Monday, January 12, 2015

Take the Polar Bear Plunge!


Redmond Police Department
will once again join law enforcement agencies across the state in support of Special Olympics Washington. Thanks to the support of our the Redmond community, the 2014 Polar Plunge successfully raised almost $28,000.


This year, Redmond Police Department asks for your support during the 2015 Polar Plunge, which will be held on Saturday, March 14 at Idylwood Park.
It is the department's hope to meet a goal of $30,000. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions in an Olympic setting for individuals with special needs. All contributions are welcome, and of course, Special Olympics Washington is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible charitable organization.

If you have any questions about the Polar Plunge program, please contact Officer Davin Alsin at 425-556-2671 or dtalsin@redmond.gov. If you'd like to make a donation, checks made payable to Special Olympics Washington can be mailed to:
Officer Davin Alsin
Redmond Police Department MS: PSPDT
PO Box 97010
Redmond, WA 98073-9710

Redmond Police Department also accepts donations via Visa, American Express and MasterCard; please contact dtalsin@redmond.gov. Thank you for your continu
ed support!  

 

Saturday, January 10, 2015

King County and The Trust for Public Land complete preservation of Squak Mountain for public use

 

King County and The Trust for Public Land are taking the last few steps in a two-year-long journey to rsz_squak_mountain_2014permanently preserve more than 200 acres of Cascade foothills forestland.
Coveted for its ecological value, including sheltering the headwaters of a salmon-bearing stream, The Trust for Public Land purchased the 226 acres of land on Squak Mountain in 2014 for $5 million.
“Permanently preserving forestland in our Cascade foothills will pay dividends for each generation to come,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “By saving wildlife habitat and preserving recreational areas, we protect our region's environmental health and quality of life.”  Read More >>

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

City of Redmond signs Purchase and Sale Agreement for Keller Farm

A member from Water Tenders sent me a copy of a Purchase and Sale Agreement that was signed on August 5, 2014 between the City and the Kellers of Redmond.  "Closing shall be on or before 1/22/2015."  In the agreement the City agreed to buy 83.25 acres of the Keller Farm located between Avondale Rd NE and NE Union Hill Rd.  The Kellers will retain a 78,503 square foot parcel and house located at 18816 NE 84th Street.  The City agreed to pay the Kellers $2,520,000 for the Farm  ($30,000 per acre). 

The Keller Farm is a crucial piece of wetland-agricultural land important to the ecology of our Redmond area.  The farm will be used as a "wetland bank" for off-site mitigation of wetlands lost to development within Redmond.  As wetlands are destroyed by development in the City the developers must purchase rights to replace these wetlands on the Keller Farm so that there will be "no net loss" of wetlands owing to development.  Wetlands are an important natural resource for Redmond since they help to recharge and purify the City aquifer which is tapped for potable well-water. 

Reported by Bob Yoder

 

Water Tenders report on Indian artifacts found in Lower Bear Creek

WaterTenders, a grass roots organization of people dedicated to preserving and protecting the Bear Creek and King County watershed celebrated their 25th Anniversary in 2013.  Click HERE http://www.watertenders.org/Newsletters/Fall%202013%20newsletter.pdf (regrets this link is broken)to view their anniversary newsletter issue where they talk about the geo-archeological finds in Lower Bear Creek.  Did you know that a 10,000 year old Indian artifact was found in Lower Bear Creek just south of Redmond Town Center?

Learn how to become a member of Water Tenders and read all their newsletters by visiting www.watertenders.org

Lake Washington School District Facility Planning Online Open House Launches


Opportunity for community members to provide input on future strategy
 
Redmond, Wash. – The Lake Washington School District Long-Term Facilities Planning Task Force began its work in December. They will study, analyze, and make recommendations concerning the district’s long-term facilities needs. As part of this process, the district is engaging the broader community to better understand priorities and issues regarding facilities and to help inform the Task Force’s work. An online open house has been launched as part of those efforts.
 
The online open house is an ongoing opportunity for community members to be part of the conversation about addressing overcrowding and aging schools. Visit the online open house to learn about the district’s facilities needs. Information on the Task Force process and work to date is also shared. You are invited to provide feedback on the scope of issues the Task Force should consider as it develops a long-term facilities strategy recommendation. Please visit the online open house and share your thoughts by January 23 for the first opportunity to provide feedback.
 
The online open house will be updated at key milestones. It will stay open until the Task Force makes its final recommendation, expected in June 2015.
 
Lake Washington School District is one of the fastest-growing school districts in King County. Current enrollment stands at 26,708. It is projected to grow to close to 30,000 by 2021-22. Current classroom space in the district will not accommodate these growing numbers. In addition, the district must address some aging facilities.

Interfaith Blood Drive Feb 2nd

BLOOD DRIVE                     MON., FEB 2nd                   1-7pm (break 3-4 pm)

  Turn that New Years Resolution to GIVE BACK into action.  Or maybe your resolution was to drop some weight.  Come donate  blood on MON., FEB. 2nd, from 1-7pm.  This drive is hosted by Redmond Presbyterian Church.  Most people can donate.  Add your pint to others to help meet the daily need of 800 units/day.  EVERY DROP COUNTS!

        APPOINTMENTS:  HIT REPLY OR CALL 425-485-5620 (Tina Paul)

         TIME:  1-7 pm (tech break 3-4 pm)

         LOCATION:  Redmond Presbyterian Church
                              10020  166th Ave NE (across from Redmond Jr. High)
                              Redmond, WA  98052
                              425-885-2811
 I hope to see you there.
Tina Paul

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Twenty-nine Lake Washington School District teachers achieved National Board Certification

Redmond, Wash. – Twenty-nine Lake Washington School District teachers achieved National Board Certification®, as announced by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). In addition to the 29 newly certified teachers, seven teachers renewed their certification this year, for a total of 36 people completing the process. (Certifications must be renewed every ten years.) According to NBPTS, 269 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) working in Lake Washington Schools earned their certification. Teachers from around the district completed the process, including a district-high seven teachers from Eastlake High School.
“Lake Washington School District prides itself on the quality of its teaching staff and we are grateful to have so many teachers commit and re-commit themselves to excellence,” said Superintendent Traci Pierce. “The National Board Certification process helps teachers analyze every area of their teaching practice to ensure maximum academic success for students.”  Read More >>

Monday, December 22, 2014

Strong Demand for Single-Family Homes in Redmond

By KC Brants
 
The median price for single-family homes in Redmond climbed 6.4 percent in November over the same time last year. Although we’re seeing price appreciation slow in the greater Seattle area, steady price growth continues for single-family homes in Redmond.
 
But while prices are up, there are fewer homes to choose from, and fewer homes are actually selling. The number of single-family homes for sale fell 17 percent In November, compared with November 2013. As a result, sales declined 13.9 percent.  Redmond boasts a plethora of qualified buyers looking for single-family homes. But because the inventory is so limited, I often see the same buyers competing for the same two or three homes that hit the market.
 
While prices for single-family homes have gone up because of the classic supply and demand problem, we’re not seeing the same frenzy we saw during the housing boom.  The local market is starting to level out. Homebuyers are being cautious and taking their time looking.
 
In Redmond, we saw 16.2 percent of single-family homes for sale drop in price last month. Many sellers see what nearby homes sell for and price their homes at that level to start. If a home is priced too high initially, it can scare buyers away and force the seller to bring the price down. Pricing a home more reasonably, however, can draw more buyers, which means a home could sell more quickly and may even receive multiple offers and fetch a higher price.
 
Here’s a quick glance at the numbers in Redmond and how they compare with November 2013:
 
Median Single-Family Home Price: $$665,000
 
Single-Family Home Prices: up 6.4%
 
Single-Family Home Sales: down 13.9% 
·         Homes sold spent a median 32 days on the market, which is six days slower than the same time last year.
 
Number of single-family homes for sale: down 17%

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Redmond PD: Increase in Education Hill Residential Burglaries

Since Thursday, Dec. 11, five residential burglaries in the Education Hill District have been reported to Redmond Police. Ranging from 8:10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., the activity occurred between the 16800 block of NE 108 Way and the 10400 block of 181st Ave. NE.

Method of entry has been through rear sliding doors, all unlocked with the exception of one case, where the suspect(s) used a rock to break through the door.

Stolen property includes jewelry, laptops, an Xbox system, handbags, silverware, cell phones, car keys, passports and credit cards. The suspect(s) appear to steal items from the lower levels of homes, then leave if residents are known to be upstairs.

Police are asking residents to be mindful of locking all doors - including  passageways for pets - and windows. Many residents have taken precautionary measures, such as the use of dowels in screen doors, motion lights, video surveillance, and decibel alarm systems, which do not require a monitoring system.

The department offers free assessments of city residents' houses for suggestions on how to make their homes less likely targets for burglars. Please contact crimeprevention@redmond.gov to arrange a meeting.

Police are following up with fraudulent charges as a result of stolen credit cards and attempting to identify suspects through recovered fingerprints.
Please report any suspicious activity to 911 as it is occurring.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Redmond Historical Society Announces New Officers for 2015-2016

Redmond Historical Society Announces New Officers for 2015-2016
Redmond, WA December 15, 2014:  Redmond Historical Society, now in its 15th year as a membership organization and community resource, announced the results of its 2014 Officer Elections. These officers will take up their new duties when the board convenes in January 2015. The board and standing committees will be working to implement the 2014–2017 plan approved in September 2014.
The new President is Joe Townsend, who has completed his sixth year on the board, including a second term as Vice President of Finance. Joe retired from Safeco Insurance Company and now operates a small business in Redmond. Senior Vice President is Mary Hanson, longtime Redmond resident and career employee of Group Health Cooperative. Mary has been a board member since 2009.
The new Vice President of Finance is Ed O’Brien, Redmond native and a member of the O’Brien Water- Ski family. O’Brien has returned to Redmond following a career as a business executive. The new Secretary is Lori Perrigo, member of the Perrigo pioneer family, and experienced in other nonprofit board work. Read more about these officers on the Society’s website. (http://www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/RHS/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=710:voting-board-of-directors&catid=16:about-rhs&Itemid=183) 
The Society’s Vice President of Collections Management is elected in alternate years and is currently held by Gene Magnuson, Redmond native and longtime Society volunteer.
About Redmond Historical Society 
Redmond Historical Society is a volunteer-supported organization, with offices and historical displays housed in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center. The Society receives support through grants from King County’s 4Culture program, the City of Redmond, the Bellevue Collection, Nelson Legacy Group, and Humanities Washington, as well as from other donors and members. Redmond Historical Society is known widely for its Saturday Speaker Series. Check the Society’s website for the schedule. (http://www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/RHS/)

Friday, December 12, 2014

Nami-Eastside Educational Forum December 16

Guest: Dr. Michael Stanfill, Psychiatric Services Director
Public Health Seattle and King County
Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2014, 7 PM - 9 PM
Location: Evergreen Health Medical Center, Suite Tan 100,
12303 NE 130th Lane, Kirkland, WA 98034
 
Dr. Michael Stanfill is the Psychiatric Services Manager for Jail Health Services within Public Health in Seattle/King County.  Persons with mental illness are incarcerated at disproportionately increasing rates.
As a result, local jails and law enforcement are now one of the largest de facto mental health providers, both locally and nationally.
Dr. Stanfill will provide an historical overview of how we’ve gotten to this place as a society, review best practices for treating this population within the confines of correctional settings, and discuss better alternatives to strive towards moving forward as a community. This presentation will have a special focus on local practices within the King County jail system, with integration into both local and national policy movements.
Dr Michael Stanfill has his doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is trained as a clinical and forensic psychologist. He currently serves as the Psychiatric Services Manager for Jail Health Services within Public Health in Seattle/King County where he oversees and supervises the psychiatric services and release planning operations of inmates. He has also served on a variety of advisory committees and legislative workgroups helping develop and advocate for policies and legislation related to the treatment of the mentally ill, criminal justice-involved population. His work has been recognized by various third party groups, such as the Treatment Advocacy Center and the John D.and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, for his innovative treatment approaches for treating mental illness in criminal justice settings.
  
Please join us for our annual meeting! The meeting will be held on January 31st in the Garibaldi Room, Building B here at the Together Center Campus.  We’ll have a Meet and Greet from 9am – 9:30, will begin the meeting at 9:30 and finish by 10am.  We hope you can join us.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Get ready for strong winds Thursday

                

The Puget Sound Region is expecting a significant wind storm to impact our area for several hours Thursday, December 11, beginning late afternoon or early evening. Wind gusts could reach 75 mph. Potential impacts include landslides, downed trees and power lines, and widespread power outages. There are specific things you can do now to prepare your home and family:
Prepare for Wind Storm
  • Learn what your child’s school and daycare policies and procedures are for possible early release and facility closures.
  • Fuel up your vehicle and allow extra commute time home from work or school.
  • Locate flashlights, radio, and extra batteries should you experience a power outage at home.
  • Plan pre-cooked meals for your family that don’t require a stove-top, microwave, or oven to prepare.
  • Make sure pets have appropriate shelter to stay warm and safe from falling debris.
  • Ask your employer how you will be notified if power outages impact your worksite.
  • Visit the Public Health website for information on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Stay informed by monitoring local media channels, registering for public alerts at www.kingcounty.gov/RPIN, and checking King County’s emergency news at www.kcemergency.com.
  • Get more tips, utility contacts, and preparedness checklists at Take Winter by Storm.

Friday, December 5, 2014

LWSD Boundary Process and Facilities Task Force Updates

Boundary process update
The first two of four public meetings on the district’s boundary change process took place on December 1 and 2. These meetings covered the scenarios under consideration for the Redmond Learning Community and Lake Washing-ton Learning Community respectively. Parents and community members who attended reviewed the different options and provided feedback through written forms. The same feedback forms are available online on the district website’s Boundary Process page. The input forms will be available through December 15. Staff members are welcome to provide input.

Input forms for the scenarios un-der consideration for the Eastlake and Juanita Learning Communities will be available online from December 15-19. The public meetings for those areas will take place for Eastlake on December 11 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Eastlake High School and on December 15 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Juanita High School. For more information, go to the Boundary page on the district website.
Long-Term Facilities Planning Task Force update
The boundary process referenced above is designed to ensure the district will have space for its growing enrollment through the 2017-18 school year. You might wonder, what happens in 2018-19 and beyond? That’s where the Long-Term Facilities Planning Task Force comes in. In October, the district invited parents and com-munity members to serve on this task force, which will study, analyze and make recommendations concerning the district’s long-term facilities needs. The response was tremendous—280 individuals applied to serve on the task force. A total of 63 individuals were selected, including parents from each neighborhood school as well as community members, principals, staff and students.

That group met for the first time on December 3. Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent, welcomed the group and provided a district over-view. Board President Jackie Pendergrass thanked the task force members for their involvement. After introductions, the group re-viewed its purpose and agreed on ground rules. Deputy Superintendent Janene Fogard presented information on the district’s capital facilities needs, both for enrolment growth and aging schools. A draft plan for the engagement process was reviewed.

Task force members provided in-put on issues for consideration as they develop a recommendation. There will be an opportunity in January for staff members and the public to provide input on facilities planning needs, Task Force pro-cesses, and the scope of issues to be considered.

For more information, see the district’s Long-term facilities planning task force web page.

Source:  Focus

Thursday, December 4, 2014

City of Redmond participates in PSE's Green Power Program

The City of Redmond is participating in Puget Sound Energy's "Green Power" program and has already won a $20,000 grant in the process.  Green Power is the use of renewable energy credits to limit use of energy on the grid.  The City of Redmond is leading a competition with Issaquah and Puyallup for signing up the most residents on the Program.  If Redmond wins, Puget Sound Energy will donate a solar panel.  As part of the Green Power program the city is paying an extra $7,000 to PSE to go 100% carbon neutral using renewable energy for the City Hall building.  City Hall uses 10% of all the energy in the City. 

Reported By Bob Yoder

LETTER: Package thieves on the prowl in neighborhoods

LETTER:  I thought this would be helpful to share with neighbors.  A couple of neighbors in my neighborhood saw a dark blue van with a FedEx Ground sign taped to the window yesterday.  FedEx was called and said they do not lisence vans. 

It pulled up in driveways and someone many have left the vehickle to explore a box left on a porch...I'm guessing package thieves.  Police were notified.There were tow reports by tow different people in neighboring communities -- Salish and Canterbury Woods. 

Try and get the licnese plate and call 911 if you see a dark blue van with a FedEx sign.  In fact, try and get plate numbers, pictures of autos, etc and anyone with FedEx sign s pasted to the window.  This was around 11:50 AM on Wednesday, December 4th. 

By Jean Avery
Redmond Neighborhood Blog Facebook comment

Education Hill Blood Drive December 8, 4-7

CAN YOU GIVE AN HOUR TO CREATE THE PERFECT HOLIDAY FOR A CHILD, A CANCER PATIENT, ETC?
    DO YOU WANT TO DROP A POUND before the holidays?  (The homemade cookies may undermine this objective?)
    DO YOU WANT TO PUT YOUR FEET UP FOR A FEW MINUTES?
  All this is possible with coming to the blood drive.  If we don’t see you, I thank you for your previous donations.  
IF YOU BRING A NEW DONOR,  I’ll have a coupon for a free car wash to clean your car!  
LAST MINUTE APPOINTMENTS :  206-605-1933  or hit REPLY to this email.  
Church of the HOly CROSS
11526 162nd Ave NE  (at the round-a-bout 116th & 162nd)
Redmond, WA  98052
 
When:  December 8, 4-7PM

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Redmond Police Capture Washington's Most Wanted Fugitive

Citizen Identified Suspect From Facebook Post  
 
Redmond, Wash. - Redmond Police Officers took Washington's Most Wanted fugitive Precious Shabazz, 18, into custody on Nov. 29.
 
The reporting party, who saw Shabazz inside a retail store on 17100 block of Redmond Way, contacted Redmond Police Department after recognizing Shabazz from Washington's Most Wanted's Facebook page.
     
Shabazz, wanted in a violent Nov. 5 downtown Seattle robbery where she kicked and punched a store employee, was chased and captured by Redmond Police after she fled the store. Several stolen items were recovered.    
 
Redmond Police arrested Shabazz and transferred custody to Seattle Police Department.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Volunteer Transportation Helps Senior Adjust and Adapt to New Life in Redmond


Volunteer to be a driver for Redmond Seniors

When Audrey lived in Kyoto for a year, she was a very particular shopper.  Storekeepers listened patiently as she used great detail to describe the precise item she sought-- stipulating its size, colors, shape, and design.  But Audrey really wasn’t picky, and her true purpose was not to purchase something specific.  Audrey shopped to learn.   She used these daily excursions to practice her Japanese vocabulary and become more fully immersed in the culture that surrounded her.

Japan is just one of the diverse locations that Audrey has called home.   She has also lived in New York, Germany, Taiwan, and Kansas.  She has a strong sense of adventure; she loves learning; and she has a deep appreciation for the arts.  She lives fully, no matter where she resides.

Audrey moved to Redmond three years ago.  She sorted through the countless things that filled the home she’d shared with her late husband, donated her beloved piano to a local nonprofit organization, packed up all of the meaningful artwork she’d collected over the years, and left Kansas behind.  She was eager to see her grandchildren more often; she was ready to open up a new chapter of her life in Western Washington. 

Audrey attempted to adjust and adapt to her new environment—as she had always done.  But it wasn’t so easy this time.  The process of downsizing and relocating after the loss of her husband was much more difficult than she’d imagined.  She explains, “It was very, very traumatic.  Frankly, I just wasn’t myself for the first two years.”  

Audrey discovered Volunteer Transportation as she transitioned to her new life in Redmond.  She was afraid to drive longer distances, and her dentist’s office informed her that the program’s volunteer drivers could take her to her appointments in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland.  She was delighted.

The volunteer drivers have been very welcoming and kind to Audrey.  She enjoys their conversations during rides, and she doesn’t know what she’d do without the program.  She makes an effort to tell each and every volunteer how much she appreciates their help.  Audrey says, “I tell them how important their volunteer work is—that it’s a wonderful contribution to our community.”  She adds, “It’s a great service, and it’s much, much needed.” 

Audrey, who is now 82, credits Volunteer Transportation for helping her to feel more at home in the Pacific Northwest.  Starting anew was not easy, and it took some time to get her bearings straight.  But Audrey is her determined, creative, and curious self once again.

**You can help more local seniors like Audrey get “on the road” to improved health and peace of mind!   Volunteer drivers are needed throughout King County.   If you have a reliable vehicle, clean driving record, and some weekday availability, this is the role for you. Call (206) 748-7588, email Hilary at hilaryc@seniorservices.org, or visit www.seniorservices.org/transportation to find out more.  Discover why rides change lives!

 

Friday, November 21, 2014

LWSD seeks volunteers to serve on Middle School Advisory Committee

Parents/Community Members Needed for LWSD Middle School Grading Advisory Committee
Group to study, give advice and make recommendations on new middle school report card
 
Redmond, Wash. – When Lake Washington School District changed from a junior high school (grades seven through nine) model to a middle school (grades six through nine) model, it focused on making these schools a smooth transition from elementary school to high school. In the course of that transition, staff and administrators realized the middle school report card was not serving students and parents as well as it could.  Read More >>

Thursday, November 20, 2014

City of Redmond Union and Non-Union 2014 Pay Plans awarded

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The 2014 monthly pay limits were recently awarded by City Council for their Non-Union employees.  Their new pay plan scale can be found here.  RCHEA Union pay plans are here

Reported by Bob Yoder

I regret to inform you the links have been broken.  Go HERE TO FIND THE PAY PLANS. 

 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Water Tenders: Lower Bear Creek is Relocated

Water Tenders is a local grass roots organization dedicated to the stewardship of Bear Creek streams in King County.  Their Fall Newsletter HERE has a great article on the recent relocation of Lower Bear Creek by Redmond Town Center.  Enjoy!

And don't miss their 25th Anniversary newsletter edition here.

I apologize: the links are broken

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Donate Blood at Public Safety Building Nov. 21

Share your blood with those who will be VERY THANKFUL to receive it!
 
There is a GREAT NEED for extra blood donors going into the holidays & we still have over 25 openings for this week’s blood drive!
Friday, November 21st
 
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
(closed 11:00 am to 11:45 am)
 
CITY OF REDMOND
8701 160th Ave NE in Public Safety Bldg.
 
*Photo ID or PSBC Donor card required for all donors!*
 
Contact the Puget Sound Blood Center's Criteria Specialists at schedule@psbc.org or call 1-800-398-7888 for specific eligibility questions.

City of Redmond is recruiting three new volunteers for the Arts and Culture Commission

Redmond, WA - The The City of Redmond is recruiting three new volunteer members of the Arts and Culture Commission to begin their service in April 2015. Redmond residents, unincorporated King County residents or people who work in Redmond are eligible to apply. Candidates are encouraged to apply by January 6, 2015.

For over 25 years, the Arts and Culture Commission has improved the quality life for the Redmond community by advising the Mayor and City Council on arts and cultural affairs in the City. Past accomplishments include: inaugurating the City’s Public Art Program, providing music and theatre experiences for the community, and seeding local festivals in the City including the Ananda Mela Indian Cultural Festival and the Digital Arts Festival.

Now, the mission of the Arts and Culture Commission is to be a catalyst for Redmond’s diverse and inventive community. The focus of this work includes: cultural planning to make the arts accessible creating a place for the arts and nurturing the arts in Redmond. Current activities include implementing the Art Plan for Downtown Redmond, investigating the economic impact of the arts in Redmond and the Eastside, and identifying the cultural needs of our changing community.  Read More >>

"Fight Back" cancer award presented to Sen. Andy Hill and Rep. Ross Hunter

SEATTLE...The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network presented Sen. Andy Hill and Rep. Ross Hunter with the Fight Back award at the group’s annual Legacy and Leadership Awards ceremony held Thursday evening at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Hill and Hunter, both cancer survivors, were recognized for their work to protect the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program.  Read More >>

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Open Enrollment for the Washington State Health Insurance Exchange begins November 15


As part of the Affordable Care Act, open enrollment for the Washington State Health Insurance Exchange begins on November 15th. To help consumers better understand and navigate this process, BridgeSpan Health President, Chris Blanton, has compiled a brief list of the most important things consumers need to know when evaluating and purchasing health plans.  Read More >>
 
For the hundreds of thousands of Washington residents who have not had health insurance for many years, or are signing up for the first time, the task can seem daunting due to the numerous options available to choose from. BridgeSpan Health is committed to informing and educating consumers so they know exactly what they’re purchasing. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
 
  • Open enrollment starts Nov. 15, 2014 and ends on Feb. 15, 2014.
    • In order to have coverage by Jan.1, 2015, you must enroll by Dec. 23, 2014.
 
  • Evaluate your annual healthcare needs and budget to determine the right mix of monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs.
 
  • Monthly premium is only one component of the cost of health insurance and picking a plan just on a premium cost may not be the best decision.
    • If the plan selected has lower monthly premiums, the out-of-pocket costs may be higher.
    • A higher monthly premium may lower your out-of-pocket cost.
 
  • Visit the websites of the plans you are interested in for additional details and specifics about coverage and benefits. 
    • Call the plan’s customer support line for any unanswered questions.
 
  • If you have established doctors and want to keep seeing them, you should confirm that they are in the network of the plan you are considering.
 
  • If you’re taking a certain prescription medication, is that drug covered, and how much of the cost will you be responsible for?
 
  • If you are eligible for a subsidy, make sure you evaluate the cost of the plan after the subsidy has been applied.
    • Even if you think you can’t afford health insurance, visit the Exchange to see how federal subsidies may reduce your monthly premium
 
  • If you had a plan through the exchange in 2014, visit the marketplace again to evaluate the new plan designs, new network options and new carriers on the market for 2015. You could find a plan that better meets your needs.

City of Redmond celebrates Redmond Lights December 6

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond celebrates Redmond Lights, its annual Winter Festival, on Saturday, December 6th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. The annual event celebrates the City’s cultural diversity with traditions, activities, and fun for all ages.
The event begins at Redmond City Hall at 4:00 p.m. with free entertainment, a bon fire, food, and fun activities including the dissemination of the 2014 Redmond Lights blinkers (while supplies last). Mayor Marchione, along with a jolly guy in a red suit and white beard, will light campus before departing on the luminary walk. The walk meanders down the Redmond Central Connector to Redmond Town Center with performances and light displays along the way. The fun and entertainment continue there with an outdoor skating rink, ice sculpture, reindeer, holiday carousel, kid’s activities, and more.
Performances throughout the event include a trombone band, chorus, singing choir, handbell choir, Fire performance, and more.
Parking is available at Redmond Town Center or City Hall Parking garage. A free shuttle runs that day between both locations from 3:30 – 8:30 p.m. For more information about Redmond Lights visit www.redmondlights.com.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

4th Annual Poultry Predictor Race November 16


Redmond, WA - Predict your finish time and win a turkey! Join us for our fourth annual Poultry Predictor Race on Sunday, November 16. New in 2014, the race is now a 5K on a downtown Redmond course! The race is open to all levels of runners and you do not have to cross the finish line first to win! The five participants closest to their predicted finish time will receive a frozen turkey! There are no timing devices allowed on the course including mp3 players, iPod’s, or GPS watches, and the only clock will be at the start/finish line. A professional timing company will chip time the event. Participants, limited to 100, can sign-up to compete in the predictor division or choose to sign-up for a regular 5K Run/Walk division.  Read More >>

Three LWSD schools have been named "Schools of Distinction"

Redmond, Wash. – Three Lake Washington School District schools have been named “Schools of Distinction” by the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE). Discovery Community School (Kirkland), Evergreen Middle School (Redmond), and Kirkland Middle School (Kirkland) were among 101 schools statewide in the top 5 percent for improvement on the state’s Reading / Math index test scores for students. Read More >>

Thursday, November 6, 2014

NAMI-Eastside Educational Forum November 18

SAVE THE DATE:  TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014, 7 PM - 9 PM
Please join us at this FREE educational event. Open to the Public.
  AN EDUCATIONAL FORUM ON:
HELPING OUR YOUTH LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS OR
EMOTIONAL DISORDERS, SUCCEED AT HOME, SCHOOL AND IN LIFE!
 
GUESTS:  CAROLYN HETHERWICK GOZA, M.ED
AND MICHAEL E. GOZA,  B.S., CHE


LOCATION: EVERGREEN HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER, SUITE TAN 100, 12303 NE 130TH LANE, KIRKLAND, WA 98034, (Use the blue parking garage)