Shoreline Area News

Plant Rummage Sale at Dunn Gardens April 24-25, 2026

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Join us for a special Plant Rummage Sale at the Gardens!

Dunn Gardens, 13533 Northshire Rd NW, Seattle, WA 98177

Dates & Times:

Friday, April 24, 2026 from 9:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10:00am – 2:00pm

We’re opening up our plant nursery and offering a selection of plants at bargain prices—there truly is something for everyone! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is a great opportunity to discover something new for your space.

What to Know Before You Come

Please bring boxes or containers to help transport your plants. Staff and volunteers will be available on-site to assist with purchases and loading. Come early for the best selection and enjoy this unique opportunity to grow your garden while supporting Dunn Gardens. We look forward to seeing you there!

More information at Dunn Gardens

Not so crabby competition

Photo by Toby Tobler

Our crabapple trees are competing for best in show, with the bigger ahead of the smaller.

But both are amazingly beautiful and not in a crabby mood at all.

--Lis Johnson

Paid Permit Parking coming to local Sound Transit parking garages

Story and Photos by John Boril

Paid permit parking starts May first at the Shoreline North, Shoreline South, and Northgate Sound Transit parking garages.

For single occupant vehicles, the cost will be $60 per month, or $6 per day.

Transit riders who are eligible for reduced fares can get the permit for $20.

Sound Transit will be setting aside permit zones in the garages, and only permit holders will be allowed to park in those areas from 4 to 10am on weekdays.

After that, they will be open to anyone.

Carpoolers will be able to apply for free HOV permits, but all riders will have to register.

And any day when there are not at least two members of your pool in the car, it will have to be parked in general parking.

Reserved HOV parking will also be available at the Lynnwood City Center and Mountlake Terrace garages, but no paid single occupant permits are being offered at those locations.

For now, no more than 25 percent of each garage will be reserved for permit holders.

Sound Transit’s website says the agency, “will adjust the permit area, pricing, and availability depending on permit demand and usage.”

This link has more information, as well as links to apply for permits.

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – April 22 - 28

By Kate Ledbetter, www.DestinationShoreline.com

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – April 22 - 28
Happy Spring Break Shoreline! This week’s lineup is the perfect mix of creativity, curiosity, and community connection. From a soulful afternoon of music at St. Dunstan’s to thought-provoking conversations with polar scientists at Drumlin, plus hands-on workshops, neighborhood walks, and family-friendly spring break entertainment at Salvation, there’s something fun happening for everyone in Shoreline.

Destination Shoreline’s Must-Attend Event of the Week:

St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church – The Sound of Psalms Concert
Sunday, April 26 3:00 PM, St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church
Presented by acclaimed musicians Judson Scott, trumpet, and Wyatt Smith, organ, this program features works by modern and living composers who take fresh inspiration from these ancient verses. Come experience the soaring beauty and spiritual depth of this unique collaboration.
RSVP at Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/46W2p7n, Suggested donation: $20 general, $5 student

NEW Public Knowledge (Speaker Series) at Drumlin
Tuesday, April 28 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Drumlin
A speaker series focused on science, art, history, and more. This specific event features three polar scientists—Michelle Koutnik, Michaela King, and Kristin Laidre—who will discuss their work, their experiences collaborating with Greenlandic communities, and the broader context of American scientists working in Greenland.

Shoreline Area Events You Should Know About this Week:
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)

Featured Artist Doug March at Salvation: Artist Collective
April 14 - May 10, Salvation: Artist Collective
Doug March is a Seattle-based artist whose work spans painting, mixed media, and large-scale installation. Drawing inspiration from the Pacific Northwest landscape and urban texture, his pieces explore the tension between natural forms and constructed environments.

Featured Demo: No Waste Cooking
Wednesday, April 22 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Town & Country Market Shoreline
Ever tried pesto from carrot tops, or soup infused with parmesan rind? We’ll share creative, delicious ways to turn overlooked ingredients into something special and get the most out of what you bring home.

Shoreline Walks - Lake Forest Park & McAleer Creek
Thursday, April 23 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Meetup Location: Lake Forest Park Town Center, north parking lot near Lake Forest Bar and Grill
Walk Description: Explore Lower Lake Forest Park, including 4 city parks and the Burke-Gilman Trail. Cross and re-cross McAleer Creek and Lyon Creek.

Spring Break at Salvation: DIY Craft Kits – TO GO!
Thursday, April 23 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Salvation: Artist Collective
Stop by and purchase a SALVATION DIY CRAFT KIT – TO GO! These kits are designed for all ages and offer hours of hands-on fun that you can take home with you.

Spring Break at Salvation: TGIF! Upcycled Collage Workshop
Friday, April 24 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Salvation: Artist Collective
Bring your imaginations to this family-friendly class! Drop in any time between 12 PM and 4 PM. You can stay for the lesson or spend your time shopping while the kids get creative.

Shoreline Walks - Ridgecrest Loop Walk
Saturday, April 25 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Meetup Location: Paramount School Park, east side parking area along 10th Avenue NE.
Walk Description: Tour the Ridgecrest neighborhood from Paramount School Park to the Shoreline Library. Walk includes Paramount School Park and Northcrest Park.

Hair Sparkles at Salvation: Artist Collective
Saturday, April 25 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Salvation: Artist Collective
We know, the weather is dull - but your hair doesn't have to be! We have the Sparkle B*tch in house offering hair sparkles on select Saturdays 1-4pm for drop in services! Can't choose a color? No need - you can try them all!

Shoreline Walks - Syre and Kruckeburg Garden
Tuesday, April 28 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Meetup Location: North side of Richmond Beach Community Park, 2201 NW 197th St., Shoreline, 98177. Street parking only. (Note: This is not Richmond Bead Saltwater Park!)
Description: From the Richmond Beach Library, we will walk along the Richmond Beach Road business district to a secret trail to Syre Elementary School (pron. "sigh-ree”). We will then make a big loop from the school, walking through two neighborhoods and stopping at the Kruckeberg Garden on our way back to the start.

What’s Up Next in Shoreline (Save the Date):
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)
Horsin' Around Night Market
Saturday, May 2 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Salvation: Artist Collective
Artists, makers, and vendors. Music, Food, and Good Vides!

ShoreLake Arts Annual Gala Fundraiser
Saturday, May 2 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Shoreline College
We are bringing supporters together to celebrate our mission to share art and culture to the community, and raise money for our future events and programs.

Innis Arden Clubs & Community Connections Fair
Sunday, May 3 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM, Innis Arden Clubhouse
This event is an effort of the Innis Arden C.A.R.E. Club (Community Action & Resource Exchange). The C.A.R.E. Club seeks to inspire and empower neighbors of all ages to make a positive impact in the community through service initiatives, charitable & philanthropic giving, volunteerism, and civic engagement.

Opening Day of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
Sunday, May 10 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
Celebrate Opening Day AND Mother's Day with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and all the fresh produce and treats the Market has to offer. We’re excited to welcome back your favorite farmers, growers, and makers - and enjoy something new each week with our rotating craft vendors!

For Upcoming Events in Shoreline visit: DestinationShoreline.com/Calendar

Destination Shoreline is brought to you by:
Salvation - Artists and Makers Collective - a Boutique and Gallery
Shorelake Arts bringing people together through art, culture, and shared experiences.
Seniors Helping Seniors®, Supporting Independence for Seniors in Shoreline
Become a Destination Shoreline Partner, learn more here.

Man dies in single car crash on I-5 in Mountlake Terrace

Photo courtesy WSDOT

Around 3:30am on April 21, 2026, a vehicle crashed into the concrete elevator in the center of I-5 at the Mountlake Terrace Transit Freeway Station and burst into flames. The driver, a 43 year old Ferndale man, was alone in the vehicle, and died instantly.

The freeway station sits between the northbound and southbound lanes of I-5 in Mountlake Terrace and connects with the MLT light rail station.

He was driving in a restricted bus lane and hit the wall so violently that his car was mangled and only identified during the investigation.

The northbound ramp to the transit station was fully blocked for hours during the follow-up.

Mountlake Terrace High School Jazz Bands to perform free concerts at Sheridan Market April 26, 2026

Mountlake Terrace High School Jazz 1 and Jazz 2 will perform at the Sheridan Market on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 2-4pm.

All are welcome to attend this free concert. Donations are welcome to support the trip to New York City where the bands will compete in the 31st annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival next month.

The Sheridan Market is located at 15348 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park.

Individuals can financially support the band by making a donation on the Mountlake Terrace High School Band Zeffy page.

Essentially Ellington festival events, including the final concert featuring the top-placing bands and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, will livestream on April 30 to May 2 at jazzlive.com.

Follow Mountlake Terrace High School Jazz on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

--Information courtesy MyEdmondsNews.com

Fire sweeps through three story apartment building in Mountlake Terrace April 19, 2026

Photo courtesy South County Fire

South County firefighters rescued two people and a dog from the window of a 3rd floor apartment overnight, as fire swept through the building in Mountlake Terrace.

Firefighters responded to the Taluswood Apartments at 4208 236th St SW in Mountlake Terrace shortly after 12am, finding heavy smoke and fire pouring from a 3-story apartment building. Firefighters used a ladder to rescue two adults and a dog from the window of a unit on the upper floor.

The man and woman, approximately in their 20s, were transported to Swedish Edmonds Hospital in stable condition and have since been discharged. The dog did not require medical intervention.

Firefighters conducted searches of the 12 primarily affected units and evacuated people from 12 adjacent units. Thankfully, everyone else safely escaped.

After controlling the fire, firefighters continued to extinguish hotspots until around 2am. During the response, a firefighter was treated at the scene for a minor injury. Two additional civilians were evaluated by firefighters and did not require further medical care.

Residents in 13 apartment units are displaced, including at least 24 adults, one child and 15 pets. All are being assisted with immediate needs by Support 7 and American Red Cross Northwest Region volunteers.

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Thank you to Shoreline Fire Department and Bothell Fire Department for helping with this response.

Modern homes burn faster, largely due to synthetic furniture and open layouts – meaning you may have less than three minutes to escape a fire. A home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms are critical to getting out safely.

Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years and installed in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home.

Donate Life - register to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

April is National Donate Life Month

A single donor can create a lasting legacy—one that brings hope, healing, and life for generations to come.

Join us this month:

Register your decision to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor at RegisterMe.org
Share your decision with your loved ones
Help spread awareness in your community

Learn more and find resources at DonateLife.net

2026 Summer activities for kids and young people through the Best Starts for Kids initiative

Photo courtesy Best Starts for Kids

Many parents and caregivers are looking for summer camps and activities that are low- or no-cost. Each year Best Starts highlights affordable activities and camps available to King County kids and young people.

Best Starts publishes an annual list of low- or no-cost camps and activities available to King County kids and young people.

See the list here

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) market season runs from June 1 through October 31, 2026. With June right around the corner, many local programs have opened their SFMNP application windows.

Here is an updated list of local program contacts to help direct interested individuals.

Washington residents age 60 or older and Native Americans/Alaska Natives age 55 or older with a household income below 185% of the federal poverty level ($2,461/month, adding $876 for each additional household member) are eligible for SFMNP benefits.

Interested individuals must apply each year through local agencies before receiving SFMNP benefits. New benefit cards will be issued to SFMNP participants for this 2026 season.

See you at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market every Sunday, May 10 through October 18, 2026 (10am - 2pm)!

NE Seattle & Shoreline Tool Library to expand into Lake City

Future home of Lake City Reuse and Repair
Photo courtesy NE Seattle & Shoreline Tool Library

The NE Seattle & Shoreline Tool Library recently partnered with the City of Seattle Government on a year-long project to manage a building for like-minded sustainable organizations and educational opportunities.

In a couple of months, this space will be transformed into “Lake City Reuse Commons”!

We’ll host classes and events, and we’ll be joined by a number of reuse-and-repair-focused organizations.

This is all possible through the Seattle Restored initiative, which aims to “revive neighborhoods with creativity and commerce by empowering our local entrepreneurs to reinvigorate our city by activating empty storefronts,” and additional funding from Seattle Public Utilities.

The hope is that this initiative will generate sufficient public interest and benefit from a circular-economy hub, enabling the city to see value in purchasing a building for Seattle REconomy and our partners.

Learn More About Lake City Reuse Commons here

New sculpture at Shoreline South light rail station

Flow by Buster Simpson

“Flow” by Buster Simpson

Located at South Shoreline/148th St Station (1 Line & 2 Line)
Commissioned by the Sound Transit Art Program

This sculptural installation is an active demonstration of sustainable development, designed with a playful and slightly subversive approach.

Flow by Buster Simpson

Rather than hiding infrastructure, the artwork intentionally reveals the movement of water in a way that surprises and engages viewers.

Collected rainwater from the garage roof watershed feeds two fountains that, in turn, irrigate rain gardens before flowing on to join Thornton Creek.

Rooted in environmental art, the work makes ecological systems visible, transforming infrastructure into a living cycle that highlights water stewardship and the relationship between built and natural environments.

Simpson’s practice often integrates natural processes, found materials, and urban systems to reveal how human activity intersects with ecological cycles, making this type of work inherently Earth-forward in both concept and function.

Nominations open for Community Champion awards - deadline April 24, 2025

The City of Shoreline is currently accepting nominations for the 3rd Annual Community Champion Awards.

Community Champion Awards acknowledge and celebrate Shoreline residents whose contributions to the community make a meaningful difference.

In 2026, Shoreline will recognize three individuals in the following categories:

Community Champion (general population – minimum 25 years old)
Youth/Young Adult Community Champion (under 25 years old)
Volunteer of the Year (specifically recognizing those who support City of Shoreline Programs through their volunteer service)

Do you know someone in Shoreline who you consider a Community Champion?

Community Champion Nomination Form

TIMELINE

Nominations accepted through April 24, 2026.
Award Finalists announced at the 2026 State of the City Event in June.
Award Winners will be announced during an Award Reception on August 14th.

Admiring the view

Photo by Johanna Polit

Half of the rocks in this photo from the Edmonds waterfront appear to be sea lions, napping in the warm sun. But one is alert and admiring the view.

Mount Baker is in the background.

HomeTechHacker: Curious About Smart Homes? Start With These Three Simple Devices

By Marlon Buchanan

Have you ever wondered what a “smart home” actually looks like in everyday life? Many people picture a house filled with gadgets, apps, and complicated automation rules. In reality, getting started can be much simpler than that.

The best smart homes usually start with just a few small devices that solve everyday problems. If you’re curious about trying smart home technology but don’t want to turn your house into a science project, a simple starter kit is a great way to begin.

Here are three devices that make a practical starting point.

1. A Voice Assistant
A voice assistant acts as the control center for many smart home devices. You can use it to turn things on and off, check the weather, set timers, or control lights and plugs around the house.

The most common options are Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri. The best choice usually depends on what ecosystem you already use. For example, Android users often prefer Google devices, while Apple users may prefer Siri and HomeKit.

Once you have a voice assistant, adding and using other smart devices becomes much easier.

2. Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are one of the simplest and most useful smart home upgrades. You plug them into a regular outlet, then plug a device into the smart plug. Suddenly that device can be controlled from your phone or by voice. Lamps, fans, and even holiday decorations can turn on and off automatically.

Brands like TP-Link’s Tapo line offer inexpensive and reliable options that work well for most households.

3. Smart Light Bulbs
Smart bulbs let you control lights from your phone, set schedules, or turn them on and off with voice commands.

They’re especially useful for things like outdoor lighting. At my house, our exterior lights automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn. I never have to remember to flip the switch, which is good for security.

For simple setups, TP-Link Tapo bulbs are also a good budget-friendly option.

Smart Home Technology That Fits Real Life
For many people in Shoreline and the surrounding communities, daily routines are busy. Between work, school schedules, commuting, and activities, it’s easy to forget simple things like turning lights on or off or checking whether something was left running.

This is where a few well-chosen smart devices can help. Lights can turn on automatically when you arrive home. Lamps can shut off at bedtime without getting up. Small automations can remove little tasks from your day and make everyday routines just a bit easier.

A Simple 3-Step Smart Home Starter Kit
If you’re curious about trying smart home technology, here’s an easy way to begin:

Choose a voice assistant that matches your phone or preferred ecosystem.
Add one or two smart plugs to control lamps or other simple devices.
Try a smart light bulb and experiment with a schedule.

That’s enough to see whether smart home technology fits your routine.

If you're not sure which devices would work best in your home, I built a free Smart Home Starter Advisor on my website that asks a few quick questions and recommends a simple starter setup. You can find it through my HomeTechHacker Technology Advisor.

Smart homes don’t have to be complicated. Often, the best ones start with just a few small improvements that quietly make everyday life a little easier.

Marlon Buchanan

Marlon Buchanan is a best-selling author, IT Director, and founder of HomeTechHacker.com, a website with free resources to help you make the most of your home technology.

If you have questions or comments about this article, you can contact Marlon through his website or X (Twitter).

And read Marlon's previous articles here.

Democracy works when we do: Pay attention, ask questions, vote

By Pamela Mieth

Photos by Pamela Cross

"Social Justice Sundays" sign-waving - Democracy works when we do: Pay attention, ask questions, vote

Whether market manipulation, personality disorder, or authoritarian cosplay, President Trump's flip-flopping statements on where things stand with Iran have folks on edge.

Fortunately, there's a solution for that - democracy, rule of law, a Congress that does its job - and almost 70 area residents turned out Sunday to stand together at the Shoreline-Edmonds line urging just that now and in November.

"Social Justice Sundays" sign-wavings, organized by local group Everyday Activists, occur most Sundays, 1-2 p.m., at the intersection of Aurora Ave N and N 205th St, drawing residents from many surrounding towns to stand up for what's important to them: Constitutional principles, ethics, justice, civil society, human rights, community and more.

The last sign-waving this month is scheduled for Sunday, for April 26.

Bring a sign or just yourself (some will be available to borrow) and stand up with others to make a difference.

Non-perishable food and personal care items are always accepted for donation to a local charitable organization.

Also coming up the following week is May Day (Friday, May 1), celebrated around the world as International Workers Day.

"May Day Strong," a coalition of labor, democracy, social justice organizations and others is urging a May Day "general strike" - that "workers students, and families rally, march, and take action across the country to demand a nation that puts workers over billionaires, with many refusing business as usual through No School. No Work. No Shopping."

Skipping work or school isn't feasible for everyone, but not shopping usually is.

If you must buy something, plan strategically and spend your money locally, preferably supporting businesses in your community that help make it a healthy, vibrant environment.

There is a big event planned in Seattle and several smaller actions planned locally, including in Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, and Bothell, both on Friday and Saturday that weekend.

𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸, 3:30-5pm, May Day 2026: Workers Over Billionaires, Ballinger Way NE & Bothell Way, LFP for Peace

(List of protest sites here).

If you can't make one of those, stand up for workers and maybe billionaire corporations paying some income taxes at the first Social Justice Sundays sign-waving of the new month on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Shoreline College and faculty union reach agreement to avoid faculty layoffs

Shoreline College
Photo by Jared Solano

Amid significant financial pressures affecting higher education across Washington and the nation, Shoreline College has reached a collaborative agreement with its faculty union that prevents faculty layoffs and establishes a framework for addressing future budget challenges.

This agreement comes as the College works to close an approximately $4 million budget gap projected over the next three years. Shoreline has implemented a combination of operational reductions, hiring freezes, and workforce adjustments with a continued focus on minimizing impacts to students and preserving access to programs that support both transfer and workforce pathways.

In evaluating potential reductions, the College relied on enrollment data and other operational factors to identify changes that would have the least impact on students.

Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the agreement establishes a voluntary option for eligible faculty to reduce their workload ahead of retirement and/or provide advance notice of retirement plans. This approach generates both immediate and ongoing cost savings while preserving faculty positions and supporting continuity for students.

“Typically, the President is not in a position to work directly with the Union on issues like this. However, our collective bargaining agreement outlines the opportunity to work collectively on discussions around reductions in force.

"I genuinely enjoyed working with the Union team who were very conscientious, reliable, and creative in all of our discussions. They clearly had the goal to support faculty as is their role and were really trying to find solutions that would help us prepare for both current and possible future financial scenarios,” shared Dr. Jack Kahn, President of Shoreline College.

As a result of this agreement, the College has rescinded previously issued faculty RIF notices scheduled to take effect on July 1. While the College’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) outlines a required process for discussing faculty reductions, both the College and the union chose to go beyond those minimum requirements, extending conversations and working collaboratively to identify a solution that could better support faculty, students, and the institution as a whole.

This work comes during a period of exceptional strain for higher education. Across Washington, many community and technical colleges are making difficult reductions to faculty, staff, administrative positions, and academic programs as they respond to state budget pressures and broader institutional challenges.

This new agreement offers a more student-centered alternative by preserving faculty positions while also giving the College additional flexibility to continue evaluating and strengthening programs over time to meet changing student, community, and workforce needs.

“Our faculty’s active solidarity, as a labor union, enabled us to successfully negotiate alternatives to the College’s proposed layoffs. We appreciate that the College went beyond what our CBA required and engaged us in a good-faith collaboration to find alternatives that saved jobs, and opened up additional possibilities that faculty have long sought,” shared Eric Hamako, President of the faculty’s labor union, AFT Local 1950.

The MOU was developed through months of discussion and problem-solving between college leadership and faculty union representatives. It reflects a shared commitment to protecting educational quality while also responding responsibly to ongoing financial realities.

In addition to avoiding immediate faculty layoffs, this voluntary program provides a potential model for future collaboration should additional state-level reductions occur.

Shoreline College leadership also expressed appreciation for the engagement of faculty, staff, and community members throughout the process, particularly those who participated in recent Board of Trustees discussions.

“This collaborative work between the union and college is an outstanding example of people coming together to support our educational efforts in challenging times, said Kim Wells, Shoreline College, Board of Trustees Chair.

While this agreement represents meaningful progress, it does not eliminate the broader financial barriers facing the College, including federal and state funding challenges and declining enrollment trends. Shoreline continues to make difficult decisions across the institution, including reductions in other areas, as it works to address ongoing budget pressures and preserve student access, educational quality, and long-term sustainability.

However, this effort demonstrates what is possible when institutions and their employees work together to find thoughtful, student-centered solutions.

CRISTA Senior Living 4th Annual Car Show July 25, 2026

Registration has begun for CRISTA Senior Living's 4th annual car show, to be held on July 25, 2026 from 10:00am – 2:00pm at 19303 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133.

The car show is part of the CRISTA Annual Summer Fest—a free celebration for the whole family.

If you have a classic car you'd love to feature, please fill out the form at the registration link CRISTA Senior Living - Car Show | CRISTA Senior Living.

Town & Country Markets Celebrated for Leadership in Sustainability and Community Impact

Town & Country electric delivery van at charging station at Shoreline store
Photo courtesy T&C

Family-owned grocer honored with an Environmental & Sustainability Award for Addressing Environmental Challenges and Driving Tangible Climate Wins

SEATTLE – April 20, 2026 – Town & Country (T&C) Markets’ longstanding commitment to sustainability across its operations has been recognized in the Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual Environmental and Sustainability Awards. The company was selected alongside honorees making meaningful impact through environmental leadership, innovation, and long-term stewardship in the Puget Sound region.

Town & Country Markets’ award-winning practices include 80% waste diversion rate through recycling, composting, innovative packaging alternatives and food donations. In addition, its sourcing and partnerships with local producers and growers to support sustainable food systems, as well as the adoption of a carbon dioxide refrigeration system to reduce emissions.

Since opening its first store on Bainbridge Island in 1957, the independent grocer has approached sustainability as a central tenet of its core values: supporting local producers, protecting natural resources and reducing environmental impact.

"We are honored to be acknowledged for work that is deeply embedded in who we are as a company," said CEO Ryan Ritter. "For us, sustainability is an integrated initiative that influences how we source products, support local food systems, invest in our stores, and create opportunities for our teams and communities."

Town & Country Markets has had a leadership role dedicated to sustainability since 2008 to lead initiatives across the company focusing on waste reduction, packaging, responsible sourcing, energy efficiency, and reducing the company’s carbon footprint .

"At Town & Country, sustainability is about making practical, long-term decisions that support both our communities and the environment with systems that create a lasting impact," said Marina Heppenstall, Director of Sustainability at Town & Country Markets.

Town & Country Markets has built a reputation for prioritizing regional and responsibly sourced products, with a particular emphasis on seafood sustainability. The company has rigorous sustainability standards for its seafood departments, restaurants, and prepared foods program following Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch recommendations or sourcing from fisheries and farms with third-party sustainability certifications.

Charging stations at Shoreline Town & Country Market on Westminster Way

The company also expanded electrification efforts across its operations, including the addition of electric grocery delivery in 2022, and electric vehicle charging stations and an electric car-sharing program in 2024, as a part of its broader strategy to reduce emissions and lower its environmental footprint.

T&C continues to invest in the next generation of sustainable food careers. The company helped develop Washington state's fishmonger apprenticeship program, embedding seafood sustainability education into the curriculum while creating new career pathways for employees.

Town & Country Markets' sustainability efforts are guided by a belief that independent grocers play an important role in shaping healthier communities and a more resilient food system. Operating six family-owned markets across the greater Seattle region, it’s been serving Northwest communities for nearly 70 years.

To learn more, visit townandcountrymarkets.com or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook to join in the delight of eating.

North City Water District presents: Sustainable Vegetable Gardening May 12, 2026

Come learn how to make your existing landscape—large or small—produce great food!

SUSTAINABLE VEGETABLE GARDENING
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
6:30–8:00 pm
at North City Water District

1519 NE 177th Street in Shoreline
Click for directions >

Attendees enjoying the large presentation screen at the April 2026 class

Growing your own organic food is a fun and delicious way to garden in the Pacific Northwest. Vegetables, berries, and fruit trees need special care to thrive, but your time and energy will pay off with great tasting, nutritious, homegrown food. Best of all, food crops can be incorporated into any existing landscape, large or small!

Class is free, but you must register to attend.

Contact us in advance by email to customerservice@northcitywater.org or
call our office at 206-362-8100.

About the Presenter:

Ladd Smith

In 1994, Ladd Smith co-founded In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes, with his business partner Mark Gile, out of his lifelong passion for protecting the environment.

In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes is a provider of organic based landscape services in King, Snohomish and north Pierce counties.

He earned his BS degree in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Ladd has been a regular presenter for King County’s highly successful Natural Yard Care Neighborhoods program and on various organic landscaping topics for almost 25 years.

WeatherWatcher: Last week's strong thunderstorm, week ahead calmer, mostly Spring

Monday, April 20, 2026

Significant hail in downtown Seattle Wednesday April 15, 2026.
Photo by John Boril

Last Wednesday we had a serious thunderstorm develop out of the active Puget Sound Convergence Zone. Storms like this between Bremerton and Seattle are common once or twice a year during the spring or fall. Fun fact, that east west line is where most recorded Puget Sound tornados or waterspouts have occurred.

This thunderstorm brought a lot of hail to the downtown Seattle area as well as Kitsap Peninsula and Bellevue. In addition to the heavy hail, and winds, shortly after 3 PM PDT a waterspout formed on Puget Sound about 2-3 miles west of Magnolia before the storm moved all the way into the Seattle area.

For those keeping track, the difference between a waterspout and a tornado is one forms over water, the other forms over land.

Radar image 3:25 PM PDT April 15, 2026.
From the National Weather Service

The radar image that afternoon shows a nice red spot where the waterspout activity was, and where the core of the hail fall was before it tracked southeast into downtown Seattle. Generally, in an east west pattern everyone from about West Seattle all the way to south Everett was under the thunderstorm activity in this active convergence zone band.

Forecast: The weather for the next 7 days should be much calmer, and more spring like. We have another partly sunny day on track for Monday with high temperatures near 70°F. Tuesday brings an approaching system that is expected to bring us a round of rain Tuesday afternoon and evening. High temperature is still expected to reach 60°F.

Wednesday starts to transition back to dry weather with only a chance of showers in the morning and afternoon, but cooler with highs in the 50's. Thursday through next Sunday is looking sunny with high temperatures reaching the low to mid 60's every day.

For current weather conditions please visit www.shorelineweather.com

Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) virtual meeting Tuesday April 21, 2026

Echo Lake
Photo by David Carlos

Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) virtual meeting Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 7pm with Mary Reidy from the Shoreline Parks department.

She will talk about the role of the parks department, and update us on the new parks in the Parks Bond. One of those parks is in our neighborhood and three others are nearby.

The FIFA soccer world cup is coming to Seattle this summer and Parks has at least one big event planned.

Everyone is welcome to attend, although we do ask that you introduce yourself. If you are not on our mailing list, send an email to ELNABoard@gmail.com to request the meeting link.

Dino Fest at the Burke Museum April 26, 2026

Dino Fest

Sunday, April 26, 2026, 10am - 5pm

4303 Memorial Way NE, Seattle WA 98195

Hours

Burke member early entry: 10–10:30am
General admission: 10:30am – 5pm (last entry at 4:30 p.m.)

Included with museum admission
FREE for Burke members - Join now

Dig into paleontology at the Burke’s annual festival of fossils!

Kelsie Abrams talks to a Dino Fest visitor about a dino skull cast
Photo courtesy Burke Museum

Celebrate all things fossilized with hands-on activities for all ages! View hundreds of specimens from the Burke’s collection and hear about groundbreaking research from Burke and UW scientists.

Learn more about the Burke's newest and most complete dinosaur, the "Cold Harted Hadrosaur," and watch paleontologists prepare the fossil in the Fossil Prep Lab.

Join author, biologist, and Jurassic World consultant Steve Brusatte to learn about Scotland’s sauropods and the rise and fall of the dinosaurs.

A dino fest visitor does a dino craft project
Photo courtesy Burke Museum

Practice your paleontology skills and uncover ancient creatures in fossil dig pits.

Learn about the one and only dinosaur bone found in Washington state!

Try your hand at scientific illustration in a workshop with "Dinogirl," Clarissa Koos.

Tickets here

Arrive during your reserved time slot and stay as long as you’d like!

More information here

Lakeshore Garden Club annual plant sale April 25, 2025

Photo by Sara Cammeresi

Lakeshore Garden Club is once again holding its annual fundraising plant sale!

Saturday, April 25, 2025
10am to 3pm
Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church
17440 Brookside Blvd NE, Lake Forest Park 98155

For decades the members of the Lakeshore Garden Club have been potting-up favorite plants from their own gardens and selling them to neighbors at this popular sale on the last Saturday in April.

Plants that love the sun
Photo by Sara Cammeresi

As always, this year’s sale will feature great prices on sun, part-sun, and shade perennials, ground covers, grasses, bulbs and rhizomes, natives, shrubs, trees, edible plants, and more!

The club accepts cash, check, and credit card payments.

Trees, shrubs, and vines for sale
Photo by Sara Cammeresi

Lakeshore Garden Club, WSFGC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Funds raised at the plant sale support the club’s charitable work and donations, including a Horticulture Scholarship at Edmonds College and the plantings at the Kenmore Senior Women’s Shelter.

For more information about the club, or to become a member, visit the website: lakeshoregardenclub.com.

Lakeshore Garden Club is grateful to the Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church, which not only allows the use of its parking lot for the annual sale, but is the meeting place for the club’s monthly meetings from September to April.

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