May 25th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
A young friend of ours has made a personal commitment to help fight cancer by participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. She is trying to raise money for the cause and awareness so that others may be educated to be alert for the danger signs of cancer and get medical help early.
Listen to what Jadeyn says and see if you can help.
“We have all been affected by cancer in some way. It’s heartbreaking to think that more than one million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Somebody close to us may be one of them. I have had several personal experiences that relate to Cancer. When I was a little girl, my Grandpa died from Lymphoma. This vicious cancer is now the reason I do not know or remember him. My Grandma was able to beat Breast Cancer and I’m so happy to have her in my life today. Recently, my friends’ lost their Dad due to brain cancer. It was heartbreaking to hear about the terrible suffering that occurred and the grief they’ve had to suffer through. Another family friend is currently suffering from Breast Cancer. It’s very difficult on a family and that is the reason we need a cure to cancer now - to stop the tears and heartache”.
“Visit my personal web page to make a secure online contribution by clicking on the link that is further down in this message. You can also contact me by email jadeynshae@hotmail.com“.
Click here for a link to visit my personal page. 
Thank you for supporting Relay For Life®. Together we will celebrate, remember, and fight back.
May 22nd, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
This is a happy suprise, we were driving north on Highlands Drive and WOW. There is a field bursting with color. Take a look, they probably won’t last long. It is between Highlands Drive and 10th, south of High Street. A vacant lot never looked so good.
What is the name of this flower? Do you know? Leave a comment.
May 20th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun
In looking at the King County closed real estate statistics I see that Issaquah isn’t seeing the same improving results seen in most of King County. Home sales are down 63% (15 sales vs 41) and condo sales are down 42% (11 vs 19) from April 2008.
This compares with the following areas Number of homes sold/percent change:
Ballard: 48/-4%
Bothell/Woodinville: 24/-14%
Capitol Hill: 5/-17%
Federal way: 32/-24%
Green Lake/U District: 84/-17%
Issaquah: 15/-63%
Kent: 68/-15%
Kirkland/Redmond: 72/-23%
Maple Valley: 25/-31%
Mt Baker: 20/-5%
Renton: 86/-7%
Sammamish: 29/-29%
South Seattle: 70/-14%
West Seattle: 61/-25%
Condos are in similar ranges to homes percentages in most areas.
Our neighbor Bellevue is down 43% with 51 homes sold and Condos are down 46% with 22 sold.
May 15th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
How do they DO that? A huge multi-level boat that moves and even splits apart to allow for other necessary scenes, so smoothly AND without noise! Village Theatre designs and builds all these elaborate sets themselves, no rentals here.
An Epic Broadway production is not too big a challenge for Village Theatre. I didn’t tell Larry he was going to a show that was 3 hours long, or he might not have gone. Never have 3 hours gone so fast. When the curtain came down I wasn’t ready for the end. I didn’t hear any complaints from Larry, either!
Dealing with some serious subject matter, amid singing, dancing, grand set designs and a plot that ran a gaumet of years could have been disjointed but it was not. All contributed to the telling of the tale. It was fast paced, fun, and at times hilarious.
Ellie (Kathryn Van Meter) & Frank (Greg McCormick Allen)
Cap'n Andy (Larry Albert) If anyone stole the show it was Cap'n Andy
Cap’n Andy was over the top when the show (on the boat) couldn’t continue because an uncouth mountain man tried to shoot the villain ending the scene. Cap’n went on stage an played all parts so the audience wouldn’t miss a thing. One of the most hilarious scenes I have ever witnessed.
Julie played by Cayman Ilika sings "Bill."
While all the cast voices were superb, Cayman Ilika has the voice of an angel. A main character, nonetheless, her time on stage was too short. Another favorite of mine was the Charleston Dance scene.
All photos are courtesy of Village Theatre by Jay Koh, used by permission
Music by Jerome Kern - Book an Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II - Based on Novel by Edna Ferber
Village Theatre Website www.villagetheatre.org
Show Boat through July 3, 2009 in Issaquah - In Everett July 10- August 2
May 12th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Tommorow night, May 13th at Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, Show Boat opens. An amazingly major undertaking by Village Theatre of a musical that has not been seen in our area for over twenty years, Show Boat came from the novel of the same name, written by Edna Ferber in 1926. It has been done in many different versions on stage and adapted for film beginning with silent film, 1929, and a major MGM Technicolor film version in 1951.
The plot developed from Edna’s interest and research into the floating theatres of the day and the story spans a period of 47 years. It begins aboard the show boat Cotton Blossom as it arrives at the river dock in Natchez, Mississippi and deals with romance, tragedy and how lives are affected over the years by personal issues and attitudes of the day. With all the wonderful songs you will recognize and enjoy, it is not a light comedy.
Edna Ferber, being Jewish and a woman author, dealt with discrimination herself and brings us face to face with racial prejudice issues in the plot.
Gaylord, a riverboat gambler & Magnolia, a starry-eyed 18 year old and daughter of Cap'n Andy. Do you think there is going to be trouble?
Joe, a worker on the boat, who Magnolia seeks advice from, sings Ol' Man River as it appears Magnolia won't listen to his counsel.
Magnolia tells Julie that she's in love with Gaylord!
So how does Julie, a white woman know how to sing "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man"? If you don't know, come and find out. Even if you do, come to Show Boat, you won't be disapointed.
I have always been amazed at the Village Theatre productions. I can’t wait to see how they deal with a 6,000 pound riverboat.
See Village Theatre Blog AND New young professional group CURTAIN CALL
Production Photo from Show Boat at Village Theatre in Issaquah
Photos by Jay Koh
May 12th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
This restaurant was a choice place of mine to go, so I was very sad to hear they had closed. For a post about happier days Click:http://issaquah.neighborhoodsundressed.com/2007/11/28/want-to-find-some-new-favorite-things-try-sweet-addition-in-gilman-village/. They also had a candy shop and a fun place called Girls Night Out. All are gone.
I don’t have anymore information about this. If you do, please leave a comment. I have been asked if there is a place one can buy the popular cook Book ” A Few of Our Favorite Things”, by Sweet Addition. Does anyone out there know?
Sweet Addition Cook Book and Portia
May 11th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun
Are you selling or thinking about doing so? It is still a buyers market. And for a fact buyers are buying in Issaquah. Our Issaquah Highlands office sold three homes over the weekend. In all 3 cases these were homes priced to be the best value for the money. That’s the way it is with so many homes for buyers to choose from.
This is a picture of May 11th activity for the entire MLS. 
This weekend in Issaquah 4 homes went into a pending status. This is the first step or status when an offer is mutually agreed to. From here the next step is getting past the inspection. Financing is almost always a contingency at this point. Three of the 4 homes were 4 bedroom. The asking prices were between $399,950 and $ 559,900. All had at least 2.5 baths.
Contrast this with the number of homes available at this time: 567 - enough said?
RE: Homes not sold - The lowest price home is at $229,800 in May Valley that has been on the market for 241 days. The best deal in our opinion is the home we wrote about last week at 1.2 (I should say Homes) -
this one
at $1,250,000
By the way, we do this blog for fun and business and as a service to the community: Just know this “I would love to be your Realtor.”
May 11th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun
My personal opinion is this good news for interest rates is temporary. Long term mortgages seem to be going the opposite way as the stock market. I believe that the supply of money being pumped into the market will eventually trigger a fear of inflatilion, the ultimate bad news factor for mortgage rates. Our Issaquah Mortgage Branch has been busy with refinances. In the meantime here is an update for today with the outlook for a surge in rates within the next few days unlikely.
Monday’s bond market has opened well in positive territory due early selling in stocks. The stock markets are posting significant losses with the Dow down 106 points and the Nasdaq down 7 points. The bond market is currently up 18/32, which should improve this morning’s mortgage rates by approximately .250 of a discount point.
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There is no relevant economic news scheduled for release today. The first data of the week is March’s Goods and Services Trade Balance report early tomorrow morning. This report gives us the size of the U.S. trade deficit but likely will not have much of an impact on the bond market or mortgage pricing. It is the least important of this week’s data.The first important piece of data is the release of April’s Retail Sales early Wednesday morning. This is an extremely important report for the financial markets as it measures consumer spending. Since consumer spending makes up two-thirds of the U.S. economy, this data can have a pretty significant impact on the markets. Current forecasts are calling for a 0.1% decline in sales from March to April. A weaker than expected level of sales should push bond prices higher and mortgage rates lower Wednesday. However, a larger increase could fuel bond selling and lead to higher mortgage rates.
Overall, it likely will be a pretty active week for mortgage rates. Besides the week’s important economic news, look for the stock markets to be a major influence on trading. The most important day of the week is Friday with three reports on the agenda, including the CPI. But Wednesday is also important due to the Retail Sales report. I am expecting to see several noticeable changes to rates this week, and would not be surprised to see multiple intra-day revisions also. Accordingly, please be attentive to the markets if still floating an interest rate.
May 8th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
The long awaited grocery store, Central Market is not coming to Issaquah Highlands after all.
“This week, at the Urban Village Development Committee meeting, Port Blakely Communities representatives announced that the grocery store Central Market has decided to cancel its lease in Issaquah Highlands.”
Port Blakely is already pursuing opportunities with other grocers. They know that the site is a prime location and provides the opportunity to serve both Issaquah and Sammamish customers. We know that we will get a grocery store, but all of us that are waiting can hardly wait until it really happens.
The Central Market that is Not to Be in IH
May 6th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
This is not really a house. It is an ESTATE and is priced thousands and thousands below property tax value. For sale for: $1,250,000. Custom built in 1995, and that is CUSTOM built, as in One of a Kind. You can pay this price for just a very nice home. This property has almost 5 acres, an charming separate guest house, gated entry to the estate, wine cellar, huge shop, bonus game room, 3 huge bedrooms each with own bath, 6 bathrooms, 2 utility rooms, Cherrywood library. There are too many things to list. You have to see it to believe it!
Entering through the gates
Victorian style home with wrap-around porch
Looking toward the garage
Detail of Porch
Close up Detail
3 car garage with covered RV parking
Separate 1420 sq ft Guest House
Hall in Main House
Interior Entrance of Main House
Dining Room
Just some of the interior detail
The main house has 4885 sq ft and with the unfinished basement where the shop, storage and wine cellar is, it totals 6305 sq ft. There is much more, such as built in generator…………If you would like to see this home call Larry K. Cragun at 206-618-3724. You have to see it to believe it!
May 4th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Religious Art is not common in our era, so this is an unusual exhibit. We were invited to this show and were impressed. It features 25 selections of scenes from Christ’s life. The medium used is photography. Uplifting and beautiful music accompany the exhibit. It is in Bellevue, the church’s address shown below, along with hours. On through Sunday May 10. Free of Charge.
May 4th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Benefiting Susan G Komen for the Cure
At Pickering Barn April 25th Stefanie Jaswal was manning a booth promoting Breast Cancer 3 Day. She is a participant in raising money for this event, which means she will spend 3 days and walk 60 miles to help put an end to Breast Cancer. If you want to know more go to http://www.the3day.org . This is a series of 3 day events in many areas, July - Nov 2009
Stefanie Jaswal, a participant in Breast Cancer 3 day
Stefanie provided a lot of good information, phamplets and brochures at the event. To get to Stefanie’s page or be her sponsor: www.the3day.org/goto/StefanieJaswal .
May 1st, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
The warmest, sunniest, nicest Friday evening we have had this year brought out people in droves for the first ArtWalk of the season. We were late and where’s the parking!
ArtWalk in Issaquah first friday each month.
Artist Miska usually found at UpFront Gallery
You can't walk into Show Boat yet, but very soon!
University House is now in ArtWalk - Park here and Ride the shuttle to Front Street or Gilman.
Bird Bath # 4 by Gretchen Siegrist shown at University House
For some dinner comes before art.
Music of all kind is in many places at ArtWalk
April 29th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
You know spring is here when the ArtWalk begins, not that I can promise good weather. This is a big draw for our area, not just Issaquah. The ArtWalk begins on Front Street and many businesses support ArtWalk by having exhibits in their establishments. We are also blessed with galleries galore. You can pick up a map and list of locations of art at any one of the places that are open. Make it an evening, go for dinner then take in the art and music. Every first Friday through Sept.
Art Walk in Issaquah 2009
CLICK on the photo group to see a slide show of ArtWalks in the past.
April 25th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Note: We have been requested to remove some pictures and information in this post because of important privacy issues with which we have respectfully complied. We apologize for any inconvenience.
A local nursing home lives up to their reputation to be more than a nursing home. Saturday was not an ordinary boring day for the residents. The local Harley riders club donate their time, skill and motorcycles to give those willing and daring enough to give it a try. This is a happening that occurs every six months.
Residents wait to ride with great anticipation
Hoist and great helpers get things set up
And off they go!
Many folks took the challenge and those who didn’t choose to ride enjoyed watching those that did.
Nice Jacket
Fun and Freedom for both the biker and the rider
Congratulations to the Harley riders who made this event possible. You don’t need to be afraid of these bikers! There were many there and I didn’t get to talk to them all, but thank you guys, you are great!
Dave Jones shown here with Molly and Miles Jones. His wife Shay, was helping too.
These Are My Church Clothes.
Dig those Harley duds on Miles, or is that Molly?
April 23rd, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
The Issaquah Farmers Market opened a few weeks ago. It is now open each Saturday through Oct 10. Each Saturday there is an event in addition to the Market. This week enjoy the Hobby and Volunteer Expo and take in the market at the same time. Food, Fun, Flowers, Crafts, Veggies, Fruit, etc.
Issaquah Farmers Market OPEN NOW each Saturday 9am-2pm
All at Pickering Barn accross from Costco. Best Parking behind the barn.
April 22nd, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
If you were watching KOMO TV last night at 6:30 you saw Scott Gibbons of Plateau Realty being featured on the subject of Real Estate in the current market. Scott is the new writer of www.IssaquahHighlandsUndressed.com. Scott is still energetic, optimistic, and realtistic and committed to his clients, with addtional tools to market, sell or find homes for you.
MORE:
- Thursday Scott is interviewed about his participation on HGTV’s House Hunters. KOMO radio in the morning.
- HGTV at 9pm on Thursday April 23, Scott is featured on the House Hunters Issaquah Highlands episode
April 20th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Trying to save money on groceries? Have you been to Champion Grocery Outlet? It is in an off the beaten path place. 1590 NW Maple Street, Issaquah WA 98027 425-369-3173. There are many organic products. They buy large quantities of surplus non-perishable foods and repackage it into smaller portions and can save you a lot of money. I was particularly impressed with the bags of spices, both in scope and in prices. One dollar a bag! The place isn’t fancy but is clean, well organized and the owners are very friendly and knowledgable. If you don’t see what you are looking for, ask.
Spices from around the world for $1.00 a bag at Champion Grocery Outlet
Champion has many products that are Gluten free, which can be hard to find. They also have many products that Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and PCC have but priced much less. They do not have milk, eggs and frozen items.
Wild Mushroom Sauce, want to try it?
Store Hours are a little different: Wed-Sat 9:00am to 6:00pm.
April 13th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Two adorable Bengal Tigers, Taj, a Golden Bengal and Almos, a Royal White Bengal are both turning Two years old. Taj and Almos have lived at the Cougar Mountain Zoo for all but a few weeks of their lives; The zoo is in Issaquah, WA 98029. Taj celebrated his 2nd Birthday last Saturday. Robyn Barfoot and others created cardboard animals (animal scented) so Taj could hone his hunting skills. Yummy birthday cakes also awaited Taj and Almos who were kept away while the zoo keepers set up the party.
The animals arrive, snakes, penquins, and is that an alligator? DO these animals know what awaits them?
Robyn brings in more presents and welcomes a green zebra guest
With the green zebra the party is ready to begin
OOPS, not quite, the birthday cake arrives! Bones, meat and feathers!
Almos goes for the Zebra right away!
Taj thinks, what the heck is Almos doing, this is MY PARTY!
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat Zebra!! Yummmmmmmm!
Taj will have the chance to crash Almos’s party. It is coming up May 3rd. 1:00pm
April 11th, 2009
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Enthusiasm was not dampened by drizzle and grey sky. The show went on!
Gettin' a move on to be there for the hunt
This year the Easter Egg Hunt was at Village Green
Getting Ready, Almost!
They said GO!
Scrambling for eggs, there is enough for everyone.
If you didn't get enough, there was always more from the Easter Dog?
Another fun day, eggs, music, games, food, and the Easter Bunny was there for pictures. There was such a line I couldn’t get close. This is one of many festivals brought to you by Issaquah Highlands.
