Sammamish Week in Review: Dancing, Gardening, Half Marathon and Skyline Loses 'Vibrant' Coach

The first full week of spring 2011 in the Sammamish area brought on-again and off-again sunny days. It was a reminder that the Pacific Northwest still has rain.

But the community remained active with numerous events and activities. Here's a review - Sammamish style, of course - of what happened:

Monday: On the previous Friday night, people gathered for an old-school swing dance at the Sammamish Family YMCA. The video and story were posted Monday. That morning, the community learned of the passing of Tammy Fox, an assistant cheer coach and attorney. Also, Joan Probala, Sammamish Patch real estate columnist, talked about the importance of researching mortgage options.

Tuesday: State health officials reported Monday that radiation from Japan's nuclear facilities had reached an air monitor in Seattle. But the radiation posed no health threat, they said. Fashion is changing for bicyclists in the area - including polka dots. Sammamish residents also can file non-emergency police reports online.

Wednesday: Counselors offered ways to help parents spot whether or not their tween or teen might be dealing with serious emotional issues, including suicidal thoughts. In the Sammamish police blotter, teens were caught with marijuana in the parking lot. Eastside residents also were preparing for the opening of the new Uwajimaya store in Bellevue.

Thursday: March Madness was in the air - and Sammamish Patch offered places in the Seattle area to go watch the college basketball games. It was sunny for a few days this week, which prompted thoughts of spring gardening - and a visit to a nursery near Sammamish.

Friday: Earlier in the week, an seventh grader gave a presentation about epilepsy - in front of about 230 students. The story and photos were posted on Friday. The week's Great Escape pointed people toward a fun circus and dinner event in Seattle. Some Redmond residents announced they want to yank the newly-installed red light traffic cameras in that city. The cameras are somewhat of a regional issue because so many Sammamish residents drive in that city for work, shopping or activities.

Saturday: Sammamish climbers learned of the Seattle Bouldering Project, which will give them and other climbers the chance to do so indoors. Hundreds of trail and street runners went through Sammamish during the Lake Sammamish Half Marathon. They finished at Marymoor Park, near Redmond.

Sunday: There was a reminder that bears are waking up from their slumber. Their presence might affect people, especially in the rural Eastside areas.

And, as young people in the Lake Washington School District have likely already reminded their parents, but this coming week is spring break. That means: No class. If parents are looking for some activities for their tweens or teens, here are some suggestions of fun places to visit for this age category.

Editor's note: As always, thank you for reading Sammamish Patch. We also can be found on Facebook and Twitter. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact Brad Wong, Sammamish Patch editor, at 425-440-1796 or brad.wong@patch.com.