Redmond Neighborhood Blog

Redmond Mustang PTSA Community Digest for the week

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:33:00 +0000

GOODBYE TO MRS. HEWITT AT ROCKWELL ELEMENTARY. Mrs. Marie Hewitt, has taught at Norman Rockwell Elementary for many years and will be retiring in June. She would like any of her former students and their parents who want to - to come by for a goodbye hug on Monday, June 17^th, anytime between 3:30pm and 5:00pm. We'll be having a very casual get-together in the covered area outside Mrs. Hewitt's classroom, as requested by Mrs. Hewitt. J Treats will be provided. All former students, their parents and colleagues are also invited to write a note, memories or send photos via email to larmstrong@lwsd.org or drop them off in the Rockwell office addressed to Lynn Armstrong.

BELLEVUE COLLEGE SUMMER CLASSES. The Bellevue College Summer Program for Teens offers a great way to learn and have fun during summer. The classes are designed for 12-17 year olds, and are taught by experienced instructors. Most classes are held at the Bellevue College North Campus right off WA-520 and 148th Ave NE in Bellevue. Class times and days vary, but most run half-days for one week, so you can experience multiple classes throughout the summer. And best of all, there's a large variety of subjects to choose from: June 24 - August 16, 2013.

REDMOND'S GREAT DAY OF PLAY 5K RUN/WALK.Register now for our Great Day of Play 5K Run/Walk before price increases on 5/31! The race is chip timed and the course is new this year! $25 gets you a technical fabric shirt and goody bag and donation to FeetFirst. Full race details and registration available atwww.runsignup.com/greatdayofplay5k.

DERBY DAYS 2013. Save the Date! July 12&13. Redmond Derby Days celebrates its 73^rd anniversary in 2013. www.RedmondDerbyDays.com. Read More >>

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER CAMPS NOW. Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center. 16600 NE 8oth St. 425-556-2300. www.RedmondRecreationGuide.com.

LIFELINE ONLINE. A tradition of caring with no one turned away. Teen mental health trends, keeping kids safe and more. Click here .

14^TH ANNUAL WORLD CITIZEN ESSAY CONTEST CELEBRATION FEATURING NANCY PEARL. Date: Wednesday, May 30^th, 2013

Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Location: Seattle Asian Art Museum 1400 East Prospect Street , Seattle, WA

Cost: World Affairs Council Members $10, Non-Members $15

Questions? Contact Majd Baniodeh or Amy Lutterloh via email or phone at 206.441.5910

Join us on May 30th as nine Washington State students in grades 3 through 12 are saluted for their award-winning writing on this year's topic at the World Affairs Council's 14^th Annual Essay Contest Celebration. The World Affairs Council is thrilled to have Nancy Pearl as our keynote speaker for this celebratory event. Not only will she discuss some of her favorite "arm-chair" travel books, she will also "take" us to Bosnia- Herzegovina. Nancy, who developed "If All Seattle Read the Same Book," has recently returned from the Balkans where she helped launched "One Bosnia and Herzegovina, One Book" (which was sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo). Come hear how the readers of all ethnicities, ages, religions, and genders related to Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and related to one another through discussing this book.

How can you participate in this event?

-Attend the event on Wednesday, May 30th

-Advertise the program with your community mailing list via email, newsletter, etc.

-Post the event on your calendar

-Post the event to your website

We hope that you will assist us by spreading the word about this event to your community and networks. You are welcome to contact us via phone at 206-441-5910 or via email with any questions you may have.

Powerful Teacher's Union Elects New President

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:11:00 +0000

Powerful Teachers' Union Elects New President

By Liv Finne
May 17, 2013

On April 27, 1,200 delegates of the powerful state teachers union, the Washington Education Association, gathered at a Representative Assembly meeting in Bellevue to elect new top executives. The new union leaders will serve two-year terms. The union president received a compensation package worth $186,000 in pay and benefits in 2010, the latest year for which figures are available.

The delegates at the meeting comprised about 1.4% of the 82,000 current and retired public school teachers the WEA reports as members.

Union membership is mandatory for most teachers. The WEA requires public educators to join and pay dues, or pay an agency shop fee equal to the amount of dues, as a condition of employment. A narrow exception is allowed for religious objectors. A typical collective bargaining enforcement clause reads: Read More >>

“Employees may elect to become members of the Education Association or may pay an agency shop fee equivalent to the dues to the Education Association. Employees who fail to authorize payroll deductions will have the agency shop fee deducted from their salary and paid to the Education Association, pursuant to Chapter 41.59 RCW.”

Failure to pay puts a teacher at risk of losing his or her job. Teachers typically pay around $900 a year in mandatory dues. In 2010, the WEA collected about $29 million from public school teachers, according to the latest figures available from IRS filings.

At the Bellevue meeting delegates held no votes on whether to make union membership voluntary.

Much of member dues are spent on political activity and lobbying. Public Disclosure Commission filings show the WEA union is the top-spending lobbyist in Olympia, spending some $380,000 in the first three months of the legislative session, more than twice as much as the next highest lobby operation, a health care workers union.

While top leadership elections occur regularly, allowing teachers to vote on union representation at the local level is discouraged. Many teachers have never voted in a workplace certification election, or have had a chance to consider membership in another union. Requests for local elections are allowed during a single 90-day period once every three years.

WEA delegates elected Kim Mead as the new president of the WEA, choosing her over Mike Ragan, former vice president of WEA, and Peter Szalai, Oak Harbor Education Association president. Ms. Mead told The Herald her specific goal is to “make sure education remains number one in legislators’ minds.” Specifically, she warned that, if lawmakers do not fund cost of living increases for teachers this legislative session, the union may put the matter before voters through a ballot initiative. After all, she said, “If you are in public education, it is a political position. There is no choice.”

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/blog/post/powerful-teachers%E2%80%99-union-elects-new-president

Police Blotter: Redmond HS student had his vehicle stolen while at school and more

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:49:00 +0000

Theft-Shoplifting	15:36:24 05/15/2013	13-008459
CITYCENTER	76xx block of 170 AVE NE
A report was taken for a stolen IPhone from a business.

Theft of Automobile	12:40:47 05/15/2013	13-008448
EDUCATIONHILL	NE 104 ST & 179 AVE NE
Redmond HS student had his vehicle stolen while in school.

Threats	12:39:18 05/15/2013	13-008447
EDUCATIONHILL	166xx block of NE 89 ST
Resident reported receiving a threat via text. READ MORE >>

Suspicious Circumstance	12:33:38 05/15/2013	13-008446
CITYCENTER	78xx block of 172 PL NE
Redmond Police responded to a trespassing report at a local residence. There suspect was not located.

Theft-From Mtr Vehicle	11:37:05 05/15/2013	13-008441
CITYCENTER	168xx block of REDMOND WY
Citizen reported that his vehicle was prowled in the downtown area and that his laptop was stolen.

Redmond Stolen Veh Recovery	11:34:02 05/15/2013	13-008440
[Unknown District]	56xx block of PACIFIC HWY E
A stolen Redmond car was found occupied in Fife.

Theft of Vehicle Parts	11:03:59 05/15/2013	13-008437
CITYCENTER	75xx block of 170 AVE NE
A victim had her front license plate stolen from her vehicle.

Other Fraud	10:51:11 05/15/2013	13-008433
GRASSLAWN	86xx block of 133 AVE NE
Redmond Police investigated the report of unauthorized charges to a credit card. There is no suspect information at this time.

Theft of Automobile	09:29:29 05/15/2013	13-008427
OVERLAKE	50xx block of 157 CT NE
Redmond Police investigated a theft of a vehicle. There is no suspect information.

Stolen Veh-Recovery-Wa Agency	09:26:16 05/15/2013	13-008426
OVERLAKE	50xx block of 157 CT NE
A stolen vehicle was recovered in Redmond.

Theft of Automobile	09:05:40 05/15/2013	13-008423
OVERLAKE	50xx block of 157 CT NE
Redmond Police investigated an auto theft. There are no suspects at this time.

Theft-From Mtr Vehicle	08:36:50 05/15/2013	13-008421
GRASSLAWN	54xx block of 158 PL NE
Redmond Police canvassing a neighborhood after an auto theft discovered a car prowl had occurred.

Theft of Automobile	07:35:35 05/15/2013	13-008418
GRASSLAWN	157xx block of NE 54 WY
A vehicle was stolen in the City of Redmond.

Archaeology for the curious - a public outreach workshop by the City of Redmond

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:54:00 +0000

Redmond Cultural Resources Workshop– May 18, 2013 - Redmond City Hall - Space available!

8:00 – Coffee, Etc.

8:30 – Welcome/Invocation (Mike Haley, Redmond; Steven Mullen-Moses Snoqualmie Tribe)

8:45 – 9:30 – Archaeology 101 in 45 minutes or Less – Steve Archer, Scott Williams (Washington State Read More >>

Department of Transportation)

9:30 – 10:00 – Citizen Involvement in Cultural Resources and Historic Preservation: Matthew Sterner,

Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
10:00-10:15 Break

10:15-11:00 – Lithic Technology Demonstration – Scott Williams, WSDOT

11:00 – 11:45 – Paleoindian Period in Redmond and Western Washington 10,000 years ago: Ken Ames,

Professor Emeritus Portland State University

11:45-1:15 – Lunch (on your own)

1:15 – 2:15 – Archaeology of the Bear Creek Site: Bob Kopperl (SWCA Environmental Consultants)

2:15-2:45 – Roundtable Discussion with Agency, Tribal, and Consultant Cultural Resources Staff

2:45-3:00 Break

3:00-4:00 – Stories of traditional life and resources: Warren KingGeorge, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.

4:00 – Wrap-up: Mike Haley

OPINION: What Is It Going to Take?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:54:00 +0000

By Terry Lavender
Water Tenders

"Water Tenders is a group of people who care about the wetlands and streams in the Bear Creek area and King County..."

I have been a Water Tenders member for all of its 25 years. Reflection is good and I feel pride and more than a little awe in what Water Tenders has accomplished. Some of the actions were the starting point for landscape-wide changes. The simple act of consistently collecting and reporting rain water led to the realization that one size does not fit all—Bear Creek gets almost double the rainfall of SeaTac and development standards must change. Careful observation and reporting led to improvements countywide in temporary erosion and sedimentation measures. We showed that people will work with their neighbors and enroll in tax incentives to protect natural habitat on their property and have been a positive voice for Bear Creek in the City of Redmond. We have recorded baselines for species from amphibians to freshwater mussels and the biology of Paradise Valley Conservation Area with good, citizen-collected data. We originated salmon docent programs that are now active all over King County and the list goes on.

I admit to angst about the future, however. Groups like Water Tenders are rare. People join forces to fight a development, support a piece of legislation or right some environmental wrong and end their involvement when the cause is won or lost. Water Tenders has fought these battles but it has also been the slow and steady force that works to change the rules that allowed the problem, educate the neighbors, advocate for acquisition of important properties and then maintain and restore them and continually be the positive voice for a healthy Bear Creek. Like the rain, we have been constant and it has mattered. Read More >>

There seems to be an evolution in the way people become involved. The number of environmental organizations has grown. Most have staff and require significant resources to maintain the organization. While effective, they are not as local and pin point in their actions as a group like Water Tenders. People will write checks and turn out for organized, one time work events. They will still join to stop something they don’t want in the neighborhood. While all this is important real work, steady pressure and a positive local presence are still needed to make the big changes over time.

“Meet the Salmon” is a good example. You could argue it is Water Tender’s most successful educational and community event and yet it has been canceled the past few years. It has had two leaders each of whom organized and worked the event for a number of years. This involves getting out notices and press, getting volunteer docents, putting up signs, gathering handouts and many other tasks. The time involved is probably 20 plus houurs each year but you have to treat it like a job that must get done. For the last years of the event over 300 people attended and it was well loved. But finding that person, willing to step up to the level of commitment as a leader is what is needed and has proven difficult.

You can’t help but be in awe of the positive impact Water Tenders has had in stewarding Bear Creek. But we need more humans willing to take even small leadership roles for this powerful voice to continue. It is important, meaningful and joyous work. I have met my neighbors by following the rain from all our yards and neighborhoods to the creek and the salmon fighting their way up. I joined with others and planted trees that now look like a forest. I hope we will look back on 50 years work on behalf of the forests, creeks and critters with which we share this watershed and be proud of our place in the historical record of environmental movements. Maybe you will pull this newsletter out of a file somewhere in 2038 and remember when you got involved.

So what do you need to do to make sure this happens? Become an active member of Water Tenders. Send in your dues, come to a work party or two and step up to leading one -- just one day of pulling weeds to help some trees get a good start. Step up to leading Meet the Salmon for 2013. Come to a meeting to offer to help on one of the projects discussed. Attend WRIA 8, Sustainable

Redmond, or some other Bear Creek related discussion and say you are a Water Tender. Maybe even take a turn at being our president. But don't sit by and let this die -- commit to being a leader or worker for a few hours a year. We have proven that it can change the outcome.

Source: Water Tenders Spring/Summer 2013 Newsletter - Celebrating 25 years!

###

membership
become a member

------

Water Tenders is a citizen volunteer group with a focus on stream protections in the Bear Creek and Sammamish River System. For $20 per year, you can help support Water Tenders, this newsletter and its important message of salmon protection and wise use of water resources in the Bear Creek Basin. Your donation supports this work and confirms that you believe our message is worthwhile. Yes, I want to join Water Tenders. Enclosed are my membership dues. Two newsletters will be sent to members each year.

$20 Annual Membership

Send an e-mail to Dick Schaetzel dickandmary1@yahoo.com to be added to the e-mail notification list for meetings and volunteer events

Send the following information with your check:

NAME:_____________________________

ADDRESS:_________________________

PHONE:___________________________

E-MAIL:___________________________

Please make check payable to: Water Tenders

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 402
Woodinville, WA 98072

Water Tenders is a 501 (3) (C) non-profit organization. Contributions are fully tax deductible by law.

Terry Lavender can be reached at tlavender2@frontier.com

Lake Washington Schools Foundation fundraising luncheon is a success!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:25:00 +0000

The Lake Washington Schools Foundation received record-breaking support at its May 1 “Legacy for Learning” fundraising luncheon, raising over $216,000 to ensure academic success for all Lake Washington School District (LWSD) students. The event also broke an attendance record, with 562 parents, event sponsors, school district staff, and other community members enjoying lunch and speakers at Juanita High School.

Corporate support for the event also reached a new high, with 24 sponsors from industries such as construction, healthcare, aviation and high tech, including 9 new companies. Read More >>

Luncheon proceeds will support LWSD’s innovative Signature Programs, launching in high schools in the fall of 2013 and 2014. These rigorous, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) - based programs will give high school juniors and seniors opportunities to tackle real-world problems while also exploring career options.

LWSD Superintendent Traci Pierce explained why the new program will meet both students’ and the community’s needs. According to Pierce, who quoted a Microsoft whitepaper on STEM, “There is an urgent demand for workers trained in the STEM fields, but there are not enough people with the necessary skills to meet the demand and to help drive innovation.” She went on to say, “We want every high school student to find high school relevant and engaging, and we want to help connect students with the options that await them after graduation.”

Redmond High School’s (RHS) Signature Program will focus on global health and medicine. RHS teacher Greg McDonald described how related English, social studies and science material will be combined in a three-hour class in order to give students a comprehensive experience. He went on to explain how students will benefit from interacting with health professionals. “Through guest speakers, site visits, and collaboration between students and professionals in the field, our Signature Program will give students not only the scientific background, but also knowledge of the challenges in providing medical care both globally and locally.”

Luncheon donations will also help struggling students feel confident and cared for through the LINKS (Looking Into the Needs of Kids and Schools) tutoring and mentoring program, provide Reaching for Success grants so that students have extra help and activities that inspire them, and support the Access Fund, which allows students in need to fully participate in middle and high school. A short video highlighting the impact the foundation made on schools this year is available online.

Finn Hill Middle School student Ian receives weekly math help from his LINKS tutor, Bryan, whom he credits with boosting his math grade from a ‘C to an ‘A.’ According to Ian, “If I didn’t have Bryan’s help, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am now, and I wouldn’t be in such a good place.”

This successful event was made possible thanks to the work of community volunteers, event sponsors, PTA members, school district staff, foundation trustees, and over 60 table captains who helped fill the room with advocates for kids and education. All Lake Washington students benefit from such strong community support.

For more information about the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, please contact Development and Operations Director Katrina Freeburg at (425) 936-1414, Info@lwsd.org, or visit www.lwsf.org.

About the Lake Washington Schools Foundation

The Lake Washington Schools Foundation is a partnership between parents, business and community leaders and local schools. Founded in 2005, the foundation’s mission is to support academic excellence and success for all students. LWSF has granted over $1 million for programs that have reached nearly all of the district’s 25,000 students. The Lake Washington School District serves students in Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish.

Bear Creek School sweeps all school categories in Best of 425 Magazine 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:13:00 +0000

The voters have voiced their opinion and the results speak for themselves, as The Bear Creek School swept all categories for best Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, and best teacher on the Eastside in 425 Magazine’s annual “The Best of 425” contest. Kindergarten teacher Pam Erickson was honored as best teacher, and has taught at Bear Creek for more than 15 years. Months of online voting helped to create this ultimate, reader-generated list of some of the best places on the Eastside. This is the first time Bear Creek has received the honor of winning Best of 425.

Founded in 1988, in Redmond, Washington, The Bear Creek School is an Independent Classical Christian School that believes only when faith, mind, and heart are fed together can someone experience the fullness of education, which produces leaders who think well and are compelled to engage the world.

The school serves students from the greater Eastside and is housed on four campuses. Redmond Campus on Union Hill serves kindergarten to grade 12 students and Valley Campus, also in Redmond, serves preschool to grade 5 students. Bear Creek has two Early Childhood campuses in Woodinville and Sammamish serving preschool and prekindergarten students. The Bear Creek School is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities, and the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools.

Amy Goings Named Lake Washington Institute of Technology President

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:02:00 +0000

Kirkland, Wash.: Ms. Amy Goings was unanimously chosen as Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s (LWIT) ninth president by the college’s board of trustees Wednesday evening at a special board meeting. Goings most recently served as the Vice President of Operations and College Relations at Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood. She will begin her position on July 1.

The LWIT board’s decision completes a 7-month inclusive and transparent public process which involved participation from college faculty, staff, and students and community members. Goings will replace Dr. Sharon McGavick, who has served as Interim President since November 2012. Read More >>
“Amy Goings is a collaborative leader who possesses the qualities, values and commitment that are critical to the long-term success of the college,” said Bruce J. Reid, chair of the LWIT Board of Trustees. “We are extremely pleased to have found Amy from a pool of very strong candidates. Throughout the presidential search process, the board received input from the college’s Presidential Search Committee and the LWIT community regarding the qualities they sought in a president. We believe she embodies those qualities and her qualifications fit with both the school’s mission and the board’s vision.”

“I’m honored to be chosen to serve as the president of Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Washington’s only polytechnic institute,” said Goings. “I look forward to working with the college community and industry partners on the Eastside to expand educational opportunities for the students and communities we serve.”

Goings began her community and technical college career at Bates Technical College. She joined Clover Park Technical College as Vice President of College Relations and Resource Development in 2004, and assumed additional duties in 2009 as the Vice President of Operations and College Relations. Prior to her community and technical college career, Goings served as the Deputy Director in the Office of Congressman Norm Dicks with responsibility for higher education and workforce outreach. She is a 2013 doctoral candidate in Higher Education Administration at the University of Nebraska Lincoln as part of the National Community College Leadership Cohort.

Goings currently lives in Puyallup with her husband and son. They plan to relocate to the Kirkland area.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) is a broad-based polytechnic college providing education in more than 38 areas of study and offering pathways to certificates, associate degrees and a baccalaureate degree designed to give students the latest cutting edge skills relevant to today’s workplace. Founded in 1949, LWIT offers hands-on, real-world training in manufacturing, transportation, energy, business, allied health, engineering, computer and information systems, food and hospitality, and health and fitness. For information and news about LWIT programs, please visit lwtech.edu/press_room.

Redmond Mayor Marchione gives "State of the City" address to City Council

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:13:00 +0000

Mayor Marchione gave a fascinating and thorough presentation to City Council of "The State of the City" last night. With all the changes going on around town he felt it was time to summarize "Who We Are" and Where Are We Going. Below is a summary of some of his talking points.

Redmond currently has a resident population of 56,000 with a growth management target of 78,000 some day. Redmond has more jobs than people at 79,000. Most of them are skilled computer science jobs (48%) including some skilled machinists. Some day the city expects to harbor jobs for 119,000 workers.

Redmond is composed of 10 neighborhoods, 40 acres of parks, and 40 miles of trails (and more trails if you count the myriad of informal trails between developments). Redmond is a young town and getting younger with an average peak age between 20-34. The largest group is between 5-44 years.   Redmond is 45% 'other than Caucasian' with 1/3 of residents speaking a language other than English in their homes.  Over 80% of our residents have an education higher than high school and the most prevalent household size grouping is two/household.

Redmond has won several awards from national publications for quality of life. In 2012 the city won Money Magazine's Top Five "Best Places to Live" for cities under 300,000. Redmond was also awarded best place for young people, young professionals and best place to raise a family.

According to the video tape applause as heard on www.redmond.gov of John's speech to One Redmond a few months back, the business community is supportive of the Cleveland - Redmond Way couplet reversal. John said work will begin first quarter of 2016 to change Clevelend Street to 2-way with 3 lanes and change Redmond Way to 2-way with 4 lanes.   The second phase of the Downtown Park development will begin in the summer of this year and next.   John said it will be congested there owing to using the park development as a staging area for Cleveland Street improvements.

The "Redmond Central Connector" spine that parallels Cleveland Street should be mostly developed with trails and art from the Red Robin to the Trestle Bridge over Redmond Way -- in time for a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for September, 2013.  A Sound Transit Station is planned for the south side of the Connector in 2025 but it is not yet funded.

Besides all the high rises and cranes you see underway the city has permits in review for an additional 437 residential units and 7,000 SF of retail. It appeared John's slide show showed four or five additional buildings in the permitting plans.   A significant stormwater vault is planned along 85th Street across from Kentucky Fried Chicken. It will clean stormwater before draining into the Sammamish River.

5,000 new homes and 25,000 new jobs are expected in the Overlake Urban Center within the next 20 years. A critical access ramp into the neighborhood from SR520 will relieve congestion brought on by high job densities. Light rail service is planned by 2023. Two parks are planned for the Overlake neighborhood. One park will be built over a huge stormwater vault in the Sears parking lot. Vault construction is 2-3 years out.

Marchione credited the council for their participation in regional matters...in particular the Sound Cities Association (SCA).   Pat Vache', Hank Margeson, Kim Allen, John Stilin, and the Mayor are all on one or two SCA committees. The Mayor is also on four other regional committees (ARCH, NORCOM, EPSCA, and RPEC).

John concluded that it appears Redmond is weathering the 2008-2012 recession with assessed property values back to 2008 levels. He said "growth is marching to the vision for the city" even though it's a little shocking at times.

Reported by Bob Yoder

Public meeting on managing aquatic plants in the Sammamish River May 9

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:32:00 +0000

Art comes in all shapes and sizes

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:52:00 +0000

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Rosanna, King County Blog

We are excited to be working in partnership with 4Culture to do an artistic makeover of the Wayne Tunnel on the Bothell section of the Burke-Gilman Trail. More than 2 million people ride through this gray, concrete tunnel every year, which makes it the perfect place to spread a little joy across a 250 ft. long canvas!

Any artists interested in this unique public art opportunity are encouraged to apply before the May 20, 2013 deadline.

Now, if the job was yours, what kind of mural would you make? To help get your imagination churning, here’s a photo of Toronto’s iconic rainbow at the entrance of their CN Rail tunnel.

Redmond Mustang PTSA Weekly Community Digest

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Mon, 06 May 2013 03:52:00 +0000

DERBY DAYS 2013. Save the Date! July 12&13. Redmond Derby Days celebrates its 73^rd anniversary in 2013. www.RedmondDerbyDays.com.

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER CAMPS NOW. Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center. 16600 NE 8oth St. 425-556-2300. www.RedmondRecreationGuide.com.

The ninth annual NAMI Walk of Washington takes place Saturday, May 18

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Sat, 04 May 2013 15:32:00 +0000

The ninth annual NAMI Walk of Washington will take place on Saturday, May 18.

For the third year, the walk will be held at Marina Park in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland, and the route will follow the scenic shoreline of Lake Washington. The lovely location, a popular area for pedestrians and a well-traveled route for vehicles, brings needed visibility to the event.

The walk is the primary fundraising event for NAMI Washington and the state's 23 National Alliance on Mental Illness affiliates. The event also serves to promote mental health awareness and remind people that NAMI exists across Washington to help individuals with mental illness and their families.

This year, the walk aims to raise $225,000 to help the NAMI chapters across Washington continue to offer free classes, support groups, information and referral to places of assistance.

As usual, the event will include sponsor booths, prizes, free food and music.

Last year's event attracted over 1,000 walkers.

Questions?

Gazala Uradnik, NAMI Washington Walk Manager
gazala@gfsfund.com

Fire Sprinklers save two Redmond area buildings today

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Sat, 04 May 2013 02:41:00 +0000

Redmond, WA – Prior to 8:00 a.m. today, fire sprinklers had activated in two separate Redmond area buildings to protect lives and property. Both incidents were promptly reported to the NORCOM fire dispatch center by alarm monitoring companies. In both instances the activation of a single, fire sprinkler head controlled the fire until the arrival of fire fighters. In the first case the activation of the fire sprinkler provided time for two employees onsite to evacuate. In the second, the presence of the sprinklers protected a dog home alone until it could be evacuated by fire fighters.

An early morning fire in an occupied commercial building, located in King County Fire District 34 just east of Redmond, was contained by the activation of a single, fire sprinkler head. Redmond Fire fighters were dispatched at 01:31a.m. for a fire alarm activation in a building at the Redmond Ridge Business Park in the 22900 block of NE Alder Crest Drive. Arriving fire fighters found the fire confined to equipment in a single room of the building. Damage was limited to several, small, blower fans in that area. Fire fighters completed extinguishment and assisted with water removal and smoke ventilation. There were no injuries to employees or fire fighters. Damage is estimated at less than $500.00. The business was able to resume operations within a few hours.

The second fire occurred later in the morning at a downtown Redmond townhome complex. The activation of the fire sprinkler system limited the spread of a stovetop fire and protected the dog home alone in the unit.

Units from the Redmond Fire Department were dispatched at 07:58 a.m. to an automatic fire alarm at Avignon Townhomes, located in the 10000 block of 156 PL NE. The first engine arrived at 08:03a.m. to find smoke issuing from the second floor of a townhome in the middle of the six unit building. The majority of the fire was extinguished by the sprinkler. Fire fighters evacuated the dog from the home, ventilated the smoke, and took steps to limit water damage. Despite the open floor plan of the townhome, fire damage was limited to the stove, microwave oven, and the upper cabinets and wall surface directly above the stove. Smoke damage was confined to the kitchen ceiling. Fire fighters completed extinguishment and assisted with water removal and smoke ventilation. There were no injuries to residents, fire fighters, or the dog. No adjacent townhomes were affected. Damage is estimated at less than $4,000.00. Facilities staff was initiating repairs this morning.

Your Redmond Fire Department would like to remind you that Fire Sprinklers SAVE LIVES and minimize damage, install them whenever possible.

By Captain Tom Langton
Redmond Fire Dept.

Letter: Tree City USA?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Fri, 03 May 2013 21:34:00 +0000

Tree City USA?

An item in last week’s Redmond Reporter noted that Redmond has been designated a "Tree City" by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 14th year. To qualify for this honor, a city must "designate staff to care for trees, appoint a citizen tree board to advocate for community forestry, establish a tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on tree care and celebrate Arbor Day." Redmond is missing one critical element of these qualifications…a citizen tree board to advocate for community forestry.

The City of Redmond relies upon staff members to manage community trees and uses citizen volunteers for forest restoration manpower, but decidedly not for policy suggestions. We know because Sustainable Redmond has advocated for a citizen tree board consistently over the last year and has just as consistently been rebuffed. Read More >>

As we observed Earth Day and Arbor Day in 2012, both Sustainable Redmond and neighbors of Bike Jump Park were appealing City decisions permitting considerable loss of tree cover in our community. Lack of a responsive public engagement process figured in both of these appeals and resulted in proposed amendments to Redmond’s Comprehensive Plan by Sustainable Redmond that are scheduled for an upcoming City Council vote on May 7th.

Realizing that hard data on tree losses can be more persuasive than passionate testimony, Sustainable Redmond conducted a research project on tree protection practices from 2010 to the present. Preliminary findings were presented to the City Council on April 2nd. In the 24 projects reviewed from throughout the City in that time period affecting 6,161 trees, we found that 3,892 trees were lost and 2,223 retained; just over the minimal retention standards of 35%. Because Redmond has a "no net loss of trees" provision, those mature trees removed will be replaced with saplings, but the loss of habitat, amount of air cleaned, stormwater mitigated and community character preserved will take several generations to recover. "Exceptions" to tree protection regulations were routinely requested by developers and just as routinely approved by administrators. Opportunities for public involvement in the permitting process are minimal in comparison to development interests.

We realize that Redmond will continue to develop in accord with long-term community visions. A Tree Board presents an opportunity for residents to participate in the process more fully, identifying and resolving conservation issues as they emerge. Therefore, we ask that you contact your council members and encourage them to harness the competencies and commitment of Redmond’s residents in an advisory group such as the Tree USA program requires.

See www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/standards.cfm for more information

By Bob Berg and Kathe Low
Co-Chairs
Sustainable Redmond

LWSD Superintendent Pierce addresses the Budget and other financial matters of the district

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:03:00 +0000

Superintendent's Message

Dr. Traci Pierce, Superintendent

Budget is always a hot topic this time of year. State budget proposals have been released from the governor, the Senate and the House. School districts are waiting for the legislature to complete its work so we can complete our local budget processes.

You may have heard that our state legislature has finished their work in the 105-day legislative session. Governor Jay Inslee announced that he will call legislators back to Olympia on May 13 to begin a special session. In his announcement, Governor Inslee said the legislature needs to focus on, among other things, "an operating budget that makes a substantial down payment on education," and "important education policy measures to ensure that new education funding will achieve results." Read More >>

While we are waiting for the legislature to complete their work, we continue with our focus on our mission and vision for students. As you will recall from my past columns, we are focused on five strategic goals to help us reach our mission and vision for students:

Ensure academic success for every student
Provide safe and innovative learning environments
Recruit, hire, and retain highly effective personnel
Use resources effectively and be fiscally responsible
Engage our communities

Goal four, which centers on effective use of resources and fiscal responsibility, is one we take very seriously in our district. One measure of fiscal responsibility is the annual state audit. You can find Lake Washington School District audits, along with other local government audits, on the Washington State Auditor's Office website. Our business services staff works very hard to make sure we follow all state and federal regulations as well as accepted accounting practices.

In addition to state funding, we receive funding from our local levies, from the federal government and from fees paid by students and families. A little over half of the general fund (51.5 percent) comes from the general state apportionment while another 10 percent is state funding that is directed to specific programs. Local levy funding has taken on a greater role than ever in the last few years, providing almost 23 percent of the district's general operating budget. Federal funding has fallen to just 6.3 percent of district revenues.

A capital levy pays for major facility repairs and upgrades and for technology. The district can also sell bonds to raise money to build new schools and/or modernize/replace old ones. We are currently reviewing options for a replacement capital levy and for construction bonds, through the bond and levy input process.

Each year, we develop the new budget through an internal process that includes asking departments for any additions or changes. The Strategic Advisory Leadership Team (SALT) reviews all requests for additions to the budget and makes recommendations for changes to the superintendent. The superintendent presents the budget to the school board for their review and eventual approval. If there are significant budget changes, when there have been major state funding cuts, for example, the district has expanded the process to include public input, particularly from parents.

It's important, though, to ensure that expenditures are made thoughtfully. As we have been developing a strategic plan, aligning expenditures to our strategic work has become part of the budget review process.

Part of the school board's requirements are to maintain a five percent fund balance. That cushion ensures the district can keep going even if funding changes suddenly. In recent years, the district has been able to maintain a slightly larger fund balance.

I will be waiting to see how our budget may change, depending on the state legislature's work. I am encouraged that we will not see repeats of the budget cuts of past years. If Governor Inslee's "substantial down payment" is the result, it will be even more important that we align any new expenditures with our strategic work.

About LWSD District

By Traci Pierce
Source: LWSD Council PTSA "Currents" Newsletter, May, 2013

Doug Eglington - Lake Washington School Board Member decides not to run again

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:38:00 +0000

Member since 1989 decides not to run for additional term - term ends December 2013

Redmond, Wash. – Doug Eglington, a member of the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors announced today that he will not run for an additional term. Eglington has served on the board since 1989 and was board president in 2005 and 2006. He was first appointed in February 1989 to fulfill a partial term and was then elected in November 1989. He is a resident of Sammamish and lives in the district’s Director District Four. His current term on the school board will end in December of this year.

Eglington, who retired two years ago from a career in government policy work, noted that his wife, an Issaquah School District teacher, is getting closer to retirement age.

“It’s time for a change,” he said. “I will miss working with my fellow school board members but am confident Lake Washington School District is in good hands.”

“Doug was on the board when I was first elected,” noted Jackie Pendergrass, president of the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors. “His constant, knowledgeable presence has helped our board keep the best interests of students in mind. Doug has been invaluable to all of us by staying current on and tracking both state and federal legislation that could affect our district. We could be sure as a school board that we knew what legislation might affect the district and could think ahead. We will miss him very much.”

“By the end of his final term, Doug will have served the district for close to 25 years,” noted Dr. Traci Pierce, Superintendent. “A strong and stable school board is invaluable to any school district. Doug has contributed so much to the district throughout his years of service and I will greatly miss working with him.”

Evans Creek Preserve - A City of Sammamish gem

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:01:00 +0000

THE EVANS CREEK PRESERVE

"This is a great place to take your family, yourself, or a friend for a short hike in beautiful open space only 3 miles east of downtown Redmond." B. Yoder

By Susan Wilkins

Redmond, WA.

The Evans Creek Preserve, a new park and nature preserve east of Redmond was opened to the public in late 2011 after nearly a decade of planning and a year of intensive trail construction. The preserve is mostly gentle rolling hills with open meadows and forested uplands. It is located in the bottomland of the Evans Creek Basin, a few miles east of Redmond, in the deep southeast trending valley that connects Redmond and Fall City. Evans Creek runs through the north edge of the preserve in an undersized, meandering channel that routinely floods creating swamps and wetland ponds that cover much of the site during the winter.

We visited in early July and the wetlands were mostly grassy and dry. Evans Creek was running so slowly that we weren’t sure where it was and had to check the map. In the fall, Evans Creek will have native runs of chinook as well as runs of coho and sockeye salmon that will pass through the preserve and spawn upstream.

Owned and developed by the City of Sammamish, the Evans Creek Preserve is located about 3 miles east of downtown Redmond on Redmond-Fall City Road. The 180-acre property was once the farmstead of Newton and Kathryn Galley who passed away in the mid-1990s and willed their property to the University of Washington, Whitman College, Children’s Hospital, the Children’s Home Society, the Masonic Home and Redmond United Methodist Church. These 6 organizations collectively agreed to sell the property to the City of Sammamish in November 2000. The park/preserve was in the planning stage until 2011 when major development of the park and its trail system was undertaken. Old farm buildings were torn down and a new iron-works footbridge over Evans Creek was constructed. Washington Trails Association (wta.org) designated Evans Creek Preserve as one of its major lowland projects for 2011. Volunteer trail-building days were organized by WTA and 250 volunteers spent more than 7000 hours clearing brush, removing stumps, laying gravel trails and building boardwalks and bridges to create nearly 2 miles of trail loops.

To get there: The Evans Creek Preserve is located on the south side of Redmond-Fall City Road (SR202) about a mile east of the SR202/Sahalee Way intersection. Heading east on SR202, look for the sign on the right side of the road that says NE 34th Street – Private Road, turn right and go a short distance down the road. There is a 10-car parking lot with signs and maps.

Redmond celebrates National Preservation Month and 10th Anniversary of Downtown Historic Walking Tours

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:18:00 +0000

Redmond, WA - May is National Preservation Month and this year's theme encourages the greater community to “See, Save, and Celebrate” historic places. In Redmond, a great way to do that is by joining one of the Downtown Historic Walking Tours. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the tours, which provide opportunities to connect with the City’s past, present, and future.

The Downtown Historic Walking Tours season began in April and continues through September. The remaining tours will take place on Sunday, May 19 and June 16, 1:00pm to 2:30pm. A tour of Redmond’s Pioneer Cemetery will be provided on July 21^st at 11:30am; and the special September tour – Haunted History and Storytelling - will be provided on Sunday, September 15 during the early evening. Additional tour opportunities are also available by request. Read More >>

Local historian Tom Hitzroth works with the Redmond Historical Society to provide narrative tours of Downtown’s historic buildings to the Redmond community. These tours help support the Redmond Historical Society while informing participants about the people who once frequented the river valley, farmed the flats, logged the forests, and built a place initially named Salmonberg.

In partnership with the Redmond Historic Society and complementing their digital walking tour app, several audio files recapture Mr. Hitzroth’s colorful depictions of yesteryear. Recorded narratives on the City’s website tell the story of people and places as well as architectural details for the City’s 16 designated historic landmarks.

Additional information regarding the tours, the audio files, and other aspects of Redmond’s history is available at http://www.redmond.gov/Government/HistoricPreservation or by contacting Senior Planner, Kimberly Dietz at 425-556-2415 or kdietz@redmond.gov.

City of Redmond releases "2013 Community Indicators" report

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:13:00 +0000

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond has released its eighth annual Community Indicators report. The report describes Redmond’s progress toward achieving its community vision as well as actions the City is taking to implement its Comprehensive Plan.

Among this year’s key findings is that Redmond continues to be a safe community. The most serious violent and property crimes fell by 14 and 11 percent, respectively, compared to 2011.

For the tenth consecutive year, Redmond reached a new high in the number of licensed businesses, at 5,635. There are 1,458 Redmond businesses that have held a Redmond business license for at least seven years. Read More >>

Housing development activity increased in 2012, with most of the activity in Downtown, where 568 new residences were permitted. Of all new permitted homes, 34 will be affordable according to Redmond’s affordable housing regulations.

Community events continue to be popular. An estimated 30,000 people participated in Redmond Lights, Derby Days, and Eggstravaganza in 2012 – about 4,600 more than in 2011.

Much more information related to Redmond’s natural environment, community character, economy, and more can be found inside this year’s report.

Redmond’s vision is to be a city with two vibrant urban centers – Downtown and Overlake – and connected neighborhoods, providing high quality, responsive services to an engaged citizenry. The City publishes Redmond Community Indicators annually so the community and its elected officials can assess the effectiveness of City policies in helping to achieve the community’s long-term vision and goals, as well as monitor Comprehensive Plan implementation.

The entire 2013 Redmond Community Indicators can be viewed at: www.redmond.gov/CommunityIndicators For information, comments or questions, contact Jeff Churchill at 425-556-2492 or jchurchill@redmond.gov.

Lake Washington School District launches thematic, interdisciplinary block course use projects for "real world" learning

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:39:00 +0000

Lake Washington School District Launches High School “Signature Programs”

Thematic, interdisciplinary block courses use projects for “real world” learning

Redmond, Wash. – By 2014-15, all Lake Washington School District High Schools will offer “Signature Programs,” which are thematic, interdisciplinary three-period instructional blocks organized around career clusters and pathways. These courses combine rigorous academics and “real world” application of learning. They will engage students in problem-based learning and completion of industry-based projects. At the same time, students will earn academic credit in specified areas required for graduation.

For example, Juanita High School’s STEM Signature Program will explore global health through the lens of literature, body systems and disease detection and prevention. Students will earn credit for Anatomy and Physiology, Biotechnology and English. The course will involve laboratory investigations, problem solving and a variety of public health-related readings. Read More >>

Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent, links these programs to the district’s vision, Every Student Future Ready: prepared for college, prepared for the global workplace, prepared for personal success.

“Every high school graduate should find viable ways of pursuing both a career and a meaningful post-secondary degree or credential,” said Dr. Pierce. “The concept of work-linked learning can be extraordinarily powerful in engaging students.”

Initial programs will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) career pathways. Dr. Pierce cited the demand for workers trained in the STEM fields as one of the reasons for this approach.

These programs will be available in all district high schools to 11^th and 12^th grade students in the next two years. The first programs will launch in the 2013-14 school year at Redmond High School, Juanita High School, Emerson High School and the STEM School, in the following areas:

· Emerson High School: Sustainability

· Juanita High School: Global Health

· Redmond High School: Global Health: Policies, Problems & Solutions

· STEM: Environmental Engineering & Sustainable Design; Digital Media and Game Design; Forensics/Psychology

Programs will be launched in the 2014-15 school year at Eastlake High School, International Community School and Lake Washington High School in these areas:

· Eastlake High School: Innovation by Design

· International Community School: Grand Challenges of Engineering

· Lake Washington High School: Engineering

Three teachers will team together to link the learning in their academic content areas and connect learning to the real world of work. Students will earn three credits in areas required for graduation, such as English, career/technical education and science. Teachers at district high schools have received training in problem-based learning as teams from each school prepare to offer these courses. Problem-based learning is a form of instruction that is student-centered, in which students learn about a subject through the experience of problem solving.

“These programs enable students to link current courses to post-secondary plans and potential career interest areas,” noted Dr. Pierce. “We will work with community partners to enable students to explore career options and get hands-on experience.”

Funding for launching the signature programs has been provided by the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, Microsoft and Waste Management. “We are grateful for the community support that will make these new programs available,” noted Dr. Pierce.

Partners in Lake Sammamish Kokanee Work Group join with area residents in juvenile fish release

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:55:00 +0000

Earth Week Sammamish kokanee release caps off strong year for ‘little red fish’

While full-fledged, basin-wide recovery of native Sammamish kokanee salmon might not be here yet, partners of the Lake Sammamish Kokanee Work Group have good reason to celebrate the recent and remarkable turnaround in kokanee salmon numbers.

“The tremendous return of adult fish to the spawning grounds indicates that our hatchery and critical habitat improvement work has us on the right path toward salmon recovery,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine, who took part in an Earth Week release of juvenile kokanee salmon this afternoon. Read More >>

More than 10,000 adult kokanee - a portion of them the result of the work group’s hatchery enhancement efforts - spawned in several streams within the Sammamish watershed during the winter of 2012-13.
And this spring, a silvery torrent of juvenile kokanee have emerged from their gravel nests and are moving downstream to Lake Sammamish, where they will grow for several years before returning to their stream of birth to spawn and repeat the life cycle.
Today, Kokanee Work Group members were joined by Blackwell Elementary School students in releasing hundreds of young kokanee into Ebright Creek on land owned by Wally Pereyra, a longtime supporter of the restoration work.
The Ebright Creek location for this celebration was appropriate because of the work that Pereyra and Kokanee Work Group members performed last year.
The group worked with Pereyra to replace a small, undersized culvert with a roomier one on his property, opening up a long swath of excellent spawning habitat just in time for the 2012-13 spawning season.
In stark contrast to past years when very few kokanee could navigate the old culvert and return to the upper portion of Ebright Creek where habitat conditions are good, thousands of kokanee moved through the larger culvert this past winter and deposited eggs in hundreds of nests in the stream bottom.
"The kokanee has been part of the heritage of our city since its inception,” said Sammamish Mayor Tom Odell. “The city is an active partner with the other members of the Kokanee Work Group in the effort to restore the population of this genetically unique species which is found only within the Lake Sammamish watershed. We are committed to its survival and will keep working to ensure the annual runs continue to rebuild."
“Thanks to the efforts of the Lake Sammamish Kokanee Work Group, the lake’s tributaries are once again supporting the little red fish,” said Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger. “Salmon recovery knows no jurisdictional boundaries, and together we have achieved more than we believed possible.”
The fry released during today’s event were reared in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Issaquah Hatchery as part of a supplementation project that is coordinated by the Lake Sammamish Kokanee Work Group, which was established in 2007 to prevent the extinction of Lake Sammamish kokanee and bring them back to robust health.
The work group is comprised of King County, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the cities of Sammamish, Issaquah, Bellevue and Redmond, the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Trout Unlimited and kokanee recovery advocates.
Work Group members designed the supplementation program with the goal of increasing kokanee survival and ultimately increasing future numbers of adult kokanee spawning in the Lake Sammamish watershed.
The hatchery program is funded primarily by the USFWS, and implemented with the support of WDFW and King County. Streamside landowners pitch in by helping find the returning fish in the fall and winter.
The hatchery program is intended to serve as a temporary tool for recovery, ensuring that kokanee population numbers are stable or increasing as critical habitat improvements are completed. The work group’s ultimate goal is to restore by 2021, enough habitat to ensure the long term health of the population without a hatchery.
Learn more about Lake Sammamish kokanee at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsAndPlants/salmon-and-trout/kokanee.aspx.

The Redmond Arts Commission meets with City Council to discuss the future of art and culture in Redmond

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:43:00 +0000

The Arts Commission was invited to a study session with the Redmond Mayor and Council last week. Rob Leavitt, Chair of the commission and staffer Josua Heim ran most of the meeting. Rob said the purpose of the Arts Commission is a "catalyst for Redmond's diverse and inventive community - and incubator for creativity."

Rob highlighted the diverse population Redmond serves. He claimed one in three Redmond residents are people of color with 25% of the residents born outside the U.S. Redmond is a young community with 25% of the residents between 20-34 years of age and 33% between 30-55 years.

Rob wanted his Arts Commission to be known as the "Arts and Culture Commission" owing to the diverse ethnic populations within Redmond. Councilmember Hank Myers said the diversity of Redmond gives Redmond "a lot of clay" to work with from which to build art works. He recommended our arts and culture "be fun for our residents."  Councilmember Kimberly Allen said our niche appears to be in the digital arts and that we should celebrate our diversity with ethnic festivals. She said outdoor festivals are our strong suit, alluding to Derby Days, Artificial Lights summer events, the Bon Fire, Winter Lights, and Ananda Mela at City Hall. Councilmember Tom Flynn liked the idea of Redmond being "a cultural arts town" saying "it brings good vibes."

Councilmember John Stilin, a past Redmond arts commission chair said "we need to put something out there - a little daring - we may have some misses - but the essence of a lot of art is it challenges people to think differently."   Council spent a lot of time giving staff feedback on the "Cultural Corridor 2030 Master Plan" in the downtown. A large, manufactured "erratic" (glacial boulder) will be installed in the corridor as a centerpiece. A center for the performing arts is in the 2020 plan for the Overlake area but the city is also working with Eastside cities for a possible regional center.

Councilmember Hank Margeson said "It's hard to be all things to all people. We don't have to be a Park City, Utah (Sun Dance Film Festival) or an Ashland, Or (Shakespeare Festival). We want to be Redmond...to find our own niche and piece of the puzzle." Councilmember Carson said Redmond's niche is in Digital Arts without even a seedling for a performing arts center.

Mayor Marchione challenged the commission to ask "What's the best Redmond we can be? Who are we? What's our soul?" He said Redmond's roots are in lumber and agriculture.

Perhaps a mural could be painted on one of the old cinder block buildings on Cleveland Street attesting to our pioneer days. The City of Bothell has some good examples of quality murals. That's my two cents. Do you have any ideas for art or culture events in Redmond? Is it time some new art was installed?

By Bob Yoder

Earth Week events offer chances to learn more, do more about the environment

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:33:00 +0000

King County provides green tips, resources, events that show how it’s ‘Easy Being Green’ on Earth Day and beyond

King County is providing opportunities designed to demonstrate how easy it is to take part in an environmental activity or pick up a new, simple green lifestyle habit.

“It’s true that small, easy green choices can add up to big changes,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Earth Week is a great time to start good habits that help protect our environment.”

Click on the County’s “Easy Being Green” website at kingcounty.gov/beinggreen to discover a list of green events happening around the County and learn easy tips for saving money, conserving natural resources or improving our environment.

Whether it’s safely disposing of household hazardous waste and medicines, or taking a tour of one of several King County facilities that help keep our region healthy, the latest information and participation opportunities can be found at the County’s “Easy Being Green” website. Read More >>
Residents can help with the County’s efforts through individual actions, such as:

Making smart transportation choices for trips to work, home or school by taking transit, carpooling, walking or biking;
Continuing to reduce, reuse and recycle;
Conserving energy at home and at work; and
Considering the environmental impacts of purchases and choosing sustainably manufactured, efficient alternatives.

Executive Constantine yesterday issued an Earth Action Day proclamation, encouraging residents to “celebrate the earth as we continue to build a thriving community of residents empowered for environmental protection.”
Here are some upcoming Earth Week opportunities:
Today

King County EcoConsumer Earth Day Challenge

The King County EcoConsumer Earth Day Challenge includes a website with tips on waste reduction, solar energy, volunteering and sharing. We interviewed community members who are taking positive steps to make smart consumer decisions that are good for the planet and the pocketbook, too. Whether it’s dropping your one-use plastic bag habit, or cooking a tasty meal using the sun’s own energy, we can show you real examples of how your neighbors are greening their lives.

King County Executive’s John D. Spellman Awards for Achievement in Historic Preservation

Preserving historic buildings is the ultimate recycling, and King County has been at it for 35 years! Please join King County Executive Dow Constantine in celebrating the 35th anniversary of the County’s Historic Preservation Program at a joint awards ceremony with the Association of King County Historical Organizations on Tuesday, April 23 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Museum of History & Industry’s new location at Lake Union Park. Find more information.

April 26-28

Household hazardous waste disposal

One of the easiest green steps all King County residents can take is proper disposal of household hazardous waste through the Wastemobile. The first program of its kind in the nation, the Wastemobile offers a safe and convenient way to safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint and other items that need special handling.
The roving Wastemobile makes its way to Des Moines for a household hazardous waste collection event April 26-28, at 22307 Dock St., Des Moines. Hours of operation at all locations are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Learn more, including upcoming stops.
April 27:

Learn about where your garbage goes: Tour King County’s Cedar Hills Regional Landfill

King County is offering free, guided public tour of its Cedar Hills Regional Landfill in Maple Valley on Saturday, April 27 at 10 a.m.
The last operating landfill in King County, Cedar Hills covers 920 acres and accepts about 800,000 tons of garbage each year from throughout King County, excluding the cities of Seattle and Milton.
The tour will last for about one hour and is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Reservations are required and must be made by April 25. Space is limited to 40 people; to reserve your spot, or to request accommodations, call 206-296-4490, TTY Relay: 711. Parking is provided at the landfill, 16645 228th Ave S.E., Maple Valley, and participants will board a Metro bus for the guided tour. The bus is wheelchair accessible.
To ensure safety, tour participants must wear closed toe footwear and adhere to all traffic signs at the landfill. This tour is designed for adults; children ages 5 and over are welcome, if accompanied by an adult. Tours for school groups can be arranged by calling 206-296-4490.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in King County

Keep medicines out of the environment and protect wildlife. Properly disposing of your unwanted and expired medicines is a great way to celebrate Earth Day!
Did you know about 30 percent of prescription and over-the-counter medicines sold go unused each year. And flushed or put in the household trash, unused drugs can end up getting into our environment.
This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local law enforcement are coordinating a medicine take-back event.
Residents can dispose of their unwanted and expired household medicines safely and securely at a DEA collection site in their community. And thanks to all our local law enforcement who are providing collection sites, there is no cost to residents and it's anonymous.

Find a collection site at: www.takebackyourmeds.org/dea-events.

Brightwater Education Center open house

Come celebrate Earth Day 2013 with Island Wood and King County at Brightwater Center. Hike the trails and visit our interactive exhibit hall. We’ll have activities for all ages, including outdoor exploration, treatment plant tours and more.
Visit us any time between 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. Treatment plant tours are also available to those ages 9 and over. Learn more, and pre-register for the treatment plant tour.
May 4

RainWise Rain Garden and Cistern Fair

Learn how you can be RainWise and help stop pollution runoff in your own yard. At this event, rain garden designers and installers and cistern installers will be available to answer all your questions. The event is May 4, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Chief Sealth International High School.
More Green Resources

Recycle your computers, monitors and TVs through ‘E-Cycle Washington’ Did you know that when Washington residents purchase a computer, laptop, tablet, monitor or TV, the end-of-life recycling service is included with the product? You can recycle any of these electronic products at no additional cost at an authorized E-Cycle Washington collection site. There are more than 100 collection sites in King County; find the nearest location.
Celebrate Earth Day by taking your family to one of more than 800 parks in King County that are managed with few to no pesticides. Find a place near you where kids can play worry-free. Just search by city, ZIP code, place name or click and drag.
Any business owner or manager in King County can take a new look at how much hazardous materials could be costing their business. Get help identifying what materials you have and how to manage them. For free, anonymous assistance call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899.
Artists — Protect yourself and the environment from hidden hazards in the arts. For more information on workshops for printmakers, painters, glass artists, ceramicists, jewelers and even candlestick makers, call 206-263-3069.

Two Redmond High students receive National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Yoder) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:07:00 +0000

Students among 1,000 distinguished students recognized nationwide

Redmond, Wash. – The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced today that two Redmond High School students, Aron Daw (Redmond) and Daniel Wang (Kirkland) have received National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships. National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships are financed by about 200 companies, foundations and other business organizations. Aron and Daniel are two of the 1,000 distinguished high school seniors nationwide to win these scholarships.

Scholars are selected from students who advance to the Finalist level in the National Merit Scholarship Competition and met the criteria of their scholarship sponsors. Aron will receive a National Merit Varian Medical Systems Scholarship. Daniel will receive a National Merit Automatic Data Processing, Inc. Henry Taub Memorial Scholarship.

The Varian Medical Systems Scholarship recognizes outstanding students who are the sons and daughters of Varian employees. The Automatic Data Process, Inc. (ADP) merit scholarship award is funded by the ADP Foundation for the children of ADP employees.

Most of these awards are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study and provide annual stipends that range from $500 to $10,000 per year. Some provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000. Recipients can use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university of their choice.