APRIL 2024 NEWCASTLE & NEWPORT HILLS CELEBRATING 2 6 YEARS IN NEWC A S TLE MEET BILL AND CONNIE SWAR T Z PHOTOS BY NICOLE SOPER, NICOLE SOPER PHOTOGRAPHY
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This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood vendor to use. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring the publication. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the publication! BANKING/ CREDIT UNION BECU becu.org BEAUTY, COSMETIC & PERSONAL CARE Face of Beauty (206) 866-4806 Www.vagaro.com/faceofbeauty CHILDREN’S DANCE & MOVEMENT BOOKS Once Upon a Dance (425) 883-0836 Www.onceuponadance.com CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY A Kids Place Dentistry for Children www.akidsplacedentistry.com CLEANING - WINDOWS, GUTTERS & FLOORING All Building Services (425) 802-7763 allbuildingservicesllc.com COFFEE/BAR/RESTAURANT The Coalman (425) 698-1371 thecoalmancafeandbar.com CONSTRUCTION Thompson Construction NW (425) 545-3800 tc-nw.com CUSTOM WINE CELLARS Thompson Construction NW (425) 545-3800 tc-nw.com DANCE STUDIO Body Language Studio (425) 255-1277 www.blsdance.com DENTIST Dentistry of Bellevue (425) 358-8888 Dentistryofbellevue.com ELECTRICIAN Hodson Electric (425) 414-2998 Hodsonelectric.com ETHICAL & SUSTAINABLE Hazel Park (206) 650-0386 Hazelparkhome.com FARM, LAWN, GARDEN, FUEL, & PET STORE The Grange (425) 270-6542 145 NE Gilman Blvd., Issaquah, WA 98027 GrangeSupply.com FENCING AND DECKS Rainier Fencing & Decking (253) 735-6113 www.rainierfenceanddeck.com HANDYMAN AND REMODELING SERVICES Shirey Home Pro (425) 392-8301 ShireyHomePro.com FLOORING/INSTALLATION Footprints Floors of Kent (206) 707-1602 Footprintsfloorsofkent.com GARAGE DOOR & FIREPLACE Cressy Door & Fireplace (253) 887-9135 GOURMET FOODS Oil & Vinegar (206) 285-0517 WWW.OILANDVINEGARUSA.COM. HAIR SALON 1630 Hair Artisans (425) 277-3722 www.1630hair.com Premier Hardscape & Retaining Walls • Pavers • Rockery Walls • Steps • Block Walls (206) 960-9003 seattlerockeries.com 4 April 2024 Harry and team recently bid and completed our residential hardscape project. Communication was excellent. The project came in on time and for the agreed price. We're very happy with the results!” -CATHY J
HEALTH CLUB PRO Club | Medical (425) 885-5566 proclub.com HOME FURNISHINGS Greenbaum Home Furnishings (425) 454-2474 www.differentbydesign.com ICE CREAM Frosty Barrel (425) 835-3455 Frostybarrel.com INTERIOR DESIGN Wildflower Interiors (415) 302-0596 Wildflowerinteriors.net LIFE CONSULTANT/COACH Well-Lived Life Mastery (425) 765-7704 Welllivedlifemastery.com LUXURY TRANSPORTATION Pacific Northwest Limousine (425) 919-1960 www.pacificnorthwestlimo.com MEDICARE CONSULTANT KMT Insurance Consulting Services LLC (425) 644-6364 kmtinsuranceconsulting.com Your Medicare Maven (206) 930-3018 yourmedicaremaven.org ORTHODONTICS Factoria Orthodontics Dr. Adam Skrypczak (425) 747-3300 4100 Factoria Blvd SE Ste B Belleuve, WA 98006 www.factoriaortho.com ORTHODONTIST Orthodontic Excellence (425) 747-4944 oesmiles.com PERSONAL ASSISTANT SERVICES Executive Concierge Service, LLC (425) 269-3223 PERSONAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING Merak Functional Wellness (360) 775-5033 Merakfunctionalwellness.com PET FOOD Just Right Bite Pet Food (253) 508-7464 jrbpetfood.com PIZZA / CATERING Jet City Pizza (425) 747-7474 Orderjetcitypizza.com PLUMBING SERVICES Plumb Fit (800) 697-7857 plumbfit.com PRIVATE SCHOOLS Emerald Heights Academy (425) 643-1671 Emeraldheights.org PRIVATE SECURITY Security Education Academy (206) 484-4498 Wnsea2018.com REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS JMC Investment Strategies (206) 708-5107 facebook.com/WholesaleDealEstate REALTOR Gina Madeya, Windermere (425) 495-0926 ginamadeya.com REMODELING J Jensen Enterprises (206) 291-4973 Jjensenenterprises.com REMODELING - HOME IMPROVEMENT Construction Kings (253) 263-2384 Theconstructionkings.com RESTAURANT - THAI Thai Ginger (425) 641-4008 thaiginger.com REVERSE MORTGAGE Katrina Low, Reverse Mortgage (425) 343-5221 evergreenhomeloans.com ROCKERIES & RETAINING WALLS Seattle Rockeries (206) 960-9003 seattlerockeries.com ROOFING Orca Roofing (425) 584-6722 orcaroofing.com SALON & MED SPA The Spa & Salon at PRO Club (425) 895-6565 proclub.com/club/the-spa Julius Remodeling Group (425) 260-0352 Juliusremodelinggroup.com Newcastle greetmag.com Your Stories. Your Photos. Your Community. © 2024 The N2 Company, Inc. life DISCLAIMER: This publication also known as Newcastle Life, is owned by The N2 Company, and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any club, developer, or homeowners association. Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2. Wish your neighbors were reading about your company right now? Email the publisher of this magazine for details on print and digital advertising packages. Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 5
PUBLISHER’S NOTE CONTRIBUTORS Publisher/Ad Sales/ Area Director Jana Riggan (206) 355-8384 jana.riggan@n2pub.com Content Coordinator and Publishing Assistant Shirley Lubandi (775) 225-7728 shirley.lubandi@n2pub.com April Showers, and Spring Break Fun H Dan Allsup, Ad Manager Content Team Skally (612) 987-0755 christina@teamskally.com Photographer Nicole Soper (623) 512-8795 nicole@nicolesoper photography.com Barbara Pearson Staff Writer ello April, and spring break for all our kiddos and families! It’s a great time to take a break and travel to sunshine, skiing, or wherever your favorite vacation is. We’re renting a home in Oahu for the week. Backyard pool, fruit trees, and walking distance to turtle beach. Can’t wait to spend a week unplugging and enjoy warm breezes and poolside cocktails. And I hope you all enjoy our April issue. We’re featuring the Swartz family, celebrating 26 years in Newcastle, along with a great cocktail, a yummy recipe, and an adorable pet. Enjoy! Thank you for reaching out to me with article ideas. This is your magazine, and I love hearing from you. And thank you for welcoming our newest business partners. As you know, we work with some of the best businesses around. Your support of them also supports this community and this publication. So thank you - I am very grateful for your support! JUNIOR WRITERS WELCOME TO... • BECU: Right in the heart of Newcastle, BECU is a memberowned and not-for-profit credit union. With help at your fingertips, BECU can help you with all your banking needs, both for a business and a consumer. • Footprints Floors: Great floors need great installers - and that’s where Footprints Floors comes in. From hardwoods, to laminate to tile, they’ve got you covered. They can even install bathroom tile for a tub or shower. Aashna M. Sikka Avni Krishna Thank you for supporting these businesses, for sharing your stories and for loving Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills. I am very grateful for all of you! And remember, if you have an idea for a feature, a story or a new business partner, I would love to hear from you. Jana Riggan 206-355-8384 Aditi Marehalli 6 April 2024 Jasleen Kindra jana.riggan@n2co.com.
EVERY PROJECT IS A CHANCE TO BRING SOMETHING WONDERFUL TO LIFE. Call us for a FREE ESTIMATE today! (206)-291-4973 jjensenenterprises.com Interior services • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Doors and mill work • Flooring • Mud rooms and garage builds • Painting services • Tile and stone work Exterior services • Master deck builder • Siding • Porch and patio cover • Windows and doors • Roofing • Painting services • Concrete services Love is in the hair! Experience matters! Our stylists are among the most experienced on the Eastside and we would love to treat you to our luxurious, eco-conscious experience. We also speak Hindi and Punjabi. Ask for Chetna! 1630 DUVALL AVE NE. | RENTON WA 98059 | 1630hair.com | (425)277-3722 Color | Foils | Balayage | Haircuts | Brazilian Blowout | Perms | Style | Conditioning Treatments | Waxing Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 7
Remodel your home, remodel your life! Kitchens, baths, decks or just more space – trust your dreams to our expert designers and craftsmen. ShireyHomePro.com 425.392.8301 Locally Inspired Locally Designed SECURITY EDUCATION ACADEMY YOUR SAFETY IS OUR #1 PRIORITY SECURITY PATROL OUR SECURITY PATROL DIVISION PROVIDES PEACE OF MIND, FOR CUSTOMERS AND THEIR RESIDENTS 24 HOURS EACH DAY • PRIVATE SECURITY LOCAL MALLS & BUSINESSES TRUST SECURITY EDUCATION ACADEMY TO PROTECT THEIR ASSETS AND ADD VALUE TO THEIR PROPERTIES 425-256-2202 | www.wnsea2018.com 8 April 2024 Available Exclusively at www.hazelparkhome.com
NEIGHBORHOOD GEMS BENEFITOPTIONS4U Having served the senior community for over 14 years as a licensed agent, it would be my honor to be your trusted resource. With your input, it is my goal to help you select a medicare plan that will allow continuation of care, lowest drug costs and meet your lifestyle and/or medical needs. I meet you personally to discuss and help facilitate your plan option, as well as educate you on how to best utilize the benefits of your plan. Find us: Kathleen Allison | Senior Market Specialist | 206-930-3018 EVERGREEN HOME LOANS - REVERSE MORTGAGE Imagine the peace of mind of knowing that your retirement is secure and that you have the financial flexibility to live life on your own terms. This is the freedom a Reverse Mortgage can provide. You can receive tax-free funds that can be used however you please. Want to travel the world? Renovate your home? Take care of unexpected medical expenses? It’s all within your reach. I’d love the opportunity to connect with you and show you how. Find us: Katrina Low, Loan Officer MLO: 47985 | 425-343-5221 EXECUTIVE CONCIERGE SERVICES We’re your partner in streamlining life’s demands and offer a tailored and comprehensive array of services designed to enhance your daily life. From providing respite care for elderly family members to being a trusted travel companion, organizing tasks and spaces, handling personal and business errands, planning events and more. Welcome to a world where your needs are our priority. Find us: 425-269-3223 | www.ecs-wa.com MERAK FUNCTIONAL WELLNESS If your health had a voice, what would it say? As a registered nurse and owner of Merak Functional Wellness, I’m dedicated to diving deeper than symptom management to uncover the root causes of your health concerns. My practice emphasizes a personalized, holistic approach, blending modern science with time-honored natural remedies. Together, we’ll prioritize genuine healing, preventative care, and your long-term well-being. Let’s embark on a journey to help you live a longer, happier life. Find us: 360-775-5033 | www.merakfunctionalwellness.com ONCE UPON A DANCE is an Eastside mother-daughter team with a passion for dance and storytelling. Teacher Terrel and Ballerina K create books that inspire children to get moving. Their catalog features Dance-ItOut! Act-Along Stories (ages 3-9) and dance books for older kids. They’ve been honored with over 50 book awards including Top 10 Author of 2022 (Outstanding Creator Awards). Royalties are donated to charities supporting the arts, animals, environment, or people. Find us: www.OnceUponADance.com | Order via your Local Bookstore or Library, Amazon.com, or Bookshop.org WELL-LIVED LIFE MASTERY is a transformative program dedicated to guiding individuals on a journey toward a more purposeful and fulfilled life. Through a series of thoughtfully crafted courses, including the “Get Your Affairs in Order 30-Day Challenge,” “The Legacy We Leave Behind,” “Life Mastery: Living in Alignment,” and “Walking the Medicine Wheel: A Path to a More Authentic Life,” Molly Peebles empowers participants to explore various facets of personal and spiritual development, from practical organization to profound self-discovery. Well-Lived Life Mastery offers a holistic approach to help individuals navigate life’s complexities and craft a more meaningful life and legacy. Find us: 425-765-7704 I www.welllivedlifemastery.com WILDFLOWER INTERIORS is a full-service interior design firm characterized by a stylish and liveable approach to design. Katie Tjosvold creates an inviting display of beauty, organization, comfort, and casual elegance throughout your home. Inspired by collaboration and bringing your vision to life - down to the finest details - she works with projects that need a fresh perspective or a full remodel, tailoring services to fit your needs and budget. Find us: 415-302-0596 | wildflowerinteriors.net Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 9
10% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE Jet City Pizza Co. proudly serves gourmet crusts made from scratch everyday. Buttermilk hand-tossed and our signature micro-brewed beer batter pan. No other company in our industry has anything like it. We know you will taste the gourmet difference! 6920 Coal Creek Pkwy #6 Newcastle, WA • 98059 425-747-7474 @jetcitypizza 10 April 2024 FOLLOW US ON www.orderjetcitypizza.com
MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS SPOR TS WITH SWAR T Z 2 6 YEARS IN NEWC A S TLE: MEET THE FAMILY 2 1 N estled in the heart of Newcastle and the China Creek neighborhood live the Swartz family. Bill Swartz, a seasoned sports broadcaster, and Connie Hill, a marketing pro, have called this place home for the past 26 years. Bill’s Pacific Northwest journey started at 12 when his family moved from York, Pennsylvania, to Tacoma, Washington. Today, he’s a well-known sports broadcaster, covering the Washington Huskies, Seattle Seahawks, and Mariners on Northwest News radio KNWN AM 1000 and 97.7 FM. He’s also 1 / Bill and Connie. 2 / Connie’s business - Anything Logo’d 12 April 2024 snagged a few awards, including the 2023 Edward R. Murrow Award for sports reporting. Connie, an Edmonds native, followed her father’s marketing path, working for Alderwood Mall and Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler in Bellevue. For the last 15 years, she has run a promotional products business, Anything Logo’d. Bill and Connie met during a KOMOKPLZ radio client tournament at Echo Falls Golf Course near Maltby. Their relationship evolved to marriage, moving to Newcastle, and raising Bill’s two children. Today, Jordan, 35, teaches English at Issaquah High School after
3 4 earning her degree at Western Washington University. Bradford, 32, is a retail sales manager in Issaquah. Academically accomplished, the Swartz siblings also 5 played a role in their community by creating the China Creek Times, a neighborhood newspaper addressing reckless drivers ignoring stop signs. They interviewed neighbors every week and charged a one-dollar monthly subscription. As a family, the Swartz’s have kept it simple with a tradition of house cleaning and yard work. Connie and 3 / Connie having fun in the snow. 4 / Tony Ventrella and Bill Swartz. 5 / Pete Carroll and Bill Swartz. •Master deck builder •Custom patio covers •Siding remodel & installation •Garage and ADU’S •Concrete patios, pavers, & driveways •Interior remodel & renovations CONSTRUCTION KINGS ONE PRICE GUARANTEE Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 13 253-263-3384
7 6 WINE CELLARS Bill enjoy a daily walk around the golf club at the Newcastle China Creek course. They love to stop and chat with neighbors and always bring along cookies for their dogs. They also grow veggies in wine barrels to keep the rabbits and moles away and occasionally play a round of golf, taste wine with friends, and try their hand at pickleball. Their favorite local spots include Resonate Brewery in Newport Hills, The Coalman, and just outside Newcastle, See Fah Thai Cuisine and - on occasion - prime rib Saturday night at Jay Berry’s. QFC and the Farmers Market on Coal Creek Parkway are their favorite places to shop. They love golf course views of Seattle, the lake, and the mountains, and you can often find them enjoying concerts in Lake Boren Park during the summer. Favorite vacations? Maui is the top vacation spot and the place where Bill and Connie were married. Cannon Beach is their favorite Northwest getaway and are lucky enough to have friends they visit frequently in Chelan. Beyond their family-centric lifestyle, the Swartz’s are deeply involved in their community. During the pandemic, they hosted driveway happy hours and outdoor fires, fostering connections during challenging times. Bill engages with the community through speaking engagements, emceeing events like the USO Northwest Red, White, and Blue tournament at the Newcastle Golf Club, and hosting the Newcastle Elementary School auction. For the Swartz family, China Creek-Newcastle isn’t just a neighborhood; it’s a haven of friendly, caring neighbors providing tranquility amidst the bustling cities of Seattle and Bellevue. As they reflect on their years, the Swartz family cherishes the support and warmth of the community, making their quarter-century residence in China Creek truly special. 14 April 2024 COMPLETE DECK BUILD DECK RESURFACE | RAILING 6 / Connie’s business is celebrating 15 years. 7 / Bill having fun in the snow. BATHROOM REMODELS Newcastle, WA | Jacob@TC-NW.com www.tc-nw.com | 425-545-3800 License #TCNW***771LE
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LIBATION STATION Frespañol Paloma RECIPE BY KYLE PATTERSON, BAR MANAGER AT CENTRAL BAR + RESTAURANT • PHOTO BY JACKIE PHAIROW RECIPE: • 1.5 oz Mezcal (I Prefer Del Maguey Chichicapa) • 1 oz Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice • .75 oz Grapefruit infused Lillet Blanc • .25 oz Agave Nectar SHAKE AND STRAIN INTO A HIGHBALL GLASS WITH A SALTED RIM 1 / Top with Grapefruit La Croix 2 / Garnish with a Grapefruit Wedge 3 / Grapefruit Infused Lillet Recipe: 4 / Peel 1 whole Grapefruit and put into a large closable container. Add 1 bottle of Lillet Blanc, seal container, and put in the refrigerator to chill for 24 hours. Pour Infusion back into Lillet Bottle, straining out grapefruit peels, and use for up to 2 weeks (keep refrigerated). Lettuce Take Care of You... Purchase a dinner entree and enjoy a delicious salad on us. Expires 4/2024. Must mention ad Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 17
Spring That also means coming out of hibernation and making sure your pearly whites are in tip-top shape. It's time to call us. We have three amazing hygienists that will take care of you and your entire family. All new patients will get a complimentary iTero scan which will amaze everyone. With this scan you will get a comprehensive understanding of your entire dentition, gum health, biting forces, and any issues that may arise. We are offering this as part of our preventive care plan in our state-of-the-art office in Bellevue. Also, we are excited to announce that Dr. Khurana was selected by his peers in dentistry to be represented by SeattleMet Magazine as a Top Dentist for this area for 2024. We are committed to providing all of our patients the most exceptional dentistry. Our staff is looking forward to seeing you soon! Please call us 425-222-1222 for an appointment today! 18 April 2024 is in the air! The perfect time for a spring clean-up!
Let us help you get out of pain and let you smile again! Dr. G.S. Khurana YOUR COMFORT IS OUR TOP PRIORITY FLEXIBLE FINANCING AND PAYMENT PLANS MOST ADVANCED DENTISTRY MICROSCOPE ENHANCED DENTISTRY SAFE, COMFORTABLE ROOT CANALS DENTAL IMPLANTS WITH CONE BEAM TECHNOLOGY FULL MOUTH REHABILITATION SAME DAY EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS Highest rated dentist on Google. 1,200+ verified google reviews. Over 1,200+ Verified Google Reviews 425-222-1222 14205 SE 36th St #365, Bellevue, WA 98006 www.dentistryofbellevue.com Five Star Service from an All-Star Team. Dr. Sarah Khan DENTAL EMERGENCIES, ROOT CANALS AND IMPLANTS Emergency Dentist Same Day Service Root Canals Implants Invisalign® Tooth Extractions Advanced Filtration Clean and Safe Sedation Available Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 19
PLAY BALL! T Eight-year-olds gain confidence, work hard and learn about teamwork in Pony League Baseball. BY AASHNA SIKKA, JUNIOR WRITER he game is nearing an end. Everyone is on the edge of their seat. Drops of sweat and determination slowly move down the face of a determined young boy as he grips his baseball bat, beginning to move forward with a crisp swing. The ball soars. He drops the bat, filled with the pressure and excitement of the sport, and begins to feel the wind rush through his hair as he darts across each base. The other team, even with their competitive advantage, cannot reach the boy in time. His foot begins to slide onto the small base marker. His team shouted in victory, as this home run scored them the game. This is the type of game that Newcastle’s very own Pony League All-Star baseball team regularly plays. However, there is something special about this team. Its players are only eight years old! Hudson Fabregas, Cade Ross, Felix 20 April 2024 Whiteaker, Gabe Hoover, Jett Pham, Kellan Weller, Kevin McNamara, Luke Anderson, Nash Orgill, Ollie Barsness, Patterson Whorley, Preston Gill, Ronan Turner, and Teddy Haight make up this incredible team of superstars that have achieved many incredible endeavors. Chris Fabregas, head coach of the team, explains that this eight-year-old baseball team is one the community should be very proud of. “Our boys have achieved amazing success, securing championships at different levels of competition,” he says.
“The most notable was this past summer when we entered the Federal Way Knights Tournament. As an 8U team, we entered the 9U division and won the championship. We beat one of the premier select teams in the PNW. We also won every tournament we entered this past summer.” He continues, explaining, “[The team has] had the privilege of traveling around Western Washington for larger scale games and competing against top-tier teams.” For an age group this young, holding these titles may appear to carry a lot of pressure. However, the team’s adult leadership heavily reiterates that the purpose of playing a sport is not to always win, but to try one’s hardest and grow from their past mistakes. “We try to win, but to be honest winning isn’t our number one priority,” assistant coach Pete Orgill explains. “And even though it’s not our top priority, the boys pretty much win every game. They work hard and they learn a lot... [baseball is] a good confidence builder too.” As an elementary school physical education instructor, he points out that extracurricular activities are of high value, and being part of a team helps develop skills in children that can’t necessarily be taught through conventional learning styles. His eight-year-old son, Nash, agrees with this. He communicates, “My favorite thing about playing baseball is probably playing with my friends and helping them out.” The development of this mindset at this incredibly early age acts as a major indicator of the uplifting spirit of this baseball team and the way that not only their skill on the field but also their respect towards one another off the field truly hit it out of the park! Another one of the assistant coaches, Tim Whitaker, highlights the importance of the community knowing about the boys’ successes. “One of the things we most like about the Newcastle Pony League is that it’s kind of like a community within a community. Since we have games on Saturday mornings, we found ourselves going in the morning for a game, and then sometimes staying to watch other games or watch friends play.” Similarly, he is very proud of the team’s ability to form both avid sports skills and foundational emotional connections, which he describes: “A big part of it is knowing you’re a part of something bigger than just yourself. I think we saw that with the weekend tournaments, we did. One kid may not have the best first game, but at some point, everyone contributes something to the team.” Whitaker’s son, Felix, also eagerly contributes. “In that championship game in that last tournament, I think I pitched three or four innings, and I held them to enough runs so that we could catch back up and win eventually.” His understanding of how his actions within the game benefit not only himself, but the success of the team, provides insight into both the skills he is taught and how his application of them, along with his teammates, helps lead the team to victory. Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 21
Secured, Short-Term Investment Strategies Learn how to grow your money whether you have $10K or $100K - through Real Estate investment projects. From unsellable houses to project funding assistance, we can help find the right investment strategies for you. Hudson Fabregas, one of the team’s nine-year-old players, and Coach Chris Fabregas’ son, has dedicated lots of time and effort towards the sport of baseball, and he is very proud of his accomplishments. “The most fun event I’ve been a part of was The Federal Way Knights Tournament. We played really well, and everyone was cheering and having a great time. We beat a select 9U team to win the championship,” he says, referencing the tournament that many of the boys treasure as their favorite. “We had a very good season!” Says Ollie Barsness, another core team member. Deducted from this as well as many of the statements they continue to make, the baseball team isn’t just a sports team. These boys support each other in their ups and downs. Whether they hit a home run or don’t play as well as they hoped, every boy has a role on the team and is essential to the success of the group. They are a community. A family. Newcastle! Support this team of incredible baseball players by coming to one of their games, and maybe one day you just may see a few familiar faces in the big leagues. Chris Fabregas encapsulates the true Newcastle spirit and leaves us off by exclaiming, “I want to give a huge thanks to the Newcastle community for all their support especially the parents who made this all happen. It’s great to live in such a wonderful community! Living in such a wonderful community makes coaching an absolute joy. To all our supporters, thank you for making this journey possible. We invite everyone to come out and watch us play this spring and summer – your cheers make a huge difference! Go Newcastle!!!” 22 April 2024 JMC INVESTMENT STRATEGIES jmcinvestmentstrategies.com Info@jmcinvestmentstrategies.com (206) 708-5107
Secure Their Future As one of the nation’s largest community credit unions, we have the experience to help you provide your child a head start on financial success. Visit us at our Kirkland NFC today: 11416 NE 124th St. Kirkland, WA 98034 * Membership required. Restrictions apply. Federally insured by NCUA. Do you have someone in your corner that understands insurance and Medicare? Ice Cream. Done. Michele Trimble O: 425-644-6364 M: 206-790-4791 kmtins.com Differently. 13197 Newcastle Commons Dr | Newcastle, WA FrostyBarrel.com @FrostyBarrel Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 23
2 Everyone Needs Friends to Thrive WRITTEN BY SARI WEISS • PHOTOS BY LISI WOLF K now the feeling you get when you’re around 1 friends who really care for you, who really love you, who really see you? The state of being friends collectively contributes to the rich tapestry of interpersonal relationships needed for everyone--especially children, teens, and young adults-to thrive. Every person deserves this, regardless of ability. The Friendship Circle of Washington creates opportunities for friendship and connection for kids, teens, and young adults with disabilities. Students at Bellevue High, and in 47 other local area schools, are doing just this! The impetus for high schoolers to volunteer comes through many avenues. Sometimes it is family initiated and other times it’s to meet the required school service hours for graduation. Whatever the reason, the fact that over 200 teens across King County volunteer with Friendship Circle and become lifelong friends with kids they might not otherwise have met is amazing. Truly! Friendship is contagious and love is authentic when kids see each other without barriers, where all people are special, interesting, and important. Teen volunteers come back again and again because they, too, feel connection and love. Friendship matters because everyone matters. Trust is at the center of Friendship Circle for parents of children with disabilities. A parent of a child or children with special needs has one primary focus - keeping their child alive and safe. Parents of children with special needs have so many responsibilities, including managing medications, treatments, and therapies, which oftentimes adds extra stress to already busy daily lives 1 / Andrew, Newport High School with his teen volunteer Colson Wiley. 2 / Orli Kalman (left) Bellevue HS and ____ (right) school, with their buddy, Charlotte. 3 / Isabelle Boparai (right) Bellevue High School and Ayden Nov (left) Mercer Island HS and their buddy, Ford and makes it harder to care for the entire family. So, when an organization like Friendship Circle shows up on their radar and offers the gift of emotional connection and true friendship for their child to experience, the response is beyond measure. These friendships are more precious than gold to participating families. What’s the special sauce of Friendship Circle? It starts 3 24 April 2024 by envisioning a world in which people with special needs and their families experience acceptance and friendship as contributing members of society. It continues with the aspiration for a future where they always enjoy social inclusion and fair treatment, free from the challenges of social isolation or inequality. Bellevue High students actively participate in two of the multitude of programs offered through Friendship Circle - Sunday Circle and Teen & Young Adult Life Skills. • Sunday Circle meets the urgent need for socialemotional skill-building and societal inclusion for children ages 5-18 with disabilities. Throughout each two-hour, twice-monthly Sunday Circle, participant-teen volunteer matches rotate through 5 rooms, each housing a different therapeutic recreational activity. Certain activities are present at every Sunday Circle: music therapy, sports, movement therapy, STEM activities, and art. Other activities are occasional and are hosted by special guests. All activities are strategically designed by experts in the special needs field to facilitate friendship and hard and soft skill-building. • Teen & Young Adult Life Skills addresses the need for social inclusion, life skills development, and digital literacy education that leads to self-reliance, successful integration into the wider world, and overall improved quality of life. Supported by a team of professionals in special needs education, participants refine their ability to successfully navigate social situations and critical life and digital skills activities through an engaging,
mixed media curriculum. We use the same matching process as in Sunday Circle. Matches engage in activities side-by-side, building lasting friendship that comes with time spent learning and growing together. Here again, our unique matching model has many benefits: exposing youth with special needs to pivotal relationships that they are too often excluded from; building social-emotional skills that are critical to participants’ successful integration into the wider world; and developing leadership skills in typically developing teen volunteers. 4 / Sydney Tam (left) and Ashley Kwon (right) from Bellevue HS with their buddy, Emmy. 5 / Kiera, Bellevue resident and her buddies, Sadie Howard (left) and Gabby Kleiman (right). 4 connections. One-on-one talk therapy can be incredibly effective for many people and U-Matter is an ideal complementary service that aids youth in integrating what they’re going through into everyday conversation with peers, thereby normalizing their experience. According to Mental 5 Washington State ranks in the lowest quintile for inclusive practices in schools (WA OSPI, 2021), meaning that for the vast majority of children with special needs’ days, they are segregated from their peers. According to The Case for Inclusion 2019, Washington State is ranked 30th among all 50 states in its support for the special needs’ population. And for the teen volunteers in Bellevue and greater King County, Friendship Circle makes mental wellbeing a huge priority with our U-Matter program. U-Matter addresses the critical need for a range of mental health programs and services for teens, equipping them with the internal tools and external support networks to successfully navigate mental health challenges and prevent future crises. While a vast array of traditional therapies exist, our team recognized a gap in these approaches – a lack of critical community Health America’s 2023 youth mental health data, Washington State ranks 40th among all 50 states regarding the prevalence of mental health challenges and access to behavioral health services. Data from this same study show that 19.57% of youth in Washington State experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year. For children, teens, and young adults with special needs, and their families, the connections created in Friendship Circle touch the depths of their souls. For many, they feel, for the first time, how deeply they matter to someone else. Whether you are a family with children who have special needs or neurotypical teens, Friendship Circle can touch your soul too. Find out more at: Web: friendshipcirclewa.org Text Sari Weiss at 206-491-3450. building relationships one house at a time Your home deserves the best, and with Julius Remodeling Group, that is exactly what you’ll get. As a family-owned business in Bellevue, WA, we take pride in transforming homes according to the principles of trust, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. FREE SINK AND FAUCET for Kitchen Re-paint and Countertop Replacement expires 4/30/24 KITCHEN AND BATH REMODEL | DRYWALL FLOORING | PAINTING | DECKS & PATIO 425.474.7612 | LICENSE: #JULIURG780NJ juliusremodelinggroup.com Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 25 Our family is committed to take care of your renovations! Transform your kitchen with our expert refinishing & countertop replacement services! For a limited time, enjoy a **free sink and faucet** with your kitchen renovation.
PET SPOTLIGHT Meet Chai and Rainbow BY TIFFANY GUENTHER, NEWCASTLE RESIDENT RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES Licensed. Bonded. Insured. Local, Family-Owned Call or text >> 425-414-2998 info@hodsonelectric.com 26 April 2024 Rosalind (11yo), Odessa (4yo) and Tiffany live in Newport Woods with their two Guinea Pigs, Chai and Rainbow. They’re brothers and about 2 years old. Where/why did you get your pet? https://sammamishanimalsanctuary.org/ Rosalind and Odessa had wanted new pets since our elderly cat passed away. They researched for months, saved money and wanted to rescue a pair of guinea pigs. We found this farm sanctuary, scheduled a meet and greet, passed their home zoom inspection and adopted these brothers soon after.
Is there a story behind its name? Chai for their coloring. Rainbow was originally Pumpkin because of his lighter orange coloring but Odessa has since changed his name to Rainbow because ‘he wanted to be named Rainbow’. Anything special or unusual about them (talents/quirks)? They like to bop noses, squeal in excitement when they see us enter their room, nuzzle under your chin when holding them. They’re quite fun! What do you like best about your pet? They are soft, cuddly, they get zoomies and play with us. How they move their home around to make it cozy, and are chill with how we hold them and bring them around the house. Any funny stories? In the 2 months we’ve had them, they like to cuddle on our tummies while we watch a family movie. They put up with us when we play vet and give them rides in a doll stroller. How spoiled is your pet? Extremely. They have soft fleece blankets to walk on, twice a day fresh hay and water, get fresh fruits and veggies throughout the day and fun little houses to hide in. What else should we know about your pet and/or how your pet has enriched your home/family? They have brought a lot of joy to our home after a hard year. We’re so thankful to the Farm rescue for trusting us with these little guys! They’re a great mental health boost! tighten skin • reduce wrinkles • get rid of unwanted fat tighten your skin without fillers or injections Also available • Laser lipo • Ultrasonic Cavitation • Traditional radio frequency • Acoustic wave Tangerine Contouring & Skin Renewal Tangerinecontour.com • 774-298-0333 Contact@tangerinecontour.com located inside the historic Salon Pecoaro at 732 Market St., Kirkland 98033 Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 27
TEEN TALK Storytelling and our Cultural Narrative J BY JASLEEN KINDRA, NEWCASTLE RESIDENT AND STUDENT WRITER asleen is a Senior at Liberty High School and a Newcastle resident. She is involved with our community through school, extracurriculars, local events, and volunteer work. I have always believed in the power of storytelling. It all began when my Naniji (grandmother) gifted me a journal in fifth grade, which inspired me to write down three things I was grateful for every night before falling asleep, just as she did. In time, my love for documenting my thoughts and ideas grew, and I began to pay more attention to the broader narratives that shape our individual stories, home lives, and entire cultures. Cultural narratives are the stories and beliefs that help us create our identity and give us structure and meaning. They can be found in many forms, such as recorded history, myths, religion, and customs. These narratives bind us together as a society, establish moral and ethical boundaries, and set societal norms. To integrate within a culture or community, we must adopt and practice the cultural narratives that are valued by that group. As I grew older, I became increasingly fascinated by the concept of cultural narratives. I realized that they play a crucial role in shaping our worldview and providing us with a sense of belonging and purpose. The stories we tell ourselves and each other about who we are, where we come from, and what we believe in are integral to our sense of self and cultural identity. However, I also came to understand that cultural narratives can be limiting and exclusionary. Stereotypes associated with a particular culture or community can perpetuate narrow views and leave individuals feeling out of place. In my case, conforming to the stereotypes associated with my South Asian culture provided me with a sense of comfort, but it also left me feeling stuck in between. It was only when a friend suggested that being Indian American meant I could create my own culture that I began to embrace the idea that culture is subjective and ever-changing. At the very least, having conversations and being open to changing some of the traditions in your culture will empower others to share their own narratives without judgment, and in doing so, we can build stronger communities and foster a greater sense of empathy and understanding. No one should feel like they don’t belong in their cultural community due to Western influence, feel too cultural for the Western world, or feel alienated in any 28 April 2024 way. If you have to conform to something that you truly are not to fit into any category, then that is not acceptance or connection, that is erasure and invisibility. As someone who has experienced the power of storytelling firsthand, whether it’s through art, music, dance, or literature, I am committed to preserving and sharing cultural narratives in all their forms. Every narrative has value and deserves to be heard. In preserving our cultural narratives, we empower future generations by sharing the stories that have shaped us and helped us find our place in the world. I certainly wish I had a “how to” guide from my future self, but my future generation will have some guidance to use however best fits. By embracing the diversity of cultural narratives, we can create a legacy of storytelling and cultural exchange that will continue to connect and inspire people for generations to come. Every narrative holds intrinsic value and merits acknowledgment. In safeguarding these narratives, we provide future generations with a reservoir of stories that have shaped us and guided our sense of belonging. Although I lack a “how-to” guide from my future self, I hope to contribute to a narrative legacy that offers guidance for generations to come. In our everyday moments, from scribbled thoughts in a gratitude journal to shared stories, there’s an inherent power that connects us all. It’s in these simple acts of writing and storytelling that we find the essence of what makes us human, weaving together the importance of our thoughts, narratives, and the stories we tell because at the very least, it could change one person’s life.
PNW PACIFIC NORTHWEST LIMO Our employees provide updated transportation tracking and real-time chauffeur status and our vehicles are fully licensed and insured. MERCEDES VIP-STYLE SPRINTERS | CADILLAC ESCALADES | LINCOLN CONTINENTALS | AUDI A8L WINE TOURS | WEDDINGS | GRADUATIONS | SPECIAL EVENTS | AIRPORT TRANSPORT | CORPORATE TRAVEL For reser vations, call or book online. 206-240-1751 • pacificnorthwestlimo . com Walk for our cause! MAY 17 THROUGH MAY 31 For more event information or to register and participate please visit www.birthdaydreams.org All children, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds, should be celebrated on their birthday and experience the joy, purpose, and dignity such an activity brings. Bringing hope, joy, and a sense of self-worth to homeless children with the gift of a birthday party is the mission that Birthday Dreams was founded on. Celebrating our 14,000th birthday party since our founding. Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 29
FEATURED HOME/LIVING SPACES Transforming Spaces We took an under-utized space and turned it into an entertainment hub. BY MARIN RYLS, BETTER BUILDERS Turning an unused closet into a wine cellar 30 April 2024
B etter Builders partnered with homeowners Gretchen and Brian to convert an underutilized room into a stunning entertainment space with a wine bar-inspired lounge area where they could entertain guests and relish the breathtaking views of downtown Bellevue and their picturesque landscaping. Overcoming challenges like seamlessly extending the wooden ceiling and sourcing discontinued tiles, we created a live edge bar, and integrated custom corner pieces with the wet bar to create an impressive and cohesive focal point. The Better Builders team successfully converted an unused storage closet into a stunning wine cellar equipped with climate control, bespoke sideboard, floor-to-ceiling tiled walls, and custom wine racks. The result is a meticulously designed area that seamlessly blends with the breathtaking natural environment—by adding the finishing touch of the wine cellar, our client’s flawless entertainment space has reached its full potential. Emergency Dental Tip: In general, baby teeth that get dislodged are not re-implanted due to the risk of compromising the forming adult tooth. For dislodged permanent teeth, do the following: Locate all the pieces or whole tooth, hold the tooth by the crown not the root and rinse gently with warm water if dirty. Never transport the tooth in water or scrub the root. Place the tooth in either milk or saline solution. The tooth has the best chance of survival if reimplanted within 30 minutes. Follow up with the dentist as soon as possible. Dr. Keith E. McDonald 425-228-KIDS (5437) 451 Duvall Ave NE, Ste 140 Visit us online: www.akidsplacedentistry.com Certified, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Member American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Changing the myth of the scary dentist one smile at a time. Serving our community with excellence since 2005 Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 31
RESIDENT RECIPE Divine Carrot Spice Cake BY EMILY WEINSTEIN Yield: 8 to 12 servings FOR THE CAKE • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 2 teaspoons baking soda • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • ¾ teaspoon salt • 3 cups grated carrots (you can grate the carrots in a food processor fitted with a shredding blade) • 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans • 1 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened • ½ cup moist, plump raisins (dark or golden) or dried cranberries • 2 cups sugar • 1 cup canola or safflower oil • 4 large eggs FOR THE FROSTING • 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature • 1 pound (3¾ cups) confectioners’ sugar • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or ½ teaspoon pure lemon extract • ½ cup shredded coconut, optional • Toasted finely chopped nuts and/or toasted coconut, for topping, optional 32 April 2024 PREPARATION 1 / For the cake: Position the racks to divide the oven into thirds and preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Butter and flour three 9-inch round, 2-inch deep cake pans, flour the insides and tap out the excess. 2 / Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt and set aside. In another bowl, stir together the carrots, chopped nuts, coconut and raisins. 3 / Working in a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a whisk, beat the sugar and oil together until smooth. Add the eggs one by one and continue to beat until the batter is even smoother. If you are working in a mixer, reduce the speed to low, if you’re working by hand switch to a large rubber spatula, and gently stir in the flour mixture — mix only until the dry ingredients disappear. Just as gently, stir in the chunky ingredients. 4 / Divide the batter among the baking pans and slide the pans into the oven. Bake the cakes for 40 to 50 minutes, rotating the pans top to bottom and front to back at the midway point. The cakes are properly baked when a knife inserted into the centers of the cakes comes out clean; the cakes will just start to come away from the edges. Transfer the pans to cooling racks, cool for 5 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool to room temperature. 5 / For the frosting: Working in a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and continue to beat until the frosting
is velvety smooth. Beat in the lemon juice or extract. 6 / If you’d like to have coconut in the filling, scoop out about ½ of the frosting and stir the coconut into this portion. 7 / To frost the cake, place one layer of the cake, rightside up, on a cardboard round or a cake plate. If you’ve added coconut to the frosting, use half of coconut frosting to generously cover the first layer. Use an offset spatula or a spoon to smooth the frosting all the way to the edges of the layer. Top with the second layer, this time placing the cake top-side down. Frost with the remainder of the coconut frosting. Top with the last layer, right-side up and use the plain frosting to cover the top — and the sides, if you want – of the cake. Finish the top layer with swirls of frosting. If you want to top the cake with toasted nuts or coconut, sprinkle on these ingredients now, while the frosting is soft. Slide the cake into the refrigerator for 15 minutes, just to set the frosting. 8 / The cake can be served as soon as the frosting is set. It can also wait, at room temperature and covered with a cake keeper, overnight. The cake is best served in thick slices at room temperature and, while it’s good plain, it’s better with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or even some lemon curd with a little whipped cream folded in. Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 33
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR LOVE LOCAL W e often reminisce about the good old days. Life seemed a bit simpler back in the day. Some of our fondest memories were kicking the can around town and frequenting our favorite local spots. For Christina, it was stopping by Herman’s bakery for a delicious donut, going to the People’s Cafe for a sandwich with Mom and Dad for lunch, or swinging by the local Dairy Queen for a cool treat on a hot summer’s night. Matt’s local donut shop was the Dutch Bakery and he always picked up a Maple Stick for his Mom to bring a little sweetness to her day. And there was King’s Pharmacy where you could buy a pack of baseball cards and then head on over to Snuffles Malt Shop for the best burger in town. Somewhere along the way local mom and pops seemed to disappear. Local pharmacies and many one-of-a-kind eateries and shops were replaced by national chains. While we enjoy the speed and convenience of ordering online and the consistency and reliability of “chain businesses”, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the resurgence of the exceptional mom-and-pops we have right here in our backyard. Many of our local businesses are owned and operated by residents. These owner-operators strive to bring us the very best products and services and we can assure you they’re not getting rich doing so. They’re faced with rising labor and rent costs, limited talent availability, and ever-increasing materials and supply costs. Whenever we get the opportunity, we love frequenting and evangelizing these amazing local businesses. We have great friends who live on Mercer Island and we keep inviting them over to enjoy our local favorites…now they come on their own to enjoy our local speakeasy, fresh Mexican, and bubble tea. As you know we live, work, and play here and feel lucky to have so many great experiences right here in our backyard. We have one of the best places to get hot chocolate in the entire country according to Yelp. We have the most epic view and dining combo experience in the PNW. We have awesome places for casual and dressier date nights out and mixologists waiting to delight you with their concoctions. So the next time you’re heading out for a treat, a meal, or looking for something to do, we’d suggest you first consider “loving local”, we promise you’re going to love what your local mom and pops has in store for you and yours! Our best to you, Matt & Christina (Team Skally) 34 April 2024 Do you want a better education for your child — a classical curriculum that teaches real-world skills for lifelong success like public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership? Do you want an education in the Catholic tradition that forms the whole child; mind, heart, and will? Emerald Heights Academy is located in Bellevue, Washington, and provides a classical liberal arts education in the Catholic tradition to students in Pre-Kindergarten 4 through 8th grade. emeraldheights.org | (425) 643-1671
“Our windows look great!” -Janda Black Keenan, Newcastle Resident for end of summer specials Check out our website for end of summer specials www.AllBuildingServicesLLC.com Carpet cleaning Hardwood floor cleaning & refinishing Window washing Roof & gutter cleaning AllBuildingServicesLLC.com 425.802.7763 | Info@AllBuilding ServicesLLC.com Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 35
9151 Currency St. Irving, TX 75063 A Publication for the Residents of Newcastle & Newport Hills
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