Kirkland, WA August 2024 by City Lifestyle

LIFE + CULTURE

THE JOY OF CREATIVITY

TRAVEL

CELEBRATING THE PAST AND EMBRACING THE FUTURE

HOME + DESIGN

EXTRA SPACE

CUSTOM HOMES • RENOVATIONS

Step into a world

Of bespoke luxury and unparalleled craftsmanship with our expert team at Alair Homes Kirkland. Elevate your living experience with a custom home or renovation project tailored to your dreams and desires.

Now accepting projects for Summer/Fall 2024, our commitment to excellence and passion for innovation sets us apart. Join us in redeﬁning residential construction and experience the difference ﬁrsthand.

Discover a new standard of quality and collaboration. Contact us today to bring your vision to life and make your dream home a reality. Let’s create something extraordinary together.

The Kids Issue

This summer marks my 3 year anniversary as publisher of Kirkland Lifestyle. It’s wild to look back at all of the amazing people, places, and things we’ve covered. This city continues to grow and flourish, and it’s been exciting to be a part of it. I’ve been honored to work alongside the many contributors that have worked on Kirkland Lifestyle over the years. They’ve worked hard to help curate and share our community’s sto ries in thoughtful and beautiful ways. I hope the faces you see in these pages become more familiar, new relationships are formed, and that a sense of connectedness grows that much deeper.

August is our 'Kids' issue and it’s always fun to share some of the joy and impact they make on our community. As a mom, I understand that kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment. So, cheers to the final month of summer, to the kids in our community, and all the stories that made up Kirkland Lifestyle over the last 3 years. Thanks for following along! And as always, continue sharing your stories with us. We look forward to another year of bringing our community that much closer.

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Caitlin Agnew | caitlin.agnew@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Taylor Robinson | taylor.robinson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bree O’Brien, May Wildman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kara Mercer, Devin Larson, Eli Tawil

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

PHOTOS BY KARA MERCER

BRIAN AND NICOLE HOPPER

city scene

2024 Cannes Film Festival 1: Mike and Mercedeh attending the 77th Annual Cannes Film Festival. 2: The 2024 amfAR Gala Cannes held at the Hotel Du Cap-Eden Roc in Antibes on May 23, 2024. It was a magical evening of music, fashion and fundraising! 3: Mike Moghaddas sharing a conversation with former basketball star Magic Johnson. 5: Mike and Mercedeh at the iconic Hôtel Martinez. 6: Golshifteh Farahani exudes elegance in Maison Araz Fazaeli’s O-Caftan, inspired by Persian heritage and backgammon. 7: Mike and Mercedeh posing with famous designer Tommy Hilfiger.

TLRC x Lululemon Run & Flow Event 8: High-fives and cheers from the TLRC crew keep spirits high! 9: Sharon Chism leads an energizing warmup session to kick off the day! 10: Runners soak up the scenery, loving the sunshine and good vibes with friends. 11: Kiana Njie of Urban Yogis leads the crew through a restorative yoga flow for all levels 12: Even furry friends are part of the fun, making it a special day! 13: Mixing running and yoga, participants stay focused and motivated at The Village at Totem Lake. 14: TLRC passes the Global Running Week baton to Black Girls Run, celebrating unity in movement. Photography by Tiare Bowman

business monthly

Radiant Rejuvenation: Luxury Facials at Kirkland Urban

Step into a world of refined skincare luxury at EB Glow. Solo esthetician, Erica Bartram, offers personalized treatments to elevate your skin’s natural beauty, using products that are simple, clean and clinical. Nestled in the heart of Kirkland awaits a retreat where relaxation and rejuvenation coincide. Treat yourself to a hydrafacial and rediscover your glow this summer. Ebglow.com

Photography by Kara Mercer

Auction of Washington Wines Winemaker Picnic is August 9th

The Auction of Washington Win es’ largest summer party is back on Saturday, August 9th! At the Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction, mingle with Washington winemakers, taste from over 100 Washington wines, and enjoy elevated Pacific Northwest picnic fare from the best chefs in town. Try your hand at a game of chance or bid on one-of-a-kind cases of wine, all benefiting our local communities! For info & tickets: auctionofwawines.org

Come Enjoy the 2024 Junior League Softball World Series!

The 2024 Junior League Softball World Series will be held at Everest Park in Kirkland, WA from July 28th through August 3rd! On the field, 10 teams of 12 to 14 year-olds from around the world will compete for the championship. Since 1999, this event promises a week of family-friendly fun and intense competition. It coincides with Little League's "Girls with Game 50" celebration, commemorating 50 years of girls and women in the program, supported by DICK'S Sporting Goods. For details visit littleleague.org/worldseries

The Source: Suncadia Debuts Lodge Renovations and New Signature Restaurant

Cle Elum’s award-winning resort and residential community recently completed a $4 million investment in the revitalization The Lodge’s first floor and its new restaurant, The Source. A family-friendly, convivial gathering space for locally sourced, shareable meals, The Source offers classic comfort dishes prepared with playful twists. Highlights include Brisket Burnt Ends with huckleberry teriyaki, Mushroom Wellington, and a table-top bonfire with house made marshmallows. The renovation marks the first chapter in a destination-wide transformation over the next several years.

Ryan James Fine Arts Hosting Sijae Byun’s 1st US Show

South Korean multi-media artist, Sijae Byun, debuts her solo show of sculpture and layered silk paintings, “The Seed Pagoda,” at Ryan James Fine Arts at Kirkland Urban on October 4. The exhibit is inspired by the Korean custom of making a wish by stacking stones, the Japanese practice of bowing or praying towards pagodas, and the human reflex of looking up to the sky when making a wish or thinking deeply. Runs through October 31.

Evergreens Partners with Make-A-Wish Turning Lemons into Wishes

Evergreens is partnering with regional Make-A-Wish chapters to raise $10,000 for children across the PNW! To meet this goal, the eatery launched lemon-inspired menu items, is hosting pop-up lemonade stands run by Make-A-Wish alumni and offering in-store lemon grabs – with all or a portion of proceeds going directly back to Make-A-Wish. Visit the Factoria Evergreens pop-up lemonade August 16-17 to enjoy fresh-squeezed lemonade with the new menu items! Visit evergreens. com/makeawish/ for more.

Photography by Suncadia

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW

Creativity The Joy of

Pacific Northwest Youth Entrepreneur Expo (PNWYEE) is a one-day free-to-the-public community event that aims to “Bring the Joy of Creativity” to the community. Their mission is to provide a platform for youth entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their creations, alongside offering entertainment, food, and children’s activities. PNWYEE promotes cultural experiences and community support, with proceeds benefiting local charities. Kirkland Lifestyle caught up with five participants about the businesses they created for the expo.

“We create a win-win situation by collecting traditional clothes from Indian families in the US and UK and distributing them to underprivileged kids in India.”

Avani Bansal

Age: 16

Name of Business:

Dream Dresses Nonprofit

Business Description:

Dream Dresses is a 501c3 nonprofit that donates traditional Indian clothes to underprivileged kids in India. We have donated to over 9500 underprivileged kids, allowing them to celebrate Indian festivals in the proper attire that they would otherwise not be able to. Dream Dresses has collection centers in 10 different states (including WA) in the US and is an international organization, with bases in the US, UK, and India. For more info visit dreamdresses.org

What inspired your idea?

Dream Dresses was inspired by both the large need for traditional clothes in India and the lack of places available for people to donate them. We create a win-win situation by collecting traditional clothes from Indian families in the US and UK and distributing them to underprivileged kids in India.

CONTINUED >

Rehet Kapoor and Siri Mutalik Desai

Age: 16

Name of Business:

Sketchbook Studios

Business Description:

Sketchbook Studios is an initiative dedicated to fostering a love for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts and promoting the development of critical thinking skills in children through art. Through our Imagine Labs program, we teach weekly STEM lessons at preschools to create a positive atmosphere where children can explore difficult concepts in an engaging manner.

What inspired your idea for your business?

It all started during a visit to The Sammamish Montessori School, where we observed a growing emphasis on the art within STEM curriculum in classrooms due to high parent demand. Since both of us are incredibly passionate about art and STEM ourselves, we began thinking about hosting workshops to inspire that same passion for art and STEM in young children as well. The Expressions Arts Prep Academy and Microgrant programs provided us with the resources to bring these workshops to life and create Sketchbook Studios. Now, we host weekly STEM workshops at The Sammamish Montessori School, have raised over $9,000 to donate back to Expressions Arts, and have been able to turn STEM into something that kids enjoy and look forward to.

“The Expressions Arts Prep Academy and Microgrant programs provided us with the resources to bring these workshops to life and create Sketchbook Studios.”

Rehet Kapoor

Siri Mutalik Desai

“Now, I am dedicated to helping other struggling teenagers by sharing the coping strategies I learned.”

Taanvi Arekapudi

Age: 15

Name of Business: Uplift Teens Today

Business Description:

Uplift Teens Today’s goal is to break the stigma among youth, share resources, and provide support to help them on their mental health journey. I wrote Uplift Teens Today: Coping Strategies for Mental Health and the Emotion Cards Deck as the first teen-to teen mental health resources.

What inspired your idea?

My personal lived experiences inspired me to help not only myself, but my peers. At the age of nine, I found myself struggling with my mental health after unexpectedly moving to a brand-new country. Trying to adjust to a new culture and make new friends while dealing with the normal pressures of being a teenager, I began experiencing anxiety, isolation, and low self-esteem. I sought out coping strategies to help me navigate these overwhelming feelings and began to heal my mental health. I learned that mental health is something that we all need to take care of and that there are things we can do to improve our mental well-being. Now, I am dedicated to helping other struggling teenagers by sharing the coping strategies I learned. I want others to know that they are not alone and with the right support and tools, anyone can learn to manage their mental health and thrive.

“The business model is designed to raise funds and support educational opportunities for underprivileged children. Each sale serves as a catalyst to inspire others to join them in their mission to make a lasting impact.”

Shraavya,

Ameya Ages: 8 & 9

Name of Business: Thalir Treasures

Business Description:

As two young entrepreneurs, they are committed to handcrafting unique items with love and dedication. The business model is designed to raise funds and support educational opportunities for underprivileged children. Each sale serves as a catalyst to inspire others to join them in their mission to make a lasting impact. Together, they craft with care, sell with purpose, and pave the way for brighter futures for children in need.

What inspired your idea?

The love for art and the thought that every kid deserves education and basic needs. Thus, Thalir was born to achieve this goal.

Extra Space

Bedroom, which is set up as an office.

ARTICLE BY BREE O’BRIEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARA MERCER

The kitchen and dining room.

“

What a wonderful addition our ADU has been! We’ve designated it a kid-free zone, and it’s amazing how pristine it stays.

Adequate housing supply for people who want or need to live in Kirkland, particularly those in lower income brackets, has been a significant challenge for the city for years. The city government is prioritizing this “missing middle” housing, and in line with that, Kirkland updated its land use codes in March of 2020 to ease restrictions on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) and encourage their construction.

According to the city’s Planning and Building Department Director, Adam Weinstein, “In the year before the new regulations were adopted (March 2019-February 2020), we issued permits for 28 ADUs; in just the 6 months between March 2023-September 2023, we issued permits for 65 ADUs, and that trend has continued into 2024.” He continued, “The City is largely happy with the outcome, although we want to see more ADU development (and development of all types of compact housing). Many of these ADUs are for-sale and are providing much more accessible homeownership opportunities at generally 1/3 the cost of standard newly-constructed houses in Kirkland.”

My own family was able to take advantage of these changes: Two years ago, my husband and I had twins, bringing our number of children to four. As the twins took our last bedroom, which was also our office space, we decided to construct an ADU in our backyard. We had no experience building something from scratch, and wanted to make the process as pain-free as possible.

Knowing that Seattle has been on the forefront of maximizing ADU construction, I turned to the city’s “ADUniverse” website as a resource. One handy tool

there is a list of pre-approved ADU floor plans, and that list featured our ideal model - CAST Architecture’s Cedar Cottage. Since we intended to use it simply for workspace, the one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 467 sf plan seemed perfect. We purchased the plan license from CAST Architecture, completed surveying, and after some minor changes required by Kirkland, were ready to build. A trusted friend recommended NW Finishing as a builder, and after meeting with them we decided to move forward. Originally, we did not intend to use interior designers, but it quickly became apparent we had neither the time nor the skill set to manage the design choices. A longtime friend and her business partner had started Jayne Douglas Design, and I asked them to handle the design aspects of the project.

Despite an overall smooth and stress-free building process, there were a couple of unpleasant surprises. First, a sewer inspection revealed a cracked pipe we had to replace. This was costly and took an eternity for the plumbing contractor to finish. Second, we didn’t plan to re-landscape our entire property but the heavy equipment needed for construction, combined with the digging to fix the sewer pipe, tore up the back and front yards. We brought on Grotes Garden Design to do our hardscapes and landscaping once the structure was complete, and then we had our final product.

What a wonderful addition our ADU has been! We’ve designated it a kid-free zone, and it’s amazing how pristine it stays. If we decide to stay in our current home, it adds flexibility for kids home from college, or could even be a rental if desired. Kudos to the city of Kirkland for making it easier to build ADU’s.

CELEBRATING THE PAST & EMBRACING THE FUTURE

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SEABROOK

Seabrook is a charming beach town thoughtfully woven into the Washington coastline, created as an urban oasis for full time residents and vacationers. Founded 20 years ago by Casey and Laura Roloff, who shared a vision of building a beach town on the Washington Coast based on new urbanism design, one that would provide community and easy access to outdoor adventure and small-town living. “Like all other great historic places, they start with a very detailed town plan. While there are some minor

revisions, for the most part our original town plan is in place 20 years later, just as envisioned,” says Casey. The town has carefully grown to more than 600 homes with an active town center and a full array of amenities for owners and guests alike. “As the town has grown, we continue to add neighborhoods and small hamlets to the plan. The architecture is separate from the town plan and allows for different building types on the blocks themselves and can change based on market conditions,” says Casey.

Seabrook celebrates its 20-year anniversary with big plans in store for the next 20 years.

Combining aspects of a “15-minute city” with Blue Zone principles, Seabrook’s design principles have stood the test of time and continue to foster social connections and well-being. “My favorite thing about our community is the people. We have such an interesting and diverse group of homeowners and town merchants. So many incredible backgrounds and perspectives that make our town stronger,” says Casey. In 2023 Seabrook announced the approval of two new retail villages, 1,300 additional homes, a world class spa and wellness center, luxury hotel, and 10 new neighborhoods. “Over the next 20 years, Seabrook will grow into a town comparable to Carmel, Santa Barbara, or even Bend, Oregon. The best is yet to come!” says Casey.

Seabrook Recent Additions:

• Fresh Foods Market: Offers over 12,000 products, produce, meats, seafood, and more.

• Sunrise Pool and Fitness Center: Heated outdoor pool and expanded fitness center, hot tub, sauna, and outdoor fireplace.

• The Refined Man: Premier barbershop with barbers specializing in men’s cuts, ending every cut with a straight razor neck shave, shampoo, and hot towels.

• Basecamp: Adventure and bike shop provides guided adventures along with bike, boards, and clam digging gear rentals, and beachwear.

• Seabrook shuttle: Quick and convenient in-town transportation for residents and guests.

• New hiking and biking trails: Expanded hiking and mountain biking trails with options from entry level to advanced.

• Fishing: On-site concierge works with local fishing guides to take groups to fish for whatever is in season.

Discover a dynamic and meaningful experience that allows the whole family to immerse themselves in a shared activity.

The Art Experience

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEVIN LARSON

Artist Laura Burkhart with her kids.

Most parents would agree that a shared experience with their kids - one that is full of joy, creativity, and connection – is not only desirable, but a memory to savor for years to come.

That is just what friends Devin Larson and Laura Burkhart had in mind when creating The Art Experience, a workshop that captures parents and kids getting creative and having fun.

Devin Larson is a photographer that has years of experience doing traditional mini sessions and she was craving a more dynamic and meaningful experience for her clients. She immediately thought of her friend Laura, a PNW Fine Artist, and pitched the idea of a joint session where Laura would assist kids and parents with art creation, while Devin captured the whole experience for these families in stills.

Laura jumped in with excitement, bringing her own love for collaboration and creation. It was important to Laura to have families leave with a beautiful work of art representing their family’s experience in this precious moment in time, and a little piece of the PNW. She added her own original painting of Mt. Rainier to each canvas after the session, creating a truly one-of-akind masterpiece unique to each family.

“It’s a fun experience because families get to come make a mess together, then leave the mess with us! We supply the space, supplies, and fun - they leave with the memories,” says Larson. What transpires are genuinely happy photos of quality family time spent together, and a beautiful piece of art.

For more info go to backcountrybohemians. com/mini-sessions-art-experience or follow on Instagram @lauraburkhart and @backcountrybohemians

ARTICLE BY MAY WILDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELI TAWIL, COURTESY GOOGLE

“Programs like these give young people the opportunity to innovate, build new skills, and open bright new pathways for their future.”

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene and Head of Google Kirkland Office Paco Galanes with participants.

Google Announces Statewide AI and Robotics Grants

Google announced a new $500,000 grant to expand access to robotics and artificial intelligence education programs statewide. The announcement was made during an event with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene at one of the schools that will be receiving support: Finn Hill Middle School in Kirkland, where students put together robots and were introduced to hands-on STEM tools by local Google employee volunteers. The grant is intended to fund 1,234 new or existing Washington state robotics clubs through nonprofit partners, Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) and For InSpiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST).

“Google’s investments in our region’s STEM education represent a strong commitment to growing much-needed future leaders in these spaces,” said Congresswoman DelBene. “In order to be competitive in the STEM workforce, young people need a strong baseline understanding in fields like robotics and artificial intelligence early on. Programs like these give young people the opportunity to innovate, build new skills, and open bright new pathways for their future.”

The grant is part of a $10M initiative launched by Google.org in connection with the company’s 25th anniversary to fund robotics education nonprofits FIRST and RECF, which aim to support the next generation of innovators and give back to the communities Google calls home.

Google.org’s grant funding will enable the REC Foundation to develop AI specific curricula. It will also support the RECF’s work with local groups to support existing clubs and bring new robotics teams to every state where Google has an office or a data center – including Washington. The grant funding will also help efforts to connect with communities and students who have traditionally lacked access. In Washington, this means working to grow girls participation in robotics from 30% to 50%.

“Robotics programs help prepare students for their future careers by teaching them time-tested skills – creative problem solving, communication and teamwork – while also introducing them to new technology,” said Paco Galanes, Head of Google Kirkland Office.

Kids making robots with Head of Google Kirkland Office, Paco Galanes, and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene.

events

AUGUST 2ND

Seafair Weekend

Genesee Park And Lake Washington | 9:00 AM

Seafair Weekend Festival is the largest boating event, air show, and festival all rolled into one. Along the shores of Lake Washington, fans experience the roar of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels headlining the Boeing Seafair Air Show, the world’s fastest racing boats competing for the HomeStreet Bank Cup, and Alaska Airlines Park, where you can sample the extraordinary flavors of the Pacific Northwest.

AUGUST 6TH

Summer Kids Concerts

Juanita Beach Park | 10:00 AM

Sing-along or dance-along with great music and laughs at the Summer Kids Concerts! Now through August 20th, bring your families for a morning of fun at Juanita Beach Park from 10 am to 11 am. For more information and a concert lineup visit https://kirklanddowntown. org/events/summer-concerts/.

AUGUST 7TH

Kirkland Wednesday Market

Marina Park | 3:00 PM

The Kirkland Wednesday Market is officially back for summer every Wednesday from 3 to 7 pm along the gorgeous Marina Park waterfront. Bring family and friends to sample local and artisanal goods and specialties from crisp apples, to sweet berries, delectable baked goods and more. Shop small and support local now through September! For market details visit https://kirklanddowntown.org.

AUGUST 10TH

Join Fred Hutch Oblitiride: Summer Fun for a Great Cause

University of Washington or Virtually

Fred Hutch Obliteride is an annual event comprising a bike ride and 5K walk/run aimed at accelerating cancer research through fundraising for Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Participants of all ages unite each summer to honor loved ones affected by cancer and garner community support. The event includes a Friday Night Party on August 9th and the main Obliteride Day on August 10, 2024. Join in at https://obliteride.org/

Chef John E. Thompson

CONTINUED

AUGUST 19TH

Downtown

Connection Series

The Lounge at Top Golf | 5:30 PM

Local merchants are invited to attend a series of free workshops tailored to boost their business success. Each session, featuring a different topic and guest speaker, runs from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Following the workshop, from 6:30 to 7:00 pm, participants can engage in community networking. This initiative aims to provide valuable support and connections to enhance local business growth and resilience. For more information visit https://kirklanddowntown.org/.

AUGUST 24TH

StoryBook Theater in the Park

Juanita Beach Park | 11:00 AM

StoryBook Theater presents interactive musicals tailored for 3–10-year-olds and families, featuring humor, whimsical costumes, and life lessons. Attend their free outdoor shows at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland on August 24, 2024, at 11am or 1pm. Enjoy a magical experience filled with music and laughter, perfect for introducing young children to the joys of live theater.

Want to be featured?