Somerset Sun December 2021

Somerset Community Association Board of Directors - responsibilities

Francis Brito President

Diane Fern

Marie Vieth

Sue Sander

Gary Albert

Pete Mansfield

Kristen Iversen

Vice President, CRC Chair

Treasurer

Secretary

Landscaping Chair, Signs

Emergency Preparedness Chair

Membership Chair, CRC

Muriel Mittelstrass Welcome Chair, School Liaison

Johannes Grad Communications, Website Manager

Charlie Bofferding Covenants Review Committee

Yiyi Guo

Member-at-Large

Allan Yeung Member-at-Large

The SCA Directors are elected at our annual general meeting and serve a 3-year term. Our officers of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer are chosen following election to the Board. If you are interested in getting involved, or aren’t sure who to contact with a question, please see our website or send an email to somerset98006@gmail.com

Somerset Sun Advertising deadlines:

February 11, 2022 – Spring issue

May 13, 2022 – Summer issue

August 12, 2022 – Fall issue

November 11, 2022 – Winter issue

Sizes and Rates per issue (same for color or black & white):

Business Card (3"w x 2"h) $25

Quarter Page (4"w x 5¼"h) $140

Half Page Horizontal (8"w x 5¼“"h) $300

Half Page Vertical (4"w x 10½"h) $300

Full Page (8"w x 10½" h) $550

There is a 10% discount for Somerset residents. Thank you for your interest in advertising in the Somerset Sun.

Together, we are neighbors helping neighbors.

Cover photo courtesy of Alyssa Edwards, Somerset resident

Somerset Babysitters

Are you looking for a local babysitter or interested in offering your services as one? Please contact us at Somerset98006@gmail.com and we will share information between verified Somerset residents. We already have a few interested babysitters, so email us soon to make plans for your holiday evening out.

Dear Neighbors,

I’d like to start this Message by extending to you Season’s Greetings on behalf of the Somerset Community Association Board.

On January 31, 2022, I will be completing my first term as a member of our Board of Directors. I will be stepping down from the role of President of the SCA. I will be on the slate for one more term, and if elected, seek a position to serve where there is great need; you probably will guess the vacancy I seek to fill. Fellow Board member Muriel Mittelstrass has also completed her term and has also agreed to be available to serve another term. Joy!

SCA PRESIDENT S MESSAGE

I have had the privilege of working with wonderful Board members and enjoyed what we accomplished. Our Board leaned into the challenges we faced, to find solutions despite our limited resources and power as a Community Association. With the support of community volunteers, the Board maintains our landscaping, runs the Covenant Review Committee, is continuously improving our communication tools, and works with neighbors and the City to address theft, vandalism and speeding in Somerset. This year, we have successfully held the 4th of July Parade and Picnic, coordinated with the City of Bellevue on the Somerset Neighborhood Walk and the grand opening of the Newport Way sidewalk/bike lanes, and have even hosted virtual games and musical performances! Remember, it takes the entire Association to nurture and burnish our Somerset Brand.

Finally, our Annual General meeting will be held on January 20th; our plan is to hold a “hybrid” annual meeting, starting at 7:00 pm. The Board will host the meeting at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart; residents can attend the meeting either in person or virtually. The Zoom link to access the meeting will be available on our website somerset98006.org. You should get the membership forms with proxy statements in the mail early in January. Celebrate!

Francis Brito SCA President

SCA Annual General Meeting

Save the date! Please join us on Thursday, January 20, 2022 for our annual general membership meeting, this year to be held both in person and VIRTUALLY. Those who are interested may join us in Forest Ridge School’s Ackerly Board room (south side of campus), beginning at 7:00 pm. Please note that all attendees must abide by Forest Ridge’s COVID safety rules – to remain masked at all times and provide proof of vaccination before entering the building. If for any reason you cannot comply with these rules, please join us VIRTUALLY by Zoom from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Details about how to join the meeting will be announced on our website Somerset98006.org the day before.

We will report on our activities in 2021 and plans for 2022. We will ask members to approve our annual budget and elect new board members. Please be sure to have paid your 2022 dues and returned your proxy statement before the meeting. Dues invoices will be in your mailbox the first week of January. The planned agenda and proposed budget will also be posted on our website the week of the meeting. If you have any questions, let us know at somerset98006@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

By

Board President Dr. Francine Wiest

Back to the Future

Students are back in school full-time! After last school year’s ride through the closings of the pandemic, there is clear joy to be learning in-person. In some ways it looks and sounds like the way school used to be –students, teachers, bells, laughter. In other ways it is different, whether it be obvious like face masks, or less so like mental health needs, or unexpected like longer lunch lines as students access free meals. Our goal is to support re-entry (and there are provisions for students who still need a virtual option), while recognizing that there is an opportunity to reshape education and support our district’s vision of having students as “creators of their future world.”

The Bellevue School District is a leader in education. Whether it be providing for additional subject areas for students to explore, access to technology, dedicated time for teacher and staff professional development, or the foresight to increase nursing and mental health teams, BSD is able to offer more high quality resources because of support from our community. Basic education money from the state is insufficient to fund at the level our community believes our students deserve. The relief package from the federal government does not cover the costs that BSD absorbs to ensure that students and staff are protected from COVID What fills this gap is the generosity of our community in funding our levies and donating to our community partners.

Critically, our levies fund ~20% of our budget. BSD levies are replacement levies. This means when you see the levies on the ballot this February 8, 2022, they replace the expiring levies and your taxes will not increase when you vote yes. Because of Bellevue’s strong business sector and continued growth, the estimated amount for a family is likely to go down over time because BSD asks for a total amount for the district and not a rate. As Bellevue grows, each individual’s contribution decreases, while ensuring that our students’ education continues strong. You can read more at bsd405.org/about/school-levies/

This school year is both about recovery and discovery. We recognize that some students need additional supports to make up for learning challenges last year and all students need the opportunity to grow and meet or surpass learning targets. At the same time, we are also discovering new ways

of learning and interacting, as well as creating the opportunities that will make our students successful as the world rapidly evolves. The district is fortunate to retain Dr. Art Jarvis as SZuperintendent for an additional year; already he has brought much needed stability and is charting a path that continues to elevate Bellevue. Dr. Jarvis has twice been Washington State Superintendent of the Year and with over 50 years of experience in education, he brings an understanding of how to direct resources where they are most needed, maximize supports for students, and serve as a mentor for our outstanding staff to make the leaps needed for ongoing excellence.

As we head into the holiday season I can think of no better present than education. I am excited for Bellevue’s next steps and hope you will join me in continuing to advance our premier public schools and vote YES in our levy election. While I am retiring from school board service, I will transition to serve on the superintendent’s Community Advisory Council and stay active in supporting our district. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve our community; thank you for all of your support over the years.

Francine lives in Somerset with her husband and children. She completed her term as President of the Bellevue School Board and can often be found chatting with neighbors near the playground.

Ann

Feel Better With Better Posture

Good posture is important for your overall health and can prevent back pain, chronic headaches and general achiness and fatigue, and lack of good posture can affect any age group. Do you work from home now bent over your computer? Do you find yourself looking down at your cell phone more often to stay connected? Reading books or watching TV? Among other things, this sedent lead to poor posture.

In today’s COVID world w obstacles and may find our leading an even more seden than we did before. You ma going to the gym as much or socializing with friends during your br personal trainer, I have tw groups I like to promote tha correct attention, can keep y in beautiful form, so let’s g and focus on rhomboid and glut muscles in their role in k posture in shape.

RHOMBOID MUSCLE

Your rhomboid muscles ar your upper back undernea trapezius muscle and connect the vertebrae of the spinal c scapula (shoulder blades). Ov sitting on that sofa, gravity will begin t pull our shoulders down and the begin to roll forward, causing tha hunched posture, stretching our rhomboids and making them long Conversely your chest (pect muscles) will become tigh good thing! Fortunately ther exercise that will help str thoracic area of the back, particularly, your rhomboid muscles. The exercise is called the prone scapular fly, sometimes known as the reverse fly, and can be done without any weights.

To do the Prone Scapular Fly: Lie face down on the ground with your legs out straight and arms out to the sides at about shoulder height. Turn your thumbs up toward the ceiling. Engage your glutes and back and engage your upper back just slightly so your face isn’t fully smashed into the ground. Keep your neck relaxed and then draw your shoulder blades together as you fly your arms up toward the ceiling. Engage your upper back to lift your arms up and do not simply swing your arms up. Hold for a second or two then release and lower your arms back down.

Repeat this movement while concentrating on the muscles involved. Pay attention and try not lift your spine off the floor too much as you lift your arms. Be gentle and think about extending your spine instead of really fully lifting your chest up off of the floor.

UTEUS MUSCLES

eal muscles are a set of three muscles which make up the buttocks. Your e one of your body’s largest and erful muscles -- yet sitting for y can cause these muscles to w to fire” -- putting your lower t risk. What’s more, weak glutes can our pelvis to tilt forward -easing the stress on your lower back. This pushes your lower abdomen outward, our belly stick out -- even if you y a lot of fat. The lying hip raise is t way to activate your glutes and e muscle all over

ying Hip Raise: Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and your t on the floor. Place your arms out to t a 45-degree angle. Brace your e and tilt your pelvis up by pulling your on in and squeezing the glutes. Be o do a pelvic tilt and maintain this tilt oughout the movement. Then raise your our body forms a straight line from our shoulders to your knees. Pause for five onds (as you keep your core braced and o squeeze your glutes) then our body back to the starting

er: Your torso and hips should e as one unit, so the arch in your lower back should remain the same from start to finish. This way, you're primarily doing the work with your glutes, not your lower back and hamstrings.

Have some fun with these two effective exercises and think about engaging your rhomboids and glutes when you are standing or sitting. The more often you practice these exercises the feeling of engagement will become more natural and automatic. Sit or stand tall and enjoy the great feeling of a beautiful posture.

Paula Maratea Fuld, Somerset resident AAAI/ISMA certified master personal trainer NASM certified nutrition coach

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

CERT (Ready.gov/cert) is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program designed to train community member volunteers in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. In a major disaster with widespread impact, professional first responders (fire, police and EMT) will not be able to respond to all local emergencies for hours or days. CERT-trained volunteers help fill this gap by providing timely response to their family and neighbors. With a sufficient density of CERT trained volunteers, a neighborhood coordinated response can be achieved in times of crisis.

CERTs are not expected to replace the job of firefighters or EMTs but merely to assist with basic skills in times of need. A crucial responsibility is to gather information to assist professional responders in targeting areas where they can do the greatest good for the greatest number of people. CERTs do not run into burning homes or any other situation that puts their safety at risk. This is part of the training CERTs receive.

We have only a few trained CERTs in Somerset, and some are getting older. We need more and younger trained CERTs to mount a coordinated response if a severe earthquake or other widespread disaster occurs. You may want to consider training

Adopt a storm drain

Don’t let fall rainstorms flood your street. “Adopt” a storm drain near you, raking it clear of leaves and other debris when you have the chance. Every autumn/winter Bellevue Utilities faces a big job keeping storm drains clear. There are over 20,000 of them around the city! Storm drains flow directly to local lakes, rivers and wetlands, acting as a conduit for trash and organic pollutants. After snowfall, melting snow and rain can also block storm drain inlets and cause localized flooding. You can prevent flooding or ponding in your neighborhood by safely removing snow and ice from your local storm drain.

to be better prepared for your family and to potentially assist in a neighborhood-wide effort to respond in the face of disaster

Bellevue CERT is an all-volunteer organization providing local CERT training, emergency preparedness education and outreach. Bellevue CERT ran a successful training course for new CERTs last summer. Another course will be offered this summer, but the date has not been announced yet. Be sure to check their website for updates on this offering. By request, Bellevue CERT also provides educational presentations to neighborhood groups such as the block groups in our community. Contact somersetprepares@gmail.com if you have questions related to CERTs in Somerset or request information or a presentation directly from Bellevue CERT on their website, bellevuecert.org

If you can keep a drain in your neighborhood clear of leaves, trash, and other debris, it will:

· Prevent flooding in your neighborhood by keeping drains free of debris.

· Prevent pollutants from entering streams, creeks and Puget Sound, which protects fish and other wildlife.

· Help the city maintain our infrastructure, especially during fall months when rain increases and falling leaves block drains.

Remember to clear the drain only if it is safe to do so. Stay out of the street and work from a sidewalk if possible. Put all leaves and compostable debris in your yard waste bin. Don’t put grass clippings, leaves or other debris into drains, ditches, creeks, culverts, gutters or ravines.

If a storm drain appears blocked below the street surface, call (425) 452-7840 or report it on the MyBellevue app.

WORKING TOGETHER TO GET RESULTS

I worked with Stephanie to sell a home; it was an estate sale, which presented an additional layer of support that isn't always needed. Stephanie did the most fantastic job in every way not only with knowledge and expertise, but just in being an incredibly kind human being that took into consideration the loss of our family member that precipitated the selling of our family home.

I never doubted for one moment that I was in the absolute best hands possible from the moment we met (and she was very quick to respond to my reaching out to her initially) to the very end of the process. She works with a group of professional people on her team and everyone was fantastic I do not believe we would have had the excellent outcome that resulted if it wasn't for Stephanie's incredible level of experience and expertise. I could not recommend her highly enough. - Somerset Seller



We helped coordinate with the estate sale professional to handle the personal property.

We arranged and paid for deep cleaning, landscape refresh and staging to help the house show beautifully.

We had multiple offers with all contingencies waived and sold for a near record price.

4510 SE 141st Ave SE 4 bdrm/ 2.5 bath $1,958,000

Stephanie Kristen

Covenant Communication is Key

“Covenants” is a term we use to describe the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions which apply to the residential lots in the Somerset neighborhood. These documents were recorded by the original Developers of Somerset hill and were designed to provide assurance that all owners within the area would be required to abide by the same conditions in order to create and maintain a compatible and attractive group of individualized, quality homes. If Somerset homeowners abide by the requirements set forth in these documents, we will all benefit from the protection of the high property values we enjoy in the neighborhood.

Covenants run with the land and apply to all present and subsequent property owners. A copy of the Covenants that apply to your property was included with your closing documents and escrow papers. And yet – I cannot tell you how many residents claim to be unaware of the existence of the Covenants. It is each homeowner’s responsibility to be familiar with the Covenants that apply to their property and to abide by them. If you were not at first aware of them, we hope that these quarterly newsletters (sent to every Somerset address), each of which includes a “Covenant Corner” article, will have informed you of their existence and encouraged you to become familiar with them.

If you cannot locate your copy of the Covenants which apply to your property, please visit the SCA website at Somerset98006.org and explore the “Covenants” tab. It includes a map to locate which Division your property is within, and copies of each Division’s Covenants. It also includes detailed Guidelines on appropriate paint colors, view friendly plants, solar shade installation, and View issues, among other information. There are also Application forms which are required to be submitted to the Covenants Review Committee (“CRC”) to request review of any proposed project.

Most of the Somerset Covenants require CRC approval for any change to the exterior of your home. Again, CRC approval is required prior to the start of any proposed modification to the exterior of your home. If construction begins prior to CRC approval, a homeowner may be required to return the property to its former condition at the homeowner’s expense.

The CRC Needs YOU!

The homeowner may also be required to pay all legal expenses incurred related to such action. Checking your Covenants as you begin to plan a project is the best way to avoid these expensive penalties.

COVENANT CORNER

If you believe that a neighbor is in violation of the Covenants, please talk with them about it and try to come to some compromise and agreement. As mentioned above, some homeowners are ignorant of the Covenant requirements. As you discuss the issue with them, it often helps to offer a photograph of the item in violation (for example, a tree that has grown into your view, or a bright light that shines into your window at night). The CRC requires that you have made attempts to reconcile a situation before we will become involved. If you cannot come to some sort of agreement, you may then want to take the step of filing a formal Neighbor Complaint, so that the CRC can investigate the situation.

The CRC is not a policing body. We are a committee made up of neighborhood volunteers which has the responsibility to consider and rule on formal complaints filed by homeowners. Our rulings are based on our interpretation of the Covenants which apply to each property. We attempt to consider all sides to an issue and often mediate between the parties, though that is not our responsibility. Once a CRC decision is issued, we have no authority to enforce it. The property owner may choose to use a CRC decision to negotiate with a neighbor, or to support a lawsuit, but the role of the CRC is complete at that point.

We hope that any and all disputes can be handled between the parties in an adult and calm manner. If it seems one cannot, please consider contacting the City of Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center, which is available free to all Bellevue residents, at (425) 452-4091 or BCRC@bellevuewa.gov

Diane Fern, Chair Covenant Review Committee

Do you care about preserving the look, feel and views of Somerset? Would you like to help neighbors understand and comply with our Covenants? Could you attend a monthly meeting and commit to 2-3 hours a week? If YES, then you are a good fit for the Covenants Review Committee. As you know, Somerset has Covenants to protect our community look, feel and views. The CRC is required to review and approve exterior home changes as well as provide counsel and render decisions on view impingement cases. This five-person team includes three Somerset Community Association board members and two community members. The full team meets monthly to review and finalize the ongoing work of individual members. Please let us know you’re interested by sending an email to Somerset98006@gmail.com.

Early Bird Pricing Now! Join or renew before December 31, 2021 to secure your family summer membership and lock in pre-sale pricing for 2022 at just $645, a savings of $50! If you miss this early pre-sale, registration for 2022 Summer Family Memberships (returning and new) will re-open in early 2022 a member ser

2022 Planning and Other Facility Improvements/Updates -

The new board will be meeting in early 2022 and review SRC membership survey input and determine the 2022 plan for improvements, including the infamous slide. Please note the slide project continues and we hope for some resolution to happen before the 2022 season.

In addition, the City of Bellevue has plans to remove the vault that is buried along Somerset Boulevard that sits on SRC’s property. This project is expected to take place in early 2022 and will affect traffic along Somerset Boulevard due to lane closure for the work. We will share more details when they are received from the City but the board's goal is to be able to build additional decks on the hill for our members. At the same time the above construction takes place we plan to replace the pool coping (pool edging) and tile edge. We are excited for this project and we know our members will be excited to see the changes once this project is complete!

Fall and Winter Pool Lane Rental Availability @ SRC - If you know of an area swim coach or swim team looking for pool lanes to rent this fall and winter in Bellevue, please tell them about SRC. SRC has a few lanes and days available to rent so if you are or know of a private swim coach or swim team looking to rent swim lanes, please contact SRC pool manager Jim Umbeck at (206) 601-3492 for details.

If you have any questions, email somersetrecclub@gmail.com.

Court Update - Court progress continues and the court surfacing is in! Bring on pickleball, badminton and basketball in 2022! Wind screens are up and turf is expected to go in before year end. We are excited to bring this enhanced court use to our 2022 members! We are working on reservation system solutions and courts will remain locked and unavailable for use until we open for the 2022 season. More information to come in 2022.

The 2022 SRC Board - Thanks to those who joined us at the general membership meeting on September 8. We would like to introduce the 2022 SRC board:

· President: Michael Ketchum

· Vice President: Roman Brewer

· Secretary: Megan Reed

· Treasurer: Luke Aass

· Website: Kip Fern

· Social Media: Michele Brown-Ruegg

· Events: Emilie Castle

· Swim: Liane Harner and Shannon Gregory-Lowe

· Member at Large: Parvaneh Zinati (Pari)

· Member at Large: Jenny Lin

· Member at Large: Jorge Minana

Fundraising Update - SRC’s final 2021 fundraising total came in at $55,964.29! AMAZING! We are so grateful to have so much community involvement in making SRC shine. Donations went to many club improvements including upgrades to pool systems, electrical improvements, and court enhancements. We are so thankful for all the people who donate to help us continue making annual improvements to the SRC to improve the membership experience. Thank you!

Remember, if you would like to donate before end of 2021 for tax purposes, the SRC is a 501(c)(3) corporation and charitable donations to SRC are allowed as tax deductions by the IRS. SRC is eligible to receive additional “matching funds” for donations made by individuals working for various employers in the area. Please consult with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand how charitable donations would impact your tax status.

Local Winter Holiday Events

Holidays are around the corner; there are many activities this year. When you enjoy the festive holidays, please make sure to stay safe and follow the venue’s mask and/or vaccination guidance. Happy Holidays!!

Winterfest

Connect to a world of sparkling lights, amusements and spirited entertainment at Seattle Center Winterfest, happening virtually and also in-person at Seattle Center. Throughout the five weeks of Winterfest, those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or delightful diversion will find performances, a winter train and village, ice sculpting and their annual campus lighting display. Free! Running from November 26 to December 31. See their website for a more detailed schedule at seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/winterfest.

Wild Lanterns

Explore Woodland Park Zoo like never before with a brand-new lantern festival unlike any in the Northwest! An immersive experience featuring large scale animal and nature scape lanterns representing wild places from around the globe! (Vaccination verification required for age 12+). Runs November 12 to January 30 from 4:00 to 8:30 pm. (Closed most Mondays.) Tickets $30.95 for adults (Ages 13+) and $25.95 for children (Ages 3-12). Age 2 and under are free. More details and reserve your tickets at tinyurl.com/wildlantern

Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink

The Downtown Ice Rink is back this year for us to enjoy ice skating during the holidays! Running from November 9th through January 9th, it is located one block south of Bellevue Square at NE 1st St. and 100th Ave NE, by Inspiration Playground. Tickets range from $13 to $16 and include skate rental. Limited walk-up tickets will be available this year, so check hours and book online at bellevueicerink.com.

Snoqualmie Santa Train

Snowflake Lane

Experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers in this complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats. (For your safety, please wear a mask and observe social distancing.) Running from November 26 through December 24 every night at 7 pm along Bellevue Way between NE 4th and NE 8th Streets. Park in any of the Bellevue Collection’s free parking garages and choose your favorite spot on the sidewalk to see the show!

More info at snowflakelane.com

Join Santa and his elves on the Yuletide Express! Your 25-minute holiday excursion begins at the historic Snoqualmie Depot, 38625 SE King St, Snoqualmie. Board seasonally decorated, antique coaches, and travel west to Snoqualmie Falls, pausing briefly at the crest for a view of the river valley before returning to Snoqualmie. Each child receives a small gift from Santa. (All train passengers over age 5 must wear masks at all times and all passengers 12+ must provide proof of vaccination.) The Yuletide Express runs on weekends only, November 27- 28, December 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19, 2021. Tickets are $25 for everyone age 2 and above. Must be purchased online in advance at rb.gy/38dt73.

Garden d Lights

Garden d’Lights features over half a million sparkling lights formed in the whimsical shapes of plants, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls set amid the natural beauty of the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Look for many of your old favorites, and some new surprises too! Running November 27 through December 31 from 4:30 to 9:00 pm (lights out at 9:30). Tickets are $5 per person, children 10 and under are free, and must be purchased online (will not be sold at the gate). 12001 Main St in Bellevue. For information or to purchase tickets, see their website at bellevuebotanical.org/event/garden-dlights/2021-11-27.

Christmas Ship Festival

Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival is a ship-to-shore holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition since 1949. The Spirit of Seattle is decorated with hundreds of shimmery white lights and sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities – around 40 in all. Choirs perform to guests aboard, to follow boats, and to communities gathered on shore. (Proof of full vaccination required for all on-board guests eligible to receive the vaccine.) Cruises leave from various departure locations in downtown Seattle, Kirkland, and Renton, November 26 to December 23. Tickets range from $37-$50 with ages 3 and under free. Check schedule and availability at rb.gy/mxnn1e.

new poles in renton - really?

Puget Sound Energy has begun installing new poles in Renton for Energize Eastside. CENSE filed a formal complaint at the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), arguing that the project has not yet received approval for a critical connecting segment in Newcastle. Consequently, Renton homeowners may endure invasive construction and removal of trees for no reason if the Newcastle segment is not approved.

The Commission rejected the complaint, explaining that state law does not provide the UTC authority to stop a project that has been permitted by a city, even if the whole project is not yet permitted. This reasoning might allow PSE to start construction in Somerset at any time! However, PSE risks paying for construction that won’t be compensated if the Newcastle permit is denied.

Why would PSE take such a risk? Perhaps the company is trying to put “boots on the ground” in advance of a very difficult public hearing in Newcastle in January. To gain approval from Newcastle’s Hearing Examiner, PSE must provide compelling answers to at least three questions:

Is Energize Eastside necessary? Newcastle’s independent consultant found no need for the project to serve winter peak demand for electricity, the cornerstone of PSE’s argument since 2013. There is a question if summer peak demand is growing enough to create outage risks. If so, there are good solutions (like solar panels) for summer peaks. Evidence is mounting that Energize Eastside is an over-sized, over-priced, and harmful solution for a problem that never materialized.

Is Energize Eastside safe? The project ignores a key safety standard set by the National Electric Safety Code. The existing utility corridor is 20% to 50% too narrow to safely operate a

CENSE UPDATE

230,000-volt power line. With no plans to condemn homes to widen the corridor, PSE is compromising public safety to earn higher revenues.

Seriously, is it safe? Several years ago, Newcastle passed safety regulations for facilities located near two high-pressure petroleum pipelines. PSE seeks a variance to be excused from these safety regulations. If PSE’s executives and their families lived next to this project, perhaps they would see things differently.

Stopping Energize Eastside in Newcastle is now our best chance to stop the project in Somerset. We need your help. First, we need oral and written testimony for the public hearing. We need to educate the Hearing Examiner about the numerous problems with this proposal. Second, we need your continued financial support to pay our attorney and expert witnesses to present our best case at the January hearing.

Please donate to CENSE or contact us about your testimony through our website at cense.org. Our hard-working volunteers (no paid staff) thank you for your support!

Don Marsh CENSE President

Somerset Elementary PTSA Fundraising

Somerset PTSA is partnering with Smith Brothers Farms to raise money! Each new Smith Brothers Farms customer who signs

using code SomersetESPTSA receives $15 off their first

order and activates a $50 donation from Smith Brothers Farms to Somerset PTSA. (Iconic porch box arrives with your first

See smithbrothersfarms.com to check out their products and use the QR Code to the right to sign up today.

Thank you for supporting Somerset Elementary PTSA!

Tis the Season … to Prepare for Winter!

We live on a hill. Hopefully, that is not news to you! But it does present at least two additional winter challenges compared to greater Bellevue. First, our higher elevation can cause it to snow here when surrounding lower areas receive only rain.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Weather reports indicating snow levels dropping to 500 feet should grab your attention. Second, our hilly streets can make driving impossible to do safely when snow-covered. Especially problematic are conditions when the temperature is hovering around freezing and snow has accumulated on the road. This makes for extremely slippery conditions often making even the main roads like Somerset Blvd impossible to go up and dangerous to try to come down. Remember, four-wheel drive does not help when trying to control a downhill slide. This mistake in understanding has been observed right here on Somerset during prior winter storms. The results were not pretty and extremely dangerous to the vehicle passengers and pedestrians on sidewalks.

What this all means is we need to pay close attention to preparing for winter conditions. As a reminder for how to prepare, we’ve included the following checklist:

Prepare your home. It’s a good idea to:

· Stock non-perishable foods for times when getting to stores may be impossible.

· Have your furnace inspected to help ensure reliable service.

· Have your fireplace and chimney inspected if you plan to use it.

· Find your snow shovel and deicer and have it ready to go.

· Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and place a cover over the outdoor water spigot (available at hardware stores).

· Protect/insulate other exposed water pipes to prevent freezing.

· Trim back large overhanging tree limbs that could break under the weight of accumulated ice or snow

· Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly and replace them every 10 years.

· Make sure your home first-aid supplies are up to date and any prescription medications are in stock.

Prepare your vehicle. Driving in winter weather is a challenge. You should:

· Check your tire tread wear and replace with all-weather or snow tires if needed.

· Keep your gas tank full.

· Check your heat and window defrost functions to ensure they are working.

· Check your wipers are in good working order

· Check radiator antifreeze and replace if necessary.

· Top-off your windshield washer reservoir with low temperature washer fluid.

Keep in your car:

· Small shovel

· Emergency food and water

· Flashlight with extra batteries

· Winter clothing, especially boots, gloves, hat, and waterproof outer jacket

· Charging capability for your phone

· Jumper cables, flares, tire pump and bag of sand for traction

· Tire chains if your driving route encounters hills

Review driving routes. If you must drive:

· Determine ahead of time what are the best routes leading to/from your home in Somerset that avoid the steepest hills and that are likely to be plowed first. Search “Bellevue snow response priorities map” for more information.

· Learn to recognize black ice conditions. Black ice forms on our streets during cold nights when moisture from the air condenses on the street and freezes. For more information search “black ice”

Review your winter clothing. If you or your children must go out, prepare to

· Dress in layers for warmth with a waterproof outer layer.

· Wear waterproof boots with traction soles. A pair of slip-on traction “spikes” can help in particularly icy conditions. You can find these online or in outdoor stores.

· Wear heavy socks, a hat that covers your ears and good pair of gloves or mittens.

· Don’t venture out alone and let others know where you are going.

Prepare for power interruptions.

Severe weather of any kind can lead to a loss of electrical power for a period of hours or days. Yes, this means no lights or power for the refrigerator, but also be aware that your furnace will not function, even if you heat with natural gas. You also may not be able to travel by car to nearby facilities for warmth, food, medicines, or other supplies.

· Stock batteries for flashlights and radios.

· Have extra blankets available for beds and warm clothes to wear in the home. Space blankets are inexpensive and can be used in a pinch. They’re also handy to have in an emergency travel kit.

· Keep a trickle of water running through the pipes to help prevent them from freezing.

· Never use an outdoor grill indoors (home, basement, or garage). This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Prepare your outdoor grill to be used in the winter outdoors to cook or warm food.

For more information search online for “Bellevue winterize” to find and download the winterize.pdf document from the City of Bellevue Office of Emergency Management explaining additional details for how to prepare.

Let’s all be smart about the snow this winter and stay safe!

Pete Mansfield SCA Preparedness Chaire

Tips for a Power Outage

· Keep your freezer full. A full freezer retains cold better than an empty one.

· Any time you have extra space, fill an empty plastic jug with water and put it in the freezer to freeze solid. When the power goes out, quickly grab a couple of jugs and put them in your fridge, leaving some in the freezer. At the same time grab a few items from the fridge that you’ll need in the coming day or two (milk, etc.) and put them in a cooler with another ice jug. This will allow you to keep the doors to your fridge and freezer shut. Consider them off limits. Tape them closed if you have to, to remind other household members not to open them. (Each time the door is opened, warm air floods the fridge/freezer, which you don’t want.)

· Freeze a small paper cup of water. Once frozen, put a dime on top of the ice. When the power comes back on, check your freezer. Your food items stayed frozen If the dime is still on top of the ice.

· Reminder that if you have a generator, only use it outdoors and away from windows.

· Cook your dinner on your outside grill.

somerset entrance Landscaping Update

With the help of landscaping volunteer Dave Mickelson, we were recently able to dig out some of the black Mamba Grass in the entrance island that was invading other plants. But with the tenacious root structure of Mamba Grass, more work will probably be required next spring. Having worked on the Mamba Grass with Dave, I noticed this year plants are beginning to crowd each other and it looks like they need an overhaul. Some neighbors like the way the island looks and others feel it has become overgrown and needs refreshing. What’s your opinion? Let us know at somerset98006@gmail.com.

With the rains began at the end of September, our irrigation system was turned off and the lines blown out for winterization. The fountain was also turned off in November for the winter to prevent freezing issues we have had in the past. Our holiday lights are scheduled to be turned on in early December and will be on through January.

Gary Albert Landscaping Chair

Good Reads

Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore (2020, 329 pages)

At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, Oona will turn 19. Or will she? She faints and when she wakes up she’s 51 years old being greeted by a friendly stranger. Each birthday bounces her into a different age -- backwards or forwards but never sequentially. The story is unexpectedly funny, magical, human, and thought provoking. Family, love and how we spend our time are the constant threads of this book.

Marie Vieth, Somerset resident

Have you discovered Bookbub.com? If you hate to pay a lot of money for ebooks, you should try this out. Membership is free and includes access to free and discounted ebooks. You can read them on any device (Kindle, iPad, smartphone, etc.) Once you join, you can specify the categories of books you are interested in (for example, thrillers, cozy mysteries and historical romances) and you will be sent emails with links to those types of books which are currently available for free or at deep discount. Most are through Amazon so it is easy to read reviews and plot summaries to help you decide whether or not to download. Give it a try – highly recommended!

Somerset Community Associaton PO Box 40531 Bellevue, WA 98015

Somerset Celebrates Halloween!

Thank you to everyone who sent us photos of your Halloween celebrations. We were so impressed by our neighborhood’s creative ideas to dress up and decorate for the holiday. What fun!