Backyard Birds: Looking for food

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Photo by Steve Schneider

A Robin found some... and a Golden Crowned Sparrow missed it....

--Steve Schneider



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Day Of Remembrance 2025 at the Washington State Fairgrounds Saturday, February 8, 2025


Join us this Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Puyallup Valley Chapter - Japanese American Citizens League Day Of Remembrance 2025 at the Expo Hall inside the Gold Gate at the Washington State Fairgrounds 110 9th Avenue SW Puyallup, WA 98371

Free admission is at the Gold Gate, corner of S. Meridian & 9th Ave SW. Volunteers will guide you from the Gold parking lot through the Gold Gate entrance into the Expo Hall.

The Day of Remembrance is a way to acknowledge and honor the over 125,000 people of Japanese descent who were incarcerated during World War II.

The event will include speakers, a procession to the Remembrance Gallery, viewing of the Silent Fair short film, and more.

This is a special opportunity to view the permanent historic exhibit on the original confinement site. 

At the heart of the Remembrance Gallery is the Monument—a memorial wall that lists the names of over 7,500 people imprisoned on these fairgrounds. Their names are in alphabetical order according to family last names along with their government-assigned family number.

Parking is free in the Gold parking lot. While the Expo Hall is heated, the Remembrance Gallery is not heated, so please dress appropriate to the weather.

When: February 8, 2025, doors open 10am, program starts at 10:30am
Where: Expo Hall, WA State Fairgrounds, Puyallup, WA
Registration: Free, no RSVP required


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Art movie night Friday February 7, 2025 at Graphite Arts in Edmonds

ART MOVIE NIGHT
GRAPHITE ARTS CENTER
202 Main St. Edmonds

Big Eyes

Friday, February 7
Doors open at 6.30PM
Movie starts at 7:00PM

Tickets available at the door, $10
or purchase TICKETS in advance online

Based on a true story, this 2014 drama tells the story of the rise and fame of American painter Margaret Keane, her phenomenal success in the 1950s, and the subsequent legal difficulties in the 1960's when her then husband, Walter Keane, claimed credit for her artworks.

Directed by Tim Burton, and starring Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz

(425) 510-1097


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Obituary: Richard Bologna

Richard Bologna
EDMONDS - Richard Bologna, age 79, of Edmonds, WA died peacefully in his sleep at his home after a quiet battle against cancer and heart disease.

Born in Brooklyn and raised all around the east coast, Richard attended Moorhead State College where he obtained a BA in English, followed later by an accounting degree from the University of Puget Sound. 

Richard was drafted by the Army during the Vietnam War and received a deferment to complete his education. After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in November 1972. 

To begin his post military career, he started in public accounting and went on to open his own firm. 

Though crunching numbers never left him, he eventually decided to follow his passion for coffee and opened an espresso cafe with his wife, Linda. 

After 8 years, the caffeine wore off and he went to work for the Washington State Insurance Commissioner’s Office, where he put in a solid 9 years of dedicated work. 

Richard then found himself drawn back to the numbers and decided to resume his own practice working out of his home office so he could spend as much time as possible with Linda and soon his grandkids.

Richard was active in the Edmonds community and he loved bringing people together. He was involved with the Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, VFW, Heroes Café, and started his own networking group. He was often seen walking around downtown Edmonds, popping in just to say hi and engaging with many over coffee and conversation at his favorite local spots.

His hobbies included following Mariners baseball, losing to Linda at Scrabble, watching documentaries and movies, meeting new people, and playing with his grandchildren.

Survived by his wife Linda, daughter Tara, son-in-law Kerstan, grandchildren Brooklynn and Taylor, brothers Stephen Bologna and Peter Bologna, and sisters Dana Leopold, Nancy Bologna, and Jane McGuire.

Richard’s burial will take place at Beck’s Restlawn Memorial Park in Edmonds, 23800 104th Ave W, Edmonds, WA 98020 on Monday, February 24, 2025 @ 2pm and will be open to the public. Richard would love to see you again for a final farewell!


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Museums keep Edwin T. Pratt's memory alive

“True integration is achieved only when see each other as equals and peers.”
—Edwin T. Pratt, 1969

By Robby Grillo, Collections Manager
Shoreline Historical Museum

An important understanding of the word "community" and why we use it can only truly be seen as in the words of Mr. Edwin T. Pratt, and his tireless fight for achieving true equality within our community.

Directly following the City of Shoreline's Official Proclamation designating January 30th as the Edwin T. Pratt Day of Remembrance, this month's Collections Corner shares a a very important aspect of SHM's Collection.

Mr. Pratt served as the Executive Director of the Seattle Urban League and was the forefront leader of the Civil Rights Movement in Seattle until his tragic assassination in Shoreline on Sunday, January 26th, 1969.

This occurred nine months after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Within a year, our nation lost two well-loved and respected champions of Civil Rights.

"A 'New Thrust': Last Speech of Edwin Pratt" Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Tuesday January 28th, 1969 pg. 1. SHM Archives

Shortly after his death, many newspapers came out eulogizing Mr. Pratt and his legacy. One of those articles from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer featured "A New Thrust," the last speech he gave the day before his death to the newly elected officers of the Urban League.

The original newspaper article pictured above resides within the SHM Archives. Additionally, the newspaper includes the testimony account from Mr. Pratt's wife, Bettye and the naming of Jerome Page as the Urban League's new Executive Director.

Keeping Mr. Pratt's memory alive as a bastion of hope and resilience within our community is not done by just one museum. 

QR code for
Black Heritage Society
An extensive digitization effort by the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and Archivist Ken Winnick created the Edwin T. Pratt Legacy Collection currently housed at the Black Heritage Society.

This collection includes photos, journal entrees and awards that were kept by Mr. Pratt's daughter, Miriam.

Our work is never done when it comes to championing equality and friendship within our community. 

Only together can we hope to achieve this.


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Golf Clubs



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Captain Jeff Shelman retires after nearly three decades of dedicated fire service

Captain Shelman began his career in 1995 with Whatcom County Fire District 7 and joined Shoreline Fire Department as a full-time firefighter in July 2001. 

Over the years, he served as a Driver Engineer, Lieutenant, and in 2021 was promoted to Captain on the Ladder Truck, where he has proudly led for the past three years.

Beyond his leadership, Jeff was a valued member of the Technical Rescue Team and played a key role in developing Shoreline Fire Department’s Rescue Swimmer program. 

His passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the department and community will be greatly missed.

Thank you, Captain Shelman, for your years of service and dedication! 


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AAUW Edmonds SnoKing to hear about ageism in the workplace

Attend AAUW Edmonds SnoKing's February meeting and hear from AARP's Cynthia Hinton. 

Cynthia will discuss ageism in the workplace, its impact on women and the six pillars of Brain Health.

Saturday February 8, 2025, 10am-12pm Edmonds College 20000 68th Ave W, Lynnwood 98036 Snohomish Hall Rm 338.


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Open mic night for high school students at Teen Center February 28, 2025


High school exclusive event at the Shoreline teen center!

Friday, February 28, 2025 visit the Shoreline Teen Center at Richmond Highlands Recreation Center 16554 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133

The teen center will be open from 2:30 to 9pm. Open mic night starts at 5pm

Free! Open to 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students!

Questions? dm us on instagram @ shorelineteenprograms or email aelliott@shorelinewa.gov


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Community Forum with Congresswoman Jayapal February 18, 2025 in Seattle


Community Forum with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal U.S. Representative (WA-07) Coming Together, Building Resilience, & Uniting for Change

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 6:00-7:30pm, doors open at 5:30pm
Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave, Seattle WA 98101

This is an opportunity to hear directly what I’m doing to fight back in Congress, learn from other local leaders in a panel discussion on where we go from here and get answers to your biggest questions. 

Join us to gather in community and chart our path forward under this new administration.

RSVP here

Be sure to arrive early to visit various booths from community partners on the front lines serving our district.

Space is limited and registration is required.


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Letter to the Editor: Rent Stabilization bill will help renters stay in their homes

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

To the Editor:

Washington is facing an eviction crisis. The simple fact is, rent is becoming too expensive.

In our current residence, my two-time cancer surviving wife and I have had 4 rent increases in less than 2 years. My work at a before and after school program for elementary students is important, but the money it makes me isn't enough that I don't have to worry about rent each month.

Our situation is not unique. Washington renters need relief.

HB 1217/SB 5222 is a “rent stabilization” bill. This bill sets standards for the amount that a landlord can raise rent on a tenant, protecting tenants from predatory fees and rent gouging. If passed, this bill will help millions of renter households stay in their homes and provide stability and predictability for renters and landlords alike.

This bill won’t solve all the problems with our housing crisis, but it’s a crucial step in the right direction that will bring relief to renters all across the state.

I sincerely hope that Representative Lauren Davis, Representative Cindy Ryu, and Senator Jesse Salomon will support HB 1217 and SB 5222. We can’t afford to delay.

Alan Charnley
Shoreline WA


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Bothell has enough snow to plow

Photo courtesy City of Bothell

The Big Leplowski, Plowy McPlowface, and SnowBeGone Kenobi sightings have been pouring in as crews continue to clear roads!

A winter weather advisory is in effect through Thursday, February 6 at 10am with more snow possible. As conditions change, stay home if you can. 

If you need to go out, please use caution, reduce speeds, increase following distance, and allow for extra stopping time.
 
Use caution, reduce speed, increase following distance, and allow for extra stopping time as conditions change. 


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Ching Community Garden: design workshop rescheduled; tool sharpening and pruning workshop coming soon

You’re Invited to the Design Review Session, February 10, 6:30pm

All interested friends and followers of the Ching Community Garden project are invited to attend a public session to review and comment on the two final design possibilities. 

The Design Review session will be held on February 10, 2025 at 6:30pm at Shoreline Community College in the Small Dining Room #9208 in the Student Union Building. (16101 Greenwood Ave N. Parking in the South Visitor Lot.)

The Ching Leadership Team and Jones & Jones Architects are excited to share the designs and would love your comments. Based on feedback from this session, Jones & Jones will then prepare the final design.

Once the final design is approved, the plan will be tackled in phases as funding becomes available, through a capital campaign drive, donations, and future grant awards. Your generous donations to Ching Community Garden to support the ongoing work are very much appreciated. 

To donate, click on the link

To receive regular updates on the Ching Community Garden project as well as a meeting reminder, please add your email address to the contact form on the Diggin Shoreline homepage

Diggin’ Shoreline Tool Sharpening & Tree Pruning Workshop Coming Soon!

Diggin’ Shoreline will hold its Annual Tool Sharpening and Tree Pruning Workshop at the Ching Community Garden after the site has been inspected and it is safe for the public. 

Pruning demonstrations will be done on larger, older fruit trees, like those that may be in your landscape. 

Learn how to identify diseases, too. Tool sharpening stations and instruction will also be part of the workshop. Watch for details in the Shoreline Area News in the coming weeks.

Londa Jacques
on behalf of the Ching Community Garden Leadership Team and Diggin’ Shoreline
email: info@digginshoreline.org
website: www.digginshoreline.org
Text messages: 206-437-9118


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What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? February 5 - 11


By Kate Ledbetter, Destination Shoreline

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline?
February 5 - 11


This week is packed with exciting community events for all ages, from creative crafting sessions and interactive story times to hands-on workshops and game nights. 

Whether you're in the mood to build with LEGO® bricks, design your own Valentine's Day cards, dive into a book club discussion, or fine-tune your bicycle maintenance skills, there's something for everyone. 

Plus, don't miss opportunities for free tax help, English conversation practice, and even a special visit from a celebrated children's book author. Check out the full lineup and make plans to join the fun!

For more details and upcoming events visit https://www.destinationshoreline.com/calendar.
 
LEGO® Block Party
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Shoreline Library
Build together at an unstructured, creative play open-house. Stay for the entire session or pop in for a few minutes. We supply the bricks, you supply the imagination! Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library. Registration not required.
 
DIY Valentine’s Day Cards at the Richmond Beach Library
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Richmond Beach Library
Make Valentine's Day cards for friends & family! Create cards using paper, ribbon, rubber stamps, stickers and other items, while supplies last. All ages welcome. Registration not required.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Richmond Beach Library.
 
Game On! at Shoreline Library
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Shoreline Library
Play video games on Nintendo Switch!  We've got Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 and more.  Plus, we'll have an assortment of board games available too! Snacks provided by Friends of Shoreline Library. Don't miss out! Grades 6-12.  Registration not required.
 
Tutors at Shoreline Library (Study Zone)
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Shoreline Library
Volunteer tutors provide homework help for grades K-12. They can also give language support for homework or translation in many languages. Students may drop in any time during Tutor hours.  Look for volunteers wearing the Tutor t-shirt.
 
Pajama Story Time at Shoreline Library
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Shoreline Library
Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes. Help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Registration not required. 
 
Richmond Beach Library Book Group
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Richmond Beach Library
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi New members always welcome. Registration not required.
 
Toddler Story Time at Richmond Beach Library
Thursday, February 6, 2025
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Richmond Beach Library
Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes that develop your toddler's early literacy skills. Ages 18 to 36 months with adult. Registration not required. 
 
Drop-In Technical Assistance
Thursday, February 6, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Shoreline Library
Have computer, mobile device or software questions? A staff member can provide basic level one-on-one assistance on tasks such as navigating a tablet, learning to download free eBooks and connecting through email. You may bring your own device, but library staff cannot provide hands-on or hardware assistance. Registration not required.
 
Preschool Story Time at Richmond Beach Library
Thursday, February 6, 2025
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Richmond Beach Library
Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes that develop your preschooler’s early literacy skills. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Registration not required.  
 
Free Tax Help by AARP Tax-Aide Foundation
Thursday, February 6, 2025
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Shoreline Library
Free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. All returns within the IRS/Tax-Aide scope prepared while you wait. No age or income limits. Drop-in service. Registration not required. Last walk-in accepted at 2:30pm.
 
Working Families Tax Credit Application Assistance
Thursday, February 6, 2025
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Shoreline Library
Receive one-on-one assistance with the Working Families Tax Credit application. The Working Families Tax Credit will provide payments up to $1,290 to individuals and families who meet certain requirements. To determine your eligibility, please visit wftc.wa.gov. Appointments preferred. Please call Quynh-Anh at 360.628.3049. Leave a message with your contact information. Walk-ins welcome if time permits.
 
Talk Time Class at Richmond Beach Library
Friday, February 7, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Richmond Beach Library
Practice speaking with other English language learners. Learn about American culture and meet people from around the world. Registration not required.
 
Work party at Twin Ponds
Saturday, February 8, 2025
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Twin Ponds Park
Buds are swelling and Song Birds are beginning to sing their courting songs. We will be on site to support the wildlife habitat. We welcome you to join us and appreciate your support! We meet on the far NW side of the park, along 155th street, west of the parking lot. All that is needed is a pair of gloves and a water bottle. We appreciate your sharing this post with others.
 ~ Many Hands Make Light Work ~
 
Saturday Family Story Time
Saturday, February 8, 2025
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Shoreline Library
Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes! Help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Registration not required.
 
Will Taylor Kid-Lit Author Event
Saturday, February 8, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Ridgecrest Books
If you happen to know a young Wicked fan, come check out our event with celebrated kid-lit author, Will Taylor, to celebrate the release of book 2 in his series, School for Wicked Witches. Spread the word and bring friends! We'd love to see a crowd of kids in the shop for this event!
 
Chess Club for Kids and Teens
Sunday, February 9, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Shoreline Library
Play chess and have fun! All skill levels are welcome and all materials provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library. Ages 6 and older, tweens and teens. Ages 6 and 7 with adult.
We are looking for volunteers for our Chess Club! If you know how to play chess and are interested in volunteering, contact Laurie at the Shoreline Library, lfield@kcls.org or 206.362.7550.
Registration not required.
 
Baby Story Time
Monday, February 10, 2025
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Shoreline Library
Share bouncy rhymes, familiar songs and a book for babies. Stay for a short play and social time for children and caregivers. Newborn to 24 months with adult. Registration not required. 
 
Toddler Story Time
Monday, February 10, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Shoreline Library
Enjoy rhymes, songs and short stories, just right for busy toddlers! Up to 30 minutes of play time follows. Ages 2 to 3 with adult. Registration not required. 
 
Free Tax Help by AARP Tax-Aide Foundation
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
3:00 PM - 6:15 PM
Shoreline Library
Free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. All returns within the IRS/Tax-Aide scope prepared while you wait. No age or income limits. Drop-in service. Registration not required. Last walk-in accepted at 6:15pm.
 
Reading Buddies at the Shoreline Library (Study Zone)
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Shoreline Library
Volunteers help students practice reading out loud. Two students are paired by reading level with each volunteer. Book selection focuses on readers in grades K-8 and English language learners in grades K-12. Reading Buddies share eBooks on an iPad. Books selection changes every two weeks. 
Look for volunteers wearing the green Reading Buddies t-shirt. Add your name to the sign-up sheet for a 30-minute spot at your reading level.
 
Tutors at Shoreline Library (Study Zone)
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
5:00 PM  7:00 PM
Shoreline Library
Volunteer tutors provide homework help for grades K-12. They can also give language support for homework or translation in many languages. Students may drop in any time during Tutor hours.  Look for volunteers wearing the Tutor t-shirt.
 
Basic Bicycle Maintenance at the Shoreline Tool Library
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Shoreline Tool Library
Work with a bike shack volunteer to learn how to tune up your bicycle! Spend an evening at the Shoreline Tool Library learning the basics of maintaining your bike. Bring your own bike and learn from hands-on experience by addressing your specific needs, such as gear, brake, and bearing adjustments, wheel truing and bike fit. You’ll also gain a better understanding of common noises and their causes and solutions. All in service to making your ride experience better and helping your bike last longer.
 
For more information and more upcoming events, visit the Shoreline events calendar on https://www.destinationshoreline.com/calendar
To have your event included please email DestinationShoreline@gmail.com.

Destination Shoreline is presented by Kate Ledbetter, Real Estate Broker with Windermere Real Estate/Shoreline. Whether you’re planning to sell, buy, or simply explore your options, Kate Ledbetter is ready to provide expert guidance tailored to your unique real estate needs, visit www.KateLHomes.com for more information.

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Three Mexican Nationals arrested with 14 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in Bellevue

Undercover operation involving HSI agents results in drug bust

Seattle – Three citizens of Mexico were arrested late last week in Bellevue, Washington in connection with a drug deal involving more than 25 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. 

All three men are being held at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac, Washington, on a criminal complaint.

According to records filed in the case, on January 29, 2025, an undercover agent with Homeland Security Investigations began communicating with a transnational drug organization about purchasing crystal methamphetamine. 

The deal was set for the next day: 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine for $62,000 to be exchanged at a restaurant parking lot in Bellevue.

After the undercover agents were shown the drugs, they walked the defendants back towards a vehicle where they claimed the money was waiting. As law enforcement swooped in to arrest the drug traffickers, they attempted to flee but were taken into custody. 

The men are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with attempt to distribute.

The three men are identified as:
  • Eber Omar Barrones-Madrid, age 24
  • Juan Jose Prado-Estrada, age 25
  • Jose Manuel Ochoa-Sanchez, age 27

The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi.


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Join book groups at the Richmond Beach Library

No registration required to join book groups scheduled at the Richmond Beach Library 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline WA 98177 each month.

All groups will be held from 6:30 - 7:30pm on the following dates:

Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Wednesday, March 5, 2025
The Glass Maker by Tracy Chevalier

Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Wednesday, May 7, 2025
The Devils Highway: A True Story by Luis Alberto Urrea

Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer



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AAUW Seattle offers scholarships

AAUW Seattle is offering 2025-2026 undergraduate scholarships of $3,000 - $15,000 for returning students at least 24 years old whose college education was previously interrupted. 

Applicants must have graduated from a King County high school and be accepted at a 4-year WA public college or a B.A.S. degree program at a selected King County college. 


AAUW is a national program whose mission is to advance equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. Branch members engage in local and federal advocacy for social and economic justice.


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Michael Reagan, USMC, and 10,000 portraits to honor Fallen Heroes

Jim Armstrong, Chair of Shoreline Veterans Association, Michael Reagan and Larry Fischer with the portrait of Vincent Santaniello. 
Photo by Doug Cerretti

Story by Doug Cerretti

Heroes Café Shoreline had the privilege to honor Michael G. Reagan, the Artist of the Fallen Heroes Project, on the occasion of his 10,000 portraits on January 14, 2025. 

For over 20 years, Michael has drawn portraits for Gold Star families to honor their loved ones who were lost due to war at no cost to the families. 

Michael talked about the effect these portraits had on their families. How did this happen that Michael undertook this momentous journey? 

The origin can be traced to the battlefield in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Vietnam. On March 28, 1968, the Marines came under rocket attack and a fellow Marine, Vincent Santaniello was mortally wounded. 

Michael rushed to him and held Vincent in his arms so he wasn’t alone, as Corpsmen “Doc’s” John Nunn and Tony Milazzo worked to stop the bleeding. 

Vincent turned his head and said, “Mike, I just want to go home,” and Vincent then took his last breath. Those words, “Mike, I just want to go home,” were seared into Michael’s head and heart; he sees Vincent and hears those words every day. 

After being Honorably Discharged, Michael when to art school. He was already a budding artist; in Vietnam he drew portraits of his comrades on the cardboard from C-ration boxes. Some of those drawings were all that came home. 

After graduating, Michael accepted a job with the Seattle School District and eventually with the University of Washington (Huskies) for the next 30 years. 

His official title when he retired was The Director of Trademarks and Licensing. His unofficial title was “Artist for the Huskies” as pronounced by Don James, the head football coach for the Huskies. 

Michael’s reputation as a portrait artist grew as he has drawn portraits of many notable people including seven Presidents, Bob Hope, Katherine and Audrey Hepburn, Red Skelton, Ingrid Bergman, Toby Keith, Edgar Martinez, Tom Selleck and Harrison Ford to name a few. 

Many times, Michael would have these celebrities sign blank boards where he would redraw their portraits and auction them off for charity raising over 10 million dollars. Clearly Michael had a very lucrative career as a portrait artist. 

But those words, “Mike, I just want to go home,” never left him. 

Then at the turn of the century, Michael received a request from a Gold Star Wife from Idaho. She had seen an interview on NBC about what Mike had done with his portrait artist career and thought that maybe this Marine combat veteran would draw a portrait of her husband, Navy Corpsman Michael Johnson who in 2003 was killed in action in Iraq. 

Two days after she received the portrait, she called Michael to thank him and to tell him the effect the portrait had on her. She related that in the year since his death, she had not been able to sleep an entire night. When she received his portrait, she was able to talk to him, talk to his eyes and that night she was able to sleep the entire night for the first time in a year. 

“Mike I just want to go home.” Those words had been percolating in Michael for decades. Maybe, Michael thought, in my way I could help bring these Fallen Heroes home and “draw some life after death,” as Michael said. 

He then made a fateful decision; he abandoned his portrait artist career and devoted full time to drawing portraits for Gold Star families at no cost to them. And now after over 20 years, Michael has achieved this remarkable number, 10,000 portraits completed. 


Here are additional examples of Michael’s work. He drew the portrait of Michael Carey holding his infant daughter Mia, who he never saw as he was overseas when she was born. Then he died before he could get home. His daughter will now have a picture of her with her dad.

Alfred Turgeon, a B-24 crewman who perished in an air raid on August 1, 1943. His remains were not identified until 78 years later.  See the article here.

Justin Fitch, who died from wounds years after his nine tours in Iraq and Afghanistan (see article) and Bryan Black who was killed in action in war in Niger, that few had ever heard about (see article). 

On occasion, Michael will draw a portrait of veterans who died of natural causes because of their extraordinary service such as Joe Mehelich whose WW2 battles started in North Africa and finished when he met the Russians at the River Elbe at the end of the war and every major campaign in between. Gravesite Memorial held for WWII Veteran and Shoreline resident Joseph Mehelich

Michael Reagan wearing the
Citizens Before Self Honor Medal
Photo by Doug Cerretti
These are just a few of the stories behind the 10,000 portraits Michael has done to “draw some life after death.” Go to fallenheroesproject.org to hear more stories and please contribute to this endeavor Michael has set for himself.

In 2015 Michael received the Citizens Before Self Honor Medal from the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. 

The award is given to “ordinary” citizens who perform acts of courage and service by vote of members of the Foundation. Membership into the Foundation requires a Congressional Medal of Honor.

Michael was asked how long will he draw these portraits? He responds, “Until the day before someone draws mine.”



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Irons Design Build Center opens new location on Aurora

Irons Design Build has moved to a new location on Aurora - grand opening Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

There is very limited on-site parking available. Plenty of free parking can be found at Parkwood Plaza, just north of our building at 15220 Aurora Ave North. Street parking can also be found on North 152nd St.

We look forward to raising a toast and sharing this monumental milestone with you!


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Shoreline Disaster Preparedness class


The Shoreline Fire Department invites you to attend a free Disaster Preparedness Class. This informative session aims to equip you with the necessary information and skills to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours following a disaster.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025
6:00pm– 8:00pm
Station 61
17525 Aurora Ave N
Shoreline WA 98133
enter from southbound Aurora

Learn more about:
  • How 911 operates
  • Resources mobilized when you call 911
  • Challenges of exceeding resources
  • Essential supplies you should have on hand
  • Safely shutting off gas in case of a leak
  • Turning off water on your property in case of a leak
  • Shutting off electricity or resetting breakers when needed
  • Fire extinguisher operation
  • Tips for joining the community response team

The class will be conducted by Andrew Leith who brings 23 years of experience at Shoreline Fire. Captain Leith is a member of the Washington State FEMA Task Force 1, Wildland Team, Technical Rescue team, Rescue Swimmer, and is assigned to the North and Heavy Rescue crew.

Register using the secure form below or email Michelle Pidduck at mpidduck@shorelinefire.com.


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Hillwood neighbor reports more than a foot of snow

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Photo (and) measurement by Murray Lorance
Hillwood resident sent in this photo to show the foot of snow that fell in his neighborhood. It actually looks like several feet.

We'll see what tomorrow brings.


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Classifieds: Fire Commissioners reschedule meeting time

NOTICE OF MEETING TIME RESCHEDULED

As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act, you are hereby notified that the Board of Commissioners of the Shoreline Fire Department has rescheduled the time for the February 20, 2025, Board meeting from 5:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accommodate the Department’s promotional pinning ceremony.

Notice posted by: 

Beatriz Goldsmith
Executive Assistant
February 3, 2025


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Weather cancellations

By Diane Hettrick

Events, activities, and schools were closed at various times of the day on Monday and warnings have gone out for Tuesday.

If you are planning to go anywhere on Tuesday, it would be wise to check first. Some city departments, colleges, senior center, have already made announcements.

The school district makes their decision very early in the morning, based on an assessment of whether the school buses can make it up and down our hills and winding roads.

Even if there is no snow on the roads, it may be too late to reschedule some evening events.

And don't be surprised if your garbage / recycling / yard waste is not picked up.


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Theater Review: Highly recommended - Second Samuel at The Phoenix Theatre

By Kindle Carpp

Second Samuel by Pamela Parker, ​directed by Keith Dahlgren, at The Phoenix Theatre through February 23, 2025.

Purchase tickets here

Second Samuel tells the story of a small southern town, Second Samuel, after Mrs. Gertrude, a beloved member of the community, has died. 

The play is set in the local watering hole and the local beauty parlor. 

Scene in the Beauty Parlor
Photo by Jim Sipes

After her death Mrs. Gertrude’s secret comes to the light and the town has to reconcile what they have learned with the woman they thought they knew.

While this plot is heavy it is so palatable because of how it is all framed and how each of the characters process.

Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think. - Jean de La Bruyère

Scene in The Bar
Photo by Jim Sipes

The set was a clever piece of architecture. Half was the beauty parlor, the other half was the bar with a sidewalk down the center splitting the stage in half.

Considering it was a cast of 11 actors I am impressed with the casting, Everyone was a really good fit for their roles. They all did so well as their characters wrestled with their feelings, some accepting quickly and having to defend their stance and others refusing to be swayed.

Featuring Ian Louis Wight as B-Flat and Raymond Miller as US
Photo by Jim Sipes

I do want to give a special mention to Ian Louis Wight, whose performance as B Flat I found to be especially good. I’ve seen him in other roles and I’m pleased to see him given an opportunity to show his acting chops. 

B Flat is a special needs character who I believe was handled compassionately. Wright allowed the character to shine through instead of making him a caricature.

I highly recommend this play not only for the message but also the delivery.

The Phoenix Theatre in Firdale Village
Located in the middle of the 2nd floor of the rear building
Free parking as far as the eye can see.


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Rep. Davis proposes changes to expedite process of finding the correct medication for people living with mental health challenges

Monday, February 3, 2025

Rep. Lauren Davis
OLYMPIA—Legislation proposed by Rep. Lauren Davis (D-32nd District) would expedite the arduous process of finding the right medication for people living with mental health challenges.

“When a patient has access to the correct medication, recovery isn’t just possible—it’s probable,” Davis said.
“The vast majority of psychiatric medications are prescribed by primary care providers. The trouble is that right now, doctors know a patient’s diagnosis, but they don’t know which medication might be best.”

Two thirds of patients seeking treatment for depression don’t improve with their first prescription, Davis said, and patients facing depression or other mental health challenges are already at an elevated risk of suicide.

“People naturally can feel hopeless if they’re subjected to medication after medication without relief,” she said.

House Bill 1425 requires insurers to cover pharmacogenomic testing for psychotropic medications. This technology uses a simple cheek swab to eliminate the guessing game and identify which medications would have the greatest efficacy and minimize side effects for a specific patient.

HB 1425 will be heard before the House Health Care & Wellness Committee on Tuesday, February 4 at 1:30pm. View the hearing.


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