April 27, 2017, Otters spotted in the river

Credit/ John Reinke

Otters are very common in and around Redmond. B.Y.

On a recent walk along the Sammamish River, I spotted a couple of river otters swimming southbound underneath the 90^th Street bridge.  They were merrily cavorting along, undulating in and out of the water and acting like they were having the time of their life.  I hurriedly pulled out my camera and followed them nearly a half mile, as they swam against the current.  I managed to get off a few shots along the way.

Just before they reached the old wooden railroad bridge, one of them climbed up on a partially exposed log near the opposite bank.  I was thus able to snap a good photo is it posed regally with its mouth agape.

OPINION: "Who We Are"

The City should re-work it's Mission, Vision and Value phrases as found on the Mayor's web page....especially the Vision.

The Mayor's Vision is:

"We are a community of connected neighborhoods with vibrant urban centers - inspired by nature, powered by innovation, and committed to excellence."

This sounds very good but we're inspired by more than nature. We've evolved rapidly in 4-6 short years and we're much more diverse.  Yes, we love very much our trees, creeks and trails and all that comes with them. We have a culture that embraces all these beautiful things.  But with our new-found diversity we're also inspired and blessed with the spice of other cultures, as represented by art.  The City can be more inclusive by expanding and promoting the presence of art. "Who we are" could be summarized:

"We are a diverse community of connected neighborhoods with vibrant urban centers - inspired by nature, arts and culture, powered by innovation, and committed to excellence."

Redefining who we are gives us a starting point for writing a concise and valid Vision Statement. Last week our new Council member Tanika Patyea told me a new Vision Statement will be written within the next four years. She is East Indian and Chair of the Parks and Human Services Committee and she's very smart. Our new Council is now better positioned to keep up with the times and advance change. 

I hope one day Council will rename the "Parks and Human Services" committee "Parks, Culture and Human Services."  From the standpoint of good Public Relations the Mayor should edit his web page.  

-- Bob Yoder

Updated: Study Session on Community Centers

  l-r Councilmembers Hank Margeson, Angela Birney, Byron Shutz, Tanika Padhye, Hank Myers, David Carson
Credit, Bob Yoder

On March 13th, about five weeks before this session, LWSD Deputy Superintendent Fogard announced during a Board meeting the repurposing of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center will be completed by the Fall of 2019.  Video of the school board meeting is HERE.

Jane Wither, of the One Redmond Foundation & Chair of the Arts and Culture Commission along with Tom Sanko the Chair of Parks Commission pretty much ran the community center study session.  They devoted weeks and months, even years on this project. (Their backs are facing the camera.) Both Jane and Tom spurred Council to finally make a decision to move forward.  President Margeson explained it was time for Council to lead. They approved staff's vague recommendations, as follows:  

• Urgency: Within five years, provide community center(s) to meet Redmond’s most urgent needs  (So by 2022 the aquatic center will actually be built?  That sounds like a tall order.) 
• Spaces: Meet Redmond’s needs for priority spaces, including:
  • Aquatics and fitness
  • Flexible spaces for cultural arts and events
  • Flexible community spaces for meetings, classes, and gatherings

My native backyard Trillium Lilly - Happy Easter!

Credit/ Bob Yoder

Conservation:  

Picking parts off a trillium plant can kill it even if the rhizome is left undisturbed.^[14] Some species of trillium are listed as threatened or endangered and collecting these species may be illegal. Laws in some jurisdictions may restrict the commercial exploitation of trilliums and prohibit collection without the landowner's permission. In the US states of Oregon, Michigan^[14] and Minnesota^[15] it is illegal to pick trilliums. In New York it is illegal to pick the red trillium.^[16]

It is illegal to in any way injure the common Trillium grandiflorum (white trillium) in Ontario, though there are two exceptions: a person will not be fined if the person is a public works employee carrying out their job on public land, or the person is a private citizen carrying out "necessary work" on land the person owns or lawfully occupies.^[17] The rare Trillium flexipes (drooping trillium) is also protected by law in Ontario, because of its very small Canadian population.

High white tail deer population density decreases or eliminates trillium in an area

 -- Wikipedia

The Redmond Trifecta

Redmond, WA. USA is a community of diverse neighborhoods with vibrant urban centers - inspired by culture!

Credit: VALAEstside

I literally bumped into the Extravaganza festival - filled with lots of cheerful East Indian families -- on my way to visit VALA's "Redefining We" art exhibition.  Unfortunately, the exhibit is now over.

The exhibit is really cool because it displays the photographic art of two cultures with a nature backdrop....the Redmond Trifecta!

I really hope VALA will bring it back someday.

 -- Bob Yoder

LWSD Commitment to Sustainability and other news

I felt the most informative part of the video was towards the middle-end.  BY

Commitment to Sustainability  Lake Washington School District has a long-standing commitment to sustainability. As a 2015 McKinstry Champions of Sustainability award winner, LWSD is a recognized leader in sustainability practices and education in the region. As Earth Day 2017 approaches, it is a great opportunity to highlight and celebrate the sustainability efforts of our district and schools. Please take a moment to view our Commitment to Sustainability video.

Updated: One Redmond targets interactive media and commercial space enterprise sectors

Unfortunately,  Redmond growth will be further stimulated creating all sorts of untended consequences....severe traffic among them.  

Your greatest strengths are often also weaknesses. The economic health of a region obeys the same rules. 

School Board Director Siri Bliesner

Siri Bliesner

​
Director, District Five – Resident of Redmond
First elected 11/2011
Term ends 11/2019

Siri Bliesner was elected to the school board in November 2011. Bliesner works in public health. She graduated from Stanford with a degree in human biology. Bliesner received a Masters in public health from the University of Washington. She speaks Spanish and currently works for Hopelink as the outcome and evaluation coordinator.

Originally from the Seattle area, Bliesner and her husband of 18 years, David Cline, have two children. Samara attends Redmond High School and Josiah attends Redmond Junior High. For the past 10 years, Bliesner has volunteered in her children’s schools. Bliesner helped implement after-school activities including chess club, math club, Lego league robotics and school musical productions at Rockwell Elementary. She received a Golden Acorn Award from the Rockwell PTA for her work in that school’s community. Bliesner is also a founding board member of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation and developed their classroom grant program.

Email: Siri Bliesner

LWSD Central Leadership Team

​The Central Leadership Team is committed to providing high quality programs and services to Lake Washington School District students, staff, schools and families.

​Dr. Traci Pierce Superintendent ​(425) 936-1257 tpierce@lwsd.org ​Dr. Pierce serves as Chief Executive Officer, providing strategic vision, leadership,. Pierce serves as Chief Executive Officer, providing strategic vision, leadership, and direction to the district. She is accountable for student and organizational outcomes though the fulfillment of Board established End Results and Executive Limitations Policies. She serves as the Board’s link to the operational organization, assuming authority and responsibility for development and implementation of overall district strategic goals, objectives, and initiatives, and assumes accountability for staff performance, resource management, community and parent involvement, organizational operations and district culture. Central Leadership Team Organizational Chart ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Janene Fogard Deputy Superintendent Operational Services ​(425) 936-1229 jfogard@lwsd.org ​Ms. Fogard serves as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing overall operations functions within the district. She provides vision, leadership, and direction, assuming responsibility for success of the district’s division of Business and Support Services and departments of Human Resources, Technology Operations, and Communications, working to ensure effective and efficient district operations in accomplishing strategic goals. Ms. Fogard assists the superintendent in achieving district objectives and key performance indicators, assuring alignment with law, policy, and priorities established by the Board of Directors. Operational Services contact information and organizational charts ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Dr. Jon Holmen Associate Superintendent Student and School Support Services (425) 936-1310 joholmen@lwsd.org​ ​​Dr. Holmen serves as Chief of Schools, overseeing the district’s student and school support services. He provides vision, leadership, and direction, assuming responsibility for success of the departments of School Support, Student Services, Special Services, and Intervention Services in accomplishing strategic goals. Dr. Holmen assists the superintendent in achieving district objectives and key performance indicators, assuring alignment with law, policy, and priorities established by the Board of Directors. Student and School Support Services contact information and organizational charts ​ ​ ​ ​  ​ ​Matt Manobianco Associate Superintendent Student and Professional Learning Services (425) 936-1322 mmanobianco@lwsd.org​ ​Mr. Manobianco serves as Chief Academic Officer, overseeing the district’s instructional program. He provides vision, leadership, and direction, assuming responsibility for success of the departments of Teaching and Learning; Assessment, Evaluation and Research; Innovation, Choice, and Accelerated Programs; Career and Technical Education; and, Professional Learning in accomplishing strategic goals. Mr. Manobianco assists the superintendent in achieving district objectives and key performance indicators, assuring alignment with law, policy, and priorities established by the Board of Directors. Student and Professional Learning Services contact information and organizational charts

School District wins budget award

Lake Washington School District provides more information, transparency

The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) has awarded Lake Washington School District its Pathway to the MBA (Meritorious Budget Award). The award recognizes excellence in budget presentation during the 2016–2017 budget year.

The Pathway to the MBA promotes and recognizes excellence in school budget presentation. It enhances school business officials' skills in developing, analyzing, and presenting a school system budget. After a rigorous review by professional auditors, the award is conferred only on school districts that have met or exceeded the program’s stringent criteria.

“As a district, one of our goals is to use resources effectively and be fiscally responsible,” noted Assistant Superintendent Barbara Posthumus. “The budget is a foundational document. It helps us to be transparent to our community on how we use their tax dollars. Working toward the Meritorious Budget Award has improved the quantity and quality of information we provide to the community.”

Districts who successfully complete all four MBA Criteria Checklist sections promote:

• Skills in developing and analyzing an effective budget
• Communication between departments to develop short- and long-term strategies
• Clear budget guidelines
• Building confidence in your community with a reader-friendly budget

The Pathway to the MBA is an introductory program. It requires completion of two of the four MBA Criteria Checklist sections. Lake Washington completed the introductory and the organizational sections in its 2016-17 budget document.

Budget review comments from ASBO noted, “This is a fine document, which includes a wealth of information in graphic and narrative form. The document is user-friendly and will meet the needs of varied users.”

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