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ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNIT Y NEWS www.issaquahhighlands.com | facebook.com/issaquahhighlands
April 2017
WE HAVE OPTIONS
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E ? 4 Feature: Transportation Options: Bus Schedules, Vanpools, Bikes 8 Highlands Council 9 Highlands Youth 10 IHCA Budget 12 IHCA News 14 Blakely Hall Art 15 Volunteer of the Month 15 Meet LEO House
16 18 19 21 21 23 23 25 26 29
30 Culture through Cuisine What’s Happening 31 Directory Issaquah City News Doing Business Photo Treasure Hunt Highlands Fiber Network Emergency Preparedness Real Estate in the Highlands 20 Years of Sustainability School Spotlight Ask Kari
ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON 2550 NE Park Drive Issaquah, WA 98029
PERMIT NO. 83 ISSAQUAH, WA U.S. POSTAGE PAID PRSRT STD
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
FROM THE EDITOR Live – Work – Play
Approximately 10,000 people live in Issaquah Highlands. At least that many people play here. But how many of us get to work here? Thanks to our local employers, live-work districts, and our fiber-to-the-home HFN connections, a few of us never have to leave the hill. But for the rest of us, commuting is a necessary evil. And if you drive onto I-90 alone any time after 7am, pack your patience. Tune into your favorite podcast and enjoy the slow ride. You are going to be out there for a while… But we have options! And you want to know about them! In January, Highlands Council Admittedly a fair-weather bike commuter, Nina conducted a community-wide survey online prefers trails to streets. and found many of you live in IH because of its easy access to I-90. But with the daily traffic jams, many of you also requested more information about transportation options. Our feature story this month provides a broad spectrum of transportation options, including biking, vanpools, and five bus routes serving the Highlands. When you get your life back from the clutches of traffic gridlock, enjoy reading the other stories we brought you this month. The IHCA shares next fiscal year’s budget. Ellina Charipova, an IHCA director on the board, is honored as our volunteer of the month. Volunteer writers provide tips about life in Issaquah Highlands. And welcome back Culture through Cuisine! This month – a very domestic offering. Enjoy!
April 2017 •
MONDAY
5-10 P.M.
Kids Eat
FREE
When the adults buy a large pizza, kids under 12 get two free personal pizzas – or one free personal pizza if the adults only buy a medium size.
Nina Milligan Editor of Connections - Highlands Council Communications Manager Highlands Council is the publisher of Connections, producer of community-wide events such as Highlands Day, owner and manager of Blakely Hall, liaison with the greater community. The mission of Highlands Council, and therefore, Connections News, is “to foster the development of a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, and well-being.”
Night
(425) 893-8646 www.zeekspizzaissaquah.com
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
Produced by Nina Milligan, Highlands Council. Volunteer contributions by Susie Sharp, resident of The Brownstones
WEDNESDAY | MARCH 15, 2017 | 8:30AM “Siri, how long would it take to drive from Issaquah Highlands to Seattle right now?” “The traffic to Seattle is heavy, so I’m estimating 1 hour and 1 minute.” When did you last get through a week without complaining about traffic? Whether you commute to work outside of Issaquah, drive your kids to school, or just try to “get around” on a weekday at 4pm, you know first-hand how traffic can ruin your day. In January, Highlands Council conducted a community survey about life in Issaquah Highlands. Many shared that they moved to Issaquah for its access to I-90 for work and many also wished to know more about transportation options. In this, our third annual
Living Green™ issue of Connections, we are answering that request with an extensive guide to all your options for avoiding, or making the most of traffic. We know not all of you are comfortable with “mass” transit. Even the name sounds kinda scary, doesn’t it? But don’t let transit’s daunting image deter you! Follow our guide. Peruse websites to find details about each trip you might like to take. It is easier than you think!
Issaquah Highlands Connections
April 2017 •
A TALE OF TWO HIGHLANDS BUS RIDERS From Transit Oriented to Transit Defender
From “Car-First” Thinking to Bus-Savvy Riding
by Susie Sharp, The Brownstones
by Vicki Grunewald, Graphic Designer & Digital Marketing Coordinator, Highlands Council & Black Nugget Park resident
Growing up in Ireland, transit, walking and biking were the ways to get around. I walked or rode my bike to get to the bus stop or train station. Dublin Area Rapid Transport, or the DART as it is popularly known, began running just two months before I started college in the fall of 1984. It was a wonderful thing for a budget-conscious student. Thankfully, the two-tone, green carriages of this electrified rail were clean, reliable and economical, since owning a car simply wasn’t an option. I only drove when I could borrow my Mother’s car at weekends and she naturally had first option on it. Depending on transit while “out on the town” as a young woman could be inconvenient, especially when suddenly realizing I had to run if I wanted to make the last train from Pearse Street. As if that wasn’t enough exercise, I then had a 20-minute walk once I reached my home town station in Bray. Occasionally I called from a phone booth (if I had the appropriate change) to cajole one of my parents to pick me up. But more often than not I marched home. Alternatively, if I timed it correctly, I could catch the bus and have a shorter walk home. I was certainly fit in those days! Imagine me a decade later arriving in Seattle to find that everyone, even 16-year-olds, drive cars. High School students have cars, for goodness sake. However, cars are not the only option and as driving in traffic can be challenging, and parking an issue, why not consider other safe and economical options? Here in the Highlands we have the opportunity to use public transportation and we hope to inspire you to get out of your cars and onto the buses for an outing or two.
When I moved to Issaquah Highlands, easy access to public transportation never crossed my mind. The idea of using public transit intimidated me. Growing up in suburban Maryland, I thought public transportation was for people who did not have a car. We drove everywhere, even if it meant braving traffic or circling for parking. When I moved to our urban village, Issaquah Highlands, I brought my “car-first” mentality. I endured traffic on I-405 and I-90 with other drivers while public buses passed by. It surprised me to learn many of my co-workers relied on public transit to get around, even if they owned a car. The idea of avoiding traffic was tempting, but I hesitated. How do I pay for a ride? Would I get off at the right stop? And most importantly, could I get home just as easily? I needed information and luckily, it’s out there. I ordered my Orca card online. I found a bus schedule app. I gave myself extra time to get to the P & R and confirm my stop. My first public bus ride was a success. As I took the bus more regularly, I forgot why I was so intimidated by public transit in the first place. To me, it’s freeing to no longer worry about traffic or finding affordable city parking. Even though I no longer work downtown, I still frequently take the bus into the city to meet friends and attend events. Car-first? No thanks! I’ll take the bus.
DID YOU KNOW? Public transit options are “salmon-friendly”! The City of Issaquah’s “Salmon Friendly Trips” program helps you make better transportation choices for a more sustainable environment. You can even earn rewards by signing up for a local carpool or vanpool. Learn more about Salmon-Friendly Trips at issaquahwa.gov.
Riding public transit can save you money According to AAA, a 40-mile round-trip commute, five days a week, can cost you $464/month if you drive alone (considering car insurance, maintenance, gas, etc.). Compare that to $165-$195/month taking a public bus from Issaquah Highlands to Downtown Seattle five days a week.
Help is out there. Here’s where to look Local organizations offer online resources and incentive programs to help you make alternative commuting choices easy. Check out Just One Trip (justonetrip.org), Wheel Options (wheeloptions.org) and the WA Department of Transportation resources (wsdot.wa.gov/choices) to get started.
TRANSIT TIPS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU RIDE THE BUS What is the difference between Sound Transit and Metro? Sound Transit serves the urban areas of King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. It runs express bus, light rail and commuter train services. Metro is focused on transit for King County. Options include buses, vanpools and transit services for the disabled. What is an Orca Card? An ORCA card holds value and allows you to manage all your transit purchases with one card. Purchase your ORCA Card online, at Highlands Safeway, Issaquah QFC or a Sound Transit facility. There are special discounts for youth, seniors, those with disabilities and low incomes. ORCA is provided by Sound Transit, but works on almost all area transit including Link Light Rail, Metro buses, Seattle Streetcars, Sound Transit buses, Sounder trains, Community Transit, WA State Ferries, and King County Water Taxis.
The ORCA LIFT card, the reduced fare ORCA card for those with low incomes, can be purchased at YWCA Family Village Issaquah. For more information, please call 425.270.6816 or 206.492.9447. What are transfers? When you use an ORCA card, you can “transfer” between almost all area modes of transit. Your first fare is credited towards the second. The transfer value expires two hours after first tapping the card. When paying with cash on Metro buses, ask for a paper “transfer” from the driver on boarding your first bus. This transfer provides a free second ride, good for two hours.
Why did you start using your preferred mode of (public) transportation? (continued on the following two pages) “My husband takes a bus “I’ve always caught the bus, from the park & ride because ever since university. Over 20 he can read, listen to years now!” podcasts, or work on projects -Zohair Motiwalla on his laptop instead of stressing out over traffic.” -Sarah Venzon
“Taking the bus is saving me hundreds of dollars on gas, parking, less frequent car maintenance, and admittedly traffic tickets...” -Ambrose Lee
“I take a daily vanpool from the Highlands P&R to work and find it to be more cost and time savings. It turned out to be a win win!” -Matthew Archer
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
Hitch a Ride Up Park Drive on the 628! by Nina Milligan, Highlands Council Sarah lives in the Highlands near 25th Ave NE. She moved here from Seattle in March 2016. Sarah does not own a car. She likes it that way.
TRANSIT OPTIONS: BUSES ROUTE 200
Metro Local Freebie 200
Swedish Hospital to City Hall, in a circle around north Issaquah SCHEDULE: Weekdays, every 40 minutes between 9:30am – 2:45pm COST: Free NOTABLE STOPS: Swedish Hospital Issaquah, Fred Meyer, Walgreens, Pickering Barn, Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah P&R, Gilman Village, Front Street, Issaquah City Hall, Community Center RESOURCES: http://kingcounty.gov/depts/ transportation/metro/schedules-maps/200. aspx#weekday
ROUTE 554
Sound Transit 554
Sammamish, IH P&R, Downtown Issaquah, Downtown Seattle (5th and Jackson, 4th and Lenora) SCHEDULE: Weekdays, every 20-30 minutes, 4:20am – 11:30pm. Weekends, every 30-60 minutes, 6:25am – 11:25pm COST: $2.75 NOTABLE STOPS: : 2nd and Sunset (near schools), Old Town Issaquah, Issaquah P&R RESOURCES: http://www.soundtransit.org/ schedules/st-express-bus/554/weekday
“Saving hundreds in gas and parking is well worth it. Not to mention the aggravation on driving at a snails pace all the way to Seattle.” -Maria Keating
ROUTE 218
Metro Commuter 218
IH P&R to Downtown Seattle (4th and Pike, 8th and Olive) SCHEDULE: Weekdays, every 10 minutes, 5:45am – 9:00am (westbound), 2:30pm – 4:30pm (eastbound) COST: $2.50 – 3.25 NOTABLE STOPS: Express to Seattle 216, 219 ROUTES: Redmond, IH P&R, Eastgate, Mercer Island, Downtown Seattle (4th and Pike, 8th and Olive) RESOURCES: http://kingcounty.gov/ depts/transportation/metro/schedulesmaps/216-218-219.aspx
ROUTE 555
Sound Transit 555
ROUTE 628
Metro Route 628
North Bend, Snoqualmie, IH P&R
COST: : $2.50 – 3.25 NOTABLE STOPS: Blakely Hall and Grand Ridge Plaza have “flexible service” by reservation within the schedule. RESOURCES: http://kingcounty.gov/depts/ transportation/metro/schedules-maps/628. aspx#weekday RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: For pick-up on Park Drive. Call Hopelink at 855-2336043 to reserve pick-up along Park Drive. Reserve online at hopelink.org/programs/ dart.htm.
ROUTE 556
Sound Transit 556
IH P&R, Bellevue, UW, Northgate Also see Sound Transit 555
SCHEDULE: Weekdays, every 30 minutes, 2:25pm – 6:00pm
SCHEDULE: Weekdays, every 30 minutes, 5:10am – 9:10am
COST: $2.75
COST: $2.75
NOTABLE STOPS: Stops frequently; it takes an hour from Northgate to IH P&R.
NOTABLE STOPS: Stops frequently; it takes an hour from IH P&R to Northgate.
RESOURCES: http://www.soundtransit.org/ schedules/ST-Express-Bus/555/weekday/ inbound
RESOURCES: http://www.soundtransit.org/ schedules/st-express-bus/556
“[M]y husband and I committed to reaching financial independence...his choice to take the bus and my decision to ride an ebike could afford us an additional $85-100k... ” -Sarah Isenberg Games
She called the number on the sign and learned about the reservation-based, “flexible” service that picks up riders along Park Drive. Ever since, she’s been beating her fellow bus riders up the hill in the comfort of a van-sized bus. “I call at the beginning of each month and book 30 days’ worth of trips. Then all I have to do is show up at the arranged time,” Sarah beams with the ease of her commute.
SCHEDULE: Weekdays, every 30 minutes at IH P & R, 6:00am – 9:00am, 5:00pm – 9:00pm
IH P&R, Bellevue, UW, Northgate Also see Sound Transit 556
Take the 556 to Northgate from Issaquah Highlands in the morning.
Sarah has been commuting to work in Sammamish by transit, picking up the 269 at the IH Park and Ride (P&R). Every work day, for a month, she’d walk up and down Park Drive to the P&R. Then a route 628 bus sign caught her eye. Hmmm. Could I replace this hike with a ride, Sarah mused?
Sarah, Issaquah Highlands resident, loves the convenience of riding route 628 to the IH P & R.
“One time a guy walking up the hill saw that I got a ‘ride’ up the hill. On seeing me get off the 628, he said, ‘What?! I just WALKED up that hill!’” With a month’s booking, it’s up to Sarah to let Metro know if she can’t make her scheduled pick up. But by the same token, they have called her when they are running behind schedule, such as during this winter’s snow storms. Sarah makes her trips even easier by using her ORCA card. She keeps an appropriate balance on her online account, and then simply taps her card on the fare reader when boarding the bus. When she transfers to the 269 bus to Sammamish, she taps it for a transfer at no additional cost.
Take the 555 if you are riding to Issaquah Highlands from Northgate in the afternoon.
“I like taking the bus. I am able to read during my ride, and it is so much cheaper than owning a car!” Sarah boasts.
“I developed, in 2010-2012 an electric Commuter cycle...I love it! It actually loves traffic jams because every time I apply the brakes or let off the throttle, it recharges the batteries. ” -Jennifer Northern
“My husband uses the vanpool. He finds it to be a great option! Cuts the commute time in half and he gets to make friends and network with people from work. It’s great!” -Lorette Gonen
Issaquah Highlands Connections
IH to Microsoft Bike Route
SR -52 0
RIDESHARING
April 2017 •
Redmond
Sam ma mis h Lak e
Ridesharing saves money and time. It includes carpooling, vanpooling and school-pooling. Online registration is simple. Just sign up at King County Metro’s rideshareonline.com or contact Metro Operations at 206-625-4500. You can even earn a free $25 Orca card! To learn more, see: wsdot.wa.gov/transit/rideshare.
mish Samma
Microsoft HQ
If you commute to Bellevue, see their helpful vanpool resources here: chooseyourwaybellevue.org.
Vanpool
Above, a glimpse of the East Lake Sammamish Trail. Find more information about this trail on kingcounty.gov.
< Factoria
Sharing commuting cost between 5+ riders in a Metro Vanpool is a great deal! And while you are saving money, let your driver chauffer you while you read, do a few emails, or simply enjoy the company of your ride-buddies. Vanpools are usually made up of people who all work at the same place. HOW MUCH CAN YOU SAVE? Say your commute is 40 miles roundtrip, 5 days/week. AAA says that commute would cost you $464/month if driving alone (58¢/mile for depreciation, insurance, maintenance, gas, etc.). In a van with 5 riders your share would be $150.20/month. If you have a van with 7 passengers, it’s only $92.00. START A VANPOOL: See kingcounty.gov/metrovans. Vanpool drivers go through a vetting/qualification process and take online training before being approved. Drivers are the group leader, with the help of a designated rider/bookkeeper. Drivers clean and make sure the van is maintained. Personal use of van is strictly limited.
I-9
0 Issaquah Highlands Issaquah
Almost all of the 15.5 mile bike route (outline in red) between Issaquah Highlands and Microsoft HQ in Redmond is on a car-free trail. Part of the ride is on the East Lake Sammamish Trail, then on the 520 trail.
BIKE TO WORK
JOIN A VANPOOL: Riders simply fill out a detailed, online application at rideshareonline. com. A completed application provides a log in to the site. Riders find drivers by entering their trip details and then sorting through a list of drivers’ trip schedules that have matching locations.
TO MICROSOFT, REDMOND CAMPUS: 15.5 miles (15 miles of that on trail), elevation 354 ft. up, 820 ft. down
WHAT ABOUT PARKING? Parking benefits in Seattle can be found at https://www.seattle. gov/transportation/parking/carpool.htm.
TO DOWNTOWN BELLEVUE: 14 miles (4 miles of that on trail), elevation 500 ft. up, 950 ft. down. TO DOWNTOWN SEATTLE: 20.5 miles, (12 miles of that on trail), elevation 132 ft. up, 1736 ft. down
Carpool Cut your commuting costs in half by sharing the ride with just one other. Get to work faster by taking the HOV lane, and in many workplaces, get preferred parking. FIND A CARPOOL: After filling out the application at rideshareonline.com/, log in and enter your trip details. A map shows others whose trips are similar to yours. It’s up to you to find the best match. If you want to ride, send a “driver” a request. There does not appear to be any vetting of drivers/passengers. TAKE HOV: HOV lanes require 2+ riders except I-405 which requires a flex-pass and during weekday peak hours, it requires 3+ riders to use the lanes free of charge.
School-pool School-pooling is just starting in Issaquah. It’s a way to help share rides with other families at your children’s schools through a free, secure, ride-match service. See rideshareonline.com/Image/SchoolpoolBrochure2013.pdf. For more information, email salmonfriendlytrips@issaquahwa.gov.
“We dont live in the highlands anymore, but the hubby has been taking a van pool to work (Amazon)for about 4yrs now...Wouldnt do it any other way!! -Lynne Trowern
“Car free since 2001, started to save money, stayed for the stress reduction, will keep walking/bussing into the future because it connects us to the land and people.” -Kelly Ann Bleiweis
HELPFUL RESOURCES: Seattle Bike Blog: www.seattlebikeblog.com Choose Your Way Bellevue: www.chooseyourwaybellevue.org/bike Washington Bikes: wabikes.org Cascade Bicycle Club: www.cascade.org/explore Tips for combining bike and bus trips: metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/bike/
WORK FROM HOME Did you know Highlands Fiber Network (HFN) is one of the fastest networks in the nation? And that Issaquah Highlands provides home business districts? High speed internet and a business-friendly community creates opportunities to work at home. See pages 19 and 21.
“I commute to work via a vanpool out of the P&R for a reliable, timely, and stressfree commute.” -Prachi Vora
“I’ve been doing bike and bus for 7 years so far. It’s the best option for a city like Seattle.” -Wilddog Liang
Check out our new transportation resource webpage: issaquahhighlands.com/transit-options
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HIGHLANDS COUNCIL
Once Upon a Highlands Day…. by Christy Garrard, Executive Director for Highlands Council, Dahlia Park Resident
Once upon a time, in a village on a hillside in the land of Issaquah, the people declared,
“Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The 26th day of the month of August, in the year of two-thousand-seventeen, has been pronounced Highlands Day!” Royalty, knights, jesters and the like marked their calendars in anticipation of this day to celebrate the fairy-tale life that is living in Issaquah Highlands! Soon, the Lords & Ladies of the land began to contact the Highlands Council to pledge their financial support as official sponsors of the festival. The festival would be funded by the first day of May, giving way to shopkeepers and merchants who apply to erect their stalls of wares and information for the benefit of the villager families. On festival day, all the storybook characters from everyone’s favorite classic tales will come to life as we enjoy live entertainment, hearty fare, and medieval fun.
Our Royal Sponsors enjoy a valuable menu of exposure. Visit IssaquahHighlands.com/Highlands-Day to learn more.
King Sponsor – Title Sponsor - $2500 Queen Sponsor - $1500 Knight Sponsor - $500 Deadline is May 1st, 2017 to be included in the printed marketing collateral.
Can You Hear Me Now? Blakely Hall Acoustics Improved Thanks to the City of Issaquah and the IHCA by Christy Garrard, Executive Director for Highlands Council, Dahlia Park Resident
Blakely Hall is a beautiful facility and a treasure of the community. Its soaring timbers leave a lot of wall space that created a wonderful, reverberating echo; wonderful if you are a toddler exercising your vocal chords, that is. For the last 12 years of community gatherings, large or small, public or private, the acoustical challenges from the high ceiling space have made the guest experience less than ideal. The community center has been busier than ever with a multitude of community clubs and groups meeting there, as well as private rentals. Collaborative relationships with area nonprofits have brought enriching and important programming to our stakeholders. But sound quality needed to be improved. A solution needed to be identified….and funded.
can come together. In 2016 the City of Issaquah hosted ten public events at Blakely Hall. The City understands firsthand the acoustical challenges we faced over the years. Highlands Council is extremely grateful to have a wonderful working relationship with the City of Issaquah and looks forward to partnering for many years to come.
The City of Issaquah came to our rescue with a $15,000 Community Fund Grant to assist us in our mission of community building by improving the sound quality of our space. The City of Issaquah recognizes the importance of large, quality gathering spaces, where citizens
The grant funding from the City of Issaquah covered the cost of materials and the IHCA labor for installation. We hope you enjoy the improved sound experience the next time you visit Blakely Hall.
With funding in place, we ordered sound baffling panels and contracted with the IHCA for the installation. Highlands Council wishes to recognize the exceptional work of IHCA Maintenance Manager, Matthew Hendrickse and the various members of the landscape crew for working so efficiently and completing the project in less than a week!
Issaquah Highlands Connections
April 2017 •
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HIGHLANDS YOUTH - THE HY
Join the Highlands Youth Advisory Board by Chloe Kilzi, IH resident and HY Board Co-President
Every Issaquah Highlands teen- from the moment they become a sixth grader, to the day they graduate from high school- is a member of the HY. Our tailgates, back-to-school barbeques, and egg hunts, are planned for you. Since 2013, a group of your peers has met monthly to bring IH teens together, and into the community. Now, you have a chance to join the HY Board. From the main event, to the snacks, to the streamers, every bit of every HY event is planned by the HY Board. The future of the HY is up to you. Every board member brings a little bit of their world to the table, and helps the HY grow with the teens it serves. As a board member, you would have a seat at the table. Should we have cupcakes? Soda? Karaoke? It’s up to us, and it could be up to you. But, as a member of the HY board, you wouldn’t just plan events. You would have the opportunity to explore different
HY Members Caroline, Deon, Vyvian, Andie, Elias, Sid, Rachel, Alex, Emily
leadership roles, and develop networking skills. The HY board is a team of amazing IH teens with different leadership styles, and strengths (that’s what makes us such a great team). We all have one thing in common: dedication to the Highlands community. If you have that, you could be the perfect addition to our team. Apply for HY Board Membership Download Application at: IssaquahHighlands.com/connect/clubs-groups/highlands-youth Deadline: May 1st If you want a chance to work with a great group, and plan great events, then I hope you’ll apply. Interviews with the HY Co- presidents will be scheduled later in May.
Back to School Social local teen talent.
Vyvian Luu with Chloe Kilzi at Highlands Day 2016
Girl Scouts Growing for the Food Bank by Eleni Konomi, IH resident and HY Board Member
It’s April and who’s excited for Earth Day? Girl Scout Troop 46554 is! We just adopted one of the beds at the Highlands community garden! We learned that a lot of food grown by gardeners in the Highlands was going to waste. A lot of gardeners are unable to harvest all their food once it has grown. If crops aren’t harvested, they rot, or go to seed. Our Girl Scout Troop decided that we wanted to help change that when we learned how many people could really use locally grown food.
The Cadettes are working with the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank to learn more about their program, tour their facilities, and to get tips and ideas about how to help get gardeners in the Highlands involved in their Grow-A-Row campaign. We have also signed up to attend a gardening seminar so that we can learn more about how to make our garden successful, maximizing how much food we are able to grow and donate to those in need. Our troop is also working with Highlands Council on coming up with ideas on how we can help beautify the community gardens with a fun art project. If you are the owner of a garden patch in the Highlands community garden, or have your own garden at home, or even potted plants, and want to be involved with helping us feed people in need, please keep looking here for future updates on our troop’s garden project!
All of the food that our troop grows will be donated to the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank to help feed people in our community. But we won’t HY Board Member, Eleni Konomi. stop there. We want to team up with other gardeners in the Highlands to reduce food waste, and to instead put it into the hands of people who need it. We plan to have regular harvests where we will collect any unwanted food grown by gardeners here, and deliver it to the food bank for them. Girl Scout Troop 46554 has three levels of girls: Daisies (kindergarten-1st grade), Juniors (4th-5th grade), and Cadettes (6th-8th grade). The Daisies recently started their Amazing Daisy Flower Garden Journey, and learned about pollinators in a garden. They planted indoor starter plants of different varieties of flowers that will be transplanted into our garden when the weather warms up. These flowers will help attract birds, bees, and butterflies so that our plants will be pollinated and able to grow properly. The Juniors recently earned their Gardener badge by learning how to plan a garden, when to plant seeds indoors, and when to plant seeds directly in the garden. They learned about garden zones, specifically what type of plants grow well here in the Seattle area. They then planted indoor starter plants that will be transplanted to our garden in the spring.
Girl Scout Troop 46554 of the Highlands started plants from seed indoors, which will be transplanted into their community garden patch when the weather allows.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Issaquah Highlands Community Association 2017-18 Master Budget Notable Expense - Increases:
Dear Issaquah Highlands Homeowners: The 2017-18 Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Master annual assessment will be $912 when ratified; there is no change from 2016-17 assessment. The IHCA Finance Committee comprised of IHCA Treasurer, Dan Vradenburg, IHCA Board Member, Ellina Charipova, David Ngai, Melody Greene, Alex Garrard, Michael Petty, and Jason Bone reviewed the 2017-2018 budget prepared by the IHCA Staff. The IHCA is a nonprofit organization and our budget is developed according to Washington State Law and the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R’s). The Finance Committee works throughout the year analyzing monthly financials, including a yearly forecast. The Committee began preparing and reviewing the 2017-18 operating budget at their meeting in January. The draft budget was presented to the IHCA Board of Directors at the February 22, 2017 Board meeting and the proposed fiscal year July 2017 - June 2018 operating and reserve budget was approved by the IHCA Board of Directors.
Annual 2016-17 Assessment Operating Fund Reserve Fund 2017-18 Assessment
Semi-Annual
$ 912 ($0.91) $0.91 $ 912
$ 456 ($0.45) $0.45 $456
Monthly $ 76 ($0.08) $0.08 $76
• Landscape Contract – average 3-4% contactincrease with contractors, additional tree trimming, and aborption of IHCA common areas of three small neighborhoods. • Landscape Shop - operating building costs (e.g., utilities, taxes, other); new this year. • Drain-line Cleaning - stepping up maintence to address aging community. • Maintenace/Operations Wages - shift ½ FTE from landscape to operations responsibilities; total payroll offset with lower landscaping wages. • IHCA Office Rent & CAMS - current lease expired February 2017. Rent increase due to change in square footage and rent and common maintenance expense rate; involved moving into a new space (same building). • Future Office Fund - continuing build-up of reserves for future IHCA office. Notable Expense - Decreases: • Landscape Supplies - reduce scheduled applications of bark/mulch and chemicals. • Landscape Wages/Benefits - decrease reflects changes in personnel and shifting of ½ FTE to the maintenance department. • Legal Collection Services - declining delinquencies; along with decrease in collections revenue. • Bad Debt Expense - reflects continued declining trend of delinquent accounts. • Directors and Officers Insurance - significantly reduced by favorable experience rating.
2017-18 Budget Overview Income:
$ 3,246,104
Expenses: Landscape, Utilities & Operations $ 1,623,294 Community Management & Administration $ 1,200,750 Accounting $ 198,560 Total Expense $ 3,022,604
Capital Reserves Contribution
$
223,500
Income includes annual base assessments, late fees, shared costs income, non-member income, interest and other income. The anticipated unit count estimated for the 2017-18 Budget is 3,280. The increase in absortion is anticipated with the addition of the West Ridge homes. The operating expenses increased $50K (1.7%) over the last year’s budget. The increase is offset through increase in base assessments through additional unit absorption. The reserve contribution increased slightly and provides the community with a strong financial position to fund future major projects.
The IHCA 2017-2018 Budget Ratification Meeting will be held at 6:30 PM on April 26, 2017 at the IHCA office, 1011 NE High Street, Suite 210. Per the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the IHCA governing documents, a quorum is not required at the meeting for the budget to be ratified. The budget will be ratified unless 75% of the entire membership (not just homeowners present at the meeting or by proxy) votes to reject the IHCA budget approved by the Board of Directors. If you do not plan to attend the meeting, you may cast your vote in two other ways: • Email: You may send an email to budget@ihcommunity.org. Email must contain your full name and street address. • US Mail: Send your vote with your full name, street address and signature to: IHCA – Budget 1011 NE High St, Suite 210 Issaquah, WA 98029 All votes via email and US Mail must be received no later than April 25, 2017 by 5 PM.
Maintenance Supplies Drain Line Cleaning Dedicated Staff Wages - Operations Payroll Taxes - Operation Worker's Comp - Operations Medical Insurance - Operations 401K Expense - Operations Ops Travel, Meals, & Training Contra-Dedicated Operations TOTAL REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE
Issaquah Highlands Connections
21,000 15,000 64,000 6,000 3,000 12,600 1,920 1,500 (5,000) 218,520
21,000 15,000 65,100 6,000 3,100 11,300 2,000 1,500 (4,600) 218,900
April 2017 •
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Issaquah Highlands 2017-18 Approved Budget ACCOUNTING
theBudget Fiscal Issaquah Highlands 2017-18 For Approved
Year July 1,Dedicated 2017 June 30, 2018 Staff-Wages-Accounting 198,000 198,000 Payroll Taxes - Accounting 17,700 17,200 For the Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018 Issaquah Highlands 2017-18 Approved Budget Worker's Comp February - Accounting 750 750 IHCA Board of Directors Approved 22, 2017 IHCA Board of Directors Approved February 22, 2017
OPERATING FUND INCOME
Annual Assessments
Late Fees / NSF Fee & Fine Income Escrow & Resale Cert Fees Collection Legal Fee Income Interest Income Owner Base Assessments Management Fees - High Street Center Assoc. Mmgt Fees - Non-members Accounting Fees - Non-members Operations Income - Non-members Landscaping/Irrig Income - Non-members Shared Cost - High Street Center Shared Costs Agreements Income TOTAL ASSOCIATION INCOME
OPERATING FUND INCOME
2016-17 Adopted Budget $912
2016-17 Estimated
EXPENSES
Medical Insurance - AccountingFor the Fiscal Year July 1, 201728,400 - June 30, 2018 30,800 401K Expense - AccountingIHCA Board of Directors Approved February 5,940 22, 2017 5,850 Contra-Dedicated Accounting (70,920) (70,645) 2016-17 2016-17 TOTAL ACCOUNTING 179,870 181,955 Adopted Budget Estimated $912 Annual Assessments 2016-17 2016-17 COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT Adopted Budget Estimated OPERATING FUND Occupational 26,000 22,000 INCOME & Technical Training Company &/ NSF Management 7,000 7,000 17-18 APPROVED BUDGETTraining Master for Connections Late Fees 5,000 4,375 Other - Dues/Subs., Computer, Misc 3,600 3,600 Fee &Admin Fine Income 11,000 12,760 Dedicated Staff Wages - Community Admin 405,000 379,000 Escrow & Resale Cert Fees 25,000 30,725 Payroll Taxes Community Admin 34,900 27,900 Collection Legal Fee Income 30,000 9,000 Worker's Comp - Community Admin 1,250 1,000 Interest Income 12,000 15,921 Medical Insurance - Community Admin 64,200 52,100 Owner Base Assessments 2,927,520 2,926,386 401K Expense -Fees Community Admin 12,150 10,300 Management - High Street Center 28,000 28,000 Mileage/Parking Reimbursement 8000 500 Assoc. Mmgt Fees - Non-members 258 Legal Services 15,0000 15,000 Accounting Fees - Non-members 450 Legal Collection Services 30,0000 9,000 Operations Income - Non-members 965 Audit & Tax Services 9,7000 9,700 Landscaping/Irrig Income - Non-members 100 HR/Payroll Services 16,000 16,000 Shared Cost - High Street Center 4,500 4,500 Computer/Professional Services 38,000 38,000 Shared Costs Agreements Income 145,300 148,244 Reserve Study 2,270 2,725 TOTAL ASSOCIATION INCOME 3,188,320 3,181,684 Contra-Dedicated Staff Comm Assn (54,660) (55,030) Committee 5,700 4,700 EXPENSES/ BOD Expense Public (Community) Relations 4,000 4,000 LANDSCAPE & UTILITIES Computer Expense (Hardware) 9,620 6,000 Utilities - Storm Water Fees 21,700 21,400 Software 36,750 31,750 Garbage Licensing 25,000 24,000 Supplies 18,000 18,000 Electric - Streetlights, Feature Electric 40,000 37,500 Photocopies 14,400 15,000 Landscape - Contract Monthly 344,000 344,000 Postage 14,000 14,000 Landscape - Non-contract (goats) 44,000 44,000 Rent, CAMs, Office & Storage 194,000 189,100 Irrigation-Water 158,000 144,000 Communications 10,000 10,000 Irrig Elec Park & Supply Pumps 27,000 27,000 BIrrig & OMaint Taxes& Repairs 600 250 27,400 25,600 Property TaxSupplies 13,500 12,000 Landscape 137,250 137,250 Bad Debt Expense 27,800 12,000 Landscape Equipment 7,100 7,100 Prior Year Expense/G&L 0 2,613 Safety Equip & Supplies Fixed Assets 6,500 6,500 Directors & Officers 36,000 15,038 Equipment Rental Insurance 11,000 11,000 General Liability, Property, Auto Insurance 44,500 44,142 Irrig Non-Potable Maint/Mgmnt 6,000 6,000 Bank Fees - -NSF 700 700 Landscape Fleet Equip, Repair & Maint 24,600 24,600 Federal Income 10,0000 10,000 Landscape ShopTax Utilities & Other 3,750 1 Contingency Expense 50,000 50,000 Future Office FundBUDGET Master for Connections 80,000 80,000 17-18 APPROVED TOTAL COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT 1,180,780 1,058,088
2016-17 Adopted Budget $912 Annual Assessments 5,000 4,375 3,000
11,000 25,000 30,000 12,000 2,927,520 28,000 0 0 0 0 4,500 145,300 3,188,320
12,760 30,725 9,000 15,921 2,926,386 28,000 258 450 965 100 4,500 148,244 3,181,684
Late Fees / NSF Fee & Fine Income Escrow & Resale Cert Fees Collection Legal Fee Income Interest Income EXPENSES Owner Base Assessments LANDSCAPE & UTILITIES Utilities - Storm Water Fees Management Fees - High Street21,700 Center 21,400 Garbage 25,000 24,000 Electric - Streetlights, Feature Electric 40,000 37,500 Assoc. Mmgt Landscape - Contract MonthlyFees - Non-members 344,000 344,000 Landscape - Non-contract (goats) 44,000 44,000 Accounting Fees - Non-members Irrigation-Water 158,000 144,000 Irrig Elec Park & Supply Pumps 27,000 27,000 Operations Income - Non-members Irrig Maint & Repairs 27,400 25,600 Landscape Supplies 137,250 137,250 Landscaping/Irrig Income - Non-members Landscape Equipment 7,100 7,100 Safety Equip & Supplies 6,500 6,500 Shared Equipment RentalCost - High Street Center 11,000 11,000 Irrig Non-Potable Maint/Mgmnt 6,000 6,000 Shared Agreements Income Landscape - FleetCosts Equip, Repair & Maint 24,600 24,600 2016-17 2016-17 Landscape Shop Utilities & Other 3,750 Adopted Budget0 Estimated TOTAL ASSOCIATION INCOME Dedicated Staff Wages - Landscape 372,000 335,000
PayrollAPPROVED Taxes - Landscape 17-18 BUDGET Master for Connections Worker's Comp - Landscape Medical Insurance - Landscape 401K Expense - Landscape Landscape Travel, Meals, & Training Staff Uniforms & Equip Landscape Communications,Computer,Misc Contra-Dedicated Landscape TOTAL LANDSCAPE & UTILITIES
2017-18 Approved Budget $912
32,700 21,000 89,500 6,000 6,000 7,200 4,400 (25,000) 1,393,350
27,000 18,800 71,000 3,100 6,000 7,600 3,500 (25,000) 1,310,699
LANDSCAPE & UTILITIES Utilities - Storm Water Fees Garbage REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE Streetlights, Feature Electric PetElectric Waste Service-Supplies 42,500 42,500 Holiday Lighting - Contract 20,000 20,000 Landscape Contract Monthly 2,500 Signs Expense, Maint. & Repair 2,500 Maintenance & Repair 22,100 22,100 Landscape - Inspections Non-contract (goats) Professional Services-Park 5,400 5,400 Parks/Trails Lighting Maint. & Repair 6,000 6,000 Irrigation-Water Maintenance Supplies 21,000 21,000 Drain Line Cleaning 15,000 Irrig Staff Elec Park & Supply Pumps 15,000 Dedicated Wages - Operations 64,000 65,100 Payroll Taxes - Operation 6,000 6,000 IrrigComp Maint & Repairs Worker's - Operations 3,000 3,100 Medical Insurance - Operations 12,600 11,300 Landscape Supplies 401K Expense - Operations 1,920 2,000 Ops Travel, Meals, & Training 1,500 1,500 Landscape Equipment Contra-Dedicated Operations (5,000) (4,600) TOTAL REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 218,520 218,900 Safety Equip & Supplies ACCOUNTING Equipment Rental Dedicated Staff Wages-Accounting 198,000 198,000 Payroll Taxes - Accounting 17,700 17,200 IrrigComp Non-Potable Maint/Mgmnt 750 Worker's - Accounting 750 Medical Insurance - Accounting 28,400 30,800 Landscape - Fleet Equip, Repair 5,940 & Maint 5,850 401K Expense - Accounting Contra-Dedicated Accounting (70,920) (70,645) Landscape TOTAL ACCOUNTING Shop Utilities & Other 179,870 181,955
11,000 28,000 18,000 15,000 2,991,360 27,000 0 0 0 0 4,500 148,244 3,246,104
22,000 20,000 39,000 378,400 44,000 166,000 28,000 25,000 112,000 6,000 10,000 12,600 6,000 25,000 2017-18 15,000 Approved Budget 322,094 26,000 20,000 82,000 5,000 5,500 7,200 3,600 (25,000) 1,355,394
45,500 20,000 3,500 22,100 5,400 6,000 21,000 25,800 88,000 7,200 4,200 20,100 2,600 1,500 (5,000) 267,900
205,000 18,000 750 35,200 6,150 (66,540) 198,560
COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT
5,000 11,000 25,000 30,000 12,000 2,927,520 28,000 0 0 0 0 4,500 145,300 3,188,320
4,375 12,760 30,725 9,000 15,921 2,926,386 28,000 258 450 965 100 4,500 148,244 3,181,684
2,972,520 2,769,643 3,022,604 2017-18 2016-17 2016-17 Adopted Budget Estimated Approved Budget 412,042 223,500 2017-18215,800 Approved Budget
21,700 21,400 22,000 25,000IHCA Board of Directors Approved 24,000February 22, 2017 20,000 2017-18 2016-17 2016-17 2017-18 2016-17 2016-17 40,000 37,500 39,000 Adopted Budget Estimated Approved Budget Adopted Budget Estimated Approved $912 $912Budget Annual Assessments RESERVE FUND 344,000 344,000 378,400 OPERATING FUND RESERVE INCOME INCOME Reserve Contribution 215,800 215,800 223,500 Late Fees / NSF 5,000 4,375 44,000 3,000 44,000 44,000 Interest Income - Reserves 12,000 17,090 18,000 Fee & Fine Income 11,000 12,760 11,000 Capital Assessment 0 22,746 0 Escrow & Resale Cert Fees 25,000 30,725166,000 28,000 158,000 144,000 TOTAL RESERVE INCOME 227,800 255,636 241,500 Collection Legal Fee Income 30,000 9,000 18,000 Interest Income 12,000 15,921 28,000 15,000 27,000 27,000 RESERVE EXPENSES Owner Base Assessments 2,927,520 2,926,386 2,991,360 Street Trees Rotational Replacement 18,400 Management 27,400 Fees - High Street Center 28,000 28,000 25,000 27,000 25,600 Asphhalt NP2 No. Pond - Rpr/Seal 25,000 Assoc. Mmgt Fees - Non-members 0 258 0 Common Area Signs - Replaced Yr 1 10,000 Accounting 137,250 Fees - Non-members 450112,000 0 137,250 0 Mailboxes Upgrade 2017-18 23,000 Operations Income - Non-members 0 965 0 Stairs (a) - 28th & 30th 22,400 Landscaping/Irrig7,100 Income - Non-members 0 100 0 7,100 6,000 Handrails (a) - 28th & 30th 18,000 Shared Cost - High Street Center 4,500 4,500 4,500 Handrails (d) - Daphne to 24th Court 350 Shared Costs Agreements 145,300 148,244 10,000 148,244 6,500Income 6,500 Handrails (e) - Harrison 225 TOTAL ASSOCIATION INCOME 3,188,320 3,181,684 3,246,104 Summit Park - Refurbish 66,500 11,000 11,000 12,600 Sports Court Deck Replace 35,000 EXPENSES Irrigation Controls (6) - Replace 30,650 LANDSCAPE & UTILITIES 6,000 6,000 6,000 Irrigation Boxes - Repaint 16,000 Utilities - Storm Water Fees 21,700 21,400 22,000 Irrigation Taxes Lining - Recoat 9,000 Garbage 25,000 24,000 20,000 24,600 24,600 25,000 TOTAL RESERVE EXPENSES 62,735 162,903 274,525 Electric - Streetlights, Feature Electric 40,000 37,500 39,000 Landscape 344,000 344,000 378,400 0 3,750 CASH FLOW- -Contract RESERVEMonthly FUND 165,065 92,733 15,000 (33,025)
NET INCOME BEFORE RESERVE CONTRIBUTION Issaquah Highlands
Landscape - Non-contract (goats) Irrigation-Water Irrig Elec Park & Supply Pumps Irrig Maint & Repairs 2 Landscape Supplies Landscape Equipment Safety Equip & Supplies previous page. Equipment Rental Irrig Non-Potable Maint/Mgmnt Landscape - Fleet Equip, Repair & Maint Landscape Shop Utilities & Other 17-18 APPROVED BUDGET Master for Connections
Wednesday, 4/26, 6:30PM, IHCA Office See details on
205,000 18,000 750 35,200 6,150 (66,540) 2017-18 198,560 Approved Budget 2017-18 $912 Approved Budget 29,900 7,000 2 3,000 3,000 11,000 405,000 28,000 30,000 18,000 1,000 15,000 59,000 2,991,360 12,150 27,000 5000 15,0000 18,0000 9,9000 16,500 4,500 31,840 148,244 2,500 3,246,104 (51,840) 4,300 4,500 7,500 22,000 37,000 20,000 19,000 39,000 15,500 378,400 14,000 44,000 246,000 166,000 10,000 28,000 300 25,000 13,000 112,000 18,000 6,000 0 10,000 16,000 12,600 45,500 6,000 700 25,000 10,000 15,000 50,000 3/8/2017 100,000 1 1,200,750
3,000 11,000 28,000 18,000 15,000 2,991,360 27,000 0 0 0 0 4,500 148,244 3,246,104
Forfor theConnections Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018 17-18 APPROVED BUDGET Master
17-18 APPROVED BUDGET Master forIHCA Connections Budget Ratification Meeting
17-18 APPROVED BUDGET Master for Connections
11
2017-18 Approved Budget $912
2016-17 Estimated
TOTAL EXPENSES
21,000 25,800 88,000 7,200 4,200 20,100 2,600 1,500 (5,000) 267,900
17-18 APPROVED BUDGET Master for Connections
44,000 158,000 27,000 27,400 137,250 7,100 6,500 11,000 6,000 24,600 0
44,000 144,000 27,000 25,600 137,250 7,100 6,500 11,000 6,000 24,600 3,750
3
44,000 166,000 28,000 25,000 3/8/2017 112,000 6,000 10,000 12,600 6,000 25,000 15,000 4 1
1
12
• April 2017
Issaquah Highlands Connections
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
How to Avoid Violation Notices for Non-Compliance of Community Wide Standards by Collene Cordova, Owner Services Coordinator-Compliance
Rules are an essential element of community management. Without them, anything goes and what one homeowner may deem as acceptable, others may not. The continuity of the community would be lost. Because of this, the Community Wide Standards (CWS) were adopted in 2009. When these rules are followed by all of the residents, the aesthetic beauty of the community remains intact, directly supporting everyone’s property values. The CWS are organized into ten categories from turf standards to fencing standards. These standards are taken into consideration when doing our weekly neighborhood inspections which can sometimes result in violation notices issued to homeowners. Should you receive a notice, communication is always best. Sometimes we can resolve issues before they run out of control.
March this year. If the paint on the house or trim is peeling, cracked, missing, see-thru or sunfaded a notice was sent to the homeowner. We understand that this is often an expense that requires budgeting. If you received a notice, it is best to communicate with the IHCA your schedule in completing this maintenance on your home. As always, our goal is to make sure that the community you have invested in and call home remains one of the most desirable communities to live in on the eastside. A complete printout of our Community Wide Standards can be found at issaquahhighlands.com, click on Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) and scroll down until you see the Community Wide Standards pdf.
Some of the most common violations issued are for excessive weeds or turf that is either overgrown or has died. Turf should be maintained at a height of 4” or less. If your grass becomes patchy overtime, it is necessary to reseed. Weeds are almost always a constant nuisance and a good way to keep them under control is by applying a 2-3 inch base of mulch in your flower beds or areas where you do not have grass. Not only does mulch help with weed control but it also helps retain moisture in your soil during the hot summer months. If you have a perennial bed in your yard, please remember to weed and remove plants that have expired. The beauty of a perennial bed is having color throughout the seasons. Remember to use a few evergreen plants so your garden doesn’t look dead in the winter. Another category is moss removal. Because we typically have a very wet winter, we will not be inspecting for moss until the early part of June. Most moss naturally dries up and is washed away with the rain. However, if your roof, fence or porch steps do not receive adequate sunlight, they may need to be treated. Sometimes pressure washing will do the trick on your sidewalk or fence but a professional will need to be consulted to address moss removal from your roof (There are restrictions on the kind of substances that can be used for roof treatments). House painting and fence painting/staining are also a part of the CWS and those inspections were completed in early
An example of a perennial bed with a variety of flowering plants and the use of planters and hanging baskets to add additional seasonal plants.
ASK THE IHCA Do you have a question about homeowner responsibilities, or how our common areas are managed? Complete the simple form in IHCA’s section of IssaquahHighlands.com and we will respond to you promptly. Your questions (and our answers) might be shared here, in the next issue of Connections. Q: I am inquiring about having Air Conditioning installed at my residence. Can you please advise on what steps and process need to be taken prior to having the system installed? Thank you for reaching out to ask about the process for approval to install an AC system. It’s really quite simple. Just complete and return the application that can be found at issaquahhighlands.com, along with documentation of the sound level (it has to be 77 decibels or below) and a photo of where the unit will be placed. There is no fee and the approval is immediate if acceptable. Q: How do I update my contact information? Is there no longer a log-in webpage for residents? The IHCA webpage merged with the Highlands Council and HFN website over a year and ½ ago. Please visit the community website issaquahhighlands.com. If you need to update your contact information you may email me or any member of the IHCA staff and we will update it for you.
Q: My backyard is the lowest point for the street and as such water from neighboring yards flows into it. The builder did add two drains on the property but they do need periodic cleaning. I have been paying this out of pocket but I am wondering if this is really an IHCA responsibility? Thank you for reaching out to the IHCA with your question about your yard drains. The Association is responsible for maintaining all of the common area drainage throughout Issaquah Highlands but the homeowners are responsible for cleaning any drain lines that are on their property. You have been doing the right thing by cleaning your drains on a regular basis. Q: I am very concerned about the empty house next to me. It has been for sale for at least a year and is starting to need some maintenance. I understand it is bank owned but is there any recourse for making sure it is kept up. The gate has fallen off its hinges and my daughter feeds the goldfish that are still in the garden. She has also keeps it swept and weeded in the backyard. What are the rules for getting funds to make sure it doesn’t show more signs of neglect? I didn’t expect to move in a lovely neighborhood with this problem next door to me. Thanks for any official info regarding this matter.
Thank you for contacting the IHCA. The Board of Directors and I are aware of this home and its foreclosure status. I am keeping an eye on this property and I’m aware of its current condition. Currently there is an interested buyer. I feel hopeful that this exterior maintenance will resolve itself shortly. If however it does not, the Board of Directors can vote on whether or not to invoke the self-help clause per the governing documents. Self-help clause: If approved, IHCA will complete the maintenance on behalf of the owner and charge any associated fees to the owner of record. I will continue to monitor this property and take appropriate action as we move in to spring. Please feel free to contact me directly in the future. We look forward to hearing from more of you. Please keep submitting your questions to be featured in the next issue. Sarah Hoey, CMCA®, AMS® Sarah.H@ihcommunity.org Executive Director Issaquah Highlands Community Association
Issaquah Highlands Connections
April 2017 •
13
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Thank You, Landscape and Maintenance Crew! by Jessica Dorsey, IHCA Community Manager
Despite this winter’s largest snow storm and monsoon-like rains, the dedicated IHCA maintenance and landscape teams have worked closely together to tackle some major projects early this year. The team completed the Bark Park improvements on time and within budget. Before and after photos show the previous mud pit in contrast with the new play chips, gazebo, benches and plants. The crew installed new park and playground name plaques so that every park in the highlands is now identified. On Larchmount Drive, they addressed a potential safety concern; filling in and then re-sodding where approximately 2,200 SF of streetside planter beds were a trip hazard after the soil had sunk down 6-10 inches. Also, the maintenace and landscaping crews quickly responded to multiple urgent storm drainage failures resulting from extremely heavy rains in early February. Highlands residents have commented that the maintenance and landscaping crews are ‘always smiling,’ ‘very effective’ and ‘(do) a fantastic job.’ We couldn’t agree more with that assessment. To Dan, Pedro, Antonio, Julio, Jesus, Jaime, Matthew and Lyle, a huge thank you for your dedication to our community.
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 17-002 A home business application has been submitted to the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board of Directors from an owner at 2454 NE Julep St. The business application is for a city licensed child care. The public comment period will be April 1st, 2015 through April 15th, 2017. Residents may provide their comments on the business application via email to homebusinessapp@ ihcommunity.org. This public notice and the application are posted on the Issaquah Highlands website at issaquahhighlands.com/learn/public-notices/ and published in the April 2015 issue of Connections and the weekly e-letter to the community.
Before
After ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 17-003 A home business application has been submitted to the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Board of Directors from an owner at 1715 9th Place NE. The business application is for a city licensed child care. The public comment period will be April 1st, 2015 through April 15th, 2017. Residents may provide their comments on the business application via email to homebusinessapp@ ihcommunity.org. This public notice and the application are posted on the Issaquah Highlands website at issaquahhighlands.com/learn/public-notices/ and published in the April 2015 issue of Connections and the weekly e-letter to the community.
Issaquah Highlands Use Restrictions & Rules Reminders It’s bear season! Please do not store your trash/recycle/yardwaste cans in your backyard or on the side of your house. They must be stored in the garage or an ARC approved outdoor trash enclosure during non-pickup hours Thank you for doing your part.
The snow storms in February made it very difficult for some people to leave their homes. Snowplows went through the neighborhood alleys, piling snow in front of driveways. Most were able to shovel the snow banks out of their way but a few folks weren’t able to do so. A call for help went out on Facebook and the resident response was immediate. An enormous ‘thank you’ goes out to those wonderful residents who came to the rescue of their stranded neighbors! Thank you!!
14
• April 2017
Issaquah Highlands Connections
BLAKELY HALL ART GALLERY
Plein Air Landscapes Show Opening April 4th artEAST members, Britt Greenland, Diana Grant and John Tubbs have been invited to show their Washington landscape paintings from April 4th to June 20th at Blakely Hall.
These three artists work in Plein Air, painting outside to embrace the elements, making a first-hand connection to the environment they so skillfully capture. This method of working has many challenges and also many delights. The “success” of a painting is less predictable due to the uncontrolled conditions. Being immersed in the atmosphere of the scene that the artist is responding to produces a very authentic representation and intriguing narrative. To complement their work in Plein Air, there will also be a selection of landscape work that has been created in the studio. This makes for an interesting contrast to compare the two artEAST methods of working.
Landscape Artists Reception Wednesday, April 19th 6:00 - 7:30pm | Blakely Hall Free and Open to the Public Refreshments Provided
Diana Grant, Hay Time
John Tubbs, Red Rock Canyon Vista
Britt Greenland, Morning Walk
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Ellina Charipova
April 2017 •
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH After immigrating from Russia and spending some time in Vancouver, BC, and then Boston, MA, I and my husband discovered the beautiful Issaquah Highlands in summer of 2012 and immediately fell in love with this neighborhood surrounded by wild nature. As for many others in our district, one of our favorite things to do was to jog around the pond near Swedish hospital.
Very soon after I started serving on the IHCA Board of Directors and on the Finance Committee in the summer of 2015, I realized that IHCA staff all have their sleeves rolled up. The matters that Ellina serves on the IHCA Board of Directors. we discuss at the Board level vary from safety issues, architectural design concerns and conflict resolutions to repairs and maintenance and landscaping of common areas. I learned that IHCA has strong financial reserves, which is a good thing for all of us as no one wants to be surprised and become a subject to a special
15
assessment as a result of unfunded, unexpected significant repairs required in short and long terms. Every year, IHCA staff hires leading specialists to perform reserve studies and thoroughly follows their recommendations in establishing annual budgets and multi-year reserve funding. IHCA Board is a great team of volunteers with diverse backgrounds who bring a variety of skills, education and experience to the leadership table while following community association rules and making important decisions. It has been a true honor to be a part of this group. Some may not realize that board meetings are open to public. Everyone is welcome to attend and listen in. All board meeting minutes are published on IHCA website. As our meetings have a pre-established agendas and time is limited, anyone who would like to raise their concern during the meeting should communicate it to Sarah Hoey, Executive Director, in advance of the meeting and see if it can be resolved by IHCA staff first. You don’t have to formally serve on any board or any of the committees to be able to raise your voice in our community. I want to use this opportunity to thank Mike Zalewski, one of our neighbours , who is voluntarily helping raising local awareness about upcoming developments near the Swedish hospital and very assertively communicated all our concerns at the public hearing at the City Hall. This helped to reach and incorporate certain compromises in the final development plan on this private property, one of which is to establish the new trail around the new development. We can all be involved and help maintain our community strong and beautiful.
MEET LEO HOUSE
Meet Wil, LEO House, Issaquah Highlands During recent public hearings about the addition of low-income housing to the Highlands, there were concerns voiced in opposition to having “those people” being allowed to move into the Highlands. There was even a suggestion that police do background checks on the low-income people before they were allowed to move into the community. Oftentimes there is a gulf between fears and reality. The low-income housing that already exists in Issaquah Highlands blends in with the rest, as do its residents. The Highlands has done a much better job than the rest of Issaquah when it comes to providing for lowincome housing. This accomplishment is more often seen as a point of pride rather than concern. Wil of Leo House works in Desktop Support at Microsoft and enjoys doing computer design in his spare time.
In March, you were introduced to the care-providers and residents in the LEO House in the Highlands. Each of the five residents live with some degree of developmental disability and all are low income. Wil’s Story Wil has lived in Issaquah most of his life and graduated from Issaquah High School. From middle school through high school, Wil rarely missed the opportunity to participate in the series of school plays. His cheerful expression and wide smile were hallmarks of the performances.
His positive attitude has naturally continued. “My heart tells me that I have to help others,” Wil shares. Following his heart, Wil has volunteered at the Issaquah Challenge Series races and he helped in the LEO booth at last year’s Highlands Day. He also loves to ski, play basketball and run track with Special Olympics. Wil has worked at Microsoft for the past five and a half years. He catches the “MS Connector” bus five days a week. He is very excited to explain that he works in Desktop Support. When an employee is reassigned, Wil picks up all the cables, monitors, computers and meticulously wipes out all the old information, manages the up-grades, tests the functionality and gets the office package ready for the next user. On good weather days, Wil walks up Park Ave to his home on 25th, after enjoying his favorite Peppermint Hot Chocolate at Caffe Ladro. Wil loves to spend his private time productively using his MacBook Pro and Surface tablet. He does logo designs, creates animated comic books, plays games and communicates with friends. Wil explained, “Earlier this month I helped in my big- sister, Katie’s, wedding. I got to wear a tuxedo and in my speech I got to tell a joke and everyone laughed.” Wil’s satisfaction was evident as he continued to smile, nod and relish his brotherly role in such a meaningful experience. Please remember that ‘low income, developmentally disabled’ residents are loving, productive individuals, who have families that support and want the best for them. By living together in a LEO home, they have the opportunity to thrive, to work and to be as independent as possible. Each wants to be noticed for their own individual talents, just as your own children do. Wil is a shining example of a proud LEO resident. Perhaps when you see Wil in Caffe Ladro, you can ask him about his job at Microsoft.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS
Kids & Families Club Inclusive
Cancelled in April Blakely Hall Sponsored by LEO and Athletes for Kids
A club for kids with special needs focused on acceptance and inclusion. A safe and fun place where kids can be themselves. Contact Alicia Spinner at alispinner@yahoo.com Also see facebook.com/ClubInclusiveBlakeyHall/
Minecraft Mania
Tuesday, April 25th, 5pm Cancelled April 11th Blakely Hall
Join fellow elementary and middle school Minecraft enthusiasts from novice to expert as we share our knowledge of the Minecraft world including Redstone, building, surviving the night and more. You’ll need a laptop with licensed Minecraft loaded on it. Club leader is Quinn Ryan at boxcargriz@gmail.com and parent leader is Tim Ryan at dadtime@gmail.com.
Toddler Playgroup Every Wednesday, 10am Cancelled April 12th Blakely Hall Newborn to Age 4
Moms, dads, caregivers and their children are invited for fun, friendship, support and socializing. Contact katiels84@gmail.com or Alicia Spinner at alispinner@yahoo.com. Search Facebook for Issaquah Highlands Toddler Playgroup
Russian Highlanders Kids Club * See World Cultures
SCRATCH-ing the Surface Tuesday, April 4th & 18th, 5pm Blakely Hall
A club for kids interested in coding and pursuing a future in computer science. For elementary and middle school-aged kids. Contact is Sharon Godavarthi. Parent contact: Rajesh.godavarthi@gmail.com. You’ll need a laptop with SCRATCH program downloaded. See sharongodavarthi.Wixsite.com/mysite or IssaquahHighlands.com/events for more information.
Arts & Cards Art in Blakely Hall
Plein Air Landscapes Opens April 5th Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm Blakely Hall
This spring, enjoy landscapes by artEAST members, Britt Greenland, Diana Grant and John Tubbs in Blakely Hall. The show runs April 5th to June 19th. These three artists work in Plein Air, painting outside to embrace the elements, making a first-hand connection to the environment they so skillfully capture. To complement their work in Plein Air, there will also be a selection of landscape work that has been created in the studio. This makes for an interesting contrast to compare the two methods of working. See more on page 14.
Art Reception
artEAST Landscape Artists Wednesday, April 19th, 6:00 - 7:30pm Blakely Hall
Free and Open to the Public Refreshments Provided Meet artEAST members, Britt Greenland, Diana Grant and John Tubbs as they share with the community their plein air and other landscape work of their show at Blakely Hall, opening April 5th.
Bridge Club
World Cultures
Monday, April 3rd, 7pm Blakely Hall
Grab a partner or come solo to play a little Bridge! Bring your own beverage of choice and a snack to share. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned bridge player, you are welcome to join us. We usually play the first Monday of every month starting at 7 p.m. RSVP: Contact Chuck Leininger at: cleininger@seattletimes.com or David Trowern at: dtrowern@gmail.com.
Interior Design Club Monday, April 10th, Noon Blakely Hall
Chinese Heritage Club Sunday, April 23rd, 2pm Blakely Hall
This club promotes and preserves the unique Chinese cultural heritage awareness among the next generation for many local families. We welcome everyone who is interested in a neighborhood celebration for many traditional Chinese/American festivals. The club meets monthly at Blakely Hall. Contact bowbow.gu@outlook.com.
Latino Club
This club welcomes interior design enthusiasts to enjoy presentations from guest speakers about residential and commercial design; new trends in furniture, color, staging, Vastu and Fen Shui, window treatments, floorings and more. Contact: meetamehta@putali.org
Sunday, April 9th, 4pm Blakely Hall
Latino Club welcomes everybody who would like to celebrate and learn about Latino traditions. We have activities for kids, adults and seniors. Open to all – join the fun! Contact Alicia Spinner at alispinner@yahoo.com.
Knit for Life®
Every Monday, 1pm Swedish Medical Center, Main Lobby
India Culture Club
A network of volunteer knitters in area hospitals, providing physical and mental support in a non-traditional therapeutic environment to cancer survivors, patients and caregivers through knitting. We teach anyone with any skill level. You don’t have to bring anything but yourself. We have all the supplies you will need. Contact: Elaine.Eckert@yahoo.com
Open Mic
Friday, April 28th, 6:30pm Blakely Hall
Please come and join us for an evening of fun and entertainment from local talents. All ages are welcome. We welcome those who wish to play music, read poetry, tell a story, or perform a standup comedy routine. Please remember this is a family event and everyone is expected to show respect to performers and audience. Performers are limited to 2 songs or 10 minutes, whichever comes first. For more info, please contact: Dino Go at kabalen.geo@gmail.com.
Photography Club
Saturday, April 15th, 10:30am Blakely Hall
Enjoy monthly meetings with guest speakers, share and discuss your work with others, and participate in an online community throughout the month. Contact ihpc@outlook.com
Poker Night
Thursday, April 27th, 7pm Blakely Hall
Whether you are a novice or a salty vet looking for some steep competition, you will love our monthly group for $40 buy-in, No-Limit Texas Hold ’em tournament! Don’t forget to join us on Facebook for all the latest info and results at our “Issaquah Poker” group page. Contact Henry at hlh1969@hotmail.com.
Rovin’ Fiddlers
Every Tuesday, 7pm Either at the Issaquah Highlands Fire Station 73 or Issaquah Senior Center
Sunday, April 9th, Noon Blakely Hall
Come, learn about beautiful India! This club highlights India’s arts, culture, and festivals and is open to all who want to explore and learn about India. Topics may include preparing for a trip to India, basic overview of languages, places to visit, arts and cultural landmarks, etc. Let’s celebrate and share the cultural riches of India together! Contact Brianna.E@ihcouncil.org.
Travel Club Night See where it takes you!
Wednesday, April 12th, 7pm Blakely Hall TOPIC: Youth Travel Volunteering and Whale Watching in Baja Peninsula
IH resident, Jamie Rosen will share her adventures and experiences in student travel programs, working with students from all over the country on programs in Costa Rica, Iceland, Ireland and the UK. In our second presentation, enjoy stories and amazing photos on the migration of Gray, Blue and Humpback whales in the warm waters of Baja California. The bulk of the evening will be unstructured, get-acquainted time so we can all share and learn about travel. Light snacks are provided but feel free to bring a beverage (perhaps a bottle of wine from your favorite country!) to enjoy. Please join us on: Facebook.com/issaquahhighlandstravelclub or Email ihtravelclub@gmail.
Russian Highlanders Kids Club Thursday, April 6th, 9:30am Blakely Hall
Please join us once a month for a fun hour of music, stories and games in Russian language for kids ages 2.5-4.5. Younger kids and siblings are welcome, just bring some toys to keep the kids engaged. Wonderful opportunity for you spend time with Russian speaking families, to make new friends and learn, preserve and enrich the Russian cultural traditions. All are welcome! We hope to see you there. Questions? Please contact Elena at 860-716-6467
Drop in on our jam sessions. We welcome guitars, flutes, whistles, banjos, mandolins, autoharps, dulcimers, stand up bass, and percussion. All abilities welcome. Contact Sue at bellesue@comcast.net.
Yarns & Threads Group Every Friday, 9am Blakely Hall
All knitters, crocheters, and stitchers are welcome. For more details or questions, please contact Cathie Coulter at Catherine.coulter@ihmail.com
*All Events are FREE unless otherwise noted.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HIGHLANDS Fitness Taichi Fitness Club Every Wednesday, 6:45am Blakely Hall
The ancient Chinese martial art, Taichi, will be offered every Wednesday at Blakely Hall. Participation is free; a donation of a nonperishable food item for the Food Bank is encouraged. Contact: taichifitness_IH@outlook.com
Hatha Yoga Classes Saturday Every Saturday, 10:30am Blakely Hall
Join us every Saturday for free Yoga! Hatha Yoga Classes are for anyone interested, including neophytes wanting to try yoga for the first time, the experienced looking to improve, and anyone in-between. Yoga class will be led by Melanie and her mother, Deyin. For more information, contact deyiny@microsoft.com
Running Club
Every Saturday, 8am Central Park Tennis Courts
Please contact Joey at jbc224@cornell.edu, so he can add you to the distribution list. See Facebook - Issaquah Highlands Running and Multi-sport
Yami Yoga Classes Sunday Every Sunday, 7:45am Blakely Hall
Join these free yoga classes for a systematic organized teaching as it is supposed to be, as opposed to treating yogasanas as mere exercises. Yoga guru Kiran Balijepalli will not only teach correct physical posture, but also explain the conceptual basis for these different yogasanas. No prior experience required. Please bring your own yoga mat and do not eat anything for at least two hours before (except drinking coffee/tea/milk/water). Contact: srik.satya@gmail.com
Zumba Fitness® Class Every Tuesday, 7pm Every Saturday, 9am Blakely Hall
Zumba Fitness is the Latin and world rhythm and dance based fitness party that will change the way you think about working out. Grab your workout clothes, your water bottle, and join the party! Free class but please bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the food bank! For additional information, email zumbawithcindy@gmail.com.
Special Interest Book Club
Location & Dates vary
The book club is a great place to meet neighbors and explore a variety of books. Date and location sometimes change, so be sure to email lindsey8@gmail.com to be added to the Facebook group.
Entrepreneur Club
Sunday, April 9th & 23rd, 7:30pm Blakely Hall
Are you a small business owner or an entrepreneur looking to kick off a business idea? This is an opportunity for IH entrepreneurs to gather and be a resource for each other. Join us to meet like-minded entrepreneurs, learn about what’s working for others and bounce ideas for feedback. Here’s a chance to extend your network of support. For more information, contact: Johnathan Chu johnnychu@outlook.com
Meaningful Movies
Wednesday, May 24th, 6:30pm Blakely Hall
Governance Mtgs
Meaningful Movies provides social justice and environmental documentary films followed by community discussion. Every other month at Blakely Hall, alternate months at the Issaquah Historic Train Depot. meaningfulmovies.org/neighborhoods/ issaquah-wa/
IHCA Architectural Review Committee
Toastmasters Club
Tuesday, 4/11, 5:30 pm IHCA Office
Every Wednesday, 7am Swedish Medical Center 2nd Floor Conference Center
Join us to improve your communication skills. To find out more, visit the club website at toastmastersclubs.org or drop in any Wednesday as a guest.
Wine Club
Friday, April 14th, 7pm Blakely Hall
Come out and meet your fellow wine lovers in the Highlands! Are you a wine enthusiast, connoisseur, or just a fan? We usually get together the second Friday of each month to discuss and enjoy wine. If interested please send an email to Dianne at danielsondd@yahoo.com for details. Please RSVP the Tuesday prior to the event.
Don’t Miss This! Blood Drive
Tuesday, 4/4, 6pm IHCA Office
IHCA Finance Committee Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group Wednesday, 4/12, 5pm, TBD
IHCA Board of Directors
Wednesday, 4/26, 5:30 pm, IHCA Office
IHCA Budget Ratification Meeting Wednesday, 4/26, 6:30 pm, IHCA Office
Meetings are subject to change. See Calendar at issaquahhighlands.com for more information or date changes. For City of Issaquah governance meetings, see http://issaquahwa.gov and Issaquah City News in this issue.
City Meetings
Saturday, April 8th, 9am-3pm Safeway Parking Lot - Grand Ridge Plaza
City Council Land and Shore Committee
City of Issaquah Community Meeting
City Council Full Council
To make an appointment visit psbc.org.
Thursday, April 20th, 7pm Blakely Hall Topic: IH Development Agreement – What’s Next? Cities use zoning and defined land uses to govern development in their jurisdiction. However, Issaquah Highlands’ development has been governed by a Development Agreement, signed in 1996. This agreement has a 20-year term. The master developer, Port Blakely Communities, and the City of Issaquah plan to formally terminate this agreement at the end of this year. What will replace it? If you are interested in the future of Issaquah Highlands, please attend this meeting, a neighborhood conversation about what’s next for our community.
Gardening Seminar
Thursday, April 6th, 7pm Blakely Hall Topic: Incredible Edible Gardens
This class covers what it takes to grow a fabulous edible garden for years to come. Vegetables, berries and fruit trees take special care but pay off in abundance. Best of all, food crops can be incorporated into your existing landscape. Learn simple design techniques and more. Taught by Emily Bishton, environmental educator and landscape designer. Free but registration required at cascadewater.org/classes.php.
Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt
Friday, April 7th, 7pm Blakely Hall Hosted by The HY, Highlands Youth Advisory Board Admission Fee: $5 4th Annual Friday Night Flashlight Eggstravaganza for all middle and high school students, sponsored by the HY (Highlands Youth) Board. There’s fun for everyone: games, prizes, music, ice cream sundae bar, bunny photo booth, etc. Bring: Student ID required; Something to collect eggs in; and a Flashlight.
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Thursday, April 6th, 6:30pm
Monday, April 17th, 7pm Both meetings have the 9th DA Amendment on the agenda, re: 100 additional residences and affordable housing. See page 18.
Holidays April Fool’s Day Saturday, April 1st
Palm Sunday Sunday, April 9th
Passover
Tuesday, April 11th
Easter
Sunday, April 16th
Arbor Day
Friday, April 28th
Earth Day
Saturday, April 22nd
Issaquah School District Spring Break April 10th -14th
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ISSAQUAH CITY NEWS
Salmon Friendly Trips Commute Incentive Program
Salmon Friendly Trips is Issaquah’s portal to regional ride-matching and incentives. Find a carpool or vanpool partner, and log your trips to earn local and regional rewards. The City offers incentives to all Issaquah residents, workers and students (age 18 and older) who participate in their trip-logging incentive program. How do I participate? Create an online account. (A previously-created account on RideshareOnline.com will work here.) You’ll be asked for your home and work address. Find a carpool or vanpool partner match by visiting your “Ridematch” tab and selecting “Create a trip.” Log your non-drive-alone trips (single occupant vehicle, SOV) on your Salmon Friendly Trips calendar and become eligible for the Issaquah incentives! Visit your “Rewards” tab and then click on “Incentive Programs” to see all the regional rewards for which you’re eligible. Questions? Contact SalmonFriendlyTrips@issaquahwa.gov Are you an employer in Issaquah? Ask us about the Commute Trip Reduction Act and how we can help.
In-City Traffic Relief is on the Way Issaquah recently broke ground on a major transportation improvement that will extend Southeast 62nd Street between 221st Place and Lake Drive. The project also: • Adds roundabouts where 62nd Street intersects 221st Place and Lake Drive. • Widens part of Southeast 62nd Street. • Adds new sidewalks, bike lanes, curbs and gutters, curb ramps and street lights. • Upgrades East Lake Sammamish Trail so that users cross under SE 62nd Street. • Preserves close to six acres of property near Issaquah Creek. • Constructs two acres of wetland. • Makes enhancements to the North Fork of Issaquah Creek. Head’s up: Several significant roads and trails near Costco’s headquarters, the I-90 Undercrossing and East Lake Sammamish Parkway will be closed soon for construction (and until winter 2018). For more information (including maps of upcoming closures) and to subscribe to regular updates about traffic impacts, go to issaquahwa.gov/62.
Share Your Ideas: Shape Your Parks, Your Future Issaquah’s parks are your parks — help shape your future!
Throughout 2017, the City will work with the community to develop a Parks Strategic Plan. To ensure our parks serve our community’s future needs, we need your input. The initial phase of the process is called Listen & Learn. You can provide your input both in person and online. Survey Please take a few moments to answer some open-ended questions and outline your vision for Issaquah’s parks, trails and open space. See issaquahwa.gov/engage Deadline: April 21, 2017. Community Workshops You’re invited to share your ideas in person at a series of community workshops. If you missed the March 27th workshop at Grand Ridge Elementary, you can get caught up on April 4th, at Pickering Barn, or on April 6th at Sunset Elementary. To learn more about the Parks Strategic Plan, go to issaquahwa.gov/parksfuture.
City of Issaquah Continues to Deliberate 9th Major Amendment to the Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement Agenda Bill (AB) 7215 City of Issaquah Land and Shore Committee, April 6th, 6:30pm City of Issaquah Full Council, April 17th, 7pm Both meetings take place at Council Chambers Polygon Northwest, developers of Westridge North, have requested a Major Modification of the Issaquah Highlands Development Agreement to add 100 residential units to Issaquah Highlands through the use of Transfer of Development Rights. Council deliberations began last fall. The modification also includes provisions to develop affordable housing in keeping with the Issaquah Highlands standards. The Public Hearing continues to April 17. Audience comments are welcome at the Land and Shore committee meeting as well.
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DOING BUSINESS
Avoid Commuter Traffic with a Home Business When Issaquah Highlands was in its conception stages, there was much thought given to making this a community where people would have the option of living and working and playing all in one central area. This is evident with all of the community features, the parks and trails, the retail and restaurants, the community activities and theaters, and the walkability of the neighborhoods.
All home businesses in Issaquah Highlands require approval from the IHCA Board of Directors. Applications and instructions can be found on our website at issaquahhighlands. com/learn/issaquah-highlands-community-association-ihca . The process can take up to two months depending on what time of month the application is received. See the steps illustrated in Application Process flow chart.
The ‘live/work’ concept of having your office or business in your home is a big part of our ‘Living Green’ Urban Village. Several areas of Issaquah Highlands were built with this in mind, offering floor plans with outside entrances into bottom floor office spaces with living quarters above. There are actually three different types of businesses allowed in Issaquah Highlands: Convertible Accessory Units (CAU’s), Home Office District (HOD) are allowed in the districts on the map below. Residential Home Business (RHB) are allowed anywhere, subject to approval.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the IHCA if you have any questions on how to get approval to have a business in your home.
Walkability Option at Grand Ridge Plaza “Walkability” is a core design component of Grand Ridge Plaza, which connects with pedestrian pathways and trails in Issaquah Highlands, as well as the Park & Ride. Its pedestrian-oriented design is geared toward people who walk for pleasure, fitness and convenience. Many Highlands residents can walk to the center from their homes within 10 to 15 minutes, leaving the car in the garage.
If you live further up the hill, consider incorporating Metro’s route 628 in your getting down (and back up) to Grand Ridge Plaza, for a car-free visit. See page 6 for details. Communities designed to promote walking can also be green in other ways as well, such as building design and landscaping. This principle applies to Issaquah Highlands and Grand Ridge Plaza, a LEED certified shopping center with all its buildings certified.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah Highlands Photo Treasure Hunt Every month we publish a photo of something (or somewhere!) in the Highlands. While some months are easier than others, all photos are of something accessible to the public. It is up to you to guess where the photo was taken. Last month’s photo was of the bridge near the Bark Park in the Dahlia Park neighborhood. Enter the trail off NE Natalie Way and walk along the east side of the pond. Soon you’ll come to the bridge which leads to a smaller pond and another trail. It’s a favorite spot to take family photos during nice weather. Correct guesses were submitted by: Jadine Ying Audrey Short Kevin Paxton Georgia Short Thanks to everyone who participated!
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HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK Connecting Your World with Wi-Fi by Frank Pineau, General Manager, Highlands Fiber Network (HFN)
Connecting to where you want to be – that’s what the HFN Fiber Network does. This state-of-the-art network helps you to stay connected and the use of wireless routers enhance the experience of the fiber network to take advantage of today’s technology. Wireless routers can help you and your family utilize the fiber network at the same time anywhere in your home. You can be working on a desktop in your office and your children can be on their mobile phones and laptops in their room, all using the Internet connection at the same time. Be sure the router is setup for wireless, and your laptop and other devices have a wireless option. (Most do these days.) Wireless routers can also provide security for your home Internet connection. With more of our home appliances connected to the internet, like smart TVs and smartphones, it’s important that your wireless router is able to handle all of this demand. When shopping for a new router, consider the size of your coverage area and number of people and devices that will connect to the router. Consider such features as router speed, gigabit & USB ports, network storage drives and home automation hubs. You might also consider parental controls, Quality of Service (QoS), and guest-network features. Routers come in B, G, N, and AC classifications. B and G routers are less common, and are slower. These routers can prevent you from maximizing the full speed of your HFN connection. N routers are most common, with a top speed of 300 Mbps when two separate antennas are attached. N routers suffice for most needs such as streaming or connecting multiple devices. AC routers make a marked difference. Supplying up to 1Gbps (1,000Mbps), this new breed of router intensifies the signal by detecting the location of connected devices and focusing the output in that direction. However, even the most powerful routers won’t help if attached devices are limited by slower speeds.
This month’s photo is below. Can you identify the location in this picture?
Placing the Wi-Fi router in a centralized location also really helps. When the router is tucked away in a closet or far-away bedroom, elements in your home can block and diminish the signal. While adding devices to your internal network adds functionality, they also burden your bandwidth. (Internet connection speeds are always faster with a direct, wired connection.) In addition, if they have built-in firewall and other routing functionality they can cause multiple network address translations (NAT) and may inhibit your personal devices from reaching optimum speeds.
Entry Deadline: Wednesday, April 12th If you think you have the answer, please email it to IHPhotoHunt@gmail.com along with your full name. Please be as specific as possible when emailing your response. Responses will be accepted until April 12th. Those with the correct answer will see their name published in next month’s issue of Connections, as well as have their name entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Ben and Jerry’s. Everyone who responds with a correct guess will be entered to win. Every correct guess is an entry!
Research which wireless router fits your needs best before purchasing the local big box special. We have seen positive results from Ubiquiti, Asus, and Linksys, but user’s results vary. (I was once told a good rule of thumb is to buy the best and most powerful one you can afford.) I recently needed to change out the HFN router in my office as I was experiencing a slower connection. To troubleshoot this, I bypassed the Wi-Fi router, and connected directly into the wired HFN equipment port. A speed test showed that the HFN equipment was in fact providing the correct speeds. Placing the old router back on the circuit decreased the speed. Connecting to where you want to be – that’s what the HFN Fiber Network does. If you need help or have any questions, please contact us at 425-427-0999 or support@hfnservices.com or chat live at highlandsfibernetwork.com/support they are available 24/7.
The Photo Treasure hunt is coordinated by volunteer Chelsea Musick of the Central Park neighborhood.
Fiber to the home, community owned!
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
When the Earth Shakes by Amanda Keverkamp, CERT Team 9, Resident of Crofton Springs
February’s earthquakes (4.1-Belfair and 5.2-Vancouver Island) are reminders of the dangers that lurk miles below this beautiful corner of the globe that we call home. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I remember annual school earthquake drills, engraining us in the process of dropping, covering, and holding on. If, like me, it’s been a while since your last earthquake drill or you are new to the area, here’s a refresher on what to do during an earthquake. Indoors: Drop to the ground, take cover by getting under any sturdy covering, and hold on. Cover your head and neck with one hand, and with the other, if possible, hold on to the covering (ex. table leg) to help keep it from shifting away from you. If there isn’t a sturdy cover, find an interior wall, drop down next to it, and cover your head with your arms to help protect from falling debris. If you are in bed, stay there. Curl up and cover your head with a pillow. Hold on as best you can. Do not run outside or stand in a doorway. Outdoors: Find a clear spot away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights, and cars, and drop to the ground. If you are in the city, you may need to duck inside a building to avoid falling debris. Stay there until the shaking stops. In a Moving Vehicle: If you are in a vehicle, as quickly and safely as possible, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid stopping near or under bridges, buildings, overpasses, and powerlines, if possible. Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. After: Before you leave your location, move carefully from your position checking to make sure that there is no debris that could fall on you. Avoid elevators, bridges, and ramps that may have been damaged by the shaking. Be prepared for an aftershock. For more information on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, visit Ready.gov. Sources: Redcross.org; FEMA.gov, Ready.gov
REAL ESTATE IN THE HIGHLANDS
The Cottages
by Aimee Holy, Erik Mehr & Associates and Dahlia Park Resident These Cottages are adorable! Built in about 2000 by Chaffey, these charming residences and their storybook setting remind me of England. Chaffey (based in Bellevue) has been building in the Northwest for over 25 years; they build both communities and custom homes. Typical Chaffey finishes in the Cottages are hardwood floors, upgraded kitchen cabinets, custom millwork, dormered ceilings in the upstairs bedrooms and wainscoting. I am personally delighted by the private patios and small courtyards, accessed by French doors from different rooms in the home. Most of the homes have two of these cute outdoor patio spaces. Another interesting feature is that many of the homes share a large courtyard area (usually four homes to a courtyard) and of the 39 residences that make up the Cottages, more than half back to open space, green belt or ponds. Typically, homes run about 2000 square feet up to 2600 square feet with three or four bedrooms. Many floor plans offer a master on the main floor, a very desirable feature. Although the Cottages are under the IHCA umbrella, they also have their own association that manages a multitude of maintenance items including: landscaping, exterior paint, roofing, earthquake insurance and a couple more items. This extra monthly fee makes the
Cottages virtually exterior maintenance-free. The Cottages live like single-family homes even though they share a wall with another residence. The wall that is shared varies. However, I find that the way these homes are laid out, they have the privacy of a singlefamily home. There were only two sales in 2016; a 2600 square foot, 3/2.5 unit that went for $660,000 in April and a 2100 square foot green belt home also a 3/2.5 went for the same price in July. The first sale of 2017 started off strong in the Cottages with a recent closing in March of $703,000 for a 3/2.5, 2100 square foot property. Located on Katsura, the Cottages are an easy walk to the lower Highlands amenities and right next to a great trail system. For more information on the trail system in the Highlands, go to the Issaquah Highlands website and click on the “Explore” tab. Grand Ridge Elementary, Pacific Cascade Middle and Issaquah High are currently the supporting schools for the Cottages in the Highlands.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
April 2017 •
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20 YEARS OF SUSTAINABILITY
IH Development Agreement Ends – What’s Next?
Community Meeting | Thursday, April 20th, 7pm | Blakely Hall Cities use zoning and defined land uses to govern development in their jurisdiction. However, Issaquah Highlands’ development has been governed by a Development Agreement, signed in 1996. This agreement has a 20-year term. The master developer, Port Blakely Communities, and the City of Issaquah plan to formally terminate this agreement at the end of this year. What will replace it? This question would be easier to answer if Issaquah Highlands had been completely built out before the end of the Development Agreement. But it is not. And in the last 20 years, environmental policies have changed. What does that mean to homeowners on greenbelts? If you are interested in the future of your home and the greater Issaquah Highlands, please attend this meeting, a neighborhood conversation about what’s next for our community.
Celebrating Pomegranate Center, a Special Partner by Nina Milligan, Highlands Council, Communication Manager On February 2, 2017, a private party of friends and supporters celebrated the Pomegranate Center’s 30 anniversary of placemaking. And a team from Issaquah Highlands were among them. The center and its founder, Milenko Matanovic, were pivotal to the design of Issaquah Highlands, providing consulting services early in our community’s development. Pomegranate Center is known for “participatory design” and for “placemaking”. Milenko’s visionary approach is now renowned. But back when Issaquah Highlands was just an idea, Milenko brought a new way thinking about accommodating regional growth in the suburbs. Working with the developers and the City of Issaquah, Milenko contributed his unique approach to design and planning. Milenko and Pomegranate focus on outdoor Erika North behind Milenko Metanovik speaking with Nina Milligan and Pomegranate Center celebrated 30 years, Issaquah Highlands being part of spaces, using design to create social spaces where Sarah Hoey. their early years. See Ashland Park in this memory board. “constructive engagement” occurs. In addition to influencing Issaquah Highlands’ guiding principles, In 2016, the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA, our HOA) hired Milenko to help Milenko designed our first park, Ashland Park, located at 15th Ave NE and Katsura Street. them renovate Ashland Park, bringing it back to its original luster. This park was designed not only as a play area, but as a natural amphitheater. It’s the perfect setting for a summer Shakespeare play, or musical concert. It’s a natural place for neighbors to see one another and to enjoy a performance together. This February, as the Pomegranate Center celebrated its first 30 years, Issaquah Highlands celebrated being part of their success story. In attendance were: Sarah Hoey, Executive Director – IHCA; Erika North, Senior Community Manager – IHCA; Jessica Dorsey, Community Manager – IHCA; and Nina Milligan, Communication Manager – Highlands Council. They were pleased to join Judd Kirk, past President of Port Blakely, Master Developer of Issaquah Highlands, in paying tribute to Milenko, and to thank him for helping to shape a special place in Issaquah.
Nina Milligan, Judd Kirk, Erika North, Sarah Hoey and Jessica Dorsey
Sarah Hoey and Erika North at Pomegranate Center 30th Anniversary.
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• April 2017
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
by Tracie Jones, Wisteria Park
Issaquah School District
Endeavour Elementary
4/1 4/4 4/10-14 4/26 4/27 4/29
4/4 4/4 4/7 4/27
issaquah.wednet.edu
ISD Family FLASH Presentation Golden Acorn District Reception Spring Break – No School School Board Meeting @ 7:00 P.M Gift of Failure – ParentWise State of Mind Presentation
Issaquah School Foundation
endeavourptsa.org
General Membership PTSA Meeting Singers Concert Popcorn Friday 3rd Grade Concert
Issaquah Middle School issaquahmiddleptsa.org
Challenger Elementary
4/3 4/18 4/20 4/26 4/28 4/28
4/7 4/7 4/18
pacificcascadeptsa.org
isfdn.org 4/28
Nourish Every Mind On-Line Auction
challengerpta.org
Popcorn Friday STEM Night General Membership PTA Meeting
Clark Elementary
clarkpta.org
APRIL EVENTS
Issaquah Highlands Connections
4/7 Dads@Recess 4/19 Coffee w/ Principal 4/19 Second Grade Concert 4/20 Author’s Visit: Brandon Mull 4/20 Science Expo
Grand Ridge Elementary grandridgeptsa.org 4/4 4/7 4/18 4/19 4/26 4/28
Spring Chorus Concert Popcorn Friday Coffee with Christy After School Movie Cultural Fair Grizzly Guys at Recess
Support Issaquah Schools Foundation - Join us for Nourish Every Mind 2017!
The Issaquah Schools Foundation’s Nourish Every Mind fundraising events are coming up! The Issaquah Schools Foundation creates limitless opportunities for every student in every school by leveraging our unparalleled and trusted partnerships across the community. The Foundation helps fill the gaps not funded by the state, and champions innovative ideas throughout the school district. Please help us fuel success for every student by attending one of these events. Learn more about what the Foundation does. Generous sponsors cover event costs, so your entire donation goes directly to support students. $150 minimum suggested auction donation - available online only from April 28 – May 8, 2017 at http://isfdn.org/auction.
IHS Mostly Americana Dessert Concert
Hear the music of America, from Broadway to Patriotic tunes, sung by choirs of all ages, on April 22nd, 2017, at 7:00 PM. Veterans attend for free and are honored during the concert. Enjoy allAmerican apple pie, lemon bars, or brownies at intermission. Concert will be held in the Issaquah High School Theater. Tickets available at the door: $15/Adults, $10/Seniors 65+, $5/Students, and children and Veterans are FREE. We look forward to sharing our Mostly Americana desserts, musically and sweet treats, with everyone.
Talent Show Auditions Eastshore Choral Festival Eastshore Band Festival General Membership PTSA Meeting Spirit Day Talent Show
Pacific Cascade Middle School
4/1 4/6 4/7 4/21 4/25
Spring Musical NJHS Meeting School Social Talent Show General Membership PTSA Meeting
Gibson Ek High School GibsonEk.org
Issaquah High School
issaquahhighptsa.org 4/1 4/7 4/18 4/20 4/22
Tolo Dance General Membership PTSA Meeting Eastshore Choral Festival Eastshore Band Festival Mostly Americana Dessert Concert
**Be sure to check individual web sites for details and updates
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Issaquah High School PTSA Senior Scholarships
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Did you know Issaquah High School PTSA awards $1000 scholarships to four 2017 graduating seniors who displayed strong personal and academic growth over their high school career? Scholarships are available for Tech and Vocational pursuits, as well as Community Colleges and Universities. Students applying for PTSA Scholarships must be in good standing, and demonstrate a commitment to furthering their education. Applications due April 17, 2017, by 3:00 PM, in the IHS Office, or emailed to Randallynn@hotmail.com. For applications and more information, issaquahhighptsa.org/Page/Programpages/SeniorScholarships.
2017 -2018 ISD Science and Technology Elementary Magnet Programs
The Issaquah School District will offer three Science and Technology Magnet Programs, serving 4th and 5th grade students, in multi-age classrooms, located within Clark, Cascade Ridge, and Briarwood Elementary Schools. Each magnet serves 50+ students, within a two-year program. Curriculum is rigorous, and project-based, including a variety of product options. Students engage with engineering design, with simulations, field trips, guest speakers and experiences, while focusing on scientific process, and investigation designed to encourage creativity, drawing personal connections to real-world application. Enrollment forms must be returned no later than Monday, April 17, 2017, to the ISD office. All enrollment requests received by April 17th will be included within the lottery. Forms received after the deadline will be placed on the wait list. Questions and application, please call 425-837-7120.
Jessica Lahey - The Gift of Failure: Fostering Intrinsic Motivation and Resilience in Kids
How do we motivate students to “own” their education, learn deeply, durably, and to develop resilience? Join the Issaquah PTSA, as we welcome author Jessica Lahey in discussing her new book, The Gift of Failure, on April 25th, 2017, 7:00 PM, at Issaquah High School. Jessica Lahey summarizes the current research on autonomy-supportive parenting and teaching, competence, rewards, praise, failure, and explains how parents and educators can provide students with support and encouragement needed to stay motivated - over the long term. This presentation is free for PTA/PTSA members of Issaquah Schools; for non-members, $20 requested donation at the door. Space is limited, and save your seats by registering in advance, at ParentWiser.org.
Summer School Robotics Registration Open Now
April 2017 •
ISD Summer Robotics Class is returning this summer, for current 4th and 5th graders only. This popular course teaches robotics fundamentals using LEGO Mindstorm. Due to increased demand for robotics, two sessions will be offered: Session 1 runs weekdays from July 10 - July 21; Session 2 runs weekdays from July 24 - August 4. Both sessions meet from 9:00-11:00 AM, at Issaquah Valley Elementary School. Tuition is $250; register early, as space is limited. Parents must select ONE session at time of registration. For more information contact ISD, at 425-837-7000.
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Donating Lunches for Spring Break
School breaks are usually a joyous time for children, with time away to celebrate and play with friends. However, for some children, breaks can be a period when their family doesn’t have enough food. “LUNCH for the BREAK” helps all ISD students to have enough to eat, even when school is not in session. Donating groceries helps relieve stress for families by providing meals to kids who normally receive school lunches, but also including breakfast and dinner. Consider donating groceries or money to help feed families within our community. There are three convenient drop off locations to make donating easy, on April 5th, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM, for 2017 Spring Break. More information and donation requests can be found at, LunchForTheBreak.com.
Brandon Mull, New York Times Best Selling Author, Visiting Clark Elementary
Brandon Mull is coming to Clark Elementary, April 20th, 2017!!! He’s best known for the New York Times bestselling fantasy series, Fablehaven. Mull has also written The Candy Shop War, and the Beyonders trilogy, as well as numerous other popular young adult novels. Mull believes “imagination can take you places,” and cites his greatest inspirations from J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and J. K. Rowling.
Join us at the Grand Ridge Elementary Cultural Fair
Help Grand Ridge Elementary celebrate our rich, multi-faceted diversity, through food, music, art, and traditions, with an epic PTSA Cultural Fair, Wednesday, April 26th, from 5:30 - 8:00 PM. “Travel” around the world to learn about the global community, as represented within our own school. Stamp your “passport” in each “country.” Enjoy our Multi-Cultural Stage, featuring traditional dances and music. Wear traditional clothes, bring the entire family, and grab dinner at one of five international food trucks! Don’t miss the biggest event of the school year! For more information, GrandRidgePTSA.org.
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Issaquah Highlands Connections
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Challenger PTA STEM Night
Challenger PTA is excited to present STEM Night, designed to increase our awareness, while developing a greater understanding of the roles Science, Technology, Engineering and Math play in our everyday lives, by promoting creative problem solving, teamwork, and communications. Come explore with us, on April 4th, 2017, from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, in an evening filled with exciting hands-on projects and activities, centered around the exciting world of STEM engineering. Perfect for kids, from 5-12 years old. The PTA sponsored event is free for all. We’re looking for volunteers, too! For more information and volunteer opportunities, visit ChallengerPTA.org.
End of the Year IHS Angel Donations Needed
The IHS Angel Program strives to assist families who need a little extra help. Our PTSA-sponsored program is confidential, behind-the-scenes, made possible by donations from IHS parents, and the greater Issaquah community. At the end of the year, specific donation needs change, assisting students through the spring and graduation, allowing more focus on academics, and into the summer months. Please consider specifically donating: • April: Summer Shoes, T-Shirts, and Spring Break Bags • May: Senior Prom Attire • June: Senior Party and Graduation Attire, Graduate Gear, Summer Break Bags • Senior Pictures for Juniors Donate MONEY: Your monetary donations go a long way making IHS families breathe a little easier during tough financial times. Rest assured, donations will have a positive impact on our Angel kids. Senior Extras: Caps & gowns, yearbooks, and the Senior All-Night Party are important, well-earned, milestone events for each Issaquah Senior. The Angel Program wants to ensure every qualified Angel student doesn’t feel burdened by the cost, and participates in these cumulative IHS experiences.
Grand Ridge Gift-A-Book – THANK YOU!! The Grand Ridge Library and the PTSA would like to thank our generous community for raising $4,000 to purchase new books and resources for our children! Reading nurtures the gifts of imagination, learning, and understanding, by developing great readers, one book at a time. Thank you for your continued support!
Volunteer TIME: We have the greatest, kindest volunteers, but always looking for others who want to help. If you like to shop for specific requests, sort/organize donated goods, help secure corporate donations, or assist in other ways, please contact us!! All donations may easily, conveniently be dropped off at the IHS front office, marked Angel Program. Questions, volunteer, donate, or help with Senior Extras, email Lisa Hollingsworth, at holingsworthl@issaquah.wednet.edu, or call 425-837-6012, or visit IssaquahHighPTSA.org/Page/Programpages/ Angel%20Program.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
Dear Kari, My children were just home for a week off from school, and I wanted to send them away somewhere else, just to have separate periods of time away from them. I love them dearly, but when we are stuck in the house together all week, I feel worn down. I end up feeling guilty that I want alone time. Is this going to affect them long-term, are they going to think I was a terrible mother? - Terrible Mom Dear Terrible Mom, First, you are not a terrible mother because you appreciate having predictable down time from your children. Such desires are perfectly normal and healthy. We do not have to be with our children 24 hours a day to prove that we love and care about them, or that we are the best parents in town. The most important thing that children need each day is predictable love; that includes a predictable schedule like having dinner together on most nights, and predictable healthy interactions in which connection occurs. Real connections occur when parents pay attention to their children being in the room and love them completely and purely as they are. What you are seeking is healthy behavior for both yourself and your children. Just make sure to explain to them that sometimes you will all be together as a family, and sometimes your will each do your own activities away from each other. Such diversity in actions benefits everyone. - Kari
April 2017 •
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ASK KARI
Dear Kari, I am so frustrated with my brother-in-law. He posts God quotes on his Facebook page, yet is terrible to everyone he knows. He cheats on his taxes, his wife, and fleeces friends and family out of money. I am so tempted to blow him out of the water and post the truth about him on Facebook. Do you think I should? - Tempted Dear Tempted, I do not recommend doing so unless you are willing to lose the relationship and ties with his family. I know that it can be hard to watch someone lie and cheat their way through life, but I do not suggest that you post the truth, your truth, unless you are willing to never see his family again. Instead, I recommend that you remove yourself from viewing his Facebook posts and save your energy and mind space from being harmed by him and the viewing of his actions. Focus on yourself, your good choices in life and move on. - Kari
Do you have a question for Kari? Please email her at askkarioneill@gmail.com. All questions will be answered in upcoming columns. All personal information will remain confidential and not be published. Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker and a resident of Issaquah Highlands. This column is for entertainment purposes only. If you are in crisis and in need of support please contact the Crisis Clinic at 866-427-4747.
SPRING
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• April 2017
Issaquah Highlands Connections
CULTURE THROUGH CUISINE
Culture Through Cuisine – Illinois by Kimberly Collette, Central Park
Salmon Patties Ingredients & Directions
Tuna Celery, Red Pepper, Onion (dried) Parsley Old Bay Seasoning / (Chives, if you have them) Eggs Crushed Crackers or Bread Crumbs EVO and Oil (or part Butter) Salt and Pepper Lemon Juice or Serve with Lemon Slices
12-14 oz. can (drained) 1/4 cup (each) 1 TBLS 1 tsp each 2 1/2 cup 1 tsp to fry in To Taste Splash
Mix ingredients. Form into patties. Heat oil and cook 5 minutes each side. Enjoy while warm. Among the cornfields of Illinois, Lindsay Bley and her husband, Drew, fell in love. They met in middle school and dated throughout High School. Drew came from a town with no more than 200 residents. The Post Office had two parking spots, one handicapped and one for the mail truck. In high school, Lindsay’s town of 15,000 opened a mall. “Having a Bath and Body Works was the biggest deal in the world,” laughs Lindsay. “The weather is such a variable.” One day can be a beautiful 70 degree day and the next day snow. People are flexible and work with what they have. Growing up, Lindsay’s parents ran a dental practice. On snow days Lindsay’s dad would be out shoveling the parking lot because he knew the patients would come early, with a thermos full of coffee. Lindsay’s memories of growing up in Illinois are of people taking care of each other. They were warm and friendly. They shared with and looked out for the neighbors. They invited the elderly over. And there was always food. Getting to the grocery store was sometimes not an option because of the weather. Lindsay remembers her mother cooking from the pantry often as they holed up during the snowy winter months. A favorite dish was salmon patties. Although good fresh salmon is hard to find in the Midwest, you can always have canned salmon on hand. Lindsay recommends the Bumblebee brand of Red Alaskan Salmon. Her mother would use crushed saltine crackers instead of breadcrumbs. “I had fun as a kid counting out the crackers and crushing them up in a bag,” says Lindsay. Lindsay’s dad was an avid fisherman and hunter. They lived on a branch of the Mississippi where they caught small fish and Bass. They’d have pheasant tacos. Steak was another popular
favorite. Potatoes were served with every meal. For Easter, most served a ham, while Lindsay’s family would have lamb or Polish sausages, a nod to her Polish heritage. There were plenty of casseroles, Jello salad and pretty much “anything that church ladies make,” laughs Lindsay. Casseroles aren’t really Lindsay’s thing as she is cooking in her Issaquah Highlands home. But she hasn’t left her midwestern roots behind her. They potluck with friends and “grill out” when the weather is nice. She’s always prepared for everything. Lindsay says her car is always stocked. Her husband wonders if she needs so many blankets in the car, Lindsay emphatically says “yes!” Lindsay says her midwestern flexibility extends to her cooking. If you don’t have an ingredient, you learn to adjust. Her salmon patty recipe reflects that. “If I don’t have fresh lemon, I just use lemon juice.” If she doesn’t have saltines, she uses bread crumbs. If it’s too dry, she adds a little dijon mustard. The salmon patties are flavorful and moist. Lindsay suggest serving them with roasted brussel sprouts, a salad and wild rice and garnish with a lemon, if you have one on hand.
Issaquah Highlands Connections
April 2017 •
DIRECTORY
ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
HIGHLANDS COUNCIL MAIN PHONE: 425-507-1107 IssaquahHighlands.com
MAIN PHONE: 425-427-9257 | AFTER HOURS: 425-223-8887
Responsible for:
IssaquahHighlands.com Responsible for:
Property Management Enforcement of CCRs, Rules, Regs Architectural Review Common Area Landscape
Funded by:
Annual IHCA Assessments Neighborhood Assessments
Governing Body
Board of Directors ihcaboard @ihcommunity.org Jim Young, President Rossie Cruz, Vice President Dan Vradenburg, Treasurer Walt Bailey, Secretary Jim Noel , Director Ellina Charipova, Director Rob Knight, Director
Sarah Hoey, Executive Director sarah.h@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1120 Erika North, Senior Community Manager erika.n@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1121 Collene Cordova, Owner Services Coordinator collene.c@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1134 Barbara Uribe, Senior Accountant and Benefits Coordinator barbara.u@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1123 Joon Chang, Director of Accounting joon.c@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1117 Soledad Ruiz, Account receivable specialist soledad.r@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119 Jessica Dorsey, Community Manager jessica.d@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1113 Lyle Dickey, Landscape Manager lyle.d@ihcommunity.org Billing Inquiries payments@ihcommunity.org, 425-507-1119
HIGHLANDS FIBER NETWORK
Blakely Hall 2550 NE Park Drive Monday–Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
1011 NE High Street Suite 210 Monday–Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Community Events Blakely Hall Community Center Facility Rentals Community Garden Facebook E-Letter Connections Newspaper issaquahhighlands.com
Governing Body
Board of Trustees hcbot@ihcouncil.org Larry Norton, President Patrick Byers, Vice President Ami Desai-Mehta, Member Philip Nored, Secretary Ray Besharati, Treasurer Jody Turner, Member Fred Nystrom, Member
Funded by:
Sponsorships/Grants & Advertising Community Enhancement Fees (1/4 of 1% on sale of home) 12¢ per sq. ft. retail/commercial | $50/door per year for apartments Christy Garrard, Executive Director christy.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1110
Frank Pineau General Manager FPineau@HFN.org Support: 425-427-0999 HighlandsFiberNetwork.com
Governing Body
Board of Directors Larry Norton Allen Enebo Tim Underwood Charlie Herb Emergency: 9-1-1 Issaquah Police (non-emergency) 425-837-3200 WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife 425-775-1311
Nina Milligan, Communications Manager nina.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1111 Brianna Eigner, Blakely Hall Marketing Manager & Special Event Consultant brianna.e@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1107 Michele McFarland, Finance Manager & Office Administrator michele.m@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1108 Vicki Grunewald, Graphic Design & Digital Marketing Coordinator vicki.g@ihcouncil.org, 425-507-1109 Julie Clegg, Creative Coordinator | julie.c@ihcouncil.org
COMMUNITY SERVICES AT BLAKELY HALL
Notary Service by Appointment • Per signature fee applies • Fax Sending & Receiving • Fax sending, local $.50 per page • Fax sending, long distance $1.00 per page • Fax receiving, $.50 per page • Limited B/W Photocopying, $.05 per page • Lost & Found
Emergency Contact Number For after-hours emergencies not involving police and fire response or gas or water main breaks, contact IHCA at 425-223-8887
Weekly E-Letter: Sign up at issaquahhighlands.com
RENTAL FACILITIES
Blakely Hall
Award-winning Blakely Hall has a feeling and comfort of a lodge. It is a wonderful place for parties with 70 or more guests, fund raisers, galas, and any type of reception. Blakely Hall can accommodate up to 200 guests. In addition to the atmosphere Blakely Hall will give you, there is a patio with outdoor seating and BBQ grill that is available for rent.
Blakely Hall Meeting Room
The Conference room is perfect for your meeting or seminar. It is private. It can accommodate up to 46 guests. A screen is provided as well as comfortable conference chairs and tables that can be configured to your liking. There is a wash station, and a countertop to place your refreshments. To inquire about booking facilities at Blakely Hall, please contact Brianna at 425.507.1107 or email brianna.e@ihcouncil.org
Fire Station Meeting Room
The Fire Station 73 meeting room is great for community or group meetings. It comes with tables and chairs. It can accommodate up to 85 guests in a meeting setting or comfortably 30 guests. There are two whiteboards for writing down your ideas and agenda. There is also a television with a DVD player for your instructional videos. Because this is a city building they do not allow religious, partisan, or for-profit meetings to take place in this facility. To inquire about booking the Fire Station Meeting Room, please contact Fire Station #73 at 425.313.3373.
CONNECTIONS
Connections is published by the Highlands Council. Our mission is to foster the development of a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, and well-being. Connections is printed and mailed every month to every Issaquah Highlands residence as well as local Issaquah residents and businesses. For article submissions and advertising sales, contact Nina Milligan at nina.m@ihcouncil.org or 425-507-1111 Size Mini (text only): 3” x 3”
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Square: 4.625” x 4.625”
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Quarter Page: 4.625” x 6.25”
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Half Page Vert: 4.625” x 13”
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Half Page Horz: 9.625” x 6.25”
$495
Full Page: 9.625” x 13”
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Discounts available with 3 and 6 month contracts.
We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit to content and length. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising that in our opinion does not reflect the standards of the newspaper. Opinions or expressed either by paid advertisement or editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of Highlands Council or this newspaper. Ads are due by the first Friday of the month for the following month’s publication. For best results with newspaper printing: • Please avoid small text in color or reversed out of color. • Do not use a built black of CMYK combined. Instead, please setup all black as “K” only. • Convert all RGB files to CMYK before creating PDF. • 85 line screen and 300 dpi for photos. • All process color ads should be converted to CMYK. • Acceptable art for use by our production department includes TIFF or JPEG files. • Convert all Photoshop files to JPEG or TIFF before sending. • DO NOT send Quark, Illustrator, Publisher or other native files. Content and advertising in Connections does not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of the Highlands Council or staff.
On-line advertising available
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Issaquah Highlands Connections