Energy customers can call 1-888-225-5773 to report power outages and receive service updates, or report outages at pse.com.

• Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.

• Keep vehicles full of gas.

• Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or people with disabilities.

• A battery-powered radio, along with extra batteries, that can tune in to the City’s radio station, 1700 AM.

Winter Storms

• Battery-operated flashlights.

• Have personal supplies, including coats, hats, gloves and blankets ready to help you stay warm.

• Issaquah’s Radio Station: 1700 AM • Issaquah’s TV Station: ICTV Channel 21 • Website: issaquahwa.gov • Twitter: @cityofissaquah Before the snow falls, make sure you: • Check your brake pads and fluid. Have brakes adjusted if necessary.

• Check your tires’ tread wear and inflation (don’t forget your spare).

• Make sure headlights, taillights and signal lights are all working.

• Check your wiper blade condition and washer fluid reservoir.

• Make sure your battery is in excellent condition.

• Check that your oil is at the correct level and the correct grade for winter.

• Ensure your antifreeze is correct for winter and hoses are in good condition.

Emergency Kits In addition, make sure to have an emergency preparedness kit in your home that includes:

Please do not call 911 for non-emergency questions, such as power outage duration or reasons for the outage.

• In case a winter storm does hit, residents are urged to:

Whether it is for floods or snowstorms, Issquah provides you information through the following communication tools. Please do your part by being informed and driving carefully!

• A corded phone (cordless phones will not work when the power is out).

• Food and water that will last your family for several days.

Plan Ahead: Holiday Closures

Mark your calendars! City offices will be closed the following dates: • Nov. 11 – Veterans Day • Nov. 26-27 – Thanksgiving • Dec. 24-25 – Christmas • Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day In case of emergency, please contact police at 911 or the nonemergency line at 425-837-3200. Thank you, and have a safe and fun holiday season!

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C U LT U R E T H R O U G H C U I S I N E

Highlands Culture Through Cuisine: India

by Kimberly Collette, Central Park

On a Sunday afternoon Jyothy stands in her kitchen ready to cook this week’s meals. Sundays are always her cooking days. She moves swiftly and steadily down the line of her kitchen. Stirring here and chopping there. Jyothy tastes and adjusts each dish.

Jyothy adds spices from one of her many spice containers. Each small container is something special.

She uses the peppercorns that are grown on her mother’s property back in India. Some are familiar to a Westerner’s eyes like cinnamon, nutmeg and “Turmeric, of course. Everything has turmeric.” Jyothy’s turmeric is from India and is a dark yellow color. Then there are the unfamiliar like star anise and stone flower, Jyothy’s favorite, which is shavings from the bark of a tree.

Sundays have always been cooking days for Jyothy. Growing up in India six days a week were spent in school. Sundays were her family’s home day. She and her two sisters and one brother would sleep in. Her mom would already be in the kitchen cooking up something wonderful for breakfast as well as lunch. “I’ve never had a Sunday lunch without a dessert,” says Jyothy.

They would eat and watch a show on the television. They would do their chores. The girls would wash their long dark hair. They all would help their mother cooking.

“Sundays were the days when us girls would tell our brother all about our boy troubles and Mondays and Tuesdays were the days of our brother finding those boys and saying ‘how dare you!’”

Jyothy’s Sundays in the Highlands aren’t too different. Jyothy cooks and her daughter, Neeti, helps. Pravee, her husband, watches the Seahawks play with their son Pavan.

Friends stop by to say, “Hi”.

Neeti perches on her special spot on the counter. She stirs the onions, spices, oil, potatoes and vegetables for the pilaf in the rice cooker. The mix sizzles and pops.

“Mom, this doesn’t smell very spicy,” says Neeti. Jyothy adds another dash of a colorful fragrant herbs. “Always add more salt and spices than you think,” Jyothy cautions, “the potatoes and rice absorb it and it will disappear.”

The Pilaf is meant to have medium spice while the Potato Kurma is all about the spice and heat. Jyothy stirs fresh cut tomatoes and onions into her homemade yogurt to serves on the side to help cool down anything too hot.

Without even thinking about it, Jyothy has made another pan of green beans with ground cashews to be served for the night’s dinner.

Since 1999 Jyothy and her family have been living in the United States. They have spent the last three years here in the Highlands. Each Sunday is filled with family, friends and food. Jyothy’s kitchen radiates color, spice and warmth. Jyothy is in her kitchen, her daughter with her, cooking, talking and laughing. Sundays bring food and tradition together and India a little bit closer.

Vegetable Pilaf with Raita Vegetable pilaf Oil or Butter Whole Garam masala powder Onion Potato Ginger garlic paste Mixed vegetables (I used the pre-cut frozen ones) Green masala paste Salt Water/Vegetable Broth

3 Tablespoons 2 bay leaves, 3 cardamom, 1” cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, 2 tbsp of stone flower (optional) fennel seeds - 2 tspn 1/2 red chopped 1 medium cubed 1 Tablespoon each 1 Cup 1/2 cup of each coriander and mint with 5-8 Thai chilies (grind to a coarse paste) Basmati or any long grain rice-2 cups To Taste 4 Cups

1. Heat oil in the rice cooker- add the whole Garam masala powder 2. Add onions and potatoes and sauté. Add the ginger garlic paste and the mixed vegetables and sauté till the oil leaves on the sides of the veggies about 5-8 min.

3. Add the green masala paste, rice and salt and sauté for another 3-5 min.

4. Add water or broth cover and let the rice cooker do the rest of the cooking. When it is done unplug the rice cooker, let it rest for 5 min and then serve with raita.

Raita

Raita is a yogurt base “dip” or side dish of some sort.

I made a tomato and onion raita Onion 1/4 Finely Chopped Tomato 1/2 Finely Chopped Salt Yogurt 1 Cup You can make raita as simple as this or as complicated as you want. Chopped cucumbers, grated radish, and zucchini all taste very good as raita.

Potato Kurma

Potatoes (Pressure cook or boil) Onion Tomatoes Ginger-garlic paste Turmeric powder Red chilli powder Coriander powder Garam Masala powder Salt Coriander leaves Cooking oil

3 large, washed, par boiled (partially cooked), peeled and cubed 1 Finely Chopped 2 Quartered 1 Tablespoon 1/4 tsp 1/2 tsp 1 tsp According to taste (1 tbsp) To Taste For Garnish 1 tbsp

Masala Paste

Combine ingredients below with a little water or some yogurt: (Optional) Coconut 3 tbsp (grated and fresh) (opt) Poppy seeds 1/2 tsp (khus-khus/gasagasalu) (Optional) Fennel seeds 3/4 tsp Cashew Nuts 5-6 (Opt) Green chilies 2 1. Heat oil in a vessel, add the chopped onions and curry leaves and sauté for 4 mins or till the onions turn transparent.

2. Add ginger garlic paste and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and salt. Combine well.

3. Add the quartered tomatoes and partially boiled and cubed potatoes and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Reduce heat and add the ground paste and garam masala powder- if you are making it more rich and elaborate.

4. Add one and a half cups of water, adjust salt and cook covered on medium flame for 7-8 minutes.

5. Remove lid and simmer till you get the desired gravy consistency.

6. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with hot rotis, pooris, coconut rice or any flavored rice.

You can also add a mixture of 1/2 cup yogurt + Garam masala for additional flavor instead of adding the ground paste or omit that step all together.

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DIRECTORY ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

HIGHLANDS COUNCIL

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

MAIN PHONE: 425-507-1107 IssaquahHighlands.com

MAIN PHONE: 425-427-9257 | AFTER HOURS: 425-223-8882

Responsible for:

IssaquahHighlands.com

Governing Body

Community Events Board of Trustees Responsible for: Governing Body Blakely Hall Community Center hcbot@ihmail.com

Facility Rentals Larry Norton, President Property Management Board of Directors Community Garden Philip Nored, Secretary Enforcement of CCRs, Rules, Regs ihcaboard@ihcommunity.org Facebook Patrick Byers, Member

Architectural Review Jim Young, President

Common Area Landscape Dan Vradenburg, Vice President E-Letter Ray Besharati, Treasurer Connections Newspaper Jody Turner, Member Funded by: Walt Bailey, Secretary issaquahhighlands.com David Ngai, Treasurer Annual IHCA Assessments Chris Hawkins, Director

Neighborhood Assessments Ellina Charipova, Director Funded by: Rob Knight, Director Sponsorships/Grants Advertising Sarah Hoey, Executive Director Community Enhancement Fees (1/4 of 1% on sale of home) sarah.h@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1120 12¢ per sq. ft. retail/commercial Erika North, Senior Community Manager erika.n@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1121 Russ Ayers, Landscape Manager russ.a@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1130 Collene Cordova, Owner Services Coordinator collene.c@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1134 Barbara Uribe, Senior Accountant and Benefits Coordinator Barbara.u@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1123 Joon Chang, Accounting Manager joon.c@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1117 Katherine Olson, Accounts Receivable Specialist Katherine.o@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119 Melissa Schneider, Community Manager/Project Manager Melissa.s@ihcommnutiy.org, 425-507-1113 Chelsea Johnson, Administrative Support Chelsea.J@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1135 Homeowner Account Inquiries payments@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119 Escrow Payoffs | Katherine.o@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119

HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK

Blakely Hall 2550 NE Park Drive Monday–Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Christy Garrard, Executive Director christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1110

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

Governing Body

Board of Directors Larry Norton Allen Enebo Tim Underwood Charlie Herb Emergency: 9-1-1 Issaquah Police (non-emergency) 425-837-3200 WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife 425-775-1311

Nina Milligan, Communications Manager nina.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1111 Brianna Eigner, Blakely Hall Manager brianna.e@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107 Michele McFarland, Finance Manager michele.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1108 Julie Clegg, Creative Coordinator julie.c@ihcouncil.org Vyvian Luu, Administraive Assistant vyvian.l@ihcouncil.org

COMMUNITY SERVICES AT BLAKELY HALL

Notary Service by Appointment • Per signature fee applies • Fax Sending & Receiving • Fax sending, local $.50 per page • Fax sending, long distance $1.00 per page • Fax receiving, $.50 per page • Limited B/W Photocopying, $.05 per page • Lost & Found

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

Weekly E-Letter: Sign up at issaquahhighlands.com

RENTAL FACILITIES Blakely Hall

Award-winning Blakely Hall has a feeling and comfort of a lodge.

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

Blakely Hall Meeting Room

The Conference room is perfect for your meeting or seminar. It is private. It can accommodate up to 46 guests. A screen is provided as well as comfortable conference chairs and tables that can be configured to your liking. There is a wash station, and a countertop to place your refreshments.

To inquire about booking facilities at Blakely Hall, please contact Brianna at 425.507.1107 or email brianna.e@ihcouncil.org

Fire Station Meeting Room

The Fire Station 73 meeting room is great for community or group meetings. It comes with tables and chairs. It can accommodate up to 85 guests in a meeting setting or comfortably 30 guests. There are two whiteboards for writing down your ideas and agenda.

There is also a television with a DVD player for your instructional videos. Because this is a city building they do not allow religious, partisan, or for-profit meetings to take place in this facility. To inquire about booking the Fire Station Meeting Room, please contact Fire Station #73 at 425.313.3373.

CONNECTIONS Connections is published by the Highlands Council. Our mission is to foster the development of a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, and well-being.

Connections is printed and mailed every month to every Issaquah Highlands residence as well as local Issaquah residents and businesses. For article submissions and advertising sales, contact Nina Milligan at nina.m@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1111 Size

BW Color

Mini (text only): 3” x 3”

$50

Rectangle Vert: 3” x 4.625”

$75

$150

Rectangle Horz: 4.625” x 3”

$75

$150

Square: 4.625” x 4.625”

$125

$195

Quarter Page: 4.625” x 6.25”

$150

$275

Half Page Vert: 4.625” x 13”

$275

$495

Half Page Horz: 9.625” x 6.25”

$275

$495

Full Page: 9.625” x 13”

$595

$950

ON-LINE ADVERTISING AVAILABLE!

We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit to content and length.

We also reserve the right to refuse advertising that in our opinion does not reflect the standards of the newspaper. Opinions or expressed either by paid advertisement or editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of Highlands Council or this newspaper.

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

For best results with newspaper printing: • Please avoid small text in color or reversed out of color.

• Do not use a built black of CMYK combined. Instead, please setup all black as “K” only.

• Convert all RGB files to CMYK before creating PDF. • 85 line screen and 300 dpi for photos.

• All process color ads should be converted to CMYK. • Acceptable art for use by our production department includes TIFF or JPEG files.

• Convert all Photoshop files to JPEG or TIFF before sending.

• DO NOT send Quark, Illustrator, Publisher or other native files.

Content and advertising in Connections does not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of the Highlands Council or staff.

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November 2015

Issaquah Highlands Connections