UPDATED: Over 30 "Supporters of Midwifery at Evergreen" demonstrate, address Board of Commissioners.

Some great news to share:   On Friday, January 6th, two representatives of the group attended a meeting at Evergreen Hospital with members of their administration and staff. During the meeting it was learned that steps are already being taken on the part of Evergreen.... more to come!  Read their Facebook Page, below for all the news and details!

"Support Midwifery at Evergreen" demonstrators/FACEBOOK

Recently, three of Evergreen's five contracted midwives (not hospital employees) were let go.  Regional supporters of midwifery organized, sending letters to the Administration and circulating a website and Facebook Page.  Kay Taylor, Evergreen's Communication and Marketing Director responded favorably to the activists, writing:

"We are evaluating whether we could provide 24-hour midwifery care again in the future. While we are working diligently, the process may not be completed until the end of January."

But this didn't stop their planned demonstration.  Over 30 women, men and children demonstrated outside of Evergreen Hospital yesterday afternoon.  They peacefully carried home-made signs telling Evergreen to bring full service midwifery care back to Evergreen.   About 13 attended the 6:30PM Board of Commissioners meeting (including Minutes) where two midwifery advocates addressed the Board.  Read More >>

Brief History of Patsy Rosenbach - Redmond native and 1958 Lake Washington H.S. Grad

 1955 - Football Crowd and Cheer leaders at LWHS/Credit Historical Society

An abbreviated history of the life of Patsy Rosenbach, Redmond native and Lake Washington High School graduate, class of '58.

I grew up on "Education Hill" before it was Education Hill. It was a dirt road that had huge washouts annually.  It's NE 166th AV. NE, but back then 3rd Avenue.  Redmond continues to have my loyalty. I have never lived farther than 10 miles away. I truly enjoy the fellowship at our annual “Golden Grads Reunions” of Lake Washington High School (LWHS), my alma mater. We just had our 2011 Golden Grad Reunion last month.  (Read More about it below!)  In my school days, LWHS housed students from Redmond, Kirkland, and Juanita.

A little family history: I'm the youngest graduate in my class of ‘58. I learned how to read, spell, and do arithmetic before I entered school and graduated at 16. My dad was blind and an invalid, but he taught me and my older sister before we entered school. Our older brother suffered a severe reaction to a small pox vaccination as a youngster, and had to have his books sent home with him to continue his studies.

I went to the first grade, as there was no kindergarten offered that year (the taxpayers had to vote it in and they declined that year). Three weeks later I was sent to a combined first and second grade room with Mrs. Shobert.

What did Redmond look like? Nothing like today! Read More >>

BREAKING: Lake Washington School District improves and updates pet policy. Posting new signs on all district schools.

Outdated  LWSD
Pet Policy Notice

BREAKING: 10/4/2011, 7:51 AM   The District improves and updates their pet policy!  New signs are on order and will be posted at all district schools.  Click this link to read the entire policy and administrative action!

http://www.lwsd.org/About/Policies-Regulations/Admin-Policies/school-community-relations/Pages/Dogs-on-District-Property.aspx .

###

BACKGROUND:  Last year I wrote the opinion below, asking the District to update and improve their pet policy and install new signs.
The recent "A Tree Gets Nailed" story prompted me to edit and republish the opinion today.  I copied  the LWPTSA Council and Administration.  Serendipity!   B.Y.  10/4

REPUBLISHED OPINION, 6/18/2010.  In 2010 my daughter and a friend were walking their small dog on-leash, near the sidewalk on Horace Mann property.  The principal at the time saw the kids and told them to remove the dog.  She cited school policy that leashed dogs aren't allowed on school property when children are present even if school is out.  The kids were surprised because they had their dog leashed with poop bags - just like the school sign warns.  Clearly, the district's Pet Policy signage mis-informs and confuses our youth.

When my daughter was going to Horace Mann in 1997-2004, the principal allowed leashed dogs inside the school. I asked Deputy Superintendent Janene Fogard for a copy of the district Pet Policy.  Instead, she gave me an updated Mann policy.  She didn't quote the enforceable King County law or informal school policy.  Two years  later, after multiple requests, Fogard gave me the current, legal policy, as follows:     

#1- King County code numbers are stamped on the Pet Signs.  County code "legally and enforce ably prohibits dogs from being allowed to run unleashed on school grounds."

 #2- The District adds language: "dogs are also not allowed on school grounds during the hours when school children are present - leashed or unleashed."  This language isn't posted on the Pet signs; it's unenforceable by the city and county.  This is a problem.

Many signs are old &
damaged.
 

City of Redmond and Kirkland Code stamped on the signs has since been repealed.  It can be removed, leaving space for "dogs forbidden when students present".   New signs could be phased into modernized schools and replace damaged ones to save money. This is a solution.

Unfortunately, parents, children and the public don't understand what the school policy is from these signs.  Students can be reprimanded and not know why.  School modernizations and remodels will need new signage.  Now is an excellent  time to phase in fair, accurate and clear pet policy signs.     

To see the entire pet policy read on.  Read More >>

Evergreen Hospital Commissioner incumbent August Kempf copes with State audits during 2011 election

R. August Kempf, Commission Pos 3
Represents Redmond / Sammamish

Editor's Note:  In the October 2, 2011 election Mr. Kempf won 98% of the vote.  

Commissioner August Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help Evergreen resolve problematic annual state audits.  Should Commissioner Kempf oversee Evergreen Healthcare for another six years? 

Evergreen Hospital is a property-tax supported county hospital.   $24,153,945 in levy monies were collected last year from Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothel, Duvall and other district property owners.  Most tax dollars fund debt service for growth; a modicum goes to "community healthline services."

"Five publicly elected hospital commissioners have the ultimate responsibility and accountability for the Evergreen district.  Citizens entrust their elected commissioners to approve major financial decisions and provide legal oversight of Evergreen."   But, do they?

R. August "Auggie" Kempf is an incumbent, running unopposed this year.  He's an 11 year commissioner for Evergreen  Hospital and he's asking the electorate for another 6 years on November 8.  If you live in Redmond or Sammamish, "Auggie" is your designated representative.  He runs an insurance, investment and financial planning firm in Redmond with probably the most financial skill sets of the five commissioners.  Mr. Kempf attended seven "Audit and Finance Committee Meetings" last year - more than four commissioners.

Mr. Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help the hospital pass annual state audits.  The State Auditor's Office (SAO) charged Evergreen in recent years with twice the serious audit "Findings," of Lake Washington School District and City of Redmond combined.   2009 was not a good year either.  The SAO reported 3 findings:

• the hospital was paying contracted staff hourly rates almost double their employed nurses.  SAO recommendations to reduce contracted nurses resulted in an estimated $7.5 million in savings.
• Evergreen collected $1.8 million in cash (deli, pharmacy, gift shop) in 2008.   SAO findings:  internal control weakness increase risk of misappropriation.  Status to be reviewed in 2010 audit.
• "Evergreen Healthcare did not comply with competitive bid laws on two projects totalling $1,223,856 in 2008.  In 2009 the SAO determined corrective actions were taken.

The more distant Audit History during Mr. Kempf's tenure is equally poor:  Read More >>

"Knit Sock" Tree Art

Topped urban trees, "all dressed up"

As you enter the downtown core of the City of Sammamish you'll be greeted by these outrageously colorful dressed-up trees.  They were once hazardous trees that were topped off for safety and to create "snags" for urban habitat (crows, bugs, a flicker or two?).  Since topped urban trees look pretty ugly, the artists and city came up with this creative "urban tree art" solution.  Have you seen anything like it?

Artists Suzanne Tidwell and Beth Newfeld "knitted these socks".  The exhibit was funded by 4-Culture and endorsed by the Sammamish Art Commission.  According to the exhibit plaque, "upon exhibit completion the tree stumps[snags] will be relocated for wetland habitat.".

Opinion and photo by Yoder     

School Board Journal Q&A session with STEM teacher Mike Town - he's back!

At the last School Board meeting, Director Nancy Bernard announced a story in the American School Board Journal on Mike Town.  Yep!  Lake Washington School District's nationally renowned environmental science teacher Mike "is back in town!" 

Q&A with environmental science teacher Mike Town

The suit doesn’t fit Mike Town. The measurements are fine. But it feels far too constricting for this environmental science teacher from Washington state, who is more used to blue jeans. “That’s one thing I could never get used to,” Town says, tugging on his necktie. “I couldn't’t wear a suit every day.”

Luckily for Town, his business attire can now go to the back of the closet, as he returns to Redmond High School following a yearlong stint in Washington, D.C., where he served as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator. It was an opportunity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers to inform and help shape federal policies and programs in fields touted as America’s best chance at maintaining a foothold in the global marketplace. If only more students would find the subjects appealing. Read More >>

Notes on "Ashes to Hope Observance of 9/11" - Bridge-building to another's culture

Kirkland Performance Center - "Ashes to Hope" Observance

OPINION:  Today is 9/11.   I was in Anchorage when it happened 10 years ago.   I decided to observe the anniversary.

I left our garage sale early to drive to Kirkland's "Ashes to Hope" Observance of 9/11 in the Kirkland Performance Center.  I'm not a big church go-er but found this service deeply moving.    

The Observance was hosted by the Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church and the IMAN Center.  IMAN is a regional non-profit Muslim organization "fostering the development of socially responsible and spiritually mature individuals."  They do a lot more for the community, too.  Their music is beautiful!   A standing room only audience of over 400 witnessed an Islamic  "Noon prayer"..... an experience to remember.

Clergy from many religions of the world preached, talked, sang and emoted.   One expressively "danced with his hands" while singing a rich, prayerful song.   His name is Rabbi James Mirel of Temple B'nai Torah.

One of the more 'awakening' moments was a roll call given for every nation that lost loved ones.   As each country was called, their citizen rose holding a sign and "the number."   Scores stood.  Clearly, 9/11 struck at the heart of the world.  Read More >>

OPINION: Realize Redmond, REDA and the Chamber are reshuffling into a winning hand.



The humble beginnings (and end?) of the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce

UPDATED OPINION:  "One Redmond Partnership".  "Community of Excellence".  "Redmond Economic Development Association (REDA)."  "The Chamber."  "Redmond Foundation."  "Realize Redmond."  "Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)."

What does all this mean?  To simplify, let's just call the jargon "cards in the deck." and name the game, "One Redmond" - our economic development partnership.

The game started in March of 2010 when council funded $200,000 to create a public-private "economic development partnership" to attract and sustain business. An additional $50,000 was funded to start Realize Redmond - a nonprofit designed to build private support for community projects -- to enhance and define our culture, build community, revitalize our businesses, and promote tourism.  This community ("of excellence") includes in the mix: our schools (Dr. Kimball) and health & wellness organizations.

In the beginning REDA, the Chamber, Realize Redmond (RR) and the City weren't coordinated and playing "out of  the same deck" during fundraising.  This confused the donors, sponsors and community.  So, the mayor hired a consultant ($40,000) to seek alignment and coordination of these organizations.  According to Marchione, the study will be done in two weeks.  Re-alignments could be announced at that time.  It's possible the Chambers will close their doors, eventually.

If you saw the August 30 Redmond city council meeting, you'd have heard presentations from Bill Biggs of Group Heath,  Tom Martin of Evergreen, and Dan Angellar of the Marriot-Redmond.  They are "One Redmond Partnership"  leaders of REDA, Chambers, and RR, respectively.  The Mayor ran the meeting while council looked on. 

Bill Biggs, Chair of REDA led the discussion saying, "This is going to take an interdependent effort to get it done."  He said "we need to enhance our alignment, reduce waste, be a lean organization, with a cost effective overhead structure".   He spoke of  Redmond Chamber's role in keeping Redmond businesses vital and to be able to retain themselves and the RR value of community.  Biggs summarized the consultant's work saying 60 people were interviewed, not counting the Boards of REDA, Chamber, and RR.  "It created an awareness to a broad group of people."  Biggs stated:

"Historically, the way we have been organized is probably not what we will be, eventually.  We may or may not be the kind of independent Chamber or the kind of independent RR....we may look at structuring ourselves differently on the basis of the study...because people who invest expect to see no waste and enhanced alignment"

Tom Martin, President of the Redmond Chamber made an unexpected "fold em" announcement, as follows:  Read More >>

Planning Commissioner Tom Flynn co-authors Minority Report to council urging "micro-level" neighborhood commercial

Six Neighborhood Commercial zones have been approved  for large

 grocery store-type developments, like "PCC" at Avondale &amp

 116th Ave and "Bridle Trails" at 132nd Ave. NE and Old Redmond Road.

One development is allowed per zone.  CLICK 2X TO ENLARGE

"We certainly understand the need to keep residential development and rendering plans separate, but do not see the immediate incompatibility of a corner coffee shop, produce store or bakery with the needs of residents who might walk to such an establishment."

-- Redmond Planning commissioners Phil Miller and Tom Flynn's Minority Report to City Council on "Neighborhood Commercial," as follows: 

"We need to remind ourselves that one of the principal justifications we have been given for the establishment of the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) classification is to improve “walkability” in our neighborhoods. [  ] We have not seen to our satisfaction that forcing neighborhood residents to walk an extra ½ mile accomplishes anything but encourage the use of automobiles for even very short trips. ½ mile excludes a large number of people in Redmond from convenient commercial. [  ] It isn’t the intent to force car trips downtown, but this certainly is the effect.  Read More >>

Juel Park, pea patches, and backyard chickens

Carrie relaxing in her pea patch
Juel Community Park

This is a story about Juel Park, pea patches and backyard chickens. 

A rare afternoon of sunshine spotted  Redmond yesterday.  It was a good day to visit one of our many splendored parks.   After running some errands, and a feeble attempt to find work, I was off to PCC shopping center (Avondale and 116th Street) for coffee and a walk to Juel Park, less then a quarter mile away. 

Juel Park is quiet and rustic, with historic farm buildings on the banks of Bear Creek.  Frisbee golfers were scattered on the meadowed course, their heads barely visible over the long grasses.  I was looking for the park "pea patches".  To my surprise, I found my neighbor Carrie working her patch!  She was sitting in her daughters Suzie's garden chair watering while rocking her foster child in a stroller.

"It's hard to grow tomatoes in my shady yard," Carrie said, "that's why I rent this patch from Parks and Rec.  It costs $50 a season for a large plot."  Veggies and flowers were everywhere:  beans, chard, carrots, dill, tomatoes, pumpkins, potatoes peppers, sunflowers, even hops and artichokes.  One "urban farmer" was raising tomatoes for Hope-Link.  The raspberries and herbs are free for growers. 

I asked Carrie if she was going to tonight's backyard chicken meeting at City Hall.  (August 3, 6-8:30 PM at Redmond City Hall.).  To my complete surprise she recounted: 

"I know all about them.  My backyard abuts a neighbor who's had four hens in her backyard for two years.  They built a nice coop painted the same color of the house."  (I asked if they were noisy or smelled.)  "They don't have a rooster. We hear the dog next door.  Only soft "momm"  "momm" sounds from the birds.  They eat the insects.  The manure pellets are fertilizer for her raised garden.  But  the raccoons will eat chickens so at night they're put back in the coop.  My children have learned from the birds and enjoy them.  They're scouts at the Lutheran troop. 

I must say, this was a real lessen for me.  I walk by this house almost every day and had no idea chickens were pecking around.  The friendly owner likes to garden and we say hi when passing.  My perspective on backyard chickens is changing.  I'm beginning to view these critters with a more open eye.  I keep learning more and more about them.  When asked, Carrie told me roosters aren't needed for chickens to lay eggs.  Did you know that?!  The public is invited to the chicken meeting tonight at City Hall.  I've got a lot more to learn about these critters.  Are you going?

Opinion By Bob Yoder 

iPhone

Edible crayfish and clams found in Sammamish River

The daily limit on Signal crayfish is 10 pounds. 

Walking along the Sammamish River near the Leary Bridge a few weeks ago, I saw a young teenager in the river.  He was in a bathing suit with a net catching crayfish.   He was standing in the water a few feet from the shore, industriously turning over rocks and scooping.  He had caught about 20 crayfish.

He said they are "signal crayfish" and native to this area.  He's found them between 3.5 and 6 inches long.  I asked him what he planned to to do with his catch, and he said "eat them".  No license is required to catch crayfish in Washington, although the daily limit is ten pounds!!

He also netted a number of shellfish a little larger than the size of a quarter.  I contacted Peter Holte, Redmond's Habitat Stewardship Coordinator to learn more about the shellfish.  He said they were  Asian clams, an invasive species.  Notice that several of them have had their shells bored through by some kind of predator.

The clams originate in Southeast Asia and are eaten by the locals.  I even found some recipes for them on the internet. Anyone for Asian clam chowder?  

Story and photos by John Reinke
Redmond photographer
7/16  (edited for brevity)

Have you hiked Redmond's "Mystery Trail?"

Trailhead to Nike Park
"Whitey" is running from the "Mystery Trail" onto Perrigo Heights sewer easement road

The Redmond Parks and Trails Commission has been anticipating and planning for Redmond's Centennial Celebration for quite sometime.  A "Centennial Trail" is on the drawing boards.  It's a patchwork of hiking trails that could loop around the entire city once completed.

The Centennial Trail map hasn't been released to the public so it's length and location are unknown.  As far as the public knows, right now it doesn't officially exist.  Several "missing links" have slowed it's completion.

This final missing trail link between Nike Park and the Ashford Trail (and Hartman Park Trails) was discovered by a hiker last year near the "Perrigo Heights" development. The trail-head starts off at the Perrigo Heights sewer easement road and goes south through the forest up a series of switchbacks and small ravens to Nike Park.  From Nike the trail runs to Avondale.

Prior to construction of the switchbacks it was impossible to hike the steep slopes around Perrigo Heights development to, and from, Nike.   A citizen, excited by 'the find' reported the switchbacks to the Parks and Trails department.  Two city planners went out and took pictures. This trail link was a mystery to them!  They said it was too big a job for Parks to do.   So, a phone call was made to Camwest, the Perrigo Heights developer, since the trail link is built on their easement. The trail was new to them!

It's truly a mystery that no one will take credit for building this missing link to the "Centenniel Trail."   Do you know why?  Updated, 2/28/19:  Sections of the trail are on private property. Have you been on this trail, yet?  A tip:  Ashford Trail starts at NE 100th Street and 172nd Avenue near the Redmond BMX Bike Park. 

Report and Photo by Bob Yoder

Read the earlier story of 09/1/2010:  "Education Hill hiker asks for a Nike - Hartman Trails connector"

Will our community "Realize" Redmond's Bike Park?

Kids are modeling clay to create bike jump ideas for the park. Bike jump
professionals gave talks. The kids also traveled to neighboring BMX parks for ideas.

Carolyn Hope facilitates bike park
design workshop at Horace Mann
President Richard Cole attended

OPINION:  In this week's City Council meeting at least six or seven parents addressed council in the "public comment period about the "Redmond Bike Park" (RBP) development project. RBP is a BMX/mountain bike jump park project on Education Hill.  It's been delayed by an appeal.

One citizen was adamantly against the park, calling it useful for only a small minority of the city population.  His back-yard faces the park.  Another was not against the park but bothered by the Notice process.  He lives a short walk on Ashford Trail in a nearby housing development.  All the other speakers were fathers of BMX biker youth vested in developing the park from years of volunteerism and seeing the good the sport brings to their children.  They spoke with passion and eloquence.  Dave Randall, was the first speaker.  Dave's comments are recorded in a Letter to RNB here. 

But, my reason for writing is to ask where is "Realize Redmond'' (RR) when the community and city needs their support the most?  "Realize Redmond" is a nonprofit, public-private partnership funded by City Council (6-1, Cole) with $50,000 in taxpayer seed money.  Realize Redmond used to be called the "Redmond Foundation". The mission and vision hasn't changed.  READ MORE >>

Fire fighters play paddle ball at Redmond Junior High



Redmond Fire and Medic Trucks parked at Redmond Junior High
in the sun late Friday afternoon

  

Redmond fire fighters and medics playing paddle ball on
the tennis courts today. 

I've seen fire trucks parked at Redmond Junior High before and wasn't sure what was going on. Saw em again today. Fire gear was out, but no smoke. No alarms. No hoses. No water. No one flat on the ground getting CPR. Then, Pam waved towards the tennis courts....

Low and behold we saw about eight fire fighters playing paddle ball.  They were good!   Lean and agile and moving quickly, these guys are definitely athletes.  With the short paddles they were really zipping around.

You know how Microsoft is known for their "team building" events where they go bowling or do some other activity in small groups?   I figure this is a team building exercise, a moral booster, and a fun way for our fire fighters to stay fit.   The Redmond Police were out running for the Special Olympics today.  Why not a little team building for Redmond Fire where their fitness is on display!

Next time I see them playing, I'll stop by and say hi.  Perhaps I'll see the new fire chief?  Or even the Mayor?   Mayor John lives only five minutes away!

Opinion by Bob Yoder
IPhone Photos by Yoder

Recycle your computers, printers, TV's, VCR's, phones for FREE in Redmond!

City signage behind Redmond Inn
guides traffic to MITRONICS

REPUBLISHED, 4/5.  It's amazing how old, unused electronic stuff can accumulate. It  takes up space and needs to go!  But where?   I found three recycling services in greater Redmond that will recycle electronics for free, and one from your curb!

Waste Management takes TV's up to 21 inches, monitors, and computers right from the curb!  You must call them for a free curbside pick-up appointment.  800-592-9995.  They also pick up microwaves, PDA's, cell phones, and VCR/DVD's at the curb!

Mitronics of Redmond recycles all sizes of TV's, laptops, desktops,and monitors for free.  No curbside pick-up.  They erase your disc drive for free, too!   They take keyboards and mice with a computer and charge $5.00 for small printers and $1.00 for phones.  Drop off at:  17455 NE 67th Court, in the business park adjacent east Marymoor Park.  Look for the city way-finding signs.  Phone:  425-883-8881.

Read More >>

My experience removing "second growth" trees from our Redmond yard

Pam on a tree stump in our front yard

UPDATED: 04/2022  As much as I love trees, it was time to remove this double-trunk Doug fir from our front yard.  The tree diameters for each "fork" at breast height was 27 inches.  This one was a 70-year old, second  growth, beauty and it wasn't an easy decision.

When we moved into our "East Firs" Burnstead home 25 years ago, the fir was about half the size.   But, for about the last 7-10 summers the tree sucked up every drop of water around it, killing off our shrubs and grass.   Acidic pine cones, needles and branches dropped like rain on the roof.  Street appeal?  Suffocating.  Only 18 feet from our house, the exposed tree was a potential hazard.  So after much thought I filed for a city tree removal permit and hired Rudy Schulze of "Top Notch Tree Service" (360-420-9970) to do the work.

Towering  double-trunk fir on the left was removed
after getting a permit from the city.

We thought about removing only the large trunk and leaving the smaller one.  But, Rudy and one other certified arborist said no; that taking one trunk out would be like pruning more than 50% of the tree - not a healthy choice.  So, by the arborist's definition I removed two large significant trees joined at the hip. 

Some tips:  Watch out for the "Evergreen" arborist companies.  A few of them aren't arborists and just want your money. I was quoted $2,000 just for this tree.  I paid Top Notch $950 and a tip.  They dropped the limbs next to my vine maple with precision.   The next day, Rudy's partners hauled away all the wood for free and offered affordable stump grinding services.  Not only pros, but personable!   Visit the the International Society of Arboriculture website to find an ISA certified arborist.

The city requires a permit for removing "significant trees" and Landmark Trees. There's no fee.  For me, when hugging a large tree I know it's a Landmark when I can't touch my fingers.  You're allowed to remove up to two healthy "significant" trees (six inch diameter more) or one Landmark every 365 days with a permit.  

I found the permit here by searching Google. Read the fine lines.  Every tree you remove a tree you must replace it with a smaller tree.  If this is a hardship and you love trees, the City is updating their tree regulations and you may be able to donate to a Tree Fund.

Photos and Story by Bob Yoder, March 23, 2011

LETTER: "Proud Redmond Libyan Arab American" asks for help.

4th in a series on the cultural contribution and influence of international residents in Redmond.

Koloud's family and friends at Seattle's Saturday protest.   
Flags were made by Koloud

Bob asked me to write a piece for this blog when he noticed how vocal I was on Facebook about what is happening to Libya. I wrote several drafts before I decided to just be honest and ask for help. I realized that you can get a full history of Libya and where it lies on a map by checking on Wikipedia. You can Bing images of Mummar Gaddafi and compare photos of when he first took over power in 1969 and what he looks like now, just as you would with Thin Elvis or Fat Elvis. And some of you, most importantly, can start see what this is doing to your gas prices at the local petrol station in downtown Redmond.

But I’ll let you do that on your own time. Right now we need your help for the genocide that is taking place to other peace loving people that just want their voices heard. We need you to start using the most powerful tool we have here in the West: The freedom to write.

Go to Facebook, starting posting about what you are seeing on the tv. Get a twitter account. Start writing with the hashtags of #libya #gaddafi #cnn #feb17 #bengazi #tripoli #dayofrage. Get on blogs on CNN, UN, Human Rights websites, local tv news, newspapers, Redmond Reporter, the Stranger. Mention what is happening to your co workers on your lunch break. Get on YouTube and watch videos after you do a search of “Libyan protests” to make those videos get higher ratings and get on the front page. Then send the link to everyone you know that lives here in the US, including your congresswoman or man, your dentist and your Girl Scout troop’s parents. Anything. Just write and help us get the word out so something is done and people can stop dying.

They say that the Egyptian revolution was won over the Internet. But that was with little bloodshed. Hundreds are dying right now, so let’s try to make this revolution get here faster by using our collective voices.

Koloud ‘Kay’ Tarapolsi
Proud Redmond Libyan Arab American

Find all of Koloud's RNB stories here.

Comments are welcome below this post!  Send stories of your home country here!

UPDATED: "Lunch Buddy", Tutoring and Classroom Assistant volunteer training

Learn how to make your mentoring and tutoring more interactive and productive.
Students today deal with social pressures, including bullying and stereotyping,
that can affect their ability to concentrate on school work.

The need for "Lunch Buddy" mentors, "Tutors" and "Classroom Assistants" can't meet the demand.
LINKS (Looking Into the Needs of Kids and Schools) is a program of the Lake Washington School District (LWSD), with funding provided by the Lake Washington Schools Foundation

COMMENT:    I was a "Lunch Buddy" mentor for three Horace Mann  kids over seven years.  It's impossible to articulate all the benefits since much of the gain comes from the heart.   Link mentoring should extend into the Junior High since 7th grade is one of the most difficult transitions. School office managers and secretaries used to run the program until Links took it over three years ago.  The secretaries probably know your buddy better than any and can be a huge resource.  It's important to understand how they fit into the Links program.  - Bob Yoder

LETTER: Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish, and Woodinville allow backyard chickens on average residential lots. Why not Redmond?

LETTER:  What do the cities of Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish, and Woodinville have that Redmond doesn't’t? Backyard chickens on average residential lots, that’s what! That’s right…unless you have at least ½ acre or larger lot, a Redmond city ordinance prevents you from raising a few hens for eggs.

Why does it matter if you can raise chickens in Redmond? Three hens can provide an abundance of protein-rich eggs right in your backyard. In addition to being fresh and delicious, some studies have shown “pastured” eggs provide more nutrients than commercial eggs. Food safety is also a growing focus, highlighted by the recent recall of over half a billion commercially-grown eggs.

Redmond is a wonderful city and we applaud their efforts to be livable and green. They’ve taken big steps like building City Hall to be an award-winning “green” building, but the Council continues to resist this small step that would allow individual citizens to contribute to their own health and to Redmond’s sustainable future.

What is more important? Winning an award for installing water-free toilets? Or allowing your citizens to contribute to a more sustainable community one hen (and 1 egg) at a time? If sustainability is really a goal, then Redmond should join all of our surrounding communities and change its ordinance to allow a small number of backyard hens on average residential lots.

As with any issue, it takes more than a few voices to promote change. Please join us by emailing your Redmond City Council at Council@redmond.gov  and contact us at chickensinredmond@gmail.com.  We are also on Facebook – look for Chickens in Redmond.

The author's email:  chickensinredmond@gmail.com
Photo from Google Images

"Thinking Redmond" - Kimm Moore's small business catering service

Kimm Moore of Sweetness Catering

"Thinking Redmond" - First in a series of interviews with Redmond small businesses.

"Chai-spiced cupcakes with mocha butter cream, dusted with cinnamon and cocoa power".

Wow!  Doesn't that sound delectable?

Kimm sent me home with these sweets after her interview with RNB last week in the "Microsoft Commons" lobby.

Yes! they're absolutely one of the best cupcakes I've ever wrapped my watering mouth around (next to my mom's cupcakes of course)! 

Kimm Moore is a Redmond resident of two years. Her family are natives of Woodinville. She has two brothers; her mother works at Overlake School.  Kimm started her part-time pastry catering business, "Sweetness Catering", about a year ago with wedding cakes and custom cupcakes.  She already averages over two events per month. Kimm's full-time job is culinary and pastry chef for the Spitfire Restaurant in Redmond's "Microsoft Commons".

When we first met for the interview, I knew right away Kimm was perfect for the business. Her warm smile, and friendly, engaging personality are just as sweet as the pastry catering craft she practices.  In fact, some of her customers even call her "Sweetness"!  Kimm is passionate about the pastries she creates, the people she meets and it shows in her work. 

"I love baking for other people because it makes me a part of their lives and their special events."

Kimm's a professional.  She trained at the Art Institute of Seattle where she received her Associate of Applied Culinary Arts.  In Seattle's First Annual Cupcake Camp, Kimm received "honorable mention": for  "Kimm-Chi" Cupcakes and second place for Healthy Cupcakes.  She placed third overall National Bread Baking Competition in Vancouver, BC.  She also works with the Overlake School, in Redmond, making v.i.p. desserts and vegan/gluten-free baked goods. 

Kimm has dreams of expanding her catering business.  Six months ago she started a blog to reach out to Redmond's  "foodie-people".  She loves to blog about specific ingredients (like vanilla), kitchen tips (like sifting), and pastry ideas.  Since interviewing with RNB Kimm started a interview-series on local businesses:  "Know Where to Spend Your Dough"!   You are awesome, Kimm!  Happy Blogging!

Blog:  http://sweetnesscatering.blogspot.com/   Email:  kimm1231@live.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweetness-Catering/144591878909899?v=wall&filter=1

Interview with Bob Yoder
Photo from Kimm's blog