SafeEastside Activists Demand "A Say" On Downtown Homeless Housing

 

 

Redmond is in turmoil over Council's decision to allow Plymouth Homeless Housing in our downtown.  Blue signs objecting to downtown "low-barrier" homeless housing (where drugs are allowed in the hotel with conditions) suddenly appeared all over Redmond's downtown today (3/12) including this one at Anderson Park. 

At no fault of their own, Council wasn't transparent in their decision to house100 homeless and low income people in Redmond's downtown.   According to Planning & Community Development Director Helland, a public Hearing wasn't required; and "comment periods" were tabled in the rush to qualify for funding. Thus, SafeEastside activists are demanding "a Say." 

Various ways to have a Say:   

• Phone or email Council President Vanessa Kritzer (and other councilmembers.)  Request an appointment with her. Councilmember Kritzer holds office hours. 425-305-9892.
• Phone or email Councilmember Melissa Stewart. 425-305-9892. She holds walk-in office hours at the library, 3 - 5 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month.   
• Every other week on Tuesday's at 7:00 p.m. the public has a 3-minute opportunity (under review) to address the Council and Mayor at City Hall.   
• Email: the Mayor, Council or Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development at MayorCouncil@Redmond.gov.  
• Contact Councilmember Steve Fields, the senior member of Council.  He owns a coffee shop in Redmond and can meet you there. 425-403-9476.
• Reach out to Mayor Birney.  Mayor@Redmond.gov 

-- Opinion by Bob Yoder, 3/12/2024, Updated 4/16/2024  Photo: Yoder

"Together Center" Grand Opening, Part Two

Together Center Grand Opening - Mayor Birney was present (dressed in green.)  Credit:  Bob Yoder

Kiro 7 News Grand Opening clip


CAMPUS MAP -- NONPROFIT & HOUSING INFORMATION

20-Human Service nonprofits...and counting.
Horizon Housing for Redmond residents is sold out (30-60% of Average Median Income)
Polaris Work Force Housing has vacancies (60% of Average Median Income)

-- Together Center Website, 9/9/2023

 

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

OneRedmond Supports Nonprofits

A Note from OneRedmond Executive Director Kristina Hudson Click here to read OneRedmond Executive Director's message to the Redmond and greater Eastside community, giving updates on what we are doing and how you can help, particularly with the non-profit community.

#BuyRedmond Campaign in Partnership with Experience Redmond To help market the City of Redmond's businesses to the greater Redmond and Eastside community, OneRedmond and Experience Redmond are partnering on a #BuyRedmond campaign. Over the next few weeks, coordinated marketing efforts will be rolled out to assist those industries most affected by the recent State of Washington requirements. Please contact us if you want your business to be highlighted in the campaign at info@oneredmond.org.

Click here to visit the Experience Redmond website for more details.

Featured Non-Profit: Bloodworks NW Bloodworks NW is an independent, non-profit organization harnessing donor gifts to provide a safe, lifesaving blood supply to more than 90 Northwest hospitals. The Pacific Northwest’s blood supply is at risk of collapse in coming days. The accelerating number of blood drive cancellations due to the closure of schools, businesses, and events over coronavirus concerns has put nearly 60% of the community’s blood supply in jeopardy. With exponentially decreasing opportunities for the public to donate, our community blood supply is in real danger. For the safety and care of current and future patients, Bloodworks is urging the community to step up to donate and spread word of the current need.  Learn more and donate today.

UPDATED: Student exhibits shine at "Legacy of Learning" Benefit Luncheon

Ms. Hartford  and four members of her Green Team
with  wetland storm pond restoration 'shovels"

Roger Blier, Lunch Buddy and PASSPORT UNLIMITED "Silver Sponsor" has a new pirq app "to discover instant deals on the go!"

Some incredible numbers are in on the Lake Washington Schools Foundation 7th Annual "Legacy of Learning" Benefit Luncheon.   $180,000 in donations!  That's a 25% increase in giving from last year!  Awesome show of community support, for sure!  The students were there, too.  On the right is a photo of Horace Mann Elementary's "Green Team."  5th Grade teacher Marie Hartford is beaming on the right.  Thanks to the "Foundation," MANN's team got a $200 kick-start to start their "hands on" volunteer work cleaning up the stormwater wetland pond on the school's property.  Go ahead and take a peak over the huricaine fence and you may see ducks and dragonfly's or hear frogs chirp, chirp.  There used to be invasive blackberry brambles blocking the view and suffocating the wetland and wildlife stormwater pond.  Thanks to Marie's green team and their little shovels we have a cleaner Bear Creek, Sammamish River and Puget Sound!

At the foundation of  the MANN "Green Team" is our growing FOUNDATION of community supporters!  Tune in for a short clip of how the FOUNDATION is "Growing Tomorrow's Great Minds TODAY - One Child at a Time"   

Special thanks to sodexo for "Making every day a better day" by providing and serving over 450 warm luncheons!

Story & photo B.Y.  

Redmond Police Department Carries the Torch for Special Olympics | Kirkland Views

Jim Bove, Redmond Police
Community Outreach

Redmond Police Department Carries the Torch for Special Olympics Kirkland Views:

"The Redmond Police Department participated in escorting the Special Olympics Torch through Redmond shortly after 6:00 a.m. Friday morning.
The torch precession started in Eastern Washington and came through Redmond on its way to Ft. Lewis for the Special Olympics games."

By Rob Butcher
Kirkland Views
Photo By Jim Bove

Eastside Kickoff Rally

Please join us Monday evening in Redmond for our Eastside 2011    
NAMI Walk Kickoff Rally!!!

 

Eastside Kickoff Rally

Monday, March 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Family Pancake House
17621 Redmond Way, Redmond

Team captains, sponsors and volunteers:

· Come hear how the 7th annual walk in Kirkland on May 14 will be a new kind of walk for our area! Take a mental health awareness quiz.

· Get fundraising tips and help with walker Web pages.

· Find out about fantastic vacation destination prizes for all team captains whose teams raise $1,000 or more online!

· Enjoy appetizers and soft drinks!

The NAMI Washington Walk is the sole fund-raising activity for the statewide organization and all its affiliates advocating for the mentally ill — conducting education forums and classes, sponsoring peer and family support groups, battling stigma through awareness outreach, and seeking legislative action at the state, county and municipal levels.

Info on the NAMI Washington Walk: www.nami.org/namiwalks/walk

Any questions please call NAMI Eastside 425 885 6264

5th Avenue Theatre, Evergreen Hospital, Together Center host Brain Health events.

A Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner musical 

 5TH AVENUE THEATRE
"Next To Normal" Musical,  5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle - A women and her family dealing with Bipolar disorder in an otherwise normal life.  Critically acclaimed.  Ticket and Details here.  March 8 - 13, 2pm and 7pm shows.

EVERGREEN HOSPITAL
Charles Radican, MA presents An Educational Forum On “Multiple Personality Disorder: Can You Identify?” March 15, 7-9 pm

Davie Avery, MD presents An Educational Forum On "Psychiatric Illness and Sleep: Synchronization of Body Clocks as Treatment"   April 19, 7-9 pm

TOGETHER CENTER - Redmond
Free Training - National Alliance of Mentally Ill,  Redmond 
March 15, 2011: "Special Needs ...Caring for Loved Ones under Unique Circumstances”

March 18-20, 2011: Peer-to-Peer:
Peer-to-Peer is one of NAMI’s signature programs. It is a unique, experiential learning program for people with any serious mental illness who are interested in establishing and maintaining their wellness and recovery.

April 15-17, 2011: Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)

FOR DETAILS READ MORE >>

Lake Washington Technical College's innovative "Environmental Horticulture" instructor

Innovative greenhouses, water catchment systems, rain gardens, cisterns, culinary gardens, vegetable garden donations, NW Flower and Garden Show set-up, "seed to sell" ornamentals...

What do these elements have in common with Lake Washington Technical College (LWTC)?

Don Marshall.

Don Marshall is a highly celebrated head instructor and manager of the "Environmental Horticulture" program at LWTC.  The rapidly expanding  LWTC is located in Kirkland on the 132nd Street boundary of  West Redmond.  11605 132nd Avenue NE.

Marshall's a professional working in the horticulture field since 1979.   He studied horticulture and education at Washington State University for four years.  In between, he "quit to get practical experience" mentoring under Ted Swanson of the highly regarded Swanson's Nursery near Ballard, founded in 1888.  On of Marshall's key goals at LWTC  is "to expose his students to industry".   Read More >>

Local Civil Air Patrol Cadets meet with Senator Andy Hill in Olympia

Overlake CAP Cadets at Olympia Rotunda



 

Holliday, Senator Andy Hill, Osborn

  Dear Bob,   On Wednesday February 2nd, fifteen (15) students from east-side school districts travelled to Olympia to meet with their state senators.

They wanted to be present when the senate unanimously passed resolution number 8602 honoring the volunteer work done by the Civil Air Patrol in Washington state over the past 69 years.

Particular emphasis was placed on the volunteer work done by the cadets aged 12-20 who number over 600 in Washington state. Over 100 CAP members were in attendance in the capital yesterday.  Read more >>>>

Important Trends You Want To Know About

"Important Trends You Want to Know About"

Fake pot banned by FDA--A few months ago we shared with you the dangers of synthetic marijuana, also called Spice, K2 and herbal incense. It was recently in the news when a driver high on Spice drove into pedestrians at the Pike Place Market. The FDA has used its emergency authority to initiate a ban on this substance for at least a year, making it illegal to sell or possess. They will be studying the chemicals more and the temporary ban may lead to something more permanent.

Teen marijuana use up--Marijuana use is up in American teens while alcohol use has declined, according to an annual government study of 8th-, 10th- and 12th-graders across the country. However, alcohol is still the #1 drug of choice among teens with approximately 23% of high school seniors reporting binge drinking.
For "Seattle Times" survey, Click Here 

Early use of pot may change the brain--Smoking marijuana regularly before the age of 16 causes changes in the brain that can impair a young person's ability to focus, learn from mistakes and think abstractly, according to a Harvard study. To read more, Click Here.

By Patti Skelton-McGougan,
Executive Director
Youth Eastside Services (YES)
Photo:  Google Images

Redmond Police Host New Year Polar Plunge Into Lake Sammamish!

Idylwood Park, Lake Sammamish

Redmond Police will be hosting its fourth Polar Plunge on Saturday, January 1, 2011. Gathering and festivities start at 10 AM.  12 NOON PLUNGE!

Bring in the new year by supporting Special Olympics of Washington. The Polar Plunge is a fund raising effort organized by law enforcement agencies throughout the state benefiting Special Olympics Washington.

Police and community members collect pledges and plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Sammamish. Aside from the plunge, prizes are given away for best costume, youngest plunger, oldest plunger, and much more.

Support this event by participating or attending!

Source:  "Experience Redmond" City Tourism Site

YES Receives $50K from Moyer Foundation for Camp Mariposa

Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan

YES Receives $50K from Moyer Foundation for Camp Mariposa

Camp helps kids who are affected by a family member’s drug or alcohol abuse

BELLEVUE, Wash. (December 27, 2010) — The Moyer Foundation is partnering with Youth Eastside Services (YES) to continue offering a special camp for kids affected by a family member’s substance abuse. Camp Mariposa has helped hundreds of kids by giving them the tools they need to manage the impact of living with a substance abuser. The $50,000 grant will cover the cost of five camps in 2011 for approximately 120 children.

Led by specially trained and experienced counselors from YES, this free camp teaches kids about the impact substance abuse has on them and their family. Read More.

Photo by Yoder

Announcements of Community Holiday Giving Updated Here

Free Christmas Trees

The Redmond Mustang boys basketball team will be at the Swedish/Redmond ER public open house this Saturday, December 18 to help with the Christmas tree maze. 18100 Union Hill Road.

After the open house ends at 2 p.m., Swedish/Redmond is giving away the trees used to build the tree maze – potentially up to 500 trees that were purchased to build it. Swedish has Hopelink and Together Center: Family Resource Center – on board. They and will be getting the word to their clients.

Between 2-3 p.m., it’s open only to the charities. After 3 p.m. on Saturday if the demand is not there, we will flip a sign that says ‘Free Christmas Trees’ that will then be open to anyone driving by. 18100 Union Hill Road in Redmond,  By Ed Boyle, Swedish

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Give Warmth --  Coat Drive

To help local youth and families in need this winter, Carolann Joy Salon is teaming up with Friends of Youth in Redmond with a ‘Give Warmth Coat Drive’ at its Redmond, Washington salon.  (Read More)

Drop off location until is:  The salon at 8336 164th Ave NE next to the 7-Eleven near downtown Redmond. This location will be open for donations until January 22.  Givers receive a 5% Salon service discount. (Read More)

Local food bank winning in March Madness - Seattle News - MyNorthwest.com

Local food bank winning in March Madness - Seattle News - MyNorthwest.com

There are March Madness brackets to decide just about everything now: the sexiest women, the best players of all time, and even the best Seattle sportscaster. One Eastside business is using a bracket to fill the shelves of the local food bank.

Redmond Physical Therapy has challenged 15 businesses to weekly food donation weigh-ins.  MORE 
Hope-Link partner
The Final Four :
Eastside basket ball club
Vs
Hancocks bakery

Redmond physical therapy
Vs
McDonalds book exchange  

"Legacy for Learning" foundation lunch set for April 28.

Legacy for Learning Lunch set for April, 28, 2010 - Volunteers needed.

Mark your calendars. The 2010 Legacy for Learning Lunch is set for Wednesday April 28, 2010 from 11:00 to 12:30. Click here to learn more.

Volunteers Needed for Legacy for Learning Lunch

Luncheon Set Up/Tear Down - Event set up is Tuesday, April 27th, the day before the luncheon. Along with the help of JHS PE students rolling out the floor mats, we can use volunteers to set up the stage and do table placements, table settings, decorations, displays, registration table, etc. This will begin at 2pm and last approx at 6pm. Any time a volunteer has to give is welcome!

Tear down is immediately following the luncheon at approximately 1:00pm on Wednesday, April 28th with removal of aforementioned items.

Posted from Lake Washington School Foundation website.

If you would like to volunteer, visit our volunteer sign up page or email volunteer@lwsd.org.

Redmond Small Business Meetup

One of the missions of my new digital media site is to be a catalyst for small and micro business development. I learned from Laura English (one of my FaceBook friends), that she was going to this Redmond Small Business Meetup.  Hmmm.  So, I went with Pam today.  We were taken by the vibrancy and supportive energy of this group. Stacia Loo, from "Every Swipe Counts" leads the meeting. Today was their largest turnout -at 20.

Having lived in Redmond for over 30 years, it was rewarding to meet-up with some old aquaintances: Len McAdams from McAdams Builders - Len braced my crawl space for earthquake mitigation about 20 years ago. Joe Townsend of Photo Resoration & Retouch - Joe was at the last Redmond Historial Society picnic and helps them out. Laura English is a school neighbor and "Life Coach". She has her own "Moonshine & Happiness" blog: http://www.lauraenglish.net/.  Bloggers will be "contributors" on my new site.

By Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder

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Redmond Small Business Meetup - Redmond Small Business Group (Redmond, WA)

Stacia Loo, Founder and Moderator. 

"At our get together on Mondays at 10 a.m., business owners get a chance to do a one minute commercial about their business. We also state what we need help with for the week to come. Weekly attendance is not mandatory but encouraged to help build strong business relationships. We meet weekly at Pandora in Bear Creek Shopping Center.

Cherie Seymore and Stacia Loo (right).  AN AMAZING EVENT TOOK PLACE AT THIS MEET-UP.  Come back soon to find out!!!

We also have time for testimonials and announcements. We are here to help each other succeed. If you are looking to start your business, come and join our group to get ideas on how to market your business." website, contact info, and testimonials

By Stacia Loo
Founder of Redmond Small Business Meetup
Consultant:  "Every Swipe Counts"

Do any of you go to a social or business network?  Will you try one?

thinkspace Donates Office Space to The Redmond Foundation | thinkspace

thinkspace Donates Office Space to The Redmond Foundation

by Alyssa Magnotti on December 14, 2009

This fall, Peter Chee, CEO of thinkspace, decided to start donating office space to The Redmond Foundation, which is being founded in honor of Redmond’s upcoming centennial in 2012. The Redmond Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a healthy, vibrant and engaged community in the city of Redmond.

I asked Peter a couple of questions as to why he chose to donate his space to The Redmond Foundation...more

Posted by Yoder

Updated: Eastside Basketball Club - State of the Art Basketball Training Facility opens!

Redmond Mayor John Marchione is in the middle holding the scissors. Jeffry Borgida, General Manager of Allied Waste Bellevue/Lynnwood is in the blue shirt to the left of the mayor and Edward Nettles, Founder and Executive Director is to the right. The other people in the photo are from the Eastside Basketball Club board of directors.

February 19 was a special day for me for a couple of reasons:   I got to see my first "ribbon cutting" ceremony ever by a Redmond mayor.  And, the Grand Opening event was all about basketball - a sports culture near and dear to my family and our daughter for over eight years!

The minute I walked into the arena I immeditely liked it.  High ceilings, excellent lighting, the smell of freshly painted hard-court and super friendly owner - Ed Nettles.  Many regional coaches and tournament directors of Select, FLIGHT, and AAU programs know Ed.  It shouldn't take long for coaches to find his brand-new "Allied Court" facility and programs.  A few offerings:

• Elite skill training for boys and girls (7-18):  Professional trainers and coaches teach:  ball handling, shooting, rebounding, footwork (post play), O & D skills, and low impact training. 
• Boys and Girls AAU Spring League Team Tryouts - starting March 1-March 7.
• Gym rentals, camps, clinics and one-on-one training available throughout the year. 
• Football Conditioning (March-June) featuring guest trainer, a current Seahawk -Lawyer Milloy.  Space is limited with Lawyer.  Make your reservation now at:  Knettles@Eastsidebasketballclub.org 

The facility, Allied Court, is named in recognition for Allied Waste's generous Title donation.  Allied Waste currently services all of Bellevue's garbage waste needs and it shares services with Waste Mangaement for Kirkland.   Eastside Basketball Club is a nonprofit, 501(c) (3) organization so all donations are tax deductible.  Platinum Sponsorships qualify organizations wishing to post their banner.

The court and training facility is a must see.   The address is 17455 NE 67th Court, Suite 160.  Allied Court is in the vicinity of the Black Raven Brewery near the eastern entrance of Marymore Park.  425-861-8800.  info@eastsidebasketballclub.org .  Website:  http://eastsidebasketballclub.org/  Say hi to Ed!

By Bob Yoder

Photo by Leah Motz