Rotary Cup photos: pre-game and half-time

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Football fans at Shorewood vs Shorecrest

The Rotary Cup football game, held on Friday, September 23, 2011, is always special because it has both our high schools. This is a particular bonus for pre-game and half-time as we get the benefit of the talented kids from both schools.

Wayne Pridemore shares these photos from the pre-game and half-time events.


Before the big football game cheer squads from Shorewood and Shorecrest greet each other.


Cheer squads of Shorecrest and Shorewood.


Shorewood fans Chris Hopen and Lucy Pridemore with her son, Dave Pridemore, are fired up!


Shorewood cheer squad at halftime.


Shorewood and Shorecrest combined drum section. 
 (no wonder I could hear them from 20 blocks away - Editor)


Shorecrest Band


Shorewood Band


Shorewood Drill Team


Shorecrest Flag Squad


Shorewood flag squad.





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Shoreline breast cancer survivor among 587 in Row for the Cure on Seattle’s Lake Union September 18

The Martha's Moms rowing crew in the Row for the Cure.  Photo by Michael Garrison.

By Mike McQuaid

Seventy-one year-old breast cancer survivor Poo Penrose of Shoreline was among 587 rowers and dragon boat paddlers making a big splash against breast cancer last Sunday morning, September 18, 2011 on Seattle’s Lake Union at the 12th annual Row for the Cure regatta.

The local breast cancer fundraiser has grown to become the largest benefit rowing regatta on the West Coast and is among the top third-party fundraisers of the Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  In partnership with USRowing and the George Pocock Rowing Foundation, the local regatta has raised over a half-million dollars for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and is among regattas in 16 states and Germany that have generated over $2 million for Komen affiliates.

Latham and Penrose in bow of boat
Photo by Michael Garrison
Penrose, along with her daughter Nancy Penrose Latham of Snohomish, is among breast cancer survivors from throughout the region powering some 110 rowing shells Sunday morning.  The two successfully defended last year’s title in the parent/child eight-oared event since they were the only mother-daughter team!   Penrose is among five members of Fremont’s Martha’s Moms Rowing Club that have been diagnosed with the disease over the years.
   
After losing her own mother to breast cancer at the age three and later surviving her own scrap with the disease, Penrose knows that rowing has been the constant that helped her regain her life and a means to encourage other women, including her daughter, to be more vigilant with their self exams.
  
“The real meat in this fight, and rowing, are the people,” said Penrose, who practices three mornings a week with her “Moms” team, a group of 20 women aged 45 – 72 named for its first coach Martha Beattie, the wife of former Seattle Mariners pitcher Jim Beattie.  
“Thanks to the work of Komen there is so much more awareness of this disease and the importance of early detection than when my mom was diagnosed.  If you seek help there are so many doors that are now open.”
Crews representing 19 local rowing clubs from Seattle, Redmond, Bainbridge and Vashon Islands, Renton and Everett started near Seattle Pacific University in the Lake Washington Ship Canal and raced around the south end of Lake Union to the finish line on the lake’s east shore.

Penrose and Latham help power their Martha’s Moms crew to a 23 minute, 49.6 second finish.  Over 600 rowers from 19 local clubs participated in the local regatta, one of 20 across 16 US states and Germany.  With fundraising continuing through November 1, the event has already raised $57,000.  

To contribute to a Susan G. Komen for the Cure through a rowing club in your community visit Row for the Cure.

A celebration honoring participants and breast cancer survivors was held at Seattle’s Pocock Rowing Center after the race.


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Shorewood tennis team takes 8-0 record Shorecrest 6-2 into Monday cross-town meeting

The Shorewood boys’ tennis team takes an 8-0 record and Shorecrest a 6-2 record into a Monday meeting between the two schools.

The Thunderbirds and Scots meet at 3:45 p.m. at Shorecrest’s home courts at Shoreline Park.

Shorewood comes off a 5-2 victory over previously undefeated Meadowdale Wednesday and Shorecrest from a 6-1 victory over Mountlake Terrace Wednesday,

Shorewood coach Arnie Moreno sent this report of the Thunderbirds’ victory over Meadowdale:
“The top four singles lineup led by No. 1 singles player Hunter Nelson, plus Justin Oh, Miles Jamieson and Trevor Cronin swept Meadowdale to lead the team to a 5-2 victory. Both teams were 7-0 and tied for first place after four weeks of Wesco 3A league play. Also winning were the No. 2 doubles team of Isaac Brengelmann and freshman Cameron McDowell. 
“The T-Birds improved their record to 8-0 and are in first place.”
Wednesday Results:

Shorewood 5, Meadowdale 2
At Shoreview Park

Singles-- Hunter Nelson, SW, beat Nguyen, M. 6-2, 2-6, 7-5; Justin Oh, SW, beat Ekern, M, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2; Miles Jamieson, SW, beat Yong-Lee, M, 6-2, 6-2; Trevor Cronin, SW, beat Milner, M, 6-2, 6-0.

Doubles-- Devries-Fijalka, M, beat Liam Keebler-Eric Berquist, SW, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2; Cameron McDowell-Isaac Brengelmann, SW, beat Young-Holton, M. 5-7, 6-0, 6-2; Duffus-Sherril, M, beat Logan Keebler-Evan Strandberg, SW, 6-3, 6-2.

Shorecrest 6, Mountlake Terrace 1
At Shoreline Park

Singles — David Lyons, SC, beat Sung, MT 6-0, 6-1; Nishaant Limaye, SC, beat ingul, MT, 6-0, 6-0; Andrew Copsey, SC, beat Nguyen, MT. 6-1, 6-1; Chris Sato, SC, beat Tin Ho, MT, 6-0, 6-1.

Doubles — Kim-Milner, MT, beat Skylar Shibayama-Nick North, SC, 6-3, 6-1; Kielan Lemoine-Kolawski-Evan Saunders, SC, beat Liu-Seyaum, 6-2, 6-2; Brian Hoover-Nick Shively, SC, beat Young-Mckinney, MT. 6-0, 6-0.

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What do Raccoons and clean cars have in common?

Friday, September 23, 2011

Photo courtesy PAWS
What do Raccoons and clean cars have in common?
The answer: both are in PAWS’ Raccoon Quiz.

But you have to hurry. Take the quiz now and get entered to win free Brown Bear Car Washes. Offer ends October 1.

Late summer is primetime for clashes between raccoons and people. PAWS’ Raccoon Quiz can help to solve any Raccoon conflicts.



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Shoreline native leads nonprofit transforming drug-wracked Guineau-Bissau, one student at a time

Our News Partner Social Capital Review has a story by Melissa Steffan about a Shoreline native making a big difference in a small, west African country called Guinea Bissau.
One Seattle-based nonprofit with a big heart and a Christian mission is making a difference in one of Africa’s smallest countries. 
Headed by Shoreline native and former Fresno Bee reporter Chris Collins, West African Vocational Schools reaches out to young people in Guinea Bissau, a poor country rife with political violence and drug cartels. 
WAVS is founded on the belief that outside aid alone will not overcome the widespread poverty and instability; instead, the organization believes that educated leaders must transform Guinea-Bissau from within, Collins said in a phone interview. 
WAVS … is really encouraging ethical practices, people who are dedicated to investing in their country,” he said. “The people who are graduating are instilled with skills to be successful, but also ideals to make them strong leaders in the country.”

Read the entire story here

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Host family needed for foreign exchange student at Shorewood

A host family is needed for a foreign exchange student who is attending Shorewood High School for the remainder of the school year. (11/12) A potential host family is needed for the following student: a girl from Thailand who enjoys cooking and baking, playing tennis, dancing, playing the violin, singing, and is very creative. She enjoys spending time with her family including her grandparents on the weekends. She also enjoys studying and is an A student.

Students come here with good English skills, their own insurance and spending money, and mainly a desire to be a member of an American family. Host families do not need to have teenagers of their own; young families as well as empty nesters are excellent high school hosts this year.

For more information about the students and the program, email or phone Jamin Henderson at 360-661-0552.


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Book Review by Aarene Storms: After the Golden Age

By Aarene Storms, Youth Services Librarian, Richmond Beach Library, KCLS

After the Golden Age by Carrie Vaughn

Forensic accountant Celia West is the daughter of superheroes Captain Olympus and Spark, but her only "talent" seems to be a gift for getting kidnapped and held for ransom. When the insane supervillian Simon Sito (aka The Destructor) is captured and prosecuted for tax evasion, Celia finds her chance to help bring evil to justice. However, her investigation uncovers a conspiracy that might be the key to the origin of Commerce City's superheroes...and more.

Fast action, excellent writing, great characters, a unique setting, a little romance, and some tactful off-page sexual situations. This book is written and published for adults, but it will be welcomed by teen readers of superhero fiction.

Highly recommended for ages 14 and up.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

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SCC Volleyball wins home opener

Northern Region MVP Lisa Day in action
Photo by Wilson Tsoi
The Shoreline Community College Volleyball Team opened its home schedule on Friday night at the SCC Gym. 

The Lady Dolphins looked sluggish in the first game, but came back to win 27-25, and then put Olympic away in the next two games, 25-13, 25-16 to win their first NWAACC Northern Region Game of the year.

SCC is now 7-4 overall and 1-0 in the region. 

Olympic falls to 5-13, 1-1. 

SCC plays next at home against Northwest Indian College on Wednesday at 7:00 PM.


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Shoreline residents question Snohomish County Executive candidate

According to our News Partner, MyEdmondsNews, Shoreline residents attending the candidate forum for Snohomish County Executive were able to express their concerns about Point Wells and ask for a reaction from the candidate.

Incumbent Aaron Reardon, who sent word of a scheduling conflict, was not in attendance. So State Rep. Mike Hope had the room to himself.

Reardon, as County Executive, has been in office during all the County Council decisions which favored the development, designating the land as an Urban Center, and approving the application for permits.

Rep. Hope said the proposal clearly violated the Growth Management Act and that if he were County Executive, he wouldn’t support the project.

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Retired Shoreline Schools teacher in Lynnwood Art Show

The Lynnwood Library Gallery opens a new juried art show on September 26 called (in the red). The show runs until November 17, 2011 and is sponsored by the Lynnwood Arts Commission.

One of the artists in the show is well known to former Einstein Middle School students.

Sheila Theodoratos, or Mrs. Theo, taught art classes at Einstein for many years before her retirement.

The public is invited to the artists reception and awards, on Saturday, October 1, 2011, from 11am to 12pm at the library.  The Library is at 19200 44th Ave W, and is open during regular library hours.


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“Almost, Maine,” a comedy at Shoreline Community College

“Almost, Maine,” a comedy
at Shoreline Community College
7:30 pm, September 30 and October 1, 6, 7, 8

Almost, Maine,” a drama production directed by Christina Lazarakis under the supervision of Tony DoupĂ© at Shoreline Community College at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 30 and on October 1, 6, 7 and 8, 2011.

On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost's residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend - almost - in this delightful midwinter night's dream.

General Admission - $8
Students, Seniors, SCC Employees - $6
SCC students, Children - $4

Note: The October 6 performance is affiliated with the City of Shoreline's Arts Crush Festival. Enter to win free tickets for that night's performance.

Tickets can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets or at the door.

"A whimsical approach to the joys and perils of romance. Magical happenings bloom beneath the snowdrifts." NY Times

Shoreline Community College is located at 16101 Greenwood Avenue North, just west of Aurora Avenue and north of Seattle city limits. Parking and meters near the theater.


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Shorewood, Shorecrest girls’ swimming teams both win Thursday

Photo by Wayne Pridemore
The Shorewood and Shorecrest girls’ swimming teams both won Thursday, Shorewood over Oak Harbor at the Shoreline Pool and Shorecrest over Edmonds-Woodway at the Lynnwood Pool.

The Shorewood girls now take a 4-0 dual-meet record into a Tuesday home meet with Mariner.

In the Thursday victory over Oak Harbor, the Thunderbirds won seven of the twelve events, four with state 3A qualifying performances, in the 107-95 victory. 

Anni Hecker of Shorewood swam a state qualifying time in the 100-yard freestyle, and all three Shorewood relay teams met state qualifying times, with Hecker and Annika Stenfjord swimming on all three teams, 

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Alicia Hoverson and Megan Ransom were members of both the qualifying 200- and 400-yard freestyle teams,  Christina Garrison and Ann Tardiff joined Stenfjord and Hecker on the qualifying 200-yard medley relay team.

Shorecrest returns to the Lynnwood Pool Tuesday after winning eight of twelve events in a 95-75 victory Thursday.

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Divers from both schools compete Saturday at 10 a.m. in a zone diving meet at Marysville-Pilchuck High School.

High School girls’ swimming, Thursday, Sept. 22

Photo by Wayne Pridemore
Shorewood 107, Oak Harbor 79 
At Shoreline Pool

200-yard medley relay — Shorewood (Annika Stenfjord, Christina Garrison, Ann Tardiff, Anni Hecker) 1:57.18*. 200 freestyle — Megan Ransom, SW, 2:09.01. 200 individual medley — C. Hu, OH, 2:17.41*. 50 free — Concepcion, OH, 26.18. Diving — Johnson, OH, 122.95. 100 butterfly — Hu, OH, 1:01.79*. 100 free — Hecker, SW, 54.81*. 500 free — Rylee Sullivan, SW, 5:58.26. 200 free relay — Shorewood (Stenfjord, Alicia Hoverson, Ransom, Hecker) 1:46.20*. 100 backstroke — Concepcion, OH, 105.29. 100 breaststroke — Garrison, SW, 1:12.71. 400 free relay — Shorewood (Stenfjord, Ransom, Hoverson, Hecker) 3:50.13*.

* State 3A qualifying time

Shorecrest 95, Edmonds-Woodway 75
At Lynnwood City Pool

200 medley relay — Shorecrest (Emily Strathy, Audrey Penner, Sarah Semon, Brittney Hahn) 2:04374. 200 free — Amylia Glaskova, SC, 2:15.83. 200 IM — Semon, SC, 2:30.94. 50 free — Djenne Dickens, EW, 25.31. Diving — No diving. 100 fly — Dickens, EW, 1:03.08. 100 free — Hahn, SC, 1:04.01. 500 free — Juliana Epoch, EW, 5:54.73. 200 free relay — Shorecrest (Nisma Gabobe, Haley Magaoay, Mara Childs, Glaskova) 1:59.47. 100 back — Strathy, SC, 1:11.76. 100 breast - Epoch, EW, 1:16.84. 400 free relay — Shorecrest (Semon, Hahn, Glaskova, Strathy) 4:08.88.


Photo by Wayne Pridemore



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Photo: Northern Lights from Shoreline?


Photographer Finn Huffstettner took this photo recently at NE 183rd and 3rd NE.  He calls it "Northern Lights?"  What do you think?

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Shoreline Friends of the Library Book Sale Friday-Sunday

Friends of Shoreline Library annual Book Sale

  • Friday, Sept. 23 5-7pm (members only, memberships available at the door)
  • Saturday, Sept. 24 10-4 pm, open to the public
  • Sunday, Sept. 25, 12-2 pm, BAG Sale!! Fill up a bag for just $3!

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Last LFP Park Volunteer Program work party of the year, Friday 9am-noon

The last Park Volunteer Program Work Party of the Year is Friday morning, September 23, 2011, from 9am to 12 noon at these parks:

  • Animal Acres/Eagle Scout
  • Lyon Creek
  • Blue Heron
  • Horizon View Park

Volunteers will be weeding, clearing paths and doing a general clean-up in each park. There will be a team leader in each park to oversee the work. Volunteers should bring gardening gloves and hand tools.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Linda Holman or just show up.


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For the Birds: Hairy Woodpecker—Watch the Bill

Hairy Woodpecker, male. Photo by Doug Parrott
By Christine Southwick

There’s a black and coffee-stained-white woodpecker hitching up a nearby tree, and you wonder, “Is it a Hairy Woodpecker, or is it a Downy Woodpecker? How can I tell the difference?”

If the woodpecker is close, size is a good key. The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium sized woodpecker, while the Downy Woodpecker is barely larger than the Red-breasted Nuthatches and Black-capped Chickadees it joins in the wintertime mixed flock. Size can be hard to gauge when the bird is high in a large tree.

Hairy female, note stiff tail.  Photo by Craig Kerns
Sound is one of the best clues. The loud whinny is a level tone, not descending at the end like the Downy’s whinny (remember Downy=whinny going down). The Hairy’s call is a loud, almost explosive PEEK.

But the real cincher is the difference in bill size. The Hairy has a bill that is about as long as its head profile ; the Downy’s bill is less than half its head profile. Once you see the bill, most doubts will be squelched.

Hairy’s need large conifers where they can find their favorite meals of bark and wood-boring beetle larvae. Due to their larger size, Hairy’s forage on bigger branches and trunks than their diminutive Downy cousins, so each has their own niche for food gathering. Hairy’s will often extract sap from sapsucker holes in the wintertime, and they will readily come to suet feeders all year long.

Because of their need for large, old, often dead or burned conifers, the population of Hairy Woodpeckers seems to be declining, although they are still the most commonly seen woodpecker in the Cascades. Here in the northwest, Hairy’s commonly use large cottonwoods or alders for their nest cavities. They will readily use large snags, and leaving a dead, or partially dead, tree will attract them into your yard.

Hairy juvenile. Photo by Craig Kerns
Most Hairy’s are seasonally-monogamous residents, and will often pair with a previous partner. Both parents make the cavity hole, incubate the four eggs, and feed and teach their young for a couple of months after that. No wonder they only have one brood a year…

Males have a red spot on the back of their heads, females do not. Most juveniles have a reddish wash on the top of their heads—it is thought that this may help the parents locate the current nestlings, since a nest tree usually has several old nest holes.

So, leave those ugly (to you) dead limbs and hang a suet feeder, then sit back and watch. You will be rewarded with one of our woodpecker species, maybe even a Hairy Woodpecker.

Christine Southwick is on the Board of the Puget Sound Bird Observatory and is their Winter Urban Color-banding Project Manager. She is a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat Steward, having completed their forty hour class. We're happy that she's sharing her expertise with us about the birds in our backyards.


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Youth orchestra event organized by Shoreline resident Beth Fortune-Gobo nominated for Bluegrass Music Association ‘Event of the Year’ award

Washington Middle School Senior Orchestra members participate in the First Annual Wintergrass Youth Orchestra Gala held in February at Bellevue. The event has been nominated for an 'Event of the Year' award by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Photo by Eric Frommer.

By Robert Teodosio, Seattle Public Schools, formerly of Shoreline Public Schools
Republished from Seattle Public Schools website

A youth orchestra event held earlier this year – organized by Shoreline resident Beth Fortune-Gobo, Director of Orchestras at Washington Middle School – has been nominated for an “Event of the Year” award by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). 

Fortune-Gobo will attend the Grammy-style music awards to be held September 29 at Tennessee’s historic Ryman Auditorium.

Fortune-Gobo, a pioneer in infusing the school orchestra program with Americana and Roots music, will be recognized for her work on the First Annual Wintergrass Youth Orchestra Gala held February 2011 in Bellevue.

Wintergrass event a learning project
“The unique aspect is that our event is not a festival ... it is a learning project, and it is the first time the IBMA has ever nominated something other than a festival,” Fortune-Gobo said. “So even if we don't win, it is a major honor to be a part of the final nominee list, and it brings worldwide attention to the music department at Washington Middle School and Seattle Public Schools.”

The 100-member orchestra, composed of members of Washington Middle School’s Senior Orchestra, Kenmore Junior High's Symphonic Orchestra and Bellevue's Youth Symphony, included about a dozen young freelance musicians from around Puget Sound.

The orchestra played arrangements of traditional tunes by renowned Alternative Styles clinician Renata Bratt, who also performed with the cellists.

Several Grammy-nominated performers also joined the students at the Wintergrass gala: Darol Anger, violinist, fiddler, composer, producer and educator; Michael Doucet, a Cajun fiddler, singer and songwriter; and Laurie Lewis, a fiddler, singer and songwriter. Bob Phillips, president-elect of the American String Teachers Association, conducted the orchestra.

Students perform with well-known musicians
"It was exciting when we worked with well-known artists," said Jacob Caspe, now a ninth-grader at Garfield High School. "It was amazing to perform up there on the stage with so many people, and have complete strangers clap for us – not just our parents!"
The orchestra rehearsed the seven tunes in the set throughout the winter, and perfected them in a lengthy, single rehearsal the day before the show. At Wintergrass, the baton was handed to Bob Phillips, who flew out from Michigan to oversee this pivotal moment in music education.

Next year’s Wintergrass Youth Orchestra event, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, already has a major lineup of amazing guest artists, including old-time fiddle master Bruce Molsky, along with Darol Anger and cellist Rushad Eggleston; the premier acoustic Swedish music group Vasen; the Americana band The Wilders; and 2010 IBMA Vocalist of the Year Claire Lynch. It will all once again be conducted by Bob Phillips, and the Washington Middle School Senior Orchestra will participate.

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Are you Stormwater Savvy? Take the quiz and find out

Thursday, September 22, 2011

By Lauren Broudy, Environmental Programs Intern. City of Lake Forest Park

Many of you have already taken part in the City of Lake Forest’s Park “Stormwater Savvy” online quiz. 

If you haven’t yet, please do so by clicking here. You may be wondering to yourself, but what is the survey for?

Our everyday activities, from car washing to gardening, have a lasting impact on water quality. With our busy schedules, we often don’t have the time to step back and reflect on our impacts on the environment.

As part of Lake Forest Park’s attempt to better understand its citizens and their needs, the City has created a stormwater survey to see where residents, businesses, and individuals who work in the City are in terms of their understanding of stormwater.  
For example, where does it go, how does it get there, what makes it dirty, and what keeps it clean? 
Aaron Halverson stencils a label by a storm drain
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park
A similar survey was conducted in 2010 to fulfill part of the outreach component to the stormwater program. Last year’s survey yielded very interesting results, and the goal for 2011 is to compare the answers to those from last year, as well as identify the important indicators to focus on in the future.

If you have taken the survey, please make sure to ask all of your friends, family, and neighbors to take it, too. 

Results will be posted in mid-October of this year, so stay tuned. Be sure to include your email in the survey so we can keep in contact and update you on programs, volunteer opportunities, and general stormwater information. 

Questions or concerns? Contact Lauren Broudy at the City by email or by phone 206-368-5440.


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The Arts Council announces the line-up for The 2012 Children’s Series

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council Presents:
The 2012 Children’s Series

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is proud to present an exciting line-up for the 2012 Children’s Series at Shoreline Community College Campus Theater. Our new season features a diverse line-up of theater, comedy, music and acrobatics. There is something for everyone, and guaranteed fun for the whole family. Tickets are still an affordable $7 and shows start at 11 am unless otherwise noted*.

January 21 - Juggletunes
Winner of multiple National Awards for her Children’s CD’s, including the Parents’ Choice Silver Award, Linda Severt is a “creative genius” who weaves hilarious physical comedy into her music concerts with refreshing originality.

Parents’ Choice noted that Linda’s songs have “The wittiest lyrics this side of Dr. Seuss.” Come see for yourself why the LA Times called her show, “A tour-de-force comedic act.” 

February 11 - The Not-Its
Meet The Not-Its! – Seattle’s most rockin' band making music for children.

Their debut album, We Are The Not-Its!, took the kindie rock scene by storm, receiving a Fids and Kamily Music Award for one of the best family music albums of 2009—unprecedented for a freshman release.

The Not-Its want to be your child’s first rock band….but they’re perfect for the whole family! 

March 24 - Book-It All Over –The Lorax and The Sneetches and Other Stories
Join Book-It All Over on a fanciful journey to explore our responsibility to our environment and one another through Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and The Sneetches and Other Stories. In The Lorax, Dr. Seuss implores us to take care of our planet. Then we meet the loveable Sneetches and learn about the pointlessness of prejudice. 

Prepare to be stunned and amazed as these fearless kids defy the challenge of gravity time after time. Witness stunts that exceed the boundaries of the possible! Bring the whole family for this fun event! 

June 23 - Missoula Children’s Theatre - 1 pm and 5 pm *
as part of the 2012 Shoreline Arts Festival

Missoula Children’s Theatre will be back for their 18th year at the Shoreline Arts Festival. 50 local students will have the opportunity to work under the direction of two professional actor/directors on a fully staged, costumed theatrical production. The play will be announced on our website in early December.

Season and individual program tickets are available now. Purchase tickets by ordering online at or by calling the Arts Council at 206-417-4645. Shoreline Community College Campus Theater is located at 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Bldg 1600, Shoreline, WA 98133.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture all of the arts in the community through programs and events, arts education, advocacy, and support for artists and arts organizations.



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Irons Brothers Construction team to march in Seattle AIDS Walk


On Saturday, September 24, 2011 Joseph and Melissa Irons, along with the Irons Brothers Construction staff, friends, family, and colleagues will participate in 25th annual Seattle AIDS Walk.

For more than six years Shoreline-based Irons Brothers Construction has been walking in this local fundraising event to raise money, support, and awareness for the work Lifelong AIDS Alliance does to care, treat, and support those living with HIV/AIDS in the local community.

Since 1983, Lifelong AIDS Alliance has been providing local HIV/AIDS residents with vital resources and programs. They provide care, prevent new infections, advocate for change, and create community for those living with HIV/AIDS in our local area.

Joseph and Melissa Irons say, "In the past, our donations have totaled up to $4-5,000 each year, but this year has been tough for donors and we need your support! You can donate by clicking here"

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Shorecrest volleyball team prepares for Mountlake Terrace Thursday, Shorewood Monday after losing to Meadowdale, 3-0, Tuesday

The Shorecrest volleyball team takes a 0-2 Wesco 3A record (1-3 overall) into a home match with Mountlake Terrace (0-1 Wesco 3A, 1-2 overall) Thursday before the Scots play at Shorewood (1-1, 2-2) Monday.

Both matches are scheduled for 7 pm.

Shorecrest goes into the two matches after a 3-0 loss to division leader Meadowdale (2-0, 4-0) Tuesday. Scores of the three games were 25-17, 25-10 and 25-17.

Diana Conwell paced the Scots with nine kills nine digs, and four blocks. Aiko Canfield had two kills and five assists, and Ivy Boad had seven digs for Shorecrest.


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Photo: Yes, Deer


There have been many sightings of deer in Lake Forest Park, and one poor creature who was running around Mountlake Terrace (but apparently found his way to safety).

Now Shoreline has a deer. A ShorelineAreaNews reader who lives on 21st Ave NE by Hamlin Park sent in this photo.
He said "This deer appeared about 8:30am in my backyard. I have lived at this address since 1968. First time for this experience."

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Op-Ed: Property Taxes: separating myths from facts

By Janne Kaje
Kaje is a ten-year Shoreline resident, volunteer Planning Commission member since 2008, and co-chair of Friends of Aldercrest, a neighborhood non-profit that helped to forge the agreement on the School District owned Aldercrest property.

Last year, Shoreline residents resoundingly approved “Proposition 1,” a property tax increase to support basic city services. Lake Forest Park voters chose the opposite path, thumping their version of Prop.1 by a wide margin. 
This year, the issue of property taxes is again center stage in LFP, this time in the mayoral race. Unfortunately, much of the rhetoric reflects either a fundamental misunderstanding or an intentional mischaracterization of how property taxes work in Washington State.

A previous writer complained that property values are falling but the LFP city council keeps raising the tax rate, and are considering another increase from the tax year 2011 rate of $1.39 per $1000 to $1.54 for 2012. If property values have gone down 10% this year as the writer suggests, then this increase actually makes perfect sense for a status quo budget. 

Why? Raising the current rate (actually $1.39551) to 1.54 is a slightly more than 10% increase. If your house value decreases by 10% and the tax rate goes up 10%, it is roughly a wash. 

Example: Your home value this year is $400,000, but drops to $360,000 next year. 2011 city taxes = 400 x 1.39551 = $558.20. 2012 city taxes = 360 x 1.54 = $554.40. You just saved about $4.00 despite the higher rate

But not all property values change by the same amount. Using King County iMap and links to property tax records, I took a sample of ten LFP homes from various neighborhoods. 
 As it turns out, in LFP, the biggest percentage drops in assessed value seem to have been on the lowest valued properties, down as much as 20% in just a few years, while the highest value homes along the waterfront have only lost 0-3% on average. Some of those have even appreciated.

So, the owners of higher-end homes are likely to pay more in real dollars if the rate increase goes through, while some other folks may even pay less than they had before. A friend of mine with a modest home on NE 205th would see her bill rise by less than $7.

So what is the city’s track record? Are they really raising taxes every year while residents struggle with tough economic times? Let’s look at the numbers, all of which are easily available from the King County Assessor website, if you do just a little digging in the Data and Reports section

The total value of all real property in LFP dropped 4% from 2010 to 2011, and a whopping 13% from 2009 to 2010. For tax year 2011, it all adds up to just over two billion dollars in total value and about $2.8 million in city property tax collections. That is 0.6% more in taxes than in 2010, which was 1.5% more than in 2009, which was 1.4% more than in 2008. 

Hardly a spending spree when you consider sharply escalating health care costs, fuel costs and contractual increases in employee compensation. Hence the layoffs. Of course the city's other sources of revenue, such as sales tax, are also down, so the overall picture is not even status quo.

Is it likely that the city will raise the rate to $1.54? Not really. The County Assessor's site hasn't posted the total property values for 2012 by city, but based on my quick analysis, I'm guessing that values have dropped by about 6% on average. 

By state law, the city can only raise the total amount it collects via property taxes by 1% annually absent a public vote, except for increases due to new construction. If my estimate is correct, and the city aims for the 1% net increase, then the LFP Council would increase the rate to about $1.50.

The bottom line is that the city tax rate doesn’t tell you anything about whether the city is actually spending more or less than last year. For that, you have to look at the budget itself, and I strongly recommend that residents take the time to go to council meetings and share their views on priorities. During 2011, the average LFP homeowner (average home value is $415,900) pays about $1.59 per day for their city government. Small drip coffee, anyone?


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