Survey says: 79% support acquisition of SPU water system in Shoreline

Wednesday, June 13, 2012


From the Office of the City Manager

In early May, the City contracted with EMC Research to conduct a scientifically valid telephone poll to find out Shoreline residents’ opinions regarding the City’s proposed acquisition of the Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) water system in Shoreline. Of the 501 surveys conducted, 79% of informed respondents supported Shoreline’s proposed acquisition.

Information respondents felt was most important to know in making their decision included:

  • No increase in property tax or forecasted water rates - No increase in property taxes will be required to purchase the system. It will be paid by bonds, which are repaid by the revenue generated from providing the water service. Water rates will also not increase more than SPU’s forecasted water rates for 2020 and beyond. In other words, a Shoreline ratepayer’s water bill will remain equal to or less than what their bills would be if SPU continued to own the utility.
  • No more surcharge or Seattle utility tax - Shoreline customers of SPU currently pay a 14% surcharge for living outside of Seattle’s city limits as well as a Seattle utility tax that goes directly into Seattle’s general fund to pay for such things as Seattle parks, police, fire and neighborhoods. Ownership of the water utility will mean that Shoreline ratepayers will no longer pay a utility tax to Seattle and their money would no longer go towards subsidizing lower rates for other SPU customers.
  • Money reinvested in Shoreline, not Seattle - Owning the water system means Shoreline can use revenues to reinvest in the system for things that SPU isn’t focused on, like infrastructure improvements to help improve Shoreline’s commercial districts and increase water flow for firefighting purposes throughout the City.
  • Local control - Purchasing the SPU water system will give the City and its citizens direct control over water utility service and decisions instead of relying on Seattle’s public utility to look out for our interests. Currently, decisions on rates, charges and infrastructure investments are made by the Seattle City Council and SPU. Shoreline ratepayers have no direct voice in those decisions. If the City operated the utility, Shoreline ratepayers would have a direct say through the Shoreline City Council.

In addition to supporting the SPU acquisition, 75% of respondents said the City is moving in the right direction and 70% gave the City a positive rating for the overall job it is doing.

 “When residents learn they can have local control over how the system is managed and that their money will be reinvested in Shoreline instead of Seattle, all for the same rates, or even less, as SPU would charge them, they understand why it is a good business decision for our City,” states City Manager Julie Underwood.

Acquiring the SPU water system in Shoreline has been a community priority for many years and a specific Council goal since 2009. City staff have been negotiating with SPU for several years and has been engaged in an intense due diligence process since last November to review the financial and engineering analysis of the acquisition to ensure they meet the City’s expectations. Helping the City with the due diligence process has been a 26-member citizen steering committee appointed by the City Manager. The committee’s mission is to provide a recommendation to the City Manager on whether the City should move forward with the acquisition based on the information reviewed during the due diligence process.

The ultimate decision on whether the City will acquire the SPU system will be made by Shoreline citizens through a ballot proposition on the November general election ballot. On July 23, Council is scheduled to decide whether to place the question before the voters in November.

There are two primary reasons for conducting the poll. First, it helps the Council, City staff and the steering committee better understand whether the community still considers the acquisition to be a priority. Second, the poll results help the City to understand what information residents would find helpful in making an informed decision.

The City is committed to continuing its extensive public outreach process over the next few months. City staff have already attended several neighborhood and community meetings to provide information about the SPU acquisition. Staff will also be available at a number of community events throughout the summer and fall to answer questions. If you would like City staff to provide a presentation to your group, contact Management Analyst Eric Bratton at ebratton@shorelinewa.gov or (206) 801-2217.

In addition, two public open houses have been scheduled for Thursday, June 14 and Tuesday, June 19 to give Shoreline residents an opportunity to learn more about the proposed acquisition and to ask staff questions. Both meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and will be at City Hall.

Finally, the City will continue to distribute information through neighborhood newsletters, the City’s newsletter Currents, and direct mailers to the residents of Shoreline.

See the full results of the survey and to find more information about the proposed SPU acquisition.



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46th Dems meet June 21



The next General Membership Meeting of the 46th District Democrats is Thursday, June 21, 2012, at Aljoya Thornton Place, 450 NE 100th St.

7:00 Meet and Greet
7:30 Meeting begins

Parking: There is parking available across the street at the Group Health parking lot just south of the Center. You are advised not to park on the upper level, as it gets locked after 9pm.

Agenda
  • Eboard opening: At Large
  • This is Chad Lupkes' last meeting as Chai
  • How the 46th LD Democrats function
  • Endorsements (We forgot to endorse President Obama!)

If you have any questions about the meeting or the location, contact someone on this list.

The new 46th map includes Lake Forest Park and Kenmore.

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Rotary Blue Heron park clean up this Saturday, June 16

Lake Forest Park Rotary members in Blue Heron Park

Lake Forest Park Rotary was out in force at Blue Heron Park on May 26, piling up loads of brush and weeds in heaps taller than some of the members.

The next clean up in Blue Heron Park is this Saturday, June 16, from 9am to noon.

Below are a few photos of the May 26 event by Marj Ando. The club expects there will be plenty more to do for the Saturday event.






Blue Heron Park is located at NE 170th St at Hamlin Road, just off Bothell Way.

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Public meetings re Shoreline acquiring the SPU water system in Shoreline

Tuesday, June 12, 2012


From the City of Shoreline website

Open House - Thursday, June 14 and Tuesday, June 19 - 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ~ Shoreline City Hall 

Acquiring the Seattle Public Utility water system in Shoreline has been a community and Council goal for years.

Some of the most important reasons to make the acquisition have to do with how a Shoreline customer of SPU is charged and where that money is spent:  

  • Shoreline ratepayers have no representation in how rates, charges and taxes are set and spent.
  • Shoreline can acquire the system without any increase in property taxes or water rates beyond SPU's forecasted rates.
  • Shoreline ratepayers are currently charged a 14% premium for living outside Seattle.
  • Shoreline ratepayers are paying for non-Shoreline infrastructure improvements.
  • Shoreline ratepayers pay a Seattle utility tax that funds Seattle's police, fire and parks.

On Thursday, June 14 and Tuesday, June 19, the City will be hosting two open houses for residents to learn more about the potential acquisition of the SPU water system in Shoreline. Join City staff to learn about the potential acquisition and ask questions.


Visit the City's website:

For questions about the proposed SPU acquisition:
Public Works Director
Mark Relph
(206) 801-2401
mrelph@shorelinewa.gov

SPU Steering Committee




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Free Rick Steves presentation at Shoreline Library Thursday

Updated 06-16-2012 12:33pm

Get an entertaining crash course in European art and history for travelers, brought to us by Rick Steves Eurpoe Througth the Back Door. 

Join us on Thursday, June 14, 7 pm, at the Shoreline Library. You don't need to register. Just come ready to have a great time!

"After years of travel in Europe, we've distilled what you need to know in order to fully appreciate the sights and culture."

The Shoreline Library is located at 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155.



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WeatherWatcher: Cloudy with a possible weekend sun break


-The week ahead - cloudy, breaking to sun for the weekend possible.
-Weekly data from May 19th - June 8th.

Wednesday through Sunday our clouds look like they're going to break up to partly to mostly sunny skies, especially over the weekend.  

We may gradually make it into the mid 70's Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  It looks like more clouds and rain will return to start off the next work week.

Weekly Weather May 19th - 25th:
High temperature: 72.1°F (Friday the 25th)
Low temperature: 40.8°F (Saturday the 19th)
Rainiest day: 0.5 inches (Wednesday the 23rd)
Total rainfall: 1.88 inches
Warmest day: 57.2°F (Friday the 25th)
Coldest day: 49.8°F (Wednesday the 23rd)
Average temperature for the week: 53.4°F
3-year normal average temperature for the week: 52.5°F

Weekly Weather May 26th - June 1st:
High temperature: 78.6°F (Saturday May 26th)
Low temperature: 46.2°F (Saturday May 26th)
Rainiest day: 0.17 inches (Friday June 1st)
Total rainfall: 0.26 inches
Warmest day: 61.0°F (Saturday May 26th)
Coldest day: 52.9°F (Tuesday May 29th)
Average temperature for the week: 57.1°F
3-year normal average temperature for the week: 55.7°F

Weekly Weather June 2nd - 8th:
High temperature: 67.8°F (Saturday the 2nd)
Low temperature: 45.0°F (Wednesday the 6th)
Rainiest day: 1.85 inches (Tuesday the 5th)
Total rainfall: 2.68 inches
Warmest day: 54.9°F (Saturday the 2nd)
Coldest day: 48.9°F (Tuesday the 5th)
Average temperature for the week: 51.9°F
3-year normal average temperature for the week: 59.8°F. 
We were 8°F below our 3-year normal this week!

Warmest and coldest days are based on average temperature of the entire day, starting at midnight.  All other averages are based on the whole week, starting Saturday morning at midnight.  All weather data unless otherwise noted is sourced from Carl's Shoreline Weather Station.


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Shoreline City Council Meeting June 11, 2012


Notes from Shoreline City Council Meeting June 11, 2012
By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Another update of Shoreline’s proposed acquisition of Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) water system was presented tonight. Mark Relph, Public Works Director and Debbie Tarry, Assistant City Manager said the steering committee had completed their report and would soon send their recommendations to the city manager. By August 6 the city council will have a resolution and wording for the November when voters will decide whether to purchase the system giving Shoreline more control over the cost and  water delivery.

Several members of the public expressed concern about the complexity of the issue. One man said the city would have local control over the water delivery system but that the water would still be owned by Seattle. Tom Jamison said he opposed the acquisition because “other alternatives haven’t been adequately explored” and the steering committee appeared to be overwhelmed with “reams of paperwork” when he attended their meetings.

Members of the steering committee and representatives from the city will be at two SPU open houses to answer questions from the public. The open houses will be on Thursday June 14 and Tuesday June 19th at 7pm at Shoreline City Hall.


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A bird in the wire - power outage in Shoreline


569 customers in Shoreline were still without power at 11pm


City Light is responding to a power outage in Shoreline that reported began about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.  The initial cause of the outage was thought to be a tree in a power line but was later discovered to be a bird in the lines. About 2,765 customers were without power at the worst of the outage. 

The general boundaries of the outage were 205 Street to the north, 8th Ave NW to the west, N 149 St. to the south, and Corliss Ave N to the east. Not all customers in this area were affected.

By 8pm, City Light had restored power to all but 569 customers. Crews are expected to restore electrical service to all Shoreline customers by about 2 am.


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Alums return for one last game in the old Shorecrest gym

Fans watch their last basketball game in the old gym
Photo by Jerry Pickard


Shorecrest's aging facilities, including the gym, are being demolished to make way for a new school and gym.


By Frank Workman

They wanted to come home.  They wanted to come back. They wanted to be together, to play together, one more time.  One more time in the old gym before it gets torn down and a new gym tries to take its place.

Saturday night at Shorecrest, two final games were played in the only gym the school has ever known. There would be games featuring male and female alums and both of this year’s varsity teams.

It was a grand celebration of basketball, friendship, camaraderie, and of being a Scot for life.  Food was donated, burgers were grilled, donations were accepted, and the Best Popcorn In Wesco was enjoyed.

Laughter, cheers, and tears rattled the rafters one last time.

Coach Dori Monson with Shorecrest Girls
Photo by Jerry Pickard

It was ladies first, as a team of alumnae took the court to oppose the Girls Varsity team, the Dori Monson-coached team that took 4th Place in State this year.

Commissioned to coach the Alumnae on the other bench was Henry Akin, from the first SuperSonics team, a longtime LFP resident and SC girls hoops fan (and unofficial coach) for more than twenty years.

Watching his team warming up before the game, it was evident to Akin that it had been quite some time since several of his players had touched a basketball. And for some, not only were their pasts behind them, their behinds were behind them, as well.

But the alumnae had recruited enough good players from their past to field a competitive team.

Girls game in play
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Kristy Eggen, from the Class of ’94, proved to be just the take-charge sparkplug that a thrown-together team like this needed.  Now a Clinical Therapist at a psychiatric hospital, her 15 points led the game’s scoring, and her single-handed break of the Scots’ full-court press in the second half was the stuff of dreams.

Jocelyn Riordan, Class of ’08, just graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Puget Sound, where she finished as the school’s 7th all-time scoring leader for the Lady Logger basketball team. Her contribution of 9 points paled in comparison to the court smarts she showed.

Adrienne Moore, Class of ’01, was a member of the Scots’  State Championship softball team, and was named by the Seattle Times as their Female Athlete of the Year. Her athleticism showed through the rust, and she graciously expressed admiration for India Matheson and Oniye Chibuogwu, who she was stuck with guarding for most of the game.

Rachel Schrote, who just graduated from SC last spring, suited up to the delight of all.  Her absence from the team last year (to a devastating knee injury during the fall soccer season) undoubtedly cost her team a berth at State during her senior year.

Lisa Magnusson, ’05, now a teacher in the Shoreline SD, hit three 3-pointers, including two in the second half, to help keep the young Scots at bay.

Opening toss in the men's game
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The game’s final outcome (a 51-47 win for the old gals) is of little consequence in the scheme of things (as was the Mens’  5-point win over the boys varsity team in the nightcap).

What matters is that the players cared enough to come back, to make one last trip to the gym, to soak in its sights and sounds and smells, and to recall the memories the building evoked, and the way that the part of their lives that was spent in that building helped shape who they are becoming.

After both games, players teams shook hands, hugged, and got their pictures taken together, commemorating an unforgettable night. 

A night when they were all Scots, and when they got to play one last game in a building that had meant so much to so many.



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Photos from Last Basketball Game in Old Shorecrest Gym

Saturday night at Shorecrest, two final games were played in the only gym the school has ever known. 


Final sales at the concession stand
Photo by Jerry Pickard
Britt Harris presents award to Frank Workman,
long time game announcer
Photo by Jerry Pickard
SC Boosters cook burgers outside the gym
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Alumni Men's Team
Photo by Jerry Pickard
Scorekeepers at work
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Referee and photographer
Photographer unknown

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Yoga and chocolate for the Solstice


Celebrate the Solstice with yoga
and chocolate


From Richmond Beach Yoga

Come join us for a fun evening of light-hearted yoga with other women in a warm, friendly space. We'll do a 75-minute all-levels vinyasa (flow) yoga class, and follow it up with chocolate tasting and beverage sipping. Wear bright clothes, and bring your favorite chocolate to share.

Meet other women in your community who enjoy yoga and chocolate! Celebrate the upcoming solstice. The day is long; you can still go for a walk at Saltwater Park after the event! Sign up online to reserve your space.

Saturday, June 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. $15

Richmond Beach Yoga, 621 Richmond Beach Road, Shoreline, WA 98177





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Letter to the Editor: Dogma creates human misery

To the Editor:

In a recent posting by the anti-gay, anti-choice extremist Family Policy Institute of Washington on their web site - http://www.fpiw.org/ - it is argued that the phrase “marriage equality” is actually a “myth” because there are several limitations (see below) other than gender that apply to marriage partners. It’s a particularly fine example of their false argumentation. 

“You can't marry someone who is under 18”

FACT: not true – but it requires parent’s permission, and age of consent varies by state. Protects minors.

“You can't marry someone who is already married.”

FACT:  Although everyone is limited to one spouse at a time, serial marriages are o.k. if divorce precedes them. Protects marital and children’s rights.

“You can't marry someone who is a close relative.”

FACT:  This is based on genetics. Science shows that the probability of having inherited disabilities or susceptibility to particular diseases is greatly increased for the offspring of closely-related parents. Protects offspring.

“You can't marry someone of the same gender”

FACT:  This is true only where the Family Policy Institute and like-minded groups have managed to get such laws passed. This lacks the attribute that all of the other  limits share – it has absolutely no protective value for either the parents or their children, but to the contrary deprives such families of all the rights and protections enjoyed by all who are married.

No one is harmed by the marriage of same-sex couples, but many are harmed when marriage is denied them. How illogical it is to deny LGBT people stable relationships in marriage, while at the same time deploring their supposedly promiscuous life-style, precisely the activity that marriage is supposed to remedy.

The Family Policy Institute is a local version of national organizations that care not a jot or tittle about the human misery their dogma creates because they put human dogma before human dignity.     

Elaine Phelps
Shoreline

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Shorewood students honored with Cliff Gillies award


Hunter Nelson and Charlee Linton
Shorewood Cliff Gillies award
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools


Hunter Nelson and Charlee Linton were honored with the Shorewood Cliff Gillies award, which recognizes students for their participation in student activities, academic achievement, sportsmanship and citizenship. One male and one female athlete are selected from each participating high school.

The award is named in honor of former WIAA executive director Cliff Gillies, who served as the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Executive Director for 11 years from 1982-93. During his tenure, the Association restructured the state football playoff system, developed a drug education program, and established the student scholarship/participation recognition award. 


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32md District Democrats meeting Wednesday

Monday, June 11, 2012


The 32nd District Democrats monthly meeting is Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at the Masonic Hall, Shoreline, 753 N 185th St, Shoreline 98133.(map).

Agenda
  • 6:30 PM Socialize and Set-up 
  • 7:00 PM Meeting Called to Order 
  • Pledge 
  • Agenda and Minutes Approval 
  • 7:10 PM Endorsements Considered
All Democrats in the district are invited to attend. Non-members can join at the door, if they wish.


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Sky seminar: Growing grafted tomatoes



Saturday June 16th                    3:00 P.M – 4:00 P.M.
Growing Grafted Tomatoes    Ron McCabe of Ezra’s Organics 

As with fruit trees, grafting a high-quality fruit producer on a carefully-selected rootstock can produce a plant with the fruit flavor of the top graft and the vigor, disease resistance, and productivity of the rootstock.  One of our customers last year tried two plants of the same variety side by side; the grafted one grew three times the size of the conventional one, with a corresponding increase in production, and a longer harvest season to boot.  Ron will tell you how to take advantage of your grafted tomatoes’ potential to maximize your harvest. 

Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave N Shoreline WA 98133 206-546-4851 


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Twenty-five great garden vendors all in one place at the Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Plant Sale

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Garden Art will be for sale

Saturday, June 16 at Town Center at Lake Forest Park 25 garden vendors will be gathered in the lower level of the shopping center.

Fifteen nurseries will have plants for sale.  Nurseries, landscapers, and growers from around our area will have plants for sale.  Sunquist Nursery will be bringing a truck from their nursery with plants that thrive here. 

Growers who specialize in drought tolerant plants, ferns, and other shade plants, flowers galore—from showy peonies and orchids to fox glove and bluebells.  Succulents ready to calf, hydrangeas and vines, perennials and annuals, tomato starts, all will be filling the place.

Ciscoe Morris will be broadcasting his radio show live from 10 am to noon and then he will pot a couple of planters. Those planters will be raffled off at 4 pm.

Specialty garden artisans will have art for the garden. These include glass art, by Maya Radoczy. Jerry Olmstead will have his iron creations and garden metal work available. Look for baskets and stepping stones to add a bit of whimsy to you garden.

Many plants for sale

The Garden Market is just part of the Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Plant Sale.   There are six amazing gardens on the tour.  Estate gardens, cottage gardens, enchanting, and imaginative gardens all ready to view.  

The tour requires a ticket.  Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at local nurseries. In the Towne Centre at Lake Forest Park purchase your tickets at Wild Birds Unlimited, Two Trading Tigers, and the Town Center Hardware Store.




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Art in the Park - SummerSet Arts Festival at Ronald Bog


The Ronald Bog Arboretum

Meridian Park Neighborhood resident and artist Cynthia Knox looked out her kitchen window onto Ronald Bog one day this spring and thought "the park keeps getting more and more beautiful with the restoration work that Dick Decker, Marty DeGrazia and volunteer crew keep doing. 

Wouldn't it be great to have a sculpture exhibition and neighborhood gathering in the park one day!". The next thing she knew she was chatting the idea up with Gretchen Atkinson, Meridian Park Neighborhood Association Board President.

Cynthia found out that Gretchen has long been an arts advocate for all things Shoreline and loved the idea of having the park dressed up for residents to enjoy. Having traveled to Europe and immensely enjoyed the art of Trafalgar Square in Britain, Gretchen had longed to have more art around her home city. 

Cynthia and Gretchen joined forces and began creating the event with the support of Ros Bird of the Shoreline Parks Department and Nora Smith of the Shoreline Office of Neighborhoods. The idea was presented and approved by the Shoreline Parks Board at the end of April. In May, Shoreline Arts Council came on board as co-sponsors of the event.

The project is called SummerSet Arts Festival: Celebrating Ronald Bog 
It has four components. 

  1. There will be a professional artists sculpture exhibition that will be up in the park for two weeks. 
  2. There will also be several sculptures made from gathered materials in the park that will remain over time to naturally disintegrate. 
  3. Thirdly, there will be a traveling community art-making table that will be showing up at the Farmer's Market, Top Foods Market Cafe, Ronald Bog Park, and other local places within Meridian Park Neighborhood. 
  4. To cap off the summer of art-making, a day of celebration is planned for September 15th from 1-5pm in Ronald Bog Park. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a variety of live acoustic music including: jazz, rock, old-time music, and more, while participating in art-making with your neighbors and other fun activities.

SummerSet Arts Festival needs you! 
Meridian Park residents are needed to join the event steering committee, help make art for the exhibition, play music, be a park tour guide, work the welcome table, etc. Be a part of the fun and contribute your gifts to the neighborhood! All ages welcome. Contact Cynthia Knox or call 206-218-3302.



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June 23 Dollar Daze book sale - Friends of the Lake Forest Park Library

Friends of LFP Library Book Sale: Saturday, June 23, 10 am to 3 pm


Friends of the LFP Library will hold a “Dollar Daze” book sale in the meeting room of the library on Saturday, June 23, 2012, 10 am to 3 pm. All items will be priced at one dollar including hardbacks (fiction and nonfiction), trade paperbacks, children’s books, and media. Stock up now for summer vacation! All items will be half-price during the last hour of the sale, 2 pm to 3 pm. Proceeds from the sale will benefit library programs and materials.



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The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden's Wetlands and Rain Gardens Weekend


Wetland plant
Mimulus cardinalis
Photo by Roseann Barnhill
Wetlands and Rain Gardens Weekend June 15-17, 10am-5pm

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden's first-ever Wetlands and Rain Gardens Weekend is coming up June 15-17, 2012. The MsK Nursery will mark down prices on many plants ideal for stream edges, rain gardens, and other moist spots. The Nursery features over 100 species that can thrive in a rain garden or other moist habitat.

Want to learn more about rain gardens? We’ll also have an informational table with a professional on hand to answer your questions and help you get started on adding a rain garden to your landscape.

Don’t miss these free wetland-themed events over the weekend:

Wetland plant
Carex mertensii
Photo by Roseann Barnhill
Bog-In-A-Bucket Seminar 
Learn how to make a unique wetland container garden to place in the ground or use as a stand-alone container. If you want to make your own, bring along a washtub or other container, purchase plants from the Nursery, and staff will help you plant your own bog-in-a-bucket to bring home. 
Saturday, June 16, 1-2pm.

Wetland Plants Tour 
Though there is not a wetland, rain garden, or stream in the KBG, it is home to many adaptable species that like these habitats but can also thrive in more typical garden conditions. The KBG is also home to several 'bog' gardens in sunken sinks, as well as several bog-in-a-bucket container gardens. Learn about the unique attributes of wetland plants found in the KBG, and get some tips about how you can use them in your own landscape.
During our garden tour on Sunday, June 17 from 1-2pm.

If you would like to attend either the seminar or the tour, email or call 206-546-1281.




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Subsidies available for child care for low-income parents

The state Department of Early Learning has expanded eligibility for child care subsidies designed to help low-income parents stay employed.


Effective July 1, parents with incomes at 200 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for the subsidy, known as the Working Connections program. That equates to monthly income of $3,182 or less for a family of three. 

Previously, eligibility had been restricted to parents at 175 percent of poverty level since October 2010 due to state budget cuts. About 2,500 families lost benefits, said Amy Blondin, DEL government and community relations manager.

"The impetus for these changes to child care subsidy policy was the 2012 Legislature," Blondin said.

Lack of participation in the program spurred state lawmakers to expand the eligibility, said Kara Klotz, DEL communications manager.

"Participation was lower than expected (under the 175 percent of poverty level guidelines)," Klotz said. "We don't know why."

Another change, also effective July, extends subsidy authorization to 12 consecutive months. Previously, families were authorized for no more than six months of the subsidy at a time but could seek reauthorization.

"Basically, (the longer period) is about providing stability in child care for low-income working families, which we know is good for kids," Blondin said.

A third change, effective Thursday, removes a requirement that subsidy recipients cooperate with child support enforcement. The requirement had been in effect since July 2011.

"Anecdotally, this law had a chilling effect on families applying for child care subsidies," Blondin explained.


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Cardio kickboxing gym to open in Shoreline July 7



CKO Kickboxing, one of the fastest growing health fitness franchises, will open its first cardio kickboxing gym in 15901 Westminster Way in Shoreline on Saturday, July 7. The cross training gym provides a family friendly setting to Shoreline residents and northern suburban Seattle residents who are looking for an alternative to Pilates, yoga, martial arts, cross-fit and spinning classes.

Grand Opening festivities are in the works for July 7 from 9 am to 2 pm. according to CKO Kickboxing of Seattle owner Garett Renon.

Plans include a live DJ and a big, party atmosphere with food. There’ll be tons of giveaways including boxing gloves and equipment, personal training sessions, and discounts on memberships.

CKO Kickboxing, whose franchisees include many former military members, is offering a 10 percent discount to current and former service personnel as well as police and fire personnel. Students and teachers also receive a 10 percent discount.

Phone 1-800-450-0411 for more information.



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New Toastmasters club forming in Shoreline - open to new members

Have you ever thought about improving your communication and/or leadership skills? Toastmasters clubs are always filled with fun and positive people who want only to help each other feel more comfortable learning how important it is to communicate clearly and lead with conviction. 


Backed by the proven 86 year old system developed by Toastmasters International, learn how to organize and speak like a pro at any meeting or conference. This meeting will be led by experienced Toastmaster members who will show you what to expect from a Toastmasters club and will be available to answer any questions you may have about Toastmasters.

Tuesdays, 6:45 pm, Shoreline Dale Turner YMCA, 19290 Aurora Ave North, Shoreline, WA 98133.



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Free lunch and activities for youth over the summer


The Dale Turner Family YMCA is in partnership with local organizations to ensure youth receive nutritious meals while away from school over the summer months. Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does a child's need for good nutrition. 

The Dale Turner Family YMCA is proud to continue providing the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) for children at multiple sites throughout the city of Shoreline and south Snohomish County, which provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play and stay energized over the summer as well as fend off summer learning loss.

Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process. Lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins again. Hunger also may make children more prone to illness and other health issues. The SFSP is designed to fill that nutrition gap and make sure children can get the nutritious meals they need.

Meals will be made available at no charge to attending children 18 years of age and younger.  All meals are available without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY).  The Dale Turner Family YMCA and the USDA are an equal opportunity provider and employer.


Meals will be served at the following sites:

The Vineyard Church/Turning Point
Site Address: 910 N 160th St Shoreline, WA 98133
Date of Service: July 9 – August 1; Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Meal Type: Lunch
Meal Time: 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm (lunch)             
Contact: Rose Swetman
Phone Number: 206-313-0898

Ronald United Methodist Church
Site Address: 17839 Aurora Avenue North, Shoreline, WA 98133
Date of Service: June 26 – Aug 30; Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
Meal Type: Lunch
Activities: Fun activities for kids and teens will also be offered directly following the meal
Meal Time: 11:45 am – 12:45 pm
Contact: Kim Young
Phone: 206-569-7011

Kenmore Elementary School
Site Address: 19121 71st Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028
Date of Service: July 9 – Aug 31; Monday through Friday
Meal Type: Lunch
Activities: Fun activities for kids and teens will also be offered directly following the meal
Meal Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Contact: Terry Donald
Phone: 425-485-9797 




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Justice Friday - Support for the quandaries returning soldiers face



Justice Friday - Support for the Quandaries Returning Soldiers Face
Friday, June 15, 7-9 pm
8109 224th St SW, Edmonds 98026

Join us to view a clip from "Grounds for Resistance," a documentary about Coffee Strong, a veteran-run coffee house that supports service members at Joint Base Lewis McCord.

Then hear a panel explain various ways soldiers are supported — by listening, by helping with benefits and referring for help, by speaking out, by finding work.  Learn how civilians can support these efforts.


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Lake Forest Park power outage caused by falling tree

2,800 customers in Lake Forest Park were without power when a falling tree brought down power lines about 2am Friday morning.


According to Seattle City Light, power was restored about 10:30am Friday or the last 618 customers.

The original outage boundaries were: NE 197th St. to the north, 25th  Avenue NE to the west, NE 148th St. to the South, and Lake Washington to the west. Not all customers in this area lost power.


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Photo: Sunset on Puget Sound


Lee Lageschulte captured this brilliant sunset over the Sound on Friday evening, June 8, 2012.


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Highland Terrace student experiment chosen for Space travel


Highland Terrace students
Their science experiment will be going to the
International Space station
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

A Shoreline student experiment from Highland Terrace Elementary has been selected to participate in Mission Two to the International Space Station this fall through the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program,  (SSEP).

Highland Terrace Elementary students Aden Helland, Matthew McMillan, Tuguldur Myagmarsuren, Jack Parkinson and Dylan Probizanski designed an experiment with the help of their teacher, Peggy Nordwall, about crystal growth and impurities in microgravity.

"Our question is if crystals grown in microgravity will pick up impurities. This would be important because of the need to fabricate pure, defect-free single crystals for their use as semi-and superconductors."

The Student Spaceflight Experiment is a national educational program undertaken by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education, http://ncesse.org (NCESSE) in partnership with NanoRacks, LLC. Shoreline is one of only 11 districts nationwide to be chosen for this program.


The Spaceflight Program uses a commercial spaceflight payload, which will contain the student experiments, and will be placed aboard ferry vehicles for transfer to the International Space Station. The student experiment flight opportunity is enabled through NanoRacks LLC, which is in partnership with NASA under a formal Space Act Agreement as part of the utilization of the International Space Station as a national laboratory.

Highland Terrace sixth graders and Einstein Middle School eighth graders participated in a competition in which they worked in teams to design an experiment that answers the question, "What phenomenon associated with a physical, chemical, or biological system would I like to explore with gravity turned off for a period of time?"

A committee of science professionals from the community evaluated the proposals and selected three to be sent to the National Center for Earth and Space Science for the final evaluation where the Highland Terrace proposal was selected. The students will prepare the winning proposal in the specially designed NanoRack Mini-lab kit and send to Houston for launch.

The other Shoreline finalists were:
  • Structural Changes of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Lipid A in Microgravity. Einstein Middle School students Lisa Jensen, Julia Manfredini, Francisca Ritoch and Joely Shepard. Structural changes of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Lipid A in microgravity. This is important because if the lipid A structure is modified, perfectly healthy astronauts could be vulnerable to a PA bacterial infection.
  • Fluid Dynamics in Microgravity. Einstein Middle School students Connor Austin, Yann Dardonville, Noah Hoppis and Brianna Prosch. Testing the effect of microgravity on the surface tension of fluids with different densities, specifically, oils that can be refined into polymers and fuels for space travel.

The Einstein teachers are Ellen Smith, Mary Thurber and Ryan Paulhamus and the Highland Terrace teachers are Peggy Nordwall and Dennis Griner.

The Highland Terrace and Einstein students will make a presentation on their experiments at 7 p.m. Monday, June 11 at Shoreline Center during the Shoreline School Board's regular meeting.

In addition, several middle school and elementary school students designed a flight patch to accompany the experiment in space. Patches designed by Carly Krantz of Highland Terrace and Lauren Cook of Einstein were selected to fly with Mission 2 to the International Space Station this fall.

This experience for these young students and staff and was made possible by the support of the Shoreline community, including the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation, the Knossos Foundation, the Wong family, Tiia-Mai Redditt, Einstein PTSA and Highland Terrace PTSA.

Parents and community members with expertise in science and research mentored students with their proposals or participated on the evaluation committee. More information about this learning opportunity.



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Shoreline Schools honors retirees Monday, June 11

Saturday, June 9, 2012


The Shoreline School District will hold a retirement celebration on Monday, June 11 beginning at 5pm in the Shoreline Room at Shoreline Center (north end) to honor the 2012 retirees.

The Shoreline Center is at 18560 1st Avenue NE, Shoreline 98155.

2012 Retirees:

Eileen Berlin, Einstein
Diana Bettelli, Lake Forest Park
Lori Cunningham, Student Services
Becky Edy, Highland Terrace
Rocky Fridell, Shorecrest
Marcia Harris, Deputy Superintendent
Kathy Hitchner, Ridgecrest
Barry Majorowicz, Shorecrest
James Nickel, Food Services
Jane Rogers, Shorecrest
Mary Servais,  Parkwood
Kathleen Ward, Parkwood
Barbara Whitson, Meridian Park ECE




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Shorecrest girl singles player, Shorewood girls’ doubles team lead local players in State 3A tennis tournament


Danielle Brengelmann, Miles Jamieson, Hunter Nelson,
and Francesca O'Malley with medals from State.
Photo by Arnie Moreno


The Shorewood boys’ and girls’ doubles tennis teams battled tough opponents at the State tennis tournament May 25-26 and came home from Kennewick with medals.

Meanwhile, Meera Limaye of Shorecrest defeated Kennewick's Stephanie Buckinham 6-4, 6-2, to finish fourth in 3A girls’ singles.

The Shorewood girls’ team of Francesca O' Malley and Daniella Brengelmann placed seventh. The Shorewood girls played a team they had defeated for the Northwest District championship a week earlier, Nicole Bouche and Gillian Braden-Armstrong from Mountlake Terrace, and lost a tough match to the Mountlake Terrace team for fourth place.

The Shorewood boys’ team of Hunter Nelson and Miles Jamieson placed eighth after a close loss to a Mercer Island team, 5-7, 6-7 (7-5). The boys’ team came back after a first-round loss to another Mercer Island team to defeat teams from Wilson and Eastmont high schools.

Juan Ramierz finished 8th in 3A boys' singles
Meera Limaye finished 4th in 3A girls' singles
Photo by Vani Limaye

Shorecrest's Juan Ramirez also finished eighth in 3A boys’ singles.

Limaye's fourth-place finish gave Shorecrest a tie for sixth place in the girls’ team standings. The Shorewood doubles team’s seventh-place finish gave the Thunderbirds a tie for ninth.

The seventh-place boys’ finishes left Shorecrest and Shorewood in a tie for eighth in the team standings.

Boys’ Team scores - Mercer Island 35, Seattle Prep 12, Hanford 11, Bellevue 10, Kennedy 10, Bainbridge 9, Lakes 9, Eastmont 4, West Valley (Yakima) 4, Wilson 4, Shorecrest 3, Shorewood 3, Columbia River 2, Ferndale 2, Mountain View 2.

Girls’ Team scores - Mercer Island 19, Hanford 16, Holy Names 11, Seattle Prep 11, Prairie 10, Mountlake Terrace 7, Shorecrest 7, Southridge 6, West Valley (Yakima) 5, Auburn Mountainview 4, Eastmont 4, Kennewick 4, Lakeside (Seattle) 4 Shorewood 4, Camas 3, Enumclaw 3, Bishop Blanchet 2, Columbia River 2, Highline 2, Yelm 2.



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King County Republican Flag Day Dinner June 14


King County Republican Party's
2012 Flag Day Dinner
June 14, 2012
Featuring Keynote Speaker


Janine Turner
Former actress of Emmy Award-winning series Northern Exposure, current author and political commentator and co-founder of "Constituting America."
and
Congressman Dave Reichert
and
More Special Guests!
$50 General Reception/Dinner (PCO rate)
$125 General Reception/Dinner (Non-PCO rate)
$250 VIP Reception/Dinner
Hyatt Regency Bellevue - 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA
6pm - VIP/General Reception
7pm - Doors open for Dinner
Questions? Please contact the office at 425.990.0404 or by email lisa@kcgop.org.
                         

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