Thu 11 Mar 2010

Tour the Puget Sound’s Greenest Neighborhood St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

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GET YOUR GREEN ON!
This Saturday, March 13th 1-4pm
St. Patrick’s Edition 2nd Saturday Home Tour
For a FREE “What’s New “ Tour Map, stop by the Issaquah Highlands Info Center
1011 NE High Street, Suite 103
Issaquah, WA 98029

The Northwest’s leading Green master planned community!

  • All new homes meet a minimum Built Green® 4-Star rating
  • All new homes ENERGY STAR® certified to reduce your energy bill
  • Visit LEED® Silver certified Blakely Hall Community Center, Firehouse and Retail buildings.
  • Learn about water conservation features
  • Experience the Living Green lifestyle of so many Highlands residents
  • Visit the American Lung Association of Washington demonstration home at West Highlands Park

For more info on Living Green at Issaquah Highlands visit: http://www.issaquahhighlands.com/living_green.php

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Mon 8 Mar 2010

Curves of Issaquah Hosts Food Drive to Benefit Local Families

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Curves of Issaquah is encouraging women in the area to show their philanthropic strength by participating in the annual Curves Food Drive. And, even though donating food to families in need is its own reward, the club is offering compelling incentives for potential members who participate.

From March 1 to 31, Curves of Issaquah will collect non-perishable items for food banks in the local area. The goal, according to Norma Stephens, owner of Curves of Issaquah, is for the community to come together to help families in need. “At the core of our business is the message that women are stronger when they rally together, and that is the point we hope to bring home with our food drive,” said Stephens. “We want to show our community just how powerful the generosity of our members can be.”

According to Stephens, non-members who donate a bag of groceries between March 8 and 20 can join Curves for free. Curves will waive the Service Fee to join. Stephens says that as part of this effort, Curves of Issaquah will be participating in a company-wide contest for the most food drive donations collected by Curves locations across the nation. Winners will receive one of several cash prizes to be donated to their local food bank. Each year, Curves locations collectively donate millions of pounds of food to feed the hungry.

“We hope women in the Issaquah and Eastside area will come together and participate in this initiative,” added Stephens. “Even if you are not thinking about joining a gym, you can still drop off your donations. There are so many families right here in our own community who need our help.”

For more information about Curves of Issaquah, located at 1091 NE High St in the Issaquah Highlands, and the Curves Food Drive, contact Norma Stephens at 425-392-2330 or curvesofissaquah@ihmail.com.

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Thu 18 Feb 2010

SHALOM! PURIM WITH ISSAQUAH CHABAD… IN ISRAEL

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“PURIM IN ISRAEL” is Chabad of the Central Cascades creative twist this year on their traditional Purim party, to accommodate the anticipated crowds of men, women & children who throng to Chabad for their annual Purim celebration. On Purim, Chabad in Issaquah is the place to be!

Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people, in the year 3405 from Creation (356 bce), from Haman’s plot “to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day.” (Purim literally means “lots” for Haman determined the day of annihilation by throwing a lottery). It is observed by public readings of the megillah – “Scroll of Esther,” sending food portions to friends, giving gifts of money to the poor, and enjoying a festive meal accompanied with joyous drink.

Chabad of the Central Cascades grand Purim Bash will be held at Blakely Hall at the Issaquah Highlands on Sunday February 28th at 4:00pm. The celebration will begin with the Megillah Reading (Scroll of Ester), followed by a scrumptious buffet dinner of Israeli delicacies, exciting entertainment, Israeli music, hamentashen, spectacular children’s program and lots of laughter! All are welcome to join regardless of affiliation or background.

Pre-Event Registration with EZ-Pass Entry: Adults $15 Children (Ages 3 – 12)

$10 To Register online: www.ChabadIssaquah.com/PurimIsrael.

To pay at the Door: Adults $20 Children (Ages 3 -12) $15.

This event is paid by Chabad of the Central Cascades and the help of Port Blakely Communities and Highland Council. Among Chabad’s many other Purim activities is a mishloach manot (food gifts) campaign and a Purim Eve Megillah Reading at the center Saturday night at 7:00pm. Chabad’s mishloach manot campaign will focus on sending food gifts to hundreds of family’s in the Issaquah and Sammamish vicinities, bringing to home Purim’s message of sharing and joyfulness.

For more information on Chabad’s Purim festivities or on the holiday of Purim and its observances, contact Chabad of the Central Cascades at 425-985-7639 or log on to www.chabadissaquah.com/Purim.

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Tue 9 Feb 2010

Ancinas to Lead Port Blakely Communities as Acting President

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As Port Blakely Communities (“PBC”) seeks a partner to help move forward the retail and commercial development in the town center at Issaquah Highlands, a senior officer of Port Blakely Companies, the parent of PBC, will now lead this effort.

René Ancinas, President and COO of Port Blakely Companies (“Port Blakely”), also became acting president of its subsidiary, PBC, earlier this month. He replaces Alan Boeker who resigned in mid-January to pursue other real estate industry opportunities. During his nearly two years at Port Blakely Communities, Alan contributed in many ways. These include the YWCA Family Village and zHome transactions, land sale to Swedish Hospital, joint venture with OPUS for the office project and stabilizing the Town Center project amidst a tough and unforgiving economy, which helped lay the foundation for the company to pursue a partner.

René has been involved in Issaquah Highlands for many years in different roles. He followed it closely for several years in his role as President of the Family Council, the governing body of the family ownership group. He then joined the company as Senior Vice President in 2005, and one of his early assignments was to evaluate and restructure the Highlands Fiber Network in 2006. Since becoming President and COO of Port Blakely in 2008, he has been actively involved in overseeing the operations of PBC.

“René’s experience, collaborative style and values-driven leadership are exactly what this community needs as we move into the future,” said Judd Kirk, former PBC president who now serves as a senior advisor to René and the real estate team. “He clearly understands the vision we have for Issaquah Highlands and has championed it within the family and the company.” Kirk added that over the years the support from senior management has been essential to keep the project on course for the long term.

The current head of Port Blakely, Jim Warjone, has been actively involved since 1989 and will be turning over his position as CEO to Rene this July. The current change at PBC will remove one level of management, giving René an even more direct role. With his background with the company and an MBA from the University of Washington, Rene will continue to be guided by a tradition of progressive leaders and the counsel of Jim Warjone and the entire PBC management team.

“The top priority for my family and our company today is to complete Issaquah Highlands consistent with the vision we set out for the community,” Ancinas said. “While the economic climate continues to be a significant challenge, we are fully committed to finding a solution that will facilitate building out the next phase of the community.” He added that he looks forward to working closely with the excellent team, led by experienced managers “who continue to do an amazing job as stewards of our real estate assets and the community we’ve been building for many years.”

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Thu 4 Feb 2010

Valentine’s Day – Issaquah Highlands Style

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The year’s most romantic holiday is right around the corner in Issaquah Highlands. This special day isn’t just about romance, though. Valentine’s Day is a chance to show people you care and to spend time with friends and loved ones.

This Valentine’s Day, don’t get caught unprepared. Make 2010 your year to avoid the crack of dawn emergency runs to the store for a card and makeshift gift. It’s a new year and one resolution we can make is to say “no thanks” to the last-minute remainder bouquets and re-gifted boxes of chocolates. Guilty parties – you know who you are.

Here in Issaquah Highlands, it’s easy to plan ahead to make Valentine’s Day special. Our restaurants and retailers have many options for celebrating Valentine’s Day in style: Agave Cocina & Tequilas is offering a special promotion on Valentine’s Day. With the purchase of an appetizer and two entrees, dessert will be on the house. And, it’s no everyday dessert. The special “San Valentin” dessert will be available only on Valentine’s Day. The “San Valentin” features coconut-almond deep fried ice cream, surrounded by Bavarian cream filled churros… delicious! You can make reservations by calling 425-369-8900.

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the whole family on Valentine’s Day, look no further than Zeeks Pizza. Zeeks will have heart shaped pizzas, fun decorations, drink specials for the adults, and a make-your own sundae bar for the kids. They will have two seatings: the first at 5 p.m. and the second at 6:30 p.m. You can make reservations by calling 425-392-3507.

At Sip, you can enjoy a wonderful three course Valentine’s Day menu available for $50 on the 14th, as well as their regular menu. Sip is also presenting their Valentine Extravaganza: a contest for one lucky winner and their sweetheart to enjoy a spectacular Valentine’s.

You can visit any location to enter. The promotion ends February 7th. One lucky winner will receive:
• A Romantic Dinner for two at Sip Seattle on February 13th. Dine at the best table with the best view and savor a special chef’s choice sensation.

• SIP will pay your cab fare and send you over to the swanky Hotel Max for an overnight stay. Enjoy a chic and stylish room, and your specially selected complimentary bottle of wine. Check in at 4:00 pm, with free parking. Sleep in and take advantage of the 1:00 late checkout time.

• On February 14th, head off to The 5th Avenue Theatre to see the 1:30 performance of the romantic Lincoln Center production of South Pacific, winner of 7 Tony Awards.

More information visit www.siprestaurant.com.

For those of you who would like to give your sweetheart a day of relaxation and beauty, Sorella Salon & Spa is a terrific option. Consider a gift certificate, or treat your sweetheart to the Valentine’s Day special package for $95 (save $35). Included in the Valentine’s package are a maintenance facial, maintenance massage, and deep conditioning treatment and style. For more information, call 425-392-9299.

If your sweetheart is looking for a gift that will outlast flowers or candy, Curves is the place to go. Regular exercise is proven to have long-lasting benefits for health. At Curves, all it takes is their 30-minute circuit three times a week. It works every major muscle group, strengthens heart-health and burns up to 500 calories each workout. Gift certificates are available and now through February 27th, you will get 30 days free (restrictions apply). More information is available at www.curves.com.

Depending on the weather, a Valentine’s Day walk or hike in Issaquah Highlands is also a great option. Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, which could be a nice day for exploring the trails. You can find a map of all the parks and trails here: http://issaquahhighlands.com/parks_trails.php. However you choose to spend Valentine’s Day this year, we hope it’s a special one here in Issaquah Highlands. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Thu 4 Feb 2010

Highlands Kids Dentistry Opens at Starpoint

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Imagine a world where going to the dentist no longer involves needles or drills. Then, think about the possibilities of a paperless dental office where x-rays are digital. Build on that image by visualizing the comfiest of dental chairs, each equipped with its own widescreen TV…

At Issaquah Highlands, there’s no need to imagine such a place. Highlands Kids Dentistry, which opened February 1, offers all this – and more – right in our neighborhood. Founded by Dr. Shadi Araghi, who tells us that her name rhymes with “froggy,” Highlands Kids Dentistry is unlike any dentist office you’ve ever visited.

Highlands Kids Dentistry offers the latest technology in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Araghi uses lasers instead of needles and drills for most procedures, minimizing much of the pain and discomfort associated with the dentist’s chair. The use of lasers also reduces the need for anesthesia.

Highlands Kids Dentistry also uses digital x-rays to minimize exposure, as well as an intra-oral minicam during visits. These new technologies offer safer and more precise dental care. According to Dr. Araghi, the practice was designed from a child’s point of view to create a relaxed environment – even for the most nervous of visitors. Highlands Kids Dentistry has a familiar atmosphere filled with books, toys and games. Parents can also bring their child’s favorite DVD to play on the widescreen TV that faces the dental chair.

Dr. Araghi, who is a pediatric dentist, specializes in treating children from birth to age 18. Typically,
pediatric dentists like Dr. Araghi train two to three years more than general dentists in order to gain expertise in children’s dentistry. In the case of Dr. Araghi, she practiced general dentistry for seven years before completing her pediatric residency, also at Tufts. During her residency, Dr. Araghi focused on the use of lasers, pediatric sedation, orthodontics, and on treating patients with special needs. She also completed a pediatric rotation at the New England Medical Center.

For adults in Issaquah Highlands, the best is yet to come. Highlands Kids Dentistry isn’t only about kids. The practice also offers dentistry for adults. Dr. Araghi will be joined at the practice by her husband, Dr. Ray Besharati. Dr. Besharati is also a dentist, but only treats adults. The practice will offer dentistry for adults including laser treatments and digital x-rays, as well as whitening and Microscopic dentistry, in the same relaxed and welcoming environment.

Highlands Kids Dentistry is open six days a week and offers appointments on evenings and Saturdays. All new patients will receive a $20 visa gift card as part of the welcome package and for each referral. Free teeth whitening is also offered to new adult patients. The office is located at 2520 NE Park Drive. More information is available at www.highlandskidsdentistry.com or by calling 425-996-0457.

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Tue 26 Jan 2010

Issaquah Highlands Community Update from Port Blakely Communities

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New_Homes_Issaquah_#110058

Image by issaquahhighlands via Flickr

Over the course of the past year, Port Blakely Communities and Issaquah Highlands have continued to achieve milestones in  development of this community. The Proliance Highlands Medical Center, Swedish hospital campus and YWCA Family Village are bringing local jobs, services and healthcare to residents. The opportunities provided by these organizations bring Issaquah Highlands closer to realizing the live/work/play urban village model. Many of you know that construction dates for The High  Streets were pushed back in 2008 due to the economy. The retail sector crisis caused by the dramatic decline in 2007 holiday  sales forced retailers to put plans on hold. As a result, our development partner in The High Streets, Opus Northwest, was unable  to proceed. Those same economic conditions that shook up financial markets and the real estate industry have continued throughout 2009. The High Streets is part of the community’s vision to blend retail, commercial/office space and housing. To give a sense of history, the concept for The High Streets was conceived in 2005. Prior to 2005, Microsoft had an option to purchase the land, as well as the land where Proliance and Swedish are now located, as part of its Issaquah holdings. When  Microsoft opted not to exercise the option in 2004, Port Blakely Communities worked with residents, businesses and local  leadership to determine new options for the land. Since 2008, Port Blakely Communities has carefully examined opportunities for moving forward with construction of The High Streets despite the economy. We have also moved forward with projects, such as Swedish, that will attract other businesses and organizations to Issaquah Highlands. Today, Port Blakely Communities is  exploring opportunities to form a joint venture with a new equity partner to develop the remaining commercial areas. Over the lifetime of Issaquah Highlands, Port Blakely Communities has successfully leveraged like-minded partnerships to fulfill the vision for the community. Consistent with this approach, we are speaking with organizations that share our values, and the values of Issaquah Highlands, to form a joint venture. We will provide additional updates to the community in the New Year and at the town hall meeting.

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Tue 26 Jan 2010

Save the Date! Issaquah Highlands Town Hall Meeting – February 3rd, 6-7:30pm

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SAVE THE DATE! February 3, 2010, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Blakely Hall, 2550 NE Park Drive

Save the date for the Town Hall Meeting at Blakely Hall. We will learn from Rene` Ancinas and Judd Kirk about work currently in  progress at The High Streets and future plans for development.

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Sun 10 Jan 2010

Issaquah Highlands Neighbors Deliver Holiday Cheer to Local Families

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The struggles associated with this year’s recessionary economy have no doubt been shared by many and have taken a toll on families around the country; some more severe than others. Unfortunately, one does not have to look far to find local families in our community that are in desperate need of assistance. This season, members of the Issaquah Highlands Contribution Club (the“IHCC”), an organization dedicated to bringing together the families and individuals of Issaquah Highlands to support the local community in need, provided aid and assistance to 16 families from local churches and the Issaquah Food Bank through an “Adopt a Family” Program.

Together, groups of residents and local churches pulled together to fulfill wish lists and meet the needs of these local families to provide food, clothing, gifts for children and most importantly hope and a little joy this holiday season.

“Reading through the stories of these families struggling breaks your heart,” said IHCC member Anne Taylor Hartzell. “Many are single moms, struggling to put food on the table and are now forced to agonize over how to tell their small children there will be no holiday presents only adds to their stress. We had to do something to mobilize our community and provide these families with at least one day of relief from the stresses in life.”

The IHCC holiday family adoption program could not have been possible without the generous support of time and donations by our neighborhood captains, leaders from Mosaic and Alathia Churches, Starpoint Condos and the Issaquah Highlands  Community Association. The response was overwhelming as neighborhood captains began reaching out to their neighbors via email and door-to-door to fulfill wish lists, shop and wrap gifts. The impact was felt not only by those that were receiving, but also by those that were giving.

“I was blown away by the willingness of our neighbors to help out our family in need,” said Candace Powell, neighborhood captain and Highlands resident. “Going door-to-door, sharing these stories and collecting donations from neighbors is truly amazing and really emphasized for me our strong sense of community.” The adopt a family initiative brought all corners of the
Issaquah Highland’s community together to make a lasting impact on a few families this season and is just another example of how together, residents can make a meaningful impact on shared initiatives that improve the lives of our community. The IHCC
organizes other programs throughout the year and plans to partner closely with the Issaquah Food Bank and other local  organizations next year to expand its Adopt a Family program.

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Mon 4 Jan 2010

WSDOT Pond and Landscaping is complete!

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WSDOT (Washington State Dept. of Transportation) Pond and landscape is complete. The 17.28 million gallon capacity pond now features a pedestrian bridge built with custom-milled cedar timbers harvested from sites in Issaquah Highlands, a paved trail that  connects to the trail system, and an extension of the bike path.

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