Breaking news! The folksy Redmond Mayor of 30-years Bill Brown is introduced and chats with the audience! He may be attending the Society's 25th Anniversary party at the Senior Center on Saturday, 28th 3-5:30. Have a beverage with him afterwards at a local tavern! haha!
Saturday Speaker Series Walking with History:
Elise Farrel-McWhirter (16:20 m)
"Born an heiress in the Age of Industry, Elise Farrel-McWhirter led the life of one of the most intriguing socialites in New England in the early 20th century. Follow the incredible life journey of a woman who was independent and bold before it was in vogue. Before the Women’s Suffrage Movement, before Women’s right to vote,
Elise Farrel-McWhirter lived a remarkable life on her own terms and traded the glamour of society for a small farming community in rural Washington—a community named Redmond that she chose to live in over all the other places she had traveled in North America, Asia, and Europe.
We can walk with history today, because she donated her beloved home upon her death that became Farrel- McWhirter Park. Learn about one of Redmond’s early leading ladies, who loved children, horses, nature, and left us all a legacy that helped foster Redmond’s modern-day Parks Department."
Speaker bio:
Ali Maynard is the Farm Program Coordinator at Farrel-McWhirter Park and has been employed with the City of Redmond since 2007.
Suzanne Greathouse, a community professional who brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience, has been selected to fill the vacant Position #2 on EvergreenHealth's Board of Commissioners.
Suzanne Greathouse
KIRKLAND, Wash. - The EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners has selected Suzanne Greathouse to serve in Position #2, representing the Kenmore/Kirkland community and all residents of King County Public Hospital District #2. Greathouse was sworn into the position on Sept. 17 and will serve through Dec. 31, 2025.
Greathouse is a dedicated community professional who brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience to support EvergreenHealth's ongoing mission to advance the health of the community.
"We are excited to have Suzanne join the Board, and we look forward to her contributions in supporting the health and well-being of our community," said Board Chair Virgil Snyder. "Like every other commissioner, Suzanne is dedicated to ensuring our community has access to high-quality, safe, compassionate and cost-effective health care."
As the CEO and Co-Founder of REPSVR, a virtual reality skills training platform, Greathouse's diverse experience spans being a business owner, educator/trainer, executive, and consultant. Throughout her career, she has developed and led multicultural and virtual teams and managed complex business environments. She is an expert at applying industry best practices and emerging research to address specific challenges, fostering success, and enhancing performance, motivation, and job satisfaction.
Greathouse's career also includes nearly 20 years at AT&T, where she led efforts in various areas, including construction and engineering, research and development, emergency preparedness/disaster recovery, network security, network operations and IT product development and support. In 2017, after experiencing a family tragedy, Greathouse shifted her focus to serving the community. She has since held roles on the Kenmore City Council, the Northshore Fire District's Board of Commissioners, the City of Kenmore Planning Commission and the Northshore Senior Center Board of Directors.
Currently, Suzanne serves as a Northshore Utility District Commissioner and actively participates in various community organizations, including the Kenmore Heritage Society, Bothell/Kenmore Chamber of Commerce, Kenmore Business Alliance, and the EvergreenHealth Foundation. She is also the founder and president of the Alex Greathouse Foundation, which provides oral cancer support and funding for treatment, research, and other essential needs.
"I am thrilled at the opportunity to join the EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners and look forward to working with fellow members on ensuring access to the hospital system's vital services in Kirkland, Kenmore and throughout the Eastside," said Greathouse.
Posted by Bob Yoder, 9/20/2024
Comments: 1) Public Notice for the interviews of the Commission nominees was poor. Navigation on their website to find this public meeting was close to impossible. Thus, my wife and I (and others) didn't attend. BY
2) Evergreen Board has the worst notice system out of any public board and they don't do well with publishing information. They don't even record their meetings and publish minutes a month after the meetings happen. Anonymous comment 9/21/2024
"Redmond is one of the first in police departments in the U.S. to implement drones as first responders to get to the scene faster. But the drones pose privacy concerns." - NBC News’ David Noreiga has the latest on the tech transforming policing.
Have you heard about the Redmond Parks and RecreationFee Assistance Program Application? Application forms are available at the Senior Center Customer Service desk.
Applicants who meet eligibility requirements can be awarded up to $1,000 per person, per year to help pay for day passes', monthly passes, punch passes, etc. So far, this program rewarded over $43,000 to ~ 345 recipients 2024.
Eligibility:
Household income of $70,000 or less qualifies for a 50% reduction in activity fees.
Household income of $47,000 or less qualifies for a 70% reduction in activity fees.
Household income of $28,800 or less qualifies for a 90% reduction in activity fees.
Proof of Eligibility: Examples of accepted documents include, but not limited to: 1) Utility billing, 2) Social Security Benefits statement, 3) most recent tax return, 4) DSHS statement or award.
Below are planting event dates and site locations. Find a site map here Email: greenredmond@redmond.gov for the times. The event usually starts at 9 AM.
Born an heiress in the Age of Industry, Elise Farrel-McWhirter led the life of one of the most intriguing socialites in New England in the early 20th century. Follow the incredible life journey of a woman who was independent and bold before it was in vogue.
Before the Women’s Suffrage Movement, before Women’s right to vote,
Elise Farrel-McWhirter lived a remarkable life on her own terms and traded the glamour of society for a small farming community in rural Washington—a community named Redmond that she chose to live in over all the other places she had traveled in North America, Asia, and Europe.
We can walk with history today, because she donated her beloved home upon her death that became Farrel- McWhirter Park. Learn about one of Redmond’s early leading ladies, who loved children, horses, nature, and left us all a legacy that helped foster Redmond’s modern-day Parks Department.
Registration is not required. Please note this is an in-person program. A recording will be available following the event.
This is my edited Letter of gripes written to the Council Ombudsperson.
Council lining up to receive the Salary Commissioners I will report their salaries, stipends and benefits when they are available.
Council,
I know you work hard and I hope the salary commission gives you what you're due, including the stipends and benefit improvements you and HR are giving yourselves.
The city is wealthy from construction income yet you are nickel and diming uswith fees: Utility fees, Park fees, Recreation fees, Senior & Community Center fees. Are fees at Perrigo, Meadows, Hartman courts next? Fees are so many and scattered all over the Community/Senior Center that I can't sum them up.
Your action of charging residents and commercial a $15 fee on automatic utility payment looks ridiculous considering our city wealth. After 40 minutes of trouble shooting with utility staff I learned "a Director" acted too soon and now the fee must be reversed "until Council makes a decision on what to do." Should COO Files get involved?
I didn't appreciate CM Stuart calling me out in public after the Hearing on Initiative 2117. Amongst your new procedural rules that limit public participation, you should look at yourselves. Vice President Jessika Foresythe gave a good report on the specifics of the Climate Commitment Act as it relates to city monies.
Finally, Council President Vanessa Kritzer's participation during King County Councilmember Perry's "Town Hall" was excessive, shortening Ms. Perry's Q&A significantly. Other's felt so too. She IS a good speaker and does a lot of it. Perry's Community Engagement manager (and city councilmember) Osman Salahuddin generated a good turnout with great speakers.
Jill Green, Redmond Police Department Public Information Officer jgreen@redmond.gov 425-556-2627
Police Warn Public about Organized Crime Group Targeting Asian Community
REDMOND, WA - The Redmond Police Department is asking community members to stay vigilant following a string of robberies in Redmond and nearby cities. The suspects are believed to be part of a Romanian organized crime group targeting elderly members of the East Indian community.
Suspects in these crimes, typically driving SUV rental vehicles, approach victims who are walking on sidewalks or in parking lots. Usually, a male driver and one or more female passengers contact victims by asking for directions or offering to trade jewelry. While engaging the victims in conversation, the suspects attempt to place costume jewelry on the victim and either swap it out for authentic jewelry or take it by force.
Five recent cases have involved female suspects wearing long dresses who use distraction techniques to steal valuable jewelry. Fortunately, the victims have not sustained serious injuries.
“These are not Hate crimes, but rather crimes of opportunity where the thieves travel around affluent neighborhoods and search for potentially vulnerable victims,” said Chief Darrell Lowe. “We encourage community members to be aware of their surroundings when walking alone outside and avoid wearing valuables.”
Redmond police ask everyone to use caution when approached by strangers in vehicles and not accept gifts from them. It is safest to travel in groups, especially when walking. If possible, leave jewelry and valuables locked in a safe when walking alone.
Anyone approached by strangers offering to trade or sell jewelry should contact law enforcement. For crimes within the City of Redmond, please call the Redmond Police Department at 425-556-2500.
"Haven Heights" homeless building lobby Credit Bob Yoder
Bob Yoder's Testimony to City Council and Mayor Birney, City Hall, September 3, 2004:
"Council and Mayor Birney, the success of the Silver Cloud Homeless project in Overlake is a litmus test for the future downtown Plymouth Housing project. Though with good intentions, it's failing miserably I've visited the facility twice.
The Silver Cloud hotel was purchased two years ago by King County for ~$28 million for their "Health Through Housing" (HTH) homeless program and so far only 10 homeless reside there. The operator says 15 total homeless will be housed there no sooner than October.
The facility is defined as "emergency housing" until all 100 studios are phased in for completion sometime in 2027, 28, or who knows. The incompetent KCRHA County homeless agency that triages the homeless for Coordinated Entry blames the supply-chain, permitting and scarcity of contractors on their extreme delay. There was no evidence of construction.
Mayor Birney and other electeds on the KCRHA Governance Board are given new authority to manage and expedite the coordinated Entry process. Transparency should improve, as well. I asked Mayor Birney to please act expeditiously to fill "HavenHeight's" with permanent supported housing as it was intended.
When I dropped in last Tuesday three staff were idling in the lobby and we had a good chat. They have college degrees (business, computers.) and said they were case managers, too. Nice people but with not much to do. Staff said each resident has a phone. There's no curfew but if they're out more than three days they must call in. Right now there at 8 staff managing their 10 homeless residents. King County taxpayers are paying 14 cents/$1000 to support operations.
Orca cards are issued. A van takes them shopping. So far Trader Joes and the Dollar Store are popular.
The operator's Safety & Security Plan, Community Relations Plan, and Code of Conduct wasn't available. The building located behind Goodwill and is named "Haven Heights." The six story building is fenced looks formidable but it's plush inside. 16725-152 Avenue NE"
-- Bob Yoder's testimony to Council and Mayor during Items From The Audience, 9/3/2024
The owner lined the perimeter of his store with heavy 6-foot cement blocks firmly bolted ~ 2 inches from the sidewalk and utility box cover. Electric bikes and pedestrians are safely walking and running on the sidewalks. The city didn't pay for these safety enhancements. It's not know if they will amend their code.
Update: The owner lined the perimeter of his store with heavy 6-foot cement blocks firmly bolted ~ 4 inches from the sidewalk and utility box cover. Electric bikes and pedestrians are safely walking and running on the sidewalks while protecting the business. The city didn't pay for these safety/property protection enhancements. It's not known if they will amend their code. - Bob Yoder, 10/1/24
About 8 suspects were involved. If you have any information about them please notify Jill Green, Redmond Police Public Information Officer: 425-556-2627.
(l-r) Bob Yoder (walk-on,) Pat Vache' (Founder,) Sue Stuart (Secretary) Dave Juarez (Lead / Organizer)
I think, twice a year the Kiwanis Club does a "trail clean-up." (They have a great tool that allows you to pick up trash without having to bend over and get your hands dirty.) We cleared out several "camps" including a tossed grocery cart.
Residents are always invited to participate in Kiwanis events even if you're not a member. For me, this event was really fun, great exercise and a good way to meet some members. Bear Creek is one of my favorite places in Redmond. It was a joy to make it better.
Flash: Sign up for their September 28 Mariner fundraiser HERE, at their website. Great seat locations and for a good cause! $27 of each ticket purchased will be donated to Kiwanis feeding programs!
If you wish to see the Together Center in action and learn from our incredible onsite provider partners and resources and services available at Together Center, please join us on Saturday, September 21 from 10am-1pm for our Community Resource Extravaganza featuring over 20 nonprofit partners, free food, live music, a petting zoo, art making, and raffle prizes. We hope to see you!
EvergreenHealth - King County Public Hospital District No.2
Our Community-Owned Hospital
This "Silver Tower" and a 2nd Emergency Department were funded by district taxpayers of Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell, Mill Creek, Kenmore, Shoreline, Duval, Carnation, and Snohomish County.
EvergreenHealth serves our community well! They were the Nation's "first responders" during the pandemic onslaught and are deserving of every award earned. Recently, they were awarded "Top 50 Best Hospitals' in America."
Some good news ... EvergreenHealth appears in the planning and budgeting stages of hiring psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and advanced social workers for mental health treatment and therapy in their Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centers. Time and community support will tell.
Evergreen's seven Hospital Commissioners listen to their constituents and make decisions on Levy and Bond measures. They take comments from the public and community during: Business meetings, 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 pm, "Surgery & Physicians Pavilion," Tan Room 250 and during some Educational sessions, 1st Friday of the month, 7:00 am Tan Room 250. Agendas & Minutes. 425-899-1000
This video interviews attendees of the first Let's Move Redmond event. MOVE REDMOND opened up 161st Street in Downtown Redmond, WA so people could bike, scoot, walk, and play in the streets.
IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN A DOWNTOWN APARTMENT, A GOOD PLACE TO PARK IS IN THE REDMOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOT OR RIDE A BIKE, TAKE A SCOOTER, OR WALK FROM YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. I WOULD NOT ADVISE DRIVING.
The program is a registry of vulnerable individuals to assist first responders in reuniting people with disabilities with their caregivers.
Redmond Police Department Renews its Certified Autism Center™ Designation, Enhancing Inclusivity in the Community
REDMOND, WA - The Redmond Police Department recently renewed its Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation certification, continuing efforts to provide officers with knowledge and training to assist and communicate with autistic and sensory-sensitive community members. In 2022, the department became the first in Washington to earn the certification, which was awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
The department's training enhances officers’ knowledge and ability to assist and communicate with autistic or sensory-sensitive community members.
“I’m proud of my staff’s continued dedication and commitment to completing this critical training to ensure we compassionately serve all members of the Redmond community,” said Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe.
The Redmond Police Department launched a Take Me Home program in June for families with loved ones who have cognitive or developmental disabilities in case they go missing or experience an emergency.
The program is a registry of vulnerable individuals to assist first responders in reuniting people with disabilities with their caregivers.
Commitment to bring electric vehicles to Redmond will help reduce pollution, improve public health, and boost the clean energy economy for Redmond residents
REDMOND, WA - Today, Redmond Mayor Angela Birney joined nearly 350 U.S. mayors on a new collaborative commitment to electrify at least 50% of municipal fleets by 2030 and increase electric vehicle charging infrastructure by 500% by 2035, with at least 40% of charging investments to benefit disadvantaged communities. As a member of Climate Mayors – the bipartisan network of mayors from across the United States committed to climate action – Mayor Birney is helping to deliver cleaner air, lower tax bills, and a more sustainable future for all Redmond residents.
PART ONE: In an ongoing effort to address the increased rate of auto thefts and other crimes, the police department remains committed to using pursuit alternative technology.
To that end, Council approved the police department's request to accept a $94,968,30 grant to fund installation of 22 automated license plate readers in strategic locations for the cameras and a subscription cost for two years.
In the 8/5/24 meeting Council approved funds to implement the "Flock" license plate reader program.
THE PROGRAM: Strategically located intersections are identified within the City to place the "Flock" cameras to capture the
most license plates entering and leaving the City limits. Councilmember Fields made a point to say the program will not infringe on people's privacy.
The concept of this approach is for officers and
dispatchers to be alerted whenever a “Wanted” or “Hot List” vehicle or vehicle used in the commission of a
crime is captured on a Flock camera. Officers will respond to the area and look for the vehicle based on the
last known location. Vehicles typically placed on “Hot Lists” include stolen vehicles, wanted persons
connected to vehicles, and missing persons.
Whether responding to a crime in-progress or investigating a past crime, Flock camera technology can locate
vehicles based on a description of the vehicle without needing the license plate number. For example, a
vehicle involved in a crime described as a red sports car with a spoiler can be entered into the search
parameters. Using just that information, the Flock cameras will locate all vehicles matching that description
and provide information concerning location, direction of travel, and license plate number.
Flock cameras have nothing to do with citizen habits of every day driving. They will be used exclusively to reduce auto thefts and other crimes.
-- excerpt from Regular meeting memo, 8/5
Flock Safety is an American manufacturer and operator of automated license plate recognition, video surveillance, and gunfire locator systems. Wikipedia
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