La Vie en Redmond

Since Redmond’s Underhill’s Furniture store closed last year, the quaint building in the heart of downtown Redmond has been dormant until recently. I wondered what was going on there, did some asking around and learned that the building will become the new location of the city’s Washington state liquor store.
I don’t know the opening date yet but do know that the Redmond Historical Society has been collaborating with the City of Redmond and Magellan Architects to incorporate some fun and educational Redmond history displays in the windows of the new store. I’ll bring you more information soon, but look for installation of the history displays to start in early March.

Once again, Cirque du Soleil will pitch its Grand Chapiteau (the distinctive blue and yellow big top tent) at King County’s Marymoor Park in Redmond, for the KOOZA production that opens on Thursday, June 3.
According to a press release, KOOZA is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil that combines the circus traditions of acrobatic performances and clowning.
“KOOZA is about human connection and the world of duality, good or bad,” said the show’s writer and director David Shiner. “The tone is fun and funny, light and open. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s very much about ideas, too.”
Watch for more information in the Redmond Reporter, about this and other entertainment events that will make this city “the place to be” this summer.
For KOOZA tickets or show information, call 1-800-450-1480 or visit http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/kooza/default.aspx

On Jan. 27, we ran a story about a Redmond “Rocketman” whose design for a Space Shuttle Program commemorative patch was one of 15 finalists in a NASA contest:
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/red/lifestyle/82813567.html

We heard from Dave Ginsberg this week that his design placed fifth among the top 15 finalists in the NASA employees’ “People Choice” voting. And he placed sixth among the top 15 in the unofficial collectSPACE “Fans’ Choice Poll.”

Ginsberg noted, “It was an honor to have had my design considered in such high regard by so many who cast their votes.” He added, “An e-mail I received from NASA says, ‘The quality of the submissions and the emotion behind the designs shows tremendous commitment and loyalty to the Space Shuttle Program. The judges were so impressed with the quality and imagination of the designs and found the task of selecting a difficult one.”
Ginsberg concluded, “Again, my appreciation goes out to all who voted for my design and provided supportive comments and critiques.”

Have you ever shopped for a date in Redmond?
A few years back, before Valentine’s Day, I wrote a series of stories called “Looking for Love in Redmond,” which profiled a number of local folks — of different ages and different stages in their lives, some widowed, some divorced, some just getting started in the dating game — about their experiences with the dating scene in Redmond.
It was fun to write and actually went on to win Third Place for Best Comprehensive Coverage in the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association’s 2008 “Build a Better Newspaper Contest.”
One of the questions I asked some single adults was whether they’d ever “shopped for dates” while cruising the aisles at a grocery store, hardware store or other location where it wouldn’t be totally obvious that they were flirting.
In other words, when you go to a “singles bar,” it’s assumed that you are single and hoping to meet someone special. At Safeway or Whole Foods? Well, people assume you’re there to pick up dinner, while picking up a date could be an unexpected bonus.
I was reminded of the “looking for love in everyday places” concept when I spotted this story written by a colleague from the Redmond Reporter’s parent company Sound Publishing. Jenny Manning of the Whidbey News Time wrote about an Albertsons supermarket in Oak Harbor that hosted a pre-Valentine’s day event with prizes and opportunities to chat with other shoppers.
Would this idea fly in Redmond? Would you be interested if one of the local grocery stores sponsored a “Meet Market?” Which store would be your pick and why? Ideas are welcome at mdecker@redmond-reporter.com.
And here’s a link to the “Meet Market” story from our sister publication:
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/whidbey/wnt/news/84056212.html

Redmond’s Old Fire House Teen Center is hosting a dance party exclusively for junior high students, from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Students must have their school ID to attend and supervision will be provided.
Admission is $6 or $5 with a can of food for Hopelink’s food bank.
For more info, e-mail Rana Shmait at rshmait@redmond.gov

No, this isn’t about a reality TV show to discover hidden talent in Redmond.
But I’ll soon be interviewing a few individuals who can potentially put Redmond in a national — or universal — spotlight.
Christopher Lu, an eighth grader from Redmond, has been chosen as one of seven national finalists in the MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) Junior Piano Competition. The competition takes place in Albuquerque, N.M. this spring.
Also, local artist/designer Dave Ginsberg is one of 15 finalists in a NASA contest to create a patch commemorating the end of the Space Shuttle program, scheduled to fly its last mission later this year.
As another fun tidbit, Redmond High School student Peter Castro will be a cast member in SecondStory Repertory’s upcoming production of the romantic comedy-musical “She Loves Me.”
Watch for more info about that in the Redmond Reporter, too.

Business Week magazine recently chose Redmond as 2010’s Best Place to Raise Your Kids in Washington state. Redmond’s excellent parks, trails and schools were among the reasons for the honor.
In case you didn’t know, each month, Family Circle magazine publishes a “My Hometown” feature in which a proud resident explains why his or her hometown is unique and great for families.
In the Feb. 2010 issue, the featured town is Waukesha, Wis. and a resident sings the praises of Waukesha’s historic buildings and shops, cultural festivals and parks and recreation amenities.
Wouldn’t it be fun to see Redmond spotlighted in Family Circle?
If you agree, send an e-mail explaining what you love about living in Redmond, along with a photo of your family, to hometown@familycircle.com.

Oddfellow’s Grill on Leary Way has added a Saturday and Sunday brunch, starting at 10 a.m. Menu items include Prime Rib Breakfast Muffin with Potatoes O’ Brien.
For details, call (425) 882-7800.

It’s common to feel a little blue after the major holidays of Christmas and New Year’s Day have passed.
But sometimes “holiday fun” is what you make it. Redmond’s Parks and Recreation Department is organizing some community events to celebrate Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras. We’ll bring you more details soon.
Meanwhile, Everything Party at 17181 Redmond Way
http://www.everythingparty.com
offers a wide range of whimsical decorations and party favors for all those occasions — plus the Super Bowl, celebrity-ogling (watching the Golden Globes and the Oscars), President’s Day and more.
This Friday, Jan. 8, would have been Elvis Presley’s 75th birthday. There’s yet excuse to have a party.
If your business, school, church or club has a winter holiday event that is open to the community, the Redmond Reporter would love to hear from you.
E-mail details to mdecker@redmond-reporter.com.

Earlier this week, Hopelink public relations specialist Denise Stephens gratefully accepted a $1,000 check from the Redmond Police Department, to help brighten the holidays of community members who are facing hard times.
It’s certainly been a difficult season for the law enforcement community, too, in light of recent tragedies involving officers in the Puget Sound region. But that has not dampened the spirits of Redmond’s dedicated police force.
“We have been embraced by our citizens and this is a simply a way to let them know that we care about them,” Redmond Police Commander Shari Shovlin explained in an e-mail to the Redmond Reporter.
Shovlin noted, “Our department and its members feel very blessed this time of year and realize how lucky we are that we work for such a great department. Our department members are like family and as many families do, we exchange gifts letting each other know how much we appreciate each other. Instead of exchanging gifts this year, it was important that we let our Redmond community know how much we appreciate them — all of them. Knowing that many non-profits are in need this year, due to the economic times, our department members decided to give money to the food bank to help those that really need gifts, food and clothing.”
Kudos to the Redmond Police for their generous donation and for their positive attitude.
I will also add that when I visited Hopelink’s office twice this week, I was impressed by the number of people who were dropping off donations and the number of cheerful volunteers who were busily sorting the donations.
Christmas Day will come and go before we know it, but the need for your time, talent and gifts of food, cash — or whatever you can share with others less fortunate — will continue into the New Year.
Thanks to all who have demonstrated the true Christmas spirit through their kindness toward their neighbors — and best wishes for peace and prosperity in 2010.