/Home%20&%20Garden

WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM

Snoqualmie Valley Record • April 28, 2010 • 11

SNOQUALMIE VALLEY

&

HOMES GARDEN

PUBLISHED AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SNOQUALMIE VALLEY RECORD

In the Kitchen, Page 13 Cooking cool on warmer days

Featured Home, Page 16 Timeless vintage appeal on five idyllic acres

Tree Tips, Page 17 Valley arborist shares professional advice

Timeless Beauty, Page 18 Stone landscapres provide satisfying escape

Yard Boot Camp, Page 19 354474

Train hard to hone homeowner skills

SPRING

2 0 1 0 Gardening green with The Nursery at Mount Si, see page 12

12 • April 28, 2010 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM

Gardening the green way with The Nursery at Mount Si North Bend’s garden emporium tempts the tastebuds with fresh, local produce

Seth Truscott/Staff Photo

Christi Bishop, a customer service staff member at The Nursery at Mount Si, carries a basket of trailing pink Bacopa through a greenhouse filled with tomatoes, peppers and flowering plants.

The nursery has a large selection of growing things ready for Mother’s Day shoppers.

On the cover: Ready to help with all home gardening needs, staff at The Nursery at Mount Si include, from left, Nels Melgaard, Christi Bishop, Gordon Sukut, Christine Earl, Jim

Trailing strawberry vines and spreading heads of cabbage and lettuce draw the eye and tempt the tastebuds at The Nursery at Mount Si. Go ahead, beckons Nursery Manager Christine Earl, inviting a visitor to try a taste of the fresh lettuce, green both literally and figuratively — since the greater part of garden goodies are completely organic.

The North Bend nursery is fast responding to a growing customer demand for homegrown vegetables and plants. Most growers that provide garden plants to the nursery are organic, and the nursery carries a line of organic seeds. Growing organic provides peace of mind, as well as a simpler life.

“It’s much easier to grow organic,” Earl said. “You just sit back and watch them grow.”

The nursery is working to provide a pipeline for produce to the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank in North Bend and is a promoter of the “Plant a Row for the Hungry” campaign, in which gardeners provide surplus greenstuff to local food banks.

The Nursery at Mount Si is also a partner in Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, connecting customers with weekly deliveries of fresh, wholesome produce from local farmers.

Meet the staff There are many familiar and helpful staff members working hard to get everything ready for the nursery’s 11th year in the valley. Earl, famously known for her fabulous custom baskets and design work, is in her ninth year at the nursery, while

Jose Laros has been handling the landscaping team for the last five years, now backed up by Beto Bueno.

Newcomer Gordon Sukut is a key part of the customer service team.

Customers will also see Jim Ellis and Christi Bishop, seasonal employees back at the nursery this spring and summer. Ellis is a semiretired neighbor who has a passion for plants, and Bishop is a recent Mount Si High School graduate who keeps the nursery up on the latest sign and price updates.

And don’t forget Nels Melgaard, owner and fearless leader, who opened the North Bend nursery at the base of Mount Si in 1999. After transitioning his organic produce farm to focus on the edible and ornamental landscape, he put up a sign in town that read “Plant Sale,” with an arrow pointing towards the mountain. He has been in

the nursery business ever since. With the help of his dedicated staff and family, the nursery has grown into one of the most beautiful and successful garden centers in the Northwest.

Spring catch-up

A mild winter followed by a chilly, stormy spring has left some gardens needing some emergency spring first aid. Luckily, the Nursery at Mount Si is ready with a big selection of plants, shrubs and trees, plus recommendations on soil conditions, fixes and spring feeds.

Melgaard said he’s been fielding a lot of calls from gardeners concerned about early blights.

“They didn’t do anything wrong,” Melgaard said. But the stretch of hail, rain and temperature drops that followed a warm, mild February set some plants up for an April blight ambush.

SEE NURSERY, 13

THOUSANDS of QUALITY PLANTS

A MAgicAl gArden destinAtion

Take $5.00 off a $25.00 Purchase Must present coupon Cannot be combined with other offers Expires 05/15/10

PLANTS POTTERY - GIFTS EVENTS

42328 SE 108th St. North Bend WA 98045 Ph: 425-831-2274 • www.thenurseryatmountsi.com

354470

Your Local Garden Center Since 1999

WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM

Snoqualmie Valley Record • April 28, 2010 • 13

Celebrate spring with rosé

NURSERY FROM 12 Melgaard is ready to coach gardeners on proper use of fungicides and other ways to culture their plants.

Occasionally, the garden center hosts weddings. Melgaard also offers a curriculum of yearly garden classes, including basics on vegetable gardens, containers and how to let your garden go comfortably dormant in autumn.

Nearby farms add their own appeal.

“The nursery’s own animals, as well as the neighbor’s chickens to the east and cows with new born calves to the west, give the nursery its ‘farmey’ feeling,” said Melgaard.

Native plants Just in time for spring, The Nursery at Mount Si’s native plant garden carries many wonderful varieties of Northwest plants. Native plants are easier on the environment, easier to take care of and don’t require as much water or chemical application as nonnative plants. Native berries such as huckleberries or serviceberries can be sweet and plump but underused in the Northwest garden landscape.

“Natives are indigenous, they’ve adapted to this region, and they are not as susceptible to certain blights, diseases, fungus and bugs,” said Earl.

“I love working with natives,” she added. “They promote the beauty that this region has to offer.”

Grow your own The Nursery at Mount Si carries a good selection of fruit trees and berries.

Besides the typical selection of apples, cherries and pears, you will find blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and even some rarer varieties of fig trees, kiwis and wolf- or gojiberry.

The Seed House at the nursery is well stocked with vegetable seeds as well as favorite flowers. A large selection of fresh starter packs of vegetables will be found in the nursery’s main greenhouse.

Everything for an edible landscape can be found at The Nursery at Mount Si. Don’t forget soil, added Earl.

“We have a wonderful, natural and organic compost amendment that will really give your veggies and fruits a jump start,” she said.

Zen of the garden Bold and big for spring is the nursery’s Japanese maple collection, which is being paired with a growing selec-

Staying in touch

Just in time for spring, discover fresh garden plants and veggies at The Nursery at Mount Si. tion of dwarf conifers.

Japanese maples are one of the main trees that can add value to your garden, and are a heavily collected species. Some have red bark in winter, yellow, red or even lime green leaves in the spring, and add great fall color when the weather cools, so it’s no wonder these plants are so well-loved.

To compliment the maple collection, the nursery has gathered a superior selection of dwarf conifers, many of which are unique and quite rare.

Artsy side Shoppers can find more than just plants at the Nursery at Mount Si. The standalone gift shop has come into its own, offering plenty of unique home decor items. Outside, explore a water feature selection, choose a stone bench or sculpture, check out the changing pottery collection, or peruse the colorful garden art inside the main greenhouse. Earl said that the nursery stocks eye-catching art as it becomes available.

This summer, the nursery resumes its series of outdoor concerts.

The Nursery at Mount Si sends out an e-mail newsletter to some 3,600 friends of the nursery, who receive updates about classes, workshops, concerts and events. Also passed around via the e-newsletter are special ‘Internet-only’ offers via coupons and seasonally appropriate garden tips and chore reminders.

The nursery is hoping to develop a question-and-answer page on their Web site, and staff are always open to suggestions and ideas.

Great service Creating a unique destination garden center that offers the highest quality nursery stock and superb customer service is the goal of the owner and the staff at The Nursery at Mount Si. “While we are aware of some of our strengths and our weaknesses, it is important that we’re here from our customers,” said Melgaard.

The management at The Nursery at Mount Si invites and encourages customers to send an e-mail with kudos, congrat’s, concerns or complaints.

“The nursery and garden center is a wonderful business, but it is tough and very unpredictable” said Melgaard.

While he has never put together a formal survey, customers’ thoughts and ideas are welcome and will help to keep the nursery on track.

To sign up for the newsletter contact the nursery at www.thenurseryatmountsi.com or e-mail Nels Melgaard at nels@thenurseryatmountsi.com.

“We’ve been flooded too”

E&A Landscape

GENERAL CONTRACTORS GENERAL CONTRACTORS & &

& Maintenance

Cook Cook

structural movers llc llc

structural 3 Generations of Housemovers Movers 3 Generations House Movers Roswold Inc. as theof General Contractor and

We haul landscape materials:

Roswold Inc. asas the General Cook Structural Movers the house Contractor raiser formand a 12 year team.

Cook Structural Movers theGeneral house raiser form aand 10start year to team.

Unbeatable for Quality, Price, and Craftsmanship finish.

Roswold Inc. asas the Contractor Unbeatable for Quality, Price, Craftsmanship to finish.

Cook Structural as the and house formto astart 10 Local Contractors with Movers local references youraiser can trust do year this team. unique job right.

sand, gravel, topsoil, bark, compost, play chips, yard waste, etc...

Local Contractors local references youCraftsmanship can trust to dostart thisto unique Unbeatablewith for Quality, Price, and finish.job right.

Local Contractors with local references trust to do this unique job right.

Experience is you thecan difference

Experience is the difference Experience is the difference

HOME ELEVATIONS HOME ELEVATIONS We Stand Under Our Jobs We Stand Under Our Jobs Call us to do your project

425.831.1831 425.831.1831 Call us to do your project

353845

Lawn Maintenance Landscape Lighting Systems Thatching • Aeration Irrigation Systems Trimming • Pruning Edging • Weeding Barking New Sod Seeding Tree Cutting Gutters Pressure Washing Walls • Patios Clean-ups

Well, spring has finally, honestly arrived. There is a small cluster of tulips in my back yard.

They venture their brave heads out of the soil as the temperatures warm each year, and I eagerly track their progress from my warm dining room window. This morning, they were standing proudly in the sun, their pink petals open to receive the season. And I, sitting at the table gazing at them, wondering what I was going to write THE WINE about this month, was inspired by them. For no wine on earth quite cap- REVOLUTION tures the delicate and welcome light of ALLISON springtime quite like the pink rosé.

McCORMICK There has been a lot of focus on rosé in the last few years; it is one of the fastest growing wine categories in the United States. This is well-deserved attention, in my opinion. The quality of these blushing beauties is rapidly increasing to match demand. The opulent, sickly sweet versions are falling out of vogue, creating shelf space for the more traditional dry styles.

White Zinfandel may be the only experience many of us need to have with rosé before we decide that it isn’t a style of wine to be pursued. To be fair, for those of you who love white zin, perhaps nothing else will do, and I, as always, encourage you to drink what you love. However, some of the new world styles of rosé on the market may be just what is needed to point you in a new and interesting direction. For the many wine drinkers who prefer a crisp, dry wine, this change has been welcome.

I feel that a good rosé brings together the finest qualities of both a red and white wine — all of the bursting berry fruit a red wine offers, matched with the acidity and freshness of a white wine. How, you might ask, is this possible?

The secret to the diversity of these wines lies in the various processes used to make it.

The wines I get excited about are the traditional rosés, made through a process called sagnée.

Sagnée is the French term for “bleeding off.” Winemakers take the juice from red grapes and strain it off right after pressing, the way they do with juice from green grapes, rather than letting the juice sit on the skins.

There are many wonderful rosés made in Washington state these days (try Bernard Griffin’s Rosé of Sangiovese) and from California, too. France is the leader in Europe, with the most famous wines being from the region of Provençe (who wouldn’t want to be there in the springtime?), followed closely by the wonderful and affordable offerings from Spain. These wines are made to be drunk young. Ask your wine forEmployees his or her favorites this Local steward Owners and year.

“We’ve beenand flooded too” Local Owners Employees

or Tom Roswold @ 206-979-1822 or Cook Structural @ 206-322-7617 #ROSWOI * 054M1 •or#COOK SSM931 Q8 or Tom Roswold @ 206-979-1822 Cook Structural @ 206-322-7617

Keeping Snoqualmie Valley Green and Tidy since 2002

354465

#ROSWOI * 054M1 • #COOK SSM931 Q8

us atin www.roswoldinc.com Over 25 homeVisit elevations the valley, more than any other contractor 3425Homes in theinValley elevated counting Over home elevations the valley, more thanand any other contractor

14 • April 28, 2010 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

www.valleyrecord.com

Explore the scenic Deschutes River

Hooked on Fishing

by Reggie Harris

A

round this time of year, after numerous trips to the Yakima, me and my fly fishing accomplices yearn for a little diversity of aquatic scenery. So in April, we overload the designated driver’s vehicle with fly fishing gear, food, the cribbage board and selected beverages and head south to Maupin, Ore., to take advantage of the incredible fishing in the area.

Maupin is about a fourhour drive from the Valley, but with the spectacular nature of the scenery along the way, time passes quickly. The usually brown and heat-baked desert of eastern Washington and north-cen-

tral Oregon is literally alive with a carpet of light green grasses that is heavily painted with an amazing diversity of colorful wildflowers, from yellow bunches of balsamroot and purple lupine to yellow desert parsley and white camas.

Located on a steep canyon wall of the Deschutes River, Maupin is a small and dusty desert town.

Once there, we always stop at the Deschutes Angler to glean advice from the owners, John and Amy Hazel — two legendary guides of the Deschutes recently featured in the film “Drift.”

This year, they first steered us to some private lakes near Shaniko, Ore., which

is just a 30 minute drive east of Maupin.

Shaniko is one of the largest remaining ghost towns and the physical remnant of the once-thriving wool empire centered there. The lakes are just a few miles north of the old town located on a high, wind-worn desert plateau which now serves as cattle country. Be prepared to cast a fly line while a few wayward Angus stand watching in the wings.

April in north-central Oregon is mild and the lake fishing can be prolific. The Hazels pointed out to us that there should be a dazzling display of callibaetis mayflies hatching. They supplied us with the appropriate patterns, mostly callibaetis emergers and some nymphs. In

short, the fishing was one for the record books. In fact, it was so good we decided to fish the lakes a second day and netted the same result.

The third day it was suggested we fish the Deschutes near Maupin for Redside trout. We stocked up on March Brown dries and wet flies and fished just south of town. Again, the fishing was unbelievable. Adding to the experience were the scenic vistas, as the Deschutes flows through an expansive and colorful basalt canyon, stratified in hues of copper and bronze with its lower slopes matted with silvery gray sage, green and amber bunch grasses and dusty green junipers.

When fishing the

Deschutes in Maupin for trout, take your fast action 5 or 6 weight rod.

As for flies, that of course depends on the time of year, so I recommend visiting the Deschutes Angler for suggestions.

For accommodations, call ahead and make reservations at the Imperial River Company, which is located within casting distance of the Deschutes. And, be sure to visit Patty at the Rainbow Tavern for some of their famous chili.

If you are looking for a change of fishing venue, be sure and visit Maupin for some truly satisfying fly fishing. And, if you get time, head over to Shaniko and enjoy an authentic western ghost town and maybe catch a few lake trout as well.

Cool cooking for warm weather

NAPS — When it’s too hot to use your oven to cook, a smart idea is to start using your slow cooker.

That way, you not only avoid heating up your kitchen, you help save on your energy bills as well. Cooking in a slow cooker for six to eight hours uses about onefourth of the energy that cooking the same dish in an electric oven for one hour would.

What’s more, a slow cooker works well at outdoor gatherings for barbecued beef or baked beans. Try this delicious dish at your next picnic:

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Landscapes

Rockeries

Serving the Eastside and the Snoqualmie Valley for 48 Years We also offer: Sprinkler Systems Excavating • Grading • Drainage

FREE ESTIMATES

Water Features

Walkways & Patios

32925 SE Issaquah-Fall City Rd • Fall City 425.222.6266 • www.ralphwellslandscaping.com 354054

354653

Serves 8 1 Reynolds® Slow Cooker Liner 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders 1 medium onion, sliced 1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips 1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips 3⁄4 cup chunky salsa 2 packages (1.4 oz. each) fajita seasoning mix 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 16 (10-inch) flour tortillas Shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream (optional) Place slow cooker liner in a 5- to 6 1⁄2-quart slow cooker bowl. Fit liner snugly in bowl; pull top of liner over rim.

Place chicken in slow cooker liner. Place onions and bell peppers on top of chicken. Mix salsa, seasoning mix and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Pour over chicken. Cover. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is done.

Carefully remove lid.

Gently stir chicken and sauce. Spoon 1⁄2 cup of chicken mixture into center of each tortilla; add desired toppings and fold tortilla over filling. Do not lift or transport liner with food inside.

For more recipes and ideas, go to www.slowcookerliners.com.

www.valleyrecord.com

Snoqualmie Valley Record • April 28, 2010 • 15

Teaching your children to play golf Mount Si pro shares dos and don’ts of junior play This month, I would like to talk about teaching children and junior golfers the game of golf. With the grand opening of Little Si Links on Saturday, May 1, I know that a lot of you will be taking your kids to our new facility and a lot of new players will be taking up the game for the first time.

I am often asked, “What is the best way for me to go for my child with golf?” There are a few things that I believe will either make golf a positive or negative experience for your child. The first impression that your child receives will have a definite impact on the outcome of his or her experience with the game.

Either they will be enthusiastic and want to play the game more, or will have little or no interest and not want to play the game at all.

Here are some things I would suggest and encourage that you do: • Make golf fun for them and something that they look forward to doing. How do you do that? Play with them. Show them that it is something you can do as a family and a way for you to get together. Make up games when you play and practice — a closest to the pin contest, putting contest, driving contest, and other games that come up along the way. Make the games fair for everyone involved. This will in turn keep them interested and give them the desire to perform.

• Encourage them on their good shots. Tell them not to worry about the bad shots. The good shots are the ones that you want to remember.

• Make sure that they have equipment that fits them. The most important factor is the length of the club. I don’t recommend buying new clubs for juniors as they will grow out of them too fast. A used cut-down club will do just fine.

• Get your child into a group lesson or clinic. They will see other children learning and playing the game and how fun it can be. I think you will find that a group atmosphere is nonthreatening and a great way for a child to learn to play the game.

They generally don’t have the attention spans for private instruction and this is a great way to improve your child’s ability, which in turn will make them want to play the game more. The better we get at something, the more that we want to do it.

• Take them out on the golf course. You don’t have to be “Tiger Woods” before you get out on the golf course. The more that you take a child on the course, the more they will see how important it is to practice. You can’t just tell a child the shots. They are going to have to see for themselves. After a few rounds, they will know what they need to practice and be enthused to do so. After all, what is the point of practicing if you can’t put it to the test? Little Si Links is a great place to introduce your children to the game, with nine holes ranging from 50 to 90 yards, a huge grass driving range, pitching green and full service practice facility.

• Spend time with your child on and around the putting green.

The more time you spend chipping and putting with your child, the better they will be. The game is about getting the ball in the hole. This is where you get that done. At least one half of your practice time should be spent on your short game.

Here are some things that I suggest that you not do: • Analyze and critique every shot your child hits. Most coaches and parents feel compelled to let their children know about everything that they are doing wrong, thinking that this is somehow going to make the junior better. Not to mention, oftentimes the adult is not really sure what the child is doing wrong in the first place. Spend more time on what is going “right” rather than what is going “wrong.”

• Working on more than one thing at a time. If you feel compelled to teach your children the game of golf and know what you are talking about, don’t work on more than one thing at a time.

How many things can you think about in the two seconds it takes to hit a golf ball? More is not always better, especially in golf!

• Talking too much. A child does not want to hear about everything that they need to do. They want to play and see their results.

I am not saying you shouldn’t talk to your children about the game, but spend less time talking and more time doing. A child’s attention span is not very long. Keep the game fun for them; don’t

smother them in the details.

• Starting your children out with private instruction too soon.

I would suggest that you not start your child with private golf lessons until they are least ten years old or extremely advanced.

Most children do not have the attention spans to warrant private instruction. Get them into groups and let them learn that way.

• Spending the entire practice session hitting the driver. I know that most juniors want to see how far that they can hit the ball and by all means, I would encourage you to let them hit their woods — but not the entire bucket of balls. They need to know that the game requires different kinds of shots that go various distances.

Ask them to hit the ball to various targets on the range that will require them to use all of the different clubs in their bags. This will show them that there is more to the game than just hitting the long ball, even though for most, it is the most fun.

I don’t pretend to have all of the answers and this list is by no means the complete do’s and don’ts of golf. I do know that I am the parent of three children of ages 19, 15 and six, and have taught the game to thousands of junior golfers over the last 20 years. This has been my basic approach during this time and it has proven to be successful. My goals have always been to make the game fun and enjoyable, while at the same time educating the student to learn more about the game and more about themselves. If I can hear a junior golfer say “I love the game of golf,” that speaks for itself. That is ultimately what it is all about, isn’t it?

I am looking forward to seeing all of you out at the golf course.

You have to come and check out Little Si Links! It is perfect for taking your kids and teaching them the how to play the great game of golf! I would welcome your comments and or suggestions: • E-mail Matt Campbell at matt@mtsigolf.com.

Grand Opening on May 1st, 2010 WHAT’S BRAND NEW: The Snoqualmie Valley’s Newest Practice Facility!

• Par three (nine hole) pitch and putt golf course • Huge grass tee driving range • Pitching green

Come Celebrate with Us!!!

WHEN?: Saturday, May 1st - 2010 WHERE?:: Far field behind the driving range off of Boalch Ave SE TIME?: 10:00 Am - dark

WHAT IS INVOLVED?: FREE GOLF on the nine hole pitch and putt golf course all day long for everyone!

1/2 PRICE RANGE BALLS off of our new grass tee driving range!

FREE CLUBS FOR KIDS

FREE GOLF INSTRUCTION from PGA golf professionals Full swing instruction as well as chipping and pitching instruction FREE GOLF GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES!

Clubs will be custom fitted and given to all juniors (one club)

GUEST APPEARANCE FROM Bucky Jacobsen (ex - Seattle Mariner)

354558

(ages 17 & under)

“Double Sided Driving Range!”

9010 BOALCH AVE SE • SNOQUALMIE 425-888-1541

Time of clubs for kids 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

For more information about the facility visit our website at

www.mtsigolf.com

16 • April 28, 2010 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

www.valleyrecord.com

WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM

Snoqualmie Valley Record • April 28, 2010 • 17

Arborist shares tree care tips

UPCOMING EVENTS VIP garden sale The Sno Valley Senior Center’s annual plant sale and benefit is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, April 30 and May 1.

The inaugural “First Picks” Garden Party is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 29, with catered appetizers, wine and music with “first dibs” on all plants and art work. Wander under covered walkways and enjoy a silent auction of framed artwork. Admission is $25. Visit www.snovalleysenior.org.

Girls choir at the opera Senior members of the Snoqualmie Valley Girls Choir will perform in the Bellevue Opera’s rendition of “Don Carlo.” Choir members appear as part of the court of the Queen of Spain, pages and ladies-in-waiting.

Two shows are 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1. Bellevue Opera performances help these girls grow and train as singers. Reserved tickets are available for $30 and $35, with student and senior pricing available. Visit www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/98844 or call (206) 313-4559.

Smart talk Community Conversation holds a neighborhood discussion on the subject of aging, its gifts, challenges, and resources, 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 2, at the North Bend Library, 115 E. 4th St., North Bend. For more information, call (425) 888-6016 or e-mail to tomshea@centurytel.net.

Cure night The Snoqualmie Night for the Cure is 6

Courtesy Photo

Members of the Snoqualmie Valley Girls Choir perform April 30 and May 1 as part of the cast of “Don Carlo” by the Bellevue Opera. Tickets start at $30. p.m. Friday, May 14, at the South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 S.E. Newport Way. The dinner and auction fundraiser helps the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and is held in t memory of Jolene Armstrong. Tickets rke are $10. a M Advance purchase is recommended; deadline n oby w is May 1. Learn more e-mailing teame N

jolene@gmail.com or call (206) 355-6508.

Green forum Sustainability Speakers Forum, themed “The Electric Slide & the Green Side: Energy, water, and green buildings,” is 7 SEE FUN, 19

When it comes to knowledge and skill around trees, Snoqualmie Valley arborist John Lewis has been respected for years.

To see his handiwork, look no further than the flowering cherries along Fall City’s riverfront.

“I’ve been taking care of these for eight years and I feel honored to have them under my care,” Lewis said. “I love what I do.”

According to Lewis, there are many decisions to make when adressing the needs of a tree, as well as options and information that many homeowners are not aware of. Lewis shares the following tips to get started, while offering his experience for consultations.

• When pruning an ornamental shrub or tree, it is important to pay attention to its natural form.

• Trees should never be topped — there are always alternatives.

• Poorly pruned trees are vulnerable to insect infestations.

• A good pruner knows when to stop.

• Poorly pruned trees can be corrected over time.

• Timing of pruning is not as critical as was once thought.

• A low-maintenance tree is achievable.

• Always check an arborist or prunist’s references.

Serving the Snoqualmie Valley for over 29 years

North Bend (425) 888-3896

Voted-Best of Snoqualmie Valley

2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 , 2009 & 2010

sepm-4pm u o n Hy 2nd 1 e p On. Ma

Su

13103 409th Ave SE, North Bend

44712 SE 147th Street, North Bend

42738 168th Place, North Bend

Monica Antone 425-922-2336 www.johnlscott.com/53506

Chuck Doty 206-972-8786 www.johnlscott.com/74142

Sheila Barnett 425-922-7116 www.johnlscott.com/15845

Charming & affordable hm on nearly 2 acres. 2bd w/double closets, den/office, 1 updated bath & eat-in kitchen w/pantry.

Laundry room/shop, separate 2 car garage & carport. Newer roof & hot water heater. Lovely backyard & easy I-90 access. $279,000

sepm-4pm u o n Hy 2nd 1 e p On. Ma

Inviting Riverbend rambler on a private .22 acre offers 3bd & 2 baths. Comfortable living rm with a bay window, family room & updated kitchen with maple cabinets, Pergo floors & nook.

Circular driveway, outbuilding & beautiful landscaping. $295,000

Su

sepm-4pm u o n H nd 1 Opn.eMay 2

Su

34230 SE Carmichael Street, Snoqualmie

44535 SE 142nd Place, North Bend

47515 SE 160th Street, North Bend

Noelle Blazevich 425-985-2334 www.johnlscott.com/63978

Monica Antone 425-922-2336 www.johnlscott.com/15905

Monica Antone 425-922-2336 www.johnlscott.com/60984

Wonderful 3 bd, den, 2.5 ba home backs to a greenbelt in Snoqualmie Ridge. Appealing great rm design & kitchen w/cherry cabinetry, slab granite & stainless appliances. Lovely master suite w/private bath.

Fenced backyard, deck & garage with alley access. $375,000

354403

Beautifully maintained 3bd/2.5 ba hm nestled in a cul-de-sac w/a greenbelt outlook. Fresh paint inside & out, newer carpet, wood & tile floors. Lvg rm & family room for entertaining. Gardener’s delight with a deck & patio. Enjoy the nearby lake, park & nature trails. $315,000

Riverfront living on .48 acre cul-de-sac homesite. Classic 2-story hm has 4 bd & 2.5 baths. Formal lvg/dng rms, family rm & eat-in kitchen.

Beautiful master suite w/large bath & walk-in closet. Extra finished rm in garage. Fenced backyard, deck & outbuilding. $419,000

Unique NW riverfront home! Tremendous great rm design has 3bd & 2ba. Towering windows, birch hardwoods, designer colors & custom touches throughout. Oversized master suite overlooks river.

Detached 960 asf garage/shop. Truly gorgeous setting! $445,000

www.johnlscott.com/northbend 301 W. North Bend Way, North Bend

WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM

The timeless beauty of stone

Natural stone can enhance the environment of a landscape, adding a sanctuary for any season.

down toearth earth down down toto fl owers &earth g if t s

Call about our Move-in Special “A STORAGE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS”

f lo flowers w e rs & &g i gifts fts

down to earth

FreshSpring SpringFlowers!

Flowers!

Fresh Spring Flowers!

Fresh

Climate Control & Covered R/V & Boat Storage Video Monitored Security System - Controlled Access Resident Manager Fax/UPS Pickup/Copies/Moving Supplies/Notary

fl owers & g if t s

Fresh Spring Flowers!

and other fabulous gifts...

• Soaps & Lotions andand other fabulous gifts... other fabulous gifts... • Tea Forté •Tea Cards & Gift Wrap • Fran’s Chocolates • •Tea Forté • Soaps && Lotions Forté • Soaps Lotions other fabulous gifts... • Plants • Candles Gift Wrap Wrap • Fran’s Chocolates Cards & Gift •and Fran’s Chocolates • •Cards • Tea Forté • Soaps & Lotions • •Plants • Candles Plants ••Candles • Cards & Gift Wrap Fran’s Chocolates • Plants • Candles

NO JOB TOO SMALL!!!

Trim • Carpentry Dry Wall • Painting Tile • Home Repairs Remodels • Etc.

Locally Owned

(425) 888-0001

Regist #TYSHAH945NA

353480

PROMPT RESPONSE

mail: tygheolson@hotmail.com

Feeling like a little bunny this Spring?

VasectomyCenter

20 YEARS EXPERIENCE ON THE EASTSIDE 354467

425.831.1772 • www.snoqualmieflowers.com

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

44800 S.E. North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045

we deliver 425.831.1772 we wedeliver deliver we deliver 38843 SE Newton Street, Snoqualmie 425.831.1772 425.831.1772 425.831.1772 • www.snoqualmieflowers.com 425.831.1772 38843 SE SE Newton Street, 38843 Newton Street,Snoqualmie Snoqualmie

38843 SE Newton Street, Snoqualmie 425.831.1772 • www.snoqualmieflowers.com 425.831.1772 • www.snoqualmieflowers.com

Ty’s Handyman Service

We have a Truck To renT for LocaL Moves

354614

As winter gives way to spring, we are reminded of the beauty that each season holds in the Northwest.

Our focus turns to landscaping and outdoor living as we look to create sanctuaries that are mindful of the need to conserve our natural resources as well as provide places of escape that are easily maintained.

Natural stone is a popular ingredient in both landscape and masonry applications that enhance the environment and add strength to a space. The diversity and durability of natural stone afford limitless applications, indoors and out, regardless of how much space is available, from patios to garden walls and low maintenance water features.

From the soothing colors of Pennsylvania

354616

Landscapes provide satisfying escape

Bluestone to the vibrant colors of Montana Slate, stone’s versatility allows the use of this timeless building element to blend both interior and exterior with our Northwest surroundings.

Valley residents can find a large inventory of landscape and masonry stone at Rock Mountain Products, L.L.C., in the Snoqualmie Valley for more than 10 years. Rock Mountain caters to both retail and contractor clients, and is located at 24808 N.E. Redmond-Fall City Way between Redmond and Fall City. Contact the business at (425) 837-4777.

No-Needle No-Scalpel No-Pain

Most advanced and Most comfortable Performed by Board Certified Urologists Friday evening and Saturday morning visits

• EMACULATE CLEAN UP

MANY GREAT REFERENCES AVAILABLE

www.VasectomyCenter.com Seattle•Edmonds•Eastside (425) 394-0773

342309

18 • April 28, 2010 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

Swedish Issaquah Campus, Edmonds Family Medicine & Swedish Greenlake Clinic

MT. SI

888.2155

MINI STORAGE

Buy 4 Tubers Get 1 FREE

3 Sizes Available

(425) 888-1319 NORTH BEND

of the big backhoe!

with coupon

354604

Don’t be afraiD (its really little)

354605

Dahlia Tuber Sale Saturday 11am - 5pm Sunday 11am - 5pm

We are located 1 mile down the Mt. Si Road in North Bend. Please follow the signs during business hours.

OPEN SEASONALLY

www.dahliabarn.com

Don’t let this happen to your furnace…

Give your furnace a Spring Cleaning with All Star…we’re only a phone call away!

Get a Strong Team to Pull for You I am proud to be a part of the Community and invite you to discover how I can assist you with your home financing needs.

Every equipment manufacturer recommends annual maintenance to ensure proper operation of any heating and cooling system.

That’s just half the problem.

Heidi Green, Home Mortgage Consultant 22500 SE 64th Place • Ste. 220 • Issaquah, WA 98027

10% OFF

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.© 20089 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. #58225 5/09-8/09

354036

Downtown Snoqualmie!

Combine our duct vac cleaning with any furnace tune-up and receive 10% off the entire bill.

Valley Resident since 1987 354037

Come Shop

354288

206-406-2074

A variety of contaminants can accumulate in the ductwork of your heating system. Some cause no problems…and others, such as mold and bacteria can cause health and allergy problems.

With coupon only. One per customer. Not valid with any other offers. Limited time only.

Have your furnace professionally inspected, cleaned and maintained with All Star’s Preventative Maintenance program PLUS your ductwork cleaned and we’ll give you 10% off.

“Quality, it’s a matter of pride”

www.allstar-hvac.com

425-222-7652

www.valleyrecord.com

Snoqualmie Valley Record • April 28, 2010 • 19

Boot camp builds yard care skills

Potential recruits get ready for a fun boot camp that will offer ways to learn about lawn and yard care while doing good by sprucing up a public green space.

FUN FROM 17 p.m. Monday, May 17, at Snoqualmie City Hall. Presenters will discuss the future of regional and local energy production, green building practices, water conservation, and how to save energy – and money – around the house. To learn more, contact info@ ci.snoqualmie.wa.us or (425) 888-5337.

Dance all night Dance All Night studio in North Bend offers new classes on Wednesday nights, starting May 19. Beginning Swing starts at 7:15 p.m., and Night Club Two Step Level 2 starts at 8:15 p.m.

Instructor Lupe Finch has been teaching dance classes, from salsa and rumba to waltzes and foxtrots, locally for more than 12 years. New classes start every six weeks at Alpine Fitness, 1140 E. North Bend Way. You do not need to join Alpine Fitness to take dance classes from

(NAPS)—Homeowners who need more knowledge and experience to shape up their yards can hone their skills at a special boot camp, while helping a community cultivate a greener look.

At Briggs & Stratton Corporation’s first-ever Yard Smarts Boot Camp, recruits will get their hands dirty learning yard care basics, while improving a community green space somewhere in the continental U.S. Homeowners will be selected to attend the fun, knowledge-packed weekend camp based on how creatively they express their need to gain more lawn and yard care know-how. Boot Camp hopefuls should submit a brief video or series of photos expressing their need for knowledge to www.

YardSmartsBootCamp.com. Visit the Web site for complete rules.

“Recruits” will be selected and whisked away to an undisclosed location in early

Dance All Night. Private lessons are available.

Cost is $60 per person for six weeks of classes.

To learn more, call Finch at (425) 785-6725, e-mail to info@danceallnight.net or visit www. danceallnight.net.

Coffee group for survivors The Cancer Survivors Coffee Group meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Sawdust Coffee Co., at the Factory Stores at North Bend. This group holds a casual conversation, between friends. For more information, contact Lisa Newell at newellvl@yahoo.com. The next meeting is Saturday, May 8.

Help for addiction Alcoholics Anonymous Right Side of the Tracks group meets at 9 a.m. Sundays at the Valley Center Stage, 119 E. North Bend Way. Alanon meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Hope Hall at Meadowbrook Farm.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS AT RED OAK. THAT'S EGG-ACTLY WHAT YOU NEED!

Wild Women Wild Women Music and Wine Wednesdays at the Woodman Lodge Steakhouse and Saloon, Snoqualmie.

Live ENTERTAINMENT Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend. Call (425) 292-9307.

May 1 — Bernie Jacobs May 2 — Danny Kolke Trio May 3 — Chris Stevens May 4 — Future Jazz Heads featuring Danny Kolke and special guests May 5 — Cinco de Mayo music May 6 — Chris Amemiya Sextet, “Salute to the Masters: Jazz Messengers” May 7 — Milo Petersen Trio May 8 — Bernie Jacobs Quartet May 9 — Danny Kolke Trio May 10 — Mount Si High Jazz Choir May 11 — TFMS Jazz Band May 12 — Randy Halberstadt May 13 — Chris Symer & Saul Cline May 14 — Kelly Eisenhour May 15 — Bernie Jacobs May 16 — Danny Kolke Trio May 17 — Blues with Paul Green

will learn include yard and lawn care basics such as: • Watering, fertilizing and seeding • How to mow your lawn correctly (tip: never cut your grass too short) • How to combat weeds and the best way to tackle them • The proper care of your lawn mower and other equipment.

In addition to the weekend experience, recruits will return home to new yard care equipment. Participants will receive a new lawn mower and pressure washer, as well as a $200 gift certificate toward the purchase of shovels, rakes, loppers and other basics.

For five months, the Yard Doctor will select five Boot Camp semifinalists from all submissions and post them online, where consumers will vote for that month’s top two boot camp recruits.

For more information, go to YardSmartsBootCamp.com.

May 18 — Cherlyn Johnson May 19 — Tim Kennedy May 20 — Jay Thomas & Dave Evans May 21 — Milo Petersen Trio May 22 — Bernie Jacobs May 23 — Danny Kolke Trio May 24 — Jay Roberts & Don Mock May 25 — Courtney Cutchins Quartet May 26 — Reuel Lubag May 27 — Cascade Jazz Ensemble, “Relay for Life Benefit” May 28 — Boxley Creek Band May 29 — Bernie Jacobs May 30 — Danny Kolke Trio May 31 — Bluegrass with Down the Road

Snoqualmie Casino, 37500 S.E. North Bend Way, Snoqualmie; (425) 888-1234, www.snocasino.com.

May 1 — Rumble on the Ridge X May 6 — Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg May 9 — Me & Que Huong May 13 — Bob Newhart May 14 — J J Grey with Kristen Ward May 15 — Hush Pride Party May 20 — David Sanborn May 21 — David Spade with special guest Natasha Leggero See FUN, 20

Your Natural Masonry and Landscape Stone Supplier

• Pennsylvania • River Rock Bluestone • Thin Stone Veneer • Iron Mountain Beach • Mexican Pebbles • Montana Slates Columns • Stone Tiles & • Columbia & Fountains more...

Quartzites Delivery Available • • Timeless Beauty Created with Natural Stone

Red Oak offers an apartment lifestyle for seniors who wish to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.

354542

Call for details and a personal tour.

For information or a tour call 425.888.7108 650 East North Bend Way, North Bend

fall 2010 for the weekend boot camp.

Under the guidance of nationally known Yard Doctor Trey Rogers, Ph.D., they will learn what it takes to have a great green space by applying their new knowledge and skills to improve and beautify a community green space chosen from public nominations. Anyone can suggest a community green space in need of a spruce-up.

“Our research tells us there are firsttime homeowners and young homeowners who don’t have the skills they would like to have to take care of their lawn and yard and make it look great,” explains Anita Fisher of Briggs & Stratton, the largest maker of gas engines for outdoor power equipment.

“This is a fun way to share knowledge and at the same time perform a community service project that otherwise wouldn’t get done.”

Some of the skills that boot campers

425-837-4777 • www.rockmountain.com 24808 Redmond-Fall City Rd NE Hwy 202 (across from SHELL)

353498

20 • April 28, 2010 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

FUN FROM 19 May 27 — Dave Mason with Al Stewart May 28 — Manhattan Transfer May 29 — Goo Goo Dolls with special guest Vedera Finaghty’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, 7726 Center Blvd. SE., Suite 110, located at Snoqualmie Ridge;(425)888-8833. Nintendo Wii on Monday nights starting at 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday is Team Trivia Nights starting at 9 p.m. to 11 p.m..Wednesday is Ladies Night half price drinks and appetizers. $20.00 bottles of wine. Thursday is Live Music starting at 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. Happy Hour is twice daily, 3 to 6 p.m. And 10 p.m.to 2 a.m. Live music starts at 9 p.m. For

www.valleyrecord.com

more information, visit www.finaghtys.com.

May 1 — Notorious Sensation May 5 — 3rd Annual Cinco O’Mayo Party, The Po’okela Street Band May 6 — Singer Songwriter Showcase featuring Tamara Power Drutis.

May 13 — Singer Songwriter Showcase featuring Jeff Stillwell from Dear City May 15 — Cavernous Groove May 20 — Singer Songwriter Showcase featuring Thomas Starks May 22 — HiWatt May 24 — ClearPoint Scramble after Party and Charity Auction May 28 — Petty Thief, Tom Petty tribute band The Raging River Cafe and Club, 33723 Redmond-Fall City Rd., Fall City; (425) 222-

6669, www.ragingrivercafeclub.com May 1 — Ricky Venture Revue May 7 — Tribute Night May 8 — HiWatt May 14 — Highway 9 May 15 — Knee Deep May 21 — About Face May 22 — Red Herring May 28 — CD Woodbury May 29 — Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin’ Daddies

DAILY HAPPY HOURS Ana’s Family Style Mexican Restaurant, 7713 Center Blvd. S.E., Suite 190, Snoqualmie Ridge; (425) 396-0466.

Happy hour is from 3 to 7 p.m. in the bar

only. Get well drinks for $3; Mexican beer and Heineken for $2.75; American beer for $2; wine for $2.75; margaritas for $3.25; and flavored margaritas for $3.50.

The Attic Bistro at the Salish Lodge and Spa, 6501 S.E. Railroad Ave., Snoqualmie; (425) 888-2556.

Happy hour is 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The full happy hour menu can be viewed at the Web site, www.salishlodge.com.

Guests can enjoy the music of Jarret Renshaw and his guitar from 7:30 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. Complimentary valet parking is available.

Finaghty’s Irish Pub, 7726 Center Blvd. S.E., Suite 110; (425) 888-8833 See FUN, 20

354041

Reach 15,000

hungry Valley families for 12 consecutive months for as low as $60 per month Other great rates apply for one to six consecutive month campaigns

TAKE MOM OUT FOR TAKE MOM FOR BRUNCH ATOUT ISADORA'S BRUNCH AT ISADORA'S  Lunch Served Daily  Weekend Breakfast Lunch Served Daily from 9-12  Fresh Baked Bread, from Pies and Weekend Breakfast 9-12Desserts FreshMic Baked Bread, Pies andfrom Desserts  Open every Wednesday 7 – 10 Open Mic every Wednesday from 7 – 10  Snoqualmie’s Best music venue  Snoqualmie’s Best music venue  Free Wi-Fi

 Free Wi-Fi

ISADORAS CAFE ISADORAS CAFE

Call the Valley Record 425.888.2311

(425) (425) 888—1345 888—1345

Sunday May 9th Brunch served from Sunday May 9th Brunch served from

9:00 AM until 2:30 PM

9:00 AM until 2:30 PM Open 9-4 Daily Open Check9-4 ourDaily website for special Check for special eventsour andwebsite music shows at events and music shows at www.isadorascafe.com www.isadorascafe.com

Located at 8062 Railroad Ave

Located at 8062 Railroad Ave In Snoqualmie SnoqualmieJust Justacross acrossthe the In

streetfrom fromthe thehistoric historicSnoqualSnoqualstreet mieTrain TrainDepot Depot mie 355112

Authentic Italian Cuisine “Buon Appetito!”

354599

A Romantic Experience... yet Family Friendly.

354595

e out! k a t r o n Dine i 8150 Railroad Ave SE • Snoqualmie • 425.888.6621 Dinner Mon-Sat 4:30pm - Close • Open Sundays

®

Ken’s Restaurant is now Country Pride -

®

the name has changed but not the service!

All You It’s not home-style if you can’t ask for seconds Can Eat Menu

MENU FAVORITES

New! MENU ITEMS

Country Fried Steak Reuben It’s notBig home-style if you can can’t ask for seconds.

Dinner Shrimp Platter Denver Omelet Ham Steak and Eggs Pork Chop and Eggs

Steak and Grilled Shrimp Homestyle Country Fried Steak and Eggs

I-90 Exit 34 • North Bend • (425) 888-3322

354579

Salad s N E OP ibs BBQ R 24 hrs Soups k a e t dS Panca Grille kes Omelets

www.valleyrecord.com

FUN FROM 19 Finaghty’s Happy Hour is 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

On Mondays at 9 p.m., view your favorite movie on our HDTVs and enjoy free popcorn. From 4 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, enjoy two fresh handmade tacos for $3. Tuesdays at 9 p.m., take part in Team Trivia and win cash and prizes. Starting at 9 p.m., Wii Wednesdays lets you play your favorite Nintendo Wii games. Live music happens Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Jay Berry’s Gourmet Pizza and Pasta, 456 S.W. Mount Si Blvd., North Bend; (425) 888-5501.

Happy hour is Monday through Friday, 3 to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing. Fantastic $5 menu includes artichoke and onion dip, Caesar salads, spaghetti, pizza and more.

Mount Si Pub (formerly Mount Si Tavern), 45530 S.E. North Bend Way, North Bend; (425) 831-6155.

Specials include Micro Mondays, Tightwad Tuesday $1 PBRs and Well Wednesdays. Karaoke on Saturdays starting at 9 p.m.

They also have a pool table, darts, horseshoes in the backyard and great music in the jukebox.

North Bend Bar & Grill, 145 E. North Bend Way; 888-1243.

The grill has new menu items, daily lunch specials and weekly changing dinner and desserts specials. “Recession Buster” Happy Hour is 3 to 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. to last call, Monday through Friday, bar only, with bottle beer and well drink specials. At 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, the grill serves free roasted pork tacos with purchase of adult beverage, in the bar only. Recession Buster specials include $2 pints of Hamm’s and $4 glasses of Falling Star Malbec or Merlot.

Snoqualmie Valley Record • April 28, 2010 • 21

The Riverbend Cafe, 14303 436th Ave. S.E., North Bend; (425) 888-6600 Happy Hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, draft and bottled beers are $2.50, well drinks are $3.

On Tuesday, get half off bar munchies. For Thursday Nite Football, get half off pitchers of beer. Saturday is Date Nite: get half off selected bottles of wine. Sunday Nite specials include $2.50 draft and bottled beer and $3 well drinks from 4 to 7 p.m.

Sawdust Coffee Co., at the Factory Stores at North Bend; (425) 831-7656.

From 6 to 9 a.m. on weekdays, enjoy their flavored latte specials, iced or hot.

Snoqualmie Brewery and Taproom, 8032 Falls Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie; (425) 831-2357.

Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Get $1 off beers and appetizers. A $5 lunch menu is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Brewery features a rotating Brewers Choice Series, check out their Web site for each month’s brewer’s choice. Free WiFi is available; children are always welcome.

Talay Thai, 7713 Center Blvd., Suite 150, Snoqualmie; (425) 396-5550.

Happy Hour is 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, dinein only. $2 beer and wine, $3 for all half-appetizers. Monday through Sunday, $4.95 small entrees menu.

Uncle Si’s Pizza, Snoqualmie Ridge; (425) 396-7975.

From 4 to 6 p.m., enjoy $2.50 pints.

The Pour House, 725 Main Street, North Bend; (425) 8881722.

Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.; enjoy $2 pints, $3 microbrews, $4 well drinks and $1.50 PBRs.

Uncorked Wine Bar, 7819 Center Blvd. S.E., Snoqualmie; 425-888-WINE (9463).

Happy hour is 3 to 6 and 10 to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Get $2 off all six-ounce glasses, $1 off all beer and $3 glasses of house red and white wine.

Raging River Cafe and Club, Fall City; (425) 222-6669.

All day until 6 p.m., enjoy $3.50 well drinks; $3 domestic drafts.

Woodman Lodge Steakhouse and Saloon, Snoqualmie; (425) 888-4441.

Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Declutter the closet (NAPS)—In your household, what’s the most difficult area to keep organized?

If you answered “bedroom closets,” then you’re with the solid majority.

Seasonal bedding, clothing and shoes, limited closet space and people’s general reluctance to purge old or unused items all lead to our closets being a constant mess.

Here are some tips for taking control of your closets: • Purge and donate regularly. Don’t let old or unused items take up precious space in your closet. A useful rule of thumb is anything that hasn’t been used in the past year needs to be donated.

There’s somebody your size out there who can use your old outfits, so pass them along and cut the clutter.

• Store off-season clothing and bedding. Why let your winter coats and extra bedding crowd out your summer dresses and lighter blankets, and vice versa?

Season-specific items don’t need to take up space in your

closet year-round. Use spring and fall cleaning seasons as opportunities to move seasonal items into another storage area. If extra storage space is at a premium, you can store clothing and extra bedding under your bed, or in the garage, attic and basement by packing them in Space Bag vacuum-seal storage packs. These packs not only compress items enough to triple your storage space, they protect from dirt, dust, moisture, mildew and odors, so you can store them almost anywhere.

• Maximize storage space.

If your cluttered appearance is due to a lack of space, there are easy ways to make the most of the space you have.

Hanging a second rod below your closet’s original hanging rod will give you plenty of extra space to hang shorter items. You can hang shelves in the upper half of your closet to accommodate folded items, and if shoes are taking over, consider an over-door or under-bed organizer.

Lake Sammamish Views $875,000

Beautiful Mt Si Views $789,000

Luxury Lodge Feeling $787,000

Beautiful Buchan Home $725,000

Fantastic Floor Plan $699,000

Your dream home is waiting! 4BR/3.5BA home w/beach access! Remodeled Kitchen-slab granite counters, high end stainless appliances, beautiful Cherry cabinetry, island bar.

Nook, Family Room, extra bedroom & Rec Room...plus AC!! #29111905

3250 sf home on 5 acres! 2 story entry, wrought iron railing, gleaming hardwoods.

Superb Kitchen...slab granite counters, double ovens, 5 burner gas cooktop, wine bar. Master Suite retreat w/fireplace, Cherry cabinetry & jetted tub. #47531

Issaquah Luxury Lodge-Style on 5 acres.

A true retreat-yet 5 min to I-90. Giant stone fireplace anchors Great Room w/2 story vaulted ceilings. , fully loaded...You must see! Privacy w/proximity! #3901

Spacious 4BR/3.5BA on the end of a cul de sac! Formal Living Room w/fireplace--get ready to relax. Kitchen you’ll love! Family room w/corner fireplace. Bonus room, guest suite, den! Washer & dryer included!

5K toward closing costs!! #55630

Beautiful sweeping staircase greets you!

Large den for your office. Sunroom is a huge addition you’ll love. Natural light drenches this home! Kitchen you’ll enjoy cooking in! Unique Master on own level.

Temp controlled wine cellar! #45351

Lois Schneider 425-985-4757

Stacey Chellis 425-301-8939

Lois Schneider 425-985-4757

Lois Schneider 425-985-4757

Lois Schneider 425-985-4757

Mountain Views & Acreage $524,900

Summer Meadows $449,950

Snoqualmie Ridge Townhome $319,000

Lovely Carnation Rambler $305,000

Cameray/Plateau $212,000

Great opportunity to enjoy a fantastic home nestled on 4.92 pvt acres. Versatile floor plan is great for entertaining family and friends.

Amazing views of the Olympics. Fenced area has room & shelter for horses. Out building w/loft. #51977

Lovely, newer home with classic 2 story floorplan is move-in ready. Spacious rooms & huge Master. Fenced yard. Small, quiet neighborhood near shops & schools with easy I-90 access and the best Issaquah Schools. #38397

Spacious & stunning...this 3 bedroom townhome w/office area won’t last long. 1,750 square ft-immaculate & move-in ready.

Gorgeous kitchen w/ hardwood floors, granite counters & stainless steel appl. Too many features to list! #46127

3 br + bonus rm/den/1.5 ba/1530 sf. Movein ready! Tile floors in entry and kitchen. Pellet stove. Large laundry/mud rm.

Beautifully landscaped fully fenced yd. with large shed. Alley access. Lots of offstreet parking. Walk to town! #45315

WOW! Rarely available bright end unit in Cameray. Beautiful 1 bedrm 1 bath condo in move-in condition. All appliance’s are included. Easy access to I-90 & 520.

Hurry....don’t miss out on the $8,000 tax credit. #43376

Don Facciolo 425-213-6917

Jean Feilen 425-830-6753

Stacey Chellis 425-301-8939

Linnea Fulton 425-961-5351

Don Facciolo 425-213-6917

341453

P Previews International. Upper-end properties in the top 10%.

Your North Bend & Eastside Real Estate Experts: 425-391-5600 / 800-927-5340 • 1151 NW Samm. Rd., Issaquah