Bellevue, WA August 2023

FOOD + BEVERAGE MEET SARAH ADLER: BABY FOOD FILES AND SIMPLY REAL HEALTH AUTHOR

ARTS + CULTURE CREATIVE KIDS AND LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

Lakeview

Kids & Pets

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.

This issue is always one of my favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy that children bring to their families and the significant impact they make on their communities.

Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment and we are happy to highlight the best for Bellevue's kids in this issue.

Secondarily, who could forget pets? The special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends. The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.

My own two rescue kitties have shown remarkable tolerance with the amount of snuggling and love bestowed on them by toddler twins.

What children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention and intention shapes how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.

Cheers!

BREE O’BRIEN, EDITOR @BELLEVUELIFESTYLE

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Caitlin Agnew | caitlin.agnew@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Bree O’Brien | bree.obrien@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Taylor Robinson | taylor.robinson@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Max Baker | max.baker@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caitlin Agnew, Bree O’Brien, Carleton McHenry

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Life N Light, Talitha Bullock

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Steven D. Smith Signature Style

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BELLEVUE, WA 98005

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city scene

1: The cafe partnered with Coava to create coffee line “Cascara Girls,” benefitting Bellden Community Fund. 2: Representatives of Bellden’s community partner, Jubilee REACH. Over six years, Bellden has donated partial proceeds from 16,000 drinks to charity partners. 3: Bellden Cafe on Main St. celebrated its sixth birthday on May 12, 2023. 4: Bellden also welcomed Bellevue Councilwoman Janice Zahn. 5: The celebration closed with Bellden’s new Projects Presentation Night attended by Bellevue’s Mayor Lynne Robinson! 6: Bellden introduced two new offerings at the event, including beautiful house-poured candles. 7: Customers Judy and Howard chose to share their wedding anniversary by attending the event. Photography by Claire Sumadiwirya

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

8: Ashanti Davis shares how she makes change within her sphere of influence at the NAAM 9: Entrepreneur and CEO/Founder of Armoire, Ambika Singh, talks balance while building a business 10: Angelina, Shivani and Dora share why they helped launch and raise over $2000 for BeBoldGirls.org 11: Colleagues, friends, moms and daughters enjoyed the 8th annual community event Be Bold Now Seattle 2023 12: Fireside chat with Mar Brettman and Rebekah Fonden from Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking 13: Musician Scarlet Parke closes the night debuting her new song, “Woman,” May 17 at Kirkland Performance Center 14: Speaker Julie Lewis, 39-year HIV survivor, founder of Project 30/30, author of “Still Positive” Photography by Cecille Miller Photography

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @BellevueLifestyle

15: Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue’s annual Champions of Youth Gala successfully raised over $800,000 on May 20th. 16: BGCB Board Chair, Jane Boulware, kicked off the event with a powerful reminder about the profound need for support in Bellevue. 17: Auctioneer, Gee Scott, led BGCB’s 400 Club Champions through an exhilarating auction with one-of-a-kind items. 18: Energetic Club teens mingled with Gala attendees to sell “golden tickets” for the evening’s raffle. 19: The Bacon Family Foundation receives the 2023 Champions of Youth Award for their unwavering support over the last decade. 20: Board member DeShawn Shead selects a cake for his table during an exciting “dessert dash”

21: Masterpieces created by young artists and Club members in the art gallery during cocktail hour.

AZZURA PHOTOGRAPHY

AZZURA PHOTOGRAPHY

AZZURA PHOTOGRAPHY

AZZURA PHOTOGRAPHY

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Trophy Cupcakes Adds Afternoon Tea at The Bravern

Seattle’s premiere dessert bakery and party destination is now offering Afternoon Tea in Bellevue. Available for weekend bookings, the tea experience features a tantalizing tower of sweet and savory treats including custard tartlets, delectable eclairs, croque monsieur croissants, classic scones with jam, captivating finger sandwiches, colorful macarons, and more. Guests will also get to choose from one of six hand-blended, organic Trophy Teas that dazzle the senses with glitter, florals and even color-changing magic.

Photography: MXT Visuals

2023 Homes FORE All! Imagine Housing Golf Tournament

Join Imagine Housing for a fun day on the green on Monday, August 28, 2023. Enjoy 18 holes of golf at the scenic Golf Club at Newcastle in support of affordable housing on the Eastside, with complimentary breakfast and lunch. Shotgun start will be at 10:00am, and the putting green and driving range will be open prior to tournament start. Further details at imaginehousing.org/golf

Refuge Outdoor Festival at Tolt-MacDonald Park August 18-20, 2023

A 3-day outdoor recreation and camping experience geared toward people of color. This GBE signature event features a fun-filled weekend of informative workshops, crowd-rocking DJs, holistic activities, performances/art, outdoor recreation, and so much more. We are excited to return to King County’s ToltMacDonald Park and Campground in Carnation for our 6th year. REI Co-op is excited to sponsor the event again this year. See  goldenbricksevents.com/ main/refuge-outdoor-festival/ for info and tickets.

Photography: Alex Olson

Photography: Golden Bricks Events

Canada's leading Asian grocery chain to open Bellevue location

T&T Supermarkets (CEO Tina Lee pictured above) marks 30 years as Canada's favorite Asian grocery store with its first US location, opening summer of 2024 in the Marketplace at Factoria. At 76,000 square feet, it will be the largest Asian supermarket in Washington, and a flagship store for T&T - featuring a sushi counter, hot food bar, noodle station and in-store kitchen and bakery for freshly prepared steam buns, pork belly bao, and Asian pastries and cakes.

Photography: CNW Group/T&T Supermarkets

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Bellevue

20

local experiences

Grab the kids, pack your bags and hit the town for some end of summer fun. Use our list for some family-friendly adventures that will excite little ones and grownups alike and help everybody create lasting memories together.

MOX BOARDING HOUSE BELLEVUE: Stylish restaurant and game store featuring eclectic eats and draft beers, a game library, and thoughtful staff to help you choose that perfect game. 13310 Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue, Washington 98005

HARBOR HISTORY MUSEUM: Located on the waterfront - Check out  I Spy: The Secret Museum , a family-friendly journey through little-seen collection areas. I Spy is available through September. 4121 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332

CIELO COCINA MEXICANA: Family-owned and operated Mexican restaurant serving family recipes from the state of Jalisco. Features a nice kids' menu and casual atmosphere. 958 111th AVE Northeast, Bellevue, Washington 98004

COUGAR MOUNTAIN ZOO: An 11-acre zoological park that's home to cougars, wolves, reindeer, lemurs, alpacas, wallabies and several species of birds. Fun events are scheduled throughout the year. 19525 SE 54th St, Issaquah, Washington 98027

MONSTER MINI GOLF: 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark mini golf surrounded by a virtual canvas, plus laser tag, bowling, an arcade, and a ropes course provide something for everyone.  4080 Factoria Square Mall SE, Bellevue, Washington 98006

Monster Mini Golf Scan

Want to recommend a local experience?

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THE VERY LATEST:

Maximizing your Return on Life

Carleton McHenry of McHenry Capital shares how to get the most from your money

WHAT IS “RETURN ON LIFE”?

Simply put, Return on Life or “ROL”, is using your financial resources to improve your life.  Not just grow your bank account, but improve every aspect of life from work to home, health to relationships and more. Money is only a tool and the more you use it to improve each area of your life, the greater your ROL.

This concept came from a consortium of financial planners who realized that one of the most impactful tools people can use to increase their level of happiness is money.  Many people are so focused on financial return (ROI) that they lose sight of how they could use their money to make a difference in their lives (ROL).

HOW DO YOU IMPLEMENT ROL IN YOUR AND YOUR FAMILY’S LIVES?

One of the biggest things we did was move from a big city to a small community. My wife and I got married in 2018 in her hometown of Woodinville. While driving

back to Austin, Texas where we were living at the time, we stopped in this little charming town called Leavenworth. We loved the idea of being in a smaller community where we could get to know our neighbors, where people do many outdoor activities and you can walk to town. And voilà - we decided to move and have been living here since 2019.

Another thing we’ve done to improve our ROL is our second residence.  My wife’s father passed away and her mother had a stroke after we got married, and instead of selling their Port Angeles home, we fixed it up to rent out.  This has been such a fantastic investment for us not only financially but also as a vacation getaway for ourselves.

We now have two young boys, and spending quality time with them and raising them in our community of choice where they can learn and achieve great things is inspiring to us.  We hope to instill in them the same work ethic and values we have, and help them improve all areas of their own lives.

WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND OF MCHENRY CAPITAL?

I started McHenry Capital in 2005 having worked for both Wall Street (Merrill Lynch) and Main Street (GWFC - a boutique investment firm).  I wanted to start my own shop that could bring the best of these two worlds together: Wall Street capabilities but with Main Street transparencies. Being a Fee-Only firm was a priority - we get paid by our clients and nobody else so there aren’t conflicts of interest. Myself and my team act as fiduciaries - we always put our clients’ interests ahead of our own. Our focus is working with families and helping them wrestle with their two biggest financial headwinds: Retirement and college planning.

The cost of higher education continues to increase, so we work with families to not just save for college but save on college. This includes helping students determine both merit and needbased financial aid available for the school of their choice. We also help families compare previously overlooked schools that may offer better financial incentives for their child.  In addition, we evaluate how families can best save for college and position their assets to maximize opportunities for financial rewards and incentives.

In terms of retirement and financial independence, we help clients with everything from saving to investing, insurance to taxes and their estate. We make sure everything is in order for them to achieve their ultimate life goals.

ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THE PROCESS OF SELECTING A FINANCIAL PLANNER?

Start with figuring out what you really need. Some people need expertise in one specific area like college planning. Others need a broader approach: Help with saving, creating a budget, and investing.  Seek out planners who are truly fee-only so you’re not second-guessing their advice and recommendations!  Is meeting in-person important to you or are you okay with virtual? Is working with someone local a must? Do they post all fees on their website for complete transparency? Ask for references.  Lastly, require a minimum certification of the Certified Financial Planner designation in good standing.

If you are looking for help, feel free to contact me personally at carleton@mchenrycapital.com.  We offer virtual as well as in-person meetings at our Bellevue location on the west side or in Leavenworth or Wenatchee if you come over the Cascades.

LEAVENWORTH ADVENTURE PARK

BOASTING THE STATE’S FIRST ALPINE COASTER, THIS NEW OUTDOOR HOTSPOT CELEBRATED ITS GRAND OPENING ON JUNE 1

Set

his family business - the ski resorts at Snoqualmie Pass - for many years. “Bringing joy and fun to kids of all ages in a safe and friendly environment is the mission of our park. With more than 3 million visitors per year, the Bavarian town of Leavenworth is the perfect place to be. We have worked almost exclusively with local experts to build the park, while taking care of the environment. We look forward to giving back to the community,” says Moffett.

ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE:

• Tumwater Twister Alpine Coaster: The first Alpine Coaster (a patron-directed ride where the rider controls the speed) in Washington State, it boasts gorgeous views of Tumwater Canyon, Icicle Ridge, the Wenatchee River Rapids, and the town of Leavenworth.

• Alpine Ascent Climbing Wall: Built on the side of the Guest Service Building, the 27’ climbing wall has four lanes with two routes per lane. Climbers can choose Easy, Intermediate, Advanced or Most Challenging routes.

• Bavarian Bungee Bounce Trampoline: This trampoline allows jumpers to flip and fly up to 20 feet in the air!

• Gems of The Enchantments Mining Sluice: Kids will love panning for up to 20 gemstones and treasures at the park’s mining sluice.

General Manager John Sutherland says, “We have literally been selling out each day. It is important to plan ahead and make reservations on our website,” leavenworthadventurepark.com

on a gorgeous mountain at the entrance to the Tumwater Canyon, the park is a short walk from Leavenworth’s downtown. Dave Moffett, Leavenworth Adventure Park’s lead developer, ran

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

Putter Bert’s path to her current role as President and CEO of KidsQuest Children’s Museum began organically. She participated in the speech therapy program at Boston Children’s Hospital, and her mother would take her to Boston Children’s Museum to play after each session. Coming full circle, she began an internship at Boston Children’s Museum in college, and went on to work there for a few years post-college (and ended up marrying her boss). After tenures at a number of other children’s museums, in 1999 she started as Executive Director at the nonprofit that would give rise to KidsQuest.

After years of planning, designing and building, KidsQuest opened in Factoria in 2005 as a hands-on, interactive children’s museum that facilitates learning through play for kids 0-10(ish) years old. The museum moved to Downtown Bellevue in 2017 and boasts three levels of interaction for visitors: Selfexploration with exhibits, staff or volunteer involvement with exhibits, and a program or activity that connects the exhibits to a child’s own world.

“Our community has a high rate of neurodiversity within families, a need that is easily met with headphones and other tools, and low-sensory events the third Thursday of each month,” Bert says. Museum staff is trained in neurodiversity and “We’ve also been a place for socialization because we’re a safe space for kids to do that.” Soundproofing is ongoing to make the space more comfortable for all visitors, and Bert plans to keep the museum at 70% of visitor capacity for comfort and safety.

Bert mentions that KidsQuest is in an assessment phase, determining whether more space is needed and addressing any master planning issues. Funding is often top of mind, as pre-covid the museum was sustained with 70% earned income (admission and fees), which flipped to 70% contributed income during the height of the pandemic, and now Bert is trying to get back to a place where KidsQuest is funded 50% through earned income and 50% through donations. Community partners have the opportunity to sponsor programs and exhibits, and while KidsQuest occasionally receives small arts grantsit’s not government funded.

ARTICLE BY BREE O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA BERGER AND MERRILL IMAGES

The museum serves “a strong 60-mile radius,” says Bert, and there are families who come weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually. Offerings throughout the summer include Camptivities: “KidsQuest Children’s Museum free summer programming designed to give visitors an opportunity to engage

Photo credit: Merrill Images

with trained staff in themed activities, much like the ones we host in our Summer Camps. Research shows that significant learning loss occurs during the summer months for children grade K-5. The good news is that summer learning loss can be slowed if children partake in reading, practice math skills, limit screen time, and explore new ideas. Camptivities address all of these learning objectives through play, so whether we are creating patterns based on bee nests or practicing with hammers, we are learning while having fun! And by having one-on-one attention from a staff member to answer questions or present challenges, children practice what they learn during the school year in a fun summertime fashion.”

As Bert emphasizes, “We are an essential part of the community, not just a ‘nice to have’. If adults and kids used play to learn (as offered at KidsQuest), we would all learn more happily every day. We believe in safe risks, we push kids and their adults out of their comfort zones and I think that’s exciting.”

Putter Bert is a wife and mother of three adult children. She has over 30 years of experience serving in leadership roles at The Children’s Museum of Tacoma, The Children’s Museum of Arkansas, The Portsmouth Children’s Museum and The Boston Children’s Museum.

ABOUT PUTTER BERT

“KIDSQUEST CHILDREN’S MUSEUM FREE SUMMER PROGRAMMING DESIGNED TO GIVE VISITORS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE WITH TRAINED STAFF IN THEMED ACTIVITIES, MUCH LIKE THE ONES WE HOST IN OUR SUMMER CAMPS."

Photo credit: Melissa Berger

Photo credit: Melissa Berger

SUMMER TIME SALES THROUGHOUT THE PUGET SOUND!

Baby Food Files

A STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR BABIES AND KIDS FROM LOCAL SIMPLY REAL HEALTH AUTHOR, SARAH ADLER.

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TALITHA BULLOCK

Author Sarah Adler cooking with her family

Born and raised in the PNW, Sarah Adler is a best-selling cookbook author, nutritionist, lifestyle expert, mother of two, and founder of Simply Real Health.  For the last 10 years she has made it her mission to bring simplicity back to our food, our daily lives and to our headspaces. Which is very opposite of how we are taught about food in our modern-day culture.  “I love encouraging people to forget about all the noise– the fads and trends that come and go, and to instead, learn about the beauty of simple, real food. And the calming, life-giving effect it has on the rest of our lives,” says Adler.

When Sarah became a mother, she started trying to figure out how to feed her baby and discovered there was nothing out there that combined her desire of serving real food and that

encouraged a wide palate of healthy foods.  Not to mention finding something that kept it simple during postpartum and a busy schedule. That’s where the Simply Real Health Baby Food Files were born: taking the same principles Sarah teaches about real food, and applying them to our babies & kids.

“In the Baby Food Files, I walk you through every single month from 4-5 months up to 18 months and explain what to focus on, easy no-prep foods to feed them, and then recipes to try for each month and stage. It takes the overwhelm out of it, and gives you a step-by-step guide to follow to create real-food lovers!” says Adler.

For the complete Baby Food Files go to simplyrealbaby.com, and in the meantime check out one of Sarah’s kid friendly recipes on the following page.

Chia Seed Pudding

makes:

Approximately 8 servings, depending on the size of the jar you choose

This is a great make-ahead breakfast or snack recipe full of great protein, fat and fiber. It is best after 24 hours in the fridge, so the chia seeds have time to expand and firm up. Feel free to add chopped kiwis, bananas or quartered blueberries or halved raspberries (mixed in or on top).

ingredients:

• 1 16-ounce can regular coconut milk

• 10 teaspoons chia seeds

directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a glass mason jar, or multiple smaller jars with lids.

2. Stir briskly or shake well to combine.

3. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours before eating.

Creative Kids

Rebecca Wu, a 12-year-old at the International School in Bellevue, is a talented young artist. She first started drawing as a toddler, scribbling on the walls with colored pencils. When she was 7, Rebecca began attending the local Studio S Fine Arts, where she was the youngest student at the time. In addition to art, Rebecca also enjoys all kinds of creative stuff, including creative writing, crafting and animation, as well as coding – she has even developed her own video games.

Rebecca’s art recently earned her national recognition with the annual Doodle for Google art contest. Rebecca stood out amongst tens of thousands of applications, with her art ultimately being selected as the winner. Rebecca’s winning artwork is titled “My Sweetest Memories” and shows her with her two little sisters savoring hot chocolate in a garden, with the word Google artfully spelled out using vines and flowers. This heartwarming depiction of sisterly love and companionship was on Google’s homepage on June 6 for millions to see. As the national winner, Rebecca also received a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for her school.

THE ARTS ARE MADE ALL THE BETTER WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM KIDS LIKE THESE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE WU FAMILY, ERA POGOSOVA

Rebecca with some of her work

Bellevue’s own Theatre33 was decorated with several honors, including the youth ensemble award, for the troupe’s performance of “A Game” at YouthFest, the national festival of community theatres in Louisville, Kentucky in June! The cast of Anna Stoforandova (13, Kenmore), Desmond Johnson (13, Bellevue), Eva Zrazhevskaya (15, Redmond), and Michaela Dolezel (13, Bellevue) took home the Outstanding Achievement in Acting Award for the Ensemble, the only such award given out to youth theatres. Desmond also received the Outstanding Achievement in Acting award and the theatre’s founder and artistic director Marianna Chebotaryova received the Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design award. Young actors also attended the Youth Leadership Conference to learn more about acting, directing and serving as advocates for community theatres.

Desmond, Eva and Michaela joined Theate33’s bilingual youth acting and drama program in the fall of 2022 and Anna is a firstyear student. Outside of theatre, the teens have varied interests. Anna is an avid reader who loves to cook, bake and craft. Desmond plays volleyball and drums. Eva is a visual artist and loves animals and sciences. Michaela is a competitive figure skater who loves to crochet and bake. Each of the teens thoroughly enjoyed meeting peers and adults who love performing arts as much as they do and would absolutely jump at the opportunity to revisit the festival in the future. “YouthFest was a lot of firsts for me. First trip out of state to perform, first performance in front of such a large audience and first award for acting,” said Desmond. “It was exciting, scary and nerve racking all at once,” added Michaela. “To say that I wasn’t nervous when we went on stage would be a lie,” confessed Anna, but the troupe owned the stage and told their story superbly – “I think it turned out excellent” she concluded. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible energy where everyone is ready to share and learn the craft of theatre!” added Eva. The recognition of “A Game” at the national level definitely sets the bar high for Theatre33’s education program which has been rapidly expanding over the past three years.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible energy where everyone is ready to share and learn the craft of theatre!”

The "A Game" cast prior to performing at AACT YouthFest 2023. L to R: Michaela Dolezel, Desmond Johnson, Eva Zrazhevskaya, Anna Stoforandova

Backyard Chickens

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.

The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.

Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Things To Consider Before Getting Chickens:

First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.

Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.

Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.

Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.

Backyard Chicken Q&A:

HOW MANY CHICKENS SHOULD I KEEP?

Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.

HOW MUCH DOES KEEPING CHICKENS COST?

All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor.

Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.

WHAT KIND OF SHELTER DO THEY NEED?

Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.

Want to go the fancy route?

Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com .

WHEN DO CHICKENS START LAYING EGGS?

Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

AUGUST 1ST

2nd Annual Bellevue Police Foundation Golf Tournament

GOLF CLUB AT NEWCASTLE, 15500 SIX PENNY LN, NEWCASTLE | 11:30 AM

Join us on the green to support the Bellevue Police Department. We plan a fun and relaxed day of prizes, awards and exercise while enjoying spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Proceeds will fund essential equipment, training and programs that are crucial in helping the BPD prevent crime and keep our community and officers safe. bpf-golf-tournament.perfectgolfevent.com/

AUGUST 5TH-6TH

Rumba Del Barrio Salsa Mambo Bachata Festival

SOUTH BELLEVUE COMMUNITY CENTER, 14509 SE NEWPORT WAY, BELLEVUE

Experience the magic of Salsa in the Northwest during the beautiful PNW summer at Rumba del Barrio! This event is for all the Salseros and Bachateros in the community. Join us for electrifying performances, workshops and social dancing! Purchase your full pass for the weekend only $90 for 2 Days of Workshops & 2 nights of social dancing. Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/600875744527

AUGUST 17TH

BECU Outdoor Movies at Marymoor Park: Up

MARYMOOR PARK, 6046 WEST LAKE SAMMAMISH PKWY NE, REDMOND | 6:30 PM

Doors open at 6:30 pm, entertainment starts at 7:00 pm with Cirque Cadia (stilt walkers and performers). UP starts at dusk. Food Trucks:  Trophy Cupcakes (cupcakes, candy, popcorn), Los Chilangos (tacos / Mexican), Home Bites (burgers, grilled cheese, fries, salad & more), Candela Pizza. moviesatmarymoor.com for more info

AUGUST 25TH-27TH

Arts in the Garden

BELLEVUE BOTANICAL GARDEN 12001 MAIN ST., BELLEVUE

Twelfth annual Arts in the Garden show at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. This popular community event will feature more than thirty artists selling unique 3-D garden art in ceramics, glass, metal, stone, and more. The event will also feature live music and food trucks on Saturday and Sunday. Event admission is free. Please visit bellevuebotanical.org/arts-in-the-garden for more information.

AUGUST 27TH

Iron Horse Half Marathon

OLALLIE STATE PARK, 51350 SE HOMESTEAD VALLEY RD, NORTH BEND | 7:30 AM

The Iron Horse Half Marathon presented by REI Co-op is a point to point half marathon taking place on the Palouse to Cascade Trail. Voted the Best Half Marathon in Washington in 2019, you won’t want to miss this fun and scenic race. Find more info at orcarunning. com/iron-horse-half and register at runsignup.com

AUGUST 28TH

Early Bellevue Walking Tour presented by Eastside Heritage Center

BELLEVUE DOWNTOWN PARK

PLAZA, 10201 NE 4TH ST, BELLEVUE | 5:30 PM

Before glass towers defined the skyline, Bellevue was a quiet town of dirt roads and scattered homes. The first settlers from Seattle began to drift across Lake Washington in the 1860s. Discover the hidden history on this guided walking tour. Meet at the top of the stairs on the northside of the park. Contact EHC at 425-450-1049 or education@ eastsideheritagecenter.org.

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Choice Reads

for children

Recommendations for preschoolers, elementary age, and older kids from Bellevue’s Half Price Books

Do you know a child who needs a couple additions to their summer reading list? Perhaps you’re shopping for a birthday gift for a young friend? Staff at our local Half Price Books selected some quality kids’ reading material for Bellevue Lifestyle readers.

01 PRESS HERE BY HERVE TULLET (Preschool) // 02 EVERYBODY NEEDS A ROCK BY BYRD BAYLOR (Preschool) // 03 SISTERS GRIMM SERIES BY MICHAEL BUCKLEY (Elementary) // 04 THE MITTEN BY JAN BRETT (Elementary) // 05 WINTERDANCE BY GARY PAULSON (Middle School +) // 06 CALVIN & HOBBS: ATTACK OF THE DERANGED MUTANT KILLER MONSTER SNOWGOONS BY BILL WATTERSON (Middle School +)

Photo courtesy of Half Price Books

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