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BANK ROBBER | FBI releases photo of man who robbed Key Bank on Juanita Drive [9]
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Feeding the hungry | Rotary Club of FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012 Kirkland members help non-profit [18]
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Best of Kirkland | Reporter announces contest winners [11-13]
Keeping Boaters, residents speak out on noise his faith City seeks a way to make both sides happy, marine patrol has limits BY MATT PHELPS mphelps@kirklandreporter.com
Vigil for missing boy draws more than 60 people to Heritage Park in Kirkland BY MATT PHELPS mphelps@kirklandreporter.com
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usic filled Heritage Park in Kirkland Sunday night as the sun drifted behind the Seattle skyline in the distance. More than 60 people were on hand for “A Night for Sky” to pray for the safe return of now 3-year-old Sky Metalwala and lend support to the boy’s father Solomon Metalwala. But the calm scene, on the sixmonth anniversary of his
disappearance, was in stark contrast to the anxiety that his father and family has faced. “We need to keep the story alive,” said Jesse Mayor, a friend of Solomon who is the administrator of the Find Sky Facebook page. “I know that this event is going to keep it in front of people. Everyone has a reach and we need to get everyone to see Sky’s face.” The event was organized by City Church of Kirkland and Belltown, in Seattle, of [ more VIGIL page 3 ]
Above, Solomon Metalwala stands among friends in Heritage Park in Kirkland during a vigil for his missing 3-year-old son Sky Metalwala Sunday. The vigil marked the six-month anniversary of the boy’s disappearance. Below, members of City Church in Kirkland and Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, hold candles and pray for Sky Metalwala. MATT PHELPS, Kirkland Reporter
Patrolling Lake Washington is a big job - 33.8 square miles big. On any given day, the King County Sheriff ’s Marine Patrol has just one boat on the lake. The department has the ability to deploy up to five boats but that is reserved for special events such as the Fourth of July. The Mercer Island Police Department’s Marine Patrol and the Coast Guard pitch in for events such as Seafair. But it all costs money. “We have resources to address the problems,” said King County Sheriff Sgt. Jim Kanauss. “We only do one boat most days to help the budget.” But the priority for the sheriff ’s department is safety. A recent meeting at Kirkland City Hall between the King County Sheriff ’s Office (KCSO), Kirkland police, Kirkland
city staff, residents and boat owners, was aimed at coming to a compromise on the noise pollution of which some Kirkland residents have grown tired. Doyne Alward, who participated in the meeting, is steadfast in her desire for a noise ordinance. As a Juanita Bay Park ranger volunteer, she often gives tours of the bay to families and children. “I have to talk over the boats to talk to people,” said Alward, noting the noise disrupts her volunteer work and the wildlife. Alward was one of about 50 Kirkland residents and boaters who participated in the meeting. Kirkland resident Steve Diederichs said, “Anything that drives you inside your house,” was too loud. Many people agreed with his response. “It’s a big conversation [ more NOISE page 10 ]
A mother’s lasting gift for the graduate: a website full of wisdom BY PEGGY KUNKEL UW News Lab
Elaine Werffeli wanted to give her son Ryan something meaningful when he graduates this spring from University Prep in Seattle. The answer was a website – filled with wisdom for the future. The Kirkland mom launched “Gems of Insight” on April 24. “The catalyst for me was what’s meaningful that I can pass on to Ryan,” said Werffeli, who
works in the online services division at Microsoft. “If Ryan had the insights, the benefit of people who’d gone before him, this would be a meaningful lasting gift; if only I’d known then what I know now.” Werffeli’s quest for “the gift” grew when she and her family -- husband Claude, Ryan and daughter Julianna -- were in the car together doing college tours. Along the way, they met people excited about Ryan going off on his own. They’d say,
“Let me give you a piece of advice.” The idea of a website emerged. Werffeli recalls, “It was the realization the world doesn’t revolve around just what I think. I began thinking—it’d be real cool to get other people involved--If there’s a place to collect those pieces of information.” She elaborates: “When I think about pieces of advice … I think of them as gems-ordinary people like you and me sharing insights.”
After the family returned home, the idea lay dormant for awhile. Then the school year began flying by and Werffeli thought, “Oh my gosh! We’re starting to (note) the last of things: the last homecoming dance, the last semester. I realized, I’d better get started.” [ more MOM page 9 ]
Gems of Insight founder Elaine Werffeli and son Ryan. CONTRIBUTED