A resident-led community project
A place for candid community conversation, civic information, and the stories that shape Cle Elum, Roslyn, Ronald, South Cle Elum, Suncadia, and the surrounding area.
Who we are
My wife, Stacey, and I moved to this area with our three teenage daughters in early 2019. In January 2021, we started a Social Purpose Corporation [WeHeartCleElumRoslyn, SPC] with the purpose of exploration of community outreach. We are full-time residents of Roslyn.
We love this area. It has been a huge blessing for our family. I am a fairly vocal resident, and try to stay updated with the issues that I feel have either the greatest potential harm or opportunity for THE COMMUNITY. I am not trying to carry out a personal agenda. I love talking to other residents of our surrounding towns, whether they agree with me or not...always willing to talk!
Thanks, Karl Ohlemann
Where do we start?
01 · Being new 😱
I'll admit, we didn't know what to expect moving from high-rise life in Bellevue to a small town across the mountains with three teenagers and a mini goldendoodle. The first test was the kids and school. We were all quite nervous. I'd say it was a slightly turbulent landing, but within a couple months, our girls had been warmly received and they all firmly stated they never wanted to go back! 😅
02 · Community ❤️
Having spent the first several years in Cle Elum (Suncadia), and later moving to Roslyn in late 2022 where we renovated a circa 1888 house, we've gotten to meet a pretty diverse group of individuals and families here. With our three daughters all attending Cle Elum Roslyn Schools, with two now graduated, we have enjoyed the great life that this area has to offer. We are grateful to call Roslyn home, and hope to make many future memories here with family and friends.
03 · Integration 💥
It's quite hard to establish relationships outside of the school setting here. It's no secret that this community has many longtime families dating back generations to the Coal Mining days. Many of those families like the way things are, and don't appreciate anyone rocking the boat. It is a tough nut to crack...just being real.
04 · Our desire 🙏🏼
We have truly grown to love Roslyn, Cle Elum, Suncadia, and the surrounding area. It is now our home. We are invested into the community, and grateful for the wonderful years our kids have had so far. Truly, it meant everything to us. Thank you!
I am not the most outspoken person you all have met...but probably pretty close. I prefer to call it "passionate", but heck, I'll own it. I can get feisty! At the root of all that "passion" are two main motivations:
1. A firm belief that things can always be made better.
2. I am a seeker of justice in every form.
I'm a curious person by nature. I like to know not only the what, but the why...and why not. I prefer to challenge the status quo. I enjoy heated debate. I try hard to listen to the opposing side, and seek the greater good. Find the win-win. Prove it can be done. Together.
One community · Many perspectives
We have grown to love Roslyn, Cle Elum, Suncadia, and the surrounding area. It is now our home. We are invested in the community, grateful for the years our children have had here, and hopeful about what comes next.
Town video
The good, the difficult, and the sometimes funny reality of life in the Cle Elum and Roslyn area—along with a Strong Towns-inspired interest in how small towns can navigate growth without losing their identity.
Stay connected
Reach out to receive updates or share a perspective on the issues affecting our surrounding towns.