Snoqualmie to discuss YMCA contract for management of community center
October 8, 2008
NEW
The Snoqualmie City Council’s Finance and Administration Committee will discuss a Community Center management contract with the YMCA tonight at 6 p.m. Read more
Cross country runners face tough competition
October 8, 2008
Alex Rudd was able to stay with Jillian Altizer for one-fifth of the race.
Mount Si’s Alex Rudd heads toward the finish line during her top-five performance at a meet at Beaver Lake State Park in Sammamish Oct. 1.
That by itself was good enough for a top-five finish. Read more
Community still split over center?
October 8, 2008
For Barb Pexa, the road from her birthplace on the island of Guam to her current home in downtown Snoqualmie has been an amazing journey, one that includes swimming for Guam in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Read more
County puts an end to hospital deal
October 8, 2008
The effort to relocate Snoqualmie Valley Hospital to a 72-acre site at state Route 18 and I-90 in Snoqualmie is dead.
In a 5-3 vote — in which Council member Kathy Lambert, who represents the parcel in question, was absent — the King County Council declined to expand Snoqualmie’s Urban Growth Area to include the parcels necessary to allow the hospital to move forward with its relocation plans.
Council members Reagan Dunn, Jane Hague and Pete von Reichbauer voted in favor of the expansion, while Council members Bob Ferguson, Larry Phillips, Dow Constantine, Julia Patterson and Larry Gossett were opposed.
Hospital officials had previously stated they feared such a vote was possible, and have already shifted their focus to alternate sites, including the Snoqualmie Business Park on Snoqualmie Ridge, in part because of mounting expenses involved with the I-90 location.
The council vote, part of that body’s quadrennial update of the Comprehensive Plan, leaves the parcels at their current rural residential zoning of one home per five acres.
It also effectively eliminates any plans for other potential uses, such as a possible move by Bellevue Community College to place a satellite campus on the site, for at least four more years.
King County Hospital District No. 4, which operates the hospital, as well as Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson, who had asked for UGA expansion to be approved regardless of the hospital’s plans, had aggressively sought the UGA expansion.
Concerns regarding environmental impacts had prompted County Executive Ron Sims to impose a 4:1 Transfer of Development Rights, or TDR, requirement on any such UGA expansion, meaning the hospital would have been required to purchase and dedicate four acres of preservation land for every acre it wanted to develop.
A preliminary deal that would have allowed the district to purchase $1 million in credits from the county’s TDR bank – an agreement hospital officials previously said virtually guaranteed the UGA would be expanded – apparently dissolved once the district concluded it could not afford to move forward at the desired location.
The district had already planned to spend up to $24 million to purchase the necessary land, and had intended to resell portions to BCC and other prospective partners, such as a hotel and a residential care facility.
A recent cost analysis reportedly unveiled unexpected costs to the district due to the need to enter into a late-comer’s agreement with the city of Snoqualmie, which would have required the district and other potential partners to pay a fair-share cost of already installed infrastructure to the 72-acre site.
The district has already sold its existing hospital and 50-acres of land to the Snoqualmie tribe for $30 million in an agreement that gives the tribe up to two years to pay off the balance. The tribe intends on using the former hospital, which is located near the tribe’s reservation and casino property, as a regional Native American healing center.
Hospital officials have previously stated their commitment to building a new facility in Snoqualmie, and identified the business park location as their new desired location.
Mayor Larson, in a previous interview, said such relocation would be allowed under the park’s development plans, but was not as desirable as the I-90 site.
Hospital legal counsel Jay Rodne declined to comment Tuesday morning on the council decision, referring all questions to hospital director Rodger McCollum, who was unavailable for comment. Mayor Larson was also unavailable Tuesday for comment.
Reach reporter Ed Farrell at efarrell@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434. Comment on this story at www.snovalleystar.com.
Soccer field case headed to Superior Court
October 8, 2008
After a volley of appeals on both sides of a case involving a North Bend soccer field, an appeal hearing has been scheduled at the Superior Court for Jan. 6. Read more
Biodiesel network meets in Snoqualmie for first time
October 8, 2008
The initial meeting of the Eastside chapter of the Northwest Biodiesel Network resembled more of a preaching to the devoted choir Monday as all 12 visitors to the North Bend Railroad Depot were self-professed converts to the alternative fuel and its associated technologies.
Calendar
October 8, 2008
Events
Snoqualmie photographers Greg Schatzlein and Dusty Cavaliere will exhibit their work in a show called, “Wild Things,” through Oct. 25 at Pogacha restaurant in Issaquah. The photographers take photos of the outdoors and adventure sports, including an up-close-and-personal look at animals and nature. Pogacha is located at 120 NW Gilman Blvd. in Issaquah. For more information, call 392-5550 or go to www.pogacha.com.
Square dancing for all levels will be 6-8 p.m. Oct. 11 in Preston at The Center for Dance, 30540 SE 84th St. Casual clothes and comfortable shoes are encouraged. Cost is $7 for adults and $3 for teens. For more information, call 281-3317. For directions, go to www.thecenterfordance.com.
The Issaquah Thunder Baseball Club will hold tryouts for its 2009 13U Sandy Koufax boys teams from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Field of Champions in Preston, 8118-304th Ave. SE. E-mail issaquahthunderbaseball@comcast.net for more information and to register.
The fifth annual Dreams of Hope Ladies Auction, benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital, will be from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at TPC at Snoqualmie Ridge. For more information, call 443-6714 or e-mail dianareul@hotmail.com.
The Eastside Job Fair will be from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Pickering Barn in Issaquah. The event is hosted by the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce. Businesses expected to attend are Ninetendo, Edwad Jones and UPS, among others. Job Seekers should come prepared with a resume and ready to fill out a job application. There will be an interview room available for on-the-spot interviewing. There also will be a free career corner where job seekers can get interviewing tips. Job seekers who are unable to attend should e-mail their resume to eastsidejobfair@comcast.net. For more information, contact the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce at 392-7024.
Art classes for children ages 6-14 began Sept. 20 and will last until Oct. 18 at Si View Community Center. Cost is $45 for children ages 6-8, who meet from 9-9:45 a.m. Cost is $50 for children ages 9-14, who meet from 10-11 a.m. For more information, call 831-1900 or e-mail jsteinborn@siviewpark.org.
An alumni dinner for Mount Si High School will be from 5-6:15 p.m. Oct. 24, the night of the Homecoming football game. Dinner will be provided by the Culinary Arts Department of Mount Si and entertainment will be handled by the Mount Si Vocal Jazz Ensemble, the Mount Si Dance Team and the Mount Si Cheer Squad. Cost is $20 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance by contacting Mount Si High School or going to www.mountsihighschool.com.
From Oct. 3-31, Encompass and the Great Outdoor Clothing Company will combine efforts to host a coat drive. Those interested can drop off coats and jackets at the Great Outdoor Clothing Branch in the factory store outlet in North Bend. Those who bring clothes will receive a voucher worth 20 percent off the regular price of a single purchase at Great Outdoor Clothing, redeemable through Nov. 14. Donors also will receive records for their taxes. For more information, call 888-2777 or 888-410-5905 or visit www.encompassnw.org.
A chess tournament for all Snoqualmie Valley youths under the age of 18 will be from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 9 at Si View Community Center. Cost is $10 and participants must register by Nov. 5. Each participant will play five official games during the day and will be divided by age and skill level. Snacks and beverages will be provided. For more information, call 831-1900 or e-mail jsteinborn@siviewpark.org.
“Cartooniversity Workshop,” a teaching session on cartoon drawing with editorial cartoonist Jeff Johnson, will be from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Nov. 15 at Si View Community Center. The class is for children ages 9-14 and costs $44. For more information, call 831-1900 or e-mail jsteinborn@siviewpark.org.
Movie Times
North Bend Theatre show times for this week are as follows:
Thursday — “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” 7 p.m.
Friday — “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” 2, 5, 8 p.m.
Saturday — “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” 2, 5, 8 p.m.
Sunday — “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” 2, 5 p.m.
Monday — “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” 7 p.m.
Tuesday — “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” 7 p.m.
Wednesday — “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” (Mommy Matinee) 10 a.m.; “The Sting,” (Adult Matinee) 1 p.m.; “Expiration Date,” (Fall Classic Film Series) 7 p.m.
Classes
Free sessions of SAT preparation classes will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 11 and 18 at the North Bend Library. Practice exams will be scored and returned to participants, along with an analysis. Participants also will receive a copy of the College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide and information about KCLS resources that can help with the SAT. Registration begins Sept. 1 and participants must attend all five sessions. To register, go to the information desk at the North Bend Library or call 888-0554.
Improvisation classes for adults will be from Oct. 7-Nov. 11 at Valley Center Stage in Snoqualmie. Cost is $150. Young actors workshops for ages 9-11 will be from Oct. 10-Nov. 14 at the SVA Youth Center, 8032 Falls Ave. in Snoqualmie. Cost is $100 for six classes.
Spanish classes are held every Thursday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Sno-Valley Senior Center. Open to the community. $5 per class, drop-in basis, taught by Celide Rivero.
Food Addicts Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. every Thursday in North Bend. For more information, please call 888-0314.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed to help create the Si View Community Center haunted house in North Bend. The haunted house will be open to the public Oct. 25, but setup has already begun. All levels of support are welcome. For more information, contact Michael Csendes at 888-2902 or mcsendes@yahoo.com.
Adopt-A-Park with yourself, your family, neighbors or club. Adopt-A-Park is a volunteer program for Snoqualmie residents willing to help improve and enhance public parks and trails. Volunteering requires an application and a one-year commitment. Call 831-5784.
Be a Study Zone tutor and give students the homework help they need. Study Zone needs volunteers to tutor elementary through high school students in math, science, English, social studies and study methods. A two-hour weekly commitment and flexible substitute scheduling are available. The Study Zone program is a free service offered by the King County Library System. For more information, call 369-3312.
Share your love of books and make new friends by becoming a Friend of the Library in either Snoqualmie or North Bend. Annual memberships cost $5 for individuals and $10 for families and help expand opportunities for children, families and seniors around the community. To learn more, call 888-0554.
Volunteer for the Needle Arts Mentoring Program in coordination with the KCLS Snoqualmie Public Library. Adult mentors are needed to bring the fun and creativity of knitting to youths in the community. Mentors do not need to be experts. For more information, call 396-7836.
North Bend Library
Snoqualmie Valley Chess Club, for adults, children and families, meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays.
Game On, for ages 12 to 18, meets 3- 5 p.m. Fridays to play XBox 360, Playstation, Nintendo DS, Guitar Hero and DDS. Board games also are available.
English as a Second Language classes meet at 6:30 p.m. Mondays.
Toddler Story Time, for ages 2 to 3 with an adult, meets at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays.
Preschool Story Time, for ages 3 to 6 with an adult, meets at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays.
Evening Family Story Time meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Snoqualmie Library
Young Toddler Story Time, for age 12 to 24 months with an adult, is at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays.
Preschool Story Time, for ages 3 to 6 with an adult, is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays.
Anime & Manga Club, for middle and high school students, meets at 3 p.m. Wednesdays to watch anime movies, eat popcorn and practice manga drawing.
Evening Family Story Time, for all young children with an adult, is at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.
Clubs
Rotary Club of Snoqualmie meets at 7 a.m. every Thursday at the Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club. E-mail SnoqualmieRotary@yahoo.com.
Post No. 79 of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Building at 38625 SE River St. in Snoqualmie. For more information, call Steve Fenton, Post Commander, at 396-6100 or Kathy Kerr, Unit President, at 831-5133.
Snoqualmie Valley Kiwanis Club meets at 7 a.m. every Thursday at the Mount Si Golf Course restaurant in Snoqualmie. E-mail snovalley@member.kiwanis.org.
Snoqualmie Fraternal Order of Eagles’s Women’s Auxiliary meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. The Men’s Aerie meets the first and third Wednesday at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at 108 Railroad Ave. Call 888-1129.
The Snoqualmie Valley Youth Hub provides cultural, athletic, recreational and educational opportunities to more than 4,000 young people in the valley. Call 831-5543.
Loyal Order of Moose is located at 108 Sydney Ave. in North Bend. Men meet at 6 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. Women meet at 7 p.m. the third and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Call 888-0951.
Washington Freemasons meet at 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Unity Lodge #198 in North Bend. Call 888-5779.
The MOMS Club of North Bend, a social group for at-home mothers, meets at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at the North Bend Library. Children are welcome at all MOMS Club activities. Call 888-1387 or visit www.momsclub.org for more information.
To submit an item for the community calendar, send to editor@snovalleystar.com or via www.snovalleystar.com.
Issues still being sorted for teen health center in Valley
October 8, 2008
The opening of a teen health center in the Valley may be one to two months away, as administrators are still hammering out the particulars.
Once complete, the center will be housed at the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital medical clinic in North Bend. Read more
Alpacas on the loose
October 8, 2008
North Bend farm recently added 19th alpaca to its herd
From spinning fleece to birthing babies, the alpaca business is booming for the Clark family in North Bend. Their front yard, dubbed Clarkshire, is now home to 19 alpacas. The newest addition, Pippin, a little white alpaca with spindly legs and a pink nose, joined the Clarkshire herd Sept. 29. Read more
Community invited to create zines at workshop
October 8, 2008
Mount Si High School Librarian Elaine Harger makes a mean zine, and she’s inviting the community to join her. In a free, nine-week workshop, Harger will teach people how to create zines — personal magazines — using silk-screening, papermaking, rubberstamp carving and more. Read more
