Redmond Lights Holiday Haiku - Michael Dylan Welch

By Michael Dylan Welch:  Holiday Haiku features 30 haiku and senryu poems celebrating both the warmth and the cold of the holiday and winter season. These poems offer reminders of common experiences you may have had in December or later during the winter. Take a moment to dwell in each poem and feel the personal moment presented in the poem, responding with a smile or a nod of understanding.  

Michael Dylan Welch was Redmond's Poet Laureate for two years.   

Learn about Redmond Lights art.  https://www.redmond.gov/1320/Learn-about-Redmond-Lights-Art

Source:  redmond.gov

City of Redmond Television Is Packed With Community News

Redmond City TV (RCTV) is available on both Comcast (channel 21) and Ziply (channel 34) cable systems. You can also catch RCTV live online 24/7 or replay OnDemand programming from city video archives. 

At the top and/or bottom of the hour from 8 - 10 a.m. the following block of helpful and interesting programing is run continuously.  I highly recommend tuning in.  No commercials! ☝

• The Mayor’s monthly video “Our Stories, Redmond Connects”
• “Bird’s Eye View,” a poem by our previous poet laureate
• Homelessness and panhandling message from Tisza Rutherford, Redmond’s Homeless Outreach Administrator
• Heat pumps and Energy Smart Eastside
• Green Redmond
• Recycling Plastic Bags
• King County House Repair
• Connected by Water, How Redmond protects our water
• Meet Redmond’s new K9 Officer
• Redmond Senior & Community Center tour
• Licensing your pet in King County
• Being visible after dark
• The Together Center
• Redmond’s Stream Team
• King County Jury system

City Council and Planning Commission meetings are available on RCTV, as well.  They are also live streamed on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/CityofRedmond) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/CityofRedmond). 

Bird's Eye View -A Poem by Redmond's Poet Laureate

The Redmond Historical Society invites the community to an exciting conversation with Redmond Poet Laureate, Laura Da’, on the topic of “Currents of Time and Place: Poetry that Engages with History and Image in Cascadia.” 

Saturday, 10:30 AM, October 14, 2023. Doors open 10:00 AM.

Location: Old Redmond Schoolhouse, 16600 NE 80th St., Redmond, WA 98052. 

More info: https://www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/rhs-events

This program is the second of the Society’s Saturday Speaker Series for the Fall 2023 season. This will be an in-person program at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse. Admission is free to RHS members, and a suggested donation of $5 for non-members.

Redmond Poet Laureate Laura Da' Events, October 6th / 14th

Redmond Poet Laureate Laura Da'

Join Poet Laureate Laura Da’ at Idylwood Park on the shores of Lake Sammamish to celebrate the debut of her "Poetry Walk" inspired by the ecosystem within Redmond that supports the kokanee salmon. 

• Friday, October 6th, 6:00 - 7:30PM
• Idylwood Park

This unique and important environment has carried life in the region since time immemorial and is at the heart of this year’s projects by Da’. The Redmond STEM Center and the Seattle Design Nerds will also be creating a one-night-only projection in the park inspired by the Poetry Walk prompts, poems by Da’, and the workshops hosted by the Poet Laureate at Old Firehouse Teen Center.

The projection is made possible by a grant from the Academy of American Poets for Laura’s recognition as one of the 2023 Poet Laureate Fellows.

-- Redmond Parks and Recreation

###

Redmond Historical Society - Saturday Speaker Series

On October 14th, the Redmond Historical Society invites the community to an exciting conversation with Redmond Poet Laureate, Laura Da’, on the topic of “Currents of Time and Place: Poetry that Engages with History and Image in Cascadia.” 

Date/Time: Saturday, 10:30 AM, October 14, 2023. Doors open 10:00 AM.

Topic:  "Currents of Time and Place: Poetry that Engages with History and Image in Cascadia”

Speaker:  Laura Da', Redmond Poet Laureate

Location: Old Redmond Schoolhouse, 16600 NE 80th St., Redmond, WA 98052. 

More info: https://www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/rhs-events

This program is the second of the Society’s Saturday Speaker Series for the Fall 2023 season. This will be an in-person program at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse. Admission is free to RHS members, and a suggested donation of $5 for non-members.

UPDATED: City Council Meeting Notes, 04 April 2023

 

CM Melissa Stuart
Featured
City Council group picture not available

CLICK THIS LINK FOR VIDEO NOTES OF COUNCIL'S REGULAR MEETING 

OF 04 APRIL 2023:   

https://www.facebook.com/CityOfRedmond/videos/1005053090870596

 (short pause at start of tape)

ADVANCE TO 3:00 for poet Laureate Laura Da's description of her poetry inspired "Nature & City History Walk" around our lakefronts.     

ADVANCE TO 4:52 for Dr. David Morton's "Item From The Audience" suggesting solutions to various city challenges.  

ADVANCE TO 11:53 - Mayor  Angela Birney kicks off Council's OMBUDS report where resident inquiries (positive and negative) are addressed.  As follows: 

CM Varisha Kahn passes the baton to Council VP Vanessa Kritzer. Kritzer mentions a resident's concern about the mayor's salary; resident complaint about "State of the City" recording glitches. Domestic violence. CM David Carson brings attention to businesses coping with simultaneous road construction on 76th and Cleveland Street.  CM Melissa Stuart gives an excellent report of the city's C.E.R.T. program dealing with first responder preparations for an earthquake.  Council President Jessica Forsythe directed the OMBUDS report and city process. Traffic. FBI. CM Jeralee Anderson, QR Codes for park users, "Show and Tell" by Anderson on recycled materials used to build "green roads."  Stuart summarizes Public Works committee report. CM Steve Fields had nothing to say.  

Angela Birney, Carson, Forseythe, Kahn, and Kritzer's terms end 31 December 2023. 

Reported by Bob Yoder, Community volunteer, 04 April 2023

"Lyrical Currents," A Poetic Map of Redmond and the Sammamish River

Redmond's Poet Laureate, Laura Da' created this lyrical nature walk through the downtown natural, cultural and historical places of Redmond.  QR Code will open the map guiding you through five special places.  

Laura Da' is a poet and teacher.  A lifetime resident of the Pacific Northwest, Da' studied creative writing at the University of Washington and this Institute of American Indian Arts.  She is Eastern Shawnee.  Da' lives near Seattle with her husband and son.  

To take the tour, on your phone, click on the small Google square next to the microphone symbol, hover over the QR code and click on it as if taking a picture. 

For more on indigenous indians, culture and nature, find links to a fabulous library booklist care of the Snoqualmie tribe and Redmond Historical Society 

-- brought to you by Redmond Parks and Recreation, 9/11/2022.  Library flyer courtesy of John Reinke

Former Redmond Councilmember Richard Grubb Passes Away

 
On February 14 former Redmond city councilmember Richard Grubb passed away five days shy of his

83rd birthday. Mr. Grubb has been a resident of Redmond since 1982.

Richard was president of CARE (Civic Action on Redmond Environment) , a citizens group devoted to

preserving the 120 acre Redmond Golf Links property that is now Redmond Town Center.

Mr. Grubb was a “regular” at City of Redmond Planning Commission and City Council meetings providing 

well-researched and thorough testimony on land use and environmental issues important to the people

of Redmond. such as the preservation of agricultural lands in the Sammamish Valley. After years of

providing testimony as a citizen activist and city hall watchdog, Mr. Grubb ran successfully for Redmond

City Council in 1991, serving two terms ending in 2000. During those years he served as the unofficial

poet laureate providing tributes for city officials upon their departures.

Mr. Grubb and his wife, Eunice who pre-deceased him in 2021, were residents of Education Hill for

close to forty years. Together they had a small crafts business as well as being committed to animal

advocacy in King County including providing foster care to small dogs and cats.

-- Courtesy of Rosemarie Ives, 2/24/2022

Ten Redmond Blog posts on Richard Grubb are here. (scroll)

Richard was a prolific and influential writer of Letters the Editor (RR.)   He gave me traps to catch a hoard of feral cats in my dense backyard.  I have a distant memory of Richard's testimony to Council complaining the stormwater prices were too high.  This was an unusual statement coming from an environmentalist, and he admitted it.  BY

  Our backyard feral cats - Richard helped neighbors capture adults for neutering.
Photo:  Bob Yoder

"Bird's Eye View" -A Poem by Redmond's Poet Laureate

The City of Redmond is proud to announce the 2022 Poet Laureate, Laura Da'. 

Our new Poet Laureate, a poet and a public-school teacher, Da’ studied creative writing at the University of Washington and the Institute of American Indian Arts. A lifetime resident of the Pacific Northwest, Da’ is the recipient of fellowships from the Native Arts and Culture Foundation, Richard Hugo House, and the Jack Straw Writers Program. She is the author of Tributaries, winner of the American Book Award, and Instruments of the True Measure, winner of the Washington State Book Award. Da’ is Eastern Shawnee. She lives near Renton with her husband and son.

If you're a bird watcher you'll truly love Da's work of art. If you're not a watcher, close your eyes, listen, and feel their special presence. Your journey is just beginning!  -- B. Yoder, 2/8/2022 

Redmond Historical Society Hosts Virtual Fundraiser

Redmond Historical Society Hosts Virtual Fundraiser May 7th

Redmond, WA—May 7, 2021—Redmond Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering, providing, and preserving Redmond’s history, announces its first-ever Virtual Fundraiser and Auction Friday, May 7th, 6:30 pm. The theme is “We Love Redmond.”

Funds raised will go toward digitizing the Society’s collection of Sammamish Valley News—a vital record of Redmond’s history—and preparing the Society’s museum space in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse—its new (and old) home.

Since 1999, the Redmond Historical Society called the Old Redmond Schoolhouse its home. However, since LWSD took over the historic building for repairs in 2018, the Society was compelled to find another space, which a few local business owners were happy to provide. “We’ve had a rather nomadic life, moving our offices and Saturday Speaker Series to venues around town,” recalls President John Oftebro. 

“Thanks to the City, we’re back in the Schoolhouse. However, we need the support of our members and the greater community to move forward. Together, we can galvanize the new space, and make our re-opening a celebration of Redmond’s past, present, and future.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on such items as a Patriotic Picnic on 4th of July, an Italian feast, a day of crabbing and beachcombing, baked goods, and other delights from local businesses. Featured will be Auctioneer Troy McVicker. Speakers include John Oftebro, Society President, as well as Redmond Poet Laureate Raúl Sánchez, and Society Vice President, Laura Lee Bennett.

To register or donate, visit charityauction.bid/LoveRedmondHistory. To volunteer or for more info, contact the RHS office: Phone: 425-885-2919.

Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman Is Spectacular

  2017 National Youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman delivering her spectacular poem at President Biden's inauguration 1/20/2021

So Bazaar Festival Going Virtual This Year

Redmond, WA – The So Bazaar evening festival is going virtual this year. Join us via Facebook Live Thursday, August 20, starting at 7:00 p.m., at www.Facebook.com/RedmondParks. The virtual event will consist of an art compilation with a program that will highlight culinary arts, dance, film, music, poetry, visual arts, and more. 

This year’s So Bazaar theme is “Hindsight is 2020,” which offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, live in the present, and envision the future.

“So Bazaar showcases Redmond as a vibrant and creative destination,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “Although this year may look a little different, it is more important than ever to recognize what makes our community so unique. Join us virtually as we celebrate the diversity, creativity, and excitement that makes the City of Redmond such a welcoming and wonderful community.”

So Bazaar is a multi-disciplinary arts celebration and an opportunity for local artists, chefs, and entertainers to share their talents. 

This festival encourages Redmond residents, employees, and visitors to socially engage and experience the arts. This year’s event will feature artists from So Bazaar’s past, offering timely inspiration for the future. 

Explore the depths of creativity and imagination through performances and participatory arts offerings. This year’s artists include Tomo Nakayama, Chrysalis Circus, Britta Johnson, afrose fatima ahmed, Chef Christine Arokiasamy, Rhythms of India, Redmond’s Poet Laureate Raul Sanchez, Redmond’s Artist-in-Residence Xaviera Vandermay, and more.

For more information and a complete listing of So Bazaar programming, please visit https://www.redmond.gov/SoBazaar. The event will be available for on demand viewing at www.Facebook.com/RedmondParks after the event on August 20.

-- Press Release

Artist-Commissioned Light Installations at Redmond Lights

Everything you would want or need to know about "Redmond Lights."

Redmond Lights returns on December 3, 2016 to celebrate the City's diverse winter traditions, cultures and faiths. In addition to traditional luminaries, light displays, and performers, this year’s event will feature a stronger arts presence than in years past. Four temporary artist-commissioned light installations and a balloon installation by Redmond Poet Laureate Shin Yu Pai will punctuate the event along the Luminary Walk. Near City Hall, Redmond Poet Laureate Shin Yu will share some of her poetry at Redmond Lights via a custom balloon installation. Poetry balloons will be available for the first 250 attendees. A floating light installation in the shape of holiday lights by Suzanne Tidwell will illuminate the Sammamish River. The installation can be viewed along the Luminary Walk or from above on the 85th Street bridge.

Updated: "Poets in the Park"

Last Saturday my wife and I went to Anderson Park for the annual "Poets in the Park" event. My wife painted at the VALA Arts Center booth and spent time talking to Michael Dylan Welch about his passion for haiku.  Michael is Redmond's third Poet Laureate.  My favorite haiku was by Christopher Herold.

foghorns

we lower our kayak

into the sound

I discovered the poem in Michael's installation "Haiku on Sticks."  I spent a lot of time talking to Dawn Laurant at the VALA Arts Center booth.  Dawn is the VALA Arts Director and Chair of the Kirkland Arts Commission.  She could be a tremendous resource for the "Redmond Arts and Culture Committee."  (The City of Redmond really needs to up their game, specifically in outdoor art.)

Dawn is especially excited about "Ekphrastic Assimilations: Finding Poetry in Art."   It's an exhibition of visual art and poetry including 6 artists from China, 6 artists from Washington and several featured poets. Sept 15th - Oct 31st.  The art will be displayed at VALA with poetry readings in Kirkland.  www.Ekphrasic.org (starting July 1) A lot of work and fundraising is going into it. Need I say this will be an incredible event.  It will draw regional attention and put Redmond on the map.

VALA is developing into an exciting arts center for Redmond.  Stop by the gallery in RTC, 8201 164th Ave NE. and pick up their June-September line-up. 100% of the proceeds from art sales go to the artist!  They just hired a new Executive Director, Vicki Todd.  Lots going on!

Poets in the Park activities:  poetry readings, open mics, workshops, a poetry book fair, and free ice cream. Also featured, mini-golf, Poetry on Sticks, art activities sponsored by VALA Art Center, and a Redmond Historical Society display. "Redmond Association of Spoken Word" (RASP) organized the event.  The City of Redmond co-sponsored it with RASP.  The current Poet Laureate, Shin Yu Pai, recited. and her performance drew me to the event.  Michael Dylan Welch (http://www.graceguts.com/) was the Event Director and made it all happen.   

Bob Yoder

Shin Yu Pai - The City of Redmond's 2016 Poet Laureate

Shin Yu Pai

Earlier this year, the City Council approved $10,000 to hire Shin Yu Pai as our Poet Laureate for the 2015-2016 year. Shin Yu Pai is a Poet, Curator, Oral Historian, Photographer, and Educator.

According to the city, the purpose of our Poet Laureate is to:

1. Broaden the awareness of poetry.

2. Express the spirit of Redmond culture through poetry.

3. Raise the level of discourse during discussions and debates in the City.

Have you ever heard her recite poetry? Please comment below this post.  I've heard her once at a city hall council meeting. I sat towards the back of the chambers and had a difficult time hearing and understanding her.  Frankly, I found her a bit over my head. Hopefully, we'll see more of Shin Yu Pai in a better setting as we get closer to the summer. 

You can find a full description of Shin's background here.  She has impressive credentials.

Bob Yoder

Updated: Musings on Redmond Arts

There's art and then there's entertainment and a mix of both. I'd like to see a night club in Redmond where we can dance and listen to live music all year long. Hopefully the OneRedmond Foundation, Chaired by John Stilin, will consider promoting this and similar kinds of downtown entertainment.  

Soulfood Coffee House is Redmond's go-to-place to enjoy musicians and artists like Clint McCune, jazz, an open mic, poetry readings, etc. Would Soulfood go so far as to include East Indian music, etc?  Of course, that would be up to the free market, not the city "Arts and Culture" committee.   

For years Clint and Sara Peflrey's Soulfood Coffee House was "the heart and soul" of Redmond.  I'll never forget the "opening night" for Redmond's first poet laureate. She performed at Soulfood and the TV media covered it region-wide. Council Member Hank Margeson was there, everyone. 

When Clint and Sara sold Soulfood they left somewhat of a cultural void. 

For several years it seemed the city wandered seeking a new harbor for our "soul." Will it be the Downtown Park? The Historic Core?  Both?

I like how the city is installing outdoor art and memorabilia representative of our history.  The "erratic" representing the glacial age, was constructed of old railroad rail plates. The Linear Park has a railroad Signal installation. The Mayor says a totem pole installation is planned near Lower Bear Creek.  There's a small park with wood Indian carvings near the Slough. The original school bell is installed (but on an obscure exterior wall of the Public Safety building.)  A stone marker sits by Perrigo Springs -- the first water source for Indians and pioneers. The Downtown clock tower was renamed Naomi Hardy Clock Tower.

Is it remotely possible the city, with our emphasis on culture. will install outdoor East Indian art, European art, Chinese art, ecetera?  After a botched City Hall installation designed by Portland artist (the water feature wouldn't work) the city fortunately found John Fleming from Ballard for the erratic installation. The erratic was first promoted as a place for kids to play. Today it sits near the future transit corridor, in an obscure RTC location, under-appreciated and little-used accept for the few kids that find it. Later, Mr. Fleming did the interesting railroad Signal installation. Please more outdoor art in the future, especially in our developing Downtown Park and Urban Centers.   
   
Bob Yoder, opinion
Listen to Clint McCune's music

We need more emphasis on Art in Redmond

Last night, my wife and I decided on a date night to enjoy some live music. We had to drive all the way to Snoqualmie to find it.  As a 36-year resident, and seeing Redmond's rocketing downtown growth, I find this appalling.  (Education Hill Facebook Groups lit up when I posted for discussion: "Is there any other place than Soulfood for us?")

The good news!  We got to listen to an old friend Clint McCune play his awesome vibe! His music inspired me to write this piece.  Clint was once Chairman of the Arts Commission, serving three terms, and now lives in Woodinville.  In 2008 he worked diligently to attract performing arts and recognize our culture through the arts. 

Redmond is a city of over 49,000 residents and all that we have for permanent, full time performing arts is Clint's old coffee shop that occasionally hosts musicians. This, after extensive downtown cultural corridor studies. Just last week on RCTV, Council Member John Stilin (he's played some base guitar with Clint) spoke of his frustration saying something to the effect that the city's not even on the performing arts and cultural center map.  

It seems little has changed since the days of Clint. Read this old Redmond Reporter article.  We have two outdoor "railroad art" installations, the Marymoor county park summer series and had two colorful "tree wraps" in Anderson Park. What else am I missing? Is there art on Cleveland Street? There's a lot of hum in the Downtown but where's our heart and soul now?  The Downtown Park?  The Historic Core?  Both?  

The city hosts a summer series, a poet laureate, an arts store and theater in RTC, and the valuable Historical Society office with memorabilia and speaker's programs (now threatened by redevelopment).  In the summer the city relies heavily on the County for outdoor music. In the winter, fall, and spring we hibernate.   

For the last seven years or so, the city's spent gobs of money and time with consultants developing art and culture "master plans" but what's there to show for it?  I've heard the Downtown Park will be a key place for outdoor art and culture.  What kind of art?  Will they hire the artist (Ed Carpenter) from Portland again? 
      
I'm sorry to sound so cynical.  And I know the city has a lot on their plate.  But how can we spark art?  Most of us aren't Arts Commission "committee types."   The Planning Commission's "Historic Core"  study is underway. This may be good opportunity to give input.  Will our soul reside in the historic core?  

I guess someone could start a "conversation" during the next Town Hall about why Arts isn't a priority. The Ed HIll Neighborhood Assoc. may even have some input. I think it's time the city stops analyzing their expensive, grandiose, bureaucratic art master plan and does something with it.  What do you think?  Please comment!

Bob Yoder, opinion

Listen to Clint's music 
Meet Shin Yu Pai, Redmond's current poet laureate
Graffiti art in "Edge Skate Park"

City Council approves $10,000 for city Poet Laureate

In Tuesday's Consent Agenda, City Council approved $10,000* to hire Shin Yu Pai as the city's Poet Laureate for the 2015-2016 year. 

The purpose of the Poet Laureate according to the city is to:

1. Broaden the awareness of poetry.

2. Express the spirit of Redmond culture through poetry.
3. Raise the level of discourse during discussions and debates in the City.

"Redmond tax dollars at work."

Opinion by Bob Yoder

Writers Symposium at Ovelake School features acclaimed and popular poet Billy Collins

 

Poet Billy Collins, former United States Poet Laureate (2001-2003), brings his perspective on writing to The Overlake School's annual Writers' Symposium on March 17. The evening program, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 7:30 p.m., in Discovery Hall, 20301 NE 108^th St., Redmond.

Collins is an American phenomenon. No poet since Robert Frost has garnered both high critical acclaim and broad popular appeal. His work has appeared in a variety of periodicals including The New Yorker, The Paris Review and The American Scholar. He is a Guggenheim fellow and a New York Public Library “Literary Lion.” His last three collections of poems have earned record sales for poetry, and his readings are often standing room only, attracting a widely diverse audience.  Read More >>

Redmond musician Clint McCune to play concert on Mt. Everest next month

Clint McCune and baby May
strum his graphite mountain guitar in
 SoulFood coffee house & bookstore 

OPINION:  Clint McCune, a popular local musician in Redmond, is going global.   He's climbing to a base camp on Mt. Everest with a co-worker, 5 international musicians, a novelist and DJ to sing to the world.  Their song is a voice for truth, harmony with earth and "a serenade to the Sherpa's mountain goddess of the earth."  Their purpose is not to "trek and conquer" but to "walk consciously, tour and broadcast an awareness of climate change".  Clint says, "now is the time to make a change and take action not just talk about it".

Clint's tour with co-worker John Mower starts this Friday, March 4, 8-10) at SoulFood bookstore elevation 43 feet!  Their destination? 17,590 feet up.  SoulFood is Clint and Sara's organic coffee shop located in Redmond Square next to Ben Franklin.  A map and hours of operation are here. This may be one of Soulfood's largest events - larger than when Redmond's poet laureate performed.  It's possible NPR will attend.  Clint's father hosted an outdoor show for KOMO for 20 years.  Hello media?  

Read More >>

Redmond Historical Society Current Events

Redmond's Poet Laureate reads Saturday, September 11

Did you know Redmond has it's very own Poet Laureate? She's Rebecca Meredith, and she will be our speaker this Saturday, September 11, at the auditorium in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, at 16600 NE 80th St, Redmond, from 10:30 to noon. She will be talking about the "Power of Place," and how the work of poets, and the audiences response to their work, are shaped by their relationship to places in their lives.

Please Click Here to Read Redmond Historical Society's Full Newsletter

Past Redmond Mayors Chris Himes and Doreen Marchione interviewed 

We are proud to announce our own Chris Himes, President of the Board of Directors (& Redmond's first woman mayor)  along with former Mayor Doreen Marchione, were interviewed by the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) as part of their celebration of 100 years of women voting in the state of Washington.. MOHAI interviewed five former mayors in King County and the transcripts of their interviews are on our website, or you can listen to part of the interviews at MOHAI's site, http://www.seattlehistory.org/ , under "Women's Votes."

Eagles Scout Cemetery Project

Eagle Scout Matthew Beecroft worked with his troop and other volunteers to map out and photograph the head stones at the Old Redmond Cemetery. He found there were almost 1000 grave stones, all carefully photographed, with the information on each stone recorded, he then gave RHS a disk with the photos and a file with info from each stone. Please come by our office to learn more about this project.

Founder of Northwest rail company proposes tourist train - guest speaker on October 9  Read More