Bellingham school cancels classes for 'sun day' | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News Bellingham school cancels classes for 'sun day' Seattle Times Newspaper:

A forecast of warm clear weather has prompted Bellingham Christian School to cancel classes Wednesday for a 'sun day.'

Principal Bob Sampson says sun day celebrates spring, promotes positive school culture and is 'just for fun.'" complete story

Every kids dream.  Every Superintendent's nightmare! B.Y.

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"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.

LETTER: Thank you for making a good choice

LETTER:  Thank you for making a good choice

Thanks to the Redmond Police Department and Redmond High School Staff for choosing to stand their ground and teach the students more than just reading, writing and arithmetic. Drug use and sales are certainly not a new issue; whether at Redmond or any other High School. Breaking the law and attempting to get away with it are also not new ideas. Although innocent until proven guilty; I applaud the efforts of the school and Police Department to make it abundantly clear that drugs are not acceptable or tolerated in any form on school property. The alleged offenders had choices – don’t sell, don’t offer, don’t participate in drugs. Economy may be the rationale given for their choices, but the reality is that the choices had little to do with economy, race, or family. Participation in any illegal activity has obvious consequences; regardless of the level of involvement, age of the participant or the method of arrest. Teaching our children and students the value of choices, consequences and legal ramifications may be of higher significance for their future successes than in educational achievements alone.

Paige A. Norman
Redmond resident

Do you want to post a comment?    Do you want to write a LETTER?  Mail your LETTER with your name and city residence to redmondblog@gmail.com

UPDATED: OPINION: Redmond High Drug Bust - KIRO & KOMO TV reporting

11 Redmond High Students Arrested In Drug Bust - Education News Story - KIRO Seattle:

UPDATED:  "REDMOND, Wash. -- Eleven Redmond High School students were arrested Friday morning as part of a drug investigation, said Jim Bove of the Redmond Police Department.

Some of the students were arrested in front of their classmates. “Four cops straight up walked into my classroom, told him to stand up......." Complete KIRO 7 TV report (including video)

By KIRO Seattle TV

#####

Updated Comment/Opinion:   Reporters from KOMO 4 and KIRO 7 TV stations made heavy use of the school's barbed-wire fence (on NE 104th Street) for a backdrop.   KOMO 's 4 barb-wire footage is so severe that Redmond High took on the appearance of a juvenile detention center.  (Scroll down for KING 5's less sensational clip).

What do you think about the TV coverage of this unfortunate school event?   Was it that bad? 

By Bob Yoder, 2/22.  (Disclaimer:  Fischer Communications publishes a Redmond and Kirkland news site).

Two-minute video of Redmond High students describing drug arrests.

King 5 News, 2/19

Comment:   Youth Eastside Services (YES!) provides counseling for students and parents dealing with substance abuse.  Contact YES today to resolve problems in your family.  Call 425-586-2309.   To learn more about Youth Eastside Services:  YES is hosting a breakfast in Bellevue on March 3, 7:30-8:30.  Ask Wendy at 425-586-2309 for details or email:  WendyC@YouthEastsideServices.org

Redmond High Principal Jane Todd emails students to explain the drug bust.

Redmond High School principal Jane Todd sent this email out to parents this morning regarding yesterday's eleven drug arrests:

I wanted to inform you that today Redmond Police Department concluded a months' long undercover operation which resulted in the arrest of a few students. The arrests occurred during a planned lock down drill, and were without incident. We then had a very unplanned fire drill which resulted from ineffective use of a microwave. Although I am bound by confidentiality with regard to specifics on any students involved, I would be happy to answer any other questions you have. Please feel free to e-mail me.

Posted By Bob Yoder

Best Selling Novelist Stephanie Kallos Speaks at Overlake School

NOVELIST STEPHANIE KALLOS SPEAKS AT THE OVERLAKE SCHOOL ON MARCH 4

Novelist Stephanie Kallos, author of the best-selling "Broken For You" and "Sing Them Home," speaks at The Overlake School, 20301 NE 108th St., Redmond at 7:30 p.m., March 4, in Discovery Hall. The free public lecture caps the school's annual Writer's Symposium. For more information, visit http://www.overlake.org/ or call 425-868-1000.

Kallos' short fiction received a Raymond Carver Award and a Pushcart Prize nomination. "Broken for You" (2004) was a "Today Show" book club selection, and won the Washington State and PNBA Book Awards. Her second novel, "Sing Them Home" (2009) is a Pacific NW Independent Booksellers bestseller and was named one of the 10 Best Books of 2009 by Entertainment Weekly. You can read more about her at http://www.stephaniekallos.com/ .

By Claire Tuohy-Morgan

Communications Manager
The Overlake School
(425) 868-6191, Ext. 615
ctuohymorgan@overlake.org
http://www.twitter.com/ /OverlakeSchool

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

Redmond's first school bell rings out for your vote

                                                                                                                    Bob Yoder

Redmond's first school bell was mounted on a one-room school house in 1892.  Today it rings for you to vote this Tuesday, Februrary 9th.  Don't be late for class!  The "final bell" rings for all 52 Lake Washington School District Schools this Tuesday at 8pm when ballots must be postmarked.  

Here's your homework:   Read your Cliff Notes on the funding measures.  Answer all three True-False questions correctly.   I hope you have a quality teacher and adequate classroom size.  It could determine whether you pass or fail.  

By Bob Yoder

#####  

"Redmond's first school was a simple log cabin built in 1875.  Between 1888 and 1892 classes were in the Congregational Church.  It wasn't until 1892 that a new one-room school was built at what is now Anderson Park.  It was at this school that Redmond mounted it's first school bell, seen here.  The Fact that a small community comprised mostly of small farmers and loggers raised money to purchase a bell for the schoolhouse demonstrated the pride and importance placed on schooling early in our city history."

The bell  is now mounted on the west side of the Public Safety Building.

By Redmond Historical Society  

DigiPen gets new campus, teaching kids game development

DigiPen gets new campus, teaching kids game development

DigiPen Institute of Technology, the Redmond college dedicated to training game developers, is about to get bigger.

The privately owned school is creating a new campus in a former Microsoft building on Willows Road in Redmond with more than 100,000 square feet of space. It's announcing the plan Friday, moving in the summer and starting classes there in the fall.

DigiPen is planning to use the new space to expand its degree programs and the science and technology education programs it offers to high school students in the region."   more

By Brier Dudley
Brier Dudley's Blog
Seattle Times Newspaper

From blogging to drumming - teens will find classes at Redmond Teen Center

CITY OF REDMOND TEEN CLASSES AT THE OLD FIREHOUSE TEEN CENTER. There are some great classes being offered this winter. All classes will be held at the Old Firehouse Teen Center at 16510 NE 79th Street. For more information or to sign up for any of these classes, please call 425-556-2300, e-mail Chris Cullen, or download the Old Firehouse schedule.  (non-residents may apply).  For contacts and registration details go here. 

· Drumming 102: For Drummers with some experience and want to advance their skills. The class will review and strengthen standard rudiments. Will include Latin and Cuban rhythms as well as rock time signatures and introduction to syncopation.Ages 13-19
Tuesdays
Jan 19-Mar 9
6-7pm
R $28 / NR $31.

· Digital Audio Mixing 101: earn the basics on mixing your own tracks for diverse applications including electronic, hip-hop and gaming audio. Using the most accessible software Music Studio by Acid you will cover programming patterns, creating form and structure, editing for contrast and variation as well as an introduction to mixing standards in balance, EQ and panning. You will also cover an improvisational approach to building rhythm, bass, harmony, melody tracks and loops. Ages 13-19
Tuesdays
Feb 9-23
6 -7:30pm
R $35 / NR $42.

 · DJ'ing 101: In this class you will learn the basics and get hands on training about DJ'ing on turntables, CD players and new technology like Final Scratch and Ableton Live. Also get a chance to make your own beats. This class will provide a unique opportunity to learn some of the history and culture behind DJ'ing. Whether you are an acclaimed DJ or new to electronic music we will touch on everything you need to known to pursue a brilliant career in DJ'ing and Producing. Ages 13-19
Tuesdays
Feb 2-23
6-7:30pm
R $25 / NR $30.

· Teen Toastmasters:  It's certainly no secret that public speaking is a source of fear and stress for many. In this workshop we will discuss the essentials to creating an effective presentation, practice delivery techniques, and find ways to handle the jitters of standing in front of an audience, and being able to engage in the information you are trying to convey. Public speaking is an important form of communication, a key in getting jobs, and succeeding in academics. It certainly doesn't have to be scary and this workshop will help you make it fun. Ages 14-19
Mondays
Feb 8-Mar 8
6-7pm
R $15 / NR $18

· Get Started with Blogging: Learn to blog and impress the world with your brilliant thoughts, innovative ideas, and random musings! In this class, you'll learn how to setup and get started with blogging with your very own URL. We'll personalize your site with an awesome layout and cool features, learn how to promote your blog, and track your progress as the number of visitors to your website skyrockets! A collaboration of OFH and teen-run non-profit Student RND. Ages 13-19
Mondays
Feb 1-22 (no class Feb 15th)
6-8pm
R $25 / NR $30.

· VJ 101: Mixing Live Video: Get in on this amazing new performance technology. Northwest top Professional VJs (Video Jockeys) teach the art of manipulating video imagery on-the-spot to music like a DJ would mix music, just add the video. No video or DJ experience necessary for this class. Age: 13-19
Mon & Tue
Mar 22 & 23
6-8:30pm
R $85R / NR $99
 
From the desk of  Mary Bourguignon, Editor of  "Redmond Mustangs"

Youth Eastside Services (YES!) is a Jewel.

Patti Skelton-McGougan, Executive Director of Youth Eastside Services (YES)

YES!  Youth Eastside Services!   Patti Skelton, the Executive Director of this incredible and caring nonprofit gave me a fascinating tour of their Crossroads facility yesterday.  I don't know where to begin to tell you what an amazing resource Youth Eastside Services is for our community, our schools, our teen centers, our families, our children.

Patti has been the Executive Director for over 12 years, but the organization was founded 35 years ago and has grown to be the largest provider of youth and family mental health and social services in East King County!   A few of YES! family services are:  substance abuse treatment, sexual abuse counseling, depression and suicide counseling, mentoring school kids, and culturally-based assistance for immigrants.

Their commitment to our youth and parents is huge.  No matter what their financial circumstances, YES is committed to providing help to any youth or family regardless of ability to pay.   Counseling is offered on a sliding fee scale, based on family income.  Services cover the economic spectrum from homeless to affluent.   YES! has over 24,000 clients with offices in Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue and Samammish.  They have certified counselors in all Lake Washington School District Junior and Senior High schools, including the Old Redmond Firehouse Teen Center.

The organization's benevolence is made possible by passionate support from the community.

Every year YES holds an "Invest in Youth" breakfast to support the cost of uncompensated care.  Last year over 550 guests attended and donated $290,000 to the "Lifeline Fund".    This year, the breakfast will be on Wednesday, March 3rd, 7:30-8:30 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue.  The breakfast  is spearheaded by Costco Wholesale and Microsoft, but you can start a table with your friends. More info.  I'll be sharing the news on my FaceBook!

Factoid:  As many one third of high school students experience violence in an intimate or dating relationship. YES! can help.  Call 425-747-4937.   Website

by Bob Yoder

Steeple-jack Consulting, Tenhulzen Remodeling, and Blazing Bagels give tips on "Running a Business" to Youth.

Three exciting, local business entrepreneurs will present a Career Panel on "Running a Business" January 12. This is a rare opportunity for youth and parents to ask questions and learn about what it takes to start your own business in today's economic climate!

 WHEN:   Tuesday, January 12, 7:00 - 8:30 P.M

WHERE:  Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (16600 NE 80th ST, Redmond).

Confirmed business owners donating their time and expertise include Dennis Ballen of Blazing Bagels, Mike Tenhulzen of Tenhulzen Remodeling, and Mary Bourguignon of Steeple-jack Consulting.

Mike Tenhulzen of Tenhulzen Remodeling has a well established family remodeling and real estate business; Mike is a Redmond Chamber of Commerce Trustee and well known in the business community and his neighborhood. Tenhulzen Remodeling has an awesome multi-media website - full of resources, tips, and advice. Mike writes a monthly home improvement column for some of the local Reporters.

Dennis Ballen of Blazing Bagels has a newer, thriving business in Redmond and Bellevue. The Redmond Location is 6975 176th Avenue Northeast Redmond, WA (425) 883-1550. Blazing Bagels are found all over Puget Sound - in hospitals, businesses, restaurants, and groceries. Read reviews! Dennis is an active member of the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce.

Mary Bourguignon of Steeple-jack Consulting. "Steeple-jack is Mary Bourguignon. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and two boys. I ride my bike a lot. And I spend a lot of time helping people get their ideas down on paper, on the web, and in the classroom..."  Mary is also a long time Parks Commissioner and PTSA editor of  "Mustang News".

Refreshments provided by World Market.  Youth and parents are invited to this evening event!

posted by Bob Yoder. source: Mustang News

Teen community partners with Redmond Chamber on Career Panel.

Some very exciting news!

Three exciting, local business entrepreneurs will present a Career Panel on "Running a Business" January 12.  This is a rare opportunity for youth and parents to ask questions and learn about what it takes to start your own business in today's economic climate!

Three business owners are confirmed to donate their time and business expertise to students and parents in the Lake Washington School District on Tuesday, January 12, 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (16600 NE 80th ST, Redmond).

Confirmed business owners include Dennis Ballen of Blazing Bagels, Mike Tenhulzen of Tenhulzen Remodeling, and Mary Bourguignon of Steeple-jack Consulting.

Mike Tenhulzen of Tenhulzen Remodeling has a well established family remodeling and real estate business;  Mike is a Redmond Chamber of Commerce Trustee and well known in the business community and his neighborhood. Tenhulzen Remodeling has an awesome multi-media website - full of resources, tips, and advice.  Mike writes a monthly home improvement column for some of the local Reporters. 

Dennis Ballen of Blazing Bagels has a newer, thriving business in Redmond and Bellevue.  The  Redmond Location is 6975 176th Avenue Northeast  Redmond, WA  (425) 883-1550.  Blazing Bagels are found all over Puget Sound - in hospitals, businesses, restaurants, and groceries.  Read reviews here!   Dennis recently renewed his membership at the Redmond Chamber.

Mary Bourguignon of Steeple-jack Consulting.   "Steeple-jack is Mary Bourguignon. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and two boys. I ride my bike a lot. And I spend a lot of time helping people get their ideas down on paper, on the web, and in the classroom..."  Consulting expertise:

Research, writing, and editing
"In terms of credentials, I’ve got degrees in English from Northwestern University and Public Policy from the Kennedy School at Harvard....."

Policy analysis -
"I’m often hired to help community members and elected officials solve policy problems...."

Curriculum development -
"Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry began conducting oral histories to document the way people work in early 21st century Washington.  I turned their work into a high school curriculum series, creating 45 case studies that help students explore challenges in careers from biotechnology to machining to web site design...."

Web Content -
"For five years I created the content for the Boomerang Box geography education web site..."

Snacks and refreshments will be provided  by Whole Foods.  Please click here to RSVP for the event.

by Bob Yoder
Source:  Mustang News and Company websites.

Part III: Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce: Leadership

The Beaverton and Hillsboro Chambers of Commerce in Oregon push above and beyond  the boilerplate chamber tenets of 1) promoting community, 2) fostering a vibrant local economy, 3) representing and supporting business, and 4) networking and referrals.

The Hillsboro Chamber mission impliments "relevant business education" to youth.  (Part II).  The Beaverton Chamber of Commerce "builds community leaders"..

The Beaverton Chamber of Commerce started "Leadership Beaverton" in l997.  Their mission statement is "To develop a diverse network of visionary civic and business leaders who act in accordance with the principles of community-centered stewardship."   

Leadership Beaverton (LB) grew from a desire for more knowledgeable volunteers, board members, and elected officials in the city.   LB's purpose is to provide training so that better decisions are made in the community.  Topics discussed include:  Beaverton history, government, human services and quality of life.  Twenty-five citizens attend class one full day/month every year from September to May.  Each student completes a community project.  (Their twenty-five graduates per year are substantially greater than either Redmond program.) - Beaverton Chamber website

Two leadership programs are available to Redmond citizens:

1)  A brief  "City College" program taught by staff to whomever signs up.  I think (not sure) the "college" opens every election year.  Topics include lessons on the various city departments:  Planning & Public Works, Parks & Human Services, Finance, Human Resources, etc.  A community service project is not required.  I'm not aware of graduates joining a commission.   If anyone knows, please comment.

2)  Past Leadership Eastside (LE) graduates are Mayor Marchione (prior to council), one councilmember, an arts commissioner and a non-profit leader.  The problem is, the program cannot keep up with the needs of the community.  This year, a commissioner (and future councilmember) and a promoted deputy fire chief signed, but the city still in a very serious crunch for qualified commissioners.  

According to a Beaverton Chamber officer, "Beaverton Leadership" has 287 graduates with at least 50% now serving as boards, commissions, and non-profits in some capacity.  Two graduates sought and won city council seats, and the current Mayor (was on city council) went through the program.  Five graduates ran for state office. One County Commissioner graduated. 

It's quite clear the Chamber of Commerce model for developing and enriching leaders works!  Our Greater Redmond of Chamber Commerce can learn from Beaverton on how to  "promote community" by fostering leadership.

by Bob Yoder

Juanita High School Participates in Landmark Statewide Teen Smoking-Cessation Trial

Study is the first of its kind to achieve significant increase in prolonged quit rates

With the help of students of the class of 2003 at Juanita High School, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has obtained landmark results from the Hutchinson Study of High School Smoking, the largest randomized trial of teen smoking cessation ever conducted.

The study for the first time demonstrated it is possible to:

• successfully recruit and retain a large number of adolescent smokers from the general population into a smoking intervention study, and
  
• significantly impact rates of six-month continuous quitting through personalized, proactive telephone counseling.

Students in the class of 2003 — both nonsmokers and smokers, and with their parents’ permission — were invited to participate in the study. As juniors, they participated in an in-class baseline survey, and then were followed by mailed survey one year post-high-school graduation to learn about changes over time in their attitudes and practices with regard to smoking and nonsmoking.

The trial, funded by the National Institutes of Health, involved more than 2,000 teenage smokers from 50 high schools in Washington, including Juanita High School. Half of the schools were randomly assigned to the experimental intervention; teens in these schools were invited during their senior year to take part in confidential, personalized telephone counseling designed to help motivate them to quit.

edited by Bob Yoder
abreviated LWSD press release, 10/09

BREAKING NEWS: School Resource Officer Program coverage expands in Redmond.

UPADATED: Breaking news from Councilmemeber David Carson's Public Safety Committee Meeting. - Attended by Bob Yoder

Dave Carson, Chair of the Council's Public Safety Committee held his monthly meeting Thursday morning, 8/30, at Fire Station #12 on 148th Ave. Mr. Carson okayed Councilmember Kim Allen's request to put School Resource Officers (SRO) on the agenda. I attended the meeting.

Mr. Carson and the Mayor announced Lake Washington School District (LWSD) has authorized a third SRO for better coverage of Rose Hill JH, Redmond JH, and Redmond High School. SRO coverage will no longer be split between Rose Hill and Redmond Junior Highs. Each junior high school will now have their own officer. Redmond High School will continue to have their own SRO.

Mayor Marchione said "internal redeployment" within the Police Department will not require hiring an additional employee. Citizens approved funding for these three SRO's in the last Public Safety levy but LWSD only recently gave the green light to staff both Junior Highs. According to Councilmember Allen, it will take a month or so to re-order Redmond officers to make it happen.

As last year's Chairman of the Pubic Safety Committee, Ms. Allen has been pushing for additional SRO coverage at Redmond's schools. Allen stated yesterday, "I want us to get out ahead on these things because the community will want to know as school starts up."

Ken Wong, staff director of the Teen Center, works closely with he SRO's. A third SRO will add continuity and better connection of students with their SRO's.

Ms. Kim Allen is running for re-election of her Council Seat #4 in November. (Ms. Chen filed for the position on the last day of registration.)

CONTACT:
Kim Allen
Redmond City Councilmember, #4
kim@kimonthecouncil.com
http://www.kimonthecouncil.com/
Website: Cops for the Cure, Register: to join and or donate to Kim's Team.
425-894-8237

What every LWSD college-bound student should know about ACT scores.

My daughter is a Senior at Redmond High School and is applying to colleges. A college admissions officer she visited, advised it's easier to get a good score on the ACT than the SAT. What do you think about this generalization? Below are excerpts from a recent LWSD press release about Lake Washington School District ACT rankings.

Lake Washington School District ACT Scores Continue to Rise. While national mean scores for college-bound seniors remained generally flat in 2009, Lake Washington School District (LWSD) students scored higher on all four ACT tests (English, Mathematics, Reading and Science).

The district’s average composite score rose in 2009 to 25.1, compared to the state average of 22.8 (down .3), and the national average of 21.1

Average 2009 scores for Lake Washington students were 25.4 in Reading and 24.4 in Science and 24.9 in English. State scores averaged 23.5 in Reading and 22.1 in Science. National scores averaged 21.4 in Reading and 20.9 in Science.

The ACT College Readiness Benchmark Scores are the minimum score needed on an ACT subject-area test to indicate a 50 percent chance of getting a B or better or about a 75 percent chance of getting a C or better in the college course that corresponds to that subject.

>>Seventy-seven percent of district students met the college-readiness benchmark in reading, up four percent from last year. That compares to 66 percent statewide.

>>Fifty-nine percent of district students met the science benchmark, up 3% for the year compared to 38% statewide.English scores remained the same, as 92 percent of Lake Washington students met the benchmark.

>>51 percent of all LWSD students who took the ACT met all four college-readiness benchmarks, compared to one-third statewide.

Press Release, 8/16/09 Kathryn Reith, Director of Communications (425) 702-3342 or (425) 214-6115

What does Tent City mean to us?

"Main Street" in Tent City 4, Saint Jude's Catholic Church, Redmond

UPDATED: Early last week, I decided to bike over to Tent City (TC4) for a final good-bye. It was gone! Stakes pulled. No blue tents or honey pots, no litter, and that pervasive smell of stale sweat, finally lost to the breeze. Living four blocks away, we never noticed they had left.

They had departed as quietly as they arrived. Nomadic wanderers. How different this TC-4 is from two years ago. No hoop-tee-doos, or three ring circuses, no dog and pony shows, or City court. They came from Woodinville, they went, that's it. Have you heard different?

Tent City-4 left Redmond on August 1. They've moved to Holy Spirit Lutheran in Kirkland (Juanita) for the next three months. According to Father Rogerson of St. Judes Church, TC-4 averaged around 90 residents with a peak of 100. Business at TC-4 'was good' this year as foreclosures 'hit home'.

Community support came out in mass. Student volunteers, scouts, businesses, church groups, non profits, sports teams, neighbors all showed up to pitch in. Father Rogerson said Parishioners are already asking when St. Jude will host again. His understanding with the city is that "we would do this no more often than once a year. So it will be that long at least."

I'm glad our community can support the homeless, even if it is near our schools and in the middle of our neighborhoods; and is political. It was hard at first, but it seems they do no harm, and we learn from the experience and a little bit more about ourselves. After my visits, I feel melancholic. Others feel differently. The place is mostly a harbor for the lonely and forsaken; a few use it to their end. Rick, my younger brother, probably could have benefited from living from a shelter. He died alone and isolated in a Florida apartment, weakened from a co-morbidity no fault of his own. Rick's isolation was probably what killed him in the end.

Father Rogerson quotes two Gospel verses in St. Jude's consideration to host Tent City-4: Matthew 5:3 and Matthew 25.40. FAQ

Mayor Marchione To Visit Schools, Teaching Groundwater Protections

If you are a regular Redmond Neighborhood Blog reader you know the importance and value of protecting Redmond's groundwater. Approximately, 40% of our city drinking water comes from "sandy, underground lakes and streams" known as aquifers. Citizens living in Education Hill, SE Redmond, the Downtown, and North Redmond all drink treated, underground water pumped up from 5 city wells.

I discovered an entertaining short cartoon video about 'groundwater' and it's importance and value to us. It is directed to kids and teachers but many parents and youth will be engaged by the animation. Click the link to see it!

Mayor John Marchione plans to visit various Redmond elementary schools this year, according to his interview on RCTV last month. I believe he'll start off at Norman Rockwell, the school he attended in his youth. Perhaps, "Mayor John" will bring this groundwater video to the attention of the teachers and students during his school visits.

Many thanks to the Water Tenders, a leader of Redmond's Derby Days "Green Team". The video is posted on their website: http://watertenders.org/. My daughter Lexie, Pam and I are proud members,

Children's video on "groundwater". http://www.leapingmedia.com/groundwater.html
Water Tenders website: http://watertenders.org/
Meet the Mayor - 2nd interview: http://rctv.redmond.gov/ondemand/inside0709b.wmv

-- posted by Yoder