EvergreenHealth receives five-star rating from Medicare and Medicaid

EvergreenHealth Earns Five-Star CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating

The health system is one of only two in the Puget Sound region to receive high rating

Kirkland, Wash.— EvergreenHealth recently became one of only six hospitals statewide and two within the Puget Sound region to receive a five-star overall rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), based on a report published in early 2019.

 

"RE-elect LWSD School Board Director Siri Bliesner"

I believe that an excellent public education is a right for all individuals. A strong democracy requires an active, engaged community, and we achieve that with excellent public education. My extensive experience and the relationships I have built throughout the community combine to give me a strong voice to continue moving forward with the District’s initiatives and advance new, innovative opportunities for all of our students.

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) is an outstanding public school district with talented staff, teachers, and an involved community supporting the opportunities and achievement of our students.

It has been a pleasure to serve on the school board for the last eight years in a variety of roles – Legislative Representative, Vice President, and President. This has provided an opportunity to deepen my understanding of school organization and funding, as well as issues surrounding educational equity.

Jessica Forsythe challenges Hank Margeson for Position 3

Meet Jessica Forsythe 

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Ms. Forsythe is challenging Mr. Hank Margeson for Position 3.  

"I have been a small business owner and Creative Director of a design studio since 2006. I work primarily with non-profit organizations and clients whose core values revolve around serving and improving the community. My work has ranged from domestic and international LEED-certified large scale mixed-use architecture projects, like the ones popping up in downtown Redmond, to establishing the brand for the Seattle Symphony’s Grammy Award-winning record label. Being a creative thinker in these industries means taking a holistic approach and putting people at the forefront of all decisions; I hope to bring this kind of thinking to the Redmond City Council. 

Dayle ("Hank") Margeson BIO

Mr. Margeson holds Position 3 seat and is being challenged by Ms. Jessica Forsythe. Margeson lost.

Hank was honored to be elected to represent his fellow residents on Redmond's City Council in November 2007 and is now serving his third term. He has represented the City at the Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee (SCA PIC) since 2009. During his tenure he served a term as the Vice-Chair and chaired the SCA PIC Nominating Committee until 2015. In December 2017 he was reelected to represent the Northeastern King County cities on the SCA Board of Directors for another two years, where he's served on the Finance Committee and Board Nominating Committee. Hank is in his seventh year on the Puget Sound Regional Council's Growth Management Policy Board, serving as the Board's Vice President and as the SCA Caucus Chair. He was appointed as a member of the King County Regional Transit Committee in 2018 after serving two years as an alternate representative. He currently represents the City on Redmond’s Disability Board, and he has represented the City and SCA on numerous other committees and boards during his tenure as Councilmember. 

He also serves as President for the Northwest Baseball Umpires Association board and is a former president of the Eastside Timebank board. Prior to election to the City Council he served on the Parks and Trails Commission and was the Vice-Chair for the Education Hill Citizens Advisory Committee. Hank works for Liberty Mutual (Safeco) Insurance as a Senior Compliance Analyst and holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Washington State University and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. He earned his Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation from the Society of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters in 2003. 

Hank is married to Patti and they raised their two adult children in Redmond over the past 25 years. They recently completed adding an accessory dwelling unit onto their Education Hill home where their son, daughter-in-law and wonderful grandson now reside. He and Patti also own acreage in the Sammamish Valley where they keep their three horses. Active in local sports, he coached youth soccer, baseball, basketball and currently umpires local high school, youth and adult baseball games.

-- redmond.gov

City Council candidate Vanessa Kritzer celebrates

Elect Vanessa Kritzer for Redmond City Council:  "Yesterday, I celebrated my first mother's day with my amazing daughter and today I showed her how we make change as I filed to put my name on the ballot for the first time. We're officially on our way to bringing energetic, collaborative, and innovative leadership to the Redmond City Council!"

UPDATED: Willowmoor, Lake Sammamish - Sammamish River floodplain

A member of the task force, Susan Wilkins of Redmond said implementing either option would only reduce the lake level by 1 inch.  When Bear Creek is in a the flood stage the Sammamish River backs up reducing out-flow.  5/31/19 

The "Willowmoor transition zone" connecting Lake Sammamish to the Sammamish River is under scrutiny by environmentalists and recreational boaters.  Willow trees were planted years ago in the transition zone to provide salmon and bird habitat.  Since then, they've grown causing the outgoing water to back up, raising lake levels to the point boat docks are submerged. To compensate, the willows were cut down to lower lake levels for the boaters.  But the wildlife habitat was once again challenged.  So you see, restoration of the transition zone is complicated and has been studied for over five years.  For an enlightening, full summary of the "Willowmoor Floodplain Restoration Project "READ MORE."

Cinco De Mayo Downtown Park festivity

Three school board members are up for election - May 17th is the last day to file

If you have thoughts about running for a school board position May 17th is the last day to file.. You have to live in the District in which you want to run.  Questions?  Contact sparthemer@lwsd.org, Director of Communications and Community Engagement.

Mr. Carson, Mr. Lilabarte and Ms. Bliesners's terms end this year.

Chris Carson - DISTRICT 2  Kirkland area / West Lk. Samm. Blvd./ No. Bridal Trails (tan district color)

Christopher Carlson, Ph.D., was elected to the school board in November 2007. He is a faculty member in the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's Division of Public Health Sciences. His lab focuses on identifying correlations between genetic variation and disease risk for cancer, diabetes, and other common diseases, then identifying the biological mechanism responsible. Carlson is also an affiliate assistant professor with the University of Washington School of Public Health in the Department of Epidemiology. He holds a B.A. in molecular biology from Pomona College. His Ph.D. is in genetics from Stanford University.

Marymoor Village Visual Preference Survey

Survey Statistics • Survey Period – two weeks between April and May
 • Total Respondents – 279  [Redmond's population is over 60,000]
 • Outreach Methods (19,828) – invitation and several reminders during the survey period
          o Facebook = 5,074
          o Twitter = 6,350
          o Enews = 7,065
          o Press Release = 1,172
          o Emails = 167
          o Webpages

Outcomes and Patterns
• Favored separation of the residential building frontage from the public realm such as through raised porches and private lawn areas
• Preferred wide-variety of multi-family designs and architectural treatments
• Emphasis on activated pedestrian realm including a mixture of hardscape and landscaping

To take a peek at the colored visual renderings of preferred buildings, designs, and pedestrian walkways Click this link:

https://redmond.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=7220739&GUID=527DB4E5-E765-4486-8559-8D7DF84FB633

-- Bob Yoder

Laurene Burton, EvergreenHealth Executive Director, Governance & Community Affairs retires after 27 years

Laurene Burton has shared her plans to retire from her position as Executive Director, Governance & Community Affairs. After 27 years working on behalf of our patients and community, she looks forward to traveling, kayaking, spending more time with her family and reading a good book or two. For a while, she says she’ll enjoy “every day being Saturday.” Laurene’s last day with EvergreenHealth is July 5.

Since Laurene joined EvergreenHealth in 1992, she has been widely recognized for her commitment to building relationships in our community. Initially hired to write curriculum for Community Health Education, she quickly acquired additional skills and was selected to become Director of Community Health Education in 1998. In 2005, she joined our administrative team, where she developed an affinity for governance activities and enjoyed working closely with our Board of Commissioners, whose work she deeply admires. Laurene continued her practice of active community-building through oversight of EvergreenHealth’s art program, volunteer program, community service programs and levy-funded programs – and carried out our organization’s commitment to transparency in her role as EvergreenHealth's Public Disclosure Officer.

It was EvergreenHealth’s culture that first appealed to Laurene. “It’s what drew me and what kept me here,” she says. With our origins and history of sustaining strong community ties, Laurene could freely follow her own natural instincts: “When I saw areas where we needed to have a connection, I tried to make one; I looked for needs in the community that EvergreenHealth could fill and pursued partnerships. In my experience, good relationships are crucial to any achievement. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many wonderful people in my role here, and I value every single one of them.

Laurene’s proudest achievements, not surprisingly, involve partnerships and a sense of satisfaction in helping these relationships grow and thrive:

Redmond Technology Station

Rendering of the "Redmond Technology Station."  Note the bus thoroughfare on the left.  I believe the pedestrian/bicycle bridge is right of the train.

Redmond Technology Station rendering

Source:  Facebook, East Link Light Rail.

Council considers renaming a Hartman Park sports field

Credit:  Redmond Reporter

Les Dow, a long time Redmond baseball coach and supporter passed away August 22, 2018. Les spent 46 years as a coach, sponsor, and administrator in the Redmond baseball community. He was instrumental in many improvement projects at Hartman Park and made substantial impacts through his volunteer work.

A community group led by Redmond resident, John DeVore, has made a formal request to name a sports field at Hartman Park after Les Dow. The renaming request was presented to the Parks and Trails Commission on December 6, 2018. A motion was passed by the Parks and Trails Commission recommending renaming the sports at Hartman Park to Les Dow Field pending proper due diligence, and to waive the two-year waiting period. Due diligence has been completed.

Les Dow’s contributions in Redmond span 46 years of service as a coach, sponsor and administrator. Mr. Dow was Redmond Little League (RLL) Adult Little Leaguer of the Year in 1980, Regional Director of National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF) and NABF Man of the Year in 1988, City of Redmond Park and Recreation Person of the Year in 2010, and the NW Baseball Umpires Association (NBUA) Customer of the Year in 2006. Next year the NBUA will recognize Les with a Lifetime Customer Appreciation Award. The request letter details additional contributions made by Mr. Dow.

Source:  Council Parks and Human Services Committee
              5/9/2019
              Redmond Reporter, by Andy Nystrom, 9/5/18

Mayor Marchione's Biography

Mayor John Marchione

Mayor's Biography

Term: 2016 - 2019

First elected in 2007, John Marchione is now in his third term as mayor of Redmond, a thriving city 16 miles east of Seattle. The community of over 65,000 is home to a variety of industries such as aerospace, high tech, video gaming production, and biotech, as well as several thousand small businesses where over 85,000 people are employed.

As Mayor, he is the executive leader of a full-service city, overseeing eight departments consisting of over 660 employees. The Mayor partners with the City Council to set a strategy, vision, and policy direction for the City of Redmond. To date, the City has adopted Budgeting by Priorities, completed the downtown street grid, and purchased the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line and converted it to the Redmond Central Connector.

Accomplishments

Mayor Marchione’s accomplishments include the implementation of an “Organization of Excellence” program, improved overall financial performance and operational efficiency at the City by 18%, and fostered relationships with city, state, federal, and tribal governments to create environmental investments to improve fish habitat, stormwater storage, and water quality.

EvergreenHealth Foundation raises $1.2 million

Kirkland, Wash. – Guests of EvergreenHealth Foundation’s annual gala came together on Saturday, April 27, to raise $1.2 million to support the health system’s Neurological Surgery Program. EvergreenHealth Neurological Care is part of the EvergreenHealth Neuroscience, Spine & Orthopedic Institute, a multidisciplinary practice that provides leading-edge diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for neurological and orthopedic conditions, conveniently from one location on the Kirkland hospital campus.

The annual Spirit of Giving award is given to an individual or family who represents the very best in community philanthropy. This year, the Phil and Katie Carter Family were bestowed this much deserved honor. Phil and Katie Carter have been an active and vital part of the community for over five decades, beginning with the original formation of King County Public Hospital District No. 2. Phil passed away in 2016 but his legacy and commitment to the community lives on through Katie and the entire Carter family. Members of the Carter family accepted the award at the Evergreen Gala.

UPDATED: Scott family's Spark Pizza is a hit

The Scott family with Mayor Marchione

A few weeks ago the Scott's celebrated their new establishment Spark Pizza with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Mayor John Marchione did the honors with the large red scissors, held by Will. The family, (left to right) is Tony Scott, Will (11), Carolyn Scott, Kate (13) and Donna, Carolyn's mother.  Tony and Carolyn own Spark Pizza and are great parents. Will and Kate pitched right in keeping the festive table loaded with good eats!

The establishment is in an historic home, circa 1907.  That's 5 years before the City was founded!  It's been completely renovated  but don't miss the ceiling for a taste of days past.  Speaking of taste I love the "Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice" pie.  And there's 11 others to choose from!  Here's the menu.

Spark Pizza hours Mon-Thurs 5-9 pm | Fri - Sun 4-9 pm  Located at 8114 - 164th Ave, NE.  425-898-4021.

-- Bob Yoder

Redmond Pool closes end of June for construction.

Redmond Pool (Internet)

Phase 1 construction is scheduled to begin end of June, 2109 and ending September, 2019

Phase 2 construction will occur during the summer of 2022 

Questions:  e-mail info@redmond.gov

The pool was built in 1972 by King County using Forward Thrust bond funding and was transferred to the City in 2010. After 47 years, the Redmond Pool systems have outlived their useful life, and essential capital improvements are required to preserve Redmond’s only public pool. Over the last eight years there have been regular mechanical system failures; replacement parts are difficult to find due to the age of the pool. After extensive outreach to the community in 2016-2017, aquatics was identified as the top priority for community center services. In response, the City conducted an energy audit of the Redmond Pool, and the consultant recommended improving the existing pool as the most cost-effective approach.

This past December, the City Council adopted the 2019-2020 budget, approving $8M to improve essential and high priority systems and make structural improvements to the existing footprint that will allow the pool to operate an additional 25-30 years. Pool system repairs and improvements will occur in two phases over two years.  Phase 1 is under contract to complete approximately $5.4M in system repair and replacement that will improve the overall pool facility efficiency and operation. This work will result in lower utility use and costs along with improved building system performance and occupant experience.

The following improvements will be made to the facility:
 Boiler system
 Pool circulation pump
 Pool heat exchanger
 Lighting
 Electrical panels
 Domestic hot water tank
 Roofing & Skylights
 Pool filter


The budget for Phase 2 is $2.6M.  Planned facility improvements for Phase 2 include the following:
 Fire protection upgrades
 ADA Improvements
 Plumbing upgrades
 Pool deck resurfacing
 Lobby and locker room upgrades
 Parking lot resurfacing
 Outdoor storage

-Source:  Council Parks & Human Services Committee meeting, 5/7/19

Planning Commission, informative meeting on "Microsoft Refresh"

Minute 4-27:  "Microsoft Refresh" presentation: 72 acres, added 3M sf, 4 villages, pedestrian bridge

Minute 32: affordable housing. 

Minute 106: Council candidate Vanessa Kritzer talks 

"Neighborhood Conversations"

East Link Light Rail construction update

This clip shows you the magnitude of the East Link Light Rail ST-3 project and why it's so expensive. The video ends before the Eastbound 520 exit to Redmond's Overlake Station.

According to the City, "an Eastbound SR 520 Ramp Split, a months-long project will add a new Eastbound 520 exit directly to NE 51 Street in place of the currently combined exit to NE 40 and 51 Streets  It's expected to be complete this week. The City of Redmond’s contractor will work nights beginning Monday, May 6 and the dedicated off-ramp to NE 51 Street is anticipated to open on Thursday, May 9. Construction began in September 2018 and went into a short winter shutdown until dry weather allowed for the final re-channelization.

The Eastbound SR 520 Ramp Split is based on the ramp split concept implemented in 2015 along Westbound SR 520 at NE 51 and 40 Streets. That project has successfully reduced congestion compared to the old combined ramp exit."

For questions and more information contact Jackie Lalor, Communications & Marketing Supervisor, at jlalor@redmond.gov or 425-556-2209. 

Lake Washington School District, "follow the money"

"In November 2005, the Board passed Resolution No. 1969 authorizing a special election on February 7, 2006 in order to propose the issuance of general obligation bonds in the amount of $436 million. The bonds were to be used for Phase II of the district’s modernization program which modernized 11 schools and built one new school (Carson Elementary). The bond election passed, and the district proceeded to sell $425 million of the bonds over the next six years to complete the projects. The projects were completed on time and under budget.

In October 2014, the Board passed Resolution No. 2196 authorizing the remaining bond proceeds and State Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) funds to be redirected to additional projects to serve the district’s growing enrollment. These short-term capacity projects included portables, upgrades to classrooms, an addition, future bond planning, internal building modifications, and property acquisition. After completion of these projects, there is approximately $24 million of SCAP funds remaining.

In October 2018, the Board passed Resolution No. 2257 authorizing the sale of the remaining $11 million of the bonds approved by voters in February 2006. Of this combined $31 million, $7 million will be used for portables. The remaining $24 million, plus the $120 million voter approved April 2019 Capital Projects levy, will be used for the district’s critical capacity projects

These projects include an addition to Lake Washington High School; auxiliary gym and commons expansions; classroom additions to Carson, Franklin, Rose Hill, and Twain elementary schools; and district-wide upgrades to building safety and security measures.

In order to redirect the unspent bond funds and unallocated state matching funds on additional projects, it is necessary for the board to hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution modifying the original bond resolution. A public hearing has been scheduled for May 6. Action on the adopting the resolution will be placed on the May 20 agenda.

RECOMMENDATION The Board of Directors holds a public hearing regarding redirecting of bond proceeds and matching funds as outlined in Resolution No. 2270."

-- LWSD website
    School Board meeting packet, 5/6/2019
   Bob Yoder, 5/6/2019

School district considers new start times

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that middle and high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to give students the opportunity to get the amount of sleep they need, but most American adolescents start school too early.

This video was made last year when school start times changed. when a seven-period day was implemented for high school students. This change took effect starting on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 4, 2018. 

A School Start Time Advisory is meeting this year to study the impacts of potentially changing high school start times to later in future years. The Advisory includes staff and parents from elementary, middle and high school levels. They will make a recommendation for any potential further changes to school start and end times. Further changes in the 2019-2020 school year may or not occur, depending on their recommendation. There is still ample opportunity for families to provide input throughout the process. Any changes to the high school start and end times result in adjustments to middle and elementary start and end times due to transportation.

-- LWSD website
   edited excerpt