Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Plant of the Month – Western Meadow Rue

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

By Sarah Baker, Garden Director

Western meadow rue (Thalictrum occidentale) is a wonderful, though generally underappreciated, native plant for northwest gardens. 

The leaves are comprised of delicate leaflets that evoke maidenhair fern. Its subtle beauty becomes dramatic when grouped in drifts, and its airy appearance provides a pleasing contrast to more robust perennials. 

The plants are also appreciated for the male plants’ panicles of small green flowers with dangling maroon stamens.
(Right) Photo of Thalictrum by Roseann Barnhill


Despite its fragile-looking appearance, western meadow rue is a reliable perennial for a woodland or border in your garden. 

The plants will thrive in full to part shade or dappled sun, and moist soil high in organic matter. The plants reach up to 3 feet in height.

About 100 species of Thalictrum are distributed through the mountains and forests of the Northern hemisphere. 

Six are native to the Pacific Northwest, and all thrive in the meadow and moist woodland conditions favored by western meadow rue.

Photo of Thalictrum flower from wikimedia commons by J. Schmidt, National Parks Service
 

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Kruckeberg Talking Trees Plant of the Month – Southern Beech

By Sarah Baker, Garden Director

With the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden’s Talking Trees audio tour, visitors to the Garden can now use their mobile phone to hear Dr. Kruckeberg, the Garden’s co-founder, talk about the Garden’s plant collection. 

Or try it at out at home. Learn about the Southern beech tree (Nothofagus antarctica), a South American native, by dialing 206-708-2220 and entering the beech’s code number, 523, when prompted.

Photo from wikimedia commons by Wouter Hagens.

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Ruth Kagi kick-off Sunday, June 13, 4:30 - 6 pm

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

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Special showing of “Hoosiers” with Nick Collison of the Oklahoma City Thunder


By Sara Haner

A Shoreline area high school basketball team is preparing for the trip of a lifetime – and could use your help. This July, the basketball team is traveling to an impoverished community in Costa Rica to build a basketball court for Costa Rican youth. The Costa Rican town has a large youth population that is very interested in sports, but thanks in part to a lack of sporting facilities, many of the town’s youth turn to drugs or crime instead. Next month, the Shoreline basketball team will spend one week hand mixing and pouring concrete to build the community a new court.

When construction is complete, the Shoreline players will host a basketball camp to teach kids in the community basketball fundamentals. There are countless other things that these high school boys could be doing with their summer vacations, but they’ve chosen to serve, and are truly excited about the adventures that lie ahead.

In order to make this trip a reality, the team is deeply involved in fund-raising. The largest fundraiser of the year is occurring this Saturday morning, June 12 at the Majestic Bay Theater in Ballard. The theater will be hosting a special showing of the classic basketball movie Hoosiers, and special guest Nick Collison of the NBA (pictured) will be present, signing autographs and visiting with the community. Coffee and doughnuts will also be available, as well as raffle prizes and other surprises.

Tickets for this family event are $20, and are 100% tax-deductible. Tickets are selling fast, so please purchase your tickets for this incredible event today! Tickets and general donations can be found at the CourtsForKids website.

For more information contact coach Mark Haner.

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Sky Nursery Gardening Seminar on water plants Saturday June 19

This seminar is free and requires no pre-registration.

Saturday, June 19, 10:30 am to noon

Wet and Wonderful Water Plants - Kathy and Scott Ramin, Still Waters Aquatic Nursery

Whether you have a single ceramic water pot or a series of cascading ponds, the right water plants add beauty and help keep your water clean. Kathy and Scott, the experts from Still Waters Aquatic Nursery will tell you about oxygenators, floaters, marginals… flowers from water lilies to iris… vertical accents from rushes to cattails… and that’s only a few. How to choose the right plants for different conditions, how to plant them, how to take care of them… everything you need to keep your water feature alive with beauty. Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave N Shoreline 98133,  206-546-4851.

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Ribbon-cutting on expansion of SCC automotive training center


By Jim Hills

Ribbon-cuttings are usually ceremonies to launch the work that has already been done.

On Tuesday, June 8, Shoreline Community College drew about 400 people to a ribbon-cutting that did the usual, inaugurating a $4.2 million expansion of the Professional Automotive Training Center, and then it did more, much more.

“I’m here to announce Phase 3,” said Pam Nelson, President of the Puget Sound Auto Dealers Association and owner of Foothills Toyota Scion in Burlington, Wash. “In this technological automotive world, education is critical in maintaining the sophisticated transportation systems we now drive.

“So, in partnership with Shoreline Community College, we will expand once more. More international automakers will join us at this facility and hundreds more young people will have the opportunity for excellent high pay, high growth sustainable automotive jobs.”

Nelson, a third-generation auto dealer, said the college training center is a “partnership between auto dealers and automakers that creates jobs, improves lives and does it efficiently and economically.”

Nelson’s announcement was made possible after a recent PSADA Foundation meeting during which board members voted to spearhead the fund-raising efforts for the next expansion of the training center. At this point, no further details have been announced about the drive.

Photo:  Bill Bergen of Toyota University shakes hands with SCC President Lee Lambert.  Courtesy SCC.

The current expansion added 26,000 square feet to the original 32,000-square-foot center that opened in 1992. While it nearly doubled the size, the expanded center is already full with new industry partners and previous partners now offering more training and education. Current training center industry partners include: Toyota, Honda, GM, Chrysler, Volvo, Hyundai, Snap-on, Hunter Engineering with full-time presences and others such as Subaru, Kia, Volkswagen and Raytheon also using the center.

The Tuesday ceremony was emceed by SCC President Lee Lambert. Speakers included:

  •  State Rep. Maralyn Chase, D-32nd Dist
  •  Bill Bergen, Toyota University
  •  Vicki Giles Fabre, Washington Auto Dealers Association
  •  Pam Nelson, PSADA Foundation and Foothills Toyota Scion
  •  Frederick Brookhouse, Snap-on Industrial
  •  Frank Ferrara, Hyundai of America
  •  Paul Svenkerud, Honda of Seattle  

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Evan Smith: Doris Fujioka McConnell files for 32nd District State representative


 By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

The 32nd Legislative District will have a meaningful contest in the August primary for at least one position now that Shoreline City Councilwoman Doris Fujioka McConnell (pictured) has filed as a Democratic candidate for the position now held by Democratic State Rep. Maralyn Chase.

The other candidates are Democrat Cindy Ryu, who filed Monday for the seat, and Republican Arthur Coday Jr., who announced his candidacy after dropping out of the race for U.S. Senate.

Ryu is a former Shoreline City Councilwoman and mayor. Codey is a Shoreline physician who withdrew as a U.S. Senate candidate after Dino Rossi announced his candidacy.

McConnell told me Tuesday afternoon that she had filed online with the secretary of state.

The top two vote-getters in the primary qualify for the general election.

Chase is giving up the position to run for the State Senate seat that Democrat Darlene Fairley is vacating. Chase and Republican David Baker filed for the position Monday.

Democratic State Rep. Ruth Kagi and her Republican opponent, Gary Gagliardi, also filed Monday.

McConnell told me that other candidates may file against Chase and Baker for the Senate seat.


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Shoreline City Hall earns environmental sustainability Gold



By Susan Will

The City of Shoreline announced today that Shoreline City Hall has been awarded LEED® Gold established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

“We wanted to provide a model of sustainability and to set an example for future development in the City,” says Shoreline City Manager Robert Olander. “Learning that we’ve achieved LEED-Gold is not only great news, but shows that our efforts are on the right track.”

Shoreline City Hall achieved LEED Gold for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, a LEED certified building saves money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduces greenhouse gas emissions; and contributes to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

“The Shoreline City Hall LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said U.S. Green Building Council President, CEO and Founding Chair Rick Fedrizzi. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and Shoreline City Hall serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish.”

The City’s goal from the beginning was to construct a City Hall using – and featuring -- the highest level of green building practices. From the contaminated soil remediation to the recent installation of solar panels over the garage, Shoreline has been committed to sustainability. Some of the green practices built into City Hall include 100% storm water management on the site through swales and rain gardens, a green roof, solar shades, solar hot water system, sensor-controlled lights, low-flow toilets, sensor faucets with batteries that are recharged by the water flow, electric car charging stations, solar panels and pervious concrete sidewalks.

“One of our community’s strongest values is environmental sustainability so it’s appropriate that our premier civic building reflects that,” says Shoreline Mayor Keith McGlashan. “Now the Shoreline community can also take pride in having such a highly-certified City Hall that showcases successful green building practices.”

Created by USGBC in 1998, LEED is a green building certification system that promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability. The certification progress is very rigorous. Organizations seeking certification must develop sustainable building practices from the beginning design phase. Buildings can achieve certified, silver, gold or platinum ratings. The LEED certification is recognized around the world and shows an organization’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

"Energy conservation is Seattle City Light's first resource of choice for meeting our community's electricity needs,” says Seattle City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco. “ I commend the City of Shoreline for incorporating energy efficient design and equipment into its new City Hall as well as solar panels that will produce some of the electricity it uses. This building demonstrates how all of us can make sustainable energy choices."
  
To achieve LEED-Gold, the City took its commitment to being a “model of sustainability” to a new level. In conjunction with the many sustainable measures incorporated into the design and construction by the project team, the City also added educational and demonstration opportunities through permanent signage, solar-powered recycling and garbage cans, an accessible green roof, and household battery recycling.

“Though many projects have incorporated green power purchases or solar technologies for demonstration purposes, Shoreline City Hall is the only one of dozens of local LEED certified projects we have been involved with to actually achieve a LEED point for on-site renewable energy by generating 2.5% of their annual energy use by cost,” says LEED Consultant Nancy Henderson, ArchEcology Managing Partner.

The City of Shoreline thanks its consultant team for its expert guidance during the City Hall project and congratulates it on sharing the honor of the LEED Gold Certification: LMN Architects designed Shoreline City Hall; developer Opus NW with development director PJ Santos (now with Lorax Partners); contractor Opus Construction; ArchEcology; landscape architect Karen Keist; civil engineer SvR Design; MacDonald Miller; Valley Electric; Studio Lumen; Northwest Mechanical (a local Shoreline company); and Silicon Energy. Seattle City Light Utility and King County Department of Natural Resources and King Conservation District were partners through grants and support.

Photos by Steven H. Robinson

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Choral Evensong and Chamber Ensemble performance June 12

Monday, June 7, 2010

Join us for Choral Evensong on the eve of Corpus Christi, sung by the Redeemer Choir, directed by Sheila Bristow, and the Chamber Ensemble of Pacifica Choirs, directed by Susan Senft. Following the liturgy, the Chamber Ensemble will present a short concert featuring Britten’s Missa Brevis and selections from Robinovitch’s Canciones por las Americas.

Saturday, June 12 at 5 pm at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer  6211 NE 182nd St, Kenmore 98028, 425-486-3777.  Email

Photo from Wikimedia

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Woman stabbed, robbed in Lake Forest Park


From our newspartner, The Seattle Times

A Lake Forest Park woman was robbed and stabbed early Monday as she was walking near Lake Forest Park Elementary School.

By Susan Gilmore
Seattle Times staff reporter

A Lake Forest Park woman was robbed and stabbed early Monday as she was walking near Lake Forest Park Elementary School.

According to Lake Forest Park police, the woman was walking alone about 1 am when she was approached by two men who shined a bright flashlight in her eyes. They robbed her of three earrings and her wedding band and then stabbed her in her lower back before fleeing in a car. She was taken to Harborview Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The woman told police one of the suspects said the word "luna" about five times during the incident, which could have been the nickname of the suspect or a code word.

One suspect was described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall, clean shaven with short hair and wearing blue jeans. The second suspect was described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall and chubby with acne or injury scarring on his face. Both are in their early 20s and Hispanic.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Steve Parken at 206-957-2860.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054

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Shoreline Police Blotter 5-24 to 6-1-2010


By Diane Hettrick
(Categories and comments are mine. Don't blame the police, they're very professional.)

Casino Watch
5-24…..16716 Aurora, Club Hollywood. Hit and run of unoccupied vehicle in lot.
5-25…..16716 Aurora, Club Hollywood. A woman came in the casino who was suspected of stealing a $100 chip the month before. Insufficient proof to press charges, so she was Trespassed.
5-30…..157xx Dayton, casino driveway. Traffic stop, then the driver (a Black male) ran. Vehicle’s owner claims car was stolen.

Siblings
5-26…..3xx NW 204. Firearms missing from home of deceased person. Said his brother took them. (This is a different set of brothers from the ones who fought over taking care of Mom and the ones who fought over missing money.)
5-26…..158xx 25th NE. A woman showed up naked at a friend’s house. Friend called her sister to come get her. Naked woman got really angry at sister. Sister was afraid she would be hit. Responding officer had seen Naked Woman (clothed at the time) at a Chevron station two days before, yelling. Naked woman went to Overlake for a Voluntary commitment. (I’m really impressed that the cop talked her into a voluntary commitment.)
5-30…..15xx NE 171st. Kelsey House Apts. Brother called. His depressed brother hadn’t returned home and was not answering his phone. Home brother had called all the hospitals, etc. (I think he was ok, there were no follow-up police reports.)

Keeping the streets safe (and drug-free)
5-25…..6xx N 165th. Speeding, suspicion of DUI.
5-27…..N 175th/Meridian. Wisconsin driver, Driving While License Revoked. (You can run, but you can’t hide.)
5-27…..176xx Fremont. Traffic stop. 4 heroin addicts. 2 had warrants for Driving While License Suspended. 75-100 syringes in car, along with a vial of Naloxone /Narcan and a single Suboxone pill. (drugs used to counteract overdose)
5-29…..NE 165/5th NE. Traffic stop for stop sign violation. Marijuana in car.
5-29…NE 148th/8th NE. Traffic stop. Driving With License Suspended, warrant. Marijuana in car. (Ok, all of you. How many of you have weed in your cars? Raise your hands.)
5-29…..Northbound I-5 on-ramp at NE 175. Truck on the ramp. Driving While License Revoked. (Interesting. City police own the ramps. Once on the freeway, State Patrol would have jurisdiction, unless City police were in hot pursuit.)
5-31…..154xx 5th NE. Traffic stop for equipment violations and multiple moving violations. Marijuana, Meth and 140 Vicodin. Booked King County Jail.
6-1……160xx Aurora. Traffic stop. Driver was Driving While License Suspended and passenger had criminal warrants.

Not keeping the streets safe
6-1……12xx N 185th. Cop was in parking lot by liquor store. Ran plates on a car and driver had a Driving While License Suspended from Lynnwood. Tried to pull him over. White male driver in black Mercury Cougar. Chased him through parking lot, city streets, lost him on the freeway. (That’s the congested street that curves through busy Gateway Plaza, where shoppers back into you from the parking spaces on both sides of the street. It’s dangerous enough there without a police pursuit. Cool your jets, guys.)

The Family Plan
5-25…..17202 Aurora, Tyee Apts. Former Boyfriend / Girlfriend. She has a 16-month-old son who may or may not be the Boyfriend’s. She has a No Contact order on Boyfriend, which he violated.
5-26…..17120 Dayton, Chelsea Apts. Juvenile runaway.
5-26…..199xx Linden. Juvenile runaway.
5-27…..14500 Stone N. Married couple got in fight in parking lot. Continued the fight to their apartment.
5-28…..162xx 6th NE. Victim in Mountlake Terrace believes that her boyfriend’s daughter, who lives and works in Shoreline, stole her stamp collection out of the hall closet. (I don’t see much of a future for that relationship.)

Sitting ducks
5-26…..18050 Meridian, Shoreline District Court. A man was appearing in court for unpaid tickets. The judge suspended his license. The man left court, got in his car, and started to drive off. He was arrested for Driving While License Suspended.

Howdy, Neighbor!
5-26…..Eastside Storefront, NE 165th. A man reported that his neighbor had knocked down the railroad ties he uses for a retaining wall.

Unoccupied houses again
5-26…..153xx 26th NE. Couple bought home and are renovating it before they move in. Burglar broke in back door and stole items.

Bellevue tried to pass ordinances to keep Tent City out
5-31…..NE 146th/20th NE, Tent City. Tent City called about a man who was causing problems and would not leave. (Since they set up on March 27, this is the first reference to a problem at Tent City, and it is Tent City calling the police. Take that, Bellevue!)

Hit the road, Jack
5-26…..15501 Aurora, Chevron. Aggressive, confrontational customer. Clerk called police but man left before they came. White male, white t-shirt, tan pants.
5-29…..19508 Aurora, Echo Lake Bar. Customer caused a disturbance and was Trespassed. (I’m going to have to go to that place. How can you not like a triangular building? It looks like it was built around 1910. Note to self: ask Vicki Stiles at the Museum about building.)

It’s QFC’s turn this week
5-28…..6xx NW RB Rd. Victim was talking a friend in the QFC parking lot. Someone reached through the open car window and stole wallet. (That must have been some great gossip).
5-30…..6xx NW RB Rd, QFC parking lot. Man threatened to kill himself. Involuntary commitment to Northwest Hospital.
6-1……6xx NW RB Rd, QFC. Woman arrested for shoplifting food and household goods. In possession of marijuana. (If she has money to buy weed, she can pay for her groceries like everyone else.)
6-1……15505 Westminster Way, Central Market parking lot. Traffic collision. Driver Driving With License Suspended.
6-1……1175 N 205th, Costco. Missing person, dob 101121. (OMG, they lost Grandpa in the grocery store)

The graveyard shift
5-27…..1xx Cascade Dr NW, The Highlands. Car prowl. (Even in gated communities.)
5-28…..145xx Interlake N. Car prowl in residential driveway. 2 cars. Passenger windows broken.
5-28…..150xx Densmore. Car prowl in residential driveway. Car was unlocked.
5-28…..152xx Densmore. Car prowl in residential driveway. Victim’s car was listed as stolen but he explained that he had temporarily misplaced it in the International District. Car was taken out of the system. (Man, that sake will fry your brains.)
5-28…..160xx Interlake. Abandoned car.
5-28…..145xx 32nd NE. Abandoned car.
5-28…..3xx NE 163rd. Victim heard a loud noise. Discovered a car part had been taken off a car parked on the street.
5-29…..145xx Interlake N. Car prowl in residential driveway. Broke passenger window and grabbed laptop case. When they discovered the case was empty, they… (That’s all you get – that’s where the report ended. But feel free to speculate.)
6-1……155xx Interlake N. Abandoned car. (I think that Interlake needs a Block Watch).
6-1……9xx N 163rd. Abandoned car.

You wonder what they’ll be like when they grow up
5-27…..Shorewood HS. Watch stolen from student’s backpack.
5-27…..192xx Meridian. Booked for malicious mischief for kicking and smashing mailboxes.
5-30…..191xx 15th NW. Large, loud party. Cited for Noise ordinance violation.
5-30…..191xx 15th NW. Large, loud teenage drinking party. Cited for Noise Ordinance Violation. As guests were leaving, someone smashed windows on cars and stole items.

Fraud, Burglary and other unimaginative crimes
5-27…..185xx Ridgefield Rd. Victim’s information used to open a credit card.
5-28…..2xx N 171. Burglary.

Baffle ‘em with B-S
5-28…..18336 Aurora, liquor store. Theft. 4 Black adult males, one Black adult female were in the store distracting the employees with questions. (Who needs weapons when you can run your mouth?)

Defying classification
5-28…..148xx Ashworth. Victim has had home broken into twice. She installed an alarm system and put iron bars on the outside of the windows. The bars were pried off and cut and someone entered through window, which was unlocked. (Is there a teen-aged boy living next door?)

5-29…..5xx NE 145th. Woman ate pot brownies and was freaking out. (I wonder if she was freaking out because she didn’t know she was eating augmented brownies? Or perhaps she got the stems stuck in her teeth. Good oral hygiene is very important.)

5-30…1843 NW 195th, Hills Restaurant. 10:45 pm, 2 cars pull in to parking lot and dumped garbage into restaurant dumpsters. White male driver with blond hair. White female passenger. (Hills has Fettuccine alfredo to die for. A fabulous wine list. Somebody write us a restaurant review. Oh, what? Garbage? In a garbage can? Oh, no!)

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Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth music camp in Shoreline

The City of Shoreline is pleased to announce that Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth will teach a music camp from June 21 to June 25,  daily from 1 until 4 pm, at the Spartan Recreation Center.  

Campers will write songs and perform them with Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth at the end of camp.

Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth are noted Northwest children’s artists who perform at fairs, festivals and events throughout the year. 

During the school year they also teach Education through Entertainment classes for elementary students in Washington and Oregon. They have a love of life: their music and classes provide an upbeat and positive message.

Sign-ups are being accepted now. Cost for the camp is $130 and $120 for residents of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park and include a CD of music created during the camp. This program fills quickly so sign up now for an exciting week of music, performance and fun.

For further information, contact the Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department at 205 801-2600 or go online to the website

Photo courtesy Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth Facebook

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King County encourages PCO candidates to file on line


By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

Possible candidates for precinct committee officer file this week, along with candidates for other offices.

Candidates for Democratic and Republican PCOs in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and other parts of King County can now file on line, as candidates for other offices may do.

Voters here and around the State will elect PCOs during the August primary.

Online filing in King County begins at 8:30 am Monday – a half hour before in-person filing – and ends at 4:30 pm Friday – a half hour after the end of in-person filing.

County elections officials are encouraging online filing for PCO candidates. They suggest these benefits:
  • Candidates can file from the convenience of their homes;
  • Candidates can only file for the precinct in which they are registered to vote; this prevents people from filing in the wrong precinct.
  • Current filings will be available on the web faster and more frequently with online filings.
PCOs help set policies for local party organizations and, through them, higher level party organizations. When there is a vacancy for a partisan County or legislative office, PCOs from the party that held the office nominate candidates for appointment.

Many precincts often have either no Democrat or no Republican running for PCO, and some have neither on the ballot.

Information about filing for PCO or any other office is available on the web , by e-mail or by phone at 206-296-1565.


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Back To School Consortium event for students in need

Sunday, June 6, 2010



By Craig Degginger, Shoreline Schools 

The annual Shoreline Back To School event provides school supplies, hair cuts, and clothing assistance to Shoreline School District families with low incomes and/ or circumstances that make it challenging to adequately prepare their children for school. To register for the Aug. 28 event, visit the Back To School Consortium Web site, or call the info line at 206-393-4916.

The event will be held from 1 to 4 pm August 28 at the North City building, 816 NE 190th, Shoreline.

Donations of backpacks, school supplies, hygiene products, socks and underwear can be made at the Center for Human Services, 17018 15th Ave NE in Shoreline.

Through June 25, high quality gently used or new children's and teen clothing can be dropped off at The WORKS, located in the North City Elementary Portables, 816 NE 190th Street, Shoreline, Wednesday evenings 5 - 8 pm or by appointment by leaving a message on the Shoreline PTA Council, The WORKS voice mail 206-393-4916 ext. 5. A WORKS representative will call you back to arrange a drop off time.
Note: The WORKS will be closed over the summer until early August. DO NOT LEAVE DONATIONS AT THE DOOR. (extreme fire hazard)

In 2009, more than 1,000 students received needed school supplies and clothing at the Back to School Consortium event.

Back to School Consortium members include the Center for Human Services; City of Lake Forest Park; City of Shoreline; Shoreline Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services; Embrace Shoreline Schools; The Works of Shoreline PTA Council; Shoreline School District; YMCA, Turning Point; and The Vineyard.

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North City Neighborhood meeting Wednesday, June 9, Shoreline Library



Please join us for North City Neighborhood Association's (NCNA) June Meeting:

Wednesday, June 9, 2010
7:00 - 9:00 pm

Shoreline Public Library
345 NE 175th St
(small meeting room)

This month's agenda focuses on summer events, so if you've thought about getting involved in something, this is a great opportunity to hear how. Get involved a little or a lot. It's up to you.

Volunteers are needed for the following events:
  • - Swingin' Summer's Eve (July 21)
  • - Ballinger-North City Movie Night (Aug 7)
  • - Jazz Walk (Aug 17)

We will also be using the occasion to plan for future meetings and community events. We have some great ideas already - they just have to be prioritized - so we need to hear what is important to you. If you have ideas for guest speakers or topics, let us know. If you'd like to take the lead on an activity, we'd really like to know!

Meetings are the second Wednesday of the month and are open to anyone with an interest in their North City Neighborhood. See our website for more info.

For more information, please contact:
Melanie Matway  206-420-7547 
Nan Skinner  206-734-9289.


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Regional animal control services under consideration: updated


Updated and corrected information from the City of Shoreline June 6

The new shelter for Shoreline animals is PAWS, 15305 4th Ave W, Lynnwood. Website. 425-787-2500, Since May 1 they have been accepting owner-surrendered animals from Shoreline.  Starting June 1, they accept stray animals from residents.  As of July 1, stray animals will be accepted from animal control. For more info, contact the City of Shoreline 206-801-2700.

Lake Forest Park is considering their options. Each City contracts separately for services. 

Earlier this year, King County informed the 34 suburban cities it served that it would no longer be providing animal control services. Seattle has its own animal services and shelter. The original time line for termination of county services was short and would have required cities to have animal shelter, animal control officer, and licensing operations, or contracts for those services, up and running in an unrealistic period of time. 

The feedback from many cities in the county was that they were interested in looking at alternatives for how these services could be provided, including a regional approach with King County. The King County Council extended the timeframe for the termination of current cities contracts until June 30, providing cities and the county the time necessary to develop a proposed regional model for animal control services.


At the Shoreline City Council’s April 26 meeting, Shoreline staff presented three options for how animal control services could be provided, including the King County regional model, a north King County sub-regional model, and bringing animal control services in-house. 

In all three of these service options, staff stated that Shoreline would contract with PAWS in Lynnwood for shelter services. Under the current county contract, animals are taken to the county-operated shelters in Bellevue and Kent.

Twenty-seven of the 34 original contracting cities, including Lake Forest Park and Shoreline, have indicated interest in participating in the regional model through interlocal agreements lasting two-and-a-half years. If a critical mass of those cities follow through to sign contracts and the County Council approves, the new Regional Animal Services of King County would be implemented starting July 1.

Lake Forest Park city council will be reviewing the contract at their June 10 meeting and the Shoreline City Council will be reviewing the interlocal agreement on June 28. Contracts must be in place by June 30. The full County Council is scheduled to hold public hearings on the regional animal services model on June 14 and 21, with potential action set for June 21 and implementation on July 1.

One of the consequences of the change is that the county will be very aggressive about making sure that all animals are licensed and there will be penalties for those who are not. The county would also like to enter into concession agreements with vendors to sell animal-related products and services, and to sell advertising, sponsorship and naming rights for the benefit of regional animal services.

Animal licenses are sold at both Shoreline and Lake Forest Park city halls. Senior citizens can purchase a reduced-cost, lifetime license for each pet.

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Renovated Hamlin Park to be dedicated on Saturday, June 12

Saturday, June 5, 2010

New lighted baseball fields are ready for young players along with new play equipment, a picnic shelter, pathways and benches. The Shoreline community is invited to help dedicate the renovated Hamlin Park at a special ceremony on Saturday, June 12, at 11 am.

The park, located at 16006 15th Ave NE, also features trail improvements including new crushed rock surfacing, new box steps for steep grades and wood planked bridges in low areas.

Hamlin Park's 1% for the Arts public art piece, the Dew Beads by artist Kristin Tollefson (right), were created in a variety of colors. The 20-inch spheres were lowered into place by a forklift. According to the artist, the spheres are inspired by the park's natural features, the trees that ring the open space and the undulating terrain. The necklace of cascading concrete and glass beads appears to roll downhill, joining the wooded picnic area with the play area and marking the entrance to the park. The work doubles as playful seating for park visitors.

For more information about the Hamlin Park improvements, contact Parks Project Coordinator Maureen Colaizzi at 206-801-2603. 

Park photo by Steven H. Robinson
Dew Beads photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Information courtesy City of Shoreline


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Shorecrest grounds sparkle after ESS clean-up


Dozens of student, parent, and community volunteers gathered on May 15 on Shorecrest High School grounds for the district-wide Embrace Shoreline Schools gardening and clean-up.

Previous work parties have focused on major clean-up of planting areas, pulling out the weeds and invasive species, adding soil amendments, planting native plants and covering the beds with bark and wood chips to discourage weeds.

The May event got down to the hands and knees details of weeds growing in the ornamental rocks and ground cover around trees.

Volunteers took time to pause for a photo op for photographer and Shorecrest parent Sarah Baldwin.

At the same time, volunteers weeded and cleaned up the school grounds at every school in the Shoreline School District.

Embrace Shoreline Schools is a consortium of volunteers from churches, schools, businesses, and the community. 

For information about becoming involved with future events, contact Shoreline School District Contact Craig Degginger, Public Information Officer, 206-361-4412.

Photos by Sarah Baldwin 

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Two work parties scheduled for Grace Cole Nature Park in June

Volunteers will gather on Saturday, June 19 and Saturday, June 26 for Ivy Out Restoration in Grace Cole Nature Park. Time on both dates is 10 am - 2 pm.

The event is organized by the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation, which is open to new volunteers.

The spring rains haven't stopped yet, but it is getting warmer. It is a great season to roll up your sleeves and join us for a few hours in the woods. We'll be pulling ivy and tackling blackberry brambles. On these two Saturdays in June we'll be joining forces with Friends of the Cedar River Watershed.

GLOVES AND BOOTS
Please wear gloves and dress for the weather. Ace Hardware in Towne Center has donated some gloves, but if you have your own, bring them.

SNACKS
Bring some water in a reusable bottle.
There will be a snacks courtesy of the Lake Forest Park Garden Club.

LOCATION
30th Ave NE and NE 165th Street. Go south on 28th from NE 178th in Lake Forest Park and drive about 1/2 mile until just before the road turns. You'll see Grace Cole Nature Park on your right.

For information, call:
Libby Fiene 206-365-8867 or Mamie Bolender 206-364-4410

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Root Beer floats at Hillwood Community Network Meet-up Tuesday, June 8


Hillwood Community Network invites everyone from the Hillwood Neighborhood to a community meet-up, Tuesday, January 8 at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 18826 3rd Ave NW.

Join us for root beer floats and a social hour at 6:30 pm followed by a program including announcements, elections and a speaker from the city regarding plans for traffic improvements, sidewalks and safety issues in the Hillwood neighborhood. This speaker was invited in response to neighbors expressing concerns about these issues.

Right: Hillwood Community Network neighbors working on the N 198th Street trail. 

All Hillwood residents are welcome to attend. HCN has a meet-up about every other month during the school year and will be hosting an Ice Cream Social at Hillwood Park Tuesday, August 10.

The Hillwood neighborhood is bordered by Aurora Ave N on the east, N 185th St on the south, 8th Ave NW on the west, and N 205th St on the north.

For more info:
Facebook, Hillwood Community E-Village
206-546-5430

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Senior Services needs volunteer drivers

The drive of your life – Volunteer with Hyde Shuttles


Seniors and people with disabilities in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park urgently need your help. The Hyde Shuttles take people to grocery stores, medical appointments and other local errands. Because of a shortage in volunteers to drive the shuttle, routes are being canceled and many seniors are finding it harder than ever to get around.

Choose your weekly shifts and receive free training in defensive driving and passenger assistance. You do not need a special driver’s license and do no lifting or bearing of weight. Interested? Call Melissa at (206) 748-7588, email, or visit Senior Services on the web for more information.

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Aurora Construction Update week of June 6, 2010


Aurora Corridor Project Weekly Construction Update
Week of June 6, 2010

Construction hours are 8:00 a.m. Sunday through 5:00 p.m. Friday.  There will be no construction on Saturdays.

Regular daytime construction hours
Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Night-time construction hours allowed
Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Water line work, nighttime lane closures on Aurora
Crews will continue water line work on Aurora between N 175th and N 185th Streets. This work will occur at night, Monday through Friday morning.

Joint utility trench (JUT) installation on Midvale Avenue, Interurban Trail
Crews will continue digging the JUT on Midvale Avenue to connect utility vaults. Midvale Avenue will be reduced to one lane and a small section of the Interurban Trail on Midvale Avenue will be temporarily closed. Vehicles, pedestrians and Interurban Trail users are being directed by flaggers. Please travel safely and pay attention to the direction of flaggers.

Temporary signal at N 175th Street and Midvale Avenue
Crews will continue working to install a temporary traffic signal at N 175th Street and Midvale Avenue to use during construction and until the new permanent signal is installed. To allow this work to occur, a single lane closure is likely on N 175th Street. Please pay attention to signage and flaggers.

Driveway and sidewalk grading
Crews will continue grading activities in the work zone on the east side of Aurora and will begin pouring concrete sidewalks and paving driveways between N 165th and N 175th Streets.  

Roadway excavation
Crews will continue removing asphalt and excavating in the work zone on Aurora between N 175th and N 185th Streets.

Landscaping preparations
Crews will continue to install components for landscaping, including irrigation “sleeving” and underground “root boxes” in which to plant trees and other vegetation. 
Help us keep a safe construction area by:
  • Driving carefully in all construction zones and following the directions of signs and flaggers.
  • Never turning left across a single yellow line when traveling  onto or off of various segments of Aurora between N 165th to N 185th Streets. This includes making left turns when leaving businesses on Aurora.
  • Making left-turns off of Aurora Avenue at signalized intersections at N 165th, N 175th, and N 185th Streets.
  • Adhering to the 35 MPH speed limit enforced throughout the corridor.
  • Using pedestrian crosswalks and avoiding designated work zones.
  • Watching for construction activities near the Interurban Trail.
Please contact the 24-hour hotline at 206-801-2485 or email  if you feel there is an unsafe situation on the roadway. Visit the webpage for weekly construction updates posted by the end of the day each Friday or sign up to receive emailed updates on the homepage of Shoreline's website.


Photo by Steven H. Robinson 

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