Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts

American Legion offers help to military veterans seeking veteran benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic

Sunday, June 28, 2020

American Legion Post 227 in Shoreline

Due to the Covid-19 virus, the Joint Service Committee suspended face to face meetings with veterans at The American Legion Post 227 building. 

However, the Committee continues assisting veterans seeking disability benefits, pensions, VA healthcare, and other VA matters via phone, video conference or email. 

For an appointment: 
or 
You can learn more about Post 227 by visiting their website



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Shoreline Veterans Association held ceremony for Flag Day and Army birthday

Tuesday, June 16, 2020



Photos by Steven H. Robinson

The Shoreline Veterans Association ( SVA) held a private Commemoration of National U. S. Flag Day, and the U. S. Army's 246th Birthday at the Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza at Shoreline City Hall at 9am on Sunday, June 14, 2020.


 
The brief but respectful ceremony also recognized two local area veterans who have recently passed. 
  • 1LT Dwight Stevens, U.S. Army Air Corps, WWII B-17 Pilot
  • SSGT Tom Hamilton, U.S. Air Force, Korea and Vietnam era 


Wreaths were laid over their named bricks at the plaza. 


A volley of three shots was fired.


The bugler played Taps.



The ceremony included presentation of the flags for each branch of service, singing of patriotic songs and playing recorded patriotic music. The first section of the History of  the U.S. Flag was read, followed by a portion of the History of  the U.S. Flag  Day and flag history, care and etiquette.




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Veterans observe anniversary of D-Day at Shoreline Veterans' Recognition Plaza

Monday, June 8, 2020

Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Local veterans gathered at the Shoreline Veterans' Recognition Plaza by City Hall on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 11am to observe the 76th anniversary of D-Day.

On June 6, 1944 Allied Forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France and began the liberation of German-occupied France.

The Shoreline Veterans Association (SVA) placed their Service Flags in "recognition and remembrance of the teenage and young warriors of 1944 that help start the liberation of Western Europe and the Victory over Nazi Germany in WWII."


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Memorial Day 2020

Monday, May 25, 2020



Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. Military. Many volunteers place an American flag on graves of military personnel in national cemeteries.

Two other days celebrate those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military: Veterans Day, which honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces; and Armed Forces Day, an unofficial U.S. holiday (earlier in May) for honoring those currently serving in the armed forces.

--Wikipedia (edited)



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Veteran honor, faithfulness and recognition with ingenuity during the COVID-19 Restrictions

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza
Photo by Jerry Pickard


Saturday, May 16, 2020 was a National Holiday that only few citizens were aware of, remembered or cared to recognize in some manner. Saturday also marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of Armed Forces Day.

Armed Forces Day started as a celebration of the five branches of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. It is now joined by the newly created Space Force. The day honors all men and women serving in the Armed Forces and those who have served our country in these service branches, including the National Guard and Reserve components.

A Veteran’s Recognition Plaza (VRP) was established and dedicated in 2016 by veterans in a newly formed Shoreline Veteran’s Association (SVA) with cooperation of the King County Council, City of Shoreline, Shoreline businesses and interested individuals.

Photo by Jerry Pickard


The Plaza is situated adjacent to the Shoreline City Hall and Council Chambers. It is a Plaza of Recognition of all the Armed Forces with sturdy, beautiful four foot high obelisks that support the individual branch of service flags placed there on national and patriotic holidays.

It is situated with memorial park benches, and spaces for over 1000 Bricks of Remembrance of those Shoreline and surrounding area citizens and family members who are currently serving or have served in the Armed Forces of the United States.

During the current restrictions on official gatherings, the SVA and local area veterans were unable to conducting any ceremony or gatherings at the Plaza as in previous years. But the Plaza was open for individuals and immediate family members from the same household to visit the Plaza with social distancing and wearing recommended PPE.

Photo by Jerry Pickard


Enter military (veteran) ingenuity, and faithfulness for honoring the Armed Forces. Individual veteran and current service member volunteers showed up at the VRP on Saturday, in proper PPE and placed their service flags in the obelisks of their service, by a solo flag carrier and escort from each of the Armed Forces. 

All other individuals were on the public sidewalk at 6-foot social distancing and PPE in observance of this brief flag placement. The veterans, current service members and their family members were very happy they could honor those in the Armed Forces, despite current social/public restrictions.

--Shoreline Veterans Association



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Dwight Stevens honored with a 96th birthday party in his cul de sac

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Dwight Stevens held court from his bedchamber
wife Helen holds one of the posters
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


A downpour only slightly dampened spirits at the 96th birthday party for Shoreline resident Dwight Stevens on Saturday, May 2, 2020.

Stevens, who is confined to bed following complications from a leg fracture which required extensive surgery, was delighted at the turn out in his cul-de-sac.

His guests lined up to speak with Dwight
through his bedroom window
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


He did have some difficulty recognizing his guests, as they were all masked. But they lined up to visit with him through his bedroom window and he enjoyed the conversations.

Dwight has been a community volunteer for over a quarter of a century. He is the founder of the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association and led it for almost ten years. A WWII B-17 pilot with the 8th U.S. Army Air Corps who flew regular missions from England to Russia, he is active in the American Legion Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227, and a founder of the Shoreline Veterans Association.

Dwight's son Lee shows him his personal cake
Photo by Jerry Pickard


He was a driving force behind the Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza by City Hall and was still selling memorial bricks for the Plaza at events last year.

So on Saturday a few of his friends from the Shoreline Veterans Association and his neighbor Doug Cerretti planned to gather in his cul de sac near Echo Lake to present him with a flag for his flagpole and give him a birthday cake.

County Councilmember had just arrived and hadn't yet
masked up when this photo was taken
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


But word got out and the gathering ended up attracting 40-50 well-wishers. Invited dignitaries included Mayor Will Hall and County Councilmember Rod Dembowski who helped Dwight with funding for the Shoreline Veterans' Recognition Plaza.

The cupcakes were made by the Edmonds Bakery and decorated
with the logo of the 8th Air Force, Dwight's WWII unit
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Guests were served cupcakes decorated with Dwight's 8th Air Force WWII logo. Dwight was given a small cake of his own with similar decorations. All were made by Ken Bellingham of the Edmonds Bakery.

There were posters, gifts, cards, balloons and well wishes.

Guests stand at attention for the dedication of the new flag
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


During the event a new flag was installed and dedicated on the flagpole the veterans installed in the Stevens' yard last March. The flag was flown in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom before it was given to Dwight.

This year's cake was a personal size!
Photo by Jerry Pickard


Organizer Richard B. White said that "When we did Dwight’s 95th Birthday Celebration in 2019, his wife Helen requested No More than six people, which we honored. This year I called Helen and said, 'I am going to be going to Costco to Order a Sheet Cake like I did last year.' Helen said, 'Oh I think just a cupcake would be adequate.' I said, 'Well we are going to have 175 People in your front yard!!' Helen said, 'WHAT?!?!' and I started laughing so Helen knew I was kidding.

Richard's comment to Dwight at the end of the party was, "Okay Sir, next year we are going to be doing the same thing all over again, and I expect you to be here to Fully Participate!!"

--Diane Hettrick



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Veterans' association installs flag and flagpole for 1st Lt Dwight Stevens

Friday, March 20, 2020

The work party prepares to raise the flag
on the newly installed flagpole
Photo by MG Coffey

By Jerry Pickard

On Saturday, March 14, 2020 a new flag pole and flag were installed on WWII B-17 Pilot 1st Lt Dwight Stevens' property.

The work party salutes the flag
Photo by MG Coffey

The flag was first flown in Afghanistan by the Headquarters Company, 398th Engineer Battalion, Forward Deployed Base 46, on September 11, 2019 somewhere in northern Afghanistan.

A presentation Certificate accompanied the flag.

R B White installed a light so the flag can be flown
24 / 7. Dwight's wife Helen checks it out from the window.
Photo by R B White


The work party was formed by MG Ray Coffey USAVR, and members of Shoreline American Legion Post 227, the Shoreline Veterans Association, and Student volunteers from Bothell High School.

Dwight on his 95th birthday last May
Photo by Jerry Pickard


A light was installed at the base of the flagpole by electrician R. B. White so that the flag may be flown 24/7.




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Cancelled: Hero's Cafe

Friday, March 13, 2020

Hero's Cafe cancelled
Photo by Jerry Pickard
Due to the current global pandemic-coronavirus, we must cancel the March Hero's Cafe gather and the way things currently look, we may not be able to meet in April as well. 

Your health and wellness is paramount to the team If we meet in May, it might be in our new, spacious location.

At our February gathering, Ms Vivian Olsen told spoke about her event that was being planned for over Memorial Day.

She has decided it is prudent to cancel the event in Edmonds over the Memorial Day Weekend due to social distancing recommendations relating to the coronavirus. 




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American Legion Post 227 hosts Officer Evan Buetow

Monday, March 9, 2020

Evan Buetow on duty in the U.S. Army in his unit's Comm. Center.


By Jerry Pickard

On Tuesday, March 3. 2020 American Legion Post 227 hosted King County Sheriff's Officer Evan Buetow who related his time in the U.S. Army deployed in Iraq and a second tour in Afghanistan.

He also related his association with deserter Private Bowe Bergdahl who was a member of Sergeant Buetow's team in Afghanistan.

Evan's unit crossing a stream. 


In Iraq he was deployed with 1-501 Parachute Infantry Regiment in Fallujah and Karbala from 2006 to 2008. He described Iraq as HOT! 

After his deployment to Iraq his unit returned to the U.S. for a year of training and then they were deployed to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010.

Not long after his unit deployed, Private Bergdahl was assigned to Evan's squad. Evan was his Team Leader and immediate line supervisor. Evan at first thought Bergdahl was an ideal soldier as he was always studying manuals and regulations; however Bergdahl didn't make friends with other squad members or participate in after hours activities.

Little kids like soldiers. They have candy and gum.

While on patrol near a small Afghan village Bergdahl was assigned to a post and scheduled to report for duty at 06:30. When the Sgt. of the guard went to wake him to man his post he wasn't in his bunk nor anywhere in the squad area.

School children reported seeing him walking away from the area without any of his field gear on. An extensive search did not find him. An extensive search of north Afghanistan was conducted with many false leads but Bergdahl was not found.

Six soldiers died in the search before it was called off. It was later determined that he had been captured and transported to Pakistan within hours of his desertion.

Evan became a deputy in the King County Sheriff's department
Evan returned home and was Honorably discharged. He became a deputy in the King County Sheriff's Department.

Five years later in a prisoner exchange with the Taliban, President Obama freed five Taliban terrorists in exchange for Bergdahl.

When it was determined that Bergdahl was a deserter and not a hero he was court martialed. Evan and other members of his squad were called to testify. Bergdahl was convicted and sentenced to several years in prison.

In a media storm Evan was called to appear on CNN, FOX, MSNBC, and ABC news outlets and many publications to relate the true events of this significant incident.

Photo by Jerry Pickard

Photo by Jerry Pickard

After his presentation Major General Ray Coffey presented Evan a Commander In Chief's Challenge coin, and Post Commander Larry Fischer presented him with a Certificate Of Appreciation.

Photos provided by Evan Buetow except as indicated.



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US military volunteer group receives county grant

Saturday, February 29, 2020

Councilmember Dembowski with Generals MG Ben Tran and MG John Natterstad,
National Deputy Commander for USV-JSC.
Photo by Jerry Pickard


The United States Volunteer - Joint Services Command or USV-JSC was formed to provide a seamless military organization of volunteer, retired, former service members and patriotic American citizens to perform military final honors to the armed forces veterans of the United States of America, to compliment the national shortage of active and reserve forces available to perform military final honors, and, to provide a select pool of qualified manpower for use by the Secretary of Defense.

Volunteers (USV) were formed in 1861 and rode with Teddy Roosevelt in Cuba, and later in the Philippines. They now provide military honors for our fallen service members.

Photo by Jerry Pickard


Present at the King County Council Chambers were MG Ray Coffey, MG John Natterstad, MG Ben Tran, Col. Susan M. Korte, Col. Karen Ridge, Cpt. Theresa Pham and other members of the USV-JCS.

Volunteers gather with Councilmember Dembowski
in the King County Council Chambers
Photo by Jerry Pickard


The grant was authorized by Councilman Rod Dembowski and will be used to purchase uniforms, flags, Color Guard equipment, and blank ammunition for the Firing Team.




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Open House at American Legion Post 227 on Saturday

Monday, February 24, 2020


Post 227 is holding an open house on Saturday, February 29 from 10:00am to 2:30pm. 

All veterans and members of the community, whether military veterans or not, are invited and welcome to attend. This is an opportunity for veterans, community members and Community Service Organizations to get to know each other.

Coffee, tea, cookies, pastries and a lunch will be served at the open house, which is intended to provide a casual atmosphere where you can gather information, bring a newspaper to read, read books from the Post library, converse with others and just relax.

The Post 227 building is located at 14521 17th Avenue NE, Shoreline, WA (the corner of NE 146th Street and 17th Ave NE, behind the Goodwill Store.)

You can learn more about Post 227 by visiting their website



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Heroes' Café Tuesday in Lynnwood for area veterans

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Heroes' Cafe
Photo by Jerry Pickard


Heroes' Café is located in the Verdant Community Wellness Center, 4710 196th St SW (next door to Applebees) in Lynnwood, Washington. Spacious parking is available at the rear of the building and entry to the Café is through the rear doorway.

The Café is a welcoming place for all active duty and veterans from all of the services and connected organizations. It is led by a group of dedicated veterans under the direction of Air Force veteran Gary Walderman.

A fourth Tuesday of each month event is conducted entirely by volunteers of various organizations and monetarily sponsored each month by a veterans’ service organization. The Red Cross and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are involved with coffee, tea, cookies and the lunch service.

The Café doors open at 9:00am with coffee, tea and cookie service. A speaker is usually also scheduled at the 10:00am point, followed by announcements of interest to veterans. Lunch is served from about 11:00am to noon. Birthdays are celebrated with singing of Happy Birthday and with cake for dessert. You can come and go as you wish at any time. Room cleanup begins at 1:00pm.

Heroes' Café celebrated its first birthday in January, 2018 after a very successful and beneficial year for area veterans. An article featuring the Heroes' Café was published in the Shoreline Area News and can be accessed here.

A group of veterans from American Legion Post 227 in Shoreline have been attending the monthly meeting since the early months of inception of the Café. All military veterans are invited and encouraged to attend this worthy event. If you have specific questions, please call Commander Fischer at 206-396-3842.



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Iraq, Afghanistan vet to speak on deployments and an international political issue

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

The American Legion Post 227 in Shoreline will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, March 3, 2020. A meet and greet starts at 6:30pm and the program starts at 7:00pm. Both veterans and the public at large are invited and welcome to attend.

The meeting will be held at Post 227, located at 14521 17th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155, behind Goodwill @ NE 145th St and 15th Ave NE.

Evan Buetow will speak of his service with the 1-501 Parachute Infantry Regiment in Fallujah and Karbala, Iraq in 2006-08, then a second deployment in Afghanistan, 2009-10.

Much of his talk will be on the desertion of Private Bowe Bergdahl and the resultant issues of the desertion. Evan was Bergdahl’s team leader and immediate line supervisor at the time. Evan returned home, was honorably discharged and became a deputy in the King County Sheriff’s Department.  

Later, the Taliban prisoner swap for Bergdahl brought a media storm with calls for Evan to appear on CNN, FOX, MSNBC and ABC news outlets and many publications to relate the true events of this significant incident. Evan will relate where all this had taken him in current civilian life.
 
A brief intermission for refreshments after the talk will allow visitors to depart. Post 227 members are urged to stay for the post meeting that will follow the intermission. We hope to see you at the meeting.

While you are at the meeting, you can check out the Post Library that includes a large collection of military related books, video tapes and DVDs.  Any of these can be checked out, used and returned by post members and community without charge. Also, for more information about Post 227, check out the website.




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Local veterans enjoy their semi-annual pancake breakfast

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Diners focus on the food


Text and photos by Jerry Pickard

On Saturday, February 15, 2020, Shoreline's American Legion Post 227 held its semi-annual Pancake Breakfast.

Veterans, family, and friends enjoyed pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, sausages, SOS, and assorted fruits and pastries, coffee and tea.

S.O.S. Russ Greaby is cooking

Russ Greaby heats the Stuff-on a-Shingle, Vets know the original definition of S.O.S, a military breakfast standard!                                                           

There aren't too many cooks in this kitchen

Everyone appeared to enjoy their breakfast with the large selection of food and drink and a chance visit with  friends - but the real party was in the kitchen!


The women's auxiliary helped plate and serve to the diners. You can tell that this group likes a hearty breakfast.

They are great cooks and everyone enjoys sitting down to a meal together - or telling stories in the kitchen.

American Legion Star Sutherland, Jr. Post 227 is located at 14521 17th Ave NE in Shoreline.




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American Legion Valentine's Saturday Breakfast

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Veterans, Auxiliary members and all members of the community are invited to a pancake, ham, SOS and scrambled egg breakfast with coffee, tea, milk and juice, served by the American Legion Post 227.

The breakfast will be served from 8:30 to 11:00 am on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the Post 227 building, 14521 17th Avenue NE, Shoreline, WA (the corner of NE 146th Street and 17th Ave NE.)

The breakfast is being held to allow the post to serve the community while raising money for Veterans and Post activities; an $8 donation per person is suggested. Children under age 8 eat free.

Post members welcome your attendance. All families, friends and kids are welcome! This is a great family gathering.

While you are at the breakfast, you can check out the Post Library that includes a large collection of militarily related books, video tapes and DVDs. Any of these can be checked out, used and returned by community members without charge.

Also, you can learn more about Post 227 here



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Help for military veterans seeking veteran benefits at American Legion Thursday

Tuesday, February 4, 2020


The Joint Service Committee will be at The American Legion Post 227 Thursday, February 6, 2020 to help veterans seeking disability benefits, pensions, VA healthcare, and other VA matters. 

For an appointment: 

Coffee, tea, cookies, pastries and a lunch will be served at these Thursday sessions. Please feel free to attend these sessions even if you are not seeking assistance. The sessions also provide a casual atmosphere where you can bring a newspaper to read, read books from the Post library, converse with others and just relax.

The Post 227 building is located at 14521 17th Ave NE, Shoreline (the corner of NE 146th St and 17th Ave NE, behind the Goodwill Store.)

You can learn more about Post 227 by visiting their website



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Author, educator, lecturer to speak at American Legion Post 227 meeting Feb 4

Thursday, January 30, 2020

The American Legion Post 227 in Shoreline will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, February 4, 2020. A meet and greet starts at 6:30pm and the program starts at 7:00pm. Both veterans and the public at large are invited and welcome to attend.

The meeting will be held at Post 227, located at 14521 17th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155. [Behind Goodwill @ NE 145th St and 15th Ave NE]

The Post will welcome John Fredrickson, a USAF Veteran with service as an Aircrew Life Support Specialist during the Vietnam War. He authored four published books related to the aircraft industry after 36 years with the Boeing Company. 

John will speak on “Close Air Support During the Korean War,” interwoven with the clash of Soviet vs. American developed aircraft from WWII to the Vietnam war era.

A brief intermission for refreshments after the talk will allow visitors to depart. Post 227 members are urged to stay for the post meeting that will follow the intermission. We hope to see you at the meeting.

While you are at the meeting, you can check out the Post Library that includes a large collection of military related books, video tapes and DVDs. Any of these can be checked out, used and returned by post members and community without charge. Also, for more information about Post 227,



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Open House for veterans and community at American Legion Post 227 on Friday

Saturday, January 25, 2020

American Legion Post 227 is holding
an Open House on Friday Jan 31

American Legion Post 227 is holding an open house on Friday, January 31 from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
 
All veterans and members of the community, whether military veterans or not, are invited and welcome to attend. 

This is an opportunity for veterans and community members to get to know each other.

Coffee, tea, cookies, pastries and a lunch will be served at the open house.

It is intended to provide a casual atmosphere where you can bring a newspaper to read, read books from the Post library, converse with others and just relax.

The Post 227 building is located at 14521 17th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155 (the corner of NE 146th Street and 17th Ave NE, behind the Goodwill Store).

You can learn more about Post 227 by visiting their website.


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King County Assessor announces property tax relief at his swearing in at the Senior Center

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Judge Jim Rogers administers the oath of office to King County Assessor
John Wilson, witnesses by King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski
at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


King County Assessor John Wilson took the oath of office for the second time on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 in a ceremony at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center.

King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks. Wilson was then sworn in by King County Superior Court Presiding Judge Jim Rogers.

King County Assessor John Wilson, Theresa LaCroix, Executive Director of the
Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center, County Councilmember Rod Dembowski
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Wilson then delivered brief remarks, focused on the expansion of the state’s property tax relief program

“As I begin this new term, I am pleased to let taxpayers know we'll be launching a county-wide effort starting in just a few weeks to enroll as many eligible taxpayers as possible into the property tax relief program,” said Wilson.
“The old economic threshold of $40,000 will increase in King County by almost 50% -- to $58,423. This change should open the door to thousands more seniors, the disabled, and those injured former vets being eligible for help with their property taxes.”
Wilson concluded, “During this second term, I will rededicate myself to our efforts to remain one of the best-run agencies of local government, delivering for taxpayers and fighting for a more progressive, fair, and equitable tax system ”

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

John Wilson was first elected in 2015, and re-elected without opposition in the November 2019 election.

For more information on the property tax relief program visit this website

Senior Citizens/Disabled Exemption

The Legislature made major changes in the senior citizens, disabled persons, and veterans exemption and deferral programs. These changes will take effect for taxes collected this year, 2020.

2020 Income Limit Change (based on 2019 earnings) from $40,000/yr to $58,423/yr. It is anticipated that this will allow more people to be eligible for these programs.

For property in King County, you can apply for taxes payable in 2020 as early as January, when the 2020 application is readily available. Note that you will need your completed (2019) tax return prior to applying.

Taxpayers should remember that King County will not process applications that are not complete and without supporting documents.



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American Legion Women's Auxiliary presents hats and gloves for Fircrest residents

Friday, January 3, 2020

Marcia Sanders (left) and Barbara Berg (right) making
presentation to Lori Johanason (center)
Photo courtesy American Legion Post 227


The Women’s Auxiliary of American Legion Post 227 has been collecting hats and gloves for the handicapped residents of Fircrest Home in Shoreline.

The auxiliary also made picture books for the residents.

These items were presented to the Fircrest Program Manager, Lori Johanason, on December 20, 2019. 

Making the presentation were Marcia Sanders, Barbara Berg and Rusty O’Rourke.



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