Executive Constantine to sign first marriage licenses for same-sex couples at 12:01am on Dec 6

Thursday, November 15, 2012

King County to be the first in nation to enact marriage equality based on voter approval

King County Executive Dow Constantine will open the County Recorder’s Office at 12:01am on Thursday, Dec 6 – immediately upon certification of the November election – to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

“I don't want couples to wait a minute longer than legally necessary to get the rights that voters have recognized,” said Executive Constantine, who will personally sign the first marriage licenses at 12:01am.

The move will make King County the first jurisdiction in the nation to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples based on voter approval. Voters in Washington, Maryland, and Maine all approved marriage equality initiatives on Election Day last week, but the laws in Maryland and Maine will not take effect until January. Under state law couples must wait three days before the actual marriage ceremony may be performed.

The Recorder’s Office is located in the King County Administration Building at 500 Fourth Avenue in Seattle. Couples may start lining up at the James Street entrance (on the north plaza of the Administration Building) at 10:00pm on Wednesday, Dec 5. An official queuing area will be designated on the plaza. For people with mobility issues, an accessible entrance will be available on Fourth Avenue, and individuals will be directed to the plaza.

Couples will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. As previously announced, the Recorder’s Office will remain open on Dec 6 until 6:30pm to meet expected demand. All couples within the official queuing area at 4:30pm will be served.

On Friday, Dec 7, the office will be open from 8:30am to 6:30pm. Couples will be able to line up starting at 6:30am. All couples within the official queuing area at 4:30pm will be served.

On Saturday, Dec 8, the Recorder’s Office will be open from 8:30am to 4:30pm. The lineup will begin at 6:30am, and all couples within the official queuing area at 2:30pm will be served.

All couples, regardless of gender, seeking a marriage license on these three days will need to wait in line. To help reduce delays, couples are encouraged to download a marriage license application from and bring the completed form with them when they apply.


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Local student shrinks Bigfoot in City Light contest




Elementary students in the Seattle City Light service territory are using art to bring our community steps closer to shrinking our carbon footprint.

Seattle City Light is pleased to congratulate the 13 winners of the Shrinking Bigfoot Calendar Contest. The students created artwork illustrating ways to shrink their carbon footprints, which will be featured in a 13-month calendar going on sale this month. All proceeds from calendar sales go directly to Project Share, an emergency fund that helps City Light Customers who need one-time financial assistance with their electricity bills.

“Each of the winners demonstrated great talent in sharing tips that we all can use to shrink our carbon footprints,” Superintendent Jorge Carrasco said. “It’s impressive to see young people engaged in an effort to reduce climate change while helping support our Project Share program.  These students are giving back twice to their community.”

Calendars are available for $10 and may be purchased at:

  • City Light’s North Service Center, 1300 N. 97th Street
  • City Light’s South Service Center, 3613 4th Avenue S.
  • the City’s cashier window on the 42nd Floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 Fifth Ave. (Fifth & Columbia)
  • Or on City Light’s website

The winners, whose drawings illustrate the calender, include fourth grade student Tasha, who attends The Evergreen School in Shoreline.

Seattle City Light is the 10th largest public electric utility in the United States.  It has some of the lowest cost customer rates of any urban utility, providing reliable, renewable and environmentally responsible power to nearly 1 million Seattle area residents.  City Light has been greenhouse gas neutral since 2005, the first electric utility in the nation to achieve that distinction.


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SPU water assumption measure passing

Updated 11-16-2012 8:28am
Shoreline City Proposition 1 continued to have a passing rate of more than 70 percent Wednesday.

The measure would allow the City to take over water facilities in the City now operated by Seattle Public Utilities.

King County elections officials will continue to count votes through certification of the election Tuesday, July 27.



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Sound Transit to add more parking at Edmonds Station as ridership on Sounder North climbs

Commuters will have an additional 53 parking spaces available Dec. 1 and 103 total spaces by May 1

The Sound Transit Board of Directors today approved a five-year lease agreement with Salish Crossing, LLC, to provide a 103-space parking lot next to the Edmonds Sounder Station. The new lot at 190 Sunset Avenue South will open May 1.

The agency is also finalizing a short term lease with Salish Crossing to provide 53 temporary parking spaces at the site beginning Dec. 1 through May 1.

"This is great news for people who ride Sounder," said Sound Transit Boardmember and Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling. "As ridership on the north line continues its double-digit growth, more citizens will be able to take advantage of the outstanding commuter rail service Sounder provides."

Sounder ridership on the north line grew nearly 25 percent in August compared to August of last year, and more than 19 percent in September, which saw a record 1,212 weekday boardings.

The agreement addresses a shortage of Sounder parking at the Edmonds Station. The additional parking will supplement 156 spaces already provided at the station.

Execution of the agreement is contingent on Board adoption of the Sound Transit 2013 budget. Salish Crossing will construct, own and maintain the facility.


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Red Cross opens shelter for fire victims in Shoreline


The American Red Cross Serving King and Kitsap Counties opened a shelter in Shoreline for victims of the Meadowbrook apartment fire that affected 12 units of the apartment complex in Shoreline. The shelter is located at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at 14514 20th Ave. NE in Shoreline. The Red Cross is providing emergency assistance such as shelter, food, clothes and other immediate needs to affected residents.

The American Red Cross is a non-profit, humanitarian agency dedicated to helping make families and communities safer at home and around the world. All disaster assistance is free, made possible by the voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. More information here.


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8th Annual Holiday Crafts Market: Saturday, November 17

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
The City of Shoreline invites you to the 8th annual Holiday Crafts Market! Don't miss this festive Shoreline tradition. Stop by the Spartan Recreation Center to usher in the holiday spirit and show your support for local artisans.

The market opens at 9am and runs until 4pm on Saturday, November 17 only. Two rooms will be filled with crafts and wares from over 60 juried artisans. You won't want to miss it!

For a list of vendors visit the Holiday Craft Market webpage. For more information contact Parks at 206-801-2600.


Shoppers at the 2011 Holiday Crafts Market
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

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Award-Winning Shorecrest Hip Hop Team Hosting Performances by Local Professional Dance Companies


For the 2012-2013 year, award-winning Shorecrest High School Hip Hop Dance Team brings "Physical Poetry" to the newly remodeled Shorecrest Performing Arts Center on January 11th and 12th, 2013.

"Physical Poetry" combines an exciting variety of dance on one stage. Sharing their culture and art with the rest of the community and audience, Physical Poetry continually delivers exciting routines and dancers to a sold-out crowd. Professional dance companies from the Greater Seattle Area highlight the weekend's agenda. Exciting, heart-stopping, foot-stomping dance forms including hip hop, jazz, lyrical, tap, tango, salsa, modern, and several others, guarantee to keep attendees on the edge of their seats anticipating more. Experience two spectacular evenings, packed with amazing talent, scattered throughout our local area, on one stage. This family friendly event will have the audience craving more!

Advance tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or by contacting Rex Kinney. Presale tickets are $15, and $18 at the door.

The Shorecrest Hip Hop Dance Team consists of 35 dancers. Coached and choreographed by Rex Kinney and assistant coach Angelo Buelva, their purpose is to promote diversity within the community by utilizing hip hop dance as the medium. While learning teamwork, responsibility and hip hop dance, the team develops camaraderie and a sense of belonging with his/her teammates. Along with the awards and accomplishments received, the team continues to promote spirit and good will to their audiences. Awards and Championship Titles in 2006, 2009, 2010, and National Titles in 2010 and 2012.



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Shoreline apartment fires had accidental causes

King County Fire investigators say the causes of two Shoreline apartment fires last weekend were both accidental. 

On Friday night, a room and contents fire in an apartment at N 177th St. started in a charging transformer that was plugged into an electric outlet.

The fire that destroyed three King County Housing Authority units in Richmond Beach is believed to have been caused by an unattended 4 year old playing with an open flame. 

Displaced families in the Richmond Beach fire are being assisted by Seattle Red Cross and the Department of Social and Human Services.


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Eight Einstein students make all-state band & orchestra

Updated 11-15-2012 10:38am

Einstein musicians make all-state
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

These Einstein students have been named to the Washington Music Educators Association Junior All-State Band and Orchestra, chosen through state-wide auditions.

They will perform in All-State concerts in Vancouver, Washington on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013.
  • Benjamin Birchman, String Bass
  • Peter Chou, Clarinet
  • Stephen Johnston, Violin
  • David Lee, Percussion
  • Emma Pirie, French Horn
  • Nora Thomas, Clarinet
  • Fiona Tian, Violin
  • Jonathan Timbrook, Viola. 
Frank Halferty is the Einstein band director and Dan Wing is the orchestra director.


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November Shoreline Library Calendar

Shoreline Library
NE 175th and 5th NE

Children / Families

Korean Story Times
Friday, November 16, 10:15am
Ages 3 to 6 with adult.

Chinese Story Times
Friday, November 16, 12:30pm
Ages 3 to 6 with adult.

Spanish Story Times
Friday, November 16, 1:30pm
Ages 3 to 6 with adult.

Pajamarama Family Story Times
Monday, November 19 and 26, 7pm
All young children welcome with adult.

Young Toddler Story Times
Tuesday, November 20 and 27, 10:05am
Ages 12 to 24 months with adult.

Preschool Story Times
Tuesday, November 20 and 27, 11am
Ages 3 to 6 with adult.

Preschool Dance Party!
Friday, November 16, 11am
Ages 3 and older with adult.
Try some new silly dances and boogie to some old faves from Story Time during this high-energy half-hour program.

A Blizzard of Tales and Tunes
Saturday, November 24, 11am
Ages 3 and older with adult.
Prepare for a storm of winter stories and songs with award-winning singer and songwriter Eric Ode. Hand motions, finger plays, flannel board and props will have you movin' and groovin' along with this fast-paced, interactive concert!
Space is limited.

Teens

Game On!
Wednesday, November 21, 4-6pm
Play video games at the library.

Shoreline Teen Advisory Board
Join the Teen Advisory Board and make decisions about what happens in your library.
Ask at the Information Desk for dates and times.

Adults

Computer Class: Advanced Library Catalog
Monday, November 19, 2:30pm
Please note: this class is taught lecture style and is not hands-on.
Please call 206.362.7550 to register.

Work for Yourself
Monday, November 26, 4pm
Do you think you would like to start a business? Wondering how to go about it? Learn the resources that are available to you through the Small Business Administration, the steps in starting a business, how to write a business plan and how to do the necessary research and more.

Citizenship Workshop
Tuesdays, 7pm
Get free individualized help with all stages of the process for becoming a United States citizen.

Talk Time
Wednesdays, 10am-Noon
Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.

SCORE Counseling
Volunteers from SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) are available by appointment to advise current and future small business owners.
Please call 206.362.7550 or stop by the Information Desk to make an appointment.

SHIBA Counseling
Volunteers from SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) will offer free individual counseling in English and Chinese.
Please call 206.362.7550 or stop by the Information Desk to make an appointment.

Book a Librarian
Free 30-minute appointments to help you with your information needs.
Please call the library to schedule an appointment,206.362.7550.

Computer Classes
Inquire at the Information Desk for dates and times.


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Parrot talk

Comments on our parrot story:

Colleen: Those birds are mitered conures. I used to have one. They’re originally from Mexico.  They are very loud and lovable!

Michael (parrot person): These are Mitred Conure parrots. They have been previously misidentified as Red-fronted Conures by someone from Seattle Audubon who is clearly not a parrot person.

Steve:  I saw them last week also.  They have been a fixture in the Ridgecrest area for many years (at least 12 years).  Their flight path heads north over Ridgecrest Elementary.  The number of birds is down from past years.

And a poem:

The Parrot Sisters

The parrot’s name is Polly
Her sister’s name is Esther
I think you know what’s coming
I’m really quite a jester

They went into a fabric store
To see what they could find
They did not like what they did see
“We need a different kind”

And so they dreamed the whole thing up
Of that you can be sure
And though it now is out of style
It always will endure

Your skin can’t breathe when it you wear
In humid weather you’ll declare
“This stuff’s so hot it’s really rotten
Remind me just to dress in cotton”

In case you haven’t guessed its name
It’s POLYESTER—their claim to fame
I think they made a tidy sum
Their BEAKers full—oh well Ho Hum


Jean Monce Bryant
August 30.2010




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You Lost Me. Live! For Parents, with David Kinnaman – Nov 29th – 7pm – Kings High School

You Lost Me. Live! For Parents with David Kinnaman – Nov 29th – 7pm – Kings High School

David Kinnaman is America’s leading expert on young adult Christians (millennials). His company, The Barna Group, has polled over 350,000 individuals. In the past six months David has convened You Lost Me. Live! events for over 5000 pastors and youth workers. 

He is the author of two best selling books, UnChristian which explores why young non-Christians are not attracted to the Church and You Lost Me which explores why young Christians are leaving the Church (and not returning) at higher rates than previous generations.

Tickets are available online for $11.54.

King's High School is located at 19531 Dayton Avenue North, Shoreline 98133. 206-546-7258.


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Shorewood finishes with 14-5 volleyball record after two losses in State 3A Tournament

Updated 11-15-2012 6:32pm

Shorewood finished the volleyball season with a 14-5 season record after two losses in the State 3A tournament Friday, Nov. 9 at Saint Martin's University in Lacey.

The Thunderbirds won the Western Conference 3A South with a 7-1 record and had an 11-3 overall regular-season record before winning the Northwest District 3A tournament with three straight victories and losing to state runner-up North Thurston and seventh-place Seattle Prep in the State tournament. North Thurston won its quarterfinal and semifinal matches before losing to Pasco in the championship match.

Northwest District runner-up Stanwood also was eliminated from the State tournament Thursday with two straight losses. Northwest District third-place Glacier Peak went on to place sixth in the state tournament.

Seattle Prep eliminated the T-birds by game scores of 26-24, 26-24 and 25-22.

In Shorewood’s first-round loss to North Thurston, the Thunderbirds lost 25-21, won 25-20, and lost 26-24 and 25-18.

Shorewood senior outside hitter Monica Pastor won a position on the all-Wesco-3A-South first team. Shorewood freshman outside hitter Carly Reece and freshman libero Joely Shepard made the second team, along with Shorecrest middle blocker Diana Conwell. Honorable mention went to Shorewood seniors Ellie Rettenmier, Marianne Kellogg and Stephanie Vollbrecht.


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Homelessness: Governing Board to take closer look at shelter needs

While re-affirming the commitment to creating the housing and supportive services that will make it possible to end homelessness in King County, the Governing Board of the Committee to End Homelessness today charged a regional task force to identify emergency housing options that would provide relief to those currently unsheltered.

"Our strategy remains to end homelessness through creation of long-term affordable housing while working as a community to meet the needs of those who need shelter right now," said King County Executive Dow Constantine, co-chair of the Governing Board.

"The recession has hurt so many in our community, the need for shelter is great and the winter weather coming gives this issue more urgency," saod Dam Bretter. Chief Executive Officer of Car Toys and Governing Board co-chair.  "The task force will help us identify the interim steps we can take to get people off the streets as quickly as possible."

The Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness called for 9,500 new units of housing.  By the end of 2011, a total of 5,046 new housing units had been created.  In addition, more than 5,000 people were helped in homeless prevention programs during 2011.  Across the region are a total of 1,800 shelter beds each night, and additional eds are provided in winter shelters around the county.  It is estimated, however, that more than 2,000 people each night have nowhere to sleep.

As part of a comprehensive review of the original goals and priorities of the Ten Year Plan approved in 2005, the Governing Board convened a task force in 2011 specifically to look at the issue of single adult shelter.  The task force is chaired by human service planners from Kent, Bellevue and Seattle.  Today's action expands the original charge to identify immediate shelter needs among homeless single adults, strategies to respond to these needs, costs, policy options, and opportunities to get people off the street as quickly as possible.

In addition to today's action, the CEH earlier this year commissioned a study of alternative models of low-income and homeless housing for developing more cost-effective housing units.  Common Ground, a local nonprofit housing developer, is in the final stages of preparing that report, which will help to inform decisions on housing for homeless single adults.

At today's meeting, Governing Board members voiced support for finding solutions to emergency shelter needs, as well as ensuring that creating long-term housing and supportive services remain the ultimate goal.

"Our efforts to create shelter and housing must also ensure services and tools to create a path to dignity and self-sufficiency," said Renton Councilmember Gregory Taylor, Governing Board member.

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Parrots return to Shoreline

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Parrots in a Shoreline back yard
Photo by Stefanie Gendreau

The parrots have returned to Stefanie Gendreau's back yard for the second year.

From information received after we published her photos last year, it seems that there are several small flocks of parrots that remain in the area year round. Although parrots are tropical birds, the weather here is mild enough that they have been able to adapt. Parrots have been reported at Golden Gardens, Leschi, and, of course, in Stefanie's Shoreline back yard.

As they are so far from their homeland, bird experts believe that these parrots are escaped pets, who have found each other in the Northwest skies.

From last year's pictures, birders identified two different varieties of parrots.


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Help City celebrate Arbor Day and dedicate improvements to Kruckeberg Botanic Garden

From the City of Shoreline

On Saturday, November 17, join the City of Shoreline as it celebrates the planting of 27 trees in the Park at Town Center and the dedication of the new pedestrian and vehicle entry improvements at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden (KBG). These two events celebrate Shoreline’s ongoing commitment to improving and maintaining our valuable park space.

While Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated in April, the City will be celebrating on Saturday as it plants the final two of 27 new trees being planted in the Park at Town Center. The Park at Town Center is at the heart of the Shoreline community. Planting the new trees marks the first steps in fulfilling residents’ vision for the park.

Also on Saturday, the City will be celebrating the recent completion of pedestrian and vehicle improvements made at KBG. Because the site was originally a private residence, it was not designed with parking and entryways that can accommodate regular and sometimes larger audiences. As part of the master plan for the park, the City, the KBG Foundation and KBG neighbors worked together to create a public portal for the garden with environmental sensitivity, care and attention to detail. The improvements, paid for with money from the 2006 Open Space, Parks and Trails Bond, allow for easier and safer access to the garden while still maintaining and respecting the gardens natural setting.

The Arbor Day celebration and tree planting event begins at 10:00 am in the Park at Town Center, located along Aurora Ave. N. between N 175th and N 185th Streets. The KBG improvements dedication begins at 11:30 am at KBG, located at 20312 15th Avenue NW in the Richmond Beach neighborhood.


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Shoreline PTA gathers the community to buy gifts for school kids

The Shoreline PTA Council, along with community partners the Shoreline Fire Department, Hopelink, Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park, Rotary Club of Shoreline (Lunch), Shoreline Breakfast Rotary, and Rain City Rotary are joining together to support families with children in the Shoreline School District who need assistance during the holiday season. 

The 2012 Shoreline PTA Council Holiday Baskets Food, Toys and Teen Gifts Drive will run December 3–14, 2012.

Donations of non-perishable food and new unwrapped toys or teen gifts may be dropped off at any Shoreline School District school including the district office during regular school hours. 

Monetary donations may be made payable to the Shoreline PTA Council, note Holiday Baskets-Food or Holiday Baskets-Teen Gifts, and mailed to Shoreline PTA Council, P.O. Box 55784, Shoreline, WA 98155-5784. 

Toy donations may also be dropped off at any Shoreline Fire Station. The Shoreline Fire Department will be sponsoring a toy donation drive at the Fred Meyer in Shoreline on Saturday, December 8th. For more information, or to donate via PayPal, go to Shoreline PTA and click on Holiday Baskets. To volunteer go here or email Shoreline PTA.


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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Blizzard of Glass


Blizzard of Glass by Sally M. Walker

December 6, 1917, started out as an ordinary day in Halifax, Nova Scotia. People breakfasted, left for work, for school. However, just before 9am, two ships collided in Halifax Harbour. One was empty, preparing to collect medical supplies for troops fighting in Europe. The other was heavily laden with highly explosive munitions.

The resulting disaster was the largest human-caused explosion until the detonation of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima in 1945. Huge areas of Halifax were flattened, and shrapnel flew for miles. Nearly two thousand people died, and nearly nine thousand were injured....and then came a blizzard and more than a foot of snow, blocking relief efforts from surrounding towns and the rest of the world.

Carefully researched and copiously illustrated with photos from the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and private collections, this slender volume (145 pages) documents the tragedy and the recovery efforts with gentle compassion. Descendents of survivors were interviewed, artifacts investigated, and primary resources explored in depth to provide a fascinating, readable account of the Halifax explosion. Highly recommended.
This watch melted and stopped during the Hallifax disaster. Survivors reported that the owner of the watch, who died of his wounds, always kept his watch set five minutes fast so that he would never be late to work.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach Library, KCLS 


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Volunteers needed in local schools

Peg Kelley works with a student
Photo courtesy Power of One
Get Involved, Go Back To School

The Power of One Volunteer program is launching a new effort to help students in Shoreline Public Schools with their homework, math and reading skills. To do that, more volunteer tutors are needed at several elementary schools in the district.

Becoming a volunteer tutor is easy. There is a short training and orientation as well as an application process and Washington State Patrol background check. Adults who can give his or her time on a consistent basis is welcome.

Teachers and staff appreciate the help community volunteers can give in busy classrooms and libraries. Volunteers stay active and feel more connected to the students in their neighborhood and community.
  • Briarcrest, Syre and Meridian Park are in need of volunteer tutors to help students after school in the homework lab. These programs are held at school after the school day ends and are lead by a teacher or staff person.
  • Cascade K-8 is looking for tutors to help students in grades 4-6 with basic math skills, mornings Monday-Friday.
  • Meridian Park 1st and 2nd grade reading groups mornings Monday-Thursday.
Other opportunities at area schools are also available. Benefits of joining Power of One include access to free training and resources, a school district badge, and coordinator support.

By joining Power of One, volunteers provide consistent help to students, teachers and staff in Shoreline Public Schools. They become part of the school community, showing students that education matters. Power of One Volunteers must undergo a Washington State Patrol background check and a short application process.

To apply to the program, contact volunteer coordinator, Karen Kessinger, 206-365-1169, or 

Sponsored by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, Power of One matches people from the community with volunteer opportunities in the Shoreline school district..

About Power of One Senior Volunteer Program

The program started in 1996 and is a partnership of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center and the Shoreline school district. During the 2011-12 school year, a core of about 55 Power of One Volunteers put in nearly 4000 hours of time at Shoreline schools and programs. The Shoreline Public Schools Foundation also supports Power of One.


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Seats available at the Chamber of Commerce auction Saturday


From the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce


Don't miss the chance to help the Chamber support our local businesses, help our local students attend college, have lots of fun, a fabulous dinner and purchase some amazing Auction items. We have a Harvest Festival theme this year so come in your best autumn colors. We have lots of great donations that are continuing to come in daily.

Our MC this year is none other than Brandi Kruse, KIRO 97.3 Radio Reporter. Returning again this year as Auctioneer is Patrick Grant who was so fabulous last year. Food will be prepared by our luncheon caterer Brian Blake with Special Occasions Catering. There will also be a chance to win in the raffle or win $200 cash in the heads or tails contest. What is a heads or tails contest? You will have to come to find out. But that is not all! There will have a bar with donated Vessel Wines and American Brewery beers both on tap. We will also have a dessert dash to top off the evening. This will be a night not to miss!

Be sure to contact the Chamber to reserve your table or seats today. Individual tickets are only $50.00, and a corporate table for 8 is only $350.00 - buy 7 and get 1 FREE! A great deal We also offer various levels of sponsorship which include auction seats or a table. Thanks to our sponsors to date: BECU, Chuck Olson Chevrolet/Kia, CleanScapes, Frank Lumber, Highland Ice Arena, Northwest Mechanical, and Whidbey Island Bank. This event provides support for our Dollars for Scholars program for local graduating seniors and Chamber operating funds.

If you have an Auction donation, be sure to bring it to the Chamber office or call for pick-up. We are always in need of more volunteers for this event, even if you only have a few spare hours to help out. Please call Sharon at the office with any questions about donating, volunteering or attending this event (206-361-2260) or email her at info@shorelinechamber.com. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Auction! To purchase tickets on-line please click here.


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PODS® of Seattle to brighten youth’s holidays by supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation toy drive, Nov 1 – Dec 31


To fill a child’s Christmas with the holiday spirit, PODS® of Seattle, a moving and storage company, has teamed up with Walgreens and the Starlight Children’s Foundation to support the “Starlight Toy Drive” in Seattle and Bellingham, Wash. The drive will run Nov. 1 – Dec. 31.

During the toy drive, PODS of Seattle will donate a wealth of PODS® containers to collect toy and book items and play a big role by serving as the main collection point at Walgreens stores.

The public is encouraged to drop off donations at any of the PODS® containers onsite at Walgreens at 14510 Aurora Ave. N, Shoreline. 

“We are honored to be providing moving and storage logistics for the Starlight Children’s Foundation and find it very gratifying to know that our business is able to help bring joy to many ill children this holiday season,” said Darryl Wright, general manger of PODS of Seattle.

Once the toy drive is complete, PODS will deliver the donated toys and books to the local Starlight Children’s Foundation. The items will be distributed to Starlight families and to local hospitals that are a part of the Starlight network of medical facilities. The PODS donation is estimated to save the charity around $5,400 in transportation and logistics costs which will be handled by PODS of Seattle.

“We are so grateful for all of our community partners such as PODS of Seattle and Walgreens,” said Amy Stillion, executive director of the Starlight Children’s Foundation Northwest. “Starlight Children’s Foundation Northwest supplies thousands of toys to children all over Washington State who are medically fragile or are in local hospitals. We really do rely on the entire community to make this happen.”

Founded in 1998, PODS currently provides moving and storage services to a population of more than 250,000,000 million consumers and businesses, in 48 U.S. states, Canada, Australia and the U.K., through its company-owned and independent franchise network. To date, the PODS network has completed more than 400,000 long-distance relocations, exceeded 2,000,000 million deliveries and has over 145,000 PODS® containers in service.

Starlight Children’s Foundation is a non-profit organization providing education, entertainment and family events that improve the quality of life for children with chronic and life threatening medical conditions before, during and after treatment. Starlight Northwest touches the lives of over 7,000 children and their families each month through over 90 in-hospital programs and various outpatient events in Washington and Oregon. To volunteer, support, or learn more about Starlight, contact 425-861-7827.


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Ryu to seek appointment to County Council vacancy but only on permanent basis

Monday, November 12, 2012

Updated 11-13-12 7:22pm
By Evan Smith

Democratic State Rep. Cindy Ryu says she plans to seek appointment to the seat on the Metropolitan King County Council that Councilman Bob Ferguson will soon give up to take the position of State attorney general that he won in the recent election.

Shoreline City Councilman Will Hall earlier had said that he would seek the appointment.

Ryu said Sunday that she would only seek a "permanent" appointment, one that assumes that she would run for a full term in 2013.

She said that she would not seek the kind of caretaker appointment that the County made when if replaced former County Executive Ron Sims and Assessor Scott Noble in 2009 and when it filled Dow Constantine's seat on the County Council when Constantine was elected County executive later that year.

In each of those cases, the appointee agreed not to run in the next election.

The County Council broke that pattern last year, when it replaced former Sheriff Sue Rahr with Steve Strachen, who ran, and lost, in the recent election.

Hall has yet to say whether he would accept a short-term caretaker position. However, accepting a full-time position on the County Council would force him to give up his full-time day job as a planner for Snohomish County.

Ferguson said Sunday that he didn't know whether the Council would seek a caretaker or a person who would run in the next election.

“That’s up to the eight remaining Council members," he said.

None of the other Council members or Executive Constantine responded Sunday or Monday.

Even though the Council is now non-partisan, four members originally won election as Republicans and four have won election to either the Council or some other office as Democrats.

That split may force a compromise that would make a caretaker appointment probable.

Constantine said Thursday that he would seek applicants for the position as soon as the recent election is certified in early December. He said he would appoint a committee of stakeholders from the 1st Council District to vet the qualifications of applicants and submit a list of qualified candidates to him.

The Executive then would choose three nominees to submit to the eight remaining County Council members. The Council must choose a new 1st District member by March 17 or the governor would make the appointment.

Applicants must be registered voters in the 1st County Council District, which includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Woodinville, the King County part of Bothell, part of Kirkland, unincorporated areas between Bothell and Kirkland, and part of northeast Seattle.

The appointee would serve through certification of the 2013 election. The position would appear on the 2013 primary and general-election ballots for both a full four-year term and the last month of the current term, which Ferguson won in 2009.

A Ryu move from the Legislature to a county position would not be unusual. Snohomish County Sheriff John Lovick, Snohomish County Councilman Brian Sullivan, former Snohomish County Councilman Mike Cooper and former King County Councilwoman Carolyn Edmonds all left part-time legislative positions for full-time county positions.



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Concerts at Calvin presents Denice Grant, pianist Nov 18



Concerts at Calvin presents: Denice Grant, pianist 
November 18 , 2012 at 4:00 pm 

A concert of classical and sacred music featuring compositions of Chopin, Ravel, Mendelssohn, and Kabalevsky as well as some of Dr. Grant’s own arrangements

Dr. Grant recently completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts in piano performance at the University of Washington. She has been the pianist for the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Houston Ballet and has appeared as solo pianist with the Rainier Symphony, the Port Angeles Symphony, and the Seattle Philharmonic. 

She was the organist/pianist at Calvin Presbyterian Church from 2002 to 2007 and is currently the on the music staff at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church and the Skagit Adventist Academy.

Calvin Presbyterian is located at 18826 3rd Ave NW, Shoreline 98177, 206-542-6181.



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Free store to be held on Nov 17

The Free Store will be held, again at the Shoreline Library, NE 175th and 5th NE, on November 17th, from 1:30pm to 3pm.

From the organizer:

WHAT:  "Free" store.  It is not mandatory to bring anything, although the more items that are brought in, the more there will be for everyone to find something they would like. Items are simply put on the tables or against the walls and it's a free-for-all.  Kind expressions of giving over something you already took might be greatly appreciated by someone else.  This is also about considering those less fortunate.  Everybody who brings something is encouraged to participate and take what you want, and then if your items have not been picked up by the time you'd like to leave, I'm requesting you take them as you leave.  If you want to bring one or two small items and leave, that is okay; but if too many people do this, it could get problematic.

Library patrons who knew nothing about this will be welcome to participate--and take what they need/want.

STIPULATIONS:

Please arrive between 1:30 and 2pm with your items.  That way everyone's items should be on the tables by 2 o'clock and everyone has the next hour to look at everything and take what they need/want.  I found last time that (a few people) bringing bagfuls of items late and then promptly leaving does not serve the intent of the Free Store.

To re-iterate, you do not have to bring anything.  If you're on hard times--and many people are, you can simply take whatever items you need/want.

WHAT TO BRING: books (no back issues of magazines, please), clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry, G-rated packaged hygiene items, trinkets, material, material scraps and sewing notions, toys, VHS, DVDs, CDs, linens, tools, dishes, kitchen items, misc. school/office/art/crafting supplies, etc.  Do not bring small appliances unless they work.  It is not the intent of the Free Store for people to unload their junk.  Please do not bring big appliances, computers and related items, or furniture.

A note about books:  Feel free to bring and/or take as many books as you like.  Keep in mind that books could be brought back to the Free Store to keep circulating.  Actually this would apply to EVERYTHING, but I think especially with books.  Stay tuned for another Free Store in December, and yes, I plan to continue the NKC Free Store in 2013.

I will bring whatever bags and boxes I can for people to put their items in, but please consider bringing your own in case there are not enough to accommodate everyone.

Note:  This organizer is taking responsibility for any leftover items, but I only have a small car, so please be considerate of my space limitations.  Unfortunately, there is NO STORAGE SPACE FOR LEFTOVERS AT THE LIBRARY, so please take back your items that are not picked up by anyone.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation and participation!
Note: This event is not sponsored by the Shoreline Library or Freecycle.


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Elisabeth Von Trapp sings in Bothell Nov 18

Von Trapp Granddaughter Keeps Family Tradition Alive
Columbia Children's Choir Joins in Celebration of Song


Elisabeth Von Trapp, the granddaughter of Maria and Baron von Trapp whose story inspired The Sound of Music, brings her own expressive musical style to Northshore Performing Arts Center (18125 92nd Ave. NE, Bothell) on Sunday, November 18 at 2pm.

Von Trapp will be joined by the Pacific Northwest's own Columbia Children's Choir for an afternoon of the joyful sounds of music. What a perfect way to kick off the holiday season with a concert the whole family will enjoy!


Adults $35
Seniors $30
Youth under 17 $15
Tickets available online and by phone at 425-984-2471.




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November Lake Forest Park Library calendar

November Lake Forest Park Library Calendar

Children and Families

Pajama Story Times
Thursday, November 15, 7pm
Ages 2 1/2 to 5 with adult.

Toddler Story Times
Wednesday, November 14, 21 and 28, 10am
Ages 24 to 36 months with adult.

Preschool Story Times
Wednesday, November 14, 21 and 28, 11am
Ages 3 to 5 with adult.


Teens

Write Here-Write Now
Tuesday, November 13 and 27, 4pm
Whether you're scribbling an epic for National Novel Writing Month or you just need a quiet space to compose your work, come into the library and write!

Teen Writers' Group
Tuesday, November 20, 4-5pm
Write with other teens in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Study Zone
Tuesday, November 13, 20 and 27, 4-6pm
Grades K-12.
Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors.


Adults

Writer's Workshop with Frances Dayee
Thursday, November 15, 10am
This series of workshops will help you learn to write for fun or for publication, find the right market and tantalize the editor.

Talk Time
Monday, November 19 and 26, 7pm
Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group

eReader and Digital Downloads Demo
Tuesday, November 13, 4pm
Learn how to download KCLS eBooks to your eReader or computer during this digital downloads demonstration.

Cold Calls and Emails: Making Marketing a Human Endeavor
Wednesday, November 14, Noon
Presented by Christine Hemp, Consultant.
Marketing has so many faces, but one that can be the most disastrous-and the most successful-is the cold call or email. Discover how a simple communication has the potential for a rich business relationship.

Friends of the Lake Forest Park Library Meeting
Wednesday, November 14, 7pm

Friends of the Library Book Sale
Saturday, November 17, 10am
A great selection of fiction, trade paperbacks, cookbooks, children's books, holiday books, history, crafts and more.

Lake Forest Park Library Book Discussion Group
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Wednesday, November 21, 6:30pm

Book a Librarian
Free 30-minute appointments to help you with your information needs.
Please call the library to schedule an appointment,206.362.8860.

Computer Classes
Please call 206.362.8860 to register.
Microsoft Excel Level 2
Wednesday, November 28, 7pm


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Shorecrest PTSA meeting to feature school board member

The Shorecrest PTSA Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 13, at 7pm in the Shorecrest Library, 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.

Special Guest speaker Richard Potter, from the Shoreline School Board, will be discussing various topics surrounding our school district, as well as be available to answer questions. 


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SCC's Angela Celedon is named NWAACC All-Star for women's soccer

Angela Celedon NWAACC All-Star as a freshman.
Photo by Wilson Tsoi

Freshman Angela Celedon has been named to the NWAACC's North-South All-Star Team for 2012. Celedon will play on Sunday, November 18th at the Starfire Soccer Complex in Tukwila, WA against the East-West All-Stars.

Celedon scored 11 goals for SCC this season from her forward position. Angela is from Wilson High School in Tacoma. WA.

The Dolphins finished their season with a 10-6-4 record and made it to the quarter-finals of the NWAACC Women's Soccer Playoffs.


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SCC volleyball has three named to All-Region team

Shawna Pung, Emily Denham, Arianna Garcia were all named All-Region as freshmen for SCC Volleyball.

The Lady Dolphin Volleyball Team had three players named to the NWAACC Northern Region "All-Region" Team for 2012. Freshman Arianna Garcia from Lynnwood High School was named to the first team while Emily Denham (Meadowdale High School) and Shawna Pung (Mountlake Terrace High School) were named to the second team.

All three players are freshman and will return to SCC in 2013.

The Dolphins were 14-18 in 2012 and finished 3rd in the Northern Region after winning the region championship in 2010 and 2011. But the squad did qualify for the NWAACC Volleyball Championship and will play Green River CC next Thursday at 4:30pm at Mt. Hood Community College in the championship's first round.


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SCC's Lauren Deatrick named NWAACC All-Star for volleyball

Lauren Deatrick named NWAACC Volleyball All-Star
Photo by Wilson Tsoi

Sophomore Lauren Deatrick has been named to the NWAACC Northern Region All-Star Team for 2012. SCC's lone sophomore was named as an "Around" player in the selection.

Deatrick, from Shorecrest High School, will play in the NWAACC All-Star Games on Sunday, November 18th at Mt. Hood Community College in conjunction with the NWAACC Volleyball Championship.

The Lady Dolphins went 14-18 on the season and will be at the NWAACC Volleyball Championships as the 3rd place finisher in the region.


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Shoreline resident honored for military service

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Ken Christophersen tends to his
Shoreline garden
On Sunday, November 11, 2012, the Seattle Seahawks honored veterans during their game with the New York Jets, spotlighting one living veteran from each of our military conflicts. 

They selected a Shoreline resident, Ken Christophersen, to represent veterans from the Viet Nam era. 

Ken is retired from Lunde Marine where he was an expert Electronics Technician responsible for installing $1/2 million systems on very large fishing vessels. He has lived in Shoreline for the past two decades where, with his wife of 30 years Jan, he raised three sons - Karl, Erik and Bjorn - all of whom are graduates of Shorewood High School. 

Ken was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and served in Viet Nam in the 11th Armored Calvary. 

He is a Purple Heart recipient. 

Ken is active in his church, the Sons of Norway and is the Senior Vice Commander in the Blackburn-Aurora VFW Post 3348 which meets monthly in the American Legion hall at NE 146th St. and 17th Ave NE in Shoreline.


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Rain Gardens: Coming soon to your neighorhood

Do you know what happens to rain after it hits your roof?

Did you know that runoff is responsible for 75% of the pollution
that enters our sensitive waterways -
but there is something you can do about it?

People who attended the Annual Meeting of the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation on October 24th learned these things and more.

The guest speaker, Aaron Clark from the 12,000 Rain Gardens Campaign, covered the topic of rain gardens: what they are, how they work, when they don't work and the basics of how to build one.
All seats were filled in the LFP City Council chambers
for the Stewardship Foundation's Annual Meeting.
Photo courtesy LFP Stewardship Foundation

All About Rain Gardens
Report from the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation newsletter

The 12,000 Rain Garden Campaign for Puget Sound is a project of Stewardship Partners and the 12 WSU Extension offices that surround the Sound. Aaron Clark is an environmental scientist with experience conducting, communicating, and applying scientific research for the support of healthy, functioning ecosystems. As the Rain Garden Program Manager, he focuses on building an interdisciplinary network between communities, policy makers, businesses, architects, engineers, and planners. Aaron's work is driven by a belief in the positive impact that humans can and do have on the environment through restoration and stewardship.

Aaron Clark's presentation included a brief overview of municipal stormwater systems. A series of aerial photographs showing development of the Puget Sound region emphasized the incremental loss of "green" (forests and other natural habitats) and the increase in "grey" (roads, parking lots, buildings, homes). 

Rainwater which used to soak into the ground now runs off these hard surfaces much more quickly, damaging habitat with high water flows and carrying pollution in greater volumes directly into streams, lakes and Puget Sound. 

Often raw sewage flows directly into our waterways when drainage pipes are overwhelmed in storm events. 

Rain gardens are beautiful landscape features designed to collect rainwater and allow it to filter into the ground onsite, rather than runoff and add to pollution and flooding. The basic premise behind the 12,000 Rain Gardens Campaign is that property owners can do their part, one yard at a time, and collectively many rain gardens will have a positive impact to improve the health of our waterways.

The LFP Stewardship Foundation is pleased to help bring the 12,000 Rain Gardens Campaign to Lake Forest Park. Rain gardens are part of a proactive approach to the flooding and water quality challenges we face here in our watershed. The City of LFP has expressed interest in promoting rain gardens, perhaps starting with a demonstration garden on city property, and offers environmental mini-grants which may help residents with installation costs.

A rain garden looks like a flower bed
Photo courtesy LFP Stewardship Foundation
Aaron emphasized that correct rain garden design and placement is crucial to success.

There have been some highly publicized rain garden project failures due to design or installation errors, but there have been far more successes.

Aaron showed photos from successful neighborhood projects, where several homeowners on one street built their rain gardens together in a coordinated effort and saw significant improvement in flooding problems.

The following link is a short video produced by KCTS9 about rain gardens recently installed in West Seattle: "Neighbors Fight Stormwater Pollution by Building Rain Gardens."

The 12,000 Rain Gardens Campaign website has detailed information and links to resources, including certified contractors who can help you with all or part of designing and building an effective and beautiful rain garden.

Their website also includes a short "how-to" tutorial on building your own

Attendees at the Annual Meeting were able to take home a copy of the excellent guidebook, the WSU Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington. We hope to soon have more copies available to our members, but in the meantime, a PDF copy of that handbook is available online.

Aaron shared some other great resources on rain gardens, including:

The LFP Stewardship Foundation is volunteer-run. Sign up for their email list by emailing to stay informed about environmental topics important to our own watershed and beyond.

More information about the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation.


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WeatherWatcher: Weekly Report - ENSO explained

  • The week ahead
  • Highlight: Cold Snap
  • ENSO explained
  • Last week's data
The week ahead: Most models are suggesting we will not see much of the sun. We won't have the drenching rain that we had two weeks ago but I suspect we will have some periods of rain this week, and mostly cloudy otherwise.  Wednesday - Thursday looks to be the driest two days this week.

Highlights:  Late last week and over the weekend here we had a little cold snap. Some dry arctic air moved down into the region Thursday in to Friday, giving us low temperatures below freezing.  Saturday morning November 10th was the coldest morning at 28.4ºF for a low temperature.

ENSO explained: I realized that I didn't explain ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation) during my last article involving the winter outlook. The El Niño Southern Oscillation is a seasonal oscillation in Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomalies in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean.  Anomalies means temperatures that are above or below seasonal averages. During an ENSO neutral event sea surface temperatures in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean are near normal (within 0.5ºC of average.) An El Niño event means that Eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures are above average. A La Niña event means that the Eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures are below normal. This oscillation that happens seasonally effects our weather and much of the weather across most of the Northern Hemisphere, especially during winter months.  Other oscillations also have effects on local and global weather.  Some last 20-30 years during a cycle, some over a 100 years, and others change every 10 days.

November 3rd - 9th weather data:
High temperature: 61.3ºF (Sunday)
Low temperature: 31.8ºF (Friday)
Rainiest day: 0.28 inches (Sunday)
Total rainfall: 0.36 inches
Warmest day: 57.1ºF (Sunday)
Coldest day: 37.4ºF (Friday)
Average temperature last week: 47.9ºF (2.1ºF warmer than normal)
3-Year average temperature for last week: 45.8ºF

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

For fall and winter storm updates, check out my weather station web page or follow me on Twitter: @SWeatherWatcher


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WhistlePig to perform at Meridian Park Barter event Nov 13

WhistlePig with Elena DeLisle-Perry, Steve Perry, and Brian Peterka

Local band featured at City Hall Barter on November 13th, 6-8pm on 3rd floor

By Cynthia Knox

Elena Delisle-Perry is one third of WhistlePig, a trio of musicians playing old-time and jugband music at the upcoming Meridian Park Neighborhood Barter. WhistlePig sings three part harmony accompanied by guitar, banjo, and harmonica. Elena plays guitar and the band's two other members are local Brian Peterka on harmonica and guitar, and new member Adam Price on banjo.

Elena is well versed in many types of music. She started writing poetry and songs in high school, accompanying herself on guitar, as a way of dealing with her mother's death. Her influences were disparate then: The Grateful Dead, Louis Armstrong, and the Talking Heads. In college she studied jazz, and, after attending a summer festival in Central California where she met Kenny Hall, Eric and Suzy Thompson and others, relentlessly began pursuing Old Time, Bluegrass, Jugband music and more. Jugband music began in the 1920's with blues musicians that couldn't afford traditional instruments. Old-Time Music came from the mountains and features a repetitive fiddle and banjo tune suitable for square dancing. Bluegrass music features mandolin or fiddle and tight harmony singing. Elena loves it all!

Paul Anastasio and Elena DeLisle play
at Summer 2012 barter event at city hall

In addition to performing in WhistlePig, Elena is a mom of two children.  Elena is dedicated to children having music to enrich their lives.  She runs "Shoreline Music Together" for kids aged 0-5 at the Spartan Rec Center, leads the after school music program at Cascade K-8 in the Meridian Park Neighborhood, teaches preschool music at St. Mark's Cathedral, teaches with the “Rising Stars” singing camp and performs at children's birthday parties. She also teaches private lessons to kids of all ages on guitar and piano.

When asked why she would bring WhistlePig to the neighborhood barter event, she said “I love being part of an active community and love the idea of bartering – I think it's the wave of the future!”. At the November 13th Barter event WhistlePig will perform songs from The Memphis Jugband, Kenny Hall, the Holy Modal Rounders and more. The event takes place in Shoreline City Hall on the 3rd floor from 6-8pm. For more information about WhistlePig contact Elena or see her website. For more information about the barter contact Naomi.


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