Painted pianos are a popular addition to the local scene

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

James Gierke and Octavia
By Diane Hettrick

The Painted Pianos are wildly popular in Shoreline.

James Gierke and the Shorewood Band found the octopus at Haggen Northwest Fresh store (formerly TOP Foods) and entertained a large crowd that came out for the grand opening of the new store concept on August 3rd. 

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

This was just a portion of a Shorewood band performance and hot dog sale to raise money for a concert in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  
Norinka Federow plays the piano at Gateway Plaza

Norinka Federow plays the piano called Keyboard Skydance, by artist Jennifer Carroll, at Gateway Plaza. She is typical of the dozens of individuals who stop to play for a while. Each piano has a notebook where people can record their thoughts about the experience.

On the hottest day of the year, a young man was playing this piano in the direct sun, while his family gathered around and took his photo. At the Market Fresh cafe on Sunday afternoon, a different man was playing rollicking music on the octopus piano while half a dozen people sat on the benches for his impromptu concert.

Mark McVeeety plays on Wonderland by Heather Carr
at Central Market
 Now we know what all those piano lessons were for!

Mark McVeety plays on the Werner Piano Cafe
by KJ Bateman on the Red Brick Road

It all ends on August 30, so get there while you can. One piano will remain - the grand at Shoreline City Hall will stay in place for future concerts and events. Pianos are at Darrell's Tavern, Central Market, Spartan gym, Richmond Beach shopping center, and one other location.


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This Thursday: Brown Bear Car Wash celebrates 55th anniversary with free car washes

Brown Bear tunnel at 16032 Aurora Ave N in Shoreline

Over the last six years, the Seattle-based company has washed over 130,000 cars during its annual "free car wash day"

Brown Bear Car Wash will add sparkle to thousands of cars and trucks on Thursday (August 23) as the Seattle-based, family-owned company offers free washes to celebrate its 55th anniversary. 

Hours for the special one-day event are from 8 am to 8 pm. Brown Bear will be giving away free "Bear Essential" car washes at all of their automated "tunnel wash" locations in the Puget Sound area.

For the past several years, Brown Bear has offered free "Bear Essentials" tunnel washes twice a year. With the annual "Free Wash Day" and Veterans Day events, an astounding 136,743 customers have received Free Washes over the past six years.

"We blend hard work, pride and a lot of fun into an event that benefits our customers and the environment. It's a fitting way to say 'thank you' to our customers who have supported us over the years," said Brown Bear founder and owner Vic Odermat.

Odermat started Brown Bear in Seattle in 1957 with one location at 15th Ave West in Seattle. Brown Bear now owns and operates car washes throughout the Puget Sound area and Spokane.

The family-owned company, through its parent company, Car Wash Enterprises, Inc., owns and operates a total of 41 car wash facilities in Washington State as well as a large network of gas stations and convenience stores. It is one of the largest privately held car wash chains in the U.S. and is widely recognized within the industry as being a leader in the environmental movement.


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Parker's Casino and Sports Bar may be headed for demolition

Parker's Ballroom, sometime in the 1930s
Photo courtesy Seattle Municipal Archives
"Seattle’s venerable old Parker's Ballroom (which opened in 1930 on the "New Seattle-Everett Highway," now known as Aurora Avenue N) holds a unique place in Northwest music history. Like a few other local dancehalls, it spanned all of the sequential musical era’s from the wild jazz days of the Prohibition Era right on up through the forties swing scene, from the rise of rock ‘n’ roll in the fifties, to the psychedelic sixties, and onwards to the heavy metal, disco, and punk rock scenes of the seventies. Unlike most other historic dancehalls though, Parker’s still stands." (Read the full article at HistoryLink.org

The building looks good from the front
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Parker's, most lately a Casino and Sports Bar, may not be standing for long. In April of this year, they were served legal notice to cease gambling operations. According to charging documents, the owner and holder of the gaming licenses had sold his interest in Parker's to a new owner without notifying the state and without the new owner applying for licenses under his own name. There was also reference to back taxes.

This last weekend a professional firm hosted a "garage sale" to sell every item in the building - mirrors, safes, sinks, etc., and posted photos on Craig's List. The sale is over and the listings have now been removed.





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Ridgecrest Ice Cream Social brings the neighborhood together

Monday, August 20, 2012

The annual Ridgecrest Ice Cream Social at Paramount School Park
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
By Diane Hettrick

The annual Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association Ice Cream Social was held in Paramount School Park on Saturday, August 16, 2012.

Shoreline City Council and Ridgecrest volunteers serve.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

It was a very hot day and the ice cream was melting almost faster than it was served, but no one minded at all.

The Ice Cream Social is Ridgecrest's annual party in the park and it has multiple attractions. First and foremost, this is a family event, so there were plenty of things for the kids.

Bouncy castle and bouncy slide for the kids
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

A bouncy slide and a bouncy castle. Tours of a Shoreline fire truck. Boats belonging to the King County Sheriff's water rescue team. A chance to sit behind the wheel of a real Shoreline police car.

A jail wagon where people could pose for photos with cops or jailbirds in stripes - take your pick.

Jailbird and real cop
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Informational booths, like CERT (Community Emergency Response Team).

Pirates and ice cream
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Pirates wandering the grounds and being menacing - when they weren't eating ice cream.

The Around The Sound Band played for the crowd
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The full Around the Sound Band played for the crowd, while Shoreline City Council members and Ridgecrest volunteers served the ice cream.

Gus Stebbins loooooved the police car
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Lots of real police were there, too. The bicycle patrol. East precinct officer Greg McKinney.

People had a chance to sit and socialize, listen to the music, watch the kids have fun, and drink coffee from Cafe Aroma.

Out for the count - a tired little one takes a nap in the grass.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

A tiring day, but a good day.


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Seven year old empties piggy bank for Back to School event

Katherine Kang emptied her piggy bank
to buy socks for the Back to School fund

By Julie Kang

Shoreline Back to School Event is less than a week away on this coming Saturday, August 25, 2012 at North City Elementary School. Over 1100 students have registered to receive support for school supplies, socks and underwear, haircut, and other resources

Every year, Katherine Kang (Age 7) has been asking school supplies for this annual event. This year, in lieu of birthday gifts, she asked for socks and underwear to share with children in need. 

According to the event planners, this year, financial contributions have been slow and they are struggling to meet the target to support 1200 plus children in the Shoreline area. When Katherine heard that the event planners may have to cut some of the things on the supply list, she decided to empty out her piggy bank. Even though the total is only a bit over $100, it's allowance she has saved over a year. 

Katherine said, "Everyone can make a difference. I make $1 a day and I can donate a dime. My mommy makes $100 a day and she can donate $10. It's all the same because they are both 10 percent". 

I hope her story will encourage others to donate 10 percent of their day's wage for this important event. 

Donate online or use other options on the website.


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Little Lemon Drops Guild: kids helping kids

The first fundraiser was a lemonade stand
By Mary Stephenson

The Little Lemon Drops Junior Guild (LLD) of Seattle Children’s Hospital was founded in 2007 by Betsy Rand and Ani Sieler with their daughters Meredith and Kate. The guild was created as a way to teach the girls how to give back to the community. Betsy’s involvement with an adult guild for many years was inspirational in helping to share the passion of giving back and volunteering with her daughter and friends.

When the guild first formed, most of the girls were 8 or 9 years old. The first fundraiser in 2008 was a neighborhood lemonade stand supported by Crayons® All-Natural Beverage Company. The guild raised $225 for the hospital.

Little Lemon Drops Guide members at their pickleball tournament

Today, the Little Lemons Drops Junior Guild is an enthusiastic group of 14 girls, ages 10 to 14 years old, who are doing what they can to help provide kids an opportunity to receive the highest quality healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay. To date, the guild has raised over $20,000 for uncompensated care at Seattle Children's Hospital!

The Little Lemons Drops meet about six times a year, including once a year at Seattle Children’s Hospital. For the past several years they have held two fundraisers each year, including an annual Pickleball event at a private home in Shoreline. The event consisted of a pickleball tournament, dinner buffet and door prizes. The highlight of each of these events were the guest patients, Skylar and Natalie, from Seattle Children’s Hospital, who spoke with the girls and attendees.

The girls hold a variety of fundraisers each year
but never lose sight of the children they are helping

Additional fundraisers have included cookie sales, handmade scrabble tile necklaces, and greeting cards at the Seattle Children’s Guild Association Annual Meeting held each spring.

On Saturday, September 22, 2012, The Little Lemon Drops Junior Guild will be hosting their 4th annual fundraiser - an Outdoor Movie Night and Raffle at the Innis Arden Clubhouse in Shoreline.  The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and the move is “The Hunger Games.”  Everyone is invited to attend.  More information about the event, raffle and the guild.   .


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Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 awards two scholarships


On Saturday August 11, 2012, the Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion awarded two College Grants to recipients Jonathan Nearing Jr. and Jessica Osburn, at the Post's annual luau and awards event.

Applicants for this award must be children or grandchildren of any member who has served in the military, during a time of war, and is now a member in good standing of American Legion Post or Auxiliary Unit # 227.

Rachel Dickerson presents the scholarship to her
grandson, Jonathan Nearing Jr.

Jonathan Nearing Jr. is attending Shoreline Community College studying to become a CNC Machinist. Jonathan is the grandson of Henry and Rachel Dickerson, long term members of Post & Unit #227.

Louise Grasmick presents the scholarship to her
granddaughter Jessica Osborn
Jessica Osborn will be attending Seattle Art Institute studying for a career in television broadcasting. Jessica is the granddaughter of Robert and Louise Grasmick, long term members of Post and Unit #227.

Post Chaplain Larry Fisher introduced the Grandmothers of each recipient, who made the presentation to each grandchild, Rachel Dickerson to Jonathan Nearing Jr, and Louise Grasmick to Jessica Osborn.


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Public Health: Immunize now for a healthy and safe school year


Every parent’s back-to-school list should include making sure children are up-to-date with their immunizations, including the Tdap booster vaccine to protect against an ongoing whooping cough epidemic.

"Immunizations are a very safe and effective way to keep children healthy and in school," said Dr. David Fleming Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle and King County. "Whether you’re a parent enrolling your child in school or a student entering college, make sure all immunizations are up-to-date."

Our state’s current whooping cough epidemic is a stark reminder of the importance of immunization. There have been 560 confirmed cases of whooping cough in King County so far this year, compared to 98 cases in all of 2011. School-age children have been hit particularly hard. Children ages 10-13 have the highest rates of whooping cough in King County.

“Vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from diseases like whooping cough,” said Betsy Hubbard, Public Health’s Immunization Supervisor.


There is risk in choosing not to vaccinate. In addition to the potential of becoming infected with a disease preventable by vaccine, a child can pass an infection on to those particularly vulnerable, like infants, pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems. A child who is not fully immunized may be sent home from school during a disease outbreak.

Parents who choose not to immunize their children must submit an exemption certificate, signed by a health care provider verifying the provider has shared information on immunization benefits and risks.

Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.9 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health - Seattle and King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.


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Grace Cole Nature Park work party August 25




Saturday, August 25, 2012, from 9am - 12pm, volunteers will be working in the Grace Cole Nature Park, 30th Avenue NE and NE 166th Street. To reach, turn south off NE 178th Street onto 28th Avenue NE, travel 1/2 mile, the park is on your right.   


Tools and gloves provided, or you may bring your own. Please bring water, especially if it remains warm and sunny. Snacks provided. 

We'll be working on blackberries near the boardwalk or in the newly planted area north of the boardwalk. If you prefer ivy work, you may be in the upper areas.

All are welcome. Students may work on community service requirements.  

For more information, contact Mamie Bolender, 206-364-4410.  


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North City Jazz Walk - the best party in town

Families fill the street, with kids on roller blades,
bicycles, in strollers, and on dad's shoulders.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
By Diane Hettrick

On a warm evening after one of our rare, hot days, 15th NE in the heart of the North City business district was blocked off from 175th NE to 185 NE, and for almost four hours on August 14, 2012, became a huge street party for the North City Jazz Walk.

A full house for the Jazz Camp performance
Photo by Jerry Pickard
Perhaps photographer Marc Weinberg said it best, "The night was about fun, family and enjoying the summer evening together.  Something we need to celebrate given the ongoing news of drought, fires, shootings, political clashes and community violence."

Or maybe it was our news partner Parent Map that got it right when they advised their readers that this was a wonderful, free family event.

Faculty and students from Jazz Camp
Photo by Marc Weinberg
The Jazz aficionados had something to say, too, "An entire Jazz Festival in one evening, for the price of less than one ticket to a concert."

It really was two parties in one - the street festival and the jazz clubs. On the street, families walked up and down with babies in strollers and backpacks and dogs on leashes. Three stages were outdoors and open to all to sit and listen, dance, or just stroll by. There was even an outdoor beer garden run by a Rotary group, next to an outdoor stage.

David Moe of Richmond Beach
breaks into a spontaneous dance
Photo by Marc Weinberg
Kids on bicycles rode through the crowd, as did the Shoreline police bicycle patrol. Spontaneous dancing broke out. There were quick dance lessons by the Phoenix Restoration site.

Leena's Cafe moved to the street
Photo by Jerry Pickard
There was food everywhere. Restaurants located on the route moved outside to sell "jazz bites" - small portions at reduced prices. The pizza place sold whole pizzas and stayed open late.

Shear Jazz at Laughing Ladies
with event organizer Keith McClellan on keyboard
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
In the "clubs" jazz groups played and patrons could show their bracelets to go in, sit down and buy a drink while they listened. These venues became even more important as the evening went on and the temperature dropped.

Eagle's Lodge becomes a jazz club for the night
Photo by Jerry Pickard
The "clubs" were businesses along the street that transformed themselves for the evening. The only place that normally has jazz acts and alcohol is the North City Bistro. The others were jazz for the night - the local catholic church, the theatre, the Eagle's lodge.

It was a wonderful, magical evening. If you were there, you know what I mean. If you weren't - well, you'll get another chance next year.


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Quick-Start Shoreline business seminar Tuesday, August 21

The Tuesday Quick-Start Shoreline Business Workshop for start-up, existing or potential business owners will be held on August 21st, 2012 from 12 noon to 1:30pm at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Avenue N. The workshop is free; feel free to bring a snack or a brown bag lunch.



Mobile Marketing Options for Businesses

The number of mobile devices purchased each day is growing exponentially! The ability to connect and communicate everywhere we go is changing the world.   What does this mean to you as a business owner?  Mobile is here to stay, so it will be up to you to determine when and how you want to enter the mobile marketing arena.  


What you will learn:
In this workshop we will cover a number of options on how you as a business owner can leverage the mobile marketplace.  We will look at QR codes, mobile websites, mobile advertising, text marketing, and mobile apps.  Use one option or leverage multiple options in your marketing efforts.  We will cover each option and discuss how it can be used effectively to reach your target market.

As a result of the workshop, you will have an understanding of the mobile marketing options available today.  Once you understand mobile marketing basics, you will be able to plan when and how to implement mobile marketing for your business.

Cindy Hopper, App designer
About the presenter:
Cindy Hopper is a budding App designer and developer.  She designs and develops Apps for businesses to engage their customers to encourage customer retention and repeat business.

Cindy brings her business knowledge, online marketing, social media, and project management skills all to the table in creating an App. Through her company, Frog Pond Apps, she is bringing affordable Apps to small and medium sized businesses.

Cindy enjoys the constant learning required in this evolving new industry.  She predicts in three to five years, that having a business App will be a standard business practice; much like having a website is standard business practice today.


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Guitarville property has new owner

Updated 8-20-2012 10:43am

GMG Construction owns the old Guitarville site
Ballard McFarlane, owner of GMG Construction Inc., has purchased the old Guitarville building at 19258 15th Ave NE near where Lake Forest Park and Shoreline meet. GMG is a family-owned, general construction business in Seattle and this is its second location. 

Remodeling has already begun on the property and building to "give it a fresh clean look." Plans for the property include opening an espresso coffee drive-through and leasing space to a real estate brokerage office. 

Ballard said “I like having a challenge and I can see that this old building has a lot of opportunities. I think this is a great location that has a lot of potential to not only grow GMG Construction, but to start new ventures as well. We are very much looking forward to the move.”

Ballard and all of GMG Construction plan to become part of this community and to get involved with the local neighborhoods and surrounding businesses. GMG Construction would like to help promote the economic health of the area as well as enhance its security and safety.

About GMG Construction Inc. 
Ballard McFarlane has been in the construction industry for more than 25 years. At an early age he possessed a passion for building, remodeling and construction of all sorts. In the mid 1990's he partnered with some friends and formed GMG Construction. By the end of the decade he took sole ownership of the company, which he has grown exponentially in the Seattle metro area. For almost two decades GMG Construction has created working relationships with local suppliers, manufacturers, contractors of many different trades, architects, inspectors, and more. Typically GMG employs 6 to 8 full time employees and, as projects permit, has the ability and resources to expand when needed.

GMG specializes in quality residential construction such as custom new homes, additions, remodeling kitchens and baths, extensions, historic renovations and insurance restorations. "Our reputation is built on excellence, professional workmanship and the personal dedication we apply to all our customers' projects. We take care of any and all permits needed and guarantee our work. Our work sites are always clean and tidy - we respect our customers and their property, as well as their neighbor's property. We take great pride and joy in our trade of craftsmen." Family owned and operated, licensed, insured, and bonded general contractor. Members of the Master Builders Association and Built Green.

Guitarville, the business, relocated to Edmonds just north of the King-Sno county line on SR99.


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Hot Dog! Shorewood Band raises money for trip and supports new Haggen Northwest Fresh store


A Shorewood band member
plays the grill and tongs
Photo by David Johnson, SW
The Shorewood Band entertained a large crowd that came out for the grand opening of the new Haggen Market Fresh (formerly TOP Foods) store concept on August 3, 2012. 

Students grilled and sold hot dog lunches and others played rousing marching band music to entertain the shoppers.

The students in the Marching Band are raising money to go to Hawaii this December to participate in the 71st Annual Pearl Harbor Memorial Day Parade and support the 70th Anniversary of the USS Arizona Museum. 

The Band thanks Haggen Northwest Fresh, Aurora Rents Shoreline and the community for your support! 

Not the season for uniforms, but band students
played well for the shoppers
Photo by David Johnson SW Band Director

                                            

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Play date for babies at Shorenorth Cooperative Preschool


Babies and parents/caregivers are invited to a play date at Shorenorth Co-op Preschool. 

Come see our wonderful classrooms, meet our teacher, and learn about cooperative preschool. 

Two play dates are scheduled for little ones:

  • Tuesday, August 21, from 10 – 11:30 am
  • Tuesday, August 28, from 10 – 11:30 am


Shorenorth currently has openings in the Baby ‘n Me class, for baby (birth to 9 months with parent), and in Explorers class (9-18 months with parent). Classes include free play, music, sensory experiences, process-oriented art, yoga and massage for baby, parent education on just about any parenting topic you can think of, and more! 

Both classes meet on Tuesdays beginning in September. Check website for more information.


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Fill your vacancies - Landlord training event September 13


Protect your bottom line by filling vacancies and preventing turnover

Rental vacancies, tenant turnover, and difficult tenants all impact management costs, vacancy rates, the well-being of other tenants and ultimately your bottom line. Tenants with behavioral problems, substance abuse and mental health problems, tenants in personal and financial crisis can be time-consuming and costly.

There are many local organizations, such as the YWCA and Community Psychiatric Clinic (CPC), who have significant expertise not only as landlords of their own rental properties, but have experience serving as advocates and liaisons between the clients they serve and the private landlords their clients are housed with.  There are good tenants such as veterans and families who need housing that can help fill your vacancies. 

You may have reservations about renting to someone because you do not know where to turn if and when problems arise.  Did you know that there are homeless prevention programs that can provide case management, vocational assistance and even rental assistance for tenants who are experiencing personal or financial crisis?  Did you know that there are agencies that can provide 24 hour crisis response to tenants and landlords? 

If you are interested in connecting with community resources and learning strategies to find new tenants and prevent turnover, there is a FREE seminar on September 13th, 6-8pm at Shoreline City Hall. For more information or to RSVP, contact Kelly Rider at the Housing Development Consortium 206-682-9541.

This event is sponsored by the North King County Housing and Homelessness (NUHSA) Workgroup, with support from United Way of King County.


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Foster families desperately needed for PAWS kittens

Needs a forever home
PAWS Companion Animal Shelter in Lynnwood has their hands full right now finding temporary homes for more than 100 kittens.

These kittens are coming from all over the state, primarily from shelters that have run out of space and options.

“We have a large network of foster care volunteers, so typically we’re able to help close the gap between the smaller shelters and ourselves,” says Rebecca Oertel, PAWS Foster Care Coordinator.

But this year the numbers are getting large, even for PAWS.

“We need more foster care families,” says Oertel. “As much as we’d love to all of them to be adopted today, what we really need are temporary homes.”

Usually, foster care volunteers need to go through two different orientation and training sessions, but because the need is so great, Oertel is combining the sessions in hopes of bringing in more volunteers.

“We have one three-hour training session, and we’ll have you ready to go.”

According to Oertel, fostering takes anywhere from two to six weeks. Foster families just need to provide a warm home, food and lots of love. PAWS will provide all medical care, and any medicines your foster may need during their stay.

Last year, the PAWS Foster Care Program saved the lives of nearly 1,300 cats and dogs. This year, that number is likely to be lot higher.

To help with this foster emergency, please call PAWS Foster Care Program at 425-787-2500 ext822.


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Evan Voltsis named Grand Marshall of Celebrate Shoreline Parade

Saturday, August 18, 2012


2012 Celebrate Shoreline Parade Grand Marshall Evan Voltsis poses with the Shoreline City Council as they present him with a plaque. From left, Doris McConnell, Chris Roberts, Mayor Keith McGlashan, Voltsis, Shari Winstead, Will Hall, Jesse Salomon, Deputy Mayor Chris Eggen.

From the City's proclamation:

Evan has been a vital business owner in the community for many years and has been a supporter of a variety of community events and programs including the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation, Shoreline Rotary Clubs, Shoreline Public Schools and the YMCA. 
He has contributed both financially and through donations of the delicious food from Spiro’s. Evan is a lifelong resident of Shoreline and a graduate of Shorewood High School.


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100 years of public education in Lake Forest Park

Lake Forest Park Elementary about 1915
Photo courtesy Shoreline School District

Lake Forest Park Elementary will celebrate its centennial with a celebration from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8 at the school, 18500 37th Avenue N.E.

This school year marks the 100th anniversary of public education in Lake Forest Park. To accommodate the three children among the first families of Lake Forest Park between 1912 and 1913, the Lake Forest Park School District 181 was established and classes were held in the Hanson and Reid real estate office. The next year the developers of Lake Forest Park donated land for a school (see photo) on its present site and a bond election was held to raise the sum of $4,500 for the cost of construction of the building. Lake Forest Park became part of the Shoreline School District when it was created in 1944.

All present and former Lake Forest Park students, their families and the community are invited, said current Principal Aimee Miner, herself an alumna of the school.

The event will feature birthday cake and other food, a bouncy slide, face painting, music and games, and a classic car show.

There will be a room full of school memorabilia to share with everyone.  If you have photos or items you would be willing to share, contact Holly Fisher.


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Local voter turnout running far ahead of county average

By Evan Smith

Local voters have returned their ballots at a higher rate than the countywide rate of 38.80 percent.

Voters in Shoreline and the north part of Lake Forest Park and the rest of the King County part of the old 1st Congressional District -- the area voting to fill the last month of Jay Inslee's term -- had a ballot-return rate through Friday of 39.36 percent.

Voters in the 46th Legislative District, which includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle had a return rate of 44.89 percent, higher than any district in the County except for the part of the 39th District that includes 327 voters in Skykomish.

The King County part of the 32nd Legislative District, Shoreline and part of northwest Seattle, had a return rate of 41.12 percent.

The statewide return rate is 38.19 percent, with the highest rate at 57.03 percent in Jefferson County on the Olympic Peninsula and the lowest being 32.45 percent in Yakima County.


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August 22nd Concert in the Park – Kris Orlowski Band

Kris Orlowski Band


Join the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council for the last Summer Concert in the Park on Wednesday, August 22nd at Cromwell Park in Shoreline featuring the Kris Orlowski Band. 

All concerts are free, family friendly and start at 7pm, rain or shine. Pack a picnic, lawn chair or blanket and experience the fun! More details and information about upcoming events.

Kris Orlowski arrived on the Seattle music scene with a sound that spanned the Beatles to Frightened Rabbit and with the soul of singer-songwriters like Elliot Smith and John Mayer. He has an uncanny flair for crafting emotionally rich songs that will have you tapping your toes even as your heartstrings are being tugged.

Orlowski, who sings vocals and plays guitar, has brought together Tyler Carroll on bass, Aaron O’Neil on drums, Torry Anderson on vocals and keyboard, and Mark Isakson on steel, banjo and guitar. Together they create the folk-pop sound that local audiences have been enjoying at clubs and festivals around the Pacific Northwest. Sound magazine describes the music as-- "Infused with some jazz, some folk and a twist of reggae rhythm added to the mix.” 

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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Frank Workman on Sports: A high school senior's letter to Mom and Dad


Frank Workman is not a high school senior. He is a long-time participant and observer of high school sports, most recently volunteering with the video clubs as the announcer for local high school games.

A high school senior's letter to Mom and Dad
By Frank Workman

Dear Mom and Dad –

You know how you like to write me a letter before my sports seasons begin, offering me encouragement, advice and good wishes? 

This season I want to turn the tables and write a letter to you, especially since this is my senior year, and likely to be my last time playing organized sports.

I know there have been times before, during, or after my games when you’ve said or done something that has annoyed me. I realize you’ve meant no harm, but I want to spell things out for you so the memories we’ll take from this last year of my playing ball will be good ones.

First, I want to thank you for respecting my wishes by letting me play football, basketball, and baseball, and not making me specialize in just one sport.

The money you spent for me to play on various Select teams wasn’t some sort of guaranty that I’d ever become good enough to play college ball. What my Select ball experience did was improve my skills and help keep me on the right track, instead of drifting off doing who-knows-what with my idle time. I am only guaranteed a chance to play when it comes to high school ball – nothing more.

Look, I know deep down that I’m not going to get an athletic scholarship to college. I’m a good athlete, but I am not the elite, almost freakish one that gets a free ride. I’ve learned something about genetics in Biology class, and I got your genes, which explains why I’m not 6’10”, or 275 pounds, or run the hundred in ten-flat. So don’t blame me for not playing at the next level – look in the mirror. Just kidding. I wouldn’t change a thing about me – or you.

I need you to understand that it’s not just me who gets to have a sports season. But the sports season the two of you get to have is going to be an entirely different one from mine.

I’ll be learning life lessons in the “non-traditional classroom” that high school sports represent. I’ll be learning what dedication and commitment are, not just by playing the games, but by working hard in practice, testing my courage, running until my lungs feel like they could burst, dealing with the hurts and pains that come from sore muscles, bruised bones and scraped knees. By finding out how much I can care about something, how much I’m willing to do beyond what I think is possible in order to help our team be successful, how much I’m willing to sacrifice myself for the good of the team, I’m going to be learning important things about life.

I’m also going to experience the fun times, too, times that you can’t be any part of, like the ten minutes in the locker room right before a game, and the ten minutes in the locker room after a game, regardless of if we won or lost, happy or sad – or the bus rides to and from games, and the silly times in the dugout or locker room when I’m just having fun with my friends, still just being a kid.

This goes without saying ---

While this has never been a problem with you in the past, if for some reason you indulge in adult beverages before one of my games and think it would be a good idea to show up and be loud, abusive, possibly even vulgar - DON’T.  EVER. That sort of behavior from you would embarrass me to death, and would become your signature moment, to be remembered forever. And should one of the other parents come to a game in that condition, do everybody a favor and quietly suggest to them that they leave. Or better still, discreetly talk to one of the school’s administrators who are at the game, and let them handle the situation.

I want you to get the other parents on the team to sit together at our games. 

You and the other parents get to have fun, too, as you band together and root for us all season.  It’s sort of like getting on a ride at Disneyland, with all the ups and downs, thrills and spills. 

Here’s a golden opportunity for a couple old fogies like you to make some new friends, and when was the last time that happened? I’m not saying you have to sit next to that blowhard who is always bragging about his life, who distracts you from the game you’re intently watching – avoiding getting stuck sitting next to him is going to have to be a new move you’ll have to work on this year, I guess. I’d like you to seek out the parents of the new kids on the team, the ones who don’t really know any of the other parents yet, and bring them into the fold. You’re always telling me how some of my high school buddies are going to be my friends for life. Maybe the same can be said for you about other parents on the team. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your next best friends at my games this season.

This year, I want to hear you cheering for my teammates, too, and calling them by name, not just me.

I’d really like it if you went out of your way to get to know some of the other guys on the team. I am not the only story on the team. Every player has his own story worth being aware of. Unlike the college or pro teams in town who you can only cheer for from a distance, you can actually meet and get to know the kids I play with. The more kids you know on the team, and the more you know about them, the more you will enjoy watching us play.

I know you like to root for me at my games. I can hear your voice every time you do – I’ve been trained all my life to listen for it. But I also want you to cheer for my team and teammates so much that a stranger in the gym can’t tell that we have the same last name. With any luck, the other parents will get the hint and root for all of us, not just their own kids.

They’re just our opponents – they’re not our enemies.

It’s also OK with me if you acknowledge a good play or effort by an opponent. You know, those kids are just like me, they just live in a different town than we do. They care about the sport we love, they probably like the same music and movies that we do, and there’s not much difference between them and us, other than the color of the shirt they’re wearing that particular night. At the end of each game, we show them respect by going through the handshake line with them. I want you to show them respect, too.

Just because the call wasn’t in our favor doesn’t mean it was a bad call.

And while I’m on the topic of showing respect, I want you to be respectful to the game officials. I know there are times when we all disagree with their calls, or are at least disappointed when one doesn’t go our way. 

It’s OK to disagree with them, but don’t be disrespectful. They are the game’s authority figures, and since you’re always telling me to respect authority, I expect you to do the same.

Besides, those guys are right most of the time, and they almost always know our rules better than anybody up in the stands does, especially since the rules can be different for high school, college and pro ball.

The team comes first. Not me. Not any one single player. Certainly not you or any of the other parents.

Our coaches do a great job of instilling in us team values, to put aside any selfishness we may feel in favor of support for our common effort. If any of us are unhappy about our playing time, the position we’re playing, or the way we’re being treated, he wants us to come to him and talk with him about it. All of us are OK with this arrangement. Most of the time, the guys who are second-string understand that the guys ahead of them are better than they are. Our coaches work really hard to nip any jealousies or disagreements in the bud.

The most important thing for us when we’re on a team is …… The Team. 

When comments are made by outsiders (parents, particularly) that are critical of us or the coaches, they tear at the very fabric of the team. The louder they are, the more they damage the sense of unity and togetherness we’re trying to establish. 

Instead of thinking about the next play or the next game, we wind up spending time dealing with stuff that takes our eye off the ball, so to speak.

But our coaches know more about the game than you do, I’ll bet. When a play doesn’t work, they know – right then- who it was that caused the play to fail, as opposed to the fans in the stands who only know that the play didn’t work.

The coach has earned the right to fill out the line-up card - to decide who plays where, when, and what plays we run.

My head coach probably spends 750-1000 hours a year on his sport, between planning practices, watching game films, game-planning for each week’s opponent, running practices, and actually coaching the games, not to mention attending coaching clinics, dealing with the paperwork side of coaching, and keeping in touch with us players all year round. He spends more waking hours during the season with us than his own family. Fact is, I see more of him each week than I do you during the season. On top of that, you might know only 5 or 10  of the kids on the team. Coach knows each and every one of us. He cares about us, not just as players, but as people. 

Just because you disagree with the coach, doesn’t mean he’s an idiot.

Dad, I know how much you love sports, and how much you think you know about them from having played when you were young, and from watching games week after week, year after year. You know a little about a lot of sports. My coach is the world’s greatest expert on the subject of my team.

Just remember that there are three things every guy thinks he can do better than anybody else – build a campfire, grill a steak, and manage a ballclub. There’s an old saying – ‘a little knowledge is a dangerous thing’. There are bound to be times when you disagree with something he does. When that happens, keep it to yourself, please.

I hope you’ll get to know my coach.

If you want to have a relationship with my coach, make sure it’s a non-critical, supportive one. Thank him after the games for his hard work, be appreciative of all he does and be thankful (as I am) that we have him on our side.  And while you’re at it, be a friend and supporter of his wife, too.  She comes to all the games and roots harder (if only to herself), and cares about it more than you do. While all you parents have a son on the team, she has fifty of us. She hears every comment that gets made up in the stands, and somehow manages to keep her cool when somebody up there says something critical or stupid about the team or her husband. When the game is over and you’re on your way home, the game may not even be on your mind by the time you pull into the garage. I’m sure Coach’s wife lives with the outcomes (especially the losses) a lot longer than any of you parents do.

I know you’ve always told me that my schoolwork is more important than sports. I guess that means that if you’re going to get to know my coach, you better get to know all my teachers this year, too.  I want both of you to come to Back To School Night and meet my teachers, maybe shoot them an email afterwards. 

As you would no sooner try to tell my English teacher how to conduct her class or criticize her in public, the same probably should be said about your demeanor toward my coaches.

If you want to analyze and re-hash the game in-depth,  I’ll do it with you, but won’t it keep until the next morning?

When the game is over, don’t expect me to be all chatty and happy to talk with you, at least not right away. Games are physically, mentally, and emotionally draining for me, for you, for all of us. Everybody’s nerves might be raw and on edge right after a game.  Sure, I’ll take your hugs, win or lose, as will my teammates.  But give me some time to decompress, to think through what just happened out there and what the coaches had to say afterwards before you start peppering me with all sorts of ‘what happened?’ questions.  And don’t ask me to violate the sanctity of the locker room. What gets said in there stays in there – sort of like going to Las Vegas. 

Look, if all you want to know right after the game is what was so funny in the third quarter that all of us on the bench started laughing, I’ll tell you all about it.

Playing in games with my buddies, in front of our fellow students with all you moms and dads watching and cheering us on; it might just be the most fun I’ll get to have in my whole life.

I know we’ve talked in the past about what it’s like for me to be playing during the pressure situations that can develop during the games, and how your stomachs get twisted into a knot, and how mom sometimes has to hide her eyes.

But from my perspective, I’m so busy playing, so locked in and focused on what I’m doing, that I don’t have time to think about the consequences of failure, of what happens if I drop the pass, or miss the shot, or strike out.

What you call ‘pressure’ is, for me, pure fun.

Everybody’s always saying how playing sports builds character. You’ve told me that yourself on several occasions.

My coach says that while it’s true, there is a greater truth to be said about sports.

He says ‘sports reveals character’.

As my last year of playing sports begins soon, I hope that the character I reveal will make you proud of me. 

And I hope that I’ll be proud of you.

I have to go now. First practice of the season is in the morning.

Here’s to a great season. 

For you.

Love,
Your Child


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Saturday: Celebrate Shoreline parade, festival, and street closure

Friday, August 17, 2012

Saturday, August 18, 2012, is the big birthday party for Shoreline, celebrated with a community parade and festival in North City and Ridgecrest.

  • The Festival starts at 11am at Ridgecrest Elementary
  • 15th NE will be closed 11am - 2pm from 165th to 185th.
  • The parade starts at noon. Staging is at St Marks on 180th, goes down 15th NE and ends at Ridgecrest.

It's a fairly long route for a local parade, so there is usually lots of good viewing space along 15th NE. There are hand-made, locally assembled floats, dignitaries in cars, and lots of music, drill teams, marching bands. We have two public and multiple private schools, who all seem to participate. 

Taekwando group in 2011 parade
Photo by Jerry Pickard
Clubs and organizations, neighborhoods and singing groups, martial arts and unicycle riders. Everybody gets in on the act.

The Festival fills the playground with information booths and kids activities. A classic car show for the car buffs. Different booths every year.

Everyone is welcome, whether Shoreline residents or not.

Sunday, August 19, 12noon, is the big sandcastle building contest at Saltwater Park in Richmond Beach, 2021 NW 190th St, Shoreline 98177.



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