EvergreenHealth CEO, Robert Malte, Announces Retirement Plans

Robert "Bob" Malte CEO
EvergreenHealth

Kirkland, Wash. – Robert “Bob” Malte today announced he plans to retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer of EvergreenHealth, by the end of 2018, after nearly eight years in the role and a 42-year career in health care leadership.

“Bob has been at the helm of our system during a period of immense growth and change,” said Al DeYoung, chairman, EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners. “We are grateful for his exceptional leadership, commitment to our organization, and dedication to advancing the health and well-being of this community, alongside our over 5,000 employees, providers and volunteers.”

In a message to staff today, Malte shared: “This was a difficult decision and one that I have been contemplating for a while. I love EvergreenHealth, my work, the people, and all that we have accomplished together. I know I will miss my work here and all of you who make EvergreenHealth such an amazing organization – both to me and to our entire community.

“Yet, I am also ready to pursue aspirations not yet fulfilled in my life, and to pay it forward. These include teaching health administration at the graduate level, volunteering in the community, and most importantly, spending more time with my wife Susi and our family, here in the Northwest where we’ve made our home.”

During his tenure as CEO, EvergreenHealth has gained both regional and national recognition as one of the top health systems for its performance and commitment to quality, safety, service, and value. For nine of the past 10 years, Healthgrades recognized the hospital among the top 5 percent in the nation for clinical excellence, and for the past two years, it was rated among the top 2 percent. EvergreenHealth was also the first in the state to receive a five-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, among many other awards and achievements.

Under Malte’s leadership, EvergreenHealth also expanded substantially into a two-hospital system, with a 310-provider multispecialty medical group, 12 primary care locations and five urgent care locations, as well as becoming the largest home care and home hospice network in the Puget Sound region.

Council "Neighborhood Conversation" at Audubon Elementary

Paige Norman, founder of "Education Hill Neighborhood Association" (EdNHA,) videoed Council's "Neighborhood Conversation" at Audubon El last Tuesday.  Affordable housing, the Overlake build-out, Overlake transportation, lots of discussion about removal of the Idylwood Park Cottonwoods.and the eagles there.   

The mayor said 1700 housing units have been built today, 1300 are under construction and 800 are in the permit review process. Hopefully the public will be notified of the status of these permits so we can comment to the Design Review Board before project approval. There's not enough color or architecture in our downtown buildings. 

Council "Committee Of The Whole" passes, improves job performance

Council Committee Of The Whole

At Council's March 27th Regular Meeting council passed Ordinance 2917 that changes their 4:30 pm Tuesday Council Standing Committee meetings of 3 councilmembers to "Council Of The Whole Committee" meetings of 7 councilmembers.  The vote was 7-2 (Fields, Anderson.)  

The creation of Council Committee Of The Whole (CCOW ) last week has historical significance because Council's "old" Standing Committees were first installed by Council in 1913 under Ordinance No. 4. (Ref. Michelle Hart, city clerk.)  CCOW meetings will significantly open up the workings city government to the people as well as empower Council's decision-making process on legislation and policy-making.   

Owing to the significance of CCOW meetings I will be reporting on them on a regular basis....in Series format. Their first meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday, April 3 at 4:30 in City Hall.  Details are in the Agenda here.  

B. Yoder  

READ MORE  - Mr. Myers letter about the CCOW and his analysis of it. 

UPDATED: "Try Something New" at Redmond Town Center

"Try something new" at RTC.  Come to the Extravaganza festival at Redmond Town Center this Saturday at Noon! Lots of fun things to do:  face painting, petting zoo, scavenger hunt, balloon twisters, trampolines, bounce house, basketball and lots of food.

I'll be there too with this PIM electric bike in the afternoon for show and tell. I may may sign up some some interested people for a test drive!  They're easy to ride   Look for me by the Archer Hotel near the Sammamish Trail.  Ebikes are recreational and also great for sweat-free commuting and avoiding all that nasty traffic.

PIM isn't the only ebike company in town.  Seattle Electric Bike in Bothell has a wide range of ebikes.  Shelly Bowman sells their bikes.  She's an amazing community volunteer and knows everything local and regional when it comes to bikes.  Shelly's a City of Redmond Parks commissioner, she's on the city "PED/BIKE" advisory committee, she's V.P. of WheelLab, a youth bike program, and is a "Community Servant Leader" in Bothell.

Try Something New, Try Electric Bikes!

B. Yoder

Construction Continues on Eight Projects Funded by the 2016 Bond

LWSD is Building on Success  Although the February 2018 bond did not pass, construction continues for the eight projects funded by the April 2016 bond. Below are the updates on all of our projects.

Updates on projects

Clara Barton Elementary School - New Elementary School (North Redmond) Progress is being made on the New Elementary School in North Redmond. The project is now into its eighth month of construction. Everything is “under roof,” meaning that the roof is now on and the interior is protected from the weather. Drywall work is progressing inside the building. Windows are being installed. Much of the construction focus has shifted to the interior of the building as electrical, plumbing and mechanical components are assembled and anchored to the structure. Many of the mechanical systems for heating and ventilation have already been installed. While weather has been an issue (there has been over 36” of rain at the site since September), the project is on schedule. The school has chosen its name. Art the March 5 School Board Meeting, the Board unanimously approved the name Clara Barton Elementary School. Read more about the school name and process used to select the name. Clara Barton is best known for her humanitarian work. However, she began as a female teacher that fought for women to have equal rights to men in the workplace. She then joined the Civil War effort to provide care to soldiers through organizing methods of getting desperately needed supplies to soldiers on the front lines. She traveled from battle to battle, becoming known as the “Angel of the Battlefield.” In 1869, she went to Switzerland, where she worked to get the U.S. Congress to agree to the Geneva Convention. This agreement resulted in the formation of the Red Cross, and it asked nations to agree to protect medical personnel on the battlefield. The resulting American Red Cross provides relief for victims of epidemics and natural disasters. Her work helping people in times of war and times of peace made her an eternal symbol of humanitarianism. Clara Barton Elementary will focus on developing social-emotional and leadership skills in children through a school-wide approach to providing instruction and growth of the inter-disciplinary skills and attributes of the LWSD Student Profile. Barton Elementary will incorporate a service-learning project at each grade level to apply these skills in a project that serves our local or global community. Aerial photo by Tim Rice Photography.

Ella Baker Elementary School - New Elementary School (Redmond Ridge East) Progress is also being made on the New Elementary School in Redmond Ridge East. The project is in its eighth month of construction. The project has completed all underground infrastructure as well as the structural support of the building. Everything is “under roof” at that site, meaning that the new roof is now on and the interior is protected from the weather. Construction crews are working to make the building more weather-proof and exterior walls are still being placed. This project is also on schedule. The school has chosen its name. Art the March 5 School Board Meeting, the Board unanimously approved the name Ella Baker Elementary School. Read more about the school name and process used to select the name. Ella Baker was a hero of the Civil Rights Freedom Movement who inspired and guided emerging leaders such as Rosa Parks. She played a key role in some of the most influential organizations of all time, including the NAACP, Martin Luther King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. She believed in grassroots movement and she believed change happened by unlocking the power of every person. Her influence was reflected in her nickname "Fundi," a Swahili word meaning a person who teaches a craft to the next generation. She reached out to the young to help them find their voices and become their own advocates. She was a well-respected and influential leader in the fight for human and civil rights. She is ranked as one of the most important African-American leaders and perhaps the most influential woman in the Civil Rights Movement. She dedicated her life to service, which is a cornerstone of our school; allowing students to see a need in our society and empowering them to make a difference. Ella Baker Elementary will be an inclusive and nurturing environment that will develop students as global citizens through service-learning. Social-emotional learning, integrated with content knowledge, will encourage creative and critical problem solvers. Students at Baker Elementary will develop their character; empathy, grit, self-control, integrity, optimism and gratitude. They will learn to embrace diversity through enriching and integrated curriculum. Through service-learning projects and leadership opportunities, students will learn about themselves and how they can impact their school, their community and their world.             Aerial photo by Tim Rice Photography.

New Middle School - Redmond Ridge The New Middle School in Redmond Ridge project is also underway. Some exterior and interior structural walls have started being built. Steel construction of framework is complete. The last steel beam was placed at the site onDecember 28. You can watch the topping out video on YouTube.               "READ MORE" FOR THE OTHER SIX PROJECTS

UPDATED: Dr. Pierce drills down on school safety progress

During the March 5th school board meeting Superintendent Pierce drilled down into what actions the District is taking to improve school safety.

Many changes are underway.  Representatives from the City of Sammamish and City of Redmond will partner with the district to hold two "safety forums" to update the public. The Eastlake HS safety forum is March 27th, 7-9 pm.  The Redmond HS forum is April 9th, 7-9 pm. Both jurisdictions and the City of Redmond are partnering to provide SRO's.

At the school board meeting, costs and safety installations were reviewed: door locks, key card access systems, interior classroom window shades, portable peep holes, security cameras and monitors, and School Resource Officers (SRO.) 

The District has a solid safety structure.  An "Executive Safety Team" chaired by Dr. Pierce meets once a month. A staff  "Safety Advisory Committee" chaired by Mr. Emory, the school risk officer meets every two weeks.  The PTSA partners for emergency preparedness.  A Building Administration and Incident Command system is in place.  The district works in conjunction with city officials and community leaders.  

Expansion of SRO services and campus security monitors are under review with a feasibility study; estimated costs are $1.8M - $3.05M.  Most of costs for key locks, key card access, and interior window shades (~$1.5M) would be paid by levy funding.

Currently, full-time SRO's work at Redmond HS, Redmond MS, and Rose Hill MS.  A full- time SRO works at Eastlake HS and nearby El schools, Full-time SRO's work at Juanita HS and at LWHS. and 2 half-time SRO's work at Evergreen MS, Stem and Alcott Elementary.   

During public comment "Dan" (w/two students at Evergreen) recommended adding two more half-time SRO's to Evergreen, Stem and Alcott schools ASAP....that SRO's are low hanging fruit.  He felt the $730,000 cost for monitors and cameras could be reduced with these new SRO's.  

"Carrie" (w/Redmond MS student) said high school counselors are over-worked, saying there are 275 students for every 1 counselor employed.  She said "there's not a lot of engagement points to try to catch those students needing additional help."

Director Cassandra Sage had some concern about how an expelled student is handled by the district.  Director Stuart said a wrist band "locator" could be placed on them.  Dr. Pierce said measures are in place.  

B. Yoder

Source:  Board Business meeting video and personal attendence at the meeting

UPDATED: School Board Meeting News

It's possible but not confirmed the Board may put bond & levy measures on the ballot later this year or next. 

In the March 5th Board meeting comment period Martha DeAmicis, a very active parent on the 2017 Bond Committee, recommended 5 actions the district could take to improve the chances of approving a bond / levy measure if put on the ballot:  

1) The superintendents go on a "listening tour" to ask for feedback.
2)  Conduct an online survey to obtain anonymous feedback.
3)  Convene  a community committee advisory group composed of non-parents to listen to concerns; and so they can have insight into the intricacies of passing bond measures.  
4)  Meet with elected and community leaders for feedback.
5)  Create a task force of stakeholders to come up with a plan.

Martha recommended adding as much student space/dollar and investing in safety.  She prefers creating more Choice school space so students from comprehensive schools (like Redmond high) don't have to apply through a lottery.  

In the March 19th Board meeting Director Mark Stuart brought attention to how some in the community are accusing the District of building "Taj-Mahal" schools,  He referenced the $12,379,445 Peter Kirk remodel/rebuild as value-engineered  to net $1,999,846 in savings. (The Board approved 10 of 20 construction related proposals.)  He referenced the $13,708,872 Mead El rebuild as value-engineered to net $1.3M in savings citing 8 approved projects.  He gave a caveat that inflation and steel tariffs would contribute to additional costs. Stuart summarized that environmental health and safety would not be carried "on the backs of students while sharpening the pencil." 

Board Vice President Stuart also had some questions about the new Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center partnership with the City of Redmond.  He said the Center could provide an excellent location for Academy One and Two being closer to employers.  In addition the present Academy location at Kamiakin is poorly plumbed.  Stuart asked to see the floor plan.  Associate Superintendent Barbara Postumous said first and second floors are available for pre-school.  The city leases the first floor.  

School Board President Siri Bliesner runs a very efficient meeting.  

-- B. Yoder, opinion

Source:  Board Meeting videos  

Council member Hank Myers "beats the bunny"

"Beat the Bunny 5K at the new Community Center at Marymoor Village today. Giving
“bunny ears” to the Bunny means one more thing off the bucket list!" -- Hank Myers

A Council member of ten years, Hank Myers is an active Kiwanian and often participates in the "Green Redmond" forest restoration events.  The Redmond Kiwanis Club "is all about helping children."  They meet every Friday morning (7 am) at the Family Pancake House.  Beat the Bunny is one of their fundraisers. 
facebook photo

UPDATED: Lake Washington School Board Directors name north Redmond and Redmond ridge elementary schools

Deputy Superintendent Jon Holmen announced at the last Board meeting "Bobcat" is the mascot for Clara Barton El. and "Bear" is the mascot for Ella Baker El.   

Under school board guidelines the Directors name each new elementary school by selecting the names of a deceased person famous for work in science, the humanities, letters, or education. The final names on ballot for a student vote for north Redmond were:

1. Pat Tillman Elementary School 2. Clara Barton Elementary School 3. Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School 4. Fredrick Douglass Elementary School 5. Susan B. Anthony Elementary School 6. Amelia Earhart Elementary School,

The Board approved the name:   Clara Barton Elementary School for north Redmond.

The final names on ballot for a student vote for Redmond Ridge were:

1. Grace Hopper Elementary School 2. Ella Baker Elementary School 3. S.P. Clark Elementary School 4. Clara Barton Elementary School 5. Mary Jackson Elementary School

The Board approved the name:  Ella Baker Elementary School for Redmond Ridge

Ella Josephine Baker was an African-American civil rights and human rights activist. She was a largely behind-the-scenes organizer whose career spanned more than five decades. Wikipedia

Clarissa "Clara" Harlowe Barton was a pioneering nurse who founded the American Red Cross. She was a hospital nurse in the American Civil War, a teacher, and patent clerk.  Wikipedia

Eight-story Modera Overlake project-design is under review, public is invited to comment

Internet photo

This project is under review by the City's Design Review Board (DRB.)  The DRM is appointed by the City Council and is comprised of five professionals and two residents who volunteer their time and represent the community at large. 

The purpose of the Board is to make urban decisions that will promote visual quality throughout the City  DRB meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7 pm in the City Council Chambers. Planner Gary Lee manages the meeting. 

If you have questions or want to receive updates on "Modera Overlake Apartments" and other projects e-mail Gary at glee@redmond.gov.  

The "Modera Overlake Apartment" project address is 15260 Bel-Red Road.  The site is near Aero Rent A Car next to Brown Bear Car Wash and across from Jimmy John's.

CITY LETTER TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD:  "This first "Modera Overlake Apartment" pre-application meeting is to learn about the applicant’s (Modera Overlake) development concept, and to provide input regarding design issues the Board and staff will be interested in addressing through further design development.

With the two new buildings across Bel-Red Road, in Bellevue, and being that this might be the 1st new building in Overlake Village, Staff would like to ensure this building sets a good design direction and tone for this sub-neighborhood. Staff is also concerned with how the south and west façades of the garage will be clad/treated as they will be 2-stories tall near the property lines, as these sides will not be wrapped with commercial or residential space. 

The applicant (Modera Overlake) is proposing an 8-story building, which is possible in this zone with the use various incentive techniques, including the payment of in-lieu fee for plaza dedication, Green Building Incentives, subterranean parking, and provide housing above the minimum required. At this bulk, wire-frame, study stage, staff is concerned with massing, façade and roof modulation, and exterior façade material selection.  [Color schemes and other items will also be studied.]

FBI, DEA and Sheriff's Office To Lead Opioid Discussion

Expert speakers from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the King County Sheriff’s Office are scheduled to lead a community conversation about the opioid epidemic on Monday, April 9^th in Fall City.  -- Convened by King County Councilmemember and Education Hill resident Kathy Lambert.  

It's hoped the event will educate parents, school personnel, teens, and the public about the opioid crisis facing communities across the east and rural portions of the county.  It’s another look at this issue from an event held earlier this year from the human services aspect. 

“It is vital that everyone be informed on the many aspects of this epidemic. After many conversations and presentations about the opioid crisis, I am convinced that this conversation/seminar, led by experts on this topic, will be very informative,” said Councilmember Lambert. “Information for parents and teens in particular is crucial. Everyone who knows a friend or loved one dealing with this issue should plan on attending.”

It’s being hosted by the Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church on Monday, April 9 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.

                                                Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church

                                                36017 SE Fish Hatchery Road

                                                Fall City, WA  98024

Interested attendees can rsvp to ross.marzolf@kingcounty.gov.

Flagpole Plaza Park, Redmond's smallest

 "BI-CENTENNIAL FLAG, Dedication September 27, 1974.  This is a beautification Project by the City of Redmond, Jaycee's, Lion's, Kiwanis, Rotary, and Chamber of Commerce."  

When I parked on Gilman Street to buy a book at McDonald's I noticed some very interesting artwork and a brick plaza with a plaque identifying the overhead "Bicentennial Flag."  Mayor Marchione said the plaza with flag was an official city park.  Other than the Naomi Hardy Clock Tower it may be the smallest park in the city.   He said Flagpole Plaza Park it's part of the Gilman Street Design Concept study and wouldn't be demolished during possible redevelopment of Gilman.  In fact, the park may be extended to Redmond Way, and expanded.   

City Transportation engineer Angie Ventura said, "The City has no plans to rebuild Gilman St. as a public project.  The goal of the study is to develop design guidance for potential future private development if and when they occur along Gilman Street."  

Can you see the artwork in the flag photo?  (Click to enlarge.) 

"BRIDGE TO BROTHERHOOD," CHERYLL LEO-GWIN, 1993, Porcelain Enamel Mural, 1% Public Works grant for Art, King County Arts Commission, Redmond Arts Commission, Leadership Redmond

To see the plaques READ MORE:

OPINION: Council Committee meetings are very informative and interesting, open to the public

Council members Fields (with tie), Birney (in red) and Carson (facing back) met with Police and Fire executives during yesterday afternoon's "Safety Committee Meeting.  Council member Fields chairs this committee.  Credit/ B. Yoder

Four times a month on Tuesdays the city council meets with staff at 4:30 pm to discuss city business.  They are called "Council Committee Meetings" and are significant because city staff are present and important business is reviewed, discussed and conducted. The public is invited to attend but may not comment and must remain silent.  Council and staff don't typically mingle with you. Bench seating is available. The meetings are held on the first floor of City Hall in the Council Conference Room across from chambers.  Whether or not there is quorum no formal action is taken at these meetings.  Meeting agendas and minutes can be found HERE, after scrolling.   If you have any interest in the workings of city government I encourage you to attend!

I found this "Safety Committee meeting" very interesting and informative.  A police executive reported that many of the baby-boomer officers were retiring and state training requirements slow down the commissioning process.  He indicated the Patrol force is in full swing but that officers-in-training had to take the "minor" duties like traffic control while being paid as fully commissioned officers.  It was interesting when Fire executives indicated, not counting the downtown apartments, over 35% of the apartment complexes don't have sprinkler systems and some don't have alarms.  The department historically takes a lot of calls from the 60-01 apartment complex in west Redmond,  Both Police and Fire reported they were under budget.  Council member Fields mentioned he's recieved anecdotal reports from citizens of near-miss ped-auto collisions at intersections.  He asked Police to look into it and requested data to confirm.  

In last night's study session "Council Rules and Procedures" were reviewed with Michele Hart, the city clerk.  What I found most interesting was the Council President (currently Ms. Angela Birney) works with the Administration to set agendas and determine topics for study sessions. Her e-mail is abirney@redmond.gov.  Under "Rules and Procedures" Council is planning to rename council committee "standing committees" (3 council members) with "Council as a Whole" (7 council members.)  Their rules will forbid "final action," as in study sessions, even with quorum; and absences needn't be recognized or approved.  

In meetings "Parks and Human Services" are reviewed on the first Tuesday of every month and Mr. Myers is currently the chair; "Planning and Public Works" meets the second Tuesday of every month and Ms. Padhye is the chair, "Public Safety" meets every third Tuesday and Mr. Fields is the chair.  "Finance, Administration and Communication" meets the fourth Thursday and Mr. Margeson is currently the chair.  All chairs are council members.  [For a detailed description of these committees "READ MORE." ] 

B. Yoder

SOURCE: Council Meetings Calendar, 3/20/2018, Study Session, Rules and Procedures amendment
https://redmond.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Color scheme of the Bela Bottega Modera project

Bella Bottega shopping center with Mill Creek crane to the south.  The Redmond Athletic Club (RAC) was torn down to make room for Modera's  luxury apartments

"Mill Creek Residential continues to expand in the Pacific Northwest with the development of Modera Redmond, a luxury apartment community located in Redmond, Washington. Situated in the downtown Redmond core, the residential transit-oriented development features 300 apartment homes contained within a five-story structure.

Video clip of construction

First move-ins are anticipated for Fall 2019. 

Mill Creek design-approved apartment building.  It will be
interesting to see if the contractor sticks with the design or
adds some color.  Blue would be a pleasant change.

Modera Redmond consists of studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes with den and loft layouts available. Community amenities include club-quality fitness center, rooftop deck with views of Mount Rainier, two outdoor courtyards with fire pits and BBQ grills, a second-story clubhouse with demonstration kitchen, pool table, fireplace, shuffleboard, a theater/game room, controlled access garage
parking, self-serve

Apartment/mixed-use building on Union Hill Road across from
 Gold's Gym.  This is one of my favorite buildings.  The blue
 & grey colors and roof line add cheer.  In the winter the blue reminds us
of the sunny days of the summer. I took this photo last month.
Click to enlarge

-- B. Yoder

package lockers, conference room, and a 
coffee bar." 


-- Modera's website

UPDATED: City of Redmond and LWSD tie loose ends on joint partnership

OPINION:  It's been 25 years since the City formally agreed to partner with the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) on sports field use, community programs, and other joint-needs.  Well, in last week's study session, Council sat down with city staff and the LWSD Director of Finance Barbara Postumous to take a parting glance at a thoroughly vetted updated partnership.

LWSD agreed to rent 9,795 sf (25%) of their Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center on a five-year lease to provide "innovative space" for City of Redmond  community center programming.  The district will have the pre-school classrooms, a gym, and cafeteria space as voted in by last year's bond.  

Space for: Redmond Historical Society meetings, popular Zumba classes, Adaptive recreation, adult volleyball, pickleball, youth basketball, art, and non-profits are provided in the lease.  The space will be dedicated to the city and open until 9:30 pm.  Anticipated revenue is $45,000 annually.  

Jeff Hagen,city recreation program manager said gym space for youth basketball is at a premium with almost 800 children 1st-12th grade needing facilities.  He will work closely with the district to maximize school gym capacity to accommodate this growing sport.  Jeff will also schedule city owned parks, tennis courts and picnic shelters for school and city use. 

My opinion:  Council member David Carson gave a loud hoot during the meeting when "capital programs" were brought up.  I firmly believe this inter-local agreement could lead to the installation of turf fields in key school locations.  For one, LWSD owns the large, sometimes mucky and potholed athletic fields of Redmond El and the adjoining Old Redmond Schoolhouse.  The District could "swap" the land for turf and lighting installations paid for by the city.  (I coached MS lacrosse at Redmond El during rainy, dark, afternoons; no one else wanted to play there.)  Lacrosse and cricket fields are in demand;  a cricket field could be lined here.  Perrigo Park already has two turf fields lined for lacrosse. Turf and lighting could also be installed at Redmond Middle School for cricket or lacrosse.  Someday many LWSD fields will be turf, as  in Bellevue.  

B. Yoder 

After this post was published Council member Carson wrote:  "The city would be looking to leverage partnerships with associations that have funds for field development instead of general fund dollars.  Also, the City of Redmond participates in a county-wide consortium to bring down the costs of turf fields."

Cherry blossoms

Credit/ John Reinke

Cherry blossoms on trees next to the Redmond library.

Photo taken March 8th.  

Local Non-profit Seeks Warehouse Space

 "Pantry Party"

Pantry Packs now helping more kids than ever.  Looking for space the size of a 3-car garage, 24/7.

Redmond, WA, March 5, 2018 – Have an empty spot in your building? Want to make an impact in your local community? Consider a partnership with Pantry Packs, the all-volunteer program that delivers weekend food to over 850 students in the Lake Washington School District. This dynamic and powerful program is seeking a space—warehouse or other—to store food and host group packing events in the Kirkland/Redmond area. Community members should email leads to pantrypacks@lwsf.org.


Pantry Packs serves students from preschool through high school who have been identified by school personnel as "food-insecure" which means they are likely to not have enough food to eat over the weekend.  Volunteers gather, purchase, and store kid-friendly, non perishable food.  Once a month, upwards of fifty volunteers gather perishable volunteers gather and assemble this food into individual food packs at assembly-line-style "packing parties."  These assembled packs are delivered directly to schools, where they are handed out discreetly by school personnel so that each identified student can take food home every Friday

 Over 800 pantry packs are prepared  and delivered
every week to over 40  LWSD schools

Pantry Packs is powered by the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 organization, so in-kind donations are tax deductible. The program’s minimum space needs include:

    BOUNDARIES: safe and secure location within LWSD boundaries, preferably within Kirkland or Redmond.

        SIZE: 1,000 ft² minimum for storage and pack assembly -- sized a little larger than a 3-car garage.

       ACCESS: no stairs; must be easy for private vehicles to drive close to door and pick up packs; must have access for large bulk food deliveries on pallets.

        PARKING: spaces for 50+ monthly volunteer packers; spaces for regular weekly volunteers.

       HYGIENE AND SAFETY: able to store packaged food; free from pest or moisture issues; restroom access.

While Pantry Packs currently operates out of Hopelink’s Kirkland warehouse.  Currently Pantry Packs delivers food packs to over 800 students every week. Leadership Team member Marlene Vacknitz pinpoints the problem:

“Many LWSD students benefit from receiving a weekly Pantry Pack and our numbers keep growing. Space is needed now, as we have already maxed out our storage—we simply can’t fit any more food in our current location. We must find a new space soon, as we want to provide for the increasing need in our area and not have to turn away a hungry student because of space. Our goal is to provide a Pantry Pack to any LWSD child that needs food so they don’t go hungry over the weekend.”  

Community members should email leads to pantrypacks@lwsf.org.

###

For more information about Pantry Packs, visit www.lwsf.org/pantrypacks.

Back-yard Bobcat in North Redmond

Credit/ Michelle Vallene

UPDATED 3/18: Vagrant cuffed near Banner Bank

Man cuffed near Banner Bank / credit B. Yoder

Last week across the street from my Banner Bank on 164th I saw three police vehicles lit up with flashers in the middle of the road,  What the heck was going on?  Someone coming out of McDonald's book store had the same question.  I took this picture from McDonalds.  At one time a 3rd police officer huddled over the man.  It seemed like an excessive display use of force.

The officers were lingering over and questioning this man for about 30 minutes.  A Medic may have stopped by.earlier.  He was cuffed -- standard operating procedures for liability?  It's possible they may have been waiting for Narcon to take effect but that's only a guess.

When the cuffed fellow was released he staggered over to me and offered his hand, showing off a bible. I shook the hand and washed afterwards.  His eyes were glazed, he was dirty, and looked sick, but was smiling. He staggered east on Redmond Way.  My thought was he was heading towards known homeless sanctuaries --Anderson Park, the woods behind Overlake Urgent Care, and the Target's western parking lot buffer.

I emailed Kent Hay, the City's Homeless Outreach Coordinator to inform him of this man and see if he could help him.  Mr. Hay responded:  "There are some new people that have come to Redmond that I have not met yet and I’ve been informed are in that area. I will try and make my way down there tomorrow to see what I may be able to do.  Allot of factors play a part in what help I can offer people. Hopefully he is open to changing his situation and we will see what plan we can come up with."

-- B. Yoder,  opinion