UPDATED: Nonprofits Are Moving Into the Together Center, Mountain Building

 

Together Center (TC) announced today that phase one of construction is complete! Last week the first nonprofits moved into the first of the two buildings on the new Together Center campus and today the new TC campus officially opened its new doors!  Phase two will be completed later this Summer.  

TC Board views corner unit apartments. 280 units of affordable housing managed by Horizon Housing and Polaris Housing are on the 5 upper levels.

Posted, 5/18/2022

EVENT: "APex Artist Reception" at Victor's this Sunday, March 5th, 2:30-4:30

 

Marco Coady's "APex Art Corner" at Victor's 
(click picture to enlarge it)

Victors Celtic Coffee in the historic district of downtown Redmond, will be hosting a reception for Smita Yamala, "APex Artist of the Month." this Sunday, March 5th, from 2:30 - 4:30.  The "APex  Student of Month " will also be present!

Smita's artwork, "The Happy Soul," will be installed in the APex & Marco's Corner of Victor's from February 26th to March 26th.  Parking is scarce so walking is encouraged. 

Marco Peers Coady is the founder of "Artists Personal Exchange" (APex) and coins his business as 'a place for artists to meet, connect and share their work.'   

-- Bob Yoder, 3/2/23

    Photo,  by

Redmond Historical Society marks milestones amid many changes

Redmond Reporter published this thorough and interesting report on the Redmond Historical Society -- an organization embedded into the fabric and culture of City of Redmond and our neighborhoods. Katie Metzgar, the author, graduated from Redmond High School the same year as my daughter Lexie.  Last week she wrote an excellent article about Hopelink's  "Reaching Out event."  

- Bob Yoder
10/23

Lower Bear Creek Natural Area by Avondale Rd. adds 1.6 acres

Lower Bear Creek "ox-bow" / BY
 (Look for the small  Hartman Pool sign by the sidewalk on Avondale Road)

The Lower Bear Creek Natural Area
Grows by 1.6 Acres

Driving north on Avondale, it's possible you noticed the blue sign “Lower Bear Creek Natural Area” on the east side of the road.  This natural area is about 13 acres and includes what is known as the Grandfather Grove of large second growth trees on the east side of Bear Creek.  It is about four miles upstream from Redmond Town Center and the Sammamish River.    Read More >>

Earth Day Seedling Sale benefits "Sustainable Redmond"

John Reinke,  proud owner of  Western Hemlock seedling

Earth Day Seedling Sale benefits Sustainable Redmond

In the spirit of Earth Day, Sustainable Redmond is making available select Western Hemlock seedlings in return for contributions to our 2012 Overlake Tree Preservation Campaign. As you may know, the current plan is that the 28 acre Group Health property in Overlake will be clear cut for development, and Sustainable Redmond is working to have this plan overturned.

The Western Hemlock is the Washington State tree, and, while these seedlings can’t replace Overlake’s mature urban forest, planting these locally will help clean our air and water.

Seedlings will be for sale at the Earth Day celebration at 21 Acres in Woodinville from 3 - 5pm on Saturday, April 21. Seedlings will also be available at 9am at the Green Kirkland Partnership Restoration Event at Juanita Bay Park, 2201 Market Street in Kirkland.

Check out http://www.sustainableredmond.org/  for more info on the issue, as well as for on-line giving using PayPal and other ways to contribute to our mission.
 
--John, Tom, Cindy
Sustainable Redmond
Photo by Yoder

"Suicide Prevention" forum at Evergreen Hospital

Nami-Eastside invites you to a forum on...

"SUICIDE PREVENTION”
Kelly McDonald, MPH

Tuesday, March 20, 7 PM - 9 PM

Evergreen Hospital,

Physicians and Surgeons Building, Suite Tan 100 

Kirkland, WA 

Kelly McDonald, MPH has worked in suicide prevention for more than 10 years, including with the US Army at Fort Lewis and Kitsap County Health District.

She currently facilitates suicide awareness education and training for Washington State’s Youth Suicide Prevention Program and is providing support to community groups in King County and to schools in the implementation of peer-to-peer suicide prevention education.

In this presentation she will talk about suicide (facts, warning signs), the higher risk of gay, lesbian and bisexual youth, the relationship between suicide, bullying and depression. She will also offer information on how to help someone with suicidal thoughts and the resources available in the community.

Join us! This event is FREE and open to EVERYONE!

425-885-NAMI (6264)
http://www.nami-eastside.org/
INFO@NAMI-EASTSIDE.ORG

Lake Washington District schools excel in State Board of Education rankings

The Annual WPC Public School Accountability Index was released in February and Lake Washington School District (LWSD) passed with flying colors!   LWSD has 15 schools rated "Exemplary," 13 schools rated "Very Good," 16 schools rated "Good," only 4 rated "Fair," and 2 are "Struggling."

The WPC Public School Accountability Index rates the quality of more than 2,075 public schools across the state.  The Index is based on data compiled by the State Board of Education’s 2011 Achievement Index, using results from the 2010–11 school year.

LWSD met or exceeded index ratings from 871 schools sampled.   Our district exceeded schools rated: "Exemplary" by 18%,  "Very Good" by 12%, "Fair" by 26% and "Struggling" by 4%.   The district equalled the sample's "Good" ratings;  34% of schools were rated "Good."   

For a complete list of LWSD school ratings go here.  The list is organized by District, Rankings, and Schools.  To name a few school ratings:  Exemplary:  LW High, Eastlake High, Redmond Junior, Audubon, Rockwell and Juanita El.; Very Good:  Inglewood Junior, Redmond High, Evergreen Junior, Einstein, Carson; Good:  Juanita High, Kamiakin Junior, Alcott, Bell, Keller, Dickenson;  Fair:  Finn Hill Junior, Sandburg El, Community, Struggling:  Best Sr., Futures. 

The purpose of the "Accountability Index" is to determine whether and to what extent school officials are fulfilling their paramount duty to provide a quality education for every child residing within the borders of the state. The Legislature stated:  Read More >>

State education bill passes - addresses poor teacher and principal performance

Governor Christine Gregoire expected to sign bill soon .

Late last night, the House passed SB 5895 is an overwhelming 82-16 vote! It was a jubilant moment for the lawmakers and advocates who have pushed so hard over the last three years for a more meaningful way of evaluating the teachers and principals of our state. Gov. Christine Gregoire is expected to sign the bill soon.

Senator Tom says no legislation is ever perfect.  Lawmakers and advocacy groups will have to carefully watch implementation of the system by local school districts.  But under the bill, for the first time:

New teachers who are rated unsatisfactory will be prevented from getting tenure. Even more ground-breaking is that tenured teachers who are rated unsatisfactory two years in a row will be fired.

Washington will now join a growing number of states which include how much kids are actually learning in the classroom in teacher and principal evaluations. Districts will develop assignment and layoff policies that consider those evaluation results. Read More >>

Special Benefit concert for Hopelink

Contact:  Jerry Smith,  425-736-8659
jerrymsmith@microsoft.com

You are invited..

Special Benefit concert for HopeLink 

"The Total Experience Gospel Choir"

Saturday afternoon, 3 p.m. February 25th

Redmond United Methodist Church—right across from

the Old Redmond School House Community Center

Redmond United Methodist Church

16540 NE 80th Street

Our experience in 2009 was truly a "total experience"...uplifitng, inspiring, joyously upbeat!   
  - Pam and Bob 

UPDATED: Councilmember Pat Vache' responds to neighborhood tree hazard

Sidewalk roped off from a tree hanging on wires

UPDATED:  In late January, mothers walked their children down this hill to school, many unaware of the blue spruce leaning over their heads, balanced on utility lines.

Yes, the third wave of our January snow, ice and rain storm was hard on neighborhoods.  It took four days to close this sidewalk on Education Hill and seven days to remove the tree hazard.  Fortunately, neighbors pressed; and no one was hurt.

City and utility companies were slow to respond, despite the imminent danger.   Various distraught neighbors called 911, the mayor's office and utility companies.  Public Works identified the wires as "harmless phone lines" owned by Comcast saying, "it is their responsibility to remove the tree."   Two Pubic Works employees and a police officer looked it over and "walked on," according to an Education Hill resident, John.
 

 Frustrated and upset, John emailed city councilman and Ombudsman Pat Vache' on January 31,   John wrote Pat, "I cannot believe how hard it's been to get Redmond's attention on this."  (John had called 911 twice, PSE and several neighbors on January 27.)  Another neighbor called Comcast and walked them to the site.  The tree was finally removed February 2 after city Ombudsman-of-the-month Pat Vache' stepped in and had the sidewalk barriers installed.  Mr. Vache' went out of his way to help us.  Read More >>

Local author presents at "Friends of Redmond Library" Annual Meeting

Hello Bob,

Louise Marley, local author

I'm a member of the City of Redmond's Library Board of Trustees. I'm also the liaison between that Board and the "Friends of the Redmond Library."  Plus, I live on Education Hill and peruse your blog to stay on top of local happenings in my area!

The Friends Annual Meeting is coming up on February 16, 7:00 p.m. we would be grateful if you were able to post a notice about it on your blog.  At the meeting, local author, Louise Marley will share her story and evolution from the world of opera to award winning Science Fiction and Fantasy. She has written fifteen books. Her latest, The Brahms Deception, was released in August 2011.

You can find the Board of Trustees blog post with all the details here: http://redmondlibrary.blogspot.com/2012/01/friends-of-redmond-library-annual.html

Please let me know if you have any questions and thank you in advance if you are also able to publish.

Regards,
 
Jaime Weber
City of Redmond's Library Board of Trustees
 
The Redmond Library Board of Trustees meets on the first Wednesday every month at 7:00 pm at the Redmond Library. The public is invited to attend.

Redmond and Kirkland councilmembers volunteer to count unsheltered homeless

(l-r) John Stilin (red), David Carson, Penny Sweet, Hank Margeson, Pat Vache' (red), Hank Myers, Toby Nixon (back)

"Last night was the "One Night Count" where the community goes out and counts how many homeless people we have in our cities so that we can raise awareness of the problem of homelessness. Hank and others went out in the middle of the night to do this, so proud of all of them."
   -- Patti Margeson

These Redmond/Kirkland volunteers are all city councilmembers.  Penny Sweet and Toby Nixon are from Kirkland.  John Stilin, David Carson, Hank Margeson (V.P.)  Pat Vache' (Pres.), Hank Myers are from Redmond.  Thank you for your service to our community councilmembers!!

2012 Results for the Eastside:  138 unsheltered homeless.  Of those, 52 were found inside cars and trucks.

LINKS Volunteers: Caring about the needs of kids and schools - registering now

LINKS volunteer with her kids!

"LINKS":  Looking Into the Needs of Kids and Schools

"LINKS" is a program of the Lake Washington School District (LWSD), with funding provided by the Lake Washington Schools Foundation. LINKS recruits and places community volunteers in LWSD schools, including those in the Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish communities. 

Contact Nanci Weir to sign-up or learn more at:  LINKS@lwsd.org
What Type of Volunteering Can I Do?

LINKS volunteers spend one hour per week in the classroom as mentors, tutors and classroom helpers. Volunteers are placed based on the needs of the schools in the district and the interests of the LINKS volunteers.   Read More!
  --Source:  LWSD website LINK page

COMMENT:  I was a Lunch Buddy for 8 years and junior high Project Impact buddy for two years.  It was a great experience for me at the time the schools were funding the program.   In 2010-11 program funding was taken over by the FOUNDATION and the road was a little rocky.  I've since heard the FOUNDATION  has a full-time Executive Director and is better run than ever.  Sign-up!  These kids need you! And, the rewards to you will be ten-fold. -- Bob Yoder

Taking Responsibility to Stop Sexual Abuse in Children

Taking Responsibility to Stop Sexual Abuse in Children

What every adult should know

One theme that has emerged from the Penn State sexual abuse scandal is the importance of adults taking responsibility for reporting suspicions about child abuse to the proper authorities. But many adults are unsure about what they see or where to report it.

So what do we do if we feel something is amiss? "Trust your gut," says Director of Youth and Family Counseling at Youth Eastside Services, Debbi Halela. "If something doesn't feel right, or your child is exhibiting unusual behaviors, don't ignore it." 

Empower children    Read More >>

LETTER: "Sustainable Redmond" asks City to save trees in Overlake Village development

Group Healh Overlake Village master plan proposes Exception to city code to remove
every single tree on the site - and create 10 acre canopy forest off-site

LETTER:  One thousand trees are about to fall in our community. All we need to do for this to happen is to keep quiet! Sustainable Redmond, a grass-roots citizens’ action group focused on environmental sustainability, is asking that concerned citizens speak up NOW to persuade the Redmond City Council to consider better, more forest-friendly options in the impending redevelopment of the Overlake Group Health site. The developer of the 28-acre site has proposed a high-density housing and retail shopping complex which will include removing ALL 1,050 trees currently on the site, and with them as many as 120 40-year-old landmark trees. Public awareness and input is extremely important for alternative plans to be requested by the City Council. A public hearing on this issue is scheduled for December 6, 2011, as the third item on the agenda of the Redmond City Council meeting, which starts at 7:30 PM (see http://redmond.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=61603  for details.)

Near the planned terminus of the future Eastside Light Rail line, this project stands to become a model for future similar developments on the Eastside. The location of housing and retail near the light rail station to reduce transportation miles is a solid sustainable feature of the plan, but other aspects of this development raise concerns. A distinctive feature of the soon-to-be-demolished Group Health facility is the presence of stands of native woodland, a rarity in that highly developed area. Situated between 152nd and 156th Avenues NE on either side of NE 28th St, current plans call for leveling the existing structures, tearing up the asphalt parking areas, and removing ALL vegetation including ALL trees, some with diameters exceeding 4 feet!

Redmond’s city code states that “In all new developments including additions to existing non-single family buildings and parking areas, a minimum of 35 percent of all significant trees shall be retained.” (RZC 21.72.060). Exceptions can be requested, and the current proposal presented to city council is to allow an exception that all trees can be removed, i.e. 0 percent retained.

Sustainable Redmond is proposing that the city not grant an exception in this case, given that this area is quite unique in that it is the only large stand of trees remaining in the Overlake area, and that at least two stands of existing trees be retained. Please join us at the Council meeting on December 6th at 7:30 PM to help save some of this important woodland area!

 -- Sustainable Redmond
Photo By Yoder

RNB article:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2011/10/opinion-group-health-overlake-master.html

2011 Annual Public Conference on Children with Mental Health Disorders

2011 Conference for Parents, Caregivers & Educators of Children with Mental Health Disorders

Saturday, October 15

Free of Charge

10:00am-3:45pm

Evergreen Hospital Medical Center (directions)

Forum rooms TAN 100 & 101

Kirkland, WA.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER 10:30 AM- 12 Noon
Dr. Christy Kimpo, Ph.D, LMHC, IMHS,  of Navos Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health
What is Infant Mental Health and how do early attachment relationships impact mental health across childhood?

Breakout session #1 1:00 – 3:30 PM
• Lara Okoloko, MSW, CDPT,  of Science and Management of Addictions (SAMA)
Drug Use Trends, Signs of Use and Prevention.

• Dr. Susan Cavalry, PhD, ARNP, BC of Therapeutic Health Services Encompass Program
An Integrated Treatment for Adolescents and Young Adults with Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders.

• Steve Anderson, MC, LMHC,  of Hartley Counseling & NAMI Support Group Facilitator
Helping Family Members Cope With Dual-Diagnosis

Breakout session #2 1:00 – 3:30 PM
• Dr. Gayle Fay, PhD, Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychology Assessments of Children

• Dr. Wendy Hutchins Cook, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Assessments of Families in Crisis/Divorce

No childcare provided
Cafeteria on site for lunch (12-1), snacks and beverages provided

RSVP FORM AND DETAILS HERE
Space is limited Return RSVP form below to:
NAMI Eastside
16315 N.E. 87th Street, Suite B-3
Redmond, WA 98052
Internet photo - Child Psychiatry

RealizeRedmond collaborates in the "One Redmond Project" - launches new site

This LOGO was created in partnership with "Bullseye Creative Communications," Atlanta, GA. 

from the desk of Jeni Craswell, part-time Executive Director of "Realize Redmond"

PROJECTS:  "Our main focus right now is our collaboration in the One Redmond Project. We are working together with The Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce, Redmond Economic Development Association and the City of Redmond to explore how we can all work together to create a true City of Excellence. Stay tuned for exciting updates on this important community initiative!

In addition to One Redmond, we are excited to partner with the City to build a downtown park. We will be actively engaging the community to discuss use and design. In the meantime, information can be found at the City's website.

We are also partnering with the City and the Redmond Bike Park Steering Committee to build a bike park for riders of all ages and skill levels. Learn more at the Redmond Bike Park Site.

Finally, we are exploring how our community events such as Derby Days and Redmond Lights can do an even better job of representing the community and celebrating our city. We have talked to many people who are excited about making Derby Days bigger and longer and engaging even more of the community. If you have ideas, please send us your thoughts!"
 
-- By Jeni Craswell
Source:  Realize Redmond website - click to enter the site...

Bullseye Creative Communications out of Atlanta, partners with the City of Redmond in the branding and creation of http://www.redmond.gov/ and other city websites. 

City celebrates $107,755 renovation of historic Anderson Park shelter - Rotary Club hosts event

from the desk of Pam Mauk, Executive Director, Together Center... 

Anderson Park shelter is located in Redmond's first park

Rotary Club of Redmond hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate renovation of historic Anderson Park

Rotary Club of Redmond, a key partner in the renovation of a 1938 Anderson Park shelter, will host a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the renovation on Thursday, August 25, at 1 pm. The newly-renovated park shelter is located in the north-east corner of Anderson Park in the heart of Redmond at 7802 168th Ave NE.

All are welcome to join the club for the ribbon cutting and cake. The gathering will last about a half hour.

The Anderson Park shelter is one of the city’s most popular shelters and is often reserved for family barbecues or birthday parties. The Rotary committee chose to participate in this project because of the historical significance it has in Redmond and the shelter acts as a gathering place for individuals in the community.  Read More >>

UPDATE 4: Eastside Community supports Mental Health & Wellness

People did not seek help for mental illness in 2010

A majority of Americans with mental disorders did not receive professional help in 2010, according to a major government study released today

Although about 20 percent of American adults (45.9 million) reported any mental illness in 2010, only 39.2 percent of that group said they got treatment, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report shows.  Read More >>

By Janice Lloyd
Gannett
January 27, 2012

#####

A Winning Approach to Mental Health:  'Signs and Symptoms of Depression', Overlake's Eastside services and more...

It may be tempting to try to deal with depression, anxiety and similar disorders on your own, but mental health conditions can be just as debilitating as physical illnesses. No one should struggle through each day feeling hopeless and alone. Effective treatments are available from skilled, caring professionals here in your own community.   Read More >>

  --Healthy Outlook, Winter 2012

#####

HERO House, Newsletter, Winter 2011

"On November 3, over 225 attendees fill the Auditorium at the Lake Sammamish Four Square Church, helping HERO  House to raise more than $40,000 for our sponsors.  This year was the inauguration of the Abe Kriger Visionary Award, in recognition and honor of the Eastside's HERO House Founder, Abe Kriger.  The fundraiser was emceed by Dennis Bounds, co-anchor of King5News.  HERO House is located on the Bellevue-Redmond border and provides a safe, non-threatening haven to foster a sense of community support for those in East King County, living with the effects of serious mental illness." 

Contact: Erica Horn, 425-614-1282. 14230 NE 21st St. Bellevue, WA.  98007.  http://www.herohouse.org/.

#####

Chadd

What steps can parents take to promote a positive future for their ADHD children? Challenging behaviors today may well prove to be assets in adult life. Learn how to recognize and promote the positive strengths of your child.

Eastside CHADD is pleased to announce that we offer clock hours for school professionals who attend Eastside CHADD meetings. You will need to attend a minimum of two meetings to earn clock hours through my247ed.com. More details will be provided at the Tuesday's meetings.

Please invite your children's teachers, school nurses, counselors, and psychologists to our meetings and let them know that we offer clock hours at a very reasonable rate.
 
###



Issaquah Mental Health Court serves the entire Eastside

 WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH COURT?

The new Issaquah Mental Health Court opened in 2010.  Directions and details are here. 

SPECIAL THANKS TO:  Mike Rynas of NAMI-Eastside, Leadership Eastside, King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Redmond Council member Hank Margeson, and the many other individuals and organizations who helped make this human service available on the Eastside. 

King County Mental Health Court website.

EVERGREEN PUBLIC HOSPITAL sponsors community mental health care services by hosting Mental Health and ADHD Forums every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 PM.  Contact: Laurene Burton at lburtnon@evergreehealthcare.org  for details.

For information please call the NAMI Eastside at 425 885 6264 or email info@nami-eastside.org

NAMI-Eastside office is located at "The Together Center,"  Redmond, WA.

Rain water tour at Redmond's Grasslawn Park addresses polluted stormwater run-off, impacts and solutions

City of Redmond Grasslawn Park Clubhouse

rainwater run-off feeds into the garden

from the desk of Maddie Foutch, intern with People For Puget Sound ...

UPDATED:  "As part of my summer internship with "People For Puget Sound" I am putting together a Rain Water tour. Co-hosted by People For Puget Sound, Sustainable Redmond, and Redmond Public Works, the tour will be addressing the issue of polluted runoff and what the City of Redmond is currently doing about it.

Maddie's Rain Water Tour @ Graslawn Park

features rainwater expert guides

Monday, August 15, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

7013 - 148th Ave. NE

Meet at the Grasslawn Clubhouse on the NE corner of the park.

 The tour begins at the northeast corner of Grasslawn Park with an introduction to polluted runoff and the impacts it has on us as everyday citizens. We will then proceed through the park stopping to examine the many solutions the City of Redmond is implementing, including green roofs, permeable asphalt, and rain gardens. The tour will conclude after a Q&A session with the tour speakers ...read more >>

####

From the desk of Cindy Jayne, Chair, Sustainable Redmond ...

After the Rain Water tour, whoever is interested will head over to a nearby pub to have an informal discussion on sustainability, projects for the future, projects in progress, recent activities, etc.

Posted By Yoder

Photo courtesy of Sustainable Redmond