“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.

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.”

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!

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.