The Best Of... - Snoqualmie Valley 2014

2014

Best of Snoqualmie Valley Look inside to see your voting results!

A supplement to the Snoqualmie Valley Record

10 • March 26, 2014 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

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Burgermeister

North Bend Mayor and business Ken Hearing gets double nod from readers

T

he secret to making a good burger, according to Scott’s Dairy Freeze owner Ken Hearing, sounds a lot like advice to elected officials.

“Paying attention,” Hearing says, is how a worker can get a consistently cooked, reliably juicy hamburger into a customer’s hands, and it seems to be his approach to running a city, too. Now in his third term as North Bend Mayor, Hearing won the Best of the Valley reader poll for both Best Elected Official, and for Best Burger. He’s got a little more experience in the burger category, since he’s owned Scott’s since 1990, and only been the mayor “10 years, two months, and 21 days,” but he also got a crash course in civic involvement, way back then.

It was around 1988, and the city had begun putting medians in on North Bend Way. Hearing’s active and vocal opposition to the medians earned him an invitation from then-Mayor Chris Lodahl.

“He said if I was going to be a pain in the (rear) I should join the planning commission,” Hearing said with a laugh. And it worked. “I’ve used that myself — if you’re going to be a pain, go to work!”

While on the planning commission, he developed the taste for city KEN HEARING government. His goal in joining had been to delay or reverse the economic blight he saw then in downtown North Bend. After 10 years on the planning commission, he decided to resign his seat and run for mayor. One of his first acts of office was to replace himself on the planning commission, he recalled.

Although he still hasn’t fully addressed the business blight problem, Hearing says he’s accomplished most of his original goals and then some, including obtaining water rights for the city, and stopping further development on septic systems until sewer systems were in place. It was also his goal to unify North Bend’s and Snoqualmie’s police forces.

He has an advantage when it comes to staying in touch with his constituents, and the name of that advantage is Scott’s, nearly unchanged since the 50s. At some point, everyone in town ends up at the burger joint downtown.

“People walk up to the counter, and if they see me, they want to talk politics,” he said. “If I’m able, I’ll stop and talk politics.”

Sometimes, though, he has to be paying more attention to the food on the flame, so he also makes a point of accepting as many invitations as he gets, to speak, to network, or just to a party.

“At the grocery stores, too,” he says. “I try to be as many places as I can be. I think that’s the part of the job that’s probably the hardest… but that’s where you learn where your constituents want. You listen to them.”

North Bend Bar and Grill: Consistently tops Fans of the North Bend Bar & Grill, (and there are many) have once again put the restaurant at or near the top of the list in several categories in the Valley Record’s Best of the Valley reader survey. This year, the NBBG was chosen Best Bar and Best Restaurant, and was a finalist for Best Brunch. We asked Liz Vollbrecht, a 10-year employee and general manager for the past five years, about what makes the place stand out for customers.

How long has the North Bend Bar & Grill been around? “We have been here 16 years, since 1998 and would like to thank all our great customers for their continued patronage.”

How many people do you serve, and what’s your most popular menu item? “We are lucky enough to serve approximately 3,500 meals a week. Most tables have a meal, and only about 40 percent of customers are bar-only patrons. We are known for our prime rib dinner; people rave that it is the best they have ever had!”

How would you describe the North Bend Bar and Grill, for someone who’s never been there before? “We are proud to be your neighborhood restaurant for the past 16 years. We feature big, comfortable, creative food, a unique beer and drink menu, friendly, local staff, and we’re located in the foothills of the mountains. Come by and say hi, we have a seat waiting for you.”

Mary Miller Photo

Former North Bend Police Chief Mark Toner looks over the parapet at Boxley’s during the 2013 North Bend Block Party. He was voted best police officer in the Best of the Valley poll.

The community approach

T

Former North Bend chief Mark Toner voted top cop

his year’s top-rated police officer is a repeat offender, former North Bend Police Chief Mark Toner. Earlier this month, North Bend transitioned to a Snoqualmie Police contract, and Sgt. Toner was reassigned to a patrol area.

He’s been in law enforcement for 29 years, the last four and a half in North Bend, and he shared his thoughts on community policing from a vacation beach spot last week: Community Policing - I see this phrase in two separate parts, not just one. Many folk feel that it is the police getting out in the community and being seen, taking care of business, and being responsive to community requests. That’s not a bad start, but it is a long way from where it can be. Instead of the narrow definition I take each word separately, beginning with “community.”

Without the community’s involvement, policing is just enforcement. Sounds kinda thuggish, don’t you think?

My route has been to gain as much community participation as possible at all aspects. We need their input to help prioritize issues, but they need our input to do the same. It is easy for me to go after the bad guys but I can’t ignore the speed zones, stop sign violators, and even parking complaints that citizens SGT. MARK TONER voice. Likewise, the vast majority of the community is generally unaware of crime trends unless it directly affects them.

This was the nexus of our monthly community meetings. Education of both parties is a huge step in community policing. This is the same reason that I made every effort to respond to 100 percent of my e-mails and phone calls, even if they weren’t directed at me.

(I know, I didn’t get 100 percent, but that was more of a competence issue than intent).

SEE POLICE OFFICER, 15

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Help from the heart Best Community Volunteers chosen by Record readers

BY CAROL LADWIG Staff Reporter

The question of why never comes up in conversations with the Valley’s top volunteers. The reasons they work so hard, on Relay for Life, on Fall City Days, on the Festival at Mount Si and on preserving local organizations and activities, is simple, obvious even: It’s what you do when you live in a community.

“I answer most questions ‘why not?’ not ‘why,’ when people ask me to do something,” says Nels Melgaard, who readers of the Valley Record chose as one of the best community volunteers in this year’s Best of the Valley survey. “I’m just available, I do what I can.”

Bev Jorgensen, a North Bend resident and chairperson for this year’s Relay for Life event, says, “I want to be a volunteer, that’s my passion. I want to help. If I could afford to just be a volunteer and not do anything else, then I would devote my life to that.”

“I (was) the child that comes with the volunteer,” said Angela Donaldson of Fall City, who grew up doing community work with her parents, Kevin and Laurie Hauglie. “It’s part of our family spirit, we are always volunteering.”

Melgaard, Jorgensen and Donaldson were the runaway choices for best community volunteer this year. Jorgensen received the most votes, closely followed by Melgaard and Donaldson in a tie.

While each of them is well-known for a particular event — Relay for Jorgensen, the Sallal Grange for Melgaard, and the kiddie parades of Fall City Days and the Festival at Mount Si for Donaldson — their community connections are both broad and deep.

Jorgensen, a widowed mother of five grown children and a PartyLite consultant, regularly raises funds or other donations for organizations like the local food bank, or families who need help with medical Her work with Relay is very important, she says, because of all the good it does Life’s bills, Too etc.

Short...

Snoqualmie Valley Record • March 26, 2014 • 11

— the 18-hour American Cancer Society walkathon raises funds for all types of cancer research and has funded key prevention initiatives such as anti-tobacco campaign and mammogram awareness — and because of the good it allows her to do.

“Since I’m wearing this Relay face a lot more lately,” she says, she’s frequently approached by people she doesn’t know, asking her to pray for their recently diagnosed family members. “Everybody in this community, whether I know their name or not, everybody has been affected by cancer,” she said. “I feel I’ve been able to provide a little bit of an outlet for people, a little bit of a go-to, and a little bit of a hope.”

Melgaard, forced to limit his active community work for the past two years while fighting colon cancer, strives to be there for people, too.

“I call it working with others, being involved,” he said. “It’s no mystery to a lot of people in the Valley that I’ve been clean and sober for the last BEV JORGENSEN, NAMED 29 years… and I’m present in the lives of others who are struggling…

BEST VALLEY VOLUNTEER sometimes coordinating assistance to them, sometimes counseling…”

He’s somewhat reluctant to be recognized as a community volunteer, because he’s been unable to do a lot during his illness. A husband, father of two, and business-owner, he is also co-founder of the youth Snoqualmie Valley Wrestling Club, and part of the group who re-chartered the Sallal Grange in 2009, but he’s had to limit his activity with those groups. He says he rarely works with at-risk youth any more, either. “I just be, and people show up,” he said.

Melgaard is still willing to do what he, and frequently his business, can do for the community. “If my name is synonymous with The Nursery at Mount Si, well the nursery doesn’t say no often to any organization that wants to do something,” he said.

No is not a word that comes easily for Donaldson, either, but she’s learned to use it over years of volunteering, and occasionally being overwhelmed by it.

“To be an effective volunteer, you have to choose your priorities well,” she said. For herself, that meant family first, her clients at Hauglie Insurance Agency next, and finally, her community.

SEE VOLUNTEERS, 14

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12 • March 26, 2014 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

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Growing your business

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Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce voted Best Organization to Join

t’s there in the numbers. Since the first of the year, the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce has added 45 new members, bringing the total membership to 305. Readers in the Valley Record’s Best of the Valley poll knew it already, choosing the Chamber as the Best Organization to Join.

And everyone can join the chamber. We have non-profit, for-profit and individual members,” said Nate Perea, Chamber Executive Director. “Usually when we have individuals join, they’re very community-minded people. They want to be a part of contributing to the community,” he added.

For those who thought the Chamber was just an organization to help businesses promote themselves, think again. Business exposure and networking opportunities are distinct benefits of membership, says Perea, but so are opportunities to develop and improve the community, such as through service projects coordinated by Chamber groups like the Valley Young Professionals.

Plus, “We do a lot of business education opportunities,” says Perea.

The newly updated website, “which I believe shatters the model,” lists many inexpensive online training courses and, “we’ve also revamped our in-person training opportunities.” Monthly breakfast meetings provide information about creating powerful presentations, the psychology of sales, and using social media to grow business, and have been getSNOQUALMIE VALLEY CHAMBER OF ting a steady response from memCOMMERCE CEO NATE PEREA bers.

Combined with their regular luncheon meetings and the more informal “after-hours” events, the breakfast sessions offer something for members at each time of day. It’s all part of Perea’s plans to grow the chamber to the right size.

“I was very intentional when I took over this chamber of how we wanted to grow,” he said.

It started with a new culture at the Chamber, an “abundant mindset” and a welcoming environment. He tries to make sure that all prospective new members get to meet with himself and/or Chamber staff before joining, so they can feel welcome and included. He’s also watchful for the danger of growing too big, too fast, saying growth is good, unless “you can’t deliver on what they’re looking for.”

So far, the Chamber has been delivering, both to its members and to Perea, who will have his one-year anniversary on the job on April 1.

“There’s not many jobs you can get to support the entire community, when every day you go to work to try to make the community better,” he said.

Learn more about the Chamber’s work at www.snovalley.org.

Seth Truscott/Staff Photo

Gwendolyn Kahsen hangs on to a scampering Little Red the hen, during the Amazing Pets contest at the 2013 Festival at Mount Si. The Festival was named Best community event once again.

Official best backyard Si View: The Best Festival in the Best Park

BY CAROL LADWIG

S

Staff Reporter

i View Park and Community Center was our readers’ choice for the Best Park in the Valley. The 75 year-old facility is a hub for many community events, including this year’s Best Festival, the Festival at Mount Si, or Alpine Days, if you prefer, so we asked Si View’s Minna Rudd, and Festival organizer Jill Masssengill about what makes them special.

Rudd: I think some of the things that make Si View special are, first off, its 75-year long history as the heart of our community. If you or your family have been a long-time Snoqualmie Valley resident, then Si View is typically associated with a positive memory in your life. Time and time again, residents stop by our office sharing childhood memories of swim lessons, basketball games and community celebrations, activities they experienced in their youth and are now eager to share with their grandchildren.

Another reason is that, unlike other public services, we have face-to-face interaction with our

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patrons and it makes the experience personable and also adaptable to their needs. Community input has been and will continue to be the guiding principle for all our projects from programming to capital improvements. With that comes strong feeling of ownership and support from the community, making Si View truly everyone’s community center.

Lastly, we’re a special purpose district, so we’re solely focused on providing great park and recreation service for our community. We are thrilled to see our community grow and thrive, and both our staff and elected officials are committed to enhancing the quality of the community’s life through recreation programs.

Massengill: I think we moved the festival from Gardiner Weeks park in 2005. It had been located at the Senior center for years… I took over the planning in 2000 and grew the festival to a point that it really did not fit well in and around the senior center any more. One of the committee members suggested Si View and we all wholeheartedly agreed. We moved it suddenly one year and never looked back.

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Business

Real Estate Agency

Winner: John L. Scott Finalists: ReMax, Summit Real Estate Group

Real Estate Agent

Winner: Tessa Wyrsch Finalists: David Cook, Rob McFarland

Retailer

Winner: Birches Habitat Finalists: Selah Gifts; North Bend ACE Hardware

Storage

Winner: Snoqualmie Ridge Storage Finalists: Ole Cedar Mill, Cascade Storage

Tax Services

Winner: Krona and Krona Finalists: Lisa Cole and Associates; H&R Block; Brown and Sterling

Unique Gifts Winner: Birches Habitat Finalists: Selah Gifts, Down to Earth

Financial Services

Winner: Sno Falls Credit Union Finalists: Jeff Warren-State Farm; Edward Jones/North Bend

Handyman

Winner: Ty Olson, Ty’s Handyman Service Finalists: Mr. K’s Construction; Rob Wargi

Hardware/Home and Garden

Winner: North Bend ACE Hardware Finalists: Carmichael’s True Value; The Nursery at Mount Si

Home-based Business

Winner: Mr. Milo’s Services Finalists: Denise Atkinson-Heritage Gifts; Shear Elegance

Home Cleaning Services

Winner: The Cleaning Authority Finalists: Kirby Cleaning Services; Louise Wall-Northwest Premium Services

Insurance

Winner: Hauglie Insurance Agency, Inc. Finalist: Jeff Warren-State Farm; Ken Rustad-State Farm

Living

Best Local Farm

Winner: The Nursery at Mount Si Finalists: Bybee Farms Blueberry Farm; Remlinger Farms

Best Park

Winner: Si View Park, North Bend Finalists: EJ Roberts Park, North Bend; Centennial Fields, Snoqualmie

Favorite Event Winner: Festival at Mount Si Finalists: North Bend Block Party; Snoqualmie Railroad Days

Place of Worship

Winner: Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Finalists: Our Lady of Sorrows; Church on the Ridge

Place to Work

Winner: Peak Sports and Spine Finalists: Sno Falls Credit Union; Kirby Nelson Orthodontics

Preschool

Winner: North Bend Montessori Finalists: Rooster Valley Farm School; Spark at IGNITE Dance and Yoga

Services

Pet Grooming

Winner: U Dirty Dog, North Bend Finalists: Mount Si Pet Salon at ACE; Pet Place Market

Nails

Winner: Snoqualmie Valley Nails

Place for Family Outing

Winner: Scott’s Dairy Freeze

Finalists: Snoqualmie Falls; Cedar River Watershed Education Center

Finalists: North Bend Bar and Grill; Herfy’s, Snoqualmie

Golf

Winner: North Bend Bar and Grill

Finalists: Cascade Golf; TPC at Snoqualmie Ridge

Children’s Activity

Finalists: Pour House; The Attic at the Salish Lodge and Spa

Finalists: Kidz Bounce; IGNITE Dance & Yoga

Winner: Chang Thai and Pho

Winner: Si View Metro Parks

Health

Physical Therapy

People

Chiropractic

Winner: Straight Chiropractic Finalists: Brad Kaasa; Benjamin Britton

Dentist

Winner: Kelly Garwood Finalists: Kerry Bailey; Carson Calderwood

Doctor

Winner: Mount Si Sports + Fitness

Best Photographer

Finalists: Sno Ridge Crossfit; Snoqualmie YMCA

Finalists: Brenda Huckle-Genuine Image; Joy Baunsgard-Photography by Joy

Winner: Heather Ryan, Healing Garden

Service Station

Winner: Wyrsch’s Shell Finalists: North Bend 76 Station; Safeway Gas

Fitness Venue

Store Owner

Winner: Wendy Thomas, Carmichael’s True Value Finalists: Shelly Woodward-Selah Gifts; Nancy Wray-Birches Habitat

Teacher

Finalists: Tiffany Cottrell; Nicole Braithwaite

Finalists: Tricia and Jen and Rooster Valley Farm School; Kate Bergen at Spark

Food/Entertainment

Winner: Ken Hearing, North Bend Mayor

Winner: North Bend Bar and Grill

Finalists: Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson; North Bend City Councilman David Cook

Restaurant

Finalists: Woodman Lodge Steakhouse and Saloon; Boxley’s Place

Romantic Place

Winner: North Bend Animal Clinic

Finalists: Boxley’s; Gianfranco Ristorante Italiano

Finalists: Dr. Mike Treuting; Snoqualmie Ridge Veterinary Hospital

Bar

Winner: North Bend Bar and Grill

Auto Services

Finalists: The Pour House; Finaghty’s Irish Pub

Finalists: Chaplins North Bend Chevrolet; Model Garage, Fall City

Winner: Frankie’s Pizza

Winner: Brown and Sterling

Finalists: Sean Absher, Snoqualmie Police Dept.; Steve McCulley, Snoqualmie Police Chief

Winner: Sally Rankin-Gabel, North Bend Montessori

Winner: The Attic at Salish Lodge and Spa

Law Firm

Police Officer

Winner: Mark Toner, King County Sheriff’s Dept.

Licensed Massage Therapist

Veterinarian

Winner: North Bend Automotive

Live Music

Winner: Boxley’s Place

Finalists: Edge Physical Therapy; North Bend Physical Therapy

Finalists: Destiny by Design; Acacia Salon

Finalists: Sno-Valley Senior Center; Mount Si Transitional Health Center

Finalists: Got Rice; Yum Yang

Finalists: The Black Dog; Finaghty’s Irish Pub

Hair Salon

Senior Health Care

International Cuisine

Winner: Peak Sports/John Zanas

Winner: Dr. Maurice Doerffer

Winner: Red Oak Residence

Happy Hour

Winner: Mount Si Golf Course

Finalists: Dr. John Gray; Joanna Hagen ARNP

Winner: Mary Miller Photography

Hamburger

Winner: Rattlesnake Lake

Finalists: North Bend Nails; Diamond Nails, Snoqualmie Ridge

Winner: Bella Vita Spa & Salon

Reader’s choice awards: winners & finalists

Pizza

Finalists: Uncle Si’s Pizza; Papa Murphy’s Pizza

Coffee

Winner: Huxdotter’s

City Councilor or Mayor

Firefighter

Winner: Brian Busby, Snoqualmie Finalists: Bob Venera, North Bend; Kelly Gall, Snoqualmie

Grocery or Store Cashier

Winner: Roger Cleven, North Bend QFC Finalists: Liaqat Ahmed Sheikh at Safeway; Richard Sparks at North Bend QFC

Local Non-Profit

Winner: Encompass Northwest Finalists: The Food Bank; Sallal Grange

City Employee

Winner: Dan Marcinko, Snoqualmie

Finalists: Pearson Law Firm; Donna Campbell

Finalists: Pioneer Coffee Co.; Wanted Espresso

Favorites

Dessert

Finalists: Mark Pray, North Bend; Gina Estep, North Bend

Organization to Join

Finalists: Scott’s Dairy Freeze; George’s Bakery

Community Volunteer

Winner: Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce

Brunch

Finalists: Snoqualmie Valley Relay for Life; Sallal Grange

Winner: Swirl

Winner: Salish Lodge and Spa Finalists: North Bend Bar and Grill; Mount Si Golf Course

Winner: Bev Jorgensen

Finalists: Nels Melgaard; Angela Donaldson

Photo credit: On the cover, this page, “Mountain Meadows” by Georgia Gagliardi

14 • March 26, 2014 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

Snoqualmie’s Dan Marcinko gets nod for Best City Employee

D

an Marcinko, Snoqualmie’s friendly, enthusiastic Public Works Director, was named Best City Employee in the 2014 Best of the Valley poll.

The ex-Midwesterner joined the city team in March of 2009, and has overseen the ongoing transformation of the historic downtown, among many projects and duties. Below, he shares his approach and philosophy.

How did you get drawn into Public Works and a city career?

“I was originally drawn into public works by accident. I was working for Palumbo Brothers out of Chicago (construction field) and my wife and I agreed I needed a more stable job with only 40 hours each week. I applied for a job with the city of McHenry in Illinois and they hired me as the city engineer.

I pursued my master’s in business administration and become the assistant director of public works for McHenry and then soon became the eirector when the incumbent retired.”

What do you like about your job?

“I have the distinct pleasure of really enjoying my job. I love what I do. What do I do, you ask? I work for the residents and try to improve their daily lives by

preserving the community from an infrastructure need to the trails and parks they use hopefully on a daily basis. I find comfort in working with residents and they allow me a DAN MARCINKO, small view into CITY PUBLIC WORKS their lives in an effort to see if DIRECTOR there is something I can do to make a difference. I am not a typical government employee in the sense that I carry with me a cando attitude and get-it done atmosphere about me.

I have a true passion to help people and plan/organize for the city’s future growth and infrastructure maintenance needs.

Working for a beautiful, small community nestled in the foothills like Snoqualmie is very rewarding. Assisting the public with their needs and seeing results of a collaborative effort between the city council and the staff as we develop and build the community together has distinct advantages of accomplishment.”

What is your philosophy of service?

My philosophy: Government should provide necessary services to its citizens with honesty and professionalism at reasonable costs. Although the range of services is diverse, the following principles guide our efforts: • Provide the least intrusive government that serves the best interest of all citizens.

• Encourage citizen participation in government and promote public trust

Open communicator: Sally Rankin-Gabel, best teacher

and accountability.

• Administer a government that is competent and responsive to citizens’ needs while understanding its obligation to taxpayers.

• Adhere to a strong work ethic, promoting high productivity with reasonable workloads.

• Foster an economic, social and physical environment that allows individual citizens and businesses to realize their potential.

• Administer city government with comp8assion and fairness.

“I’m just shocked,” Sally Rankin-Gabel said when she learned that she has won both Best Preschool again, as well as Best Teacher in the Valley, beating out teachers at local elementary, middle and high schools.

Rankin-Gabel takes a moment to ponder where all this devotion from her families at North Bend Montessori, where she’s taught for 17 years, comes from.

“I feel like I’m in tune with what the parents want for their children,” she said. RankinGabel believes in open communication between teachers, parents and kids.

“I look at what their needs are, what their learning style is,” she said. And, she still gets excited about learning. Rankin-Gabel says she’s definitely got her professional side, but has fun getting goofy, sometimes. “I’m like a SALLY RANKIN-GABEL big kid myself,” she said.

Rankin-Gabel lives in North Bend and graduated from Mount Si High School in 1987. Today, she teaches 23 students. She keeps a big book of memories, and has counted her students—over 17 years, she has taught 380 Valley children.

What do you think a public works boss should do for citizens?

“A public works director is responsible for managing many different projects and facilities funded by the city. The goal is to make the community a better place to live. These projects and facilities are broad in scope and include parks, road construction, and water quality maintenance to mention only a few. It is the public works eirector’s job to develop and lead a sound team that contributes to a high quality of life.”

VOLUNTEERS FROM 11

If you could inform people about one issue as a city employee, what would it be?

“I wish residents would not vote against school or government bonds/levies. If people do not agree with what is being asked, all I would request is get involved in your local government or school organization and work with the people you have elected.

The city council are folks the citizens elected and are well-informed with the decision making and needs of the community for infrastructure. As well, the school district Board is also very knowledgeable of what our students need to have a valuable educational experience.

Thanks for Voting!

Thank you for voting us “Best in the Valley”!

Snoqualmie Valley Clinic • 38700 SE River St #400 • Snoqualmie 425-888-2299 • www.snovalleyclinic.com

1.800.2.SALISH • salishlodge.com

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Thank you for voting for us in the Best of the Valley!

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• • • • • • •

Nursery & Garden Center Lawn & Landscape Paint & Sundries Thank you Sporting Goods for voting Pet Supplies for us!

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Ty’s Handyman Service

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So you’ll often find her helping with something that’s a combination of those priorities, like the kiddie parades that her children can participate in, or, on the far end of the fun spectrum, updating the King County comprehensive plan.

“I’ve got my roots here and I plan to stay here in the long run and also be a business owner and have my kids go to school here, so the comp plan affects all of us,” she explained. So, when the opportunity to give feedback on the county’s comp plan, directing development in unincorporated areas of the county like Fall City, came along, she took it. “I want to see Fall City be a great place to live for my kids.”

Her big-picture view also led Donaldson to the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce, where she has been a past board member and secretary, and would happily serve on the board again, if asked.

“I’ve never grown so much,” she said of her time on the board.

“It just really solidified everything we do in the Valley. The chamber is not just about business. It’s about protecting our valley from east to west.”

Asked what makes a good volunteer, the three agreed that they had to be motivated from the heart.

Jorgensen recalled her previous work with the Snoqualmie Valley School District, which allowed her to try many volunteer roles, she said. There, as always, she chose the work that would most directly affect people, specifically, the schoolchildren. “If I’m not helping somebody, then I don’t want to do it,” she said.

“Work on something you’re passionate about,” says Donaldson, both for your sake and that of your fellow volunteers. “That’s with anything in life. If you’re going to put your time and energy into it, put 100 percent in…. if you’re willing to play a part in something as important as volunteering, do it for something that’s important enough for you, because if you don’t, you’re going to burn out the other volunteers.”

Melgaard says just look around, and you’ll find a great volunteer.

“I (voted for wrestling club co-founder) Joe Marenko on that survey,” he said. “I think of Larry (Houch) and Leah (Aichele). Larry is the Grange master. I think they’ve got 30 hours a week, honestly, plus every Tuesday, they set up the table and do the dairy drive at QFC … there’s Bev Jorgensen, Deanna Haverfield, Mary Miller, they’re just present, Jill Massengill… Chris Garcia… Rob McFall… the PTSAs are doing amazing work, and the Teen Closet, that’s an awesome program that we have in the Valley! I don’t know whose garage is stacked with all those clothes…”

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North Bend Ace Hardware

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mail: tygheolson@hotmail.com

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Thank you for voting for Frankie’s as Best Pizza for the last 11 years.

Celebrating 25 years in the Valley!

variety it offers has given me the depth to do what I do. I’ve worked patrol, street drugs, vice, sex crimes, burglary, robbery, and homicide — each a specialty unit that allowed me Through direct correspondence with the to focus on that area to gain expertise and people, our communication was clear, conbecome a much more well-rounded officer. cise and accurate. After these communicaMy time as a city chief was much more tions, we rarely had any dispute — we may rewarding than I could have imagined. It was still have differed in our opinions, but we the first time that I was able to focus on one respected each other’s positions and were able specific community rather than on one parto move on. ticular crime. It did much to demonstrate that Lets take the second word - Policing. While most folks are good, hard-working people enforcement is a large part of our duties, how who support and appreciate our efforts. The we get there is up to each cop. Again, educafriends that I’ve developed here will last a tion is essential. For an examlong time. ple, if I were to arrest every My new position is worklaw violator, the jails would ing in our southeast precinct, be full, the city coffers would night shift. I’ll be covering be empty, and people would everything between Issaquah be in fear of cops — after all, and Enumclaw, from Renton everyone speeds a little bit, to Greenwater. It’s a huge area don’t they? Instead, by using and it will be difficult to tie education and friendly but into the communities as I firm warnings, we can avert have done here, particularly Mark Toner, former North Bend violations, save money, and on night shift. In my spare Police Chief build trust and friendships. time I’ll be managing the Community policing isn’t Sheriff ’s K-9 unit. I’m looking driving around with blackedforward to learning new skills in that area as out windows to avoid the public; it isn’t handwell. cuffing a bad guy for jaywalking or voicing So much for quietly riding off into the sunhis First Amendment right. It is building and set, eh? Keep in touch — my cell phone and relying on mutual trust that makes it work. email will remain the same. I may not answer We need to work together. in the daytime if I’m sleeping, but I’ll always I’ve been on since early 1985, so it’ll be 29 be ready to help my friends in and around years next month. It’s a great job and I’d do North Bend. it again tomorrow if I had to start all over.

Take care. Thanks for everything. You are KCSO has been a great department and the good folk.

“My time as a city chief was much more rewarding than I could have imagined.”

Thank you for your continued support!

BEST OF 2014

Heather Ryan, LMP License #MA00024159

Martina Kowalke, LMP License #MA60110624

Kristi Madsen-Cason

Snoqualmie Valley

License #MA60250150

Cori Kruger, LMP

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Auto Accident Claims Accepted (PIP) Best in The Valley 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

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MOUNT SI GOLF COURSE

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We are grateful to have served you for 48 years!

BEST OF 2014

JOIN US! for the best in: q Summer camps q Parenting classes/coaching q Nationally accredited preschool / toddler groups q Speech, motor and physical therapy / early intervention q Family Nights q Childcare Co-op

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www.mtsigolf.com

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Thanks for voting us Best Golf Course 2014

Thank you for voting for us in the category of ‘Best Local Non-Profit’

425.888.2777 • www.encompassnw.org • 1407 Boalch Avenue N.W., between Snoqualmie & North Bend

THANKS FOR VOTING FOR US!

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It has been a wonderful partnership since. Both Si View and the Festival committee benefit from our relationship.

We get a large, beautiful setting, onlocation staff during the weekend and Minna’s help with planning. They get exposure from the community in the Valley’s largest event.

Rudd, on what Si View means to people: Fun! Let’s go play! Friends! For many young families the first memories of Si View are likely from the pool, the indoor playground and the park itself.

POLICE OFFICER FROM 10

Day camps and sports teams follow suit as kids start school, while for many adults, Si View means the farmers market and the annual Festival at Mount Si. Regardless of what activity Si View means to you, what they all really boil down to is having a trusted “home away from home spot” in your community for connecting with new friends, growing your skills and making lifelong memories. Si View strives to be that place for everyone in our community.

• Si View Park is located at 400 SE Orchard Drive, North Bend. Learn more about park programs at www. siviewpark.org.

757889

SI VIEW FROM 12

Snoqualmie Valley Record • March 26, 2014 • 15

33511 #1-SE Redmond-Fall City Rd • Fall City

16 • March 26, 2014 • Snoqualmie Valley Record

WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM

b i rc h e s h a b i t a t

Thank you for voting for us Best in the Valley again in 2014!

WOW! BEST STORE BEST GIFTS BEST OWNERS

WOW! BEST RETAILER We & areBEST very grateful for each & every UNIQUE GIFTS

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vote of confidence you gave us.

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The beauty of this valley is surpassed only by the beauty Open everyday 425-292-9390, Birches 202 North Bend Way of the people within it

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We are very grateful for each & every vote of confidence you gave us.

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The beauty of this valley is surpassed only by the beauty of the people within it

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Thank You foR VoTing!

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We would like to THANK YOU for being the BEST customers in the Valley.

Please enjoy a 12-16 oz. drink of your choice on us!

“Thankyou”dance you”dance “Thank from you! from usustotoyou!

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YOUR FAMILY IS OUR SPECIALTY!

www.SVHD4.org

New CliNiC loCatioN

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Physical

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Thank you so much for your continued support and we’ll see you this season!

John M. Gray MD Family Practice

Best Doctor Category

occupational therapy

Speech

therapy

Snoqualmie Hospital Rehabilitation Clinic Personal treatment plans to help you get back in motion.

Call (425) 831-2376

38565 SE River Street, Snoqualmie

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Snoqualmie Ridge Medical Clinic

therapy

Call (425) 396-7682

35020 SE Kinsey Street, Snoqualmie

Go to WWW . REMLINGERFARMS . COM for dates and information

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RiverTree Dental Care We are accepting patients of all ages

uhaul.com

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Thanks for Voting Snoqualmie Ridge Storage ‘Best of the Valley”

Cosmetic and Preventative Dental Care

p

www.rivertreedental.com 38700 SE River Street Snoqualmie

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425.888.2703

Leslie Cranwill and Ron Davis law

425.396.1410 Daily 9am - 6pm

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Dr. Brian Mayer DDS