Issaquah Undressed

This Rooster by Any Name Would Preen as Sweet!

We have called this guy Nappie, short for Naples, since we first saw him a few years ago hanging out at Staples on Front Street in Issaquah. We love this little critter.  On July 17th of 2007 we did an article about him on this blog. If you would like to go to the story CLICK HERE. We have even made him our mascot on the brochure for Issaquah Undressed.com

He goes by the name of McNugget to many in Issaquah. He appears to have more lives than my cat, Portia, who has taunted death many times, like when she pee-ed on my bed! The Issaquah Press recently reported that McNugget/Nappie had a run in with a Pit Bull! Thankfully he survived again. Hunter Deiglmeier at the Press tells how this rooster has also escaped a coyote and a cougar. For Issaquah Press article CLICK HERE

Like the picture above shows, he loves his image, preening long and often in front of the shiny wheels in Staples parking lot. Sometimes he seems to be the Doorman for Staples. He is also very skilled at drinking from the tiniest pool of water in the parking lot. We have been told he is an escapee from The Grange Supply.

What ever his name (I think I like McNugget best) we are sooooooooooo glad he is still with us.

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There Is NO Crying in Politics

There is NO crying about who wins or loses if YOU don’t VOTE!

 August 18th in Washington State is the primary. VOTE TODAY

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Bentley House is Back!

It looked like the Bentley House luxury condominium project was a goner. No work being done, sitting in a rather sad state without activity or hope. We thought the economic downturn had claimed it. But, WAIT, suddenly things sprang to life. Bentley House IS back. There are workers all over it and I have from a good source that it will be done in December. That is very good news. It was a favorite project of ours.

Bentley House, an unusual condo in Issaquah

As we find out more, we will keep you posted!

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Your Voice is Needed! Undercrossing on Gilman Blvd.

The Issaquah City Council will soon be determining the future of the I-90 Undercrossing on Gilman Blvd. There is a meeting scheduled for August 17th Monday 7:30 PM at the City Hall South – Council Chambers, 135 E Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027.  If you can’t attend please email the City Council members as to your views. We are encouraging a vote YES because we agree with the need to reduce congestion that hurts our local businesses and even ourselves when we want to venture out on I-90, Front Street or Gilman Blvd.

Issaquah Chamber of Commerce gives their reasons for support of the project.

 1. Current congestion at two existing crossings of I-90 inhibits traffic, and as a result local businesses are hurt when customers stay away from Issaquah. Many existing businesses find that current infrastructure is hurting their opperations.

2.  Improved road infrastructure will make it easier to encourage new businesses and residents to move to Issaquah. 

3.  Current congestion levels result in increased pollution as more vehicles idle in heavy traffic. 

4.  Environmental review of project has been completed by the City, and there is no impact on protected wetlands. 

5. Significant funding and design work for this project have been secured/completed.

Here are the email addresses of our City Council members. It will be even better if you can attend the meeting.

Issaquah City Councilmember Emails

eileenb@ci.issaquah.wa.us
 Councilmember Eileen Barber
fredb@ci.issaquah.wa.us
 Councilmember Fred Butler
davidk@ci.issaquah.wa.us
 Councilmember David Kappler
maureenm@ci.issaquah.wa.us
 Councilmember Maureen McCarry
johnr@ci.issaquah.wa.us
 Councilmember John Rittenhouse
joshuas@ci.issaquah.wa.us
 Councilmember Joshua Schaer
johnt@ci.issaquah.wa.us
 Councilmember John Traeger

SUPPORT THE UNDERCROSSING PROJECT

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National Night Out in Issaquah

Issaquah joined the nation in National Night Out, an event that encourages interaction and support between each community and the police, firemen and other public servants. In Issaquah that was an evening well spent.

   Take a look at the events of the evening Tues Aug 4th 2009. Ever had a policeman fix you a hotdog? Cooked on a Pink Pig shaped BBQ? New experience for us.

Free Hot Dogs, Pop, Cookies and Chips

Police men and women of the future?

Nikki Buzzell, Erin Hill and Alex Anderson aren’t in the Police force yet but they are with a group called Explorers that begin learning and training even while in high school.

What kid isn't delighted to sit in a firetruck and even get a red hat!

Dog on the left is THE famous Mishka in Issaquah, The Best Karelian Bear Dog.

Bruce Richards of WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife - Kathleen gets to pet Mishka, he's a love.

Mishka is part of Partners-in-Life program whose mission is to help humans and bears co-exist peacefully and safely without people or bears getting hurt. This program is funded by donations not tax dollars. Mishka was the dog that was the late Rocky Spencers partner. Rocky is a hero in Issaquah. To find out more about this, Partners-in-Life and the bear shepherd click on the link below.

http://www.beardogs.org/rocky.html 

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August Schedule for Concerts On The Green

Issaquah Arts Commission – Concerts on the Green

These events are presented by the Issaquah Parks & Recreation and Issaquah Arts Commission in collaboration with the Issaquah Kiwanis Club.  The concert schedule is below: 

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Model T’s re-enact 1909 Ocean to Ocean Race, Ending In Issaquah

Model T Fords, all 1909-1927 originals, landed in Issaquah for a stop at Issaquah’s History Museum and the Train Depot Museum. The History Museum’s new exhibit about the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo in Seattle coincides with the T’s commemorative race of the same Expo. Leaving New York June 14 this was the last leg of the event. The University of Washington is the final destination for the T’s.

These are just a few of the cars that were participating. Each car has a unique personality.

Click here for a Slide Show of the cars.

XXXRoot Beer and Evergreen Ford were stops for the T’s as well.

Comments from The Issaquah Reporter:

More than 50 vintage Ford Model Ts have set off to cross the country along the back roads of 12 states, to reenact the Ocean-to-Ocean Automobile Race. The race was part of the opening festivities of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific (AYP) Exposition in 1909.

Like the original race, members of the Model T Ford Club International will drive west along nearly 4,000 miles of this country’s oldest highways from New York to Seattle’s University of Washington campus, the site of the 1909 AYP.

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Vista Park – New Playground Now Open

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

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Maywood Middle School Art Club Student Work

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.

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XXX Rootbeer Drive-in List of Car Show Events

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

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Whoa There Nellie, Issaquah Had An Increase In Sold Homes

NEW ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS LISTING BY LARRY – SCOTT AND I ARE WORKING IT TOGETHER: CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE INFO, WEBSITE, VIRTUAL TOUR

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.

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A Few Scenes from Tastin’ n Racin’

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?

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Serendipity At the Farmer’s Market

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 .

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Memorial Day – Goes Way Back

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

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Help Jadeyn Fight Cancer in This Relay For Life

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.

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Village Theatre’s Production of Show Boat Begins

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.

• Show Boat runs May 13 – July 3
• 3003 Front St. N. Issaquah, WA 98027
• 392-2202 or www.villagetheatre.org

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

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You Are Never Too Old to Ride a Harley!

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?

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Have You Been to Champion Grocery Outlet in Issaquah?

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.

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TRASH WALK – Help Issaquah Look Even Better with G.A.I.T.

Mark your calender for Sat. Feb 28th 9am to join GAIT,s Trash Walk. Don’t know what GAIT is?  GAIT stands for Getting Around Issaquah Together. It helps us know a lot of information about WALKING, BICYCLING and all the in and outs of TRANSIT (buses, routes, etc.) in the Issaquah area. GAIT is an advocate of needed improvements in these areas.Their blog is www.gettingaroundissaquah.org.

They have recently started a service to our community called the TRASH WALK. This is for the purpose of bringing people together to help clean up areas that could use a little help. One might think we are so clean and pure we don’t need it, but the facts are: People can be messy! (this must be caused by people just passing through, not Issaquah residents, right?)

Here is some info from Jeff Youngstrom about Trash Walk:

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

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WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST VALENTINE’S DAY?

Coming up soon – Valentines Day. Just thought you’d like a reminder!

Valentines - flickr, hannah.aviva

 You still have nine days, dinner with your valentine at a nice restaurant, perhaps some Boehms Chocolates? What has been YOUR best Valentine Day?

If you have a little girl, in grades One through Five there is a DADDY AND DAUGHTER DANCE AT THE ISSAQUAH COMMUNITY CENTER FEB 7, SATURDAY, 7-9PM.

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