La Vie en Redmond

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.

The Redmond Firefighters’ Union began its annual “Santa in the Neighborhoods” food and toy drive on Dec. 11.
Santa and his volunteer helpers will continue cruising through Redmond neighborhoods on an old-time red fire truck for the next few evenings.
Tonight (Dec. 15) look for Santa and friends in Southeast Redmond, east of Bel-Red Rd.
Dec. 16, they’ll be in the South Education Hill area, from Northeast 90th Street to Northeast 116th Street.
Dec. 19, the destination is North Education Hill, north of Northeast 116th Street.
Dec. 20, Santa is headed to Redmond Ridge and Union Hill.
Look and listen for the festive truck, playing holiday music. Say hi to Santa and his pals, get a candy cane and if you can, donate some food, toys or cash for community members in need.
The Redmond Firefighters’ Union will match up to $500 in collected funds this season.
For more information, call (425) 556-2200.

When your kid is too old for Zhu Zhu Pets — and doesn’t want you to pick out his or her clothes anymore — consider giving gifts of knowledge.
Redmond’s Old Fire House Teen Center is accepting enrollment for several inexpensive January and February classes to broaden teens’ horizons. A few include:
• Thursday afternoon Silkscreen Co-op by appointment. ($5)
• Drumming 102 for drummers with a bit of experience who want to advance their skills. Tuesday evenings from Jan. 19-March 9. ($28 for Redmond residents, $31 for non-residents)
• Teen Toastmasters, for students who have a fear of public speaking. This one can help with school presentations, job interviews and more. Monday evenings, Feb. 8-March 8. ($15 residents, $18 non-residents)
For sign-up or information, e-mail ccullen@redmond.gov.

In last Friday’s Redmond Reporter, our editor Bill Christianson wrote about an effort between the Reporter staff and the Redmond Rotary to identify and honor a Community MVP of the Year.
In case you missed Bill’s column, a nominee for this award should be a shining star who has generously given a large amount of volunteer time to a worthy cause in Redmond.
From my experience as a reporter in Redmond, I can tell you that this community is blessed with many wonderful and talented people who care deeply about their neighbors and making Redmond a terrific place to live, work and play.
Choosing just one exemplary volunteer won’t be easy, but that’s where you, our readers, can play an important role.
Take a moment to think about someone here in Redmond, at your office, school, church or club, who consistently and cheerfully gives back to the community in a meaningful way.
E-mail that person’s name and contact information, along with your name and contact information — and a brief paragraph explaining why the nominee is special — to redmondrotary@yahoo.com.
Nominations are due by Dec. 15 and the winner will be given an award at the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon on Jan. 20, 2010.