Kirkland Weblog

Party at George's with Funnymen Keister and McBeth on 5/3

 Who couldn't use a good laugh? ( and EVERYBODY loves George's.....)

 

On Friday May 3^rd @ 6pm you can come meet the funny men of Almost Live! and The [206] John Keister and Brooks McBeth at
George’s.  Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to meet Seattle’s Comedic Icon and National Headliner and other surprise guests @ George’s. They’re coming to George’s just before their performance at KPC to have dinner, take photos and sign autographs. Jubal Flagg from 92.5 will also be there with a few other surprise guests.

Ticket info:

Get your tickets to this awesome show at Kirkland Performance Center, just after you get a chance to meet them at George's!
Tickets to the Comedy Show at KPC are 20.00- I just bought mine!  Still more available... http://www.kpcenter.org/performances/john-keister-brooks-mcbeth-huge-comedy-show

 

From Knockers to Adventures

About a year and a half ago I did a post on Ellyn Oaksmith, a local author who had just self-published a book called "Knockers."  It's always fun to have a follow-up post that boasts a success story. Ellyn just let me know that  Knockers was picked up by Harper Collins and will be published this Tuesday, under a new title Adventures with Max and Louise.  There will be an e-book release February 12th-- just in time for Valentine's day.  What a great treat to buy yourself for $2.99. 

Here's how Ellyn said it happened.... "An agent in New York got half way through the book and called me, asking if I had representation. I had just gotten a glowing review on KIndleObsessed.com and so people were calling me out of the blue. I was busy working on my next book DIVINE MOVES, which I will be done with on Tuesday in time for the book launch so didn't think much of it. I signed with the agent thinking nothing would happen. She called me a couple of weeks later with 3 offers. I went with Harper Collins because they were the most enthusiastic and established publisher. Having the manuscript polished and vetted by their team has been a dream come true. The line editor, who did the final polish, made sure that everything, right down to the cell phones in the story were the right vintage andmodel, that restaurants in Seattle were still open that I'd mentioned and even let me know that my timeline fore one character was physically impossible and I had to change WWI to WWII. Instead of feeling stupid, I felt lucky to have someone like that watch my back. I'd much rather plow out the story, doing my best and have someone with a keen eye vet out the details."

Isn't that so cool? I just wanted to share the news with you all so you can get Adventures with Max and Louise downloaded and congratulate Ellyn yourself.  Sounds like some Kirkland Blog readers are her biggest fans, myself included.  Way to go Ellyn! ~j 

 

Santa at Kirkland ParkPlace

Did you know that you don't have to go to the mall to visit Santa? He is right here in Kirkland, but his location is a little hidden this year, and so he's not feeling the charms of the season that our children bring him.  Go have a chat, take some pictures, spread some cheer! Tucked back by the movie theater at Kirkland Park Place is St. Nick himself, and there's toys to play with, no line and you get your photos developed promptly.  The photographer, Michael, with John Galt Productions, is keeping Santa's shop open for the following days/hours:

Dec 1st and 2nd...11am-7pm

Dec 9th and 9th....11am-7pm

Dec 11th-14th.....12pm-7pm

Dec 15th-24th......11am-7pm

Then you can always mosey on up to The Heathman to check out their living tree in the lobby, which will be donated to Everest Park in January.

The Heathman: Shines Again in 2012

Well, at least something is shining around here b/c it isn't the sun. 

Troy Longwith, GM
The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland won Conde Nast's prestigious Reader's Choice award of being ranked #1 in the Northwest and the 88th best hotel in the world.  Congrats!  Obviously already at the top of their game, we can cue a warm welcome for Troy Longwith, the new Heathman Kirkland General Manager (photo).  I had a chance to meet with him last week and asked what his  goals are for the acclaimed hotel.  "Right now my goal is to observe and learn and see what makes this hotel tick.  I don't plan on making major changes."  Troy is a seasoned hotelier with extensive experience at names you might recognize like The Fairmont Hotel and Tulalip Casino Resort.  He's enjoying the Kirkland community and the 91-room hotel and getting to know everyone here. 

        <--new library

Troy took me on a tour to see all of the improvements that have been completed since water damage closed the hotel over the summer.  There is a new library, plenty of business meeting spaces and the fitness center has moved to the lower level.  Kudos for  adding the extra 2 bathrooms on the main level.  And, of course, in true Heathman style there is more amazing art.  This Jerri Lisk is one of my faves.  Apparently, Chef Brian from Trellis even has a 'root cellar' on site where he has harvested root vegetables stored so he can bring them straight to your dining table.  Which brings me to this fabulous salmon/squash special I had for lunch ( I may have been photo happy on this particular day).

 

So, if you're in the neighborhood be sure to welcome Troy to Kirkland.  He's promised to keep his 9 and a half year old twin boys away from my 9 and a half year old twin girls. But seriously, this local Cougar fan loves his job b/c it's different every day and he gets to meet people from all over the world.  If you'd like to join him in celebrating their Readers' Choice Award, look for the celebration package online and enter "Conde88" as the promo code.  Bonus-this holiday season, they will have a 10  foot LIVE conifer tree in the lobby, that will later be re-planted in a local Kirkland park. See you there.  I will be the one at the Trellis bar quietly inhaling those dang (A-mazing) peanut butter cookies. ~j

Vote for PSE's Design Contestant from Kirkland

The irony of this does not escape me.  Puget Sound Energy is doing a "Re-Energized by Design" challenge and we have a Kirkland resident that is a finalist! Making us proud!  Rosalie Wessels is one of 20 and needs your vote before November 18th so she can be considered for the final selection interview.  After that, six contestants will be chosen to participate in a room-by-room design challenge that will show you how you can bring energy efficiency to simple home projects.

I wish that Tom, the most energy-efficient Kirkland Blog reader on the planet, was in this contest too. I'll be he'd come up with some awesome ideas to win him the GE lightbulbs, Frigidaire appliances and $5k grand prize. I think Rosalie should call him in as her secret weapon.  Just sayin'.   Until, then let's rally for our Kirkland girl and get her some more votes.  I just checked and she has 34 votes while the person in the lead has 169. Feel free to share your energy-saving tips for her here too . ~j

Local Retirements and Anniversaries

 

  Farewell Woody!
After countless hours of faithful service and tail wags, Woody, the Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & Spa’s resident Labradoodle and director of guest satisfaction, is retiring. To celebrate Woody’s retirement, the Woodmark Hotel, located on the shores of Lake Washington on Carillon Point and the only Seattle-area lakefront lodging, has partnered with CityDog Magazine to host the inaugural Howl-at-the-Moon Muttmixer on Tuesday, October 30. 

The Halloween-themed Muttmixer, the first to take place on Seattle’s Eastside, will be held at the Woodmark’s Olympic Terrace from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature tricks for treats for all four-legged attendees, a costume contest and food and drink specials available for purchase. The contest categories include Best Pack (group), Best Dog and Owner Pair, Funniest Costume, Most Original Costume and Scariest Costume.

Following his retirement, Woody, recently named number one onCondé Nast Traveler’s Hotel’s Cutest Hosts list, is being adopted by a loving family from Renton, Wash. The Woodmark is holding interviews for its Director of Barketing position and hopes to welcome a new wet nose and wagging tail in the lobby by the end of the year.

The Howl-at-the-Moon Muttmixer is free to attend. To RSVP, emailrsvp@citydogmagazine.com with the number of people and canines attending. For more information about the Muttmixer, visitwww.citydogmagazine.com. For more information about the Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & Spa, visit www.thewoodmark.comor call (425) 822-3700.

Kirkland Arts Center turns 50! Happy Anniversary!

The Kirkland Arts Center is celebrating this big milestone with a REDUX auction, celebrating the glamorous style of art deco, on Sat Oct 27th from 5:30-9:30. Lots of great art to bid on as well as other items.  Get more info and buy your tickets here.

Meet Steve.

Why...I ask myself.  Why when I am sitting at the traffic light at 116th and 98th do I always ignore eye contact with the homeless man that often stands under the shade of the tree with his sign in hand?  I'm not a big believer in dishing out money to these guys to help perpetuate their way of life.  However, his hand-written cardboard plea on this particular day said "hot food or coffee" so I decided to make some time and pick him up a Starbucks.  In the car, my kids are firing off a million questions none of which I know the answers to.  Yet.

So I want you to meet Steven.  He's 54 and from NY originally.  He's disabled and has been homeless for 7 years and lives in a tent in Bellevue, but has been taking the bus to his (our) corner in Kirkland for about a year now.  Steve used to be a bookbinder and a heavy machine operator, but now all he has are the clothes on his body, a few things in his backpack and his coveted heater, which is hidden back at his tent.  I was curious how much these guys pull in on a good day in Kirkland.  He had been there 8am-10:30am so far and only had 60 cents.  Typically, he'll pull in $20/day which supplements his $70/mo in food stamps.   Every corner in Totem Lake has some sad eyes and a sign, thanks to Tent City, says Steve, who also mentions he "gets along great with the cops.  I dis-associate myself from the drugs and drama."  From what Steve says there is a two year wait list for local housing, so he doesn't really have a plan.  But he was kind and respectful and appreciative so I was glad that I made the stop to say hello.  And I'm pretty sure this made an impression on my kids, who got their questions answered too.  Good luck to ya, Steve.

 

My Exit Interview with Bill Vadino

Bill Vadino has stepped down as the Executive Director for the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and Kirkland Downtown Association (KDA).  He will be moving on to become the Show Director for the Kirkland Concours d'Elegance.  He also has another mysterious Eastside consulting gig in the works which he will be announcing soon.  So, before Bill pushes out on his sleigh, I had a few questions and they went something like this... (I'm in bold)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Pressing questions...Yes or No..

Is parking a problem in Kirkland? "Can you hold for a second? I am looking for a parking space"

Will the Antique Mall be there forever? "No--I just told Marilyn Dillard there will be a Santa Claus."

Are there too many spas and salons downtown? "Oh--are those all the places between the restaurants, coffee shops and consignment clothes stores?"

Is that you that dresses up the cow statue on Central every holiday? "I thought it was you and your kids--or PETA"

Too many political floats in the 4th of July parade? "Politicians in the parade? I am shocked, shocked..."

 Hard to believe, but not everyone in Kirkland knows Bill Vadino,  Director of the KDA and Kirkland Chamber of Commerce.  Tell us what the heck that means in 3 sentences or less. 

 "Well the Chamber is a membership organization of businesses that believe that "what is good for neighbors is good for business" by making Kirkland a great place to work, live and play.  Most importantly for me aside from the networking events, public policy advocacy, business assistance and downtown/community events is the community service aspect getting neighbors and business folks (sometimes  to volunteer to help the hungry, homeless, and those who need medical care.  The Kirkland Concours was (at least for me) the piece de resistance with it generating 1.5 million for uncompensated medical care for children over the last 9 years. 

 -Where are you scurrying off to and why?

"Well, I have four tasks and I am keeping two, shedding two and adding one.  After 10 years (combined) I will be leaving the Chamber and Downtown Association to focus on my two other tasks--the Kirkland Concours which, while is planned by volunteers here in Kirkland and on the eastside, will be at the new LeMay America's Car Museum in Tacoma as well as my "friends and family."  Another exciting position on the eastside will be announced eventually which I am looking forward to as well.  Good news is that I will be around as many of my friends are here"

 -Tell me why you think Kirkland is Super Cool.  And what would make it even cooler. 

 "It's the people and their volunteerism linked with the small town Mayberry with enough Peyton Place to keep things interesting.  What would be even cooler is to have a foundation that helps fund all of our community organizations from those who help the needy as well as the arts and event organizations."

 -Favorite event in Kirkland? (tough to pick one, I know) 

 Well...now that the Kirkland Concours is moving and I don't have to be "Switzerland" anymore I would say Summerfest and Moss Bay Days which may return in a new incarnation next summer.

 -Who will (try to) fill your shoes? Still looking for candidates? What unique skills are required besides looking snappy in a suit and having the balance to hang off of ladders while hanging holiday decorations? (photo)

 "Bond, James Bond.  With all his stunt work as the new Bond, Daniel Craig would be perfect on the ladders.  Or Charles Durning as the governor in the "Little W****house in Texas ("oh I like to dance the little side step...now you see me now you don’t) for all the moments when my successor tries to please all he people all the time.  Most of what happens will continue in exemplary fashion because of all the volunteers that have enabled success since 1935.  Are you available?"

 -If it was your last meal in Kirkland, where would you go?  

 "I would be a like a hobbit and have six meals (two breakfasts, lunches and dinners) so George's, Hectors, Sasi's, Bin, Crab Cracker, of course Trellis.  And dessert at Sweet Cakes."

 Good luck Bill! We will miss you (but we still know where to find you!) ~j 

 

 

 

 

 

A Word (many, actually) from Marsha

 
Marsha, our ex-Parking Enforcement Officer, had a few words for me after my post from Aug 23rd that she said I could share with you.  Thank you, Pretty Lady! Well said.

Hello,

I am no longer employed by Kirkland as a Parking Enforcement Officer so I figured I could send you a note.  Anyone that knows me knows, that I prefer being called "Pretty Lady" and I'm not nice, I'm fair but stern.....kinda like your favorite Mother.  

Parking isn't a problem in Kirkland.....but "bad attitudes" are.  If you were to describe the parking situation to any other city, employee, or company that sells parking equipment you'd be laughed at.

1 PEO a day, I worked 11am-9pm, 2 hour, 3 hour, 4 hour FREE Parking.  FREE ALL DAY parking usually 1 1/2 blks away, $1.00 an hour parking from 5-9pm which means $4.00 a night,  Leased Private Parking Lot which was $1.00 an hour from 9am-9pm.  FREE PARKING W/PERMIT for downtown business owners and employees. ALL DAY FREE PARKING on Sundays and holidays,  By the time I got around to ticketing vehicles on FRI or SAT it  would be 1:30pm-2pm which is plenty of time to get your now sober butt out of bed and retrieve you vehicle.  If you did receive a $35 dollar ticket it is still cheaper than a cab drive or DUI.  It's the price to play.   FREE ALL DAY Motorcycle Parking Spots

 Name one city anywhere in the world that has more lenient parking near a lake, w/awesome stores, and beautiful trees and flowers!?  I know you can't.  

 Stop whining about the parking to strangers and friends, start spreading the word on how wonderful the city is.  Employees and Regulars....  Start parking in places that respect the business owners and frees up spots for "new customers and soon to be "new friends".    Take responsibility for your parking tickets...sometimes you win and sometimes you must pay.  I'm pretty sure everyone has once come running and yelling and waving their hands to me and they got a win...at least once.  Getting a parking ticket is all about being part of a city.

 I loved my job, loved meeting people, loved giving directions, giving restaurant suggestions, returning keys, phones, dogs and children, I loved doing personal shopping on my off hours, loved laughing at funny moments, loved hugging at the sad.  I tried to treat everyone "equally the same" (only maybe not "red state" plates or convertibles in the summer)  if you didn't get a ticket from me (unless you yelled, lied, or called me fat)  you usually were given a lecture on how to be better and options on where to park next time.    ;)

 If you have any ideas that the Parking Board has not covered or thought of.....It's time to volunteer!

 Marsha the Meter-maid

 (ps. I don't stop in for coffee. I'm allergic)

Train to be an Angel

 
I never thought I would hear these words come out of my mouth, but, "I took a harp lesson!" And it was fun! The harp is one of the most ancient instruments, originating in the Middle East, and thought to be discovered by sheep herding boys with bows and arrows that started making music when they got bored (instead of wrestling? simply amazing).  Kirkland resident and Vice President of the American Harp Society, Alishia Joubert, has been playing the harp since she was nine years old and gives lessons out of her home and also plays at weddings and funerals.  "I hope the harp brings elements of emotions out during events and through teaching," says Alishia.  It is certainly a very expressive instrument as you can see on some video I captured.  I had my 8 year old girls with me and they were just fascinated.

There are two types of harps: the lever harp and the pedal harp.  As you may have guessed, one has levers to create different sounds and the other has pedals, which can create a wider range of notes such as a C sharp, C natural and C flat.   Harps weigh about 60-65 pounds. I used the lever harp for my lesson and learned how to pluck the strings - just the C's (red) and F's (black) for my beginner level, with the pad of my index finger while positioning my hand as if holding a coffee cup (that shouldn't be too difficult, Seattle!).  My music didn't sound nearly as moving as hers, but with some time I think I could train to be an angel. 

 Alishia would love to have more of Kirkland learning to play the harp, so if this is on your bucket list, here's the opportunity to make it happen!  She is patient and articulate and so contageously passionate about her instrument that the downstairs of her house  is dedicated to being a harp room.  Alishia recommends 1/2 hr lessons initially, which are $30.  And you don't have to go out and buy a harp to practice, you can rent one from Dusty Strings in Seattle. You can reach Alishiaat 425-821-1697. Happy harping! ~j