A 30-year resident, Karin Blakley served on the Planning Commission and as Greater Newcastle Chamber of Commerce president.
How long have you lived/worked in Newcastle and what brought you to live/work in Newcastle?
We moved into our family home in 1994, so this year is our 30th year of living in the community. We were attracted to the area's natural beauty (we loved the trees and the creek running through our property), the small-town feel, and the close proximity the area offers to the larger urban centers in our area.
What are some of the ways you contribute to our community?
Our home was originally in what was referred to as the "hook" of Renton. A few years after moving into our home, I organized the de-annexation of our neighborhood out of the City of Renton and into the City of Newcastle - so I guess you could say that I "killed" the "hook" of Renton.
Since that time, I have served as President of the Hazelwood Elementary PTSA, run for City Council, served for a decade as a Planning Commissioner and over a decade on the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce Board, including a number of years as President. Recently I also organized a Murder Mystery Event for the community with the Greater Newcastle Players.
Tell us a Newcastle memory.
While planning the Murder Mystery Event in 2022, the team we had assembled had hoped to have at least a dozen or so audience members. We were astounded and pleased to see 40 to 50 people show up for the event! Although we were thrilled from the response of the community, it did make things a bit more challenging for Tapatio, where we concluded the evening.
What do you hope for the future of Newcastle?
My fondest hope is that Newcastle continues to prosper and to provide a wonderful community for all residents for many decades to come!
What is your idea of a perfect weekend in Newcastle?
A perfect weekend would involve a stroll through Lake Boren Park or one of the trails, a visit to some of our iconic businesses or restaurants, and a massage or a pedicure.
What are some of your favorite Newcastle places to visit?
Some of my favorites are the Newcastle Fruit and Produce stand, B&E Meats, Tapatio, The Coalman, Yea's Wok, Aji Sushi, Loco Chon, Verde, and The Golf Course at Newcastle.