Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Plant of the Month: Dead Man’s Fingers

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Dead Man's Fingers.
By Sarah Baker, Garden Director

Dead man’s fingers (Decaisnea fargesii) is a quirky plant, as its name suggests. Plant it where you can enjoy its best feature: The shockingly blue, bean-like seedpods that dangle from it each fall. They are edible, but creepy, and with a name like ‘dead man’s fingers,’ very fitting for Halloween.

Decaisnea is grown in gardens for its bold, tropical-looking foliage and decorative fruit. It comes from a family of plants known primarily for its vines, including Akebia and Holboellia. It's tall and lanky to about fifteen feet in height. With a narrow form and foliage clustered at the top, Decaisnea works best when planted amongst other shrubs rather than as a stand-alone specimen. Be sure to plant it where you can appreciate its bizarre seedpods up close.

Decaisnea is found from the Himalayas to western China. All you need to grow it successfully is full sun to part shade, and good loamy soil. The plants are easy to grow in cooler temperate climates and are frost hardy, tolerating temperatures down to 5°F. 

This is a unique, yet easy-to-grow plant that thrives in our Puget Sound gardens.



Read more...

Stay Safe on Halloween

Halloween is a fun and festive time of the year. The Northshore Fire Department wants it to be a safe one as well, and offers the following safety tips.

COSTUMES:

Costumes should be bright, reflective, and short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. Make sure that shoes fit well.  Consider non-toxic makeup as safer alternative to masks since masks can limit or block eyesight. Decorative hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.  Purchase costumes, wigs and accessories with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL
  • Children should trick or treat in their own neighborhood on well lit streets and be accompanied by their parents or other responsible adults.
  • For older children going alone, plan and review the route, and agree on a specific time for returning home.
  • Supply flashlights for all children and their escorts.
  • Only visit homes that have the porch light or Halloween lights on. Don’t accept treats from people in vehicles, or get into anyone’s car.
  • Teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.
  • Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
    • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
    • Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
    • Never cut across yards or use alleys.
    • Remain on well-lit streets. Always walk on the sidewalk and cross streets at cross-intersections. Never cross between parked cars. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
    • Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!

HOME SAFE HOME:

Make sure the porch and other outdoor lights work and replace burned-out bulbs.Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.

Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treaters.  

Inspect all treats for any kind of tampering before eating, and do not eat treats that have open wrappers. Call the police and report any suspicious treats.


Read more...

Shorecrest, Shorewood cross country teams compete Thursday at North County Invitational, at Marysville Cedarcrest Golf Course

The Shorecrest and Shorewood cross country teams compete at the North County Invitational meet Thursday at 3:45 p.m. at the Marysville Cedarcrest Golf Course.

In this final tuneup for league championships a week later, freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors compete in separate races, with final team scores based on the best finishes in all divisions.

Girls from both schools won races Thursday, Oct. 6. In a home meet at Hamlin Park, Shorewood’s Angelica Yehdego won the girls’ race and led her team to third placed behind Cascade and Lynnwood, and ahead of Everett. The Shorewood boys placed second behind Cascade and ahead of Everett and Lynnwood. Keenan Stephens led the Thunderbirds with a third-place finish.

Gigi Vujovich of Shorecrest won a four-team race at Snohomish, leading the Scots to second place in the team standings behind Snohomish and ahead of Lake Stevens and Marysville-Pilchuck. The Shorecrest boys placed third behind Lake Stevens and Snohomish.

Cross Country Results, Thursday, Oct. 6
At Hamlin Park
5 kilometers

Boys’ team scores--Cascade 31, Shorewood 48, Everett 53, Lynnwood 93,

Individual Boys-- 1.  Statham (C) 17:40; 2. Newton (E) 17:46, 3. Keenan Stephens (SW) 17:47, … 7. Michael Sutherland (SW) 18:59, 8. Evan Levy (SW)  19:04, … 14. Andrew Christiansen (SW) 19:19, … 16. Andrew Suh (SW) 19:58.

Girls team scores--Cascade 36, Lynnwood 45, Shorewood 59, Everett 92.

Individual Girls--1. Angelica Yehdego (SW) 22:27, 2. Redford (C) 22:39, 3. Shaefers (C) 23:09, 4. Williams (E) 23:44, 5. Keelan McKellar (SW) 24:32, … 16. Liz Barnes (SW) 26:13, 17. Katy Kuznetsova (SW) 26:43, … 20. Connie Castanada (SW) 28:36.

At Snohomish Golf Course
Boys team scores--Lake Stevens 29, Snohomish 30, Shorecrest 84, Marysville Pilchuck 105

Individual Boys-- 1. Schmitt (LS) 15:37, 2. Nicol (LS) 15:41, 3. Bush (LS) 15:41, … 9. Mark Officer (SC) 16:19, … 21. Nate Gnifke (SC) 17:05, … 23. Kelly McCaffrey (SC) 17:07, … 25. Casey Singelmann (SC) 17:21…  30. Naphtali Mouton (SC) 17:44.

Girls team scores--Snohomish 24, Shorecrest 47, Lake Stevens 69, Marysville Pilchuck 98

Individual Girls-- 1. Gigi Vujovich (SC) 18:13, 2. Gibson (Sn) 18:31, 3. Kathryn Andria-Habermann (SC) 18:34, … 12. Amanda Eshelman (SC) 20:02, … 18. Elise Froebe (SC) 20:54, 19. Kara Eckardt (SC) 20:54.


Read more...

Shoreline Fire invites the public to an open house October 23

Shoreline Firefighters Union Local 1760 sponsors the annual Fire Prevention Month Open House at Shoreline Fire Department Training Center and Headquarters, 175th and Aurora.

“SAFETY SUNDAY” at Shoreline Fire on Sunday, October 23 from 11:00am to 1:30pm. 
Watch firefighters at work on the drill ground, see fire apparatus up close and personal and meet and talk with your firefighters. Learn about home family safety and preparing for all types of emergencies. 

Parking will be limited due to construction at Shorewood High School.



Read more...

Meet the Candidates: Mayor of Lake Forest Park: Dwight Thompson

Dwight Thompson, Mayor of Lake Forest Park
OCCUPATION: Small Business Owner; Command Executive Officer - US Army Reserve

EDUCATION: Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts - University of Washington

My vision for our city government: chart a course of fiscal responsibility that holds the line on spending while maintaining essential services. You know I’ll do it because I already have: In the last six years I CUT expenses and voted NO to increased taxes.

Even as we tighten our belts, we must safeguard the aspects of Lake Forest Park that we all treasure. I am committed to retaining our locally controlled police department, which ensures the fastest 911 response time in North King County; improving road and park maintenance; and protecting our environment for future generations.

To lead our city through these tough economic times, I will call upon my unique blend of management, community, and leadership experience, including: running a successful small business for 25 years, serving our city as councilmember and serving my country in Afghanistan.

Key Endorsements: Ruth Kagi, Bob Ferguson, Cascade Bicycle Club, Sierra Club

Phone:  206-399-9477


Read more...

Meet the Candidates: Mayor of Lake Forest Park: Mary Jane Goss

Mary Jane Goss, Mayor of Lake Forest Park
Public Service: LFP City Council, 1998–2005. Former Co-President, Shorecrest PTSA; awarded Golden Acorn Award, 2009. Treasurer, 2010’s “No on Prop 1” campaign.

As Mayor, I will ensure Lake Forest Park continues as a primarily residential city, with no unwarranted tax increases, and exercises sound fiscal discipline. I will protect services residents rely on, including public safety, as well as our neighborhoods and environment. And I will create a culture at City Hall that ensures transparency, broader resident participation, and respect for diversity of opinion.

I was asked to run for Mayor by residents who believe my experience and personal qualities are needed for effective City leadership. As a successful small-businesswoman and 30-year resident, I urge you to vote for a much-needed change in our City administration. With your input, together we will achieve better solutions.

Web:    MaryJaneGossforMayor.com
Email:  mjgoss@gmail.com
Phone: 206-550-2376


Read more...

Quick-Start Shoreline: A value in hiring people with disabilities, October 18

double-click to enlarge

Read more...

Lauren Schoonover Named Co-Player of the Week for SCC Women's Soccer

Lauren Schoonover watches the play develop.  Photo by Wilson Tsoi.

Schoonover, a freshman goalkeeper from Marysville-Pilchuck High School, had 9 saves in the victory over Everett and a shutout against Skagit Valley.


SCC is 5-3-3 overall and 5-2-1 in the NWAACC Northern Region. SCC is now in first place in the region and faces Green River CC on Wednesday on the road and Whatcom CC at home on Saturday.

Read more...

The results are in for the Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off at Central Market

The results are in for the 10th annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off at Central Market. 

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Here are the top 5:

  • 5th – Joel Holland – Sumner, WA – 1,107 pounds
  • 4th – Geneva Emmons – Sammamish, WA – 1,122 pounds
  • 3rd – Jeff Roy – Spanaway, WA – 1,181 pounds
  • 2nd – Jake Van Kooten – Port Alberni, BC – 1,199 pounds



1st – Stan Pugh – Puyallup, WA – 1,393 pounds!
Photo by Steven H. Robinson.


The top three pumpkins will be displayed at the Shoreline store and 4th and 5th will probably end up at the Ballard and Mill Creek stores.  Photo by Steven H. Robinson.


Weigh in for the junior pumpkin growers.  Photo by Steven H. Robinson.

Hay rides for the kids.  Photo by Steven H. Robinson.
Shoreline's Central Market is located on the upper level of the Aurora Square / Sears Plaza at 155th / Westminster Way and Aurora.

Read more...

CORRECTION—Shorecrest girls’ soccer

By Evan Smith

We apparently made some errors in our Monday story about the Shorecrest girls’ soccer team.
Apparently, we got the wrong order of scoring in Shorecrest’s 3-1 loss to Meadowdale last week. We apparently misinterpreted the information from our news partner, the Seattle Times.

Frank Workman, who broadcast the game on the Shoreline educational cable channel, reports that Meadowdale, not Shorecrest, scored the first goal of the game.

That means that Bri Lasconia's second-half goal tied the game, rather than give Shorecrest the lead, because Meadowdale had scored nine minutes into the game.

Workman reports that Meadowdale's winning overtime goal came in the 83rd minute, making the final score 2-1.


Read more...

Christine Jenson named Volleyball Player of the Week For SCC

Christine Jenson
Photo by Wilson Tsoi
Jenson, a sophomore setter from Mountlake Terrace High School was named the SCC Volleyball Player of the Week. 

She had 32 assists in a 3-0 victory over Whatcom CC on Wednesday and 31 assists in a 3-0 victory over Everett CC on Friday.

SCC plays Bellevue College on Wednesday night in the SCC Gym at 7:00 pm. 

SCC and Bellevue are tied for first place in the region with 4-0 records. 

SCC is 11-4 overall and Bellevue is 13-7.

Read more...

Mireya Saucedo named co-player of the week for SCC Women's Soccer

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Mireya Saucedo. Photo by Wilson Tsoi.

Mireya Saucedo, a freshman from Edmonds Woodway High School, scored two goals and had an assistant in two games last week, including the tying goal in the SCC 2-1 come from behind victory over #6 Ranked Everett Community College. Schoonover, a freshman goalkeeper from Marysville-Pilchuck High School, had 9 saves in the victory over Everett and a shutout against Skagit Valley.

SCC is 5-3-3 overall and 5-2-1 in the NWAACC Northern Region. SCC is now in first place in the region and faces Green River CC on Wednesday on the road and Whatcom CC at home on Saturday.


Read more...

Senghore Named SCC Men's Soccer Player of the Week

Amadou Senghore
Photo by Wilson Tsoi
The freshman walk-on from Nigeria scored two goals in the 4-2 victory over Skagit Valley on Wednesday in Mt. Vernon, WA. 

Senghore was playing in his first game after joining the team the week before. Amadou sparked the win that broke SCC's 12 game winless streak going back to the semifinals of the NWAACC Championship last season.

SCC is 1-11-1 on the year, 1-6-0 in the NWAACC Northern Region. 

SCC faces Whatcom Community College on Saturday at the SCC Soccer Field at 2:15 pm.


Read more...

Tree care and planting workshop in North Seattle October 22

double click to enlarge

Read more...

Do you have arthritis? Would you like a free massage today?

Ballinger Village Massage Envy
There are still openings at the Shoreline (Ballinger Village) and Northgate Massage Envy locations for the Wednesday, October 12, 2011 "Healing Hands for Arthritis" fundraiser. Call the Northgate Massage Envy 206-368-3680 or Shoreline Massage Envy 206-366-1111 to schedule an appointment.

Massage Envy will give arthritis victims a free massage AND they will donate $10 to the Arthritis Foundation. Monetary donations will also be accepted for the Foundation.

--Northgate and Shoreline locations are providing free one-hour, therapeutic massages to those affected by arthritis---including “side-by-side” massage opportunities for children with arthritis and their parents. Space is limited and subject to availability.

--One in five adults and nearly 300,000 children suffer from the pain of arthritis, and massage therapy has been shown to help relieve some of the troublesome symptoms. Therapeutic massages can play an effective role in alleviating the pain and swelling caused by arthritis, increase mobility and range of motion, increase muscle and joint strength, improve flexibility and circulation.


Read more...

Good to Go! mobile center will be at Alderwood Mall on Wednesday, October 12

Good to Go Outreach has added an extra day in Lynnwood and The Good To Go! booth will again be located at Alderwood Mall on Wednesday, October 12, from 2 pm to 6 pm.



In addition, The City of Shoreline has invited the Good To Go Mobile Kiosk to be at Shoreline City Hall from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 29, and from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 2.


Read more...

Meet the Candidates: LFP City Council Pos 2: Brian Cathcart

Brian Cathcart, LFP City Council Pos 2
The incumbent LFP officials who decided how our taxes are spent, well intentioned as they may be, have failed to adjust their spending habits to address current economic conditions. Further, these same incumbents have avoided making the difficult decisions necessary if we are to remain solvent and survive as a city.

We must solve the city’s financial issues first or no other citizen priorities will matter as we simply won’t have the funds and we cannot ask for more money before we do our jobs first!

I have spent over 30 years dealing with financial markets and allocations; how capital is spent. After reviewing how our incumbents allocate our tax money, it is clear to me they do not understand how serious our situation has become. Our economy and the world economy are in trouble because of spending beyond our means. I believe that as your council member I have a moral and fiduciary duty to the citizens of Lake Forest Park to put our city on a path of sustainable budgets and increase our reserves to protect against an uncertain future.

Phone:  206-316-6023



Read more...

Meet the Candidates: LFP City Council Pos 2: Catherine Stanford

Catherine Stanford, LFP City Council Pos 2
It has been a privilege serving on the Council. It was a rewarding continuation of my community service since I moved to Lake Forest Park in 1989, including Planning Commission, Third Place Commons Board, and Farmers Market Chair.

I believe in fiscal responsibility and supported cuts in spending to balance the budget over the past four years. I chaired the Financial Futures Citizens Task Force and initiated a financial strategic planning course of action for the Council.

Maintaining the character and beauty of Lake Forest Park is essential. I will continue to support efforts to protect our environment, parks, streams and open space.

We must take care of our citizens. I will continue to support programs that are critical to the health and well-being of our citizens in a cost effective way.

Endorsements include Rep. Ruth Kagi; King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson; Cascade Bicycle Club; King County Realtors; Sierra Club.

Phone:    206-363-6022


Read more...

What was that explosion? City of Shoreline emergency training exercise

Shoreline fire fighters take a wounded student away from the school bus in a training drill.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

By Diane Hettrick

The yellow school bus stood alone at the end of the high school parking lot.

Suddenly, there was a popping noise and the bus filled up with smoke. The door opened and a few students stumbled out, some collapsing to the ground. They were bleeding from multiple wounds.

From the direction of the school, half a dozen adults ran toward the bus and began helping the students to move away.

Smoke was pouring out the open door and the screams of those trapped inside filled the air. The bus driver, bleeding and bruised, stumbled down the steps and stood outside the bus, looking dazed.

An adult who was attending a meeting at the school tends to the dazed and wounded students.  She has had CERT training but her first aid supplies were in the back of her car.  The bus driver stands at left, staring at his bleeding hands.  This was part of a City of Shoreline training drill.  Photo by Steven H. Robinson.

At the side of the parking lot, one of the students being tended to by the adults began screaming and thrashing around, "I'm NOT all right! What do you MEAN I'm all right! I'm NOT ALL RIGHT!," and then moaning "My friends are on the bus, get them out."

The sound of a distant siren floated in the air. Students on the bus were screaming and yelling "Get me out of here!" and "Help my friend - he's trapped!" Students already out of the bus tried to run back to help their friends, but the adults held them back.

A huge ladder truck from Shoreline Fire arrived and pulled up at the other end of the parking lot, far away from the bus. The teenaged boy lying on the ground by the bus wasn't moving. A piece of metal protruded from his chest.

Fire fighters have been told that there was an explosion on the bus but at this point they do not know the cause of the explosion.  Photo by Steven H. Robinson.

More fire vehicles and police cars arrived, packed into the end of the parking lot, but staying well back. Finally a couple of fire fighters started unfolding hose lines from the truck.

Did this really happen? Yes, but it was a training exercise, staged by the City of Shoreline Office of Emergency Services at Shoreline Christian High School at 14700 25th Ave NE on the 6th of October. Department head Gail Harris said that the City receives money from the State every year to fund emergency preparedness and they put aside funds to stage training exercises like this one about every four to five years.

"We do a training exercise every year, including all the community partners like the school district, State Public Health Lab, and Fircrest Hospital. Usually it is a "table-top" scenario where we all meet to discuss an emergency scenario like an earthquake. Every four or five years we do a full scale exercise. This year, the fire department wanted to do a scenario with multiple victims."

Police cars, medic vans, fire trucks. No sirens, but lights flashing, The street into the parking lot is blocked and I'm told that 25th is lined with emergency vehicles. Nearby Shorecrest High School and Briarcrest Elementary School are on lockdown. The State Public Health Lab and Fircrest Hospital on 15th NE are on lockdown.

A police officer interviews the bus driver to find out what happened on the bus in this training exercise.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Firefighters begin to move toward the bus. One said to the others "we don't think there is another explosive device on the bus, move in." A police officer was talking to the bus driver. The driver said "there was someone new on the bus, but he's gone now." Someone is shouting to the students. "If you can move, get off the bus."

 Badly wounded students are taken to aid cars on rolling stretchers in this fire department training drill.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The medic vans move up. Stretchers are set up and rolled toward the bus. An evaluation station is set up to one side. Wounds are tended and bandaged. Vans leave with the most seriously wounded. The smoke starts to clear from the bus. The screaming stops.

The "victims" are 16 members of the Shoreline Schools firefighter class, a regular vocational class that trains high school students from Shorewood and Shorecrest in the skills needed to be a fire fighter. Students may go into any of the emergency or medical worker professions as a result of their class experience. Today they are learning what it is like on the other side of the equation, as victims needing to be rescued.

The medic vans drive down the block and let the "victims" walk back to the school, to get cleaned up and return their wounds and props.

The training exercise is complete for Shoreline Fire. Now they all gather in a large circle next to the bus, for the "hotwash" - the on the spot debriefing. "Who was first on the scene?" "Ladder truck 61." "What did you know?" "There had been an accident with multiple victims." Each unit reported in the order of their arrival, saying what they knew from Dispatch, what they found when they arrived, and what they did when they got to the scene. Since the scenario was an unknown perpetrator who set off a bomb on a school bus, it is startling to realize what they didn't know as they arrived on scene.

"It's always about communications," said Shoreline Fire spokesperson Melanie Granfors. In this scenario Dispatch is getting multiple calls, from neighbors who heard the explosion, from the parents at a meeting at the school, from school officials, possibly from some of the kids on the bus. None of them really know what has happened, just that there was an explosion on the bus. Each unit that arrives on scene has more information.

"The City provides an emergency radio channel," says Gail Harris, "so all the responders can talk directly to each other without delay."

The City also opened its Emergency Operations Center, with Harris and a designated leadership team called in to monitor and control the situation remotely.

All the responders and city staff met later for a complete debriefing. They talked about what went well, what problems they had, what they needed. The Exercise Evaluator, who was all around the site, observing and making notes, shared his findings. Then they began working on solutions.

"Every situation is a little different," said Granfors. "Running a training scenario like this one helps us find the unexpected problems." 
Harris commented, "On 9-11 the police helicopter circling the tower knew that the building was going to collapse. He communicated that message, but it didn't get to the fire crews, who ran into the building. We're looking for those communication breakdowns so we can repair them before we're in an emergency situation."

Next: where is the guy with the bomb and what is happening inside the school?


Read more...

New Lyon Creek Bridge in Lake Forest Park

Lyon Creek Bridge on the Burke Gilman Trail.  Photo by Diane Hettrick.

Just visible through the trees on the Burke Gilman Trail, is the new Lyon Creek Bridge.  It was brought in and dropped into place this week.  It replaced an old, decaying railroad bridge and is part of the Burke Gilman Trail renovation.  The Trail is expected to be completed and open for use by the end of the year.


Read more...

Shorewood groundbreaking October 17 - public invited

By Craig Degginger


The community is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Shorewood High School at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 17. The event is being held during the school's Homecoming Week.

Students from Shorewood and its west side feeder schools: Einstein Middle School and Echo Lake, Highland Terrace, Meridian Park, Parkwood and Syre Elementary Schools will be participating in the groundbreaking ceremony, which will be followed by a reception in the school library.

Site preparation work at Shorewood has included demolition of the existing portables and a portion of the 100-wing along North 175th Street, and grading and installation of underground utilities. The former Shorewood wood shop area has been renovated to provide classroom space during construction of the new building, and temporary portable classrooms have been placed on the school's field.

Bayley Construction has been awarded the bid for construction of the new Shorewood. Building construction is expected to begin in November.

At Shorecrest, contractors have finished site work for the future gymnasium along with bringing new and enhanced utilities to the campus. Over the summer, crews worked on 25th Avenue Northeast and adjacent streets installing utilities for the new buildings.

The south parking lot reopened for the beginning of school Sept. 12 and students began using the modular classrooms placed on the campus last spring.

Spee West Construction Co. of Edmonds was recently awarded the general construction contract for Shorecrest. Construction is expected to begin on the gymnasium this month and the theater will close for modernization in late December.

The District will receive more than $37.7 million from the state School Construction Assistance Program for the modernization/replacement of both high schools. Shorewood will receive $18.335 million and Shorecrest $19.415 million for replacement of existing buildings and modernization of the school's theater.

The state funding will be combined with the $150 million bond issue approved by Shoreline School District voters in February 2010 for the rebuilding of Shorecrest and Shorewood.

Scheduled completion of both buildings is expected for the 2013-14 school year. To view the phasing plans and designs for both schools, visit the High School modernization page.


Read more...

32nd District Democrats monthly meeting October 12

32nd District Democrats Monthly Meeting, October 12, 2011 Wednesday, 7-9pm
Masonic Hall Shoreline, 753 N 185th St, Shoreline

The 32nd Dems will discuss the upcoming election, hear from Senator Maralyn Chase, discuss Initiative 1163 and consider endorsements.


Read more...

Responding to Terrorism, October 12 Symposium at SCC

Monday, October 10, 2011

Responding to Terrorism

As our understanding of the nature and sources of international terrorism deepens, so too does the scope of our responses. With us to discuss those responses are two individuals with experience in commerce, trade, as well as the use of military power.


Bill Center
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (retired), former President of Rotary Club of Seattle, and former President, WCIT.

“Rethinking America’s Response to Terrorism.”


Eric Schinfeld
President, Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT) and Federal Policy Director, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce

“Economic Opportunity vs. Terrorism: The Role of International Trade”


Wednesday, October 12, 2011, 7-8:30 pm
Shoreline Community College, Room 9208 PUB (map)
This event is FREE and open to the public.

Part of the Ten Years After symposium, organized by the Global Affairs Center.


Read more...

LFP Rotary collects bikes and flips pancakes for their 25th anniversary

Lake Forest Park Rotary collected over 50 bicycles for Africa at their 25th Anniversary celebration at the LFP Farmers' Market on September 25.

The Rotary Club's Fantastic Flapjack Flippers added to the bike drive and the celebration by giving out over 300 pancake and sausage breakfasts to the crowd at the Farmers' Market.

Blue and gold Rotary balloons were given out to the children in attendance. On display were brochures about Rotary, its members and mission of Service Above Self. Other brochures included information on Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Rotaract, RotaCare free clinic and Peace Institutes were also available. Members were happy to explain the group's many activities to visitors.




Read more...

Grace Cole work party October 22


Now that the rains have come, volunteers can begin planting native plants in the areas of the park from which ivy was removed from the ground. Fall planting will help the new plants get a good start.

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation will host a work party at Grace Cole Nature Park on Saturday, October 22, from 9 am to noon for planting ferns, salal, Oregon grape and trees in areas from which we worked very hard to remove the ivy last spring. We welcome students. This is three hours of service for them.

Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided. Please dress for the weather. Bring your favorite tools if you like. We recommend you bring your own water bottle. Beverages will be available. The work party will take place rain or shine, with the possible exception of a deluge or high winds.

The park is on 30th Ave NE and NE 165th. It's accessible from NE 178th St. by turning South at 28th Ave NE and traveling about 1/2 mile. Look for the board walk, and park sign.


Read more...

Tales of the Sumo Toads - Scout Troop 317 goes for the gold




Cooking Sausage - The 1st step in breakfast, cooking the sausage.  We shared the fire
ring with another troop.  See all the excitement in watching the dutch oven with the lid
on?!?!  Photo by Bruce Pyper.
By J. Bruce Pyper, Scoutmaster

This month the young men in Troop 317 were in an annual camp-out featuring a Dutch Oven cook off along with other competitions. The Troop that wins receives a “Gold” dutch oven filled with candy and bragging rights for the year.

This year the Dutch Oven cook off was a Biscuits and Gravy recipe. The troops were graded on timeliness (the food had to be ready at a set time), appearance, completeness of cooking (no raw meat), and any extras added to the recipe. 

That might sound easy until you remember that 1) this was a Breakfast. The food and basic recipe was dropped off at 6:30am …. Yes, AM. Have you tried to get teenaged young men out of bed at that time of the morning?? 2) Dutch ovens take a while to cook. The recipe called for a cooking time of around 30 to 40 minutes. Have you ever watched a dutch oven cook? It is worse than watching a microwave cook (at least the microwave has a window and food goes around and around). Have you ever tried to keep teenage young focused on a dull task, early in the morning?? Troop 317 did pretty well. We did not start the coals quite on time so we missed the on-time delivery. The food was cooked through though.

The other competitions were more engaging:

Blindman’s Soccer – The troop was divided into two teams and every person on a team, except one, is blindfolded. The person who can see then tries to direct his team to the ball and which way to kick it while the opposing team is attempting the same thing. This tested the troop’s ability to work together and follow directions.


Troop 317 at one of the competition stations.  The boys are chanting the patrol
yell.  The patrol yell and name have been been in use for more than 10 years.  Why change
a great name like "Sumo Toads"??
Compass Test – The troop had to use a magnetic compass to measure a distance (a real world use of geometry). If their measurement was too far off, they had to do it again. Did I mention this was a timed event??
First Aid Scenario – This event tested the boys’ first aid knowledge and ability to think on their feet. The scenario was that the troop was coming back from a campout and got caught in a traffic jam on I-5. While they are stuck in traffic, they witness a severe accident. They are the first people on the scene. What do you do? The troop was graded on their knowledge (FYI, don’t do CPR on someone who is breathing… we were graded down for that) and ability to work together.
Plant Identification – The troop was shown a picnic table with samples of 10 plants that they were to identify. There were a couple of field guides to help out on the more obscure plants. I was pleasantly surprised when the young men were able to identify 8 of the 10 without using the books!


Soooooo close!!!  As you can see we had some folks get very close, but not quite
there.... and the boys came back with all their fingers!  Photo by J. Bruce Pyper.

Tomahawk Toss and Match Splitting – This was probably the most popular station. Each young man had 3 chances to throw tomahawks at a target. They then competed as a troop the best of 6 throws. The match splitting was a test of accuracy and control. The bottom of a wooden match was wedged into a log. The object was to split the match with a tomahawk or hatchet. A couple of the young men got pretty close, but no one split the match.

While Troop 317 did not win the dutch oven full of candy (much to their dentist’s dismay), they did have fun and learned lots. They may bring home the Gold next year!!


Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP