Somerset Sun December 2022

Somerset Community Association Board of Directors - responsibilities

Charles Bofferding

President, CRC

Yiyi Guo Vice President

Marie Vieth Treasurer, CRC

Sue Sander Secretary

Gary Albert Landscaping

Francis Brito Pride

Diane Fern CRC

Johannes Grad Website, Social Media

Kristen Iversen Membership, CRC

Pete Mansfield Emergency Preparedness

Muriel Mittelstrass Welcome, School Liaison

Allan Yeung Member-at-Large

Directors are elected at our annual general meeting and serve a 3-year term. Our officers of President, VP, Secretary and Treasurer are chosen after election to the Board. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us at somerset98006@gmail.com.

Somerset Sun Advertising deadlines:

February 10, 2023 – Spring issue

May 12, 2023 – Summer issue

August 11, 2023 – Fall issue

November 10, 2023 – 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.

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 next evening out.

Looking Backwards and Forward

My first year as Somerset Community Association President is coming to an end.

First off, I just have to say what an honor and pleasure it is to represent and serve Somerset. Our community is well known and respected in the area and the good people who have served on our board and committees are known throughout the larger Bellevue region. We have experts and activists throughout our community and together we make a great team that is respected and effective.

Hope without plans is only a dream

A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step

SCA PRESIDENT S MESSAGE

At the start of the year, we had an off-site – our top goal was to reconnect and energize the community. Some of the board committees developed Vision, Today, Action (VTA) plans to define what “perfect” (Vision) and “Today” looked like and what “Actions” they planned to take to enable the journey to the vision. Our progress includes the following:

• increased membership slightly (continuing a three year upward trend above 50%)

• with a lot of community help, orchestrated the annual July 4th parade and picnic

• held the first Lunar New Year celebration and made it an annual event

• in addition to the annual meeting, began twice yearly community meetings for two-way sharing

• dealt with over 60 CRC cases and worked to improve response time

• reinvigorating block groups – small steps but on the cusp of more good things

• tracked our finances in a way that informed and empowered the board

• began documenting internal processes and settled on a single file storage system

• kept our website updated and sent out numerous community blasts on relevant topics

• sent out editions of the Somerset Sun and biennial Directory

• brought Bellevue City officials to our annual meeting to share information on the landslide

• revived the Somerset Pride group which, by employing neighborhood ambassadors, will help residents understand and execute rights given by their covenants

• kept our high standards for landscaping and care for our common areas

Perhaps the thing I am most proud of is that, for the first time I know of, we have more people expressing interest than we have slots available for our 12–15-person board. In the past we have struggled to maintain 12. This year, with 3 leaving, we will add 6 to fill out a 15-person board. And the applicants reflect our changing demographics in terms of both age and ethnicity – very exciting.

So, looking back on the year, we made progress on “reconnect and energize the community”.

Looking forward to next year, there is much to do. Foremost is continuing last year’s good work – we must think in terms of continuously improving processes rather than completing singular efforts.

Our hill is changing. Property values have skyrocketed. View issues will only increase as vegetation continues to grow, more remodels are proposed, and tear down (and rebuild) become a reality. The hard part is that only property owners are authorized to bring complaints against other property owners per their specific covenants. Therefore, we must educate everyone on their rights and how to best exercise them. We need to develop criteria and guidelines that are accessible to all, easily understood, consistent with the covenants, and supported by property owners. This is hard, important, and timely work and our next board must make it a priority. My hope is that, consistent with the trends our current board is extending, development will include open community interaction to develop explicit and shared principles that make sense to all and drive our specific actions.

It has been a wonderful year and I thank everyone who helped make it so; next year can be even better. And I wouldn’t be a good president if I didn’t ask everyone to consider becoming involved in block groups or committees and ask a friend to join the SCA – Involvement and Membership Matters – somerset98006.org

Humbly, respectfully, and gratefully yours,

Charles Bofferding SCA President

By Councilmember Jennifer Robertson

Council Adopts $2.2 Billion Biennial Budget

In every even-numbered year, the Bellevue City Council adopts the City budget. This includes a two-year

COUNCIL CORNER

operating budget and a six-year capital budget. The budget, which is approximately $2.2 billion, is always a reflection of Bellevue values. This year there are some exciting additions to the budget.

First, as Bellevue has grown, the size of our police and fire departments have not kept pace with our population. This budget seeks to balance that with the funding of 21 new police department employees (19 will be commissioned officers) and new fire employees for staffing Fire Station 10 once construction is complete, as well as funding for equipping Station 10. The police hires will make permanent the Community Crisis Assistant Team (CCAT) program which is a program where specially-trained officers and social workers are paired to respond to crisis calls. The City piloted the program last year and found it be very effective at deescalating crisis situations and connecting people to services. The CCAT program reduces police use of force and assists those with mental health needs, diverting them away from jails or hospitals, and provides appropriate follow-up care and case management afterwards. The police department expansion will also create a new transit unit in time for the opening of the six light rail stations planned for Bellevue. With light rail transit and expanded growth in that corridor, general activity will increase and that means that criminal activity will also statistically be more likely to occur. Making sure everyone has a safe ride and a safe place to connect to transit is important to the growth of the City and the quality life in Bellevue.

Thank you, Diane and Irene!

The budget also includes the following: increases spending to further the goals set out in the Environmental Stewardship Initiative; invests in human services and small business recovery through the American Rescue Plan Act funds; increases funding for the arts; increases funding to “Vision Zero” which is our program for reducing injuries and deaths on Bellevue roads; advances programing in clean streets and affordable housing; invests in equity and inclusion through advancing existing programming and new cross-cultural programming, apprenticeship utilization as well as fostering pathways for women and minority-owned businesses in City procurements; provides funding for design and engineering for the planned major aquatics center; increases investment for serving individuals experiencing homelessness with programming in safe parking and other investments; and continues to build the highest priority infrastructure needed for further growth.

If you are interested in reviewing the budget, please visit the City’s website at https://bellevuewa.gov/citygovernment/departments/finance/budget-andperformance/budgets/preliminary-budget.

What is not (yet) included in the budget are the funds that will be collected starting next year as a result of the passage of the Parks and Open Space Levy that was on your November ballot. Thanks to the trust placed in the City by the voters, that levy is passing. Since the election was not yet certified when the Council adopted the budget, the Council will need to take up programming those levy funds early in 2023 and will amend the budget at that time. It will be a pleasure to make Bellevue even better with these investments in parks and open space.

As the year winds to a close, my family and I send wishes to each of you for very happy holidays and a wonderful new year!

Jennifer Robertson is a 4-term member of the Bellevue City Council and a municipal attorney with the Bellevue law firm Inslee Best Doezie & Ryder. She and her husband have raised three daughters in Somerset.

For the past five years our beautiful Somerset Sun newsletter has been edited by SCA

Diane Fern and the layout was produced by Irene Endow. The Somerset Community Association

like

on behalf of all Somerset residents for their dedication and service to our community

We are happy to announce that Somerset resident Kiran Mascarenhas has agreed to take over the role of editor starting with the March 2023 edition of the Somerset Sun.

Thank you, Diane and Irene and welcome Kiran!

Johannes Grad SCA Communications

Chair

board member

would

to thank Diane and Irene

Civility Is Foundational to Community and Community is Paramount

Some say Somerset is all about the views; others the schools; location, look and/or feel.

While acknowledging all these good things, the Somerset Board would like to say that it is the relationship of the people who define a neighborhood. We share a goal to ensure Somerset is a welcoming community with respect for all, with vibrant positive community interaction to define and follow a positive path forward. Our ability to listen to and exchange ideas to create a shared path forward maintains and grows our sense of community

We are changing, our demographics are shifting and many of our first residents are leaving the hill while new people make Somerset their home. We are now truly a melting pot for the world. And with new people and populations come new ideas and ways of interacting and working together. We support

diversity which can bring controversy – which should always be met with respect and civility. Our goal is to search for shared truth rather than defend positions. In a changing world, “that’s the way we’ve always done it,” while enlightening, is not necessarily compelling. While respecting and learning from the past, we must keep the door open to new ideas, thoughts, and plans. And as we discuss them, we must remain civil – we must always treat each other with respect, honor others’ feelings, and assume the best about others’ intentions as we work to find common ground which will often include compromise.

Through it all, a foundation of civility will help us maintain and grow a loving warm community. Let’s be kind to each other –and make Somerset even better.

Charles Bofferding, President

Somerset Pride

We are reinvigorating/updating the Somerset Pride Committee and need at least 8 volunteers on the committee. The purpose of this committee is to empower all homeowners in Somerset to have a shared understanding of and commitment to nurture and grow the Look, Feel and Views of Somerset. The map of Somerset shows the proposed eight Somerset pride group boundaries, A through H, covering every division, to be served by Committee Ambassadors.

Each Ambassador must be a Somerset homeowner, and preferably resides within the Somerset Pride Group boundaries that they accompany. The Ambassador will help each homeowner in their group to be aware of the role and authority they possess towards ensuring a warm, welcoming and trusting community. There could be more than one committee member in a Pride Group and, if required, someone could be an ambassador for any group. Additionally, a committee member may also be on the SCA Board. Through their Covenants, the homeowners have legal standing for enforcement (the SCA and CRC do not have standing for legal action) but us, as a group can help guide and facilitate action.

Some of our first actions will be:

· Develop a shared vision of where we are, where w want to go and how to start the journey

· Become familiar with our own Covenants and then others.

· Continue work on a matrix that helps anyone quickly understand what is in their Division’s Covenants.

Reorganizing the Somerset Pride Committee is a continuous learning process, and something we will do together and will take some time, but now is a good time to start. Please participate; looking forward to hearing back from you at your earliest convenience.

Francisco A. Brito, Pride Chair (h) (425) 865-9302 (m) (425) 652-9821

Annual SCA General Meeting

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!

Power outages: Batteries vs. generators

m writing this on November 13, shortly after 1,700 of my Somerset neighbors endured a two-hour power outage. Today was a beautiful, alm day, and no one had reason to expect an outage. In fact, I wasn’t are the power was out until my neighbor called me.

The power is out!” I told my wife.

“No, it’s not!” she said, flicking the lights on and off to prove her point.

“Right,” I said. “That electricity is coming from our batteries.”

About two months ago, we installed two Powerwall batteries from esla. My Tesla app shows that the batteries have spared us from six wer outages during the past 60 days. During each outage, our power has been continuous – the lights don’t even flicker!

When I checked PSE’s website for an explanation, the cause of the outage was listed as “Equipment Failure.” This is frustrating. PSE reduces costs by stretching repair crews and postponing equipment maintenance until something breaks. To further maximize revenues, the company prioritizes huge projects like the ugly transmission lines running through our neighborhood, which won’t prevent any of the power outages we typically experience.

Historically, Somerset has a poor record of electrical reliability, and I’m sorry to say that may not improve any time soon. As a result, some people are buying generators, but I advise caution. Due to ventilation issues, generators have sometimes caused more deaths in the aftermath of hurricanes than the blowing wind or flooding water have. Generators usually need to be manually started, so you don’t get continuous, silent power like our batteries provide.

Both batteries and generators can be an expensive addition to your home. The price tag can exceed $20,000, depending on the capacity and duration you need. Our batteries can meet our needs for a day or two – maybe longer if our solar panels are generating electricity and if we’re careful with our consumption. Generators can operate for as long as you have sufficient gas on hand, but they need more maintenance than batteries over the years.

There are more pros and cons than I can cover in this column. If you’d like more information, feel free to send me an email at don.m.marsh@gmail.com. I’m happy to share our experiences with our batteries, heat pump, electric car, and induction stove top. Our home is comfortable, and our emissions are gradually disappearing, but we’ve had to make some expensive investments over many years. Now some government programs (like the Inflation Reduction Act) are making it easier for people to reduce their carbon footprint so that future generations might enjoy the planet as much as we have.

Don Marsh, Somerset resident

Somerset Elementary PTSA

Community Fundraisers for Somerset PTSA – Announcing Superstar Dine Out! Take a night off from cooking and join us in eating for a great cause. Put the dates on your calendar:

Thursday, January 11th, Chipotle Factoria, 4-8pm Thursday, February 23rd, Panda Express online Thursday, March 23rd, MOD Pizza Factoria

Thank you for your support!

As the calendar year draws to a close, the CRC would like to thank all the neighbors who have kept their homes and foliage within the Somerset Division Covenants and the City of Bellevue Codes. We also thank all the individuals who have followed CRC protocol and submitted their proposed plans for CRC review – 65 cases this year as we go to print.

At the recent Community meeting, we discussed a situation where a homeowner put on a white roof (without CRC review/approval) and then sold their house and moved away The new owner was not responsible for the violation but now it is unclear who is responsible for fixing it. Uphill neighbors must deal with the resulting glare until the issue can be resolved. This entire situation could have been avoided if the original owner had applied for CRC review before changing their roof

It is a frustrating and ongoing problem when Somerset homeowners claim ignorance of the Covenants. In the coming year, we will attempt to increase awareness of the Covenants, the responsibility and benefits of obtaining CRC approval before remodels, and the risks of not doing so, including being required to remove a modification. We are considering mailing notice to each Somerset homeowner (1,547) of their Division’s Covenants and their CRC responsibilities. We encourage you to chat with your neighbors about the existence of the Covenants and the CRC application process. In the near future, we are also updating our Frequently Asked Question page on the website to address various common

CRC questions. Additionally, because most Covenants only protect the view from a house as it was originally built (and not as remodeled), we are suggesting that homeowners have the CRC come in to take pictures of their existing views before any remodel. We hope that all of these steps will help increase Covenant awareness, and we welcome additional suggestions from the community

COVENANT CORNER

Lastly, I’d like to introduce Chloe Chen, who will be taking over as CRC Chair next year. Chloe has served on the CRC this past year, getting up to speed on our processes and procedures, and I am confident she will be an excellent new leader of the committee. I will be extending my time as a CRC representative next year supporting Chloe and the committee. I’d like to thank the entire committee for their hard work this year and thank the community for their CRC support. I’ve enjoyed my six years as Chair and believe strongly that Covenant enforcement is key to protecting the property values in our wonderful neighborhood.

Happy Holidays to all!

Diane Fern, CRC Chair

Good News for Skiers – Snow Predicted for

“Mt. Somerset”!

It’s time again to prepare for winter! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an advisory on October 13 indicating a 75% chance of another La Niña winter this season (climate.gov). This would be the third winter in a row and great news if you are a Northwest skier! La Niña typically brings wetter weather at sea level with plenty of

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

snow at higher elevations. Indeed, occasional glimpses of the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges from Somerset showed snowfall accumulations by the end of October. As the season progresses and temperatures dip further, we will likely see snowfall on Somerset again this season.

Some winter-related facts to consider in Somerset: Somerset Elementary School is almost 800 feet above sea level. When you hear predictions of snow levels dropping to 1000 feet or less, that’s the time to stay on top of changing conditions.

· The slipperiest road and sidewalk conditions usually occur during early parts of a winter storm, as temperatures typically drop through freezing (32°F, 0°C). Tire and foot traffic packs down snow but road and sidewalk surfaces have not yet frozen. This causes the packed snow to stay wet underneath leading to extremely slippery conditions.

· Driving downhill can be more dangerous than driving up. If you are driving uphill and lose traction you pretty-much stop. If you are driving downhill and lose traction you generally don’t stop! Plenty of online videos show what can happen driving downhill in snow and the same has happened in Somerset in the past.

· A 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle gives you no advantage on the downhill. If you see other vehicles getting into trouble descending a hill, consider that all modern cars have 4-wheel braking systems. 4-wheel or all-wheel drive provides no advantage in this situation. This misjudgment was witnessed on Somerset Blvd during a past snowstorm, we assume, followed by an insurance claim.

· Snow tires can improve traction and safety significantly though may not get you where you want to go in the most challenging conditions.

· Broken bones from falls on slippery sidewalks are one of the most common winter weather-related serious injuries. Wearing slip-on traction devices (micro-spikes, nano-spikes, etc.) over your winter footwear can improve safety

All of this means you may choose to stay home for a few days if we get a severe storm. With deliveries and repair services suspended and possible electric power interruptions, you will want to be prepared. Some suggestions:

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

· Make sure your home first-aid supplies are up to date.

· Ensure prescription medications are in stock.

· 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.

· Prevent outdoor spigots from freezing by disconnecting outdoor hoses and placing a cover over the spigot (available at hardware stores). Protect/insulate any other exposed water pipes to prevent freezing.

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

· Review your winter clothing. Dress in layers for warmth with a waterproof outer layer. Footwear including heavy socks and a hat that covers your ears along with gloves or mittens will keep the extremities warm. Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return.

· Prepare for power interruptions. Severe weather of any kind can lead to a loss of electrical power for a period of hours or days. This means no lights or power for the refrigerator. It also means 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 cell phone charging. Have extra blankets available for beds and warm clothes to wear in the home. 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.

· Keep your car prepared for cold weather. Check your tires for wear and consider all-weather or snow tires. Be prepared to use tire chains if your driving route encounters hills. Keep your gas tank full. Check your wipers and top off your windshield wash reservoir. Check radiator antifreeze and replace if necessary

· Consider keeping emergency supplies, equipment, and clothing in your car in case you are caught out when the storm starts. A small shovel, emergency snacks and water, flashlight with extra batteries, boots, gloves, hat, and waterproof outer jacket are all good to have. Charging capability for your phone, jumper cables, flares, and bag of sand for traction might also prove helpful.

· Review driving routes. Determine ahead of time what the best routes are leading to/from your home that avoid the steepest hills and identify streets that are likely to be plowed first. See the link below for the Bellevue plowing priority map.

· Learn to recognize black ice conditions. Black ice can form on our streets especially during clear, cold nights when moisture from the air condenses on the street and freezes. Be very careful when these conditions exist. For more information search “black ice”

For more information, please refer online to bellevuewa.gov/winter where you will find detailed information for how winter conditions are addressed by the city and links to other sites. Also review the resources page under block groups/preparedness on our website, Somerset98006.org.

Please enjoy this winter and stay safe!

Pete Mansfield SCA Preparedness Chair

Facility Improvements/Updates - The new board will be meeting in early 2023 to determine the 2023 plan for improvements but as always we are continuously looking for ways to improve our facility for our members. Here are a few updates on projects that are in progress:

· Pool coping and tiles: This project is expected to be completed by Summer 2023! We can’t wait to reveal the pool’s new look this summer

Our “Early Bird” special membership pricing is now open and runs through January 1st. Details are posted on somersetrec.org and Facebook. Don't forget that family memberships are limited and are allotted on a first come, first served basis. Please email somersetrecclub@gmail.com with any questions.

Fundraising Update - SRC’s final 2022 fundraising total came in at $62,124 - AMAZING! Most of the donations will be going to coping and tiling around the pool which will be happening this winter. Other club improvements this year included a gazebo for the turf area in the courts, adirondack chairs, bistro tables & chairs, BBQs and deck boxes. We are so grateful for all the people who donate to help us continue making annual improvements to SRC to improve the membership experience. Thank you!!!!

The 2023 SRC Board - Thanks to those who joined us at the general membership meeting in October. We would like to introduce the 2023 SRC board:

· President: Michael Ketchum

· Vice President: Roman Brewer

· Secretary: Jenny Lin

· Treasurer: Luke Aass

· Website: Kip Fern

· Social Media: Michele Brown-Ruegg

· Events: Emilie Castle

· Swim Team: Shannon Gregory-Lowe / Daryl Gazzard

· Member at Large: Liane Harner

· PSE Update: PSE intends to complete pole installation no later than mid-December. The next steps are to finish the rockery wall, repair some cement, put up the new fencing, and add new lights to the top of the poles. (Photo included of the work in progress.) Once this project is completed, our courts will be restored for member use.

· City of Bellevue - Somerset Reservoir Decommissioning Update: As anyone driving up and down Somerset Blvd knows, work continues on the decommissioning of the reservoir. New walls, metal railings, new fencing and landscaping are all e coming months. W an end and look for everyone. Ideally the board’s goal is to be able to build additional decks on the hill for our members but we will learn more once this project is completed.

Winter Pool Lane Ren swim coach or swim team looking f fall and winter in Belle have them contact SRC pool manag (206) 601-3492 for de

Landscaping Issues

The City of Bellevue was asked to investigate the cause of death of two trees in the ne renovated median at our Foresthill entrance on Somerset Drive. They reported the demise of the tree was not due to lack of water but was a problem of too much water. In late Oct the rains returned) they dug a hole next to one of the trees and found standing wa root ball.

They said they became suspicious during the renovation planting that certain portions of the median may have had a drainage problem, perhaps an unknown source was contributing t groundwater but since there was significant rainfall around that same time it was dif certain. Now, finding standing water following our summer of drought, it is clear ther in this location and replacing this same tree in this location would not be a success.

The problem does not appear to affect the entire median. One potential fix discussed w the soil level in that area and installing a tree that fares better in wet soils - howev the tree species would not match either of the two tree species already installed in the median. It may be that finding a fix to the drainage issue is too complicated and expensive and ins plant material better suited to soil conditions in that spot. There is no clear answer y discussed further and let us know. In the meantime, they will remove the dead tree along with two rhododendrons that didn’t make it after the renovation.

The water feature at the main Somerset entrance was shut down in November and the pond drained, the irrigation system shut down, and the lines blown out. The holiday ligh ON at Thanksgiving.

Gary Albert, Landscaping Chair

Confessions of a Somerset Housewife

It’s that time of the year again. The time when we think about all that for which we are thankful. As I think I’ve told you before, I’m originally from Canada, the land of extra "U”s (neighbours) and extra "sorrys." Canadians, as you may know, are almost compulsively polite. And, although I’ve gotten a little rougher around the edges with age and traffic, I still mostly perpetuate that stereotype. There have been numerous occasions since I've been here when I've wanted to contact my neighbours and thank them for something. And, with every Canadian “Thank you” there is an “I’m sorry” lurking not far behind. For that reason, a couple of years ago, I started an annual holiday apology post. Here is the 2022 version.

First of all, a while back we got a second pup to be a companion to our sweet but somewhat mentally unstable first dog. I never dreamed I'd be one of those dog parents whose dogs are, at times, bothersome beasts. Alas, similar to when I imagined my theoretical kids, the reality of being a pet parent has been incredibly different and humbling. My theoretical children were very well-behaved. My theoretical dogs were calm, loving, and they even saved a few lives. Unfortunately, as it often does, reality clashed with my doggy dreams. Our first dog was pretty quiet, but the second little Shit (Tsu - yes I did that on purpose) is a vocal little fella. His

brother now follows suit. So, I am the person whose dogs bark at people, bark at other dogs, bark at poles, squirrels, and random leaves flying by. I am so sorry. I tried training them, I hired professionals, I used rewards, I Googled, I hired more professionals. And yet, here we are. I apologize that my yappy little canines might ruin your moment during your walk, freak out your dog, or just generally annoy you. I’m sorry.

Secondly, while I'm typically a vigilant dog parent when it comes to bagging waste, I failed the other day on my walk. My dog decided it was time to go. Unfortunately, his “gift” was camouflaged by a myriad of beautiful colorful leaves. So, if you saw a woman on your Ring camera, staring at the sidewalk near your lawn for about ten minutes, that was me trying to locate my dog's poop. I was unsuccessful. On the following walk, I brought extra poop bags and picked up any pet waste that I found to try to compensate for the camo-poop. I apologize.

Lastly, Finn has begun to have favorite songs. Or, more accurately, a single favorite song. It’s High Hopes by Panic at the Disco (you’re welcome). He can also speak a little more now, and some of his very first words were “High Hopes” which he continues to yell at a surprising volume. As we walk around the neighborhood, Finn insists that we play this song on repeat. So, while you may be hoping to enjoy the soothing sounds of nature, my two-dog, one-child, music-blasting caravan might kill the moment. I’m sorry

Those are the big apologies, although I'm sure I'll think of more later. I am genuinely thankful to my Somerset neighbors for being wonderful, warm, and kind, and I wish you Happy Holidays. However, in true Canadian fashion, I will end with "I'm sorry!"

Renee Kipp lives in Somerset with her husband and four children and shares her musings with the community

GOOD READS

Killers of a Certain Age Deanna Raybourn

368 pages (2022)

Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie have worked for the Museum, an elite network of assassins, for forty years. When they are sent on an all-expense paid vacation to mark their retirement, they are targeted by one of their own. Only the Board, the top-level members of the Museum, can order the termination of field agents, and the women realize they’ve been marked for death. Now to get out alive they have to turn against their own organization, relying on experience and each other to get the job done, knowing that working together is the secret to their survival.

This witty thriller is action-packed and especially entertaining to women of a certain age!

Violeta by Isabel Allende

336 pages (2022)

Violeta reflects on her 100 years of life in an unnamed Latin American country. She tells her story in the form of a letter to someone she loves above all others, recounting times of devastating heartbreak and passionate affairs, poverty and wealth, terrible loss and immense joy. Her life is shaped by some of the most important events of history: the fight for women’s rights, the rise and fall of tyrants, and ultimately not one, but two pandemics.

Through the eyes of a woman whose unforgettable passion, determination, and sense of humor carry her through a lifetime of upheaval, Isabel Allende once more brings us an epic that is both fiercely inspiring and deeply emotional.

ENGAGING COMMUNITY MEETING

The Somerset Community Association held its second community meeting on October 27th in the Somerse Elementary library. Seven board members were joined by nearly 30 residents both in person and online. Rather than a presentation, the meeting was a lively community conversation. Everyone was encouraged t participate in the meeting and in the community association, as “many hands make light work.”

· SCA President Charles Bofferding shared a chart showing membership increasing over the last few year (currently 55% membership in the community) and led a conversation about the various board and committee positions and the responsibilities of each.

· Preparedness Chair Pete Mansfield thanked his committee members and encouraged people to form and join block groups to ommunity building, and/or security ts and invited people to reach out to suggest other events or help with s make events happen. or the Committee. There are openings for volunteer Ambassadors in ommunity building by connecting neighbors and helping people

articipants shared ideas for events and information which might interest the community, including holding a plant swap, sharing information on backup emergency energy sources, sharing Somerset history on our website, and ideas for improving Covenant awareness. Much information was exchanged and veryone enjoyed an engaging and informed conversation.

All participants were encouraged to attend our annual general meeting in January, and the meeting was adjourned as planned at 8:30 pm.

Local Winter Holiday Events

Holidays are around the corner and there are many popular local activities to enjoy:

Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink – Enjoy ice skating during the holidays! Running from November 18 through January 8, it is located one block south of Bellevue Square at NE 1st St and 100th Ave NE. Admission is $14 on Monday–Thursday, and $17 Friday-Sunday, includes skate rental. Check hours and book online at bellevueicerink.com

Snowflake Lane - Experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers in this free nightly parade of holiday floats. Running every night from November 25 through December 24 at 7 pm along Bellevue Way between NE 4th and NE 8th Sts. 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.

Winterfest - Connect to a world of sparkling lights and spirited entertainment at Seattle Center Winterfest. From November 25 to December 31, those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or delightful diversion will find live performances, a Winter Train & Village, ice sculpting and their annual campus lighting display. Free! See their website for a more detailed schedule at seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/winterfest.

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 26 through December 31 (except Christmas day) from 4:30 to 9:00 pm (lights out at 9:30). Tickets are $8 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

Wild Lanterns - Explore Woodland Park Zoo with a 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! Runs November 11 to January 22 from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. (Closed Christmas and Christmas Eve.)

Tickets for Adults (Ages 13+) $30-$35, and children (Ages 3-12) $26 to $30. Age 2 and under free. More details and tickets at zoo.org/wildlanterns