Hero hiker honored during Festival at Mount Si
August 13, 2009
By Ryan Piersol and Michael Rowe
The city of North Bend took a few minutes out of the packed Festival at Mount Si schedule Aug. 8 to thank an Ellensburg man who recently went out of his way to save the life of another.
Matthew Thyer was hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail near North Bend on Aug. 4 when he came across cries for help. He made his way down a steep trail and found a fellow hiker, 73-year-old James Nee, badly injured.
Nee, from Santa Cruz, Calif., had flown into Seattle earlier that morning with the intention of hiking the trail by himself. The Pacific Crest Trail is nearly 3,000 miles long, and the accident victim had hiked portions of the trail over the years.
Near the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, though, Nee slipped off the trail and tumbled down a steep rise about 200 feet.
He suffered multiple broken bones and other injuries to his head, hands, leg and spine. According to a King County Sheriff’s report, all the man could do was yell for help.
It wasn’t until 8 p.m., 10 hours after the fall, that Thyer finally came along to rescue Nee. After making his way to Nee’s position, Thyer called 911 and made a fire to alert rescuers of his location.
The King County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Guardian One, located the accident victim and Thyer. Medics from the Snoqualmie Fire Department were lowered from the helicopter to treat the victim and to prepare him for evacuation.
Shortly after midnight, the injured hiker was hoisted up to the helicopter and transported to Harborview Medical Center. The helicopter later returned to the scene of the accident around 2 a.m. to retrieve rescuers who were left behind, including Thyer.
According to rescue officials, Nee would not have survived without Thyer’s help.
At the Festival at Mount Si, North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing publicly commended Thyer. Guardian One also did a fly-over above the Si View Community Center to thank him for his efforts.
“I don’t think I did anything that anyone else in a similar situation wouldn’t have done,” Thyer said. “I just want to say thanks to all who helped in the effort.”
Thyer said he’d talked to Nee at the hospital, since the two seemed to have formed a friendship during those trying hours on the trail.
“When I encountered Jim, it was just the two of us alone on a cliff,” Thyer said. “We spent a couple of hours together, getting to know each other under challenging circumstances.”
According to a report from King County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Travis DeFries, this was the first nighttime rescue performed by King County Sheriff’s deputies where an accident victim was hoisted onto a helicopter for transport.
To comment on this story, go to www.snovalleystar.com.
The city of North Bend took a few minutes out of the packed Festival at Mount Si schedule Aug. 8 to thank an Ellensburg man who recently went out of his way to save the life of another.
Matthew Thyer was hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail near North Bend on Aug. 4 when he came across cries for help. He made his way down a steep trail and found a fellow hiker, 73-year-old James Nee, badly injured.
Nee, from Santa Cruz, Calif., had flown into Seattle earlier that morning with the intention of hiking the trail by himself. The Pacific Crest Trail is nearly 3,000 miles long, and the accident victim had hiked portions of the trail over the years.
Matthew Thyer waits to be introduced at the Festival at Mount Si.
New chief of police services hired in North Bend
August 13, 2009
By Michael Bayless Rowe
North Bend has a new chief of police services.
King County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Mark Toner is taking over the job of providing law enforcement services for the city, replacing Sgt. Joe Hodgson, who has held the position for six years.
Hodgson is leaving as part of a normal duty rotation, said City Administrator Duncan Wilson. Wilson said that Hodgson was reassigned to work in the downtown Seattle sheriff’s offices.
At an Aug. 4 North Bend City Council meeting, Mayor Ken Hearing said that Hodgson “will be missed by all.” He credited Hodgson with establishing a stable and efficient organization that will be used by future chiefs.
“I have grown up here a lot,” said Hodgson, about his time in North Bend. “I’ve learned a lot that I will carry through with me through the rest of my career.”
Toner, who is stepping into Hodgson’s shoes as chief of police services, is a 24-year veteran of the King County Sheriff’s Office. He was promoted to sergeant in 1997. His most recent assignment has been with the major crimes unit, but he has also worked as a patrol sergeant, and street crimes sergeant. He said that his work has taken him to many communities in King County, but has never worked a patrol in North Bend.
Toner grew up between Issaquah and Renton, and is familiar with the North Bend area, which he described as a “neat town” with a great environment. He lives outside Enumclaw in South King County.
Toner’s work on the major crimes unit makes him familiar with the criminal patterns in North Bend. He said that theft was probably the most serious crime in the area and he would like to reduce the number of thefts in the area.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting people and getting to know the town,” Toner said.
He will officially start the job Aug. 16, but doesn’t anticipate working full-time out of the North Bend station until later in August.
Wilson said that the city had four candidates for the position, who were uniformly excellent and that it was a very difficult decision. He said that the committee that made the selection felt that Toner was the best overall fit for the city.
Toner said that he wasn’t planning to make any changes to the department.
North Bend has a contract with King County Sheriff’s Office to provide police services to the city.
Reach reporter Michael Bayless Rowe at mrowe@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434, ext. 248. To comment on this story, go to www.snovalleystar.com.
North Bend has a new chief of police services.
King County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Mark Toner is taking over the job of providing law enforcement services for the city, replacing Sgt. Joe Hodgson, who has held the position for six years.
Hodgson is leaving as part of a normal duty rotation, said City Administrator Duncan Wilson. Wilson said that Hodgson was reassigned to work in the downtown Seattle sheriff’s offices.
Festival at Mount Si was quite a show
August 13, 2009
The city of North Bend and its volunteers did a fantastic job putting on the annual Festival at Mount Si this past week, a festival that — this year — also included a birthday celebration for the city.
Still, while the event was great from top to bottom, we had our favorite moments. And we’d like to take this time to congratulate those involved.
We’ve yet to witness a youth group from the Valley more entertaining than the Panther Pride, the unicycle team directed by North Bend Elementary teacher Alan Tepper. The team competes across the country, constantly winning awards, and has performed at NBA games. For us, they were the highlight of the Grand Parade.
Best event of the festival goes to the annual cherry pie-eating contest. A large crowd gathered around the table at the Si View Metropolitan Park District to watch 25 participants in two separate age divisions scarf down as much pie as they could in a matter of minutes. It was a messy, yet hysterical, scene.
Best idea of the weekend — or the year, for that matter — goes to local fifth-grade student Annika Laufer, who wrote a letter to the city of North Bend, suggesting they organize a quilt cake. The community rallied to the cause and created a mass of cakes large enough to feed 2,220 people. The cake was then handed out to those at the Festival at Mount Si. The finishing product was so good, we just might have gone through the line twice.
Best costume goes to North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing, who donned a top hat and other clothes you might have seen back in 1909. Hearing said he wanted to look like Peter Maloney, the city’s first mayor.
Saturday’s festivities ended with an unveiling of the city’s centennial project – a 31-foot climbing tower in Torguson Park. This final presentation was the perfect capper for a weekend that we grade an “A”.
Congratulations to all of those involved and we are already looking forward to next year.
Editorial:
The city of North Bend and its volunteers did a fantastic job putting on the annual Festival at Mount Si this past week, a festival that — this year — also included a birthday celebration for the city.
Still, while the event was great from top to bottom, we had our favorite moments. And we’d like to take this time to congratulate those involved.
We’ve yet to witness a youth group from the Valley more entertaining than the Panther Pride, the unicycle team directed by North Bend Elementary teacher Alan Tepper. The team competes across the country, constantly winning awards, and has performed at NBA games. For us, they were the highlight of the Grand Parade.
Letters 8-13
August 13, 2009
Same story, different day for North Bend hotel plans
Does the city of North Bend, Mayor Ken Hearing and the City Council really listen to the public? Let’s hope they uphold their duties as public servants and fairly represent what continues to be a diverse and complex set of interests regarding recurring zoning proposals aimed at allowing a hotel to be built south of I-90, exit 31.
On Jan. 24, 2008, a public hearing was held by the city of North Bend Planning Commission to consider a proposal submitted by George Wyrsch to amend NBMC 18.10.030.2.17 to allow hotels/motels up to 55 feet in height at the Interchange Mixed Use Zone, south of Interstate 90. All residents in attendance, primarily from Forster Woods, demonstrated clear opposition to the proposal. Numerous negative impacts were cited, including increased traffic, noise and light pollution, crime, child and pedestrian safety, and reduced home values. It was also raised that aproval of the proposal was likely to provide economic benefit to only one person (Mr. Wyrsch) and no benefit to the rest of the community. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended “denial” of Mr. Wyrsch’s proposal.
Mayor Ken Hearing appears to be biased towards support of re-zoning to allow hotels south of I-90, as noted in the SnoValley Star article, “Hotels, economy dominate discussion luncheon,” printed June 18, 2009. “… North Bend would also like to have a new hotel. Hearing noted that the (North Bend City Council) would look at changing the land uses allowed for a piece of property off of Exit 31 to allow for a hotel to be built. He said North Bend was also interested in getting more tourists’ dollars to stay in the city.” Does Mr. Hearing already have his mind made up on this issue? What about the public process?
According to a recent Valley Record article, “Green Light for NB Hotel?” dated Aug. 5, 2009, Mr. Wyrsch has once again submitted a re-zoning proposal to allow a hotel to be built south of I-90 off exit 31. The article also quotes, “… Wyrsch said past concerns (of Forster Woods residents) have been addressed.” As a resident of North Bend living in Forster Woods, I challenge whether or not past concerns have actually been addressed. It seems like the same old story revisited at a time when the City Council is motivated to find a way to build a hotel or motel within the city. I agree that a new hotel would be nice, but other — more suitable — locations already exist within the current zoning codes that the City Council so carefully established.
Dan Ahner,
North Bend
Hotel plans aimed at wrong location
I’m writing as a concerned citizen about the potential for a hotel to be placed south of I-90, off exit 31. I strongly oppose this because it would have significant negative impacts to our community, including environmental impacts, increased traffic in an already very busy location, safety concerns for our children, and economic impacts to house values within Forster Woods, to name a few.
I’ve lived in North Bend for years and this issue continues to come up time and time again, but the same concerns are never addressed. I find it amazing that only a few days ago (8/5/09) the Valley Record quoted Mr. Wyrsch as stating in the article “Green light for NB hotel?” that “past concerns [of Forster Woods residents] have been addressed.” This is absolutely not true! In fact, none of the concerns that were voiced in 2008 or before have been addressed.
Personally, I do believe a hotel in our community could be a positive addition in the right location which is not south of I-90 off exit 31. There are other suitable locations north of I-90, close to restaurants and other shopping venues.
As our elected public servants, I expect that you will sincerely consider the concerns of many North Bend residents over the benefits to one man, George Wyrsch. However, in reviewing public record communications between Mr. George Wyrsch (owns the property south of I-90 exit 31) and Mayor Ken Hearing, Council Member David Cook, and others I’m not at all convinced this will happen. In fact, some of these communications seem to indicate their intention to proceed down this dangerous path (e.g. rezoning exit 31 to allow for this hotel initiative to proceed), regardless of what is in the best interest of the public.
The June 18, 2009 article in the SnoValley Star, “Hotels, economy dominate discussion luncheon” quoted Mayor Hearing that they were looking at rezoning exit 31 to allow for a hotel to be built. Has the decision already been made without consideration for public input? I ask each of you to pause and carefully think about your next steps, remembering that you represent the voice of the people who elected you, not one man.
Thank you for thoughtful attention to this important matter.
Jason Gram
North Bend
Obamacare not the answer we need
I recently returned from a medical mission trip to the island countries of Samoa. In Pago Pago, American Samoa, corruption in the medical industry is rampant to the degree that only five percent of the islanders can afford health care. That is wrong.
I believe in health care; health care with integrity.
However, ObamaCare is not the answer. After careful thought and research, it is my conclusion that the current health care proposal will fail in providing health care with integrity. In an effort to maximize efficiency and cut costs, our government will become heartless towards the weakest in our society. The ‘little folk’, such as seriously ill patients, the elderly and the unborn will be overlooked and discarded in this new system.
A family friend was just diagnosed with severe cancer. His chances of survival are around 10 percent. Yet, I know his family will fight with him for that 10 percent. However, under Obama’s healthcare plan, his access to health care will be rationed. “The cost-sharing incurred…with respect to an individual (or family) for a year does not exceed the applicable level specified – $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for a family.” (29.4-29.16 HR 3200) This covers less than a third of expected costs.
Furthermore, in an attempt to gain efficiency and cut costs, the government will mandate that individuals, namely the elderly and seriously ill, receive end-of-life counseling and show proof that they have received that counseling. The bill states that, “An advance care planning consultation between the individual and a practitioner… (is required if) the individual involved has not had such a consultation within the last five years.” This would include the practitioner explaining to the patient end-of-life services. Efficiency and frugality should never be considered more important than protecting and honoring life.
Finally, the smallest among us will suffer. The unborn. Members of Congress from both parties are becoming fearful that if the current health care proposal is passed as written, it would lead to tax-payer supported abortions. The subject of abortion is very close to me personally, because my best friend Kristy began her life as an unwanted fetus. However, her mother chose life and today Kristy is very much alive. What will happen when the choice to end life is simply another governmental service?
I believe in health care. But what has been proposed is not health care with integrity. It’s death care. The American people deserve integrity, not death.
Kira Clark,
Northbend
Wealthy shouldn’t have to pay for others
As the health care debate wages on, it makes me reflect on my life.
When I was 10, and my single mother turned to our church to feed us, my mom made sure we knew it was temporary. When I was working my way through college, I didn’t gain the “freshman 10”, I lost 10 pounds because I could barely afford school, rent and food. I certainly didn’t have any health or dental insurance.
When I got my first “real” job, I had to use a credit card to move myself to L.A., buy suits to wear and a bed to sleep in…it took me six years to pay that card off. When I changed jobs, I bit the bullet and bought Cobra until my new insurance kicked in. When I had my first child, I saved up for the deductible and extra expenses I knew my insurance wouldn’t cover. My work didn’t cover maternity leave, so I saved enough to help pay our bills for three months. When we decided I would stay home with our daughter, we sold all our extras and I started caring for neighbor’s children.
Today, to save money, I clip coupons. I have learned to sew, I grow a garden and even this summer I am learning to can food from our garden. Not once in my life have I ever felt it was okay, or even my right, to take money from others to subsidize my life.
I don’t want those making $250,000, $1 million or $100 million to pay for my health insurance. I DON’T WANT YOUR MONEY. You earned it…keep it. Hollywood, with all your “good intentions,”…keep your money and your opinions, I don’t wan it. Politicians with all your big agendas….don’t tax the rich for me, I don’t want their money.
J. Pasquan,
Snoqualmie
Same story, different day for North Bend hotel plans
Congressman personally thanks Valley volunteers
August 13, 2009
By Michael Bayless Rowe
Iulia Zavodov looks forward to the day she moves into her new home in Snoqualmie.
The Zavodovs are moving into a home in the Koinonia Ridge neighborhood that is being built by East King County Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
“We love this place,” Zavodoz said.
Congressman Dave Reichert visited the site of the Zavodoz home, and another being built for the Ramsey Family, on Aug. 7 to thank the volunteers from Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The two organizations have partnered to help make the dreams of future homeowners like the Zavodov’s possible.
Outside their new home, the Zavodov family accepted an American flag from Reichert that had flown above the capital building in Washington, D.C. Reichert said that he hopes the Zavodovs’ will frame the flag and hang it in their new home.
The Zavodov family includes husband Vlad, son Nicolae, and a new daughter, Vera. They are originally from Moldovia and came to the United States four years ago, after winning green cards in a U.S. Department of Immigration lottery where 55,000 Moldovan residents out of 1 million applications received permission to immigrate.
The Zavodovs came with their young son — who is now a 5-year-old — a few suitcases and little money. The family currently lives in a one-bedroom apartment in Renton. Iulia Zavodov said that, last year, she found out she was pregnant at about the same time that the recession began to impact her family, limiting their income. Her daughter Vera was born earlier this year.
Outside of her new home, Zavodov remarked on how fresh the air in Snoqualmie was and how beautiful the scenery around their home is. They hope to move into the home in October.
Reichert said that he understands what a big difference having a home can make in people’s lives. He noted that the stability that a home provides would help the Zavodov’s and their young family.
“It makes a huge difference in ability and prospects for success in future,” Reichert said.
The two Snoqualmie homes are part of 11 homes being built in Washington state this year, and part of 313 homes being built nationwide by the alliance between Thrivent and Habitat for Humanity. In Washington state, 47 homes have been built since Habitat for Humanity allied itself with Thrivent. Beyond the $125 million funding commitment provided by the financial institution, Thrivent also works to engage members of the Lutheran community to volunteer to help build the homes. By the end of 2009 Thrivent estimates that it will help build more than 1,300 homes in the U.S.
Reach reporter Michael Bayless Rowe at mrowe@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434, ext. 248.
Iulia Zavodov looks forward to the day she moves into her new home in Snoqualmie.
The Zavodovs are moving into a home in the Koinonia Ridge neighborhood that is being built by East King County Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
“We love this place,” Zavodoz said.
Congressman Dave Reichert visited the site of the Zavodoz home, and another being built for the Ramsey Family, on Aug. 7 to thank the volunteers from Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The two organizations have partnered to help make the dreams of future homeowners like the Zavodov’s possible.
Congressman Dave Reichert speaks with the Zavodov familly at a site for a Habitat for Humanity home in Snoqualmie.
Festival at Mount Si goes all out during centennial celebration
August 12, 2009
By Ryan Piersol and Michael Rowe
Even though he lives in Woodinville, Rob Bernhoft is beginning to garner a reputation in North Bend.
Of course, that’s bound to happen when you give yourself the nickname “Rob The Slob”.
Bernhoft wolfed down more pie in three minutes than anyone else to win the annual cherry pie eating contest at the Festival at Mount Si Aug. 8 in North Bend. The win came three years after Bernhoft first won the contest and just weeks after his team won a hamburger eating contest at the centennial block party for the city of North Bend.
“I just swallow and get it down as fast as possible,” he said. “Luckily, the pie is really good.”
The annual pie eating contest was just one of many events during a three-day weekend at the festival that included a parade, arts exhibits, rides, plenty of food, musical performances and a celebration of North Bend’s 100th birthday.
Bernhoft’s impressive pie-eating performance came in the adult division. In the 12-and-under division, Nolan Funk — aka “Big Stomach” – defended his title by out-eating 13 other children. Funk was a fifth grader at Opstad Elementary this past school year.
Saturday, the fullest day of the festival, began with the Grand Parade. An hour’s worth of participants marched their way down a crowded North Bend Way in downtown North Bend. The Snoqualmie Valley Marching Band was selected as the highlight of the parade, as they were awarded the grand prize.
Festival-goers also were able to get their hands on free cake, thanks to an enormous quilt cake created to honor the city of North Bend’s 100th birthday. The cake, which was inspired by a letter to the city from local fourth-grade student Annika Laufer, was made up of 154 individual cakes and was big enough to serve 2,200 people.
Later that night, the city of North Bend unveiled its centennial project — a 31-foot climbing tower at Torguson Park. The tower was not quite ready for climbers to scale up its sides, but City Administrator Duncan Wilson said contractors should complete work on the tower this week.
For the tower dedication ceremony, North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing joined a group of past and present mayors and council members in a ribbon cutting. Hearing thanked everyone who helped make the tower a reality, including King County, which gave the city $65,000 for the $190,000 project. The North Bend Parks Foundation, Ninetendo and Microsoft also donated money.
King County Councilwoman Kathy Lambert spoke at the dedication, saying she was happy to help North Bend with the tower project because of the great community spirit.
“I hope this will be something that people will enjoy for generations in this Valley,” she said.
Former North Bend Councilman Chris Garcia, who suggested the climbing tower as an amenity several years ago when he was on the council, said that he was happy he could be a part of the celebration.
“You are never going to get me up there,” he said, looking at the tower.
The North Bend Parks Foundation plans to improve the tower site by adding brick benches for spectators to sit and watch climbers. The foundation is raising money for the effort by offering residents the chance to have engraved messages on the bench bricks. The bricks will cost $100, and can be engraved with three lines of text, with 20 characters per line.
Even though he lives in Woodinville, Rob Bernhoft is beginning to garner a reputation in North Bend.
Of course, that’s bound to happen when you give yourself the nickname “Rob The Slob”.
Bernhoft wolfed down more pie in three minutes than anyone else to win the annual cherry pie eating contest at the Festival at Mount Si Aug. 8 in North Bend. The win came three years after Bernhoft first won the contest and just weeks after his team won a hamburger eating contest at the centennial block party for the city of North Bend.
“I just swallow and get it down as fast as possible,” he said. “Luckily, the pie is really good.”
Bailey Polson stuffs his face with pie during the cherry pie eating contest at the Festival at Mount Si.
Revenue forecast appears bleak for Snoqualmie
August 12, 2009
By Michael Bayless Rowe
Snoqualmie city leaders expect to see a dip in tax revenues in 2010, before returning to growth.
Finance Officer Donya Gregson gave a revenue forecast presentation at the Aug. 10 City Council meeting. She said that the city’s economic engine – the Snoqualmie Ridge development – had slowed due to the recession. As a result, property taxes, which provide the majority of the city’s revenue, are likely to be down.
However, Gregson’s forecast predicted that 2011 would be a good year for city revenue. The reason for this is the prospect of an expansion at the Salish Lodge, and a new hotel and development near the site of the new Snoqualmie Valley Hospital. These developments could increase on-going sales tax collections by expanding the sales tax base, and increase one-time sales tax revenue.
Councilman Charles Peterson noted that North Bend was also pursuing a hotel development and could beat Snoqualmie to the punch. He asked if that would discourage a developer from building a new hotel in Snoqualmie.
Mayor Matt Larson said that he had asked that question of a hotel developer, who said a hotel was still viable. He said that a new hotel in North Bend would not impact Snoqualmie’s chances because the proposed location of a new Snoqualmie hotel was in the interstate corridor where there are enough customers for multiple hotels.
Gregson’s forecast also contained a discussion of Initiative 1033, a referendum in the November election that could impact city revenues.
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 city that is in excess of the rate of inflation and population growth be used to reduce property taxes.
“You can go down, but you can never go up,” said Gregson about the impacts of I-1033 on city revenues.
Larson and members of the council expressed concern about what the initiative may do to the city. Gregson said that it might be hard for the Snoqualmie to recover from floods or other natural disasters.
Reach reporter Michael Bayless Rowe at mrowe@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434, ext. 248.
Snoqualmie city leaders expect to see a dip in tax revenues in 2010, before returning to growth.
Finance Officer Donya Gregson gave a revenue forecast presentation at the Aug. 10 City Council meeting. She said that the city’s economic engine – the Snoqualmie Ridge development – had slowed due to the recession. As a result, property taxes, which provide the majority of the city’s revenue, are likely to be down.
However, Gregson’s forecast predicted that 2011 would be a good year for city revenue. The reason for this is the prospect of an expansion at the Salish Lodge, and a new hotel and development near the site of the new Snoqualmie Valley Hospital. These developments could increase on-going sales tax collections by expanding the sales tax base, and increase one-time sales tax revenue.
Food bank in North Bend hires new executive director
August 12, 2009
By Ryan Piersol
As the need for food grows, so does the Mt. Si Helping Hand Food Bank.
Following the recent expansion of the facility in North Bend, the food bank has hired a new executive director and is in the process of hiring a new operations manager.
Former coordinator Gail Gergasko had assumed each of those positions the last five years, before deciding to take on a more limited role. Because her departure coincides with the fact that the food bank has experienced an increased need of 50 percent the last six months, the food bank decided to split the position into two.
The new executive director is Greg Schatzlein, who has worked for the food bank in other capacities since he moved to Snoqualmie in 2004. He’s scheduled to assume duties Aug. 17.
“The food bank has grown dramatically over the last six months and we’ve felt like we needed more leadership,” he said. “I’ve been involved in it in a deep way for a long time. So, it made sense for me to move into that position.”
Schatzlein’s involvement with food banks began in Chicago in 1995, when the company he worked for — AT&T — had its annual Day of Giving. To participate in the event, Schatzlein’s team was to choose a way to give back to the community. They chose to help a food bank and were amazed both at the need and the amount that could be accomplished in such a short amount of time.
“We’d bring a team in there and really have an impact getting food out to local food banks,” he said. “My interest just grew from there.”
Schatzlein landed a job at Microsoft and moved to the Valley in 2004. He jumped right into volunteering at the Mt. Si Helping Hand Food Bank and has increased his participation since retiring in 2006.
“It’s really giving back. I was very fortunate in the corporate world, I was well treated and had a great job, and I just felt like it was time to give back,” he said. “What strikes me, what really hit me, is the impact that the people who come to the food bank have on me. They put you in a perspective that tells me that we really are all pretty well-off. So, the feeling that I need to give back is something that is pretty deep in my heart.”
He said that his new position will involve work as a representative for the food bank, handling communication with cities, churches and other volunteer organizations.
“It will be all about getting people involved with the food bank and keeping the volunteer base up,” Schatzlein said. “It takes somewhere around 150 volunteers just to keep the food bank going. So, my role is a little more strategic.”
Gergasko plans to stay in her role for two more months to provide a little on-the-job training. She said she’s proud of the way the food bank has thrived during the five years she served as coordinator.
“We’ve done a lot of really good things. The last six months to a year, the need for a food bank has increased drastically and we’re proud of the fact that we’ve been able to keep up with that need and continue both our quantity and quality,” she said.
“We’re also proud of the fact that we’ve been able to increase the size of our facility. And it’s not just me. Many, many people have put a lot of work into making this what it is. But it’s been a great experience.”
Gergasko noted that it’s important the community remember the food bank during the summer months. This time last year, there were about 220 people a week being served by the food bank. This summer, that number has grown to 340.
“A lot of times, during the summer time, people go on vacation and they kind of forget things like this,” she said. “While you’re taking vacation, hunger doesn’t take a vacation. So, we continue to need everyone’s help and support.”
Reach editor Ryan Piersol at editor@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434.
As the need for food grows, so does the Mt. Si Helping Hand Food Bank.
Following the recent expansion of the facility in North Bend, the food bank has hired a new executive director and is in the process of hiring a new operations manager.
Former coordinator Gail Gergasko had assumed each of those positions the last five years, before deciding to take on a more limited role. Because her departure coincides with the fact that the food bank has experienced an increased need of 50 percent the last six months, the food bank decided to split the position into two.
Elk group seeks volunteers for collaring project
August 12, 2009
By Michael Bayless Rowe
When the radio signal of an elk collar gets picked up, it takes readings from three different spots to triangulate the location of the elk, explained Tom Kemp, who is helping to train a group of volunteers who study elk in the Valley.
The Upper Snoqualmie Valley Management Group put radio collars on nine elk last spring. One of the elk died after being struck by a vehicle on I-90, but an elk collared in another part of the state has wandered into the Valley and is being tracked by the Valley’s elk management group.
This fall, the group plans to put radio collars on 40 more elk, and they are looking for volunteers to help with their telemetry project.
Kemp is one of the group’s two trainers. He’s a chaplain in the Transport for Christ, International, ministry that runs the chapel at T/A Truck Stop, which is called “Trucktown” by most Valley residents, but Kemp also has an undergraduate degree in wildlife biology and he enjoys volunteering with the elk management group.
The telemetry project is part of the elk management group’s long-term efforts to scientifically study the elk population in the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. The telemetry readings taken from elk collars will help the group to determine where the elk are, their travel corridors, determining elk habitats and the population of the elk herd.
The elk management group recently decided that its members or volunteers who intended to hunt elk should not participate in the telemetry project because of the conflict of interest. So the group is now trying to put together a group of volunteers to help with the study.
Kemp said that the telemetry work is time and labor intensive. Sometimes there is not even the reward of seeing an elk in the wild, but the work is very important for understanding the elk herd, which eventually will lead to developing a plan to manage the animals and to reduce property damage caused by the foraging elk.
The best time to do the readings is just after sunrise or right before sunset, Kemp said. Volunteers will drive to locations to do the readings using compasses and GPS units to triangulate the location of signals.
Kemp said that people who are interested in the elk or want to get involved in the community should consider volunteering if they have the time to commit to the project. Kemp or another member of the elk management group will provide training either in groups or one-on-one sessions.
To volunteer, contact Kemp at gonekempin@comcast.net.
Reach reporter Michael Bayless Rowe at mrowe@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434, ext. 248. To comment on this story, go to www.snovalleystar.com.
When the radio signal of an elk collar gets picked up, it takes readings from three different spots to triangulate the location of the elk, explained Tom Kemp, who is helping to train a group of volunteers who study elk in the Valley.
The Upper Snoqualmie Valley Management Group put radio collars on nine elk last spring. One of the elk died after being struck by a vehicle on I-90, but an elk collared in another part of the state has wandered into the Valley and is being tracked by the Valley’s elk management group.
Calendar 8-13
August 12, 2009
Events
Mike’s Cascade Grill will host Mike’s Bike Night With Jeff Warren and Friends, an open mic night from 6-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday through August. The band will be raising money for Relay For Life and Mike’s will donate 25 percent of all burger special sales to the American Cancer Society during the event. Bring an instrument and play or come for the music, food and to support the Snoqualmie Valley relay.
Koko Beans Coffee House at 8010 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie is displaying artwork from the founding members of the Mt. Si Artist Guild, Michael McDevitt, Sandy Robinson and Diane Solomon, during the month of August.
Celebrating its second year, Art in the Park offers art lovers an up-close look at the best artists the Valley has to offer. The public event takes place at Gardiner Weeks Park in North Bend on Aug. 15 and 22, where members of the Mount Si Artist Guild paint, draw and share their knowledge of their craft with others.
Snoqualmie Railroad Days will celebrate its 70th annual year Aug. 22 with more food, rides and fun in the downtown Snoqualmie area. This year, there will be a fun run, a pancake breakfast, food and booths, a grand parade, train rides, the railroad demo, a field of fun, trailer car rides, a children’s stage and a main stage for the festival, which is meant to honor the city’s origins as a logging and railroad community. For more information, go to www.railroaddays.com or call 888-3030.
The Mount Si boys basketball team will have its annual fundraising golf tournament Aug. 21 at the Mount Si Golf Course. The format will be a four-man scramble with net and gross prizes. Shotgun start is at 8 a.m., with check-in starting at 6:30 a.m. Cost is $100 per golfer and includes lunch. For more information, e-mail Ken Sinner at ksinner@comcast.net.
Robin Schween, of Edward Jones, will host a free investment seminar at the Snoqualmie Library from 7-8 p.m. Aug. 26. The theme of the seminar is “10 Reason to be a Long-Term Bull”. For more information, call 888-2068.
For a fifth straight year, the Boeing Classic will be played at TPC at Snoqualmie Ridge Aug. 24-30. The professional golf tournament highlights all of the legends of the Champions Tour. Early the week of the tournament, the annual Charles Schwab Youth Clinic will be held, followed by the Seahawks Pro-Am, which traditionally hosts a classic list of former Seattle Seahawk greats. The tournament last for three days and 54 holes, with the championship wrapping up on Sunday afternoon. The tournament is aired live on The Golf Channel. For more information, go to www.boeingclassic.com.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, DoggieStock will be from 1-6 p.m. Sept. 12 at Snoqualmie Point Park. There will be a canine kissing booth contest, doggie Olympics, quilt raffle, peace offering cans and a winners table involved in the event.
Movie Times
North Bend Theatre show times for this week are as follows:
Thursday — “Transformers Revenge of the Fallen,” 1, 4:30 and 8 p.m.
Friday — “G-Force,” 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Saturday — “G-Force,” 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
Sunday — “G-Force,” 2 and 5 p.m.
Monday — “G-Force,” 1, 4 and 7 p.m.
Tuesday – “Those Magnificent Men and their Flying Machines,” (free summer film series)
Wednesday – “Those Magnificent Men and their Flying Machines,” (free summer film series)
Classes
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.
The Umibushi Self-Defense Academy is conducting AAU Level 2 Karate Club classes at Twin Falls Middle School in North Bend from 6-7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. The classes cost $60 per month and are open to all ages 7 and up. For more information, go to www.umibushi.com.
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
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.
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.
A cancer survivor group meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of every month at Sawdust Coffee, located in the North Bend Factory Stores mall. To learn more, contact Lisa Newell at newellvl@yahoo.com.
The Mt. Si Artist Guild promotes visual fine arts in the Snoqualmie Valley. It meets the third Saturday of every month at 9:15 a.m. in the North Bend Senior Center. Upcoming events include: the Festival at Mount Si, Aug. 7-9; Art in the Park, Aug. 15 and 22; Sawdust Art Show, Aug. 31. For more information, contact Diane Solomon at djsolomon@comcast.net.
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.
To submit an item for the community calendar, send to editor@snovalleystar.com or via www.snovalleystar.com.
Events
Mike’s Cascade Grill will host Mike’s Bike Night With Jeff Warren and Friends, an open mic night from 6-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday through August. The band will be raising money for Relay For Life and Mike’s will donate 25 percent of all burger special sales to the American Cancer Society during the event. Bring an instrument and play or come for the music, food and to support the Snoqualmie Valley relay.
