Shoreline Area News: December 2025

Extra hands needed to plant cedar trees at Five Acre Woods Saturday December 6, 2025

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Five Acre Woods
Photo courtesy LFPSF

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation is hosting a planting work party and would love to have you join them this Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

(Join for an hour, two or three)

We need all hands on deck to meet our goal of planting 22 beautiful 8 ft Western Red Cedar trees.

They are currently outgrowing their pots, and the ground is moist and soft—it's the perfect time to give them a permanent home in 5 Acre Woods Park!

What to Bring & Wear

We especially need people with strong backs for digging & lifting at this work party.

Each tree requires a large hole and lifting/moving the pots will be a group effort.

Know your limitations, we don't want anyone injured!

Tools: Please bring a shovel and/or pick axe if you own one.

Attire: Dress for the uneven terrain and cold weather. Sturdy boots, gloves, and a rain hat are highly recommended!

Other Activities & Refreshments

We’ll have hot cocoa, coffee, and treats for all volunteers.

No Digging/Lifting?

A covered station will be set up for folks who prefer to make bird seed ornaments & edible fruit garlands.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome, children will need adult supervision and permission. Please sign in when you arrive. Bring your own gloves & tools if you can, we will have some to lend as well.

Questions?

Contact volunteer coordinator Polly Saunders at polly@gaiaict.com

Location:

City Park Five Acre Woods 18678-18998 40th Pl NE, Lake Forest Park, WA

Special promotions at Shoreline Town & Country market December 4-7, 2025

Some special events at Shoreline Town & Country Market, 15505 Westminster Way N, Shoreline, WA 98133

December Tastings | Dec. 4-7
Sip your way into the season with a series of celebration wines, sparkling wines, and other festive beverages hand-picked by T&C’s knowledgeable team. Paired bites included. 21+. Full details.

Gingerbread House Decorating | Dec. 6 & 7
A community favorite: pre-assembled gingerbread kits go on special for $13.99, for one weekend only, with icing, candy toppings and hot apple cider provided on site. Guests/kiddos can pick up a kit at their local market and decorate in-store with help from the T&C team. Details.

Holiday Open Houses | Dec. 6 & 7
A T&C classic returns. Each market will welcome the community for an afternoon of festive samples, seasonal favorites, and visits with longtime vendors and team members. Warm, low-key and very T&C. Come say hello and discover all the little joys waiting for you. Details.

For The Birds: Turkeys, An American Native

Male wild turkey
Photo by Tyler Moulton on unsplash.com

By Christine Southwick

Turkeys do not stand out in the rain with their mouths open and drown!

Who knows where that unfounded and widely believed myth came from?

When state game managers were trying to restore wild turkey populations during the 1920’s, they found that domesticated turkeys couldn’t survive (maybe those domesticated turkeys starved and were found after heavy rains??).

Starting in the 1940’s, transplanting wild-caught turkeys have survived so well that Wild Turkeys are no longer endangered in any state. In fact, they are the second most popular meat hunted, after deer.

Turkeys were first domesticated centuries ago in Mexico, taken back to Europe, and then re-introduced, to the American colonies (they had been over-hunted for food) by English colonists. Now they are actively hunted in every state except Alaska.

Female wild turkeys
Photo by Dani Adkins on unsplash.com

Wild Turkeys get around mostly by walking, though they can also run and fly. When females are spooked, they tend to fly, while male usually run.

Wild Turkey are intelligent and they mainly forage on nuts and berries and some insects. Each sex has an independent pecking order, with an established female hierarchy and a constantly changing male hierarchy.

Turkeys roost high up in a tree each night with the ruling male selecting the site and calling the ladies of his harem to join him.

Wild Turkeys are hunted by lots of animals including coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, mountain lions, Great Horned Owls, and people. Their ground nests are often hunted by many additional predators but Wild Turkeys still manage to have a growing population.

In the spring, the male, who has blue flesh and red flesh on his head, attracts females by gobbling, puffing his feathers, spreading his tail, swelling his face wattles, and drooping his wings.

Using this display, one male usually attracts several females. The female builds a shallow nest at the base of a tree or other dense vegetation, lining it with a small amount of grass or leaves for her 10-15 eggs. The young leave the nest shortly after hatching and feed themselves, although the female still tends them and broods them at night.

There are six subspecies of Wild Turkeys in North America, and three subspecies of Wild Turkey have been introduced in different areas of Washington. All three use slightly different habitats, but all depend on a combination of trees and grasslands for survival.

Who knew?

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: 210 degrees

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here

Light up Shoreline during the 2025 ShoreLights Porch Parade

Light up Shoreline during the 2025 ShoreLights Porch Parade

The community is invited to participate in the ShoreLights Porch Parade. Unleash your creativity, create new memories, and mark the many winter traditions celebrated in Shoreline with your Porch Display!

No porch? No problem!

Decorate your window, balcony, storefront, or any street-facing feature and register your display to be included on a virtual map. Just make sure your display is visible from the road and/or sidewalk.

Photo by Claudia Meadows

Enjoy the Lights!

Kick off your journey at Town Center Park where more than 50,000 bulbs will illuminate the ShoreLights Display through January 11. 2026. Continue your walk, ride, or drive around the city to take part in the festivities across Shoreline.

A virtual map of all registered displays will be available on December 16.

Register here by 11:59pm on December 15 to have your display included on the ShoreLights Porch Parade Map.

RBCC Players Present: A Christmas Story The Musical

RBCC Players Present: A Christmas Story The Musical

December 12 & 19 – 7:30pm
December 13 & 20 – 2:00pm & 7:30pm

Tickets: $12.50 - $20.00
All seats reserved. Purchase early for best seats.
Purchase tickets here

Richmond Beach Congregational Church

corner of NW Richmond Beach Rd & 15th Ave NW

A Christmas Story: The Musical is a stage adaptation of the beloved 1983 film.

Set in 1940s Indiana, the musical follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, who dreams of receiving a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.

As he navigates childhood obstacles like bullies, schoolyard dares, and a strict teacher, Ralphie’s holiday quest unfolds with warmth and humor. His vivid daydreams and quirky family - including his gruff but loving father and gentle mother - add to the heartwarming nostalgia of the story.

The musical blends catchy songs, lively dance numbers, and author, Jean Shepard’s signature narration to capture the spirit of a classic American Christmas.

With a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, A Christmas Story: The Musical celebrates childhood wonder, family traditions, and the timeless message that sometimes, the best gifts are the ones we never expect.

Christmas Ship at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park December 4, 2025

Photo courtesy Argosy

On Thursday, December 4, 2025 the Argosy Christmas Ship will anchor near the beach at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. There will be entertainment from the Christmas Ship as well as entertainment and bonfires on shore.

Thursday, December 4, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park – lower shelter and beach

2021 NW 190th St, Shoreline, WA 98177

Hosted by City of Shoreline and Richmond Beach Community Association

Paul Lewing and Rupa Palasamudram studio sale December 6-7, 2025

Paul Lewing's studio sale is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday December 6 and 7, 2025 from 10 am - 5 pm, at his studio at 105 N 200th St. in Shoreline.

Acrylic painting by Paul Lewing

Paul will be showing his acrylic paintings and ceramic tiles and trivets, and Rupa Palasamudram will be showing her functional porcelain pottery and horsehair raku vessels.

Pencil neck bulbous horsehair raku vase
by Rupa Palasamudram

This year we’re going to try something new. For folks who can’t make it to the show, we’re going to see if we can do video tours, using FaceTime if you have an iPhone or WhatsApp if you don’t. The number for me is 206-919-2664, or for Rupa 607-296-9262.

Paul is available Friday afternoon, Sunday, and Monday afternoon.

Paul's larger paintings can be viewed at his website,

And once again, we’re encouraging everyone to bring their friends, forward our emails, and share this with everyone in your community.

December activities at the Shoreline Teen Center

The Shoreline Teen Center is a free teen center for youth aged Middle School to 18 years old. The Center provides hot food as well as many activities.

They have basketball, pool, ping pong, foosball, video games, and art daily. Doors open at 2:30pm Monday - Friday. All calendar activities begin at about 3:30pm and are subject to change.

Located at Richmond Highlands Recreation Center
16554 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133

Updates on the Shoreline Teen Center activities, events, and hours can be found at shorelinewa.gov/teens under the Teen Program Updates drop-down menu.

Teens at the Shoreline Teen Center are old enough to check themselves in and out. While staff support them while they’re here, we are not able to supervise once they leave the building.

Donate blood in Shoreline December 12, 2025

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

By Tom Petersen

Join your friends and neighbors at Bloodworks Northwest’s Shoreline Covenant Church blood drive on Friday, December 12, 2025.

Appointments are available between 9:00am and 3:00pm. Sign up for your appointment by clicking here. You can also go to www.bloodworksnw.org or call 1-800-398-7888. Walk-ups are accepted on a space-available basis.

Blood donations are needed year-round, but they’re most critical during holidays when donations drop and fewer people have time to donate. Preparing our blood supply for extreme weather is critical for patients.

Make a blood donation at the Shoreline Covenant Church on 12/12 as part of your holiday giving. It only takes an hour to make a difference.

Those who donate in December can enter to win a trip to Rome for two, with direct flights from Seattle or Portland provided by Delta Air Lines, a 3-night hotel stay at the luxurious Hassler Roma, and concert tickets.

Shoreline Covenant Church 1330 N 185th St, Shoreline, WA 98133

European holly – Puget Sound Forest menace

English holly female with red berries
Ilex aquifolium female

By Richard Olmstead

“Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la…”

Holiday season is upon us and it’s a good time to rethink our attitude towards that venerable holiday decoration – holly. English holly, Ilex aquifolium, to be specific, is now a Class C noxious weed in Washington.

English holly is a European species introduced to the Pacific Northwest as an ornamental and as a commercial crop for seasonal greenery.

There are some 400 species of holly worldwide, but none are native to the PNW. Unlike most flowering plants, hollies have separate male and female plants; each have clusters of small white flowers, but only females bear the familiar bright red berries. All have shiny, dark green leaves with sharp teeth along the margins. The berries are attractive to birds, which eat the fleshy outer fruit and disperse the seeds throughout the environment.

English holly male in flower
Ilex aquifolium male

Research conducted at UW Bothell in St. Edwards State Park (Stokes et al., 2014; Church et al., 2025), found that wild holly is spreading exponentially, with doubling times of approximately 5-6 years! In addition to being dispersed by birds, holly also spreads horizontally by root shoots and stem layering resulting in individual plants forming dense thickets.

In St. Edwards, individual thickets sometimes exceeded 500 square feet and were so dense and dark that almost no native plants were found growing underneath; especially affected were salal (Gaultheria shallon) and sword fern (Polystichum munitum). And while hundreds of trees were counted, only a single dead one was found, showing that they are long-lived and have few, if any, pathogens. The largest trees were about 50 years old, dating to the time that development began to surround St. Edwards monastery, implicating use of holly in landscaping as the source for the invasion.

What can you do?

First, don’t plant holly as part of your home landscaping.

Second, consider removing any holly on your property and substituting other, non-invasive, trees or shrubs. Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board suggests three holly alternatives: Meserve hybrid hollies (Ilex x meserveae cultivars), Osmanthus or false holly (Osmanthus heterophyllus) or our native tall Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium).

If you opt to remove holly, small trees can be dug up to remove the roots; for larger trees, cut the trunk near the ground and apply an herbicide to the cut surface that will be absorbed into the roots without harming other plants in the vicinity (Whatcom County Noxious Weed Board provides a fact sheet, or see your local garden center for a safe herbicide). Be careful not to mistake our native Oregon grape species, which have superficially similar leaves, for holly.

Alas, how will I decorate our fireplace mantle this holiday season? Listing English holly as a noxious weed came after years of debate between advocates for its listing, who pointed to its spread and negative impact on native forest communities, and commercial growers, who depend on the harvest of berry-laden boughs for holiday season decorations. A compromise was reached to permit commercial growers to grow holly, and only the escaped, or feral, holly designated as a noxious weed. So, enjoy your holiday holly, but make sure to properly dispose of any remaining berries to help prevent the spread of this forest menace.

References

Stokes, D.L., Church, E.D., Cronkright, D.M., & Lopez, S. 2014. Pictures of an invation: English holly (Ilex aquifolium) in a semi-natural Pacific Northwest forest. Northwest Science 88: 75-93. Nonnative English holly (Ilex aquifolium L.) associated with reduced cover and diversity of common native understory plant species

Church, E.D., Stokes, D.L. & Gold, W.G. 2025. Nonnative English Holly (Ilex aquifolium L.) Associated with Reduced Cover and Diversity of Common Native Understory Plant Species. Natural Areas Journal 45: 198-208.

When there's a medical emergency - and everything goes right

Cristwood Park in Shoreline
Photo courtesy Crista

A long-retired school teacher (name withheld for privacy concerns), now residing at Cristwood Park Independent Senior Living, Shoreline, was having a normal day.

Visited by two of her former co-teachers, she was showing off a beautiful quilt heralding the many primary students of long ago.

Suddenly, in mid-sentence, her voice stopped, and she was immobile. Her visiting teachers, well-trained in the King County system of first aid & CPR, asked if she could talk - - nothing. Could she smile - - it was somewhat distorted, could she raise her arms -- she couldn’t.

Within a minute, they had contacted 9-1-1 and given a crisp report of a likely stroke. Based on that call, a ‘Rapid-Transport’ alarm to Shoreline Fire brought aid unit A164 and engine E164 to the scene. Crista staff directed the crews to her side. Residents in the lobby started an immediate prayer chain.

After quickly assessing the patient, responders loaded her on the gurney, and transported code red to the nearest hospital – Swedish Edmonds. Staff met her and performed the requisite scan, which confirmed a clot (not an aneurysm bleed), and the dangerous wonder thrombolytic drug, rTPA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) was administered.

She quickly regained the ability to talk, and followed arm/hand motion commands. All this was inside of 59 minutes, maximizing her chances for a FULL recovery.

Our grateful thanks to those in that rescue chain – the lay rescuer, the dispatcher, the fire team, the compliant move-over traffic, and the Emergency Department team – all focused on rapid interventions to shave precious seconds and minutes off her crisis condition!

She is back at her residence, being her normal self and enjoying her friends & family.

We must acknowledge the King County EMS system that conducted the original clinical trials of the drug - before the turn of the century, that also teaches Medic 2 skills to students and workers – anyone who will take the training developed by American Heart & Stroke, as well as American Red Cross.

Shoreline Chiropractor launches Community Posture Initiative as tech-related spinal injuries surge

Dr. Laxmi Shah

Shoreline, WA – Dr. Laxmi Shah, a chiropractor at Health Chiropractic and Massage, specializing in Structural Spinal Correction and Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP), is launching a community-wide posture and spine-health initiative in response to a noticeable surge in posture-related spinal injuries among young adults in the region.

“With remote work and increased screen time, I am seeing patients in their twenties showing spinal changes that were once uncommon until middle age,” said Dr. Shah.

“Early education and preventative care are key in ensuring spinal alignment”

The initiative includes:

Free Report of Findings at Health Chiropractic and Massage
Educational workshops on tech-neck and smartphone posture
Training on workstation ergonomics
Demonstrations of CBP corrective methods
Community health outreach events

Dr. Shah uses digital X-rays, biomechanical modeling, and research-based traction protocols to restore alignment and reduce long-term spinal stress.

Dr. Laxmi Shah

Health Chiropractic
206-542-3607
18336 Aurora Ave. N. #111, Shoreline WA 98133
Email Address: info@healthchiropractic.com

SR 20 North Cascades Highway closes for the season Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 6pm

North Cascades Highway before the snows
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

WINTHROP – State Route 20 North Cascades Highway will close for the winter season at 6pm Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Rainy Pass (elevation 4862 feet) and Washington Pass (elevation 5475 feet) will close between Ross Dam trailhead (milepost 134) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171). Depending on conditions, the closure points are typically moved to lower elevation closure points later in the season, moving to the Newhalem gate (milepost 120) on the west side and Early Winters gate (milepost 178) on the east side.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will close SR 20 North Cascades Highway for the winter due to conditions and avalanche risk.

With current snow loads in avalanche pathways and snow showers forecast in the North Cascades beginning Friday, crews determined it is time to close for the safety of the traveling public and crews.

The earliest closing date for the North Cascades Highway was Oct. 17, 2007. The latest seasonal closure date was Jan. 3, 1990.

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – December 3 - 9

By: Kate Ledbetter, www.DestinationShoreline.com

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – December 3 - 9

This week in Shoreline is overflowing with Holiday Cheers and magical moments as our community comes together to celebrate the season in sparkling style. From twinkling lights and tree lightings to the return of the Christmas Ship, family movies, and Santa sightings, your calendar is about to fill with heart-warming holiday fun. Explore our weekly guide to upcoming local events. For all the upcoming Shoreline events this week visit: DestinationShoreline.com/Calendar

Destination Shoreline Featured Events of the Week:

Christmas Ship Visit
Thursday, December 4
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
The Richmond Beach tradition is back! Join us for bonfires and snacks on the beach from 7:30–9:00 PM. The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship will visit at 8:35 PM—bundle up and join us for songs and holiday lights on the beach!

Shorecrest High School Spree Trees Fundraiser
December 5 3:00 PM - December 7 8:00 PM
Third Place Commons
Shop local for your holiday trees, garland, wreaths and holiday decor, with sales benefiting the Shorecrest High School Class of 2026! This annual sale starts Friday 12/5 at 3pm and concludes on Sunday 12/7 at 8pm. We hope to see you there! Conveniently located at Lake Forest Park Town Center (upper parking lot near Windermere's Northlake Office.) with plenty of parking!

Pinecone Ornament Young Gardener Drop In Event
Saturday, December 6 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday, December 7 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sky Nursery
Come listen to holiday music and create an ornament to take home.

Celebrate beginnings and endings at the Shoreline Historical Museum
Saturday, December 6 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Shoreline Historical Museum
Join us for an evening of joy as we celebrate a time of beginnings and endings. Learn about all the work the Museum community has accomplished over the year. See the conclusion of everything that has been done with the King Conservation District grant to support the Miyawaki Forest. You will be able to walk through the Forest on our new path and see the interpretive panels highlighting the human and natural world. Say goodbye to Director Kenneth Doutt and welcome new Director Robby Grillo to the role! We will provide hot dogs (while supplies last) apple cider cake and warm drinks for everyone to enjoy. To support food access for the community, we are asking people to bring donations to this event. Please follow this link for more information and to RSVP.

Richmond Beach Annual Community Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 6 5:00 PM
Richmond Beach Congregational United Church of Christ
We can’t wait to see you at the Annual Community Tree Lighting at RB Congregational Church on 12/6!

North City Tree Lighting Festival
Saturday, December 6 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Les Schwab
Santa will be back in North City this year for the North City Tree Lighting Festival! This year’s festival will once again feature free fun for the entire family, including live music, warm beverages, and photos with Santa Claus. We hope to see you all there! The Tree Lighting Festival is produced by the North City Business Association in partnership with the North City Neighborhood Association and the North City Water District. Generous in-kind contributions have been made by the local Les Schwab, and North City Business Association members, including Gabbert Architects/Planners, and the Around the Sound Community Band.

Free Family Movie Night at Third Place Commons
Sunday, December 7 5:00 PM
Third Place Commons
Join us for a free, family-friendly screening of the holiday classic, The Grinch. This free event is open to all ages. You can grab your favorite treats from Always Summer Ice Cream Café downstairs, including crepes, sundaes, ice cream, and hot chocolate to enjoy during the movie. Come celebrate the season with us!

Santa for a Cause at Aurora Borealis
Monday, December 8 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Aurora Borealis Event Center
Donate non-expired, non-perishable food and take your picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bring your own camera and enjoy FREE hot cocoa & cookies. Suggested 2-can donation benefiting the St. Vincent de Paul Shoreline Holiday Food Drive.

For more information about life in Shoreline, WA and upcoming events visit: www.DestinationShoreline.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 www.KateLHomes.com for more information.

Travel for Older Adults December 15, 2025

Travel for Older Adults

Monday, December 15, 2025 from 2 - 3pm
Shoreline Library 345 NE 175th, Shoreline WA 98155

Cost: FREE

Thinking about a winter getaway? Learn about the programs Road Scholar has to offer and share your own ideas. It's not too late to plan a February or March trip!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library.

Registration not required.

Graphite Arts Center announces Winter/early Spring 2026 classes

Join us for a class in the new year at Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds, 202a Main St, Edmonds WA 98020.

Explore your creativity and connect with the community in our dynamic space.

Sign up a friend - art classes make great gifts! All skill levels are welcome.

More information and register here.

JANUARY

Watercolor For Relaxation | January 7, 6:00-8:00PM, $45 + $10 supply fee
Unwind, let-go and paint to de-stress

Landscapes | January 21 & 28, 6:00-8:00PM, $90
Create unique nature scenes

FEBRUARY

Paint Your Partner | February 4, 6:00-8:00PM, $45 + $15 supply fee
Connect with a friend or partner through painting

BIG Words: Bold Typographic Paintings | February 18 & 25, 6:00-8:00PM, $130
Experience bold, large-format painting

MARCH

Creative Drawing Techniques | March 4, 6:00-8:00PM, $45 + $15 supply fee
Creative approaches using pencil, pen, charcoal & ink

Exploring Plants in Art | March 18 & 25, 6:00-8:00PM, $90
Use plants for artistic inspiration

APRIL

Watercolor For Relaxation | April 1, 6:00-8:00PM, $45 + $10 supply fee
Unwind, let-go and paint to de-stress

Poetry and Collage: Fun with Words and Images | April 8, 6:00-8:00PM, $50
Play with words, images and colors

ArtLab Spring Series | Experimentation with process, methods and materials

Mark Making in Ink | April 22, 6:00-8:00PM, $50
Gelli Plate Printing | April 29, 6:00-8:00PM, $50
Mixed Media Collage | May 6, 6:00-8:00PM, $50

Contact workshops@graphiteartscenter.org with questions.

About Graphite Arts Center:

Graphite Arts Center is a dynamic, creative space in Edmonds, WA, dedicated to fostering artistic engagement and community connections. Offering studio spaces, communal workspaces, workshops, and exhibitions, the Center serves as a hub for artists of all levels to create, collaborate, and inspire.

Our mission is to be a creative art space where people feel welcomed and inspired. Our vision is to make art accessible.

Holiday Baskets is a partnership among Shoreline Council PTA, Shoreline Fire, Hopelink, Dale Turner Y, and City of Shoreline

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Holiday Baskets Toy & Teen Drive

Shoreline Fire Dept. will be collecting toys at the Shoreline Fred Meyer 18325 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133 on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 8am - 6pm.

“Holiday Baskets” Food, Toys, & Teen Gifts is the combined efforts of the Shoreline PTA Council, Shoreline Fire Department, Hopelink, Dale Turner Family YMCA and the City of Shoreline to provide holiday food and gift support to Shoreline School District families in circumstances that make it challenging to provide either for their children.

The Holiday Baskets program typically supports around 500 families.

Registration for families with children in Shoreline Schools was held in November and is now closed.

This year, the event will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 8:00am - 3:00pm at the Dale Turner YMCA.

Volunteers are needed for set up on Friday, December 12 and on the day of the event (especially Spanish, Amharic, and other language speakers) to help families.

At the event, caregivers will be able to pick out a toy for their children who are 12 years old and under, they can choose a gift card for teenagers in the family, and they will receive food from the Hopelink mobile food market. We ask that children not come to the event.

Your contributions are greatly appreciated for this event.

Donate through Shoreline PTA Council

Shoreline PTA Council organizes a teen gift card drive to make sure that teenagers receive a holiday gift.

Gift cards can be dropped off at the YMCA, 19290 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the YMCA or any Shoreline Fire Station
you can make a purchase from this Amazon wish list and they'll be delivered to the Y, or
you can click here to make a donation to the YMCA in support of Holiday Baskets.

The Shoreline Fire Department collects toys for this event. This year's toy drive is on Saturday, December 6, from 8:00am - 6:00pm at the Shoreline Fred Meyer store.

Bites at the Lights this weekend December 5-7, 2025

The Lights

And here is the schedule for the food trucks this week at the Park at Town Center, 17560 Aurora Ave N Shoreline, WA 98133

The Bites

Ballinger Way reduced to one lane overnight Tuesday for paving near fish culvert

LAKE FOREST PARK – State Route 104 / Ballinger Way will reduce to one lane from 8pm Tuesday, December 2, to 5am Wednesday, December 3, 2025 near the intersection with 35th Ave NE. Flaggers will alternate traffic through the work zone.

SR 104 to be paved overnight Tuesday
Photo by David Carlos

Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will pave in multiple areas adjacent to the new fish passable culvert installed this fall across Lyon Creek.

Construction is largely complete around the new culvert, although landscaping, sewer work and some final paving will continue into 2026.

Cruise into the New Year with Argosy

The countdown to 2026 starts now, and there’s no better place to ring in the New Year than on the water!

Argosy’s New Year’s Eve Cruises return for an unforgettable night of celebration while taking in breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline and the Space Needle’s iconic fireworks display.

This year, Argosy Cruises will offer two different experiences for readers to choose from, perfect for partying the night away or relaxing with a warm cup of cocoa!

NYE Party Cruise (21+ and requires a valid ID to board)

December 31st from 9:30pm to 12:30am
Choice of cruise route with boats departing from Pier 55 on the Seattle Waterfront and AGC Marina on Lake Union
Views of the Seattle skyline and the Space Needle's midnight fireworks display*
Dress to impress and snap stunning photos on the deck
Live DJ spinning the party hits, perfect to dance the night away with your friends!
Complimentary champagne toast at midnight
Full-service bar offering specialty cocktails, local beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks for purchase

Fireworks Watch Cruise (All ages welcome)

December 31st from 10:30pm to 12:30am
Departs from Pier 55 on the Seattle Waterfront
Comfy-casual dress code encouraged. Bring blankets and cozy up on the deck!
Views of the Seattle skyline and the Space Needle’s midnight fireworks display*
Complimentary hot cocoa or apple cider
Full-service bar offering drinks, local beer, and wine, and snacks for purchase

*Fireworks visibility is weather-dependent

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay held a Regional Day of Service November 26, 2025

County Executive Girmay Zahilay at Bellevue Hopelink

SEATTLE, WA - On Wednesday, November 26, 2025 his first full day in office, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay held a Regional Day of Service focused on food banks and food security across King County.

He encouraged all King County residents to volunteer, donate, or find another meaningful way to support the work of our county’s food banks.

This Regional Day of Service corresponds with one of Executive Zahilay’s “Four B’s” guiding his administration - “Boots on the Ground,” making King County government more visible, connected, and community-driven.

As part of the Regional Day of Service, coming the day before the Thanksgiving holiday, Executive Zahilay completed a regional tour of food banks and food markets in south and east King county.

He was joined for much of the day by Doug Baldwin, CEO at Vault89 and founder of Family First Community Center, and one of the four co-chairs of his Transition Committee.

Film: Placing Stolpersteine in Amsterdam December 7, 2025

Placing Stolpersteine in Amsterdam

Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 7pm in the Stadler Room at Third Place Commons

Join Sandy, a LFP resident, as she shares her family's experience placing Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) as Holocaust memorials for family members in October 2022.

These cube shaped memorials with a bronze top contain the name, birthdate and place of a victim of the Holocaust, as well as the date and place they were murdered.

They are placed in front of the last residence of the victim, often with a ceremony. Over 100K have been placed in Europe. Stolpersteine demonstrate the strength of a decentralized memorial.

Sandy and her family in Amsterdam

Sandy will give a short introduction and then show a film she produced about the experience, including parts of the ceremony (26 min).

Third Place Commons is located on the upper level of Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.

In the Season of Giving . . . Give Blood

By Tom Petersen

Blood is without substitute. Donating blood is a profound gift that saves lives. Bloodworks Northwest and countless families are united in their gratitude for the big turnouts at mobile blood drives throughout Shoreline and neighboring communities in November. They hope to keep the spirit going in December.

In this season of giving, take an hour to give the best gift of all – a lifesaving pint of blood. When you give blood, Bloodworks Northwest will have you wrapped up in an hour or less, cookie in hand, with the warm feeling that you just gave local patients another shot at life.

Your blood donations support people across the Pacific Northwest undergoing cancer treatment, surgeries, and organ transplants. If you’re ready to make a difference, go to Bloodworks Northwest to find a local center or drive near you.

Giving blood is something most healthy adults can do. 16 and 17 year olds over 125 pounds are eligible as well, with written parental permission. All prospective donors must show photo ID; everyone is carefully screened, as some medications and foreign travel may be cause for deferral.

More information and appointments for all the below-listed events can be found at Bloodworks NW or by calling 1-800-398-7888.

December blood drives in Shoreline/Lake Forest Park:

The Bloodmobile will be outside Windermere Northlake, at the northern corner of the shopping center in Lake Forest Park, on Tuesday, December 9, from 10am to 4pm.
Bloodworks returns to Shoreline Covenant Church with an indoor event on Friday, December 12 from 9am to 3pm.
The bloodmobile will be at Ballinger Commons on Monday, December 22, from 9am to 3pm.
On Christmas Eve, the bloodmobile will be at the sound end of the Lake Forest Park Town Center from 9am to 3pm.
Two days later, on Boxing Day / Kwanzaa, Friday, December 26, the Shoreline Fire Safety Center in Richmond Beach will host a special, out-of-sequence “One More Gift” drive from 9am to 3pm.

Other area mobile blood drives in December include:

Northshore YMCA, Bothell, Friday, December 5, 10am – 4pm.
Canyon Park Business Center, Bothell, Monday, December 8, 9am – 3pm.
Northview Corporate Center, Bothell, Thursday, December 11, 9am. – 3pm.
Mountlake Terrace Library, MLT, Friday, December 12, 11am -- 5pm.
Edmonds Waterfront Center, Monday, December 15, 9:30am – 3:30pm.
AT&T Bothell, Tuesday, December 16, 9am -- 3pm.
UW Medical Center, north Seattle, Wednesday, December 17, 9am – 3pm.
Bothell Community Center, Bothell, also on December 17, 9:30am – 3:30pm.
OrangeTheory Fitness Canyon Park, Bothell, Thursday, December 18, 10am – 4pm.
Shoreline Fire Station 51, Kenmore, Monday, December 22, 9am – 3pm.
City of Bothell, Wednesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve), 9am – 3pm.

Philharmonia Northwest at the Bastyr Chapel December 6-7, 2025

Philharmonia Northwest Holiday Concert

The Bastyr Chapel is one of only two spaces in the area with beautiful, accidental acoustics. (The other is the First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach). Sitting in the Bastyr Chapel during a music performance is like being awash in sound. Hearing a fine orchestra and choral group there has got to be the ultimate experience.

It is a small space and Philharmonia often sells out, so do not delay in getting tickets.

Philharmonia Northwest returns to the sublime acoustics of Bastyr Chapel for our annual Holiday Concerts.

Join us as we create choral-orchestral magic with artist partners Kirkland Choral Society, featuring an enthralling collection of holiday gems—including Christopher Rouse’s Karolju, a Carmina Burana-like collection of festive carols, plus choral works by Lauridsen, Ešenvalds, and Vaughan Williams—to joyfully usher in the season.

This annual program has become a tradition for many, and regularly sells out. Buy your tickets today!

CONCERT INFO:

Saturday, December 6 2025 at 3pm
Sunday, December 7 2025 at 3pm (limited tickets remain)

Bastyr University Chapel
14500 Juanita Dr NE
Kenmore, WA 98028

PROGRAM:

Holiday choral music by Ēriks Ešenvalds, Glenn Gregg, Morten Lauridsen, & more
Christopher Rouse – Karolju

Tickets: $25 Adult, $20 Senior/Student
Children age 12 & under free—email info@philharmonianw.org to RSVP

GET TICKETS

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