Juanita Rebels crush the Mustangs, 41 - 7 in opener

Juanita Rebels crush the Redmond Mustangs, 41-7 in their Friday night football opening game at Redmond.  View the game stats and league season schedules here.

 Courtesy of the Seattle Times HS sports report

Sammamish Rowing Association boat house construction underway

Beginning construction on new boat house at Sammamish Rowing Association

King County Parks’ Community Partnerships and Grants Program works the magic yet again, this time with the Sammamish Rowing Association (SRA), which is building a new boathouse along the Sammamish River in Marymoor Park. The official groundbreaking ceremony is Sept. 12 from noon to 3 p.m. at Marymoor Park.

Public benefits of this project go way beyond the SRA’s youth rowing programs – which attract hundreds of kids from throughout the region every year. Part of the boathouse project includes removing some trees plus a whole lot of invasive species from the surrounding area – that’s already taking place. Later on, SRA will plant more than 10,000 native trees and plants in Marymoor Park to make up for the land clearing.

King County Parks Weblog
Photo on King County Weblog

150,000 golf enthusiasts expected in Redmond area for U.S. Senior Open

"Home town favorite" Fred Couples on left with Tom Watson

Visit this Senior Open Website to buy tickets, look up tee times, read the course map and get tips on attending and etiquette. 

Tickets - Multiple ticket options are still available. Buy your tickets online or at the main admissions gate. Kids 17 and under are admitted FREE with a ticketed adult.

$45 admission for one day.  This Friday - Sunday

Parking is complimentary at Marymoor Park.

Shuttles are complimentary to and from Marymoor Park from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Spectator Info - All the facts on attending the Senior Open, including the prohibited items list

Source:  KING 5
Posted By Yoder, 7/29

Sammamish Rowing Association granted boathouse permit; will break ground this month

By Marcy Chartier, SRA Director

SRA was granted our final building permit this month, after a seven-year process. This project has been extremely challenging to get permitted, since the new boathouse is in the wetland buffer that surrounds our current location. We are now completely permitted by the City of Redmond, which allows us to begin construction.

We are breaking ground this month!! Construction on Phase I of the New Boathouse Project will begin in July. Classes will continue as usual throughout this phase of construction, and more information will be sent regularly as we begin this eagerly anticipated project. For more details on construction phasing, building plans and more, click here.

2010 Construction Highlights:

• This summer we will begin site prep at SRA. This includes clearing at both the building site and along the path.
• We plan to lay utilities along the SRA path from West Lake Samm. Pkwy to the building site.
• Turn-lane construction will begin this winter.
  

Kirkland and Sammamish are lukewarm to a community aquatic center

Prior to the closing of  Hartman Pool on June 18, Redmond City council had been actively seeking a city partner for funding a community aquatic center.  

During joint meetings with Kirkland council on May 28 and Sammamish council on June 8, Redmond floated the idea of creating a new taxing district to fund a community aquatic center.  Kirkland staff estimated a new aquatics facility would cost between $42-46.5 million.

According to the Kirkland Reporter:   Councilmember Allen said the Redmond pool was "on life support" and that recommended economies of scale between Kirkland and Redmond could pencil out.   Redmond City Councilmember Pat Vache' felt that, "Trying to combine parks departments would create all sorts of complications that we are not even thinking about," saying "Cities have different philosophies on how to run their parks."  Another issue of combining the city's Parks departments would be existing funding.  Mayor Marchione wasn't present at the Kirkland meeting. 

According to the Sammamish Review:  Council members in Sammamish grappled over the question of why citizens would want to tax themselves for a new facility when they could wait for a neighboring city to build one and go use it.  While the Sammamish council said they’d keep the idea in mind as discussions continue, their response was lukewarm.   "Read More" for my comments:

Redmond Hartman Pool is closed

According to Marta Gronlund, City of Redmond, the Redmond Pool at Hartman Park was closed June 17 due to an equipment failure. "The pool filtration system is unable to maintain water clarity and therefore requires repair. The pool will remain closed until a full evaluation and needed repairs are completed."

According to NW Center Pools staff, effective June 18, 2010, Northwest Center will no longer be operating the Redmond –Hartman Pool.

The Redmond Reporter has a good story on this.

Northwest Center’s lease expired May 28th, 2010 and after working diligently with the city of Redmond,  they could not agree to new lease terms.  Pools staff thanked the city of Redmond for their support for the past seven years and thanked their customers.

For refunds on lessons purchased and punch cards, contact NW Center staff at (206) 296-4370 or via e-mail at swim@nwcenter.org.   Any questions concerning the pool's closure can be forwarded to Sandra Bettencourt, Redmond's Recreation Division Manager, at (425) 556-2319.

The following is a list of other pools in the area. In addition to these pools, Idylwood Beach Park has a swimming beach with lifeguards on duty, now through September 6, from 11am to 6pm.

Posted by Bob Yoder
Ref:  C.O.R. press release / NW Center Pools / email from RNB reader

Yousef's, "Redmond Fan Guide to the World Cup"

J.J. Mahoney's in Bella Bottega 

Three Lions Pub, 161st St. NE

Canyons in Redmond Center

Pub 85 on Rose Hill

Yousef says....The 2010 World Cup will be in South Africa, marking the first time the tournament is held in the African continent. A total of 32 teams will be competing for the coveted World Cup trophy, won by only 7 countries since the tournament's inception in 1930. Past winners are Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Italy, Germany, France and England. In many countries around the world, normal life will cease for a month as fans watch the 52 games, supporting their countries or favorite teams. It is estimated that over 1.3 billion viewers will be watching the world cup. Besides the games, the world cup is a great opportunity to learn about the 32 countries and their cultures.

When I arrived in this country in 1980's, soccer was a third class sport, played mainly by kids and immigrants like myself. One had to search hard to find a game on TV with the only thing being shown then  was "Soccer Made in Germany" on PBS. Things have changed a lot since then.

Like many local soccer fans, I look forward to watching most of the 52 games. Games will be televised live at 4:30 a.m., 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. with ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 showing every game. USA played England on Saturday 6/12, starting at 11:00 a.m. Pacific on ABC.   It was a draw, 1-1.  Many folks will be putting their DVRs to work while others will watch the games on internet.

Here in Redmond, several local pubs will be showing the games live for those who prefer to watch the games with their friends or other fans. Three Lions Pub, JJ Mahoneys, Pub 85 (on Rose Hill) , Canyons and other Redmond establishments will be showing the 11:30 a.m. games.

For the diehards, Three Lions Pub is the place to be. They plan to show all the 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. games live (the 4:30games will be recorded and shown at 9 a.m.).   Have a favorite neighborhood spot I forgot to list?  Let me know.    

By Yousef  Habash
1st Vice President, Board of Directors
Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association (LWYSA)

Buy an adidas World Cup 2010 Soccer T-Shirt (White)  
A Geek's Guide to the World Cup, by John Cook

Test drive a Ford this Saturday and raise funds for Redmond High athletics!

The Redmond High School Football team has an event at the high school this Saturday, June 5 between 9:30 and 4:30, where Ford Motors will have cars there to test drive!

Ford will donate $20 for every test drive given!  There will be other prizes given away as well. If you are looking for a new car or interested in seeing the newest line of Ford cars, come to Redmond High School this Saturday and help benefit the football program by test driving a car!

The NW Mustang Club will be showing off their cars from 11:00 to 2:00 as an added attraction.

Joe Kirsch

President - Redmond Jr. Mustangs

facebook.com/driveone4urschool
Submitted By Paige Norman
Education Hill neighborhood

Redmond beats Skyline 6-2 for KingCo 4A title / Baseball

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2011861195_mason14.html

Mason Kelley's High School Sports Blog

WOODINVILLE — When in doubt, hit a few out.

After struggling out of the gates in the KingCo 4A title game Thursday night, Redmond took advantage of three home runs to claim a 6-2 win over Skyline at Woodinville High School.

"They're all big," Redmond coach Dan Pudwill said of the homers. "When you win 6-2, we'll take them all."

Read More

By Mason Kelly
Seattle Times

Northwest Asian Weekly | Actor and martial artist opens kung fu club in Redmond |

"Robin Leong, who stands in front of young students at his new Ch’i Life Studio, has always dreamed of starting a kung fu school for kids. He realized his dream this year, with his first studio in the U.S.  Read More

By Vivian Nguyen
"Northwest Asian Weekly"
Photo by George Liu/NWAW

Address:
Ch'i Life Studio  (in Overlake, new building, near Home Depot across from the Silver Cloud)
2222 152nd Avenue Northeast
Redmond, WA 98052-5506
(425) 746-3838

Hours of operation:  M-F, 11:30 - 7 pm / Saturday 12-4 / Sunday 1-4

Redmond Lacrosse Club is strong despite losing 12 players to the Kangs.

This 17 second clip is a ground ball skirmish near the Gig Harbor goal just before half-time.  The Redmond Boys Lacrosse Club is 5 -5 regular season is almost over with one home game remaining on Tuesday, 5/4, 7:30 at Redmond High against Liberty.  (Redmond beat Liberty earlier in the season 13-0.)   Their last season game is away vs. South Kitsap on 5/8. (Redmond lost to So. Kitsap several weeks ago, 13-0.)  The real fun begins after the season with tournament play. 

Redmond Lacrosse were co-champs of Division II last year.  But, they lost 13 Seniors this year.  In addition, 12 players were lost to Jim Anderson's newly formed Lake Washington High team....of note, the Bernstein brothers.  The Kangs are burning hot with an 11-0 record.  

No question the split hurt Redmond Lacrosse, but the 'Stangs have a stable of six freshman and ten sophomores, some with 3-6 years playing experience  Only four seniors are on the roster:  Defenseman Brad Bomberry, Brain Davies, Joesph Mernaugh, and "D" Clement Signoretty.

Coach "JC" spoke highly of his players:

"Our "D" is lead by senior co-captains Clement Signoretty (honorable mention last year) and Brad Bomberry. Both are long poles. Junior, and also co-captain, Niko Shewey stands tall between the pipes. He should receive all- conference recognition this year. So, yes, our defense is strong."  

Redmond Lacrosse runs developmental teams ranging from 3rd to 8th grade.   Coach Bill Hanaford coached the 7/8 team for several years.  His son, Brett Hanaford #37 used his quick feet and stick skills to get open for the shot.  Brett is a freshman.  Casey Downey #9 was working out front with deft shots and passing.

Casey's dad, Mr. Downing says  the after game BBQ that we put on for the traveling teams.is always a big hit with them -- and it’s great seeing young men locked in battle and then minutes after eating together celebrating the game.

The Redmond Lacrosse Club helped the city this winter during "Redmond Lights Festival". They volunteered to set-up and take down the light displays.   Don't forget the game this Tuesday night, 7:15 at RHS!.

Saturday's Detailed Prep Lacrosse Results - Seattle Times Sports Blog:
Redmond 13, Gig Harbor 1 (Joseph Mernaugh, R, 4 goals, 4 assists; Jacob Kappes, R, 3 goals, 8 ground balls; Nico Shewey, R, 5 saves; Cody Olson, GH, 1 goal, 3 ground balls; Ricky Chenoweth, GH, 6 ground balls; Arron Wolfe, GH, 12 saves).

By Bob Yoder
Video Clip By Yoder

Redmond girls golf streak marches on | Seattle Times Newspaper

High School Sports Blog:   Redmond girls golf streak marches on

"It took a tiebreaker, but the Redmond girls golf team pushed its unbeaten streak in KingCo to 74 on Tuesday after edging Eastlake.

Playing at Sahalee, a course coach Jake Crowley joked his players had only competed on virtually -- playing the Tiger Woods video game -- the Mustangs finished their round tied with Eastlake at 235." Read More

By Mason Kelly
Seattle Times High School Sports Blog
Photo By Dean Rutz, Seattle Times

Graffiti art in "Edge Skate Park"

A few slides show a chipped "Free Wall" with about an inch of graffiti paint!  The wall has been painted over so many times that you can find layers of paint dating back 15 years.  The walls you see have been painted more than once in the last month.  

Graffiti art has been painted on the “Free Walls” of Redmond’s downtown Edge Skate Park from the day it was dedicated, over 15 years ago.  Anyone is free to paint graffiti on the walls.  These walls are special not only for their art, but for mitigating unwanted graffiti tags from migrating into the skate arena itself.

The skate board and BMX community and neighborhoods have great pride in Edge Park. Skaters say the creative graffiti art usually lasts on the Free Walls for 2-4 weeks before it has to be painted over again.  An unidentified community of passionate graffiti artists re-paint the walls.  According to Ken Wong of the Teen Center, the graffiti artists aren't managed by the City.

Redmond's one-of-a kind Edge Skate Park is located a stone's throw from the downtown Fire station and Metro Bus Park & Ride on 8420 161st Ave. NE.  The Free Walls facing the Park & Ride usually have the best graffiti art. Their tags are probably painted over more often owing to their visibility to commuters.  The paint thickness shows it.

Redmond Parks Operations Manager, Dave Tuchek, says the Park was conceptualized in the mid-1995's by Nick Lovell of the Redmond Police Department.  It was built during the Rosemarie Ives Administration. Dave says, periodically - less than 5-6 times/year - obscenities or graffiti are tagged in the concrete skating arena by outsiders.   Dave says, if the tags aren't removed within about 24 hours it gets worse and spreads.  He takes pictures of the tags for the police report.  Police and Fire have presence too; their refueling station is next door.  

By Bob Yoder
Seattle Times Communities Partner
Photos by Yoder (35 photos)

The Seattle Times graffiti story (4/26) is here 

High School Sports | Redmond girls risk golf win streak

High School Sports Redmond girls risk golf win streak:   Seattle Times Newspaper

By Ron Newberry
Special to The Seattle Times

The Mustangs have won 71 consecutive dual matches against KingCo teams.

REDMOND — Jake Crowley hasn't been sleeping well lately.

Any thoughts of sustained sleep ended when Crowley's newborn son, Elijah, arrived March 27. But that's not all that's kept the Redmond High School girls golf coach's mind a bit scattered recently. 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  

Catherine Kelly, first lady wrestler in the history of Redmond High takes fourth in State.

Did you know high school girls wrestle competitively?   I must be showing my age because this was news to me. 

Redmond High junior Catherine Kelly, wrestled at 112 pounds in the girls' division, Class 4A State tournament and placed  fourth in State!  (Kelly is standing on the 4th step in the left photo and in the middle of the team photo on right). The tournament was held February 20-21 at the Tacoma Dome. According to Coach Mullen, Catherine won four matches at state and lost two.

More amazingly, Catherine Kelly is the first lady wrestler in the history of Redmond High School!  Kelly made it to State as a sophomore and again as a junior this year.  Expect another good run for the Title next year.   

On the right is a  picture of the coaching staff and the 3 members of the team who qualified for State. (Coaches Paul Mullen, Bob Kaneko, and Reed Risenmay. Wrestlers Catherin Kelly, Tyler Black, and Joe Glass). Glass and Kelly are juniors and will return to Redmond Wrestling next year. Black is a senior.

By Bob Yoder

Photos by the Mullens

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

Mayor Marchione and Chamber President to cut ribbon for new basketball court.

I wanted to share some information about an event coming up in your neighborhood. The Eastside Basketball Club at Park Center, Marymoor (17455 NE 67th Court, Suite 160, Redmond)  will be celebrating the dedication and ribbon cutting of a brand-new basketball court on Friday, February 19th. from 11:30 - 1 p.m.  The new basketball court will be named "Allied Court" in appreciation for it's new sponsor, Allied Waste Services. 

Eastside Basketball Club Founder and Executive Director Edward Nettles will kick off the ribbon-cutting program with comments about the program and its impact on the community. Additional guests and speakers include the President of the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce as well as Redmond Mayor John Marchione. Mayor Marchione will be on hand to cut the ribbon and kick off the dedication of the brand new “Allied Court.”

Allied Waste is sponsoring the new court as part of their community support programs and initiatives. We’d be happy to host you at the event and would really appreciate your help in getting out this good news. Please let me know if you have any questions, I’d be happy to share any additional information I can.

Thanks.

Leah Motz
206 323 3733
leah@nyhus.com

Three Lake Washington School District wrestlers going to State

Tyler Black crushes his opponent in 2nd match

Redmond Mustang Tyler Black (watch Tyler wresting)  is going onto State in Tacoma this month!  Tyler is a Senior in the 215 pound weight class.  He won two of three matches in the Region II Wrestling Tournament in Federal Way by pinning:  Brandon Barcelona  (Todd Beamer HS) and Ricky Manz (Rogers HS)  Tyler lost to all-state Skyline football player Anthony DeMatteo in an 8-2 decision.  He denied the pin once again.   

According to  parent Mike Glass, Tyler has only been pinned once in his career.   Mike's son Joe Glass (189 pound weight class) took 5th and is State alternate.  (watch Joe wrestling).  Abraham Herrera in only his first year wrestling for the Stangs made it to the Region II.   He lost in the pigtail match. 

Lake Washington HS took top spot for KingCo 4A and 5th overall with 96th points.   Dylan Ultery (140) by decision and Inrahim Khifeh (189) 2nd place to Matt Steed of Emerald Ridge.  Both are going to State. 

KingCo 4A Region 11 team scores are:  Lake Washington 96, Roosevelt 42, Newport 40, Issaquah 40,Woodinville 39.5, Skyline 38, Redmond 26, Inglemoor 22, Bothell 10, Eastlake, 10, Garfield 0, Ballard 0.

The 2010 Mat Classic XXII State Championship event is in the Tacoma Dome, February 19-20.  Wrestling begins at 10 a.m. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, $14 adults.  http://www.wiaa.com/  

Story By Bob Yoder

Photo & Video by Bob Yoder

See related story in Seattle Times Newspaper, 2/14.

Redmond triplets remember their selfless mother

Redmond triplets remember their selfless mother

                                                                                                             JIM BATES / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Triplets Ben, Alex and Katie Whitaker, and their dad Mickey stand together for Senior Night ceremonies at Redmond High School. Sally Whitaker died of ovarian cancer on Jan. 25. Ben, left, is a golfer. Alex and Katie play basketball for Redmond.

Story By Mason Kelley
Seattle Times staff reporter

REDMOND — For Alex and Katie Whitaker, the basketball court provides a temporary escape.

It is an escape from grief.

It is an escape from heartache.

It is an escape from the reality that their mother is gone

The complete Seattle Times story is posted on http://redmondbasketball.com/ and the Title link.

#####

Note from Bob Yoder/Seattle Times Partner:    My daughter Lexie, has been friends with Katie, Alex and Ben since pre-school.  My wife Pam, sat in the bleachers with Sally for seven years watching Katie and Lexie play Mustang basketball.  We attended Sally's Celebration Memorial on January 30 with ~500 others from the "Whitaker Community".  I was too emotionally involved to report on this and told Mickey I wished to show my respect for our beloved Sally with silence.