Association to challenge Initiative 1033
July 17, 2009
By Michael Bayless Rowe
Suburban Cities Association Executive Director Karen Goroski told the Snoqualmie City Council July 13 that her organization is preparing to oppose Initiative 1033.
Goroski updated the council on what the organization was doing to advocate for the interest of King County’s suburban cities. Initiative 1033 seeks to limit the growth of local, county and state governments by not allowing general fund revenues to exceed the rate of inflation and population growth. Property tax revenues in excess of the rate of inflation and population growth would be refunded to residents under Initiative 1033.
Critics of the initiative say it will hamstring governments by not allowing them to put aside for future infrastructure improvements. The initiative was prepared by so-called initiative king Tim Eyman, who has brought many initiatives to voters over the years.
Eyman submitted over 300,000 petition signatures in support of the initiative to the state on July 10, which is more than the 241,153 signatures needed to get on the November general election ballot.
Goroski told Snoqualmie’s City Council that the Suburban Cities Association would help them get out the word about how the initiative would hurt local governments.
The council also heard the final report from University of Washington professor Jill Sterrett, who has worked with the city’s sustainability team and UW students to develop plans for improving Snoqualmie’s sustainability. The sustainability team has been working since last fall on the project and Sterrett presented policy and other recommendations from the group.
The presentation highlighted several things that the city could get started on right away. One of those things is increasing recycling rates in the city to 45 percent. Snoqualmie residents already recycle about 32 percent of municipal solid waste. Mayor Matt Larson said that he is looking at hiring an intern to coordinate recycling programs and community education with the county as part of a pilot program.
Sterrett said that there were other sustainability programs that the city could jump on, like conducting a greenhouse gas inventory, and using recycled cooking oils from local restaurants to power its bio-diesel shuttles.
Some of the other top recommendations for programs that Snoqualmie could pursue in the future include developing green businesses in Snoqualmie or attracting those businesses to the area. The team also recommended allowing greater density in residential developments, and helping residents with weatherization of homes to save energy.
Snoqualmie’s Planning Commission will study the sustainability team’s report and consider making its own recommendations to the council for implementation.
Reach reporter Michael Bayless Rowe at mrowe@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434, ext. 248. To comment on this story, go to www.snovalleystar.com.
Suburban Cities Association Executive Director Karen Goroski told the Snoqualmie City Council July 13 that her organization is preparing to oppose Initiative 1033.
Goroski updated the council on what the organization was doing to advocate for the interest of King County’s suburban cities. Initiative 1033 seeks to limit the growth of city, county and state governments by not allowing general fund revenues to exceed the rate of inflation and population growth. The initiative requires that any revenue collected by the state, county, or a city government that is in excess of the rate of inflation and population growth would be used to reduce property taxes. Fund transfers to the state’s constitutionally required “rainy day” fund, federal funds and voter-approved revenues are exempted from the affects of the initiative.
Executive candidate takes walk through North Bend
July 17, 2009
By Michael Bayless Rowe
King County executive candidate Ross Hunter knocked on doors in a North Bend neighborhood July 9.
“I just want to hear from people what county issues are important to them,” Hunter said.
Hunter, a legislator in Washington state’s House of Representatives from Medina, has been knocking on doors all over King County this summer. He said he wants to learn more about what issues are important in different parts of the county. Door-knocking is something he started doing when he first ran for office in 2003.
With a roll of voters and a printout of the area from Google maps, Hunter and two of his campaign staff members visited homes off Mountain View Boulevard.
Hunter is one of eight candidates who are running to be the next King County executive after long-time county executive Ron Sims resigned to take an appointment as Deputy Secretary for Housing and Urban Development in the Obama administration.
His opponents include State Sen. Fred Jarrett, King County Councilmen Larry Phillips and Dow Constantine, former TV news anchor Susan Hutchison, engineer and businessman Alan Lobdell, Seattle lawyer Stan Lippman, and Seattle resident Goodspaceguy. The Aug. 18 primary will determine the top two candidates, who will square off in the November general election.
Hunter hopes to be the first person from the Eastside to be elected as King County executive. An Eastside resident has been appointed to the executive position, but has never won an election.
At one of the first homes he stopped at in North Bend, he met Kelly Kauer. Like Hunter, Kauer is a former Microsoft employee. She is a stay-at-home mom now with two young children.
“I felt like he presented himself well, and I think the county really needs someone with private sector business experience,” Kauer said.
Kauer did not know about Hunter’s campaign for King County executive until she met him. During their talk, Hunter emphasized that he wants to make King County more accountable. He talked about how the Metro mass-transit service costs about 20 percent more in King County than in similar areas. He said that he wants to get a handle on King County’s costs so that service to areas like North Bend do not have to be cut in tough times.
“He seems to really care about the issues of the entire county,” Kauer said.
She said that she plans to do more research on Hunter’s platform, before she decides who to cast her vote for.
After meeting Kauer, Hunter continued knocking on doors in the neighborhood and talking with other residents, before leaving for a meeting in Bothell. While walking back to his car, he said that getting out and meeting with people in different parts of the county was important for learning what’s going on. He noted that the unique geography of the county means that there are different problems in different places.
“You don’t find these things out, unless you come out and see them,” Hunter said.
Reach reporter Michael Bayless Rowe at mrowe@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434, ext. 248. To comment on this story, go to www.snovalleystar.com.
King County executive candidate Ross Hunter knocked on doors in a North Bend neighborhood July 9.
“I just want to hear from people what county issues are important to them,” Hunter said.
Hunter, a legislator in Washington state’s House of Representatives from Medina, has been knocking on doors all over King County this summer. He said he wants to learn more about what issues are important in different parts of the county. Door-knocking is something he started doing when he first ran for office in 2003.
With a roll of voters and a printout of the area from Google maps, Hunter and two of his campaign staff members visited homes off Mountain View Boulevard.
Relay brings Valley together once again
July 17, 2009
By Laura Geggel
North Bend cancer survivor Shirley Sims is quick to say she wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her daughter.
Sims joined more than 50 people around Centennial Fields for the survivor’s lap at the eighth annual Relay For Life of Snoqualmie Valley on July 11, where she proudly held her sign declaring her a 20-year survivor. Sitting in the shade after her lap around the field, Sims told her story.
“My daughter called me in Iowa and said, ‘Mom, have you ever had a mammogram?’
“I said ‘No, I don’t have the insurance.’ So she sent me the money.”
Using her daughter’s funds, Sims visited her physician.
“I got my mammogram and the bad news,” Sims said.
Now the mother and daughter live in Snoqualmie Valley and care for each other.
In a way, the entire Valley is caring for its cancer patients and their families. At the July 11-12 event, 355 participants from 32 teams raised $93,239. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Snoqualmie Valley relay participants have until the end of August to complete their fundraising. Visit www.snovalleyrelay.org to donate.
Relay For Life participants walked late into the night and into the dawn. Entertainers such as James and His Marionettes and singers Shaye Hodgins and Shannon McEldowney took to the stage to keep spirits enthusiastic. The luminaria, a pajama lap and pizza party at midnight helped fuel walkers around the field.
People participated in the relay for all sorts of reasons — some had family or friends who had battled cancer and lost the fight and others knew people who were beating the disease.
Katie Morgan, a 2006 Mount Si High School graduate, joined the relay for her second year to raise funds for cancer programs. Her group, PartyLite, doubled its goal of $5,000.
“It gives more hope,” Morgan said, as she prepared to walk another one-third-mile lap around Centennial Field.
North Bend resident Julie Witt held a two-year survivor sign. She had participated in Relay For Life before to honor a friend who had died of breast cancer, but in 2007 she got a shock when doctors diagnosed her with stage 3 breast cancer.
“My recommendation would be, if you have any indications of a problem from your mammogram, ask them to do another test,” Witt said. “Not another mammogram, but another test, like an ultrasound.”
Her friend and fellow breast-cancer survivor Cheryl Cotton learned she had cancer in both breasts. Instead of getting a lumpectomy and running the risk of reoccurrence, Cotton took the bigger step of getting a mastectomy.
Cancer treatment can be overwhelming, and Cotton advised friends of cancer patients to offer specific help.
“Don’t just ask to help. Say, ‘I can drive you to the doctor on Tuesday,’” Cotton said. “And don’t stop giving when it’s obvious they’re going to survive.”
For people in need of a ride, The American Cancer Society runs Road to Recovery program for people who need transportation to their doctor appointments. Call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org to volunteer or sign up for a ride.
Reach reporter Laura Geggel at 392-6434 .221 or lgeggel@snovalleystar.com. To comment on this story, visit www.snovalleystar.com.
North Bend cancer survivor Shirley Sims is quick to say she wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her daughter.
Sims joined more than 50 people around Centennial Fields for the survivor’s lap at the eighth annual Relay For Life of Snoqualmie Valley on July 11, where she proudly held her sign declaring her a 20-year survivor. Sitting in the shade after her lap around the field, Sims told her story.
From the left, Georgia Horvath, Ann Newton, George Bennett and Crosby Newton hold signs displaying the years they’ve survived cancer.
Trailsfest returns for another year at Rattlesnake Lake
July 17, 2009
By Laura Geggel
Outdoor enthusiasts headed to TrailsFest are in for a treat this weekend. Where else can people go bird watching, learn about mountain weather forecasting and take notes on ice climbing basics?
“We like to think of TrailsFest as the coolest outdoors expo in Washington,” TrailsFest coordinator Lace Thornberg said. “It just kind of takes everything that’s great about getting outside and brings it all to one place.”
TrailsFest has spent eight of its 16 years at Rattlesnake Lake in North Bend. Last year, about 3,000 people of all ages showed up for the free event. Thornberg threw in an incentive for all people arriving by bicycle: anyone who bikes is eligible to receive a free raffle ticket for a cycling prize.
Bikers can take a six-mile ride on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail from the lot at Tanner Road and North Bend Way. People who are driving can find Rattlesnake Lake by taking exit 32 off Interstate 90 and turning south on 436th Avenue Southeast.
North Bend’s Pro Guiding Service & Pro Ski Service will present two workshops at the TrailsFest Skills Camps: “Tips and Tricks from a Mountain Guide” at 12:30 p.m. and “A Look Inside a Mountain Guide’s Pack,” at 2:30 p.m.
“Basically, we’re going to bring along a pack we would take out for an overnighter,” said the service’s General Manager Caley George. “We’re going to show how some gear can be used for multiple things.”
Pro Guiding Service & Pro Ski Service has provided demonstrations at TrailsFest for the last seven years.
“It’s a great event and we’re the local shop for this area,” George said. “It’s in our own backyard.”
Other workshops include “Backcountry First Aid for Dogs,” “Backcountry Parenting” and “Find Your Way With Map & Compass.” To find a complete schedule of the July 18 events, visit www.wta.org.
TrailsFest is presented by the Washington Trails Association and has several sponsors, including REI, Hilleberg the Tentmaker, Green Trails Maps and The Alpine Experience.
All of the events are free, save two. Climbing wall trips cost $3 per person and a kayak adventure on Rattlesnake Lake is priced at $3 per person or $5 per family.
Thornberg advised anyone participating in the 10 a.m. Seattle Audubon bird watch to bring their own binoculars.
The event will be held rain or shine. Participants may bring a sack lunch or cash for food vendors like Rhodies BBQ, which will serve veggie dogs, barbecue, soda and water at the food ccourt.
Outdoor enthusiasts headed to TrailsFest are in for a treat this weekend. Where else can people go bird watching, learn about mountain weather forecasting and take notes on ice climbing basics?
“We like to think of TrailsFest as the coolest outdoors expo in Washington,” TrailsFest coordinator Lace Thornberg said. “It just kind of takes everything that’s great about getting outside and brings it all to one place.”
TrailsFest has spent eight of its 16 years at Rattlesnake Lake in North Bend. Last year, about 3,000 people of all ages showed up for the free event. Thornberg threw in an incentive for all people arriving by bicycle: anyone who bikes is eligible to receive a free raffle ticket for a cycling prize.
Calendar 7-16
July 17, 2009
Events
Si View Parks will host Love and Logic Parenting from June 16 – July 31. The class teaches simple and practical techniques to help parents have less stress and more fun while raising children. Register at www.siviewpark.org.
The Mt Si Artist Guild will host the first annual Juried Miniature Show from July 4 to Aug. 1 at the Starbucks in Safeway Plaza in North Bend. The Open House for the event will be from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. July 19, and will include working artists on site. For more information, e-mail sandyartnut@comcast.net.
The second annual Camp Korey Yard Sale will be held from 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. July 17 and 18. Jan Sliger, the aunt of Korey Rose, will hold the sale at her home at 13418 434th Ave. S.E., North Bend.
Thomas the Tank Engine returns to the Valley for its annual festivities July 17-19. Tour the steam locomotive cab, ride on a motor car, get a Thomas and Friends tattoo, see a puppet show or listen to live music during this six-day event at the Snoqualmie Depot in downtown Snoqualmie. Tickets are currently available online at www.trainmuseum.org or by calling 866-468-7630. For this year’s event, patrons are eligible for special $99 rates at the Hilton Garden Inn in Issaquah.
The Washington Trails Association Trailsfest will be July 18 at Rattlesnake Lake. The event includes a large amount of outdoor activities, many of them hands-on. It begins at 10 a.m. and ends late in the afternoon. For more information, visit www.wta.org.
The 2009 Snoqualmie Casino Basketball Tournament at Snoqualmie Ridge is July 18. Late registration, costing $90, is from July 1-15. City of Snoqualmie resident teams can receive a $5 discount. Every registered participant will receive a basketball with a 2009 logo. Visit www.snoqualmie3on3.com to learn more.
The popular Rodgers and Hammerstein’s production of “Oklahoma!” is scheduled to be performed at Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater on Saturdays at both 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. July 25 – Aug. 30. It will be directed by Roger Westberg, with music direction by Paul Linnes and choreography by Sandy Brown. Tickets are on sale now. Go to www.foresttheater.org or call 736-7252 or 222-7044 for more information.
Valley Center Stage in North Bend will hold summer drama camps July 27-31. The classes assemble in ages from 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14 for one week at 119 North Bend Way in North Bend. The youngest class will meet from 9:30-10:30 a.m., while the 9-11 age group will meet from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and the 12-14 from 1:30 – 3 p.m. The classes are taught by Gary Schwartz, director of Valley Center Stage, and Stephanie Merrow. For more information, call 831-5667 or visit www.valleycenterstage.org.
The 16th annual Twin Peaks Festival will be July 24-26 in the Valley. Late tickets cost $220 with a bus tour and $200 without a bus tour. To learn more, visit www.twinpeaksfest.com.
A variety of classic cars will be displayed at the Legends Car Show, scheduled to be held as part of Snoqualmie Railroad Days on Aug. 2. The Legends Car Club, which was founded in 2000, has more than 100 members from the Puget Sound region. For more information, go to www.legendcarclub.com.
The annual Festival at Mount Si continues this year from Aug. 7-9 with another round of events in North Bend. For the eighth straight year, the festival will include a chili cookoff, a cherry pie eating contest and the Burstin’ with Blueberries Dessert Contest. Also included will be the kids’ Fun Zone, The Grand Parade, a pancake breakfast, live and silent auctions, the Skate Jam, stupid pet tricks, kids bingo, Irish dancers, Veils of the Nile, a dog pageant and more.
Movie Times
North Bend Theatre show times for this week are as follows:
Thursday — “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” noon and 7:30 p.m.
Friday — “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” 11 a.m., 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
Saturday — “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” 11 a.m., 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
Sunday — “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
Monday — “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
Tuesday – “Heidi,” (Free Summer Film Series), noon; “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
Wednesday — “Heidi,” (Free Summer Film Series), noon; “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
Classes
Theater summer camps are offered July 27-31 at Valley Center Stage in North Bend. The workshop for actors ages 9-11 will be offered from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tuition is $120. The drama workshop for children ages 12-14 will meet from 2-3:30 p.m. Tuition is $120. There also will be a Theater Games Summer Camp with Stephanie Merrow for children ages 6-8 that meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuition is $100. For more information, go to www.valleycenterstage.org.
The Early Bird Workout began July 2 at Si View Community Center. The class meets from 6-7 a.m. every Thursday morning, and offers a high intensity workout for those who want to exercise before work. For more information, go to www.siviewpark.org or call 831-1900.
The Mount Si School of Karate is offered through Si View Community Center Mondays and Wednesdays each month. Interested participants 7-8 years will meet from 4-5 p.m., those who are 9-11 years from 5-6 p.m. and those 12 and up from 6-7 p.m. Register for the class at www.siviewpark.org or call 831-1900.
Heather Evans with the Bellevue College Career Center in Snoqualmie provides free career services from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Tuesday at the Snoqualmie Tribe Headquarters, 8130 Railroad Ave. in downtown Snoqualmie and from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Wednesday at the North Bend Library, 115 4th St. in North Bend. For more information, call 888-6551, ext. 101 or e-mail heather.evans@bellevuecollege.edu.
An Al-Anon Family Group meets at 7 p.m. each Thursday at Mt. Si Lutheran Church in North Bend.
The teen drop-in program happens from 3-5 p.m. on Mondays and 1-5 p.m. on Fridays at Si View Community Center in North Bend. For more information, contact Ryan Daly at rdaly@siviewpark.org or 831-1900.
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.
The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program meets at Si View Park from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. every Monday through Thursday. Cost is $4.
An Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group meets from 6:30 – 8 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Holy Innocents Catholic Church, 26526 Cherry Valley Rd., Duvall. For more information, contact group facilitator Irene Olson at 868-4889.
Volunteer Opportunities
Through the end of July, donations for the Mt Si Helping Hand Food Bank may be made at the following Sno Falls Credit Union locations: Snoqualmie Branch, 9025 Meadowbrook Way SE; Snoqualmie Ridge Branch, 7730 Center Blvd.; North Bend Branch, 460 E. North Bend Way.
Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum seeks docents to volunteer at the Museum from 1-5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October. Duties will include greeting visitors, selling items in the gift shop and more. Training will be provided. Contact the museum at 888-3200 or Pat Kelly at 888-1557.
The Senior Services Transportation Program seeks volunteers to drive seniors around North Bend and Snoqualmie. Volunteers will drive their own vehicles and choose the weekdays, times and areas in which they’d like to drive. Mileage reimbursement and supplemental liability insurance are offered. For more information, call 206-748-7588 or 1-800-282-5815, or e-mail melissat@seniorservices.org. To apply online, go to www.seniorservices.org/vts/vts.htm.
The Mount Si Senior Center thrift store is looking for volunteers to sort donations and help with cash sales a few hours a week. The thrift store is located in the Senior Center at 411 Main Street in North Bend. For more information, call Janet at 888-3434.
Hopelink in the Snoqualmie Valley is seeking volunteers for a variety of tasks. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. For more information, go to www.hope-link.org/takeaction/volunteer or call 869-6000.
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.
North Bend Library
The North Bend Library welcomes children of all ages to hear interactive folk tales from around the world at Imagine Th@! at 2 p.m. July 16. Co-sponsored by Friends of the North Bend Library.
Join the North Bend Library Tuesday Book Group for an evening of lively conversation about a variety of new and notable fiction and nonfiction. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the North Bend Library meeting room. New members are always welcome. For more information, call 888-0554.
The North Bend Chess Club, for all ages, meets from 7-9 p.m. every Thursday.
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.
Snoqualmie Library Pajama Story Time, for all young children with an adult, is at 7 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.
The Eastside Chapter of the Northwest Biodiesel Network meets the second Wednesday of every month, from 7-9 p.m., at the Railroad Depot in North Bend. For more information, go to www.nwbiodiesel.org or call 503-9876.
The Snoqualmie Valley Garden Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Mount Si Senior Center. There is a guest speaker each month. For more information, call 206-295-8363.
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 Southeast River Street 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 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 831-1900.
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.
The Mount Si Fish and Game Club meets at the Fall City Firehall at 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of every month.
Washington Freemasons meet at 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Unity Lodge No.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.
Events
Si View Parks will host Love and Logic Parenting from June 16 – July 31. The class teaches simple and practical techniques to help parents have less stress and more fun while raising children. Register at www.siviewpark.org.
The Mt Si Artist Guild will host the first annual Juried Miniature Show from July 4 to Aug. 1 at the Starbucks in Safeway Plaza in North Bend. The Open House for the event will be from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. July 19, and will include working artists on site. For more information, e-mail sandyartnut@comcast.net.
The second annual Camp Korey Yard Sale will be held from 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. July 17 and 18. Jan Sliger, the aunt of Korey Rose, will hold the sale at her home at 13418 434th Ave. S.E., North Bend.
Thomas the Tank Engine returns to the Valley for its annual festivities July 17-19. Tour the steam locomotive cab, ride on a motor car, get a Thomas and Friends tattoo, see a puppet show or listen to live music during this six-day event at the Snoqualmie Depot in downtown Snoqualmie. Tickets are currently available online at www.trainmuseum.org or by calling 866-468-7630. For this year’s event, patrons are eligible for special $99 rates at the Hilton Garden Inn in Issaquah.
The Washington Trails Association Trailsfest will be July 18 at Rattlesnake Lake. The event includes a large amount of outdoor activities, many of them hands-on. It begins at 10 a.m. and ends late in the afternoon. For more information, visit www.wta.org.
The 2009 Snoqualmie Casino Basketball Tournament at Snoqualmie Ridge is July 18. Late registration, costing $90, is from July 1-15. City of Snoqualmie resident teams can receive a $5 discount. Every registered participant will receive a basketball with a 2009 logo. Visit www.snoqualmie3on3.com to learn more.
The popular Rodgers and Hammerstein’s production of “Oklahoma!” is scheduled to be performed at Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater on Saturdays at both 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. July 25 – Aug. 30. It will be directed by Roger Westberg, with music direction by Paul Linnes and choreography by Sandy Brown. Tickets are on sale now. Go to www.foresttheater.org or call 736-7252 or 222-7044 for more information.
Valley Center Stage in North Bend will hold summer drama camps July 27-31. The classes assemble in ages from 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14 for one week at 119 North Bend Way in North Bend. The youngest class will meet from 9:30-10:30 a.m., while the 9-11 age group will meet from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and the 12-14 from 1:30 – 3 p.m. The classes are taught by Gary Schwartz, director of Valley Center Stage, and Stephanie Merrow. For more information, call 831-5667 or visit www.valleycenterstage.org.
The 16th annual Twin Peaks Festival will be July 24-26 in the Valley. Late tickets cost $220 with a bus tour and $200 without a bus tour. To learn more, visit www.twinpeaksfest.com.
A variety of classic cars will be displayed at the Legends Car Show, scheduled to be held as part of Snoqualmie Railroad Days on Aug. 2. The Legends Car Club, which was founded in 2000, has more than 100 members from the Puget Sound region. For more information, go to www.legendcarclub.com.
The annual Festival at Mount Si continues this year from Aug. 7-9 with another round of events in North Bend. For the eighth straight year, the festival will include a chili cookoff, a cherry pie eating contest and the Burstin’ with Blueberries Dessert Contest. Also included will be the kids’ Fun Zone, The Grand Parade, a pancake breakfast, live and silent auctions, the Skate Jam, stupid pet tricks, kids bingo, Irish dancers, Veils of the Nile, a dog pageant and more.
Movie Times
North Bend Theatre show times for this week are as follows:
Thursday — “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” noon and 7:30 p.m.
Friday — “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” 11 a.m., 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
Saturday — “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” 11 a.m., 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
Sunday — “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
Monday — “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
Tuesday – “Heidi,” (Free Summer Film Series), noon; “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
Wednesday — “Heidi,” (Free Summer Film Series), noon; “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” 2:30, 6 and 9 p.m.
Classes
Theater summer camps are offered July 27-31 at Valley Center Stage in North Bend. The workshop for actors ages 9-11 will be offered from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tuition is $120. The drama workshop for children ages 12-14 will meet from 2-3:30 p.m. Tuition is $120. There also will be a Theater Games Summer Camp with Stephanie Merrow for children ages 6-8 that meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuition is $100. For more information, go to www.valleycenterstage.org.
The Early Bird Workout began July 2 at Si View Community Center. The class meets from 6-7 a.m. every Thursday morning, and offers a high intensity workout for those who want to exercise before work. For more information, go to www.siviewpark.org or call 831-1900.
The Mount Si School of Karate is offered through Si View Community Center Mondays and Wednesdays each month. Interested participants 7-8 years will meet from 4-5 p.m., those who are 9-11 years from 5-6 p.m. and those 12 and up from 6-7 p.m. Register for the class at www.siviewpark.org or call 831-1900.
Heather Evans with the Bellevue College Career Center in Snoqualmie provides free career services from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Tuesday at the Snoqualmie Tribe Headquarters, 8130 Railroad Ave. in downtown Snoqualmie and from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Wednesday at the North Bend Library, 115 4th St. in North Bend. For more information, call 888-6551, ext. 101 or e-mail heather.evans@bellevuecollege.edu.
An Al-Anon Family Group meets at 7 p.m. each Thursday at Mt. Si Lutheran Church in North Bend.
The teen drop-in program happens from 3-5 p.m. on Mondays and 1-5 p.m. on Fridays at Si View Community Center in North Bend. For more information, contact Ryan Daly at rdaly@siviewpark.org or 831-1900.
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.
The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program meets at Si View Park from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. every Monday through Thursday. Cost is $4.
An Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group meets from 6:30 – 8 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Holy Innocents Catholic Church, 26526 Cherry Valley Rd., Duvall. For more information, contact group facilitator Irene Olson at 868-4889.
Volunteer Opportunities
Through the end of July, donations for the Mt Si Helping Hand Food Bank may be made at the following Sno Falls Credit Union locations: Snoqualmie Branch, 9025 Meadowbrook Way SE; Snoqualmie Ridge Branch, 7730 Center Blvd.; North Bend Branch, 460 E. North Bend Way.
Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum seeks docents to volunteer at the Museum from 1-5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October. Duties will include greeting visitors, selling items in the gift shop and more. Training will be provided. Contact the museum at 888-3200 or Pat Kelly at 888-1557.
The Senior Services Transportation Program seeks volunteers to drive seniors around North Bend and Snoqualmie. Volunteers will drive their own vehicles and choose the weekdays, times and areas in which they’d like to drive. Mileage reimbursement and supplemental liability insurance are offered. For more information, call 206-748-7588 or 1-800-282-5815, or e-mail melissat@seniorservices.org. To apply online, go to www.seniorservices.org/vts/vts.htm.
The Mount Si Senior Center thrift store is looking for volunteers to sort donations and help with cash sales a few hours a week. The thrift store is located in the Senior Center at 411 Main Street in North Bend. For more information, call Janet at 888-3434.
Hopelink in the Snoqualmie Valley is seeking volunteers for a variety of tasks. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. For more information, go to www.hope-link.org/takeaction/volunteer or call 869-6000.
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.
North Bend Library
The North Bend Library welcomes children of all ages to hear interactive folk tales from around the world at Imagine Th@! at 2 p.m. July 16. Co-sponsored by Friends of the North Bend Library.
Join the North Bend Library Tuesday Book Group for an evening of lively conversation about a variety of new and notable fiction and nonfiction. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the North Bend Library meeting room. New members are always welcome. For more information, call 888-0554.
The North Bend Chess Club, for all ages, meets from 7-9 p.m. every Thursday.
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.
Snoqualmie Library Pajama Story Time, for all young children with an adult, is at 7 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.
The Eastside Chapter of the Northwest Biodiesel Network meets the second Wednesday of every month, from 7-9 p.m., at the Railroad Depot in North Bend. For more information, go to www.nwbiodiesel.org or call 503-9876.
The Snoqualmie Valley Garden Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Mount Si Senior Center. There is a guest speaker each month. For more information, call 206-295-8363.
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 Southeast River Street 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 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 831-1900.
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.
The Mount Si Fish and Game Club meets at the Fall City Firehall at 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of every month.
Washington Freemasons meet at 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Unity Lodge No.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.
Mount Si grad helps Western Washington claim rowing title
July 17, 2009
Needing to rise at 4:15 a.m. to battle the cold and rain is enough to keep most college students away from the sport of rowing. Add to that fact that Katie Woolsey had never rowed in her life, and her friends at Western Washington University must have thought her crazy last fall.
Now, however, they think of her as a national champion.
On May 31, Woolsey — a former Mount Si soccer and track standout — helped WWU win its fifth consecutive Division II national championship in rowing. She was a member of the Vikings’ varsity eight boat that completed a perfect season by taking first place in the 2,000-meter grand finale at the championships in Cherry Hill, N.J.
WWU entered the event as the No. 2 ranked team nationally, an underdog to Mercyhurst. But the Vikings scored 18 points to Mercyhurst’s 13 and became the first Division II school to capture five straight titles.
Members of the Western Washington University varsity eight team react after winning first place at the national championships on May 31.
Basketball tournament continues to grow each summer
July 17, 2009
By Ryan Piersol
The state of the economy may be cutting into everyone’s budget, but it’s sure not keeping the greater Seattle area off the basketball courts.
The third-annual Snoqualmie Ridge 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. July 18 on the streets of Snoqualmie Ridge. The event, according to creator Jeff Orswell, continues to swell in size.
“We seem to be on about a 30 to 50 percent increase each year,” he said. “We’re running about 100 teams right now, and that’s right where we were at last year on event day. We’re used to picking up another 15-20 teams in the last two days of registration.”
This year’s tournament has been downsized from two days to only one. Still, every participant is promised at least three games, to go along with a souvenir basketball.
As in past summer’s, the event will include a free Kids’ Zone attraction. Adding onto last year’s slam dunk contest for children, the slam dunk contest this year will also have a competition for high-schoolers and adults. It begins at 11 a.m.
The tournament bracket includes divisions for high-school boys, high-school girls, boys in grades 6-8, girls in grades 6-8, boys in grades 3-5 and girls in grades 3-5. There are also two adult divisions, an open one for those 18 and older and one for those at least 40 years old.
Entry costs began at $80 a team and finished at $90 a team for those in late online registration, which ended July 15.
The first year the tournament was held in Snoqualmie, 77 teams participated. Last year, there were 102.
Orswell hopes for around 125 this year and more in the future. He said the tournament already is the second-largest 3-on-3 basketball event in the state, behind Hoopsfest in Spokane.
“We had more than Tulalip, Vancouver and everything else we could find but Spokane. So, we started calling ourselves the second-largest 3-on-3 tournament in Washington,” Orswell said. “We’re hoping to get to where we have a few hundred teams and it’s a big tournament in Washington. Hopefully, there are a lot of people who enjoy the experience at Hoopsfest, but don’t want to do the four-and-a-half-hour drive to Spokane.”
Reach editor Ryan Piersol at editor@snovallesytar.com or 392-6434. To comment on this story, go to www.snovalleystar.com.
The state of the economy may be cutting into everyone’s budget, but it’s sure not keeping the greater Seattle area off the basketball courts.
The third-annual Snoqualmie Ridge 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. July 18 on the streets of Snoqualmie Ridge. The event, according to creator Jeff Orswell, continues to swell in size.
“We seem to be on about a 30 to 50 percent increase each year,” he said. “We’re running about 100 teams right now, and that’s right where we were at last year on event day. We’re used to picking up another 15-20 teams in the last two days of registration.”
This year’s tournament has been downsized from two days to only one. Still, every participant is promised at least three games, to go along with a souvenir basketball.
School district decides to lay off five custodians
July 14, 2009
By Laura Geggel
In its final round of cuts, the Snoqualmie Valley School District laid off five custodians, cut 23 hours of instructional-assistant time, reduced middle-school secretarial time by 12-hours per day and eliminated one full-time tech support position.
The cuts were part of a $3.35 million reduction the Snoqualmie Valley School Board approved, in response to both state and local deficits.
Initially, the district planned to cut nine custodians — two of them part-time — to save $457,000. When several custodians spoke out against the plan at a school board meeting in April, the board asked the district to revise the plan.
The new plan saves more jobs, but affects more custodians.
Chief Kanim Middle School Assistant Custodian Gregory Wallace still has his job, but like all of the district’s custodians, he’s receiving about a 25 percent pay cut.
This past year, custodians worked 260 days per year. Of the district’s 21 remaining custodians, 12 will see their days reduced from 260 to 230, and nine will lose 61 days.
Many of the cuts occur during school holidays, like winter and spring break.
Mount Si High School is dropping from six to four custodians and Twin Falls Middle School is losing one custodian. Both Chief Kanim and Snoqualmie middle schools are each losing a part-time custodian.
Now, each middle and elementary school will have two custodians each. Two Rivers School will continue to have one custodian, who also cleans the district office.
The summer deep cleaning schedule will also have fewer custodians to paint, pressure wash, shampoo the carpets and repair desks, lockers and chairs.
The new, reduced schedule will be implemented Sept. 1.
“With many of the custodians already living paycheck to paycheck, due to this economy, they will be forced to seek employment elsewhere after June 15, 2010,” Wallace said at the July 9 school board meeting.
Wallace asked why the rainy day fund was not being used to reinstate custodial summer hours.
“Many of the custodians feel like we are being treated like we don’t matter,” Wallace said. “If we had seen something like the administrators giving up 10 percent of their earnings for the next two years, we wouldn’t feel like we are the only ones feeling the cut.”
The custodial department is losing about $400,000, yet, in light of budget cuts, many Snoqualmie Valley school programs have also received monetary slashes. The district cut all four middle and high school librarian positions, laying off two of the librarians and reassigning the other two as classroom teachers. The middle school extra-curricular program lost $300,000, although the district has found other ways to fund it, including a pay-to-play policy for sports and ASB card fee increases. To view other reductions, visit www.svsd410.org and select “2009-10 Budget Update.”
“It really looks across all departments and at all schools,” Snoqualmie Valley schools spokeswoman Carolyn Malcolm said. “It is pretty comprehensive. The priority with the plans is to maintain class size and those core programs.”
Malcolm added that all district administrators and principals forwent raises this year.
In his statement to the school board, Wallace pointed out that his salary would drop from $35,000 this year to about $26,220 during the 2009-10 school year.
“I believe that most of the assistant custodians will not survive this drastic cut put upon us,” Wallace said.
The custodians might be able to make ends meet if they get back their summer work schedule, Wallace said, asking the district for their summer schedule to be returned, with the help of the rainy day fund.
Reach reporter Laura Geggel at 392-6434 .221 or lgeggel@snovalleystar.com. To comment on this story, visit www.snovalleystar.com.
In its final round of cuts, the Snoqualmie Valley School District laid off five custodians, cut 23 hours of instructional-assistant time, reduced middle-school secretarial time by 12-hours per day and eliminated one full-time tech support position.
The cuts were part of a $3.35 million reduction the Snoqualmie Valley School Board approved, in response to both state and local deficits.
Initially, the district planned to cut nine custodians — two of them part-time — to save $457,000. When several custodians spoke out against the plan at a school board meeting in April, the board asked the district to revise the plan.
Tanner annexation to join North Bend census
July 14, 2009
A census and a new dump truck were two items on a short agenda approved by North Bend’s City Council on July 7.
The census will count the number of people living in the Tanner annexation area that officially became part of the city July 6.
Mayor Ken Hearing and members of the council welcomed the new residents to the city. Hearing said that people who have questions about the census workers or concerns about unfamiliar people in their neighborhood should call North Bend’s City Hall for more information.
The cost of the census is $7,500 with work to be performed by contractor Calm River. In addition to counting heads, the census will provide the city with information on businesses in the annexation area.
Valley hospital close to finalizing deal for new facility
July 14, 2009
By Michael Bayless Rowe
The Snoqualmie Valley Hospital District is getting closer to its goal of building a new hospital for the Valley.
The hospital hopes to close on the purchase of eight acres for its new building on July 22. The hospital site is located in Snoqualmie near the Snoqualmie Parkway I-90 exit. The hospital district is purchasing the land for approximately $5 million.
The funds for the land purchase come from $21 million in limited tax general obligation bonds that were sold June 14, and approved by the hospital board at a special meeting late last month. The bonds will be paid with the existing property tax revenue stream that supports the hospital district. The hospital district collects 35 cents per every $1,000 of assessed property. The district can collect up to 75 cents, but would have to get voter approval before raising taxes.
Hospital district CEO Rodger McCollum said that $15 million from the bond sale would be used to restructure the district’s short and long-term debts. The remaining funds from the bond sale will be used for the hospital design, permits and other costs.
After the land purchase, the hospital will continue with the design process for the new building. Construction is expected to start in spring 2010. The King County Department of Health will review the design and construction plans for the new facility.
To finance the construction of the new hospital, the district has an agreement with the Snoqualmie Tribe to purchase the existing hospital on Ernie Wade Road adjacent to the tribe’s casino. The tribe has agreed to buy the old building and the 50-acre tract it sits on for $30 million. The tribe plans to convert the old hospital into a tribal health center.
The new building is planned to be 65,000-70,000 square feet, which is more than twice the size of the existing hospital.
The Snoqualmie Valley Hospital District is getting closer to its goal of building a new hospital for the Valley.
The hospital hopes to close on the purchase of eight acres for its new building on July 22. The hospital site is located in Snoqualmie near the Snoqualmie Parkway I-90 exit. The hospital district is purchasing the land for approximately $5 million.
