Photo: Solstice sunset

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Thursday is the Summer Solstice , that enchanting day each year when sunlight reigns supreme. It is the longest day and the shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere and traditionally the first day of summer.

--Lee Lageschulte

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Star Party Saturday night at Paramount School Park

Free star parties are held every month at Paramount School Park by the Seattle Astronomical Society (SAS).

This Saturday, June 23, 2018 starting at 9pm, SAS members will be at the park with several types of telescopes for visitors to look through.

SAS members will be available to answer questions, discuss the observation process, and talk about solar system objects, deep pace objects, constellations, types of telescopes and more.

Dress for the weather, plan to stay a couple of hours, but be warned that rain or complete cloud cover will mean the event is cancelled.

Cancellation will be posted at least two hours prior to Star Party on the SAS website.

Paramount School Park, corner of 8th Ave NE and NE 155th, Shoreline 98155. 15300 8th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155

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Parkwood Spring Market

Every booth was different goods
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Parkwood Elementary PTA held its Spring Market on an occasionally overcast day Saturday, June 16 in the school parking lot.

The PTA provided snacks, drinks, and information
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Parkwood families and community members were invited to register for a space for $15 or $25, bring a table and items to sell. They could keep all their own profits or donate to the PTA fund.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The event was a benefit for Parkwood's 6th grade camp.

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City Recreation offers youth and teen summer activities

Join the Shoreline Youth and Teen Development Program this summer for a variety of fun and engaging programs, including opportunities to learn how to be a counselor, play sports, go on outdoor adventures, and learn new creative skills! 

Camps start in July, so register now or call 206-801-2600 to reserve your spot!

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Follow the dotted line

Photo from Google Earth

By Diane Hettrick

This is a test.

You are in your vehicle on the NE 185th freeway overpass. You are pointed east to the North City neighborhood. The house on the left is going to be torn down for the North Shoreline Sound Transit Station (185th).

The next street, on your right, is 5th NE and you are going to turn right.

Here's the 50 point question: where will your vehicle be when you make the turn?

Here's the good news. There's no one parked on the overpass. Folks attending events in the Shoreline stadium (just over your left shoulder) have finally stopped doing that. Someone must have given them the word.

The 25 point question: where are the bicyclists?

And the answer is:

Keep your vehicle between the double yellow lines and the dotted white line all the way to the corner and then turn.

Bicyclists are to stay between the dotted lines.

The roadway between the dotted line and the sidewalk is just extra - and allows room for the bus to stop to pick up passengers.

The bus is the only vehicle that should cross the dotted lines.

The dotted lines are a signal to bicyclists that they are approaching a cross street and vehicles may be turning in front of them.

Drivers need to watch for bicyclists when they make turns.

How did you do? If you got the points, congratulations, you will not be the cause of an accident. If you didn't, well you know what to do now.

And we'll all be a little safer.

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What Washingtonians need to know about new Medicare cards

Catherine Field, Humana Medicare
President in Washington

By Catherine Field, Humana Medicare President in Washington

What is happening:

To combat identity theft, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be changing the format of all Medicare numbers, which means that every existing Medicare beneficiary will get an updated Medicare Card that lists their new Medicare number.

What is changing:

Instead of being based on a beneficiary’s Social Security number, each Medicare number will be an individually generated combination of letters and numbers. In addition, the new card is paper, which is easier for doctors and health care providers to use and copy.

Why is this happening:

Removing the Social Security number from Medicare cards will help fight identity theft for people with Medicare. In doing so, CMS aims to better protect private health care and financial information and federal health care benefit and service payments.

When is this happening:

All Medicare cards will be replaced between April 2018 and April 2019. Washingtonians will receive their new cards after June of this year.

This will be a long process because CMS will be issuing approximately 60 million new ID cards. Until the new card is received, people with Medicare should continue using their current ID card. Once the new card is received, begin using it immediately. Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, only the new card will be usable.

New Medicare card

Who will be impacted:

New cards will be generated for all active existing and new Medicare beneficiaries. Each beneficiary will have a unique number (e.g., husband and wife will have their own).

What does this mean for people with Medicare:

The new cards won’t change Medicare benefits. People with Medicare may start using their new Medicare ID cards as soon as they get them. Until they receive the new Medicare ID card beneficiaries are to continue using their current Medicare ID card.

For Medicare beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage plan, the change applies only to their Medicare card and not to their health insurance carrier’s medical card, such as their Humana Medicare Advantage card. Those with a Medicare Advantage plan (with Humana or any company) should keep their Medicare Advantage plan ID card with them at all times and use it when going to the doctor, hospital, lab, etc.

How do I protect myself from scams:

Medicare will never call uninvited to ask for your new Medicare number or get personal or private information.

Scam artists may try to get personal information and/or your current Medicare number by contacting you about your new card. If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call CMS at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (or TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information on the new Medicare cards visit the website or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (or TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organization, and a stand-alone prescription drug plan, with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

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Make your own recycled instruments Saturday

Summer Reading Kick Off! ​Junk Jam Band Makers Workshop

Saturday, June 23, 2018 (1:00PM – 2:00PM)

Richmond Beach Library 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177

Presented by Seattle ReCreative

Ages 5 to 11.

Who needs to buy an instrument when you can make your own? Turn on your creativity and discover ways to recycle stuff usually thrown away — otherwise referred to as junk! Using unconventional materials, create your very own upcycled musical instruments.

All materials provided, while supplies last.

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Free lunch Wednesdays at Bethel Lutheran

Bethel Lutheran Church is hosting a free Sandwich lunch on Wednesdays and is inviting community members to come join us!

Lunch is at noon with an optional devotional / bible study afterward. 17529 15th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155 in North City.

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32nd District Republicans hold dessert auction in Mountlake Terrace

32nd LD Republicans gather for a fundraiser

The 32nd District Republicans met Tuesday, June 19 at the Mountlake Terrace Community Senior Center for coffee and a dessert auction.

The event was a fundraiser for their 32nd District senate candidate James Wood.

First-time auctioneer and 32nd LD King County Chair Lori Theis took the helm of a raucous and successful dessert auction!

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Work party at Grace Cole Saturday

Work party at the Grace Cole Nature Park on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 9am to noon.

Organizer Mamie Bolander says that "Last month we worked on Blackberries and other invasive species (It's definitely looking better south of the elevated walkway). 

"We've been spreading mulch over the areas already worked over to slow the return of weeds. We're adding a light layer of chips to the steeper portions of the trail to make them less treacherous, at least during the summer months."

Some tools will be available, but bring your own favorite ones if you like. Loppers, pruning shears and sharp shovels are the most-used equipment. There will be some wheelbarrows and shovels for those who can't resist pushing chips up the hill! (A great workout)

Snacks and beverages will be available. Bring a water bottle to have with you. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.

Grace Cole Nature Park, 30th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park 98155

Questions? Call Mamie 206-364-4410

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Pancakes, crafts, and bargains at the Senior Center for the Arts Festival

Stop by the Shoreline-LFP Senior Center cafeteria for a delicious breakfast on Saturday and Sunday June 23rd and 24th, from 8:30am - 11:30am. 

Menu selections include pancakes, vegetarian breakfast casserole or sausage casserole, fresh fruit, biscuits and beverages, $7-$8 per person.

This quilt is being raffled off

While at the Center, stop by the Craft Room to see the beautiful display of hand crafted quilts and children's workshop, sponsored by the Thimble Bells Sewing Club.

They will also be raffling a beautiful custom designed quilt donated by the club.

Save enough time to shop at the Bargain Corner where a wide variety of beautiful and unique items will be for sale, including cameras, sports equipment, clothing, furnishings, and vintage and modern home decor.

All proceeds benefit the Center programs.

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Photo: Outlined in pollen

Photo by Gloria Z. Nagler

Mason Bee outlined in pollen (I’m 85% sure it’s a mason bee, but if you, reader, have a different opinion, let me know!):  These little bees don't have pollen sacks like honeybees and some bumblebees do.

Instead, the females have hairs (“pollen brush”) below their abdomen to collect pollen. And some mason bees nest in abandoned snail shells! So kind of them to recycle:)

Judging from this bee’s pollen load, these little guys are pollinating like crazy. My thanks to the National Audubon Society’s Field Guide to Insects and Spiders.

--Gloria Nagler

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Make Music Day Shoreline announces musical line up for Thursday

Banjo Creek

Held annually on June 21, Make Music Day is part of the international Fête de la Musique, taking place in 800 cities across 120 countries.

The daylong, musical free-for-all celebrates music in all its forms, encouraging people to band together and play in free public concerts. 

This year, more than 65 U.S. cities are organizing Make Music Day celebrations, encompassing thousands of concerts nationwide.

Make Music Day 

Thursday, June 21, 4 PM-9 PM

1240 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155

Shoreline Music School opens its school parking lot to performers, workshops, open mic hour and jam sessions in celebration of Make Music Day, a global event taking place in over 800 cities around the world.

Andy Chayer  with Chucky Charles

Come enjoy the celebration -it’s FREE

Musical Line up

3-4 PM: Shoreline’s Banjo Creek, Traditional Bluegrass and folk music

4-5 PM Shoreline’s Nathan Jensen and Leland Huff- Traditional Flute Tunes and Accordion Polkas

5-6 PM Open Mic - Everyone welcome to come share either an original song or two or a cover song

6-6:30 PM Alex Maloy - Jazz Music

6:30-7 PM Nick Ryder - Traditional Ukulele Music

7-7:30 PM Chayer Family with Chucky Charles - Traditional Folk Jam

7:30 - 8:00 PM Mickey and Andreas De La Serna- Flamenco guitar and dancing

8:00 PM - on Open Mic - Everyone invited to share an original song or two or a cover song

Alex Malloy

Make Music Day is a family friendly event open to all. Come celebrate with us as we host live music, open mic hour, free food and games in our parking lot from 4:00-9:00pm. Contact us if you are interested in performing!

JOIN US: For more information or to sign up to perform in Shoreline’s Make Music Day event, please call Shoreline Music School at 206-402-6701, or email.

Make Music Day Promotional Video

Shoreline Music School opened its doors in Shoreline’s North City neighborhood on May 1, 2018. 

“We offer serious music instruction for Shoreline area students in a school culture that is fun, friendly, and devoted to community. Shoreline Music School has 10 excellent music teachers on staff and offers private lessons in 16 different instruments plus classes in sight reading and music theory.

Make Music Day is presented by the NAMM Foundation, and coordinated by the Make Music Alliance. More information here 

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Wet n' Wild family fun at Sunset School Park July 21

The Richmond Highlands Neighborhood Association invites you to have "oodles of family fun under the sprinklers of Wet n' Wild."

Sunset School Park 17800 10th Ave NW, Shoreline 98177.

Sprinklers - Slip 'n Slide - Huge Bubbles

Saturday, July 21, 2018, 3-5pm rain or shine! Swimsuit or regular clothes (you will be wet!)

Children under 12 need to have a parent with them - and no pets please.

Free!

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Starting in July LFP residents can recycle almost everything at the curb

The City of Lake Forest Park just renegotiated its contract with Republic Services, resulting in a huge list of items which now can be put at the curb.

Starting this July, residents may add these items at the curb. Please note any special preparation or need to call-in to schedule a separate pick-up.

Republic Services Residential: 206-682-9730

Recyclable Item

Curb

Call-in

Handling Instructions

Limitations

Small appliances – Microwave ovens, toaster ovens

X

Call to request pick-up at least three days before regular collection day

Single family only.

Electronics – Computer equipment, VCRs, DVD players, audio equipment, televisions, cell phones and other equipment containing circuit boards

X

Call to request pick-up at least three days before regular collection day

Scrap electronics that are no bigger than 2 feet by 2 feet per unit in size and less than 60 pounds per unit. Single family only.

Fluorescent Tubes and Bulbs

X

Wrap tubes in newspaper and secure with tape. Mark “Fluorescent Tubes”. Place bulbs in a sealed bag. Place next to recycling cart.

Limit: Two (2) tubes per collection, ten (10) tubes per year. No tubes longer than 4 feet. Single family only.

Household Batteries – All alkaline, button, and rechargeable batteries

X

Place rechargeable and non- rechargeable batteries in separate, sealed clear bags. Place on top of recycling Cart.

Single family only.

Motor Oil

X

Place in screw-top plastic jugs, labeled with the Customer’s address and placed next to the Customer’s Recycling Cart.

Up to three (3) gallons of motor oil per week that is free from contaminants

Rigid Plastics – All five-gallon buckets, PVC pipes, laundry baskets, plastic lawn furniture, plastic toys, coolers, and Nalgene bottles

X

X Large Items

Place items in or next to recycling Cart. One dimension of object must be less than 2”.

Call at least three days before regular collection day to collect large (i.e. all dimensions greater than 2”). Single family only.

Scrap Metal – All ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal, including lids > 3” free of wood, rubber, and other contaminants

X

X Large Items

Small items: Place in recycling Container or secure (e.g. bundle or box) next to recycling Container.

Small items: Less than 2’ x 2’ and 35 lbs. Less than 5% non-metal parts. Large items: Larger than 2’ x 2’. Call to request

Recyclable Item

Curb

Call-in

Handling Instructions

Limitations

Large items: Call to request pickup at least 24 hours before regular service day.

pick-up. Single family only

StyrofoamTM Blocks – Clean expanded polystyrene (blocks, sheets, cups, and take-out containers) and expanded polyethylene foam (sheets and blocks)

X

Request a pick-up three days before collection day. Contain blocks in a clear or white sealed plastic bag. Secure from wind.

No packing peanuts, lined or sealed foam, or soft foam. Single family only.

Textiles - Clean usable clothing and linens, paired shoes, boots and socks, sheets, towels, tablecloths, curtains, blankets and bedspreads, stuffed animals, purses, wallets, backpacks & totes, belts, hats and caps, scarves

X

Request a pick-up three days before collection day. Placed in a plastic or paper bag. Label "Clothing” and place bag(s) at the curb next to recycling cart.

Single family only.

Used Cooking Oil

X

X

Seal uncontaminated oil (no large solids) in clean, clear, screw-top plastic jugs. Label jugs with name and address and place next to recycling Cart.

Limit: Three (3) gallons per pick-up and ten (10) gallons per year. Single family only.

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Cacophony of Caws: The Crows of Puget Sound - Pub Night lecture June 26

Doug Wacker, Asst Professor UW Bothell

Doug Wacker, assistant professor in the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at the University of Washington Bothell.

“Cacophony of Caws: The Crows of Puget Sound,” a Pub Night Talk cosponsored by UW Bothell and McMenamins. Tuesday, June 26, 2018. Doors open at 6pm, program 7 - 8:30pm

Hayne’s Hall, McMenamins Anderson School, 18607 Bothell Way NE, Bothell

Every evening thousands of crows gather on the UW Bothell campus in a cacophony of caws.

Outside of academics, the University of Washington Bothell is perhaps most well-known for a nightly phenomenon of nature: As many as 16,000 crows fly in at dusk and land on various buildings and sports fields before roosting in the wetlands that comprise 58 acres of the campus.

Wacker is leading research into what the crows might be saying to each other before roosting in the wetlands.

Free and open to the public, all ages welcome. Seating: first come, first served. Talk followed by Q/A.

UW Bothell Pub Night schedules regular speakers.

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AG requests info from residents re impacts of Trump Administration family separation policy

Detention center photo from U.S.
Customs and Border Patrol

From the Office of the Attorney General

The Office of the Attorney General is requesting information from Washington residents regarding the impacts that they are experiencing — or expect to experience — as a result of the Trump Administration’s family separation policy. 

As has been widely reported, the U.S. Department of Justice recently announced a zero-tolerance policy for crossings along the Southwest border. 

As part of this enforcement policy, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is detaining immigrants and asylum seekers, and separating parents from their children.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for the care and placement of those children, and historically has placed several hundred unaccompanied minors in Washington every year.

We are asking Washington residents to tell us if they or their family members have been affected by this policy or expect to be affected by it.

For example, if a Washington resident is currently housing or will soon be housing a child who has been separated from his or her parents pursuant to this policy, we would like to know.

Those with information about impacts like these that Washingtonians are experiencing as a result of this policy can call 1-844-323-3864 and let us know.

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Learn about Rain Gardens at LFP Town Center event

Rain garden at LFP City Hall

This Sunday, June 24, 2018, members of the Lake Forest Park Streamkeepers will be on hand at the new City Hall Rain Garden to talk about how rain gardens function to reduce polluted storm runoff into our streams and lakes.

Drop by anytime between 12:00 and 2:00pm for a “guided tour.” Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way NE, northeast corner.

There will be brief remarks at 12:30pm, including a visit by King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski.

The rain garden is next to the Farmers Market near the Bank of America drive-through lanes. With the market also in full swing on Sunday, best parking options may be toward Albertson’s, or on the upper level of the Town Center.

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Public hearing at Planning Commission: staff recommend changing tree retention codes in high density zones

Douglas fir
Photo by Mike Remarcke

The Shoreline Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, June 21, 2018, 7pm in the Council Chamber at Shoreline City Hall 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133

The hearing is about the staff proposal to exempt large developments (MUR 70') from adhering to the tree retention code.

The staff presentation will be followed by public comment.

Agenda: 06212018 Public Hearing Meeting Agenda

Tree Retention in MUR 70’ Development Code Amendment

Staff is presenting two options for consideration with Option 1 being preferred.

Option 1: Exempt MUR-70’ from the Tree Code but allow MUR-70’ development to get bonuses in height, setbacks, and parking standards for retaining and replacing required trees.

Staff recommends Option 1 for the following reasons:

• It maintains the development potential of the MUR-70’ zone as adopted to implement the 185th and 145th Street Station Subarea Plans while using incentives to create the potential for greater tree retention and replacement;
• The Comprehensive Plan policies strongly support the full development of the Station Areas as urban, transportation-oriented development with people, jobs, and activities;
• Developers have provided staff with feedback that not permitting Tree Code exemption within the MUR-70’ zone will thwart the planned redevelopment; and
• Required landscaping standards will fill the remaining open space with trees that can adapt to the new environment and help succeed and replenish the existing, aging tree canopy.

Option 2 - Do not exempt MUR-70’ from the Tree Code but allow project application to a fee- in-lieu of retention replacement with those funds going towards future city tree projects.

This proposal uses a diameter measurement at "breast height" with some proposals for price per inch.

Comment on Agenda Items if you cannot attend the meetings.

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Edmonds in Bloom garden tour July 15

Edmonds in Bloom garden tour July 15

The 23rd annual Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour will be held on Sunday, July 15, 2018.

A summer must-do for many gardeners, this year’s Garden Tour is filled with inspiration. The 2018 Garden Tour features seven private gardens, six in Edmonds itself and one in Woodway. Gardens range from professionally designed and installed properties to hands-on, DIY creations that truly showcase the owner’s personality and hard work.

From a gracious 10-acre estate to an extraordinary collection of hostas, from urban spaces that maximize each square foot to a rambling bit of country in the heart of the city, this year’s tour is bursting with variety, beauty, creativity and imagination.

Order your tickets online. Beginning the first week of June, tickets will also be available at the following local merchants: Bountiful Home, Frances Anderson Center, Garden Gear, Lil’ Sprout Nursery, and Sky Nursery. Tickets are $15 each in advance, or $20 each at the first garden on the day of the tour.

Edmonds in Bloom is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

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Letter to the Editor: Keeping children in cages

To the Editor

It is bad enough that the children of undocumented mothers fleeing from persecution have been torn from their mothers, but this morning's news that these children are being kept in wire cages in a warehouse is an evil of unprecedented magnitude. Today's news report states that on Father's Day, a group of Democratic lawmakers visited a facility where these children are being held. Reporters also touring the warehouse-like building described seeing hundreds of children in chain-link cages, apparently sleeping on the floor on mattresses with mylar blankets.

Unless any of us are full members of an original indigenous tribe on this continent we are all immigrants. The color of our skin, the family into which we were born, the era and place where we grew up are not achievements. So if we are pale skinned, raised in what was once a democratic republic with many civil personal rights, not experiencing daily persecution, this is not an accomplishment. It is an accident of birth.

What is or would be an accomplishment is to recognize that others because of an accident of birth do not share our individual good fortune. And given that, we need to be tolerant, indeed welcoming. For those of us who are Christian the obligation to welcome one and all is part of our responsibility to be inclusive.

Please demand of our elected officials that these children be reunited with their mothers and housed in decent living conditions as soon as possible.

Gini Paulsen

Shoreline

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Dan Wing holds his last school concerts at Shorewood and Einstein before retiring

Dan Wing and the Shorewood orchestra
Photo by K Carpp

Beloved orchestra teacher Dan Wing conducted his last two school concerts June 5th and June 12 at Shorewood High School and Einstein Middle School where he has taught for the past 30 years.

The Shorewood concert audience was full of family and friends of the students, but also included former students, including one group of friends who played in his orchestras 20 years ago.

Wing conducts the elite chamber orchestra
Photo by K Carpp

From his baton, thousands have learned to love the symphonic works of master composers, and have performed both at Carnegie Hall, and as featured orchestras in numerous festivals. 

We, as a staff, are beyond thankful for his dedication and to the teaching profession, for the profound impact he's had on the student and families (and staff!) who have studied under him, and for the strong program he has developed at the secondary level in Shoreline. 

His contributions reached beyond the walls of our school, and our music community is better because of his leadership Dan's passion, patience and masterful teaching have helped connect students to school, as well as to each other. The arts are a crucial part of our society, and Mr. Wing's program reminds us of the many reasons why. --Shorewood concert program notes

Einstein orchestra
Photo by Thom Foreman

At the Einstein concert (7th and 8th graders), one parent reported that "The place gave him multiple standing ovations, and the kids grabbed the mic and gave several small speeches praising him. It was very touching."

His orchestras have been frequent award winners at the Northwest Orchestra Festival (Gresham, OR), the Washington State Championships, and have produced many All-State musicians. Over the years, the orchestras have toured Hawaii, British Columbia, Oregon, California, New York and Florida and five appearances at Carnegie Hall.

Receiving a standing ovation at Einstein
Photo by Thom Foreman

He is Past President of both the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) and the Washington String Teachers Association (ASTA).

He is a member of the WMEA Hall of Fame, has been named ASTA-Washington "Outstanding String Educator,” as well as Shoreline School District "Teacher of the Year."

His 30 year school career followed 15 years as a professional orchestra musician, performing throughout Europe with the orchestras of Radio Luxembourg and West German Radio (Cologne), among others.

He served as Principal Violist in the orchestras of Heidelberg (Germany), the Spoleto Festival (Italy), Sacramento (CA), Evansville (IN) and Charlotte (NC).

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