Off The Press
December 22, 2008
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Kathleen R. Merrill Press Editor
“Peace on earth, good will toward men.” That’s what this season is supposed to be about. Some people think it’s about keeping up with the Joneses or looking or cooking better than their neighbors/family members/friends. Ugh.
I prefer people who, at any time of the year, try to keep in mind that other people need help. And sometimes, it can be something as small as a smile.
Press Editorial
December 22, 2008
Christmas fund is an Issaquah tradition
The Merry Christmas Issaquah emergency aid fund is now halfway to its 2008 goal. Each year, the committed volunteers at Issaquah Church and Community Services wonder what they will do, how many people they might have to turn away, if donations to the Christmas fund don’t arrive as expected. About 90 percent of the year’s emergency aid budget comes from people and businesses in the community who choose to help their Issaquah neighbors when times are tough.
Water district loses bid for city records
December 22, 2008
A long-running legal dispute between Issaquah and the Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District took another twist Dec. 1 when a King County Superior Court judge dismissed the district’s request for city records.
It’s a small Galaxie
December 22, 2008
A car reunites two families in Issaquah after 28 years
Tracy Jilek, left, give Virginia Lipke, the former owner of the Galaxie, a quick peck on the cheek. The two reunited after 28 years at the Jilek home to remember the car that brought them together. By Mary Jilek
Family spends vacation helping Nicaraguan poor
December 22, 2008
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Matt Carmody, of Issaquah, with a young boy in El Jobo who received a pair of shoes from Corner of Love as part of the Carmody family’s See Greater Things Mission to Nicaragua. Contributed
Earlier this year, Tom and Lori Carmody left their busy, comfortable lives in Issaquah to be part of the See Greater Things Mission in Nicaragua. The trip was sponsored by the nonprofit organization Corner of Love.
The Carmodys, along with their son Matt and daughter Katie, stayed in basic concrete dorms that were surrounded by lush green mountains in San Ramon, in northern Nicaragua. They were part of a team of 35 others who hailed from all over the Puget Sound area. Every day, they would catch a rickety old school bus to rural villages, where they delivered medical supplies and gave shoes to more than 200 children. Read more
Scout serves up a meal full of thanks for Eagle project
December 22, 2008
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Before lunch begins, Connor Callahan leads the volunteer group who prepared and would be serving food in a prayer of Thanksgiving. By Robin Callahan
Thanksgiving dinner is hard enough to prepare for your own family — but preparing it for 250 people is another story.
But it was a challenge that the Liberty High School community was willing to help 17-year-old Connor Callahan tackle to earn his Eagle Scout rank.
“It was a life changing experience,” he said.
There are plenty of projects Scouts can tackle to earn their Eagle Scout rank. Some recent projects by local Scouts have included creating trails and wetlands areas at schools, and holding food drives for Issaquah Valley Community Services.
Callahan’s project, to help feed people through Community Lunch, quickly turned into a full-scale community endeavor. Read more
Saloon taps into patrons’ good will
December 22, 2008
H&H regulars donate more than $500, bins of toys to charity
Patrons of the H&H Saloon opened their hearts and wallets for children in need of Christmas presents this year.
Last chance to visit Santa
December 22, 2008
Cougar Mountain Zoo’s Reindeer Festival is from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Dec. 26-30. Visit Santa in his house, sit in the Grand Traveling Sleigh, write Santa a letter and deliver it to his personal mail box, hear an elf read favorite Christmas stories and watch Santa’s reindeer in action. Call 392-6278 or go to www.cougarmountainzoo.org.
Community Calendar
December 22, 2008
Events
The Issaquah Christian Church’s annual Christmas Tree Lot is open from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Friday and from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, through Dec. 24, at 10328 Issaquah-Hobart Road, S.E. All proceeds from tree sales go to support church missions, including home building in Mexico. In addition to a variety of trees, stands and ornaments, there will also be hot chocolate, apple cider, coffee and cookies served, accompanied by Christmas songs. Call 392-5848 or go to www.iccweb.org. Read more
Clubs
December 22, 2008
“A Deeper Well” Discussion Group: Tuesday, Issaquah Brew House, 35 W. Sunset Way, 392-4169, ext. 105
Camp Fire Family Group: 7 p.m. every other Tuesday, Clark Elementary School, 500 Second Ave. S.E., 313-1600
Greater Issaquah Toastmasters Club: 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Bellewood, 3710 Providence Point Drive S.E., 890-4649
Guide Dogs for the Blind: 6 p.m. Sunday, Issaquah Police Station Eagle Room, 644-7421
Issaquah Alps Trail Club: 206-328-0480 Read more
