When did you move to Issaquah Highlands? And from where? What do you like best about living in Issaquah Highlands?
Chad: My family moved to this area from West Seattle in 2019. My wife and I run the School of Rock in Issaquah and wanted to be closer to our business – and ultimately, live in an area we felt was safer for our kids to grow up in.
Daniel: I moved to Issaquah Highlands in June 2021. I moved here from South Seattle, where I was born and raised. I enjoy how connected the community is to nature. There are many beautiful urban and nature trails. I find myself walking a few hours every day because of how accessible it is.
Could you tell us about your family?
Chad: We have two kids (13 and 15) and two dogs (whippets).
Daniel: My family consists of my dog Nico, who is a 10-year-old border collie rescue, and my partner Anna, whom I’ve been together with for almost 4 years.
How did you become involved as a volunteer in Issaquah Highlands?
Chad: My first exposure to working with the Highlands Council was through our School of Rock, in which our students had the exciting opportunity to perform as part of the Highlands Day festival several years in a row. I was particularly impressed with the level of organization and professionalism through which Highlands Council operated in running these events. When I had the idea of starting a local chess club, I thought immediately of Highlands Council as well.
Daniel: I learned that Chad was interested in starting a chess meet-up, and I wanted to be involved with that group. That led to us connecting with Highlands Council, and then the opportunity to host weekly chess at Blakely Hall arose.
Tell us about your experience as a volunteer.
Chad: Aside from founding/running a Chess Club back in college, this is the first real experience I’ve had volunteering my time for a community organization. It has been extremely rewarding, particularly in seeing children so excited about learning and honing their chess skills. Despite being a time-intensive effort, the time spent toward this community actually ends up feeling like an escape from other responsibilities.
Daniel: Normally, I volunteer with the elderly community. There is an organization called Eastside Friends of Seniors that I volunteer with as a driver, where I help folks with their errands (going to appointments, grocery shopping, etc.) and providing technical support (troubleshooting cell phones, laptops, email, etc.) The nice thing about Chess Club is that there is a large youth audience, so that gives me a good balance of volunteering with kids as well.
What advice would you give to other teens and/or adults about volunteering in Issaquah Highlands?
Chad: I cannot imagine a friendlier and well-supported community to be a part of – please consider volunteering any way you can!
Daniel: Reach out to Highlands Council. The folks there are very welcoming and can find volunteer opportunities that would be a good fit.
If anyone is interested in joining Chess Club, contact issaquahchess@gmail.com with questions. It’s free to join and we would love to have new members!
Are you inspired to get involved in the Issaquah Highlands community?
Opportunities are available!
Click here to discover all the different ways you can get involved in our Issaquah Highlands community, including opportunities to join boards and committees, as well as urgent needs at local nonprofits.
Questions? Contact Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council Executive Director.
