Redmond Centennial Celebration Plans Are Underway - Read how you can win the $500 award!

30-year Mayor Bill Brown coined the phrase: 
"All roads lead to Redmond"

 Redmond Centennial Celebration 2012

“Redmond was founded by true pioneers, men and women who came up the Sammamish River to a beautiful, yet untamed wilderness. We have been pioneering ever since – first logging and farming, now microchips and bio-engineering, while in the future we look towards a diverse economy with businesses thriving in both the downtown and Overlake.”
  --Redmond Mayor John Marchione

Redmond Centennial Redmond incorporated as a city on December 31, 1912 when the birth of Ernest Alexander Adams brought the city’s population to 300, the number required by State law. The driving force behind incorporation was the ability to tax liquor sales – the funds of which were needed to finance a waterworks system.

Redmond’s Centennial will kick off at Redmond Lights 2011 and culminate in a special celebration at the end of 2012. Throughout the year, special new events will augment Centennial celebrations incorporated into existing community events – the manner of which to be determined by the committee.

See who's on the the Centennial Blue Ribbon Committee!  Learn how you can participate in the Centennial Logo Competition & earn $500!  READ MORE >>

ALL Lake Washington District High Schools to check prom students for alcohol on suspicion

ALL Lake Washington District High Schools to check prom students for alcohol on suspicion

This just in: "Based on legal advice, all of our high schools will be screening students at school events for alcohol use only on individual, reasonable suspicion."
-- Kathryn Reith, Communications Director, LWSD, 5/26
   kreith@lwsd.org , 425-936-1342

Passive alcohol sensor will aid in detection  READ MORE >>

Cyber-bullying: Abuse takes its toll on a new generation of American youth.

Northwest Asian Weekly Cyber-bullying: Abuse takes its toll on a new generation of American youth :

"The state of Washington presumes that children from age 8 to 11 cannot commit crimes.

Think again. On April 23, two sixth grade girls in the Issaquah School District were charged by King County Juvenile Court for cyber-stalking. They hacked into the Facebook account of Leslie Cote, a classmate and former friend. The girls posted sexually explicit pictures and, using Cote’s name, solicited boys for sex".

Read More >>

Reported By Sarah Yee
Northwest Asian Weekly, 5/19
Photo By Johnny Bui, NWAW

Redmond Mayor and Police encourage residents report harassment, potential hate crimes

Mayor John Marchione and the Redmond Police Department are encouraging residents who believe they may be a victim of harassing or threatening actions to report them to the police immediately.

“The City of Redmond does not welcome or tolerate this kind of hateful behavior, and I encourage residents to contact the Police Department if they experience or witness it,” stated Redmond Mayor John Marchione. “Our community is strengthened by the diversity of those who live and work in Redmond and our City continues to reach out to our various faith communities to help prevent such incidents in the future.”

This comes in response to a situation that occurred Monday afternoon when a resident left her vehicle for approximately 10 minutes and returned to find a post-it note with a disparaging comment aimed at the Muslim community.

The case is currently under investigation. If anyone has information regarding this situation, please contact the Redmond Police Department at 425-556-2500.

Current Events: Redmond Historical Society

In 1910,  Bill Brown (mayor) built his first retail business, a wood-frame saloon on the SE corner of Leary and Cleveland.

Old photographs provide a wonderful insight into life in the early days of Redmond. The Redmond Historical Society is interested in making copies for placement in its archives. If you have historical photos to share, or know of someone who does, and you would like more information, please call Monica Park at 425-885-2919, or email her at our email address:  info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org  or mail the photographs to Redmond Historical Society, Attn: Monica Park, The Old Redmond Schoolhouse, 16600 NE 80th Street, Room 106, Redmond, WA

Join us for our annual picnic! We'll meet on Saturday, June 11, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Anderson Park, 7802 168 Avenue NE. Bring family, friends and a favorite potluck dish to share. The Society will provide the rest, including ice cream! The Old Time Fiddlers are providing entertainment. Don’t miss this last get-together until September.

Do you know Redmond has four living mayors?  John Marchione, Rosemary Ives, Doreen Marchione, and Christine Himes.  Last year two Redmond mayors attended the annual picnic: John Marchione and Christine Himes.  Who will show up this year?! B.Y.

We'll also be selling tickets for the quilt raffle in honor of Redmond’s Centennial in 2012. Tickets sell for $2 each and are also for sale at the office.

Newsletter:  Take a look at the Redmond Historical Society Newsletter!

Walking Tour:  Take a Redmond Historical Walking Tour of  "Old Town".  Next tour is June 19, 1pm

RHS Press Release
Art from RHS website

Redmond Police share "red light" infraction data with Council today

OPINION:

Even I (Scott Harlan) am surprised by the data shared with the council today by the police department:

· 90% of all violations are for rolling rights on red. 6% are for running red lights straight-thru (267/4510).

· In March and April, the cameras caught just over one straight-thru violation per day per intersection (267/3/61 days).

· There has been a reduction in accidents of one from last year to this year.

· Yet, the city issued $560,000 in tickets for those two months. Over $500,000 in citations were issued for rolling rights on red. That $560,000 bought essentially no decrease in accidents.

· The city accepted 9 out of 10 of the vendor’s recommendations.

Opinion By Scott Harlan
Ban Cam Activist, Redmond, WA.

Parents expect a voice in LW School District growth issues

Board in "Work Session" Meeting
Though not advertised, the public may observe.

Second in series on 'open government' issues at LWSD.

OPINION:  Updated, 6/21/11  The 2010-2011 school year has been extremely challenging for Lake Washington School District and the community. State budget cuts are hurting. But, probably the biggest loss was failure by 3% of the Capital Bond measure.  Could the School Board have done more than Levy Committee volunteerism to help the district pass this critical measure?  Who can say?

In any event, failure of the Capital Bond measure created a sense of panic within the District and the community.  Where do we find the money we need to re-build the schools?  The District and Board scrambled to patch together a system of high school wing additions, portables and a modular Stem School with a levy measure. (The much smaller capital levy passed easily with simple majority.) But there is still no money to re-build Juanita High and now other school "modernizations" are delayed or trimmed back.

All these growth pains caused a festering within the community with many citizens wanting to be heard, but not knowing how to speak up.  For example, during the feeder program "input session" at A.G. Bell, parents made yellow buttons protesting, "Parents Expect A Voice"!

Despite some productive organizational changes within the Administration, the public still faces road-blocks to communication and engagement with the District.  As compared to the open governments of neighboring school districts, LWSD's shaky process of governance is a house of cards.  (below). Unfortunately, parent and community participation with district government continues to deteriorate as our leaders cloak themselves with new policies and procedures, as follows: 
READ MORE >>

Owls fall to Bellevue East in Overtime: Girls Division II Lacrosse State Championship

A flock of Owls celebrate after Overlake’s Grace Grubb (#21 white) hit scored with 1 second remaining in regulation to send the girls Division II state championship into overtime. The Owls fell to Bellevue East 17 - 16 in overtime. Division II.  Credit: Michael Jardine / US Lacrosse

Mike McQuaid, US Lacrosse press release

SAMMAMISH – Freshman Camille Sullivan scored the game winner with 7 seconds to go in overtime to give first year coach Craig Van der Horn and Bellevue East their first girls state championship with a 17 – 16 defeat of the Overlake School in the Washington Lacrosse Girls Division II State Championship, Saturday at Charlie Acosta Field on the Campus of the Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish.

The game winning goal was the seventh of the afternoon for the Sullivan and tied her season’s best – 7 goals in the home quarterfinal win over Bainbridge’s Division II squad. For Bellevue East, which draws students from five Bellevue high schools including Interlake, Newport and Sammamish, the title proved to be the high point in the fledgling four-year-old program’s history.  Read More >>

Redmond stays hot, rolls into semifinals | 4A Baseball

Is Coach Pudwill clearing his cleats,
or "dancing the jig"in happiness! 

 B.J. Eliason, father of sophomore Lucas, was in the stands cheering.  "This is the second time the 'Stangs will be in the state semi's since 1991!"  B.Y.

Redmond stays hot, rolls into semifinals 4A Baseball Seattle Times Newspaper:

"Redmond stays hot, rolls into semifinals 4A Baseball",  by Nick Shekeryk, Seattle Times, 5/21

TACOMA — Facing elimination for the sixth game in a row, the Redmond Mustangs continued their hot streak with a 6-0 victory over Kentwood on Saturday at Heidelberg Park, claiming a spot in the Class 4A baseball state semifinals.

The Mustangs (20-7) will next face top-ranked Jackson at 4 p.m. Friday at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma."

Redmond was up to the challenge of two more loser-out games. The Mustangs belted Olympia 15-2 to reach the regional final.

"Once our backs were against the wall, we decided we didn't want to stop," said Redmond coach Dan Pudwill. "We realized how close we were to stopping, and guys started coming alive and getting aggressive and hitting baseballs all over the place."

Read entire Times article

Post Kentwood game handshake and celebration
Next stop: Semifinals, Cheney Stadium, Tacoma, Friday, 5/27, 4pm.

Bring your friends and family to cheer on the 'Stangs!

Coach Pudwill's Portfolio, fans, players...

Article by Nick Shekeryk, Seattle Times
Video, photo and slide show By Bob Yoder, 5/21

WIAA 2011 4A State Baseball Bracket

Ross to Speak at Redmond Chamber of Commerce June 15th | Ross Hunter

Ross to Speak at Redmond Chamber of Commerce June 15th | Ross Hunter:

"Ross to Speak at Redmond Chamber of Commerce June 15th

Next month’s Redmond Chamber of Commerce luncheon on June 15, will feature State Rep. Ross Hunter, who represents the 48th District, which includes parts of Redmond. Hunter will be discussing the state’s budget.

or more information on Rep. Hunter, the luncheon, or on the Chamber, "click here."

Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce
5/19

Republished: Lots of News from LW District Schools

Lots of news from LW district schools

*World Affairs Council Essay Contest
*"We Can Change the World Challenge"
*Ensemble Championships
* National History Championships in Maryland
*Robotics World Championships
*State Crime Scene Investigation Championships
*Wilder Reading

Kamiakin, Wilder, Juanita High, Lake Washington High, Redmond High, Redmond JH, International 
Click the blue link to "Read More" about all these activities >>

AA meetings offered at St. Jude Parish for Tent City residents.

Alcholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings are held in St. Jude Parish
 for Tent City residents and public-at-large

OPINION:   I was driving by the St Jude's Tent City encampment on a Wednesday and noticed this AA sign at the church entrance.  A flyer in the encampment announced AA meetings inside the Parish on Thursday's at 10am.  I was so thrilled to learn ShareWheel (the managing non-profit) and St. Jude (the host) started AA sessions.  Putting a tent over your head is one thing; but helping to solve the medical problems associated with homelessness is a major advancement.  I'm happy ShareWheel is offering more health care for their members than occasional dental work, nutrition, and blankets.  The incidence of alcoholism is high in our society; it's higher for the homeless.  KUDOS for St. Jude and ShareWheel and our community for understanding and accepting our community needs.

Opinion and Photo By Bob Yoder

References: 
Dual Diagnosis of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Disorder, NAMI, Robert Drake, MD.  2003
Observations and Recomendations for a better Tent City, Bob Yoder, 11/2007

With Facebook’s likes, Bing hopes to become more relevant

With Facebook’s likes, Bing hopes to become more relevant:

"Microsoft’s Bing hopes to use the power of Facebook’s “likes” to help the search engine gain some ground on Google.

Microsoft has launched new features with Facebook that “make it easy to see what people’s Facebook friends like across the Web, incorporate the collective IQ of the Web into their decision-making and conduct conversational searches.”" Read More >>

By Greg Lamm
Tech Flash, 5/16

Redmond shuts out Marysville-Pilchuck 10-0 to earn state 4A baseball berth | Seattle Times Newspaper

Fans turn-out to cheer "Stangs despite cold and drizzle
On to Tacoma on Saturday for state tourney!

Mustang Coach Dan Pudwill
with game face 

Redmond shuts out Marysville-Pilchuck 10-0 to earn state 4A baseball berth:

"REDMOND — After opening the KingCo 4A tournament with a loss to Inglemoor, Redmond faced a simple scenario: Win or go home.

Since that setback the Mustangs have ripped off four straight victories, the latest coming in a winner-to-state, loser-out matchup against Marysville-Pilchuck Monday at Hartman Park.

Redmond broke the game open in the third inning, scoring five runs with two outs en route to a 10-0 victory over the Tomahawks. The Mustangs (18-7) start the state playoffs at 10 a.m. Saturday against No. 9 Olympia at Heidelberg Park in Tacoma."

Read More >>

By Mason Kelly
Seattle Times Sports Blog, 5/16
Photos and color/link edits By Yoder

Directions to Heidleberg Park, Tacoma.

News and opinion on local candidates running for office in 2011 -- LW Schools, Redmond, Evergreen, and KingCo.

UPDATED:  This post launches the beginning of Redmond Neighborhood Blog coverage on the November election and the candidates running.  The filing deadline to register for the ballot is June 10, less than 30-days away. 

I've prepared this  Election 2011 - Candidate News to keep you posted on the latest news on the candidates and citizens who are considering a run.  When you visit the blog you will find this link on the front page header.  It's updated regularly.

"Election 2011 - Candidate News" is also a resource for those interested in running for an office.  As of today, of the ten local seats are up for grabs only eight candidates have filed!
Click blue link to Read More >>

LETTER: Rep. Ross Hunter updates: Education, Medical Marijuana, the Budget, and 520 Issues

Rep. Ross Hunter
48th District

 May 15, 2011

LETTER FROM REP. ROSS HUNTER, Ways and Means Committee, Chair

I have not written too often this year – I’ve never been busier in my life. As you may have seen in the press, the caucus tricked me into volunteering to be the budget chairman and I’ve been trying to pull together a responsible budget that does the best job I can do protecting the investments in education, healthcare and the safety net that are important to building a state we all want to live in.

The Budget

We’re in the middle of the budget negotiations now – offers go back and forth between us and the Senate and we’re getting closer. One great break last week was the ending of a tax program we started in December that turned out much, much better than expected. We offered an amnesty to taxpayers: if they’d pay their back taxes we would waive any penalties and interest. We expected to bring in about $25 million and would up collecting over $280 million. Wow. We had already counted some of this in revenue forecasts, but about $200 million is new money that we need badly. 

Click the blue link to "Read More" of Ross's Letter on the State Budget, Education, Medical Marijuana, and 520 issues >>

Redmond will be the first city in the world to adopt new Microsoft Dynamics software for the public sector.

Mayor John Marchione
City of Redmond, WA.

May 14, 2011
Reported by Samantha Pak, Redmond Reporter / Seattle P.I.

"In less than two months, Redmond will be the first city in the world to adopt a new Microsoft software program that will allow employees to do their work more accurately and efficiently......"

"....Bailey [Redmond Director of Finance] said the city is paying $150,000 for the upgrade, whereas full price for the software and implementation for an organization of this size would be between $5 million and $10 million. Although this is a discount at least 97 percent, the time city employees have committed during the last two years has been priceless, he said.

Not only will Dynamics help Redmond operate more efficiently, but other cities and public sectors entities as well once it becomes available." 

Read the entire, unedited article 

Tom Flynn Announced Campaign for Redmond City Council

Tom Flynn

Flynn Announced Campaign for Redmond City Council

Redmond, Washington (May 11, 2011) - Tom Flynn announced on Tuesday, May 10, his campaign for Redmond City Council, Position #5.

“As a long time resident of the city, I value Redmond’s beautiful natural environment, the city’s economic vitality, and its strong sense of community,” said Flynn. “I want to preserve these unique qualities while the city plans for future growth and change.”

“It will be vital for the city to have policies that support economic development, retain the beauty of our natural environment, and build on connections in the community,” Flynn said. “The urban design that is going into the Downtown and Overlake areas, as well as the Redmond Central Connector, are good examples of projects that address these issues while building functional and attractive urban centers.”   Click blue link to " Read More" >>

Blanchet advances to quarterfinals in boys state lacrosse tourney; Tops Redmond, 11-5

Blanchet's Austin Pruitt (#77 white) fires a shot past Remdmond goaltender Nico Shewey (#28 green) in boys Division II opening round playoff action, Friday at Blanchet High School - credit Micheal Jardine

Boys Division II standings
Blanchet advances to quarterfinals in boys state lacrosse tourney

SEATTLE – Tyler Schmutz and and Zane Zilke each scored 2 goals to lead Blanchet into a quarterfinal berth of the boys state high school lacrosse tournament with an 11 – 5 opening round win over Redmond, Friday at Blanchet High School in Seattle.

With the win, the Braves advance to the quarterfinal round to face Saturday’s winner of the North Kitsap, Skagit Valley opening round matchup.

In their first meeting with Redmond this season, the Braves, ranked #2 in the Metro Conference, opened the game building a 5 – 0 first quarter into a 7 – 2 lead at the half. In the third the two matched each other’s 2 goals before Blanchet pulled away with 2 fourth quarter goals for the win.  Click blue link to "Read More" >>

Redmond defeats Inglemoor, 6-2. One win away from State tournament.

37 second clip of Dylan Davis (#10) hitting 2-run HR  bottom of the third inning.
Cody Beliel (#1), designated-runner for Zach Abbruzza (#21), was driven home from first base.

Coach Dan Pudwill

The Mustangs soundly defeated Inglemoor 6-2 after two previous losses to the Vikings this year.

The 'Stangs are now one-win away from the State tournament. They host a game at Hartman Park, Monday, 5/16, 4pm against the WestCo 4A loser-out winner - the Mariner Marauders or Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks.

Are you coming to the game!

Video and Report by Bob Yoder

NAMI | NAMIWALKS - in Kirkland, Saturday morning, May 14

NAMI NAMIWALKS

My brother, Rick died suddenly at the age of 47 from a severe mood disorder complicated by medication withdrawal. Our team "rickyoderteam" is walking for Rick on Saturday. So far, my wife, Pam and daughter, Lexie are on our team. If you'd like to join us, click: www.nami.org/namiwalks11/SEA/rick. I'd be happy to tell our team Rick's his story during and after our walk.

I hear there's lots of support for this Walk. Members from Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue City Councils are walking.  Redmond Mayor Marchione may attend.   Fairfax Hospital is the Presenting Sponsor.  Evergreen Hospital, Overlake Hospital, TEAM Virginia Mason Hospital, Woodinville Rotary, and Fairwinds are primary Gold Sponsors.

The 7th annual NAMI Washington Walk will be staged along the picturesque banks of Lake Washington starting at Marina Park in downtown Kirkland, Washington on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Registration and Check-in 8:30 a.m.  Walk at 9:30 a.m.

The annual walk is the primary fund-raising activity in support of the state organization and its affiliates. Funds are directed to providing education and support classes for those afflicted with mental illness and whose families are in needed of resources and support.  To register or make a donation click: www.nami.org/namiwalks/WA

Please contact coordinator Annie Koch with any of your questions at (206) 396-0990 or via email at anniekoch@speakeasy.net    NAMI Walk facebook page

New Online City Crime Mapping and Safety Alert Updates, By Jim Bove

Jim Bove
Community Outreach
Redmond Police

Online Crime Mapping  new!

A new crime mapping feature is available on the city website!  It allows you to follow the police activity in your neighborhood.   You can find specific types of crimes, date range, and the general vicinity of crimes  In order to protect the rights and safety of victims, crimes such as sexual assault and domestic violence are not mapped.

Just because you see a patrol car in your neighborhood doesn't mean a crime occurred or that it will show up on the map. For example: 1) interviews with witnesses at their home, 2) citizen contacts to relay emergency messages, 3) and follow-up with a victim of an incident.  We hope you will find this crime tool helpful so you have a better idea what's going on in the neighborhood.  www.redmond.gov/CrimeMap .

[Redmond Neighborhood Blog is posting this Crime Map under the header "Neighborhoods"]

"Read More" on these topics:  1) KOMO Series on Disaster Preparedness, 2) "Get Jesse" on ATM Skimmers  Click the blue link to Read More >>

Eastside Timebank holds Potluck and New Member Orientation at Redmond City Hall

"building community one hour at a time"

Bob - I wanted to let your readers know that the Eastside Timebank will be having a potluck and new member orientation, both open to all, on May 12th, at Redmond City Hall.

Potluck is from 6:30-7:30 pm (bring a dish to share)
New member orientation is from 7:30-8:30 p m.
Location:  Bytes Cafe at Redmond City Hall
Details: http://www.eastsidetimebank.org/  

Testimony By Greg Stempson

“I joined the Eastside Timebank so I could meet more members of the community and become involved in helping others. I also enjoy getting something useful in return. My wife and I had a member come by and give us some great pointers on how to better train our dog. I was able to help another member out in return with some windows that needed washing. It was a win-win for all of us.”

“I hope that more people join the Eastside Timebank and take advantage of all of the expertise and services that members of the Kirkland [and Redmond] area offer.”
     

By Cindy Jayne
Project Administrator
cindy@eastsidetimebank.org
(206)818-4606
Kirkland, WA

REVIEW: Our first experience with Evergreen Medical Center/Redmond

Evergreen Medical Center / Redmond

OPINION (UPDATED, 5/15):  A few weeks ago, the trees and shrubs were in  full bloom with pollen everywhere!    And, like clockwork, my wife was sneezing, tearing up and congested.  Then came the fatigue and puffiness.  A gentle tap above the eyes, the grimace and I knew she was "there".  Sinusitis.  She gets it almost every year. 

It was Friday afternoon around 4:30.  This wasn't an emergency; no reason to phone the Evergreen "Healthline Nurse" for a free consult.  Our Virginia Mason family doctor was off for the weekend.  Oh! the new Evergreen Medical Center at Bella Bottega has urgent care, 9-5, all week.  Let's go there.  Click the blue link to "Read More">>

Overlake Owls Boys and Girls lacrosse teams win Friday; Eastside Catholic Boys Drop rival Eastlake; Lake Sammamish wins 9th game

Overlake Owl defending (in white)

Overlake drops MI to take over first place in D2 Northeast
MERCER ISLAND – Katie Hill, Sarah Silvermanand Kat Shewchuk each scored 4 goals to lead Overlake to its 11th win of the season with a 15 – 2 girls Division II high school lacrosse win over Mercer Island, Friday at Mercer Island High School. The win moved the Owls past Bellevue East and into sole possession of first place of the Northeast Conference.
Mercer Island’s Dalia Nayfeh and Sarah Hanan each had a goal and Audrey Airut-Murphy had 14 saves for the Islanders.

The Owls jumped out to a 13 – 2 lead in the first and cruised with two more goals in the second.

Overlake finished its season 11-1-0, while Mercer Island finished 3-9-0.

SCORING HIGHLIGHTS: Overlake 15, Mercer Island 2 (Katie Hill, OV, 4 goals and 3 draw controls; Sarah Silverman, OV, 4 goals; Kat Shewchuk, OV, 4 ground balls; Emma Howard, OV, 2 saves; Quinn Phillips, OV, 4 saves; Dalia Nayfeh, MI, 1 goal; Sarah Hanan, MI, 1 goal; Wesley Tomlinson, MI, 3 ground balls; Audrey Airut-Murphy 14 saves) .  Click the blue link to "Read More" >>

LWPTSA Special Needs Program Updates

Here is some info for you!
Best,
Julie Shalaby
LWSD PTSA Special Needs Chairperson  

SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP MEETING
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
7 – 9 pm

You are welcome to arrive at 6:30 PM to network with other parents and/or to look at our Lending Library cart.   LWSD Resource Building  16250 NE 74th St, Redmond 98052 (Redmond Town Center)

COMMUNICATIVE INTENT: WHAT ARE WE REALLY SAYING?

We all have positive and negative means to regulate our behavior that can impact how others think about us. So often we hear about our children’s challenging and negative behaviors and how they are impacting others at school and in the community at large. This constant feedback about how their actions are interfering with his/her (or the classroom’s) learning lends itself to more anxiety as we try to find ways to extinguish these troubling issues. While there is truth in this scenario, it does not tell the whole story and the tone of the messages can be hurtful and keeps children, families and educators focused on consequences.

Learn to take the mystery out of why a child engages in a certain behavior by understanding the purpose of that behavior. Discover the role communication plays in understanding children’s behavior issues. Steps can then be taken to teach the child a new way to communicate his/her needs: for example, “Johnny you are spelling words incorrectly because you love to see Miss Lisa’s reaction to it. Let me show you how you can get her attention in a friendlier way.” By reinterpreting disruptive and challenging behaviors through the lens of communication (needs, wants, intentions) see how you can actually affect a change towards more positive and successful outcomes.

-- >> Presented by, Susan Stewart, MS, CCC-SLP. Susan has 21 years of experience working with children in psychiatric, school and clinical settings.

Click blue link to "Read More" events >>

Rotary Club of Redmond organizing 24th Annual Redspoke Bike Tour

Rotary Club of Redmond Changes Lives in Our Community One Mile at a Time with the 24th Annual Redspoke (Redmond to Spokane) bike tour.

(Redmond, WA) - Every summer since 1988 bicyclists from as far away as New York and Alaska have been participating in RedSpoke, the Rotary Club of Redmond’s five day, 300-mile bicycle tour from Redmond to Spokane. The 2011 ride will be July 13th through July 17th & Redmond Rotary hopes to raise more money than ever for local life changing programs.

Redspoke is the Rotary Club of Redmond’s major fundraising event, with proceeds making a difference in the lives of underprivileged youth in our community. Last year, impact donations to Hopelink and Eastside Baby Corner were made possible by Redspoke. The 2011 Redspoke proceeds will assist homeless families with transitional housing through Hopelink and provide therapy for disabled children and adults through Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. These programs, in addition to the club's other charitable activities, are funded by this event and the club welcomes the community to participate.

“You’re invited to come ride with the sun on your face and the wind at your back while experiencing fun, excitement, fellowship and adventure on this 300-mile bicycle tour across beautiful Washington State – while raising money for a great cause.” according to RedSpoke Committee Chair, Will Miller.

If riding is not quite the level of involvement you see for yourself, Redmond Rotary hopes you will consider making a tax deductible donation. Visit http://www.redspoke.org/  to learn more. You can find information about this year’s beneficiaries at http://www.hope-link.org/  and http://www.littlebit.org/   To "Read More" click on blue link.

UPDATED OPINION: Lake Washington School District Making Big Strides Forward

OPINION (UPDATED):    The Lake Washington School Board significantly improved their governance process from the last year and the Administration is playing a large role toward that end. 

From the 18+ board meetings I've observed in recent years, there's no comparison in their quality of work this year from past.  This year, the Sup. functions more often as resource; and Board members are participating, communicating, sharing and brainstorming during meetings.  They appear more engaged and more articulate and thoughtful with each other and staff.

In last year's "work sessions" the Board's work was dominated by the Administration; conversation was infrequent and directed by staff.  A Director of Curriculum was the most frequent speaker and would drone on with his data.  Click the blue link to "Read More" >>

Washington State Ecology invites additional comments on Children's Safe Product Act

Ecology invites additional comments on children product safety.

What about building materials used in constructing modular schools e.g. STEM?

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is inviting additional public comment on the rule to carry out Washington state's groundbreaking Children's Safe Product Act.  Comment:  Email: jowi461@ecy.wa.gov

Ecology made a number of changes to the rule in response to comments received during the first public comment period  The public now has an additional opportunity to comment on these changes.

The Children's Safe Product Act (CSPA) required Ecology, in consultation with Department of Health, to develop a list of chemicals of high concern for children. Under the law, after Ecology issues the final rule to implement CSPA, manufacturers of children's products must notify Ecology if their products contain any of these chemicals.  Click blue "Read More" link >>

Swedish doctor to speak at Evergreen on ADHD; NAMI Walk approaching!

NAMI Walk starts at Kirkland's Marina Park

The 7th annual NAMI Washington Walk is staged along the picturesque banks of Lake Washington starting at Marina Park in downtown Kirkland, Washington.

 7th Annual NAMI Washington Walk
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Marina Park Kirkland, WA.
Registration and Check-in 8:30 a.m. Walk at 9:30 a.m

This annual walk is the primary fundraiser in support of the state National Alliance of the Mentally Ill organization and its affiliates. Funds are directed to providing education and support classes for those afflicted with mental illness and whose families are in needed of resources and support.

 CONTACT:  Annie Koch at (206) 396-0990 or via email at anniekoch@speakeasy.net
FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/NAMI-Walk-Washington-State/122088801185347

###

NAMI-Eastside, National Alliance on Mental Illness
An Educational Forum “ADHD: Across the Lifespan”
Guest: Gerard Zanolli, MD
 Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 7 PM - 9 PM
 Evergreen Hospital, Suite Tan 100
12303 NE 130th Lane,  Kirkland, WA 98034

ADHD is the most commonly studied and diagnosed disorder in children, affecting about 3% to 5% of children and adults in the US. Although individuals with ADHD can be very successful in life, without appropriate identification and treatment, ADHD can have serious consequences.

Dr. Zanolli is a staff psychiatrist at Swedish Hospital Medical Center and also owns a private practice in Seattle. He will talk about the incidence of ADHD in children, how it changes in adolescents and into adulthood, as well as treatment management.

Join us! This event is FREE and open to EVERYONE!

CONTACT:
Pamela Schulenburg, NAMI-Eastside volunteer
info@nami-eastside.org

425-885-6264