LWSD schools receive $311,987 in donations this month; Waste Management donates $225,000 to LWSF

WASTE MANAGEMENT Donates $225,000 to the Lake Washington School Foundation

December is a month filled with generosity and Lake Washington School District and LWSF proved a large recipient of these good tidings.  Total donations may have set a monthly record with $311,987 in the books reported to the School Board and Superintendent at their business meeting last night. 

By far the biggest contributor was WASTE MANAGEMENT who gave $225,000 to fund Lake Washington School Foundation's "Signature Programs."  Lee Ann Wood, Executive Director of the Lake Washington School Foundation presented the award at the School Board Meeting.  WASTE MANAGEMENT'S Area Director Rob Sherman was on hand to share their goal of "partnering for a zero-landfill waste future." He wanted his donation to encourage other organizations to support our schools.  Superintendent Pierce indicated a segment of the funds will be allocated to the STEM program. 

The PTSA's donated a total of $82,655 for the month. Even the Eastside Woman's Basketball Association donated $4332 to Eastlake for coaches stipends.  The following PTA's made donations to their schools:

Wilder El - $27,514;  Lakeview El - 11,800; Dickenson El - $9190; Kirkland El - $7366; McCullough El - $6200; Eastlake High - $5823; Kirk El - $8100; Carson El - $2200; Mann - $1556

 

Sign up for Metro Transit alerts before weather turns bad

 Rider checklist: Transit alerts, snow routes & new guide

Before the flurries start flying, King County Metro Transit wants riders to plan ahead for getting around during winter weather – especially since many changes were made to bus routes this fall.

No matter what kind of weather comes to the Puget Sound region this winter, Metro is ready to reroute buses around closed roads, chain up or switch to snow routes as needed. Metro also has online tools for riders to stay informed.

“We have our plans in place, and now we need riders to prepare,” said Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond.

By signing up for Metro Transit Alerts, riders can receive an email or text message warning about known significant disruptions to Metro bus service. Riders also can preview specific snow routes, and review tips for winter travel online.

Metro customers know when bad weather strikes it can delay or reroute any number of Metro’s 240 bus routes. When snowy, icy conditions affect travel, Metro buses will go to snow routing as necessary, depending on road conditions in a broad geographic area. All bus routes are assigned into one or more of seven geographic areas within King County. The service status of each area is color coded and displayed on an online snow map. The pre-planned snow routing for individual bus routes is displayed in the print and online timetables.

“Our customers need to prepare for buses traveling at slower speeds when they shift to snow routes, and expect traffic delays along the way,” said Desmond.
Winter-travel tips for Metro customers

• Sign up to receive Transit Alerts for the routes you use.  Read More >>

Burglary reported of central Education Hill home

Police canvassed door-to-door the East Firs Neighborhood of Education Hill (169th Ave NE & NE 100th St) informing homeowners of a nearby burglary today.  The policeman was asking for information of suspicious persons.

The burglary occurred in an single family rental home located off a back alley immediately west of 169th Ave NE.   The home is one of the oldest in the neighborhood. 

Police said the burglary smashed a window by the front door to enter the house and "grabbed small things."   Call 911 to report any suspicious persons.  

A second burglary with the same M.O. was attempted on South Education Hill at 2:00 PM today, according to neighbors.   The homeowner was busy working in her house and couldn't get to the knocking on her front door.  The burglars broke the door glass and then fleed upon seeing the homeowner.  Nothing was stolen. 

Water Tenders Exhibit at REI store

Key Club members help Water Tenders restore riparian
habitat on a Bear Creek tributary.  My daughter Lexie recruited
these volunteers.  She's on the Water Tenders Board.

This Sunday, December 9from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, Water Tenders will be advertising our organization at the Redmond Town Center REI store. We will have a table with displays set up by the climbing rock at the front door. Please  attend and encourage any friends and acquaintances to come down and see us. This event is partly a recruitment tool and also to inform the public about what we do and the importance of maintaining a healthy watershed.

Also, has anyone observed any Kokanee salmon in our streams this season?  If so, please contact Jennifer at King County. It is important that they get this information. She can be reached at: Jennifer.Vanderhoof@kingcounty.gov 

Water Tenders is a group of people who care about the wetlands and streams in the Bear Creek watershed of King County, Washington. We are your neighbors and we are all willing to put a little of our time into preserving, protecting, and restoring the wonderful natural heritage we are priviledge to steward. Water Tenders has been in existence since 1989 and is proud of the many accomplishments of the volunteers.

OPINION: LWSD is not a strong candidate for Charter Schools

OPINION:   Lake Washington School District is not a strong candidate for Charter Schools owing to high performance and proliferation of successful Choice Schools.  The District has 14 schools ranked "Exemplary,"  13 school ranked "Very Good," and 16 schools ranked "Good" on WPC's Public School Accountability Index.  Only four schools are ranked "Fair" (Community, Finn Hill MS, Family Learning Center, and Sandberg El) and two are ranked "Struggling" (Best HS and Futures School).  None were in the Bottom 5% of the Index.   By Bob Yoder

###
 

"Group calls for closing low-performing charter schools"

November 29, 2012 

BY Liv Finne

WPC Education Blog

Today’s Seattle Times reports that the National Association of Charter School Authorizers says that states with weak charter laws should strengthen their laws to shut down their low-performing charter schools. Fortunately Washington's brand-new charter law is one of the strongest laws in the country.

Initiative 1240 provides in Section 220 that a charter school which performs in the bottom 20 percent of the state’s Public School Accountability Index will not have its contract renewed.

This high standard — perform or you lose your license and money to operate — is not demanded of traditional public schools. The State Board of Education's own Public School Accountability Index shows that fully 42% of Washington’s traditional public schools rank in the lowest two tiers of performance, as “Fair” or “Struggling.” These low-performing schools continue to receive funding year after year, despite failing to adequately educate students. Forty-five schools, the lowest-performing 5% of schools, continue to fail class after class of students. The names of these schools can be found on the OSPI website, here. Five of the schools on this list are in Seattle.

During the charter school debate, opponents attempted to stoke fears that charter schools would not perform, while failing to mention that many traditional public schools are low-performing and failing. Fortunately, voters saw through this unfair double standard.

Voters understand that too many traditional public schools are not fulfilling the promise of an adequate public education. Voters in Washington want to try something new and different and better. Voters want schools held accountable for successfully educating children. Voters want charter public schools. And soon charter public schools will open in Washington state.

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/blog/post/group-calls-closing-low-performing-charter-schools

Volunteers salvage over 600 plants from Group Health site

Hinman's transplanting volunteers

Tom Hinman's "Sustainable Redmond" facilitated the salvaging of native plants at the former Group Health hospital site before the understory vegetation was lost to redevelopment. The Native Plant Society had a dig on November 15th and December 1 with the Green Kirkland Team totaling 150 plants.

Eastside Audubon organized a salvage work party on Saturday, December 1st totaling over 450 plants from 40 volunteers.  Sword Fern, Salale, Oregon Grape were the popular shrubs.  The plants were transported to Marymoor Park Bird Loop and stored.  On Saturday, January 5, 8 AM, volunteers can meet at Parking Log G to install the plants into a hillside on the Loop.

The picture on the left taken by Tom Hinman with his volunteers celebrating their "trophy sword fern."  Redmond Councilmember Hank Myers participated.    

-- Bob Yoder, updated 8/14/2022

Reducing stress for shoppers, raising funds for birds

REDUCING STRESS FOR SHOPPERS, RAISING FUNDS FOR BIRDS

Conservation Group Brings Holiday Gift Wrapping to REI in Redmond Town Center
 

KIRKLAND — Busy shoppers can give a gift to conservation and conserve some time for themselves this season, when Eastside Audubon brings its Holiday Gift Wrap service to REI at Redmond Town Center.

Volunteers from Eastside Audubon will be on hand during the busiest days before Christmas to turn items purchased at REI into cheerily wrapped presents ready to take home and put under the tree.

Donations raised by the gift wrapping service will help support Eastside Audubon’s programs in wildlife conservation and youth education. Those programs include habitat restoration on the Audubon BirdLoop at Marymoor Park and classroom presentations about birds and bird behavior for school age children, two examples of year-round Eastside Audubon activities that REI helps make possible through its community outreach efforts.

The Holiday Gift Wrap desk at REI in Redmond Town Center will be open on December 15 and 16 and from December 19 through 24, from noon to 8 p.m. (Ending times may vary on some days to fit store closing times.) Suggested donations will range from $3 to $9 depending on package size.

About Eastside Audubon

Eastside Audubon is the National Audubon Society chapter active in Bellevue, Bothell, Carnation, Duvall, Issaquah, Kirkland, North Bend, Redmond, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, Woodinville, and unincorporated East King County.

Eastside Audubon works to protect, preserve, and enhance natural ecosystems and our communities for the benefit of birds, other wildlife, and people. We welcome new and experienced birders on our birding walks and field trips and in our birding classes. Visit www.eastsideaudubon.org.

Washington school districts allowed to isolate children in padded cells and tie their limbs together

Washington school districts allowed to isolate children in padded cells and tie their limbs together

November 30, 2012

By Liv Finne
Washington Policy.org

KOMO News and Q13 Fox are reporting that schools in Washington are using padded cells to isolate special needs children who misbehave. Responding to public outrage, the Longview School District just announced it will discontinue the practice. The Burlington School District defends use of this practice.

Washington state administrative rules explicitly permit schools to isolate children in padded cells, which have holes poked in the top for ventilation. Four WACs (administrative rules) define “aversive interventions” and the conditions for their use by school officials. WAC 392-172A-03130 subsection 3 describes conditions for “binding or otherwise attaching the student’s limbs together or by binding or otherwise attaching any part of a student’s body to an object.”

According to TASH, a national grass-roots organization for disabled children:

"Nursing homes declared these practices outdated and unsafe in the 1980s, and medical and psychiatric care facilities followed suit over the past two decades. They recognized there were no benefits to restraint and seclusion, and no amount of medical training and expertise was adequate to alleviate the risks to both patients and staff. There is no therapeutic benefit for restraint and seclusion. So why are school administrators continuing to defend such practices?"

Padded cells, binding together the legs of children, and tying children to objects is officially permitted in Washington’s schools.

Repealing these shameful WACs could be the first accomplishment of the new legislature.

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/blog/post/washington-school-districts-allowed-isolate-children-padded-cells-and-tie-their-limbs-toge

 

There are no known or alledged reports of this behavior in LWSD.  B.Y. 

Historical Redmond is in a Miniature Exhibit

Historical Redmond in Miniature Exhibit

In honor of City of Redmond’s Centennial celebration, the Redmond United Methodist Church will be hosting an Historical Redmond in Miniature Exhibit in its chapel which was built in 1906. The church has teamed up with the Emerald Heights Retirement Community to create a display depicting the original church building and other historic structures in Redmond. Jim Easley started the miniature project at Emerald Heights Retirement Community as part of a garden train display. One of the historical models is of the original Methodist Church Chapel. With help from the Redmond Historical Society and the City of Redmond, several other models have been included in this exhibit. They include the Leary Way railway station, the Marymoor windmill, and the first library.

The public is invited to view the display on Saturday, December 1, December 8, and December 15, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., at 16540 NE 80 Street, Redmond. The Redmond United Methodist Church is the oldest faith community in Redmond, tracing its history back to the pioneer days of 1896. For more information, call 425-883-7553, or go to http://redmondumc.org/#/calendar/centennial-exhibit

By Doris Schaible
Community Relations
Redmond Historical Society

Construction Collapse injures Four city employees

Construction Collapse Injures Four, Causes Road Closures

Redmond, WA – Collapsed construction equipment on 164^th Ave NE in Redmond caused four employee injuries and road closures. 
 
At 11:45 a.m. this morning the Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Woodinville Fire Departments responded to a construction site where a section of the formwork being used to support the floor during a concrete pour collapsed.

Four employees were treated at local hospitals for injuries. Fire crews and structural engineers entered the site to search for employees who may still be in the area but it appeared to be cleared.

All lanes of traffic are now open.

###

Jim Bove

Redmond Police Department

Community Outreach Facilitator

8701 160th Ave NE

Redmond, WA 98052

(425) 556-2545

An Evergreen holiday for you, and second life for the tree

The holiday madness will consume us for the next month. However, there are at least three easy ways (you pick!) to take one of the most popular traditions of all – the Christmas tree – and make it even more meaningful to you AND for our open spaces.

Give your tree the gift of life after the holidays
King County Parks has partnered with Swansons Nursery to offer a living tree program that will ensure your tree’s life will continue well beyond the holidays and for many years to come in one of King County Parks’ protected open spaces. Plus, planting trees can help restore salmon habitat by reducing water runoff – who doesn’t want that gift under the tree?!

Here’s how it works: Three easy ways to make your holidays evergreen
1. Purchase a living tree at Swansons Nursery – For every living Christmas tree purchased, Swansons will donate a native plant for volunteers to plant at a King County Park restoration site. You take the tree home and plant it in your yard (see care instructions) – OR -
2. Donate your living tree - Choose one of the species available for your living holiday tree signed with a “Donate This Tree.” After the holidays, simply return your tree to Swansons Nursery and it will be added to trees destined for the restoration project. Interested in planting the donations with your own hands? Volunteer to join a scheduled living tree planting event.
3. Show your support with a gift - Purchase a $5 “Sammy” medallion at the cashier during your visit and Swansons Nursery will donate another plant towards the restoration effort. Hang the ornament on your tree at home or give it as a gift!
__________________________________
There you have it: Three truly easy ways to add a meaningful twist to your holiday season! How will you decorate your living tree? 

Courtesey of King County Blog

LWSD STEM School construction progress

Construction progress of the LWSD STEM School as of November 25

The STEM school is located in unincorporated East King County.  Photo courtesy of STEM school newsletter.  

Redmond Firefighters announce 2012 neighborhood Santa schedule

December 7 - 23

Santa Claus is Coming to Redmond!

Redmond Firefighters Announce 2012 Neighborhood Schedule

Redmond, WA – The Redmond Firefighters Union Local 2829, IAFF, will be assisting Santa Claus again this year as he makes his tour through our Redmond Community sharing good cheer and holiday joy. Santa will be transported in the Union's antique fire truck with his very colorful helper, Buddy. A new tracking application will allow users to follow Santa’s route in real-time, using the web, tablets or smart phones. The new application will be available online beginning December 3^rd at www.redmond.gov/santa

Santa and his volunteers will be accepting non-perishable food donations and unwrapped toys for Hopelink. The Firefighters Union will also match cash donations up to $500. Santa and his elves will be in the locations listed below, though Santa may need to cancel a night's trip due to heavy rain, snow or mechanical problems (the antique fire truck isn't as reliable as Rudolph):

December 7 (Friday): Village at Overlake Station, Southeast Redmond
December 8 (Saturday): Viewpoint North
(11am-2pm Toys for Tots at Bartell Drug in Bella Botega)
December 9 (Sunday): Rivertrail Neighborhood
December 10 (Monday): Central Education Hill
December 11 (Tuesday): West Education Hill
December 12 (Wed.): Trilogy (6:30), 2 stops in Redmond Ridge afterward.
December 13 (Thursday): North Education Hill
December 14 (Friday): Grasslawn East
December 15 (Saturday): Grasslawn West
December 16 (Sunday): East Education Hill
December 17 (Monday): Rose Hill South
December 18 (Tuesday): Union Hill
December 19 (Wednesday):Viewpoint South
(Santa at the Kindering Foundation 9:30-11:30 am)
December 20 (Thursday): English Hill South
December 21 (Friday): Downtown Redmond
December 22 (Saturday): make up night if necessary
December 23 (Sunday): make up night if necessary

Please join us as we pass through your neighborhood and consider making a donation for those in need. On behalf of your Redmond Firefighters and Medic One Paramedics, we wish you a safe and Happy Holiday Season! For more information call 425-556-2200 or visit http://www.redmond.gov/santa

# #

Neighborhood training in Northwest SEED's Solarize campaign

 

I wanted to let you know about an upcoming training for neighborhood leaders who are interested in launching a “Solar Group Purchasing” campaign. 

I realize the workshop is actually happening in Bellevue (!) but we’d love to have representation from Redmond neighborhoods too!

Background

Over the past year, Northwest SEED has led Solarize campaigns – neighborhood group purchase campaigns for solar - that have resulted in over 140 new solar installations in Seattle, $3.8 million in solar purchases, and the creation of 14 permanent green jobs. Now, we are sharing our success with other communities to teach them how to run their own Solarize projects, to spread the economic and community benefits beyond Seattle.

With the City of Bellevue and Puget Sound Energy, Northwest SEED will present “Solarize U” on Saturday, December 1st at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. The training will give participants the tools and information to lead a solarize campaign in their own community.

Register online at http://solarizeeastside.eventbrite.com.

The training cost of $25 includes a catered lunch.

Please let me know if you have any questions, and pass this invitation and attached flyer along to anyone that may be interested in attending!

Thanks in advance for your time,

Linda

PS: A video explaining the Solarize concept is here: https://www.eeremultimedia.energy.gov/solar/videos/purchasing_solar_collectively_solarize

Linda Irvine

Project Manager

Northwest SEED

1402 3^rd Ave. Ste 901

Seattle, WA 98101

www.nwseed.org

206.267.2215

Lake Washington Institute of Technology Adds New Engineering Technology Degree

LWIT Adds New Engineering Technology Degree

Kirkland, Wash.:Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) is pleased to announce its newAssociate of Applied Science Engineering Technology degree. This degree is designed for students wholike the practical application of engineering, and who would benefit from a hands-on, rather than more theoretically-inclined, program. It can lead toemployment in as little as two years, or can provide a solid foundation for further studies in engineering and technology.

“Our Engineering Technology AAS degree has been designed for those students who really enjoy seeing the fruits of their labor – working with their hands, developing new designs, diagnosing and fixing problems” said Dr. Steve Addison, Acting Dean of New Programs at LWIT. “Traditional engineering programs focus on theory with relatively little time available for practical work. We’ve designed our program to really emphasize the application of engineering principles to real-world problems. We’ve developed an innovative approach that directly relates math and computing to the problems that are being taught in engineering classes to ease obstacles to learning math. And, unlike larger institutions, our classes are small, and tailored to help each student stay motivated, and succeed.”

All students in the Engineering Technology program take a series of core engineering, math and computing classes that provides the fundamental knowledge all engineers require to be successful in the workforce. To complete their degree, students then choose one of four focus areas: manufacturing, electronics, biomedical engineering, or renewable energy. Graduates can either enter the workforce immediately, or use the AAS degree as the foundation for a baccalaureate degree.

Demand for AAS degree graduates in engineering and technology is at an all-time high. At aSenate Aviation Subcommittee hearing with Senator Maria Cantwell last July addressing aerospace worker shortages, a Boeing representative testified that skilled employees with associate’s degrees in such fields as engineering technology are in short supply, with this situation becoming more critical as the manufacturing upswing in the Puget Sound Region expands. As a result, salaries for positions such as technicians, product designers, test engineers and the like are on the rise.

Jobs for engineering technicians pay well. According to the Workforce Development Council of Seattle and King County, engineering technicians are making $21 to $36 an hour. LWIT’s Engineering Technology degree opens the door to a rewarding and high-paying career.

Those interested in more information can visit lwtech.edu/engineering_technology, call 425-739-8300 or email engineering@lwtech.edu.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) is a broad-based polytechnic college offering instruction in 36 areas of instruction toward a spectrum of more than 100 bachelor and associate level degrees and certificates designed to give students the latest cutting edge skills relevant to today’s workplace. For information and news about LWIT programs, please visit lwtech.edu/press_room.

Redmond High PTSA Community Digest

FACING FAMILY TROUBLES? If you are a parent whose child is challenged with drugs, poor behavior, or other problems, the Sammamish Plateau Parent Networking Group invites you to two free workshops featuring Bill Dean, who has assisted hundreds of families to become whole and healthy through his coaching. Workshops will be held on November 26 at the EX3 Teen Center (825 228th Avenue NE, Sammamish) at both 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. For more information, contact Cherry O'Neill.

BENEFIT CONCERT. At the Old Redmond Fire House on November 30th - the concert is benefiting a nonprofit organization called Village Schools International. This organization provides funding for students in Africa by building schools, providing scholarships, buying textbooks, etc. Cost is $7.

1912-2012 CENTENNIAL FINALE. Celebrate the Centennial by day on Saturday December 1, 12-4pm at the City Hall Campus. Celebrate Redmond's pioneering spirit. Enjoy festivities, food, and entertainment from Redmond's past, present and future. Enjoy Cultural Entertainment, Kids Activities, Holiday Craft Market, and Interactive Historical Displays.

1912-2012 CENTENNIAL & REDMOND LIGHTS. Celebrate Redmond Lights by Night on Saturday December 1, 4-8pm at the City Hall Campus. Celebrate Redmond's diverse cultural traditions of the winter season with festivities, food, events and entertainment from around the world. Enjoy the Tree Lighting, Luminary Walk, Light Displays, Entertainment, Kids Activities and Refreshments.

SEMI-FORMAL SNOWBALL BALL. Come to the Old Fire House Teen Center for the YABA's Semi Formal Snowball Dance on Friday, December 14th at 8pm. Cost: $7/$5 if dressed up. Bring $10 or a toy to benefit Hopelink.

REDMOND RECREATION GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE. Interested in taking classes this winter? The City of Redmond offers everything from dance to pottery. Learn about class opportunities at the Redmond Recreation Guide.

Winter lights at city hall

Winter Lights at city hall / John Reinke

Mayor Marchione proclaims November 24 "Small Business Saturday"

Shop Saturday to Support Redmond Businesses

 

Mayor’s Proclamation presented at Council Tuesday, November 20, 2012.

Redmond, WA – Mayor John Marchione will proclaim November 24, 2012, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, as Small Business Saturday in Redmond.
 

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday sits Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to celebrating the small businesses in our community. The City of Redmond has signed on to participate in the national campaign started by American Express in 2010 which gives small businesses more recognition on the busiest shopping weekend of the year.
 

“By supporting Redmond’s small businesses, shoppers will boost our local economy and help create and maintain jobs in Redmond”, states Marchione. “I’m proud to support Small Business Saturday and I encourage all residents, employees and visitors to shop small on November 24 in support of our wonderful Redmond merchants”.
 

At the November 20 Redmond City Council Meeting, Mayor Marchione will explain that small businesses nationally represent 99.7% of all businesses having employees, they employ 50% of the employees in the private sector, generate 60-80% of new jobs annually, and that 99% of Americans agree that it’s important to have small businesses in a community.
 

To shop small in Redmond, find a directory of Redmond businesses and discounts at www.thinkredmond.com.

Odd Fellows Rings Insignia to adorn front facade again

Odd Fellows Rings Insignia Restoration and Reinstallation

 

Redmond, WA. - The restored Odd Fellows rings insignia will again adorn the front façade of Odd Fellows Hall at 7979 Leary Way. On December 4, 2012, Artech, Inc. of Seattle will reinstall the rings. The restoration process was coordinated by Tim Short, proprietor of Redmond’s Bar and Grill with support from the City’s Heritage Grant Program for the restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation of historic properties. The Heritage Grant Program provides funding to help support the long-term maintenance and preservation of Redmond’s landmark buildings and places including the Orson Wiley Stone House (The Stone House Café), Bill Brown’s Building (The Matador), the Anderson Park picnic shelter, and the historic building of the former Addi-Bon Café (El Toreador).
 

The Odd Fellows Hall is a designated historic landmark and is one of the most prominent wood frame buildings in downtown Redmond. This two-story commercial building is located near the center of the historic business district. Built in 1903, this distinctive structure served many purposes for the local community: meeting hall; fraternal lodge for the Redmond Eagles and then the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; performance and dance hall featuring the Les LaBrie Orchestra, the City’s first movie venue; commercial space for Edwardian Antiques; and now a dining and entertainment establishment for Redmond’s Bar and Grill.
 

As Redmond grew during the early 1900’s, it developed an array of economic, social, and cultural institutions commonly associated with the establishment of communities in the American West. Redmond’s Independent Order of Odd Fellows was established in 1923 and like most fraternal organizations, was a means by which residents could reach out and provide support to one another. Typical activities at the Odd Fellows Hall included holiday celebrations, Thanksgiving dinners, rummage sales, community dances, theatrical events, card parties and more.
 

For additional information regarding this historic landmark, visit http://www.redmond.gov/Government/HistoricPreservation/CityLandmarks or contact Kimberly Dietz, 425-556-2415 or kdietz@redmond.gov. For Redmond’s Bar and Grill, refer to http://redmondsgrill.com or call 425-558-9800. And, for Redmond history, contact the Redmond Historical Society at www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org and 425-885-2919.

The benefits taxpayers receive from EvergreenHealth

EvergreenHealth

EvergreenHealth King County Distict #2 assesses a small annual levy (.30/$1000) on King County private property owners to fund community programs for growth and and health and wellness. 

The total 2013 Regular Property Levy for EvergreenHealth King County District #2 was  $15,190,664 and is broken down into:  1)  Regular levy for Debt Service = $ 10,970,493.65 and 2) Levy for Community Programs = $ 4,220,170.45.  

So what do we get for our money?    Laurene Burton, Administrative Director at EvergreenHealth (Hospital) provided the following answers:                                            

"2013 Bond proceeds of $10,970,493.65 are used to pay costs of acquiring, construction, remodeling and equipping the Districts’ health care facilities and have been used for:

· Constructing the Evergreen Surgery and Physicians Center (ESPC)
· Acquiring equipment and furnishings for the ESPC
· Completing improvements to the inpatient services areas within the hospital
· Remodeling certain areas of the hospital
· Acquiring and installing equipment
· Acquiring and installing clinical and administrative IT
· Constructing the DeYoung Pavilion
· Acquiring equipment and furnishings for the DeYoung Pavilion.

2013 Levy for Community Programs totalled $4,220,170.45 and pays for the following: 

Community Advisors: A group of Board appointed individuals representing the public hospital district region that provide input to Evergreen and the Board of Commissioners. $17,000

Community Health Education: Offers comprehensive outcome-based programs for individuals within our community aimed at promoting health, wellness and injury prevention within the framework of the organization's strategic goals, leading health indicators and objectives. $554,499

Community Healthcare Access Team (CHAT):Healthcare Access: Supports clients facing barriers to accessing healthcare services. Needs are assessed by social workers and clients are connected to financial, social and primary or specialty health resources in the community. $382,426

Northshore Senior Center: Programs that receive funding: Evergreen Enhance Wellness Program and Adult Day Health. In addition funding to support Senior services in Kirkland provided by NSC. All programs provided mental health support for older adults and may decrease length of hospital stay.$127,500

Senior Health Specialists: A dedicated healthcare team providing specialized complex care for elders who are frail and have multiple medical conditions, including expert assessment and treatment of dementia with behavioral health problems.$1,471,000

Community Grief and Bereavement:Professional bereavement staff supports Evergreen patients, staff, individuals and families in the community facing anticipated death and/or following the death of a loved one. Services include consultation, counseling, education, referrals and support groups, including support to children and teens, sudden traumatic and perinatal loss. $140,000

Healthline: Healthline is a multi-service department of providing 24/7 nurse triage, physician referrals, class registration, centralized scheduling along with additional support services for various hospital departments.$1,724,000

City of Kirkland: The Kirkland Senior Council provides advocacy for the senior population and distribution of educational materials; Kirkland Steppers is an organized physical activity program for seniors. $8,000

Community Health Initiative: Working with Lake Washington, Northshore and Riverview School Districts, establish immunizations programs for underserved children. $15,000"

 

Send your ideas for community health programs to LHBurton@EvergreenHealth.com

By Bob Yoder

UPDATED EDITORIAL: The LWSD School Board needs to be more assertive on overcrowding policy

UPDATED EDITORIAL:  According to Lake Washington School District BY-LAWS,  "The job of the Board is to represent the citizens and to lead the organization by asking critical questions and by determining and demanding appropriate and excellent organizational performance." 

School Board of Directors are elected officials and are each authorized a $4,800/yr stipend to work with due diligence to represent their constituents and lead the Administration.  They presently waive their pay.  This self image of volunteerism mitigates their over-sight of our District Superintendent and accountability to their constituents.  Though improving, the Board is not "demanding excellent organizational performance" especially of late, when it comes to overcrowding and facilities planning solutions.

Infrastructure policy plans to limit portables are still not aligned with population growth and problems passing future levies could result.

Levy funding policy, re-boundary policy, facilities planning policy, reconfiguration policy, and regional feeder school adjustment policy are prime examples of when the BOARD's voice and active representation and administrative oversight is expected and could use improvement

The Lake Washington School District has 98,987 registered voters. Yet, when the KIMBALL BOARD "asked the community" in 2005 if they should run a bond to completely overhaul and rebuild the schools only 427 citizens responded. Community involvement in the decision making process reached at a low point under KIMBALL. The PIERCE BOARD needs to "lead the organization" (By-Laws) with an updated Decision-Making Policy to involve the greater community.

"Community Involvement in Decision Making Policy" code was adapted 12/2/74, last revised May 7, 1990 and is over twenty-two years old. The Board and Superintendent needs to update these governance policies to be more effective and accountable.

By Bob Yoder 

Lambert leadership on county budget focuses on savings, human services and criminal justice

Kathy Lambert

Lambert leadership on county budget focuses on savings,
human services and criminal justice

Responsible budgeting maintains AAA credit rating

The Metropolitan King County Council this week adopted a $ 7.6 billion King County Budget that meets current challenges and makes strategic investments that prepare the County for the future.

“This budget emphasizes responsible fiscal management that maintains our credit rating at the highest AAA level, which gives us the best credit rating,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Vice Chair of the Budget Leadership Team. “A high credit rating saves the taxpayers millions of dollars in interest annually.”

The budget includes the $685 million General Fund Budget, of which 73 percent supports public safety and criminal justice costs.

“I am pleased we were able to keep most of the staff positions in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office,” Lambert said. “It is important to preserve the ability of the prosecutor’s office to respond to criminal justice needs.”

The health and human services safety net received a one-time allocation of $1.3 million to support domestic violence shelters, legal aid, services for sexual assault survivors and housing services. Among agencies supported in the budget are Eastside Baby Corner, Eastside Legal Assistance and Hopelink.   Read More >>

Celebrate the Centennial and Redmond Lights on Dec. 1

Redmond, WA —Kick-off the holiday season by joining Redmond residents, businesses, and the community at large by celebrating Redmond’s Centennial by day and Redmond Lights by night! Both events will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012. The Centennial Celebration will take place from Noon-4:00pm at the Redmond City Hall Campus. Redmond Lights will take place from 4:00pm to 8:00pm beginning at City Hall before proceeding down the Sammamish River Trail to Redmond Town Center.

In preparation for the Centennial time capsule, citizens are encouraged to donate items of interest or historical significance. Suggestions include Redmond High School class of 2012 memorabilia, Derby Days ribbons, or historic photos. For details, visit 100years.redmond.gov.   Read More >>

Swedish/Issaquah to Host 'Holidays at the Hospital' Community Event Dec. 1

Swedish/Issaquah to Host ‘Holidays at the Hospital’ Community Event Dec. 1

– You’ll Have a Jolly Good Time

ISSAQUAH, WASH., Nov. 14, 2012 – Swedish/Issaquah is hosting its annual ‘Holidays at the Hospital’ community event on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon in the main lobby of the medical center (751 N.E. Blakely Dr., Issaquah, WA 98029).

The festive, three-hour event is a great chance for individuals and families to get into the holiday spirit. There is something for everyone, including a pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa, and lots of kids’ activities. It will feature:

A pancake breakfast

- Cost: $5 per person or $20 per family of six (infants are free). A portion of the proceeds supports Pediatrics at Swedish.

Visit with Santa and free photos

- Come get a free photo with St. Nick and decorate a keepsake frame.

Teddy Bear Clinic

- Have your kids bring their favorite stuffed animal or doll for a check-up.

Giant Gingerbread House

- Kids can help decorate our giant gingerbread house.

Ask-the-Doc

- Physicians will be on hand to answer any health and medical questions you may have.

Face Painting

- Our face-painting elf will offer some cool designs.

Book Drive

- We will be accepting new or used books for our pediatric patients.

No registration or RSVP is required to attend. For more information, visit www.swedishissaquah.org and click on ‘News and Events.’

Happy Holidays from Swedish/Issaquah! We “Ho-ho-hope” to see you Dec. 1!

Redmond Library Board has a vacancy - is busiest library in the KCLS system.

Redmond Library

Jamie Weber, Chair of the Redmond Library Board of Trustees, announced a board vacancy at the last Redmond City Council business meeting. The five member board meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7PM at the the library.  The public is invited to observe. 

Jamie gave some excellent background information on the success of King County Library System (KCLS) of which Redmond Library is the busiest branch.  Redmond library had 45,000 visitors last year checking out 124,000 items.

KCLS is composed of 48 community libraries and services 1.3 million patrons.  In 2010, KCLS overtook New York City's Queens library system to be the busiest in circulation in the nation.  In 2011, "Library Journal" honored KCLS as "Library of the Year."  

Three areas of work make Redmond Library unique from any other library:

• The library has versions of all available E-Readers; and the Kindle format can be downloaded
• Non Profit and Philanthropy Resource Center (NPRC) offers non profits a data base to 2.4 million grants and 100,000 corporate giving programs
• Friends of Redmond Library volunteers contribute 400-500 hours raising $20,000 in book sales to support plant maintenance, summer reading programs, and Centennial events.  Donate your used books to the Friends at the library. 

KCLS is funded by state property taxes and "is facing a second year of declining revenues" according to Ms. Weber.  She said costs of staying relevant in the digital age are pressing, as well.  An opportunity for Redmond Library is their Redmond Library Blog where they post regularly.  

Reported by Bob Yoder 

EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners approve a 1% Regular Property Levy Increase

EvergreenHealth King County Hospital District #2

This post corrects an earlier report that there would be no increase in the EvergreenHealth King County District #2 Regular Property Levy.  Rather, a 1% increase was approved.

On November 19th the Evergreen Health Board of Commissioners approved a 1% increase ($154,982) in the Regular Property Levy totalling $15,822,629.  The total King County Hospital District No 2  increase was 2.1% counting:  1) property tax revenue (1%), 2) amounts from construction, 3) improvements to property, and 4) increase in value of state-assessed property. 

Allocations in the Regular Property Levy increased to 30.76% for Community Health and Wellness in alignment with a reduction to 69.24% for Debt Retirement.   Over $500,000 was allocated to community health senior clinics and Monitor screening and education programs.  A 24/7 Nurse line and physician referral Healthline network receives levy funding as do "access teams." 

The EvergreenHealth Hospital Board of Commissioners meet four times per year in study sessions to review the levy as guided by a Levy Standing Committee.  They hold a summary Levy Study session two weeks prior to the Budget Educational Meeting and Budget Hearing (usually held the 2nd Friday of November.)

The Budget Hearing is a good time to give input on community allocations of the levy.  There appears a need in the community for more widespread training of Hands-Only CPR which EvergreenHealth could offer.   Submit your ideas to LHBurton@everhreenhealth.com

Reported by Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Help Audubon transplant plants from Group Health to Marymoor BirdLoop

Song Sparrow at Marymoor Park/MICK THOMPSON

UPDATED:  Over 450 plants were dug and stored in containers for planting on January 5 on the Marymoor Bird Loop.  Meet at Parking Lot G at 8 AM to install these valuble plants!

COMMUNITY INVITED TO DO DIRTY WORK

December 1 Event Will Save Plants at Group Health Site for Reuse at Marymoor

KIRKLAND — With the old Group Health Overlake campus in Redmond slated for redevelopment,
Eastside Audubon invites the community to a work party on Saturday morning, December 1, to salvage the native plants currently growing at the site.

At the Group Health-approved event, volunteers will dig up plants that otherwise would be destroyed to save them for replanting later in the winter on the Audubon BirdLoop at Marymoor Park. Eastside Audubon has been continually improving wildlife habitat at the BirdLoop since 2006 through monthly work parties.

No expertise is necessary to help with the native plant salvage; you’ll need only a shovel, work gloves, sturdy shoes, and clothing layers appropriate for the weather. Eastside Audubon project leaders will help identify which plants to remove and explain how to do it.

Coffee and snacks will be provided by Eastside Audubon as well.

Work will start at 8 a.m. and continue until noon. The Group Health campus is in the Overlake area of Redmond, at 2464 152nd Avenue NE.

To facilitate planning, Eastside Audubon asks that volunteers sign up in advance of the event by contacting Jim McGruder, (425) 822-8580, or tmcgruder@gmail.com. Details about where to meet will be given to volunteers

Eastside Audubon is the National Audubon Society chapter active in Bellevue, Bothell, Carnation, Duvall, Issaquah, Kirkland, North Bend, Redmond, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, Woodinville, and unincorporated East King Eastside Audubon works to protect, preserve, and enhance natural ecosystems and our communities for the benefit of birds, other wildlife, and people. We welcome new and experienced birders on our birding walks and field trips and in our birding classes. Visit www.eastsideaudubon.org.

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