Meet Kirkland Patch's Blogging Crew

A few weeks ago Kirkland Patch rolled out its new blogging platform, and since then we've signed on a diverse group of voices that is broadening our on-going conversation about this busy little city on the shores Lake Washington.

If you have't already met them yet, please let me introduce you.

• Anjalee Blackwell is the chef and operator of Anju, a small restaurant on Rose Hill that offers, as she calls it, Indian fusion food. Until I dined there, I didn't realize the complexity of flavors possible in curry. Her personal story is extraordinary. She grew up in India, and at the age of 11 was adopted by a logging family in Ketchikan, Alaska. Read her blog and you will learn a lot.

• Jayme Yahr is the exhibitions director at the in the historic Kirk building on Market Street. She will be taking readers on a tour of the city's public art and the exhibits and programs at the center, as well sharing her expertise on art in general. 

• Marilyn Hendrickson grew up in Montana and is passionate about all things nature, including  animals, gardening and just being outside. For eight years she has volunteered at  in Houghton, and she also provides a foster home for cats in need of permanent  homes. She'll write about the shelter, her feline friends, gardening and nature.

• Energy is probably the best word to describe Traci Bartee, operator of at Carillon Point and one of the top certified trainers in the Northwest. She'll write about her passions: people, fitness, entertaining, creating and helping others live their best lives.

• Trent Latta is a practicing attorney, Juanita resident and member of the Kirkland Cultural Council, which is tasked with keeping the city's cultural programs alive in this era of minimal government funding. And that's essential in city that prides itself on its public art, galleries and art education programs. He'll be filling us in on those issues and the council's concerns and needs.

• Our newest blogger is , an interior designer and operator of on Park Lane downtown, and active on multiple civic fronts. He serves on the advisory board for the Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB), the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce board of directors and the city's Parking Advisory Board. He will start blogging in June.

We are still looking for local people to join our blogging team and add their voice to our online conversation. Whatever your passion is — sports, politics, books, shopping, the outdoors, you name it — we would love to hear from you. For more information, please contact me at greg.johnston@patch.com.