Evergreen Gala to support EvergreenHealth's "Transitional Care Unit for Behavioral Health"

Kirkland, WA.  Join us for the 16th Annual Evergreen Gala on Saturday, April 29, 2017! The theme for this year’s Spectacular Black-Tie Gala is "Let’s Rock ‘n Roll" – so get ready for one fabulously fun evening and secure your spot today. 

Help us build our Gala Playlist HERE to support EvergreenHealth

The charitable focus of the 2017 Evergreen Gala is EvergreenHealth’s "Transitional Care Unit for Behavioral Health."  Our community is experiencing an alarming increase in the number of patients with behavioral health needs.  The safety and security of these patients and our staff present some distinctive challenges. Proceeds from this year’s gala will enable EvergreenHealth to redesign care in a setting that better supports these patients.  The Transitional Care Unit for behavioral health (14 beds)  will be designed to provide for the patient’s unique needs while we transition their care to their final treatment setting.

Evening Festivities
6:00pm     Welcome Reception, Cocktails, and Silent Auction
7:45pm     Gourmet Dinner, Surprise Entertainment, and Live Auction 10:30pm
Late Night Dancing

I picked up a Gala flyer at EvergreenHealth's Feb. 2nd event: "Community Conversation on Ending Mental Illness Stigma."  Over 80 registered from all over the Eastside, with only two weeks notice.  B.Y. 

Volunteer Opportunities at Redmond Historical Society

OLD REDMOND SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER -- Home of the Redmond Historical Society

Contact:  Halee Turner, info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org

(1) Society Secretary, Society Office and Director

What: Leadership Position

Member of Executive Committee and Member of the Board of Directors. 

Attends Exec Board meetings and RHS Board meetings

Attends and takes minutes of Executive Board Meetings and RHS Board Meetings.  Compiles minutes within two weeks of meetings and sends out to respective members of Exec Board and Board members.  Provides final copy of minutes for permanent record.

When: Executive Board meets monthly, on Thursdays before Board meetings.

(2)     Society Director-at-Large, Board Member
What: Leadership Position (3 positions open)

Actively participates in RHS Board meetings and activities.  Willing to volunteer for tasks outside of Board meetings.

When: RHS Board meets Monthly (except July, Aug, Dec) on Tuesdays prior to the Speaker program. 

                Outside time will be required to fulfill Committee work, other tasks.

SIX MORE OPPORTUNITIES, BELOW

Heavy snowfall today!

View from our front door.  Largest snowfall since 2012!  School's out! Just the right temperatures for snowballs and snow persons!  

Updated: Redmond Kiwanis to hold informational meeting

The Redmond Kiwanis Club is holding an "informational meeting for prospective members" on Friday, March 10  I'm very proud to say I've recently become a member. The Redmond Kiwanis Club is a part of Kiwanis International, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.  Every year, more than 600,000 Kiwanis-family members in over 80 countries give more than 18.5 million volunteer hours and millions of dollars for community service projects.

The meeting for prospective members will be held at the Family Pancake House, 17621 Redmond Way, Redmond.  It will start at 7:00 a.m. and end at about 8:00 a.m.  The meeting will include a speaker program by Kent Hay, the Homeless Outreach Specialist for Redmond.“The Redmond Kiwanis Club is a snapshot of our community,” Ken Ormiston, membership chairperson, said.  “We are unified in the belief that children and our community benefits from the efforts of caring and involved volunteers sharing their talents in service to others."

Anyone interested in attending the the Kiwanis meeting for prospective members, or learning more about the Redmond Kiwanis Club, contact Membership Chairperson Ken Ormiston by e-mail at (kennethormiston@gmail.com) or at 425-307-1891, 

Redmond Boys Lacrosse

"the fastest game on two feet"     "little brother of war"  

REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 15TH

Free Registration and Equipment for K-2

Redmond Lacrosse FAQ

• Who plays in the Redmond Lacrosse Program? 
• How much does it cost to play?
• When is the boys season?
• What is the time commitment?
• Can a new player be competitive?
• When are the practices and why do they change from week to week?
• When are the games?
• What equipment do I need?
• 3/4 Division runs on a different schedule, when does play begin?
• What are the 3/4 Division program details?
• Who are the coaches?
• What about Weather?
• How do I improve my lacrosse game?
• How do I get more playing time?
• What are the rules of lacrosse?

 Q: Who plays in the Redmond Lacrosse Program? 

It is open to all boys who attend any school feeding Redmond High School.

Players whose home address lies within these boundaries and who attend school that feeds multiple high schools, or players attending schools outside the boundary who don’t have lacrosse programs are also eligible.

Updated: Kim Allen's last council meeting -- eleven remarkable years of public service

Ms. Kim Allen's last Council meeting, retiring after 11 years of service.

I best remember Kim when she was on the Ive's Planning Commission deliberating the Critical Areas Ordinance Update.  Lately, Kim's been heavily involved in regional transportation and growth issues, but I'll always remember her as a spokesperson for the environment -- our trees, streams, wetlands and open spaces.

Kim was the only councilmember voting against waiving the long standing 35% tree retention ordinance for the massive Group Health - Overlake project.

Quite a few of my stories and reports about Kim are tagged here. and more will be added as I find them. (I'm editing them for accuracy, spelling, grammar, formatting,and sentence structure.)

It's been a helluva run.  Thanks for all you've done for us Kim.

Bob

Washington State blocks Trump's immigration order - King County's Claudia Balducci speaks up

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci speaking up at Council meeting.  

Washington State leads the Nation to block Trump's immigration order 

Updated: Lake Washington School District seeks new board member

l-r  Mark Stuart (legislative rep,) Siri Bliesner (V.P.) Nancy Bernard, Christopher Carlson, Phd. (President)

Serving on the school board: An informational meeting

Lake Washington School District board member leads session for those interested in learning more

Redmond, Wash. – Have you ever considered serving on your local school board? As elected officials, school boards provide a vital link between their communities and public schools. Their governance role is about the “big picture.” They set school district direction and allocate resources. They monitor performance and hold the district accountable for progress.

Nancy Bernard, a member of the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors, will lead an informational meeting for those interested in learning more about Board service and the process of running for school board. She will provide information on the role of the school board and what it is like to serve in Lake Washington. She will also cover the basic information about running for school board.

Ms. Bernard’s term ends in November 2017. Ms. Bernard, who has served on the board since 1997, has announced that this term will be her last and she will not run again. She lives in District Three.(Kamiakan region, unincorporated.)  Board members must live in their director district but represent the district as a whole. Prospective candidates who live in Director District Three are especially encouraged to attend.

Mark Stuart's term also ends November, 2017.  Mr. Stuart has served on the Board since 2016.. As yet, he hasn't said if he'll run again, but it's probable. I'm in full support of Mr. Stuart. Mark lives in District Four -- Evergreen Region (Evergreen MS/Eastlake/Alcott) -- and like Ms.Bernard represents the District as a whole. 

Candidates for school board file with King County Elections and there is no filing fee. Candidate filing for the August primary may be submitted by mail between May 1 and 19. Online filing takes place between May 15 and 19. More information is available on the King County Elections website Running for Office page.

School Board Service Informational Meeting

Monday, February 27, 7-8 p.m.

Bob Hughes Room

Lake Washington School District Resource Center

16250 NE 74^th St., Redmond

2016 Council Accomplishments

City Council Home Page

Updated: Redmond Way 2-Way Conversion

5 minute walk east on Redmond Way.  No evidence of "We Dig Downtown" signs.   1/30/2017

"City Helps Business during Redmond Way construction,"  Alison Grande KIRO 7, 9/12/2016

Balancing traffic flow with stoplights for pedestrian mobility will be a tremendous challenge once the conversion is completed.  Think about it.

Bob

Trump's shenanigans

Credit, Atlantic 

                      It's time to speak up and say NO to Mr. Trump's shenanigans.

In the early '70's I piled into a U-Haul truck with my Denison University classmates to participate in the candlelight march for peace. What's going on today, in my opinion, palls to the Vietnam war era.

If you need one, this Atlantic opinion-piece  is a good summary of what's happened in the first five day's of the Trump presidency.  (The piece leaves out his efforts for job creation.)

Next time there's a regional or D.C.march count me in.

Bob, opinion

P.S.  I'm proud to say, I didn't vote for him.

Updated, 2/28 EvergreenHealth Event to Discuss Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness

According to NAMI.org, one in five Americans have a mental health condition.  I'm very interested in mental health disorders because the disease is generational in my family; and I've had to cope with it myself.  

EvergreenHealth Medical Center

I once had a job selling medicines for bipolar, OCD and ADHD. In coping with serious disorders, not only is it critical to find a good doctor for treatment, but you have to deal with the sickening disgrace known as "stigma."   

On Thursday, February 2nd, 6-8 p.m. EvergreenHealth is hosting a free Community Event to discuss ending the stigma of mental illness.  I hope the more who register and turn-out, the greater the chance CEO Bob Malte will offer acute Behavioral Health services in Redmond, Kirkland, and the surrounding cities.  Please tell your friends and neighbors;  the capacity of the room is over 100.     

To register call: 425-899-3000 option #1 or register online.  

Bob Yoder

Mayim Bialik's personal testimony on YouTube

How does the City define "community centers," or do they?

I copied this from facebook.. My apologies for the font:

"I watch RCTV all the time. Months ago Council had frustrating study sessions to evaluate (vet) possible locations for "the Community Center." If I remember correctly, at that time they envisioned the Community Center "as a whole" -- aquatics, recreation, meeting and event spaces, visual and digital arts space, day care, performing arts, etc. I think the location decided upon was somewhere just west of City Hall within walking distance to light rail. If by miracle an aquatics/recreation center is sited in Marymoor, the re-defined "downtown community center" footprint might be smaller and less expensive. I'm a senior and definitely hope so. The buzz I've heard discussed lately is funding a downtown community center is top priority."

Bob Yoder,  opinion

Mysterious habitat sign by stream 0102

3/25/17 Update:  Joeseph O'Leary, City P.E tells me Stream 0102 is Peters Creek.  Shortly after this story all the invasive blackberries were were cut down from the platform and adjacent power trail 

I found this charming home-made habitat sign today on a decaying, stream-viewing platform overgrown by creeping blackberry stems. The platform was under the powerline, near a City road, close to a commercial center, about a mile south of the Overlake Christian Church.  The stream (class 2) appears ditched and seemed sluggish for this time of the year.  They're some some beautiful birches on the trailway south to the church..

Pacific Chorus Frog?  Long-Tailed Weasel? Willow Fly Catcher?  American Robin?  Stream 0102? No City or PSE logo?  This is no ordinary place.

.Photos b.y.  

Years past, a Council Meeting in the Park

A meeting in Perrigo Park years ago 

I little bit of history:

"I think this was a Parks and Human Service Committee meeting in 2008 or 2009.  I was Chair of the Committee, but don’t see myself in the picture.  Pat Vache' had suggested, and I went along with having our Committee meetings at key parks and human service agencies.  I thought is was a great idea, but nobody carried the idea on.  When I had Public Safety we had a few meetings away from City Hall, but you would be surprised about the pushback I got from other Council members let alone staff."

--  Councilmember Hank Myers, 1/23

Editor's Note:  Parks and Rec. Director Craig Larson is on the far right of the front bench.  CM Richard Cole to Craig's left facing back.  CM Pat Vache' is on the back bench second from left. CM David Carson is back bench 3rd from the left.  Looks like that could be city planner Betty "B" Sanders across from Mr. Vache'?  To me, it looks like Hank is to the left of Richard.

Bob Yoder, Editor
Photo by Yoder

An Aquatic/Recreation Center -- Do You Believe In Miracles?

King County's Marymoor Park velodrome and climbing rock
An Aquatic/Recreation Center here?

Do you believe in miracles?  Outrageous news!  A process is underway between the County, Redmond, Bellevue and Kirkland for an East King County  "Aquatic/Recreation Facility."  King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci successfully advocated for up to $2 million for a facility during the 2017-2018 budget process.

According to Balducci's Senior Policy Analyst, Joe Cunningham:

There is not a location yet for the regional aquatics facility. Discussions thus far have focused on identifying public land. A process is underway (with the cities and County) to explore what locations are conceivable and public input will be sought. Councilmember Balducci is interested in ensuring a location is found that would be easily accessible from all three cities.

There's buzz around "town" that the cities may choose King County's Marymoor Park as the preferred site. It seems a good location for all.  If you look South from the climbing rock and velodrome you'll see an incredible large piece of fallow open space.  So, there's plenty of acreage for a very large aquatics facility and parking, without infringing on the dog park, bird loop and other uses.

However, not all Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue citizens center their indoor recreational needs around aquatic swimming, therapy pools, and children splash areas. I don't. Some may want a gym for basketball, dodge ball, a weight room, a running track, exercise classes and martial arts.  Then there's family activities, play areas, dance and art opportunities to consider.  Parks commissioner Tom Sanko suggested the Sumner-Y as a model for activity ideas. Check it out!

After looking at the Sumner-Y website, you may well decide an Aquatic/Recreational Center is the way to go.  And VERY important, the facility should be cost-effective with the two other cities and the county partnering.

An aquatics/recreation facility is a wonderful thing, but we Redmondites need to focus even more in deciding on a downtown Community Center.  The Center location has already been vetted, but what do we want to put in it?  Business and personal meeting spaces, children play areas, clay studios, other hobby areas, space for large community events, digital and visual art space, computer areas, education opportunities, and a help-center are some of the ideas floating around.  If you can think of other uses, please contact Mayor Marchione's office staff at info@redmond.gov.

Bob Yoder, opinion
photo B.Y.

Redmond Way Construction and Parking Updates

Thank you Paige Norman for posting this on your EdNA facebook site.  This conversion looks like an incredible amount of work.  Makes you wonder if they'll come close to completing it by.their estimated date.
    

Estimated Completion: 4th Quarter, 2017

January 19th City road construction update:

• An excavation necessary at 164th Ave NE and Redmond Way to relocate an underground utility to make room for drainage placement.

 • We will continue to have two west bound lanes open on Redmond Way with periodic reductions to one west bound lane during the day. This configuration will be in place for the next several months.

• The contractor is continuing the ongoing placement of signal system work throughout the project; placement of underground conduits for PSE and Frontier as well as sewer line and drainage installations. 

• Zayo, a fiber optic utility provider, will be relocating their facilities along Redmond Way from Avondale Way to 164 Ave NE for the next few weeks.

• The Contractor is scheduling night work the week of the January 30th to install hydrants and drainage in traffic sensitive areas.  

Light Rail is Coming to Downtown Redmond

Voters approved ST3 which will bring Link light rail to Downtown Redmond in 2024. But what will that look like, where will the station be located Downtown, and how will our current transit service integrate with light rail? Come learn about options and give your input. Join us for a public meeting on Jan. 26, 6-8 pm at Redmond City Hall.

Live or Work Downtown? Catch the free shuttle from several apartment locations Downtown and we'll bring you right to City Hall. Click here and scroll down to "Free Shuttle to Public Meeting" for the shuttle details on the route and times.

Historical Society Membership Celebration Meeting (part 2)

About 35 members attended this meeting, most of them "old-timers," except for John Stilin, his wife, the Normans, yours truly, and maybe a few others. I put up a list of the old-timers on a different YouTube clip. I've got to say, sadly one of the co-founders, Miguel Llanos, couldn't make it. He's been an incredible volunteer not just for the society but also the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and Landmark Commission.

A few days after the meeting I had coffee with Joe Townsend at SoulFood to discuss Allan L. Pope's Craftsman house on Adair Street. It was built in 1924.  Now, which Mayor would that be?   Unannounced, Joe brought along John Oftebro,  a retired pharmacist and Chairman of the Board at Kelly-Ross.  John's involved with the finances for the RHS; he's incredibly tuned into local history.

Of note, when I asked Joe if he was open to a Tourism Office in the Justice White House he said others were talking about it and he'd probably be okay with it. IMO we really need a Tourism Office or Information Center, preferably at the City's front door.

I was surprised when Joe told me the RHS is a One Redmond member.

Bob

Bighorn Sheep

Where in Washington did I take this picture?  

Chelan!  3.5  hours from Redmond

And don't miss the large herd of Elk that graze east of Mt. Si High School in the Fall, early mornings and late afternoons. Can't miss em from the road!

EvergreenHealth Hosts Special Community Event: "Disease vs. Disgrace: Conversations to End Mental Illness Stigma"

EvergreenHealth Medical Center Join EvergreenHealth and a panel of experts -- including Todd and Laura Crooks, founders of the mental health advocacy foundation Chad’s Legacy Project -- for a viewing of the documentary Chad’s Legacy: Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness, followed by a discussion around support and treatment opportunities for those battling mental illness. The event will be held on Thursday, February 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the EvergreenHealth Medical Center Surgeons and Physician Pavilion.  (directions.)  While society continues to learn and understand more about the complex dimensions of mental illness, the prevailing stigma of a diagnosis strongly impacts the lives of all those it touches, and can affect their interactions with society, social services and healthcare, as well as the legal and judicial systems. This Panel is dedicated to providing more information around mental illness and facilitating a public discussion. Todd and Laura Crooks founded Chad’s Legacy Project in honor of their son, Chad Crooks, who lost his battle with the disease and took his life, less than a year after his diagnosis. Todd and Laura have embarked on a journey to share Chad’s story, and developed the foundation to help eliminate mental health stigmas, improve access to care, advance research of mental illness treatments, and support those who battle various mental health conditions. This event is free and open to the community, but space is limited to 150 registrants. To register, please go online (broken link) or call the Healthline at 425.899.3000.   Event Location:

EvergreenHealth Medical Center Surgeons and Physician Pavilion  (directions) Tan  100/101 12303 NE 130th Lane Kirkland, WA  98034 Please share this with your friends and neighbors.  I have a mental health condition and know what it feels like.  B. Yoder Questions?  E-mail  Laurene Burton at:  lhburton@evergreenhealthcare.org or call: 425-899-3000

Downtown mixed-use "apartment box buildings" on 166th

Just the beginning.

On deck:

9-story twin towers at the old post office site -- 7-story apartment box building adjacent to the future Downtown Park -- Beijing / Nelson Legacy 6-story box on Redmond Square -- 7-story boutique hotel at RTC -- 6-story box near the Marymoor Storage Center, east of the urban center on a trail (despite CM Cole's objection.) -- Hampton Inn by Home Depot.

The "Camwest" building abuts the Heron rookerie. See the line of tall evergreens in the distance?   I think it was actually identified as the Heron project.

I can't remember them all, or which others may be lining up.  It's a gold rush.  My guess is CM John Stilin may know best since he's President of the One Redmond Foundation, associated with One Redmond.

I think the Open Kitchen has been at the Redmond United Methodist Church for over two years now.

Bob  

Redmond area school boundary process begins

  

The first step of the process is to seek feedback from parents on the criteria the boundary committee will use to evaluate possible new boundaries. Parents of students in the schools listed below will receive an email by the end of January with a link to the boundary criteria survey. B.Y. 

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District will build three new schools in the Redmond area to meet the needs of its growing enrollment. New schools draw enrollment from neighborhoods now assigned to existing schools. As a result, a boundary committee is beginning the process to determine the boundaries for two new elementary schools and one new middle school.  

City of Redmond Adopts Cultural Inclusion Resolution

Credit City of Redmond

"We want to ensure that everyone in Redmond feels welcome and part of this community, no matter their heritage, ethnic background, religion or any other factor"  - President Hank Margeson  

Are the mentally ill and homeless a factor?  B.Y. 

REDMOND, WA - At last night’s City Council meeting, the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Redmond City Council passed a resolution affirming the City’s ongoing effort of being a culturally inclusive community. The resolution was brought forth by the Mayor and City Council with recommendation from the Arts and Culture Commission.

The resolution affirms the City’s commitment to welcoming and engaging with all community members and visitors regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, country of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion, income, political persuasion or cultural practices.

Finally some City humor

Oh my gosh!  What role models we have here.  :)  Thanks for looking out for us Mr. Mayor.

After further thought:  "Hands on the wheel"... the driver could be reaching for a gun rather than registration papers or a licence. Maybe not so funny after all. Why on earth didn't the City explain this in the video?

When I posted this in a FB group, Becky Range RPD, got on and said the video was made about 2 years ago. Apparently, City newcomers from other countries often jump out of their cars when pulled over....and the police don't want this.  

Bob

Speedy work on the Downtown Park

Completion scheduled for mid-2018.   Yep, speedy.

Peat (from eons ago) was trucked-out last year.  My and Susan Wilkins (a Redmond geologist), guess is Bear Creek once meandered here leaving vegetation in it's wake; peat was the by-product. I personally think native Indians once camped here along the creek leaving artifacts behind, but we'll never know because a specific law prevents disclosure.

Bob