Shoreline Area News

Photo: Not only the humans enjoy the lights

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Gabriel checking the Christmas lights
Photo by GM Wiegand

My Service Dog likes to check out the neighborhood, first thing in the morning, before our first walk of the day. A great, peaceful way to start the day!

--GM Wiegand

Fire department low on toys for holiday baskets

One of the toy rooms in 2015
This year the stock of toys is very low

WE ARE VERY LOW ON TOYS THIS YEAR!

We distribute this Saturday, December 15, 2018 to families in Shoreline and LFP that are less fortunate!

Please donate cash or toys if you are able to any fire station in Shoreline before Friday afternoon!

Vehicle collision sends one to hospital

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Vehicle collision Wednesday morning at 26th Ave NW and NW 196th St.

One patient taken to hospital for minor injuries.

Twin Ponds Park forest restoration site needs volunteers on Saturday

Volunteers have made a dramatic difference in the park
Photo by Sarah Fulton

Twin Ponds Park is the site of a work party this Saturday where volunteers will help with forest restoration and habitat development.

Our goal on December 15 is to tackle the few remaining small areas that we have not yet reached in our first section. Other nearby areas have been cleared of weeds and have been planted with native shrubs and trees over the past 18 months.

Getting down to dig out roots
Photo by Sarah Fulton

We will be removing the roots of the invasive vines which have prevented a natural habitat of mutually dependent plants and animals from surviving. Park visitors are enjoying the dramatic changes produced already and the work will help maintain the forest we have restored.

Shoreline Parks has six sites where our citizens are restoring urban forests and developing wildlife habitat in a project sponsored by the Washington Native Plant Society and the Department of Parks.

All the work is done by volunteers including high school students, Boy Scouts and neighbors. Master Restoration Stewards trained by the Society lead the work. Please come help out.

Students needing service hours for graduation are welcome.

A golden day in South Twin Ponds Park
Photo by Sarah Fulton

Our work site is located next to a small, busy parking lot on First Ave NE one block north of NE 149th St where 150th St would be if it existed. It is across from Áegis Assisted Living and near the community garden. Street parking can be found on 149th St. Avoid the lot on 155th St. which can be confused with the correct lot.

Please come prepared for a rainy or cold day as we work in all weather. Warm layers, rain gear, hats and sturdy shoes or boots are advised.

We supply work gloves and tools plus a large container of water and snack bars. Please feel free to bring your own items, especially a reusable water bottle.

Please contact: restoreTwinPondsSouth@outlook.com to indicate you are coming or for any questions. This will allow us to contact you if unforeseen circumstances arise.

King County calling for photos, artwork or essays on Martin Luther King, Jr.

He is America’s foremost human rights leader, a man whose image King County is proud to have as its logo.

As King County prepares for its annual celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., county officials are inviting the public to become part of the event by putting into words or pictures the ideas and ideals for America and the world that King gave his life for.

The county is looking for the public’s interpretation, in either a photo, a work of art, or an essay, of the theme for the 2019 celebration:

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.”------Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I encourage all who are interested, especially young people, to submit their creative reflections on Dr. King’s principles and teachings and what they mean for Martin Luther King County in 2019,” said County Executive Dow Constantine. “Whether through music, poetry, painting or creative writing, this is a great opportunity to honor and celebrate Dr. King’s enduring legacy.”

“This is an opportunity for the public to be part of our annual celebration and honor our County’s namesake vision of just, equitable communities,” said King County Council Chair Joe McDermott.

Please submit your work via email at esj@kingcounty.gov, or send them to:

King County Office of Equity and Social Justice
401 5th Ave. Suite 800
Seattle, WA 98104

Submissions must be received by Monday, December 31, 2018

A selection of the submissions will be on display at locations throughout King County and available for viewing and reading by the public at the annual King County Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration on January 10, 2019. A selection of the submissions will also be available on the celebration website.

For more information, contact Al Sanders at 206-477-1016 or al.sanders@kingcounty.gov

Learn more about the 2019 King County Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration HERE

December Dreams is a concert for dreamers

Seattle Chorale Company

Plan to join the Seattle Choral Company for December Dreams: a program of beautiful and serene holiday music that will bring the peace of the season to you and yours. Treat yourself.to superb arrangements of holiday carols and new Christmas works by living composers that you will want to hear again and again. Tickets are going fast!

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Saint Mark's Cathedral

1045 10th Ave East, Seattle

Festival seating. Arrive early!

Pre-concert talk with Freddie Coleman at 7:00pm

Carol sing-along with the Flentrop organ at 7:30pm

Concert starts at 8:00pm

FREE parking nearby.

December Dreams Tickets and Information

Hear past performances of the Seattle Choral Company on the air this week!

Wednesday, December 12 at 9:48 pm

Bern Herbolsheimer's O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Thursday, December 13 at 9:27 pm

Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria in D Major

Friday, December 14 at 9:00 pm

Entire Baltic Centennial concert from March, 2018

Tune in to 98.1 FM or listen online worldwide

Holiday Farmers Market and Crafts Fair at Third Place Commons on Sunday, 12/16

You won’t find better holiday shopping than this Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 10-3 at Third Place Commons’ annual indoor Holiday Farmers Market and Crafts Fair.

Yes, ‘tis the season of gift giving and there will be delightful, unique, and handmade gifts for all at the Holiday Crafts Fair. Whether you’re shopping for some cashmere comfort, a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, some festive holiday décor, a finely crafted pen or clock, or the fun and challenge of “an escape room in a box,” there will truly be something special for everyone.

Offerings will include handcrafted jewelry, pens, woodwork, home décor, toys, clothing, and holiday novelties with many of your favorite crafts fair vendors returning, plus a bevy of fabulous new discoveries! Whatever you need, from stocking stuffers to wowzer grand finale gifts, this the place to find it.

Meanwhile, you know that the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market can always be counted on to have the freshest and best in Washington grown and produced fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, wines, baked goods, and more. And this Sunday’s indoor market will be no exception.

Many of your favorite regular season vendors will be there to help you stock up for your feasts with friends and family over the holidays. Expected vendors include:

Farmers

Caruso Farm - veggies
Garden Treasures - organic veggies
Hidden River - pork
RP Guerrero Farm - organic fruit
Well Fed Farm - organic veggies, chickens, eggs

Producers

The Beekeepers Secret
Blue Cottage Jams
Bonnie B's Peppers
Doll House Baked Goods
FireFlower Sauces
Greenwood Cider
JonBoy Caramels
Lopez Island Vineyards
Lupine Vineyards
Middle Fork Roasters
Seafire Sauces
Shen Zen Tea
Wilson Fish

Both events take place at the Town Center of Lake Forest Park. The LFP Fall Farmers Market will be upstairs at Third Place Commons, while you will find the Holiday Crafts Fair in the lower level of the mall.

The LFP Farmers Market and Holiday Craft Fair are presented by Third Place Commons, a community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering real community in real space. Third Place Commons is located in the Town Center at Lake Forest Park at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, Washington 98155.

VFW delivers Christmas Cards for Compass Housing in Shoreline

VFW Quartermaster Thom Fermstad
delivers gift cards for veterans to case manager
Ray Morales at the Compass Veterans Center

Quartermaster Thom Fermstad delivered Christmas cards enclosed with $50 gift cards to Ray Morales, case manager for the residents of Compass Veterans Housing on N 200th in Shoreline.

All residents are veterans.

VFW Post 3348 donates to many veterans programs throughout the year, including USO at Sea-Tac Airport, VFW National Home for Children, the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard, the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting, and to our very own Joint Service Team, which helps veterans with VA claims and deals with veterans suffering from PTSD.

Program Manager Shree Vigil said "Thank you so much for delivering the cards to our veterans here at Shoreline.

"I already heard words of appreciation this morning. I wish I could have been here, but the picture brought a smile to my face."

The gift cards are purchased with the donations from the Buddy Poppy event on Veterans' Day weekend.

Paul Dorpat at the Bothell Library Sunday

Paul Dorpat and the Seattle skyline

Did you miss seeing Paul Dorpat when he presented his new book at Third Place Books?

You have another opportunity - you'll just have to drive just a little further.

Paull will be at the Bothell Library, 18215 98th Avenue NE, Bothell 98011, Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 2:00pm – 3:15pm.

Presented in partnership with the Bothell Historical Museum.

Meet local Seattle historical photo icon Paul Dorpat and learn about his new book, Now and Then: The Historic Hundred. This new and inspiring anthology celebrates a lifetime of documenting the city's heritage.

The coffee-table compilation showcases the most compelling and essential of the more than 1,800 "Seattle Now and Then" photo-history columns Dorpat has produced for the Sunday Pacific magazine of The Seattle Times for the more than 36 years.

"More than anyone else, Paul has nurtured locals' deep appreciation for Seattle heritage," says Jean Sherrard, Dorpat's "now" photographer for the past dozen years.

"We know of no other city in the United States that has experienced the enduring impact of such a weekly 'now and then' newspaper column."

Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Classifieds: Fire commissioners special meeting notice

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE

As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act, you are hereby notified that the Board of Commissioners of Shoreline Fire Department will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. for a joint Board meeting with the North City Water District.

The Special Meeting will be held at the North City Water District located at 1519 NE 177th St, Shoreline, Washington.

Notice posted by: Beatriz Goldsmith
Executive Assistant
December 12, 2018

WeatherWatcher UPDATE: High Wind Advisory issued for Wednesday night with bigger storm Friday

The National Weather Service in Seattle issued a high wind advisory for the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park areas at 3:06PM PST Wednesday. The wind advisory is in effect until noon Thursday. We are expecting 20-35mph winds from the south with gusts up to 50mph.

Winds are expected to pick up Wednesday evening with the strongest winds early Thursday morning. Local power outages are possible as well as downed tree limbs.

A wind advisory means winds of 35mph are expected.

Updated Wednesday at 10:25PM:
A much more serious storm is expected on Friday as of Wednesday evening's special forecast update. A deepening low pressure system is expected to approach southern Vancouver Island early Friday morning.

Winds are expected to increase shortly after midnight Friday morning, gusting to 40mph. By late Friday morning southeast winds of 25-40mph are expected with gusts up to 55mph. Winds are expected to gradually decrease in the afternoon and evening hours of Friday. Winds this strong can cause numerous power outages, fallen tree limbs, and fallen trees.

At this time there has not been a high wind watch, advisory or warning issued for Friday. I anticipate that the National Weather Service will have some kind of advisory or warning issued by Thursday afternoon or evening for Friday. Check back here or at my website for updates on watches, warnings or advisories.

For current weather conditions and particularly wind speeds, visit www.shorelineweather.com and check out the winds from the Richmond Beach station under the "Details" tab.

Christmas ship at Log Boom Park in Kenmore on Monday night

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Come enjoy the festive lights and caroling of the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship as it arrives at Log Boom Park’s luminaria-lit pier, Monday, December 17 at 7:50pm.

Warm up with hot cocoa and cider from Diva Espresso between 7:30pm - 8:30pm.

The Christmas Ship Festival has been a Pacific Northwest tradition since 1949. People from near and far come together to sail on the Christmas Ship with the choir, join the flotilla on their own boat, or enjoy the choir performances from shore.

The ship, featuring the Pacific Sound Chorus, will depart from Kirkland City Dock and make their first stop at Log Boom Park, 17415 61st Ave NE, from 7:50pm to 8:10pm, then visit Juanita Beach Park at 8:50pm.

More information about the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival HERE

Shoreline Peace Dance Friday - come as you are

Shoreline Peace Dance

Friday, December 14, 2018; 7:30-9:30pm

NAMASTE YOGA STUDIO
The Evergreen Building
18021 15th Ave NE, Suite 101
Shoreline 98155

Ample Parking

Simple movement in a Circle to live music and short (and often ancient) phrases, supports us in recognizing the underlying Unity that is easy to miss in our busy lives.

Come explore the wealth of the world's diverse wisdom traditions... experientially.

Each Dance is taught, no need to bring a partner, no experience necessary. Varied movement abilities incorporated.

Come as you are or dress elegantly. Comfortable shoes or bare feet recommended. A water bottle can be handy.

Suggested donation $5-15

All are Welcome, regardless of funds or abilities For more information contact Ginger Hayra, 206 546-6092. Namaste Yoga Studio is a beautiful and inspiring place to meet! ADA accessible

Stretch your brain -- play Bridge

"Ten Weeks to Basic Bridge" starts Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

In this lesson series, you'll learn Bridge from the ground up using Standard American bidding.

This fast-paced series appeals to those with no previous cardplaying experience, as well as players who want to get back into the game using modern methods.

When you complete this series, you will be ready to play Bridge in social games and in introductory Duplicate games. Seattle Bridge Center offers a Rookie Duplicate game on Tuesday evenings.

No partner needed -- you'll meet several new players along the way.

Lesson fees are collected on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can stop or return at any time. The cost is $10 per person per week, with discounts for players age 25 and under.

Classes are held at Seattle Bridge Center, 1539 NE 145th St, Seattle 98125. We are a half-mile east of Interstate 5 at Exit 175 for NE 145th Street and share a parking lot with the QFC supermarket and Dollar Tree store on the southeast corner of 15th Ave NE and NE 145th St. If you are facing the entrance to the Dollar Tree store, turn to your right and you will be facing our front door. We have plenty of free parking.

This series begins Wednesday, January 9, 2019 and meets on 10 Wednesday evenings through March 20, 2019. There is no class on February 27. Each class begins at 7pm and runs until 9:30pm. We start right at 7pm to make the best use of your time. Our doors are usually open no later than 6:45pm. Light snacks are provided.

Let them know if you are planning to attend, so they can be sure to prepare enough copies of the lesson materials. Send an email to SeattleBridgeCenter@gmail.com to sign up for the lesson series.

If you'd like to watch a game of Duplicate Bridge live and in person, please join us Tuesday evenings for Rookie Duplicate, where spectators are always welcome. The game starts at 7pm; please arrive 10 minutes ahead of game time to get settled in.

The complete and current schedule for Rookie Duplicate games and the beginner lessons can be found by visiting the Seattle Bridge webpage -- then follow the link for "Schedule and Results."

Questions? Send an email to SeattleBridgeCenter@gmail.com or leave a message for David at 206-336-3428.

Home sales in Shoreline during November 2018

The following are properties that sold in Shoreline during the month of November 2018. Data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.

Current market status: We are continuing to see a balancing real estate market. Buyers have more properties to choose from, they are taking their time, and even making offers below list price. While there are more homes for sale, the inventory is at historically low levels, and it is still a Seller's Market.

In time for New Year's Resolutions - Rakasafit starts in Ballinger Village

Suzanna Davis, founder, instructor

RakasaFit dance and exercise classes are now being offered throughout King County and in Kitsap County, with trained and certified instructors. Locations include Renton, Lacey, Ellensburg and Bremerton, and more on the horizon.

In Shoreline, classes will be offered at Alive Juice Bar in Ballinger Village 20120 Ballinger Way NE

Belly dance professional and fitness devotee, Suzanna Davis, founded RakasaFit - a fun and challenging workout to invigorating Middle Eastern remixes, engaging the deep core fitness that naturally exists in belly dance.

The name "RakasaFit" is inspired by the Arabic word for "dancer" and combined with fitness. RakasaFit classes provide a complete workout, with warm-up, strength-based cardio, and a deep cool-down stretch.

Each combination drills one essential belly dance shape (a circle, figure eight, or wave, for example) that is reinforced with core conditioning exercises.This flowing structure allows participants to think less about choreography and simply focus on movement quality. In-person classes are supported with deeper breakdown and online instruction at RakasaFit.com.

As a movement practice, belly dance is unique for its focus on torso and core fluidity, and known to bring physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing.

Shoreline classes will be held on Sundays, Noon-1:00pm and Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30pm
Alive Juice in Shoreline's Ballinger Village, 20120 Ballinger Way NE

Register here, or purchase with cash at the door.

You have six weeks to use the package, so there is flexibility if you need to miss a class or two.

RakasaFit director Suzanna Davis brings decades of experience in Middle Eastern and African dance, jazz, ballet, theater, and fitness to this unique training. Through RakasaFit, she shares the health and healing benefits of belly dance as a movement practice.

State capitol building has a deep cleaning

The dome cleaning project is done ... just in time for the holidays. Here's a before (bottom) and after shot (top). Photo courtesy of the LSS Video Department and LSS Supply and Facilities.

I've been to Olympia several times and it never occured to me that the state capitol building was anything but sedate gray marble.

They cleaned it a couple of weeks ago - and - who knew? - it's white!

Come visit the clean Capitol Building over the holidays or in January.

Winter Wonderland of Song Friday at Nazarene Church

Winter Wonderland of Song December 14, 7:30pm - 9:30pm

With Orchestra!

A holiday concert with classical stylings of contemporary and traditional arrangements.

Purchase tickets at the door or online - $17

Aurora Community Nazarene Church, 1900 N 175th St, Shoreline 98133.

Jobs: WSDOT

WSDOT has openings in Shoreline

TMC Transportation Technician 3 In-Training

Opening Date: 12/11/2018
Closing Date: 1/10/2019 11:59pm

The Northwest Region Transportation Management Center (TMC) has outstanding entry and experienced level opportunities in our new state-of-the-art facility. Candidates should have a passion for computers, real-time traffic management, and serving the public. Successful incumbents will provide daily traffic management activities in the TMC consisting of operating traffic management systems, tunnel control systems, and radio communications. The goal of these positions is to manage daily traffic, accidents, construction, and maintenance closures in the greater Seattle area, Canadian border, and Island County. Decisions made by this position directly affect the safety and traffic flow on the freeway and the adjacent arterial system.

This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress through the Transportation Technician field, and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Technician 3. Candidates will be considered a Transportation Technician 1, Transportation Technician 2 or Transportation Technician 3, depending on qualifications.

To view the entire posting and apply, visit: TMC Technician 3 In-Training

TMC Transportation Engineer 2 In-Training
Opening Date: 12/11/2018
Closing Date: 1/2/2019 11:59pm

WSDOT Northwest Region Traffic Management Center (TMC) has a unique engineering opportunity to provide daily traffic management activities as the TMC Engineer. In this position you will guide operations and make decisions on a daily basis that impact driver safety and traffic flow. Duties and responsibilities include operating the Region's Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), guiding and assisting staff on the use of these systems, and coordinating system activation around major events that impact WSDOT roadways. The candidate selected for this position will also work to support traffic analysis and data requests for the region Traffic Office and assists in producing engineering studies and reports for others as needed. The successful candidate will possess the ability to be available to work a variety of shifts to include day, swing, night, weekends, and holidays, sometimes with little notice to assist in the 24/7 operations of the TMC.

Note: These in-training positions offer a career path and on-the-job training, and allow you to progress through the Transportation Engineer field, achieving the goal class of a Transportation Engineer 2.

To view the entire posting and apply, visit: TMC TE 2 In-Training

Shoreline Fire calls for November 19 - December 9

Cardiac arrest drill
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

If you saw a lot of fire and medic vehicles at 2nd NW and NW 193rd on Monday around 9am - it was a cardiac arrest drill.

Shoreline Fire calls for November 19 - December 9

Aid - 212
Aid Non Emergency - 40
Medic - 116

+105 in Bothell, Northshore some Woodinville including M65 and M47

MVA Aid - 17
MVA Medic - 1

+1 in Bothell w/M47, 1 in Northshore w M65

Cardiac Arrest - 5

+10 in Bothell, Northshore and Woodinville w/ M47 and M65

AFA (Automatic Fire Alarm) - 41
Appliance Fire - 1 (fire on the stove)
Dumpster Fire - 1
Electrical Odor - 1
Extinguished Fire - 1 (stove fire)
Flooding Minor - 2

1 sink overflow,
1 line fracture)

Gas Spill/Absorbent - 1 (20 gallons of oil based paint)
Haz - 4

3 CO alarms,
1 gas smell

Natural Gas in the Area - 1
Service Call - 9

1 stuck elevator,
1 blood draw w/PD,
1 person locked in apt.,
2 tree down,
1 hydrant taken out by vehicle,
1 baby locked in bathroom,
1 electric wheelchair stuck,
1 needs help resetting alarm

Smoke Commercial - 1
Smoke/Burn Complaint - 4
Smoke Multi-Family - 1
Smoke Ventilation - 1
Structure Fire Commercial - 2
Structure Fire Multi-Family - 1
Structure Fire Residential - 1

+1 in Bothell

Rep. Pollet: Trump Administration’s Energy Department threatens lives of middle class workers

Rep. Gerry Pollet D-46

The U.S. Department of Energy’s lawsuit to overturn a new state law will condemn Hanford workers to years of debilitating disease, cancers, and death, according to Washington State Rep. Gerry Pollet (D-46).

The Trump Administration filed suit yesterday in federal court to overturn a law passed by the Legislature in 2018. This law ensures that hundreds of Hanford workers exposed to hazardous materials while performing cleanup work receive medical treatment and support under Washington state’s workers’ compensation program.

“I’ll once again work alongside Attorney General Bob Ferguson to defend sick Hanford workers against these cruel attacks from the Trump Administration,” said Rep. Pollet.

The Washington state law, House Bill 1723, was adopted after years of documentation proved that the federal Energy Department and its contractors routinely sought to deny workers compensation to sick Hanford workers. This included coverage of medical treatments for deadly illnesses such as, beryllium disease, brain wasting encephalopathy, lung disease and cancers.

The new law creates a presumption that workers with certain rare diseases, caused by occupational exposures, will be assured of medical treatment and compensation under Washington’s workers’ compensation system, reversing decades of Hanford fighting their claims.

Rep. Pollet was not alone in his passion for protecting these workers. Rep. Pollet worked closely with Rep. Larry Haler (R-Richland), who is also a retired Hanford employee, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, and labor representatives from Hanford for three years to pass HB 1723.

“We have a wealth of documentation, including audits and reports from the Energy Department itself, that Hanford workers have been repeatedly exposed to breathing hazardous substances that are the cause of these often-fatal illnesses, such as beryllium disease,” said Rep. Pollet.

“There is only one source of beryllium exposure for the workers who will die from beryllium disease – their work at Hanford. There is only one source of exposure for brain and lung wasting diseases for Hanford tank farm workers. Yet, the federal Energy Department and its Hanford contractors have a documented record of fighting tooth and nail against providing workers’ compensation to these workers. The state runs the workers’ compensation program and it is our responsibility to end this unjust denial of coverage.”

Rep. Gerry Pollet, D-46th Legislative District, represents Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and part of the city of Seattle including Lake City.

Photo: Poinsettias

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Sky has an amazing variety of poinsettias - different shapes and colors. So beautiful. Also very poisonous - so keep them away from children and pets.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

If I remember correctly, it's the leaves that are so beautiful and the flowers are tiny and inconspicuous.

Shoreline motorcyclist awarded $65k and change of KCSO policies

Detective holding a gun on motorcyclist
Photo from Alex Randall's YouTube video

According to The Seattle Times, Alex Randall, the Shoreline motorcyclist who was stopped by an angry plainclothes King County Sheriff's Office detective and threatened with a firearm, has been awarded $65,000 from King county. (see previous story).

According to the settlement, the sheriff’s office had agreed to alter its training and its policies by the end of this week to acknowledge that displaying a gun is a use-of-force incident that “should be reported within the Sheriff’s office subject to further consideration and evaluation by persons higher up in the chain of command.”

A permanent policy will follow that, at a minimum, recognizes that aiming a weapon constitutes a use of force which must be lawfully justified and reviewed, according to the settlement.

The detective was given five days suspension.

Full story HERE

Shoreline City Councilmembers appointed to regional committees

Chris Roberts is a member
on one committee and
alternative on two others

In addition to their duties of setting City policy, laws, and regulations, and establishing the City’s budget and approving contracts for services, Shoreline Councilmembers also represent Shoreline residents on many different local and national organizations.

These organizations play critical roles in establishing regional, state, and federal policies.

The Sound Cities Association (SCA) Board of Directors recently appointed Shoreline Councilmembers to the following regional committees:

Committee		Councilmember
Puget Sound Regional Council: Executive Board		Chris Roberts
Puget Sound Regional Council: Operations Committee		Chris Roberts (alt.)
Regional Transit Committee		Susan Chang (alt.)
All Home Coordinating Board		Keith Scully
Growth Management Planning Council		Chris Roberts (alt.)

SCA is an association of 35 King County cities working together on regional issues.

Tim's Sharing Tree at LFP Town Center until Dec. 20

Tim's Sharing Tree

Once again, the Lake Forest Park Rotary Club is sponsoring Tim's Sharing Tree at the LFP Town Center, lower level, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.

This is an annual tradition that brings holiday cheer to many homeless and unfortunate youth in our area.

Tim's Sharing Tree is simple. Stop by the tree and pick a gift idea - then bring the new unwrapped gift back to the tree and a Rotary Volunteer will make sure it is delivered.

There are volunteers at the tree daily from 10am till 8pm up to December 20th.

Happy Holidays!

Classifieds: Notice of meeting time change - Fire Commissioners

NOTICE OF MEETING TIME CHANGE

As required by RCW Chapter 42.30, Open Public Meetings Act, you are hereby notified of the following change to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Shoreline Fire Department:

· December 20, 2018 meeting start time has been changed from 5.00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The regularly scheduled meeting will be held at Shoreline Fire Department, 17525 Aurora Avenue North, Shoreline, Washington.

Notice posted by: Beatriz Goldsmith
Executive Assistant
December 10, 2018

Chief Sutton: How to minimize package thefts

Package theif

From LFP Police Chief Steve Sutton

Holiday Shopping and Package Deliver Season is Here!!

In Lake Forest Park, there has been an increase in mail and package theft.

Just last week, officers were called by a postal delivery person that he was being followed by a suspicious vehicle. Every time he made a delivery, the other vehicle would stop. After doing this several times, he became suspicious and called 911.

When officers contacted the suspected vehicle, we confirmed that the suspect was in fact documenting each delivery and texting the address to another person who was traveling behind scooping up packages. This is avoidable!

Strategies you can employ to minimize the opportunity

Talk to neighbors that you trust. If you are expecting a package and are unable to be home when it arrives, let your neighbor know. Even have them take the package for you.
Leave a note to the carrier to deliver in a more concealed area of the residence like your back door.
Use Amazon Drop Box locations.
Have deliveries sent to your place of work.
Install camera systems that are both covert (to catch a thief) and as a visible deterrent.
Create or purchase a large box that carriers can place packages in with the ability to lock by the delivery person.
Require a signature and allow drop off at a neighbor or different location
Pick up your mail promptly after delivery.
If you don't receive a check or other valuable mail you're expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.
If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.
Don’t send cash in the mail.
Tell your Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
Report all suspected mail theft to a Postal Inspector.

Here are a couple of interesting news stories:

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

Home sales in Lake Forest Park during November 2018

Monday, December 10, 2018

The following are properties that sold in Lake Forest Park during the month of November 2018. Data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.

Current market status: We are continuing to see a balancing real estate market. Buyers have more properties to choose from, they are taking their time, and even making offers below list price. While there are more homes for sale, the inventory is at historically low levels, and it is still a Seller's Market.

Rob Oxford: I wish this were a movie

2012 - the year that Charee Tillotson was diagnosed with Alzheimer's

It is with my friend Greg Tillotson's blessing that I share this article about his life, his beautiful wife and their difficult journey together. Furthermore, it is my hope that the message I have tried to convey is received in the manner with which it was intended.

“If Only This Were A Movie”

I would venture to guess that most everyone reading this article has seen the 2004 movie "The Notebook," starring James Garner and Gena Rowlands at least once, if not more. I have personally seen it at least a dozen times. It is one of my wife's favorite movies and each time it comes on the television we sit together sobbing as if the story is unfamiliar. It's the tale of a man and the love of his life, how they met, lost touch, found each other again and lived a long and wonderful life until the devastating effects of Alzheimer's slowly took away her memory and eventually her life.

Until a few years ago I had been lucky in that this terrible disease had not personally touched my family. Unfortunately that all changed in November of 2009 when my friend and former boss Greg Tillotson revealed to me that his beloved wife Charee was exhibiting early signs of dementia. Sadly it wasn't until 2012 that she was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

By now we're all aware of the pain and heartache this debilitating disease can cause. The sadness it brings and most often the guilt that can be associated with watching someone you love slip slowly into a dark and unfamiliar place. Still, through the eyes of this very strong and courageous friend, whom I greatly admire, I've been given a unique perspective that I would like to share and that I hope will ease some of the suffering those more directly affected by this terrible disease will at some point most assuredly endure.

Greg hired me to do a morning radio show at a rock-n-roll station in Bellingham, Washington almost 20 years ago. It was a momentous opportunity and with a newborn son, a break I had desperately needed. Greg's wife Charee was also a morning host in the very same building for our sister station KAFE. A fun, energetic, continually positive influence, I often relied on her for advice and emotional support. God knows at that particular time in my life, I needed both.

Five years went by rather quickly and Greg and I were both fired, but Charee continued entertaining listeners with her bright smile, sense of humor and incredible kindness. She had a warm inviting personality and her audience loved her. Facebook wasn't the behemoth that it is today but Greg and I stayed in touch. He managed the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County before getting back into radio as the manager of a group of stations in Spokane.

I would see his occasional posts on Facebook about life and the "business," but one particular comment caused me to take notice and reach out to him directly. Needless to say it came as a terrible shock when he informed me of Charee's diagnosis. She was so young, so vibrant, she was a beloved radio personality, I really didn't understand how this could happen.

Greg and I didn't talk regularly so I don't know what kind of feelings he experienced initially, but afterward I found myself unintentionally distancing myself from him. What kind of support could I possibly offer? He knew I was sorry and that I loved them both, but this was something totally foreign to me and I wasn't the least bit prepared to deal with something of such magnitude. What I didn't realize at the time was that I would soon learn a valuable lesson about unrelenting love and compassion.

Greg was and is a devoted husband, even to this day. Catering to Charee's every need while she underwent treatment. Making plans and facing this situation head on. That's the kind of person he is, he is a Manager, he "manages".

Charee and Greg Tillotson now

All to soon the time came when Charee would need the type of care Greg could no longer provide and although I'm sure the decision to put her in a "home" was difficult, it was the correct one. His love for Charee has never waned, but the drain on their personal finances, in the 100's of thousands of dollars had forced them to divorce. As harsh as that may seem to some, it too was the right decision.

Before her illness could take her away completely, Greg and Charee spoke of many things. Charee made it clear that she did not want Greg to live the rest of his life alone. She knew him better than anyone and knew that being "alone" was not something with which he could deal very easily. As Greg puts it, "Charee knows me and knows I'm terrible at being alone". They also spoke of their lifelong dream of living on the beach.

Greg has been forced to make many difficult decisions since Charee became ill, both about his future and hers. Some of those coming under the scrutiny of friends and relatives, but Greg continues to remain confident he is doing what is best for them both. He is also fortunate that his son Michael, willing to put his own life on hold, has chosen for the time being to give up a lucrative career in order to spend more time with his Mom in Spokane. A commitment other family members, for understandable reasons, were unable to make.

About a month ago Greg posted a photo on Facebook of himself and a young lady whom he has been seeing. To be quite honest my initial reaction was one of confusion. For so many years I'd seen pictures of Greg with only one woman, his companion since he was 22 years old. Who was this new person? Was it a coworker, a friend? It turns out it had been both. Although it was none of my business, Greg is the type of person who would have no problem telling me, so I asked.

Her name is Jennifer and they have been friends and work associates for quite some time. At first Jennifer was merely a comforting ear, someone in which he could confide. However, as feelings for her began to develop, Greg took the time to make sure these feelings were more than just feelings of loneliness. In essence he needed to give himself permission to let go and to begin again.

When Greg left to accept a new position with a Broadcasting Corporation in Florida, fulfilling that dream he and Charee shared of living on the beach, it was Jennifer who stepped in to fill his role by visiting Charee. Before starting every work day, just as Greg had done, she would have breakfast with Charee. For 3 years prior to the move Greg also made a habit of stopping by after work each day to kiss Charee goodnight. His days were long, his patience much longer.

The unfortunate reality is that as the months and now years have gone by, Charee no longer knows Greg. Still he flies to Spokane every 2 - 3 weeks to sit with her. He talks with her or more accurately talks to her and makes sure she is as comfortable as humanly possible. Greg will occasionally share a picture of Charee on Facebook and she appears to be happy in her "new world." Although a bit distant, and not quite as glowing, she still has that smile.

This is undoubtedly a sad story. It's painful, it's unpleasant and to a few I suppose some of the decisions Greg has had to make may seem unfair. However, in my opinion choosing to continue living one's life in spite of this particular type of hardship demonstrates to me a form of bravery. I've often heard it said that Alzheimer's is much more difficult on those who are "left behind" than those directly suffering its effects.

I pray and sometimes wish I prayed more, that should something this horrific ever affect my life, I am able to deal with it as gracefully and respectfully as Greg. I also pray that those who choose to question my decisions are able to do so without passing judgement.

I have greatly appreciated being able to share my thoughts, stories and poems with you over the past year and I thank Diane at the Shoreline Area News for her guidance, direction and for allowing me this voice. It has truly been a pleasure. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years.

Rob Oxford

Pages

About Shoreline Area News

Subscribe to email edition

Contact us!

Search This Blog

Features

Blog Archive

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Monday, December 10, 2018

Top Stories

Shoreline Weather

Opinions

Things To Do

Organizations

Libraries / Books

Parks / Gardens

Medical

Veterinarians

News Partners

Subscribe