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NEWCASTLE

EXPLORE

2018 annual events music shopping outdoor adventures parks

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NEWCASTLE

| MyCity 2018

A SUPPLEMENT OF THE BELLEVUE • ISSAQUAH-SAMMAMISH • RENTON

Regional Publisher Eric LaFontaine

General Manager William Shaw

Regional Ad Director Cory Howerton

Ad Account Executives Paul Brown Brad Murray Natalie Routh

Regional Editor

Carrie Rodriguez

Senior Editor

Samantha Pak

Contributing Writers Raechel Dawson Kailan Manandic Madison Miller

Office Coordinator Celeste Hoyt

Layout & Production Design Diana Nelson

Creative Artists Wendy Fried

2700 Richards Road, Ste. 201 Bellevue, WA 98005 425-391-0363 issaquahreporter.com A PUBLICATION OF

Special Thanks & Photo Contributions: “Newcastle“ Cover Photo by Richard Williams “Lake Boren Park at Sunrise“ by Kerry Sullivan

WELCOME TO

NEWCASTLE It is my honor to welcome you to Newcastle, a special city that combines the convenience of urban living with the comfort and community of a small town. Since incorporation in 1994, Newcastle has grown into one of the most desirable communities on the Eastside. Known as the home of The Golf Club at Newcastle, a world-class golf course with unparalleled views, and renowned for our beautiful parks, trails and central location, Newcastle is a diverse, welcoming place to raise a family or start a business. As Newcastle approaches its 25th birthday, the city has seen its fair share of change. New residents and, more recently, new businesses are eager to call Newcastle home. In the past year alone, the city added a new state-of-the-art senior assisted living community designed to celebrate Chinese culture, a new middle school and the Newcastle Commons, a mixed-used community that, when fully finished, will bring more shops and restaurants. What hasn’t changed is the culture of community that makes Newcastle unique. The spirit of volunteerism is what fuels the upkeep of our scenic trail system and our close-knit community events in the summer. As mayor, I invite you to explore our beautiful community and discover for yourself why it is consistently nationally recognized as one of the best small cities in America!

City of Newcastle Washington www.newcastlewa.go

Mayor Allen Dauterman www.NewcastleWa.gov | 3

Photo courtesy of Newcastle Fruit & Produce Co. Facebook

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE:

LOCATION

Farmer’s Market

/pg/newcastlefruitandproduce/about

The Newcastle Fruit and Produce Market is in its 26th year of serving the community with fresh fruits, vegetables, and nursery items. It is open every day from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

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Photo courtesy of B&E Meats and Seafood Facebook

The Butcher: B & E Meats B & E Meats and Seafood has been a Newcastle favorite since its opening in September of 2013. B & E first opened in Burien by brothers Bob and Earl Green in August of 1958. The success of the business led to the opening of a total of four locations in Washington--Burien, Des Moines, Queen Anne and Newcastle. Since the Green brothers’ retirement in 1999, Bob’s son, Jeff Green and his wife Trisha, now own the beloved chain. B & E Meats and Seafood is known for

serving the Northwest with high-quality meats, fresh seafood including Copper River Salmon, and marinated products such as teriyaki beef tri-tips, kalbi-marinated beef ribs, award-winning beef jerky, and smoked salmon candy. “We sell traditional, natural, and grassfed beef, pork, poultry, and seafood. We are well known for our marinated items, our award-winning smoked products, and many other specialty products, all made in house. You can learn more about us at BandEmeats.com,” Jeff Green said. B & E looks forward to celebrating 60 years this August.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE

GOLF CLUB AT NEWCASTLE The Golf Club at Newcastle has been a prominent fixture in the Newcastle community since its creation in 1999. It features two championship 18-hole public courses, Coal Creek and China Creek, extensive practice facilities, and a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse. The tournament-caliber, full-facility complex features challenging fairways and greens, an all-weather driving range offering heated stalls, an 18-hole bent-grass

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE

putting course, a private grass practice tee including three holes for pitching, putting and chipping, and lessons and clinics for golfers of all abilities. General manager Simon Wheeler said what sets the golf club apart is its spectacular views. “I think the views are stunning, you can’t quite capture that and it’s a unique opportunity,” he said. “We’ve been afforded an opportunity for people to see an aspect of Seattle that they normally don’t get to see.” Aside from its golfing facilities, The Golf Club at Newcastle is also the home of The Calcutta Grill & Pub and the Wooly

Toad lounge which serves seasonal menu creations and an extensive wine list. The golf club is known for hosting an array of occasions such as weddings, Easter, Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving. From May through September, the golf club has Neil Hubbard, a bagpiper, perform every night at dusk. “It’s become a wonderful tradition now,” Wheeler said. Wheeler said that while it’s a public facility, the club has a private feel to it. “I think the club has a private feel to it but it is very much a public facility and I think that is part of why people really enjoy coming here,” he said.

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LAKE BOREN PARK Newcastle currently has nearly 40 acres of developed parks distributed throughout much of the city limits for residents and visitors to enjoy. Most offer some level of active and passive recreational elements. Lake Boren Park is the primary attraction in the city’s growing park system. It features

an array of recreational components including a playground, basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts. Picnic shelters are also available for use by first reserving the date by phone and then submitting a reservation form to City Hall. Other amenities include looped walking paths, a fishing dock and a parking lot. There are also restrooms onsite. Residents and visitors have described the 20.2-acre park as their favorite park based

on all it has to offer, from being naturally peaceful and tranquil at the north end with lake vistas, to playful and active toward the southern main entrance. Because of these attributes, a number of community events are held at the park throughout the year, including the Concerts in the Park Series, 4th of July and Newcastle Days. Lake Boren Park is located at 13058 SE 84th Way and open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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“When you’re ready to sell, I’m ready to help.”

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE

Waterline Trail at May Creek Park . Photo courtesy of Eva Lundahl, Newcastle Trails

TRAILS Newcastle’s loyal community is reflected in the city’s volunteer and nonprofit organizations. Newcastle Trails has been a part of the community since the city was first incorporated in 1994. The organization’s volunteers help the city maintain trails, establish new trails and advocate to preserve the trails. “If it weren’t for Newcastle Trails, we WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE

would have virtually no trails in Newcastle,” said Peggy Price, treasurer and trail work coordinator for Newcastle Trails. “[The trails] have been attracting a lot of people who really enjoy them.” Newcastle Trails only has a handful of dedicated members with a few helpers, including local Eagle Scouts who do trail work as part of their final projects. The organization recently assisted local author, Eva Lundahl, write her book, “14 Shorter Trail Walks in and around Newcastle.” The book outlines numerous trails and the native wildlife that can be

found along the trail walks. “Another reason I wrote the book is I walk on the trails and I see junk,” Lundahl said. “I want to let people know that nature is precious.” Lundahl had been an avid trail walker and noticed that there was no guide to the area. She decided to dive into the history of the trails’ names and included pictures that she had taken during her walks. Newcastle Trails and Lundahl share the goal of preserving the city’s green space that rapidly decreased due to growth in the area.

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SUMMER EVENTS

Newcastle Days The annual Newcastle Days festival will be held Sept. 7-8 at Lake Boren Park. This year, Alan White, the drummer from YES, along with special guest teen artist Caspian will be headlining the show on Saturday. The festival will also hold its annual

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car show, where vintage vehicles are showcased, on the north side of the park. The awards offered come in a variety of categories including People’s Choice, Mayor’s Choice and Most Unique Car Story. In addition, there will be a historic cemetery tour. Founded in 1880, the 2.2acre cemetery near Lake Boren is the final

resting place of many of the area’s coal miners and pioneer families. The gates are normally closed to preserve the site but will be open for Newcastle Days. As always, the festival will feature a parade, recreation, food, exhibitions, beer garden, and numerous children’s activities and stage entertainment.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE

SUMMER EVENTS Fourth of July Lake Boren Park will host its annual Fourth at the Lake celebration on Wednesday, Jul. 4. The musical group, Soul Siren, will be the performer at this year’s event.

Concerts in the Park Newcastle’s 2018 Concerts in the Park series will run from Jul. 18-Aug. 8 at Lake Boren Park. July 18: Massy Ferguson – Music spans many genres from Americana, roots, folk, twang rock, alt-country and good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll. July 25: Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra – Music from the Big Band era, these outstanding musicians and singers will have your toes tapping and put a smile on your face Aug. 1: Shaggy Sweet – Returning after high demand, this band specializes in pop/rock and delivers great energy with lot of popular covers and original songs. Aug. 8: Soul Purpose – Soul and classic rock band featuring an incredible horn section, guitar, drums, bass, keyboards and multiple vocalists. Visit www.newcastlewa.gov/calendar

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE

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Boy Scout Troop 499 presents the colors at the 2017 Newcastle Days festival. Photo courtesy of the city of Newcastle

VOLUNTEERISM Volunteering is a great way to have fun, give back and learn more about your community! The city of Newcastle recognizes the importance of volunteerism and the significant role it plays in providing a richer quality of life for the community. From seniors to youth, the city welcomes and encourages all to make a difference in your community! Contributions from volunteer groups such as Newcastle Trails, local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, the Newcastle Historical Society, Newcastle Youth for Community Engagement and the city’s Community Activities and Planning commissions enrich the quality of life for the city and its citizens. Volunteers are also crucial to city events WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE

such as Newcastle Days and Concerts in the Park. There are needs for a diverse set of skills and experiences: Set up vendor booths, organize the car show, lend a hand with the petting zoo and more. It’s easy to participate and you can learn how to get involved at newcastlewa.gov/ volunteer. Here are a few notable volunteer groups and opportunities in the city: — Newcastle Trails: Newcastle Trails is a nonprofit volunteer organization that partners with the city focusing on preserving, expanding and maintaining the approximately seven miles of trails within city limits. — Community Activities and Planning commissions: Residents serving on the allvolunteer commissions serve an important role in local government as they advise the Newcastle City Council on issues ranging from parks and summer events, to

development codes and design guidelines. — Boy Scout Troop 499: Members have volunteered as a group or as individuals carrying out an Eagle Scout project. These scouts have built trail benches, crafted a kiosk, constructed trails, cleaned wetlands and more. The troop also leads the Parade in the Park at Newcastle Days. — Newcastle Historical Society: The group often cleans the Historic Coal Miner’s Cemetery and helps the community preserve the city’s rich history. — Newcastle Youth for Community Engagement: NYCE is a joint effort between the city and the Newcastle Library (with program support from the Coal Creek Family YMCA) to develop leadership skills, highlight youth ideas and opinions, and enhance the Newcastle community. NYCE is open to local middle and high school students.

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CONTACT YOUR

REPRESENTATIVES

Whether at the local, state or federal level, get involved and let leaders know what’s on your mind! The city of Newcastle is located in the state’s 41st Legislative District, the 9th District of King County and the 9th U.S. Congressional District.

NEWCASTLE

City Council Mayor Allen Dauterman: allend@newcastlewa.gov Deputy Mayor Linda Newing: lindan@newcastlewa.gov Council member Carol Simpson: carols@newcastlewa.gov Council member Gordon Bisset: gordonb@newcastlewa.gov Council member Dave Mitchell: davem@newcastlewa.gov Council member Tamra Kammin: tamrak@newcastlewa.gov Council member Tom Magers: tomm@newcastlewa.gov

King County Council (9TH DISTRICT)

Council member Reagan Dunn: reagan.dunn@kingcounty.gov

9th U.S. Congressional DISTRICT

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith: adamsmith.house.gov/contact

41st Legislative DISTRICT

Sen. Lisa Wellman: lisa.wellman@leg.wa.gov Rep. Judy Clibborn: judy.clibborn@leg.wa.gov Rep. Tana Senn: tana.senn@leg.wa.gov

Award-winning healthcare with a network of primary and urgent care clinics located throughout the greater Eastside. overlakehospital.org

BELLEVUE

ISSAQUAH

KIRKLAND

REDMOND

SAMMAMISH

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NEWCASTLE

NEWCASTLE

UTILITIES

TOWN HALL

IS JUNE 19

The date for the annual Newcastle City Council Town Hall is June 19 at The Golf Club at Newcastle. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the main program will go from 7-9 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Come chat with your Newcastle City Council about topics that are important to you! Once the format is finalized, additional details will be available at newcastlewa.gov.

The Coal Creek Utility District owns and operates the water and sewer conveyance systems in the city. The district is responsible for providing domestic potable water and sanitary sewer service to the community. Website: ccud. org. Contact: 425-235-9200. Puget Sound Energy provides electricity, natural gas and maintains the majority of the streetlights. Residents should report power outages, street light issues or gas leaks to PSE. If it’s an emergency, call 911. PSE also offers a mobile app that tracks power outages and offers restoration estimates. Website: pse.com. 24-Hour Emergency and Outage Line: 1-888225-5773. Newcastle contracts with Waste Management to provide curbside collection of garbage, recycling and yard/food waste for residents and businesses. Newcastle residents have weekly collection for garbage and every-other-week collection for recycling. Customers subscribing to yard waste receive weekly collection March through November and every-other-week collection December through February. Website: wmnorthwest.com/newcastle. Report Missed Collections: 1-800-592-9995.

Information for Newcastle an e-newsletter service from Newcastle Councilmember

Carol Simpson

carols@newcastlewa.gov

Congratulations on the first ever Newcastle Residents’ Guide! Support your local newspaper.

Working for you - for a better Newcastle

www.NewcastleWa.gov | 13

COMMUNICATIONS It’s easier than ever to get updates on Newcastle news, meetings and events. The city of Newcastle is committed to keeping residents informed and it starts at newcastlewa.gov, the mobile-friendly, online resource that allows residents to explore city services, read the latest community news and view meeting documents. You’ll find written recaps from every City Council meeting, community calendars for the Newcastle Library and Aegis Gardens, road alerts, any police information and much more. Make it a regular visit to find out what’s happening in the place you call home. The city also releases an email newsletter the Friday before every City Council meeting. The must-read digest is full of news including upcoming events and meetings, and the very popular Newcastle police blotter. If you haven’t already, add your email to the mailing list at bitly.com/NewcastleNewsletter.

Finally, follow the city on its social media accounts for even more updates: @CityofNewcastle /newcastlewa /agency-detail/wa/newcastle/city-of-newcastle @newcastlewa

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We do Business the Old Fashioned Way!

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Shared Joy is Double Joy Introducing Aegis Living’s newest senior housing community for seniors in Newcastle, Washington. Every day is a celebration of Chinese culture Learn more about in harmony with our peaceful surroundings, Aegis Gardens today. only 20 minutes from downtown Seattle. Our 425-999-4077 commitment is to create a unique community with Chinese inspired cuisine, decor, activities, family events, music and holidays. Our multilingual care staff brings joy and enthusiasm to each and every An Assisted Living Community. day while ensuring our residents are well cared Aegis Gardens is open for. Family owned since 1997. to all seniors.

13056 SE 76th St, Newcastle, Washington 98056

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www.aegisgardenswa.com www.NewcastleWa.gov | 15

WELCOME TO

AEGIS GARDENS

IN NEWCASTLE

After a breakfast of warm congee, amongst a variety of offerings, the senior residents of Aegis Gardens gather in the central Zen Courtyard. In the background, the soothing sound of the Guardian Fountain fills the garden space. The residents welcome the instructor for morning tai chi and gracefully move with his guidance. Some residents are seated for better balance but are still able to participate with modified moves. After class concludes, most will head up to the Mahjong room for some friendly competition before a delicious dim sum lunch. This isn’t your typical senior housing experience or at least one that you might picture. Aegis Gardens is designed to cater to individuals who share a culture, religion, background, or preferred lifestyle. This Chinese designed assisted living community allows older residents to

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feel more comfortable and adapt more easily to their new surroundings when sharing something in common with their neighbors. Aegis also welcomes the general public as it hosts free events at the Stan Head Cultural Center adjacent to the community. These programs range from education, health related to yoga, tai chi, dance and local community organization meetings. Aegis Living opened their first Chinese culturally-authentic community in Fremont, California with huge success in 2001. Since opening under the brand name of Aegis Gardens, it has had a waiting list for apartments. Earlier this year, Aegis Gardens opened their second location in Newcastle. Besides the carefully curated décor, many items chosen personally in China, integrated Feng Shui principles, authentic Chinese cuisine, and engaging traditional activities; the multilingual care staff ensures that residents can express

themselves and be clearly understood. Language is an important differentiator in this community. “In a standard assisted living community, the residents might feel disconnected if their English is not very good,” says Aegis Gardens General Manager, Meng Lo. “Being able to communicate in your native language strengthens friendships within the community and with their caregivers.” Aegis Gardens is different from other senior housing options in the fact that it focuses on creating a culturally-sensitive and immersive experience. But this community is not exclusive. Anyone who is open-minded or would like to retire in a place with an international flair are welcome too. Aegis Gardens’ residents come from all backgrounds, nationalities, countries and lifestyle preferences. To learn more about Aegis Gardens in Newcastle contact them today. 425-9706708 or aegisgardenswa.com

NEWCASTLE

SCHOOLS

Three different school districts serve the Newcastle community: Issaquah, Renton and a tiny sliver of Bellevue. Newcastle houses two elementary schools within city limits and the Renton School District added a brand new middle school in the fall of 2017. Vera Risdon Middle School sits at the corner of Newcastle Way and 116th Avenue Southeast on the former site of the Renton Academy and Old Hazelwood. The newer iteration of Hazelwood Elementary School is just next door. Newcastle residents living in the Renton School District attend Hazen High School. On the eastern side, the Issaquah School District has Newcastle Elementary School. Students go on to attend Maywood Middle and Liberty High schools. The small number of Bellevue students residing in Newcastle go to Newport Heights Elementary, Tyee Middle and Newport High schools. The Seattle Seahawks’ Blitz greets a Vera Risdon Middle School student on the first day of class. Photo courtesy of the city of Newcastle

Research shows that those who engage an advisor and build a plan have a greater opportunity for wealth accumulation!* I look forward to assisting you in building your ďŹ nancial plan! I have been a Newcastle area resident since 1994, and currently serve as a Newcastle Planning Commissioner as well as Newcastle Chamber Board President. Karin Frost Blakley, CRPC, AAMS Financial Advisor

www.karinblakley.wrfa.com

11225 SE 6th St, Bldg. C, Ste. 100 | Bellevue 98004 (425) 468-2217 (o) | (206) 930-0551 (c) kfblakley@wradvisors.com

*Source: The Future of Retirement, published in 2013 by HSBC Insurance Holdings Limited. Actual results will vary and there is no guarantee of greater wealth accumulation. Investing invloves risk and the potential to lose principal. Waddell & Reed, Inc. Member SIPC (05/18)

NEWCASTLE SCHOOLS

www.NewcastleWa.gov | 17

Issaquah

SCHOOL DISTRICT Newcastle Elementary School 8400 136th Ave. SE Mascot: Lions Enrollment (May 2017): 627 Opened: 2004 Enrollment information via the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Renton

SCHOOL DISTRICT Hazelwood Elementary School 7100 116th Ave. SE Mascot: Mustangs Enrollment (April 2018): 650 Opened: 1963 (Reopened at current site in 2005) Vera Risdon Middle School 6928 116th Ave. SE Mascot: Timberwolves Enrollment (April 2018): 818 Opened: 2017 Enrollment information via Renton Schools.

Newcastle City Manger Rob Wyman and Community Activities Coordinator Wendy Kirchner congratulate the 2018 Newcastle Elementary Geography Bee champion Carter Ackermann. Photo courtesy the city of Newcastle

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NEWCASTLE SCHOOLS

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Rentals Highlands at Newcastle. Photo by Kerry Sullivan

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SHOPS AT

NEWCASTLE COMMONS

Newcastle residents will be able to enjoy at least five more places to eat this summer. The quick-serve eateries and restaurants will come with the completion of the Shops at Newcastle Commons this July 2018, as well as with new leases on the retail level of the Avalon Newcastle apartments. Goldsmith Land Investments, LLC President John Dulcich, a former mayor and Newcastle City Council member, said his company strived to attract restaurants to the Newcastle Commons that had different flavors than what’s already located in Newcastle. That’s why a sit-down sushi restaurant, Aji Sushi, and a quick-serve pizza place are on the menu. On the north side of his property, Dulcich is building a 2,400-square-foot space for Starbucks. And although there is already

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a Starbucks in Newcastle, Dulcich said this one will serve commuters heading northbound and includes a drive-thru. Families looking for a bite to eat after soccer practice can stop at a familystyle restaurant that will serve burgers, American-style food and will include a full bar. That restaurant will be located on the south end of the property. A Boeing Employee Credit Union (BECU) bank will also be onsite as well. The total space available for tenants is around 25,000 square feet, spread across four buildings. “So far, all of my places are sort of like the home team, people from the area,” Dulcich said. “Starbucks is a big national company but headquartered in Seattle. BECU is one of the largest credit unions in the nation but headquartered in Seattle. We’re happy we’re getting people with a local connection.” Dulcich said he expects to sign a few more commercial leases but can’t yet disclose what those businesses will be. He does know, however, he’d like for them to be something other than places to eat.

“A salon or something – people might go to Starbucks in the morning then the salon or spa after,” he said when asked what he’d like to see at Newcastle Commons. The $15 million development on two acres sits on part of the acreage that used to be owned by Mutual Materials Brick Company, which occupied the space for nearly 100 years. The brick company provided bricks for SafeCo field and parts of the Port of Seattle. To honor the longtime Newcastle business and to keep with the city’s history, Dulcich decided to overlay his buildings in brick from Mutual Materials. In addition to the Shops at Newcastle Commons, Avalon apartments within Newcastle Commons are working to fill the lower levels of their apartment buildings with retail. So far, they’ve secured Verde Organic Body – a yoga, fitness, massage center, an unnamed Mexican restaurant and another fitness center. For more information Shops at Newcastle Commons, visit newcastlecommons.com.

Photo courtesy Sara Biancofiori YMCA

Photo courtesy Sara Biancofiori YMCA

YMCADance - Coal Creek Family YMCA instructors lead the community through a dance at the 2017 Newcastle Talent Show held at Lake Boren Park. Photo courtesy of Christina Corrales-Toy.

Photo courtesy Sara Biancofiori YMCA

YMCA The Coal Creek Family YMCA was established in 2009 to serve the diverse and rapidly growing communities on Seattle’s Eastside. Our state of the art facilities were designed to help individuals and families learn, get healthy and gain access to all of the natural splendor this area offers. Strong community starts right here!

The Coal Creek Family Y has a vision that one day, all kids, families, adults, and seniors will have equitable opportunities to improve their health and well-being and reach their full potential. At the Y, we’re a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body. With a focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the Y

inspires people of all ages to be active and healthy, educated and engaged, building a stronger community for us all. With the Y, you’re not just a member of a facility; you’re part of a cause. With a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, improving health and well-being, giving back, and supporting our neighbors, your membership will not just bring about meaningful change in yourself, but also in your community.

www.NewcastleWa.gov | 21

House No. 75, known as the Baima House, is the sole remaining building associated with the city’s early mining and is among the oldest buildings in the county. This small house and its outbuildings were owned by the Pacific Coast Coal Company until the late 1920s, when mining ceased and most of the town was demolished. The building was later owned by the Italian Baima family for nearly 50 years. Photo courtesy of the Newcastle Historical Society

NEWCASTLE’S

PLACE IN HISTORY

Newcastle has deep roots in the Pacific Northwest that go back to 1853 when surveyors identified coal in the area. A decade later, The Oregon Improvement Company began operations and the miners settled in a new town they called Newcastle, after their former home in England. “The area here was very difficult to navigate, with forests of 10-foot wide trees very thickly put together,” Rich Crispo said. Crispo has lived in Newcastle for 14 years and is a former council member and mayor

CHAMBER The Greater Newcastle Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic programs designed to strengthen and expand the viability of all businesses within greater Newcastle. The chamber identifies civic, social and cultural programs designed to enhance the functional and aesthetic values of the community. Regular activities include luncheons held on the second Wednesday of each month.

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of the city. He is currently the treasurer for Newcastle Historical Society and is considered the local historian. “I’ve always been interested in wherever I live,” Crispo said. “The history here is only 150 years old, so I have stories about people … to me it’s so alive that it’s really, really interesting and I enjoy it immensely.” Newcastle and its coal mines helped support Seattle as it was second class to Tacoma at the time. A 407-ton export of Newcastle’s coal was the first commodity ever shipped out of Seattle. “Prior to that Seattle had not been shipping anywhere” Crispo said. “That kept Seattle going, a combination of coal and lumber, until the gold rush in Alaska and then Seattle became what it is today.”

The mining continued until 1963 when Newcastle’s population was at 3,000. King County then incorporated the city in 1964. The city has since grown to a population of more than 11,500 and continues to boom alongside the greater Seattle metropolitan area. At one point, Newcastle was the second largest city in King County, second only to Seattle. Despite the huge growth in recent years, locals still value the small town feeling of Newcastle and enjoy a passionate loyalty to the community. “It’s a community that, over the years, has demonstrated its love of loyalty. Back in 2007, 2008, when there was an economic downturn, we did not lose one business in the city of Newcastle,” Crispo said.

These events highlight guest speakers from local and regional government, business innovators, leaders in education, and community thought leaders. The chamber also hosts frequent networking breakfasts featuring speakers from various walks of life. Newcastle Chamber also hosts an annual awards gala – Diamond Awards. This festive event recognizes community members who do great things in the greater Newcastle area. The recipients demonstrate integrity, dedication and caring, and a passion for doing what needs to be done.

The chamber is also a key participant in Newcastle Days, an annual celebration of the community held at beautiful Lake Boren Park. The chamber board organizes and staffs the marquee beer and wine tent in the center of the park, featuring local beverages in a site ideally suited for enjoying the entertainment. The chamber is a dynamic, enthusiastic champion of all things Newcastle and welcomes visitors and new members with open arms. For more information, visit newcastlechamber.org.

LIBRARY The Newcastle Library offers free programs for children, teens and adults throughout the year, from Study Zone where tutors help students with their homework, to Story Times for tots. The Newcastle Library is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on Sunday. The library is located at 12901 Newcastle Way. For more information, call 425-255-0111.

Above: A girl reads at the Newcastle Library. Left: The library offers free meeting space for groups. Photos courtesy of the Newcastle Library.

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