A Random Act of Kindness Is Witnessed At The Redmond Family Pancake House

In these austere economic times, kudos goes out to a random act of kindness we witnessed while eating  at the Redmond Family Pancake House.  An unidentified couple out of the blue, randomly paid for the dinners of two families!  When's the last time you've witnessed kindness like this? - Pam Yoder

What does a Pet Parade, Firehouse Chili and Apples have in common?

The Saturday Market!

October 9th - This Saturday - "The Redmond Apple Cup"

Come sample our apples, talk to the farmers,

and learn all the wonderful facts about Washington apples.

From 11 to 1 pm - at the Info Booth.

October 23rd - 10 to 2 pm

The Redmond Fire Department will be our chef demo with their Firehouse Chili.

Please come help us support their Benevolent Association

by trying a sample of their chili and leaving a donation with them.

October 30th - "Howl-O-Ween" Pet Parade

A costume parade for kids and dogs! Prizes for the top 3 four-legged winners.

Bring your kids in costume for the parade.

Bring your dogs in costume to compete for one of the three prizes.

Gather at the Gazebo at 11:45 - the Parade starts at 12 noon sharp, cause the dogs won't wait!

This is such a fun event and full of laughs!

Mark Your Calendars! 

City of Redmond and County want to improve Power Line trail connections.

"Trail Hunter", an avid Power Line Trail mountain biker, first tipped Redmond Neighborhood Blog (RNB)  of Puget Sound Energy's easement widening project east of Avondale.  His concern was not so much about the deforestation ("Read More") as an opportunity to improve the trail linkages.  "Trail Hunter" received the following response for the City of Redmond: 

"The property between Farrel-McWhirter Park and the Watershed Preserve is not owned by the City of Redmond. Puget Sound Energy has responded to questions about the trail in this section with the following comment:

There is no authorized "trail" on PSE's land, between the Watershed Preserve and Farrell McWhirter park. Although the City and County have been negotiating with PSE for over a decade, for an easement or permit to construct such a trail, no easement or permit has been issued and no rights for such a use have been granted by PSE -- we have, however, informally allowed individual recreational uses, such as horse riding and mountain biking, to occur on our land. The existing "trail" is, in fact, simply a utility access road and is planned to be maintained as such. PSE would be prohibited by the UTC from expending utility rate-payer funds (i.e. from recovering the costs through utility rates) to upgrade the road for recreational purposes.

I know there continues to be an interest by the City of Redmond and King County in making this trail connection."

Teresa Kluver
Park Operations Supervisor   

"Trail Hunter" has stopped biking on the powerline trail.  Of course, it's not as scenic, but he has also popped three tires on recent rides.  The County says they will replace the 3-4 inch rock construction road with a suitable trail surface.  Posted by Yoder, Photo:  internet   READ MORE  (see pictures)

Headmistress Brigitte Tennis of Stella Schola Middle School is a Jewel!

Brigitte Tennis

Headmistress Brigitte Tennis, is an award-winning 8th grade teacher of Lake Washington District's  Stella Schola. Middle School on Rose Hill.   Brigitte is one gem of an educator! 

On September 22, Mrs. Tennis will be flying to New York to accept a national teaching award on Martha Stewart's Living program  featured on the Hallmark Channel.  It will be a live taped program, so stay tuned!   Brigitte is joining six other teachers from across the nation to receive national recognition for teaching excellence and a $1500 school award for her school.   For more information click "Jones Classroom Award". 

Halfway through my interview with Brigitte, I realized her New York award is just one of many facets to her commitment and passion as an educator:    

Mrs. Tennis  is a teacher and an entrepreneur.  She founded Stella Schola over a decade ago; Schola is the District's fourth public Choice school and first traditional 6-8 middle school.

In 2009, Mrs. Tennis was asked to contribute to a collection of inspirational stories from America's top educators called "Today I Made a Difference',  Edited by Joseph W. Underwood.   On  page 155 & page 162 of Brigitte's story "Teaching Gems",  I quote Brigitte:

"But, within the everyday work of striving to instill the fire of learning in our young people, small gems show themselves in tiny, but flashy sparkles - the challenge is, how observant are you - the teacher?  Can you catch those glimmers of gemstone in the classroom?"

"So when people ask me why I am a teacher, I just smile and tell them of the treasured gems that I have collected over the years.  I have a whole chest of beautiful sparkling jewels, and that's enough for me!"   Read more....

City may revisit the backyard chicken ordinance

Redmond resident, Ms. Dennis, asked the city last night to take a second look at our "backyard animal ordinance".   She spoke during the public comment period to City Council, specifically about the value of backyard hens to sustainability and health. 

Ms. Dennis reminded Council of the widespread salmonella contamination to chicken eggs nationwide this year.  According to a New York Times article of 8/27/2010 more than 1500 infections have been tied to bad eggs since May - the highest incidence since FDA studies began in 1973. 

Ms. Dennis trumped many of the common objections to backyard chickens.  Salmonella contamination is uncommon with organic eggs.  Referring to neighboring city ordinances, she proposed council approve up to three backyard hens, no roosters; saying noise is limited in the absence of roosters.  She said rats and insects follow people.  People will dogs and cats must clean up; just as one does for hens.  

Councilwoman Allen  agreed completely with Ms. Dennis saying she is aware of the widespread outbreak of salmonella in eggs and has always endorsed the sustainability concept.  Ms. Allen was Chair of the Safety Council Committee.  Council Finance Chair, Hank Margeson agreed wholeheartedly with Ms. Allen and Ms. Dennis.  Council Safety Chair Meyers was positive, as well.

The Council needs four votes to proceed with an ordinance change and they've got three now.   Who do you think is a 4th aye?   Senior Councilman Richard Cole used to have backyard horses.  Councilman Carson said his wife would vote for the hens, but that he still needed to think on it.  You can lobby council.  Email: council@redmond.gov.

Reported By Bob Yoder
Photo from Google images

Click:  "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Facebook page for comments.

"Racquettes": coming soon to a tree near you. By John Reinke

See the two Racquettes?

I was approaching my condo unit at dusk recently after a walk along the Sammamish Slough, when I spotted some movement up ahead. It was a mother raccoon and 3 baby raccoons (are they called racquettes?).  When they spotted me through the trees, the young'uns scrambled part way up the nearest trunk. 

I quickly whipped out my trusty point-and-shoot.  The mother stood her ground as I approached to within about 10 feet. She emitted a low visceral growl, warning me not to come closer. I took the hint and backed off. 

Read More...

Evergreen Hospital's 2009 Annual Community Report available only Online this year

UPDATED:  Evergreen Hospital 2009 Annual Report to the Community:    CEO Robert Malte reported in their July 7 Public Meeting that their Annual Report (2009) is only available online this year as a cost saving, "green" measure. 

According to the July Minutes, "a lower-than-desired number of  'online hits' for the Report has been observed and  a card was sent out alerting constituents of the availability of the Report."  Did you get a card in the mail?

As of today, the current "Annual Report to the Community" is not found on the front page of the Evergreen Hospital website.  For your convenience, I found their current 2009 Annual Report and Strategic Plan on this Leadership page.  (upper right corner)   It's both comprehensive and user friendly.

Reported By Bob Yoder

Emergency Response, Map your Neighborhood, and Neighborhood Watch Programs offered by City

Jim Bove says....

The Redmond Police and Fire Departments are pleased to offer an information session on three programs recommended in your neighborhood to make it safer and more prepared for emergencies and disasters. The session is Wednesday, August 25th at 6:00 p.m. at the RPD Training Room (8701 160th Avenue NE) and will focus on the following programs:

   o  Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

   o  Map your Neighborhood

  o   Neighborhood Watch

 Councilmember Dave Carson is a recent CERT graduate.  Read More about these programs.

Theno's Dairy is upgrading their facility after an inspection by the FDA

UPDATED:  The Redmond Neighborhood Blog received a tip from a neighborhood mom, who wished to remain anonymous, that Thenos was inspected by the FDA and warned on July 21 for "serious violations of the current Good Manufacturing Practice regulation for foods." 

 "I'm just a mom who wants to know...what they are doing about it etc....as my kids ask all the time "to go to the ice cream place with the cow."

I called Thenos owner, Doug Bloor for his response.  Doug said:  "Absolutely no food has been contaminated, tainted, or recalled. "

Doug went onto say:  The FDA letter was "boiler plate" and that the issues had nothing directly to do with the processing areas.  Remedies are underway and should be completed in a few weeks.  Ice cream will be loaded in closed containment vessels and carted on stainless steel wheels.  A bid is out to modernize the sink drains.  The bathroom is being re-painted and upgraded.  Terminix has inspected the area and taken any necessary measures.  

Mr. Bloor noted that "Thenos started on a farm 26 years ago and has been the same operation all along.  The State Department of Agriculture inspects the processing areas 4 times/year.  The County Health Department is out 1-2 times/year." 

Reported By Bob Yoder
Photo By Yoder

Source:
 FDA Warning Letter, dated 7/21/2010
"Food and Safety News"

Why Every City Needs A Beat Reporter

This article starts out with an extreme example of  prolonged public apathy....

They are worth more than you think.  Just ask the residents of Bell, CA.

There’s a municipality in Southern California called Bell. Thirty-eight thousand people live there. It’s largely inhabited by Latino immigrants, and the per capita income is just $25,000 per year. It may be hard to believe, but had its residents banded together five years ago to hire a top-notch beat reporter, even paying him the handsome salary of $200,000 per year, the return on their value would’ve been immense. 
Read More.

By Conor Friedersdorf, 07/29
Forbes.com

UPDATED: Chanel Cogan, Redmond High graduate seriously injured in fall - Car wash fundraiser planned for Chanel on 8/7/10

12/29/2010 UPDATE:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2010/12/redmonds-chanel-cogan-hospitalized-for.html

According to an article in the Redmond Reporter today, Chanel Cogan a recent Redmond High graduate fell 100 feet off a cliff near Kachess Lake, on July 31 and has been air-lifted to Harborview where she is in an induced coma.

My daughter played soccer with Chanel and they were classmates at Redmond High.  This is so sad.  If you'd like to support the Cogan family they are hosting a car wash on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the R.A.C. between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. The donations will help pay for Cogan's medical expenses and, of course, the family appreciates your emotional support.  The car wash location is at the Redmond Athletic Club, 8709 161st Ave. NE. 


By Bob Yoder
Courtesy photo

Budweiser Clydesdales visit Redmond en route to SeaFair

This afternoon a couple of long Budweiser vans appeared in the QFC parking lot at Bella Bottega. I happened on the scene just as the last of the famous Budweiser Clydesdales was being unloaded. They were brought up here for this weekend's SeaFair Parade. A QFC employee said the company had arranged for the horses to be put on display at the store for a 3 hour appearance, ending at 6 pm. She said they had recently been handing out flyers about the event.

These horses are huge! The trainer told me they are 18 to 18.1 hands high at the shoulder. (A "hand" is 4 inches.) They weigh a ton or more each, I was told. The fully assembled rig of 8 horses marched around the parking lot a few times, pulling the famous red Budweiser wagon, complete with accompanying Dalmatian dog. Naturally, a large crowd clustered around and took lots of pictures. The horses stood by, quite unperturbed by all the attention.

By John Reinke
Photo by Reinke
Education Hill, 7/30

Do you know you need a city permit to remove trees from your property?

Do you (and your neighbors) know that a city tree cutting permit is required to fell trees on your property?   Single Family Homeowners on lots < 10,000 sf are allowed to remove 2 healthy, "significant" trees per year.  A "significant" tree is defined as 6 inches to 30 inches in diameter.  In addition, diseased and/or dangerous trees may be removed with a city permit. 

A city permit is required to remove any significant tree or any tree over 30 inches.   Take a picture of the trees you want removed and map out the tree's location before heading down to the City Hall Permit Center (2nd floor).  A certified arborist should be able to help you with the permit. 

Summer is a good time to remove large, diseased trees growing dangerously close to your home.  Winter storms can easily knock down large trees.  If you confirm a neighbor is felling trees without a permit, contact the authorities.   For more information on tree-cutting visit this City of Redmond web page:  http://redmond.gov/aboutredmond/announceTrees.asp

Opinion By Bob Yoder

LETTER: Citizen Input to Redmond's "Budget By Priorities" is a failed process

Howard Frazier has left a new comment on your post "Redmond's BP budget process - not a 'catastrophe',...":

LETTER   If the budget process has ‘citizen input’ as a core principle, then all evidence indicates that it is a failed process. If there was substantial notification of reasonable opportunities for input from citizens, then there would be substantial input offered.

I think that the persons responsible for collecting input did not use contemporary tools and methods to notify citizens of the opportunity and/or the methods available for input were not acceptable.

Several years ago, I received a form in the mail from the city which asked me to indicate my interest in various services so budget priorities could reflect citizen opinion. I filled in the form and returned it because I am interested in providing my input on the use of the revenue collected by the city.

What is the current method that the city uses to communicate with the citizens? How successful is it? I get regular e-mail from my HOA and from King County about how to participate in the decision making process.

I looked at the city web site about the budget process and the information published there is outdated and frankly embarrassingly sparse for such an important issue.

"Up, Up and Away" with the Randalls

Over Memorial weekend, I enjoyed a fun day watching the Randall family of Redmond, WA. and his club launch hobby rockets up to 7,500 feet into the air.  Dave Randall, a Microsoft Program Manager, was one of two staff running Washington Aerospace Club's "Fire in the Sky 2010" event. Every year Dave & Linda and their sons Thomas and Josh drive their RV to the wheat lands of Mansfield, WA. for club launch events. (The next Mansfield launch is 6/26-27). At 60-acres South, the rockets are limited to 2,000 feet; in Mansfield the ceiling is 7,500 feet.   Watch John Norris's humongous "hobby" launches here.

Linda Randall, introduced me to Mansfield's Mayor Snell and his dog. Snell has been mayor for 20 years and he runs the show in Mansfield, as "strong mayor". (pop. 300) He is pleased eight seniors graduated this year from their K-12 school and is grateful 3-4 launch events are held in his city every year.  Linda works for the LWSD. 

The Randalls' are active outdoor volunteers in the Redmond community. Josh, Thomas and their BMX friends have played a key role in the early development of the Redmond Bike Park. They attended the clay-modeling design workshops, went on BMX field trips with the city, attended Steering Committee meetings. The whole family pitched in to help restore the forest surrounding the Park during a Cascade Conservancy event.  Both boys are active scouts.  When they are not "Up, Up and Away" you can usually find the Randalls' on Thursday at Oddfellows Grill's  "Trivia Night".

Reported By Bob Yoder
Slides by Yoder

Some related announcements: 

The Cascade Conservancy invites Redmond citizens to a Land Steward sign-up meeting on June 12.

"Brighter" -an exciting movie premier and fundraiser for the Redmond Bike Park
June 10, 2010 at 7:00 pm

Final Draft Design Input Meeting  for Redmond Bike Park on June 30 - open to all.

Hartman Park - Redmond Bike Park area forest restoration work-party:  September 25 - 17300 NE 104th Street

UPDATED ON JUNE 7: Evidence of Bear damage to birdfeeder and fence is reported on Novelty Hill Road

Evidence of  bear foraging on Union Hill Rd. near Ames Lake was reported on May 28, 2010.  (Awaiting further reports.)   This photo was allegedly taken on May 19 and may, or may not, be the same bear.

"Here's a nice picture of a bear (and broken bird feeder) allegedly taken by a neighbor on May 19, 2010 on Near NE 80th and 245th Way NE (about a mile from Redmond Ridge)."

Documentation:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/50666115@N07/4651436571/

A popular place to report bobcat and other wildlife sightings has been on this page.  When reporting, if you don't want to leave your name,  please send me an email  so I can update our Readers and guests with your news. Unverified comments and updates will be posted anonymously under "comments"  Documented news will be posted on this page.

Tracy Stein said...on June 7
My daughter and I were riding our horses at the neighbors on Monday June 7th and saw a black bear. Location is 50th and 260th Ave NE close to the fire station. The same neighbor allegedly saw a bear last night, June 10, 2010 three houses down on 260th Ave NE and 50th.

Anonymous said...on May 28, 2010 10:58 AM  
We had what we think was a bear push down the 4ft wire fence, bend a 2 inch galvanized metal pole at a 90 degree angle at the ground and destroy our bird feeder on Friday May 22, 2010. This happened in the night. The pole was approx 8ft tall. The animal had to be pretty strong, my husband couldn't even bend the pole back. 47th and 272nd AVE NE on Union Hill Rd near Ames Lake.


 Anonymous said...May 22, 2010 11:31 PM
I saw one (bobcat) crossing Redmond/Woodinville road from the eastside to the west, into the new construction at NE 106th street.

Any documented news of the possible May 28 bear sighting on Novelty Hill  Road will be posted here:
Anonymous said...on 5/28/10

Here's a nice picture of a bear (and broken bird feeder) allegedly taken by my neighbor on May 19 on Near NE 80th and 245th Way NE (about a mile from Redmond Ridge).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50666115@N07/4651436571/

"A funny thing happened at Redmond Business Meet-Up today"

I went to the Redmond Business Meet-up for the first time a few weeks ago. I funny thing happened.

As we went around the room introducing ourselves and handing out cards Cherie Seymore's message was a little different.  It came with a song....a beautiful, soul-full song!  You can listen to it here.  Cherie and Tolga were promoting their "custom marketing CD company".  http://www.imaginecds.com/  Wow!  They got my attention!

Stacia Loo is the founder and kicks off each meeting.  She always talks about the -"Go-Giver" book and how it's helped her succeed in life and her business http://www.everyswipecounts.com/.  The Go-Giver book can be purchased from Amazon here.

I promised Len McAdams I'd post his new website - http://www.mcadamsbuilders.com/.  Len has been remodeling homes for years.  He partially remodeled my house about 25 years ago;  I still remembered his thoroughness and professionalism after all this time! 425-822-6555.

Other folks I met with whom I may do business are:  Elizabeth Hansford of Zephyr 47 in Redmond.  http://www.zephyr47.com/.  Elizabeth may help me design features into my new blog platform.  Jonathan Yockey of Mendatech Web Design Design@Mendatech.com in Everet.  He may build my new blog platform.

Joe Townsend is special for me because he volunteers some of his time for the Redmond Historical Society.  Joe has a Photo Restoration & Retouch business.  http://www.jjtownsend.com/.  It's amazing what he can do with a tattered and faded family photo.  206-890-3804.

Of the four personal coaches presenting probably use Sandy Bjorgen, M.A. Trainer/Coach.  She coaches people how to think and speak under pressure.  http://www.improv-ableresults.com/  Her tagline is "Better Business Communications with IMPROVisation.".  That's what I need! 

Some other nice folks I met are Ken Foster of Terleon Custom Painting  http://www.borntopaint.com/  and John Crispala, a low pressure, good linstening financial planner. 206-601-7319.  I heard lots of other nice folks but I can't name them all!   The Meet-Up is growing fast.  Currently, they meet at Panera Bread, Monday's at 10AM in Redmond's Bear Creek Shopping Center.  Redmond Business Meet-up is on Facebook.

By Bob Yoder
Video by Yoder

Redmond's Neighborhood News

Advisory:   The links on this page are "broken" and are under repair by the city webmaster.   

I've been working on a new feature to include a map of Redmond Neighborhoods and the news associated with each of our city's 11 neighborhoods.  A Redmond city senior planner, Kim Dietz, is working on a similar project for their new website.  Kim's an excellent contact if you have questions about Redmond's Neighborhood News. Email Kim:  kdietz@redmond.gov.  My Redmond Neighborhood Blog site will tag right along with Redmond's Neighborhood News site! 

Mayor Marchione looks at the growing Downtown as a neighborhood.  View Point Neighborhood -now called Idylwood Neighborhood, Overlake Neighborhood, Bear Creek Neighborhood and SE Redmond Neighborhood are some of Redmond's newest neighborhoods.   You may contact Kim Dietz at 425-556-2415 to sign up for "Neighborhood Citizen Committees" now forming to give your input on established neighborhoods, like Education Hill Neighborhood, North Redmond Neighborhood, and Grass Lawn Neighborhood.  Become a "Friends of Riverwalk".  Visit "Neighborhoods History".  Ride the velodrome in Marymoor Park.  So, expect some exciting developments when the City of Redmond launches their new site.  Deputy Administrator Jane Christensan announced a  Budget by Priorities meeting that the enhanced city website is expected to be launched in six months!  You can sign up with "Redmond News Subscription" to subscribe to Redmond Neighborhood News here.  (But, be careful, I couldn't find a disclaimer on the sign-up form that your email address can't be used for commercial use.)

Neighborhood Parks and Trails
Redmond's Neighborhood Map
Contact:  neighborhoods@redmond.gov

Annual Horace Mann Pancake fundraiser not so ordinary!

HORACE MANN PTSA ANNUAL
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

Dad's have to get up at  5:30 a.m. to start whipping up the batter.  (Moms sleep in?) 

The grill is just outside the school kitchen.  Other dads are in back frying up some bacon and cutting orange wedges. 

This year the gate opened at 7 a.m. The kids were treated to ring-side seats of the Greatest Saturday Morning City Show On Earth!

A large contingent of police and fire workers turned-out!  They all bought tickets to support the PTSA and fill up on cakes.  Then John Marchione, our Mayor, stepped in.  Four  councilmembers came too!  On the left with hat, is Council VP Pat Vache', Mayor John Marchione is in the middle and on the right is John Stilin - our newest councilmember.  Mr. Stilin brought his two sons.  He's the Council Chair of Parks & Trails.  Not seen is Council President Richard Cole and Councilmember Hank Margeson.  Hank Chairs the Finance Committee.  Hank had to leave early to get to a baseball  Referee Certification Progam.   Hank informed us about the breakfast when he announced the event on RC-TV during a council meeting. Thanks, Hank!

The kids got a huge bonus when the fire trucks stopped by.  "Hey, this is better than chocolate milk"!

I can't remember my daughter Lexie ever sitting down with her pancakes to an event of this proportion.  Wow.  What a treat!

The PTSA mom's were happy, too!   

By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Do any other Horace Mann parents remember these times?   Do you want to share a memory?  Or, comment on the fundraiser experience of your school? 

90 Spanish and French exchange students coming to Redmond!

90 Spanish and French exchanges students are coming to Redmond for 3-4 weeks this summer! We are looking for host families to open their hearts and homes to these delightful kids. The students can go on field trips and to school during the day and hang out with you in the evenings and on weekends. This is an experie...nce that is bound to touch your hearts forever. Contact Kris at Bennettbunch@aol.com  if you would like more information.

By Kris Bennett, Education Hill