October Volunteer of the Month: Tom Perea

Congratulations to Issaquah Highlands resident Tom Perea for being selected as October’s Volunteer of the Month! He is responsible for bringing back Open Mic Night to the community after the group took a hiatus due to the pandemic. Since the group re-launched in February 2023, our audience size has only continued to grow. Thanks for all you do, Tom!

He had the following to say about his time volunteering and living in Issaquah Highlands:

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I would like to begin by thanking the staff at Blakely Hall/Issaquah Highlands for choosing me as Volunteer of the Month. I have enjoyed every Open Mic Night and the amazing talent our community has to offer. We’ve seen everything from young school-aged kids who tell jokes or share school presentations, to some of the most talented musicians, singers and magicians. Our community is loaded with talent, and we usually get someone new each time.

My wife Dee Ann and I moved to Issaquah Highlands in March of 2020 to be closer to our family, who moved here several years earlier. We were already enamored with the vibrant community and beautiful homes, landscaping, parks, trails and open spaces. It truly is a remarkable place to live, work and recreate. Neighbors were friendly and inviting and it seemed there were more dogs (who we love) than people.

I kept looking in the Connections newspaper for the next Open Mic Night because I had great memories of attending one while visiting my granddaughters several years ago. I remembered how much I enjoyed the performers and what a welcoming atmosphere it was, especially for young kids.

When I went into Blakely Hall to enquire about the next Open Mic event, I was informed that it had been canceled due to the pandemic and no one had stepped up to restart the group. They asked if I was interested in helping to get it going again, and I eagerly agreed.

The staff here is amazing. They set up everything from the chairs to the speaker system, which allows us to connect phones or tablets via Bluetooth for karaoke. Lily Pinkston is my dedicated volunteer technician who helps everyone to get their devices, instruments or karaoke songs paired with the music system.

Open Mic Night is not just about entertaining but being entertained. The audience often has big smiles on their faces or sometimes tears when they hear a sad song or reading. They clap loudly for everyone whether they are ready for The Voice or just starting out. Some neighbors who had come just to listen or be entertained were encouraged to give it a try because of the welcoming atmosphere.

Issaquah Highlands has a myriad of ways for everyone to participate in a group, with a wide range of interests that are open to the public. I highly encourage everyone to find a club or event that interests you.

If you don’t see something that is your cup of tea, please see the staff about starting a group. Chances are very high that others share your interests. What a blessing that we live in such a wonderful community. Help make it even better by volunteering or participating in a group.