For the Birds: So Many Birds—So Many Bird Festivals

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Snow geese
Photo by Doug Parrott

So Many Birds—So Many Bird Festivals
By Christine Southwick

Did you know that Washington is on the migration routes of Snow Geese; Trumpeter Swans;  Bald Eagles; Sandhill Cranes; hundreds of thousands of shorebirds; many raptors such as Peregrine Falcons and Northern Saw-whet Owls; and is part of the Pacific Flyway for many of North America’s songbirds?

To celebrate these amazingly beautiful displays of survival adaptations, Washington State has at least eight annual bird festivals.

Right now hundreds of Bald Eagles can be seen on the Skagit River eating the salmon which have died after spawning their next generation of salmon. You can see them by just driving up the Skagit River to the town of Concrete. Every weekend in January, Concrete has the Skagit Eagle Festival activities.

On the Skagit flats, around the Mt. Vernon area, there are thousands of Snow Geese, with some Trumpeter Swans mixed in. The Port Susan Snow Goose Festival is February 23-24. 

Bald Eagle dines on fish
Photo by Patricia Damron

The first weekend of April there are two bird fests: The Othello  Sandhill Crane Festival, where you can watch Sandhill Cranes perform their mating dance; or you can go to Sequim to the Olympic Peninsula Bird Fest and see the migrating song birds that use the Olympic Peninsula.

Hundreds of thousands of shorebirds stop to feed and rest in the Grays Harbor Estuary on their migration northward.  This spectacular event, the Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival, is April 26-28. Our beaches and mudflats areas are vitally important feeding grounds for these long-distance migrators, and this festival helps maintain healthy resting/feeding coastal areas.

May 16-19th, Leavenworth holds their bird festival, the Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest, This is a great opportunity to see higher elevation birds.

September 6-8th, Edmonds has the Puget Sound Bird Fest which watches birds on their southward bound migrations. And further down the Washington coast, the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge has its fall migration bird fest in October.  

This bird will be in the backyard count
Migrating Golden-crowned Kinglet stopping for bath
Photo by Christine Southwick

And this year, during the Great Backyard Bird Count, February 15-18th, the Puget Sound Bird Observatory (PSBO) will be leading a “progressive backyard bird count, which will be great fun and let you see how other birders encourage birds into their yards.

International Migratory Bird Day, May 11th, PSBO will be leading a local activity to celebrate the  2013I” Life Cycle of Migratory Birds: Conservation Across the Americas.”

Protect the prairies, farmlands, watering holes, forests and coastal beaches, and you will be helping these birds. Go to our local festivals and you will be helping our economy.



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Crabapple as a squirrel and bird feeder

Crabapple blossoms from the Hale's back yard
Photo by Patricia Hale

After the article about squirrels and birds in Patty Hale's back yard going to great lengths to eat the crabapples left on the tree, a reader asked about the variety of the tree.

Patty says that the tree was well-established when she and her husband bought the house 30 years ago, and she has never needed to identify it beyond "crabapple."

Fruit and leaves of crabapple
in the Hale's back yard
Can anyone identify the variety?
Photo by Patricia Hale


"I can tell you that the flowers are wonderfully fragrant and the bees love them.  The fruit smells like apples - but is super tart.  In the fall the squirrels take one bite and spit it out.  So, the birds and squirrels usually wait until the first good frost to eat them.  I am guessing that a good freeze breaks down the sugar content and makes them sweeter - or there is not much else in the way of fruit available to eat."


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Cooks and Books: prepare for the Edible Book Festival

Photo courtesy Ch 10 WBIR Blount County TN

There will be an Edible Book festival on Saturday, March 30, 2013 beginning at 11am at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park. This event is FREE and suitable for book lovers of all ages. 

What is an edible book? It is a representation of a book, story, character, pun on a title made out of edible ingredients.

People around the world have been celebrating books, food and the people who love them since 2000. This is the first time that Shoreline - Lake Forest Park will have their own edible book festival. Book lovers will bring their edible creation, it will be photographed, judged, admired by all who attend and then eaten with milk and coffee.

Jaws
Photo courtesy St. Cloud State U
There will be judging in four categories:
  1. Most "good enough to eat"
  2. Most punderful
  3. Most three-dimensional/architectural
  4. Most literal depiction of the book title
Everyone present will VOTE on the "People's Choice award.

Age groups:
  • K-6th grade
  • 7th - 12th grade
  • Adult
Register your entry by emailing your name, age group, edible book entry title and the original title from which your entry was inspired to so that we may plan for the number of people who wish to participate. It is also possible to show up the day of the event with an edible book.

For those who are not bringing an entry and wish to just admire the entries, please arrive after 12:30 so that the books may be photographed for posterity.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
St. Cloud State U
This event is sponsored by the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council and we thank our partner Friends of Third Place Commons.

If you wish to be inspired, see what people have done around the world or learn more about this festival here are some links to past festivals: 

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Hoopalooza of Shorecrest / Shorewood basketball Jan 19



It's time again for Hoopalooza, a full day of Shorecrest/Shorewood boys and girls basketball, to be held Saturday, Jan. 19 in the new Shorecrest High School gymnasium.

Here is the schedule:

11 a.m.: C Team boys
1 p.m.: Junior Varsity girls
3 p.m.: Junior Varsity boys
5 p.m.: Varsity girls
7 p.m.: Varsity boys

The 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. boys and girls varsity games will also be telecast live on the Shoreline Education Access Channel 26 (Comcast) and 36 (Frontier) with Frank Workman calling the play-by-play. The games are produced by the Live Video Club from Shorecrest and Shorewood.

Ticket prices are $5 adults, $3 Students without ASB cards and Seniors. Students with ASB cards are admitted free.



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Thunderbird Gymnastics takes second place

2013 Shorewood Gymnastics Team

At a meet hosted by Shorewood on Saturday January 12 with teams from North Kitsap, Shorewood, Shorecrest and Kingston, Junior Juliet Fisher led Shorewood to a second place finish with a score of 144.7 behind North Kitsap (154.9) and ahead of third place Shorecrest (124.25) and fourth place Kingston (93.15).

Top Finishes of Shoreline Gymnasts:

Vault
2nd place Morgan Ramsden SW, 8.05
3rd place Juliet Fisher SW, 8.0
5th place Emily Merry SW, 7.9

Bars
3rd place Diana Catina SW, 7.75

Beam
4th place Emily Ramsden SW, 7.4
5th place Mia Peck SC, 7.3

Floor
1st place Juliet Fisher SW 8.35
3rd place Amanda Tran SW, 8.3
4th place Diana Catinas SW, 8.25

All Around
4th place Juliet Fisher SW, 30.2

Shorewood and Shorecrest meet again on Saturday January 26 at 5:00pm at Cascade Elite Gymnastics along with Sehome, Bellingham and Squalicum for the Sub District competition to see who will be moving on the the District meet.

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Shorewood swimmers 8th, Shorecrest 12th among more than 30 teams in Kentridge Invitational Saturday

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The Shorewood swimming team finished eighth, with Shorecrest 12th among more than 30 teams in the Kentridge Invitational at the King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way Saturday.

Here were top local performances: 200-yard medley relay--8. Shorewood (Davis Harford, Torrey Morales, Andrew Garrison, Jonah Hoverson) 1:42.55**; 50 freestyle-- 4. Garrison (SW) 22.30**; 100 freestyle--7. Garrison (SW) 49.35**; 500 freestyle-- 2. Grant Heisey (SC) 4:47.52**; 200 freestyle relay--6. Shorecrest (Carter Osborne, Russel Groves, Axel Wickstrom, Grant Heisey) 1:31.54**; 7. Shorewood (Galen Kinter, Harford, Adam Hill, Morales) 1:31.64**.

Shorewood took an 8-1 dual-meet record into a home meet with Monroe Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Shoreline Pool, and Shorecrest took its own 8-1 record into a double dual meet at the Lynnwood Pool at 2:45 Tuesday before the two schools meet each other at 3:30 at Shoreline Pool.


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Shorecrest girls play at Marysville Getchell Wednesday after home victories over Marysville-Pilchuck and Everett


The Shorecrest girls' basketball team plays at Marysville Getchell Wednesday, Jan. 16, after home victories over Marysville-Pilchuck Wednesday, Jan. 9, and Everett Friday, Jan. 11.

Shorecrest takes a 4-3 Western Conference 3A record (7-7 overall) into the game at Marysville Getchell (0-7 Wesco 3A, 2-12) at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday. Junior varsity teams from the two schools meet at 5:40.

In Shorecrest's 49-36 victory over Marysville-Pilchuck, Onyie Chibuoqwu led the Scots with 16 points. Teammate Annie Schlachter added 11.

In the Scots' 48-37 win over Everett, the Seagulls led 12-9 after the first quarter before Shorecrest took a 25-23 halftime lead and extended the lead to 36-33 after three quarters before breaking the game open in the final period. Schlachter led the Scots with 17 points. Chibuogwu scored 16. The Shorecrest junior varsity defeated Everett, 43-15.

The Shorecrest varsity and junior varsity teams follow the Wednesday meeting with Marysville Getchell with the Saturday all-day "Hoopapalooza IV" at Shorewood, featuring boys' and girls' varsity, JV and "C" teams from Shorecrest and Shorewood.

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Dembowski, Hall, and Ryu are finalists for county council

Updated 1-17-2013 5:21am

County Council set to interview candidates to fill Council District 1 vacancy
Candidate interviews to be conducted in Council’s Committee of the Whole

Metropolitan King County Council Chair Larry Gossett said the process to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councilmember Bob Ferguson will begin with interviews of the three candidates recommended today by County Executive Dow Constantine.

 “Our goal is to get a Councilmember to represent the over 220,000 residents of District 1 as quickly as possible,” said Gossett. “We will have a thorough vetting of the candidates sent to us by Executive Constantine with the focus of filling the appointment with the best of those candidates.”

According to state law, The King County Executive is responsible for proposing three nominees to the Council. The three candidates transmitted to the Council by the County Executive, in alphabetical order, are:

  • Rod Dembowski — Attorney, Foster Pepper PLLC
  • Will Hall — Councilmember, city of Shoreline; Senior Legislative Analyst, Snohomish County Council
  • Cindy Ryu — State Representative, 32nd District

The Council will conduct interviews with all three candidates at a meeting of the Committee of the Whole, the only standing committee on which all members of the Council serve.

“As Chair of the committee that will review the candidates, I am committed to ensuring the selection process is fair, thorough, and completed as swiftly and efficiently as possible,” said Council Vice Chair Julia Patterson. “I look forward to working with the Council in selecting the best possible representative for the residents of District 1.”


The eight remaining Council members have 60 days to appoint one of the three to represent Council District 1, which includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Woodinville, the King County part of Bothell, north Kirkland, unincorporated areas between Bothell and Kirkland, and northeast Seattle.

If no candidate gets votes from five council members within the 60-day limit, new Gov. Jay Inslee must pick one of the three.

Constantine selected the three nominees from a list of five finalists selected by a citizens’ committee from 13 original applicants.

The appointee will serve through the November election, when District voters will choose someone for a full four-year term.

Dembowski, Hall and Ryu all have registered with the State Public Disclosure Commission as candidates for the position, a step that allows them to raise and spend money for the August primary and November general election. Candidates file for ballot positions in May. If three or more candidates file for the position, they will run in the primary, with the top two vote getters advancing to the November election. If only one or two candidates file, the position will appear only on the November ballot.

Dembowski has reported raising $63,936 and spending $3,752; Ryu has reported raising $31,710 and spending $2,639: and Hall has reported raising $3,070 and spending $120. Ryu is barred from raising money during the legislative session.

Ryu is in her legislative "election year" and is barred from fundraising from a month before the legislature convened and will not be allowed to raise money until after the session.

Follow the Council’s deliberations through Facebook and Twitter by signing up through the King County Council website.


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Stage 1 burn ban in effect for King county

Please rely on your home's cleaner source of heat until air quality improves.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is lowering the air quality burn ban to a Stage 1 in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties effective at 1 PM on January 15, 2013. The ban remains in effect until further notice.

"Air pollution levels throughout the region have dropped, likely due to clouds and warmer temperatures," said Dr. Phil Swartzendruber, agency forecaster. "The drop in pollution could also be due to the help of our communities following the burn ban."
Dr. Swartzendruber added, "Calm, cold, and clear weather conditions are likely to continue over the next few days, so ongoing cooperation with the burn ban will help keep our air healthy."

The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the air quality and weather situation.


During a Stage 1 burn ban:


  • No burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled.
  • No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.
  • Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.
  • It is OK to use natural gas, propane, pellet and EPA-certified wood stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 burn ban.

The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors, especially when exercising. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to people with lung and heart problems, people with diabetes, children, and older adults (over age 65).

(Note: The Seattle Parks Department prohibits beach fires at Alki and Golden Gardens during the burn ban.)

For more information:


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Structure Fire in Lake Forest Park

The Northshore Fire Department was dispatched at 6:11pm on Monday, January 14, 2013 to a residential fire at the 18800 block of 33rd Ave NE in Lake Forest Park.

On arrival the responding crew saw dark smoke coming from the garage. The firefighters performed a search of the house and found an occupant in the smoke filled living room and removed her from the building. The occupant suffered from minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Quick actions by the responding crews saved the occupant from serious injury and prevented the fire from extending into the house. The Northshore firefighters were assisted by personnel from Shoreline Fire Department. The fire damage was limited to the garage and caused an estimated $14,000.00 damage.

The occupant stated that she was trying to find something in the garage using a candle for light when she accidentally dropped the candle on some stored clothes. After unsuccessful attempts to extinguish the fire, she called 911 to report the fire.

Candles can be a significant fire hazard and should only be used with caution. Always keep a flashlight handy for use when you have a power outage or when available lighting is inadequate.

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Thornton Creek water quality presentation Jan 23

Monday, January 14, 2013

A very large section of Shoreline, from about 190th southwards, around the Shoreline Center, is in the Thornton Creek Watershed. We are the farthest north section of the watershed.

According to King County, "The North Branch drains approximately 4,446 acres of Shoreline and Seattle. The South Branch originates west of I-5 near the North Seattle Community College and drains approximately 2,333 acres of Seattle. The creek and its tributaries flow over 15 miles and drain approximately 7,402 acres before entering the northern end of Lake Washington at Matthews Beach Park."


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City completes Safe Routes to School sidewalk project near Briarcrest Elementary

New sidewalk for Briarcrest students
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Thanks to grant funding from WSDOT’s Safe Routes to School program, students walking to Briarcrest Elementary now have safer options. As part of the 2011-2013 transportation budget, the State awarded the City $385,000 to construct sidewalks along 27th Avenue NE between NE 150th Street and NE 155th Street, and on NE 156th Street between 25th Avenue NE and 28th Avenue NE. In addition to the construction of sidewalks, the project also has an education and enforcement component. City staff have been working closely with Briarcrest Elementary and Shoreline Police on the design and implementation of those components.

Working cooperatively with the Shoreline School District and the Shoreline Police, the City has identified pedestrian routes near schools that need sidewalk improvements and worked aggressively to identify grant funding to install them.

"Safety of our students is our top priority and we appreciate the opportunity to partner with the City to create sidewalks near Briarcrest," said Shoreline Schools Superintendent Sue Walker.

Funded under Safe Routes to School money
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

“This is a great example of how local jurisdictions can work together to leverage Shoreline taxpayers dollars and benefit the community in ways we couldn’t when acting alone,” stated Shoreline Mayor Keith McGlashan.

The purpose of the Safe Routes to School program is to improve safety and mobility for children by enabling and encouraging them to walk and bicycle to school. Funding from this program is for projects within two-miles of primary and middle schools (K-8). It is a highly competitive funding program; only 29 projects of the 124 submitted from throughout the state were selected for funding in the 2011-2013 biennium.

Money has been awarded in the next budget for sidewalks around Einstein.
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

As part of the of the 2013-2015 Transportation Budget, the City has been selected again by WSDOT to receive another $435,000 in Safe Routes to School funding to build sidewalk improvements around Einstein Middle School. Through its aggressive grants program, the City continually looks for ways to leverage local taxpayers’ dollars.

Visit the City’s website for a map of the completed improvements. 


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Colleagues recognize, say goodbye to Councilmember Bob Ferguson

Bob Ferguson
State’s new Attorney General leaves County Council after 9 years in office

The members of the Metropolitan King County Council today recognized Councilmember Bob Ferguson for his work as a member of the County Council and wished him well as he prepares to take the oath as Washington’s Attorney General.

“It has been an honor to work with Bob Ferguson for the last 9 years,” said Council Chair Larry Gossett. “All of the people of the state of Washington will now benefit from the energy and intelligence we have seen during his time on the Council.”
“Our State will benefit from his determined spirit, sharp intellect and his razor-like focus,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “Thanks for your years of hard work on behalf of King County residents.”

Ferguson, who joined the Council in 2004, will be sworn in as Attorney General Wednesday, January 16.

During his time on the Council, Ferguson served as Council Chair in 2010 and as chair of the Council’s 2007 Budget Committee, crafted King County’s 2008 Budget. He was also the prime sponsor of the legislation that became the Veterans and Human Services Levy adopted by voters in 2005 and renewed in 2011.

“Bob Ferguson was been a strong voice for the people of King County as a member of the county council, and with his deep sense of justice will be a great asset to the people of Washington as our next Attorney General,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “For the past nine years I have enjoyed partnering with Bob on a number of critical initiatives, particularly in the areas of fiscal oversight, government reform, and historic preservation, and I look forward to working with him as a state leader.”

“It was a pleasure to serve with Bob on the budget committee, even as the Council negotiated some difficult decisions during the economic recession,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “We will miss his input on local budget and criminal justice issues as he transitions to a statewide role.”

“It was a pleasure to serve on the Council with such a thoughtful public servant,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “I wish him all the best in his new position in Olympia and I have no doubts he will serve the citizens of our state well.”

“Mr. Ferguson has shown great leadership and a commitment to our county’s most vulnerable,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott. “Bob has worked tirelessly to advocate for victims of crimes and our veterans. Today is a loss for King County government, but a win for our state.”

“Bob takes to Olympia a wonderful understanding of local government and will work well with county prosecutors throughout our state,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

As chair of the Council’s Law, Justice and Human Services Committee in 2006, Ferguson worked on legislation to implement independent oversight of the King County Sheriff’s Office. Those reforms lead to the creation of Office of Law Enforcement Oversight, an independent agency responsible for monitoring investigations of misconduct, helping to resolve cases, increasing public trust and transparency, and identifying systemic issues and reforms within the Sheriff’s Office.

“Councilmember Ferguson’s achievements on the King County Council will have a positive lasting impact for all residents of King County, and it has been a pleasure working with him over the years,” said Council Vice Chair Julia Patterson. “If he serves as Attorney General only a portion as well as he did in King County, I know Washington State will benefit tremendously from his service.”


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Transit Agencies in Puget Sound – Riding Sound Transit Sounder

Heavy Rail - Sounder train
Corrected 1-15-2013 10:17am

Brian Doennebrink is writing a series of articles on local transportation options

Transit Agencies in Puget Sound –  Riding Sound Transit Sounder
By Brian Doennebrink

Sounder-north operates between Everett Station and downtown Seattle, with our nearest station in Edmonds.

Train fares are based on distance traveled, and Day passes are two times the one-way fare. Their website has a matrix of fares. For instance, an Adult passenger (see that fare matrix below) has a $3.50 fare for a trip from Edmonds to/from Seattle. The corresponding Youth fares are $2.50, while Regional Reduced Fare Permit holders have a $1.75 fare. There are a couple of trips in each direction that are operated by Amtrak, but require either a Rail Pass validation or payment of the regular Amtrak fare, which is higher (see website).



Connections to Shoreline and beyond can be made via Community Transit buses that run on all days except Sundays and major holidays. For instance, their route #130 travels between Aurora Village and the Edmonds station via North 205th. Or, one can park at the Edmonds station, but there are only 156 spaces. Recently, an additional 53 temporary parking spaces were added at 190 Sunset Avenue South, to be replaced by a 103 space lot that is being constructed with an anticipated opening date of May 1.


Sounder trains only operate weekdays – except major holidays - and for special events, e.g., Seahawks, FC Sounders, and Mariners games. At this time of year, a big caveat is the prevalence of mudslides along the route, which translates into closure of the route for a required 48 hours with alternative bus service provided. Thus, it is advisable to check the Sound Transit website when planning to ride the Sounder-north. Train cars with 100, 300 and 400 series numbers, marked on the outside of the car, are equipped with Wi-fi access, subject to availability.


A more-robust and reliable Sounder option operates from Seattle to Lakewood, just south of Tacoma (extension just opened October 2012), There are two a.m. trips from Seattle to Tacoma – great for reverse commuters – and seven p.m. trains starting at 3:15 p.m., the last five traveling to Lakewood. Nine trains run northbound, seven in the a.m., the first five starting at Lakewood, after that from Tacoma, and two for reverse commuters in the p.m.


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Sky Nursery workshops: midwinter pruning, houseplants


Saturday, January 19th 11 am – 12:30 pm
General Pruning Charlie Shull

Midwinter is the best time to prune many ornamental and edible trees and shrubs, and Charlie will go over the basics; when to prune; tool selection and care; proper pruning of various kinds of trees, shrubs, and vines. He’ll demonstrate tools and techniques from Sky’s stock. Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave N Shoreline 206-546-4851 www.skynursery.com

Sunday, January 20th 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Houseplants 101 Cheryl Gere

Indoors as outdoors, “right plant, right place” is the maxim to follow! Cheryl will start by teaching you how to evaluate your own home as a houseplant haven, so you will understand what type of light, humidity, etc. you’re naturally providing. She’ll show you how to choose the best plants for the conditions and care you’re able to provide, how to water and fertilize them, how to tell when to water and fertilize different plants, and generally how to care for your plants to keep them in tiptop condition. Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave N Shoreline 206-546-4851 

Check our events calendar as the event approaches for a detailed schedule for the day.


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Nominations open for Shoreline Schools Support Person of the Year

Don Warrick (center) 2012
Support Person of the Year

Consider nominating a classified staff person to be 2012-13 Shoreline Schools Support Person of the Year. Nominations may be made by staff, students, parents, and other community members. Nominating a staff member is easy, only a single letter of nomination is needed. 

Nominations for Support Person of the Year are due in the Public Information Office at Shoreline Center by Friday, February 1, 2013. The recipient will be recognized at a reception prior to the March 4 School Board meeting. Support Staff Appreciation Week will take place March 4 to 8.

Contact the Public Information Office at 206-393-4412 if you have any questions about the form and process. 



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WeatherWatcher: Weekly Weather, Burn Ban, snow flurries.

  • Burn Ban in clear weather?
  • The week ahead
  • Snow flurries
  • Last week's weather data
  • Request to our readers for stories on historic weather events
What weather causes the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issue a Burn Ban? There are several situations that cause a burn ban to be issued, but during the winter months believe it or not, it's when the weather is coldest and driest that these conditions develop. The real issue is stagnant air for a long enough period of time to cause an accumulation of pollution. In the winter this almost always happens whenever we get a high pressure system over us, or in this case, just off shore, blocking any incoming Pacific storms that we normally have during this time of year. Without our Pacific storms moving through the region our winds are blocked as well. So all of this air gets trapped in our region until the blocking pattern is broken by a strong enough storm.

The week ahead: We are going to be in this pattern of cold for the foreseeable future. For the rest of tonight and part of tomorrow it will be cloudy. Models and forecasters are pointing to the high pressure off shore to move inland and clear out the clouds. Clear skies means cold temperatures, so expect lows for the rest of the week to dip below freezing, on clear nights we will probably get near 25-27 for a low. We might crack 40°F for a high temperature by Friday or Saturday, but that is a big if right now.  The first hint of rain or snow, currently is at the earliest for Tuesday January 22nd. That would be our earliest possible date at current model forecasts for a lift on the burn ban as well.  Long range models are still agreeing that we may have snow after this clear weather leaves us.

Snow flurries have been drifting through the area today and there will probably be a couple more tonight and overnight before the ridge of high pressure moves all the way in. Right now storms from the Pacific are moving up and over the ridge of high pressure into Alaska and coming down the east side of the ridge along the Canadian coast and Washington coast bringing the cold air with, but losing most of it's moisture into the coastal mountains of British Columbia. The flurries activity is expected to end by tomorrow morning.

Last week's data:
High temperature: 49.5°F (Monday and Tuesday)
Low temperature: 25.2°F (Friday)
Rainiest day: 1.01 inches (Wednesday)
Total rainfall: 2.04 inches
Warmest day: 45.4°F (Tuesday)
Coldest day: 27.9°F (Friday)
Average temperature: 38.8°F (2.5°F colder than station average)
3-Year average temperature: 41.3°F

Below is a temperature graph of the temperatures so far this month:

New series on historic storms: I am working on a series of reports on historic weather events that have directly impacted the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park areas. We are looking for stories and pictures from our own readers on any past weather event that you can remember.  Please email your stories if you have any, thank you!

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.

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

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SCC names Kadeem Stewart and Adam Johnson as Co-Players of the Week for Men's Basketball

Kadeem Stewart, co-player of the week
Photo by Wilson Tsoi

Shoreline Community College on Monday named sophomore transfer Kadeem Stewart and freshman Adam Johnson as Co-Players of the Week for SCC Men's Basketball during the week of January 6-13.

Stewart, a sophomore transfer from Eastern Arizona CC, scored 25 and 27 points in two games this past week for SCC, with 11 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals in the 1-1 week for Shoreline.

Adam Johnson, co-player of the week
Photo by Wilson Tsoi
Adam Johnson, a freshman from Ballard High School, had a workman like 22 points with 22 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocked shots and 1 assist in the two games.

SCC lost to Bellevue College on Wednesday night, 104-95, but got their first region win of the season on Saturday at Olympic College, 107 to 82.

Shoreline plays at Skagit Valley College on Wednesday at 7:00 pm before returning home on Saturday, January 19th, against rival and #2 ranked Edmonds Community College at 4pm.


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Emily Wilbur Named SCC Women's Basketball Player of the Week

Emily Wilbur averaged 19 points per game
in two games for the SCC Lady Dolphins.
Photo by Wilson Tsoi

Freshman Emily Wilbur was named the Shoreline Community College "Women's Basketball Player of the Week" for the week of January 7-13.

Wilbur, a forward from Broadwater High School in Townsend, Montana, scored 38 points in two games (25 against Olympic College), had 20 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals in the 1-1 week for the Lady Dolphins.

SCC lost a 79-28 game to Bellevue on Wednesday, but bounced back and beat Olympic College on Saturday, 69-44.

SCC is 7-6 on the season and 1-2 in the NWAACC Northern Region. SCC faces Skagit Valley College on Wednesday in Mt. Vernon, WA at 5pm.


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Vandalism in Grace Cole Nature Park but work party planned

Entrance to Grace Cole nature train


A rather extensive section of understory has been cut near the landing in Grace Cole Nature Park. We don't know if someone wanted a better view or if they were seeking a route through the creek and wetland, but over several weeks a large area of vegetation, has been cleared from a wetland area of the park.  Included were small thriving trees which had been planted  following the boardwalk construction. It is illegal to do unauthorized cutting, altering or removal of plants in our parks. If such activities are witnessed, the City should be contacted: 368-5440. On weekends or holidays call 911.

The best outlet for those who wish to make a difference in our parks is to join one of our work parties. At Grace Cole Nature Park work sessions are held nearly every month, on Saturday mornings. Other parks have work parties monthly during the warmer months. If you wish to be notified of these volunteer opportunities, please call Linda Holman (Horizon View, Animal Acres Parks) 206-362-5541 or Mamie Bolender (Grace Cole Park or City Ivy Out) 206-364-4410. 

Grace Cole Nature Park Work Parties 9am - 12pm
  • Saturday, January 26th
  • Saturday, February 9th  
We'll be continuing the Himalayan Blackberry removal, trail maintenance and possibly Cedar tree planting. 
  • Some tools provided but bring your own if you prefer.
  • Dress for the weather and bring water.
  • Snacks will be provided.
Location: Grace Cole Nature Park, NE 30th and 166th NE.  

Driving instructions: Turn left onto 28th Ave. NE off NE 178th in Lake Forest Park.  Travel straight south on 28th about 1/2 mile until you reach the park, on your right, just before the road makes a big left turn.  Some parking is available.  

Any questions? Please call Mamie at 206-364-4410. 


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Backyard wildlife on a winter's morning in Ridgecrest

By Patty Hale

My yard has been registered as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat for the past 30 years. Birds and animals alike find food, water and shelter, and a place to raise their young all year round at the Hale house.

Thought readers might enjoy seeing my backyard wildlife and how they are coping during the current cold snap.

A squirrel does "apple-batics" to get one of the last apples
Photo by Patricia Hale

This picture, taken this week, is of a Squirrel doing "Apple-batics". When temperatures dip below the freezing mark, critters need additional calories to maintain body heat. 

This little guy is willing to take a risk to get to the last few crab apples left on my tree.

Squirrel on left, Cooper's Hawk on right.
They apparently did not meet up.
Photo by Patricia Hale

A second squirrel unwittingly found itself sharing a tree with a Cooper's Hawk that was out for an early morning breakfast. Predators are actually a sign of a healthy habitat.

Anna's Hummingbird at an ice-encrusted fountain
Photo by Patricia Hale

An Anna's Hummingbird risks having a brain freeze at the ice-encrusted fountain. Access to water is crucial during freezing weather. Moving water doesn't freeze - although it can get darn cold. Consider adding a water heater.

Thd squirrel didn't get all the crabapples
Photo by Patricia Hale

A Varied Thrush checks out the few crab apples left that the squirrels couldn't reach. Typically, this thrush is people shy, but limited food sources make them take uncharacteristic risks in cold weather.

Important Tip: If you didn't get around to cleaning up your yard and landscape beds earlier this fall, wait until spring. What seems messy to you, is actually highly desired by birds and wildlife during winter months. Those dead stalks, leaves, and seed heads provide food and protection.


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Chamber music concert at Shoreline Community College Jan 27 with flute and piano

Sunday, January 27, 2013, 3pm, Shoreline Community College Campus Theatre, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133


Jensina Oliver, SCC Music Faculty
will perform in concert January 27

On Sunday, January 27th, a north-end favorite, pianist Jensina Oliver, will be presenting a chamber music concert with her flute duo partner, Sergio Pallotelli. Based out of Houston, Pallottelli has dazzled audiences across the world, from Australia to Europe to South America.

Shoreline's own, SCC faculty member Jensina Oliver, has been praised for her passion and expressive performances in concerts through the US, Europe, China, and Costa Rica.  

Houston-based Sergio Pallotelli will perform
with Oliver in a chamber music concert at SCC

In November, Oliver and Pallottelli performed this concert at the Teatro Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica. Featured on the program's first half are Mozart's Sonata in E minor and Schumann's Romances, Opus 90, and the second half will be a showcase of South American composers, including a piano tango set by Piazolla, a flute medley arranged by Pallottelli, and the flute/piano Sonata by Blauth.  Please join us for this special event!!  

All Shoreline Piano Series concerts are on 3pm on Sundays at the Shoreline Campus Theater. All proceeds benefit the Shoreline Community College Piano Scholarship Fund. Ticket prices are as follows: General Admission: $15; Students, Seniors, and SCC Employees: $10; SCC Students and children under 14: $5. Parking on Sundays is $2 - meters take cards and coins. 


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5th Avenue Theater to host King County’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration


5th Avenue Theater Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
2013 Theme: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”
Thursday, January 17, 2013, Noon – 1pm, 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle

King County and its employees will host its annual celebration honoring the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and celebrating his vision of an America offering opportunity for all on Thursday, January 17.

The public is invited to join King County employees at the historic 5th Avenue Theater in downtown Seattle for the free event.

Speakers at the celebration will include King County Executive Dow Constantine, who will give the keynote address, and County Council Chair Larry Gossett.

The celebration will include musical performances by The Sound of the Northwest, and opera soloist Cheryse McLeod Lewis, along with the MLK Employee Singers. The event will also feature the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Essay Award ceremony, sponsored by the King County Civil Rights Commission.

The 5th Avenue Theater is accessible. Sign language interpretation will be provided. Other reasonable accommodations will be provided upon advance request. For more information or to request reasonable accommodations, please contact Paula Harris-White in the Department of Executive Services at 206-263-2444.


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Give blood in Lake Forest Park Wednesday




Lake Forest Park Blood Drive
Wednesday, January 16th
Puget Sound Blood Mobile
11 am – 5 pm  
(closed for lunch between 1 pm – 2 pm)
Lake Forest Park Town Center/3rd Place Books
lower level parking area
No registration necessary -  Drop Ins welcome!

New year – new commitment!  
One donation can potentially save 3 lives.
Thanks for your consideration!


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Paula Perez memorial this Wednesday

Some readers were touched by our recent article about the death of Paula Perez, and asked about services for her.

We have learned that memorial services will be held this coming Wednesday, January 16, 2:30pm at Holyrood Cemetery, 205 NE 205th St. Shoreline 98155. (Across the street from Lake Ballenger)

Anyone interested in paying their respects is invited to attend.



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Recruiting for LFP Chief of Police continues


With the retirement of Chief Dennis Peterson, the City of Lake Forest Park has been conducting a nationwide search for a new Chief of Police. The recruiting process is being handled by Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs on behalf of the City. The job announcement for the Lake Forest Park Chief of Police closed on Friday, January 4, 2013.

The next step in the process will be a review of the total candidate pool by Mayor Mary Jane Goss on January 15, 2013. Finalists will be scheduled for a full day of interviews on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. Elected officials, local law enforcement leaders, City department heads, police department employees and community members will be included in the final interview process.

The community will be invited to meet the final Chief of Police candidates at a community reception at City Hall scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 2013.

The hiring process will include a thorough background check and additional state requirements. Mayor Goss expects to complete the process and make a final offer in early March, 2013. The target hire date for the new Chief of Police is April 1, 2013.


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Northline Sounder Train resumed service Monday


Northline Sounder trains from Everett to Seattle resumed service on Monday morning, January 14, 2013.

"We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience."

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Stage 2 Burn Ban in effect for King county - indoor and outdoor

Photo courtesy New York
Dept of Environmental Svcs

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 2 burn ban in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties to protect residents from worsening air quality.  The bans are effective at noon, Sunday, January 13, 2013 and remain in effect until further notice.

Overnight, many areas around the Puget Sound reached air pollution levels of “UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS”, especially in areas where wood burning is common. Agency forecasters expect the current cold, dry, and stagnant weather conditions to extend well into the week. The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the air quality and weather situation.

During a Stage 2 burn ban: 

  • No burning is allowed in ANY wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves or fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified) or pellet stoves. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled. The only exception is if a wood stove is a home’s only adequate source of heat.
  • No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.
  • Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.
  • It is OK to use natural gas and propane stoves or inserts during a Stage 2 burn ban.

Just blow it out
The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors, especially when exercising. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to people with lung and heart problems, people with diabetes, children, and older adults (over age 65).

(Note: The Seattle Parks Department prohibits beach fires at Alki and Golden Gardens during the burn ban.)

For more information: 

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is an air quality management agency serving King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Created as a result of the 1967 Washington Clean Air Act, the agency protects public health by adopting and enforcing air quality regulations, educating individuals and businesses about clean-air choices and sponsoring voluntary initiatives to improve air quality.

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Quick Start Shoreline - special two-part workshop starts Tuesday


SCC Business Accelerator and the City of Shoreline

  • Are you starting your own business in Shoreline?
  • Are you looking to expand your current business into new markets?
  • Are you looking to give a particular aspect of your business a boost?


Quick-Start Shoreline is for you!

The Shoreline Community College Small Business Accelerator and the City of Shoreline Economic Development Office are engaged with the new and emerging businesses of Shoreline with business planning and beyond.

We have workshops, classes, one-on-one counseling and opportunities for community involvement.
Feel free to bring your own lunch!

QuickStart Shoreline Business Workshops:
12:00 - 1:30pm Tuesdays at Shoreline City Hall; no charge
17500 Midvale Avenue N, Shoreline, WA

See the webpage  or contact Mark McVeety for more information. Visit the Community Calendar to confirm workshops.

We are proud that most of our instructors come out of our own community. If you are interested in leading a workshop please contact us today!

"Sales 101: Sales for People Who Aren't Sales Pros (& great reminders for people who are)."

Week One (1/15/13)

Think Right About 'Selling' and You'll Suddenly Sell More (and still feel good about yourself!)

  • If you're not selling enough, this is probably the reason.
  • How to understand the process.
  • Why do YOUR prospects buy?
  • How to know if the person you're interacting with is actually likely to buy.
  • Prioritize how you invest your most valuable resource.
  • The most important skill in selling and how you can learn it - quickly!

Week Two (1/22/13)

Stop Being Frustrated and Worrying About How to Sell: Stick with This Simple Approach and You'll Know What to Do (almost) Every Time

  • Always do this first.
  • How to never again have sudden road blocks and objections.
  • How to quit being uncomfortable talking about money and price.
  • How to make a presentation that's (almost) guaranteed to connect with and motivate your prospect to buy. Now.
  • How to help your prospects get their concerns addressed and make the right decision.
  • Make "buyer's remorse" a non-issue from now on.


Steve Porter will conduct a two-part workshop

Steve Porter is a successful sales and marketing professional who has marketed and sold everything from air conditioners to financial products to TV advertising. He’s also an accomplished trainer and presenter who’s effectively taught many different kinds of people everything from how to sell to how to live in a different culture. Steve’s trained and led sales organizations and is still out there on the front lines, being the owner and only sales person for Snap Marketing for Small Business. 

SnapMSB connects small businesses with the marketing resources they desperately need - provided by carefully selected, outstanding professionals, at prices they can actually afford. This is because Steve’s found that offering the right marketing tools from the right providers for the right price equals more customers and less stress for his clients.




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