South Rose Hill/Bridle Trails
The developers, contractors, and investors have arrived on South Rose Hill finally. Would you ever have believed that there would be nine $500,000 - $700,000 homes across the street from you?
And the castles with indoor swimming pools in the already-large estates of Bridle Trails are being constructed all over. Never would I have imagined that the little rambler I am in would be worth the value it is now, or be taxed what it is, so early in the 2000 millennium. Pretty soon my front door will be downtown South Rose Hill, with a median strip of daffodils.
Where have all the Kangs gone?
I went on a fabulous trip to La Jolla with my friend Chris Baldridge-Einwalter, to visit her wonderful daughter Kate Baldridge. Kate's position as an assistant manager in the children's department of Nordstrom is giving her a great opportunity to work in retail management. She received her degree in retail at the University of Arizona in June last year. With the San Diego area offering a great starting position and sun, that is where she moved until they moved her up in the corporation. While visiting Kate, we were able to watch her graciously handle an incredible sale of $1,700 to a grandmother treating her granddaughter. You go, Kate!
On our way to Rancho Bernardo Country Club, Chris told us that years ago, when principal Paul Gentle relocated to California, she told him, "Don't be surprised if one day you look up and I am standing at your desk."
Well, that was the day that former "L-Dub" PTSA President did just that. We hunted Paul down, as he had left Rancho Bernardo High to work as the Administrative Hearing Officer for Student Attendance and Discipline, with the administrative department of the Poway Unified School District. We stopped at the Rancho Bernardo High School then off to the administration center.
Paul Gentle served as both assistant vice principal and principal at Lake Washington High School from 1972 until he retired in 1999. When he left, the students, staff and parents dedicated the resource center in his name, well deserved kudos for an outstanding advocate for young people.
On to Rancho Bernardo High. During his tenure there the school was named a 2000 National Blue Ribbon School. Paul and his wife now live on a golf course, feeling fortunate that his new position allows him to practice his golf game.
I asked Paul if there was anything he wanted to say other than it is sunny all the time there. He said, "I really miss all the people in Kirkland, especially the Kangs." Paul, many people miss you and thank you for your dedication to our youth.
Two other Lake Washington School District employees followed him to California. JoLynn Woods, who was the assistant principal at Redmond High School, is currently a vice principal there. Paul said Bill Ellis, former security guard from Lake Washington High School, lives there as well.
Another Kang and neighbor of mine was missing in action for this article. Sparky Parker.... I hear you are in Bothell teaching. You were awesome over the years with the girls' soccer teams and boys' baseball. I have heard rave reviews from the youth you worked with, as well as from the parents.
Speaking of teaching ... to all of the teachers passing through our areas, a huge "thank you" for all that you do for the youth of Kirkland! We have five schools in South Rose Hill and Bridle Trails. This means that the majority of youth in our Kirkland area are passing through our neighborhoods.
Some of my teacher and education related clients, Marilyn, Ellen, Bill, Sue, Pat, Gale, Linda, Monika, Megan, Barb, Ruth, Dani, Amy, Julie, Maryann, Ed, Bill, Pat, Nora, and not last or least my any means ... Phylis, have all told many a story, not including Joby McGowan's book. He writes in his book, "Teaching on Poverty Rock," about pressures some parents put on the teachers, including responsibilities to educate, babysit, discipline and protect the children. You all deserve part of our 401(k)s. Thank you also for raising our children with respect and love, as well as teaching them all they need to know to survive in our world.
Results of neighborhood meeting
The SRHBTNA held its annual election of officers at the May 11 general membership meeting. Officers serve for one year, and directors serve a two-year term, with annual elections held in May.
Members are welcome and encouraged to run for a neighborhood association office. Newly elected officers are Bruce Feuling for president for a second term, Jeanette Simecek for vice president, Barb Jones for treasurer, and Deirdre Johnson for secretary. Newly elected directors are Laura Seitz, Andy Held, C. Ray Allshouse, and Colleen Cullena.
Our executive board's newly elected officers are eager to maintain representation of our areas, and need your input and support. They perform many duties from representing your wishes to King County, Washington state, and Kirkland government groups. They research all requests from baseball parks to speed bumps. If there is anything you need to address for your neighborhood, this is the place to discuss it.
Since the board and volunteer committees represent you at all meetings, your rights and views will be considered in the city, county, and state votes. The board is a one year position and changes annually in May. All are welcome to volunteer for the change of the guardianship next year.
State of the city address
Also at the May 11 meeting, the SRHBTNA heard the "state of the city" address by City Manager Dave Ramsay. Dave gave an update on the many complex issues facing our city, with a special emphasis on those items of particular concern to South Rose Hill and Bridle Trails. He touched upon upcoming improvements to N.E. 85th St. in conjunction with Sound Transit, the upcoming new school for Rose Hill Elementary, possible areas of annexation, with the potential annexation of the Bridle View neighborhood back on the radar screen.
The much awaited ballots for traffic calming on N.E. 128th St. near Rose Hill Elementary have been mailed, and need to be returned by June 18.
The city continues to work with the local committee addressing the Houghton Transfer Station and issues involving King County Solid Waste. The group, comprised of neighbors, staff and others, continues to be active and will be meeting with Bellevue and other cities regarding the solid waste situation in the county. City Councilman Tom Dillon gave an optimistic report on the upcoming completion of the landfill ball fields and City Engineer Thang Nguyen discussed a proposed street reclassification of 116th Ave. N.E.
Mark your calendars
The second annual party in the park will be held July 10. This was a tremendous hit last year, so take advantage of brunch in the only U.S. Equestrian and Trail park. Events include a 5k and 10k fun run and walk, a pancake breakfast, kids' activities and nature walks, mounted drill team and riding demonstrations and a poker ride.
Bring your families, take a walk or run and join in the fun! Proceeds benefit the Bridle Trails Park Foundation. For more information, visit www. bridletrails.org.
Our first annual South Rose Hill/ Bridle Trails Neighborhood annual picnic is on August 28, 12 - 4 p.m. at Rose Hill Elementary. There will be food and games for all ages. Stay tuned for more details.
Speaking of students
The Rose Hill Junior High orchestra, under the direction of Bridle Trails resident Janet Miller, their orchestra director. The orchestra performed in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 14. Kudos to you all!
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