Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

OPINION: Three Council Members Not Part Of Decision To Demolish Old Firehouse

Vivek Prakriya, Menka Soni, Sayna Parsi [middle of photo]

After re-reading the 470 page report from the council’s July study session (that extensively detailed suggestions for remediation for all questionable and possibly unsafe conditions) did council actually read it entirely?   In the study session the majority of council members never made the effort or never asked the question of what it would take to keep this building open and safe. 

One new councilmember, Sayna Parsi, was recently appointed.  Two new members were recently elected (Menka Soni and Vivek Prakriya)  Thus, three who had no part in the decision to demolish, with little knowledge, experience, and insight, will be entrusted to move this challenging building process forward. 

The teen center is a limited use facility—opened maybe 20- hours a week. The $9 million price tag for the rebuilding scenario is inflated with expenditures that are not necessary or warranted such as EV charging station, water fountain with bottle filler, ADA shower, new kitchen cabinets and appliances. Coupled with the city’s track record with the community center’s escalation of costs from 30 million to almost 70 million, this reality is scary.

-- Honorable Former Mayor Rosemarie Ives
   4/15/2026

Friday, April 10, 2026

Saturday Speakers Series - Murder at Avondale


 

Redmond Historical Society

Saturday Speaker Series
Murder at Avondale: Joseph Cicero, August 21, 1895
Saturday, April 11th at 10:30 AM
In the Old Redmond Schoolhouse at
16600 NE 80TH ST, Redmond, WA 98052
This event is free to RHS members; a $5 donation is suggested for non-members. Registration is not required.

 

On August 21, 1895, Joseph Cicero was killed on Avondale Road just south of NE 116th Street.

 

This event was discovered by Dean Jowers while doing research for the Redmond Historical Society. Information was gathered from newspaper articles, court records, and property tax rolls. Working together with Tom Hitzroth, a story of the murder was written for presentation at the Saturday Speaker Series.

 

Tom will recount how two once-friendly neighboring families became enemies.  He will go into detail of the day of the killing. Following that, Tom will touch on the complexity of the trials and the ramifications of the death to both families.

 

A recording will be available on the Redmond Historical Society's YouTube account following the event.

Monday, March 30, 2026

Celebrate Old Fire House Teen Center's Legacy

 

Celebration Saturday April 4th, 2 to 6 p.m

Celebrate the Old Fire House Teen Center’s Legacy on April 4


The City of Redmond invites the community to a celebration of the Old Fire House Teen Center from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. This event will honor the building's decades of impact on generations of Redmond residents and visitors before the site is redeveloped into a new teen center. Please note that the event will take place outdoors and there will be no access into the building.

Event Programming:

  • Music: Join us for live music from bands spanning all eras of the Old Fire House's music scene, plus a special acoustic jam tent where anyone can join in and play, the OFH way. We'll also be playing a special playlist between acts featuring many of the bands and artists that have played at OFH over the years.
Main Stage Performers
The Hit2 p.m.
Mae Amber3 p.m.
Tomo Nakayama3:50 p.m.
Fight Milk4:40 p.m.
Suzzallo5:20 p.m.

  • Art: Contribute to timelines, a fingerprint activity led by teens, and more!
  • Memories: We'll have a photo booth area with show poster backdrops, and a videographer will be on hand to collect community stories.
  • Screen Printing: Join VERA Project for a live screen priting demonstration. Show up with an old t-shirt for a free screen print (it's already got a graphic on it? Turn it inside out, and that's a new shirt!). You can also purchase blank shirts for $7 and 2 for $10. The print options will the Old Fire House logo as well as the original 1994 Old Fire House Grand Opening illustration.
  • Speakers: You'll hear from the mayor, the Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee President, former staff, and more as we celebrate what this facility has meant to the community for decades.
  • Redmond.gov, 3/30/26

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Light Rail "Connect" Celebration: Two New Stations, Two Lines, One System


Thank heavens for Sound Transit's volunteer ambassadors who tried to manage the intense flow of riders into the South Bellevue train station. Everyone wanted to be the first to cross the lake. We were all literally crammed in like a can of sardines. (Dogs Out of panic, some departed at the next station.  We all rode free this day, but starting Monday agency ambassadors on Line 2 will be looking for boarding tickets.

Pam joined in on the fun :) 

We made it to the Judkins Park "Connect" celebration starting from the Redmond Marymoor station.  (Parking at the Redmond Downtown station is problematic.) Thousands attended.  I especially liked the Cascade Bicycling Club booth.  Most everything was small, tented merchandizing booths. 


The community art center was fabulous. Local artists painted on three panels. 


A video of people lined up for miles trying to get home from the celebration. Pam and I took a bus instead.😂 We got off at the Mercer Island light rail station then home to the Marymoor station, where our car was parked.  Who knows what hour or day these people would make it home.  Some express!



-- Bob Yoder, (click images to enlarge)
   3/26/2026

Monday, March 16, 2026

UPDATED: Grouping of Redmond Historical Society Leaders

~ 100 residents (sitting on the right) attended the Lisa Dupar Speaker Series

 Left to Right:  John Oftebro (dressed in Cougar colors), Patsy Rosenbach, Halee Turner, Laura Lee Bennett, speaker Lisa Dupar 

John Oftebro, President of Redmond Historical Society 

Patsy Rosenbach, Photography/Greeter - a brief history


Laura-Lee Bennett, Vice President, "Culture, Weaver, Community Builder"

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Lisa Dupar Of Pomegranate Bistro, Redmond History Saturday Speaker Series


On a snowy day in March over 100 residents turned out for the "Redmond Historical Society Saturday Speaker Series featuring Lisa Dupar, owner of the Pomegranate Bistro. She spoke  enthusiastically and expressively to "Ya'll" about her life, and work as a restaurateur, chef, caterer. Her first restaurant was in deceased Mayor Brown's House on 164th, before the Brown Bag closed.  

The Bistro is offers casual dining, with a southern bent, a bar, and pastry selection.  I ordered a "Fried Chicken & Waffle," Yummy. Their tomato soup & grilled cheese sandwich is iconic.  Lisa's ramping up her breakfast fare to Monday -- Friday, 8 AM -- 3  PM.
  
 

  Left to Right:  John Oftebro (dressed in Cougar colors), Patsy Rosenbach, Halee Turner, Laura Lee Bennett, speaker Lisa Dupar 

John Oftebro, President of Redmond Historical Society 

Patsy Rosenbach, Photography/Greeter - a brief history


Laura-Lee Bennett, Vice President, "Culture, Weaver, Community Builder"

Reported and photos by Bob Yoder, 3/15/2026

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Christine Tennyson Himes Obituary

 

Christine Tennyson Himes (Chris) Obituary

WA - Christine Himes passed away peacefully in her home in Monroe, Washington on

December 30, 2025. She was born on April 6, 1929 in Washington DC. She was

married to Jack Himes for 46 years. As long-time Eastside residents they raised five 

children. She is survived by Craig and wife Barbara, Valerie and husband Ron Bennett,

Donna and husband Dave Bender, Carole and husband Brian Strong; 13 grandchildren

and 18 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter Darlene; 

and her brother Georg B. Tennyson.


Christine was an active volunteer for local schools, church and community 

events. She served on the Redmond City Council from 1975-1977 and later

served as the first full-time woman mayor from 1980-1984. She is known for 

balancing growth and encouraging business while preserving open space

and creating and preserving 19 parks and a trail system in Redmond. 

She continued to be involved through the Redmond Historical Society where she 

served as President for six years.


A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM 

at the Monroe Community Senior Center, 276 Sky River Pkwy, Monroe, WA 98272

Remembrances may be sent to:

Redmond Historical Society -redmondhistoricalsociety.org

Service Dogs for Veterans Bellingham, WA paveusa.org

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Christine, 

please visit our Tree Store.

Published on February 1, 2026


I have fond memories of chatting and giving hugs to Chris💕 at Redmond Historical

Society meetings.  May she rest in peace.  - Bob Yoder

Friday, December 19, 2025

Redmond Historical Society Newsletter, Quarterly Edition

 

 Board Member Volunteers --BIOS

REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER  

Quarter 1, Vol 28, No 1


Highlights:

President’s Notebook: "Fire! Fire! Fire! History and Evolution of the Redmond Fire Department” by John Oftebro

Society Honors Legacy of Chinese Americans in Redmond

"Mom Phones Doctor Way" by Tom Hansen, Lifetime Member

"Redmond Historical Society Ice Cream Social & Membership Meeting"
January 10, 2 PM Happy Valley Range
by V.P. Laura Lee Bennett

Willomoor Farm: Clise Period, 1908-1915
 by Tom Hitzroth

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Public Art Plan Update


The origin of this art installation ... 

The City of Redmond is updating its 2017 Public Art Plan to better reflect today’s community needs and priorities. The consultant, MIG ($100,000 cost) has been guiding the city through a collaborative process to create a strategic framework for future cultural art programming.

This update will integrate art into everyday life across parks, downtown, cultural districts, and neighborhoods. Reflect Redmond’s diversity, history, and innovation as both a tech hub and a creative, collaborative community.  It is long overdue though one must say the downtown station light rail art is fabulous and hard to beat.  

Public Art Plan Update

Council Study Session, February, 2026

Finalize Plan, March, 2026

Source:  Council Park Committee of the Whole memo, 9/20/2025

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The Untold Story of Northwest Rock & Roll

 The Redmond Historical Society presents ...

Saturday Speaker Series

Stomp and Shout: The Untold Story of Northwest Rock & Roll

 

Saturday, September 13th at 10:30 AM

In the Old Redmond Schoolhouse at
16600 NE 80TH ST, Redmond, WA 98052



Registration is not required. A recording will NOT be available following the event. View www.humanities.org/events to find Peter Blecha's other scheduled presentations.

 

Northwest Rock & Roll’s historical highpoints are well documented—in the late 20th century, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and other grunge gods took the world by storm. Previously, Seattle’s Queensrÿche and Heart had ruled the heavy metal realm. However, well prior to that, legions of local 1950s and ‘60s garage rock bands – including The Kingsmen, Paul Revere & The Raiders, and The Sonics – had all fueled teen dances with their versions of the region’s signature song, “Louie, Louie.” Yet these iconic bands are only half the story. In this talk, join author Peter Blecha to discover the lesser-known but vitally important bands and scenes that laid the foundation for what was to come—finally connecting all the dots between the fabled Northwest era of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Jimmy Hendrix, and the R&B-spiked roots of a distinct regional artform: the “Original Northwest Sound.”


Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Historical Society Newsletter Jam-packed With Content

Couples enjoy a Saturday night dance organized for Nike battery personnel stationed in Redmond.

Sammamish Valley News, September 27, 1956

Redmond Historical Newsletter, Vol.27. No 6


 Redmond Historical Society SATURDAY SPEAKER SERIES September 13 

"Stomp and Shout": The Untold Story of Northwest Rock & Roll | Peter Blecha, Author and Historian 

Saturday, September 13, 10:30 AM, Old Redmond Schoolhouse, 16600 NE 80th Street, Redmond, WA 

Northwest rock history goes beyond grunge icons like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Explore the lesser known bands that shaped the “Original Northwest Sound,” tracing its roots through garage rock legends, early R&B pioneers, and forgotten scenes that paved the way for a musical revolution.

###

Redmond Historical Society Newsletter Vol.27 No. 6 - Topics:  

  • Join the Redmond Historical Society on Thursday, September 18, from 4:00–7:00 PM for the Downtown Redmond Art Walk. Meet the artist, and explore pieces from the Society’s collection, such as works by Doris Colvin and Russ Goetschius.
  • SATURDAY SPEAKERS SERIES:  October 11 10:30 AM,| The Flora of Seattle in 1850 | Ray Larson, Associate Director and Curator, UW Botanic Gardens.  Before Euro-American settlement, Seattle’s landscape was shaped by native plants and natural scenery. Drawing from herbarium specimens, settler accounts, survey maps, and photographs, this talk explores the area’s original environment prior to its transformation.
  • PRESIDENT'S NOTEBOOK:  "Redmond Transportation --From foot paths to Light Rail." by John Oftebro.  
  • BUSINESS MEMBER:  "The Opportunity of Community - East Palmer."  by Paige Norman
###


9/2/2025

Monday, July 14, 2025

Redmond Launches Its First-Ever Tree Giveaway

 

Redmond Has a goal of 40% tree canopy by 2050

REDMOND, WA - For the first time, the City of Redmond is launching a free tree giveaway to help grow the City’s urban forest and reach the goal of 40% tree canopy cover by 2050, as supported by the Tree Canopy Strategic Plan, Redmond 2050, and the Environmental Sustainability Action Plan.

“From enhancing the richness of life in Redmond and improving our health to protecting our streams and hillsides from erosion, trees provide countless benefits to our community,” said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. “Trees are also an essential part of our City’s commitment to improve environmental sustainability and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

Through this new event, Redmond is giving away 500 trees to Redmond residents, groups, and organizations, such as schools, faith organizations, nonprofits, HOAs, and small businesses with fewer than 25 employees within Redmond city limits. Educational materials will be provided to help participants choose, plant, and care for their trees.

The giveaway application is now open. A completed application is required before picking up a tree, as quantities are limited. The giveaway will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at the Redmond Municipal Campus.

Volunteer opportunities are available. For those who want to join the fun but don’t have a space to plant a tree of their own, there will be a community planting event with Green Redmond in October.

To learn more and apply, visit redmond.gov/TreeGiveaway. For questions about the tree giveaway, contact guestservices@redmond.gov.

Plans referenced above:

Thursday, June 19, 2025

UPDATED: Old Fire House Teen Center Analysis

Old Fire House Teen Center

After two listening sessions Council still hasn't made a decision on saving the Old Fire House Teen Center.  Councilmenbers Steve Fields and Jessica Forsythe see the 50-year old builidng as a city treasure. 5/19.

Background:  It took years of deliberation on funding and design for "rebuilding" and expansion of the Senior Center.  Council actually considered a $17,116,000  "councilmanic"  bond fundiing that doesn't require a vote of the people. Later, they decided to discard and replace this funding with "one-time money" (funds from retail construction excise taxes.)

Thus, I agree, Council could find the money to renovate  the Old Fire House Teen Center, but Mayor Birney would have to work with the One Redmond Foundation, with backing from the historical society and Director Helland to make it happen.  According to historical society President John Oftebro, the building isn't safe.  

The Mayor has to conclude the Old Fire House a totally unsafe while taking heat from the development community. The Center is used primarily by a tiny, vocal segment of the city in a time with affordable housing is at a premium.  The longer this teen review process goes on, the more deteriorated their mental health will be.    

An unwelcome alternative to renovating our cherished firehouse is tear down the entire Old Fire House  (including the basketball courts)  and expand to 5-6 stories for affordable housing with the lower 1-2 stories reserved the for the teens. The teens would have final say on the programs there, as per listening sessions.

-- Response to a reader's comment, by Bob Yoder, 6/19/2025, 6/23/25