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 >>

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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

Redmond Derby Days Dash

The Evergreen Orthopedic Center presents the 2nd Annual Redmond Derby Days Dash. Organized by the City of Redmond and the Dr. John K. McCormick Foundation as the concluding event of Redmond's summer Derby Days Festival, the Dash is a 5k walk/race for non-competitive and competitive participants of all age groups. The participant registration fee is $25 and 100% of net proceeds go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  Register online here.

Rotary Club of Redmond awards Jerome Jin "Community Partner of the Year".

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

City of Redmond's Jerome Jin receives award
 from Rotory Club of Redmond's David Markley

City of Redmond’s Jerome Jin receives first-ever
Community Partner Award from Rotary Club of Redmond

The City of Redmond’s Jerome Jin received Rotary Club of Redmond’s Community Partner of the Year Award at Thursday’s club meeting. President David Markley made the presentation.

Rotary Club of Redmond established the award this year to recognize a non-Rotarian who partners with the club to leverage the goals and ideals of Rotary in the community.


David Markley said,

 “For eight years, Jerome Jin, Program Administrator in the Public Works Department, has been our partner to further our work at Redmond’s Recycle Day. Everything from computers to old tires, light bulbs to scrap metal, and tons of other discarded items are recycled that would most likely end up at the solid waste facility or on the side of the road, without this program. Yearly, we obtain bicycles that our club refurbishes for children locally and people around the world. Working with Jerome Jin’s help, Redmond Rotary refurbishes and then gives bikes to Eastside Baby Corner, Bikes for Humanity (which go to various African locations), and Bikes for Ghana.”  Read more >>

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 >>

Eastside Timebank holds Potluck and New Member Orientation at Redmond City Hall

"building community one hour at a time"

Bob - I wanted to let your readers know that the Eastside Timebank will be having a potluck and new member orientation, both open to all, on May 12th, at Redmond City Hall.

Potluck is from 6:30-7:30 pm (bring a dish to share)
New member orientation is from 7:30-8:30 p m.
Location:  Bytes Cafe at Redmond City Hall
Details: http://www.eastsidetimebank.org/  

Testimony By Greg Stempson

“I joined the Eastside Timebank so I could meet more members of the community and become involved in helping others. I also enjoy getting something useful in return. My wife and I had a member come by and give us some great pointers on how to better train our dog. I was able to help another member out in return with some windows that needed washing. It was a win-win for all of us.”

“I hope that more people join the Eastside Timebank and take advantage of all of the expertise and services that members of the Kirkland [and Redmond] area offer.”
     

By Cindy Jayne
Project Administrator
cindy@eastsidetimebank.org
(206)818-4606
Kirkland, WA

Rotary Club of Redmond organizing 24th Annual Redspoke Bike Tour

Rotary Club of Redmond Changes Lives in Our Community One Mile at a Time with the 24th Annual Redspoke (Redmond to Spokane) bike tour.

(Redmond, WA) - Every summer since 1988 bicyclists from as far away as New York and Alaska have been participating in RedSpoke, the Rotary Club of Redmond’s five day, 300-mile bicycle tour from Redmond to Spokane. The 2011 ride will be July 13th through July 17th & Redmond Rotary hopes to raise more money than ever for local life changing programs.

Redspoke is the Rotary Club of Redmond’s major fundraising event, with proceeds making a difference in the lives of underprivileged youth in our community. Last year, impact donations to Hopelink and Eastside Baby Corner were made possible by Redspoke. The 2011 Redspoke proceeds will assist homeless families with transitional housing through Hopelink and provide therapy for disabled children and adults through Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. These programs, in addition to the club's other charitable activities, are funded by this event and the club welcomes the community to participate.

“You’re invited to come ride with the sun on your face and the wind at your back while experiencing fun, excitement, fellowship and adventure on this 300-mile bicycle tour across beautiful Washington State – while raising money for a great cause.” according to RedSpoke Committee Chair, Will Miller.

If riding is not quite the level of involvement you see for yourself, Redmond Rotary hopes you will consider making a tax deductible donation. Visit http://www.redspoke.org/  to learn more. You can find information about this year’s beneficiaries at http://www.hope-link.org/  and http://www.littlebit.org/   To "Read More" click on blue link.

Swedish doctor to speak at Evergreen on ADHD; NAMI Walk approaching!

NAMI Walk starts at Kirkland's Marina Park

The 7th annual NAMI Washington Walk is staged along the picturesque banks of Lake Washington starting at Marina Park in downtown Kirkland, Washington.

 7th Annual NAMI Washington Walk
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Marina Park Kirkland, WA.
Registration and Check-in 8:30 a.m. Walk at 9:30 a.m

This annual walk is the primary fundraiser in support of the state National Alliance of the Mentally Ill organization and its affiliates. Funds are directed to providing education and support classes for those afflicted with mental illness and whose families are in needed of resources and support.

 CONTACT:  Annie Koch at (206) 396-0990 or via email at anniekoch@speakeasy.net
FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/NAMI-Walk-Washington-State/122088801185347

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NAMI-Eastside, National Alliance on Mental Illness
An Educational Forum “ADHD: Across the Lifespan”
Guest: Gerard Zanolli, MD
 Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 7 PM - 9 PM
 Evergreen Hospital, Suite Tan 100
12303 NE 130th Lane,  Kirkland, WA 98034

ADHD is the most commonly studied and diagnosed disorder in children, affecting about 3% to 5% of children and adults in the US. Although individuals with ADHD can be very successful in life, without appropriate identification and treatment, ADHD can have serious consequences.

Dr. Zanolli is a staff psychiatrist at Swedish Hospital Medical Center and also owns a private practice in Seattle. He will talk about the incidence of ADHD in children, how it changes in adolescents and into adulthood, as well as treatment management.

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

CONTACT:
Pamela Schulenburg, NAMI-Eastside volunteer
info@nami-eastside.org

425-885-6264

UPDATED: Redmond High School's DECA releases Flamingos for fundraiser

Twenty-four flamingos flocked to our yard yesterday!  By evening our grass was eaten up and creek sucked dry.  They've since departed for greener grazing!

When looking out our window in the early 'morn and all that was seen was pink, we realized our day was going to be just a little different.   Rubbing the sand from our eyes, we rushed outside, barefoot, to see what was the matter and who pulled this prank!   At first glance we were shocked!  The LANGUAGE!   Then came the LAUGHTER, the hilarity, and screams of joy!  How could we be so recognized?  So honored?  and have so much fun?  Who to thank?

An envelope taped on the back of the sign explained everything.  DECA volunteers from Redmond High School are running their "Flock-A-Friend" Fundraiser!  As the "hat passed to us" so did the joke!  Chuckling, we wrote a check to RHS hoping DECA would migrate their well-trained birds to another house; and paid extra to keep them away!  By evening the flamingos had grazed through our lawn and drank our stream dry!  So away they flew!  to an unsuspecting neighbor's lush green landscape.  Insurance anyone?  Contact DECA c/o  Morgan.Burke@yahoo.com

By Bob / Pam Yoder
Photo by Yoder
Read More about DECA (click blue link)

YES Invest in Youth Breakfast Huge Success

Husky Coach Lorenzo Romar with Shari

YES Invest in Youth Breakfast Huge Success

Husky Basketball Coach Lorenzo Romar helps attract 800 guests and raise $455K

BELLEVUE, Wash. (April 27, 2011)—With finds still coming in, the 2011 Youth Eastside Services Invest in Youth Breakfast raised $455,000, more than ever before. Held April 26 at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, the event attracted approximately 800 guests who were captivated by encouraging stories of triumph.

The breakfast featured two YES clients sharing their very personal stories resulting in a standing ovation from the audience. UW Men’s Head Basketball Coach, Lorenzo Romar also spoke of his experiences growing up and his philosophy about coaching.  (Click the "Read More" blue link)

Local Civil Air Cadets - too young to drive but can assemble and fly glider planes!

Four Overlake cadets and two senior members joined with a dozen other CAP members from western Washington in Chehalis on Sunday to assemble one of the CAP gliders and get in a few flights.

The Washington Wing has two Super Blanik gliders and two tow planes within its fleet of aircraft. The gliders are based at Chehalis for most of the year.

Every CAP cadet is eligible for 5 glider and 5 powered orientation flights funded by the US Air Force.

There were 13 cadet flights today with over 500 glider flights expected to be flown this year in the WA Wing. CAP glider operations are planned to continue into late October.

If you would like more information about becoming a member of the Civil Air Patrol and learning to fly, please contact the squadron commander.

Sincerely,

Michael Holliday, Capt, CAP
Commander PCR-WA-050
Overlake Composite Squadron
Civil Air Patrol

The Overlake CAP meets every Tuesday evening, 7PM at LWSD headquarters in RTC.  New recruits are welcome.  Capt. Mike Holliday lives in Kirkland and is actively involved in the PTSA.

Retired NASA Astronaut Bonnie Dunbar Speaks at School Fundraiser Luncheon Today, April 20

The Foundation raised ~ $145,500 at this luncheon fundraiser.

Read the announcement by clicking the blue Read More link >>

Celebrate Earth Day in Redmond, WA.

Perrigo Heights Preliminary Plat Trail  PHOTO/YODER

Arbor Day

Redmond, WA – Bring your neighbors and celebrate the importance of Redmond’s trees and forest ecosystems by joining the City of Redmond Parks and Recreation Department at Arbor Day 2011, Saturday, April 30 at the Watershed Preserve, 21760 NE Novelty Hill Road from 9 am to 12 noon.

This is the first year the City has joined with the Green Redmond Partnership to celebrate Arbor Day. No experience is necessary and gloves, tools and other materials will be available. It is important to dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.  All ages are welcome.  For information or to participate in this event, please contact Chris Tolonen at 425-556-2369 or ctolonen@redmond.gov .

Take Action - April 22 - Earth Day

Sustainable Redmond Announces Spring Film Series

Redmond, WA – Sustainable Redmond (http://www.sustainableredmond.org/) is sponsoring two documentaries this spring on the Eastside. On April 17th they will show “Good Food – Sustainable Food and Farming in the Northwest” in Kirkland; and on May 10th they will present “Fixing the Future” in Redmond. This is a great chance for those on the Eastside to see some wonderful sustainability-related documentaries without having to drive to Seattle, and with free admission!   Read More >>

Astronaut Dr. Bonnie Dunbar to Keynote LW Schools Foundation luncheon

Dr. Bonnie Dunbar
Astronaut

Redmond, WA. The Lake Washington Schools Foundation is pleased to announce that Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar will be the keynote speaker at the Foundation’s annual A Legacy for Learning Luncheon, which will take place on April 20 at Juanita High School, 10601 NE 132nd St., Kirkland. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the program starts at 11:30 a.m. and ends promptly at 12:30. Lunch is complimentary; there is a suggested minimum donation of $150. To register, or for more information, go to www.lwsf.org or call 425-936-1414.

Keynote speaker Dr. Dunbar recently retired as the President and CEO of the Museum of Flight. She is a veteran astronaut with five space missions and is currently Executive Director of Wings over Washington (an affiliate organization of the Museum of Flight dedicated to future development of the museum). A local University of Washington College of Engineering graduate, Dr. Dunbar will speak about her passion for education, especially science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  Read More >>

LETTER: City donation to Saturday Market benefits all Redmond residents

THE SATURDAY MARKET

President of Saturday Market responds to  Letter from Redmond resident

LETTER:  Mr Frazier, I'd like to point out a couple of misconceptions about the city's sponsorship of Redmond Saturday Market. This is not a direct subsidy to the vendors, instead it allows us to provide better amenities and entertainment, creating a better atmosphere for the community. And rather than siphon business from other stores, the market attracts customers to all our surrounding businesses. Rather than a 'gift' benefitting only the market vendors, this should be looked at as a gift to all Redmond residents and their guests, similar to the parks, sculptures and plants the city provides to make the community that much more enjoyable!

Jim Hoagland
President - Redmond Saturday Market
Watercolor by Patti Simpson

Redmond Rotary Club gives cash donation to Anderson Park improvements

Anderson Park shelter

At the February 1, 2011 Regular Council meeting City Council authorized the mayor to accept a cash donation of $15,000 from the Redmond Rotary Club.  The donation will partially fund the rehabilitation of the Anderson Park Picnic Shelter. 

Anderson Park is listed on the National Register of of Historic Places and the log picnic shelter is one of the primary contributing features.  The Redmond Historical Society's Annual picnic is held at the shelter.   Have you ever used the shelter?   

The rehabilitation work includes replacement of rotten or missing logs, roof replacement and repairs to the outdoor fireplace.  During the Council meeting, Councillor Stilin indicated the Rotarians want to also contribute to the physical aspects of the rehabilitation in some way.

To recognize the Rotarians contribution to the project, the Rotarians have requested a plaque be installed in close proximity to the renovated picnic shelter.   The plaque will be no larger than 8" x 10" and approved by Parks.  It appears Council okayed the plaque.

Source:  2/1 Regular Meeting, Consent Agenda
By Bob Yoder
Internet photo

UPDATED: Children with Autism, LWSD PTSA events

from the desk of Julie Shalaby....

UPDATED, 12/15. 3:30 PM
i-Pads are presently out of stock :{  Julie sends her regrets.

I hope you all are enjoying this busy time of year! Below is an opportunity for a free iPad. I’ve attached the application. There are a few other events I’ve added that are going on in the next week.

Happy Holidays,
Julie Shalaby
LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group Chairperson

*Free iPad for Children with Autism*  (OUT OF STOCK, REGRETS)
FAQ
Application due by December 31st, 2010 (Application Attached - "Read More")

*Free Fun Event for Youth*
All 17-24 year olds
are invited to come together for free fun!
…for pizza, dancing and learning about disabilities of all kinds
Join us Saturday, December 18, 2010
7:00 p.m. – 10 p.m., in North Kent

Read More for details....

Overlake Squadron Civil Air Patrol Winter Recruiting Campaign Is Underway

click the poster to read it

Hello RNB -

We had a successful recruiting effort in September with 8 new Cadets and one Senior Member joining our unit. I wish that I had better data but I like to think that your article helped us out, thanks.

This poster is going to be the centerpiece of our winter recruiting campaign and it will appear in junior / middle schools throughout the east side.

If you could send that out to your readers we would really appreciate the exposure. Remember to stop by one of our meetings soon so that we can meet and talk about the CAP program.

 Overlake Squadron Facebook Page

Regards,

Lt. Mike Holliday
Commander
Overlake Squadron
Kirkalnd, WA.

Lake Washington Schools Foundation receives $130,000 Microsoft grant.

LAKE WASHINGTON SCHOOLS FOUNDATION NEWS.

The Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) was established five years ago to promote academic excellence for all students in the District. This summer, our donors made it possible for 33 at-risk students to attend summer school. In conjunction with the Lake Washington School District, we are pleased to announce a $130,000 grant from Microsoft to develop science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs similar to other successful STEM programs in the country. Starting in the spring of 2011, LWSF will fund classroom and school grants that focus on helping each school reach the goals they set for their Continuous Improvement Plan. This fall, each school in the District is eligible to receive up to $1500 worth of grant funds. Please contact us for more specific information about the one-time fall grant application process.

"Mustang Weekly", 9/26/2010

80 Rose Hill area parents and youth turn out for the Hartman weed-pull!

See the long, brown, linear band of dirt where the weeds were pulled?

Correction:  I've been advised a large group of workers at this event was not reported.  My apologies. Laura Svancarek informs me she set up extra credit for Ms. Marsh's Honors Bio-Chem classes at Redmond High and they accounted for the large influx of youth volunteers.  Laura is a Land Steward and reports she and another Hartman Land Steward, Alvin Loong ran the event.   Laura and Alvin are Juniors at Redmond High.  Laura reports, "We walked among the volunteers and helped them with individual questions regarding plant identification and what they should be doing, and were continually finding new places for the volunteers to work as they removed the blackberries from each area."  Thank you, Laura.  10/05/2010    

Saturday was a beautiful day to work in the forest!  A large group of volunteers from the Rose Hill area spent 3+ hours on Saturday pulling weeds in the Hartman Greenbelt on 176th Ave. NE.   The neighbors across the street were obviously smiling.  Some may have pitched in.      

The turn-out was huge.  Over 80 volunteers showed up for this Cascade Conservancy "GreenRedmond" event.  Many were from Kirkland.   Students from Rose Hill J.H.were out in force, earning school credit for their work.  But, perhaps the largest contingent of  "urban foresters" were scouts from two Kirkland LDS wards.  Jim Balkman greeted the workers while Jeff Burnham, President of the Kirkland LDS Stake (six wards) pitched in - literally!   Some weed piles were almost five feet tall. 

A hard-working maintenance supervisor from the City of Redmond appeared to be running the whole show.  The Land Steward couldn't make it that day, and Councilmember Myers infamous bicycle and clippers were not to be seen.   But, the volunteers did just fine!  

Report and Photo by Yoder

Costs of "The Redmond Saturday Market" lease

Redmond Town Center leases land to the Saturday Market for $950/day.

UPDATED:  The Saturday Market has been a part of Redmond's culture for the last thirty-four years.  With the move to "Buy Local" the Market is more popular than ever before.   Driving down Leary it's not hard to see the bustle in the farmers and craftspersons white tents.   Do you see the tents behind Redmond Town Center's gateway sign?

The Market and parking lot sits on 8,000 square feet of land leased from Redmond Town Center (RTC).  According to  Market Manager, Martha Tyler, they pay Redmond Town Center $950/day to rent "the dirt", or $3,800/month.  The Sani-Cans are extra.  The Market is open for six months from May 1 - October 30 so the total payment to RTC each year is $22,800.   But, RTC sponsors the Market with a $3,000/year donation plus advertising space valued at $1,800/year by RTC.   Market Manager Martha Tyler said:

"It would be great if the market parking lot was donated each Saturday since it's a community service for the folks of Redmond.  Many farmer market sites in the state of Washington are donated or charged a very small amount so that the market can operate with less of a financial burden, we're talking farmers and crafters here, not big business". 

About two years ago, Jim Hoagland, Saturday Market President, approached City Council asking for funds to help cover their lease payments and attract entertainment.  According to Ms. Tyler, Council has approved a $5,000/yr. payment to the Market (a nonprofit) for the last two years.  Three other government-funded entities sponsor the Market:  Evergreen (Public) Hospital ($1,000), Think Redmond ($1000) and R-Trip ($1000).  Read More.

The donations and new management have brought back the bustle!  Have you heard about their big "Howl-O-Ween Day" event on October 30?    Read More >>