The spirit of J.P. lives on at the Shoreline Classic Car Show

Saturday, August 4, 2012

An alert reader noticed that the Patchesmobile was in the background of one of the photos announcing the Shoreline Classic Car Show to be held at Meridian Park Elementary School in Shoreline Sunday, August 5.

Volunteer Diane Jacobson and J.P. himself
2011 Shoreline Classic Car Show
At the same time, this photo popped up from where it had been oddly filed (who could have done that, I wonder?).

The spirit of J.P. lives on. Watch for someone at the car show with a bright red nose.



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Meridian Park Barter Party Tuesday, August 21

Meridian Park Neighborhood Association and Cascade K-8 Community School are co-hosting a barter at City Hall on Tuesday, August 21st from 6-8pm.  Community members of all ages are invited to gather to share potluck food and to trade items and services for fun.

Zeth Peterka is one of the musicians
who will play during the Party
To augment the festive market atmosphere, the barter will feature several local musicians.  Zeth Peterka, who has recently been seen and heard at Shoreline Farmer's Market, will be one of the performers, providing Old Time and Bluegrass music.  Local musician and Music Together Instructor, Elena DeLisle, has assembled a Cajun Music trio including herself, husband Steve Perry, (both Cascade K-8 parents) and neighbor Claudia Anastasio, especially for this event.  Adrian Bourne, accordionist, is also slated to play at the barter.

All musicians will be providing entertainment for the event at no cost to the hosts.  Barter participants are encouraged to show appreciation for the entertainment by offering bartered items in exchange for music if they like.

A barter is a gathering where neighbors and friends come together to trade goods and services for fun. At the last barter, in March, people brought baked goods, fresh eggs, granola, yogurt, hard cider, laundry detergent, kids' toys, records, preserves, tie-dyed shirts, dried herbs, metal garden art, canned chicken and much, much more. A greater amount of fresh Summer produce, backyard tree fruit and Fall Crop starts are predicted for this barter.

Participants are asked to bring a food item to share as well as their own plates, forks and cups.

The first half of the barter will be for setting up and previewing items for trade while enjoying the potluck food. The bartering will commence at 7pm. The only rule is that no money may be exchanged. For more information or to volunteer, contact Naomi at 206-853-1149.



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Council of Neighborhood Picnic

Neighborhood leaders picnic at Twin Ponds
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

The annual neighborhood leaders picnic of the Shoreline Council of Neighborhoods was held at the Twin Ponds community garden on August 1, 2012.

Leaders took an evening to relax and celebrate before diving back into activities for the National Night Out Against Crime and other summer events.

For more information about your neighborhood association, check the webpage.


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Crisis Solutions Center (CSC) opens in Seattle to serve all of King County


A unique coalition of government officials, law enforcement agencies, and social service providers announce the opening of an innovative new facility designed to divert people with a mental illness or drug dependency crisis from local jails and hospital emergency rooms and into King County’s Crisis Solutions Center (CSC). 

The Crisis Solutions Center is a unique 16 bed facility located in the Jackson Place neighborhood of Seattle. The Center, combined with a longer term respite facility and mobile crisis team, is one of 37 strategies funded by the King County Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Sales Tax, a fund created by the King County Council to support new or expanded mental health and chemical dependency programs throughout King County . 

The CSC is designed to provide immediate mental health and chemical dependency services to individuals who are in crisis. Individuals can be diverted to the CSC by either police officers in the field, hospital ER staff or first responders in order to avoid involvement in more costly systems such as jails and hospitals. The CSC includes a crisis diversion program where an individual can stay for up to three days (16 beds), and an adjoining program where individuals who need a longer period of stabilization and linkage to ongoing services can stay for up to two weeks (up to 30 beds).

For those individuals referred to the CSC by law enforcement, the person can avoid entanglement in the criminal justice system for a low level offense if they work with CSC staff to achieve positive outcomes.  If they choose not to, they will face prosecution.  Police officers may also refer individuals whom them encounter in mental health or chemical dependency crisis, but have not committed a low level criminal offense. 

The facility will be operated by trained experts in mental health and chemical dependency treatment employed by DESC (formerly Downtown Emergency Service Center).


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50 Shades Trilogy by EL James book signing

EL James, author of the 50 Shades trilogy

Third Place Books has announced that best-selling author EL James, of the 50 Shades of Gray trilogy, will do a book signing at the store on Saturday, September 22 at 5pm.


This is a ticket required event, with a limited amount of tickets available.

You can get a ticket one of two ways :   

  • Purchase any book from the trilogy at Third Place Books and get a signing line ticket. This may be done in person or over the phone.
  • Bring in any book from the trilogy previously purchased (from any store) to the Third Place cashier and receive a signing line ticket.  You MUST come into the store with your book to receive a signing line ticket, NO EXCEPTIONS.  One ticket per person.  One person may not pick up a group of tickets for friends.


Third Place Books is located at 17171 Bothell Way in the Lake Forest Park mall.



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Bartell Drugs' "School Tools for Kids in Need"


Bartell Drugs' "School Tools for Kids in Need" school supplies donation drive kicks off August 6 at all 58 Bartell's locations to support local students through World Vision's Teacher Resource Center in Fife. The 9th annual drive continues through August 26.

Donated school supplies will help re-stock the Teacher Resource Center, where teachers--whose students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch programs- "shop" free of charge for school supplies to help meet students' needs.

According to Federal Way-based World Vision, a globally-known charitable organization, as many as 58,000 local students could begin the school year without the basic school supplies.

"With so many area children lacking basic school supplies, there's never been a more important time to support this drive .Over the past eight years we've appreciated the support by our customers and the public for their donations," said Bartell Drugs Chairman and CEO George D. Bartell.

Mead, Avery, Kimberly Clark and Bic have teamed up with Bartell's to support this year's "School Tools for Kids in Need" drive.   A "Basic Needs" list of suggested donation items found in Bartell's "School Aisles" include:

  • #2 Pencils - 20 Count
  • Bic Cristal or Round Stic Ink Pens - 10 pack. Blue or Black
  • Elmer's Glue - Glue-All or School Glue/4 oz.
  • bottles
  • Scotch Kids' Scissors - pointed or blunt
  • Avery Glue Stic/2 pack - Acid-free, photo-safe, permanent and washable
  • Pentel Hi-Polymer Erasers - 3 pack
  • Avery Poly Binders - 1/2" or 1" sizes
  • Playskool Crayons - 24 colors
  • Avery Hi-Liter Markers - Yellow or Pink
  • CLi Erasers - 20 pack cap erasers or 3 pack
  • pink
  • A /W Zipper Pencil Pouch
  • Mead Index Cards
  • Crayola Colored Pencils - 12 count

Founded in Seattle in 1890, Bartell Drugs owns and operates stores in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. Family-owned and operated, it is the nation's oldest drugstore chain.

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August 8th Concert in the Park – The Gothard Sisters

Join the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council for the next Summer Concert in the Park on Wednesday, August 8th at Richmond Beach Library Park in Shoreline featuring The Gothard Sisters. 

All concerts are free, family friendly and start at 7pm, rain or shine. Pack a picnic, lawn chair or blanket and experience the fun! Visit Shoreline Arts for more details and to see the entire summer line-up of shows.

Sisters, Greta, Willow and Solana have been playing music, dancing and performing on stages in the Pacific Northwest since they were young children. Be amazed by these performers many talents including Irish step-dancing, fiddling, singing and playing a multitude of instruments - guitar, bodhran and violin.

The Gothard Sisters have recorded six CDs, beginning with their Christmas release in 2006, And to All a Good Night, and progressing to their most recent original Celtic album, Story Girl, in November, 2011 which was awarded celticradio.net's 2011 Album of the Year. 

These days The Gothard Sisters can be seen at fairs and festivals sharing their love of music, dance and storytelling with enthusiastic audiences across the country. Sit back and be entertained by these local rising stars!

The 2012 summer concert series is sponsored by Era Living/Aljoya Retirement Community, the cities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park and 4Culture King County.

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


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Shoreline Farmers Market Saturday 10am-3pm


Veggies, gifts, music, and lunch.
What's not to love about the
Shoreline Farmers Market?

Saturdays 10am to 3pm
Shoreline City Hall Parking Garage
17500 Midvale Ave N
Shoreline 98133



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Senior cat adoption special at PAWS August 19-31



Fee-waived adoptions for senior cats August 19-31, 2012 at both PAWS adoption centers.

Senior cats are perfect companions for the busy professional or the retired person looking for some low-maintenance love and affection.

We have several senior cats at both of our adoption locations:

PAWS Cat City
5200 Roosevelt Way, Suite B
Seattle, WA 98105

PAWS Companion Animal Shelter
15305 44th Ave West
Lynnwood, WA 98087

For a gallery of adoptable animals, visit PAWS.org


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Parks Volunteers in Animal Acres on August 11

Updated 8-6-2012 10:13pm
Come help! There is plenty of new growth.
Park Volunteers in Animal Acres

The Lake Forest Park Volunteers will be working in Pfingst Animal Acres Park on Saturday, August 11, from 9am to noon.

This will be the only work party in August.  

New volunteers are welcome - bring your own gloves but refreshments will be provided. Contact Linda Holman if you have questions, 206-362-5541. 



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Briarcrest Elementary is getting a new playfield


Work in process for new Briarcrest Elementary playfield


Shoreline Schools is undertaking several capital projects this summer, using funds from the 2006 bond issue approved by District voters. 

Briarcrest Elementary is getting a new playfield.

The field will receive significant drainage improvements, new sod and synthetic FieldTurf cutouts in heavily used areas. The new field will be closed during the 2012-13 school year to let the grass mature.

This is the fifth elementary school playfield to receive an upgrade. The new Meridian Park School field will open this fall. Highland Terrace, Lake Forest Park, and Syre opened new fields in 2010.

Highland Terrace and Ridgecrest Elementary Schools will receive fresh coats of exterior paint, and Lake Forest Park will be getting a new roof.


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Kruckeberg Botanic Garden’s Rock Garden Plant Sale

Rockrose Heidi Koonz

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden’s Rock Garden Plant Sale
August 10-12, 10am-5pm

Join us for a sale on plants for rock gardens and rock garden containers at the MsK Rare and Native Plant Nursery, located within Shoreline’s Kruckeberg Botanic Garden.

Rock garden plants thrive in poor, rocky soil and often prefer dry, sunny locations as well. Though often native to alpine or arid ecosystems, they can thrive in an average Puget Sound garden when given the correct growing conditions. In the right conditions, in fact, many species thrive on neglect and prefer little or no fertilizer or supplemental water.


We’ll mark down prices on many plants perfect for rockeries or rock garden-style containers, including Hebes, Penstemons, Sedums, dwarf conifers, and select bulbs. Join us!

Rock garden containers with Lewisias_Roseann Barnhill

Plus, sign up for these FREE programs during the sale:

  • Rock garden container seminar, August 11, 1-2pm: It is easy to create a miniature rock garden in a container - Let the KBG staff show you how. After the seminar, we will help you select plants for your own container if desired.
  • Tour of rock garden plants, August 12, 1-2pm: Join KBG tour docents for a tour of rock garden plants.
To attend the seminar or tour, please RSVP to Emily, 206-546-1281 x3.

The KBG is located at 20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline. More information, 206-546-1281.

The KBG is in a residential area with limited parking. When visiting, please carpool or use alternate means of transportation when possible.


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Local voters returning ballots at faster rate than County as a whole


By Evan Smith

Local voters are returning ballots for the Tuesday primary at a slightly higher rate than voters throughout King County, but voter turnout here and elsewhere is running behind expectations.

Voters in the King County part of the 32nd Legislative District – Shoreline and part of northwest Seattle – had a ballot return rate of 15.79 percent through Friday afternoon, compared to a countywide turnout of 15.33 percent.

The ballot return rate also was higher than the County average in the 46th Legislative District, which includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle. Turnout in the 46th District was 15.60 percent – slightly lower than in the 32nd District. The 46th District has a hotly contested race for the seat held by retiring Democratic State Rep. Phyllis Kenny, Four Democrats, a Republican and an independent are running for the position, with the top two vote getters advancing to the Nov. 6 general election, regardless of party.

An elections official in Snohomish County said Thursday that the turnout there of 13.70 percent. was well below projections and added that he had heard similar stories from other counties.

Snohomish County elections officials had recorded 55,277 ballots as of Friday, 59 percent of the 69,589 ballots recorded through the Friday before the 2010 primary, which was two weeks earlier in August.


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Shoreline volleyball coach to Paralympics with U.S. squad

Katie Holloway of USA dives for the ball during the Sitting Volleyball match
between the USA and the Netherlands at China Agricultural Gymnasium during day six of the 2008 Paralympics Games on September 12, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Shoreline Community College volleyball coach Mark West is headed for London.
From Faces of Shoreline, SCC

No, West isn’t leaving the college, he’s just adding to his resume as a coach for the U.S. Paralympics women’s sitting volleyball squad. And, as a side benefit, U.S. team member Katie Holloway will be training in Shoreline’s gym before they both leave for the 2012 Paralympic Games, Aug. 29-Sept. 9, at the same venues used for the Olympic Games.

“I’m very excited,” West said. “I’ve been working in volleyball for a long time, but a whole world opened for me about a year ago when I was on the Web and saw ‘sitting volleyball.’

“I thought, ‘Did they misspell it, did they mean ‘setting?’”

West looked into the sport that requires the athletes to sit on the floor and uses a lower net and smaller court, but otherwise looks much like regular volleyball. “It’s really exciting, new, fun and a challenge. And, it’s a heck of an exercise.”

West said he started trying to learn more and eventually connected with Sam Surowiec, an Everett-area resident and wheelchair-basketball player who was looking for a volleyball coach. “Through Sam, I met Katie, who I think actually recruited Sam to the sport,” West said.

His interest and background in volleyball earned West an invitation to the national training center in Edmond, Oklahoma, and eventual designation as a coach for U.S. team along with a ticket to London.

Mark and Raquel West
SCC Volleyball coaches
Before he goes, however, there are youth volleyball camps that he and his wife, Raquel Chumpitaz-West, coach at Shoreline. And then there’s Holloway’s training.

“Katie wants to do some work, but not too much, before London,” West said. “Katie played college basketball (at Cal State – Northridge) with her prosthesis.” West said that Holloway, who had her foot amputated at age 20 months and is now 6-foot-3, is an incredible athlete. Although she now lives in Oklahoma, Holloway grew up in Snohomish County and is home visitng friends and family. 

“She just dominates,” West said. “I’m hoping to get Katie in front of some of our camps so the kids can see what is possible.”


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UPAC Theatre Group in North Ballard presents “Steel Magnolias”


Steel Magnolias: you know the 1987 movie with Dolly Parton, Sally Field, and Julia Roberts, but have you seen the play it is based on? If you have, you would remember it. Robert Harling wrote this play in just 10 days in 1985 following his sister’s passing from medical complications. We join six amazing women, with their dreams and their problems, as they live life – we get to see how their friendships pull them through everything that life throws at them: each delicate as a magnolia, but tough as steel.

Come spend an evening with the kindest and kookiest group of Southern women you've ever met at Truvy’s beauty salon, where all the ladies who are "anybody" come to have their hair done. You’ll meet Truvy, the wise-cracking owner of the beauty salon; Annelle, Truvy’s eager and impressionable new assistant; Ouiser, the eccentric millionaire; Miss Clairee, the local social leader; and M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.”

Filled with hilarious repartee, tender moments, and unexpected friendships, this well-loved play celebrates life and the people who make the ride worthwhile.

The play opened Friday, August 3, and runs through August 19, 2012. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm; Sunday matinee is at 2:00 pm.

Performances are held at 1420 NW 80th St Seattle, WA 98117 – in the Crown Hill neighborhood just north of Ballard.

Tickets: $18 for general admission; $15 for Seniors/Students w/ID. Tickets are available online. You can also purchase tickets at the door, however cash or checks only.

UPAC Theatre Group celebrates its 14h season in the Ballard/Crown Hill area. We serve the greater community with good theater for all to enjoy. UPAC Theatre Group exists to unite members of the community through the performing arts with performances and classes.


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St. Barnabas Anglican Church “Better Than Junk” Sale Saturday

Friday, August 3, 2012

Shoreline residents wanting to shop for bargains and avoid Seafair traffic downtown are invited to a “Better Than Junk Trunk Sale” at St. Barnabas Anglican Church Saturday, August 4, 2012.

The event will run from 9am to 4pm in the parking lot and north lot of the church at 2340 N 155th St. There is no fee to participate.

Beyond finding “treasures” that others no longer want, the trunk sale offers a day of summer fun with opportunities for to meet your neighbors. 

For more information, call Fr. Harley Crain, Rector, 206-365-6565.


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Photo: A pathway to the moon


Moon-Set over Puget Sound/Olympics from Richmond Beach
Photo by Bill Schnall


"There is something haunting in the light of the moon; it has all the dispassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of its inconceivable mystery."                                                         

(Joseph Conrad (1857-1924), Polish-born British novelist. Marlow, in Lord Jim, ch. 24 (1900).)
More quotations from: Joseph Conrad



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FC Alliance girls 97 team wins tournament in Spain

Alexa Iacolucci, Rachael Moulton, and Maria Zahajko
at the closing ceremonies in San Sebastian, Spain
Photo by Alejandro Zahajko

By Alejandro Zahajko, Coach

Four incoming Shorecrest freshmen led FC Alliance girls 97 team to an unprecedented tournament championship in  Spain. Alexa Iacolucci, Rachael Moulton, Sophia Viviano, and Maria Zahajko went to 2012 Donosti Cup in San Sebastian, Spain with hopes of appreciating a new culture, seeing some incredible sites, and playing some soccer. However, not only did they experience enchanting Spain, these girls were the first team from the west coast to win the prestigious Donosti Cup in Spain in a stadium that holds over 45,000 fans.

On July 7, 2012 the FC Alliance girls played in Anoeta Stadium for the 21st annual Donosti Cup U14 championship. They beat the local team Tolosa FC 3-0 in the final. Sophia Viviano scored the opening goal just 3 minutes into the match. On a 30 yard run to goal, Viviano got behind the defense and with her left foot (she’s right footed), she hammered home a shot that opened the scoring. Former Ridgecrest student Careena Alaoui scored the second before Rachael Moulton from Lake Forest Park closed the scoring with a 30 yard shot early in the second half.

The final was only anticlimactic because the game was decided early. The match of the tournament occurred on July 6 at 3pm local time. The girls faced off against Athletico Madrid in the quarter final knock out game.  AM was the pre tournament favorite and is a storied Spanish club on the male side and many accolades on the women’s side as well.  It was a tight match with few scoring opportunities. The FC Alliance girls had a couple of chances at goal but couldn’t come up with a goal. Athletico didn’t have much but on one play a deflected ball found the foot a forward and she chipped towards goal but Alexa Iacolucci did an over the head (rockette style) clearance that prevented the winning goal. Minutes later the final whistle blew and the game was headed to the dreaded penalty kicks.

The FCA girls had been in 3 penalty kick shootouts. They were 2 and 1 going into this one. Shockingly, the first two shooters for FCA missed. However, the FCA GK, Kristen Barclay was on her game in the shootout. Remarkably, she saved 3 of 5 shots taken. Meghan Tveit hit the 5th shot and the FCA girls moved on. The Athletico Madrid girls collapsed to the ground in tears with the shocking result.

In the semi finals, Sophia Viviano scored the only goal of the game to beat UK Elite. Despite the British name, this team was comprised of all stars from across the US.

In the thrill of a lifetime, the girls played on the same field that Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham glorified. The setting for the final was at Real Sociedad’s home field, Anoeta Stadium. The girls were paraded onto the field with over 1,000 fans in the seats. With the victory, the story was prominent in the local newspaper and then scooped back home by the Washington State soccer news and the Bothell Reporter, where FC Alliance is located.

The team consists of: Careena Alaoui, Kristen Barclay, Alicia Barker, Sara Christensen, Kat Deboodt, Ciara DeGraff, Erin Edmonds, Elizabeth Holmdahl, Alexa Iacolucci, Jordan Lemieux, Rachael Moulton, Meghan Tveit, Sierra Utton, Sophia Viviano and Maria Zahajko.


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Audit discloses schools were not fully checking for sex offenders

An audit from the office of State Auditor Brian Sonntag disclosed a long-standing error in how OSPI staff were implementing RCW 43.43.845, which took effect in 2005, before current superintendent Randy Dorn took office, 

The law requires the tracking of all school employees against quarterly data from the Washington State Patrol (WSP) to prevent convicted sex offenders from working in public schools. Schools had been tracking only  certificated employees (such as teachers, counselors and nurses).

“The instant this mistake was brought to my attention, I took action,” Dorn said. “Parents need to know that when they send their kids to school they will not come in contact with adults who could cause them harm.”

The audit was initiated in August 2011, and in September 2011, OSPI was notified that they were not fully implementing the law. Dorn then immediately directed his staff to begin screening all school employees, and he initiated a full investigation of all 650,000 current and former certificated and classified school employee records dating back to 2005, when the law was enacted. In addition, Dorn has directed OSPI staff to meet with WSP staff on an ongoing basis to regularly review the coordination of data and the corresponding processing of that data between the two agencies. 

The audit and subsequent investigation requested by Dorn found that since 2005, no instances of convicted sex offenders working in our schools were found. 

More information about OSPI’s Office of Professional Practices, 


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OpEd: Doorbells will be ringing

By Diane Hettrick

Expect your doorbell to ring this Saturday.

Both Republicans and Democrats will be out in force, stumping for their slate of candidates.

Many of the volunteers are Precinct Committee Officers, who live in the neighborhood they are canvassing. They are all volunteers, who are passionate about getting out the message about their candidates and party platforms.

With a gubernatorial race which promises to be very close, interest in this election season is high.

Be kind - whether you agree with them or not, whether you wanted to answer the door or not - these folk are all local residents, who care about their community. 


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Renegade String Band entertains a full house at Animal Acres

Renegade String Band
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The Shoreline/ Lake Forest Park Arts Council held its second summer concert at Animal Acres on the evening of Wednesday, August 1, 2012.

Renegade String Band played to a large crowd in the evening sunshine.  They are a Bluegrass Band comprised of Ben Hunter on Fiddle and Vocals, Joe Seamons on Banjo and Vocals, Jessica Jarris on Vocals, Max Kutzman on Bass, Ben Larson on Mandolin and Vocals, and Austin Moore on Guitar and Vocals.


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Seattle Times endorses a write-in vote for Steve Hobbs for short term in 1st Congressional District


By Evan Smith


Our news partner, The Seattle Times, has endorsed a write-in vote for Democrat Steve Hobbs for the short term in the old 1st Congressional District. The Tuesday, Aug. 7, primary and Nov. 8 general election will fill the last month of the term that Jay Inslee left to run for governor.

Voters in Shoreline and the part of Lake Forest Park that were in the old 1st District are voting for both a full term in the new 7th District and the short term in the old 1st District.

The Times endorsed Hobbs for the full term in the new 1st District, which includes the inland areas of King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties from North Bend to the Canadian border. Hobbs is one of five Democrats, two independents and Republican John Koster running for the full term in the new district but not among the 11 candidates for the short term in the old district.

“State Sen. Steve Hobbs, Democrat, has a demonstrated capacity to work across partisan lines under the most contentious circumstances. His skills and abilities are desperately needed in the U.S. Congress to represent this newly drawn district,” the Times editorial board said. “The editorial board further recommends Hobbs as a write-in candidate for the month of December only as a stand-in for the old 1st District, a seat previously held by Jay Inslee.

A write-in candidate could qualify for the general election by being one of the top two vote getters in the primary with at least 1 percent of the vote. That generally happens only when only one name is on the ballot and with candidates who have registered as write-in candidates, something that Hobbs did not do by the July 20 deadline.

A registered write-in candidate would have his votes counted even with minor misspellings or if the candidates’ party preference is incorrect or missing. Since Hobbs is not registered, votes for “Steve Hobbs,” “Steven Hobbs,” ” Steve Hobbs (Democrat),“ “Steve Hobbs (prefers Democratic Party),” “Steve Hobbs (prefers Democrat Party),” “Steve Hobbs (prefers Dem. Party)” and “Steven Hobbs (prefers D Party)” would count as votes for seven different people.

See the Times endorsement of Hobbs here.
See a summary of all Seattle Times endorsements here.


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Piano Time 2012 Performances August 3rd & 5th

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Coffee Talk piano, Judith Heim artist, at the Richmond Beach Shopping Center
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
Photo by Keith McGlashan


Two performances are scheduled on the Piano Time instruments in the next few days.  Wander down to the Coffee Talk piano, Judith Heim artist, at the Richmond Beach Shopping Center on Friday afternoon and enjoy the sun while listening to Colleen Taylor play ballads, jazz and more.  She’ll be at the piano from 3pm – 5pm on August 3rd.  Taylor, who spends her days on staff at Shoreline Community College, grew up in a very musical family and has been singing and playing piano since childhood.  This performance is the second scheduled event in the Piano Time series during the month of August.

Wonderland, artist Heather Carr, at Central Market
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
The third date is Sunday, August 5th when Beinuo Gong, a fine classical pianist from China, will be performing on the Wonderland piano, by Seattle artist Heather Carr, at Central Market,   Westminster Avenue at N 155th St.  Beinuo has been studying at Shoreline Community College this past year and will be returning to China later in August.  This is a great opportunity to hear her perform.

Did you miss Arts al Fresco on Thursday?  The performance schedule and piano location map is on the City’s website: 

For more information contact Ros Bird, Public Art Coordinator, 206-801-2661.


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Travel tools from WSDOT make busy construction weekends a bit easier


Washington State Department of Transportation - Tip of the Week

Sometimes construction gets busy. Especially in August, a month that has a magical combination of dry weather and light traffic. That’s why you see so many construction crews this time of year. Next weekend, August 10-13, is no exception. In addition to dueling closures on SR 9, we’ve got some major closures on SR 167 and SR 520. Feel like planning ahead? Here are a few suggestions:


If you’re a type B planner, check the What’s Happening Now page 24 hours.

If you’re a Gen Y or Millennial planner, sign up for our twitter feed and download our traffic app on the go and find out what you need to know mere minutes before you head out.



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Come bark in the park at PAWSwalk September 8


Join us this year at our new location
Marymoor Park in Redmond! 
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Check-in opens at 8am
Walk begins at 10am

You'll have a great time in Marymoor Park while helping to save animals' lives.

Each dollar we raise at PAWSwalk helps give injured, orphaned, and homeless animals a second chance, whether it is an orphaned songbird who need a safe place to grow up, or a stray cat looking to find a warm house and a forever family.


PAWS is a champion for animals – rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, sheltering and adopting cats and dogs, and educating people to make a better world for animals and people. 

Each year PAWS cares for more than 5,000 animals from 154 different species. From kittens to cougars, from canines to black bears, PAWS has done this remarkable work for 44 years.


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Accessible voting machines at North Seattle Community College

Updated 08-03-2012 1pm

By Evan Smith

In-person voting is available Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday at accessible voting machines at North Seattle Community College and at locations in Bellevue, Auburn and downtown Seattle. A machine at the King County elections headquaters in Renton has been available during business hours since July 20.

The machines are designed for disabled voters to vote independently, but any registered voter with photo idetification can use the machines.

The machines at North Seattle, Seattle Union Station. Belleivue City Hall and Green River Community College will be available from 10am to 5pm Friday, Saturday and Monday, and from 7am to 8pm Tuesday, Election Day. The machine at the County elections building in Renton will be available from 8:30am to 4:30pm Friday and Monday, and from 7am to 8pm Tuesday.

Any of the machines can produce a ballot from any precinct in the County.

Most of the sites also have drop boxes for mail ballots.


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It’s Happening Thursday, August 2nd - Piano Time Creations are Out and About!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Updated 8-2-2012 10:52pm

Shoreline Rocks, grand piano in the City Hall lobby by Seattle artist Kelly Lyles.


Eight donated pianos, decorated by visual artists, and ten sculptures on loan from the artists are now out and about in Shoreline.  The opening event is Arts al Fresco, on Thursday, August 2nd from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Shoreline City Hall and the Park at Town Center. 

Artists who have created fabulous artwork on these instruments are Ann Blanch, Lynn Turnblom and Sue Williams, Judith Heim, Jennifer Carroll, and KJ Bateman, all from Shoreline, plus Seattle artists Heather Carr, Kelly Lyles and Catherine Swanson and Edmonds artist, Julie Nagel. Keep your eyes out for bobble-head composers, a giant blue octopus, coffee-talk women, wonderland and café scenes, playful veggies, a jazzy design, and musical images from greater Shoreline’s past. Each piano will have at least one scheduled performance but you are invited to play gently as well. 

Jazzy Jive by artist CJ Swanson is by Darrell’s Tavern on the corner of Aurora Ave N & N 182nd St
Photo by Keith McGlashan

The Sculpture Stroll includes a diverse collection of work by Shoreline artist Jeff Tangen, Lake Forest Park artist Rodger Squirrell and five other artists from Gig Harbor to Bellingham including Michael Johnson, Thor Myhre, Lin McJunkin, Kevin Au and Leon White.  Five of the pianos and all of the sculpture can be found in the Town Center area and will be easily viewed Thursday evening. We hope you have fun exploring.

Octavia Rises by artists Ann Blanch, Lynn Turnblom & Sue Wallace
At Haggen Northwest Fresh (formerly Top Foods) across from Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Keith McGlashan

Well-known jazz pianists Bill Anschell and Deems Tsutakawa will be performing on the Shoreline Rocks and the Werner’s Café pianos throughout the evening.  Light refreshment will be served but you are also welcome to bring your chair, blanket and picnic on the grass at City Hall or the Park at Town Center while you enjoy some great outdoor sights and sounds.  

Maps with piano locations, artist information and performance schedules will be available at the event, and following that on the City of Shoreline website. Some local businesses near each piano will have maps beginning next week.  

For more information contact Ros Bird, Public Art Coordinator, 206-801-2661.


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Shoreline Classic Car Show Sunday at Meridian Park Elementary

Photo by Diane Jacobson

The third annual Shoreline Classic Car Show to benefit Meridian Park Elementary will be held from 10am to 3pm on Sunday, August 5, 2012 on the school grounds, 17077 Meridian Ave. N.

Admission is free for spectators.

Here are some of the entries from previous years - and this year promises to be every bit as spectacular.


Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


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Good Dogs at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market

Diane with Polly on her leash
By Constance Perenyi

The issue of dogs at farmers markets is a hot topic these days. To welcome canine companions, or to ban them? This is the question many sponsors weigh as markets become more popular, and increasingly crowded. While may still allow dogs, The Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance has never allowed them, and the Edmonds Market has just decided that fido is no longer part of the mix.

Recognizing how important it is for humans to take full responsibility for their animal companions, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is taking another approach this season. We have always welcomed dogs, but we are beginning the process of banning flexi-leads, those expandable leashes that allow dogs to explore, and in crowded places like farmers market, to wrap around shoppers legs, get too close to other dogs, and create all kinds of unintentional havoc.

Our policy insists that people keep their dogs on short leashes while they shop at the market, and  that they pay close attention to what is happening at the end of those leads. 

To make this fun for everyone, we are now selling leashes made especially for the market. 4 feet in length, sturdy enough to hold a Great Dane, but long enough to walk a Chihuahua, each is inscribed with the message “I am a good dog at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market.” They cost only $7, and come with a treat for the good dogs whose thoughtful humans purchase them.

To promote good citizenship on both ends of the leash, we are sponsoring a special photo contest this season. People who take pictures of their best dog friend wearing a stylish new leash from the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market can enter to win a doggie gift basket from Mud Bay. There are two categories, and we encourage people to enter either or both with: one picture of their stylish dog wearing a market leash at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, and/or one picture of their canine model sporting a market leash out in the world. 

Interested humans, and their dogs, can stop by the Friends Information Table to buy a leash, and get more information. Then, participants can take some great pictures, and send the best with their name, dog’s name, address, and phone to this email address .

Photo contest winners will be announced on October 21 on the last day of our regular season. The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is open on Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. And yes, good dogs on short leashes are welcome. 

The Farmers Market is on the lower level of Lake Forest Park Towne Centre, 17171 Bothell Way NE at Ballinger Way, Lake Forest Park 98155.


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Children's performer Eli Rosenblatt in free benefit for Back to School Consortium

Kids Go Global, Give Local! with Eli Rosenblatt
at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park

Friends of Third Place Commons is delighted to welcome Eli Rosenblatt to our stage on Saturday, August 4 at 2 pm.  Eli is no stranger to Third Place, having played Friday and Saturday nights with a variety of groups, but this is his first north end concert for younger fans.  

A talented musician of many stripes, Eli travels the world and blends global influences into an entertaining mix for people of all ages. He tells stories about love, friendship, and silly animals, and he engages kids in a way that assures him a spot in the pantheon of great performers in the Northwest. This is just the start of Eli's new career, so don't miss him before he goes global!


This special event is made possible by funding from the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council. It is also a benefit for the Back to School Consortium. Since it is at Third Place Commons, it is free of charge, but please bring donations of school supplies. More information 206-366-3302.

Third Place Commons is next to Third Place Books on the upper level of the Lake Forest Park mall, 17171 Bothell Way NE at Ballinger Way.


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Liquor (and beer/wine) for sale at Town Center Hardware at Lake Forest Park Town Center

New stock at Town Center Hardware in LFP
Photo by Vicki Rhoades

A recent visit to Town Center Hardware (light bulbs, anyone? bark mulch?) brought a bit of surprise: displays of liquor, beer, and wine , up front, just to the left of the cash registers as one enters. I realize that grocery stores and large box stores are now selling spirits, but the neighborhood hardware store? The enclosed area with these products is small, but many intriguing products are represented.

Co-owners Joe and Tim Ulrich affirmed that yes, they now have spirits for sale. The majority of what they carry is smaller, local, artisanal liquors – the kind that might be difficult to locate otherwise. Further, they can special order products on request, although it can take some time to get them in.
It makes a pretty display
Liquor sales at Town Center Hardware in LFP
Photo by Vicki Rhoades

Additionally, they have beer and wine, although it’s primarily products that are more popular to the general public. Again, if you have a favorite, you can special order it: their business model is to stock based on popularity, but with the flexibility for customers to order specific products. Further, if enough people ask for a specific item, they can include it as a regularly stocked item.

Tim and Joe left me with the following advice for readers: “Shop often.” We will. We already do shop often from them!

My husband and I buy many things from them, although I plan to buy more bark mulch than liquor. 

Town Center Hardware is on the upper level of the Lake Forest Park mall, 17171 Bothell Way at Ballinger Way NE.



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Letter to the Editor: Why did my water bill increase 25%?

To the Editor

The following is a letter I sent to the Shoreline Water District Board of Commissioners:

I was rather surprised to find that my 6/15/2012 bill from the Shoreline Water District reflected a whopping 25% increase over the same usage earlier in the year. I read the enclosed note that accompanied the bill, but it hardly explained the 25% increase.

I then went to the Shoreline Water District website to find a more detailed rationale for such a large increase. I reviewed the minutes from your board meetings leading up to the board action authorizing the rate increase. Again there was not a reasonable explanation for a 25% residential rate increase.

I think you owe a thorough explanation to your customers. I'm not necessarily saying that a 25% increase is not justified - you just need to clearly tell me why.

Carolyn Armanini
Lake Forest Park


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Flag at half-staff August 3, 2012


Governor Chris Gregoire was deeply saddened with the loss of Washington State Department of Natural Resources diver David Scheinost who died July 24th while diving in the waters near Bainbridge Island to sample for paralytic shellfish poisoning, and directs Washington State and United States flags at all Washington State agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in his memory on Friday, August 3, 2012.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business Friday, August 3.

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

A funeral ceremony for David will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 5 at Auburn Adventist Academy Church, 5010 Auburn Way S, Auburn.




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Art Party at Ronald Bog on Sunday August 5th, 1pm-4pm

Art Party at Ronald Bog on Sunday August 5th, 1pm-4pm


Do you like to play with stuff outside? Come down to Ronald bog Park and explore art-making with artists Jeff Tangen and Cynthia Knox. Using natural materials found in the park, we will create a piece to be displayed at SummerSet Arts Festival: Celebrating Ronald Bog in September. Wear comfortable clothes and bring work gloves if you have them. Also handy, a chair or blanket to sit on. For more info contact Cynthia.


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7th Congressional District candidate Hughes expects to be McDermott’s November opponent


By Evan Smith

Democratic 7th Congressional District candidate Andrew Hughes says that he is confident that he will be Democratic Congressman Jim McDermott’s November opponent.

Hughes, McDermott, and fellow Democrats Don Rivers and Charles Allen are running in the Aug. 7 primary, along with Republicans Scott Sutherland and Ron Bemis, and independent Goodspaceguy.

The top two vote getters in the primary advance to the Nov. 6 general election. If that means a runoff between McDermott and Hughes, the district could have the first Democrat vs. Democrat congressional election since Washington's top-two system started four years ago.

That means a competitive election, Hughes said Monday, adding that if McDermott ends up facing a Republican in November, "he can just kick back and relax."

McDermott defeated a Republican opponent by an 84 percent to 16 percent margin in 2008 and an independent by an 83-17 margin in 2010.

Washington has had a couple of dozen one-party general elections over the last four years, but those have all been at the county or legislative-district level, often when no candidate from the other party ran in the primary.

Hughes notes that redistricting has made the district less safe for McDermott with the addition of Shoreline, Edmonds, Woodway and parts of Lake Forest Park that weren’t previously in the District, and the loss of Seattle's southeast quarter.

While Hughes has reported raising $246,624, almost half from himself, he said Monday that he is not spending it on advertising but is concentrating on meeting people around the district.

His message revolves around limiting the time a member spends in office, reforming the tax code and breaking the partisan gridlock in Congress.

He said that all tax laws should have a time limit -- long enough to allow businesses to make plans but short enough that the tax laws aren't full of tax breaks that have outlived their usefulness.


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