October 26th marked the end of the 2008 season for the Highlands Youth Soccer Club as well as our End of Year Party and Awards Ceremony. Having outgrown Blakely Hall, it was held for the first time in the Grand Ridge Elementary multipurpose room.

The event featured an inspirational presentation by guest speaker Erden Eruc, a Guinness World Record holder who is embarking on a historic solo journey around the world using only human power. The afternoon also included soccer medals, gourmet pizza by World Pies (now sadly closed), and multiple prize give-aways.

Looking ahead to the 2009 season, our program will focus more on its core mission to build skills, teamwork, volunteerism and good health. I hope to advance this through an emphasis on athletic events and by having our older, more experienced children assist in coaching teams. The changes may likely include eliminating events requiring significant planning and cost.

The club strives to keep registration fees at a minimum and applies the funds to necessary costs (e.g., insurance, field rentals, registration processing, equipment, and special events), leaving a small amount (less than 10%) in our account at the end of each year. We also negotiate volume discounts for team uniforms and pass the lower prices directly to parents.

Together with our volunteer administrator Leah Swanson and head coach Mads Torgersen, I would like to once again thank all club coaches, event helpers and families for their valued support. We look forward to seeing you in 2009. Registration information will be available in February at www.hsclub.org.

A new hang out for the little guys & gals!! Mini Mutt Meadows is located directly north of the existing Bark Park on Natalie Way. You will notice new rules that have been posted for the safety of the little ones. One of the main rules of the new park is only dogs 30 pounds and under are allowed. Please be sure to read the “Doggie Do’s & Doggie Don’ts” posted at the entrance of the park.

A huge thank you to our volunteer that helped with the construction of the new dog park! Dan Van Epps, Owner of Le Chic Pet located on Park Drive here in Issaquah Highlands, played a huge role in the construction of the new dog park thanks to his phenomenal carpentry talents and craftsmanship. Another thank you goes to the Pets and Pals committee. They have been collecting donations for some time with plans of adding this new mini park along with a shelter to the existing park, woodchips to the north end of the existing park, followed by an obstacle course for dogs soon to come.

Please bring the little guys over to Mini Mutt Meadows and introduce them to a new play area.

The Issaquah Highlands Green Halloween Festival was a big hit! The two day event took place October 24 & 25 and attracted over 2,000 guests. In addition, over 50 resident & student volunteers showed up to lend a hand and join
in the fun.

The festival featured a haunted house, teen dance, carnival games, pony and wagon rides, a petting farm, a giant inflatable slide and a hay maze. There was also plenty of hometown fun such as a pumpkin carving contest, cider press and children’s parade.

Festival proceeds benefited: Highlands Council, Eastside Baby Corner, and Northwest Harvest Food Bank.