La Vie en Redmond

Back in May, I attended a fascinating presentation by architect and jazz musician Christopher Janney at Redmond City Hall. Janney is known for his interactive sound-and-light installations in public spaces throughout the nation.
I’ve just learned that Janney’s “Sonic Forest” will be installed at Redmond Town Center Dec. 4-12. I’ll bring you more information soon, but in the meantime, you can read about Janney’s work in my May 15 story at
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/red/entertainment/45135502.html?period=W&mpStartDate=07-13-2009

Several times a year, we get questions and complaints about inconsiderate or dangerous behavior on trails in and around Redmond. Some pedestrians say that bicyclists ride too fast and run people off the trails. Some bicyclists say that pedestrians “hog the trail,” walking three or four abreast and/or not paying attention to their surroundings.
People ask, “Don’t the trails belong to everyone?” and “What can we do to make the trails safer?”
We touched upon these topics back in spring. For a refresher course in trail safety, http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/red/lifestyle/43465232.html

There’s a definite chill in the air, but every dark cloud has a silver lining. Get out and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage while it lasts.
Teresa Kluver, an urban forestry expert for the City of Redmond’s Parks and Recreation department explained, “Fall color happens over several weeks and is generally stimulated by cold/frost-like conditions. Many of our parks and streets are planted with trees that exhibit great fall color. Grass Lawn should have the ashes turning brilliant yellow first, then the Maples will follow with their colors of yellow, oranges and red. Other plantings that have great fall color include the Sugar Maples along West Lake Sammamish Parkway and Bear Creek Parkway. Otherwise, every park has some trees that will be displaying their best fall finery over the next month.”
Where’s your favorite Redmond spot to admire fall foliage?

Heard from the folks at St. Jude Catholic Church that tickets for the Saturday, Oct. 17 Oktoberfest celebration at $25 at the door, not $30 as previously noted.  But to reserve a spot or get more information about the 21-and-over event, including dinner, beer samples and a silent auction, call (425) 868-9357.

Start letting your hair grow.
Why?
Because The American Night brings its tribute to The Doors to Oddfellow’s Grill in downtown Redmond on Friday, Oct. 30 — and the event includes a contest for the best rock star costume, not to mention a psychedelic light show and go-go dancers.
The free party, starting at 9 p.m., will be open to all ages until 11 p.m. that night, after which Oddfellow’s becomes a 21-and-over venue.
Learn more about the American Night, led by Redmond resident Nate Christian, at www.theamericannight.com.
Oddfellow’s is located in one of downtown Redmond’s most historic buildings, the former Odd Fellows Hall at 7979 Leary Way. Call (425) 882-7800 or visit www.OddfellowsGrill.com for background info and upcoming events.

Who needs Leavenworth when the hills of Redmond are alive with the sound of German music?
Tonight’s the night for the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest, to be held at The Driftmier Architects, 7983 Leary Way NE.
The merriment lasts from 5-7 p.m. and includes German brews, music, networking, raffle prizes and food from Ruby’s Diner. Admission is $10 for Chamber members or $15 for non-members. Questions? Call Carla Johnson at (425) 885-4014.
Another Oktoberfest celebration takes place at St. Jude Catholic Church’s parish hall, 10526 166th Ave. NE, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door if you’d like Northwest beer samples with your dinner (bratwurst, sauerkraut, side dishes and dessert). Designated driver tickets are $10. The event also includes a silent auction and is for guests 21 or older. For information, call (425) 868-9357 or e-mail kofc8102@gmail.com.
Or brew up your own version of Oktoberfest fun by visiting one of Redmond’s fine breweries this month. Black Raven Brewing Company is at 14687 NE 95th St. Call (425) 881-3020 for hours and other info. Mac & Jack’s is at 17825 NE 65th St. and offers tours on Sunday afternoons. Call (425) 558-9697 to learn more.

Tomorrow’s superstars of stage, screen and television might be today’s Redmond teens.
A few months back, a great group of young string musicians represented Redmond at Carnegie Hall. The Redmond Orchestra Boosters, who help to raise money for instruments, transportation, music scholarships, etc., will meet in the Redmond High School (RHS) Choir room at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12 to brainstorm on this year’s activities. Parents who value music in the schools are invited to get involved.
And the whole community can pitch in to support the RHS Theater Arts garage sale. Clean out your closets and drop off donations at the RHS cafeteria, 17272 NE 104th St. between 2:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. The actual garage sale is from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. For details (including suggested donations or items that can’t be accepted), e-mail julianna.castro@comcast.net.
“Pippin” is the upcoming fall musical at RHS and we’ll bring you details and photos later on in the Redmond Reporter.

If you dig grocery shopping and free food samples (and who doesn’t?), Redmond is the place to be this weekend.
Our very own, brand-new Trader Joe’s, 15932 Redmond Way, officially opens at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9. Our staff will be there for the kick-off celebration, as will Redmond Mayor John Marchione.
I’ve already had a tour of the store, with Captain (store manager) Bob Jarchow — and can tell you that it’s bright, airy and full of beautiful art that depicts Redmond landmarks.
Trader Joe’s crew members will be cooking and handing out tasty morsels for your enjoyment.
If you’re still hungry, head east to Whole Foods Market Redmond, 17991 NE Redmond Way. They’re hosting a Customer Appreciation Weekend including store tours, a local vendor fair and Dinner on a Dime cooking demos, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 9-11.
Another chance to chow down in Redmond will benefit the
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2995’s Troop Support Program.
From 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, stop by the post at 4330 148th Ave. NE for a complete lasagna dinner. It’s just $10 and kids 10 and under eat free. Such a deal! And your participation will help the VFW to send care packages to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, who are far from home and missing their own favorite comfort foods.
To learn more about the Troop Support Program, contact John Kenny at kjjkenny@aol.com or call VFW Post 2995 at (425) 883-2295.

Dance Sanctuary, a monthly, freestyle, family-friendly dance held at Redmond’s Enso Center for International Arts, will mark its first anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 14.
This Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8-10 p.m., the event will have a different look and feel than usual, according to Dance Sanctuary owner Nadine Bolliger. It isn’t a Halloween dance but will be called “Dancing with The Shadow” and will feature low lighting and darker music.
Other than this weekend’s event, Dance Sanctuary, Bolliger tells us, allows people of all ages, including children, to dance and express themselves in a safe, casual environment, with “wildly uplifting music.”
That includes World music, drumming, techno, pop, salsa, funk, R & B and more. Most of the music is instrumental — and if lyrics are included, they must impart a positive message. Music starts out mellow and intensifies as the evening goes on. It slows down again at the end.
Kind of like an aerobic workout, complete with warm-up and cool-down!
When you’re not dancing, you can play percussion instruments, test your hula-hooping prowess, sketch or write notes in a dance journal at Dance Sanctuary. It’s all about self-expression and stress relief.
Bolliger, by the way, has participated in Nia dancing at the Redmond Senior Center, drum circles at SoulFood Books in downtown Redmond and Ecstatic Dance in Seattle, before opening Dance Sanctuary.
To learn more about Dance Sanctuary, call Nadine Bolliger at (425) 830-1481 or e-mail DanceSanctuary@gmail.com.
The Enso Center for International Arts (home of Dance Sanctuary and much more) is located at 9215 195th Ave. in Redmond. For Enso information, call (425) 861-8222 or visit www.enso-center.org

Heading toward Halloween, I’m working on a story about a couple of Redmond High School alumni who’ve started a paranormal investigation agency. Do you believe there are ghosts among us, perhaps lurking in some of downtown Redmond’s famous old buildings?  Would you be scared if you encountered them or would you find the experience exciting?
Watch for the story, coming soon in the Redmond Reporter. And if you have stories about supernatural happenings in our fair city, let us know!
This weekend, though, show some love for our talented young people. The Old Fire House Teen Center, 16510 NE 79th St., hosts a free Teen Arts Festival from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 and 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.
Stop by to admire visual art, photography, spoken word and music performances. All ages are welcome.
For more info, call Rana Shmait at (425) 556-2371.