snovalleystar122514

Winter Magic, the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce outdoor ice skat-ing rink, has moved from his-toric downtown Snoqualmie to the basketball court by the Snoqualmie Ridge YMCA, 35016 S.E. Ridge St.

The rink will be open through Jan. 1.

The fee, $10 for skaters age 10 and older and $5 for children ages 3 to 9, includes skate rental. Each session lasts 45 minutes.

q Open skate, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Dec. 25

q Open skate, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; family skate, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 26

q Open skate, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; family skate 6-9 p.m. Dec. 27

q Open skate, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; family skate 6-9 p.m. Dec. 28

q Open skate, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Dec. 29

q Open skate, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; family skate 6-9 p.m. Dec. 30

q Open skate, 1-5 p.m. Dec. 31q Open skate, 1:30-6 p.m.

Jan. 1Skaters must sign a waiver to

participate; minors must provide a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Children 10 or young-er must be accompanied by an adult.

Get the waiver form at www.snovalley.org.

Mount Si showing signs of

improving 0

Your locally owned newspaper,

serving North Bend and Snoqualmie,

Washington

December 25, 2014

Prsrt StdU.S. Postage

PAIDKent, WA

Permit No. 71

POSTALCUSTOMER

1

Snoqualmie recently allo-cated funds to community organizations that provide services to children, families, individuals and seniors in need.

The city’s Human Services Commissions reviews appli-cations for funding requests from Snoqualmie Valley orga-nizations and then makes a recommendation to the City Council.

The funds, 1 percent of the city budget, will provide aid for food, shelter, clothing, counseling and safety.

“The state Legislature gives a very focused mandate to Washington cities, requir-ing that we attend to the health, safety and welfare of our citizens,” Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson said in a news release. “Given that Snoqualmie lacks a depart-ment of social and health ser-vices, we are very fortunate to have many strong local part-ners that can assist the city in more effectively meeting this mandate.”

The organizations that will receive funding in 2015 are Eastside Baby Corner, Encompass, Friends of Youth, Hopelink, Lifewire, Mt. Si Senior Center, North Bend Community Church, Sno Valley Pet Food Bank, Sno Valley Adult Day Health, Sno Valley Indoor Playground, Snoqualmie Valley Community Network, Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank, Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, St. Vincent de Paul, Two Rivers Schools and the Snoqualmie Firefighters Association.

City funds human services groups

By Sherry Grindeland

Santa Claus and I see an Eastside seldom noticed by most — economically chal-lenged families. We hold their children on our laps and listen to their Christmas wishes.

Every year, I am Mrs. Claus at Bellevue’s Crossroads Community Center holiday party.

People scoff that there are no needy people in Bellevue. Unfortunately the city’s reputation as a wealthy sub-urb is overstated. The same problems of unemployment, underemployment and hun-ger face all towns, including Bellevue.

As a journalist I know this.As a busy woman prepar-

ing for Christmas I sometimes forget it. Like you, my to-do

list is long. My holiday shop-ping and cards aren’t done and the house is only half decorated.

But once again at the holiday party, I learned those things don’t matter.

My role as Mrs. Claus began two decades ago when I was a columnist/reporter for the now defunct Journal American newspaper. It was a week before the annual Crossroads Community Center event and the director came to me with a plea.

Would I put something in the paper asking people to donate gifts? The usual dona-tions hadn’t come through and the toy cupboard was bare.

Readers were wonder-ful. The response was so immense the center stayed open extra hours to receive

By David Grindeland

Stations throughout Bellevue collect toys to distribute for the holi-days. These firefighters from Bellevue Fire Station No. 3 gave Santa and Mrs. Claus a ride to the Crossroads Community Center in the hook-and-ladder truck.

Getting into the holiday spirit as Mrs. Claus

Ice skating rink moves to Snoqualmie YMCA

City of Snoqualmie

Children enjoy an afternoon of free skating on the Snoqualmie ice rink during the KING 5 Television’s filming of ‘Evening Magazine.’ See other photographs of the session, including a pratfall by host Jim Dever, on the city’s Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/1weDtMh.

See MRS. CLAUS, Page 7

the donations.The next holiday season, the

center employee who had been Mrs. Claus asked me to fill her

suit so she could help at the party.

Nominations are now open for the Snoqualmie Valley Give Good Awards, for people or organizations in the area that make the Valley a good place to live.

Angela Craig, founder of the Give Good Awards, said the event gives local heroes much deserved rec-ognition for all they do.

The Give Good Awards ceremony will be March 6, when the winners in the various categories are announced and honored.

Nominate an indi-vidual or a team atwww.givegoodawards.org/nominations.html.

Forms may be submitted electronically or by mail.

Only residents, stu-dents, employees and vol-unteers in the Snoqualmie Valley, which includes Snoqualmie, Fall City, Preston, North Bend, Carnation, Snoqualmie Pass, and Duvall, can be nominated. Only one nominee is allowed per form; anonymous nominations will not be accepted. Nominees can-not be a member of the Give Good Awards com-mittee or a board member of a major sponsoring organization.

The Give Good Awards are divided into 12 catego-ries; nominees can only be nominated in one.

� Arts: A person who enriches the arts by spreading enthusiasm for, promoting awareness of and helping to create a rich cultural environment in the community.

� Business: An owner or manager of a Snoqualmie Valley enter-prise or nonprofit who gen-erously uses their business resources or time to help support the community.

� Courage: Someone who overcomes great obstacles to live life to the fullest and inspires others to meet challenges.

� Environmental: A person/persons who advo-cate for environmental awareness through the use of their time, talent and resources to help better our natural environment by reducing the carbon

footprint, or restoring lands, rivers and trails in the community.

� Educational Excellence: A person whose enriching and inspiring contributions create a positive environ-ment for students, that stimulates creativity, imag-ination and enthusiasm for learning.

� Teen Spirit: A Snoqualmie Valley teenag-er who shows a passion for helping others, for giving service to the community, and for being a shining example inspiring his or her peers and younger generations to follow suit.

� Inspirational Youth: A Snoqualmie Valley youth (12 years and younger) who outwardly displays compassion, respect and kindness, set-

PAGE 2 SnoValley Star DECEMBER 25, 2014

2

StressDepressionLife TransitionsLoss and GriefRelationship Problems

Everyone Needs a Little Help Now and Then...

Patty Groves, M.A., L.M.H.C.Issaquah Creek Counseling Center

545 Rainier Blvd. N., Issaquahwww.issaquahcreekcounseling.com

(425) 898-1700Now accepting most major Credit/Debit Cards

pearson law redo michellexx

spec

Your experienced advisor always there at the right time

You can feel confident that we are tackling the right issue at the right time – with the best tools and expertise available.

2x4

35131 S.E. Douglas St., Ste. 103 • Snoqualmie, WA 98065

425.831.3100www.pearsonlawfirm.com

Free case evaluations

pearson law redo.indd 1 11/29/12 5:50 PM

I had a wonderful experience at Dr. Kirby Nelson’s. Everyone was so nice and treated me so well. -Anne

Call for Your Free Consultation

www.kirbynelsonorthodontics.com

North Bend Office425-888-1896

Snoqualmie Ridge Office 425-831-0386

Maple Valley Office425-413-2121

Voted Top Orthodontist 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

Happy Holidays!Come enjoy the tastes of the our Pacific Northwest Cuisine from

mouth watering breakfasts, lunches and dinners to delectable desserts!

(425) 392-64211801 12th Avenue Northwest

Issaquah, WA 98027

The family of Jennifer Luey would like to thank the local valley community and her friends for their support during her recent � ght with lung cancer and ultimate passing.

We’d like to recognize the sta� at ACE Hardware, particularly Gordy Gaub, for their generosity during this di� cult time.

THANK YOU!THANK YOU!THANK YOU!

Gordy Gaub, for their generosity during this di� cult time.Gordy Gaub, for their generosity during this di� cult time.

Nominations open for Snoqualmie Valley Give Good Awards

Three locals perform in ‘Nutcracker’

Three girls from the Snoqualmie Valley are dancing in the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “Nutcracker.”

Naomi Bray is one of the Claras, Clara Soltys plays the role of an infan-try officer and Jacquelyn Fajarillo is in the infan-try.

All three dancers attend the PNB School.

This is the last season for the Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak version of the popular ballet that has entertained audiences for 31 years.

The final performances are at 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 26-28 at McCaw Hall, 301 Mercer St., Seattle.

For tickets call 206-

441-2424 or visit http://pnb.org/Season/14-15/Nutcracker/#Tickets.

Ranger station posts holiday closures

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest offices, including the Ranger Station in North Bend, will be closed Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1.

Some ranger stations are closing early on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

The station at 902 S.E. North Bend Way is typically open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The ranger on duty can be reached at 888-1421.

The station has infor-mation about the forests, hiking, trails, camping, and sells permits.

ting a positive example for his/her peers.

� Youth Leadership Initiative: A student that does more than expected in the areas of vision, ser-vice, organization, media-tion and idealism.

� Youth Advocate:A person who values and supports Snoqualmie Valley youth, advocating for their needs and inter-ests in the community.

� Unsung Hero: A person who goes beyond

expectations in an inspira-tional and positive manner.

� Parent Volunteer:A person who volunteers time to the children and youth of the Valley through schools or organizations that strengthen families, such as PTSA, youth sports, churches and more.

� Spirit of the Valley:A person who embodies the highest level of commit-ment to the community, selflessly giving of their time and talents.

2 celery stalksPour olive oil in hot

pan over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage and add to pan. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook sausage until browned. Add diced onion. Cook until sausage is done and onions are golden. Add garlic, crushed red pep-per, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Allow to cook for a few minutes, then turn off heat and add chopped herbs.

Break cornbread into about one-inch inch chunks and place in bowl.

Add celery, butter and sausage mixture (includ-ing juices). Using hands, gently toss stuffing until mixed together well.

Gluten free optionUse one package of

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Cornbread Mix and use 1 1/2 cups chicken broth in stuffing recipe instead of 1.

Glaze1 10 ounce jar apricot

jam 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar1 teaspoon crushed red

pepper

1 teaspoon ground ginger

2 cloves minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon)

Whisk all ingredients together until sauce forms. Set aside until ready to use.

Assembling and baking6 Cornish game hens2 cups chicken brothSalt and pepper

Preheat oven to 375F.Rub game hens with

salt & pepper inside and out.

Fill Cornish game hens with stuffing mixture.

Prepare roasting pan by placing rack inside. Pour chicken stock into roasting pan.

Coat outside of game hens completely with glaze and place on baking rack with legs upward. Place foil over game hens about half way through baking time (or after they are golden brown).

Bake for about 60 min-utes or 75 minutes or until game hens register 165 degrees on a thermom-eter when poked into the

thickest part of the bird – the thigh.

Remove game hens from pan and place on a platter.

Reduce remaining sauce by cooking over medium heat (if needed) to thick-en. Salt and pepper to taste and serve the sauce with the hens.

Then sit back and

enjoy the accolades!

Deanna Morauski owned the multiple award-winning The Old Hen Bed & Breakfast in North Bend. Her love for baking and cooking began as she sat upon a baker’s stool as a little girl. Follow her adventures online at twit-ter.com/theoldhen, www.facebook.com/theoldhen and theoldhen.com as she starts from scratch.

By Deanna Morauski

When you want to host a special-occasion dinner party, think Cornish game hens. They are easy and look spectacular when you set the table with the good china and candles.

Try this version with a kick-in-the-taste buds stuffing made with jala-peno cornbread. While there’s a long list of ingre-dients, don’t be afraid. The stuffing goes together rapidly and is worth the effort when you serve it. The only thing you need to remember is to bake that jalapeno cornbread a day ahead of time.

And everything zings because of the sweet glaze you use on those cute little hens while they’re baking.

Enjoy!

Sweet and spicy Cornish game hens with cornbread stuffing

Stuffing 1 batch of jalapeno

cornbread (Cornbread recipe

at www.theoldhen.com/2012/11/08/jalapeno-cornbread-recipe)

The day before your party, bake jalapeno corn-bread and place a clean paper towel on top over-night.

1 tablespoon olive oil1 pound country sau-

sageSalt and pepper1 medium yellow

onion, diced2 cloves garlic, minced

(or 1 teaspoon)1 teaspoon crushed red

pepper2 tablespoons balsamic

vinegar1/4 cup brown sugar5 leaves fresh sage,

chopped1 tablespoon fresh basil,

chopped1 stalk fresh oregano,

chopped1 cup chicken broth3 tablespoons melted

butter

DECEMBER 25, 2014 SnoValley Star PAGE 3

3

“Happy Howlidays from the Pet Place Market Pack”

213 Bendigo Blvd N #2North Bend, WA 98045

425.888.8828www.petplacemarket.com

Like us on

By Deanna Morauski

Spice up your party with sweet Cornish game hens

Trash collection delayed for holidays

Republic Services and Waste Management Inc. will observe Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Garbage, recycling and organic waste will not be collected Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.

Households normally served on Thursdays will have their trash and recy-cling picked up on Fridays. Friday customers will be served on Saturday.

Republic serves North Bend and Waste Management serves Snoqualmie.

Normal collection ser-vice by both companies resumes the second week of January.

Food bank is open Dec. 30

Due to the New Year’s Day holiday, the Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank will be open Tuesday instead of Wednesday.

Hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 30. It will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 7.

The Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank is at 122 E. Third St., North Bend.

Thank you!The family of Jennifer Luey

would like to thank Valley residents for their outpouring of support during her recent fight with cancer and her ultimate passing.

The emotional and financial support provided by everyone, including complete strangers is overwhelming.

Jen worked at the North Bend Ace Hardware and was a constant source of joy for all. Her custom-ers appreciated her customer focus and her knowing smile!

She will be sadly missed by us all, family, friends and strangers alike. We thank you all for your kindness and gen-erosity. We’d especially like to thank her friends for the fund-raisers.

We’d like to thank the local community for its encourage-ment and kind words. We thank her coworkers at Ace Hardware for their continued support.

We also want to specifi-cally thank Gordy Gaub for his kindness and unparalleled generosity. Once again, the Valley community put its arms around a family in need. Our community has rallied in the

face of adversity and demon-strated through actions what a great place we live.

Thank you all for caring and showing Jennifer how much she was loved and how much we will all miss her disarming smile.

A celebration of her life will take place from 1-3:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Cedar River Watershed Education Center.

We welcome your participa-tion in remembering her impact on our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Snoqualmie Valley Relay for Life.

David and Virginia Sharpy

The next day there were two more Christmas cards. One from Mrs. Lopez, whose arthritis pre-vented her from weeding her flower patch, and one from someone who didn’t sign it, but just wrote “Thank you so much” inside.

Windy was rendered speech-less, which is the equivalent, here in Home Country, of the Pacific Ocean tides deciding to take the day off.

But the capper came on Christmas Eve. Windy returned from eating at the Mule Barn

and explaining to the guys all about “experiential trans-wis-dom” and its effects on educa-tion these days.

There, on his front porch, was a cardboard box with holes punched in it. It was vibrating a bit, too, and making whining sounds.

Upon opening it, Windy found a brown puppy with an overabundance of enthusiasm and an active tongue and smile.

There was no note. He hugged the pup and took him in the house. It was going to be a great Christmas.

Brought to you with warmest Christmas season wishes by Slim and Catherine Randles. Slim Randles can be reached at [email protected].

OpinionPAGE 4 DECEMBER 25, 2014

Yes, Virginia,there is a Santa Claus

Published by

ISSAQUAH PRESS, INC.P.O. Box 1328

Issaquah, WA 98027Phone: 392-6434

Fax: 392-1695

MAIL SUBSCRIPTION

$30 per year

Call 392-6434

Editorial

Write to usSnovalley Star welcomes letters to the editor about

any subject, although we reserve the right to edit for space, length, potential libel, clarity or political relevance. Letters

addressing local news will receive priority. Please limit letters to 350 words or less and type them, if possible. Email is pre-

ferred. Letters must be signed and have a daytime phone num-ber to verify authorship. Send them by Friday of each week to:

snovalley starP.O. Box 1328 q Issaquah, WA 98027

Fax: 391-1541 q Email: [email protected]

Home Country

Slim RandlesColumnist

Windy receives a warm and fuzzy Christmas gift

In 1897, Dr. Philip O’Hanlon was asked by his then 8-year-old daughter Virginia whether Santa Claus really existed. O’Hanlon suggested she write to The Sun, a prominent New York City news-paper at the time.

Virginia’s letter became the introduction to an editorial in The Sun, and is reprinted here. Merry Christmas one and all!

Dear Editor,I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no

Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon115 W. Ninety-Fifth St.

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except what they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thou-sand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Editorial by Francis Pharcellus Church

Windy had sent off for a doo-dad for his small kitchen, and that’s why he checked the mailbox.

If you’re Alphonse “Windy” Wilson, and you’re long-in-the-tooth and single, you find your-self not checking the mailbox very often unless there’s a rea-son. It saves the disappointment of finding it empty, you see.

But there was something in there today.

He opened it up. It was a Christmas card from Mrs. Morris. In it, she had written “Thank you so much for fixing my shed.”

Wow! As Windy would say, it was a “transfigurational enlight-ening.”

Of course, he only used his fancy English when there was an audience of one or more. But it led him to thinking he might have to check the ol’ mailbox more often.

He had straightened up Mrs. Morris’ shed that was perilously close to becoming kindling in her back yard.

That Mrs. Morris had wanted it to become kindling so she could use the space for other reasons didn’t really figure in. It all happened on one of Windy’s helping days. One day each week, he looked around for someone who needed help and helped them, whether they wanted him to or not.

Joe Heslet General manager

Kathleen R. Merrill Managing editor

Sherry Grindeland Editor

Sam Kenyon Reporter

David Hayes Page designer

Michelle Comeau Advertising rep.

To the Editor

Sen. Mark Mullet and Electric Vehicle Caucus

Excellent, as EVs are a win-win regardless of party. Whether for energy security and bal-ance of trade, climate change mitigation or individual energy independence, legislators of all stripes should agree on keep-

ing more of our energy dollars in-state with clean Washington energy and pollution-reducing electric cars.

An EV even uses less electric-ity than a gas car due to the electricity consumed in refin-ing gasoline. It takes 8 kWh on average to refine a gallon of gasoline.

That 8 kWh will propel an electric car from 24 to 40 miles, without even accounting for

electricity usage at the gas sta-tions. In other words, an EV has traveled up to 40 miles before the gas car has even started burning gasoline, and the differ-ences only get better from that point.

Plus, electrics are more fun to drive, given their superior torque and lower center of grav-ity, which yields faster accelera-tion and tighter cornering.

Jay Donnaway

From the Web

4


5

H Snoqualmie Valley Hospital

When your landing isn’t as perfect as the jump...

We help you feel better—faster

24/7 Emergency Care

www.SVHD4.org(425) 831-2300

All ER physicians are board certified.9575 Ethan Wade Way SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065

National Top 20 Critical Access Hospital

“Happy Howlidays from the Pet Place Market Pack”

213 Bendigo Blvd N #2North Bend, WA 98045

425.888.8828www.petplacemarket.com

Like us on

165 NE Juniper St. Suite 200Issaquah, WA 98027

425-831-3100 • 800-423-8473www.pearsonlawfirm.com

Appointments throughout Washington

Expert Intervention Makes a Difference

Jerry D. Pearson& Michele G. Pearson

Attorneys at Law

106 Main Ave. N., North Bend • 425.888.0781www.chevyoutlet.com

North Bend Chevrolet

425.392.6434 • www.snovalleystar.com

8086 Railraod AveSnoqualmie

www.sigillocellars.com [email protected]

for more information

425-831-5511Open 7 Days a Week Open Mic

Every Tuesday

Night137 W North Bend Way North Bend, WA 98045

Get your flu shotThis flu season may be

more severe than others.The Centers for Disease

Control urges everyone 6

months of age and older get vaccinated to prevent flu and related complica-tions.

Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/health/flu.

SnoValley Star DECEMBER 25, 2014

6

TUES

30

q Foam Sword Battle, ages 10-15, limited to 20 people, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., 888-0554, register at 888-0554

q Winter Magic Ice Skating, open skate 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 6-9 p.m., Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, $10/10 and older, $5/9 and younger, includes skate rental, www.snovalley.org

q Holiday Tea, traditional and gour-met treats, proceeds benefit Camp Korey, 2-4 p.m., Salish Lodge, 6501 Railroad Ave., Snoqualmie, $39/adults, $18/ ages 6-12, under age 5 free, 888-2556

q Competitive Play Drop-In Volleyball, 16 and older, 7-10 p.m., Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 35018 S.E. Ridge St., 256-3115

q Emily Asher East-West Quartet, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 292-9307

YOUR WEEK

MON

29


q Piano Jam, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 292-9307

q Drop-In Basketball, 16 and older, 8:15-10 p.m., Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 35018 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, 256-3115

SUN

28

q Winter Magic Ice Skating, open skate 1-4:30 p.m. and family skate 6-9 p.m., Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, $10/10 and older, $5/9 and younger, includes skate rental, www.snovalley.org


q Danny Kolke Trio featur-ing Courtney Cutchins, 6 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 292-9307

q The Voice, a Vietnamese concert, 8 p.m., The Ballroom at Snoqualmie Casino, 37500 S.E. North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, $20 to $30, www.snocasino.com

SAT

27

q Winter Magic Ice Skating, open skate 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and family skate 6-9 p.m., Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, $10/10 and older, $5/9 and younger, includes skate rental, www.snovalley.org


q Public support group on school safety and sui-cide preventionby the Survivors of Snoqualmie Valley School District No. 410 Foundation, 2:30 p.m., Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 35018 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, 458-4140

q Bill Ramsay and Pony Boy Holiday Jam Session, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 292-9307

q Garrett Hendricks and Emilia Glaser, 8 p.m., Black Dog Arts Café, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 831-3647

q Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight, Mt. Si Pub, 45530 S.E. North Bend Way, North Bend

FRI

26

q Kids Indoor Playground, ages 0-6, 9-11 a.m. every Friday, Church on the Ridge, 35131 E. Douglas St., free, 888-7474

q Holiday Tea, traditional and gourmet treats,proceeds benefit Camp Korey, 2-4 p.m., Salish Lodge, 6501 Railroad Ave., Snoqualmie, $39/adults, $18/ ages 6-12, under age 5 free, 888-2556

q Winter Magic Ice Skating,open skate 1:30-4:30 p.m. and family skate 6-9 p.m., Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, $10/10 and older, $5/9 and younger, includes skate rental, www.snoval-ley.org

WED

31

q Winter Magic Ice Skating, open skate 1:30-5 p.m. and holiday skate 6-9 p.m., Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, $10/10 and older, $5/9 and younger, includes skate rental, www.snovalley.org

q New Year’s Eve with HB Radke & Jet City Swingers, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 292-9307

q New Year’s Eve Celebration, 7 p.m., Snoqualmie Falls Brewery and Taproom, 8032 Falls Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 831-2357

q Great Gatsby New Year Celebration, 8 p.m., The Ballroom at Snoqualmie Casino, 37500 S.E. North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, $30, www.snocasino.com

THUR

1

q Winter Magic Ice Skating, holi-day skate 1:30-6 p.m., Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, $10/10 and older, $5/9 and younger, includes skate rental, www.snoval-ley.org

SCHEDULE THIS:

Send your news

Send items for Your Week

to [email protected]

by noon Friday.

THE CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER 26 - JANUARY 1

The Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce Winter presents Magic Ice Skating, an outdoor open skate, from 1-4:30 p.m. and family skate from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 25 - Jan. 1 at the Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie. The fee, including skate rental, is $10 for ages 10 and older and $5 for ages 9 and younger. Learn more at www.snovalley.org.


7

I’ve been Mrs. Claus ever since.

Santa and I go a nearby fire station. We dress in our regalia there and climb into a hook-and-ladder truck. The firefighters transport us to the center, turning on the lights and sirens as we approach the parking lot.

Hundreds of children and their families jam the auditorium. We wave and “ho ho ho” and then head to another room where

Santa and I sit on a large couch.

Then the line forms.Children talk to Santa

and me before they receive their gifts. The presents are given out in another room — there was a time when we helped with that but as the numbers grew, volunteer elves took over that task.

Some children — excited to meet Santa — can’t stand still. Smaller children reluctantly get plunked into our laps. There are huggers and there are the screamers who don’t like that funny looking man.

That’s where I come in.

Scared children will often come to me because I’m nonthreatening. Besides being a comforting maternal figure, adding a Mrs. Claus to the scene conveys a mother-and-father image.

All Santas need a Mrs. Claus — because once he’s dressed for the holiday, Santa has difficulty mov-ing. I hand out the candy canes. I have the most freedom of movement to help children get on the couch.

Beats me how he man-ages the sleigh and eight tiny reindeer dressed like that!

Things have changed

since we started this gig.The first couple of years

there were few cameras. (They were too expen-sive.) With the advent of cell phone cameras, we’ve become a photo op. It is rare that someone doesn’t take pictures of us now.

Each year, there’s a moment when a child touches my heart so much that Christmas truly begins for me.

This year, it happened with a sweet little girl, about seven years old. Her clothes were probably hand-me-downs because they were well worn but still a little large. Her jack-et was too light-weight for

the weather. Her mother wore a work shirt from a local fast food restaurant.

The little girl asked if she could tell us what she wanted for Christmas. Santa was engaged with another child so I said, “Come, tell me.”

I expected a request for something big — an elec-tronic gaming system or the latest doll. If she were older, it would be the lat-est cell phone.

Santa and I never prom-ise anything. We always say, “Wait and see.”

I wish I could have ful-filled her request on the spot.

“I want a Play-Doh kit,”

she said. “A Play-Doh kit so I can make things for my mother and my sister.”

Being Mrs. Claus is a privilege granted to few. It is my annual lesson in what’s really important. It keeps me connected to the real world — not the glorified world of the lucky.

I gave her a hug and silently prayed that Santa will come through for her.

May her Play-Do kit be waiting for her on Christmas morning so she can make things for her mother and sister.

And may your holiday be filled with love, hugs and smiles.

Mrs. ClausFrom Page 1

Lighting the way for Santa

Photos by Greg Farrar

The votes are in and the Deutsche family’s home, in the 9000 block of Ash Avenue (left), won the annual Snoqualmie Holiday Lighting Contest with their dis-play of lighted bushes and foliage. The Miller family’s display in the 35000 block of Southeast Swenson Street (above) took second place. The Krieger family’s house, in the 9000 block of Ash Avenue, was third. All three winning houses are in the Snoqualmie Ridge area. Winners received certificates, yard signs proclaim-ing their status and, of course, bragging rights. See photographs of the entries on the city’s Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/1ySDigx. The Snoqualmie Parks & Recreation Department and the Snoqualmie Ridge Residential Owners Association sponsor the annual contest. Entries were judged on creativity, originality, theme elements and overall design quality.


8

Preferred providers

Every child has A SMILE WORTH protecting

More than 40% of children have cavities by the time they reach kindergarten

As a dentist who specializes in childhood dental care it is our goal to equip parents with the knowledge and tools to establish a home that practices correct oral hygiene.

From a child’s first visit to the day they head off to college...we’ll treat them like our own.

(425) 455-0784 (425) 396-1011

An Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

234 North Bend Way North Bend 425-888-2301

Serving Fast, Good Food for over 60 Years

Voted ‘Best Burger’ in the valley since

2004

425-638-9949 420 E. North Bend Way, North Bend

[email protected]

Teri ClarkOwner/Coach

and past client of SVWLC

TIME TO MAKE A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION TO LOSE WEIGHT?Start 2015 off right by getting healthy! I am discounting the initial sign-up fee by $50 for the rest of December. Average weekly weight loss on the Ideal Protein diet is 2-3 pounds for women and 3-5 pounds for men. My goal is to help dieters achieve weight loss while teaching them to make better food choices once they’ve achieved their weight loss goals.

www.redoakresidence.com

425.888.7108

Red Oak is Proud to be Voted Best Senior Care Provider in the Valley for 10 years in a row!

Start the New Year Living the Good Life

Customized Assisted Living Care Community at the foot of Mt. Si

Random acts of fun!

• Monthly rental - no buy in or community fee

• A wide range of fun activities specific to your tastes.

• Conveniently located close to

shopping, banking & natures trails without the traffic.

• Incredibly caring staff, a safe and warm community in friendly North Bend.

Soap Shop releases 12th Fan Soap

The Issaquah-based company Seattle Soap Shop recently released its limited edition 12th Fan Soap just in time for the football playoffs.

The 12th Fan Soap

shows off the Seattle Seahawks dark blue and bright green and high-lights the number 12 on the face of the soap to represent the spirit of the 12th Man. The soap comes in two versions, a “Home Game Dark” and an “Away Game White.”

All soap created by the Seattle Soap Shop is handcrafted in small batches using the old-fashioned cold process method. Every product is phthalate free, paraben free, detergent free (no SLS), soy free, and with the exception of the beer

soap, it is also gluten free.

The 12th Fan Soap retails for $9.50 each. All 12th Fan Soaps, duos and gift sets are available for a limited time only and on the Seattle Soap Shop web-site, www.seattlesoapshop.com.

Caroline MainCaroline Main, of

Snoqualmie, died Dec. 16, 2014, in Snoqualmie. She was 87.

A celebration of life pot-luck will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2014, at the Snoqualmie Eagles.

Caroline was born Nov.

12, 1927, in Winslow, to Joseph and Elsie Busser. She was raised in Carnation.

She married Gerald Main (Snowball) on Sept. 24, 1948.

Caroline was a member of the Snoqualmie Valley Eagles. In her spare time, she loved cooking, baking and gardening.

She is survived by Jim and Linda Ewing, Ross and

Kim Mark, Noah Mark, Bronte Mark, Hope Ewing, Eric and Kari Lorring, Emily Lorring, Gage Lorring, Sue Main, Brian and Susie Main, Austin Main, Cody Main, Mitchell Main, Sean and Stacy Ray, Abby Ray, Lian Ray, Jaden Ray, Sayla Ray, Jordon and Stephanie Main, Noah Main and Kendall Main.

She was preceded in death by her husband

Gerald Main; son Jerry Main; brothers Joe Busser, Pete Busser and Bud Busser; great-grand daughter Shelby Ray; and parents Joseph and Elsie Busser.

Obituary

Caroline Main


9

Main Line 425.831.2300www.SVHD4.org Like us on Facebook

Professional Care - Personal Touch

8096 Railroad Ave SE Snoqualmie

425-831-1772www.snoqualmieflowers.com

Snoqualmie Ridge Office425-831-0386

Maple Valley Office425-413-2121

North Bend Office425-888-1896

Courtesy ofTravel Centers of America 46600 SE North Bend Way,

North Bend, WA 98045 425.888.3322

I-90 East Take Exit 34Best kept secret in North Bend! Try our new menu!

425.831.6300610 E North Bend Way - North Bend www.lesschwab.com

425.318.1662www.mmcomfortsystems.com

Comfort and Efficiency from Friendly Experts you can Trust.

Heating | Air Conditioning | Water Heaters

CALL US TODAY425-888-6846

www.alpinechiropracticcenter.com

Specializing in Soft Tissue Injuries.Massage Therapist on Site.

12-20-12sno kids

dirtfish kids 122012 michelle x

x2x4

Drawing by Josh Hall, age 6, Summit Classical Christian School son of Kim Hall, Encompass Occupational Therapist

425-888-4343 • Snoqualmie, WA

Alpine Coachworks

Recycling art contest deadline approaches

The deadline for the

Snoqualmie youth recy-cling art contest is Dec. 31.

Waste Management and the city of Snoqualmie are looking for student artists to illustrate ways people

can recycle every day.Snoqualmie students

and school-aged residents, are eligible to participate.

Drawings will be dis-played at Snoqualmie City

Hall and the winners’ art-work will be featured in the 2015-2016 Snoqualmie recycling guide.

Learn more about the contest at http://bit.

ly/1ySjN4d.All artwork must be

have a completed entry form attached with a paper clip or in an envelope.

Entry forms are avail-

able on the Waste Management website or at Snoqualmie City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St.

Learn more by emailing [email protected].

By Sam Kenyon

The Wildcat girls bas-ketball team continues to

search for their first win of the season after losing to the Bothell Cougars, 53-44, on Dec. 19 and

62-47 to Issaquah on Dec. 17.

In the Bothell game, Mount Si never had the

lead in the game, although it cut the deficit to as low as eight points in the sec-ond half.

Bothell is the No. 1 ranked team in KingCo 4A, and Mount Si knew going in that the matchup would be a difficult one, especially playing against Bothell, whose star player, Taya Corosdale, leads the league in scoring and rebounds.

“I’m happy, I couldn’t be happier,” Wildcat head coach Taylor Bass said. “It’s nice to get a win but at the same time, we knew going in that was going to be a very tough team to play.”

The Wildcats went

against their undefeated opponent with aggression and they fought hard for the entire game, regard-less of the score. Although they have yet to win one this season, this has been the team’s demeanor every game. They do not stop playing when a loss is imminent.

They fight until the whistle blows.

“I’m very pleased,” Bass said. “That’s a very tough team.”

Bothell excels in transi-tion scoring, quickly mov-ing the ball up and down the floor. But the Wildcats disrupted its game plan, and the Mount Si defense made the Cougars slow

down and play in half-court sets.

“We were able to slow them down and make them work offensively as well as defensively,” Bass said.

Mount Si was also able to hold Corosdale to only three points in the second half.

Despite the loss, team captain senior Elizabeth Prewitt played an out-standing game. She led the team with 16 points, 15 rebounds and five assists.

Senior Madi Bevens scored seven points and grabbed four rebounds. Senior Annie Hiebert scored six points, pulled down four rebounds, had one steal and chipped in two assists. Junior Cam Buck and sophomore Hayden Frederick each had four points and three rebounds. Frederick also had one assist and Buck had one steal.

Bass said that on the court he is seeing the specific improvements that his team works on in between games.

“We work them hard in practice,” he said.

He tries to simulate the intensity of the games in his practices so his players can get used to playing at that level. Bit by bit, the plan is working.

“Every single game it’s getting better,” he said. “Every single practice we’re getting better.”

Sam Kenyon can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @samuel_kenyon.

SportsPAGE 10 DECEMBER 25, 2014

10

By Sam Kenyon

The Wildcat boys bas-ketball team hosted the Bothell Cougars and got blown out of their own building in a disappoint-ing 85-53 loss.

The loss Dec. 19 drops the Wildcats to a record of 1-4 while Bothell remains undefeated at 3-0.

“I felt like we made improvement from last game,” said sophomore Gavin Gorrell, who had a strong performance off the bench with eight points, two rebounds and two steals.

This game is the second big loss in a row for the Wildcats, who went down to Issaquah, 73-41, three

days earlier.The game started hot

for Bothell, who went on a quick 7-0 run to start the game and never looked back.

All seven early points were scored by Cougar freshman Cameron Tyson. But Mount Si fought back and closed the game to within eight by the end of the first quarter.

Then, in the second quarter, the wheels came off for the Wildcats. They finished that frame with just five points but gave up a painful 21.

Bothell began to rain in 3-pointers like they were free throws. In all, the Cougars dropped in eight deeps shots in the first

half alone.“It’s fun to learn from

them,” Gorrell said. “They’re really good. But at the same time it’s hard.”

Gorrell played a good game off the bench. He came in looking aggres-sive on both ends of the floor. He moved with a lot of hustle and had some very good defensive plays.

“I just did what I needed to do and played my role,” he said. “Tried to create energy for the team.”

The second half was a slightly more even scoring matchup, but the dam-age had been done. The Wildcats could simply not

recover from that enor-mous deficit in the second quarter caused by the bar-rage of threes.

The Mount Si offense was decent overall. The team successfully worked to get out in transition, which is head coach Kyle Clearman’s game plan. Although in the half-court sets, team members some-times struggled to get any-thing other than a deep shot.

But it was its defense that caused the loss. Bothell sliced the Wildcats up with their passing, which led to all those open 3-pointers. It was a tough game against a tough opponent.

Junior point guard

Danny Tomson was the high point man for the Wildcats with 12. Tomson leads the team in scoring this season. He also pulled down the most rebounds for his team with six, along with two assists and one steal.

Junior power forward Parker Dumas scored 10 points for Mount Si. He also had three rebounds, one assist and one block. Fellow junior power for-ward Matt Myers scored eight points and grabbed two rebounds.

Senior shooting guard Isaac Mullins scored five points and had one rebound. Senior small forward Jonathan “Jo Jo” Hillel scored four points

and forced two steals and grabbed one rebound.

This is the sec-ond such loss for the Wildcats, who are having a hard time adjusting to the more competitive, bigger schools in the 4A conference. Their last two losses — against Issaquah and Bothell — have been against schools with highly ranked teams.

“Those are two good teams,” Gorrell said. “That’s the No. 1 team in the state [Issaquah] and the No. 2 team in the state [Bothell]. So they’re good, and we just need to get to their level. It starts with practice, but we’ll be better.”

Bothell Cougars maul Mount Si Wildcat boys, 85-53

Winless girls basketball team shows signs of improving

Photos by Greg Farrar

Above, Elizabeth Prewitt, Mount Si High School senior guard, puts up a shot looking for two of her game-high 18 points, while defended by Tatum Dow (5) and Mariah Van Halm, of Issaquah, in their Dec. 17 basketball game. At right, Madi Bevins, Mount Si High School senior wing, goes up to score two of her 10 points and draws a foul from Issaquah’s Lauren Longo.


11

New Year’s EveWednesday, December 31st

9:00am to 3:00pm

10%-20%100% OFF

Spin The Wheel For

SPIN THE WHEEL FOREXTRA SAVINGS OR A

FREE APPLIANCE!EVERYBODY’S A WINNER!

PLUS - DRAWING FORFREE WHIRLPOOL®

MICROWAVE OVEN!NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

See Store For Details

EVEVEV

717840

We do Business the Old FashionedWay!

A P P L I A N C E S4608 NE Sunset Blvd • Renton WA

Across from Albertsons & Starbucks in the Renton Highlandswww.kingandbunnys.com • 425-277-0600

6HOURSONLY!

HOME OF THE

Whammer

DEALStore Hours:

Mon-Fri 9 ‘til 7Sat 9 ‘til 6

Sun 12 ‘til 5


12

HOME SERVICES

To advertise in Home Servicescall 425-392-6434 and get results!

Washington State ConstructionContractor law requires that all advertisers for construction related services include the contractor registration number.

Details Home Improvement•Handyman Services • Drywall/Tile/Paint

• Remodel • Decks • Fences10 years of Friendly & Local Service

425.445.7107 425.888.1055LIC# DETAIHI969B3

[email protected]

Prepare to ring in 2015 with a night of glitz and glamour. Our annual New Year’s Eve party takes a page from the 1920s and promises to be nothing short of spectacular!

Join Gatsby’s Gold List for the party of a lifetime, as you step out of 2014 and into the unlimited possibilities of the New Year. Our decadent celebration enlists 2 of the hottest disc jockeys in the country; Kryspin and DJ Skratchy to keep this sexy soiree partying well into 2015.

Tickets are available for $30. Looking to indulge a bit more? Reserve a booth and enjoy 2 bottles of Champagne poured to perfection by your very own cocktail waitress. Booths are limted and available now, visit www.snotickets.com to purchase.

SEATTLE’S CLOSEST CASINO | 1-90 E, EXIT 27 | SNOCASINO.COM

possibilities of the New Year. Our decadent celebration enlists 2 of the hottest disc jockeys in the country; Kryspin and DJ Skratchy to keep this sexy soiree partying well into 2015.

Ticketsbit more? Reserve a booth and enjoy 2 bottles of Champagne poured to perfection by your very own cocktail waitress. Booths are limted and available now, visit

SEATTLE’S CLOSEST CASINO

celebration enlists 2 of the hottest disc jockeys in the country; Kryspin and DJ Skratchy to keep this sexy soiree partying well into 2015.

Ticketsbit more? Reserve a booth and enjoy 2 bottles of Champagne poured to perfection by your very own cocktail waitress. Booths are limted and available now, visit

SEATTLE’S CLOSEST CASINO KRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPINKRYSPIN DJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHYDJ SKRATCHY

45710 SE North Bend Way • North BendPhone: (425) 888-0623 • Fax: (425) 888-5688

www.tannerelectric.coop/contact.html

(425) 888-000144800 SE North Bend Way

North BendFamily Owned & Operated Since 1989

To place your ad call 425-392-6434 Deadline: Tuesday 12 p.m.

C las s i f i edsfollow us on twitter and visit

our facebook page!

080-Pets

2 AKC Reg Male And Female Yorkie Terrier Puppies

free to good home. If interested con-tact johnsonleggo11@outlookcom

For More Information.

snovalleystar122514

Documents

q open skate

family skate

skate rental

snoqualmie valley hospital

snoqualmie valley food

snoqualmie ridge ymca

toric downtown snoqualmie

snoqualmie mayor matt