Plateau Living February 15

Plateau Living Febr uar y 2014

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Meet the Jendrezaks Photographs by Gina Mazzaferro

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Plateau Living

February

“Always very caring, first-class work with dental procedures and excellent, thorough hygienist care…Highly recommended.” – Bill W

Experience the difference at Pine Lake Family Dentistry

Exceptional Care.

Convenient Location.

Professional Options.

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February Plateau Living

Chip Perrault

Monique Verger-Perrault

Chip@MVP4Homes.com 425-765-2447

International Previews Property Specialist Monique@MVP4Homes.com 425-985-4696

Timeless Architecture Joins with 21st Century Comfort

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2 miles to I-90 entrance & Issaquah Swedish Hospital. Excellent Schools. MLS #724268

Offered At

Dr. Susan Chen

2908 228th Avenue SE | Suite A | Sammamish, WA 98075 | 425-391-9414 | www.pinelakefamilydentistry.com

$2,350,000

For More Information, Please Visit: MVP4Homes.com

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NeighborhoodNews

Plateau Living

CASCADE GARDENER CLASSES START IN FEBRUARY!

Editor’s

Hello Plateau Living Residents,

Happy Anniversary! February 2014 is when we launched the first issue of Plateau Living and it’s been a year of growth and joy as we share the stories of the people and events happening in the community. This month’s issue is no different—we spotlight the Ben Towne Foundation, whose mission is to fund research to find the cure for pediatric Neuroblastoma—in the name of Ben Towne a 4-year-old who lost his battle to the disease. We’ll meet the Jendzeraks and discover how “Work Hard…Play Hard” is the mantra of a local family. And, we’ll give a shout out to local lovebirds in celebration of Valentine’s Day. And much more.

Publisher, Plateau Living 425-757-0706 Anne.wilcox@n2pub.com Check us out on Facebook at Plateau Living Magazine Be sure to Like us.

Open House January 24!

Written by Janet Sailer, Sammamish Plateau

© 2015 Neighborhood Networks Publishing, Inc. ™

EMERGENCY 911

Emergency Police

ate winter is the time for dreaming of those warm spring days working in your garden. The best time to plan for spring is now! Curl up in front of the fire with a gardening book and make your plans. Get outside every chance you get in the winter to cut back dead material and clean up your perennial and shrub beds. Mark your calendars for the Northwest Garden Show on February 11-15, 2015 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle to get tools, tips and tricks for your garden. Get more information at www.gardenshow.com.

(425) 313-3200

Fire Department

(800) 222-1222

National Poison Control Center

(425) 836-5674

Police Dispatch – Non Emergency

We have another exciting option for you to explore! Cascade Water Alliance is partnering with its members, including the Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District, to present the 2015 Cascade Gardener series at various sites on the Eastside.

Classes begin in February and run through early April.

(425) 837-7700

Skyline High School

(425) 936-1500

Eastlake High School

(425) 295-3000

Eastside Catholic

(425) 837-4150

Beaver Lake Middle School

(425) 837-5700

Pine Lake Middle School

We are offering the following classes at the Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District office at 1510 228th Avenue SE in Sammamish. Here is our lineup:

(425) 295-3000

Eastside Catholic

(425) 837-7400

Sunny Hills Elementary School

(425) 837-5500

Cascade Ridge Elementary School

·

(425) 936-2750

Rachel Carson Elementary School

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The Un-Thirsty Lawn, presented by Marianne Binetti, radio host, author and columnist, on Thursday, March 12, 7:00–8:30 p.m.

Secrets of Companion Planting in Your Edible Garden, presented by Carey Thornton from Seattle Tilth, on Thursday, March 19, 7:00–8:30 p.m.

Designing Your Northwest Paradise, presented by Jessi Bloom, owner and lead designer of NW Bloom Ecological Landscapes, on Thursday, March 26, 7:00–8:30 p.m.

In addition, you can attend classes in Issaquah, Redmond, Bellevue and other locations. All classes are free of charge to the public. You can register online now at cascadewater.org/ classes.php and secure your spot using Brown Paper Tickets.

You can also access this link on the home page of our website at spwsd.org by clicking on the “Cascade Gardener” icon. We are looking forward to meeting you at our classes!

Janet Sailer has served as the Planning and Outreach Coordinator for the Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District for over 15 years. Janet’s work at the District includes developing and managing the District’s award winning public information programs.

www.n2pub.com

I M P O R TA N T P H O N E N U M B E R S

(425) 836-5674

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February Plateau Living

UTILITIES (425) 455-5120

Puget Sound Energy

(877) 824-2288

Comcast Cable/Internet

(425) 392-6256

Sammamish Plateau Water & Sewer

(800) 592-9995

Waste Management of WA SnoKing SCHOOLS

PUBLISHER Anne Wilcox 425-757-0706 Anne.Wilcox@n2pub.com EDITOR Reisha Holton reishaholton@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHER Barbara Roser Photography roserphotography@msn.com Gina Mazzaferro gina@ginamazzaferro.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Reisha Holten Diane Meehl Ilse Burch – In the Dirt We are always looking for residents to follow up on leads, find great stories and send us ideas. Let’s celebrate the great things happening in our community! No contribution is too small. Please email diane.meehl@n2publishing.com with your pictures, suggestions, or requests.

CITY NUMBERS (425) 295-0500

Sammamish City Hall

(425) 295-0730

Sammamish Parks & Recreation COUNTY NUMBERS

(206) 296-4692

Hazardous Waste Center, Household Information

(206) 296-PETS

King County Animal Control

(206) 296-PETS

King County Pets Lost and Found

(360) 705-7000

WSDOT Road Conditions

As a local Sammamish resident, I understand community lending.

Call me to discuss your home financing needs.

Jenny Boyce MLO-175898 425-605-3141 jenny.boyce@caliberhomeloans.com

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Plateau Living magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.

Caliber Home Loans, Inc., 3701 Regent Boulevard, Irving, TX 75063 (NMLS #15622). 1-800-401-6587. Copyright©2014. All Rights Reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates, and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all products are available in all states or for all dollar amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. Washington Consumer Loan Company License No. CL-15622.

www.jennyboyce.com | 425-605-3141

Anne Wilcox

Best,

February

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NeighborhoodSponsors

Plateau Living

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood vendor to use. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring Plateau Living .

These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting Plateau Living!

AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Integrity Automotive Maintenance and Repair 80 NE Gilman Blvd Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 557-8665 www.integrityautorepair.com BRAIN TRAINING LearningRx 195 NE Gilman Blvd, Suite 100 Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 657-0908 www.learningrx.com / issaquah BUTCHER Fischer Meats 85 Front Street Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 392-3130 www.fischermeatsnw.com CHIROPRACTOR Cottrell Chiropractic 6520 226th Pl SE Issaquah, WA 98027 (206) 940-3916 www.cottrellchiro.com

COUNSELING SERVICES Nystrom and Associates 301 116th Ave SE Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 454-1919 www.nystromcounseling.com CUSTOM BUILDER / REMODELER Rainier Custom Homes (360) 802-0981 www.rainiercustomhomes.com DENTISTRY / COSMETIC, FAMILY, AND GENERAL Issaquah Highlands Dentistry 2520 NE Park Drive, Suite C Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 642-0003 www.ihdentistry.com Pine Lake Family Dentistry 2908 228th Ave SE, Suite A Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 391-9414 www.pinelakefamilydentistry.com

EDUCATION TUTORING & TEST PREPARATION The Tutoring Center (425) 202-7306 sammamish.tutoringcenter.com FARM AND GARDEN SUPPLIES The Grange 145 NE Gilman Blvd Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 892-6469 HOSPITAL Swedish Hospital / Issaquah 751 NE Blakely Dr Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 313-4000 www.swedish.org / locations / issaquah-campus JEWELRY STORE Plateau Jewelers 2830 228th Ave SE, Suite B Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 313-0657 www.plateaujewelers.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGNBUILDMAINTENANCE Bear Creek Landscapes (425) 222-9222 www.bearcreeklandscapes.net MORTGAGE PNC Mortgage - Charles Chong (425) 637-5100 www.pncmortgage.com / charleschong MORTGAGE BANKER Cobalt Mortgage - Jenny Boyce 11255 Kirkland Way Kirkland, WA 98033 (425) 605-3141 www.jennyboyce.com MORTGAGE LENDER Sammamish Mortgage 3015 112th Ave NE Ste 214 Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 401-8787 www.sammamishmortgage.com

February

NeighborhoodSponsors

February Plateau Living

NATURAL MEDICINE Naturomedica 1220 10th Ave NE Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 587-8900 www.naturomedica.com ORTHODONTICS Hawkins Orthodontics 4540 Klahanie Dr. SE Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 557-8100 www.hawkinsortho.com PAINT & PAINT SUPPLIES Bellevue Paint and Decorating 612 228th Ave NE Sammamish, WA 98074 (425) 454-7509 www.bellevuepaint.net PET FOOD AND ACCESSORIES Civilized Nature 1527 Highlands Dr. NE #110 Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 868-3737 www.civilizednature.com PHOTOGRAPHER Barbara Roser Photography (425) 391-9371 www.roserphotography.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY Pine Lake Physical Therapy 2850 228th Ave SE, Suite B Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 391-4488 www.pinelakept.com PHYSICAL THERAPY / SPORTS PERFORMANCE G2 Sports Therapy 486 228th Ave NE Sammamish, WA 98074 (425) 836-8444 www.G2Sports.net PRE SCHOOL Timberlake Preschool 4505 236th Ave NE Redmond, WA 98053 (425) 284-1010 www.timberlakechurch.com PRESCHOOL Issaquah Montessori 24326 SE Issaquah-Fall City Road Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 557-7705 www.issaquahmontessori.com PRIVATE SCHOOL Bellevue Christian School 1601 98th Ave NE Clyde Hill, WA 98004 (425) 454-4402 www.bellevuechristian.org

Snoqualmie Springs School 25237 SE Issaquah-Fall City Road Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 392-1196 www.snosprings.com

Monique Verger-Perrault 150 Bellevue Way SE Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 985-4696 www.mvp4homes.com

PRIVATE SCHOOLS The Bear Creek School (425) 898-1720 www.tbcs.org

Simona Saint Simona Saint (425) 250-1100 www.simonasaint.johnlscott.com

REAL ESTATE Bob Moawad Bob Moawad (425) 557-1539 www.bmoawad.johnlscott.com

RESTAURANT & WINE BAR Heavy Restaurant Group (206) 452-0515 www.heavyrestaurantgroup.com

Christine Kipp, Realogics Sotheby's Realty (425) 260-3934 www.christinekipp.com

WATER DISTRICT Sammamish Water and Sewer District 1510 228th Ave SE Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 392-6256 www.spwsd.org

Debbie Kinson - Windermere Real Estate (425) 392-6600 www.debbiekinson.withwre.com Kritsonis and Lindor 14405 SE 36th St., Suite 100 Bellevue, WA 98006 (425) 643-5500 www.karllindor.com

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Community

February

NeighborhoodNews

February Plateau Living

During that time, the Townes decided to work with the Seattle Children’s Research Institute, and forged a partnership, establishing the Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research at Seattle Children’s Research Institute.

Today the Ben Towne Foundation raises funds to support the research conducted there. Led by Dr. Michael Jensen, the mission is clear and ambitious to change the way cancer is treated in children. Very, very soon.

Gala Fundraising Event

Entertainer Joel McHale at the Gala

survive, and we thought we’d deal with the ramifications later.”

The Biggest Little Foundation in “Towne” By: Diane Meehl

“THIS WAY, I STILL GET TO BE BEN’S MOM.” It’s the reason Carin Towne, along with her husband, Jeff, co-founded the Ben Towne Foundation. Beginning in August of 2007, just a month after his 2nd birthday, their sweet, spirited son, Ben, was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma.

It’s an insidious, aggressive pediatric cancer that often originates in the adrenals. After fighting the disease with every ounce of everything they had, the Townes lost their beautiful boy just 16 months later.

“If he was still here, I’d be his advocate,” says Carin. “I’d fight to get him the best teachers, to make sure he got to play on a baseball team with his buddies. This way, I still spend part of my day advocating for him. And at night, I’m a mom to Ryan, who’s the most important thing in our lives,” said Carin. Her eyes are brimming, but resolute.

After taking some time to heal and get to know their youngest son, who was born just 4 months into Ben’s treatment, Jeff and Carin launched a humble but passionate effort in 2010. Now, the Ben

Towne Foundation has become synonymous with children’s cancer research. In just 4 years, the foundation has garnered more than $5 million in funds to support the work they do with the Seattle Children’s Research Institute.

“It’s hard for people to talk about children’s cancer, because it’s just so sad. But the nicest thing anyone can say to us is just, ‘tell us about Ben.’” AN UNWELCOME JOURNEY, AND THE LITTLE COMMUNITY THAT COULD “I didn’t make dinner for a year and a half,” said Carin. Washington natives, the Townes enjoyed a wide circle of family and friends. An active, intense little guy, suddenly dark shadows lined Ben’s eyelids. But it wasn’t bruising from little boy antics or allergies as they suspected; the cancer had already snaked its way behind his eyes. “When he was first diagnosed, we were terrified. It’s like ‘bad’ adrenaline just streaming through your veins,” said Carin.

There was no guesswork in the approach

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Ben Towne

to treatment. “We had very clear marching orders, and in that way, we didn’t have many decisions to make,” said Carin.

Seattle Children’s Hospital became the family’s second home, and friends and family cared for Ryan and dropped off meals each night so Carin and Jeff could devote themselves to Ben. There were so many people, she said, who helped the couple cope through that time with compassion and care. Ben enjoyed a brief remission in July of 2008, but the cancer returned in October like a tsunami.

“We treat cancer in children the same way we treat adults; we use surgery to cut it out, chemotherapy to poison it, and radiation to burn it. But a growing child’s body reacts very differently to treatment, because it attacks not only sick cells, but healthy cells,” she said. “We had to sign waivers, because current treatments can cause permanent side effects such as hearing loss, infertility, organ damage, growth issues, potential of secondary cancers, etc. We thought, as parents, how could we agree to that? But we had no other choice; we were just sure Ben would

“He was in so much pain. And one day, Ben just made it very, very clear to us that he’d had enough. He had even said, ‘We’re all done at Seattle Children’s Hospital.’

They were giving him radiation in his brain, to slow it down, to give us time. But we just couldn’t watch him suffer any longer.

We knew that what we were doing at that point was for us, not him.” The treatment itself had become the real enemy.

Carin says they left at that very moment.

“We must be the first people in history to never have checked out of Children’s Hospital,” she said, remembering the urgency with which they “hijacked” an ambulance and took their son home.

“They told us he would die within 24–48 hours. But he lived for another 8 weeks.

He felt better, because he could just play and be a little boy again.”

Their sweet son died at home on December 30th. “We mistakenly think we can control the outcome of cancer. But Ben had everything going for him, the best doctors, prayer teams, loving parents, an intense spirit. And still, we lost him.”

In the months that followed Ben’s loss, the Townes simply took time to

get to know their baby son Ryan. “We gave a lot of thought to, ‘what’s next?’”

Carin says they knew that their band of advocates that had walked alongside their journey just wasn’t finished. “We thought, ‘What can we do with what we’ve seen?’ A children’s cancer ward is like a crime scene. Everyone’s in chaos, and we wanted to do something.”

During Ben’s treatment, they had discovered a blood-boiling statistic. Less than 5% of resources dedicated to studying cancer are allocated to children. “I think it’s because kids don’t vote; they don’t produce a profit, and pharmaceutical companies don’t see much return on investment.”

(Carin doesn’t mince words.)

Suddenly the mission became clear to raise money for research, starting with their enthusiastic community of givers.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AND AN ALLIANCE WITH SEATTLE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH INSTITUTE Carin and her husband booked a venue on September 10th, 2010 for the launch of their foundation and first annual fundraiser. “We didn’t know if anyone would show up, and we told our parents they had to come. And 500 people showed up.” (Today, the event draws thousands of guests, and 2015 event is scheduled for Centurylink Stadium.)

Recently, Seattle Children’s released the exciting results. During a clinical trial, they tested groundbreaking work using genetically reprogrammed T-cells (white blood cells naturally produced in the body to boost immunity) to hunt down and destroy cancer cells. Out of 13 participating children, each given only a 10-20% chance of survival, 11 of them achieved remission. One small step toward a cure, and one giant leap toward eliminating the need for radiation and chemotherapy to treat pediatric cancers.

The news was sweet for Carin, and yet, she laments that for their son, progress has come too late. “Our work at the foundation has simply given us a way to move forward, to get out of bed each day,” she says. Each year, she, Jeff and Ryan throw a birthday party to remember the fierce little boy whose legacy promises to spare other parents of the pain the Townes endured. The boy whose smile is now familiar to so many still occupies the biggest space in their quiet life together at home.

So if you see Carin around town, she says, it’s ok to talk about their experience.

Despite nourishing a million-dollar foundation, like every other mother, she’s still just Ben and Ryan’s mom.

Want to show some love to the Ben Towne Foundation?

Donate at bentownefoundation.org.

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NeighborhoodNews

Plateau Living

February

Pet Month

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February Plateau Living

80 NE GILMAN BLVD ISSAQUAH, WA 98027 www.IntegrityAutoRepair.com 425-557-8665

of the

Love is in the Air

By Debbie Friend

Simon and Misty, local Lovebirds

We humans fancy ourselves a faithful species, however, many other animals offer superb examples of how to keep a relationship together. Monogamy is somewhat rare in the wild, but there are exceptions – especially in the avian world. Bald eagles, mute swans, scarlet macaws and even the endangered California condor are just some of the birds known to mate for life. The old saying holds true…love is in the air!

As Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love stories from all walks of life, we felt it wouldn’t be right to exclude some special feathered friends we met who have a notable, albeit possibly overlooked, long term relationship. Meet Misty and Simon, a pair of Peachface Lovebirds. Misty and Simon first met back in 1998 when they were given to Denise Mouroux, local parrot expert and owner of Eastside-based

WWW.CIVILIZEDNATURE.COM

she’s Because a cat n a h t e r mo so much

1527 Highlands Dr. NE #110, Issaquah, WA 98029

425-868-3737

A Peachface Lovebird—one of Simon and Misty’s offspring

Denise’s Parrot Place. Their hearts were aflutter for one another almost immediately, and they started settling in to their tiny nest box and mating right away in Denise’s home aviary. The attraction was no surprise. “Most parrots will choose a mate and stay together for life, barring death, accidental injury or illness,” says Denise. Misty, a “Normal” Peachface and Simon, a “Seafoam-Green and Yellow Pied” Peachface, made beautiful babies together with brilliant color mutations for years, which were lovingly hand-raised and eventually sold at Denise’s Parrot Place to Lovebird enthusiasts everywhere.

Complete Automotive Maintenance & Repair FROM SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE TO TIRE SALES AND SERVICE, LOANER CARS AND A LIFETIME PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY, INTEGRITY TAKES CARE OF YOU.

Early in their relationship, Misty and Simon enjoyed a playful, happy life together. They bathed together, preened each other’s feathers, and had fun shredding newspapers for their nest box. Sure, there were the occasional lovers’ quarrels (mostly over territory or food), but let’s face it, what couple doesn’t have a spat now and then? Nowadays, at the ripe old age of 20, they’ve entered their golden years and enjoy a quieter existence. Misty still shreds papers and lounges in the nest box.

Simon, on the other hand, ventures up to the perch and comes down to feed Misty and watch over her. “He’s her caregiver,” says Denise.

Denise says she’s sold nearly 100 of Misty and Simon’s offspring over the years. There are many little Peachface Lovebirds snuggling up with their families on the Eastside and elsewhere in our region, thanks to our happy feathered couple! Denise still raises and sells other Lovebirds at her shop, however. As of press time, she had some baby Fischer Lovebirds available. If you want to visit them, get over there fast! With their infectious personalities, curious nature and beautiful coloration, these little sweethearts are some of her best sellers.

AS TROSSACHS EXPERTS WE HAVE SOLD MORE THAN 20 HOMES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD! The Saint-Moawad Team are strong negotiators creating excellent buying and selling experiences for their clients.

Sellers receive top dollar for their properties through the creative marketing solutions provided. Simona lives in the neighborhood and is invested in supporting her community by volunteering at Cascade Ridge Elementary School, Eastridge Christian Church and the Issaquah Food Bank.

So there you have it--love is all around you – whether in the air, like our little Lovebirds, or with your sweetheart, your best friend, your furry companions or in the simple random acts of kindness of strangers. Happy Valentine’s Day! Debbie Friend Haynes is the editor and feature writer for Mercer Island Living and a contributing writer for several other regional publications.

Simona Saint 206-250-1100 www.simonasaint.johnlscott.com

The Saint-Moawad Team Serving the Eastside since 1995

Bob Moawad 425-557-1539 www.bmoawad.johnlscott.com

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NeighborhoodNews

Plateau Living

February

February Plateau Living

Kate at a recent tournament

Work Hard, Play Hard….

Meet the Jendrezaks!

Written by Reisha Holton | Family Photography by Gina Mazzaferro

“I can’t believe our parents let us,” Carol says, shaking her head side to side, remembering the cross-country drive she made with John, her boyfriend of only six months. They packed up their belongings and moved to a city they had never seen, no job, no contacts but lots to do in the outdoors. She was 21 and John was 24.

“John had $1,400 and a Jetta. I had $600 and an Escort,” she reminiscences. “We pulled up to Capitol Hill and started calling around for rentals. We opened up the Yellow Pages and started looking for jobs.”

“While we were looking for our first job opportunity, we cleaned houses and worked as secretaries,” Carol says proudly.

“We met the neatest people.” Within the

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Carter speeding down the slopes

became home every weekend from November through April.

“We were either at Crystal racing or traveling to races,” Carol said, sighing and smiling. I do some quick math: 5 people, 40 feet.

That’s a close family, or a family in close quarters. “We’ve gotten into some fierce rounds of Monopoly over the years,” she shared.

The Jendrezaks: Carter, Carol, John, Kate, Gracie

You always hear about the Midwest work ethic. “It's an unwaveringly pragmatic and dogmatic belief that hard work and perseverance rooted in quiet humility pays off in the long run.” I looked it up. Carol and John Jendrezak have a slightly hipper translation: work hard, play hard.

NeighborhoodNews

year, John landed a job with Paccar and Carol started at Microsoft. “We’d be getting ready in the morning and John would be ironing a shirt while I would slip on my Birkenstocks,” she said, remembering her early days in a career at Microsoft that would span 8 years. Upon returning from their honeymoon, John joined Microsoft and has been there over 20 years. “It was our experience, our path, and I wouldn’t trade it,” she said.

John and Carol met at Michigan State.

John is from Grand Rapids and Carol is from Detroit. Both graduated as Packaging Engineers. Somewhat embarrassingly, I asked Carol what exactly is a Packaging Engineer? “Everything comes in a package,” she reminded me. “Think about microwave popcorn and detergent bottles and….” My mind wanders to my secret stash of Sugar Babies, each in their own bag, nestled in their thin cardboard box in a cabinet in my living room. I begin to understand. Their degree was the starting point, yet it is John and Carol who have

packaged hard work and adventure with good old-fashioned grit to define where they are today - software development for John and a busy mom for Carol.

“We had to figure it out,” she said, comparing their journey to the ones that their three children are starting.

Carter and Gracie are 15-year-old twins, who, besides the obvious, are not identical. Carter is 5’7” and Gracie is almost 6’1” and Carter would probably remind me he’s not done yet though! “Skiing is an adrenaline based, intense gravity sport,” Carol tells me, “and even the smallest of kids carry crazy high speeds.”

It has carried Carter far, literally. This fall Carter enrolled as a boarding student at the Sun Valley Ski Academy, a collegeprep school in Ketchum, Idaho, where 40% of the student body participates in competitive winter sports. “This was a big step for him,” John adds. “He’s so passionate about ski racing that he chose to move away at a very young age.”

Gracie, the volleyball champ

“Academics come first,” Carol said, but for a young man who has ski raced since he was eight, the combination of school and skiing in Sun Valley scores a 10. Carter is able to be a committed student and to see just how far his hard work and dreams can take him as an alpine racer. Nothing is compromised. He races Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super G. “Carter is mature and extremely committed; he’s chasing his dreams. We miss him like crazy but are beyond proud of him, and are so thankful for the new people and adventures he’s introducing us to along the way.”

“We set out to be a skiing family,” Carol explains, flashing back to her early days on snow. “John (who already skied) and I decided to learn snowboarding together. He was great. I couldn’t walk for weeks.” That’s hard for me to believe as I sat across from the slender and stately former high school swimmer. I ask about collegiate swimming and Carol admits, “Coulda, woulda, shoulda,” and I realize that there is something special about this family.

Gracie also ski raced, as does now 7th grade, younger sister, Kate.

The ski family thing had become a reality. “We focused on the kids skiing because we wanted them to learn ‘lifelong sports.’”

With three accomplished racers, and a mom and dad who skied while the kids trained, the Jendrezaks invested in an RV that

Just because skiing had become the designated family sport, it wasn’t going to be the only sport in the family. “We tried to keep the family together skiing, but as the kids got older, they each blossomed in different directions – skiing for Carter, volleyball for Gracie, and we’re seeing Kate head in the running direction,” John shared. “We tried to keep it ‘simple’ with one sport and were reluctant to diverge and become crazy sports parents,” he said. “We’re there now as the kids are dragging us into these situations.”

Gracie is forging her own path, taking up volleyball a few years ago. Inspired by two cousins who play at D-1 schools, Grace realized she wanted to give volleyball a try. By 9th grade, most players have played competitively for several years, and John notes that switching somewhat late in the game is what is most admirable about Grace. She is finding that the best place for her 6-foot frame is blocking opponent’s shots at the net. She loves being a part of a team instead of individual sports. She made the varsity volleyball team as a freshman at Eastside Catholic and has traveled with her club team, Sudden Impact. “This is her passion,” Carol notes.

“Kate’s a runner,” Carol states simply. It’s just as if that’s all that needs to be said. But there’s so much more. At 12, Kate has made a name for herself as a mid-distance runner. She placed 6th at Nationals, a USATF event held this past summer in Texas. She began racing with Issaquah Gliders and now runs competitively with Speed Unlimited. She travels with Carol to races all over the country. When she first visited TrackTown USA, home of the University of Oregon, and saw the track, she told her dad, “I wanna run here.” With her past successes and her youth, Kate is destined to triumph on her own track.

Ski, Block, Run. The Jendrezak family competes in its own type

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of triathlon, running their own race. Some weekends everyone is at a different venue, participating in a different event. It’s all held together through family Skype sessions. “We could never have written this script,” Carol shared. “But it’s become our script. The kids are having experiences like John and I used to have. We’re happy they are happy, productive, and confident kids.”

And I’ll add: energetic and spirited. “In comparison to me, John’s good at everything new we try,” Carol shared, reminding me that some of their early adventures in the Northwest involved windsurfing on the Columbia River. And I hear about John’s athleticism from my own husband who has cycled and mountain biked with him. Carol tells me John skis, hikes, and is an all-around outdoor enthusiast. “He’s innately competitive with himself,” she added.

So we’re back to that work hard, play hard concept. John keeps it fun by following his kids and their friends on Instagram, and Carol loves a house full of teenagers crowding around the family island. She leaves me with a fun, final thought: “Going up the stairs, you don’t know it, but you’re in a race!”

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Ashley Blanton, Santana Martensen, and Taylor McKerlick

Bringing you back to your best! · Orthopedics / Sports Rehabilitation · Serving the community for more than 15 years · Soccer Specialists

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MONTH

Hoop Stars

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three high school basketball players, that something is a chance to show

NeighborhoodNews

February Plateau Living

Taylor, Santana, and Ashley

Ashley, Taylor and Santana with Elsa Schmidt and Bailey Boucher

Name: Ashley Blanton Age: 18

DO YOU HAVE A SUPERSTITION?

Position: Guard/Point Guard

I actually have a few. On game days, I have to put on a certain perfume that I consider “good luck” and wear pre-wrap in my hair. Also, if I think I am not playing as well as I should in a game, then I fold my socks.

Years in your sport: About 13

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF THE GAME: TRAINING, GAME DAY, TEAM-BUILDING, OTHER?

On defense, my favorite aspects are to cause confusion, steal the ball, pressure the ball handler, and just be loud. On offense, I love to run the fast breaks, shoot threes, and making the defense react to my move.

young women have gained from their years on the hardwood.

When I met the girls at MOD Pizza for photos, something else happened. While we were deciding how to stage our shots, a couple of youth players were watching nearby. They were all eyes on “the big girls.” The high school girls understand the impact that mentors can make in a player’s life and welcomed Elsa Schmidt and Bailey Boucher into the action. Skyline’s Taylor McKerlich, Eastside Catholic’s Ashley Blanton, and Eastlake’s Santana Martensen showed that they lead as much off the court as they do in action.

One great mentor I had in basketball was my Emerald City Basketball Academy coach LJ. LJ was one of those coaches who showed me that hard work can actually start in middle school. If I worked hard today, my efforts would benefit me later in high school and beyond. Two other great mentors I have had were my coaches at ECBA, Cassie Snyder and Armando Guzman.

Although they are not nationally famous, they are people that my family looks up to because of their values and influence on my academics and sports. They have both made a huge impact

responses to our Athlete of the Month questions. Look for the insight these

on me and helped me develop into the player I am today.

School: Eastside Catholic High School

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE TEACHER OR MENTOR? WHAT IMPACT HAVE THEY HAD ON YOU AND YOUR PARTICIPATION IN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS? HAVE YOU MET ANYONE “FAMOUS” FROM YOUR SPORT?

their stuff center court. Show, but not show off. You’ll see that in their

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WHAT ONE TIP WOULD YOU OFFER TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN LOOKING INTO THE SPORT?

Never be afraid to make a mistake. When trying a new sport, people are often scared to make a mistake so they end up not trying as hard as they could. Mistakes are a part of any sport.

They help you to learn what to do better next time in a situation because the right experience or authority can teach you to correct a flaw. A quote my mom always leaves me with when I am afraid of maybe messing up is “shoot for the moon and even if you miss, you will still be among the stars.” I can apply that to basketball in the sense that if I give the game my full effort and attention without worrying about mistakes, I am being my best player and I will continue to improve.

WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM BASKETBALL THAT YOU WILL CARRY WITH YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

I learned that teamwork makes the dream work and to always be accountable for myself. A team of girls working together on

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the court will always be more efficient than one girl trying to do everything herself. Our team motto is “Team Comes First.” I think by having that as our motto it is a good reminder that our team is a priority and we are accountable to show up, give it all we have, and respect one another.

WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO AFTER GRADUATING OR WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE US TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am committed to play Division I lacrosse at La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. As of right now, I want to major in criminal justice. I am excited to start my new chapter of life and take what I have learned from basketball and apply it to make my college experience unbeatable.

Name: Santana Martensen Age: 17 School: Eastlake High School Position: Post Years in your sport: 9

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF THE GAME: TRAINING, GAME DAY, TEAM-BUILDING, OTHER?

I enjoy practice and training because from the start to finish of every practice each player on the team has improved some aspect of their game. It is incredible to see the team apply the things that we learned in practice when we step on the floor. Practice is also a time for the team to make mistakes and learn from them without the “during game” pressure. My favorite aspect of game days are the nerves that hit you right when you wake up, or right when you get to school and walk past the gym. I love the nerves, because it means that the game matters to us and so does the outcome. My favorite aspect of team building is getting to know each and every girl that I am going to be spending three to four months with on a personal level because I think that people are fascinating and I love learning about other people.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE TEACHER OR MENTOR? WHAT IMPACT HAVE THEY HAD ON YOU AND YOUR PARTICIPATION IN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS? HAVE YOU MET ANYONE “FAMOUS” FROM YOUR SPORT?

My favorite teacher/mentor is defiantly the assistant coach, Coach Peterson. He has had an incredible impact on my life and the basketball player that I have become. He is my voice

of reason, and I know that no matter what is going on in my life, I can count on him to give me rational advice. He has also taught me how to handle myself when I am faced with adversity. He has shown me that dwelling on mistakes or the past is only going to negatively affect the future. Coach P has been my basketball coach for three years and helped me polish my strengths and strengthen my areas of weakness. I can’t begin to thank him enough for everything he has done for my basketball game, my future and myself.

DO YOU HAVE A GAME DAY RITUAL, FAVORITE FOOD, OR SUPERSTITION?

My game day ritual is kind of odd. I am obsessed with penguins and I have these penguin toe socks that I wear before every game that say “chill” on them, so I can look at them and remember to “chill” when I get super nervous. I haven’t decided if I am going to wear them underneath my basketball socks yet, but I’m sure I will. My favorite food before the game food is a bacon and Gouda breakfast sandwich from Starbucks (those things are DELICIOUS). Also, the last song I listen to before the game starts has to be “Caught Up” by John Legend.

WHAT ONE TIP WOULD YOU OFFER TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN LOOKING INTO THE SPORT?

Don’t be scared to put yourself out there and be vulnerable.

Everyone has a different skill set and something awesome they can bring to a team, so don’t be shy. Also, play fearlessly.

WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM BASKETBALL THAT YOU WILL CARRY WITH YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

I have learned how to be a leader, how to be coachable, how to take constructive criticism, how to overcome adversity, how to be selfless, have quick recovery time after making a mistake, and finally how to be a team player. These are things I never would have known if I hadn’t picked up a basketball in the beginning of fifth grade and begged my parents to sign me up to play select ball with my friends.

WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO AFTER GRADUATING OR WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE US TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am planning to attend Western Washington University and major in elementary education. I don’t only play basketball: I swim in the fall, and I golf in the spring. I am also the captain of the Aw Snap! Improv team, and that is something that I am extremely proud of.

Name: Taylor McKerlich Age: 17 School: Skyline High School Position: Forward/Post Years in your sport: 13

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF THE GAME: TRAINING, GAME DAY, TEAM-BUILDING, OTHER?

Game day! I love spending time with my team and the anticipation leading up to tipoff. There is a mix of adrenaline, nerves, and excitement!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE TEACHER OR MENTOR? WHAT IMPACT HAVE THEY HAD ON YOU AND YOUR PARTICIPATION IN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS? HAVE YOU MET ANYONE “FAMOUS” FROM YOUR SPORT?

closely knit family. I will never forget the times I spent with the upperclassmen on my team and the lessons I learned. My teammates took the sport very seriously and worked extremely hard every practice, but we still had a lot of fun off the court and I learned how to laugh at myself and be more confident. I hope I can give back to my teammates in the same way.

WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO AFTER GRADUATING OR WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE US TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I hope to continue playing basketball, either at a school in the states or in Canada. I was born in Toronto, Ontario, and my entire extended family lives in Canada, so attending college there is very appealing.

My parents are my role models. My dad participated in the 1988 Olympics and my mom was a collegiate runner. They both pushed themselves extremely hard. They inspire me to work harder so I can reach my goals.

DO YOU HAVE A GAME DAY RITUAL, FAVORITE FOOD, OR SUPERSTITION?

My favorite food has always been strawberries! They are actually a really good pre-game food. When my team was playing in California, I consumed at least two plates full of strawberries every day for breakfast. My team won the tournament and I was awarded MVP. This may be a superstition, but I think the strawberries helped.

WHAT ONE TIP WOULD YOU OFFER TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN LOOKING INTO THE SPORT?

Kevin Durant said, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” This is one of my favorite quotes. I think it is really important to remember when trying a new sport that, even though some players may have more experience or physical advantages, by working hard you can get to the same level.

Excellence is only achieved through hard work.

WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM BASKETBALL THAT YOU WILL CARRY WITH YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

I have learned that a team is only as strong as its weakest link, and never to take yourself too seriously. When I was a freshman on varsity I didn’t know what it truly meant to be part of a team, but the senior captains at the time turned our team into a

Sign up for gardening classes!

Cascade Water Alliance is partnering with its members, including the Sammamish Plateau Water & Sewer District, to present the 2015 Cascade Gardener series. Go to spwsd.org to learn more. Classes begin in February!

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THE WORTH OF A HOME IS MEASURED IN MUCH MORE THAN JUST SQ. FT. We believe that when it comes to your home, the most important opinion is yours. That’s why we do all we can to ensure that you are happy not only with the final result but the process as well. Weekly meetings are key to ensuring the success of any project and leaving all involved with a sense of satisfaction at its completion.

CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE

WEB: rainiercustomhomes.com PH: 360-802-0981

February

February Plateau Living

Business Beat

NeighborhoodNews

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COLLABORATION IS KEY….Choosing the Right Company for Your Next Home improvement project

By Jason Jarman, CEO Rainier Construction

Planning a custom home or renovation project can be a daunting task. Many clients go into the project relying entirely on the expertise of the contractor. Putting the state of your home into the hands of another person or company requires a lot of trust.

Making sure that the process is clearly outlined and entirely collaborative is one way to avoid any potential issues. Here’s a good example of what you should expect from a reliable and competent company.

STEP 1: CONSULTATION. This is a time for the contractor to listen to you and gain a sense of your vision for the project. The contractor will ask you a series of questions to help them better understand your vision and what you would like the project to be when finished.

STEP 2: INITIAL BUDGET. After the initial meeting, the contractor will present a clear “scope of work” and an initial budget. This ensures that both the contractor and client share the same vision of both the project and its cost.

STEP 3: CONTRACT. Only after you have had time to carefully consider the proposed scope of work should you be made to sign a contract. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, and a good contractor will explain any subtleties to the project that may not be immediately apparent. It is important that everyone is on the same page before a commitment is made.

STEP 4: WORKING BUDGET AND PROJECT SCHEDULE. Once you have agreed to move forward and have a signed contract, the initial budget should be converted into a working budget. This budget is backed by subcontractor bids and commitments and allows everyone to see how the individual line items are tracking with the initial assumption and plan.

Prior to the start of the project, a project schedule should also be established and should accommodate your time frames. This schedule is used to monitor work and communicate what is currently happening as well as what is coming up.

Weekly meeting and daily email contact will help to keep you informed of the progress. If possible, a standing weekly meeting should be scheduled and detailed minutes taken at each meeting. This ensures there are no surprises for either the contractor or the client.

STEP 5: COMPLETION. A project should not be considered completed until all the smaller items are also taken care of. Every good contractor knows that when a project is completed, it should be entirely ready for use.

In selecting the best builder/contractor partner, it is important to listen to your gut. There is something to be said for intuition.

Find someone you can trust to facilitate your dream!

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2 s d i k

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February

NAME: Fernando AGE: 9 GRADE: 3rd SCHOOL: Cascade Ridge Elementary

kids

What do you like best about your brothers/sisters? My brother plays a lot of things with me and my sister sometimes plays soccer with me.

Sports or Musical Instruments I Play: I enjoy soccer, basketball, skiing, golf, mountain biking, chess and I play the drums.

Something Unique About Me: I speak Spanish and I am funny.

Meet Plateau Living’s Kids of the Month: Iralde Jose, Fernando, and Victoria Llort

Would you like your child or children to be in an upcoming issue? We’d love to feature them in our monthly kids2kids section! Please email diane.meehl@n2publishing.com and make your kids feel like rock stars.

NeighborhoodNews

February Plateau Living

25

MY FAVORITES Activities/Hobbies: Gymnastics Animal: Puppies Color: Pink Food: Watermelon Movie: Frozen Music: Katy Perry Place to Play: The Park Sports Teams: Coyotes (my basketball team) Subject in School: Math TV Show: Sofia the First Vacation: El Salvador

When I Grow Up I’m Going to Be: A soccer player

Fernando, Victoria, and Iralde Jose Llort - soccer players and soccer fans

NAME: Iralde Jose AGE: 11 GRADE: 6th SCHOOL: Beaver Lake Middle school

What do you like best about your brothers/sisters? My brother is funny and my sister is always happy.

Sports or Musical Instruments I Play: I play the saxophone and play soccer, golf, skiing, mountain biking and chess.

Something Unique About Me: My name is very uncommon but my grandfather and uncle in Spain have the same name.

When I Grow Up I’m Going to Be: An engineer MY FAVORITES Activities/Hobbies: Soccer Animal: Sting ray Color: White Food: Steak Movie: Aliens in the Attic Music: “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay Sports Teams: Real Madrid (Soccer team) Subject in School: Band Vacation: La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain)

MY FAVORITES Activities/Hobbies: Soccer and video games Animal: Falcon Color: Black Food: Churros with hot chocolate Movie: Nacho Libre Place to Play: My cousins house in Dallas Sports Teams: Sounders, Gunners, Real Madrid and the Spanish soccer team Subject in School: P.E. TV Show: Teen Titans Go Vacation: Madrid Anything else we should know about you? I am AWESOME!!!

NAME: Victoria AGE: 6 GRADE: 1st SCHOOL: Cascade Ridge Elementary

Redemptive Faith · Rigorous Academics Relational Community · Relevant Transformation

What do you like best about your brothers?

I like that my brothers are good at soccer and they play with me.

Sports or Musical Instruments I Play: Basketball, gymnastics, skiing, golf and I play the violin.

Something Unique About Me: There was a queen with my name.

When I Grow Up I’m Going to Be: A teacher.

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February Plateau Living

G2 Sports & Physical Therapy Voted Best Physical Therapy Clinic in Sammamish Bringing you the best of natural medicine combined with conventional healthcare.

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Managing Broker ASP, CNE, CRS 206-948-6581 | dkinson@windemere.com www.debbiekinson.withwre.com

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February Plateau Living

WINTER DRIVING AND CAR CARE

By Nate Bean, President, Integrity Automotive Maintenance and Repair

In winter, we all need to think differently about our driving habits and our vehicles. Before heading out on the road, be sure you’re ready to handle the cold weather and slippery conditions.

Test the battery. Freezing weather takes a toll on batteries and can cause a seemingly strong battery to leave you stranded. Some batteries have longer lives than others, but in general, replace a battery more than five years old.

Test the coolant (anti-freeze). An engine with weak coolant protection can freeze and suffer permanent damage or complete engine failure. Proper coolant protection also allows your vehicle to warm up properly and provide sufficient heat in the passenger compartment.

Inspect your tires. Ensure you have good traction by inflating tires to the factory-recommended pressure and checking the tread depth. For winter driving in our wet region, replace your tires as soon as they are down to 4/32” of tread depth.

Check your windshield and wipers.

Your windshield and wipers should be

clean and free of damage. Damaged wipers cannot remove all the water from your view and should be replaced. You might also apply a rain-repellant chemical to the windshield; consult a service center or parts supplier to find the best option.

Check your headlights. Today’s plastic or composite headlamps are susceptible to oxidation or discoloring. If your headlamps seem dim or yellowed, a professional can bring them back to life by sanding them and applying a new coating; aftermarket kits for this are available.

Check your brakes, and know how ABS works. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) can only stop you from skidding if the basic brakes are in good condition. If a wheel starts to lock up while you are braking, the ABS takes control, applying and releasing the brakes rapidly to avoid a skid and allow you to steer the vehicle. Keep your foot on the brake and let the system do its job. ABS does not reduce stopping distance, so slow down, keep your distance from the car ahead, and don’t brake at the last second.

Know the limits of four-/all-wheel drive. A four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle has much better traction when accelerating or cornering, but it does not

stop any faster. In fact, it might need more distance to stop because many such vehicles are heavier than two-wheel drive vehicles.

Stay to the right. Driving in the righthand lane in rainy conditions will subject you to less spray from other vehicles, and greatly reduce the risk of oncoming cars splashing you when they hit puddles in the road. You will also have a clear escape path to the right shoulder during a panic stop.

Be prepared. In the passenger compartment, keep a flashlight, a pair of gloves, and a list of emergency numbers: your mechanic, insurance company, AAA/ roadside assistance, and personal contacts.

In the trunk, keep a blanket, a can of windshield de-icer, a safety flare, a reflective triangle and a set of jumper cables.

A few simple precautions and considerations taken now can comfort you in the months ahead.

Nate Bean, AAM, has been working in the automotive industry for over 30 years. An ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician, he is the Founder and President of Integrity Automotive Maintenance & Repair in Issaquah.

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healthy

Is Cholesterol the Real Culprit?

INFLAMMATION MAY BE THE MISSING LINK IN PREVENTING HEART DISEASE

Diet is known to play a role in heart disease, but determining which foods to eat and which foods to avoid can be difficult.

We were told to avoid high-fat foods such as bacon, eggs, lard and butter, which could lead to cardiovascular disease. Americans replaced these high-fat foods with additional carbohydrates and sugary foods, which have led to obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and other chronic illnesses at epidemic levels. More than 29 million adults and children have diabetes and another 86 million US adults have developed pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We are seeing younger and younger people in our clinic with these disorders, in greater numbers every year.

But recent research suggests that cholesterol may not be the real culprit in heart disease. Instead, inflammation is likely the underlying cause. Inflammation in the arteries may start as a type of “wound.” The body uses cholesterol to create a patch or “scab” to protect the blood vessel from further injury. Cholesterol actually plays a vital role in our bodies for healing, tissue repair and hormone development. But in the blood vessels, the “scab” that is formed from cholesterol is referred to as plaque, and can block blood flow or cause rupture.

The latest studies show that inflammation is an independent risk factor for heart disease. In other words, the evidence that cholesterol alone is the major cause of heart disease is much weaker than was previously believed.

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By Debbie Rosemont

LIVING Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States. The American Heart Association reports that 80 million people suffer from heart disease. Cholesterol has long been seen as the main culprit, but nearly half of all heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol levels. This suggests that other factors may be at work, and that the emphasis of past research and nutritional information may have led Americans astray.

NeighborhoodNews

February Plateau Living

Inflammation and cardiovascular risk can be easily assessed with advanced blood testing. Studies show elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) may put a person at twice the risk of dying from cardiovascular problems as those with high cholesterol. Other inflammatory markers can also be checked in the blood, such as Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase-A2 (Lp-PLA2), which is specific to vascular inflammation and/or blood clotting and is an indicator of short-term risk for a stroke or heart attack.

In addition to inflammatory marker testing, there are other advanced cardiovascular risk markers which are crucial for accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk. Scientists have developed more advanced blood tests such as lipoprotein particle testing and specific genetic testing, including Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and MTHFR testing. These tests provide insight into how the body processes and transports cholesterol in the body. Small lipoprotein particles and a poor transport system lead to a high rate of vascular damage, ultimately resulting in progressive cardiovascular disease.

Using these comprehensive and advanced cholesterol tests to assess individual cardiovascular risk can help you and your doctor formulate a customized disease prevention program.

Ask your physician if you are interested in having CRP, advanced cholesterol or genetic testing. NaturoMedica is one of a handful of clinics nationwide chosen to participate in a unique partnership between Cleveland Heart Lab and SpectraCell Laboratories. Using cutting edge testing such as CardioVIP, our physicians provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and treatment tailored to an individual’s cardiovascular health.

Participate in National Wear Red Day with Go Red For Women on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 to help fight women’s No. 1 killer—heart disease. For more information on the Go Red Movement, please visit www.goredforwomen.org

O R G A N I Z E before you itemize It’s almost tax time. Do you know where your tax-related papers are? Whether you have already done your 2014 taxes or have it on your “to do” list, a good filing system can save you time, money and stress. A customized filing system can help you manage your action items, bills, receipts, tax documents, and other important papers.

This system should allow you to easily take care of routine filing and help you find what you need, when you need it.

Many people keep too much paper, and as a result their filing cabinets are bursting at the seams. Statistically speaking, we only retrieve up to 20% of the papers we file away. Before tax time is a perfect time to become familiar with what documents you need to keep (and for how long), go through and purge your files, update your existing filing system, or set up a new system that is easy to use and easy to maintain.

When revamping or recreating a filing system, here are a few tips to consider: Name Your Files Thoughtfully. Think about what you will look for in the future instead of what you might call a file today. For example, if you take a class called “Tips & Tricks for Feeding Your Family” and file the class documents under that title, you may have a hard time finding them if you forget the name of the class. Instead, if you file them under “Meal Planning,” the subject of the documents, you’ll have more luck.

Name your files with a noun or category

first, and then an adjective/specificity. For example, if you name files “Home Insurance,” “Auto Insurance,” “Medical Insurance,” “Life Insurance,” “Dental Insurance,” and “Umbrella Policy,” they will end up all over the place in an alphabetical file system. If instead you name them “Insurance – Auto,” “Insurance – Dental,” “Insurance – Home,” “Insurance – Life,” “Insurance – Medical,” and “Insurance – Umbrella Policy,” you can easily find them all by searching for “I” for Insurance.

Consider Location. Be sure your filing system is accessible and close to where you pay your bills, open your mail, and process your paper. It is helpful to keep your active files just an arm’s reach away. If you are right-handed, keep your “action” file drawer on the right side of your desk, and if you are left-handed, keep it on the left side. Reference files that you don’t access on a daily basis can be a little further away. Consider keeping a “To File” file or tray in your active area, collecting paper there and filing once a week instead of getting up each time you have a single item to file. You are more likely to file and retrieve papers if it doesn’t require a lot of effort on your part.

Keep it Simple. Start with broad categories and then subdivide when a file or category becomes unwieldy. Don’t automatically start a new file just for one piece of paper.

Color Coordinate. It can be helpful to color coordinate your files, especially if

you are a visual person. Try using different colored hanging file folders or labels for different categories. For example, you might use red folders for all permanent or vital documents, such as birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates, medical records, education records, or records relating to an asset (home, auto, other investment, etc.). (Also consider keeping copies of vital records in your home files and the originals in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box.) You could use blue folders for tax-related documents, green folders for incidental monthly statements, receipts for small purchases, records of paid bills, and so on. Color-coordinated labels not only look nice and neat, but also help you find documents quickly.

Keep Things Current. Plan consistent time to purge old files and keep your system up to date. Be sure to have a system in place to keep your documents current. One way to help you do this is to regularly pull out and shred expired policies when you receive new ones in the mail. For example, when you put your new auto insurance policy in the file, be sure to pull out the expired policy and shred it. Make an appointment with yourself in your calendar to go through and purge old files every six months, so it will never get too out of control.

Schedule Time to Complete Tax Preparation. Whether you are going to file your own taxes or share your records with an accountant who will complete your return, preparation time is critical. For a start, follow the previous tips throughout the year to keep your papers organized and easy to manage. From there, collect papers needed for your tax return in one place, block time on your calendar to fill out necessary IRS forms or tax organizer worksheets, and make sure to do so well before the April continued...

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Design Build Maintain Renovate

...continued

15 deadline, just in case the process is more involved that you imagined or you need to reach out for help. Advance planning and organization can pay off in both the short and long term.

You may even find that having your tax-related papers organized and in order, and the preparation worksheet filled out completely, could shave time off of the accountant’s work and result in a lower bill. Being organized can save you time, money and stress.

Debbie Rosemont, Certified Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant, started her business, Simply Placed, in 2003 to help clients increase productivity, maximize efficiency and bring balance and control into their work, homes and lives. Simply Placed associates work with individuals and businesses to create effective organizational systems, clear clutter, successfully manage time, focus on priorities and achieve goals.

They help people work smarter, not harder, to increase their bottom line and peace of mind through consulting, hands-on organizing, and group training. They can be contacted at 206-579-5743 or info@itssimplyplaced.com.

Invested in Students. Intentional in Outcome.

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PRESCHOOL • Individualized, accelerated learning in math, reading, and writing • A community that shapes character and kindness

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(425) 392-6469 grangesupply.com Serving the community since 1934!

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Plateau Living

February

the moles push out of their burrows, and they envision a perfect world where all the moles have been eliminated. This is unrealistic; even if you work at it all your life, you will never get rid of the moles. This is because moles will come in from bordering properties, and moles see the perfect lawn as a lovely all-you-can-eat restaurant. Even if they have plenty to eat in other places, they will still tunnel in your lawn because all the watering makes it a great place to get moisture in a dry summer. I have to admire a critter that rarely gets to drink water and still survives!

IN THE DIRT Mole Season

Contributed by community resident, Ilse Burch

February is often the beginning of serious mole season, or at least when a lot of the tunneling becomes obvious. So this month we are talking about moles and their associates, voles. The mole is a misunderstood beast, seldom seen in the light of day and only rarely leaving the safety of its tunnel.

There are two species in this area and they are quite similar in appearance: about 9 inches long at the largest and covered with short plush fur. A fun fact about their fur is that there is no direction to it, so they can go backwards in a tight tunnel without discomfort. Their front legs are modified into large shovel-like appendages and point backward. In fact, the Chehalis name for the mole translates into “hands turned backward.” Personally, I think they are kind of cute, but please don't come for me with the pitchforks and torches. The moles will be there whether I think they are cute or not.

Ilse Burch

For the record, moles are not all bad. They help aerate and drain the soil, and they eat massive amounts of worms, grubs, and other soil insects, many of which we would like not to have anyway. A single mole can eat upwards of 50 pounds of insects per year!

Moles have two types of runs: surface runs for food, and deep runs to get around. The deep runs tend to be pretty stable, and you can't see any evidence of them, so you can have moles without seeing obvious tunneling.

Most people curse moles. They hate seeing the piles of earth that

There are many ways people try to rid their yards of moles: traps, poisonous bait or gas, and flooding the tunnels. In my experience, only traps are effective. If you decide to trap, I suggest you hire someone who is very good at it, since it really is a specialized skill.

In my own garden, I tolerate moles. I can scoop the dirt piles up and distribute them elsewhere and even feel grateful for the additional drainage I get from the mole tunnels. If this all seems terrible to you, here is a prayer for when you are particularly vexed: “Thank you, God, that we live in a place where there are no gophers!” Gophers are terrible pests and are known for taking entire plants down into their burrows as you stand there and watch them disappear. As far as I know, there aren't any around here. Thank heavens!

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Offices in Sammamish and Issaquah

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425-392-7533 www.cpmortho.com

Building Positive Impressions One Smile at a T ime

February Plateau Living

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RealEstateResource

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Featured properties may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this brochure.

Source Multiple Listing Service. All information herein has not been verified and is not guaranteed.

Supplied by Christine Kipp of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty

Address 667 E. Lk Samm Shore Ln NE

Neighborhood Sammamish

List Price $1,700,000

Sale Price $1,650,000

Beds 3

Baths 2.25

SqFt 2,793

27914 SE 24th Way

Sammamish

$1,780,000

$1,650,000

4

5

5,561

20312 NE 16th St.

Sammamish

$1,459,950

$1,500,000

6

4.75

5,502

25026 NE 18th St.

Sammamish

$1,480,000

$1,450,000

4

3.5

4,195

21816 SE 13th Place

Sammamish

$1,499,000

$1,250,000

5

3.75

6,985

3324 225th Ave SE

Sammamish

$1,199,990

$1,178,000

5

4

4,494

3295 226th Ave SE

Sammamish

$1,173,990

$1,174,990

5

4

4,237

20802 SE 20th St

Sammamish

$1,300,000

$1,150,000

4

3.75

4,400

3775 201st Ct. SE

Sammamish

$966,950

$1,050,827

5

3.25

4,052

21985 SE 31st Ct SE

Sammamish

$814,900

$977,032

3

3.5

3,060

3734 SE 37th St.

Sammamish

$849,683

$921,084

5

2.75

2,937

20134 201st Ct. SE

Sammamish

$888,950

$920,682

4

4.5

3,830

601 SE 5th St

Sammamish

$949,000

$910,000

4

3

3,894

21021 Lancaster Way SE

Sammamish

$950,000

$900,000

4

3.75

3,890

832 SE 37th St.

Sammamish

$841,950

$869,314

4

3.5

3,511

20158 SE 22nd Place

Sammamish

$859,950

$858,450

5

2.75

3,555

20896 271st Ave SE

Sammamish

$850,000

$855,000

4

3.5

3,461

Provided by Christine Kipp of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

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Plateau Living

for a jumbo loan that lives up to its name.

February

Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Programs

Services Offered Psychiatry & medication management Individual, Family, and Couples/Marital Counseling Evaluations for ADHD, attention, concentration, and learning disorders Nutrition Counseling for mood stability, mood disorders, and eating disorders Nutrition Food and Mood Group Chemical Dependency/Co-Occurring programs for adults Teenage Coping Skills Group Positive Parenting Skills Group

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Talk with us today and see what makes us different.

Charles Chong Mortgage Loan Officer 206-579-7800 NMLS#908570

110 110th Ave NE., Suite 310 Bellevue, WA 98004 email: charles.chong@pncmortgage.com website: www.pncmortgage.com/charleschong

PNC is a registered service mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”). PNC Mortgage is a division of PNC Bank, National Association, a subsidiary of PNC. All loans are provided by PNC Bank, National Association and are subject to credit approval and property appraisal. ©2013 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC MORT PDF 0513-0123-147310

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425-454-1919

Northgate Clinic

2150 North 107th Street, Suite 220 Seattle, WA 98133

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Bringing help and healing to those who need it.

Licensed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

February Plateau Living

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WA_Sammamish

Plateau Living

Fo r 18 ye a rs, w e ’v e sp e ci a l i ze d i n cu st om -d e s ig ne d a n d fi ne -c r a fte d je w e l r y . B u t d o n ’ t ta ke o u r w o r d fo r i t.

Sto p by—w e ’re j u st n ort h of t he P i n e L a ke Q F C. A n d s e e h o w w e c a n m a ke y o u r n e xt o c c a s io n s pe c ta c u l ar .

2830 228th Ave. S.E., #B

|

www.plateaujewelers.com