Shoreline Area News: September 2025

Welcome Home, USCGC Polar Star

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

The Polar Star in Elliott Bay
Photo courtesy US Coast Guard

Welcome Home, USCGC Polar Star!

After 308 days away and the successful completion of Operation Deep Freeze 2025, Polar Star has returned to its home port Seattle following final maintenance in Vallejo, CA, wrapping up a 5-year Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).

This milestone ensures the nation’s only heavy icebreaker remains mission ready to support U.S. operations in Antarctica and beyond as we prepare for the future of polar security.

Bravo Zulu to the crew, support teams, and partners who made this possible. Your dedication is powering the future of U.S. polar operations.

Balance Impermanence

The setting sun and a rock cairn at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.
Photo by RJ Perna

Balance:

The effort undertaken to achieve that balance.

Impermanence:

Doing so while acknowledging that it is a transient endeavor.

--RJ Perna

Orange Shirt Day September 30, 2025

We are honored to recognize Every Child Matters Day (Orange Shirt Day) for the first time in Shoreline Schools.

Each year on September 30, we pause to reflect, remember, and learn together—acknowledging the truth of residential and boarding schools and committing to ensuring that every child matters .

Join us by wearing orange, listening, learning, and taking meaningful action.

Watch this special read-aloud from Title VI Advisor Sadrina Dorn and explore more ways to honor this day at this link

The secret power of math - Counted Out film viewing Friday October 3, 2025 7pm at Shorewood Theater

"Counted Out” is a documentary that explores today’s most pressing crises — political polarization, racial bias, social injustice, economic inequality, climate change, and the pandemic — through the overlooked lens of mathematics.

The film argues that math silently shapes nearly every aspect of modern life, from who we date to the news we consume, the elections we influence, and the opportunities available to us.

Yet, most people remain unaware of this hidden system or lack the numeric literacy to engage with it. The film highlights that understanding math is not just an academic skill but a key determinant of social and economic power.

Through personal stories, expert insights, and real-world examples, “Counted Out” shows the dangers of maintaining a culture where many people claim they are “not math people” and where math proficiency declines as students age.

It calls for a vision of America where everyone can understand and shape the mathematical forces driving society.

Featured voices include civil rights leader Robert Moses, mathematician and TEDx speaker Talithia Williams, journalist Julia Angwin, and economist Steven Levitt, co-author of Freakonomics.

Free community event for all ages in Shoreline & Lake Forest Park, jointly hosted by Meridian Park PTSA & Hi-Cap Advocacy committee

Friday, October 3, 2025

7:00–8:30 PM (film)
8:30–9:00 PM (panel)

Shorewood High School Theater 17300 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

Free to attend (all ages welcome!) RSVP recommended

Raven & Crow Show at Red Sky Gallery October 4, 2025

Raven & Crow Show

October 4, 2025 from 5–8pm
Red Sky Gallery

Town Center upper wing, intersection of Ballinger and Bothell Way NE

Caw-caw! Join our friends at Red Sky Gallery for this 4th annual event where feathers fly and the night comes alive…Come dressed in your fanciest feathers and prepare for a night of food, wine, spooky fun festivities and stunning artwork by local artists!

Philharmonia Northwest kicks off its opening season in Shoreline October 12, 2025

INSPIRED BY LOVE

WITH KEELY FUTTERER, SOPRANO

MICHAEL WHEATLEY, CONDUCTOR

SHORECREST PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2025 @ 2:00PM

Philharmonia Northwest kicks off its 50th Season with one of its most audacious opening concerts yet.

The program starts in top gear with an outstanding new work, Jessica Meyer’s fiery and unpredictable Turbulent Flames.

Then, Keely Futterer, a “high-quality lyric soprano with a keen verbal nuance” (Opera News), joins the orchestra for Pulitzer-winning composer Kevin Puts’s vivid setting of letters by painter Georgia O’Keeffe.

The program ends on Beethoven’s resplendent Seventh Symphony, considered by many—including Beethoven himself—to be one of his best.

PROGRAM:

Jessica Meyer – Turbulent Flames
Kevin Puts – Letters from Georgia
Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92

TICKETS

KidVantage pauses acceptance of donations for October to give the staff a break

The KidVantage Hubs will be pausing their acceptance of goods donations for the month of October to give their volunteers and small staff time to prepare for the fall and winter months.

The normal donation schedule will resume on November 1, 2025.

For more information, visit our website at www.KidVantageNW.org.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please reach out to Carolina Liendo at carolinal@KidVantageNW.org or Cori Benson at corib@KidVantageNW.org

KidVantage has a warehouse in the North City Business District in Shoreline.

Jobs: WSDOT Fiscal Analyst 2

WSDOT

Fiscal Analyst 2
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$55,792 – $75,045 Annually

Washinton State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a skilled and motivated Fiscal Analyst 2 to perform professional-level financial review and analysis to ensure accountability within the region.

This critical role supports WSDOT's mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options while ensuring financial activities comply with regulations and policies. Responsibilities include reviewing complex financial transactions for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with state and federal requirements.

Join us in fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment while contributing to the improvement of communities and economic vitality through effective financial management.

See link for more information, including details on how to apply: LINK

Gloria Nagler: Hey photog, thanks for the portrait, said Dougie

Photo by Gloria Z. Nagler

Shows me as a balanced individual with neat eating habits...not bad for a wild animal!

--Gloria Z. Nagler

Five LFP council positions are on the ballot - come hear from candidates at public forum Tuesday October 7, 2025

The 2023 LFP council candidate forum at Third Place Commons.
Photo by Mike Remarcke

The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County will present a free public forum featuring candidates for the Lake Forest Park City Council on Tuesday October 7, 2025 at 6:30pm at Third Place Commons in the Lake Forest Park Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.

Each candidate appearing on the November 2025 ballot has been invited to participate. In addition to the regularly scheduled election for positions 1,3,5, and 7, candidates for Position 2 will also be on the ballot because of the untimely passing of Deputy Mayor Lorri Bodi. The successful candidate will fulfill the remainder of Ms. Bodi’s term on the City Council.

Lake Forest Park voters and interested community members are encouraged to attend. Questions from the audience will be solicited.

The League of Women Voters is a national nonpartisan political grassroots organization that works to empower voters and defend democracy.

More information about the League of Women Voters can be found at lwvskc.org. For more information about this forum contact VoterServices@lwvskc.org

Hands Around Green Lake: Embracing Our Democracy and Community - Saturday October 4, 2025

Saturday, October 4, 2025 Green Lake Park, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115

Arrive by 2:30pm. Silent circle begins at 3:00pm.

Please bus/bike/walk/carpool. Bring your friends! Volunteers needed! Help us spread the word! Hands Around Greenlake

Recent news and events bring mounting fear that we may be heading into a time of authoritarianism, political violence, and even military occupation of our city.

As political rhetoric becomes increasingly heated many are uncertain what to think or do. Let’s create an occasion to dial down the intensity, remind ourselves of the values we stand for, and find peace and strength in community.

Come join us in holding hands around Green Lake in a giant embrace of our democracy and community, Saturday, October 4th at 2:30pm.

We’ll unite in a moment of silence and solidarity, and we’ll celebrate the values we stand for with signs, song, and dance.

Let’s show the world what Seattle resilience looks like at one of our most beloved city parks!

All are welcome for this joyful, peaceful event. Bring your T-shirts, songs, sidewalk chalk, and creativity to shout the values you are holding tight for our Seattle community. Come feel our power as a community, standing strong together.

Learn more here and sign up to volunteer.

Questions? greenlakerising@pm.me

Motorcyclist dies in Kenmore collision

Motorcyclist dies in collision in Kenmore
Photo courtesy Kenmore police

Early Saturday morning, September 27, 2025, Kenmore Officers were dispatched to a single motorcycle collision in the 18500 block of 73rd Ave NE.

The rider of the motorcycle died at the scene.

KCSO Major Accident Response and Reconstruction (MARR) Detectives responded and are conducting the investigation.

The End of Summer

Monday, September 29, 2025

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
Photo by RJ Perna

Goodbye to summer. Hello to fall.

Ridgecrest Books: Dress in your witchiest best for author Jessixa Bagley October 5, 2025 at 11am

Tiny graphic novel enthusiasts and novice witches please take note! Jessixa Bagley, creator of the most adorable witchy graphic novel of all time, will be joining us on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 11am!

We'll all be dressed in our witchiest best and we encourage anyone who feels so inspired to join us! Jessixa will read a bit, draw a bit, and answer lots of questions!

Ridgecrest Books, 512 NE 165th St, Shoreline, WA 98155

Jessixa is a two-time Washington State Book Award recipient; first in 2016 for her debut picture book, Boats for Papa, and again in 2024 for her graphic novel, Duel.

Jessixa also received a 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Honor Award for picture book Laundry Day. Many of her books are Junior Library Guild Selections.

Celebrating a key milestone in enhancing access to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

New roadways under construction at SeaTac
Photo courtesy Port of Seattle

SEATTLE (Sept. 19, 2025) – HNTB joins the Port of Seattle in highlighting a key milestone in the Roadway Improvements project aimed to alleviate the crowding and congestion along the departure and arrival drives at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The opening of the new Upper/Departures Drive, along with the completion of the westside retaining wall, is a highly visible step in the project evolution to travelers entering SEA Airport.

As one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S. for more than a decade, this milestone is just one part of SEA’s broader efforts to modernize its infrastructure, ensuring that the airport can meet the needs of more than 52 million travelers annually while maintaining a smooth, seamless experience for passengers.

Roadway improvements include two new southbound lanes, which serve as dedicated lanes for shuttles, taxis and airport parking access.

These upgrades also feature expanded curbside access, signage improvements and advanced stormwater treatment systems to remove pollutants before they reach nearby streams.

Behind the scenes, significant utility upgrades have been completed to support these improvements, providing long-term operational efficiency and sustainability. HNTB served as lead designer, working closely with the Port of Seattle throughout planning and execution.

New arrival lane
Photo courtesy Port of Seattle

This milestone also marks the transition to the next phase of improvements at SEA. With the new upper drive lanes now open, construction will shift to grading the area between the upper and lower drives.

Once complete, traffic will be temporarily redirected to the middle section, creating space to raise the lower drive and finish that portion of the project. These carefully sequenced steps ensure passenger access remains smooth while long-term improvements to airport roadways continue to move forward.

In addition to this project, HNTB has partnered with the Port on several other key initiatives, including a new baggage-level TSA checkpoint to ease congestion, reconfiguration of the cell phone lot for better access and airfield work such as loading bridge replacements and pavement and utility upgrades.

“Our long-standing collaboration with the Port of Seattle reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the travel experience while positively impacting the surrounding community,” said Kris Agers, Washington office leader and senior vice president at HNTB.

“The infrastructure upgrades designed by HNTB will improve travel efficiency and enhance the airport’s connection to the region it serves.”

CJ Grove, project manager at HNTB, added, “The new departure lanes are a critical step toward easing congestion and increasing efficiency. These enhancements address current needs as the region prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and are designed to integrate with potential future roadway improvements.”

“The new upper/departures drive marks a pivotal step toward modernizing how people access SEA,” said Heather Bornhorst, capital program leader at the Port of Seattle.

“These enhancements are crucial in helping us meet growing demand while advancing the Port of Seattle Commission’s ground transportation goals to reduce congestion and improve ease of access and the customer experience.”

For more information on past and upcoming SEA improvements, visit the Port of Seattle’s Airport Capital Projects website.

About HNTB

For more than a century, HNTB Corporation has been at the forefront of designing and advancing transportation infrastructure that enhances mobility and improves local communities. As employee owners committed to excellence, we prioritize client success while delivering a full spectrum of infrastructure-related services. Discover HNTB’s Spark at www.hntb.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook or Instagram.

HomeTechHacker: How a Little Tech Helped Me Take Back My Time

By Marlon Buchanan

Like a lot of people, I used to feel constantly behind—overwhelmed by to-do lists, calendar reminders, and the never-ending juggle of work, family, and personal goals.

There were times when I wondered if I'd ever get a handle on it all. The answer, it turns out, came from something I already knew and loved: tech.

I’m not talking about flashy gadgets or the latest productivity trend. I’m talking about small, practical tools—some digital, some physical—that helped me build better habits, improve my daily routines, and get back hours of my week.

These tools made such a difference that I ended up writing a book about it: Life by Design: Automate to Master Time, Health, Money, and Unlock Personal Success.

It’s my playbook for how I used tech and automation to reclaim my time, and how anyone, regardless of how “techy” they are, can do the same.

Here are just a few of the key tools that helped me get there.

Smart speaker
Smart speakers and routines

One of my favorite productivity hacks is using voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.

I’ve set up daily routines that automatically adjust lights, start music, give me weather and calendar updates, and even remind me to drink water or stretch.

These small nudges keep my day flowing with less mental effort.

Calendar and task automation

I use tools like Google Calendar and Notion to keep everything from appointments to book writing

deadlines on track. Recurring tasks, reminders, and color-coded calendars help me see what’s urgent and what can wait, and keep me from overcommitting.

Financial automation

Managing finances used to be one of those things I dreaded because of how important it is and how much time it takes to do right. Now I rely on Monarch Money to track everything automatically, from budgets to investments. With a glance at my dashboard, I know exactly where I stand. It's one of the many financial tools I recommend in Life by Design.

Health routines
Health tracking and routines

Between smartwatches, meal planning apps, and simple timers, I’ve built routines that make it easier to stay active, sleep better, and eat well.

The health and fitness tools I use don’t magically make me healthier, but they reduce the resistance and roadblocks, and that makes all the difference.

Building systems, not just using tools

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the tech isn’t the solution; it’s how you use it. The right tools help you create systems that work behind the scenes, so you don’t have to constantly stay on top of everything. That’s what Life by Design is all about.

If any of this resonates with you, the book is now available for purchase at all major retailers, including ebook, audiobook, paperback, and hardcover. You can also buy the book directly from me at a steep discount from the major retailers. Additionally, you can learn more about the book here.

Reclaiming your time doesn’t mean working harder—it means working smarter, with help from a few well-placed tools. I’m living proof that it can be done, and I hope others will find it just as empowering as I did.

Marlon Buchanan is a best-selling author, IT Director, and founder of HomeTechHacker.com, a website with free resources to help you make the most of your home technology. If you have questions or comments about this article, you can contact Marlon through his website or X (Twitter).

Shoreline Chamber of Commerce to host candidate forum at City Hall

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is proud to host a Candidate Forum on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 6:30pm in the Council Chambers at Shoreline City Hall 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133.

This important community event will feature candidates running for seats that Shoreline voters will decide in the upcoming election. The forum provides residents, businesses, and community leaders an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and better understand their priorities and perspectives.

Event details

Doors open: 6:00pm
Candidate Forum: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Informal meet-and-greet: Until 8:00pm

The format will include:

Two-minute opening statements from each candidate
A moderated Q&A session led by Dr. Tim C. Norton, Shoreline Chamber of Commerce
One-minute responses, with a 30-second rebuttal if a candidate is named

“This Candidate Forum is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen Shoreline’s business and civic community by ensuring access to informed dialogue and civic engagement,” said Kevin Barrett, President of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce.

“We encourage residents and business leaders alike to attend and participate in shaping Shoreline’s future.”

Attendance is free, but advance registration is requested. Please RSVP by October 1, 2025.

Q&A Session on LFP Police and Public Safety Levy October 22, 2025

From video LFP Leaders discuss budget challenges
Silje Sodal, Third Place Commons, Chief of Police Mike Harden, City Administrator Phillip Hill

Lake Forest Park residents are invited to take part in upcoming information sessions about the proposed six-year police and public safety levy that will appear on the November 2025 ballot.

The City will host two opportunities for the community to learn more about the levy measure:

Saturday, October 18, 9:00am at City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Wednesday, October 22, 6:00pm at City Hall

Each session will include a short presentation followed by time for residents’ questions. In a recent community survey, residents identified public safety as their top priority.

In response, the City Council advanced this ballot measure to help maintain critical services such as 911 dispatch, police staffing and training, court services, and mental health diversion programs.

Without additional revenue, these services are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.

Costs for police, jail, and related services have risen significantly, and inflation has increased nearly 24% over the past four years, while state law limits property tax revenue growth to just 1% annually.

The proposed levy would set a rate of $0.24 per $1,000 of assessed property value, beginning in 2026 and lasting six years. Tax exemptions are available for qualifying low-income seniors, disabled veterans, and residents with disabilities.

Residents who want to learn more before the events can visit cityoflfp.gov/lid-lift-info or email City Administrator Phillip Hill at phill@cityoflfp.gov with questions.

Correction: Chief Mike Harden

Sunday sign waving protests continue

Photo by Pamela Mieth

By Pamela Mieth

Increasingly fanciful statements and mounting authoritarian directives by President Trump and his surrogates last week drew 60 area residents to Sunday's sign-waving at the Shoreline-Edmonds line, including a handful out for the first time.

The mood felt both more determined in the wake of the effort of many to redefine legitimate criticism as illegal and Trump's order to send troops to "war-torn" Portland, and more buoyant as many drivers honked their horns in agreement with the many sign-wavers.

Photo by Sandy Labyris

One Shoreline resident had this to say about why she shows up every week:

"The administration is a dumpster fire and I’d like to be a part of putting it out. Small actions can have big results. I believe in democracy and kindness."

In addition to the horn honks, a lively soundtrack to the event at the Aurora Ave N and N 205th St intersection was provided by bluetooth speakers playing earlier era protest songs and Dolly Parton's classic workers' anthem "9 to 5."

The "Social Justice Sundays" event, organized by Shoreline-based Everyday Activists, also collected donations of food, toiletries and school supplies, as well as several bags of trash from the roadway and sidewalks that volunteers took home for disposal.

Op-Ed: Getting around Shoreline without a car shouldn’t be this hard

Heather with her e-bike

Monday is the beginning of the Week Without Driving

By Heather McLaughlin

I live on the border of Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, and Lake Forest Park — three cities built with cars in mind. But I don’t drive.

I stopped when our family car, a 2010 Prius, became unreliable, and I realized that with light rail opening nearby and a trusty e-bike, I could get by without it. Today I use a mix of biking, transit, and the occasional ride-hail. Most days it works well — but it also reveals just how hard it is to live without a car in communities like ours.

Unless you’ve been in this position yourself, it’s easy to miss the daily challenges: bus routes that don’t line up, gaps in bike infrastructure, or the sheer cost of alternatives when transit doesn’t reach where you need to go.

When my husband broke a rib late one night, getting to the ER meant a $40 Lyft ride. By the time we left, the price had jumped to $80 — an impossible burden for many. Even with light rail, the trip home by transit took more than an hour.

These moments highlight what’s at stake in this year’s Week Without Driving (September 29–October 5). The annual event, started in 2020 by Disability Rights Washington, asks people — especially policy makers — to give up driving for a week, a day, or even just one trip. It’s grown into a nationwide effort with 400 organizations across all 50 states.

Here in Shoreline, Urbanist Shoreline is encouraging neighbors to try it and share their experiences.

The point isn’t to shame drivers — most of us rely on cars because our communities have been designed around them. The point is to show what life is like for the more than 10% of Washingtonians of driving age who cannot or do not drive. Their voices are too often missing from transportation decisions.

That’s a problem not just for people like me, but for everyone. When policy makers assume driving is the only viable option, they leave us all with fewer choices. Drivers get stuck in traffic with no alternatives. Kids can’t safely bike or walk to school. Older adults lose independence when they can’t drive anymore. And our cities’ climate goals become harder to reach.

Shoreline’s own climate action plan identifies private vehicle trips as the single biggest source of carbon emissions — and calls for reducing them sharply over the coming years. We’ve made progress: light rail expansion, new sidewalks, and bike lanes are real steps forward.

But they’re not enough. We need a full network of safe, convenient, and affordable non-car options: buses that connect seamlessly, protected bike routes that don’t vanish at busy intersections, sidewalks that work for people of all abilities.

For me, biking to my bookkeeping clients around the region works — most of the time. But when I have to get from Shoreline to Renton, patience is the only way to survive the two-hour trip, even with light rail. That shouldn’t be the case.

If our cities truly invested in alternatives, everyone would benefit: people who don’t drive, people who can’t drive, and yes, even people who do.

That’s why I’m inviting you to join me in trying the Week Without Driving. Pick a day, or even a single trip, to leave the car behind. Notice what works and what doesn’t. Could you get there by bus? Was there a safe walking or bike route? Did it take a reasonable amount of time?

The answers to those questions matter far beyond this week. They should shape the way we plan and build our communities. Because a Shoreline that works without a car is a Shoreline that works better for everyone.

Southbound Aurora blocked after collision just south of N 145th

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Photo courtesy SDOT

Collision on Aurora Ave N south of N 145th St blocked the right two southbound lanes around 8pm on Sunday September 28, 2025.

The road was cleared and the lanes reopened after half an hour.

Travels with Charlie: What Are You Barking At?

Story and photos by Gordon Snyder

Our house had a bad case of the rumbles! Charlie was beside himself barking at loud machine noises. The roads going up and down the hill to Horizon View Park are being resurfaced. This is NE 204th St.

This operation is called Asphalt Milling. It cuts and grinds the old pavement. Then millings are removed and placed in a Dump Truck. The Sweeper immediately cleans up the millings to reduce the dust and clean the surface for new asphalt.

Next truck ready for a load to be hauled and processed as reclaimed asphalt. Great environmental improvement over the old methods of road repairs.

Now, NE 204th St is ready for paving the next day.

The next day the paver and asphalt truck started laying down the new surface.

About a 30,000 lb roller smashes the asphalt into the smooth surface for driving.

This operation paved about 40 feet in minute.

I now have a lot more respect for the "Road Work Ahead” signs everywhere. These workers were the best.

It is tough work with lots of bad air around them. I won’t be getting bummed when i have to wait a few minutes for them to work…

Cheers
Gordon Snyder

Shoreline City Council Candidate Forum October 16, 2025

The Briarcrest Neighborhood is pleased to announce our upcoming City Council Candidates Forum, our first full format candidates event since 2019.

Details:
6:30-8pm Thursday, October 16, 2025
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 14514 20th Ave NE

Sponsors:

Schedule:

6:30-7pm open chat
7-8pm Q&A (questions TBD)
8-8:30pm wrap up Q&A, final chance to chat
After 8:30: you get a broom

Do you have questions you'd like to ask? Send them to briarcrestneighbors@gmail.com

Dine at Lake Forest Bar & Grill October 22, 2025 to raise money for Rotary End Polio Now charity

LFP Rotary &

LAKE FOREST BAR & GRILL

are teaming up to host

a ‘NO MORE POLIO’ Night

It’s a celebration to ENDPOLIO.ORG

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 5-9pm

20% of all proceeds will go to the

eradication of polio

Come dine with us…

Buy a gift card

Do Take-out

Neighborhood Grills

Business Spotlight: Always Summer Ice Cream Café – Where Summer Never Ends

Local Spotlight brought to you by Kate Ledbetter, DestinationShoreline.com

Always Summer Ice Cream Café – Where Summer Never Ends

Tucked into the heart of Lake Forest Park, Always Summer Ice Cream Café is more than just a spot for ice cream or coffee, it’s a space designed to spark joy.

From handcrafted small-batch flavors like Creamy Cardamom Pistachio and Rose Chocolate Swirl to artfully brewed espresso drinks, this café radiates warmth, creativity, and community spirit.

Founded by long-time designers turned café creators, Always Summer is built as an “ongoing experiment in joy” a place where neighbors, families, and friends can gather, connect, and indulge in moments that feel like summer all year long.

Q & A with Always Summer Ice Cream Café

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: We’re fresh, yet strongly rooted: Always Summer opened our doors to the community on March 12, 2025 — a new place for gathering, delighting the senses, and tasting joy one sip / scoop at a time.

Q: What inspired you to start your business?

A: As founders who’ve spent over 20 years designing products, services, and spaces, Always Summer isn’t just a café — we built it as a living love letter to craft and creativity. We saw a world growing heavy and yearned to build something light: a place that feels like sunlight, flavor, and welcome. From the way a sundae is composed, to the hum of espresso machines, to the selection of joyful staff — every detail is designed to spark delight. Our signature flavors—like Creamy Cardamom Pistachio and Rose Chocolate Swirl—blend nostalgia with surprise, global with local, and comfort with adventure. Always Summer isn’t a business; it’s an ongoing experiment in joy.

Q: What service does your business provide for our community?

A: Located in Lake Forest Park, Always Summer is a bright haven offering handcrafted, small-batch artisanal ice cream and expertly brewed coffee. Whether it’s a heartwarming latte, a playful sorbet, or a sundae made for sharing, we care deeply about sensory experience: flavor, texture, warmth, visual beauty, and memorability.

Q: How do you approach customer service, and what sets you apart?

A: We want Always Summer to feel like a bright reprieve — a place where summer never truly ends. From the warm greeting at the door to the careful ways cups are poured and details are arranged, we aim for every interaction to spark joy, ease, and a touch of the unexpected. Because we believe that crafted with care and made with love isn’t just a slogan—it’s what people feel when they sit down, take a breath, and savor that first spoonful.

Q: How does your business support or give back to the local community?

A: We live here too. As Lake Forest Park residents, we’ve partnered with schools, parent-teacher associations, and neighborhood groups for fundraisers, scholarships, and community events. We believe joy shared is joy magnified, and every scoop we give or fundraiser we host is a chance to honor that.

Connect with Always Summer Ice Cream Café

17171 Bothell Way NE, Ste A140, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

+1 (206) 644-2491

alwayssummercafe.com

alwayssummercafeco@gmail.com

Destination Shoreline is brought to you 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 KateLHomes.com for more information.

Beginning genealogy course at Seattle Genealogical Society

Curious about where to begin your genealogy journey?

Wondering how to find the best records, evaluate evidence, and make sense of DNA results?

This fall, SGS is offering a Beginning Genealogy class designed to help if you are just getting started or want to sharpen your skills.

This class will help you build a strong foundation for your research.

Choose Your Series

Wednesday Mornings, Oct 15, 22, 29 & Nov 5, 2025 - 10:00–11:30am
Thursday Evenings, Oct 16, 23, 30 & Nov 6, 2025 - 7:00–8:30pm
Optional 5th Session: In-person library tour & one-on-one research help at SGS (week of Nov 10).

Fee: $80 (SGS members $60)
Register here: https://bit.ly/4pHRh5I
Taught by SGS instructor Cecellia Rogers.

Good Shepherd Center 4649 Sunnyside Ave N #302, Seattle, WA 98103

Autumn Leaves Paint & Sip at Copperworks Kenmore October 1, 2025

Cheers to channeling Bob Ross!

Copperworks Kenmore’s Paint & Sip series invites guests to drink up, paint away, and see what happens when craft cocktails are combined with canvas art.

Guided by returning artist Brooke Westlund, guests will create an autumn masterpiece on an 11" X 14" canvas.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm

WHERE: Copperworks Kenmore* 7324 NE 175th St, Kenmore, WA 98028. Located directly on the Burke Gilman bike trail

*Copperworks Kenmore is a cocktail bar, tasting room, and gathering place owned and operated by Copperworks Distilling Co.

De La Soil is a farm-to-kitchen concept housed within Copperworks and will be open for bites during the Paint & Sip event!

COST: $40 PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

What's Included:

A 2-hour guided autumn painting session with artist Brooke Westlund
All art supplies provided

No experience required!

Drinks are not included in the ticket price. Seats are limited, so advance registration is recommended.

Note: Guests will not receive a physical ticket for this event. Names will be on the registration list. Please retain the email confirmation.

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Insurance

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here

Artificial Intelligence (AI) to be used to review Medicare outpatient procedures

From Washington State Standard

The new Medicare prior authorization model, known as Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction, or WISeR, will work with third-party companies deploying artificial intelligence to decide if traditional Medicare enrollees qualify for certain outpatient procedures.

Health care professionals will review denials that the AI technology makes. Procedures covered are those the federal government sees as too costly for the resulting medical benefit, such as impotence treatment, deep brain stimulation and knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis.

Dr. Matt Hollon, with the Washington State Medical Association, is among those unconvinced that the program is a move in the right direction. "Patients expect their care to be guided by doctors, not insurance companies or automated systems."

The third-party companies involved will be compensated with a share of the savings they generate, stoking fears the decision-makers will be incentivized to deny approval.

More information here

Football: Shorewood v Lynnwood

Finn Bachler carries the ball

Photo by Malcolm McLaurin

Football

Shorewood vs. Lynnwood

9/25/25, 19:30

Away @Edmonds Woodway high school

Regular Season

Shorewood 56 - Lynnwood 0

Photo by Malcolm McLaurin

Highlights

Julien Woodruff threw for 4 touchdowns and rushed for 1.
Lukas Wanke had 2 TDS receiving.
Finn Bachler added 1 receiving td and rushing td.
Stormray defense was led by Cole Petschl with 8 tackles.

GAME STATS

	1	2	3	4	Total
Shorewood	7	28	21	0	56
Lynnwood	0	0	0	0	0

Jack Gallagher
Photo by Malcolm McLaurin

SCORING SUMMARY

1st Quarter

SW: Finn Bachler 2 yd Rush (TD) 6-0
SW: Kaare Nye (PAT) 7-0

2nd Quarter

SW: Julien Woodruff 3 yd Rush (TD) 13-0
SW: Kaare Nye (PAT) 14-0
SW: Lukas Wanke 44 yd Pass from Julien Woodruff (CNV) 20-0
SW: Kaare Nye (PAT) 21-0
SW: Frank Burn 2 yd Rush (TD) 27-0
SW: Kaare Nye (PAT) 28-0
SW: Finn Bachler 29 yd Pass from Julien Woodruff (CNV) 34-0
SW: Kaare Nye (PAT) 35-0

3rd Quarter

SW: Jack Gallagher 12 yd Pass from Julien Woodruff (CNV) 41-0
SW: Kaare Nye (PAT) 42-0
SW: Lukas Wanke 25 yd Pass from Julien Woodruff (CNV) 48-0
SW: Kaare Nye (PAT) 49-0
SW: Josiah Macias 15 yd Rush (TD) 55-0
SW: Kaare Nye (PAT) 56-0

4th Quarter

Head Coach Rob Petschl

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