14 professional artists create Art non-stop in 24 Hour Art Marathon.

14 professional artists create art in 24 non-stop continuous hour "Art Marathon"

Free and open to the public, artEAST invites everyone to its first annual "24 Hour Art Marathon". This is a unique opportunity to watch a group of skilled artists throughout the entire creative process. Drop in to the artEAST Center at 95 Front Street N., Issaquah, anytime between 9:00 a.m. Thursday, March 3 through 9:00 p.m. Friday, March 4 and you will see 14 professional artists creating art for 24 non-stop continuous hours. On Saturday, March 5, over 50 completed works will be presented and available for purchase at a $25 per ticket private reception and auction. To reserve your ticket, please call Deby Harvey at (425) 466-5971 or purchase at artEAST's UpFront Gallery. For details, visit http://www.arteast.org/ . 
Read Colored Poster >>

Crews close lanes this weekend on SR 520 in Redmond to finish widening work

Crews close lanes this weekend on SR 520 in Redmond to finish widening work, 2/17

SEATTLE – Crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close two eastbound lanes on State Route 520 near West Lake Sammamish Parkway this weekend to restripe a short section of road.

UPDATED: State school accountability findings and ratings released

CC:  Chip Kimball and School Board of Directors

In April 2010 the State Board of Education published its Public Schools Accountability Index. The Index grades Washington public schools on a scale of one to seven, measured by four indicators and five outcomes (1). The four indicators are:

•Achievement by non-low income students;
•Achievement by low-income students;
•Achievement compared to other schools with similar demographics;
•Improvement in student achievement.

Washington Policy Center’s Public School Accountability Index rates the quality of more than 2,000 public schools across the state including those in Lake Washington School District. The Index is based on data compiled by the State Board of Education’s 2010 Achievement Index.

Here are the findings, According to an intern from the Washington Policy Center of Educaiton:

• 597,000, or nearly 60%, of Washington children attend Fair or Struggling public schools.
• Only 93,000, less than 10%, of students attend a Very Good or Exemplary public school.
• The great majority of schools, 1,208, rank as only Fair or Struggling,
• Only 212 schools, barely 10%, rank as either Very Good or Exemplary.
• The poor academic performance is not due to lack of support from taxpayers – funding for Washington public education is at record highs.
• Public schools receive just over $10 billion a year, or $10,200 per student, in operating funds, plus an additional $1.3 billion for school construction.
• Since 1980 education spending, adjusted for inflation, has more than doubled, while the number of students, due to smaller families, has increased by only a third.
• There are fewer students today in relation to the total population than in the past, and spending per student is the highest ever.

What do you think of this?   Write your comment below the post!  Read more for school rankings!

Attention: Are you a teacher? Do you want to visit China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan?

4th in a series on the influence and cultural contributions of Greater Redmond's international residents

Teachers in China, 2008

Attention: Are you a teacher? Do you want to visit China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan?

The Cultural Exploration of Greater China Foundation (CE) is sponsoring four teachers from the Greater Seattle area to explore Chinese culture by visiting China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan for two weeks this summer.

In addition to guided tours of historical landmarks, the program will include opportunities to meet Chinese school teachers, educators, parents, and students. CE’s objective is to impart a broad understanding of the people and culture of China.

The program is applicable for teachers of all grade levels (K-12). Those teaching subjects with components related to the understanding of China are encouraged to apply.
Since 2000, CE has sent more than 30 teachers on this trip.

CE is a community-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Chinese culture and language through education by offering cultural learning opportunities to schools and other institutions.

The deadline for accepting applications is Feb. 28. ♦

For more information or to view application criteria, visit http://www.culturalexploration.org/.

Source:  NW Asian Weekly, 2/10-16
Internet photo

Press Release: Lake Washington Schools Excel in Washington Achievement Awards

Lake Washington Schools Excel in Washington Achievement Awards
Twelve schools honored, half for the second year in a row

Redmond, Wash. –The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the State Board of Education (SBE) have announced that 186 schools across the state will be honored with 2010 Washington Achievement Awards. The list of schools includes 12 schools in Lake Washington School District. All award-winning schools will be honored during a ceremony on April 27 at Lincoln High School in Tacoma.

“The hard work of students, teachers and parents shows in this year’s Washington Achievement Awards,” said Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent. “For the second straight year, these awards have confirmed what I know and see every day. Our district has great schools, helping all kids achieve and excel.”  Read More >>

Lake Washington Technical College's innovative "Environmental Horticulture" instructor

Innovative greenhouses, water catchment systems, rain gardens, cisterns, culinary gardens, vegetable garden donations, NW Flower and Garden Show set-up, "seed to sell" ornamentals...

What do these elements have in common with Lake Washington Technical College (LWTC)?

Don Marshall.

Don Marshall is a highly celebrated head instructor and manager of the "Environmental Horticulture" program at LWTC.  The rapidly expanding  LWTC is located in Kirkland on the 132nd Street boundary of  West Redmond.  11605 132nd Avenue NE.

Marshall's a professional working in the horticulture field since 1979.   He studied horticulture and education at Washington State University for four years.  In between, he "quit to get practical experience" mentoring under Ted Swanson of the highly regarded Swanson's Nursery near Ballard, founded in 1888.  On of Marshall's key goals at LWTC  is "to expose his students to industry".   Read More >>

Swedish celebrates American Heart Month with Seattle's "All Star Chefs".

For American Heart Month, Swedish is taking a stand to educate the public.

Seattle’s All-Star Celebrity Chefs and Swedish Surgeon Dr. Sarah Speck Go Heart Healthy

SEATTLE:  "Imagine what it would be like to have one of Seattle’s top chefs in your kitchen showing you how to cook a healthy meal. That’s a fantasy that is about to come true thanks to the Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute and the John L. Locke Jr. Charitable Trust. Six of Seattle’s top chefs created heart healthy recipes and online videos as part of the Swedish video series, “Heart Healthy Eating with Seattle’s All-Star Chefs,” available online at http://bit.ly/allstarrecipes.  Read More >>

UPDATED, 2/16 - Redmond is loser-out to Newport in Kingco Tournament, 41-42

UPDATED AFTER THE NEWPORT GAME, 2/16: 

"Redmond's season came to a close tonight with a heartbreaking loss against Newport, finishing with a 11-12 overall record. 

The Redmond Mustangs want to thank its players, coaches, fans, and all others who helped make this a great season."  - Redmond Mustang Boys website. 

The final was 41-42.  Harrington 19pts, Squires 9, Floan 6, Ellis 3, Mercer 2, Meachum 2. 

RHS had the best and only Superfans for the night.

                                ####
REDMOND DEFEATED INGLEMOOR ON 2/4.

Redmond Mustangs beat Inglemoor on Friday (49-42) in neck to neck battle through the 3rd quarter.  Jason Harrington scored 22, Squires 11.  The Stangs will play Newport on Tuesday February 15 at Juanita. Ballard lost to Newport 50-46 last Friday.  Read More >>

Owner of Las Margaritas of Redmond changes name

General Contractor George Moreno is remodeling Las Magaritas.  The name will change to Agave Cocina Cantina

About 2/3 of the western store front of  Bear Creek Shopping Center is undergoing a major remodel.  Ross Dress for Less is replacing Linens and Things.  A computer store is replacing Kits Cameras.  The Las Magaritas of Redmond  is changing it's name but the popular restaurant is still owned and operated by Julian Ramos.  The new name for Las Magaritas is Agave Cocina Cantina.  A second Agave restaurant is in Issaquah Highlands.

General contractor George Morena said, "the restaurant will have a new name but Julian Ramos will remain the owner-operator."  George said, "Julian was paying too much for the name, so he changed it to Agave Cocina Cantina."   He didn't say who owned the Agave restaurant in Issaqauh. 

The existing 5400 Sq Ft. footprint won't be changed.  New roll-up garage doors at the bar lounge.  Same address:  17106 Redmond Way.  The restaurant opening is planned sometime in April.

Reported by Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder
Sources:  Agave website
C.O.R. Notice of Application

LW-PTSA announces Reflections winners; plus more news from schools

LWSD "News from Schools"

• Lake Washington PTSA announces Reflections winners
• LWHS senior named a 2010 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement winner
• Rose Hill Jr. Jazz Band performs at Science Fiction Festival
• Stella Schola spelling bee participant moves on to regional bee

For award list and more news "read more" >>
Read More>>

LETTER: Government subsidies to the Saturday Market add value

LETTER:  I have to disagree [with Mr. Frazier's Letter on the Saturday Market]. The Saturday Market provides value to the community, making the donations from government an investment in that same community. The market brings people out of their personal spaces, and brings them together. It provides them inspiration. It's not just a temporary store, but a community center.

Retailers like Trader Joes don't look at the market as a competitor, but rather a draw (like a sale they don't have to pay for). When was the last time you bought everything you needed for a dinner at the Saturday Market? You don't. Instead, you find and purchase an inspiring ingredient, perhaps several. Then you go to Trader Joes, or QFC, or Whole Foods, and purchase everything else you need for the meal.

This sort of thing is exactly what government is there to accomplish. Provide what people and business can't, for the betterment of all.

Douglas Burchard

LETTER: The Saturday Market shouldn't be subsidized by taxpayers

LETTER:  Why should I be pleased that my tax dollars are subsidizing certain vendors operating in the city? The vendors who operate the stands at the Saturday Market should be paying their own bills as do the other stores in the city. This ‘gift’ of taxpayer funds only benefits the vendors who operate there and siphons business from stores who offer those same products. So how do we justify collecting tax from Trader Joes, PCC, Whole Foods, etc. and handing it to their competitors? Does this create a fair business environment? I’ve also read complaints from those who think that the Redmond Town Center should donate the space to the Saturday Market vendors. Since RTC is in the business of renting space, is it good business sense for them to be donating space to those who compete with their paying tenants? If the city feels compelled to financially prop up the vendors at the Saturday market, perhaps they should consider for them an exemption of city sales tax, business license tax, building permits, etc., etc. The exemption should be afforded to all similar businesses in the city; just to make it fair. Don’t misunderstand my point… I’m not anti-Saturday Market. I’m just anti-bias when it comes to the way my City spends my tax money.

Howard Frazier
Education Hill neighborhood
Redmond, WA.

WSDOT Mobile Tolling Van comes to Redmond

SR 520 Bridge Tolling Starts this Spring

Redmond, WA – In the spring of 2011, all-electronic tolling will begin on the SR 520 Bridge to help pay for the construction of a new, safer bridge. Good To Go! electronic tolling uses technology to keep traffic moving with no toll booths, no stopping and no slowing down.

Throughout February and March, Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will bring their Mobile Tolling Van to Redmond providing a convenient location for Redmond residents and business employees to purchase their tolling passes. Dates and locations for the WSDOT Mobile Van are as follows:

Redmond Library, 15990 NE 85th Street
Sunday, February 20 – 12pm - 5pm
Tuesday, March 8 – 11am - 6pm   

Read more locations and times for City Hall and Grass Lawn Park.
Read more >>

Council writes $5,000 check to Saturday Market; plans to move Market downtown someday

THE SATURDAY MARKET

In their February 8, Study Session Council authorized President Cole to write a $5,000 check to the Saturday Market from their 2011 Council Contingency fund . The *36-year old Market had been close to closing two years ago when Market President Jim Hoagland pleaded for support. This is the third check in three years.

President Richard Cole said in the last two years council gave $5,000/year to it's aid.   The Mayor said staff  "looked at the Saturday Market's books the first year (2009) and  found the number of vendors and market shrinking."  So, the $5,000 payments were tied to marketing.  Mayor Marchione said "after this first year the Market had the largest number of attendance and the largest number of booths."

Councillor Hank Myers said lots of other markets are supported by cities.  Councillor Kim Allen said they discovered the Market was paying huge rent when it was supposed to be free according to when the contract was first negotiated with the Redmond Town Center.  Cole said the **$23,000 rent to RTC was "a huge huge amount";  Councillor Hank Margeson shook his head in agreement.  Margeson said other communities have their Market in a downtown park and Cole agreed, saying most markets like Woodinville's and Kirkland's are in public spaces and don't pay rent.  Bellevue and Auburn also have their markets in donated space.

Allen noted the Saturday Market is a huge community builder and important to the city's sustainability goals, with access to local foods.  Councillor David Carson started a talk on parking with his concern for the nearby hotels.  Margeson said RTC has plenty of parking, after a short walk.  Councillor John Stilin suggested the dirt lot across Leary Way.  Mayor Marchione revealed the space "is programed to be developed into a parking lot in five or six years.." 

Stilin talked about closing streets off for a market with street vendors as do other cities. Mayor Marchione said part of the downtown plan allows to close Cleveland Street in 5-6-years to create space for the Market.  "The Park, Redmond Connector, and Market would bring synergy to bring people together" said Marchione. 

Reported by Bob Yoder
Watercolor by Patti Simpson

Read  ** "The Costs of the Saturday Market", 9/19/10. >>>>
Read More >>

LETTER: A tribute to the great people in my neighborhood! By Jim Contreras

Thanks for the news, Jim...

LETTER:  Last Wednesday while I was out walking in my neighborhood, I stumbled on uneven pavement and fell face first. Two students (I think from Redmond Jr. High) were walking by and came over to see how I was. I asked them to call my wife, which one did and even included exactly where I was in the neighborhood. A school crossing guard also saw me down and called 911. The aid car came immediately and was already assisting me by the time my wife arrived. They were wonderful - very caring, considerate and patient - to this old senior citizen! So a HUGE RAVE to the students, the crossing guard (from Norman Rockwell Elem) the neighbor whose house I fell in front of, and the emergency medical team who helped me. The neighbor stayed with me and swapped stories about being in the Air Force. This is a tribute to the great people in this Redmond neighborhood. Thank you very much! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to contact the students, so I hope they read this in the Times!  [How about the Redmond Neighborhood Blog, Jim? :]

Jim Contreras
Redmond, WA

Google Images photo

PTSA Parent News and Education

from the desk of Joanne Hall ...

MUSTANG WEEKLY:  PTSA Parent News and Education, 2/14

• Preparing your AD/HD and LD teen for success in college - February 15, 6:30 pm, Evergreen Hosp.
• Roadblocks to achievement - "the Misorganized child", two sessions, February 26, 10 am, Senior Ctr
• Raising an emotionally challenging child - Dr. John Gottman, March 2, 7-9 pm, Washington Cathedral
• What is it about our boys? - Micheal Thompson, PhD, March 7, 11 am.  Mercer Island Boys Club 

DO ANY OF THESE PROGRAMS INTEREST YOU?  READ THE DETAILS >>
Read More >>

LOTS Going On at King Conservation District

http://www.kingcd.org/

ELECTIONS!  NATIVE PLANT SALE!  SPRING FARM TOURS & WORKSHOPS!
RAIN GARDENS!  STREAM PROTECTIONS! NEWSLETTER AND MORE...

The King Conservation District (King CD) is a natural resources assistance agency authorized by Washington State. Our mission is to promote the sustainable use of natural resources through responsible stewardship. A five-member Board of Supervisors is responsible for all District programs and activities.  Funding for District programs and services comes from a local special assessment and state grants.

Go to KCD website for details on the following:

• 2011 Board of Supervisors Elections, 2/15 - 3/15, Vote by mail or in person!
• 20th Annual Native Plant sales, 3/4 - 3/5
• 2011 Spring Farm Tours and workshops - free educational events!
• Rain Garden Workshops - 3/8 (Kirkland) - 5/12.  206-292-9870
• Protect streams and wetlands - pasture and manure management - 425-282-1904
• Complete list of Native Plants and where they grow best.
• Winter Newsletter - Email:  District@Kingcd.org

 MORE?  GO TO:  http://www.kingcd.org/

REPUBLISHED: East Indian Hindu Festival at Redmond High School

3th in a series on the cultural contribution and influence of international residents in Redmond.

UPDATED, REPUBLISHED Opinion:  Did you know that most East Indians in Redmond are Hindu?  These pictures and 1.5 video clip tell the story. In October, 2008 I was driving by the Redmond High School and saw lots of East Indians walking into the school.  I happened to have my camera so I cautiously walked into the school cafeteria to see what was up.

 There must have been several hundred men, women and children dressed in their finery. They were all members of "UTTORN of Greater Seattle" - a non-profit fundraising organization that celebrates their culture with an event 4x a year.  (Just a few days ago on 2/5/11 they had another festival at Redmond High!)
This event is a celebration of Goddess Durga (right). Durga is beautiful, has many arms and is always accompanied by a tiger or lion. Can you find her in the festival photo, below? Sometimes Durga is warrior-like and carries multiple weapons to fight off demons.

I met this nice family, the Guha's. Mr. Guha works at Microsoft.  He said most East Indians in Redmond are Hindu. There are four temples outside of Redmond area but none in Redmond. The closest temple is in Bothell. Mr. Guha said about 50% of the East Indians in Redmond attend services. These folks were warm, happy and kind. I felt comfortable being there....like part of the family. They liked me taking pictures and didn't mind if I kept my shoes on!  Lots of children and families! 

This video clip was taken in October, 2008:  1.5 min.

The Guha Family

See More Pictures >>>>

Lake Washington Technical College founder of Horticulture Program receives high honors

Don Marshall (left), Head of LWTC's Environmental Horticulture program, received The Harold Young Award for Outstanding Service as presented by the Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association. Jerry Rosso (right) of Seattle's Rosso Garden presented the award.



KIRKLAND, WA – Don Marshall, head of Lake Washington Technical College’s (LWTC) Environmental Horticulture program, was recently honored with two awards given by the Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association (WSNLA).

Marshall was presented with WSNLA’s highest award, The Harold Young Outstanding Service Award, and with an Honorary Lifetime WSNLA Membership.

The award is named in honor of Harold Young, owner and managing editor of the Pacific Coast Nursery magazine from 1973-2004. It is presented to the individual who has provided “Outstanding Service” in the horticulture industry.

In announcing the honors, WSNLA cited Marshall’s “… exemplary service to the WSNLA and the industry on an ongoing basis. (Don) is someone who has dedicated his life to horticulture and horticultural education and truly exemplifies ‘outstanding service’. He instills a passion for horticulture in his students and prepares them to go into the field and make a difference.

Marshall has been a horticulture instructor for over 30 years. He established LWTC’s Environmental Horticulture program in 1979 and has developed the program to meet the ever-changing needs of the community and the industry. Program graduates have found a wide range of employment opportunities, ranging from wholesale and retail nurseries, design and maintenance firms, arboriculture, education and even public relations for the Northwest Flower and Garden Show.

Redmond Mayor Joins Nation-wide Civility Accord

Mayor John Marchione
City of Redmond

Redmond Mayor Joins Nation-wide Civility Accord

Redmond, WA – Mayor John Marchione announced Monday that he joined mayors across the country in signing The U.S. Conference of Mayors Civility Accord, pledging his commitment to six principles of civility and exhibiting and encouraging personal qualities emblematic of civility.

The Accord was proposed by Tucson, Arizona Mayor Bob Walkup following the tragic shooting in his city and then presented to the nation’s mayors by the Conference’s leadership at the start of the Mayors’ Winter Meeting, held January 19-21 in Washington, D.C.

During the three-day session, nearly 150 mayors signed the Accord, while 50 more have signed the Accord in the days following the meeting.
The Accord’s six principles of civility are:  

• Respect the right of all Americans to hold different opinions  Read more >>>

Pearl Jam forest tree planting event at Hartman Park

CLC GreenRedmond Hartman Park volunteers, 2009

Help Pearl Jam mitigate their carbon emissions by volunteering to plant native trees and shrubs at Hartman Park on Saturday, March 5.

Last year Pearl Jam partnered with Cascade Land Conservancy (CLC) to mitigate the 7,000 metric tons of carbon emitted during their 2009 world tour. Together we are restoring 33 acres of forested parklands in Kent, Kirkland, Seattle and Redmond. These restoration efforts are part of CLC's Green City Partnerships, a program with cities and the community to restore our beloved forested parklands.

Join us to help your favorite band mitigate their carbon while also leaving a legacy of healthy forested parks for future generations.  Hartman Park, Saturday March 5,  10-2. 

Dress for the weather and come prepared to get your hands dirty. Long pants and sleeves, sturdy shoes and a water bottle are highly recommended.

Please Register by clicking below so that we can plan accordingly for the event.

Click here to register for this event…

Photos by Bob Yoder

Editorial: A Season To Change

Don't blink now!   Vote FOR the LWSD levy by Februay 8!



A Season to Change

Editorial
Photo by Yoder

When your Teen Wants a Tattoo or Piercing, by Patti Skelton-McGougan

Patti Skelton-MacGougan
Executive Director, YES

When Your Teen Wants a Tattoo or Piercing
Talking about this big decision

Like the youth of the 1960’s who expressed themselves with long hair and funky clothes, today’s teens are using body marking to be ‘different’ and express their individuality. A piercing or tattoo is a way your teen says, “I'm growing up and making my own decisions, even if you don’t like it!”

You can say no, but how do you both respect your teen's need for independence and avoid rebellious behavior?  Read more >>

Local Civil Air Patrol Cadets meet with Senator Andy Hill in Olympia

Overlake CAP Cadets at Olympia Rotunda



 

Holliday, Senator Andy Hill, Osborn

  Dear Bob,   On Wednesday February 2nd, fifteen (15) students from east-side school districts travelled to Olympia to meet with their state senators.

They wanted to be present when the senate unanimously passed resolution number 8602 honoring the volunteer work done by the Civil Air Patrol in Washington state over the past 69 years.

Particular emphasis was placed on the volunteer work done by the cadets aged 12-20 who number over 600 in Washington state. Over 100 CAP members were in attendance in the capital yesterday.  Read more >>>>

UPDATED: Much to do about the Mayor's salary

President Richard Cole
ran the salary review session

UPDATED:  The Mayor's salary for the next four calendar years will be $125,000, up from $106K.  Council made the decision 7-0 in their last meeting.  When you count a $6,000 annual car allowance the Mayor's total taxable compensation is $131,000. 

According to HR Director Kerry Sievers, "The Mayor's benefits package is approximately 30% ($39,300) of total compensation."  So, the mayor's  taxable compensation plus *benefits during the next mayoral term is $170,300/year.  He gets the same COLA as non-union staff.  (Do you think the Mayor is paid enough? to much? to little? Take the poll on the right).

As a reference, Councillor Stilin quoted the current highest paid city director salary at ~ $149,888.  Sievers said up to a 15% annual bonus may be awarded, plus benefits  Next year, this city director's compensation & benefits package could be as high as $224,082.

The Redmond Mayor is a "strong mayor" which means he is an elected representative AND the business manager of the city . The Mayor is Redmond's CEO.   In city council's January 11 Study Session, Councillor Hank Margeson said our mayor must be a professional and have special skill sets to be able to run the government.   Mayor Marchione has a Deputy City Administrator who manages city staff.  But, the Mayor stands at the helm, running regional and city affairs. 

Council President Cole, Carson, Stilin and other members agreed the Mayor's salary must be high enough to attract a professional CEO, but not too high owing to the job's subjective elements of public service and altruism.  (Altruism:  "unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others".)   According to Mr. Cole, the filing deadline for candidates wishing to run for mayor is the first week of June, 2011.  Same for council.  READ MORE >>

Urgent vs. Emergency Care

Overlake Hospital Medical Center website quoted:

"When involved in a situation where immediate medical treatment is necessary --whether it's a child ear infection of a spouse's chest pain--what level of care is appropriate?  The following chart is intended to assist you in determining where it's best to receive treatment for particular illnesses and injuries.  In the case of an emergency or life-threatening condition, call 911. 

DID YOU KNOW:  Urgent Care and Emergency Care serve very different types of patients and conditions.  When used appropriately for non-life-threatening conditions, Urgent Care can be a cost-effective treatment option, with a co-pay that is usually less than one for an emergency room visit."   

Comment:  Overlake Medical Center Issaquah - Urgent Care Center is the only Urgent Care clinic in the greater Redmond area offering walk-in service 24/7.  The clinic is ~ 10.7 miles from Redmond.   B.Y.

OPEN HOUSE: "Swedish Redmond Primary Care" - Election Day, February 8, 6-8pm

This is a rendering of a Swedish Redmond Primary Care "pod." on the second floor.

Updated:  OPEN HOUSE:  "Please join us at our new location for our Primary Care Open House on February 8th from 6-8pm.  Tour our new space, meet the doctors and get your general health questions answered for free!" 

Swedish Redmond Primary Care - location and office hours 

18100 N.E. Union Hill Rd.
Redmond, WA 98052
Phone: 425-702-8689
Fax: 206-320-5191
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
(*No Urgent Care)

Read More>>

LETTER: "STEM Education is the primary focus of my job"; will bring ideas home to RHS, By MIke Town

On April, 2010  Mike Town said good-bye to
students and faculty at RHS to work for the NSF.
 Mike and Meg will return home from D.C. August, 2011 to
 the beauty of NW mountains and rivers.  

Special thanks to a reader who asked the meaning of "STEM": Science,Technology, Engineering, and Math education.

From the desk of Mike Town...

For years I have read the Blog and this is the first chance I have had to respond to a request from Bob to update the readers on what is happening to Meg and me on our adventures in Washington DC. If you follow the blog you may know that I have taught science for 25 years at Redmond High School. Meg has taught for almost as long with the last 6 years at Redmond Junior High School. Over the past decade my main teaching responsibilities have included teaching Advanced Placement Environmental Science and a course in Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Design (which we will be offering at RHS again next year).

This year I accepted an Einstein Fellowship in Washington, DC working with the National Science Board which oversees the National Science Foundation. So last August Meg and I left our solar powered house and moved to Arlington.

The NSF, which was founded in 1950, funds a significant portion of science research in the United States. One of the agency’s mandates is STEM Education from kindergarten to the PhD level. These days STEM education reform is a hot issue. It should be. As many of you know... Read more >>

Redmond Rotary Club gives cash donation to Anderson Park improvements

Anderson Park shelter

At the February 1, 2011 Regular Council meeting City Council authorized the mayor to accept a cash donation of $15,000 from the Redmond Rotary Club.  The donation will partially fund the rehabilitation of the Anderson Park Picnic Shelter. 

Anderson Park is listed on the National Register of of Historic Places and the log picnic shelter is one of the primary contributing features.  The Redmond Historical Society's Annual picnic is held at the shelter.   Have you ever used the shelter?   

The rehabilitation work includes replacement of rotten or missing logs, roof replacement and repairs to the outdoor fireplace.  During the Council meeting, Councillor Stilin indicated the Rotarians want to also contribute to the physical aspects of the rehabilitation in some way.

To recognize the Rotarians contribution to the project, the Rotarians have requested a plaque be installed in close proximity to the renovated picnic shelter.   The plaque will be no larger than 8" x 10" and approved by Parks.  It appears Council okayed the plaque.

Source:  2/1 Regular Meeting, Consent Agenda
By Bob Yoder
Internet photo

Woodinville firm fined for hazardous waste violations

Woodinville firm fined for hazardous waste violations

BELLEVUE - A Woodinville painting contractor faces a $10,000 fine from the Department of Ecology (Ecology) for disregarding an order to correct safety and environmental practices involving the handling of
paint waste.

Ecology inspectors documented 38 violations at Laitala Enterprises Corp. in five inspections over the past 11 years. In September 2010, Ecology ordered the company to make six corrections, but the firm did not reply or file an appeal.