Updated: Cindy Jayne - An extraordinary Redmond community leader and volunteer.

This strory was authored by Bob Yoder

Cindy Jayne is an amazing Redmond community leader and volunteer.  I first met Cindy reporting on a Parks & Trails Meeting.  I wanted to write her story.  Cindy has taken the summer off and is "working" full time on a backyard landscaping project right now, but she kindly offered a little of her time to share the biography of her volunteer life in Redmond.   Hold your hat, here goes: 

1992  Moved to Redmond - Lives west of Marymoor Park, in the View Point Neighborhood.
2004  Joined Northwest Earth Institute.  http://www.nweiseattle.org/
2005  Steering Committee member for Seattle Northwest Earth Institute
2006  Joined City of Redmond Trails Commission
2007  Joined City of Redmond Pedestrian-Bicycle Citizen Advisory Committee
2007  Laison between PED-Bicycle Advisory Committee and Parks & Trails Commission
2009  Vice Chair of City of Redmond Parks and Trails Committee
2009  Forest Land Steward (with husband Jeff) for Westside Park.
2009  Derby Day Redmond-Green booth volunteer and parade participant.
2009  Starting up "Sustainable Redmond Group",  http://www.scallopswa.org/

Northwest Earth Institute's Sense of Place course is part of what prompted Cindy to join the Trails Commission.   This course focuses on one's knowledge and commitment to the local community. The Institute is giving a presentation of their "discussion courses" for those who want to learn more, Thursday,  September 17, from 7-8 at the Redmond Library, Room. I.   Say hi to Cindy!

Professionally, Cindy worked for 13 years for Physio-Control in Redmond, designing medical devices.  She has a Bachelor's and Masters in Electrical Engineering, and an MBA.  She switched to consulting work in 2008. 

"I had the perfect commute for many years - 5 miles each way, most of which was along the Sammamish River trail. I would ride my bike to work typically twice a week, year round, which both reduced my carbon footprint, and gave me a good workout and fresh air."

Cindy Jayne's personal mission and philosopy on life:

"As I have learned more about climate change, I came to view that as the most critical issue that affects our planet today. It impacts so many other aspects, including poverty, disease, forests, and wildlife. I feel it is a moral responsibility that we all have to try to leave the planet in better shape than we inherited, for the sake of all the world's children (of all species) and future generations.  I am hopeful that not only can we change course, but that doing so will improve our lives by helping bring communities together, and shifting our culture away from consumerism and toward meaningful relationships. As the saying goes, the best things in life aren't things."

Thank you Cindy Jayne for all you do for our community!  

Cindy would love to hear from anyone interested in being part of "Sustainable Redmond".  She can be contacted at cindy@nweiseattle.org.   

by Bob Yoder

"Youth Eastside Services" invites the Community to celebrate the grand opening of a new YES facility in historic Forbes House!

Youth Eastside Services invites you to a free, festive celebration of kids and families in Kirkland's Juanita Park.

Help YES celebrate the grand opening of the new YES facility in the historic Forbes House.

Cake, Treats, Music, Face Painting, Pumpkin Painting, Magic, Pinatas, a Bouncy House, 'The World's Largest Cat' and More

No RSVP required. Free & Open to the Public
Friday, September 25, 2009
4:00 -6:00 p.m.
Forbes House, Juanita Park, 11829-97th Ave NE

CLICK HERE for all the details and to learn more about "Youth Eastside Services"

YES-Redmond/Family Resource Center
16225 NE 87th St.  Redmond, WA 98052  425-869-6036
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 2:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Nancy McCormick remarks about wildlife in Redmond.

Nancy McCormick
 Six-Term Redmond City Councilmember 

"Another neighborhood picnic in the record books, the 28th, and not only did we have a cougar killed the other night on SR520 close by, but it turns out we have also had a bobcat a block away from my house. Wow. Redmond is supposed to be an urban center -- and we have cougar, bobcat, raccoons, deer, and bunnies, all sighted this summer."

  -- Nancy Mauritson McCormick
 posted by permission, photo and source: FaceBook account, 9/09

Lake Washington School District PTSA donations in August total $57,000!

It is so seldom the community hears about the wonderful support our PTSA's give to LWSD schools.  Well, that's going to change!  As Editor of this Redmond blog, I will be reporting the donations and volunteer effort our community makes to District schools. 

At the 8/10 Board meeting, LWSD Superintendent, Chip Campbell read off the list of donations made by PTSA's and other donors in the month of August.  Amazing news!  August donations from PTSA's, LWSF, and Amgen totaled:  $64,155. 

Individual school donors and recipients are listed, below: 

Norman Rockwell PTSA, (Redmond) $4560 - for a sport grandstand and play panel for Kindergartners.

Audubon El PTSA, (Redmond) $11,520 - for field trips and assembly.

Amgen donated  $5,000 to Best High School  for enrichment activities and supplies.

Lakeview Elementary PTSA (Kirkland), $8,000  - for computer lab.

LWSF donated $2000 to the Lunch Buddy program.

Sandburg El PTSA (Kirkland), $12,177  - for swim lessons for 3rd graders, computers, and field trips.

Stella Schola JH PTSA (Rose Hill), $9056 - for stipend for extracurricular activities.

Smith El. PTSA (Sammamish), $2062 - for field trips and enrichment.

Muir El PTSA (Kirkland), $1754  - for music and phys. ed. materials.

Bell El PTSA (Kirkland),  $2000 - for Lunch Buddy

Kirk El PTSA,(Kirkland) $1,031 - for enrichment

LWSF to Evergreen J.H, $1,110  - for Readerboard improvements

Source:  8/10/09  LWSD Board Meeting video archive

Of note, 5/8 of the elementary school donor recipients were Kirkland schools.

Listing and descriptions of LWSD schools.  http://www.lwsd.org/Schools/Pages/default.aspx

UPDATED, 9/19, As City Council "scratches" for issues, my reporting will drill deeper in LWSD news & community comment.

How many chickens should the city let us have in our backyard?

Believe it or not,  zoning  for backyard chickens was cause for 20 minutes of deliberations by our city councilmembers in their Tuesday evening Special Meeting.

The issue of urban sustainablity has aparently brought urban chicken zoning to the forefront of several cities across the country. Read about the Missoula, MT story of the couple pictured here.

As one councilmember said, you never know, food may someday get scarce and we'd be smart to plan for sustainable food sources; and living closer to our food sources is desirable.  Another councilmember said the eggs are as important as the meat.  The Council majority finally concluded chickens would be a neighorhood backyard nuisance and didn't want to change the ordniance.

According to the local Reporter newspaper, the City of Redmond currently allows up to 10 chickens per half acre.  

An Ombudsman letter initiated the discussion and decision for a council zoning vote.  The same citizen sent the Redmond Blog their letter, but I read it in disbelief.  In short, the citizen claimed Seattle allows 3 hens per lot and Bellevue allows 6 chickens per urban lot, so why not Redmond?   Hens are quieter than chickens.

Council concluded  most residents wouldn't want chickens scratching and cockadoodling in their neighbors backyard and advised NO to a zoning change.  Guess it's time to load up on canned meats!

Mayor Marchione is doing a very good job in his first year and a half.  Don't you think?   Council is now left with "scratching" for issues for their Tuesday night City Hall meetings, for this moment.   Thus my coverage is shifting to their Council Committee Meetings - in which it now appears many of their decisions are made.  (Further review reveals voting in Committee Meetings are "advisory" only).  I am starting to cover Lake Washington School Board Meetings, as well.

by Bob Yoder

Redmond's new Qdoba Mexican Grill "Opening Event" this Friday supports the Starlight Children's Foundation.

QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL® OFFERS FREE FOOD IN EXCHANGE FOR DONATION AT REDMOND GRAND OPENING EVENT

Grand opening event at Redmond Way location will support Starlight Children’s Foundation™

In celebration of the opening of the newest Redmond, Wash., Qdoba  Mexican Grill® (http://www.qdoba.com/), the restaurant is offering one free entrée and one free medium size fountain drink to anyone who makes a minimum $5 donation to Qdoba’s national charity partner, Starlight Children’s Foundation (http://www.starlight.org)./

The Opening Night celebration is at the new Redmond Way location on September 11 between noon and 4 p.m.  All donations will be directed toward sponsoring a Starlight Fun Center™ mobile entertainment unit for the pediatric patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital.   Representatives from Starlight Foundation will be attending.

WHERE:   (across from QFC and the new Trader Joes)
15946 Redmond Way
Redmond, WA 98052
425-881-6829

ABOUT QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL®

Qdoba Mexican Grill is an artisanal Mexican kitchen where anyone can go to enjoy a fast, handcrafted meal prepared with fresh ingredients and innovative flavors. Each Qdoba restaurant showcases food that celebrates Qdoba’s passion for ingredients, a menu full of innovative flavors, handcrafted preparation and inviting service. Founded in Denver in 1995, Qdoba is among the nation’s largest Mexican fast-casual chains.

Mayor Marchione gives his vision for Downtown at "Coffee Chat". Some citizens voice concerns about downtown growth.

 Mayor Marchione is seen answering citizen questions and concerns about imbalances between road infrastructure and growth.

Update:  Mayor John Marchione is pictured here during his "Coffee Chat" with citizens at the Redmond Senior Center last Friday.  Over 20 citizens sat in to hear the Mayor talk about his vision for the downtown. The ensuing Q&A centered on citizen concerns and questions about:  1) infrastructure keeping up with high-density growth, 2) adequate parking, 3) height of downtown buildings, and 4)  the departure of longtime retail stores.

The YOUTUBE video starts out with citizen concerns about the 108 unit Mondavio project under construction on RED-WOOD Road.  This talk topic leads to a very interesting thread of mayoral - citizen commentary.  In November 2007, I wrote an opinion during the campaign that "John Marchione shouldn't be blamed for Redmond's skyscraping growth".  

A discussion on retail ensued.  Mayor Marchione noted the COSTCO project for SE Redmond appears to have fallen through (no fault of the city).  Some longtime retail has been fleeing or out of businesss (Linens & Things, Kits Cameras, the Bear Creek frame shop, Joanne's Fabric, Lakeside Drug, Hallmark and various Redmond Town Center shops).  Mayor Marchione has redirected staff to begin an economic development program.

Do you have a thought, opinion, or remark about how downtown Redmond is growing?   Please comment below this post.  Or, send your opinion to redmondblog@gmail.com with your name and permission to publish as a LETTER.

by Bob Yoder

UPDATE: The Redmond Historical Society is 10 years old and growing younger!

Redmond Historical Society

General Meeting September 12 2009

Heading into its second decade, the Redmond Historical Society will discuss its new bylaws, organizational structure and goals at its next meeting, Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (ORSCC), 16600 NE 80th St.

Coffee and greetings begin at 10 a.m. and the meeting commences at 10:30 a.m., including a chance to view vintage Redmond photos and identify people and events. 
~~~~~~~~~~~

Provide input on the redevelopment of Slough Park, the site where Dudley Carter served as artist in residence between 1987 and 1992.

The site has many unique characteristics: art, culture, history, many key connections to the trail system and downtown.

Large male cougar was hit and killed by a car on SR520 near Marymoor Park Saturday night.

A large male cougar was hit by a car and killed Saturday night near Marymoor Park in Redmond.

 Sgt. Kim Chandler of the Department of Fish And Wildlife says the cougar was hit on Highway 520 West. The driver of the vehicle was unhurt.

It is the second cougar to turn up in a populated area of King County this week. The first cougar, a 140-pound male, had a luckier fate after it was captured in Discovery Park and returned to the wild Sunday.

Chandler said it's unusual to have a cougar running around in the Redmond area. He said the animal's remains will be buried at a rural area later Sunday.

  --  reported by Fischer Communications staff (not the photo)

Nancy Mauritson McCormick - Another neighborhood picnic in the record books, the 28th, and not only did we have a cougar killed the other night on SR520 close by, but it turns out we have also had a bobcat a block away from my house. Wow. Redmond is supposed to be an urban center -- and we have cougar, bobcat, raccoons, deer, and bunnies, all sighted this summer.  -- FaceBook entry  9/09

UPDATED: Five Redmond High MUSTANG Teams host Golf Tournament Fundraiser!

From Laura Jones
President of  Redmond High School Girls Basketball Club

Thank you Curt Ohrt for Coordinating the Girls Basketball part of this years "Mustang Open" Golf Tournament that was held at Bear Creek Country Club this past Monday. We appreciate all of the time you spent at meetings, coordinating Golfers, gathering auction items and of course distributing and collecting wine cooler Raffle tickets. We know this was a lot of work and we appreciate the time and effort you put forth in this great fundraiser.


Also, Kudos to Cindy Bushmeyer, Nan Glass, Pam Yoder, Lisa Pratt and Becky Orht for working the registration tables the day of the tournament. This years tournament was definitely a great success where the community and RHS Wrestling, Football, Girls/ Boys Golf and the Girls Basketball families came together to support our teams.

The RHS Girls Basketball Booster Club
9/16
                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCEMENT, 9/6

Give the 'Stangs a Kick!  It's not too late to sign up for a game of golf at Bear Creek Country Club and support our Redmond High School Mustangs!

Press here to register for the Redmond High School Mustang Golf fundraiser. (players and sponsors).
It's the 2009 Mustang Open Golf Tournament and Dinner - Auction at Bear Creek Country Club!  Starting Noon, Monday, Sept 14th.  Download a registration form here.

Donation to play is $125.00.  Foursome: $500.00.  Scramble.  Pay online or at the Bear Creek C.C. Mustang Registration Desk on Monday, September 14.  

This golf tournament fundraiser supports five Mustang Teams! 

Mustang Girls Basketball website
Mustang Girls Golf website - 4A State Champs
Mustang Wrestling website
Mustang Football 2009 Team Schedule
Mustang Boys Golf H.S. website

Tournament Sponsorship Opportunities: 

Putting Contest $500.00

Long Drive (women’s & men’s) $350.00 each

Hole-in-One $750.00

Driving Range $500.00

Event Sponsor $2,000.00

To sponsor:  Please call Tom Conway at 425-406-3095 or email at: thomas.conway@lpl.com. and tell Tom if you have a particular team you want to sponsor.
THANK YOU MUSTANG FANS!

Dr. Chip Kimball gives guidance to Teachers on President Obama's 9/8 Televised Address to Students.

UPDATED:  Obama's address is optional for teachers to show based on educational objective

In response to questions from staff and students, Dr. Chip Kimball sent a message to staff today with guidance on President Obama’s televised address to students, scheduled for Tuesday, September 8. He wrote,

“We believe that when the President of the United States addresses the country, the viewing of that address and subsequent discussion is an appropriate educational activity, so long as it fits within the educational objectives of the class. Whether the address is shown will be left to the professional discretion of the individual classroom teacher. If shown, each teacher is expected to ensure activities or discussions provide a balanced view of the issues and viewpoints. Advocacy for a particular political view is not permitted in the classroom. The President’s speech is not expected to be political in nature.”

“Our classrooms are a place where we encourage the open exchange of ideas and viewpoints. Students benefit a great deal through the debate of ideas that impact them and the people around them. If we eliminate this open exchange, we will not be adequately serving our students. It is our hope that students will find our classrooms a place where open agreement and disagreement can take place regarding any number of important issues.”

If parents have a concern regarding how a discussion has been handled in their student’s classroom, they should contact their child’s teacher or building principal to discuss the issue.

--  Source:  LWSD  "News and Announcements"

U.S. Department of Education link to FAQ of Obama's student speech. - 1) watch the speech, 2) read suggested study questions, 3) FAQ.

Evergreen Hospital Medical Center is Ranked Among Top 5% in Nation.

227-bed Evergreen Hospital Medical Center is the cornerstone of Evergreen Healthcare services that include medical groups, home care, hospice, mobile mammography, sleep studies, cardiac wellness &  rehabilitation, stroke, Parkinson's & movement disorders and many more...

Evergreen Hospital Medical Center shines in many ways beyond emergency disaster preparedness.

According to Sherry Grindeland, Evergreen Healthcare's Media Coordinator, in 2009 Evergreen hospital is ranked in the nation’s top five percent of hospitals by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading healthcare ratings company. Nearly 5,000 hospitals were evaluated.

HealthGrades rated Evergreen five-star for general surgery, appendectomy, bowel obstruction, critical care, bariatric surgery, GI procedures and surgeries, GI bleed and pancreatitis. It is five-star rated for maternity care service for five consecutive years and for treatment of pneumonia for four years in a row. It is also five-star rated for heart attack and treatment of heart failure.

HealthGrades reviews nearly 41 million hospitalization records in its annual study. Complete information is available at http://www.healthgrades.com/. More information about Evergreen Hospital Medical Center and Evergreen Healthcare can be found at  http://www.evergreenhealthcare.org/.

Hospital amenities: 

• Free parking in 5-story tower
• Images Cafe - affordable entrees, by chef Shane Lynch, graduate of Culinary Institute of America, N.Y.
• Major art works - Call Kathy Page Feek, Ed.D. to schedule a private group art tour. 425.899.4270
• Gift shop - colorful / loaded with creative gifts.