Take a closer look at gifts to a child’s college fund

Friday, November 25, 2011

Thinking about holiday gifts? This year you may want to take a closer look at the gift of education, and contribute to a child’s GET account.

GET is Washington’s 529 prepaid tuition plan, where your college savings account is guaranteed by state law to keep pace with rising tuition, even if tuition doubles or triples in the future. GET offers flexible savings options, plus tax-free growth and withdrawals. Kids can use their GET account to attend colleges, universities and technical schools anywhere in the country. And, if they decide not to attend college or receive a scholarship, parents can hold onto the account for up to ten years, transfer the account to another child, or request a refund.

The rising cost of college is in the news almost daily, but grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends can provide support along the way. Saving for a child’s college can seem daunting to parents, yet even small contributions add up over time. Unlike regular 529 savings plans, GET accounts are not affected by the ups and downs of the stock market. Those who fund a GET account when their children are young can save substantially on future tuition.

Whether it’s for a baby, or for a young child who’d feel inspired knowing that college is in his or her future, the gift of college savings is very special indeed. Research shows that teens who have a college savings account in their name are six times more likely to attend.

If a child already has a GET account, gifting is as easy as mailing a check. You can download a gift announcement directly from the GET Web site. If you want to open a new account for a child, you can enroll online, or mail in an enrollment form. 

More information is available online or by calling 1-800-955-2318.


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Christmas Ship Festival

Argosy Christmas Ship. Photo courtesy Argosy Cruises

From our fellow Seattle Times News Partners "Three Sheets Northwest" comes this article about the annual sailings of the Argosy Christmas Ship.

There are multiple sailings. You can buy tickets to sail on the ship itself, follow it in your boat, or be on the shore for the landings.

The Lake Forest Park Civic Club has a private party with a landing at their dock on December 21, 2011, and the Richmond Beach Neighborhood, associated with Shoreline Parks, has an event at 7:30pm on December 13, 2011, at Saltwater Park, with a bonfire and carol singing.

From Three Sheets Northwest:
Each year, boaters light up their vessels and follow the Argosy Christmas ship, Spirit of Seattle, as it travels to ports around Puget Sound. Different local choirs travel onboard the Spirit of Seattle and perform 20-minute programs that are broadcast over the ship’s speakers. Onshore, crowds gather around bonfires and wait for the ships to arrive. 
This year’s festival starts tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 26, on South Lake Union. Boaters are invited to follow the Spirit of Seattle as it departs at 7 p.m. and heads to the Museum of History and Industry on the Montlake Cut for a performance by the Northwest Boychoir and then back to the park.




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Stories for a cold, winter night - Friday December 2

Coffee at the Bridge
to go with the stories
The Seattle Storytellers Guild hosts a free monthly Story Swap on the first Friday from 7-9 pm at the Bridge Coffee House located at 2150 North 122nd Street, Seattle, WA 98133.

You are invited to join them on Friday, December 2nd at 7 pm.

Storytellers tell traditional and personal stories for adults of approximately 5-8 minutes each. Everyone is welcome to tell a story. Both listeners and storytellers are welcome and the evenings are always a delight. Cynthia Westby hosting.

Coffee and snacks are available for purchase.

The Seattle Storytellers Guild, founded in 1982, is a nonprofit organization of tellers and story enthusiasts who actively promote the art of storytelling for adults and kids. 

The guild provides a forum for traditional storytelling, sponsors professional events, and provides performance and training opportunities for tellers at all levels. 

The membership includes professional storytellers, writers, folklorists, traditional storytellers, oral historians, speakers, musicians, elders, ministers, health professionals, librarians, and teachers. 

Storytellers of all levels and interests are welcome.



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Soulful Sounds of Christmas December 19 in Shoreline

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Global health scientists of the future

Updated Nov 28, 2011, 9:02am
Text and photography by Marc Weinberg

Shorecrest student Amina
Photo by Marc Weinberg
Amina, a student at Shorecrest High School, is one of many local students who have developed a passion for science and global health through the BioQuest experience. 

As a participant in BioQuest Academy—a two-week science immersion program—Amina conducted biomedical research activities within the footprint of a world-class research institution and received mentoring that helped her discover her own potential to make a lasting impact on global health.

In many countries, a 16-year-old may have already lived half her life. The burden of infectious disease — including 14 million deaths every year — means short life expectancies. 

The future is in her sights
Photo by Marc Weinberg
But right here in Washington State, a program called BioQuest is enabling teens to become the global health heroes who will lift this burden.

BioQuest is an educational program of Seattle Biomedical Research Institute that fosters scientific education among the youth of Washington State with the goal of building and inspiring a community that supports science and global health. 

This is the beginning for the doctors and scientists of tomorrow
Photo by Marc Weinberg

BioQuest’s unique, multi-disciplinary offerings reach thousands of individuals every year, providing them with unprecedented access to authentic science lab experiences, hands-on training in biomedical skills and unique opportunities to engage directly with leading global health professionals.

Finding a cure for malaria starts in this lab dissecting mosquitos
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Because of BioQuest and the inquiring minds of students like Amina, more young men and women are aspiring to be the global health scientists of the future who will have the knowledge, skills and compassion to create healthy futures for millions of people. 

The door to the future - a world free of infectious disease
Photo by Marc Weinberg

More information about participating in or supporting BioQuest at their website.
More photos by Marc Weinberg here.


Theresa Britschgi, BioQuest Director, adds:
BioQuest Academy is a 60-hour, immersive science job shadow program for high school juniors that since 2007 has been generously supported by Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) Grant Number R25RR024260 from the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Additional support was generously provided by the Byron and Alice Lockwood Foundation the Silver Family Foundation and BioQuest donors.

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Young Shoreline actress in Broadway Bound production

The cast of 13 at Broadway Bound theatre company

 Cool is Where You Find It, and Sometimes Where You Least Expect It.
Broadway Bound partners with ACT Theatre in Jason Robert Brown’s Coming-of-Age Musical, 13. December 8-18, 2011. 11 Holiday performances plus Tony Award-Winner Jason Robert Brown performs in concert on Decmeber 8 at 9pm.

13 is a grown-up story about growing up. It opened on Broadway in 2008 featuring the only all-teenage cast to ever be on Broadway. This December, in partnership with ACT – A Contemporary Theatre, Broadway Bound will revive the musical. The Broadway Bound cast, like the Broadway Company, will be comprised of all teens.

Samantha Wool of Shoreline
is in the cast of 13
Among the actors participating is a Shoreline student – Samantha Wool.

In addition to 13, Broadway Bound will present Jason Robert Brown in Concert, the composer’s Seattle solo concert debut on December 8 at 9:00 p.m. Mr. Brown will also be a special guest at the opening night performance of the musical on December 9, and will conduct a talk back with the audience following the performance.

Tickets for 13 are $17.50 and available online or through the ACT box office. Tickets to the one night Jason Robert Brown concert event are $30 and also available online or through the ACT box office. A special joint ticket price of $40 is available over the phone only (206-292-7676) for those purchasing tickets to BOTH the preview performance of 13 and the Jason Robert Brown concert event.

About Broadway Bound: The Power of Theatre to Make a Difference
Broadway Bound Children’s Theatre, under the leadership team of Founding Executive Artistic Director Jimmy Nixon and Executive Director James D’Asaro, serves more than 1,000 young artists each year (ages 5 to 18) from more than 100 schools, both public and private. As part of its mission, Broadway Bound maintains an all-inclusive program—any child who auditions becomes part of the acting company. Broadway Bound Children's Theatre is located at 5031 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105. 206-526-KIDS (5437).


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So - how much did it rain?

Ronald Bog during the summer 2011.  Photo by Martin deGrazia.

So how much did it rain this week?

Take a look at these before and after photos Martin deGrazia took of Ronald Bog.

Ronald Bog is located in the Meridian Park Neighborhood, at Meridian Ave N and N 175th. The bronze ponies stand in front of the Bog, which is home to beavers, turtles, and ottters.

Same view of Ronald Bog, after last week's rainfall.
Photo by Martin deGrazia

Ronald Bog normally holds a high volume of water and has been known to flood the intersection during heavy rainfall.  A rain gauge in the neighborhood showed 2 3/4" of rain.

The new retention ponds at Cromwell Park (by the courthouse) were designed to take some of the pressure off Ronald Bog by capturing the excess water further upstream.

Retention pond when it was under construction at Cromwell Park.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


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LFP Council candidate French holds lead over incumbent Sterner

By Evan Smith

Lake Forest Park City Council candidate Tom French continues to lead incumbent Councilman Ed Sterner in the closest of three LFP Council contests on the November 8 general-election ballot.

Sterner cut French’s lead to 68 votes in the Wednesday, November 23, vote count from the 77-vote lead that French held Friday, November 19.

Still, the margin between the two candidates remained out of the range for a mandatory recount.

State law requires a machine recount if two candidates are separated by less than 0.5 percent of their combined total and a hand recount if two candidates are within 0.25 percent of the two-candidate total.

With French having 2,595 votes to 2,527 for Sterner, their combined total of 5,122 means that a margin of 25 votes or fewer would trigger a machine recount, and a margin of 12 votes or fewer would trigger a hand recount.

Out of 5,954 ballots counted from Lake Forest Park, 812 left the position blank, and 20 had write-in votes.

King County officials plan to release updated returns Monday, November 28, before certifying the election Tuesday morning, November 29, and posting final results the next day.

The County still has 700 uncounted ballots on hand and will accept ballots returned for signature verification through Monday. The countywide turnout is 51.95 percent, compared to the expected final turnout of 52 percent.

Voter turnout in Lake Forest Park is 63.29 percent.

In other LFP Council contests, incumbent Councilwoman Catherine Stanford leads opponent Brian Cathcart 55 percent to 44 percent, and candidate Jeff Johnson leads opponent Chuck Paulsen 55 percent to 44 percent for the position that Councilman Dwight Thompson is giving up to run for mayor.

Thompson is trailing former Councilwoman Mary Jane Goss in the race for mayor, 52.5 percent to 47.2 percent.


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Ransom holds lead over Lind in Ronald Wastewater District

By Evan Smith

Former Shoreline City Councilman Bob Ransom held his lead over incumbent Ronald Wastewater District Commissioner Arne Lind in new returns from the Nov. 8 general election.

Ransom led in updated returns Wednesday with 51 percent of the vote to 48.5 percent for Lind.

Ransom had 6,949 votes in the Shoreline portion of the District to 6,603 for Lind.

Of the 17,957 Shoreline-area ballots, 4,344 left the position blank and 61 had write-in votes.

Ransom got one vote in the tiny Snohomish County portion of the District with the other five voters leaving the position blank.

Officials in both King and Snohomish counties plan to release another updated count Monday and to certify results Tuesday.

Lind was seeking a third six-year term on the three-member board.

Ransom was a Shoreline City Council member from 1995 to 2007, the last two years as mayor. He lost a re-election bid to Councilman Terry Scott in 2007.

He was a member of the Shoreline School Board from 1983 to 1991.

Ransom ran as a Republican candidate for State representative in 2002, losing to Democrat Maralyn Chase by a 56 percent to 44 percent margin.


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CleanScapes announces Thanksgiving holiday collection schedule for Shoreline

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, there will be no CleanScapes garbage, recycling and yardwaste collection services Thursday, November 24th in Shoreline.

Customers with scheduled collections on that day will be serviced Friday the 25th.

Customers with Friday collection will be serviced Saturday the 26th.

Check their website for current service updates.


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Happy Thanksgiving - we are thankful for you

We at the Shoreline Area News hope that you are spending this Thanksgiving Day with friends and family, enjoying the day. 

Thank you for reading us, for letting your friends and neighbors know about us, and for sending us articles, photos, and story tips.  We are very thankful for your support.

Roasted Tofurky by Jacob Metcalf

Pictured is a roasted tofurky - a Thanksgiving main dish for vegans and vegetarians, made from flavored and molded tofu, stuffed with dressing.


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Last minute grocery shopping on Thanksgiving Day

If you forget the cranberry sauce, area grocery stores will be open half or all of the day on Thanksgiving, November 24, 2011.

Open until 4 pm

and they are having a 6 hour sale on Friday the 25th
18325 Aurora Avenue N, Shoreline, WA 98133-4417
(206) 546-0720

Albertsons in Lake Forest Park 
 6am - 4pm
17171 Bothell Way NE Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
(206) 363-5397

(times not verified)
20150 Ballinger Way NE (206) 368-7221

Open to the very late hours 

TOP Food and Drug Shoreline 
 6 am - 10 pm
1201 N 175th St. Shoreline WA 98133 
(206) 533-2800.

Central Market Shoreline 
 7 am - 11 pm (regular hours)
Just west of Aurora Ave N at N 155th Street
15505 Westminster Way N., Shoreline WA 98133
(206)363-9226

Safeway - North City
Regular hours 5am - 1am on Thanksgiving
17202 15TH Ave N E
Shoreline, WA 98155
206-363-3130

Safeway - Aurora
Regular hours 5am - 1am on Thanksgiving
15332 Aurora Ave N
Shoreline, WA 98133
206-363-8683

Closed for Thanksgiving

1175 North 205th Street
Shoreline, WA 98133-3206
(206) 546-0480



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SCC Names Jesse Vaughan Men's Basketball Player of the Week


Jesse Vaughan led SCC in rebounds and points against NWIC
Photo by Wilson Tsoi

The sophomore forward from Spokane led SCC to their opening game victory over Northwest Indian College on Sunday afternoon in Bellingham, WA by scoring 27 points and having 13 rebounds with 2 blocked shots and 3 steals. SCC won the game 113-112.

Vaughan, a redshirt sophomore who sat out 2010-11 was a major contributor in the 2009-10 SCC basketball team that won the NWAACC Northern Region Championship.

SCC plays Friday night at Pierce College in the Pierce Thanksgiving Tournament. SCC faces the host team Pierce in the opening round at 8:00 PM. The tournament continues through Sunday. SCC plays its first home game of the year on December 11th in a rematch with Northwest Indian College at 6:00 pm.


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Lisa Day Named SCC Volleyball Player of the Week

Lisa Day, #4, Celebrates a point during the season with her teammates.
Photo by Wilson Tso
i.

Sophomore outside hitter Lisa Day, a Ballard High School graduate, was named the final SCC Volleyball Player of the Week for 2011. Day, the two time NWAACC Northern Region MVP, had 47 kills in the three matches at the NWAACC Volleyball Championship over the weekend at Mt. Hood Community College, including 14 kills in a 2-3 loss to Mt. Hood CC in the second round of the tournament, Mt. Hood went on to win the NWAACC Championship. Day also had 4 serving aces, 40 digs and 1 block assist for the weekend.

SCC finished 24-12 on the year and won the NWAACC Northern Region Championship for the second year in a row.


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Afternoon northline Sounder service between Seattle – Everett cancelled 11/23/11

Sounder commuter rail service between Everett and Seattle was cancelled Wednesday evening due to mudslides across the tracks north of Edmonds,

Special Sounder service to the Apple Cup and Seahawks game is expected to run this weekend if no new slides occur.

If no additional slides occur, special event trains to the Apple Cup and Seahawk games will operate this weekend, and normal service will resume on Monday.

Sounder service was not scheduled to run Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Sounder operates on railway owned and maintained by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. The railway requires a 48-hour waiting period after mudslides before resuming passenger service to ensure safe operating conditions.

AFTERNOON BACK-UP BUS SERVICE on WEDNESDAY 11/23 (northbound):

Seattle - Edmonds: Two Starline charter buses will depart Fourth Avenue South and South Jackson Street at 4:05 p.m. and 5:35 p.m. Riders may also board regularly scheduled Community Transit Route 416 at 5th and James St.

Riders should visit the Sound Transit webpage for updates before starting their commute on Monday, November 28.

Riders can sign up to receive automatic e-mail service alerts for Sounder Seattle-Everett, Sounder Seattle-Tacoma, Central Link, Tacoma Link or ST Express to get the latest rider information. 



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Developer of proposed transformation of Point Wells to appeal ruling halting urban center application processing by Snohomish County

The developer of the proposed mixed-use community at Point Wells will immediately appeal today's ruling by King County Superior Court halting further processing of its redevelopment application as an urban center.
"We will immediately appeal this decision. Our appellate courts have already addressed these issues and we are confident that the Court of Appeals will follow its prior rulings," said Gary Huff, an attorney representing developer BSRE Point Wells, LP. "We believe this decision is inconsistent with very clear anguage in our Growth Management Act and Washington's longstanding vesting rules."
The ruling by Judge Dean Lum suspends processing of the developer's application as an urban center until Snohomish County's comprehensive plan amendments and development regulations comply with the State Environmental Policy Act as directed by the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board.


Judge Lum heard arguments by the Town of Woodway and neighborhood group Save Richmond Beach. The two parties have opposed the proposed transformation of the 61-acre site into a master-planned community based on concerns that traffic from the massive site would destroy adjoining Richmond Beach and place an unfair economic burden on surrounding cities.

The developer points out that the project would be "developed in phases over 20 years. Following clean-up, Point Wells would provide new public access opportunities to 2/3 mile of sandy beach, parks, a public pier, restored and enhanced habitat and other amenities."

"We anticipate previous concerns raised by the Growth Management Hearings Board will be addressed in the near future. Meanwhile, we will continue to work with Snohomish County on that effort during the pendency of this appeal," said Huff. "Compliance measures may be in place before a ruling from the Court of Appeals is received."

The Urban Center application was submitted by BSRE Point Wells in March 2011 and was accepted by Snohomish County. The developer and Snohomish County were named respondents in the complaint for declaratory judgment filed September 12.


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Kenmore police precinct to close in cost-saving measure

The King County Sheriff’s Precinct located in Kenmore will close as of Monday, December 5, 2011, and will be combined another precinct and located in Sammamish City Hall.

The closure is part of an effort by the Sheriff’s Office to save money and move deputies closer to the citizens and communities they serve. The Sheriff estimates that the moves will save King County taxpayers more than $8 million over the next 20 years by closing these facilities. 
 “We are saving money, strengthening our relationships with our contract city partners, and improving our access and visibility for the benefit of the citizens of King County,” noted Sheriff Rahr.
The Kenmore Precinct will move to Sammamish City Hall and will be open by February 1. Services that have traditionally been provided to the public at the precinct such as concealed pistol licenses (CPL) and fingerprinting will be temporarily available at Shoreline Police until the moves are complete.

Anyone who uses the Kenmore Precinct may go to the Shoreline main police station for fingerprinting and concealed pistol licenses. Shoreline provides these services on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays by appointment only. The Shoreline Station is located at 1206 N. 185 St. You can make an appointment by calling (206) 801-2710.

The downtown Sheriff’s Office located at the King County Courthouse also provides fingerprinting and concealed pistol licenses on a walk in basis. The address is 516 3rd Ave. Suite 150 located on the first floor of the courthouse.

For more help or information call 206-296-4155 or visit the Sheriff’s Office website.




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Salomon extends lead over McClelland to 104 votes

By Evan Smith

Shoreline City Council candidate Jesse Salomon extended his lead over opponent Robin McClelland to 104 votes Tuesday, Nov. 23, from his 94 votes of Tuesday, Nov. 22, and his 90-vote lead of Monday, Nov. 21.

King County officials plan to release updated returns Monday, Nov. 28, before certifying the election Tuesday morning, Nov. 29, and posting final results the next day.

The County still has 700 uncounted ballots on hand and will accept ballots returned for signature verification through Monday.

Salomon holds the lead with a countywide voter turnout of 51.95 percent, compared to an expected final countywide turnout of 52 percent.

The current voter turnout in Shoreline is 54.05 percent.

Salomon picked up 18 new votes Tuesday and 29 Wednesday to 14 Tuesday and 19 Wednesday for McClelland.

The new votes pulled Salomon further away from the range for a mandatory recount.

A margin between the candidates of 0.5 percent or less of their combined total triggers a machine recount, A margin of 0.5 percent or less triggers a hand recount.

With Salomon having 7,502 votes to 7,398 for McClelland, their combined total of 14,900 means that a margin of 74 votes or fewer would trigger a machine recount and a margin of 37 votes or fewer would trigger a hand recount.

Of 18,070 Shoreline ballots, 3,116 left the position blank, and 54 had write-in votes.
The race was by far the most expensive local contest, with Salomon raising $35,415 and spending $30,457, and McClelland raising $25,980 and spending $19,480.

In other Shoreline Council contests, incumbent Councilman Chris Eggen holds 70 percent of the vote to 29 percent for challenger William Hubbell, and incumbent Councilwoman Doris McConnell held 61 percent to 39 percent for former Councilwoman Janet Way.

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Metro schedule changes for the week and shuttles to the Apple Cup

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Metro has schedule changes this week for Thanksgiving holiday; plus shuttles from four park-and-rides to Apple Cup on Saturday

Huskies host Cougs at Century Link – not on UW campus; $5 for round-trip shuttle

This week, King County Metro Transit will be operating a Sunday schedule on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, and then a reduced weekday schedule for Friday, November 25. Both days will have less bus service than on a regular weekday.

On Saturday, November 26, Metro will have regular service and special shuttles for the 104th Apple Cup between the University of Washington Huskies and the Washington State University Cougars. This year’s clash is being held at CenturyLink Field, home of the Seahawks, due to the renovation of Husky Stadium.

There are some changes for the Husky shuttles this weekend due to the CenturyLink location that fans should take note of:

  • The shuttles will provide round-trip service from four park-and-ride lots: Eastgate, South Kirkland, Northgate, and Federal Way. There are no shuttles from other lots for this game. And, please remember the last shuttle leaves CenturyLink 30 minutes after the end of the game.
  • There will be a charge for the special shuttle to CenturyLink Field to help cover the service costs. There is a one-way cash fare of $2.50, or $5 for a round-trip voucher purchased from the bus driver. Please have the correct cash fare, the bus driver does not carry change.
  • Children under 5 ride free, but there are no other free fares for this game.
  • Admission tickets are not valid for bus fares to/from CenturyLink for this game on either the shuttles or regular service. Also, ORCA passes and transfers cannot be used on the shuttles.
  • Check the online Trip Planner for other regular transit service options to get to and from the game.

For information about all of Metro’s services, including schedules for upcoming holidays, visit Metro Online, or call the Customer Information Office at 206-553-3000.


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SCC Women's Basketball defeats Northwest Indian 66-48 to open season

Tess Cathey scored 10 points. Photo courtesy SCC Athletics

The Lady Dolphin Women's Basketball Team opened the season with a 66-48 win over Northwest Indian College in Bellingham, WA on Tuesday night.

Michan Luecke scored 10 points.
Photo courtesy SCC Athletics
The Lady Dolphins were led by a trio of scorers with 10 points, as sophomore Tess Cathey and freshmen Micahn Luecke and Kaleigh Philips shared the scoring lead. Hailey Stuart scored 9 and Jenny Voss and Maria Ciriaco added 8 points each for a balanced SCC offensive attack.

SCC led 35-24 at halftime and held NWIC to 24 points each half.

The Lady Dolphins face stiff competition in their home opener on Saturday, at they face the defending NWAACC Women's Champions, Yakima Valley CC in the SCC Gym at 2:00 PM. YVCC is 3-0 on the season after winning their own Tip-Off Classic over the weekend.


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Chuck Olson Chevrolet presents check to Hillwood Soccer Club


D.J. Yasui, president of Hillwood Soccer Club and two players (Corey Myers and Claire Yasui) accept a $500 check from Chuck Olson Chevy for Hillwood's participation in the raffle.


This season Hillwood Soccer Club recently participated in a raffle sponsored by Chevy Youth Soccer, in the four western states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California.  The local affiliate is Chuck Olson Chevy in Shoreline.  

The grand prize in the raffle was the winners choice of a Chevy Equinox or Chevy Cruze.  All the proceeds from tickets sold by the club went to the club, which considers it a great success.

Club organizers say that their proceeds will be allocated to help maintain all the soccer fields.


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Give your opinion on the LFP Wildlife Management Plan, Tuesday evening

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Judge halts Point Wells development

Save Richmond Beach got an early Thanksgiving, when King County Superior Court Judge Dean Lum ruled Wednesday that Blue Square Real Estate's urban center application was not vested and enjoined Snohomish County from processing the development application.

It is expected that the developer and Snohomish County will appeal the ruling.



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Lyons Creek fills to the brim during Tuesday's rain storm


Lyons Creek in Lake Forest Park fills to the edge of its banks as traffic backs up along Bothell Way heading to Seattle during Tuesday morning's rainstorm.  Photo by Mike Siegel, The Seattle Times.

Lake Forest Park Towne Centre would be at the photographer's back.

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Photo: Sunrise in Shoreline

Sunrise. Photo by Finn Huffstetter.

This photo of the sunrise was taken from 180th and 3rd by photographer Finn Huffstetter - before the rain and windstorms moved in.


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Thanksgiving tips for pet owners

The Seattle Humane Society offers 5 ways to keep pets happy, healthy during the holidays

The bounty of rich, tempting foods at Thanksgiving can pose health hazards to our four-legged friends, and that’s why Thanksgiving is such a busy time for emergency veterinary clinics. This Thanksgiving, the Seattle Humane Society urges pet guardians to follow five common sense tips to keep pets healthy and happy during the holiday festivities:

1. Keep the feast out of reach! Agile and creative dogs or cats can capture a special treat from the kitchen counter, trash or even the dining room table.

2. Resist offering your leftovers. Rich and fatty foods like dressing, pie, and gravy can lead to serious and painful pancreatitis.

3. No turkey bones! Turkey bones can cause very serious and sometimes fatal consequences for your pet.

4. Plan ahead for pets. Stop by a pet food store and purchase some new dog biscuits or cat treats and then reduce the amount of his regular meal to accommodate the treats he will be getting throughout the day. Remember, biscuits and treats are usually much higher in calories than regular pet food, so having him skip dinner may be a prudent choice if he has been snacking all day.

5. Make a special treat. Some people enjoy cooking for their dog and cat while they are cooking for the rest of the family. Pick up a recipe book just for companion animals at the book store, or just type “homemade pet treat recipes” into your favorite web search engine for lots of interesting choices.

Seattle Humane Society has been awarded the coveted 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator. Founded in 1897 to bring people and pets together, Seattle Humane Society provides incredible companion animals for adoption 7 days a week, pet workshops and training, a pet food bank, a low-fee spay/neuter surgery program, humane teen club, a visiting pets program and more.

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The Chocolate Man opens a retail store at LFP Towne Centre



Did someone say “chocolate”?
What's not to love?  Photo by Victoria Rhoades, ND



When I met up with Bill Fredericks, chocolatier, he was busily painting his new retail outlet in Lake Forest Park, upstairs at the Towne Center in a strip of retail stores between Ross and the Lake Forest Park Grill. In fact, his whole family was there, painting, cleaning, and preparing to move in furniture and equipment.

High end chocolates have 30% less sugar than commercial chocolates
Photo by Vicki Rhoades

When complete, Mr. Fredericks will make his own high-end chocolate for sale. He opened his doors last weekend on November 19th – perfect timing to buy special gifts or to prepare for the holiday table. 

Although his kitchen is still undergoing completion, he is selling products from other local chocolatiers. He also sells chocolate and equipment for home candymaking, and he has DVDs for sale on the art of making confections.

Even though he has worked for 30 years as a research oceanographer at the University of Washington, Mr. Fredericks has a long history in the food industry as well, starting by putting himself through school as a cook. He and his wife got into chocolate-making when they decided to start making holiday gifts about 22 years ago – starting with fruitcake one year (no one ate it), hot mustard (too hot for most people), and finally hit on homemade chocolates and truffles (a huge hit!). They’ve been making truffles ever since.

Photo by Victoria Rhoades, ND
Since then, he’s advanced to teach the art of chocolate-making at several locations, including North and South Seattle Community Colleges, the Blue Ribbon Cooking school, and others. He is the current president of the Northwest Chocolatier’s Guild.

What does he specialize in? “High end truffles” was his immediate response. He explained the technical aspect of truffle-making, which involves softening the chocolate with butter or cream.


The Chocolate Man
Photo by V. Rhoades
He works with premium couverture grade chocolate, which is higher in cocoa butter. If you start with cheaper beans, you can over-roast them (burn them, really), then add lots of sugar to compensate for the bitterness. Since sugar is cheaper than cocoa, this is a cost-effective way to make cheap chocolate. Since he starts with a quality chocolate, he needs to use less sugar. A cheap chocolate bar might be 80% sugar, while his chocolates are about 50% sugar (although some are less).

Besides truffles, he also sells wholesale to other candy manufacturers,

I am told by bona fide chocoholics, that his confections are satisfying and tasty. I wish him all the best.

Chocolate Man, Bill Fredericks, owner. 16580 35th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155. T: 206-365-2025; 

Post script: I served up confections from his shop as an after-dinner treat to guests last night – they loved it! I look forward to many years of visiting his shop. I may even try chocolate-making for myself.


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Shorecrest's Annual Little Scotties Cheer Camp December 5

The annual Little Scotties Cheer Camp will be held on Monday, December 5, 2011, from 10 am to 1 pm in the Shorecrest High School Cafeteria.

The following night, Tuesday, December 6,  the Little Scotties will perform the dance they learned at camp during the halftime performance of the Shorecrest boy's varsity basketball game.

The camp is open to both girls and boys grades K-6, and is $30 dollars per camper. Flyers are available in the main office of Shoreline elementary schools, or email camp organizer Janie Saunders.

For online registration email Janie with subject title "Cheer Camp Registration" or get a hard copy in the Shorecrest Main Office.

Registration deadline is Friday December 2nd. The first 20 to sign up get a real cheer bow.

The Little Scotties Cheer Camp is a Shorecrest Senior Project.


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Monica Poster of Shorewood wins spot on All-Wesco volleyball first team

Shorewood junior hitter Monica Poster has won a position on the All-Wesco-3A volleyball first team. Teammate Molly Whipple was named to the second team along with Diana Conwell of Shorecrest. Marianne Kellogg of Shorewood won honorable mention. Poster, Whipple and Kellogg led the Thunderbirds to a berth in the Northwest District 3A tournament. 

In the Cascade 2A-1A Conference, outside hitter Joclyn Kirton of 1A King's won most-valuable-player honors. She was joined on the all-conference first team by teammate McKenzie Daniels and five players from 2A teams, Caitlin Fransen of King's won a position on the second team. Kirton, McKenzie and Fransen led King's to third place in the State tournament after the Knights lost to State champion Colville in a 3-2 semifinal match Nov. 11.

In the Northwest 1A-2B League, Shoreline Christian junior setter Jessica Hoogerhyde won first-team honors and freshman teammate Bella Hermesch won a position on the second team. Shoreline Christian, which won the league’s sportsmanship award, placed fourth in the Northwest District 2B tournament, Oct. 29, and qualified for the Northwest/West Central Bi-District tournament.

All-league volleyball teams

(From our news partner, The Seattle Times
Wesco 3A

FIRST TEAM
H Lindsey Milner, Sr., Meadowdale; H Maddi Ober, Jr., Glacier Peak; H Arianna Garcia, Sr., Glacier Peak; H Monica Poster, Jr., Shorewood; H Emily Denham, Sr., Meadowdale; S Payton Schrum, Sr., Meadowdale; S Jennifer Tsuji, Sr., Lynnwood; DS/L Soleil Boileau, Sr., Mountlake Terrace; DS/L Taylor Rasmussen, Sr., Glacier Peak.

SECOND TEAM
H Molly Whipple, Sr., Shorewood; H Janinie DeGuzman, Sr., Oak Harbor; H Dominique Collins, Sr., Lynnwood; H Leah Lechtenberg, Sr., Mountlake Terrace; H Kayleigh Harper, So., Oak Harbor; H Diana Conwell, Jr., Shorecrest; S Taylor Nienhuis, Jr., Oak Harbor; S Tenika Wentworth, So., Everett; DS/L Christina Alexander, Sr., Oak Harbor; DS/L Jody Barhanovich, Sr., Everett.

HONORABLE MENTION
Shorewood — Marianne Kellogg.
Everett — Loretta Forrest. Lynnwood — Emily Ottman. Meadowdale- Sloane Morrison, Kate Stevens. Mountlake Terrace — Shawna Pung, Justine Kelly. Oak Harbor — Roshel Muzzal.

Cascade Conference
MVP — Joclyn Kirton, King's

FIRST TEAM
OH Joclyn Kirton, King's; M Linden Firethorne, South Whidbey; S McKenzie Daniels, King's; S/DS Alex Flake, Archbishop Murphy; OH/MH Amanda Marvin, Archbishop Murphy; L Hannah Linsenmayer, Archbishop Murphy; OH Brittany Parmentier, Lakewood.

SECOND TEAM
L Brittany Wood, South Whidbey; OH Caitlin Fransen, King's; OH Peyton Spencer, Granite Falls; L Kendall Koch, Cedarcrest; OH/RS Marea Homes, Archbishop Murphy; OH Katie Smith, Coupeville.

Northwest 1A/2B League
Co-MVPs — Jessica Brooks, Darrington; Priscilla Ponce-Venegas, La Conner
Sportsmanship — Shoreline Christian

FIRST TEAM
MB Jessica Brooks, Sr., Darrington; OH Priscilla Ponce-Venegas, Sr., La Conner; MB Emily Anderson, Sr., La Conner; L Jill Goldman, Sr., Darrington; OH Brandy Hadaway, Sr., Darrington; S Jessica Hoogerhyde, Jr., Shoreline Christian; S Kelley McClung, So., La Conner; OH Katie McKnight, So., La Conner.

SECOND TEAM
L Carly Anderson, So., La Conner; S Riley Anderson, So., Darrington; MB Emma Christianson, Fr., La Conner; OH Monica Franke, So., Darrington; MB Bella Hermesch, Fr., Shoreline Christian; MB Amy Miles, So., Darrington; S Abbey Roper, Jr., Cedar Park Christian (Mountlake Terrace); L Tika Zbornik, Jr., Orcas Island.

HONORABLE MENTION

Shoreline Christian — Katie Bakker.

Cedar Park Christian (Mountlake Terrace) — Jess Castor. Orcas Island — Aliviah Garcia. Mount Vernon Christian — Melanie Kuipers, Amanda Lervick. Friday Harbor — Kaylen Meeker. Concrete — Frankie Rohweder, Kylee Warner. La Conner — Aubrey Stewart.



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Author Event: Terry Thomas, Religion to Reality, December 2

Dr. Terry Thomas will be at
Third Place Books
Dr. Terry Thomas’ first book, At Least We Were Married, told his story of love and grief after losing his wife on their honeymoon in a car crash that nearly killed him, too. The book became a bestseller, and he is frequently asked, “What happened next?” 

Religion to Reality reveals how he turned his life into a laboratory to refind his spiritual center. Terry and his colleagues spent years creating house churches, most of which failed, so he decided to return to his roots. Terry entered seminary, became a theology professor, and spent 25-years as a Lutheran minister. 

Terry Thomas lives in Edmonds, grew up in Bellingham and was once Pastor at Redmond’s Faith Lutheran Church.  He offers workshops and presentations on life breakthroughs, coping with grief, and the use of meaningful, practical, common sense spirituality

He will discuss his new book at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 7 pm.

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Parkwood Elementary receives State Achievement Award

Parkwood Elementary School.  Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Parkwood Elementary in Shoreline is a recipient of the 2011 Washington State Title I, Part A Academic Achievement Award, which includes a $10,000 monetary award.

The award honors those schools that have significantly raised student achievement in mathematics or reading through an identifiable strategy.

Parkwood's Reading Block is a collaborative model of instruction for all students in grades K-3. All classroom teachers, ELL (English Language Learners), and Title I staff work collectively to teach primary students in small, flexible groups targeting their individual skill level. 

The instructional team shares common screening and progress monitoring tools, and develops flexible groups based on this data. Students progress through the block depending on their individual acquisition of skills, rather than by grade level or teacher assignment.

Laura Ploudre, Principal
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
"We share a building-wide approach to teaching and learning that is characterized by high expectations for all learners, and a meaningful expression of care for all members of our learning community," said Parkwood Principal Laura Ploudre.

The mission of Title I, a federally funded program, is to assist children from low-income areas with their basic skills. Only those Title I schools that have met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in math and reading for the last three years were eligible to be nominated. 

Twenty-five different languages are spoken in Parkwood students' homes, 50 percent of its students qualify for free/reduced meals, and 19 percent of the students are enrolled in its ELL program.

Parkwood was previously awarded the Title I Academic Improvement Award in 2007, 2010 and 2011, for showing significant gains overall in mathematics and/or reading proficiency.

In addition, Parkwood was awarded the Washington Achievement Award for Overall Excellence and Closing Achievement Gaps in 2010, which is awarded collaboratively with the State Board of Education (SBE) and based on the Washington Achievement Index.

"I'm very proud of these schools," said Randy Dorn, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. "The achievements they have made are a shining example to the rest of the state that all kids can learn, even with challenging circumstances."

The awards are given to schools that have exceptional student performance or that have demonstrated significant progress in closing the achievement gap. The purpose of the program is to honor the work of successful Title I, Part A school teams, while providing model strategies to assist other schools.

The award-winning schools were determined using the following criteria:
  • School improvement facilitated by collaborative instructional team.
  • School has defined process/strategies that were used to achieve improvement.
  • School improvement can be supported with test data.
  • School strategies/processes address the Nine Characteristics of High Performing Schools (pdf).
  • School strategies have the potential for adoption by other schools.

Ploudre said Parkwood would use the monetary award for professional development for staff and to continue and enhance the school's intervention efforts to improve student achievement.


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