/Bestof2011

www.valleyrecord.com

Best of 2011

Snoquamie Valley Look inside to see your voting results!

Snoqualmie Valley Record • March 30, 2011 • 9

10 • March 30, 2011 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM

The outdoors is his office

To protect and serve Q&A with Snoqualmie’s top cop Sean Absher

Meet 2011 best city employee: North Bend’s John R. Jackson PROFILES BY SETH TRUSCOTT

s a maintenance worker for North Bend’s public works department, Jackson, or JJ, as he’s known to friends, is responsible for taking care of streets, signs and pipes in the city.

A 30-year resident of the city, Jackson was born in Florence, Ky., and has worked for the city for five years.

He answered questions last week about his public efforts, which won him the title of best city employee for 2011 from Valley Record readers.

Why work for the city?

Working for the city gave me an opportunity for a new career, after being a Toyota Master Technician for 30 years, and needing to leave that

Seth Truscott/Staff Photo

John Jackson at one of his workplaces, the North Bend water treatment facility.

“People would be surprised at how much I do,” says Jackson, a maintenance worker. occupation for health reasons. I have been very blessed for this opportunity, and welcomed the change.

along with my attitude: the public and the citizens are truly my bosses!

What is North Bend’s most How do you make an impact? important resource?

I get to work with the public everyday. The impact on the city life and its citizens is keeping a safe enviroment in the maintaining of the roads, and peace of mind in maintaining stormwater and reducing possible flooding.

What might surprise people about your job?

People would be surprised at how much I enjoy what I do, and the satisfaction in seeing a project completed,

North Bend’s biggest public resource is the beauty of the entire Valley, mountains and the vast wildlife we can never take for granted. I refer to it as “my office,” and the citizens could help take care of it all by volunteering. litter pick-up, trail maintenance, and just plain taking pride in what we have. This Valley is unique and something to be proud of, and taken care of, even if you don’t hike or even spend much time outdoors.

What made you want to be in law enforcement?

I have worked for the SEAN ABSCHER department for 12 years. Prior Three-time ‘Best of the to that, I was a contract timber Valley’ top police officer faller, logger and heavy equipment operator. I decided to become a law enforcement officer because I wanted a safer and stable job with insurance, benefits and retirement for my family.

What’s your impact on city life?

I work with the public almost every day. I think seeing the Valley grow and having a lot of local connections

Snoqualmie Valley Hospital District

Joanna Hagen - Finalist for Best Doctor in the Valley

SEE TOP COP, 14

Hospital & Clinics Snoqualmie Valley Hospital

Congratulations to Joanna Hagen for being voted one of the top finalists for “Best Doctor in the Valley.” Joanna practices at our Snoqualmie Ridge Medical Clinic. She takes time to listen to patients’ concerns and provides important information so the best health care decisions can be made.

Thank you Joanna for exemplifying what our District is all about— Professional Care with a Personal Touch.

Snoqualmie Ridge Medical Clinic Snoqualmie Ridge Women’s Clinic Snoqualmie Specialty Clinic Primary Care Clinic at SVH

Joanna Hagen, MN, ARNP Family Medicine

Snoqualmie Ridge Medical Clinic: 425.396.7682 www.snoqualmiehospital.org 473804

A

Editor

For the third year in a row, Snoqualmie’s own Sean Absher got the nod as the Valley’s best police officer.

Born in the city and still a Valley resident, Absher proactively patrols the city, enforces traffic laws and responds to crimes. A range master and firearms instructor, he is a member of the Coalition of Small Police Agencies’ Special Operations Team. He answered questions about his role and motivations last week:

WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM

Snoqualmie Valley Record • March 30, 2011 • 11

Leading the fight against hunger

W

hile most Valley residents take their next meal for granted, every week, thousands of locals depend on the generosity of others to stave off hunger.

The Upper Valley’s food bank, Mount Si Helping Hand, helps about 380 families each week, roughly 1,200 individuals, of whom 28 percent are children and 13 percent are seniors.

Their efforts netted reader approval as the top local non-profit for 2011.

Food Bank Manager Heidi Dukich started volunteering at the charity five years ago, assuming the part-time head spot in 2001. She answered questions about Helping Hand:

What are your priorities?

Carol Ladwig/Staff Photo

Dozens of Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank volunteers, such as Iris Guilian, help sort, serve and transport food each week for thousands of local residents.

The food bank’s primary function is to provide food to individuals and families in need in the Snoqualmie Valley. Making connections within the community and bringing awareness about the needs in our community is also a priority.

Beyond providing food, we have an opportunity and a moral responsibility to provide additional assistance by bringing resources to the food bank to

We appreciate your votes!

unteers—they are a gift to me and the community and I absolutely adore them.

What’s the top goal for 2011? How can others make it a reality?

What is something you do that might surprise people?

Our goal for 2011 is to reach more people in need within the Snoqualmie Valley. Currently, we are serving the people that come to us. My concern is that there are people in our community who are in need and are not able to get to the food bank or do not come because they do not think they are eligible, or perhaps their pride gets in their way. I would encourage neighbors to look out for each other. If you think someone could benefit from receiving our help, please reach out to them.

Hunger is painful and unnecessary.

Many first-time clients or volunteers are surprised by the quality of food that we provide. Our focus is to provide nutritious, healthy options.

We purchase fresh produce and dairy each week from local distributors. A healthy diet will directly impact how children grow and learn and how adults and seniors function.

Why do people want to be part of the team?

What does this nomination mean to you

Food bank volunteers are like a family. Our volunteers come to the food bank with open hearts, and in their act of giving they are rewarded with kindness from the other volunteers and the gratitude from our neighbors in need.

The environment at the food bank is friendly, accepting and engaging. I continue to be overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our vol-

I am thankful that our community is aware of the work that we are doing at the food bank. This means to me that our neighbors recognize the significance and the impact that our service has on the community’s overall health.

Taking care of our neighbors benefits everyone.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US! 474443

“Thank you for your votes and 13 years of loyal support!” ~ NBBG crew 474431

101 W Park St • North Bend • 425.888.4678

assist our clients such as the Department of Health, DSHS, Worksource and a nutrition specialist. Our purpose is to provide food as well as opportunities for our struggling neighbors to improve their current situation.

888-1243

145 E North Bend Way • North Bend

Soon to celebrate our 8th month in business!

Visit our website for Summer Dance Camps, Summer Dance Days and Outdoor Destination Yoga! www.ignitedanceandyoga.com

474445

Top local non-profit: Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank

Serving the Snoqualmie Valley Since 1985

Six years in a row! THANK YOU! The Hauglie Insurance Agency team has over 185 years of combined experience helping individuals and families plan for their future.

474513

We are grateful to have you as our clients and friends.

We will do our best to live up to the honor.

Kevin Hauglie | Farmers Agent www.farmersagent.com/khauglie 474233

khauglie@hauglieinsurance.com

“Downtown experience in a small town setting” Business Law ~ Estate Planning ~ Taxation ~ Probate Bankruptcy ~ Immigration ~ Family Law ~ Criminal Defense 4318 Preston - Fall City Rd SE, Fall City, WA 425.222.6374

www.brownsterling.com

Three locations to conveniently serve you: Fall City Branch

Snoqualmie Branch

33410 SE Redmond Fall City Rd 8050 Railroad Ave SE, Suite B (425) 222-5881 (425) 888-0016

Duvall Branch

15315 First Ave NE Ste 215 (425) 788-9176

Find out why we were voted one of the best insurance agencies in the valley, call or stop by today. You’ll be glad you did.

North Bend’s best firefighter is Bob Venera Voted best in his field, North Bend’s Robert Venera is beginning his 25th year as a firefighter.

Born at the now-vanished Nelms Hospital in Snoqualmie, Venera graduated from Mount Si High School in 1981.

“I needed a job, and there was family history in the fire service,” said Venera.

As a firefighter, he works with the public every day.

“We do other things that people probably don’t realize,” Venera said. “Blood pressure checks at the Senior Center, fire inspections at all businesses (around 350), and fire drills at the schools with the kids. About 80 percent of our calls are for first aid.”

From a firefighter’s perspective, North Bend is a very safe town.

“Two types of calls tend to keep you on edge though,” Venera said. “One is car wrecks, because of the other drivers going by. The other is severe windstorms and trees that are breaking. Both are very dangerous.”

Venera said he is proud of all local firefighters.

“All of us want to do a good job and help the citizens in their time of need,” he said.

Thanks for Voting for us Best in the Valley 2007, 2008 & 2009 and NOW 2011!

COUPON

Lube, Oil and Filter

Spe cial

2895

474314

$

• Excluding diesel trucks • Synthetic oil slightly higher • With this ad only • Expires 5-15-11

Model Garage in Fall City has been under Dennis Musga’s management since 1985. Our staff includes four certified automobile technicians and combines 75 years of automotive repair experience, Model Garage can tackle any repair or tune-up job on most makes and models of cars and light trucks. We take quality and customer service seriously.

33805 Redmond Fall City Rd Fall City, WA 98024 425.222.5751 or 425.451.2286 Mon-Fri 8:00am - 5:30pm www.modelgaragefallcity.com

Time to give

the elk, and how to plan for both the people and the elk and the other wildlife to have a place in our Valley. The elk are only a symptom of what is wrong with our environment. Along with the current research that I am doing, the education of the Valley residents is paramount to me concerning our environment and our elk. If I can involve youth in the research and show them the joy and rewards of working in the environment, maybe one or two of them will become scientists.

Q&A with Harold Erland, the Valley’s top volunteer

H

arold Erland could be the Valley’s most visible volunteer. Active with the Kiwanis, Salvation Army and Upper Snoqualmie Valley Elk Management Group, he can be found year-round furthering understanding of the local environment for animals and people.

Nearly a lifelong Valley resident, Erland is a retired claims deparment manager for Puget Sound Energy. He’s also a trained wildlife biologist. Last week, he answered questions about his approach to volunteerism:

How many groups are you involved with?

Five: The Snoqualmie Valley Kiwanis for 27 years; the North Bend Community Church for all the time I have lived here; the Salvation Army for the past three years, besides ringing the bell for the past 26 years; the Valley Ministerial Association for the past two years; and I am the volunteer research biologist for the Upper Snoqualmie Valley Elk Management Group.

Do you have a philosophy?

Seth Truscott/Staff Photo

Among other duties, North Bend’s Harold Erland rings bells annually at holidays for the Salvation Army.

What was the first local group you volunteered for?

Probably doing stuff for the Church when I was a boy.

What is your top volunteering priority at this time?

They are all different and important in their own right. Probably the most important and the hardest for me is doing emergency assistance for the Salvation Army and the Valley Ministerial Association out of the North Bend Community Church. We see so many people suffering as a result of the economy, and it is virtually impossible to provide the level of assistance that is needed to really make a difference in the distress of some of the people we see.

The second is probably my work with

I have been blessed and given much, it is my joy to give back. I have (time) to give and I enjoy what I do.

Do you ever make time for yourself?

Absolutely. I make time for the things I like to do and time with my wife and family.

How can locals make a start or get more involved?

There are lots of things that need to be done. Kiwanis is a hands-on organization that primarily helps children but will help anyone, just as an example. All organizations can use more volunteers. I’ve never heard anyone say they have too much help.

What makes this a place worth volunteering for?

By and large, we are a friendly community. We look after each other and we try to help others like we would want to be helped.

TOP COP FROM PAGE 10 is a great asset to me.

Working for these years in law enforcement gives me a special insight to people’s struggles and hardships they have endured. My goal is to try to treat everyone fairly. When someone walks away from a contact with me, I hope they think

they were treated fairly and they understand I was just doing my job. Respect and compassion go a long way.

Sometimes it is really hard, though.

What’s one thing people might be surprised about in your job?

I think most people think Snoqualmie is this sleepy little community. For the most part, they’re right. However, we do experience crime and tragic events—just not in such a high volume as bigger cities. So be thankful for the great service we get from all of our emergency services personnel.

Kiwanis Club of Snoqualmie Valley

Global Organization Dedicated to Changing the World, One Child and One Community at a Time.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US! For Club Information, call Paul Tredway 473796

In harm’s way

WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM

474305

14 • March 30, 2011 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

425.531.1383

What’s surprised you about public safety in Snoqualmie?

Growing up in the Valley, I thought I knew a lot about the community. Now, serving the public, I never knew how hard it was to keep things running smoothlythe time, the effort that employees, administration and volunteers put in serving this community. I think we are lucky to work in such a great Valley. My advice for a safer community is for citizens to be more vigilant, keep an eye out for your neighbors and lend a hand when needed.

Are you surprised to be nominated (again) as a top cop? Do you expect anybody to give you a hard time?

I usually shrug it off and say “It’s because everybody knows me”. But truly I am.

There are a lot of ‘Top Cops’ that live and serve in our Valley. I know for sure I will get a hard time from my peers.

WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM

C

What is the Kiwanis’ chief function?

Our primary mission is to help support children throughout the world.

How do you keep members involved?

(We) allow them to work on our projects and fundraisers in order to gain “Kiwanis moments.”

What is a Kiwanis moment?

A Kiwanis moment occurs when you see the gratitude in a person’s face when you have helped that person. It is the good feeling you get when you know you have made someone else’s life just a little bit better. We some-

Courtesy Photo

times refer to what we do as “servant leadership.”

Why did you join Kiwanis?

I joined Kiwanis for a couple of reasons.

The first is to give something back to the community in which I live. I believe it is every citizen’s responsibility to make the community in which they live and work a better place—always leave a place better than the way you found it.

The second reason was for fellowship with people I both like and respect.

Because we are such a “hands on” group (very involved in the community), I think Kiwanis fulfills those reasons.

I believe we were placed on this earth for two basic reasons. The first is to find our own particular purpose—whatever it

425-831-2331

What is something you are doing that locals don’t know about?

Our pancake breakfast on May 7 will help benefit the (Snoqualmie Valley) Veteran’s Memorial.

• To learn more about Kiwanis, call (425) 888-3650 or e-mail to paul@sallal. com.

Ty’s Handyman Service

Thank you for your voTes!!

We are honored by your support!

Thank you for Voting 474180

474184

473802

Thank you for voting for Toad’s.

202 West North Bend Way

425.202.7276

Ty Olson

Home: 425-888-1289 Cell: 425-417-7697

Locally Owned

474207

213 Bendigo Blvd. N #3

Some of our priorities in the community are to provide scholarships for graduating seniors at both Mount Si High School and Two Rivers School; help needy families when possible; support our senior citizens; provide help to the Salvation Army; provide gifts for children at Christmas; help support our veterans; sponsor Key Clubs at the high school level, Builders Clubs at middle school level and Circle K clubs at the college level.

The Pacific Northwest Governor’s Project supports pediatric oncology fellowship programs at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at OHSU in Portland, Ore.; Seattle Children’s Hospital; and British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. These programs train this and the next generation of pediatric cancer specialists and researchers.

Childhood cancers are the number-one disease killer of children.

President Paul Tredway, left, president of Snoqualmie Valley Kiwanis, presents Lonnie Franklin of the Salvation Army with a check for $4,512, the proceeds of the Kiwanis bell-ringing campaign during the holidays. “Eighty-five percent of the money that they’ve raised comes back into the community,” Franklin says.

We Appreciate

Dr. BraDley Kaasa

Named the best Valley event by readers, North Bend’s summer celebration, The Festival at Mount Si, has long kept locals entertained during the dog days of summer.

While its roots are a little hazy, according to Festival Committee President Jill Massengill, the festival’s various guises—it was formerly known as Alpine Days—have been cheering crowds for 40 years.

What makes the Festival special? Something for everyone, said Massengill, who has helmed the festival for 10 years and been a vendor for nearly two decades.

Planning for the 2011 event is already underway.

What is a priority for you?

Mt. Si Chiropractic

Your Votes!

Top Valley event: Festival at Mount Si

Jeff Warren, Agent 7726 Center Blvd 7726 Center Blvd Snoqualmie, WA 98065 Snoqualmie, WA 98065 Bus: 425-396-1055 jeff.warren.mgms@statefarm.com Bus: 425-396-1055 jeff.warren.mgms@statefarm.com

Thank you Snoqualmie Valley for Voting for Jeff Warren State Farm in the ‘Best Insurance Agency’ category

425.888.0867

421 Main Ave S, • North Bend

0907504 0907504 0907504

473798

Thank you for Voting for Us!

Dr. Mike

Best Veterinarian in the Valley

888-4522

43306 SE North Bend Way North Bend

www.myhomevet.com

www.northbendauto.com

425‐766‐8333

474155

2011

Treuting Veterinary House Calls thanks all of our clients and their pets for this honor!

474327

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

WE ARE LOCALLY OWNED

Fam is w Family Family we Family is why iswhy why is it a we do we do AND OPERATED.

1546 Boalch Ave NW • North Bend

425-831-7782 www.mtsisports.com

we do itit all. all. all.

“A NAME YOU CAN TRUST”

Free Shuttle Service

Thanks for Voting for Us!

Jeff Warren, Warren, Agent Agent Jeff 7726 Center Center Blvd Blvd 7726 Snoqualmie, WA WA 98065 98065 Snoqualmie, Bus: 425-396-1055 425-396-1055 Bus: jeff.warren.mgms@statefarm.com jeff.warren.mgms@statefarm.com Jeff Warren, Agent

0907504

We Specialize in all Foreign, Domestic & European Vehicles!

Not all residents know that planning actually begins the prior October for the August event.

There are many groups to thank, but Massengill said the unsung heroes of the festival in recent years have been the staff at the Si View Community Center. That group has been very helpful and integral to a smooth operation.

474504

Snoqualmie Valley Kiwanis Club is best organization to join aring for people young and old, ill or needy, near or far, Snoqualmie Valley Kiwanis Club was named the Best Organization to Join for 2011. We asked Paul Tredway, a six year member of Kiwanis and current president of the organization, to share his thoughts on the organization’s mission and members.

Sweet summer fun

is that you know you were meant to do, whatever it is that gives your life meaning.

The second is to be in service to others.

Ideally, the ultimate goal is to combine whatever it is you were meant to do with being in service to others. I realize that achieving that is often difficult to do, but I think we should all give it our best shot.

We all all feel feel th th We to care for o to care for ou you meet meet yo yo you is part of my is part of my We all feel the same commitment We all feel the same commitment you.

Like a ag g to care for our families.

Helping you.

Like to care foryour our insurance families. Helping you meet needs State Farm State Farm you meet your insurance needs is part of my commitment CALLtoME METO TO CALL

isyou. partLike of my commitment a good neighbor, to ® StateLike Farm is there. you. a good neighbor, ® CALL ME TODAY .

State Farm is there.

CALL ME TODAY.

474312

Truly involved

Snoqualmie Valley Record • March 30, 2011 • 15

State Farm, Bloomington,State IL

Farm,Bloomington, Bloomington,IL IL State Farm,

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

16 • March 30, 2011 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

Love my job

Sno Falls Credit Union is best place to work

T

his year, we asked Valley Record readers to tell us which Valley business was the best place to work at. At the top of the list: Sno Falls Credit Union, which has five local branches, including one at Mount Si High School. We asked CEO Linda Larion to share her thoughts on why employees are so proud:

What do you think makes SFCU a good place to work?

WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM

When you understand the needs of the community, it is easier to set direction. Our staff is made up of Valley residents.... It makes it a exciting place to work when you know your members and can call them by name, building a personal relationship with them. It makes it enjoyable to come to work, working with local people and helping local people. Employees find it rewarding to help our members improve their financial education, and provide competitive services to them.

What’s something surprising about working there?

I asked the staff to answer this question. Below are some of their comments: • It’s more like a family here

than just co-workers.

• How involved we are in the community and schools.

• That you need some sort of formal education before you can get a job here.

• How much of a family we all become!

• Sno Falls Credit Union is a non-profit financial cooperative, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. When you become a member you are an owner/ share holder of the credit union.

• The Rocky Raccoon mascot is one of our staff, he puts the costume on every time Rocky is needed somewhere in the valley, after hours, weekends, festivals, etc. We are so lucky we have an employee that enjoys this sometimes very warm costume, and sucks it up for the kids because he enjoys what he does, and believes in the program.

What does this award mean for you?

At first I was surprised, but the best word to describe how I feel is proud—proud to be a part of such a great organization. It is so rewarding to know that all of the decisions you make over the years, which can be so difficult, pay off with employees enjoying what they do, and it feels good to know that they enjoy coming to work every day just as I do. The support of my Board of Directors over the past 16 years has been a big part of the success of Sno Falls Credit Union, without their support we would not be the success we are today.

The success of Sno Falls Credit Union speaks for itself.

We are so proud to be voted the “best financial institution” year after year.

Romantic getaway

Named most romantic place by readers, the Salish Lodge and Spa in Snoqualmie has a number of romantic locations, according to Manager John Murphy.

One spot, the Dining Room's Table No. 5, is known as "the proposal table," earning that nickname thanks to its cozy, private setting overlooking the Falls.

Guestrooms are equipped with a woodburning fireplace and a jetted tub for two. The Fireside Treatment Room in The Spa also comes to Touch of Romance, Salish Lodge mind, which is a private and Spa’s bath treatment. room where staff offer couples massages and treatment. Guests can also request a “Romantic Night In" treatment, which includes fresh rose petals and a bottle of sparkling wine to ignite the romantic flame.

Big weekends include New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day (and the surrounding weekends) and any three-day weekend such as Labor Day and Memorial Day. "We definitely recommend booking about one month out for those dates," Murphy said.

249 Main Ave S. • North Bend • 425.888.4170

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US! We truly appreciate your business 425.888.4477 249 Main Ave South • North Bend

(Across from Ace Hardware & Huxdotter Coffee)

www.frankies-pizza.com

474043

Straight Chiropractic and the Center for Natural Healing is a complete wellness center offering chiropractic, weight loss, acupuncture, massage and yoga classes. …

468467

474497

Thank you for Voting for Us!