Photo: Max at bat

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Max has his eye on the ball
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Max gives it everything he's got
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Roving photographer Marc Weinberg discovered a budding baseball star at a garage sale in Richmond Beach this weekend.

Max was at batting practice with his dad in the front yard of their home. Watch for him at Shorewood in about a decade. 





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Painted Pianos: no fear of tentacles

Photo by Kim Ositis

Natalie Ositis fearlessly plays the painted piano, with no regard for the octopus coming out of the top or the tentacles reaching everywhere. Even the dappling of the sun (that bright light in the sky) adds to the underwater appearance.

But Natalie? "She particularly loved the tentacles," said mom Kim Ositis, who took the photo.

Octavia Rises by Shoreline artists Ann Blanch, Lynn Turnblom, and Sue Wallace.

Send us your photos of family and friends playing the painted pianos, or perhaps posing next to the sculptures on the red brick road.


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Frank Workman on Sports: I don't need the calendar to tell me it's August

By Frank Workman

I don't need the calendar to tell me that it's August. The sight of so many teenagers running in the neighborhood, getting in shape for their fall sport, is a tell-tale first sign of fall, as chirping birds are to spring.

I'm not sure which high school sports season I enjoy most. I love a crisp Friday night (under cover) watching football. A warm gym on a winter's night watching hoops (sitting on a soft cushion) with friends always works for me. And you sure can't beat the rare warm spring day at a baseball game or the three-ring circus that is a track meet.

I have come to enjoy each game I attend as simply that --a game. It's simply a form of entertainment, a learning experience and confidence-and-character builder for the kids, and not a battle of us-against-them, good versus evil, or some kid's big chance at a college scholarship that I see others in attendance try to make it out to be.

I have to admit my perspective has evolved from when my son played. It began to change one summer when he was still in high school.

His summer baseball team had a weekend tournament back in Pullman. I offered to transport (along with my son) two other boys on the team, one of them the son of the coach of the cross-town rival (whose teams regularly won every game in the rivalry). It didn't take long before the barbs about each other's school were flying, and by the time we'd made it to Ellensburg the talk grew more heated. Wishing to be a gracious guest, but not wanting to let my son have the last say in their war of words, the coach's son used the ultimate weapon, that certain ten-letter word that ended all the trash-talk for the weekend - ‘Scoreboard'.

For the remainder of the weekend, I saw the coach's son in a different light.

Here was a polite and respectful young man. He was as dedicated to playing the game the right way as every other boy on the team was. He was committed to the ideals of team play and hard work. I knew his dad loved the game every bit as much as I did.

And it occurred to me that the only real difference between him and my son was which side of town they lived, and the school they attended.

Then I began to think of the similarities between them.

The boys liked many of the same things ---the same foods, the same subjects in school, the same movies and TV shows. They spent downtime that weekend playing video games with each other.

They both had parents who were deeply involved in their upbringing and instilled similar core values in them.

The boys were from, essentially, the same community, the same state and same country, as well.

Now when I watch high school athletes perform this, rather than seeing enemy combatants vying to determine which of them represents some higher form of human superiority, I see players with hundreds of similarities for every actual difference between them.

And I will be grateful to all of them for entertaining so many of us with their effort.

Find previous articles by Frank Workman by going to our main webpage, scrolling down the first column to the "Features" section and clicking on "Frank Workman."


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New business at old Cascade Bingo Hall in Ridgecrest

The old Cascade Bingo property, which has long been vacant at the main intersection in Ridgecrest at 5th NE and NE 165th, has a new business, 

Veolia Transportation began operations at the old Cascade Bingo Site on August 1. Veolia Transportation operates the King County Metro Accessible Service Program. They will be operating their fleet of paratransit vehicles from this location.

The Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association is sponsoring an open house to introduce Veolia Transportation to the Ridgecrest Neighborhood and Shoreline.

The Open House will be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2012, from 4-6:30pm at the site. 16325 5th Ave NE. All are invited.

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Legion presents Life Changer Award to Everett woman

Lea Coats speaks to the Legion about her organization
after Post Adjutant Thomas Drapac presented her with the Lifechanger Award
Photo by Jerry Pickard

On Saturday, August 11, 2012, American Legion Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 presented its first Lifechanger award to Everett resident Lea Coats, gave her a gift certificate to the Seattle Space Needle, and celebrated with a luau.

Mrs. Coats was nominated for the award by Mrs. He Youn Lee for helping her when she was in need.

Mrs. Coats is a Case Coach for Safe Families, which provides temporary homes for children whose families are in crisis and need support and a safe place for their children.

When parents are facing jail time, fleeing from abusive spouses, becoming homeless, or other situations that are stressful to the family and the children, her organization finds temporary homes for the children until their parents are able to care for them again.


Safe Families started in the Chicago area several years ago.  Coats' church, Brookview Community Church in Lynnwood, was the first to host a Safe Families family in Washington State.

"As a Case Coach for the program, I help train host families, meet with the families in need and walk them through paperwork.  I help find out what their needs are and how we can best help them get to a better place.  Then I help get the children into the Safe Families and continue to provide support for the families once the children are placed there. 
"The program is not foster care.  These are cases that do not rise to the level of abuse or neglect that would warrant the state being involved. Our hope is to be a safety net for families that lack support and help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible.  The children are placed voluntarily by their parents.  Their parents retain full guardianship. And the host families are also solely volunteers, there is no financial compensation for the care they provide."

The Life Changer award will be presented on an annual basis.


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Celebrate Shoreline August 14 -19 - here's the schedule of events

It's a birthday party for the entire City of Shoreline! 
Join the fun at various community events August 14-19.

North City Jazz Walk - Tuesday, Aug. 14, 7-10pm
Live music at various venues in the North City neighborhood. Admission fee required. Music lineup, venues and related details are available here

Youth and Teen Skate Competition - Friday, Aug. 17, Noon to 5pm
Skateboard competition (with prizes!) for various age groups & abilities. No admission fee, but a completed and signed liability form is required for minors. Form can be downloaded here,  Paramount Park, 15300 8th Avenue NE.

Parade - Saturday, Aug. 18, beginning at Noon.
Parade Marshal Evan Voltsis of Spiro’s Pizza leads the way as decorative floats, marching bands, drill teams and others wow the crowd. Parade travels south along 15th Avenue NE between NE 185th and NE 165th Streets.

Festival - Saturday, Aug. 18, 11am to 5pm
It's a party! Come on by the Ridgecrest Elementary School grounds, 16516 10th Avenue NE, for live music on stage, food vendors, community booths and fun for the whole family.

Sandcastle Contest - Sunday, Aug. 19, registration begins at 11:30 am. competition held 12 to 3pm
Sponsored by the City of Shoreline and the Richmond Beach Community Association. Bring your friends and family to this summertime tradition, try your hand at a unique sand creation or just take in the competition from the sidelines. Prizes awarded! Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, 2021 NW 190th Street.

More information, 206-801-2600.


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Lots of family fun at the Ballinger Neighborhood Night Out Against Crime

Ballinger Neighborhood organizers estimate that 50-60 people attended their Tuesday evening Night Out Against Crime party, including many families.

Teens take advantage of the wide fields to play a game

Neighbors gather over food preparation

Little ones get to "ride the motorcycle" with the help of a Shoreline officer

Neighbors gather together and get to know each other



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Local teen and string bands to play at Outdoor Movie Night



Ballinger and North City Neighborhoods host their 4th annual Outdoor Movie Night on Saturday, August 25, 7pm at Aldercrest on NE 200th St in Shoreline. This year's movie is Puss in Boots.

Local teen band, The Accountants, will start the evening with their own unique style of music influenced by the Alternative Rock and Indie-Folk of their Seattle roots. Formed in 2011 for a school talent show, the band's music brings together a mix of dueling guitars, powerful drums, moving bass, and unique vocals.  The band's five current members aspire to play local shows but if you can't wait, check out YouTube for music, practices and behind the scenes clips.  You can also follow them on Facebook

Our other band is another newcomer to this event. The McGee String Band is a small group, but they have a great time playing music together. They identify their style as Old Songs and Cajun Music.

Both bands will be part of our pre-movie entertainment. Other activities include face-painting, crafts and, this year, a robotics demonstration. Concessions will be selling drinks, snack items and glowsticks. And if you're feeling lucky, take a chance at winning a really terrific prize at our raffle.  Admission is free.      


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The last remnant of The Enterprise to stop publishing after August 26

The Weekly Herald newspaper, which has been covering Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood since it started as the Enterprise newspapers in 1996, will stop publication after Aug. 29, according to an announcement by the publisher and general manager of The Herald Co.

“I’m sad that we couldn’t develop a revenue model that sustained this great community journalism, but The Daily Herald and HeraldNet will continue covering all communities throughout Snohomish County with fresh and relevant local news and advertising information,” Publisher David Dadisman said in a message distributed to employees.

Two full-time positions will be eliminated as a result of the closure.

When the recession hit in fall of 2009, the Herald shut down the local Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Enterprise, saying it could no longer afford a presence in King County. At about the same time, it consolidated its zoned editions in south Snohomish county. Now it has no local paper editions.

The folding of the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Enterprise paper was the impetus for the creation of the Shoreline Area News, which began online publication the day after the Enterprise left the area.


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Shoreline Classic Car Show at Meridian Park

Saturday, August 11, 2012

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air with a 327 V8
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
By Diane Hettrick

Shoreline resident Martin Degrazia has been involved with car shows for many years.

As a Seattle resident, he volunteered from the beginning with the Greenwood Car Show. The Greenwood Car Show was started by Jerry Cline of Cline Customer Jewelry as a benefit for the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce. Cline's business was located for many years in Shoreline, on 200th across from Aurora Village, and is now in Snohomish County, just over the line.

When Jerry left the Greenwood Chamber, the leaders outsourced the event to a private group which called itself the Greenwood Knights. The Knights included some founding members of the show, local business leaders, and a few car enthusiasts, including leader Brian Canfield. Degrazia was involved all this time.

1955 Buick Special
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

In 2004, Martin Degrazia moved home and business to Shoreline.

"I moved to Shoreline 6 years ago (not a big move by any means) and absolutely love it here. I take my daughters to Meridian Park and couldn't get it out of my head, what a great location this would be for a car show. What school couldn't use a little extra money in todays economy?"

The Meridian Park PTSA became a partner for the event when Degrazia was unable to open a checking account in the name of the car show. All proceeds are given to the school, to dispense as they see fit.

The sponsorship level has been kept at $200. This is low, says Degrazia. "I really wanted this to be a community event. I wanted to have big business along with small business and I am very grateful for all the show sponsors."

1939 Studebaker pick-up, in process
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

With the second show, in 2011, Degrazia was able to obtain the status of an an official Seafair Sanctioned Community Event, a status he maintained with the third show this year.

With all the years of experience Degrazia has running car shows, the event was polished and successful from the beginning. The inaugural 2009 show featured J.P. Patches, and Lance Lambert, both of whom made generous deals for their time, and the singing talents of The Fabulous Hammers, who donated their time. It made over $6,000 for the school.

1940 Chevrolet convertible
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The 2010 show was a day full of rain, which caused many participants to cancel, dropping proceeds to $4,500.

2012 was brilliant sunshine and every slot available was filled, with almost 240 cars. Final figures are not in but Degrazia expects to make around $6,000 again. "Our car total was up," he said, "but so were our expenses."

He has nothing to apologize for. There are few schools in Shoreline where a parent volunteers to run a fund-raiser that brings in $4-6,000 for the school, let alone one that brings delight to so many people.


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WSDOT has pretty pictures to help you forget ugly traffic



Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) says:


If you’re sitting at home thinking, “I really don’t want to drive anywhere this weekend because of all this construction. What ever shall I do with my time?” Wonder no more. WSDOT has an amazing collection of aerial photography that might remind you why you live in this beautiful state. Whether you’re interested in environmental issues, historical studies or just want to gaze at the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, sit back, relax and avoid the traffic. And if that’s not enough to get you through these closures, check out our Flickr page for more action-packed pictures.


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Democrats still headed for runoff to replace Kenney in 46th Legislative District

Corrected 8-12-2012 8:15pm

By Evan Smith

Democrats Jessyn Farrell and Sarajane Siegfriedt continue to be headed for a November runoff for the position that retiring State Rep. Phyllis Kenney now holds.

Farrell widened her lead in the six-candidate contest Friday as she expanded her portion of the vote to nearly 30 percent from the 28 percent she had Tuesday.

Siegfriedt held steady Friday with the same 22 percent that she had Tuesday.

The two were comfortably ahead of the other two Democrats, one Republican and an independent in the race, Republican Scott Hodges held third place in the top-two primary with 18 percent of the vote, followed by Democrat Shelley Crocker with 16 percent, Democrat Dusty Hoerler with 12 percent and independent Stan Lippmann with 2 percent.

Democrats Crocker and Hoerler stood fourth and fifth in early primary returns despite leading the candidates in fundraising.

The District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.




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Painted pianos: Noelle and Izzie find the octopus

Noelle and Izzie play at the painted piano

Look who found the octopus! Sisters Noelle and Izzie Cooley might just be inspired to ask for piano lessons. Either that or they will paint their room blue and demand paella for dinner.

Octavia Rises by Shoreline artists Ann Blanch, Lynn Turnblom, and Sue Wallace. Noelle and Izzie are the daughters of Jason and Kristin Cooley of Shoreline.

Send us your photos of family or friends playing one of the eight painted pianos.


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Shoreline Farmers Market Saturday, 10am to 3pm

Alvarez Organic Farms
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
The Shoreline Farmers Market is Saturday, from 10am to 3pm on the top deck of the parking garage behind Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N.

Park on the lower level of the garage or in the parking lots along Midvale.

Buy fresh produce, browse craft booths, have lunch and listen to the music.



Fresh picked strawberries from family owned Biringer Farms
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Grateful Bread
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


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Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council needs your help to win $5,000


Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council has entered the “Make GOOD Art Challenge.”

Organizations all over the US enter the challenge by coming up with brilliant ideas that help their communities come alive through the arts. Then it is up to each community to support their local organization. The one with the most support wins a $5,000 grant to make their idea come true.

The Arts Council’s idea is to share more cultures at the Shoreline Arts Festival. The Festival is already well known for including the arts and cultures of many ethnic groups from our communities. Groups representing China, Japan, Philippines, Korea, India, Pacific Islands, Mid East, North Africa have participated before. The grant will pay for more performances, and cultural rooms.

This is a great way to support your local non-profit arts organization. VOTE or go to this webpage. Help spread the word through email or Facebook. One vote per person. Voting ends on Thursday, August 23 at 12pm PDT.

For more information, contact the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council by email or phone 206-417-4645.


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Dog Fest Saturday at Hamlin Park 11am to 3pm

Photo courtesy ShoreDog
Take your dog to Dog Fest this Saturday, August 11, 2012. From 11am to 3pm in Hamlin Park, 16006 15th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155, you can romp and play in both structured and unstructured games.

Many contests - all for fun - include prizes for such things as owner and dog who look most alike.

There are agility tests and runs so the young, agile dogs can show off, and a doggie pie eating contest.

There will be booths for every dog-related service and product in the local area.

The event is sponsored by ShoreDog, the group responsible for promoting and helping to maintain local off-leash dog parks.

Schedule:


11:00 am: Festivities begin with Opening Announcements
11:30 am: Training Demo
11:45 am: Doggie Dash Contest
12:00 pm: Doggie Pie Eating Contest
12:00 pm: Serving Free Hot Dogs! (While supplies last.)
1:00 pm: Training Demo
1:30 pm: Best Shedder Contest
1:45 pm: Best Eyes, Trick and Pet/Owner Lookalike Contests
2:45 pm: DogFest Closing with Recognition of Sponsors and Vendors

FlyDog Demos will be occurring throughout the day



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4-Corners BrewFest Saturday August 11, 3-7pm

4-Corners BrewFest will be held on Saturday, August 11th from 3-7pm on the patio and grass behind the Innis Arden Clubhouse at 1430 NW 188th St, Shoreline 98177.


Twenty local craft brewers will feature over 40 delicious ales, lagers, porters, and stouts.

4-Corners BrewFest is a fundraiser for the Shoreline neighborhood associations of Hillwood, Richmond Highlands, Richmond Beach, and Innis Arden, with all proceeds going back into the community. This year, an equal percentage of the proceeds will also be donated to New Beginnings, a shelter for those affected by domestic violence.

Tickets are still available online for $30 or at the door for $40. Your ticket gets you: ten 5oz tastes from 40+ beers, a souvenir glass, free food from local Shoreline restaurants, grilled brats, and more.

This year’s music will be provided by the Shoreline Bluegrass All-Stars, a loose collection of accomplished local pickers and jammers.



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Art projects and community knitting at Ronald Bog Sunday, Aug 12

Hypertufa Container-Making Art Party for all ages at Ronald Bog on Sunday August 12th, 1pm-4pm


Do you like to play with stuff outside? Come down to Ronald Bog Park and explore art-making with artists Mary Coss and Cynthia Knox. Mary will demonstrate how to make containers using hypertufa made with peat moss. Bring a small bowl or small dairy tub if you want to make something yourself. Wear comfortable outdoor clothes and bring work gloves if you have them. Also handy, a chair or blanket to sit on. Minors must be accompanied by adult. For more info contact Cynthia.


Community Knitalong at Ronald Bog Park on Sunday August 12th, 1pm-4pm

Yarn - Bombers Unite! Make tree socks not war! Would you like to contribute your knitting skills to a worthy and artistic cause? Come to community knitalong at Ronald Bog Park. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. The yarn and needles/loom are provided along with instruction. For more info contact Cynthia.

Ronald Bog Park is located in Shoreline on N 175th between Meridian Ave N and I-5.


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A Taste of Edmonds this weekend

Friday, August 10, 2012


The big Taste of Edmonds festival, sponsored for the 30th year by the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, will take place in the Civic Playfield at 310 6th Ave N, Edmonds 98020, Saturday and Sunday, August 11-12, Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm and Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm.

Continuous entertainment on several stages, lots of food choices, commercial and informational booths, arts and crafts, beer garden, wine garden, kids' area. Roving artists include stilt walkers, jugglers, and clowns.


$3 Daily (12 and under free). Call The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce at 425-670-1496 or visit A Taste of Edmonds for information.

A Free Shuttle is offered (and advised!): Coldwell Banker Bain Realty of Edmonds will be making it easy to visit the Taste by dropping folks off at the festival entrance on 7th Avenue.  Parking and shuttle are free. The busses will depart and return to Edmonds Woodway High School every 15 minutes beginning 11 am Saturday and Sunday.


Edmonds-Woodway High School, 7600 212th Street SW, Edmonds, WA 98026



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Hit and run driver who killed Shoreline resident is sentenced

The man who hit and killed Shoreline resident Michael Wang as he was commuting home from work on his bicycle has been sentenced to 41 months in jail, the top of the sentencing range.


"Wang, 44, was killed while riding home to Shoreline on July 28, 2011, when a hit-and-run driver struck him on Dexter Avenue North in Seattle. The driver, Erlin Garcia-Reyes, wasn't arrested until two months ago, when he was under investigation for another hit and run."


Our news partner King5 also covered the story,
"Wang was a well-known photographer and member of the Cascade Bicycle Club. More than a year later, tributes to him continue to be left at the intersection where he was killed."


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Thousands of King County ballots still to be counted

By Evan Smith



King County elections officials had more than 60,000 votes still to count after four days of counting.

At the end of Friday, officials had counted about 366,000 ballots out of about 427,000 that had arrived at elections headquarters in Renton.

The number of ballots will continue to grow as they trickle in until officials certify results Aug. 21. Those late ballots will come either from Americans voting from overseas or from voters whose ballots were returned for signature verification.

The ballot return rate of 38.43 percent is below expectations.



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Shorecrest graduate awarded $5000 Vegetarian Scholarship

Shorecrest grad Kitty Jones wins $5,000 scholarship

The Vegetarian Resource Group is proud to award Kyana 'Kitty' Jones, a 2012 graduate of Shorecrest High School, a $5000 scholarship for her outstanding dedication to vegetarian activism. Kitty's exceptional commitment to promoting vegetarianism can be seen through the work she has done in her high school and community.

Kitty is an activist every day of her life, because, according to her, “animal and environmental rights are what my life is based around.” From passing out vegan samples in a cow suit at the local farmers market, leading a vegan bake sale at her school, handing out vegan starter packs, preparing for vegan outreach events, to leafleting to the general public, Kitty keeps herself busy with vegetarian grassroots activism. Kitty has educated countless individuals about the benefits of a vegetarian diet through hosting animal rights film screenings, dedicating many hours to volunteering, urging her school to collect more vegetarian products for the food drive, passing out recipes, collecting and distributing vegetarian food to the homeless, hosting fund-raisers, and campaigning for a district wide Meatless Monday school menu. Kitty's unyielding commitment to making the world a better place is remarkably inspiring.

Kitty has introduced compassionate eating choices to her classmates by holding vegan potlucks, passing out vegan samples with pamphlets attached, taking friends out to vegan restaurants, and inviting animal rights speakers to give presentations at her school. Kitty is founder and president of her high school's animal rights club and conducts outreach with the Seattle Animal Defense League, Northwest Animal Rights Network, Action for Animals, and The Humane Society. As campaign intern for The Humane Society, Kitty gathered over 10,000 signatures during the summer of 2011, more than any other volunteer in the history of that organization's initiative campaigns. Additionally, Kitty started a “Housecleaning for the Greater Good” business in which all proceeds are donated to animal rights organizations.

Kitty plans to pursue environmental science so she may protect the rainforest and work to alleviate the unsustainable and environmentally degrading effects of factory farming and animal agriculture. Veganism is a critical aspect of Kitty's life; in order for her to live happily, she feels she must do all she can to encourage others to take social responsibility and put the lives of others and the health of the environment before their own personal pleasures. An unstoppable catalyst for the animal rights, vegetarian, and environmental movements, Kitty's impeccable perseverance, dedication, and enthusiasm will undoubtedly promote change for the better.


A vegetarian does not eat meat, fish, or fowl. A vegan is a vegetarian who does not use other animal products such as eggs and dairy. For more information on a vegetarian diet, visit The Vegetarian Resource Group, write to The Vegetarian Resource Group, PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203, or call 410-366-8343. The Vegetarian Resource Group is a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about vegetarianism. VRG publishes the quarterly Vegetarian Journal, and sponsors two annual $5,000 scholarships for graduating high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their communities. Information on the scholarship.


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Accepting ideas for CleanScapes’ $10,000 Community Improvement Project

CleanScapes invites Shoreline residents to submit ideas for a community improvement project worth $10,000.  

A committee of neighborhood representatives will select the winning projects, and CleanScapes, together with the City of Shoreline, will install and maintain the community amenities.

CleanScapes’ annual Neighborhood Waste Reduction competition rewards communities for reducing all waste – garbage, recycling and food scraps and yard debris.  In recent years, the winning neighborhoods chose to fund the installation of mile markers along the Interurban Trail designed by local artists, as well as public benches and picnic tables at Twin Ponds Community Garden.
Mile marker on the Interurban Trail
near Echo Lake Park.
Photo by Carl Dinse.
This year’s winners include portions of the Hillwood, Innis Arden, Richmond Beach and Richmond Highlands communities located in CleanScapes Thursday collection area.

Do you have a great idea for a community project? Go to the webpage and print out the Proposal Form. Forms are due by August 31, 2012 and may be emailed or mailed to 117 S Main St, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98104.
Interested in helping your neighborhood win next year? The 2012-2013 competition is underway, giving you the chance to compete for a $10,000 community project in your neighborhood.

Visit CleanScapes (click on “Community”) to read more about the Neighborhood Rewards program, and for ideas on how to reduce waste and help your community at the same time.


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Painted Piano: David Kim entertains fellow campers

David Kim and other Camp Loco kids at the Spartan Rec Center in Shoreline
Photo courtesy Shoreline Recreation Department

David Kim and participants of the Shoreline Parks Department Camp Loco program playing the piano at the Spartan Recreation Center.
David is quite the accomplished player. The campers especially loved when he played the music of Vince Guaraldi!
Young and old have loved having the piano at the Spartan Recreation Center.


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The Soil Needs your Toil this Saturday August 11th at Animal Acres Park from 9am-Noon

Animal Acres Park
Photo by Mary Jo Heller
Looking for a way to get active and help your community? The perfect opportunity awaits! This Saturday, August 11th at Animal Acres Park from 9:00 am - Noon, volunteers will turn out to service the park with a variety of clean up opportunities. 

Beginning in May, the series of park volunteer days continues under the direction of volunteer captain Linda Holman. If you’re interested in participating please give Linda a call at 206-362-5541. 

Animal Acres Park is located in Lake Forest Park at NE 178th Street and Brookside Boulevard. All of your volunteer efforts are appreciated!


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Kagi apparently to face Reedy in 32nd Legislative District, Ryu to meet Hayden

By Evan Smith

Incumbent Democratic 32nd District State Rep. Ruth Kagi appears to be headed for a race against Republican Robert Reedy in November.

Kagi holds 70 percent of votes from the Tuesday primary counted through Thursday afternoon. Reedy holds 21 percent, with fellow Republican Eric Alvey apparently eliminated with 9 percent of the primary votes.

Kagi had 75 percent of the votes in the King County part of the District – Shoreline and northwest Seattle – and 63 percent in the Snohomish County part of the district – Woodway, south Edmonds, nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, most of Lynnwood and part of Mountlake Terrace.

In the other 32nd District house race, Democratic incumbent Cindy Ryu and Republican challenger Randy Hayden move to the general election after running alone in the primary. Ryu holds 70 percent of the primary vote to 30 percent for Hayden.

Ryu had 74 percent of the King County vote and 65 percent in Snohomish County.

Officials had received ballots from 40 percent of registered voters in the King County part of the district through Thursday but had counted votes from only 30 percent of voters in the area. Officials had received ballots from 37 percent of voters in the Snohomish County area and counted ballots from 25 percent of registered voters.


Kagi is seeking her eighth two-year term in the Legislature. She is chairwoman of House committee on early learning and social services, and a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Reedy was an unsuccessful candidate for the Mountlake Terrace City Council last year.

Ryu is seeking a second two-year term. She won an open seat in 2010, just a year after losing a bid for re-election to the Shoreline City Council. She said a few weeks ago that many voters who thought she obstructed action on the Council now appreciate her as a questioning legislator. She was a co-sponsor of a bill to eliminate some outmoded tax breaks, a bill that failed because it didn’t get a two-thirds majority. She was a plaintiff in a lawsuit that resulted in a King County Superior Court judge holding the voter-approved two-thirds requirement unconstitutional. The State Supreme Court expects to rule on an appeal in the next two months.

Hayden said in July that he can’t come close to Ryu’s $72,500 raised but he will compensate by talking to a lot of voters.


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Night out with the neighbors

One table at the large Wallingford Ave block watch party

By Diane Hettrick

The Night Out Against Crime block parties were all organized on the same idea - if neighbors know each other and know what is normal on the street, they will know when something doesn't seem right and call the police to check it out.

But the block watch parties were all different. Some seemed like a gathering of friends - neighbors who already knew each other and were enjoying the party. Others had 'getting to know you' conversations. I overheard phrases like "Now, which house is yours?" "Are those your children?" "Where do you pick up your mail?"

Some had fabulous food, others kept it simple with hot dogs and hamburgers.

Lisa Haynes of Blue Star with the Shoreline Bicycle patrol

Then there was the out and out party at Blue Star Construction, located on N 200th at the head of Echo Lake. They win the prize for the most number of extroverts, most apparently employees - but everyone was welcome. City staff, city council, Jazz Walk organizers, Shoreline Police, everybody showed up at Blue Star - except the fire department. "Where are they?" said Lisa, We had a fire truck here last year!"

Blue Star has only a driveway onto N 200th, but a view of most of Echo Lake Park and a sweeping view of Echo Lake.

Amara, the youngest block watcher, with mom Kelly Fackler
at the Burke Avenue Block Watch

When organizing block watches, police say, you don't have to follow the formal street block. Consider the line of sight from each house. If you have a section where five or six backyards meet, have a block watch with those homes, even if they are on four different streets. Belong to more than one block watch - one for your front yard, one for your back yard. Have a block watch for your apartment building, or one floor of condos. The point is to watch out for each other and prevent or stop crime before it happens.


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Now Recruiting: Lake Forest Park Youth Council Members for 2012-2013 School Year


Potential youth council members
(Last year's Shorecrest debate team)
Are you a student between the ages of 14-18 looking for a community services opportunity for the upcoming school year? Then the Lake Forest Park Youth Council is right for you! 

Youth Council members come from diverse backgrounds, live in various areas of Lake Forest Park, and represent local area schools. They meet regularly on the second Wednesday of every month at City Hall. The mission of the Youth Council is to provide a vital link between the youth of the City and the greater community by initiating communication with local government, schools, and businesses. 

Interested in signing up? Fill out an application and call City Hall with questions 206-368-5440. The first meeting of the year will be on September 12th at 7pm.

Application


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Aldercrest fire is arson: reward posted

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Aftermath of Aldercrest Annex fire. Photo by Nancy Moreyra

By Nancy Moreyra

Last evening, August 8, at about 6pm, fire broke out in the class room buildings at Aldercrest Annex.  Police and Fire fighters responded to control and extinguish the fire but not before the north east class room building was destroyed.  

Aldercrest Annex classrooms in the aftermath of the arson fire.
Photo by Nancy Moreyra

This incident is not much of a surprise since kids have been seen on the roof and around the buildings vandalizing and littering the property.  This morning, August 9, Shoreline School District Superintendent, Sue Walker, and Marla Miller, Deputy Superintendent, along with Paul Plumis, District Facilities and Maintenance, were inspecting the damage to determine the next steps to secure the property.  Safety is a paramount concern.

If you know anything about this arson, call 1-800-55-ARSON (1-800-552-7766)
Photo by Nancy Moreyra

Police and Fire officials determined the cause is arson and have posted a $10,000 reward and requests anyone with information about the fire to call 1-800-55-ARSON.

Please do not go on or near the buildings as they are unsafe.



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47 Shoreline events for Night Out Against Crime

Neighbors had dinner on the Watts front lawn
for the 199th Block Watch
Photo by Diane Hettrick


A record number of Shoreline neighborhoods participated in the 29th Annual National Night Out (NNO) event. On Tuesday, August 7, Shoreline residents came together and celebrated in over 47 separate events for NNO with over 2,000 people participating. City Councilmembers and City, Police and Fire staff visited events to introduce themselves, answer questions and thank the participants for their community support. NNO grows bigger and more successful each year, and our neighborhoods and residents have reaped the benefits.

The Densmore Pathway group used their new open space
for their Night Out Potluck
Photo by Diane Hettrick
National Night Out Against Crime is designed to generate participation in Block Watch and other crime prevention programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and watching out for each other. NNO has proven to be an effective program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in building safer communities.


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Metro Transit kicks off football season Saturday with Seahawks shuttles

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

King County Metro Transit has special shuttles to take football fans to the Seattle Seahawks first preseason game Saturday, August 11.

The non-stop shuttles leave the Northgate Transit Center beginning two hours before kick-off. Each shuttle will leave as it is filled. The last shuttle leaves for the game about 35 minutes before kickoff. All pre-game shuttles arrive near CenturyLink Field northbound on Fifth Avenue South at South Weller Street.

A cash-only exact fare of $4 one way or $8 round trip per person is required. No passes or transfers are accepted.

The Northgate shuttle leaves northbound on Fifth Avenue South from just north of South Weller Street.

Shuttles are not available for the team’s weeknight games on Thursday, Aug. 30, and Monday, Sept. 24.

All travelers in the SODO, Pioneer Square and downtown Seattle areas can expect traffic congestion and delays before and after Seahawks games and other Stadium events.

For information about regular Transit service to Seahawks games, or to plan other trips, visit Metro Online or Metro’s online Trip Planner. The Trip Planner provides information about scheduled service and stops, and does not take service revisions into account. After planning your trip, check Metro’s Construction and Events page to find out about any planned revisions to your routes. Details about the Seahawks shuttle service is online.

Seattle Seahawks 2012 home schedule (kick-off times are subject to change)

7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11 vs. Titans (pre-season)
7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30 vs. Oakland (pre-season, no park-and-ride service this game)
1:05 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16 vs. Dallas
5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24 vs. Green Bay (no park-and-ride service)
1:05 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 vs. New England
1:05 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4 vs. Minnesota
1:05 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 vs. NY Jets
1:05 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 vs. Cardinals
1:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 vs. 49ers
1:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30 vs. Rams


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Open windows hazardous for small children

As the temperature increases so does the risk of children falling from windows.

The stories are very much the same--a child falls from a second story window; the screen gave way or “popped out”.

Six times last week fire department crews throughout Snohomish County responded to reports of toddlers falling from windows. All were transported by paramedics to trauma centers, where fortunately they were to survive with non life-threatening injuries.

Each year approximately 18 children across the United States die from window fall-related injuries and an estimated 4,700 children are sent to hospital emergency rooms.

Safe Kids offers the following tips for parents and caregivers to prevent windows falls:
  • Do not depend on window screens to prevent children from falling.
 Screens can easily give way with less than 5 pounds of pressure.  They are designed to keep bugs out, not children in.
  • Move chairs, cribs, beds and other furniture away from windows. 
Children can fall from windows opened as little as 5 inches.
  • Consider installing window locks or window guards. 
Window locks can be easily installed and be removed quickly in case of a fire.  They can be found at your area hardware store for around $5 for a pack of two. For a more permanent solution you can also install a Window Guard which can be found at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-US locations.

More information on preventing window falls and other home safety tips.


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Painted Piano: Ed finds the octopus

Photo by Jon Ann Cruver

Ed Cruver plays an art work - Octavia Rises by Shoreline artists Ann Blanch, Lynn Turnblom, and Sue Wallace. Can you identify the location of this piano? There's a very large clue in the background.

Send us a photo of you or a friend or family member playing one of the eight pianos. (If you don't, we'll just have to publish all six of Ed's photos and he's still looking for the other two).


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