Issaquah High School Performing Arts Center debuts with ‘Fiddler on the Roof’
November 29, 2011
Jack Wheeler (right), as Perchik, chats with Suraj Saifullah, as Tevye, as they stage a scene from ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ By Tom Corrigan
In this case, being first has presented some challenges along with what were described as tremendous opportunities.
While an orchestra concert was officially the premier public event in the still very new Issaquah High School Performing Arts Center, the first full-scale dramatic production will be a staging of the classic musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” set for six performances the first two weekends in December.
“The place is just brimming with potential,” theater manager Marty Kelly- Petersen said recently in describing the new theater equipped with what can only be described as state-of-the-art lighting, sound and stage equipment.
Drama teacher Holly Whiting is the director for “Fiddler on the Roof.” She said it was decidedly fun to have all that new paraphernalia at her disposal. But both students and staff had to figure out how to use all those nice, new amenities.
“The learning curve was vertical,” Whiting added.
Whiting is especially impressed by a couple of aspects of the new theater and first pointed to the large orchestra pit. For the first time, she said, an Issaquah High School production will be able to make what she feels is appropriate use of a full orchestra. Whiting said the “cafetorium” theater used in the past allowed a full orchestra only if the musicians sat onstage. Otherwise, there was room for only a limited number of players.
Architect earns statewide honor for Swedish/Issaquah design
November 29, 2011
The architect behind Swedish/Issaquah has earned statewide attention for the innovative hospital design.
Seattle-based CollinsWoerman earned the Technology/Life Sciences (Nonpublic) Development of the Year title from the state chapter of NAIOP, a commercial real estate trade group.
“This is a remarkable honor,” Phil Giuntoli, principal and health care practice leader at CollinsWoerman, said in a statement. “We designed the medical center to meet the health care needs of a growing community during an important time. The vision was to create a center that enhances the patient experience. We’ve heard from many people that it is doing just that.”
CollinsWoerman received the honor Nov. 4. The annual awards recognize outstanding commercial real estate projects and companies for impact on the community, market adaptability, ingenuity and local contributions.
The complex spans 550,000 square feet and includes a medical office building, cancer center, ambulatory care center and hospital.
Swedish/Issaquah opened some patient services in July and added patient beds Nov. 1.
Pumas win District II championship
November 29, 2011
The Pumas, the Issaquah Soccer Club’s U-12 girls recreational team, defeated the Lake Washington-Kirkland Mambas, 1-0, Nov. 20 to win the District II State Recreational Cup Championship.
Forward Emily Klosterman scored the goal with 9:45 left in the first period. She was assisted by Madison Schroeder.
During the six-week, four-game tournament, the Pumas went 4-0 and outscored opponents 8-1.
The Pumas play in the District IV Championship on Dec. 3.
Nov. 30 Student Crossword Puzzle
November 29, 2011
Print out and complete this free puzzle and check back next Tuesday for the solution and see the new puzzle for the week.
‘Big News — Nov 30, 2011
Courtesy of Pat Janenko
Order age-appropriate crossword puzzle books by the author at www.studentcrosswordpuzzles.com.
Volunteers
November 29, 2011
DownTown Issaquah Association needs volunteers to help with its annual holiday events, starting with stringing lights from Sunset Way to Dogwood Street on Front Street, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3. Meet at the Hailstone Feed Store, 232 Front St. Learn more at www.downtownissaquah.com.
No human cases found as West Nile virus monitoring concludes
November 29, 2011
The state effort to monitor and test mosquitoes and dead birds for West Nile virus is done for the season.
Statewide, health officials collected five positive mosquito samples in 2011 — down from 126 positive samples in 2010. Officials did not detect any bird, horse or human cases in 2011.
Officials detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected in Franklin, Grant and Yakima counties.
Though cold weather means a reduced risk of mosquito bites, the state health agency encourages residents to take preventive actions in the off-season. Officials encourage people to dump water-collecting flowerpots, wheelbarrows, garbage cans and tires. Clean gutters to remove debris and prevent tarps from collecting water.
Mosquito larvae can survive the winter, even in freezing conditions, so eliminating mosquito habitat now can help fight mosquito-related problems come spring.
West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes and can cause illness in people, birds, horses and other animals. The best way to avoid infection is to prevent mosquito bites and reduce mosquito habitat around homes.
Clubs
November 29, 2011
This week
Amateur Radio Club: first Wednesday of the month, 7:30 p.m. Issaquah Valley Senior Citizens Center, 75 N.E. Creek Way
ArtEAST: 6:30 p.m. first Monday, Up Front Art Gallery, 95 Front St. N., www.arteast.org or 392-3191
Beaver Lake Community Club: 7 p.m. first Monday, Issaquah Lodge at Beaver Lake Park, 25101 S.E. 24th St., www.beaverlake.org
Local grads earn all-league honors
November 29, 2011
Three former high-school football standouts from the Issaquah School District recently earned all-Northwest Conference first-team honors.
Willamette University wide receiver Jake Knecht, a Skyline High School graduate, and Pacific Lutheran lineman Rob Marlow, from Liberty High School, earned first-team honors on offense.
Knecht, a junior, topped Willamette in pass receiving with 35 catches for 679 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged a team-high 19.4 yards per catch and ranked third in the conference in touchdown receptions.
Marlow, a senior, was a three-year starter on the offensive line after playing linebacker during his freshman season. He earned second team all-conference honors in 2010.
Pacific Lutheran defensive back Justin Whitman, a former Liberty teammate of Marlow’s, earned first-team honors on defense. Whitman, a first-year starter, had 33 tackles and two interceptions this season.
Issaquah decks the halls with holiday happenings
November 29, 2011
All around Issaquah, it’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays.
From downtown Issaquah to Gilman Village to the historic train depot, signs of the coming holidays are starting to sprout.
Gilman Village Merchants and the Cascade Team Real Estate are the primary sponsors for a holiday happening from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 10 at St. George’s Square in Gilman Village, 355 N.W. Gilman Blvd.
To the Editor
November 29, 2011
Education
Don’t let legislators make cutbacks that will hurt local students
Two weeks ago, I wrote a letter in support of educators in celebration of the 90th year of American Education Week. In the letter, I outlined the many accomplishments that the educators in the Issaquah School District have helped make possible.
I’d like to follow that up with the second part of the purpose for American Education Week. In addition to informing the public of the accomplishments of our schools, the purpose of observing American Education Week was also to inform the public of the “needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation of and support the public in meeting those needs.”
