“To have joy in your heart, one must know how to appreciate the small things in life.” —Anonymous

 

To Issaquah, With Heart

I was asked recently by editors at 425 Magazine, the Eastside’s pre-eminent magazine, thought-provoking questions that took me down memory lane. It was an eye-opening adventure.

How did the Downtown Issaquah Association come to be? How has it evolved?

For 26 years DIA has supported downtown businesses in enticing pedestrians, growing their brands and revenues, and giving residents fun while we’re at it.

That hasn’t changed. But what has is the strategy behind the activity. DIA was created to restore the Hailstone Feed store, and then bring arts and events to downtown. I’ve heard DIA described as an event-planning team, largely because of its beginnings. Today, we have to be more thoughtful and deliberate due to changing demands placed on downtowns. Businesses don’t live off events alone. DIA is an economic development organization. We need to be their champion in a circle of support: sharing business resources, securing grants, showcasing art, and offering family activities, even if they are self-guided.

Events, of course, are part of it. We all love to be entertained! But the work behind the scenes to make a difference is as meaningful.

What are your favorite places…to relax, breakfast, grab a coffee, dinner, and to be inspired?

Wow, that’s hard. Because I live off Front Street downtown, my favorite thing to do is walk the traveled paths and the ones less traveled. Every day I explore nearby neighborhoods, trails, visual art (you’d be surprised how many yards have beautiful displays.) Depending on where I pause, I always enjoy rotating the infinite beverage and food selections. I find something special at each place!

I’m often drawn to Experience Tea because that’s my beverage of choice, or Sea Town, because the seafood is so fresh when it’s frozen that once it’s cooked, it tastes just like the sea. But I’m most inspired by all the people I meet along the way.

What is the Mantra you live by?

I have so many that I drive friends and family crazy. But here goes. First, this mantra begins as a question and leads to some serious pondering: “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” Second, challenges are really opportunities, and finally, no complaints without a solution.

What has brought you joy recently?

I love downtown Issaquah, and I gain so much joy from seeing it come alive again as COVID’s ugly claws retract. Every day offers something new and memorable:

Summer is in full bloom with Al Fresco on Front – there is always something special, even more so Friday – Sunday. It is a great time to plan a day trip or base-camp for a getaway.
The Pedestrian Playground, Saturdays, and Sundays the last two weekends in August and first two in September will provide the bonus of Front Street expanding dining, shopping, and entertainment between Dogwood and Sunset. More than a thousand residents told us in a survey that they were clamoring to reprise last year’s Streatery. That’s what we’re giving them – and more.

Speaking of favorite places: There’s nothing so gratifying as refreshing at a local spa or salon and updating your summer wardrobe at Revolve Consignment, with a quick stop at Forest Fairy Bakery. Throw in gazing at the vivid window art by Antoaneta Georgieva and you have the perfect day. Enjoy the artist in action video.

I am not alone in finding joy among the beauty of our historic downtown. Passersby and lingerers admire the 55 Flower Baskets that adorn historic downtown — from City Hall Steps to our Chefchaouen Morocco City-Sister Blue Door, to the Salmon Hatchery North and the Mercantile Building South to Newport. Due to our generous sponsors, we were able to blanket our downtown with more blooms than ever.

Finally, Historically Hip Downtown architecture and flower baskets will be featured in two Plein Air Art competitions August 22nd and 29th, respectively, with the extraordinary art being featured at the Confluence Music Festival August 29th. The 3rd annual Festival is a 5-hour (3pm – 8pm), free concert at the beautiful Confluence Park.

It may seem simple, and it is: I find joy in being a part of a special community that is vital, alive with creativity, impassioned residents, and volunteers. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Until next time….

Christina

 

 

Saturday 7am to Sunday 10pmAugust 21, 22, 28, 29 and September 4, 5, 11, 12Front Street between Dogwood & Sunsetwill be open to pedestrians & cyclists

Art Walk & Music Stroll

August 7th 4pm – 8pm

 

 

 

Jon Dubbs & Friends, at the Piazza 172 Front Street N. by Chicago Pastrami, will be the backdrop for the Historically Hip Artisan Market.

‘I personally have lived in Issaquah for 18 years, and through schooling and playing locally at some establishments throughout the years, I have built an incredible network of local Issaquah musicians. I have had the pleasure of sharing stages, writing music and even jam sessions along our parks and creeks. This is what everyone will be experiencing on Saturday. From playing originals we have written together to some great covers, covering numerous genres of music. There will be some musician changes, and couple different amazing singers as the night rolls along. Nothing crazy that will take equipment changing or anything. Easy roll through. I look forward to all of us coming together to make this happen on both ends.’

The MHM Trio – Jazz – Michael Cronin on trumpet and flugelhorn, Henry Fernstrom tenor sax and Michael Olivola on bass at the Historic Shell Station, 232 Front Street N.

Kaleidoscope School of Music at the Library Stage, corner of Front St and Sunset Way

August 28th, Saturday 5pm – 9pm –

Dance Party, The Jet City Band will fill the Historic Shell Station with music you know and love that will make you want to move. 232 Front Street N. Front Street between Dogwood and Sunset will be open to pedestrians and cyclists. thejetcityband.com.

August 29th

The Confluence Music Festival hosted by the Downtown Issaquah Association, will be on Sunday, August 29th from 3-8pm at Confluence Park. This is a free event featuring live music, artists, food and beverage, and activities.

Seeking volunteers – set up, breakdown, greeters for Gas Station Blues on Thursdays and Al Fresco on Front Saturdays and Sundays. Interested?

Looking for writers to bring great stories to life. Do you know constant contact? Volunteer HERE

 

 

 

 

The Flower Baskets look especially lovely this year.

Thank you to our many flower basket supporters. We are celebrating the baskets this year with an art competition.

Have you wondered how the baskets get watered? Fred Brooks quietly moves through town for hours caring for the baskets. ‘The comments from the community are gratifying’.

Art by Fire’s Beginning Glassblowing Class is back. The first post-pandemic class kicked off with a full class of 4 students. This six week class teaches the beginning stages of the journey that is glassblowing. The September class is sold out but November’s class still has openings.

This week we are also celebrating new lighting in the hot shop. DIA nominated Art By Fire for a makeover contest that PSE ran to make businesses more energy efficient. ‘Sadly we didn’t win but we were lucky enough to have PSE donate new lights for our hot shop. The new lights make our hot shop more energy efficient and help us see better too!’

Artisan Market Front St Saturdays 4 pm - 8 pm
Al Freasco on

The Confluence Music Festival, Sunday, August 29

3-8 pm at Confluence Park – Free to Attend

The Downtown Issaquah Association, is hosting both the Confluence Music Festival featuring live music, artists, food and beverage and activities. AND two Plein Air Art Contests for artists of all skill levels. The first contest will be held on Sunday, August 22nd. Artists are invited to come paint the unique architectural beauty of Historic Downtown Issaquah. This art will be displayed at the Confluence Music Festival as a special exhibit.

Contest # 1 Schedule:

3 pm Artist Registration at the Historic Shell Station

(Artists must have canvas or paper stamped to compete)

7 pm Submit your work for judging at the Historic Shell Station

8 pm People’s Choice Award winners announced

For the second contest, artists are invited to paint the gorgeous flower baskets on Front Street in Olde Town Issaquah, then bring their art to the Confluence Music Festival for display and judging.

Contest # 2 – Schedule:

3 pm Artist Registration at Confluence Park

(Artists must have canvas or paper stamped to compete)

5:45 pm Submit your work for judging

6:45 pm People’s Choice Award winners announced

Pre-Register HERE. It is highly recommended, but not mandatory.

All entries may be used by the Downtown Issaquah Association for promotional purposes (including cards, t-shirts and/or posters).

Prizes are sponsored by the Downtown Issaquah Association.

See you there!

Reviews Are In!

 

“My wife started going to Pelage earlier this year and has been raving about the superior service she has been receiving here. I found Pelage has several services catering to men as well.”

 

“Very nice spa and quite a find in downtown Issaquah. Overall, everyone in the staff is friendly. Easy to book appointments. Excellent treatments and facilities.”

Pelage Brings Sustenance to Skin and Soul

“Skin health and rejuvenation is my passion, something most people have not been exposed to. The rapid innovation/advances in skin care taking place at this very moment are astounding. Staying current and triangulating fact from hype can be tedious” said JoAnne Gerri, Pelage Founder and Medical Director.

“I pride myself in creating an environment where a client can feel comfortable sharing concerns and goals. We take the time to get to know you — and help you get to know your skin — so that you can be in the driver’s seat.”

 

Every member of the staff at Pelage Medi-Spa remains committed to those principles and works hard to apply them every day. JoAnne has applied her extensive medical background in Medical Esthetics, Dermatology, Infectious disease, Internal medicine, and Oncology towards helping women and men of all ages recognize and achieve optimum skin health.
The reviews above, and many others left by clients and patients on The Pelage Medi-Spa website https://www.pelagecenter.com reflects the high standards, customer relationships, science and technology that Pelage was founded on 22 years ago.

“I started this business because I believe in the power of science to help people look and feel their best at a cellular level. There is a science behind skin that I love helping people understand. Getting to know your skin is the best thing you can do for it—and that’s what I help my clients with everyday.”
DIA ED
Author: DIA ED

Historically Hip Downtown