UPDATED 5/9: May is "Mental Health Awareness Month," 1 in 5 Americans have a mental illness

Since May is “Mental Health Awareness Month" I thought I’d share some of my experiences and provide some information on these brain disorders.  First some stats.

It sounds alarming but 1 in 5 Americans have a mental health condition of some kind in a given year.  According to NIMH only half are treated! 25% of all mental health conditions are serious in nature and can significantly impair one’s life.  We all know bipolar (4.4%), schizophrenia (1.1%) and major depression (18.4%) are serious but OCD (2.3%), eating disorders (3%), PTSD (6.8%), panic disorder (4.7%), and depression in childhood fall into that category too. 

Other amazing statistics from NAMI and the NIMH:   One half of all chronic mental illnesses begin at age 14 and 75% begin by age 24.  Suicide is the 3^rd largest killer of our children and 90% of all suicides have an underlying mental illness.  26% of the homeless have a serious mental illness.  

One of my jobs years ago was selling a SSRI similar to Prosac for OCD, lithium for bipolar and Ritalin for ADHD.  So, I know a thing or two.  What attracted me most to the job was a serious mood disorder I've struggled with since graduation in college. The stress of having to find a good job after school brought on a Major depression that kept me on the couch for months.  Back then there were no SSRI’s or other anti-depressants.  All I could find for treatment was a psychologist with kid toys on the floor!  It was all I could do to force myself to get off the couch and walk my way down the driveway.  It finally ran it's course..... many times over the years.  

Today there are easily 30 or more medications available for mental conditions and if you look hard there's some very good doctors.  I go to an awesome doctor at Overlake Medical Center’s out-patient clinic.  The exceptional doctors know how to fine tune your recovery with combinations of appropriate medications.  Just last month after testing by a Neuropsycologist my doctor diagnosed me with Adult ADHD.  One third of childhood ADHD continues into adulthood so now I'm taking a stimulant, getting cognitive behavioral therapy and taking ownership of my illness.

I want to thank the Mayor and council for funding an outreach specialist to identify homeless with psychiatric disorders to help them find human service support.  I also want to thank the city's Humans Services Committee for their emphasis on funding for our youth.  We have far to few councilors in our schools.  I want to thank the Kiwanians who  prepare and serve dinners at Friends of Youth.  Many of these youth are homeless and without food or shelter. It's wonderful local communities are starting to embrace the mentally ill.       

Please don’t hesitate to talk to your friends and acquaintances about mental health care if you think they are struggling.  The doctors at Overlake and the Kaiser Behavioral clinic in Factoria are excellent.  I’m not so sure about Virginia Mason-Kirkland and EvergreenHealth doesn't offer services at this time. Overlake Church in Redmond hosts “Celebrate Recovery” where mild anxieties, mild depressions, addictions and other hurts are addressed.  NAMI Eastside offers excellent family support programs.     

I’m retired and it feels good to finally speak up without fear of losing a job or not getting hired. The stigma is ebbing and we’re moving forward.  I’m confident a day will come when poor brain health is accepted just like other ailments.  

B. Yoder

Celebrate Children's International Day

Celebrate Children’s International Day at Einstein El.    

Einstein Elementary School is hosting a special event on April 30th, 6:00-7:30 pm inviting parents to celebrate and share Children’s International Day with students. Parties are held and children take part in activities like face painting, story-telling, contests, art workshops, and plays

Youth Eastside Services councilor Jose Gomez next to an Einstein lunch buddy graduate

During lunch with my 3rd grade "Lunch Buddy" I ran into Jose Gomez whom I know from my mentor-ship in the Youth Eastside Services program.  Jose (besides being an outstanding soccer player,) is simply an amazing, heart-filled guy who's gifted with youth and a sought after councilor. 

One of many jobs, Jose coordinates the Y. E.S. lunch buddy program at Redmond High, working with 8 high school students who mentor the kiddos at Einstein on Wednesdays.  Mary Goodwin, the I.A. in charge of the lunch buddy program at Einstein is very proud of Jose saying five lunch buddy "graduates" from Einstein are in the Y.E.S. high school program helping the kiddos  

I don't mean to be sappy, but thanks Jose for all you do!  

-- B. Yoder   

Engage with LWSD around the superintendent search process

Over the next few weeks, there will be opportunities for staff, students, parents and community members to have input into the important Lake Washington School District (LWSD) superintendent search process. At the beginning of the process, input gathered through surveys (see below), focus groups, and community meetings will be used to help define the position profile and desired selection criteria for an ideal candidate. It will also inform the board of the issues and overall climate of the school district. Ultimately, the School Board makes the final decision on hiring the next superintendent of LWSD. You can reach the Board at boardmembers@lwsd.org or call them at 425-936-1257. 

You may also speak directly to the Board members at their Business meetings on May 7th, June 4th, and August 13th.  You have 3 minutes to comment.  The meetings are held in the Resource Center at 7 pm.  E-mail communications@lwsd.org for information.   

Surveys: Two surveys will help us gather input from our community. The “30 Qualities of a Superintendent Survey” asks you to share what leadership qualities, expertise and experiences matter most to you in a superintendent. The “District Review Survey” asks you to talk about the strengths and challenges for Lake Washington School District. To participate, please click on the survey links below in your desired language:

30 Qualities of a Superintendent Survey:
English | Arabic | Chinese | Japanese | Korean | Portuguese | Russian | Spanish

District Review Survey: 
English | Arabic | Chinese | Japanese | Korean | Portuguese | Russian | Spanish

Surveys will close on Monday, May 7, 2018 at 8 a.m.

MEETINGS: Four public meetings are scheduled to gather input from parents and community members.

• Tuesday, May 1 from 6-7 p.m. in the Lake Washington High School Commons (12033 NE 80^th Street, Kirkland, WA 98033)
• Wednesday, May 2 from 5-6 p.m. at Lake Washington School District Resource Center (16250 NE 74^th Street, Redmond, WA 98074)
• Thursday, May 3 from 10-11 a.m. at Redmond Public Library (15990 NE 85th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)
• Thursday, May 3 from 6-7 p.m. at Sammamish Public Library (825 228^th Avenue SE, Sammamish, WA 98075)

For more information, visit the Superintendent Search page of the LWSD website.

Historic Redmond Walking Tours

In 2002, local historian Tom Hitzroth and Society co-founder Naomi Hardy developed a walking tour and since 2003, Tom has led walking tours of Redmond’s historic district. Over the years, the tour has evolved from one hour to two, with the script changing as new information is discovered. “I’m looking for the question I can’t answer, which means I need to look further into a particular area.” 

A lifelong Eastside resident and chair of the City of Redmond Landmark Commission, Hitzroth continues to work at identifying details of Redmond development from its earliest times to 1930. He is currently researching the historic site of the settlement of Melrose that preceded Redmond.

2018 Walking Tour Schedule

Saturday, May 6, 1-3 pm

Sunday, May 20, 1-3 pm

Sunday, June 10, 1-3 pm

Sunday, June 24, 1-3 pm

Sunday, August 12, 1-3 pm

Sunday, September 9, 1-3 pm

EvergreenHealth receives "A" Grade for Patient Safety

Kirkland, Wash. – The Leapfrog Group, a leading national nonprofit watchdog on hospital quality and safety, today announced that EvergreenHealth received an “A” for patient safety in the latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades. It is one of only 11 hospitals in Washington and 750 of 2,660 nationwide to achieve an A rating this spring.

“At EvergreenHealth, our more than 5,000 employees, providers and volunteers are dedicated to what we call our Community of Absolute Safety,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte. “This dedication helps to ensure our patients receive the safest care, with the best quality and most exceptional service – it is at the core of what inspires us. We are proud that this commitment has resulted in earning the highest rating from The Leapfrog Group once again; however, recognition is not what drives us. We are continually focused on partnering with our patients to achieve the best outcomes.”

UPDATED, 4/28: Council member Steve Fields leads discussion on pedestrian / car collisions

Not the best picture 😁 (l-r) Fields, Myers, Padye, Birney and
Anderson.  -- click to enlarge photo

Council member Steve Fields is concerned about a possible rising incidence of  bike and pedestrian collisions with cars due to city growth.  He had heard anecdotal reports of collisions especially at intersections and asked Police Chief Wilson for a statistical report. At last Tuesday's Council Committee Safety meeting the Chief said the "collisions per 1,000 were exceptionally low."

• 2016 - 36 car / pedestrian collisions and 28 car / bike collisions
• 2017 - 22 car / pedestrian collisions and 14 car / bike collisions 
• End of March, 2018 -  6 car / pedestrian collisions and 4 car / bike collisions. 

These stats don't look "exceptionally low" but that's my opinion. The Chief said collisions increase in winter months owing to darker days, inclement weather. jaywalking and dark clothes.

Council member Hank Myers quipped with perfect timing "wearing black is appropriate when going to a funeral." 

The Chief said many of the collisions occur downtown around 161st near the transit center and bus lines. 

Downtown lighting is poor which makes matters worse, even with the new LEDS.  According to the city, LEDS  improve lighting uniformity and color rendering of streatscapes.  Unfortunately, we just don't have enough of them.  Perhaps at Seritage?

Council member Steve Fields was the Presiding Officer of the safety committee and summarized there wasn't an increase in collisions according to staff but quietly suggested a study session. The Chief added the Downtown Park will bring challenges.  The other 6 council members were quiet.  

Police Bike Teams were another topic.  The teams are riding the streets in tandem as "bike teams." primarily to engage with the public and for maneuverability.  In my opinion, when "bike shares" enter our downtown the Police Teams will be spending a heck-of-a-lot of their time enforcing permits and kibitzing with the Downtown park-goers.

###

The topics above topics were reviewed during last Tuesday's Council Committee of the Whole safety committee meeting.  It was the first Council Committee of the Whole safety meeting on record and all council members were present. Mr.Margeson left early.  Steve Fields had brought up the collision topic at an earlier council standing committee in which he was the Chair.  With the change in Committee structure, Mr. Fields is given the title of Presiding  Officer of the Council safety committee.

3rd  in a series on CCOW

Fat and sassy Redmond coyote

"This guy visited our front yard, where some cute bunnies live, and was napping at 3pm this afternoon. It's been a few years since I saw a coyote on our street, so close to downtown. We're by SR202 and NE 98th St."

 -- Angela McAuley Smale

FB:  Permission given to publish

UPDATED OPINION: Bike Shares could pollute our city

These Lime bikes and other "bike shares" will be invading Redmond.

Well, it looks like the unpleasant "Lime Greens" will shortly be seen on most corners of our downtown and some even polluting our neighborhoods and trails unless the city doesn't put firm regulations on them. The "Limes" and other bike shares coming out of Seattle could pressure our three bike shops out of Redmond; we'd lose the tax income from these shops and our city's character.  But, they do provide short transportation links to and from the transit centers.

Lake Union (Kiro.)  Lake Sammamish next?

I saw a large tangle of about 20 unused Limes at the Bothell bridge over the Sammamish River.  And, I saw one Lime abandoned on the green-belt next to the river.  I guess someone wanted to ride from Bothell, to a nice spot on the river, dump the bike (like trash) and hike back.  And then, there's the safety issue.  People who have never ridden a bike, especially in downtown streets, are more susceptible to a collision. 

The Limes are now electric so have the capability to run through our downtown transportation corridors-- and be left on roads like East and West Lake Sammamish Blvd. 116th and 124th.  Residents could drive them to the Downtown Park and surround it (art?) before heading back up the hill to neighborhood feeders. Same with the soccer fields and community center.

Shelly, a salesperson for Seattle Electric Bike in Bothell said she had some concerns about the bike shares but indicated permitting should solve most problems.  She sells a wide variety of sturdy, aesthetically pleasing electric bikes as does PIM and PEDEGO-Redmond. (PIM is out of Freemont and PEDEGO-Redmond is at 8296 160th Ave, NE.).

"Read More" for the City of Redmond's plans and point of view

EvergreenHealth's designation as Level III Trauma Center in renewed

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth’s designation as a Level III Trauma Center was renewed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) last month. To achieve this level of certification, the Kirkland-based health system successfully completed the state’s Trauma Designation Site Survey, which it conducts in eligible hospitals across Washington every three years.

School Board selects search firm for superintendent

Redmond, Wash. – During a special board meeting on Thursday, April 19, Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD’s) Board of Directors selected Ray and Associates, a national education search firm, to conduct a broad search and thorough selection process to name LWSD’s next superintendent.

EDITED OPINION: High LW School District Salaries Burden Our Community

In my opinion, the Lake Washington District Central Leadership Team and some administrators  salaries are *too high; the end result our students and educators are impacted by miss-use of  public funds.

The new LWSD Communications and Community Engagement Director of less then two years, is paid a flat $169,285 per year  In my opinion, this is excessive. The Mayor of Redmond's is paid less than $138,000 and he doesn't get summer off. 

From the district's Central Leadership Team Organizational Chart I learned 16 Directors earned $169,285 and 9 Associate Directors earned $153,330...all on a **flat salaries with no low or high ranges.  The director & some administrators' salaries should be on a sliding scale based on performance and experience.  Keep in mind, school business slows or ceases in many departments when school is out ... for example "Communications and Community Engagement"...not much engagement then.

Besides the Mayor's salary, another benchmark:  Redmond's Deputy Administrator, Chief of Police and Chief of Fire are paid the upper range of $165,372 per year with a bonus. Both governments have similar budgets of approximately $600,000,000.

Barbara Postumous, the CFO & Deputy Superintendent is very underpaid. Dr. Jon Holmen, the district's Deputy Superintendent who oversees five Directors should be paid more. Mr. Holman's Directors are  invaluable. They bridge the schools with the Central Central Leadership Team and oversee all the principals. According to School Board member Cassandra Sage Dr. Holmen's Directors are required to be in the schools 2.5 days per week.

Director Matt Gillingham runs "Student and School Support Services."  I first met Matt during Truancy Board training.  Mr. Gillingham is responsible for student safety, social-emotional well-being, mental health recovery, bullying issues and also oversees the athletic department. He should be paid more than a Director.

In sum, the district has too many overpaid chiefs and not enough indians.  Our superintendent is the CEO of the third largest school district in the State and should be very well paid to streamline the Administration and bring efficiencies. In addition, a good superintendent will know the capabilities of his/her workers, their roles and responsibilities to rank to pay them accordingly. School Board member Cassandra Sage indicated today Superintendent Jane Stavem is working towards these ends. 

Paying flat salaries doesn't encourage innovation and reward those who produce.  Low-median-high salary ranges would keep turn-over low to retain valuable workers. 

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 3/20/19

Sources:  * December 14th, 2018 School Board meeting packet / public record request
                City of Redmond public record request
                Redmond City Television, Comcast 21
                Barbara Posthumous, Assoc. Superintendent

LWSD Offers Parent Information Sessions on Sexual Health Curriculum

Lake Washington School District Offers Parent Information/Input Sessions on Sexual Health Curriculum

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District (LWSD) will offer two parent information and input sessions where community members will be able to view the proposed materials being considered for sexual health education, and give input.

Information nights will be held:

• Monday, April 23 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the Resource Center (16250 NE 74th St, Redmond 98052)
• Thursday, May 3 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the Resource Center (16250 NE 74th St, Redmond 98052)

Youth Bike Camps at Marymoor Park

When I learned about Pedalheads Bike Camps at the Redmond Town Center Extravagance festival I was blown away.  Twenty years ago when my daughter Lexie was learning how to ride we struggled teaching her, she fell a lot, became anxious about the sport and never tried it again. Had a bike camp existed we would have immediately put her into it.

I rode the PIM ebike to Extravaganza and chatted with
Pedalheads at their booth

Even though Redmond is known as "The Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" it's hard to believe the city's  never offered a bike camp.  We have lacrosse camps, softball classes, flag-football clubs, soccer camps, swim classes, basketball camps, baseball clubs, a variety of community center classes but nothing for parents wanting to teach their kids how to ride safely and securely.

I called Pedalheads to learn about their Marymoor Park classes.  The popular Level One class, June 26-29 is already filled.  They have a special, July 2-6 for $188.00.  July 9-August 27 half day classes cost $235/week and are still open. To register call 1-888-886-6464 or visit their website.

B. Yoder

Mountains to Sound Greenway

Dunn to Congress: Support Mountains to Sound Greenway

Congressman Dave Reichert and former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton testified today before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands in support of HR 1791, the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Act.

The legislation, authored and championed by Congressman Dave Reichert, concerns a 1.5 million acre landscape that stretches from Seattle to Central Washington.

Currently in Washington, DC, King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn also submitted testimony in support of the legislation. Dunn has been an active participant in the effort since playing a vital role in the county’s acquisition of 226 acres of high-quality forest that was once partially slated for logging in 2014. The move preserved Squak Mountain Forest in the Issaquah Alps.

King County has played a major role in the creation of the Greenway, having invested millions of dollars in land acquisition and recreational development over the past 20 years. Purchasing the land prevented areas from being logged, and instead safeguarded salmon-bearing streams and other wildlife, as well as deep forests, hiking trails, and more.

School Board Describes First Steps in Selecting New Superintendent

Redmond, Wash. - Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD’s) Board of Directors will be initiating a national, open search for LWSD’s next superintendent with the support of a consulting firm experienced in identifying and recruiting leaders for high-performing school districts like LWSD. The same process and search firm will be used for considering internal and external applicants.

“The Board has already started researching options and is working to determine the next steps in identifying Lake Washington School District’s new superintendent,” said LWSD Board President Siri Bliesner.

Recognizing the importance to students, parents, staff and communities as well as the future of the district in selecting a new superintendent, the Board will seek input from the community throughout the process. The Board will develop a search timeline and provide opportunities for community involvement and input via forums and an online survey.

UPDATED: Superintendent Pierce steps down to a Directorship role

Traci Pierce, PhD

Superintendent Dr. Traci Pierce announced today she will be stepping down from her 6-year role of superintendent and into a different role within the organization. She will will take on the position as Director, College and Career Readiness.

Pierce was named superintendent in 2012.  During her tenure LWSD enrollment grew to 29,500 students.  Pierce led the district through a successful transition to K-5 elementary, 6-8 middle school, and four-year high school system.  The graduation rate climbed to an all-time high of 93%, the highest among all large districts in the sate.

She oversaw development of a long-term facility strategy and funding plan, resulting in passage of levies in 2014 and 2018 and a bond in 2016.  As a result, eight school construction projects are underway.  The district's bond credit rating was upgraded to Moody's "Aaa" rating.

Pierce joined the District in 1994, and has served as a teacher, principal, director, associate superintendent, deputy superintendent, and superintendent.  She received her doctorate at Bellevue College.

Dr. Pierce serves on the Sammamish Family YMCA Board, the Kirkland Performance Center Board, and the One Redmond Board. She was recently invited to participate in the "Influential Women of Washington State" series sponsored by Bellevue College.

The change in leadership will take effect July 1st, 2018 -- ten weeks -- barely enough time for a nation-wide search, public engagement and a decision. The Lake Washington Board of Directors is beginning the process to identify a new superintendent and will notify the community of their progress. 

B. Yoder, opinion
4/11/2018