Obama touts Issaquah businesses
August 24, 2010
Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria founder Joe Fugere (right, in black blazer) listens as President Obama talks to small business owners in Seattle. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (left) also attended the discussion. Contributed
The restaurant President Obama mentioned in a Seattle speech about small business last week: Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria in Issaquah.
The lender the president referred to a few sentences later: the former Issaquah Community Bank.
EFR firefighter’s life celebrated
August 24, 2010
Surely, Tom Stapleton would have appreciated it.
A man whom his friends say thrived on making you smile would have loved seeing his fellow firefighters smile during his life celebration Aug. 17.
The Seattle Firefighters’ Pipes and Drums perform ‘Going Home’ during the celebration of life for Tom Stapleton, an Eastside Fire & Rescue firefighter who died in his sleep Aug. 10. By Sebastian Moraga
A man whom his friends say loved helping others would have loved seeing firefighters help firefighters attend the ceremony at Pickering Farm.
Stapleton, a husband, father, cancer survivor and longtime Eastside Fire & Rescue firefighter EMT who worked at the Pine Lake station, died in his sleep Aug. 10. He was 52.
Seven days later, crews from around the area filled in for EFR crews so they could honor their comrade.
Vote for favorite state park in Coke contest
August 24, 2010
Help a Washington state park nab $100,000 for upgrades from Coca-Cola.
The soda giant launched the contest as part of a campaign to encourage families to enjoy state and national parks throughout the United States.
Participants can vote as many times as they like for their favorite park by Aug. 31. Vote here.
The most popular park stands to receive the $100,000 prize. America’s State Parks and the National Park Foundation shared contest information with state parks systems across the country.
Coke has supported national parks for 40 years through donations and trail building.
In the Evergreen State, the 97-year-old state parks system includes more than 100 parks and recreation programs, including Lake Sammamish State Park.
State House hopefuls headed for ’08 rematch in 5th District
August 24, 2010
The race to represent Issaquah and the 5th Legislative District is a 2008 rematch.
State Rep. Glenn Anderson and Democrat David Spring faced off in the last election. Spring fell short to the Republican incumbent by about 2,200 votes. They meet again in the November election.
Sammamish Democrat Dean Willard — the candidate endorsed by the local and state party — failed to advance beyond the Aug. 17 primary, despite raising more money than Anderson and Spring combined.
Fall City resident Anderson received 58 percent of the vote, compared to 25 percent for North Bend resident Spring. Willard received 17 percent.
The district includes Issaquah, North Bend, Snoqualmie and other Eastside communities.
City continues overnight roadwork on several streets
August 24, 2010
The city has scheduled overnight roadwork through Aug. 26 in order to repair cracks in several streets.
The project is not expected to cause significant traffic delays. Crews plan to work from 10 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Expect to see road crews at the following locations: Front Street North from Sunset Way to Interstate 90; Northwest Sammamish Road from 17th Avenue Northwest to two blocks west; West Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast from Lakemont Boulevard Southeast to two blocks east; and Southeast 56th Street from East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast to 220th Avenue Southeast.
To The Editor
August 24, 2010
Gravity car races
Issaquah, Sammamish Rotary clubs helped make event successful
The Life Enrichment Options organization would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to both the Issaquah and Sammamish Rotary clubs for their superb efforts in partnering with us to provide two highly successful gravity car races this past month.
We received a number of e-mails from parents whose child either overcame a fear to get in a car, or were bubbling over with excitement in racing down a hill to the finish line. Every rider with special needs was a winner, getting his or her trophy and certificate with a picture in a car.
None of this could happen without the wonderful volunteers of the Rotary clubs, Athletes for Kids, Issaquah High School wrestlers, Skyline High School cheerleaders, and football and basketball athletes.
Leo Finnegan and LEO board of directors Read more
Press Editorial
August 24, 2010
Highlands residents add to discussion
City Council members should be applauded for their decision last week to forge ahead with the plan to preserve Park Pointe. The council did so despite misguided opposition from Issaquah Highlands residents. Homeowners there have concerns about adding density in their community as a way to offset the preservation at Park Pointe on Tiger Mountain. In exchange for the open space, 550 homes could be built in the highlands.
The decision must have been particularly tough for Councilman Mark Mullet, the first and only highlands resident on the council. His support took grit in the face on unified opposition from his friends and neighbors. Read more
Clark Elementary School celebrates 60 years
August 24, 2010
Walk back in time with the Clark Elementary School community at Clark’s 60th Anniversary Walkathon and Celebration, from 3:38-6:30 p.m. Oct. 1.
Join the community walk to raise funds for expanding educational opportunities for Clark students, while current and former Clark families celebrate memories of Issaquah’s oldest elementary school. Enjoy food, drinks and entertainment, and dress in 1950s attire for a night of fun.
Clark alumni and staff are invited to share thoughts, memorabilia or talents at the event. E-mail info@clarkpta.org.
Liberty grad honored for muscular dystrophy camp
August 24, 2010
Hayley Grandine and her boyfriend, Morgan, are all smiles on the first day of Camp Promise-West 2009. Contributed
Liberty High School graduate Hayley Grandine was recently awarded a $2,500 scholarship from the BECU Foundation for her community service as a muscular dystrophy camp counselor.
The camp is more than a community service project to Grandine, however. Some of her closest friends and her boyfriend have muscular dystrophy.
“It makes a lot of things a lot harder, but you’re all kids and just want to hang out and have fun,” she said.
Grandine became involved in Camp Promise-West at age 16, when a friend from school invited her to be a counselor. She has gone back every summer since, and is continuing this summer before leaving for college. Read more
Council seeks to fine-tune food-packaging ordinance
August 24, 2010
Less than eight weeks before a landmark food-packaging ordinance goes into effect, city leaders plan to fine-tune the legislation to compensate for fast-melting compostable straws, foil-backed sandwich wrappers and other potential pitfalls.
In a milestone decision late last year, Issaquah became the first Eastside city to ban polystyrene food containers and instead require containers and utensils fashioned from compostable materials. The ban goes into effect Oct. 1 — but businesses can ask to be exempt until early next year.
