EvergreenHealth's Board of Commissioners Appoints Tim McLaughlin as its Newest Member

Experienced financial executive and long-time Redmond resident fills Redmond/Sammamish board seat

Kirkland, Wash. – Last night, EvergreenHealth’s Board of Commissioners formally appointed Tim McLaughlin as its newest board member. After a thorough search and selection process, the board selected Mr. McLaughlin to fill the seat that represents the Redmond/Sammamish area. The position was held formerly by Auggie Kempf, who announced his retirement in September.

Mr. McLaughlin brings an abundance of professional and community experience to the board.

“Tim has an impressive business and financial background, combined with decades of experience as a trusted community leader,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte. “His experience managing the financial, procedural and business functions for national organizations will be a tremendous asset to our organization as we continue to expand our services and offer exceptional care to the communities we serve.”-

About Tim McLaughlin:

Mr. McLaughlin is an experienced financial executive currently serving as chief financial officer of SightLife, a global health organization with a mission to eliminate corneal blindness, and its subsidiary, SightLife Surgical. Over the last decade at SightLife, McLaughlin oversaw a $50 million operating budget and is responsible for accounting, treasury, financial reporting, facilities, information technology and purchasing functions.

He brings more than 35 years of financial experience across multiple industries, and his former positions include: CFO of Eddie Bauer; vice president and controller for AT&T Wireless Services; and CFO of National Cash Register Corporation’s microelectronics division.

"Redmond Lights" Annual Winter Festival

REDMOND, WA - The City of Redmond presents Redmond Lights, its annual Winter Festival, on Saturday, December 3 from 4:00–8:00 pm. The event brings community together to experience light displays, performances, and activities that celebrate the magic of the winter season and the City’s cultural diversity. 

Starting at 4 pm at the Redmond City Hall Campus, attendees will enjoy highlights such as lantern making, watching light performer Kingsley Casayuran, and collecting their signature Experience Redmond light blinkers (while supplies last). Mayor Marchione, along with special guests, will then light the campus oak tree, before departing on the enchanting luminary walk to Redmond Town Center.

During the walk down the Redmond Central Connector visitors will take in the sights and sounds of returning favorites such as Japanese Taiko drummers, fire twirlers, and Keith Highlanders Pipe Band, and enjoy eye-catching new light installations by four featured local artists.

Redmond H.S. Principal elaborates on school district's protest policy.

Notice:  A  "Community Truancy Board" informational session will be held this Thursday, 11/17, 7-8pm at LWSD HQ.  Please call Chris Robison if you plan to attend. 425-936-1270  If you can't make this session, there may be others.  - Editor

From Principal Todd, RHS via email.

Dear Redmond High School families:

Dr. Pierce sent a message to all district families earlier today (11/14).

We have learned of the possibility that some students may be planning to walk out today (11/14) in protest at 1:30 p.m. I have received questions from some parents.

While Dr. Pierce’s message included information on how our policies apply, I would like to provide additional information here.

• Students are expected to be in class during class time. Students choosing to leave class during class time will accrue an unexcused absence.

• Students can peacefully protest in a manner that does not violate LWSD Human Dignity Policy or Civility Policy in designated areas during lunch time or before or after school.

• Students may not protest in a manner that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of school (i.e. leaving class, encouraging others to leave class, blocking hallways, causing disruption, violating the Human Dignity or Civility Policy).

We are committed to upholding students’ constitutional rights and the district’s civility policy and human dignity policy.

Sincerely,
Jane Todd, Principal
Redmond High School

City of Redmond Fire Department trains ten new firefighters

Takes almost a year to hire and train new Redmond firefighters through a very competitive recruiting process. 

REDMOND, WA - The City of Redmond Fire Department welcomed ten new Firefighters to the department during graduation ceremonies on November 10, 2016. Fire Chief Tommy Smith and Redmond Mayor John Marchione recited the “Oath of Office” and issued the graduated recruits their fire department badges.

The new Firefighters have been assigned to their shifts and stations after spending more than 16 weeks in recruit training with the East Side Metro Training Academy and fire service instructors from the Redmond Fire Department. Firefighters began their training by practicing Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) skills that will used be during cardiac arrests and complex trauma and medical emergencies in the field. The training moves on to 12 weeks of learning basic and advanced firefighting skills that builds on teamwork while working in dangerous environments. The Fire Academy is an intense course that is physically and mentally demanding and designed to push individuals and teams to learn how to handle dynamic fire situations with confidence while stressing safety.

The newly graduated Probationary Firefighters (FF) include: FF Tesa Betz, FF Reichle Erchinger, FF Heather Herdt, FF Joshua Hughes, FF Joseph Lee, FF Austin Marshall, FF Russell Reece, FF Loren Seefried, FF Joel Swift and FF Dylan Walsh.

It takes almost a year to hire and train new firefighters through a very competitive recruiting process. The ten Probationary Firefighters were selected from more than 200 applicants and only after weeks of pre-screening interviews, background checks, psychological and medical evaluations and ultimately the Fire Chief interview for final selections to attend the recruit academy. “The recruits have excelled in their training to become firefighters,” Chief Smith said, “I’m extremely proud of these firefighters and know they will serve the citizens of Redmond and Fire District 34 with great pride and service.”

For questions and more information contact Lisa Maher, Communications & Marketing Manager, at lmaher@redmond.gov or 425-556-2427. This press release is available on www.redmond.gov.

"Seattle Stand Down" serves our Vets

My name is Lauren Link and I am the mobility projects coordinator at Hopelink. My work focuses on transportation challenges for Veterans in King County as well as other vulnerable populations. I am also the transportation coordinator for the Seattle Stand Down (SSD). The Seattle Stand Down (SSD) is committed to assisting military Veterans and their families in every aspect of their transition from military to civilian life; whether they just became a Veteran or have been one for a long time. The SSD provides a place where Veterans can have “one stop” access to various community and Veteran Affairs (federal, state, and county) social services, focusing primarily on those Veterans and families that are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Transportation has always been a barrier for Veterans wanting to access services at the SSD. This year, we partnered with King County Metro to provide “free fare” days for Veterans travelling to and from the SSD on December 1^st and 2^nd, 2016. Vets are able to board ANY King County Metro bus with an acceptable ID (shown on the attached flyer) or a special SSD pass (Vets able to get passes from service providers). The goal with the SSD bus passes  is to get these passes into the hands of Vets who do not have one of the IDs listed or are not able to obtain an ID by the time of the SSD.

http://www.theseattlestanddown.org/
Laureen Link's email: llink@hopelink.org

Musings on the city's Community/Aquatics Center plan

I've lived here 36 years and  love Redmond, but I'm not a proponent of the city's proposed $80M - $100M Recreation/Aquatics Center.  I'm concerned I and some of my neighbors will get taxed out of Redmond or even lose our homes. The schools are by far my family's budget priority and now with ST-3 passing I'm not 100% sure I can even pay for them.  In my opinion, the proposed Center is "Downtown Park v.2"  Too expensive, primarily for urban dwellers, a burden on the neighborhoods, hard to get to, and subject to cost over-runs.

When the Hartman Pool is demolished, it should be replaced with a Neighborhood Community Center.  The footprint is large and there's plenty of space.  A recent Education Hill Neighborhood Association poll indicated only 5 of 478 members wanted a new pool. Many asked for child services and a cafe with sandwiches and pastries. Meeting rooms, an organic produce market, music classes, teen life-skills classes, and revitalizing the beautiful treed land south of pool were some other requests.  

A downtown community/aquatics center is primarily an amenity for the urban dwellers.  Other than the city, who's to say our existing community center won't  have the capacity for Historical Society Meetings and recreational programs?  The Lake Washington School District would know.  We should start going to their business meetings and requesting transparency.

As for the aquatics center the train has left the station.  Our elected majority should have partnered with Kirkland and Lake Washington School District a long time ago to build an aquatics center when development costs were cheaper. I've heard Bellevue is considering aquatics near Bellevue College. Couldn't that be a viable alternative?

The incredibly rapid pace of city growth has put the Administration behind the eight-ball and panicking to "catch up."  Mine is one opinion.  I encourage you to visit the city's Redmond Community Center website and give them yours.

Bob Yoder, opinion 

The Lake Washington School District is building for success - be prepared to support them.

Kathryn Reith District Communications Director is narrating.  Ms. Reith provides a valuable bridge between the District and our community. She's always happy to hear from you.  

Be prepared to support our District's bonds and levies: 
 :
$398,000,000 Bond measure passed on April 26, 2016.  

$288,000,000 proposed Bond measure in 2018
$278,000,000 proposed Bond measure in 2022 

$207,000,000 proposed Bond measure in 2026. 

EP&O (Educational Program and Operations) Levy in 2018. 

EP&O Levy/Capital Project Levy in 2022.

EP&O Levy/Capital Project Levy on 2026.

Sound Transit 3, a probable $90+ million city aquatics/community center measure, city, county, library taxes and more will all be competing with our schools for your tax dollars.  All the while our property taxes are rising significantly.  Schools are first for me! I just hope my family won't be taxed out of here.  It's very expensive to live in Redmond. 

Bob Yoder

News and opinion of Local and State elections are sadly smothered

For the last 9 months the Presidential candidates and media have dominated and smothered  the  information we need to make our decisions on the election of our State and local representatives.  We  have for the most part only the voter's pamphlet  to inform us.

Though partisan I hope this comparison gives you a little more information about the 45th District legislative Representative contenders and about whoever will represent us for the next two years.   Thanks for this information Ramiro. .

Our State is ranked 50th in the Nation for access to mental health services. I don't know why we rarely hear from our candidates about funding for mental health.

Bob Yoder

School District is "Building on Success"

Community support provides the resources for quality learning environments, experiences

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District (LWSD) is a high performing and successful public school district by many measures. The district’s growing enrollment is evidence that LWSD attracts families to the area it serves in Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish, Washington. To serve that growing enrollment, the district is “Building on Success.” That’s the district’s long-term plan to continue to build schools and to provide quality learning environments and experiences.

Redmond Assembly of God sponsors "Prayer for Unity" at City Hall election night

News about Redmond's churches are rarely posted, but this one is worthy and related to city government.  

Redmond Assembly of God (Redmond AG) has a special relationship with the city.

In 2006 Ps. Robroy Ranger opened his church to the City of Redmond for their "Education Hill Caucus" meetings. Hank Margeson, now President of  City Council ran alot the meetings - staffed by city planners Sarah Stiteler and Kimberly Dietz.  Pastor Robroy was quoted in the "Seattle Times" about the character of Education Hill, as a result of the church's contribution.

Pastor Robroy Ranger

Fast forward to the present:  Just a few days ago, Mayor Marchione and the city administration signed of permit to allow Redmond AG's non-denominational Christian "Prayer for Unity."  Mr. Mayor felt so strongly of it's merit that with only one week's request from Redmond AG, he expedited the 90-day permit process and agreed to locate the prayer on the steps of City Hall!

During Council's "Items from the Audience" this week Janet Richards said, "after we cast our ballots there's nothing left we can do but pray."  She thanked the Mayor and Council and invited them to attend the event.

Janet is a Redmond AG board member and one of the founding members of the Education Hill Neighborhood Association. The prayer is hosted by the Christian community but open to all, regardless of what you believe.  This  non-partison event is a great opportunity for all churches in Redmond to unite for a good cause with the community at large.  Please no partisan speech....the prayer is next to the ballot drop-off box.

"Prayer for Unity" will be held at the City Hall campus, Nov. 8th, election night, 5:45 - 7:15pm. Prayers, songs, music will begin at 6pm. The city has advised us to park off campus since voters will be driving to the ballot drop-off box.

Bob Yoder

The Redmond United Methodist Church, St Jude and Revive Church have city connections, as well.  St. Jude and Revive Church apply for city permits to host tent-encampments.  Every year the Methodist Church plays bell music during Winter Lights. They've also attended Items from the Audience to ask Council and the community for support of their Open Kitchen.  

Education Hill Neighborhood Association poll recommends a "neighborhood center" at Hartman Park

Letter submitted to the Mayor and City Council during "Items from the Audience." 

As a member of the Education Hill Neighborhood Association, (EdNA) I can’t thank you enough for the terrific job you’ve done building and maintaining our parks.  I want to encourage you to budget to replace the Hartman Pool (on Hartman Park) with a neighborhood community center.  Promotion of a neighborhood center in Hartman might dovetail with your downtown recreationcenter promotion…. and help to move it forward.   

Yesterday, a poll was taken on the EdNA site asking members what they’d want on the Hartman Pool site when it’s demolished.  

Of 573 association members. 95 members participated, including Metropolitan King County Council member Kathy Lambert.  In short, the poll and threads indicated over 70 of the members would accept, and most would want, a neighborhood center as long as the trees are saved.  Interestingly, only 5 members wanted a new pool.  I swim laps and wouldn’t mind giving it up to take a morning walk and meet my neighbors over coffee.    

Benefits of the Center:     

Lake Washington School District Board of Directors named "Board of Distinction"

Twenty-four school boards recognized throughout the State

Redmond, Wash. – The Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Board of Directors was one of 24 school boards in Washington state to be named a “Board of Distinction” by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA).

The annual Boards of Distinction program honors school boards that demonstrate effective use of the Washington School Board Standards. These standards promote research-based governance practices that lead to high levels of student and district achievement, and help close the opportunity gap.

Award applicants submitted essays and evidence to demonstrate how they are putting the standards into practice. Applicants also shared evidence on how they were working to help close the opportunity gap. The applications were evaluated by an independent review panel.

The boards will be honored November 17 during the 2016 WSSDA Annual Conference in Spokane, Wash. WSSDA will also announce 2016 Boards of the Year winners.

####

About Lake Washington: Lake Washington School District  is a high-performing public school district serving Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish, Washington. It is the third largest district in the state of Washington, with over 29,000 students in 52 schools.

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert on the passing of Senator Andy Hill

Senator Andy Hill died of cancer this week at the age of 54

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert is issuing the following statement on the passing of Senator Andy Hill:

“Our community has lost a tremendous man and leader. 

“Whether you knew him professionally, as a friend, or through his vast community involvement, he was someone who instantly earned the love of those around him. His dedication to serving children through his involvement in PTSA, coaching soccer, and tutoring was truly inspiring and will leave a lasting legacy that transcends generations. 

“He represented the 45th District and also represented everyone across our state as a Senator, with compassion, wisdom, and fairness as the hallmarks of his leadership. Our sympathies go out to his wife Molly, his children, his parents, and all who loved him.

“We are so blessed to have had Andy represent our district for the past six years. He will be missed by so very many.”

A "Prayer for Unity" on Election night at Redmond City Hall

On Tuesday, November 8th, this divisive election season will come to an end.  As the nation waits for a decision, we want to use this time to pray for unity. 

I want to invite you to a "Prayer for Unity" on November 8th at 6pm in the front of Redmond City Hall. This is a non-partison, non-denominational Christian prayer open to all.

Our goal is simple: Unite in prayer at Redmond City Hall to worship and pray for our community, nation and world. 

1. At 5:45, we will gather at the front of City Hall and have a simple acoustic worship. Common songs like Amazing Grace, My Country Tis of Thee. are songs we all share.
2. At 6:15, Light glow sticks (to symbolize Jesus, the Light of the World and the light that is in us.)
3. Pray as a community and in small groups.
4. At 6:45, end with a simple closing song of unification. 
5. Small groups are welcomed to stay and pray if desired until 8:00pm.

Please plan to park off campus because voters will be driving to the ballot drop-off box.

We do not want political or party focus at this event. We hope it is not a problem, and will politely ask anyone who is sharing or discussing election results to save that discussion for a later time after we dismiss.

Blessings,

Janet Richards
Board Member
Redmond Assembly of God

UPDATED: Should our neighborhoods be zoned for small commercial projects, like cafes?

grabbed from the Internet

Five years ago, Redmond City Council and city staff thoroughly studied planning policy options for creating "neighborhood commercial" zones in our neighborhoods.

Council decided the primary benefits of neighborhood commercial were: 1) fewer car trips to downtown centers,  2) neighborhood conveniences, and 3) neighborhood gathering places. 

Councilmembers Allen, Vache, Margeson and Stilin firmly agreed locating commercial within walking distance of residential concentrations and parks was important.

Preserving neighborhood character was paramount to council.  Councilmember John Stilin commented, "I'd rather have a neighborhood begging us to open up to development, than be pushed..." 

They all emphatically agreed (including Richard Cole) convenience stores, gas stations, and "loud" signage were completely off the table.  

In my opinion, in light of the rapid downtown urbanization, Council should take another look at neighborhood commercial zoning. When the Hartman Pool is demolished the vacant site could be an excellent location for a small cafe or community building, while preserving many of the trees. 

Bob Yoder 

UPDATED: EvergreenHealth is the State's only Five-Star Medical Facility, as rated by the "Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services"

 Among 112 hospitals in the US to achieve the highest possible national quality rating score.

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth Medical Center earned a five-star rating in the most recent Hospital Compare overall quality systems rankings released last week by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS.) The health system has the only five-star rating from CMS in Washington state.

“We know that today’s consumers increasingly consider ratings and reviews before making purchasing decisions, and evaluating hospitals and health care providers has become no different,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte. “To be the only hospital in our state to achieve this five-star rating is a reflection of the exceptional care and service that our providers, employees and volunteers deliver to our patients every day.”

Poetry inspired by Art, exhibit closes this Sunday

"The Jester's Dream" by Peter Juvonene

When I want solitude

sometimes I seek a crowd.

In cafe clatter and train station rush

I am one soul and stillness

wraps me in

cocoon threads.

It’s not like that in

my too quiet house

where the crowd of my thoughts

rattle and scrape

like broken shells

in the surf.

Poem by Eva Moon
Redmond Arts commissioner

"Ekphrastic Art Exhibit"  at VALA Art Center, Closing Reception: October 30, 6-8 pm

Updated: Barred Owl spotted on the Powerline Trail

Credit:  Ron Reiger

Susan and Ron Reiger, Education Hill neighbors, spotted this Barred Owl on the Powerline Trail last night. "He was near 110th Street close to where at the trail splits around the tower." Susan reported her story on the Chat Cafe facebook group.

Doreen Gallespie, another neighbor on Chat Cafe reported "Barred Owls moved into the PNW only in the last 15 years."  She gave this great link that fully describes the bird, even giving it's hoot.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barred_Owl/id

"Barred Owls live in large, mature forests made up of both deciduous trees and evergreens, often near water."  Huh...I wonder where this owl lives?  Where's the closest "large, mature forest near water?"  A heavily forested wetland.is just west of Evans Creek Trail. Would they fly that far?  Hartman forested wetlands?  

City is Seeking Input for Redmond's Community Centers

REDMOND, WA - On October 24, the city launched a campaign to engage the community in a dialogue about the future of Redmond’s Community Centers. From now until spring 2017, the City will work with a neutral facilitation consultant (EnviroIssues) and with a community stakeholder group to lead a series of community conversations. The goal is to meet with seniors, teens, neighborhood associations, and cultural and civic groups; individual community members; and focus groups to explore the community’s wishes and hopes for the future of Redmond’s Community Centers. This process is coordinated with a larger strategic effort to evaluate and prioritize investments in all city-owned buildings.

Another one bites the dust

According to Chat Cafe facebook group, these trees were leveled today to make room for an "extended-stay hotel."  This project is south of Home Depot, and south of the cemetery near the almost completed Hampton Inn.    Photo credit:  Julie Meghj

City Code regulating tree retention

To inquire, comment or complain email the City Ombuds. at council@redmond.gov  or attend the 7:30 pm meeting on Tuesday, Nov 1st, City Hall  and comment or complain directly to the Council and Mayor -- you'll have 4 minutes.

The City's "Project Viewer"  ("Woodspring Suites")

The owner of this land has every right to build his project as long as he follows the City's tree retention and building codes.

However, I 'm still appalled the City approved the clear-cut of ALL 1000  trees on the Group Health site.  And, I was surprised Council member Kim Allen, a land-use attorney, didn't openly represent the people prior to the clear-cut. It's my understanding she campaigned specifically about her expertise and voice on these issues.  Comments are welcome.  

UPDATED: The City of Redmond's Vision Statement

The City of Redmond's Vision Statement:  "A community of connected neighborhoods with vibrant urban centers - inspired by nature, powered by innovation, and committed to excellence." 

Nature:  

Creeks, Sammamish River and Lake Sammamish (riparian & in-stream habitat)
Tree canopy, green ridges and hills   
Open space and wetlands (mostly developed except for Hartman, Keller and Evans Creek)
Distant mountains
Fish and Wildlife

A community of connected neighborhoods inspired by Nature:

Woodlands, trees, creeks, wildlife, river, trails
Green Redmond community forestry stewardship
Community and public works parks (BehindSafeway, Grasslawn trail,Smith wetlands,Ferral-McWirther's Macky Creek, Perrigo forested wetland)
Green, wooded neighborhoods protected from urbanization, neighborhood parks.
Outdoor recreation (Wildlife sightings, Powerline trail, Hartman trails, and BMX biking)
Art:  Sammamish River Trail pubic work art. Grasslawn Park, Community Centers
Culture:  biking, salmon, Bear Creek, tree preservation,Perrigo Springs
Neighborhood views of Mt. Rainier, the Cascades and Olympics 
Community health: Trail walking, hiking, biking, running, crewing, swimming, fishing

Vibrant urban centers:  Overlake and Downtown.  One Redmond Foundation.

Powered by innovation:  Microsoft and other technology companies. One Redmond

Committed to excellence:  Council, Mayor, Commissioners and other volunteers, schools

Bob Yoder, opinion