A group of parents, teachers, community supporters, and professional string teachers met tonight at Mt Si High School to discuss formally organizing a string orchestra program to serve the Snoqualmie Valley.
Several obstacles must be overcome to begin an organized youth string/orchestra program:
1. Limited space is available in the SVSD system for rehearsals and concerts. Any non-school-sponsored programs wishing to use SVSD facilities are required to pay fees too expensive for a fledgling program. No non-district spaces were discussed, except for a joke about using the IGA on the Ridge since no one ever seems to be in there.
2. Possible grant options were discussed and will be further researched.
Resources identified include:
1. Hammond Ashley in Issaquah
2. Music Works NW in Bellevue
3. Teachers
4. Advertising and PR support
Anyone interested in participating in the upstart of this program should contact info@snovalleystrings.org for more information.
Yeah, we freaked out when we went to eat there this week too…
But the sign on the door says they’re just remodeling, so don’t fear – the great food and terrible bartenders will be back any day now.
This evening’s SEA meeting for the SVSD 410 teachers resulted in a decision to strike in the fall before school begins if the cost of living increase mandated by the State of Washington is not implemented by SVSD.
The State legislature recently approved the cost of living adjustment, but does not fully fund the increase. SVSD has the burden of covering $.85 of each $1 for employees and $.31 for certificated teachers.
Are the people who live in the Snoqualmie Valley aware that most of the teachers that teach in the district cannot even afford to live in it?
Consider what it means to have your children recognize their own teachers in their greater community, and how important it is that those who serve the community be able to live in it.
The district leadership needs to find a way to get this increase passed without forcing these teachers – already stressed to the hilt by the middle school split to Twin Falls and the mayhem at Mt. Si – to endure any more pain.
Acacia just had their grand opening last weekend. Formerly known as Renaissance, Acacia Salon looks beautiful and has the same stylists as before, plus two new staff members.
New owner is also a stylist, which the staff is very happy about.
They carry Redken, Bumble & Bumble, Caviar, and more.
The gym on Snoqualmie Ridge is actually called Snoqualmie Ridge Athletic Club – their website can sometimes be hard to find if you don’t know the actual name of the club.
Their facility is brand new and top-notch, with every last piece of cardio equipment decked out with its own television. It’s a low pressure environment and a great place to pretend you don’t care that the sun is not shining in the middle of June.
They’ve got great personal trainers too – no matter what your fitness level.
If you’re a student and just looking for a 3 month membership, SRAC has a special deal just for you – just $150 for the entire summer.
Casino Snoqualmie is scheduled to open sometime between October and December 2008. The FAQ page on the Casino Snoqualmie website has lots of answers to casino-related questions and a map of the floor plan.
And they’re hiring! Job applications can be obtained now at the Casino Snoqualmie office on site at 37500 SE North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, or later online at www.casinosnoqualmie.com
My most valued neighborhood news source for the last year has been the West Seattle Blog, and now having moved to Snoqualmie, I see the same kind of opportunity here in the Snoqualmie Valley for a news source that is instant, allows for community commentary, and provides valuable forums for information.
My greatest hope is that we are able to build this resource to the heights that WSB has achieved. I fully credit them for developing this format and setting a terrific standard for community news