Boys with their toys

Racing down Redmond Way after a tune-up at Brown's Garage.  

"Brown's Garage" is in the background.  It's presently being remodeled -- half the building will be a bank and the other half a commertial contractor..  It was last used as a state liquor store, before that a furniture store and once a car dealership. Mayor Bill Brown built his beautiful brick garage in the 1920's to repair cars. 

Updated & Republished 4/13, 5:30AM Redmond Historical Society "Hero Awards"

History Hero Awards 2006-2014

Over the past five years we have given out 5 History Hero awards to people in the community who are making a contribution to preserving and sharing history in Redmond. Here is a list of this years' and past years' recipients of the award:

2001    Tom Fix. City of Redmond

2001    Dale Potter, Member & volunteer

2001    William "Billy" Dale Tibbits

2006    Rosemarie Ives, then Mayor of Redmond

2007    Charles Payton, then Director of King County's Heritage Division

2008    Dianna Brodie, then City Planner, City of Redmond

2009    Randy and Stephanie Reeves and Paul and Patty Gordon, owners of the Stone House

2010    Brad Best, owner Brad Best Reality

2011    John Couch, Former Redmond Parks Director

2012    Naomi and Jerry Hardy, for Naomi’s tireless work as a Founder, Director, and Historian; Jerry’s support

2012    Richard Morris, Webmaster, 2008 to 2013

2013    Gene and Cheryl Magnuson, volunteers and exhibit designers

2014    Miguel Llanos, co-founder and Newsletter editor for 16 years

We thank all the award winners for helping the Redmond Historical Society's mission of ensuring our History for future generations.

   -- The above article was found on the Redmond Historical Society web site: redmondhistoricalsociety.org

My Notes & Comments:

Tom Fix played a key role during the installation of the Perrigo Springs historical marker

Rosemarie Ives:  I've had long phone talks with Rosemarie over the years for one reason or the other. It's a bit challenging to put a word in.   Rosemarie probably knows more current city "history"  than any member of the Redmond Historical Society, but I feel she's frustrated because she doesn't seem to have an outlet.  Hopefully, the Society will  someday embrace her and record more of her knowledge and experiences.  A podcast would be nice.  Perhaps the society could fund a biography.

John Couch has moved back to Redmond.  The Redmond Kiwanis are hoping he'll become a member.  He was the city's Director of Parks for 30 years.  He supports Steve Fields for city council.

Naomi Hardy:  Naomi was inspiring! After she passed away in 2012 the city approved construction of the downtown "Naomi Hardy Clock Tower."  Years ago she called and asked me to run for council; she advised I write my blog at the 7th grade level. (That was easy!) She compared me to Ms. Beason.  From what I can remember of our one phone call, she seemed to have a phone manner similar to Rosemarie....excited, informative, passionate and long. 

Richard Morris is my neighbor of over 20 years. I introduced Richard to the society. When hiking along Evans Creek one day we came upon AWR oil trucks polluting the creek. This discovery eventually led to a crackdown by least 5 regulatory agencies.  We celebrated a "youth history event" at Perrigo Springs. I often see him running with his dog in the neighborhood and trails and chatting with the neighbors. 

Cheryl Strong Magnuson is an active RHS volunteer, one of the administrators for their Facebook page and posts nearly every day. (I confuse her with Laura Lee Bennett.) I met her at last year's "Poets in the Park" event next to her RHS display featuring Anderson Park.  Cheryl told me she volunteers almost everyday, "mainly providing programming for seniors including several musical groups and a gardening program."    

When Miguel Llanos was laid-off from MSNBC (a writer) he free-lanced and taught tennis. He now teaches at Overlake School.  Miguel is very engaging, likable, respected by his neighbors and always has a smile.  Naomi references him frequently in her "Redmond Reflections" book though still today he participates in the community as a member of the tourism board and landmark commission.   

The awards are presented each June.  In addition to the list published through 2014, the society has awarded three more in 2015 and 2016 and they'll  be announcing the 2017 recipient in the June newsletter.

Bob Yoder
Updated:  7/28/2017

School District to form District Equity Team to close achievement gaps

Lake Washington School District is committed to ensuring academic success for every student and to achieving its vision of Every Student Future Ready.

As part of the Lake Washington’s ongoing strategic improvement efforts, the district is forming a District Equity Team to help develop an equity plan focused on closing achievement and opportunity gaps for students. Like many districts across the region, state, and nation, Lake Washington sees evidence of achievement and opportunity gaps in its data. Achievement gaps refer to any significant, persistent disparities in academic performance between groups of students, based on income level, race, or program participation. Opportunity gaps refer to gaps in access to resources, programs, and other opportunities.

Downtown Bus & Rail Planning - a peek into the future

Redmond is preparing for the extension of light rail to Downtown by conducting a bus-rail transit integration study. The study will recommend how best to integrate light rail transit into Downtown Redmond so that light rail is safely, conveniently and efficiently accessible by transit, walking, and biking, while accommodating vehicle access for pickup and drop-off.

The study will recommend a preliminary preferred station area concept for the Downtown Redmond light rail station. The preferred concept will maximize station access to increase mobility and grow transit ridership while minimizing the station footprint in order to limit the impacts on other land uses and activities in Downtown.

Public Input Summary

• Memo to City Council addressing bus + rail planning public input and station area concepts
• Downtown Bus + Rail Planning public input summary

These visualizations are intended to give a sense of the experience an individual may have when arriving at and using the light rail station in each of the four concepts. White or color background blocks in the background are included only to acknowledge that there are existing buildings in Downtown and are not intended to portray any actual structures now or in the future. An advertisement was added yesterday; just X it out.  

• Station area concepts:  - West At Grade, 2 - West Elevated, 3 - East Elevated, 4 - East At Grade
• Example images: elevated stations/guideways, at grade stations/guideways
• Evaluation results: location (west or east), profile (at grade or elevated)
• Slide presentation from January 26 meeting

For more information contact Jeff Churchill at 425-556-2492 or jchurchill@redmond.gov

-- redmond.gov

Frankie's gets flanked

click pic twice to see the Methodist church

Council session on Community Centers

REDMOND, WA - Community members are encouraged to attend the City Council study session
 on April 11, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. in Redmond City Hall to listen to the final recommendations of the
Stakeholder Group for Redmond’s Community Center’s project, which are based on public feedback. 
This meeting will also be available on RCTV and streamed online.

Last October, the City initiated a public engagement effort to educate the community about challenges and opportunities facing Redmond’s Community Centers. After two months of outreach, the City sought the community’s opinions on the level of urgency to take action, priority amenities and locations, and funding options for community centers. Throughout the process, a stakeholder group convened to assist in the public engagement effort and summarize the data collected from the broader community into a set of recommendations for the commissions and City Council.

For questions and more information about this project, please visit www.redmondscommunitycenters.com or contact Lisa Maher, Communications & Marketing Manager, at lmaher@redmond.gov or 425-556-2427.

I spent a hellava lot of time giving them feedback so I have high expectations. BY

City Council

Redmond has a strong Mayor/Council, non-partisan form of government. Seven council members and the Mayor, all representing the community at large, are each elected directly by the people for staggered four-year terms. The City Council adopts the City budget, establishes law and policy, approves appropriations and contracts, levies taxes and grants franchises.

The City Council meets for business meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. The alternate Tuesdays are Council Study Sessions.  All meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. in the Redmond City Hall Council Chambers, unless otherwise noticed.

Meeting Information Center and Current Council Agenda (click) 

• Current Agenda for Printing

• Special Meeting Agenda

• Special Meeting Notice

Extended Meeting Agenda

2017 Legislative Agenda

Council rules of procedure

Meet the Council

Angela Birney

Position #5
Term Expires 12/31/19
Chair of the Finance, Administration, and Communications Committee
Member of the Parks Human Services Committee

Angela was elected to her first term on the Council in 2016. Prior to that she served as the chair of Redmond’s Parks and Trails Commission. Angela is a Washington native and grew up in Eastern Washington. She moved to Redmond in 1998. Formerly a middle school science teacher, Angela has a Master’s degree in Education from Heritage University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology Education from Eastern Washington University. She lives on Education Hill with her husband and daughters. Her hobbies include walking, reading, and travel.

abirney@redmond.gov
425-556-2133

UPDATED, 4/25: City Council Neighborhood Conversation

I joined about 20 others to converse with our city Leaders.  I asked them to describe our City of Redmond Vision. They all explained their personal Vision but not the City's. Only Hank Margeson vaguely recollected part of it.  I was surprised 3 police officers and other police related staff were present for an audience of twenty.  Their presence was a bit intimidating, squelched the conversation and IMO wasn't the best use of resources considering the recent rash of car prowls. 

Come share what's on your mind with your neighbors and elected leaders. Help spread the word!  Refreshments and snacks may be provided, though this is not confirmed.  

Einstein Elementary on Thursday, 4/13 starting at 6:15 pm.  Arrive at 6PM to be assured your questions and comments are posted on the white board. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Recent Meeting Recap

Rockwell Elementary School, Gymnasium. Thursday, March 30, 2017 On March 30, approximately 30 Redmond residents joined City Council for the first Neighborhood Conversation of 2017 at Rockwell Elementary. Councilmembers fielded questions ranging from hotel development and the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center lease to traffic and solutions for enabling residents to remain in Redmond as they age. The topic of Sound Transit was also addressed and included timelines for new stations and how north/south corridor traffic may be impacted.

--redmond.gov

Visitors: Experience Redmond

Redmond is centrally located between Seattle/Bellevue and the Sammamish River Valley. We invite you to Experience Redmond for your perfect weekend getaway any time of year.

Redmond offers all of the natural beauty and eclectic activity for which the Pacific Northwest is known. From serene and meandering bike paths to competitive cycling events; from lively outdoor concerts to diverse family activities; from an upscale outdoor shopping center to local boutique stores, Redmond is an unforgettable experience. You can also experience nearby wineries, dining for every taste, and luxury accommodations in Redmond's world-class hotels.

Fun and exciting events take place all year long in Redmond. Check out the Experience Redmond website or calendar to learn about upcoming Redmond events. Regional and neighborhood parks, outdoor movies and concerts, sports tournaments, theater performances, annual festivals, a Saturday Farmers’ Market, and local arts highlight the long list of Redmond activities and events.

Primary Visitor Assets

1. Marymoor Park
2. Redmond Town Center
3. Willows Run Golf Course
4. Five World-Class Hotels
5. Microsoft Visitors Center
6. Sammamish Trail
7. Sixty Acres Soccer Fields
8. Redmond Parks & Trails

-- redmond.gov

Mayor John Marchione's Biography

Mayor's Biography

Term: 2016 - 2019

First elected in 2007, John Marchione is now in his third term as mayor of Redmond, a thriving city 16 miles east of Seattle. The community of over 55,000 is home to a variety of industries such as aerospace, high tech, gaming, and biotech as well as several thousand small businesses where over 80,000 people are employed. As mayor, he oversees seven departments consisting of over 600 employees. To date, through Mayor Marchione's leadership, the City has adopted Budgeting by Priorities, completed the downtown street grid, and purchased the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line and converted it to the Redmond Central Connector, a multi-purpose trail that links Redmond to the region.

In the local community, John has teamed up with local business and community leaders to establish OneRedmond-- a combination of the business, economic development, and community leaders working towards one vision for Redmond. He also worked with other community leaders to found the Lake Washington Schools Foundation where he served as a board member and treasurer.

Regionally, Mayor Marchione is chair of Cascade Water Alliance, was president of Sound Cities Association (SCA), serves on the board of Sound Transit, is president of Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), and he represents SCA as a member on PSRC's Executive Board and Operations Board. Additionally, he served as a member of the Medic One/EMS Levy Reauthorization Advisory Task Force. Statewide, he convened tech cities throughout Washington to form the Washington Tech Cities Coalition (WTC²). Nationally, Mayor Marchione served on the U.S. Conference of Mayors Infrastructure Financing for Cities Task Force.

Before his election as mayor, John Marchione served on the City Council for four years. He has over 25 years of professional experience in local government working in finance, capital projects, water quality and supply, and economic development. He has worked for the cities of Snoqualmie, Kent, and Federal Way and the King County Budget Office.

For additional information on  the Mayor and the city Mission, Vision and Value statement read more:

Bicycling resources

Redmond has an extensive network of on-street bike lanes and off-street trails for easy access to downtown, neighborhoods, businesses, parks, and even to other cities. It is one of a small, but growing number of cities designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

Bicycling Maps and other Resources

• City of Redmond Bicycle Map and Transit Map (the Bicycling Guide includes much of Kirkland and parts of Bellevue)
• Downtown Bicycle Parking Map   
• Easy Guide to Biking (City of Seattle)
• City of Redmond Downtown Bike Parking Map (includes bike parking and routes) 
• King County Bicycling Maps and Resources 
• Statewide Bike Maps 
• Local List of Bike Maps
• Bicycle Facilities Design Manual (City of Redmond) 

Redmond Directory of Human Services

To find services now, call 2-1-1 (just like dialing 911). King County 2-1-1 Community Information line has professional information and referral specialists who can refer you to the programs best able to meet your needs. They have up to date information on more than 5,000 services and 1,500 social service agencies. 

The following is a list of programs funded in part by the City of Redmond. The City tries to support a full spectrum of services, from the basics of food and shelter to employment and counseling services. However, there are hundreds of other services available, including some additional teen resources, all accessible through 2-1-1 or on their website.

About Redmond

Redmond is the seventh most populous city in King County and the sixteenth most populous city in the State of Washington, with a residential population of approximately 59,180 in 2015. It encompasses an area of over 17.14 square miles and is located less than 20 miles east of downtown Seattle at the north end of Lake Sammamish. The city prides itself for its high quality of life with good schools, a healthy economic base, a parks system that provides a variety of active and passive recreational opportunities, diverse offerings for shopping and dining, safe neighborhoods, and an emphasis on quality development and protection of the natural environment. 

Redmond's park system consists of 31 developed and 14 undeveloped parks on over 1,345 acres and 29 miles of developed trails. Facilities range from community, neighborhood, and resource parks to undeveloped open space, beautification areas, and gathering places. They include a waterfront park on Lake Sammamish (Idylwood), a wildlife preserve known as the Redmond Watershed, and a farm with equestrian facilities at Farrel-McWhirter Park. Recreation programs provide learning, socializing, and entertainment opportunities for preschoolers through senior adults and an active cultural arts scene. Facilities include a senior center, a teen center, a community center, and two log cabins at Anderson Park. In addition, King County operates numerous trail connections with Redmond's system and points beyond. 

The city is well known as a center of technology and the location for a number of nationally known high-tech and biomedical companies. Among these are Microsoft, Nintendo, AT&T and Physio-Control. Redmond Town Center, a large downtown retail center, offers numerous shops, restaurants, three movie theaters, special events, and live performances by a repertory theater company and other arts-related groups.

As Redmond continues to evolve into a thriving city of increasing diversity, it seeks to promote its sense of community through programs designed to celebrate its heritage, enhance its neighborhoods, and preserve its historical and natural treasures.

With 53 schools and more than 24,000 students, the Lake Washington School District, the school district for the cities of Redmond, Sammamish and Kirkland combined, is one of the largest in the state. It is also a reflection of the community it serves, generally upper middle class and technology-comfortable. Scores on standardized tests place the district in the state's top 10 percent. The curriculum has been praised in several national education publications for its comprehensive approach to student-centered learning, and over 100 districts around the country are adapting it for their own use.

-- redmond.gov, 2016 -- two log cabins? fuuuunty!  Who wrote this?   by

LETTER: Redmond Community Environmental Action Meeting

We are already seeing devastating cuts to many environmental protections by the Trump Administration here in Puget Sound. With these ruthless cuts affecting us in our local communities, it’s time for us to come together to prepare ourselves for the next election cycle and the battle ahead of us to protect our local communities and environment. Washington Conservation Voters is all in this election season to work with you on the environmental issues you care most about and resist the onslaught of environmental attacks.

Join us in Redmond on April 11th to discuss the most pressing environmental issues facing us now, hear from our environmental policy experts about what needs to happen next, and share with us what issues are most important to you and your community.

What: Redmond Community Environmental Action Meeting
When: Tuesday, April 11th from 7-8pm
Where: Redmond Library meeting room (15990 Northeast 85th St. Redmond WA)

Washington Conservation Voters: https://wcvoters.org/

RSVP to receive updates!
Questions: Email:  emily@wcvoters.org. 

Hopelink and City of Redmond groundbreaking event

Hopelink provides a network of critical social services through a number of different programs – including housing, transportation, family development, financial assistance, employment programs, adult education, financial literacy training and five food banks. The agency’s service centers, housing and transportation programs help more than 60,000 people every year. 

Join us on Friday, April 28, 9AM as we break ground for Hopelink’s new Integrated Service Center in Redmond!  Location:  8970 154th Ave. NE.  Redmond, WA.

The Redmond Integrated Service Center represents another major milestone in Hopelink’s ongoing plan to double our services to people in our community. Our capital campaign has already brought about the refurbishment of our Kenmore Shelter and the grand opening of our new Shoreline Integrated Service Center. Now, we are breaking ground on our largest project thus far.

The new center – made possible through a partnership with the City of Redmond – is the latest project to be funded by Hopelink’s Campaign for Lasting Change; a multi-year initiative that will double the number of people gaining the tools to exit poverty, while also ensuring more people receive healthy food from our food banks and more homeless families have access to safe and affordable housing.

Event Parking

There are no parking spaces at the new Redmond site; therefore, we ask all those attending the groundbreaking to park at the nearby Overlake Christian Church. We will be providing two shuttles to transport people the short distance to the site. This shuttle service will begin at 8:30 a.m.

We advise guests to arrive 15 minutes early to allow for transportation.

We look forward to sharing this exciting day with you!

Derby Day Waste Management scholarship event

REDMOND, WA - Applications are now being accepted for the 2017 Derby Do Gooder Scholarship award, presented by Waste Management. Currently in its third year, the Derby Do Gooder Scholarship will be awarded as a part of the 77th Annual Derby Days summer festival, happening in Redmond July 7-8.   

New this year, the 2017 award amount has been increased to $1,500. The scholarship will reward a Redmond high school senior who has demonstrated exemplary leadership through community service. “As the recycling and solid waste service provider for Redmond, we are invested in your community and want to help recognize others who are equally invested. The Do-Gooder scholarship mirrors our values by recognizing a local student’s contribution in community service and engagement” stated a Waste Management representative. 

Derby Days is historically rooted in the spirit of friendly competition, and the Derby Days scholarship opportunity is just one of the many ways that the City of Redmond is bringing that history to life. “Expect to see an increased focus on interactive elements, races and competitions for kids and adults alike at this year’s Derby Days”, said Megan Worzella, events and marketing administrator at the City of Redmond. The recipient will also be honored with an appearance in the Derby Days Grand Parade, Saturday, July 8, 2017.

The Do Gooder scholarship application is available at www.RedmondDerbyDays.com. The application deadline is May 15, with a recipient being announced June 7.

Wouldn't it be nice if the City could partner with other organizations for Derby Day scholarships?  Our community is very charitable.  B.Y.

UPDATED: Go Zags!

Traveled out to Spokane to be with them.  No tickets but lots of frosty beer.
We are so proud of our Zags!

Powerline Trail  Credit/ Ingunn Markiewicz

New Members Join the Redmond Kiwanis Club

			Six new members recently joined the Redmond Kiwanis Club.  The new members are shown in the photo above from left to right: Bob Yoder, Roy Captain, Mark Stuart, Gary Schimek, and Don Horton.   New member Tommy Smith is missing from the photograph. Kiwanis is a global organization dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.  The Redmond Kiwanis Club serves the Redmond community with an emphasis on youth-oriented projects.  The Club meets weekly at the Family Pancake House in Redmond.  Meetings start at 7:00 a.m. and end at 8:00 a.m.  If you would like to attend a Club meeting and learn more about Kiwanis, contact President Pat Vache' (425- 883-2314)' ### The Kiwanis Club in Redmond improves the lives of youth and families of Redmond and the surrounding communities through increasing hours of service, dollars of support, and positive role models for the youth and future leaders of the community.

 

EvergreenHealth Medical Center will take your unwanted medications

Drug collection and disposal kiosk at EvergreenHealth Pharmacy is open

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth Medical Center now offers a secure kiosk in the EvergreenHealth Professional Center Pharmacy on its Kirkland campus to allow staff and community members to drop-off unwanted household medications for collection and disposal.

The new program is part of King County’s Secure Medicine Return regulations aimed at reducing preventable deaths from drug overdoses and to protect public health by keeping waste medicines out of waterways and water supplies.