As the Vista Park development nears completion, the long awaited Vista Park playground is now open and inviting. Yes, it does have a Vista, large grassy areas and a fun playground. Take a look.
You can enter on Jacaranda and 11th or 12th, on the east side. Or from 10th coming from High Street.
Bring the kids, sunbath, play frisbee, relax, that’s what parks are for.
Vista Park in Issaquah Highlands
Last ArtWalk featured very interesting art work from the students at Maywood. Teacher and Artist Nan Calvo presented work from her students, who displayed what they had learned. Below Megan shows a self portrait on the left, done at the first class with no instruction. After being taught about light, shading and proportion tips, Megan learned a lot. Look at the self-portrait on the right. Same student but what a difference.
Before/After Self-Portraits
Next they were given a grid and a picture of a little girl, some were given a picture of Tom Cruise and after sketching the girls face with the grid, powder pastels where used by the students to create a color portrait of the girl.
Pastel Portrait by Megan
Many students participated in this and other projects.
Nan Calvo, Artist and Teacher from Maywood School
Aeva Wilkes, a fun artist from Maywood School is shown with her artwork.
Many great projects from the students were shown, more than can be shown here. Kudos to Calvo, and the students.
XXX ROOTBEER HOSTS AREA CAR SHOWS
Don’t miss the Blvd. CC Custom Car Show taking place this Sunday, June 14th at the XXX Rootbeer Drive-in in Issaquah (98 NE Gilman Blvd). The car show will start at 8 am and there will be great music and wonderful food for everyone to enjoy. For more information, please visit www.triplexrootbeer.com. More upcoming car shows are below:
June 21st Fenders on Front Street & Cruise 8 am
July 5th Old Trucks, Buses & Station Wagons 8 am
July 12th All Camero & Chevy Show 8 am
July 19th Burgers & Bikes of All Types 8 am
July 26th Cascade Cougar Club Prowl 8 am
Aug. 2nd NW Corvair & Orphaned Cars 8 am
Aug. 9th NW Muscle Car Show 8 am
Aug. 16th NWCCC 55, 56, 57 Chevy Show 8 am
Aug. 23rd All Corvette Show 8 am
Aug. 30th 2nd Annual Rat Bastards Rat Rod Show 8 am
Sept. 6th Mega Cruz Car Show 8 am
Sept. 13th 3rd Annual All Ford Car Show 8 am
Sept. 20th Mopar & More 8 am
Sept. 27th 1st Mini Cooper Show 8 am
Oct. 11th Magnums, Chargers, 300’s & Challengers Noon
Oct. 25th PT Cruisers Pumpkin Bash 10 am
Dec. 6th 8th Annual Jingle Bell Cruz/Toys for Tots Noon
Yes, Issaquah homes for sale had some buyers in May. Closed homes that were listed for sale numbered 35. That isn’t in the 60’s we used to see but it sure beats the heck out of the 15 homes that sold in April.
The price ranges are as follows:
charts courtesy of Northwest Multiple List
Look at the statistics chart above and ask - do you want to sell your home in 0 to 7 days? If the answer is yes, price it under $300,000. The stats are bad news if you are in the $500,00 to $550,000 range as the days on market averaged 588 days.
How about condos, condominiums, or condo, condominium? The answer: 25 sold in May versus 11 condos sold in April. Again, we used to hit over 60, but this news would be settling if it continued.
We close tomorrow on a condo we had listed. The sellers were serious sellers. They priced their condominium to be the best deal of its size in Issaquah Highlands. The buyers were tough but our sellers were serious.
We did everything we could besides price to capture the interest of the buyers: this included planning ahead on wall colors, what new carpet to put in, what it needed in accessories, etc. Once we had an offer our sellers responded as a serious seller would. There a lot of homes for sale, lots of condominiums. If you have your home listed and not sold, speak to your REALTOR on what it takes to be competitive.
Here is the breakdown of the condos that sold in may:
Almost a third of the condos sold in Issaquah were in the $200,000 to $250,000 range. Days on market were pretty decent statistics: 58.
So how many homes and condominiums are currently listed for sale in Issaquah at this time? The answer is scarry: 357 homes with an average day on market of 112 and 222 condominiums are listed in the MLS with an average days on market of 96.
Truly, it is still a buyers market when it comes to Issaquah Real Estate.
We announced on this blog the 13th year of Tastin’ n Racin’. Just the week before we had temperatures in the high 80’s and low 90’s. What a difference a week makes in the Pacific NW! Cool weather and even a little rain fall came back along with the Hydros. We put off going out to Lake Sammamish State Park thinking the clouds would lift and the sun would shine. Didn’t happen! We decided to go anyway. We are glad we did. The parking lots were still crowded but not full, we found a place (that’s always nice).
We decided to show you what it was like rather than tell you. A picture is worth a thousand words, you know.
Power in These Pipes
Powerful Paint Job as Well
Beer Gardens were Popular in Spite of Cooler Weather
When They Say Fun For Everybody, They Mean It!
Rooster Tail is Far Away But Still Exciting
Duck Families Enjoy Hydros as Well
One of the Big Boys (the Hydro, Not the Man)!
Liftin' Those Babies In and Out of the Water
I'm Always a Sucker For Roasted Corn
Now That's What You Call Miniature Hydros
That's All For Now Folks, Gotta Run!
We attended on Saturday so we missed the Vintage Car Show and the Pirates. Did any of you guys out there get any good picture of them?
Gordon gives out sample of Serendipity Artisan Dips
We stopped at this booth at the Pickering Barn during the Farmers Market that is held every Saturday. Gordon (shown here) was giving out sample of dips made from Dip Mixes that he and his wife produce. They have many flavors and we tried as many as we could without looking greedy. We came home with these.
Just a few of SerenDIPity Dips
Serendipity is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely. Gordon says that discribes how they found their way into this business. You just combine the dip mix with sour cream and/or mayonaise. Delicious! Including Issaquah, they go to many shows in the summer. To contact Gordon 425-889-0921. email: Serendipity_artisan_dips@yahoo.com .
Memorial Day is a old holiday in the US, beginning shortly after the Civil War. A time for remembering those who have died while serving our country, it is an emotional, honored tradition for the families of the many who have made this sacrifice for all of us. The real meaning of Memorial Day seems to get lost in the hunt for the three day vacation. Could it be with the elimination of the draft and volunteers who now make up our forces, there are not as many people in diverse social classes who have lost loved ones, tragically in war?
For my mother and father, Memorial Day was a big deal. They honored those who gave their lives for their country, of course, but to them it was also a day to remember all family and friends who were no longer living. As a child, I did not particularly appreciate traveling to cemeteries, hunting for relative’s grave markers and setting up bouquets on each one. This year I have had stong feelings that I would like to place flowers on Mom and Dads graves if only I was close enough to do it.
I appreciate my parents who taught me much, including thinking of and service to others as well. Since I couldn’t go to their cememtery, I visited Hillside Cemetery in our town of Issaquah. It is a beautiful place and many were there placing flowers on graves, some with and some without flags, so I see my parents aren’t the only ones who have a personal reverence for Memorial Day.
Issaquah's Hillside Cemetery
A section at Hillside Cemetery with many flags
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.
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
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?
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.
Our first monthly trash walk in January was a great success despite the fact that I didn’t give enough advance notice for many of you to participate.
This month’s walk is this Saturday morning 2/28 at 9am. This time we’ll be meeting on the east side of the Community Center by the skate park and picking up trash along the trail that goes from there back behind the school bus barn to 2nd Avenue. This is a boggy swampy area, so be sure to wear waterproof boots and bring long-handled tools for snagging those elusive cups and candy wrappers and plastic bags. Gloves are always a good idea too. I’ll bring trash bags.
I’ll be out there rain or shine, so come on out and spend an hour making a little patch of our town a little prettier.
Hope to see you!
Jeff
p.s. If you want to mark your calendar going forward, just look for the last Saturday of the month and that’s when we’ll be meeting. I’ll try to announce the location early in the week of each walk. If you know a location that could use our attention let me know and I’ll add it to the list.
For more about GAIT www.gettingaroundissaquah.org
Valentines - flickr, hannah.aviva
People in Issaquah supported the Harvest Dance in a BIG way. The crowd was energetic and ready for fun. Music by the Astro Cats and Magnolia made you want to shake, rattle and roll. We arrived about 7:00pm even though it started at 6:30. I thought people would not arrive that early to dance. I was wrong. It was already groovin’.
Sweet Treats from Sweet Addition
Thanks to these restaurants for providing such a diverse, delicious feast for this event. The restaurants donated the food to the cause. Let’s support those merchants!
There was an auction held, with many people and businesses donating items. We couldn’t stay to participate in it but I hope it did well…………………….Don’t forget this was a benefit for the Issaquah Food Bank.
Cherie Meier of Issaquah Food Bank
Cherie Meier, Executive Director of Issaquah Food Bank has an important jobs. The Food Bank is 150 short of sponsors this year for families for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The needs are particularly high this year. Can you become a friend of the Food Bank? 179 First Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98027, www.issaquahfoodbank.org Their website will tell you how.
This fall has been one of the nicest, most beautiful that I can remember. Looking out my window now it is hard to let go of. Capture that same warm, fuzzy feeling by sharing your harvest while helping those with a slim harvest or no harvest.
The harvest is done, but not the Harvest Dance. This is a benefit for the Issaquah Food Bank. This will be a fun night with Live music by the Astro Cats & Magnolia Road AND you could be one of the neighbors helping neighbors. Tickets are available at The Issaquah Press, $10 in advance, $15 at the door….425-894-4410……LIVE AUCTION!
There is sample food from Issaquah Restaurants! YUM! Wine, Beer and Soda. DANCING!
It will be at the Pickering Barn Nov 21 (Friday) 6:30 - 11:00pm.
http://www.issaquahfoodbank.com/HarvestDance.pdf for more info.
The Harvest Dance, Take a Chance.
Click here for the map of Real Estate Agents open houses. These were announced as information in the MLS.
Even if you don’t live in Issaquah Highlands, you can come to Highlands Days, and by the look of things many of you did. You don’t even have to live in Issaquah. I know people from Covington, Woodinville, Seattle and Bellevue who joined the folks having fun yesterday. Take a look. There is also a post on www.IssaquahHighlandsUndressed.com.
There was a Kids Parade, Food Booths, Entertainment, Vendors, Carnival Fun to name a few things. Ashley and Sara take a spin. Alexia, Chase, Kayla and others swing through the air with the greatest of ease. But things got a little tramatic when Chase had to get off! He was not happy!
Tootsie Pops can make you forget a big disapointment, at least when you are two. Or how about a Goldfish toss.
The Fabulous Roof Shakers
Poasted Pig anyone?
Bubbleman gets ready…………………….. www.bubbleman.com
PLEASE don’t touch the BIG BUBBLES, or the Bubbleman. And don’t cross the purple line!
There was Pizza, Pork, Hotdogs, Mexican Food, PCC Food, Snow Cones, Popcorn, Root Beer, Beer, etc. Was it a little too pricey?
Sarah rides in the parade, as does this electric car, plus ballerinas and bears.
Not everything was just for kids, if you didn’t stick around or come back for the last 3 hours or so, you missed a lot.
The Seattle Matsuri Taiko Drummers
and the Te Fare O Tamatoa Tahitian Dancers
I missed the following presentations:
The Sabha India Dance Troupe…You can find out about them at www.FromWithinAcademy.org.
Dance Heads…looks like fun www.danceheads.com.
Panduo Steel Drum Duo www.leapfrog-entertainment.com
MK Ballet…..Check out our post on this delightful ballet studio http://issaquah.neighborhoodsundressed.com/2008/04/25/mk-ballet-an-exciting-addition-to-issaquah/
Home Sales were up the last 30 days, open houses are down this week. Is their a relationship that would indicate fewer homes on the market? Nope. More homes on the market. Click here to see which agents are holding open houses this weekend. Some subscribe to the philosophy open houses don’t work. I disagree. Open houses are in my opinion a great way to see Issaquah Homes for sale. It can be efficient.
Tags: open+houses, issaquah, realtor
There are now 480 posts (articles) about Issaquah on this blog. AND they are always available to read, view the pictures, get information about what it is like to live in Issaquah, what restaurants are here, including reviews; what events happen, pictures of our green, green area, mountains, lakes, schools, neighborhoods, houses and parks, what winter is like and on and on.
DON’T MISS THE COLUMN ON THE RIGHT. Yes, it is long but, if you want to find something about almost anything in Issaquah go to our catagories on the right, click and all posts in that catagory pull up, click on one to open. OR go to our search button and put in what you are trying to find. It will pull up.
We also have links to many other community information sites such as the Chamber of Commerce, Traffic Cams, Schools, etc. A click of the mouse will take you there.
OK, We admit there are a few posts about areas around Issaquah but we Issaquahians (?) do get around since so much IS around Issaquah!
OK, let’s have some help here: I will start it off.
1- Convenient location to a ton of great places: Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass, etc.
2- We have a very pro active parks department: The proof is n the pudding.
3- A highly involved population: If it is important, people get involved.
4- The character of Issaquah is kept intact. Take a visit with that in mind.
5- Recreation abounds here.
6- Shopping.
7- The arts are a big part of Issaquah
8- See Amy Gregersen’s comment:
9
10
Leave your ideas as a comment or email me at larrykcragun(at)yahoo.com
Latest Real Estate Blog Articles Issaquah Sports News
Issaquah Merchants
Real Estate Undressed by Larry The Latest From The Issaquah Press
