Dr. John Holmen Hired LWSD Superintendent

The Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Board of Directors has selected Dr. Jon Holmen to be the next Lake Washington School District Superintendent. They announced their decision on Monday, March 23, 2020.

Dr. Holmen is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Lake Washington School District. He started his career in 1999 teaching third grade at Benjamin Rush Elementary, located in Redmond, Wash. During his career in Lake Washington, Dr. Holmen has worked in a variety of positions serving students, staff and families in all regions of the district. Dr. Holmen has served as an Elementary Principal, Associate Director of Special Services, Director of School Support, Associate Superintendent, and, for the last three years, Deputy Superintendent.

“I am fortunate to have had the tremendous opportunity to grow, learn, and serve alongside outstanding staff, remarkable families, and amazing students,” said Dr. Holmen. “I am humbled and honored to take on the role of Superintendent and continue fostering growth and change as we continue to address the needs of each and every student we serve.”

Dr. Holmen has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Seattle Pacific University, a Masters in Teaching from City University, a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Seattle Pacific University and a Doctorate of Education from Seattle Pacific University.

“We are excited to offer the position of Superintendent to Dr. Jon Holmen,” stated LWSD Board President Siri Bliesner. “Dr. Holmen brings both experience with our district, and in educational leadership, to continue the progress of our district towards meeting our vision of ‘Every student future ready.’”

The next step in the process is to finalize an employment contract between the Board and Dr. Holmen.

Dr. Holmen will replace Dr. Jane Stavem, who has resigned from Lake Washington School District, and is moving to a Superintendent position in Sioux Falls, South Dakota effective July 1, 2020.

OneRedmond Supports Nonprofits

A Note from OneRedmond Executive Director Kristina Hudson Click here to read OneRedmond Executive Director's message to the Redmond and greater Eastside community, giving updates on what we are doing and how you can help, particularly with the non-profit community.

#BuyRedmond Campaign in Partnership with Experience Redmond To help market the City of Redmond's businesses to the greater Redmond and Eastside community, OneRedmond and Experience Redmond are partnering on a #BuyRedmond campaign. Over the next few weeks, coordinated marketing efforts will be rolled out to assist those industries most affected by the recent State of Washington requirements. Please contact us if you want your business to be highlighted in the campaign at info@oneredmond.org.

Click here to visit the Experience Redmond website for more details.

Featured Non-Profit: Bloodworks NW Bloodworks NW is an independent, non-profit organization harnessing donor gifts to provide a safe, lifesaving blood supply to more than 90 Northwest hospitals. The Pacific Northwest’s blood supply is at risk of collapse in coming days. The accelerating number of blood drive cancellations due to the closure of schools, businesses, and events over coronavirus concerns has put nearly 60% of the community’s blood supply in jeopardy. With exponentially decreasing opportunities for the public to donate, our community blood supply is in real danger. For the safety and care of current and future patients, Bloodworks is urging the community to step up to donate and spread word of the current need.  Learn more and donate today.

A Call For Blood Donors

FROM: Jeanne Kohl-Welles, King County Councilmember

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As I have mentioned in previous updates, growing COVID-19 concerns and closures have led to canceled blood drives and 2,500 lost donations, putting our local blood supply in danger of collapse. While inventories are now holding steady as faithful donors and first-time donors respond to the urgent need, donations will continue to drop in the days and weeks to come.

New donors are needed now to step-up and save a life, and for donors to make this a generous and consistent habit. All types of blood are needed for cancer treatment, trauma cases, and many other situations. The process only takes an hour and actual donation time is about 10 minutes.

Donating blood is a safe activity, and there is no risk of contracting coronavirus from the blood donation process.

Bloodworks Northwest has more information on coronavirus, who is eligible to donate blood, and donation locations at www.bloodworksnw.org/coronavirus. You can make an appointment for donating at a center or drive to minimize wait time.

As a reminder, the county has many COVID-19 resources for the general public, the business community, workplaces and employers, travelers, healthcare professionals and links to information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Washington state Department of Health.

Please visit the Public Health website and find additional information available on the Public Health Insider.

Also, if you have a moment, I encourage you to read this article that appeared in today’s Washington Post that show through animation how viruses like COVID-19 spread so quickly and what we can do to “flatten the curve”: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/?wpmk=1&wpisrc=al_trending_now__alert-national&utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wp_news_alert_revere_trending_now

--Jeanne Kohl-Welles, King County Councilmember

Feeding Redmond School Kids During Covid-19, Organized By Kristen Muscott

Open Kitchen, a ministry of Redmond United Methodist Church, partners with Redmond Nourishing Network to fill the gaps when food is scarce for our most vulnerable neighbors.  Nourishing Network’s School Break Food Box Program depends on community donations, and we need your support more than ever as we commit to serving over 100 families living in the Education Hill area.

Please Help Families By Donating Here.

Your donation will help us fill over 400 boxes with hearty soups, crackers, peanut butter, fresh produce, and more!  More importantly, your gift will lessen stress on families, provide hope, and sustain kids so they are ready for distance learning in this unprecedented time and for their eventual return to the classroom on April 27th (we hope)!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing our belief that NO ONE, especially a child, should ever go hungry!

A Respite on a Sunny Day from the Cares of the World

Sunday was sunny but somewhat chilly as I hiked north along the Sammamish River Trail.  I was happy to be out and about, finally able to free my mind from thinking about the great coronavirus pandemic.  I was headed for the shallow seasonal pond that lies parallel to the trail, not far north of the rusty foot bridge that spans the river about a half mile north of the 90^th Street Bridge here in Redmond.

As I approached, a flock of American widgeon swooped around one end of the pond and then landed in the water, joining others that were already there.  I could then hear a steady stream of soft whistling sounds, as they began communicating with each other.  There must have been well over one hundred of them, males and females.

I soon spotted a few other waterfowl species that were sparsely represented: northern pintails, green winged teal, a few mallards and a couple of northern shovelers.  They all got along quite amicably as they foraged for food, or simply swam about.

The photo that accompanies this brief tale shows a male northern shoveler swimming between a pair of resting American widgeon and a second female widgeon in the foreground.  A male widgeon has a black head. The shoveler has what appears to be a blade of grass in its bill that it retrieved by dabbling for it underwater.

-- Photo and Story by John Reinke

Financial Information From King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert

INFORMATION

Unemployment and Workers’ Comp

Anyone who has lost their job due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) may apply for UNEMPLOYMENT insurance. Info on that here.

Anyone whose job has brought them into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or are required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here.

If you or a friend or family member are out of work, Washington State's Employment Security Department provides support services as well.

OTHER ISSUES

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the Coronavirus. We will add to this list as more resources become available.

Trouble Paying Rent or Mortgage

If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes:

• Washington Homeownership Hotline (877-894-HOME)
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggestions
• Rental assistance & counseling (800-569-4287)
• List of Housing Counseling Agencies
• For Seattle renters, the Mayor has issued a 30-day moratorium on evictions – through mid-April

Student Loans Deferment

If you need help with your student loans, you may be able to temporarily suspend your payments by applying for a deferment or forbearance from the US Department of Education.

Paying Utilities

If you need help paying your utility bills, contact your service provider immediately.

• Puget Sound Energy will not disconnect customers, will waive late fees, and offers payments plans.
• For Seattle residents, Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities will not shut off service during the emergency. They also offer deferred payment plans and discount programs.
• The Utilities and Transportation Commission offers energy assistance programs.
• The federal government also has assistance programs to help with telephone and heating bills.
• Comcast is offering free WiFi hot spots, unlimited data, and no disconnects or late fees.

Food Assistance

If you’re looking for help feeding yourself or your family, visit the Food Lifeline website to find a partner food bank, food pantry, or hot meal program in your neighborhood. This food is free and available to you, even if you don’t qualify for SNAP or EBT.

Insurance Issues

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has resources and information available for consumers who have insurance related questions.

• Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner - COVID-19 Resources Information from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

FOR BUSINESSES

• The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing low-interest loans of up to $2 million to help with operating expenses.

• The Washington State Department of Revenue can provide extensions on taxes or waive penalties.

• For businesses in Seattle, the City of Seattle has delayed B&O taxes for small business and established a small business stabilization fund to provide grants of up to $10,000.

Additional Resources

• COVID-19 resource list for impacted Washington businesses and workers
Information from the Governor’s office.
• Protect Yourself Financially from the Coronavirus
Information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
• Job Interrupted —A To-Do List for Tough Times
Information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
• Financial Peace of Mind in the Age of Coronavirus
Information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
• Avoiding Coronavirus Scams
Information from the Federal Trade Commission.

Stay healthy!
Kathy
3/16/2020

Redmond City Hall Closed For Another Week

CONTACT
City of Redmond Public Information Officer
PIO@redmond.gov
425-556-2497

Redmond, WA – Out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with the King County Public Health guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Redmond City Hall will be closed for one week, Friday, March 13 through Friday, March 20. A confirmed presumptive positive case of COVID-19 prompted the closure.

The Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor and work closely with the King County Emergency Operations Center. The remainder of City facilities including the Public Safety Building, Maintenance and Operations Center, Fire Stations, the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village, the Old Firehouse Teen Center, and the Farrel McWhirter Barn Yard will be closed to the public until further notice.

Redmond Police, Fire and other critical City services are fully operational at this time.

All City facilities will undergo a thorough cleaning during this time. Contacts for services: Development Services: 425-556-2473, Police Non-Emergency Dispatch: 206-556-2500

City of Redmond Coronavirus Update

After this video was taped, LWSD cancelled all classes for 14 days starting 3/12  lwsd.org 

Remodel Of The Old Redmond School Community Center

LWSD remodel of  ORSCC / Photo credit Yoder

Excerpts from Patsey Rosenback's story. Her mother graduated from "Redmond School" in 1937.

"I grew up on "Education Hill" before it was Education Hill.  I walked down 166th AV. NE. - back then it was 3rd Avenue and washed out annually.  I walked back and forth on that dirt road many times to Redmond School for grades 1-9. When my mother went to Redmond School it housed grades 1-12.  She  graduated in 1937. 

When I entered Lake Washington High School, I still had to walk to Redmond School to be transported by bus to Lake Washington where I graduated in 1958."  

###

The remodel will serve special needs and low-income families. It will include 10-preschool classrooms, a gym, and a commons area. The lease agreement between the City and the District ended effective June 2018 to allow time for renovations. The City and the District were working together. During the short-term transition time, recreation programs at ORSCC were relocated to the Redmond Senior Center, Teen Center, LWSD schools, and potential leased space at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology Redmond Campus (20,000 sq ft.)  The lease costs were estimated at approximately $500,000 per year with additional funds needed (approximately $100,000) for the decommissioning of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse and staff moving costs. Staff had recommended these costs be supported through Real Estate Excise Tax collections received in 2016 over forecasted amounts.

-- Bob Yoder
    3/9/2020

Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem Resigns From The District - Deputy Superintendent Jon Holman Takes The Reins

Dr. Jane Stavem, the Superintendent of Lake Washington School District (LWSD), today announced her resignation from the District, effective June 30, 2020. She has accepted a position as Superintendent in Sioux Fall, South Dakota, effective July 1, 2020
.

“I have loved my time in Lake Washington School District and planned to stay much longer,” stated Dr. Stavem. “This return to the Midwest allows me to be in much closer proximity to my extended family and care for needs that have emerged for them over the last six months.”

The Board of Directors will meet to determine next steps for the selection process to name a new Superintendent.

-- Shannon Parthemer, Director of Communications, 425-936-1342
   3/6/2020

Eight Species Of Ducks Congregating In Local Pond

Photos Credit/ John Reinke

Northern Pintail ducks are lingering with other wildfowl in a large shallow pond close to the Sammamish River.

Up until a few days ago, I had never seen northern pintail here in Redmond – like the two males I very recently snapped in the photograph shown above.  Thanks to a tip from Bob Yoder, I learned that they could be found in a shallow narrow pond that lies parallel to the Sammamish River Trail, not far north of the “rusty footbridge” at the north end of town.

Heading over there as soon as I could, I discovered that several other types of waterfowl were also present.
In addition to the pintails, I also managed to photograph the following species:

Pintails dabbling for food

American widgeon, green winged teal, northern shovelers, bufflehead, and common goldeneye. In addition, some mallards and a few mergansers were also present. 

I had previously seen all of these species here in Redmond, with the exception of northern shovelers.  Male shovelers somewhat resemble male mallards, in that both have green heads.  However, whereas male mallards have yellow bills, male shovelers have wider enlarged black bills.

Bufflehead, common goldeneye and mergansers are all diving ducks.  Pintails, American widgeon, green winged teal, northern shovelers and mallards are all dabbling ducks.  Dabbling ducks primarily feed along the surface of the water or by tipping upside down and grazing on aquatic vegetation, larvae and insects.

It was exciting to see so many species in one place.  I am sure that most will soon migrate out of the area, since this pond dries up in the summer.

-- John Reinke
   3/3/2020