Plateau Living January 15

Plateau Living Ja n ua r y 2015

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LOOKING FORWARD Community Leaders on Government, Arts & Education

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Plateau Living

January

“Pine Lake Family Dentistry is a wonderful family office...They are friendly and always concerned with making sure your visit is as comfortable as it can be.” -Misty M.

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January Plateau Living

Chip Perrault

Monique Verger-Perrault

Chip@MVP4Homes.com 425-765-2447

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

ISSAQUAH STATISTICS AND DEMOGRAPHICS 2010 Population: 30,427 Average Household Income (2012): $87,038 Median Home Value (2012): $447,000 Average Sales Price (2012): $502,035 Predominate Tax Rate (2013): $11.66 per $1,000 assessed Issaquah sits in the Cascade foothills and its heritage dates back to the 1800s. Issaquah's name is derived from the language of the local Native Americans meaning "little stream" or "sounds of birds". Located in robust King County, its western boundaries are beautiful Lake Sammamish and the Sammamish Plateau to the north, and to the south, the "Issaquah Alps"--a compliment of three smaller mountains: Squak Mountain, Tiger Mountain, and Cougar Mountain.

If you love the outdoors, Issaquah offers an abundance of activities for all ages.

• Lake Sammamish State Park, the state's second busiest park, has 512 acres with 6,858 feet of waterfront. Picnic facilities, a sandy beach, ball parks, soccer fields and trails make for memorable family adventures. A highly-used boat ramp at the park facilitates those who love to water ski, wakeboard, tube and jet-ski, or join the local rowing club.

Lake Sammamish is a freshwater lake, 7 miles long, 1.5 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 105 feet. Let's not forget the excellent fishing, as well!

Experience the difference at Pine Lake Family Dentistry

Exceptional Care.

Convenient Location.

Professional Options.

Dr. Susan Chen

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

• Paragliding off Tiger Mountain's Poo Poo Point is popular on sunny days when the thermals arising along the mountain provide hours of fun and a challenge for the many enthusiasts that venture to the site.

• The Salmon Days Festival in October closes down Issaquah's downtown for a weekend. The event features local artists showing off their clothes, jewelry, paintings, sculptures and food, especially fresh salmon. Located right in the heart of downtown Issaquah is a salmon hatchery, a fascinating educational facility where visitors can watch salmon at two stages of life: the swarming newborn "fry" and thousands of adults swimming upstream to spawn and die.

• Trails and parks in the Cascade foothills are abundant.

The old railroad tracks along East Lake Sammamish have been resurfaced from Issaquah to Redmond and beyond, and are wonderful for walking, biking and jogging, with scenic views of Lake Sammamish and the endless wild life!

• The seasonal farmer's market is a favorite during spring and summer, ironically located in historic Pickering Barn, a preserved dairy barn from years ago, situated next to the world headquarters of Costco, a modern-day provider of food throughout the world. The old and the new are contrasted here existing in total harmony.

Any Dream.......Any Season........Any Address For More Information, Please Visit: MVP4Homes.com

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NeighborhoodNews

Note

Publisher’s

Plateau Living

© 2015 Neighborhood Networks Publishing, Inc. EMERGENCY 911

Chris Bede, and Eastside Catholic’s Polly Skinner. In addition, we’ll spotlight the community’s future Olympian, MaddieGrace Moore, and other local celebrities. Also, check the ads for preschools and private schools throughout this issue for the many open houses being held this month. Hope you enjoy reading!

You know there’s a SMART KID INSIDE,

Thinking about tutoring?

There’s a longer-lasting alternative.

www.n2pub.com ™

The new year brings new optimism. The slate is clean, resolutions are made, and it’s a time to look forward. In this issue, we took a decidedly different path. We reached out to key leaders in the community, drawing from local government, the arts, and education. In this issue we’ll hear thoughts on 2015 from Mayor Tom Vance. We’ll hear about the community programs coming from Sammamish Arts Commission. And, finally, we’ll hear from Skyline High School’s principal, Donna Hood, Eastlake’s

A stronger brain doesn’t just change his grades. It changes his life.

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January Plateau Living

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

Hello Plateau Living Residents,

just trying to get out.

January

Anne Wilcox Best,

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

ATTEND A FREE BRAIN TRAINING SEMINAR! Wednesday, January 21 or Saturday, January 24 9am-10:30am or 10:30am-12noon

CALL NOW!

Reserve your spot today.

Limited space available.

Attendees receive a FREE brain training tool kit and 50% off an initial Cognitive Skills Assessment.

Emergency

(425) 836-5674

Police

(425) 313-3200

Fire Department

(800) 222-1222

National Poison Control Center

(425) 836-5674

Police Dispatch – Non Emergency

PUBLISHER Anne Wilcox 425-757-0706 Anne.Wilcox@n2pub.com EDITOR Reisha Holton reishaholton@gmail.com

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

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Erika Borden Erika.borden@n2publishing.com PHOTOGRAPHER Barbara Roser Photography roserphotography@msn.com

SCHOOLS (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

(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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Reisha Holten Diane Meehl Ilse Burch – In the Dirt CREATIVE TEAM Angelina Garcia

Jenna Wood Heather McIlrath 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 anne.wilcox@n2pub.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

(Regularly $300. Costs for tests of this nature range between $600-$1,200)

(425) 657-0908 www.learningrx.com/issaquah

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.

Open House January 24!

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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!

BEAUTY / SPA Bel Viso Day Spa and Laser Center 2830 228th Ave SE #F Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 557-1584 www.belvisodayspa.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

CONSTRUCTION / REMODELING Plateau Remodel (425) 368-8885 www.plateauremodel.com

Pine Lake Family Dentistry 2908 228th Ave SE, Suite A Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 391-9414 www.pinelakefamilydentistry.com

INSURANCE American Family Insurance - Judi Kuntz Agency (425) 947-2720 www.judikuntz.com

COUNSELING SERVICES Nystrom and Associates 301 116th Ave SE Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 454-1919 www.nystromcounseling.com

FARM AND GARDEN SUPPLIES The Grange 145 NE Gilman Blvd Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 892-6469

JEWELRY STORE Plateau Jewelers 2830 228th Ave SE, Suite B Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 313-0657 www.plateaujewelers.com

FINANCIAL ADVISOR / WEALTH MANAGEMENT Edward Jones - Cheryl Breidenbach 657 228th Ave NE Sammamish, WA 98074 (425) 898-8786 www.edwardjones.com

KIDS ACTIVITIES Adventure Kids Playcare 775 NW Gilman Blvd C-3 Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 391-5358 www.adventurekidsplaycare.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

HOSPITAL Swedish Hospital / Issaquah 751 NE Blakely Dr Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 313-4000 www.swedish.org / locations / issaquah-campus

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & MAINTENANCE Bear Creek Landscapes (425) 222-9222 www.bearcreeklandscapes.net

January

NeighborhoodSponsors

January Plateau Living

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 NATURAL MEDICINE Naturomedica 1220 10th Ave NE Issaquah, WA 98029 (425) 587-8900 www.naturomedica.com ORTHODONTIST CPM Orthodontics 22731 SE 29th St. Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 392-7533 www.cpmortho.com 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 PRIVATE SCHOOLS The Bear Creek School (425) 898-1720 www.tbcs.org REAL ESTATE Andrew Weiffenbach (206) 356-3916 www.sammamish4sale.com Christine Kipp, Realogics Sotheby's Realty (425) 260-3934 www.christinekipp.com 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 Monique Verger-Perrault 150 Bellevue Way SE Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 985-4696 www.mvp4homes.com TILE & STONE Western Tile and Marble 1880 136th Place NE Bellevue, WA 98005 (425) 643-1380 www.westerntile.com VETERINARY HOSPITAL Brookfield Veterinary Hospital 6535 E. Lake Sammamish Parkway NE Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 895-8888 www.redmondvet.com WATER DISTRICT Sammamish Water and Sewer District 1510 228th Ave SE Sammamish, WA 98075 (425) 392-6256 www.spwsd.org

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NeighborhoodNews

Plateau Living

Tom Vance

January

meet the mayor of sammamish,

MV: We will continue to face issues related to growth. We will need to continue to work on roads and transit. And it is our duty to preserve open space and the beautiful tree canopy that maintains our natural heritage. I would hope that our school districts will be well prepared to maintain the top-notch education currently provided to our young people.

Even without growth, with possible annexation, we will be a larger city. I would hope that future councils and staff will be able to maintain our great financial record and continue to provide great services to all our residents.

Interview with Anne Wilcox and Reisha Holton

Reisha Holton, Editor of Plateau Living, and I recently had a chance to sit down with Mayor Tom Vance at Sammamish City Hall. Our conversation with the Mayor focused on balancing growth in the community with the desire to maintain the “small town” charm of Sammamish.

Mayor Vance: The big changes for 2015 will be the continuing development of the Community and Aquatic Center, the development of Town Center, and the possible annexation of the Klahanie area.

The Town Center, a plan adopted in 2008, but delayed due to the financial crisis, is getting back on track and will be making progress in 2015. Three permits are progressing through City Hall. One purely commercial project, with Metropolitan Market as the anchor tenant, is planned at SE 4th Street and 228th Avenue. Two other permit applications are “mixed use” projects, including a combination of residential and commercial elements.

city. Add to those our strong storm water regulations, and I believe Sammamish does as much, if not more than any other city in the state to control growth by protecting our environment.

The construction of the Community and Aquatic Center kicked off in 2014 and will continue to develop in 2015, with a grand opening planned in early 2016. Now being built on the Sammamish Commons plaza near City Hall and the Library, the new facility, operated by the Y, will provide two gyms, a cardio and group fitness area, a jogging track, a lap pool, and a leisure pool. A child watch area is also part of the plan in addition to several multi-purpose rooms to serve a variety of recreational and community uses.

Along with environmental regulations, our city has been aggressive in taking lands out of the development mix by protecting open space. Working with our regional partners, we’ve protected nearly 300 acres in and around our city, including Soaring Eagle Park (29 of the overall 640 acres protected by the County), Beaver Lake Preserve, Hazel Wolf Wetlands, Evans Creek Preserve, and the still developing Big Rock Park.

PL: How difficult is it balancing the special “small town” character of the community with the need to accommodate growth?

MV: We work very hard to manage growth, as do the local school districts -- and we very much support their efforts—but we are limited, legally, as to how much we can minimize growth. So how can we mitigate growth? Most important is our continuing effort to maintain strong environmental regulations: tree-retention regulations, recently updated; our Environmental Critical Areas regulation, revised in 2012, that protects sensitive areas and maintains our erosion and landslide protection zones; and retaining our suburban/ rural zoning regulations that limit growth, particularly in especially sensitive areas of the

NeighborhoodNews

MV: My wife, Mary Lynn and I love living here. There are so many great neighborhoods and people in the community; we are blessed with many friends. Sammamish has great parks and trails and nearby opportunities for hiking and biking. And we’re well situated to take advantage of the larger metro area for arts, music and theater. We would not want to live anywhere else.

And, although it might sound counterintuitive to this issue, the Town Center plan, with its limited commercial component, focuses on commercial retail and service businesses that should help limit trips off the plateau, while not allowing the big box stores, movie theaters and other businesses that would potentially bring more traffic to our city.

PL: How will Sammamish change in the coming decade?

MV: I enjoy digging into the important issues in our city and in the region. Being mayor gives me even more opportunities to be involved in all the things we do in the city as well as regional issues related to growth, transit and roads, environmental issues, schools. And, as mayor, I have the chance to work with other local government officials in joint efforts for the greater surrounding area.

PL: What drew you to public service?

MV: My interest in government and public service was sparked back in my senior year in high school in California. My American government teacher was passionate about government and public service. His enthusiasm stayed with me for a long time.

I had a successful career in the communications industry, and when I stepped into early retirement I saw the opportunity to engage in city government issues. I joined the planning commission in 2006, and that was the “official” beginning of my career in city government.

I have stayed in touch with that teacher. In addition to teaching high school, he also joined city government, and served as mayor for many years. Even in his eighties, he still serves on the local school board.

PL: How can citizens get involved in their community?

MV: Many, many of our citizens are already involved through volunteer opportunities through the city. There is a great spirit of volunteerism in our community. Our service and arts organizations, non-profits, and faith communities offer so many opportunities to contribute to our local and regional community.

For those who would like to get more directly involved with city government, we have many commissions and boards. And, who knows, that might lead someone to run for city council one day….

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PL: What do you enjoy most about living here?

PL: What do you enjoy most about being mayor?

Plateau Living: What changes or new programs can Sammamish residents expect in 2015?

And the possible annexation of Klahanie is the third major item for 2015. At this point, a vote is targeted for April 2015 on whether Klahanie should be annexed to Sammamish. Klahanie residents would benefit from lower taxes and better services.

Everyone benefits from better, more efficient police services, and major road improvements on Issaquah-Fall City Road and Issaquah-Pine Lake Road. There are other benefits, but those are some notable ones.

January Plateau Living

Mayor Vance and others at the Aquatic Center Groundbreaking Ceremony

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NeighborhoodNews

&

ART CULTURE

The Commitment: To bring art to the Sammamish community in all its forms—painting, drawing, mixed media, music, storytelling, theater arts and more. That’s the simple mission for which the Sammamish Arts Commission was formed 12 years ago.

Over the years the Commission has provided important programs to make art accessible to the community. A popular example has been the chamber music performances by Simple Measures, who perform in an intimate setting and engage with the audience during the concert to help them better understand the music. Another well-liked program has been “Build It Sammamish,” where LEGO enthusiasts and designers can celebrate Sammamish through LEGO building.

Under the leadership of Anne Schaefer, the nine-member Arts Commission develops the programs and provides tight financial management to maximize the reach of their efforts into the

Plateau Living

January

January Plateau Living

community. Sammamish residents enjoy these programs without admission costs thanks to funding by the city government and in some cases by grant-enabled funds from organizations like 4Culture and other philanthropic groups.

Within the Commission is a focused effort called Special Arts Sammamish, led by Commissioner Lin Garretson.

This program is designed to bring art to underserved groups, such as seniors, teenagers, and children with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum.

Many of these events are designed to bring the different groups together, such as “Au-Some Artists” or “Make it a Clay Day.” Both of these events bring a student with special needs and a typically developing teen volunteer mentor together to share the experience of creating works of art at the print making press, potter’s wheel or other art medium.

Another event called “Life Stories” pairs

NeighborhoodNews

the senior and youth communities to tell stories through creative writing, poetry, music, and other art forms. Each event is guided by a professional artist/instructor.

For 2015, Commissioner Steve Wright has developed a new program to engage residents in all aspects of theater production, including acting, set design, make-up and music. Titled “Theater Beyond Expectations,” the first production occurred this past December and two new productions will be added this year.

The Sammamish Arts Commission’s events invite people to discover how art pushes boundaries, inspires creativity and forges connections. Find an upcoming Commission and Special Arts event in the list below, and join your friends and neighbors in the discovery! Find more details and information at www.sammamish.us. continued...

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NeighborhoodNews

...continued

Plateau Living

January

Cottrell Chiropractic

Chiropractic Care With A Personal Touch

Bringing Art to

Select Special Arts Sammamish Programs Life Stories - January 2015 - Teens pair with seniors to tell stories through creative writing, poetry, music and visual arts.

Make it a Clay Day - March 2015 - Students with special needs pair one on one with teen volunteers to explore the medium of clay at the potter’s wheel, sculpting and hand building projects. Guided by professional artists and instructors.

Au-Some Artists - April 2015 - Students with special needs pair with teen volunteers to experience various mediums of creative expression such as, printmaking, painting, weaving, & musical instruments. Guided by professional artists & a music therapist.

Creative Characters - October 2015 - Students with special needs pair one on one with teen volunteers to create their own fictional characters, through drawing, storytelling and puppeteering. Guided by a published author, a cartoonist and puppeteer.

Theater of Possibility - November 2015 - An inclusive event blending students with special needs together with other teens for an interactive improvisational theater experience. Guided by a professional actress.

For more information about programs visit, www.sammamish.us. The Arts Commission information is listed under Commissions/Boards

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AFTER SCHOOL TIMBERLAKEAFTERSCHOOL.COM

SAMMAMISH UP-COMING SAMMAMISH ARTS COMMISSION PROGRAMS City Hall Fine Art Exhibit, January 16-April 10, Silk Paintings by Anne Anderson Build It Sammamish, January 24, Sammamish City Hall, 11:00am Join Master Builder Dan Parker for a day of creative LEGO building and fun!

Simple Measures, February 17, Pine Lake Covenant Church, 7:00pm Messiaen Around with Time: A walk through the epic “Quartet Through the End of Time” with examples and explanations that open up the music and enable even the casual listener to get to the heart of it.

T I M B E R L A K E

January Plateau Living

Open House January 24th 10am-12pm Kindergarten Enrichment

· K to 5th Grade · Daily homework help · Fun, exciting clubs · Open most public school closure days

FOR MORE INFO OR TO SCHEDULE A TOUR: EMAIL AFTERSCHOOL@TIMBERLAKECHURCH.COM

TIMBERLAKE Dr. Terry Cottrell

6520 226th Place SE • Issaquah, WA 98027 425-392-9490 • www.CottrellChiro.com

CHURCH.COM

Serving Sammamish and Issaquah since 1987

CASUAL ATMOSPHERE | SERIOUS FAITH | NO WEIRD STUFF

TIMBERLAKE CHRISTIAN

PRESCHOOL · Ages 2.5 to 5 · Academic Success Program · Low student-to-teacher ratio · Extended care options · Licensed by the Department of Early Learning

Open HouseJanuary 24th 10am-12pm

MORE INFO: VISIT TIMBERLAKEPRESCHOOL.COM OR EMAIL PRESCHOOL@TIMBERLAKECHURCH.COM

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NeighborhoodNews

Plateau Living

January

Home Month of the

Design Build Maintain Renovate 15

January Plateau Living

Mention this ad for a 10% off discount.

Call Bear Creek Landscaping at 425-222-9222

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Bear Creek Landscaping Give Us A Call 425-222-9222 www.bearcreeklandscapes.net

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Plateau Living

for a jumbo loan that lives up to its name.

Up to $2MM mortgage loans.

Competitive interest rates.

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

Bellevue

Christian School

Faith · Academics · Community · Transformation

Preschool through 12th Grade BellevueChristian.org · admissions@bcsmail.org · 425.454.4402 x215

Schedule a tour today!

come to an open house Kindergarten JAN 28, 9-10:30am MAR 4, 9-10:30am

Grades 1-6

JAN 14, 9-10:30am FEB 25, 9-10:30am

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DEC 2, 7-9pm Contact Admissions

NeighborhoodNews

Education Leadership: January Plateau Living

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Thoughts from Sammamish Principals

Educational high standards are evident in our community. In reaching out to the principals of the high schools in the community to get their take on what inspires them as Educators and what changes and innovations we will see from their institutions.

Skyline High School Principal, Donna Hood

At PNC, we’re meeting the needs of homebuyers by offering jumbo mortgages for primary and secondary properties. A seasoned PNC mortgage professional will walk you through the application process, one step at a time.

Talk with us today and see what makes us different.

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

January

How long have you been at your school? How long have you been in education? Where all have you served? I am in my first year at SHS. I have been in education for 15 years and have worked at Sammamish High School in Bellevue, Madison Middle School in Seattle, and at Liberty High School, the southernmost high school in our district, the Issaquah School District.

How has education changed over the years since you started in this field? How has technology contributed to learning?

The level and type of accountability in education has changed drastically over the years and with it our staffs feel more pressure than ever before to help all students succeed. It is my job as a leader to help teaching staff navigate those pressures and some obstacles so that they can keep their eyes trained on the goal—student learning.

What attracted you to teaching? What do you enjoy most about being principal? Kids! I have always had a heart for teenagers. I love that they desire honesty and authenticity and give it in return. I have learned so much from my students over the years.

They have made me a better teacher and a better principal.

As a principal, I so enjoy helping staff to reflect on their practice and seek their own professional growth. When at the end of a year a teacher says to me that our conversations have made him or her a better teacher and more effective with students, that’s when I feel great joy as a principal.

How can parents best help their kids be successful in school?

How do we monitor effective teachers? Parents can do lots of

practicing and rehearsing conversations with their kids. They need help knowing how to approach difficult conversations and topics whether with a teacher, a friend, a coach, a principal.

They needs lots of time to be listened to, they need empathy and then they need to be presented with choices and be allowed to make them. Parents who allow their kids to experience consequences while their kids are still under their protection also see great growth and maturity in their children. Protecting them from and/or trying to prevent consequences from happening to them is a disservice to kids, in that they develop this false sense of invincibility and being above the law.

Some studies point to an increase in productivity during school hours when there is less work assigned outside of class time. What trends will we see when it comes to homework?

What changes or new programs can we expect at your school in 2015? Teachers have lots to do and I think they will continue to find ways to make the homework they do assign meaningful and to edit out homework that didn’t serve the learning goal in the way that they hoped.

How can students get to know you better? What do you do to get some "face time" with students? Students see me before, during and after athletic events, dances and other events we hold. I am also in the lunchroom a lot and in classrooms a bunch. I often introduce myself to them and ask them to introduce themselves to me while I listen in on their learning.

Some students, particularly student leaders who have a particular need or interest, have set appointments with me to discuss certain issues.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you? What advice would you offer to those interested in teaching as a career? I have so many inspirational teachers in my past that I’ve lost count. Two that top the list—Carla Wall and Ina Orme. One taught me to read and write in a way that has served me well since 12th grade and the other convinced me to apply for scholarships, in particular one to Germany, and thereby changed my life.

Teaching is rich with rewards that are hard to capture with continued...

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words and certainly don’t show up in anyone’s pocketbook. You have to love kids; you have to dislike boredom AND you have to love getting kids to a new place academically and intellectually to stick with this work. You have to be willing to put time and energy into your own practice to get to the place where you have internalized effective teacher moves that leverage those strong relationships with kids in order to maximize their learning. This professional growth does not happen overnight and it is never work that is fully finished. I wake up every day knowing fully that the work I do and the work my staff does matters and it makes a difference in this world today and tomorrow.

Eastlake High School Principal, Chris Bede How long have you been at your school? How long have you been in education? Where all have you served? I worked at Eastlake for almost seven years as Associate Principal. I am really excited about the start of my eighth year, my first full year as principal. I started my teaching career as a student-teacher at Skyline High School, and then served as a Humanities teacher at Skyline for seven years. My wife still teaches at Skyline.

How has education changed over the years since you started in this field? How has technology contributed to learning?

When I started teaching at Skyline, we had one computer in a classroom and an overhead projector. Now each Eastlake classroom has an Activboard and each student has a laptop.

Technology can allow teachers to better differentiate for the individual needs of students. Technology can serve as a curiosity amplifier and increase the level of engagement in the classroom. However, infusing technology into the classroom does not necessarily improve the quality of instruction unless teachers redefine their approach to teaching. Technology is just an enabler of quality instruction.

What attracted you to teaching? What do you enjoy most about being Principal? I loved my experiences in the classroom, where I not only followed my passion to teach, but realized the need to listen to and learn from students. As principal, I work a lot with teachers and parents, but I still value my time spent with students, learning about their lives and helping guide them in their development.

How can parents best help their kids be successful in school?

I think parents can help their kids maintain perspective. Competition and ambition should not be at the expense of mental health. There are incredible learning opportunities for students both inside and outside of the classroom, and I really want students to maintain balance in their lives. I want them to enjoy the process and have a happy and heathy high school experience.

How do we monitor effective teachers? The Lake Washington School District uses the Danielson Framework for Professional Growth and Evaluation (PGE). In this process there is a tension between growth and evaluation. We want to focus more on supporting, inspiring and empowering teachers to improve their instructional practice.

They have created the following credo to capture this belief: “Here at Eastlake, through intentional actions, we can create an environment where students and staff can safely fail, feel appreciated and feel loved. This is Eastlake. This is home. This is family. WSPS.” How can students get to know you better? What do you do to get some “face time” with students? I prioritize being visible and engaged with students at Eastlake. I love being out of my office and in the hallways and classrooms with kids. I also value student input. At Eastlake, we have Student Wolf Chats, where twice a month we randomly select 12 students to meet with Administration during Homeroom in order to talk about their Eastlake experience.

Some studies point to an increase in productivity during school hours when there is less work assigned outside of class time. What trends will we see when it comes to homework? I believe that students need to develop the intellectual strength and character necessary for success in today’s world, as captured in our motto Wolf Strong, Pack Strong (WSPS).

Students must develop effective interpersonal skills and performance character like work ethic, self-discipline and grit, and they must also develop the moral character of compassion, empathy and citizenship.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you? What advice would you offer to those interested in teaching as a career? My Uncle Gary taught for 41 years in Montreal, Canada. He inspired me to teach. I would tell prospective teachers that it is a noble career. It’s incredibly challenging and incredibly rewarding. You come to work every day and try to make the world a better place.

I define “rigor” by what teachers ask students to do, not how much, meaning teachers should focus on teaching students thinking skills such as creativity, problem solving and ingenuity.

How long have you been at your school? How long have you been in education? Where all have you served? I have been at Eastside Catholic School for five years. I have been an educator for 39 years. I began my teaching career at St. Joseph School in Trenton, N. J. Since relocating to Seattle I have served at St. Benedict School, Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, Villa Academy, and Eastside Catholic.

What changes or new programs can we expect at your school in 2015? Despite our past success, Eastlake needs to continue examining its practices in a quest for continuous improvement.

This year we will focus on school culture and classroom instruction. We will challenge students to learn and grow and support them in this process through a personalized and compassionate culture.

Over the summer, our leadership students attended a camp where they prepared their goals and vision for the upcoming school year. The focus is on “Servant Leadership.” These students recognize that their role as leaders in the building is not only about putting on the best prom or hanging up cool posters, but is also about creating a school environment where students feel like a family. These students have been outside every morning welcoming students to school with encouraging words and high fives. Students light up at being so warmly welcomed, which is a tall order for teenagers at 7:00am.

Eastside Catholic High School Principal, Polly Skinner

How has education changed over the years since you started in this field? How has technology contributed to learning?

The most significant transition has been learning how to learn with an emphasis on life-long learning. The impact technology has had on lives has radically changed how we plan for the future, how we access information, communicate, and interact with others near and far. A key question for educators and parents is: How do we prepare our children for the future in a world that changes so rapidly? Emphasizing flexibility and adaptability in our children as they re-invent themselves for what the future brings will be critical. The need to grow and change necessitates a mindset that is open to possibilities.

What attracted you to teaching? What do you enjoy most about being principal? I loved working with children and there was never a question about becoming a teacher. I enjoy the opportunity to work with teachers and staff who teach, nurture, and support our students. By supporting and collaborating with our teachers and staff we have a strong partnership, which makes everything that goes on in the classroom and throughout the school work for the best interest of the students.

How can parents best help their kids be successful in school?

How do we monitor effective teachers? I encourage parents to have a strong partnership with their children’s teachers and school staff. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Stay abreast of school communications and participate in activities and events when you are able. Encourage your children to do their best.

At Eastside Catholic we have several means of monitoring and supporting our teachers so they are successful and effective.

• We have a strong induction for new teachers and assign faculty mentors to help them make a smooth transition. We provide training and prepare new teachers in advance of events such as parent conferences, grade reports, etc.

• We have grade level teams, 6th-12th, to help teachers understand the developmental hallmarks of different ages and grade levels.

• We have departments so teachers have colleagues who are teaching within a specific subject area and can rely on each other for suggestions and work on curriculum mapping, address curriculum, and establish common policies.

• We encourage teachers to observe other teachers teaching as a means of seeing a variety of teaching styles and approaches.

• Our teachers set goals to improve their instruction at the beginning of the year. They go through formal classroom observations by a member of the administration, which is intended to encourage growth and improvement, as well as to provide the teacher with feedback on the quality of his/ her instruction.

• Administrators do brief “walk through” visits to get a sense of what is taking place in a teacher’s classroom.

Some studies point to an increase in productivity during school hours when there is less work assigned outside of class time. What trends will we see when it comes to homework?

What changes or new programs can we expect at your school in 2015? We are excited about the proposals we are receiving from our faculty for new courses for 2015. The offerings in the performing arts and computer science departments are exciting and offer some wonderful opportunities for our students. We continued...

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are adding Mandarin IV giving our students an opportunity to take four years of Mandarin. An audio design and production class is being considered.

Homework is assigned at the discretion of the teachers and is not intended to be “busy work.” Our students are busy with their studies, athletics, clubs and activities, etc. We try to keep things balanced to address their busy schedules.

high school English and religion teacher who was very special.

She was well versed in both subjects and extremely well read. I learned so much in her class and was particularly impressed by her ability to share her perspectives and insights through references to the literature and articles on popular culture she read.

My reading of quality literature increased and this has turned out to be a gift for life. Thank you, Sister Diana!

How can students get to know you better? What do you do to get some “face time” with students? Getting out and about is a great way to connect with the students. Greeting them in the morning at the top of the stairs gives me a chance to say a personal “good morning” to the students. Attending assemblies, liturgies, concerts, plays, and athletic events gives all of us a chance to be engaged in student life. Periodic breakfasts or brunches with our student leaders are a good way to hear what is on their minds.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you? What advice would you offer to those interested in teaching as a career? I had a

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January Plateau Living

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athletes of the

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MaddieGrace (Just Wants) Moore Written By Diane Meehl

There’s a future Olympic skater in the neighborhood—and to think, it all started with a Barbie movie.

When she was just 2 years old, MaddieGrace just couldn’t stop watching a movie about Princess Annika, who snuck out to ice skate with the commoners. (“We’re from the south,” says mom, Melanie, “and two first names are commonplace!”) “She came to us

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and said, ‘I want to do that.’” She was persistent, so Melanie, who, along with her husband, Will, and 3 boys lived in North Carolina at the time, signed her tiny daughter up for lessons. But once MaddieGrace got one look at a pretty blonde working with bigger girls twirling in glittering dresses, she insisted that girl was going to be her coach. “Little did we know it was Olympic medalist in pair skating, Elena Betchke,” said Melanie.

Betchke was hesitant initially, having worked predominantly with experienced skaters. But she was won over by MaddieGrace’s passion, and signed on. Practicing 4 days a week for hours at a time, now 7, this small but mighty girl has racked up 22 medals--most of them 1st Place--always competing against older girls. But her dedicated mama makes it clear that this is MaddieGrace’s dream. “We love to see her excel in something she loves, but this is like a virus in her,” she jokes. “She just loves to compete, and even on her days off, she asks to go to the rink.”

She’s so dedicated, MaddieGrace even asked her new coach to push her harder.

Fifteen months ago, Will was transferred to Washington. “It was so hard to leave, but Elena handpicked her new coach, another serious competitive skater, Susannah Hall.” Susannah and MaddieGrace seemed kindred souls. “I joke that Susannah is not only her coach, but her on-the-ice mama, role model, therapist and doctor!”

MaddieGrace is homeschooled so they can make the trek to Everett for her to train with her coaches on most weekdays.

With 3 strapping brothers at home that play Spartan football, Rashaad, 17, Zack, 16, and Tyler, 13, Melanie spends much of her time driving. But her kids’ affinity for athletics, she explains, is a family affair. “Our boys always cheer on MaddieGrace; they’re so proud of her. And she cheers for them at their games, too.”

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“They’re sweet and nice to me. They take care of me and help me all the time. It is so much fun when we play wild together!” says MaddieGrace, always a ham.

“She’s really just a normal little girl in every way, says Melanie. She loves Barbies and sleepovers, but she’s also just driven to compete. And we take it year by year.”

Something tells us we haven’t seen the last of MaddieGrace, the girl with 2 first names, and a one giant goal–Olympic Gold.

Left: Olympians Meryl Davis and Charlie White with MaddieGrace

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LearningRX: Turning a Bad Report Card into Hope for Struggling Learners

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Report cards. Seldom have two words caused such anxiety for both students and parents. For some, poor grades can reflect feelings of inadequacy (as a student or a parent), worries about being held back a grade, or fears of not getting into a good college.

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For parents, these fears often manifest as blame; blame on the student, the teacher or themselves. And while the assumptions that less-than-stellar grades are a reflection of poor teaching, lack of intelligence or laziness on the part of the student, or poor parenting, they are almost always untrue.

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The truth is, most bad report cards are just a reflection of a struggling learner, many of whom have an above-average IQ. That’s because IQ is simply an average of the combined strength of all our cognitive skills – the underlying tools we need to successfully focus, think, prioritize, plan, understand, visualize, remember, solve problems and create useful association. They include things like attention, visual and auditory processing, memory, logic and reasoning, and processing speed.

It’s very common for a student to have an average or aboveaverage IQ score and a learning problem at the same time. For example, a child who struggles with reading may have a severe deficiency in sound blending and phonemic awareness (two subskills of auditory processing), and be well above average in other cognitive abilities. When you lump it all together and average it out, it’ll look like there’s no problem because the IQ score is average. In fact, that score is masking what could be a serious problem.

What about genetics?

It’s not surprising that parents who struggled in school often experience anxiety over their children’s report cards. While it’s likely that most of the concern stems from the parent’s hope for their child to get better grades than they did, another fear is that they’ve somehow genetically passed on their learning struggles.

Certainly, genetics can contribute to a small part of learning struggles (like reading difficulties); but the majority of learning struggles are simply the result of weak cognitive skills. Students with ADHD, for example, tend to have weak selective, divided and/or sustained attention. Even learning struggles that are inherited don’t need to be lifelong labels or diagnoses; cognitive skills can be strengthened to make learning easier, faster and even FUN! So how do you strengthen weak cognitive skills?

Cognitive skills training (also known as “brain training”) uses intensive, one-on-one programs to tackle the source of learning struggles and fix them with permanent solutions. Effective brain training customizes programs based on the results of an initial cognitive skills assessment and uses exercises founded on years of clinical and scientific research.

Unlike tutoring which is academic-based, brain training is skills-based. While tutoring can be effective when a student has fallen behind in specific subjects (such as history) due to an illness, injury or family move, cognitive skills training improves the underlying skills needed to perform tasks (like reading and math) to make learning easier in any subject.

Cognitive skills training physically changes the connections in the brain and it works for all learning disabilities: dyslexia (“trouble with words”), ADHD, dyscalculia (“trouble with numbers”), and

continued...

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certain autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger’s syndrome. In fact, because brain training treats the root cause – not the symptoms – of learning struggles, it can make anyone a stronger learner. From athletes looking for the mental edge and senior citizens fighting age-related cognitive decline, to soldiers and stroke victims fighting the effects of traumatic brain injury, cognitive skills training is changing lives by changing brains.

Let cognitive skills training change your child’s future by making learning easier. Make this your child’s last bad report card.

Take the first step toward helping your child become a more efficient, effective and confident learner by having their cognitive skills assessed. You have nothing to lose and a future of better report cards to gain!

Cornell Atwater, Executive Director, opened LearningRX in Issaquah in 2009 to help individuals change and transform their lives. The potential for faster learning, better grades, improved confidence and long-term success exists in all of us. LearningRx is the key to unlocking that potential.

For more information, contact 425-657-0908 or visit www.learningrx.com/issaquah.

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Written by Plateau Resident, Debbie Rosemont

T

he holiday season, as joyful as it is, often brings clutter, disorganization and even some added stress into your life and home. Immediately following the holidays is an ideal time to regain control by clearing clutter, organizing and setting intentions for the year ahead.

First, take some time to put away decorations and return your home to “pre-holiday” status. As you gather all of your decorations and prepare to pack them up, toss any lights that are broken, donate any decorations that you don’t want to use again, and quickly inventory what you’ll put away so you’ll know what you have ready-to-go for the following holiday season. At the same time, make a list of wrapping paper, tissue, gift-bags, bows and decorations that you know that you will need to buy again.

This can be a great time to buy what you need at greatly reduced prices. Just make sure to only buy what you know you’ll use, so you don’t end up with clutter.

Update your contact list or address book based on cards you received or any you mailed that were returned to you because you had an old address. Taking time for this now will save you time and stress when you go to send cards for the next season.

Toss or recycle cards you received that you enjoyed for the season, but are now done with (its o.k., really). If you do save select cards, decide to put them in an album or special box to be enjoyed later, or pack them up with your décor and decorate with them next year.

Go through each room of your home and let go of items you no longer use, that no longer fit, or that you just don’t need in order to make room for the new gifts that you received. Once you have donated or let go of items that you no longer use, need or love, you can find a home for the new items. When organizing, and assigning a home for your possessions, keep these three principles in mind: keep like items together, keep items close to where they are used and keep items used most often the easiest to get to. This will

enable you to find things quickly and when you need them.

The New Year is also a perfect time to take a look at your files and/or piles of paper. Take time to update your current filing system to accommodate 2015 papers or simply get your files back in order if they have gotten out of hand. Be sure to recycle or shred any papers you no longer need to keep. Decide on a system for handling incoming paper (the mail, paper that comes home from your child’s school, etc.). You’ll want to have a reference filing system to keep papers that you want or need to refer to later, and an action system for paper you need to act on.

Lastly, take inventory of 2014. What went well? What did you accomplish that you are proud of ? Were there disappointments?

Where did your life feel out of balance? What would you like to do differently in 2015? What are your intentions for the year?

Think about what you value, what you hope to accomplish, what kind of year you want to have, and then create some SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, really wanted, time sensitive) goals based on your reflection and your aspirations.

Here’s to an organized and rewarding 2015!

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.

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January Plateau Living

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January

Meet Plateau Living’s Kid of the Month:CAMERON TRENCHER Name: Cameron Trencher Age: 11 Grade: 6th School: Pine Lake Middle School Parents/Brothers or Sisters: Darren and Deanna Trencher, Nick Beauchamp (22), Addison Trencher (9), Lauren Trencher (7)

What do you like best about your brother/sister? My big brother has a great sense of humor and a really strong work ethic. He’s especially been a big inspiration for me in football. I got to see how his hard work paid off when he helped Skyline High School win a state championship in football a few years ago. We talk all the time and I hope to one day follow in his footsteps! Me and my sisters certainly argue a lot and get on each other’s nerves plenty but they are really awesome. Addison is incredibly generous and will be the first person to give something up if it means someone else can be happy. I love this about her! My little sister Lauren doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. She’s friendly to everyone she meets!

Enjoy all of those things you used to do together, (shopping, dining out, running errands) knowing that your children are playing, exploring and learning in our safe and secure environment.

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Sports or Musical Instruments I Play: I’ve played baseball most of my life as well as basketball and football. Right now I’ve decided to focus on basketball and football as those are my two favorites. I love being active and am very competitive. I train for football all year long and I’m constantly shooting hoops in my backyard. I’m always busy and really enjoy playing sports with my friends. I also play the cello at Pine Lake Middle School. It’s new to me but I’m really enjoying the challenge!

Something Unique About Me: I enjoy making others laugh. I’m always ready with a quick joke, a funny face or a silly story. I love doing voices and throwing out funny one-liners from movies.

Seeing others relax and laugh really makes me smile. I also love to read and write. I read about 1 book a week and have started a few stories. I just have to pick one and actually finish it!

NeighborhoodNews

January Plateau Living

When I Grow Up I’m Going to Be: I love video games and really enjoy the ones with great stories. My dad used to work for Xbox and when he did he’d come home and tell me about how this or that game was coming along. I was always interested in the story of the game more than anything else. I love writing and I think it would be awesome to one day work on the story of a great video game. Knowing millions of people around the world would actually play through a story I wrote and hopefully have fun doing it gets me really excited…and a little nervous!

Anything else we should know about you? I love to compete.

I compete at everything from getting upstairs the fastest and brushing my teeth to game day on the football field. I’ve always been ultra-competitive. My mom and dad tell me that one day it will serve me well. Right now it just tends to get me in trouble sometimes. I love competing but am learning that everything doesn’t have to be a competition. Nothing beats winning a big football or basketball game alongside my teammates though!

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 reishaholton@gmail. comand make your kids feel like little rock stars.

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January Plateau Living

Pet Month

NeighborhoodNews

of the

Meet Plateau Living’s Pet of the Month: COOPER

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Family Member Names: Carolyn, Kyle and Genevieve Avalani Pet’s Name: Copper Type of Animal/Breed: Ginger Tabby Cat Male or Female: Male Pet’s Age: About three years old

Where/why did you get your pet? Copper was found in a ravine and rescued by a young couple. They were unable to keep him as a permanent family member because of their housing situation.

Another friend posted Copper’s picture on social media. It was love at first sight! Fortunately for us, Copper agreed.

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Is there a story behind its name? He came with his name and to prevent any more confusion, we kept it.

Tell us something funny or interesting about your pet. Of course all pets are unique and charming. Copper though is a step ahead of most. He doesn’t meow, he ‘merps’. He has some serious separation issues and it might be why he carries socks (only fuzzy ones) around the house when we aren’t home. I can tell how ‘rough’ his day has been by the number of socks sprinkled throughout the house.

What else should we know about your pet and/or how your pet has enriched your home/family? Copper came to our family at just the right time. I can’t quite explain it but it was one of those moments where ‘he knew us and we knew him.’ Copper brings us incredible compassion, comfort and a mix of feisty purr-full joy. He’s not an average cat. His intelligence is superior because he has us so well trained. We believe he had a difficult early life by the nature of his hypersensitivity. We acknowledged that and didn’t rush him. Transitioning into our home was on his terms. It took a lot of trust for him to blend so well. Every day we say, “We finally have a cat!” It was something we only dreamed of and now that dream came true.

Would you like your pet to be in an upcoming issue? Do you know of a neighborhood pet that we should feature? We’d love for them to be our monthly Precious Pet! Please email reishaholton@gmail.com with your suggestions.

WWW.CIVILIZEDNATURE.COM

she’s e s u a c e B cat a n a h t e mor so much

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

425-868-3737

33

34

Plateau Living

January

35

January Plateau Living

G2 Sports & Physical Therapy Voted Best Physical Therapy Clinic in Sammamish Stop by and tour our state of the art clinic – the choice of local and professional athletes Sports Rehab and Performance • Pre- & Post -Operative Care Skilled Manual Therapy • Biomechanical Specialist • Custom Orthotics

The Only Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in Sammamish!

Ed Koh, OCS Clinical Director 486 228th Ave. NE, Sammamish

•

PH: 425-836-8444

•

www.g2sports.net

36

RealEstateResource

Plateau Living

January

37

January Plateau Living

Kitchen Countertops Natural Stone & Engineered Quartz | New Construction & Remodels

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.

Some properties may be forclosures / short sales.

Address

Neighborhood

List Price

Sale Price

DOM

Beds

Baths

SqFt

3163 E. Lake Sammamish Shore Ln SE

Sammamish

$2,188,000

$2,188,000

77

4

3.5

950 211 Place SE

Sammamish

$1,348,000

$1,371,763

5

4.5

4,292

3321 226th Ave SE

Sammamish

$1,238,990

$1,200,000

9

5

4

4,494

3246 225th Ave SE

Sammamish

$1,169,990

$1,169,990

189

5

4

4,374

1390 244th Place SE

Sammamish

$1,164,000

$1,164,000

14

5

4.5

4,198

3332 225th Ave SE

Sammamish

$1,139,990

$1,139,990

5

4

4,146

3735 201st Ct SE

Sammamish

$936,950

$1,101,164

4

6

3.5

3,805

22600 SE 16th Place

Sammamish

$949,000

$936,000

29

7

3.75

5,135

23935 SE 8th Place

Sammamish

$925,000

$925,000

18

6

3.5

4,380

20860 SE 18th Place

Sammamish

$929,950

$924,000

154

5

2.75

3,296

21349 NE 9th Pl

Sammamish

$909,990

$909,990

4

3.5

3,598

1555 236th Ct. NE

Sammamish

$873,950

$865,950

225

5

3.25

3,779

5312 188th Place NE

Sammamish

$874,950

$865,000

11

4

2.5

3,050

865 212th Pl NE

Sammamish

$849,990

$849,990

96

4

3.5

3,360

20855 SE 18th Pl

Sammamish

$824,950

$810,000

40

5

3.5

3,453

24630 SE 24th St.

Sammamish

$800,000

$800,000

10

4

3.75

3,040

Provided by Christine Kipp of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

C R E AT I N G C U S T O M E R S F O R L I F E

Custom Homes Renovation Remodel

rainiercustomhomes.com 360-802-0981

1880 136TH PL NE, BELLEVUE, WA 425.643.1380 MON-FRI 8:00AM-4:30PM WESTERNTILE.COM

38

FinancialFitness

Plateau Living

January

WOMEN MUST KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SOCIAL SECURITY Everyone needs to be aware of the financial resources they will have available in retirement. But if you’re a woman, you must be particularly diligent, for a variety of reasons. And that means you’ll need to know just what to expect from Social Security.

Why should you, as a woman, pay extra attention to Social Security? For one thing, women often take time off from their careers to care for children and older parents, so they may accumulate less money in employer-sponsored retirement accounts, such as 401(k) plans. And women still live several years longer than men, according to the Census Bureau.

Clearly, then, you need to get the most you can from Social Security. To do so, you will need to consider at least three key factors: This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

AGE — You can start

taking retirement benefits as early as 62, but your benefits may be reduced by up to 30% unless you wait until your “full retirement age,” which is likely 66 or 67. If you delay taking benefits until 70, your monthly benefits may be up to a third larger than if you started collecting Social Security at your full retirement age. You’ll need to weigh a variety of factors, such as family longevity, income from employersponsored retirement plans and your anticipated financial needs, in determining when you should start taking Social Security.

New Year . New Home?

39

January Plateau Living

MORE THAN

50

EMPLOYMENT — If you work while receiving Social Security benefits before you reach full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn over an annual limit, which generally increases each year. In the year you reach full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 you earn over the limit before your birthday. But once you reach full retirement age, your benefits will no longer be adjusted for earned income.

happy waterfront home buyers & sellers in the past three years

For Sale

SO LD

SO LD

SO LD

SO LD

MARITAL STATUS — As a spouse, you can generally receive Social

Security payments based on your own earnings record or collect a spousal benefit of up to 50% of your husband's Social Security benefit. The benefit will be reduced if you start taking it before your full retirement age. To start collecting Social Security spousal benefits, you must be at least 62 years old and your husband must also have filed for his own benefits.

SO LD

SO LD

No matter how much Social Security you ultimately receive, it’s almost certainly not going to be enough to provide all the income you’ll need. So during your working years, try to contribute as much as you can to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. At the same time, look for other investment opportunities. And when you reach retirement, create a withdrawal strategy that allows you to stretch out the income you receive from your investments for as long as you can.

By saving and investing as much as possible during your working years, maximizing your Social Security payments and carefully managing your financial assets when you’re retired, you can help improve your chances of enjoying the retirement lifestyle you deserve.

John Kritsonis

Karl Lindor

206-498-0288

206-890-8227

johnk@windermere.com

JohnKritsonis.com

karl@windermere.com

KarlLindor.com

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