January Volunteer of the Month: Lynda Tammone, IHCA Board of Directors

Congratulations to Vista Park resident Lynda Tammone for being selected as January’s Volunteer of the Month! Thanks for all you do, Lynda!

She had the following to say:

I lived in the Pacific Northwest for almost 30 years before relocating to my home state of California when my son married and moved to San Diego. There, I spent a dozen years trying unsuccessfully to acclimate to the dusty brown ground, weather that never seemed to change (until recently), and only finding green driving past a golf course. The beauty of Western Washington was never far from my mind.

In October 2018, while visiting the Seattle area to see relatives (each of whom was lured to Washington from California), a friend living in Issaquah took me on a drive through the Highlands. This was on the evening before I was set to return to Southern California.

After returning home, I almost immediately engaged a real estate agent and put my condo on the market. In only a month’s time, I was able to sell my San Diego home and bring my belongings to my new condo in Issaquah Highlands. That all took place a little over five years ago. It was simply serendipity.

I’ve never looked back. Issaquah Highlands offers something special every day: the walkability, the beautiful mountains, the dawns and sunsets, and the homage this community pays to nature with our many trails and natural habitats.

In 2023, I ran for position 1 on the IHCA Board of Directors with the thought in mind that I have opinions to offer. To me, proffered ideas are like gifts to either be accepted or set aside. Sometimes, sharing opinions changes community tides. Sometimes not, but there is always something to be learned.

I am sincerely appreciative of the opportunity to be involved with so many knowledgeable and highly skilled people. We are a very fortunate community to have such leadership at the helm at the IHCA and Highlands Council.

In serving on the IHCA board, I have been given the opportunity to participate on the Playground Improvement Committee. Through Highlands Council, I have a seat on both the newly appointed Equity Committee (which serves as a vehicle to help ensure inclusiveness and equitably in our community) and the newly formed Community Safety Committee (where issues and concerns such as traffic, porch piracy, natural disasters and others can be addressed).

When I’m not engaged in my commitments to Issaquah Highlands, I find time to enjoy walking my dog and participating in some of the many social activities put on at Blakely Hall. Otherwise, I can occasionally be found participating with the Issaquah Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). On Mondays, I escort patients and visitors in the labyrinth of treatment floors and clinics at Harborview Hospital Medical Center in Seattle.

Finally, for anyone who has a bit of time, I encourage you to volunteer. You receive far more than you give.