Redmond's Ben Wobker - owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy - "Gives Back" to Eastside community

Ben Wobker and Mandie video-tape client running on the treadmill   during "gait analysis"  Ben and Mandie evaluate and video client walking Ben Wobker, P.T., community leader and owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy, performed a free "gait analysis" for 30 Eastside residents on Saturday morning.  The event was advertised on the clinic's facebook page and word of mouth. UPDATED:  If you've been to any Redmond High School basketball, football, or cross-country sporting events you've probably heard of Ben Wobker.  Ben, the son of  Horace Mann teacher David Wobker, graduated from RHS with seven letters in Football, Cross-country and Leadership honors.   Ben is an award-winning* physical therapist and runs a successful eastside therapy business.  To me, three words describe him best: Ben Gives Back...to his community!   Ben analyzes gait with client and makes recommendations Every year Ben councils Coach Villineuve's highly ranked Cross Country teams with free "gait analysis" and discounts on shoes. Once the co-owner of Redmond Physical Therapy, he offered free fittings and discounts on knee and ankle braces for Mustang teams. You'll also see Ben at high school career fairs and mentoring students in his clinic. But, Ben's food drive efforts with HopeLink may be his biggest community contribution. Two years ago, Ben started "March Can Madness" -- a competition between Redmond businesses -- to collect the most food from their customers for HopeLink. To this day, Ben still waives the $30 fee for missed appointments with a food donation!  Next year, Lake Washington Physical Therapy will sponsor HopeLink's "Turkey Trot" fundraiser.   After eight years service as co-owner at Redmond Physical Therapy, Ben decided to expand his brand to Kirkland. Last month he celebrated his first year as owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy.  Already he plans to hire a 4th therapist! Mandie Majerus, PT worked with Ben for years in Redmond. Both graduated from University of Montana. (Mandie's entering the Iron man in Canada; she worked as a therapist in Antarctica for a year!)  Some trivia:  In Washington, many insurance companies don't require a physician referral to see a physical therapist.     Brooks, Mizuno, Asics track shoes fill the display windows. Ben contracted "Everyday Athlete" to sell the shoes. "Even though Kirkland's downtown vacancy was 22% last year we still had to meet "non-medical retail" zoning requirements," said Ben.  *Ben Wobker was voted "2010 Best Physical Therapist" by the readers of Eastside's "425 Magazine". Ben's Bio,  Address:  209 Kirkland Ave., adjacent the Heathman Hotel. 425-629-3502.  Directions. Opinion and Report By Bob Yoder Photos By Yoder

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 >>

Fire fighters play paddle ball at Redmond Junior High



Redmond Fire and Medic Trucks parked at Redmond Junior High
in the sun late Friday afternoon

  

Redmond fire fighters and medics playing paddle ball on
the tennis courts today. 

I've seen fire trucks parked at Redmond Junior High before and wasn't sure what was going on. Saw em again today. Fire gear was out, but no smoke. No alarms. No hoses. No water. No one flat on the ground getting CPR. Then, Pam waved towards the tennis courts....

Low and behold we saw about eight fire fighters playing paddle ball.  They were good!   Lean and agile and moving quickly, these guys are definitely athletes.  With the short paddles they were really zipping around.

You know how Microsoft is known for their "team building" events where they go bowling or do some other activity in small groups?   I figure this is a team building exercise, a moral booster, and a fun way for our fire fighters to stay fit.   The Redmond Police were out running for the Special Olympics today.  Why not a little team building for Redmond Fire where their fitness is on display!

Next time I see them playing, I'll stop by and say hi.  Perhaps I'll see the new fire chief?  Or even the Mayor?   Mayor John lives only five minutes away!

Opinion by Bob Yoder
IPhone Photos by Yoder

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

LETTER: Redmond Bike Park a move in the right direction, improves community

Redmond Bike Park - work party -  credit/ cor

LETTER from Dave Randall

This particular location doesn't represent a "new" bike park - rather an "official" bike park. The dirt jumps have been there for years, and have attracted a variety of people and behaviors that are both positive, and not so positive. I see the Redmond Bike Park as a move in the right direction for the following reasons:

1. You have a large group of young people actively and voluntarily engaged in improving their community.

2. These same young people are working with the parks department and city government to bring about change that is important to each of them.

3. The riders will seek out locations to build bike tracks and build them. Without the proper oversight and guidance, are more likely to build inappropriately designed tracks on private property.

4. The riders are in shape! They have traded time with their Nintendos and XBOX's for time exercising, building cameraderie and staying in shape.

5. The location of the Redmond Bike Park will receive more "housecleaning" attention by the riders that are proud of their accomplishments by keeping it cleaner and discouraging illegal behaviors (dumping, drugs, etc)

6. Through interactive discussions with Hillride and other organizations, the riders are learning about smart ways to build, ride and have fun.

I know that many folks, especially Carolyn Hope, have put a tremendous amount of effort into ensuring that the Redmond Bike Park becomes an location that supports off road biking and jumping for all skill levels and maintains the right balance between maintaining the integrity of the location and providing a high quality recreational facility.

As with most change, there are concerns and considerations. And, I have seen and heard concerns come from the riders, the parents, the neighbors, and the community. As a result of the input, there has been an incredibly thorough amount of planning that has gone into the Redmond Bike Park to ensure its success. I anxiously await the announcement for the next scheduled work party!

Sincerely,
Dave Randall
Redmond, WA
June 2, 2011

Woodinville out-guns Sammamish 10-7 for first Division II State lacrosse championship

 A Woodinville attackman puts a hit of Sammamish's Sam Chapman in Saturday's boys Division II state lacrosse championship.  Woodinville defeated Sammamish 10-7 to secure a perfect record and their first state lacrosse title. 

Chapman’s four goals leads Woodinville past Sammamish for first Division II lacrosse championship

SEATTLE – Led by senior JD Chapman’s four goals and a smothering defense, Woodinville outlasted Sammamish 10 – 7 to secure a perfect season and capture their first Washington state Division II lacrosse championship, Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Seattle.  READ MORE >>

Jackson victory is one-hit wonder; Bothell advances / 4A Baseball | Seattle Times Newspaper

Fan BJ Eliason noted: "Redmond had 5 hits and 1 error. Jackson (from Mill Creek) had 1 hit and 5 errors "

Coach Dan Pudwill
KingCo 4A "Coach of the Year - 2008"
KingCo 4A "Coach of the Year - 2010"

Jackson victory is one-hit wonder; Bothell advances / 4A Baseball Seattle Times Newspaper:

"By Mason Kelley

Seattle Times staff reporter

TACOMA — All Jackson coach Kirk Nicholson could do was laugh.

'You know the big saying that has to come out of this, right?' he asked. 'We grouped our hits.' Making it plural was generous.

On a night the Timberwolves committed five errors, they picked up one hit. But it was a big one, as the state's top-ranked team held off Redmond 5-3 Friday in the Class 4A semifinals at Cheney Stadium"
READ MORE >>

Report By Mason Kelley, Seattle Times
Photo and Clip By Bob Yoder

Update:  Mustangs take 4th in state; Bothell topples Jackson 3-2 for state title. 

Redmond Mustang Baseball website..
Dan Pudwill teaches English at Redmond High School.  He was one of my daughter's favorite teachers.

Owls fall to Bellevue East in Overtime: Girls Division II Lacrosse State Championship

A flock of Owls celebrate after Overlake’s Grace Grubb (#21 white) hit scored with 1 second remaining in regulation to send the girls Division II state championship into overtime. The Owls fell to Bellevue East 17 - 16 in overtime. Division II.  Credit: Michael Jardine / US Lacrosse

Mike McQuaid, US Lacrosse press release

SAMMAMISH – Freshman Camille Sullivan scored the game winner with 7 seconds to go in overtime to give first year coach Craig Van der Horn and Bellevue East their first girls state championship with a 17 – 16 defeat of the Overlake School in the Washington Lacrosse Girls Division II State Championship, Saturday at Charlie Acosta Field on the Campus of the Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish.

The game winning goal was the seventh of the afternoon for the Sullivan and tied her season’s best – 7 goals in the home quarterfinal win over Bainbridge’s Division II squad. For Bellevue East, which draws students from five Bellevue high schools including Interlake, Newport and Sammamish, the title proved to be the high point in the fledgling four-year-old program’s history.  Read More >>

Redmond shuts out Marysville-Pilchuck 10-0 to earn state 4A baseball berth | Seattle Times Newspaper

Fans turn-out to cheer "Stangs despite cold and drizzle
On to Tacoma on Saturday for state tourney!

Mustang Coach Dan Pudwill
with game face 

Redmond shuts out Marysville-Pilchuck 10-0 to earn state 4A baseball berth:

"REDMOND — After opening the KingCo 4A tournament with a loss to Inglemoor, Redmond faced a simple scenario: Win or go home.

Since that setback the Mustangs have ripped off four straight victories, the latest coming in a winner-to-state, loser-out matchup against Marysville-Pilchuck Monday at Hartman Park.

Redmond broke the game open in the third inning, scoring five runs with two outs en route to a 10-0 victory over the Tomahawks. The Mustangs (18-7) start the state playoffs at 10 a.m. Saturday against No. 9 Olympia at Heidelberg Park in Tacoma."

Read More >>

By Mason Kelly
Seattle Times Sports Blog, 5/16
Photos and color/link edits By Yoder

Directions to Heidleberg Park, Tacoma.

Blanchet advances to quarterfinals in boys state lacrosse tourney; Tops Redmond, 11-5

Blanchet's Austin Pruitt (#77 white) fires a shot past Remdmond goaltender Nico Shewey (#28 green) in boys Division II opening round playoff action, Friday at Blanchet High School - credit Micheal Jardine

Boys Division II standings
Blanchet advances to quarterfinals in boys state lacrosse tourney

SEATTLE – Tyler Schmutz and and Zane Zilke each scored 2 goals to lead Blanchet into a quarterfinal berth of the boys state high school lacrosse tournament with an 11 – 5 opening round win over Redmond, Friday at Blanchet High School in Seattle.

With the win, the Braves advance to the quarterfinal round to face Saturday’s winner of the North Kitsap, Skagit Valley opening round matchup.

In their first meeting with Redmond this season, the Braves, ranked #2 in the Metro Conference, opened the game building a 5 – 0 first quarter into a 7 – 2 lead at the half. In the third the two matched each other’s 2 goals before Blanchet pulled away with 2 fourth quarter goals for the win.  Click blue link to "Read More" >>

Lake Washington drops Puyallup for 3rd lacrosse win

Lake Washington takes shot at goal

Lake Washington drops Puyallup for 3rd lacrosse win
April 6

SUMNER – Cody and Jake Bernstein combined for 7 goals to lead Lake Washington to its third win of the season with a 14 – 5 high school lacrosse defeat of Puyallup, Wednesday at Sumner High School.

Lake Washington and Puyallup left the first knotted at 3 goals apiece before the Kangs broke loose with 4 second quarter goals to take a 7 – 3 advantage into the intermission. In the third the Kangs added another 4 goals and sealed the win with 3 fourth quarter goals.  Read More >>

College lacrosse action this weekend on the Plateau!

Attention:   Lacrosse players, aficionados, youth, parents and public-at-large!  

Ever wanted to see lacrosse?   Learn the fine points of the game?  Or just lay back and enjoy the action of "the fastest game on two feet?"   This weekend and next you'll have great opportunities to watch lacrosse played at a very high level right in your own back yard!

Admission $5/game or $10 for all three!  Players wearing their lacrosse team jersey get in free. 

Next Weekend of  Friday, March 18.: See a marquee match up of two Top 10 MCLA lacrosse teams face-off in our own backyard:   Eastside Catholic School, Sammamish, WA.

Friday March 18 @7pm at the Eastside Catholic School Stadium
#9 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY vs. #4 UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

Redmond Boys and Girls Lacrosse websites are found here! Join a team! Register! Learn about the game!

Source:  Redmond Boys Lacrosse website  (girls lacrosse websites are linked)

Spring Training Registration for Mustang Baseball and RW Little League. Coach Pudwill's Redmond Mustangs ranked 41st nationally.

REDMOND MUSTANG SPRING TRAINING,  March 29 -31

9 hours of Spring Break Baseball camp instruction for ages 7-12, beginning March 29, 30, 31 from 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Hartman Park. Includes a free T shirt. No experience necessary.

"Led by Coach Dan Pudwill and his Redmond High School staff, ranked #1 in the state and ranked 41st nationally by Baseball America. At least four of the starters will be attending Division 1 Colleges next year and playing baseball. This may be the first time this many players of this caliber have played on a local high school team. It's a great opportunity for young players to develop their skills and hang out with the team.

The Redmond Mustangs have set their 2011 schedule. It features six non-league contests, beginning with two match-ups against Kingco 3A opponents, Mt. Si and Juanita. From there, the Mustangs will board a bus and head to the Tri-Cities to take on the talent laden Southridge Suns. Other non-league contests, played in the midst of the Redmond Kingco 4A conference schedule, include the continued rivalry with Lake Washington and a first time meeting with Shorewood. The entire schedule is found here - REDMOND MUSTANG 2011 BASEBALL SCHEDULE."

First game of the season, Monday, March 14, 6 pm HARTMAN FIELD vs. Mt. Si.
Second game of season , Wednesday, March 16, 6 pm HARTMAN FIELD vs. Juanita

Source:  Redmond Mustang Baseball website

###

REDMOND WEST LITTLE LEAGUE, MARCH 18

“Hey RWLL Players – looking for something to do during the week of

Break? Want to improve your baseball skills? Then consider attending the Lake Washington Kangs Baseball training camp.   (Softball training camps weren't advertised on the RWLL site).

Read More about the clinic >>

Redmond Police Safety Tips for the Season

Jim Bove, Public Information Officer

Dear Redmond Community and Friends,

1. We’re excited to announce that ski/snowboard helmets are now available at the Redmond Town Center Substation for $15. This in addition to bicycle helmets, which are available for $10. Both are available at cost—money goes to replenishing inventory. Visit our RTC Substation website for more information and, remember, please protect your melon!

2. ‘Tis the season to give…and take. Vehicle prowls and residential burglaries are still occurring (more prowls than burgs right now). Remember to remove all valuables (or anything that may appear valuable to a criminal) from your vehicle….like that gym bag in the back seat with dirty clothes—it may not be valuable to you, but a thief might hope it contains money, wallets, laptops, etc. Most prowls can be prevented by removing all items and locking your door, even if you’re just leaving your car for a few minutes.

As for residential burglaries, be certain to communicate with trusted neighbors when leaving town, stop your mail, etc. See our crime prevention website for more safety tips regarding vehicle prowls, home safety, etc. And don’t forget to call 911 if you see anything suspicious….be a good witness, don’t put yourself in danger….observe and report.  Read More >>

Redmond Mustang Boys Blackout Eastlake, 73-51

Zach Klein Hits 3 In The Last Play Of  The Game - Band And Super Fans Gone Wild!

**Watch The Super-Fan Post-Game Celebration**

Redmond Mustang Boys Basketball Website

Redmond Pool is Open for Swimming!

The Redmond Pool is Open for Swimming!

Redmond Pool is Open for Swimming

The Redmond Pool at Hartman Park is open for swimming according to Tyson Wellock of WAVE Aquatics, the City's pool operator.

The pool has been filled with water, all the systems are restarted and pool chemicals balanced.
WAVE Aquatic's first priority is to begin lap swimming and the Swim Teams. Following that will be a variety of programs for the community. WAVE is very familiar with community pools and currently operates the Juanita Pool.

Residents are encouraged to call WAVE directly for updates. The number is 425-883-4422. For additional information, visit http://www.waveaquatics.org/.

By Bob Yoder
Sources:  COR and WAVE websites
Photo:  WAVE website, 11/14

PTSA COMMUNITY DIGEST

"LIVABLE REDMOND FORUM. You are invited to an engaging evening featuring sustainability enthusiast and area resident Andy Wappler. This event will begin a dialogue on sustainability related to two key city planning updates. Please come share your ideas and stories, ask questions and help shape Redmond's future! Wednesday, November 3 from 4:30-8:30PM at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th Street.

READY FOR SNOW?  -- Info Night at RHS on November 9th at 7 PM

LACROSSE!   Boys registration on November 16, 7-9 PM ;   Girls registration on November 10, 7:30 PM

RUGBY!  Eastside Lions Youth Rugby, Ages 7 -18,  Season starts January 12.

READ MORE FOR DETAILS >>

"Parent's Role in Sports," by Tim Driver - two upcoming LW PTSA sponsored events

brought to you by LW PTSA Parent Education

LIFE LESSONS FOR ATHLETES: REDEFINING THE TERM ATHLETE. A program for parents and students on October 28th from 7:00-8:30 PM at the Eastlake High School Theater. Tim Driver of Proactive Coaching will lead a session on the life lessons one should attain from being part of a team and also how to apply these values to everyday decision making including combating the challenges and temptations that come our way.Sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.

PARENTS' ROLE IN SPORTS. This presentation on November 16th from 7:00-8:30 PM at the Rose Hill JH Theater is for PARENTS only. During the presentation, Tim Driver of Proactive Coaching will outline the most effective strategies parents can use before, during & after the game to support their young athletes throughout their time in school. Learn what our kids would like to tell us about how to help their performance and create great memories, but probably won't. Sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! More parenting presentations coming later this fall and winter: A to Z Toolbox for Successful Parenting on December 2nd and Great Conversations between Parents & Teens: Top Ten Talks to Have Together on January 24th. Sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.

Mustang Weekly, October 18 issue

Redmond overpowers Woodinville 20-6

Mustang cheerleaders hovering  like angels



Falcon fans trying to spook Redmond

 It was a rainy night in Redmond, but you'd never know it.  The Mustangs, led by Quarterback Michael Conforto and a superb coaching staff,  flushed out the Falcons in the second half picking off a long interception deep to the end zone for a touch-back.  A few plays later Conforto heaved a 50-yard pass to #13, a sharp-eyed receiver for the score....and the KIRO play of the game!  Redmond is 2-1 for the season. Watch the KIRO clip of the High School Football Game of the Week!"    (up for only one week)

Read the Redmond Mustang Football Facebook Fan Page!   Sign-up!

YouTube video submitted by Zach Bloom on KOMO site.

By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Storm title a big win for Bing

Story by Todd Bishop of Tech Flash (click link)

Storm title a big win for Bing