A Group for Every Interest in Issaquah Highlands
New Year’s resolutions tend to start out strong for most, then fizzle out over a few months. However, achieving goals can feel so much more rewarding and attainable with support from the community around you.
Is your goal for 2024 to exercise more? Consider joining Tai Chi Fitness Class or Yoga Club. Do you want to pick up a new hobby? Try your hand at Figure Drawing Group, Photography Club or Chess Club. Are you hoping to grow your network of friends in the new year? We hope to see you at Toddler Playgroup, Senior Social Group or any other group that looks enjoyable to you.
In Issaquah Highlands, we offer an assortment of groups for all types of interests. Explore each of the community groups and meet the leaders below. We are always looking to add new community groups. If you have an idea for a new group, email lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org with suggestions.
ADHD Caregiver Support Group
1st Thursdays, 10 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Leader: Chelsea Musick
ADHD Caregiver Support Group provides a safe space to talk about the challenges and issues that come along with raising a child with ADHD. We also help to brainstorm ideas and share resources and advice we’ve gathered.
There are usually people who come with specific issues or questions. It’s so freeing to share with people who really get it. We don’t have to pretend that everything is perfect and can be honest about how things are going. There are always others who have (or are) dealing with the same issue that’s being discussed; it can be uplifting to know you’re not alone.
We often share resources and topics we discussed on our Facebook group “ADHD Caregiver Support (Blakely Hall)” so feel free to join for more information.
Book Club
2nd Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Leader: Lisa Collins
The goal of Book Club is to connect with others over a shared love of reading. It’s an opportunity to read books you might not pick up on your own, discuss them and perhaps better understand the story.
It’s not a requirement to have finished the book to come to the discussion, although you must be okay with spoilers. Sometimes, a discussion helps someone to decide if they want to finish the book after getting stuck.
We’re open to everyone and enjoy having multiple perspectives. Everyone reacts to books differently; it makes for wonderful discussions. New people can check the community calendar at issaquahhighlands.com/events or join the Facebook group “Issaquah Highlands Book Club” to know what book is being read next and come to a meeting.
Business Networking Group
Jan. 11, 10 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Jan. 25, 10 a.m.
Online
Leader: Johnna Masterson
While building my own business, I had been to a lot of different networking events. Every single one of them had something that I loved. I decided to try and combine all those positive things into one. My goal was to create a networking opportunity that included any business (or community member) no matter where they were in their journey…with no barriers.
Everyone is welcome! We have two meetings per quarter—one in-person and one virtual. Each meeting follows a similar format with opportunities to meet, mingle and share about your business. Join us for a light breakfast at our winter meeting, lunch in spring, and Happy Hour in summer.
I’m hoping all these different options will give even more people the opportunity to feel like a valued and supported part of the Issaquah Highlands business networking community. I hope every person who becomes a part of the group not only finds value in attending, but comes out feeling connected, supported and inspired! Join our Facebook group “Issaquah Highlands Business Networking Group.”
Chess Club
Wednesdays, 6 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Leader: Chad Fondren & Daniel Kaseumsouk
During the height of the pandemic, we were playing chess a lot more online. We wanted to find a place to play in-person with others, and that was the primary motivator for starting the club. Our goal is to provide a safe place for anyone interested in playing chess.
Our group meets every Wednesday at Blakely Hall from 6–9 p.m. We change our schedule each week based on the interest of the attendees. Our agenda ranges from casual chess to rated and unrated chess tournaments. We also host events in partnership with the Washington Chess Federation.
It’s been exciting for us to share our passion with so many people. To learn about upcoming events, visit our Facebook group “Issaquah Highlands Chess Club.”
Figure Drawing Group
Mondays, 9:30 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Leader: Eric Oliner
Starting on Jan. 8, Figure Drawing Group is returning with weekly three-hour sessions at Blakely Hall. Please register in advance. The cost to pay our models is $15 per attendee.
Our goal is to bring together artists, regardless of experience, who share a love of drawing the human figure and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people in our community. Artists bring their own easels and other drawing aids. Some use charcoal, pencils, watercolors or a combination of media. Typically, we vary the length of poses to exercise our observation and drawing skills, frequently alternating short and long poses.
Aside from simply enjoying drawing as a pastime, we hope to encourage interaction among the artists and appreciation of one another’s talents. The group is open to all— newcomers and old-timers alike. We are non-judgmental and excited to share the work everyone creates, regardless of experience or approach. But for those who wish to keep their drawings private, there is no pressure to share at all.
Meditation Group
Fridays, 2 p.m.
Online
Leader: Wei Geiger
Meditation Group is designed to improve your physical and mental health. The act of meditating can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that benefits both your emotional well-being and your overall health. You can also use it to relax and cope with stress by refocusing your attention on something calming. Meditation can help you learn to stay centered and keep inner peace.
Through this group, I hope neighbors can relax, reduce life and work stress through practice, and live a happy life. Meditation is a great exercise, like yoga, that can be beneficial to anyone.
Join us online every Friday from 2–3 p.m. Register for the Zoom meeting at issaquahhighlands.com/events. The group is free to attend and open to all!
Minecraft Mania
2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Leader: Eli Feduff & Emmett Roughgarden
The goal of Minecraft Mania is for elementary-aged kids to play games with others, bring people together, and make new friends. A typical day looks like kids having fun, laughing, playing and helping each other! We meet every second and fourth Wednesday at Blakely Hall from 4:30–5:30 p.m.
We hope this group will encourage kids to find new friends that share a common interest. Any elementary students are welcome to join us! We always look forward to seeing more new faces stop by to play Minecraft with us.
Everyone always asks us what they need to bring to Minecraft Mania. If you play on a computer, you may want to bring a charger and a mouse. You can also use a phone, iPad, Nintendo Switch or any other device. Most people play with Minecraft Java Edition installed. However, others play with Bedrock Edition, so you can connect and play with them as well.
Photography Group
3rd Saturdays, 10 a.m.
Blakely Hall or Online
Leader: Scott Moffat
Photography Group aims to provide opportunities for people to connect and share their interest in photography with kindred spirits, and to expand our interests and abilities through visiting speakers. We meet at Blakely Hall and online on the third Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m.
Each meeting focuses on either a speaker, topic, workshop or sharing session. I hope that neighbors will gain inspiration for their own photography as well as an appreciation for the diversity of photographers and images they’re creating.
People interested in the group should know there are no dues. People of all ages, experience levels and equipment are welcome—it doesn’t matter if you’re a student, parent or retiree. You can also join our Facebook group “Issaquah Highlands Photography Club” to share your photos and find information on upcoming meetings.
Poker Night
Last Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Leader: Henry Honig
Poker Night is about building community and providing a fun, safe space for local poker lovers to connect and immerse themselves in some steep competition—no matter their skill level. We gather on the last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m.
During the poker tournament, there are several breaks where participants can interact socially and eat from a potluck-style snacking table. It’s a fantastic combination of relatively serious poker playing and socializing. I personally look forward to it every month.
My hope is that those who participate feel a sense of community and have a great time playing the game of Texas Hold’em Poker, while also meeting new people from the area and expanding their social circles. Participants do need to be 21 years or older to join the fun.
Senior Social Group
Tuesdays, 2 p.m.
Blakely Hall
Leader: Position open!
Currently searching for a group leader. Are you interested? Email lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.
Highlands Council formed Senior Social Group after numerous requests from neighbors to connect seniors in the community. The group meets at Blakely Hall for social time every Tuesday from 2–3:30 p.m. Coffee, tea and snacks are provided each week, courtesy of Sunrise Senior Living.
The group participates in a variety of activities, from bingo to philanthropic projects. Guest speakers are planned occasionally—one previous speaker covered the various ways to receive Medicare benefits.
Neighbors are encouraged to visit, share stories and bond over common interests. If you have ideas for activities or speakers you want to see, email lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org with suggestions!
Tai Chi Fitness Class
Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Leader: Yong Liu
Tai Chi Fitness Class meets at Blakely Hall every Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. We start with a short greeting and then immediately move into three rounds of the Chen-style 24 movements together. By the end of the class, everyone feels refreshed with warm hands.
We also collect non-perishable food items from class members if they bring some to the class, but it’s entirely optional and voluntary. We say goodbye around 7:30 a.m. and wish everyone a great week!
For those people who regularly join the class, they share that their lower back pain is gone, and they feel very motivated to keep coming every week. We welcome new people any time. Tai Chi is truly beneficial to our bodies, but it does take a long time to master it. Anyone who wants to really learn how to do it needs to come regularly to reap the benefits!
Toastmasters
1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 a.m.
Online
2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Leader: Dawn Noland
Toastmasters International has been helping individuals improve their public speaking and leadership skills for nearly 100 years. Our club represents a variety of people who come together each week to speak, have fun and help all our members to achieve many personal and professional goals.
Our meetings begin at 7 a.m. on Thursdays and last one hour. We alternate between virtual and in-person meetings at Blakely Hall twice a month. We love having guests and welcoming new members! All Toastmasters are on a journey of self-improvement and it’s very rewarding to share the journey with like-minded people.
How can new people get involved? Attend one of our meetings as a guest—there are no requirements, nothing to prepare. Bring your curiosity and see if your local Toastmasters club is a good fit for you! Once you join, there is a fee for ongoing membership.
Toddler Playgroup
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Leader: Thuan Stevens
Years ago, when my youngest was a toddler, we joined Toddler Playgroup and had an amazing time full of music and crafts. I wanted to keep that going, but the group had to take a hiatus during the pandemic. My goal was to bring back the fun that was once a highlight of my week.
In September, Toddler Playgroup returned to Blakely Hall on Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. The group encourages parents to chat with each other while the kids play, building connections for all. I bring my guitar and the kids play their percussion instruments along with the music.
I hope every child in this neighborhood will come to love music as much as I do—whether they sing, dance or play an instrument. This group is a great place to explore music while meeting others!
Yarns & Threads Group
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Blakely Hall
1st & 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m.
Blakely Hall
2st & 4rd Fridays, 10 a.m.
Online
Leader: Cathie Coulter
I started the Issaquah Highlands Yarns & Threads Group after someone posted a question to the community Facebook page about where they could learn to knit. At the time, we didn’t have a local yarn store nearby, so our group was started by word of mouth and posting to social media.
We meet at Blakely Hall on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.–noon. Additionally, we alternate between in-person and virtual meetings at the same time on Fridays. Following the pandemic, we kept our alternating virtual meetings on Fridays to cater to those in our group still hesitant to meet indoors.
Outside of our meetings, we also enjoy taking road trips together to different yarn stores in the Pacific Northwest. Our group is open to all—please join us!
STARTING SOON: Yoga Group
Sundays, 7:30 a.m.
Blakely Hall
Leader: Jyothy Praveen
Starting in March—If you are curious about yoga and want to give it a try, I am starting Yoga Group to provide a casual, comfortable environment for anyone interested in exploring a new way to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. The group will meet at Blakely Hall every Sunday at 7:30 a.m.
I love to practice yoga, and I would like to share that practice with my neighbors and friends. I know a lot of people who would love to try yoga but feel intimidated and unsure about when and where to start. I am hoping Yoga Group will provide a healthy atmosphere for us to practice consistently to reduce stress, improve balance and flexibility, and relax the mind.
Each week, we will follow yoga videos displayed on a big screen and explore a variety of styles such as Vinyasa, Hatha, Ashtanga, Yin, etc. By learning and practicing with different teachers via online videos and tutorials, my hope is that attendees can start to figure out which form of yoga interests them most.
Visit the Issaquah Highlands calendar to see upcoming community groups.
As published in the winter 2024 issue of Connections >>
