Redmond City Council Member to Seek Superior Court Position

Allen Will Challenge Doug North in August Primary

Redmond City Council Member to Seek Superior Court Position 30

REDMOND, WA. --- Kimberly Allen, 53, twice elected member of the Redmond City Council, announced today that she is running for King County Superior Court, Position 30. Allen has served for seven years on the Council, focusing on smart growth, the environment and regional transit.  Read More >>

Lower Bear Creek Natural Area by Avondale Rd. adds 1.6 acres

Lower Bear Creek "ox-bow" / BY
 (Look for the small  Hartman Pool sign by the sidewalk on Avondale Road)

The Lower Bear Creek Natural Area
Grows by 1.6 Acres

Driving north on Avondale, it's possible you noticed the blue sign “Lower Bear Creek Natural Area” on the east side of the road.  This natural area is about 13 acres and includes what is known as the Grandfather Grove of large second growth trees on the east side of Bear Creek.  It is about four miles upstream from Redmond Town Center and the Sammamish River.    Read More >>

2012 State Lacrosse Girls Championship - Lake Sammamish plays Bainbridge High School

Brought to my attention by lacrosse aficcionado Tom Wehe, American Family Insurance....

Sorry to say  BB won 13 to 11 but it was a really good game.

 

2012 Washington Lacrosse Girls State
Championships
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Eastside Catholic School, Sammamish, Washington

9 a.m. High School All-Star Game
11 a.m. Girls 3rd / 4th Place Game
2 p.m. Girls State Championship Game

SEATTLE — The field is set for Saturday’s Washington Lacrosse Girls State Championship as Bainbridge High School takes on Lake Sammamish in Saturday’s state title game.

The state title matchup, televised On Demand by Comcast, gets underway at 2 p.m. , Saturday, May 19 at the Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish. The state title game is preceded by an 11 a.m. consolation game to determine 3rd / 4th place among the two losing teams in Tuesday’s state semifinals, Lakeside and Mercer Island.

Bainbridge, the defending state champion Read More >>

UPDATED: Jeri Rowe-Curtis to fill new City of Redmond "Communications and Marketing" position

City Selects New Communications and Marketing Administrator

Jeri Rowe-Curtis

UPDATED:  Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond has announced the selection of Ms. Jeri Rowe-Curtis to fill the new position of Communications and Marketing Administrator effective June 1st.

Rowe-Curtis comes to the City with a wealth of communications and marketing expertise working with federal, state, regional and local governments, with news and media outlets and with public-private and philanthropic partners to achieve change. She brings a response driven track record of collaboration to affect change. She joins the City of Redmond after a 14-year career with the federal government as the *Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs  "Puget Sound Health Care System" where she managed high profile news, web, social media and crisis communications programs, shaped internal, external and congressional affairs, and strategic partnership development.

Prior to joining the federal government, Rowe-Curtis managed external affairs programs for the University Of Washington School Of Medicine, for the Sisters of Providence Health Care Corporation, and served as a legislative staff member for the King County Executive, for the Assistant Majority Leader of the Washington State Senate and for the Seattle City Council.

Rowe-Curtis, a 22-year former Redmond resident, has received numerous professional awards
Read More >>

Evergreen Hosts Mental Health Forum: "Resilience - A Forgotten Strength"

This event is free and open to everyone...

NAMI-Eastside Education Forum

“RESILIENCE- A FORGOTTEN STRENGTH”
  Guest: Greg Schell, M.Ed.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 7 PM - 9 PM
Evergreen Hospital,
Physicians and Surgeons Building Suite Tan 100
2303 NE 130th Lane,
Kirkland, WA 98034

Greg Schell, M.Ed., is the Director of the Washington State Fathers Network. For over 30 years he has been a teacher, family trainer, researcher and principal, working with families and young people.

After a review of the research on dads having children with disability, Greg will address “resilience”, one of the amazing strengths all humans possess to deal with the challenges of life. Certain behaviors can increase our ability to manage the difficulties we encounter more successfully.

Please come willing to discuss some of your own resilient successes, as most likely you have something everyone can learn from.

NAMI-Eastside BLOG - new!

UPDATED: Lake Washington Schools Foundation Legacy Luncheon Slated for Success

Please Join Us For...

"Growing Tomorrow's Great Minds TODAY
One Child at a Time"

The Lake Washington Schools Foundation"7th Annual A Legacy for Learning Luncheon"

Featuring Tony Ventralla
Media Host for the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders

Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Registration starts at 11:00AM
Program runs from 11:30AM to 12:45PM

Lake Washington High School
12033 NE 80th St.  Kirkland, WA.

Lunch is complimentary; Open and reserve seating. The Foundation suggests a $150 per person donation.  MATCHING GIFTS! Guests have the opportunity to impact students further with gifts of $350 and more matched at 100% and $1,000 and more matched at 200% from our challenge pool! The gift-challenge pool of $100,000 is made up personal commitments by the Board of Trustees and those of our Platinum and Gold corporate supporters.  FAQ

Platinum
Microsoft

Gold Sponsors
Magellan Architects
BOEING
Sodexo
LWYSA
PUGET SOUND ENERGY

Silver Sponsors
Baldwin Resource Group (BRG)
D.A. Davidson & Co.
OVERLAKE Hospital Medical Center
PASSPORT Unlimited
SWEDISH/Redmond
LIVENGOOD, FITZGERALD & ALSKOG, P.L.L.C.
Banner Bank
HERRY
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Kiwanis International
AT&T

This community has contributed over $1.7 million to secure academic excellence and success for all students in the Lake Washington School District. Volunteer, be a table captain, request sponsorship information Contact us now at (425) 936- 1414 or info@lwsf.org

UPDATED: Evergreen Healthcare is now EvergreenHealth

from the desk of Bob Malte, CEO...

BOB MALTE, CEO & Sup










UPDATED:  As we mark the 40th anniversary of Evergreen, we celebrate all this community has done to help Evergreen grow and expand as our community has grown.

Over the past 40 years, Evergreen has come a very long way under the leadership of our Board of Commissioners and with the talent and dedication of our physicians, staff, volunteers and members of this community.

We began as a small, general hospital in 1972, with only two floors. Today, we are still the deepl y caring hospital this community created then; and we are a sophisticated medical center, using technological advances such as 3D digital mammography and minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery to ensure that our people on the Eastside receive the best care possible. Our distinguised care and service have been recently recognized by HealthGrades, ranking us in the Top 5% of hospitals in the country for clinical excellence, and the Top 10% for our patient experience.

To better reflect who we have become for you, we've decided this anniversary year to introduce a refreshed brand, name and look for Evergreen that honors our 40-year tradition of exceptional clinical care and community service while more effectively reflecting what we have become and aspire to be—the hospital and medical center that aligns the technology, quality, expertise and service required to deliver breakthrough care for you.

We have much to celebrate this 40th year. We invite you to join us in the celebration.

Sincerely,

Bob Malte

Chief Executive Officer  

Source: 
Evergreegn Hospital Website:  http://www.evergreenhospital.org/
Links/ BY

Mustangs Celebrate 2nd Kingco Title in Three Years



Champions

On Thursday night at Woodinville High School, the Redmond Mustangs played like champions and defeated the Issaquah Eagles 7-0 to win the Kingco Conference title.

The Mustangs were firing on all cylinders. Leading the charge offensively were Patrick McGrath, Brent Firth, and Cody Beliel. Each had two hits on the night. Beliel scored two runs. Firth drove in three runs. And, McGrath scored two while driving in two.

On the mound, Adam Cline didn't disappoint as he tossed a complete game shutout. Cline, however, didn't do it alone as he had the help of some outstanding defense. No play was more impressive than senior Peyton Lutz robbing a homerun in leftfield in the 4th inning.

Redmond now heads into the state tournament as the 1 seed from Kingco. The first game is Saturday, May 19th at 1 pm at Kent Memorial Stadium. Be there to root on your Mustangs.  Directions

State Bracket - http://www.wiaa.com/Brackets/T126.pdf

KingCo Champions: 1972, 1976, 1977, 1991, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2010
Washington State 4A Champions: 1991, 1993

JF-Photo by Jill - find phenomenal, action packed photos from most Mustang games
SOURCE:  RedmondMustangBaseball

Eastside Schools Rock, By Ross Hunter

Ross Hunter's Blog, May 8, 2012
By Ross Hunter, State Representative, 48th Legislative District, Chairman of Ways and Means Committee

Eastside Schools Rock

5 of the top 5 high schools in Washington State and 5 of the top 200 high schools in the nation are in either the Bellevue or Lake Washington School District, acording to the annual US News and World Report 2012 ranking. While not an uncontroversial ranking (it doesn’t include Bellevue’s football prowess, for example) it’s a well thought-through system of measuring how well high schools prepare students for success in college, AND how well they work with traditionally underserved populations.  READ MORE >>

Co-President of LWSD-PTSA encourages being a member for life.

"CURRENTS," May 2012 Volume 32, Issue -  15,434 members strong!

Lake Washington PTSA Council Monthly Newsletter, Janitzia Pizarro, News Editor

from the desk of Shelley Flores, co-President, LWSD-PTSA Council 2.8...

What does it really mean to be a member of the PTSA for life? Why would anyone want to support the PTSA after their student has "left the building?"

Wendy DeLong explained her reasons for being in PTA.  (She has been a member of a PTA for 29  years.)  Wendy believes that, "the mission of PTA is universal." PTA is about "caring about children and ensuring their welfare" and this benefits everyone in the community. And it is an "obligation of all generations to be responsible for the education and welfare of children and does not end when one's youngest receives a high school diploma." Sandy Hargraves echoed this thought when he said, "It really does take a community to raise a child. PTSA is a great educational alliance."

After hearing what other long-time members have had to say about staying connected, I realized that this is what I want to do, too. Since most PTA's don't often actively pursue alumni members, it will most likely be up to me to make sure I become a member in the future. I can also become a "Friend of the PTA" through Washington State PTA by calling [425-736-1216], their main office. I like the idea of supporting my community by being a life-time member - even after my son has "left the building."

Regards,
Shelley Flores co-President
Lake Washington PTSA Council 2.8
Source:  "CURRENTS," May 2012 Volume 32, Issue 9

This piece has been edited for brevity.  Find Shelly's entire letter in the May Issue of CURRENTS
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Herons and Dogs?

 

Nesting herons / KIM CASHON-SMITH

 
Herons and Dogs?

Kim Cashon-Smith lives on Education Hill.  This Spring she took a rare photo of herons nesting in a tree at Marymoor Dog Park  Do you see the chicks?  The mama and papa?  Double-click-pic for help. 

They're Great Blue Herons.  The city says "Great Blues" are our most important bird.  They used to nest in the evergreens across from Saturday Market.  A few years ago crows and eagles scared them away. 

They moved their homes to Issaquah.  And now they're back.  Do you think they'll stay?

Herons and dogs?

What do you say!


xxxx
Live video of Great Blue Herons feeding their chicks, Cornell University’s Sapsucker Woods Pond 

Redmond area families invited to host exchange students.

"BENNETT'S BUNCH" FROM LAST YEAR

Liven Up Your July -  Be Connected Forever!

Educational Homestay Program Starts July 12. Sign-Up Today!

Educational Homestay Program (EF), is a non-profit organization  bringing short-term foreign exchange students to our area for many summers ~ perhaps you've met some!
 
50 high school students from Spain and China will be living in and around Redmond this summer from July 12-31 and we need many host families to take them in. (We can find a filler family if you will be gone part of the time.)
 
Hosting is super easy and fun since the students will go on daily field trips and to school at RJH each M-F from 9-5 (being taught by the ever-popular Ms. Samppala) . Host family members are welcome to attend field trips and just need to provide meals, transportation to RJH, and a bed.
 
You can host 1-4 students but most host 2. (Students can share a room with you or each other.) They also bring their own spending $ and are fully insured.
 
Hosting can often be counted for community service hours. For more info please don't delay in contacting Kris Bennett at Bennettbunch@aol.com  or 425-890-9252 and check out the EF website: http://www.ef.com/ehp 
 
By Kris Bennett
Education Hill neighbor
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Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission approves electric and natural gas rate hikes.

 PGE 

The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission orders Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to raise electric rates by 3.2 % and natural gas prices by 1.3%.   The rates are significantly less than originally requested by PSE.  The new rates will take effect on May 14.   

PGE originally requested an 8.1 percent increase for electric service and 3.0 percent increase for natural gas service.  

The commission also approved an increase of about 30 percent in contributions to PSE’s residential electric low-income assistance program. Customer contributions to the program will increase from $.59 to $.76 a month, beginning May 14.

Source:  Letter from WSUTC responding to a public comment.  Read More >>

UPDATED: Redmond Mustangs defeat Newport, On To State



Hot Bats and a Dominant Pitching Lead to a 9-1 Win /
JILL FLYNN

On To State

Plays Issaquah this Thursday for Kingco title game.

Wins for the 14th time in 15 games since a 0-7 record at start of season

From the opening bell, the Redmond Mustangs were ready to go, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first. The big blows came off the bats of a pair of sophomores, Lucas Eliason and Kyle Francis. Eliason lined a two run double down the right-field line while Francis drove a triple in the right-center gap for three RBI of his own. Of the 12 total hits off Mustang bats, senior Patrick McGrath had three, one a two run bomb to left.

That first inning run production was more than enough for starter Peter Hendron. The power-pitching righthander only gave up one hit on the day, a solo homerun to Nate Anderson. The performance by Hendron and the hot bats send the Mustangs off to the state regionals on May 19th.

For more on Hendron and the game, check out the Seattle Times story - http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2018162726_riley08.html

Redmond now prepares for the Kingco title game against the Issaquah Eagles. Be at Woodinville High School on Thursday, 5/10, 7 pm to root on your Mustangs.

Photo collage by Jill Flynn
Source:  Redmond Mustange website,  Dan Pudwill

City moves forward on plan to re-locate Evans Creek

Evans Creek headwaters are in East King County along the Old Red Brick Road.  The creek continues north and west through SE Redmond industries, past Keller Farm, before it's confluence with Bear Creek.   Bear Creek flows into the Sammamish River which flows into Lake Washington and Puget Sound.

On May 1, the Redmond city council approved land acquisitions to relocate Evans Creek north and east and away from SE Redmond industries. (See map).  If negotiations to purchase the property are unsuccessful the Council approved  use of eminent domain.

The benefits of re-locating Evans Creek are many.  Relocation: 1) improves habitat for wild salmon and wildlife, 2)  increases the land values and opportunity for redevelopment of industrial properties, 3) encourages clean-up of hazardous waste and further safeguards the city aquifer 4) improves flood water conveyence, 5) enhances Bear-Evans Creek Trail recreation with restored riparian habitat.

Evans Creek is an important and valuable stream in SE Redmond that's been heavily impacted by industrial development and permiting violations, as has "AWR."  Read More >>

Place your bets on The Daily Double!! Marymoor Velodrome and RHS!!

Season Kick-off Party and Roller Racing Extravaganza

Saturday May 12, 7-10 PM
Hale's Ales in the Palladium

Marymoor Velodrome (Marymoor Park)
•All ages

•Track-specific bike swap (bring your stuff to trade and sell!)

•Food and beverages available

•See your long lost track friends! The season's almost here!

First heats on the roller bikes (fixed fork) scheduled for 7:30. Spin to win!

Not many places can boast a biking velodrome, and Redmond's has been around now for nearly 40 years. The Velodrome has hosted many national championships, 1990 Goodwill Games and many Olympic hopefuls. Learn more about the Velodrome in the evening at the Beer Gardens of the Roller Racing extravaganza or the Redmond Historical Society (RHS) media event in the morning...or both!  Place your bets, it's The Daily Double!!

Please join the RHS on Saturday, May 12th, 10:30 AM in the auditorium of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80th St. Redmond, WA, when Jerry Baker, one of the volunteers who made it happen, takes us on a history tour.
 
Photo:  'black and white' courtesy of RHS
Banner:  courtesy of the Marymoor Veledrome Association
Follow Redmond Neighborhood Blog facebook page on www.facebook.com/redmondblogger

Redmond Mustangs gutted out Woodinville in first round of Kingco Playoffs




A Total Team Effort Leads Redmond to a Win/ JILL FLYNN

  Kingco Playoff Time

The Redmond Mustangs gutted out a 3-2 win over the Woodinville Falcons in the first round of the Kingco playoffs on Saturday morning.

The win was due in large part to the effort of senior pitcher, Adam Cline. The crafty right-hander held the Falcon bats to only three hits on the day. Offensively, junior Brent Firth hit a monster blast over the right-centerfield fence for a solo homerun in the 2nd inning. And, senior Patrick McGrath came up clutch driving in the other two runs, the game winner on a two out, two strike pitch in the 5th inning.

The win puts the Mustangs one game away from the state tournament. Standing in their way is division rival, Newport. The game is Monday at 4 pm at Woodinville High School.  Be there.

Click here for bracket information: PLAYOFF BRACKET

Source:  Redmond Miustang Baseball website, Coach Dan Pudwill
Collage Photos By Jill Flynn - find phenomenal, action packed photos from most Mustang games

KingCo Champions: 1972, 1976, 1977, 1991, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2010
Washington State 4A Champions: 1991, 1993

Find Redmond Blog facebook page here www.facebook.com/redmondblog

"Funeral Service Education Program" receives accreditation at Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Restorative art course teaches funeral
preparation skills 

from the desk of Jen Boyer, Media Relations, Lake Washington Institute of Seattle...

We’re excited to announce our "Funeral Service Education Program" received accreditation. All of our graduates from that first class have found work, which starts in the $40,000 to $50,000 a year pay range. We can provide students, graduates and/or faculty if you’re interested in an interview. Students come from all over the state to take our course.

Students in LWIT’s Funeral Service Education’s restorative art course learn valuable skills in applying cosmetics and performing hair styling in preparation for funeral presentation.

Press Release:   Read more >>