State Sen. Maralyn Chase named to ‘Sunshine Committee’

Sunday, June 23, 2013


Democratic 32nd District State Sen. Maralyn Chase has been appointed to the Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee, also known as the Sunshine Committee, which exists to make government more open to the public.

Chase, who also sits on the Senate’s committee on trade and economic development and the Senate committee on energy, environment and telecommunications, said Thursday that she is excited to begin her new role on the Sunshine Committee.

“The Legislature is conducting the public’s business and I believe that business should be as transparent as possible,” she said. “When exemptions to disclosure are codified in public law, our democracy is diminished. The Sunshine Committee is an instrument of transparency and accountability. It’s a prime example of what makes a democracy great.”

The state attorney general’s office provides staffing and support for the Committee. Attorney General Bob Ferguson said that Chase would be a welcome addition.

"Sen. Chase has been a long-time advocate for open government," Ferguson said. "I'm proud to welcome her to the Sunshine Committee where her insight and expertise will be extremely valuable."

The Sunshine Committee is comprised of 13 legislators, attorneys and open government advocates. It was established in 2007 to ensure that state public records are accessible for citizen examination.  When Washington’s public-records law was set up in 1972 there were 10 exemptions from full public disclosure.  Today there are more than 300 exemptions to the Public Disclosure Act.

Chase represents Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Lynnwood, part of Mountlake Terrace, south Edmonds, Woodway and the rest of the 32nd Legislative District.


Read more...

Host families needed for French students from July 31 to August 21

Emily and Kaitlyn Paulsen with Constance,
one of their French guests, taken at Snoqualmie Falls last summer.


Local host families are needed for students coming from France for a stay in Puget Sound from July 31 to August 21.

Host families need to provide a bed and meals eaten with the family. This is a large group coming all together, who will stay with different host families.

Organizer Jamin Henderson says, "We have a few group activities planned while they are here and your family is welcome to join us. Wild Waves, Downtown Seattle, and the Space Needle are a couple of examples." 

The student will also be able to do activities with their host family.

Last summer, John and Deb Paulsen of Lake Forest Park hosted two students from this program. 


"Over the few short weeks that we were fortunate to enjoy with our host students, we saw our favorite spots in the city from a whole new perspective, and learned a lot about the French Culture. This is definitely a positive experience that we will treasure for years to come."

Their daughters, Emily and Kaitlyn, learned a lot from the experience. Emily says, “Being able to experience France’s culture through our exchange students was one reason why hosting was so rewarding for me.”

If you would like to be part of this opportunity contact us today. Horizons DuMonde, Jamin Henderson, 360-661-0552. 



Read more...

Rotary, Master Gardeners, and park volunteers clean up Blue Heron Park


On Saturday, Blue Heron Park in Lake Forest Park got a big clean up from a team of folks from Rotary, Master Gardeners, and park volunteers.  We were joined by two of our citizens who are running for City Council - John Resha and Hilda Thompson.


One pile of prunings going to the compost.

As always we thank Heather Bruno, manager of the Lake Forest Park Starbucks for the donation of coffee. We will be working in Blue Heron soon again to complete the clean up and begin restoration.  If you are interested in participating in this community event contact Linda Holman.

--Linda Holman


Read more...

Lake Forest Park street preservation: 2013 Overlay Project

Saturday, June 22, 2013

As part of the King County North Overlay Project for 2013, the City of Lake Forest Park will be overlaying 30th Ave NE between NE 205th St and NE 195th St. The work will begin sometime between July 1st and July 12th. The contractor chooses the dates.

30th Ave between NE 205th St and NE 195th St
will be resurfaced


The overlay will take place in three main phases:

Phase one is grinding. The grinders will grind small areas where 30th Ave NE meets side streets. This is known as the “marriage lines”. There will only be momentary delays for traffic entering 30th Ave NE. Grinding will take less than 1 day to complete.

Phase two is the paving. The pavers will place approximately 2 inches of new hot mix asphalt on the existing street surface, joining the side street’s asphalt at the marriage lines. There may be delays of 20 minutes to allow the new asphalt to cool before vehicles drive on it. Paving will take less than 1 day to complete.

Phase three is the replacement of street surface markings. The traffic markings are painted down in dry weather. There should be only momentary delays as the paint trucks make their way down the street. Markings should take no more than a couple of hours to complete.

Dated No Parking barricades will be placed by the contractor for both the grinding and the paving. Please be aware of the temporary parking restrictions. Cars parked along 30th Ave during the restricted times will result in project delays and will be towed at the owner’s expense.

For questions call Lake Forest Park’s Public Works Department at 206-368-5440 Ext. 125.


Read more...

Child holocaust survivor Lillian Boraks-Nemetz at Lynnwood Jewish Center Sunday

Lillian Boraks-Nemetz
Author and child holocaust survivor Lillian Boraks-Nemetz will speak at the Chabad Jewish Center in Lynnwood this Sunday, June 23rd at 4pm. Suggested donation $10. The Center is at 19626 76th Ave W Suite B Lynnwood WA 98036.

Hear Lillian share her fascinating life story, followed by an open question session. All are welcome. Mike Schanche of Congressman Rick Larsen’s office will share remarks on behalf of Congressman Larsen.

Lillian Boraks-Nemetz was born in Warsaw, Poland. As a child, she was incarcerated in the Warsaw Ghetto for eighteen months. For the remainder of WWII Lillian was hidden under a false identity.

In 1947, she and her family moved to Canada, living first in Montreal, then Vancouver, and finally settling in Victoria.

Lillian Boraks-Nemetz is the author of a trilogy for young readers (The Old Brown Suitcase, The Sunflower Diary, and The Lenski File) and two volumes of poetry. She has translated and co-translated into English two poetry collections written by Polish émigré poets. She teaches creative writing in the Department of Continuing Studies at the University of British Columbia.

In her novel, The Old Brown Suitcase, an immigrant girl comes to Canada from Poland. Her suitcase is filled with memories of the Warsaw Ghetto where she left behind her parents and sister.


“To witness and experience, arguably the worst period in history, yet still have the dignity and strength to rebuild from the ashes, is beyond admirable. It is super-human.   It is our honor and privilege to have Mrs. Lillian Boraks-Nemetz come and share her experiences with us.” Said Rabbi Berel Paltiel of the Chabad Jewish center.

Read more...

Volunteers honored by Shoreline Police

Photos by Steven H. Robinson

Kathryn Egan from the Eastside and Rose Laffoon from the Westside Storefronts were honored as volunteers of the year at the Shoreline Police annual training and recognition for police volunteers

Kathryn Egan with Chief Ledford

Rose Laffoon with Chief Ledford



5 year Service Award pins were awarded to Keith Bond, Jeannie Bond, Kathryn Egan, Bob Croy and Gabrielle Swe (all in photo with Capt. Strathy, Chief Ledford, Off. Obstler). 


10 year Service Award pins were given to Glenis Pereboon, John Berkman and Bob Brown (Brown not in photo).


15 year Service Award pins were given to Sue Hempel (not in photo), Vivian Cadwallader, Mary Kay Doyle, and Dan Henry (Recently passed away, service pin was awarded to family).


Read more...

$12,000 in College Scholarships Awarded to Shorewood Students


Left to right: Austin Ryan, Alex Ashleman, Lisa Le, Elizabeth Mar, Barbara Medina, Alex Ryan, Dylan Stephens, Yi Zhou, Elizabeth Stensrud, Keelin McKellar. Not in photographed: Gracia Bridges, Jordan Stobbe


The Shoreline Breakfast Rotary Club recently honored 12 Shorewood High School students with $1,000 college scholarships.  These students excelled in academics, leadership and community service, demonstrating the Rotary value of “service above self.” 

“We were so impressed with the achievements and talents of these students,” said Club President Lynn Cheeney. “The Shoreline Breakfast Rotary Club is excited to be helping these students with their future plans.”

The students will study a wide range of interests including business, education, engineering, science, and medicine.  Listed below are each scholarship recipient and the school they will be attending this fall.

    Alex Ashleman Pacific Lutheran University
    Gracia Bridges University of California-LA
    Austin Buchanan Western Washington University
    Lisa Le  University of Washington
    Keelin McKellar Washington State University
    Elizabeth Mar  Edmonds Community College
    Barbara Medina Seattle University
    Alexander Ryan Shoreline Community College
    Elizabeth Stensrud University of California-Berkeley
    Dylan Stephens Ursinus College
    Jordan Stobbe  Loyola University (Chicago)
    Yi Zhou  University of California-Berkeley

The Shoreline Breakfast Rotary Club meets weekly on Wednesday mornings, 7:00-8:30 am at the Shoreline Conference Center. More information about the Shoreline Breakfast Rotary Club.


Read more...

Shoreline Arts Festival Preview: Hands On Art!



Calling children of all ages, big and small from 1 to 99 years old! Join us and let your creativity unfold with a collection of Hands On art stations.

Back by popular demand are the festival's famous Fish Prints and Plexi Glass Portraits, and several new projects are in the mix too. Try your hand at the whimsical Artimals and make color come to life with Magical Mosaics and Chihuly-inspired Macchia art.

You're also invited to create a dynamic piece inspired by the festival's Literary Room and the pop-up picture book called Arlo Needs Glasses.  Take a stop at Hands On Art...we'll be looking for you!

The Hands On Art station will be open an available for your creative pleasures all open hours of the festival. 

The Shoreline Arts Festival is held on Saturday June 29 (10am-6pm) and Sunday June 30 (10am-5pm) at the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave N.

The Festival is free and open to the public and includes music performances, cultural rooms, artist’s marketplace, hands-on art for kids, free photo-booth, juried art shows, and surprises around every corner!

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



Read more...

Web class offered at Shoreline Community College in August

Margaret Royzen, Web developer
Margaret Royzen, Certified C# Web Developer, Certified C# Programmer, experienced Web and game Developer will be teaching Building Websites with HTML5 and CSS3 camp at Shoreline Community College on August 12-16, 2013 from 9-3pm.

Students will have fun learning about internet, webpage structure, common HTML tags and how to use them. They will apply Cascading Style Sheets (CSS3) to dress-up their web pages. At the end of the course every student will be able to build his/her own page from scratch! 

Read more...

Public auction of surplus Shorewood equipment June 26

Thursday, June 20, 2013

To the highest bidder - a convection oven with stand
Photo by James G. Murphy Co catalog


James G. Murphy Co. will hold a public auction of surplus equipment in the old Shorewood at 10am on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Preview begins at 8am. More information at the company website.

Surplus items include culinary arts kitchen equipment, fitness equipment and school furnishings such as student and teacher desks, chairs and lockers.

With the transition to the new school facility, the current Shorewood High School offices and facilities will be closed to the public between June 24 and 30 while staff packs and moves the school.

Demolition of the old Shorewood is expected to begin the week of July 1.

The new Shorewood administrative offices will open Aug. 12, but the remainder of the building will be closed to the public prior to the opening of school Sept. 4, 2013.


Read more...

Third Place Commons end of June events

Enter and go to the left - Third Place Commons

Third Place Commons still has a full slate of groups and activities for young and old. The Commons is located adjacent to Third Place Books in the town center mall at Ballinger and Bothell Ways in Lake Forest Park.

Here are a few  end of the month family events. Borrow a niece or nephew so you have an excuse to see the entertainment and sign your kids up for the programs!

Magical Wonderland Show with Louie Foxx 11am-12pm
Saturday, June 22

Be amazed by magic tricks and juggling using things normally found underground. You will even learn a trick you can share with your friends.  For ages 3 and older.  Presented by our friends at KCLS.

Musical Adventure into the Earth Concert with Eli Rosenblatt 3-4pm
Wednesday, June 26

Come on a musical ride through underground jungles, deserts, rivers and lakes to meet all kinds of magical creatures.  Family program, ages 2 and older welcome.  Presented by our friends at KCLS.

Here's a five week program for teen girls:

Girl Power! 3:30-5pm
Thursday, June 27

This special 5 week summer series for Teen Girls age 14-18 focuses on self-empowerment and creative expression. We will explore our heartfelt dreams and desires, learn affirmations and visioning techniques, and share in supportive friendship. Please pre-register for the series by sending an email to Teri Jo,

And for the racers:

Rotary Pinewood Derby 10am-1pm
Saturday, June 29

Rotary Club of Seattle Northeast invites all District 5030 Clubs to compete for the distinguished honor of being “The Fastest Club in Town”.  Come cheer for your favorite racers.


Read more...

Preliminary results show reading and writing passing rate surpassing 93 percent for Class of 2013



According to preliminary state-level data released today by State Superintendent Randy Dorn, more than 93 percent of Washington’s 12th-grade students in the Class of 2013 passed both the state reading and writing high school proficiency exams (HSPE), or state-approved alternatives, prior to reaching their respective graduation ceremonies.

The Class of 2013 faces a new hurdle: They also need to pass a math end-of-course (EOC) exam in algebra I or geometry. EOCs are administered during the last three weeks of school, and preliminary results will be returned in late August, along with preliminary results from the Measurements of Student Progress for grades 3-8 and district- and school-level numbers for the HSPE.

Final results for all exams will be available in the fall.

Read more...

New principals named for Echo Lake, Parkwood


Ann Torres has been selected as principal of Parkwood Elementary, and Andrew Lohman has been selected as principal of Echo Lake Elementary, Superintendent Sue Walker announced. These appointments are effective July 1 and are subject to approval by the Shoreline School Board.

Ann has served as assistant principal of Shorewood High School since 2008, and was dean of students and administrative intern at Shorewood prior to that. She served as principal for the District’s secondary summer school program from 2008 to 2010.

Ann was an English and Social Studies teacher at Shorewood from 2001-07, serving as Social Studies chairperson for three years.

Ann completed the Washington School Administrator program at Seattle Pacific University, and received her master’s degree from SPU and bachelor’s degree from The Evergreen State College. She worked for several social-service agencies before becoming a classroom teacher.

For Andrew Lohman, his selection as Echo Lake principal marks a return to Shoreline Schools, having previously taught 5th grade at Highland Terrace from 2007 to 2012 and at Sunset from 2004 to 2007. He was also an administrative intern at Highland Terrace during the 2011-12 school year. This year he served as an assistant principal at Fernwood and Crystal Springs Elementary Schools in the Northshore School District.

Andrew received his principal’s certification from Western Washington University, a masters in teaching degree from Seattle University and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Seattle Pacific University.

Andrew’s mother, Charlotte Lohman, taught for many years at Echo Lake, and his wife, Jennifer Lohman, taught at Echo Lake and Sunset as well.


Read more...

Ferguson’s shrimp-feed fundraiser rescheduled for September


State Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s annual north Seattle “shrimp feed” fundraising event, which had been scheduled for Sunday, June 23, has been rescheduled for September.

State officials are barred from participating in fundraising activities during the legislative session, which twice has been extended this year.

Although Ferguson will not be on the ballot for four years, he plans to use the delayed event to raise money for candidates on the local ballot this year including Rod Dembowski, who succeeded Ferguson in representing District 1 on the Metropolitan King County Council.  


Read more...

Two Shorecrest singles players, Shorewood doubles team make all-Wesco 3A South tennis team

Meera Limaye and Jenny Sui with their coach Robert Mann


Shorecrest singles players Meera Limaye and Jenny Sui, and the Shorewood doubles team of Daniella Brengelmann and Francesca O'Malley have made the nine-member all-Wesco-3A-South tennis team.

They were joined on the team by a singles player and a doubles team from Glacier Peak and a doubles team from Mountlake Terrace.

Brengelmann and O'Malley with coach Arnie Moreno

Brengelmann and O'Malley placed fourth at the State 3A tournament May 24-25.

Limaye placed eighth in the State singles competition.

A week earlier, Brengelmann and O'Malley finished second in the Northwest District 3A doubles, and Sui placed second with Limaye third in the District singles.

Earlier, Brengelmann and O'Malley won the Wesco 3A South doubles championship, and Limaye won the singles championship with Sui third.


Read more...

Summer Explorers Educational Day Camp - grades 1-6


See Turning Point for more information

Read more...

22,000 runners in Seattle for the Rock n Roll Marathon Saturday


Hot Chelle Rae will headline the Rock n Roll Marathon
22,000 runners are expected to compete in the 2013 Rock n Roll Marathon in downtown Seattle Saturday. An after party will be held at Seattle Center, headlined by rock group Hot Chelle Rae, named best new artist at the American Music Awards.

Runners from all 50 states and 21 countries will participate in the marathon, which benefits the American Cancer Society.

Streets will be closed and buses rerouted for the event, which begins and ends at Seattle Center. Until about 10am, most buses that normally travel through downtown Seattle will be
 rerouted. Most buses heading into Seattle from the north will turn back at Olive Way near
 Convention Place Tunnel Station (CPS).

After 10am, most downtown buses will resume most of their regular routing, but may 
remain on minor reroutes in some areas until as late as 3pm.

More information on race events is available at Run Rock n Roll.


Read more...

Photo: Cool dog at Central Market

Photo by Frank Kleyn

Frank Kleyn took this photo of a cool dog (not hot dog, not cool cat) waiting casually in his sidecar seat of a motorcycle in the parking lot at Central Market. 

Note the eye protection, although his seat does have a windshield.


Read more...

Op-ed: Ronald Wastewater District prefers communication over litigation


By Michael U. Derrick, General Manager, Ronald Wastewater District

On May 22 the Shoreline City Council held a special meeting to authorize a lawsuit against Ronald Wastewater District for a perceived breach of its Interlocal Agreement with the City. Heeding public comment that was unanimously opposed to the City filing suit, Mayor McGlashan announced that the Council would not sue and the Council directed city staff to open a dialogue with the District.

On June 12, 2013, Ronald Wastewater District presented a letter to the City of Shoreline requesting a date for such a dialogue “in a spirit of mutual respect.” The District believes both agencies are “motivated by what is in the best interest of the people who pay for and depend upon sewer and other government services.”

According to Board President Wadekamper, “There are some significant legal flaws with the Interlocal Agreement. We want to talk with the City about them and negotiate a mutually agreeable solution in good faith.”


Ronald Wastewater District is a locally controlled municipal government that has provided sewer service to its ratepayers since 1951.


Read more...

Ham Radio Operators demonstrate modern capabilities this weekend

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Communications Mobile Command Vehicle in Shoreline
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg


Public Demonstration and Practice of Emergency Communications 11am June 22 to 11am June 23, Shoreline Fire Department, 175th and Aurora Ave N.

By Marc Weinberg

Thousands of Ham Radio operators across the US and Canada will be showing off their emergency capabilities for 24 hours June 22-23.

Over the past year, the news has been full of reports of ham radio providing critical communications in emergencies world-wide. In most cases Amateur Radio – often called “Ham Radio” - was often the ONLY way people could communicate, and hundreds of volunteer “hams” traveled great distances to set up communication facilities for fire, police and other first responders to save lives and property.

When trouble is brewing, ham radio people are often the first to provide critical information and communications.

During this 24 hours, the public will have a chance to meet our Shoreline HAMS and talk with them to find out what the Amateur Radio Service is about. Showing the newest digital and satellite capabilities, voice communications and even historical Morse code, hams from across the USA and Canada will be holding public demonstrations like this event to show the public emergency communications in action.

This annual event is called "Field Day." It is sponsored by the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio. Using only emergency power supplies, ham operators will construct emergency stations in parks, shopping malls, schools and back yards around the country.

Their slogan, "Ham radio works when other systems don't! " is more than just words to the hams as they prove they can send messages in many forms without the use of phone systems, internet or any other infrastructure that can be compromised in a crisis. More than 30,000 amateur radio operators across the country participated in last year's event.

Learn more about Ham Radio in Shoreline. The public is most cordially invited to come, meet and talk with the hams. See what modern Amateur Radio can do.


Read more...

Knock your socks off at the Shoreline Arts Festival June 29-30

Park Hyeonhyee
will perform at the Shoreline Arts Festival


Performance line up at the Arts Festival will knock your socks off!

The Shoreline Arts Festival has an eclectic mix of performers this year from our immediate community and beyond.  Be entertained with music, dance, drama and magic.

With the variety of acts you'll be able to take a tour of Seattle music with local favorites or transport yourself to Hawaii, Mexico, Ireland, England, Korea, China and the Philippines and never leave your seat in the Shoreline Room or Auditorium! Come to be amazed, to tap your feet and follow along at this year's performances.

ChoroLoco Brazilian Jazz
will deliver a one-two punch
at the Shoreline Arts Festival

Performances include sets by local singer/songwriter Jess Lambert, the swinging and sultry sounds of ChoroLoco Brazilian Jazz, extraordinary acts of prestidigitation by Brian Ledbetter Magic, and many many more. See the complete schedule in the festival guide for all the details!

The Shoreline Arts Festival is held on Saturday June 29 (10am-6pm) and Sunday June 30 (10am-5pm) at the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave N.

Nonesuch English Dancers
at the Shoreline Arts Festival

The Festival is free and open to the public and includes music performances, cultural rooms, artist’s marketplace, hands-on art for kids, free photo-booth, juried art shows, and surprises around every corner!

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


Read more...

Temporary Seattle-Bellingham Amtrak Cascades service ends as I-5 reopens

With the temporary bridge in place over the Skagit River and Interstate 5 back in business (if slowly), the additional Washington State Department of Transportation-sponsored Amtrak Cascades  service between Seattle and Bellingham will be discontinued. Space is available on regularly scheduled Amtrak Cascades trains and Thruway Motorcoach buses. 

Amtrak, Sound Transit and BNSF stepped up in the hours after the bridge collapse to help WSDOT quickly offer another mobility option for the traveling public,” said Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson. “I am grateful for these efforts, and that this partnership came together at a critical moment to find solutions for Washingtonians.” 

Space is available on trains and buses and reservations are required. Tickets are available online or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. In addition to rail service, Amtrak Cascades offers 10 Thruway bus trips through the area daily.


Read more...

What's cooking at Central Market?

If you're looking for inspiration, answers, tips or new recipes - come by the Culinary Resource Center near Produce at Central Market on the upper level of Aurora Square (Sears). There's often something to sample, and always recipes for the taking.

Here's the lineup for demonstrations. The kiosk is staffed 10 am-6:30 pm daily (9 am-5:30 pm Sundays) with sampling noon to 4:30 pm. If a line appears under the recipe, click to go to the full recipe.

Thurs, June 20     Philly Cheesesteaks 
Fri, June 21          Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus
Sun,  June 23       Halibut with Fresh Strawberry Salsa
Mon, June 24       Tuscan Flatbread Pizzas 
Tues, June 25       Strawberry Smoothies


Read more...

Happy Birthday America! Free Seattle Wind Symphony July 3 at Benaroya

Photo courtesy Seattle Wind Symphony


Join the Seattle Wind Symphony for America’s Birthday Celebration and hear your favorite patriotic tunes. You will clap and tap to marches, join in rousing sing-a-longs, listen to outstanding soloists, and sit back to enjoy some of our nation’s best musical heritage. Bring the kids! Bring the grandparents! You’ll not want to miss this one!  

Benaroya Hall July 3 at 7:30 p.m. This program can be enjoyed by all ages—and it’s free to the public with donations accepted at the door.    

Seattle Wind Symphony musicians are 60 of the Puget Sound’s finest woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists, dedicated to the presentation of excellent symphonic wind music to the general public, educators, and students.

Music lovers will enjoy a professional symphonic band conducted by one of the country’s foremost recognized conductor, Professor Larry Gookin from Central Washington University, who is artistic director of the new Seattle Wind Symphony.

Tickets: the concert is free but tickets are required for entry. 

Tickets available while supplies last:

  • Ticket Office (Third Ave. and Union St.  Office Hours: 10am-6pm weekdays and 1pm-6pm Saturday.
  • By Mail: send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Seattle Symphony Tickets, PO Box 2108, WA 98111.
  • Free tickets are also available at any Kennelly Keys Music store (Lynnwood, Northgate)
Seating is guaranteed to all ticket holders until 10 minutes prior to the start of the concert, at which time the doors will open to the general public.


This event is presented by the Seattle Wind Symphony and in cooperation with Live@Benaroya, KING-FM and Kennelly Keys Music.


Read more...

Evening Magazine to air segment on Million Stair Challenge


Evening Magazine staff
Photo by Keith McGlashan
Evening Magazine visited Shoreline’s Saltwater Park Wednesday morning to do a story on the Million Stair Challenge. Last year there were 1.2 million stairs climbed in the month of June. This year we are only halfway through the month and we are already above 1.2 million. We might have to change the name next year to the 2 Million Stair Challenge. 

The Evening Magazine segment will air this this Thursday evening at 7pm on King 5.

Bill Clements leads the charge with over 100,000 steps so far this month and he was adding to that total during the interview. Kinin Taylor is now well over 70,000 for the month.

Appropriately enough, Bill was the co-chair of the successful 2006 Park bond levy which among other projects, rebuilt the hillside at Saltwater Park and put in the stairway.

Bill Clements and Kinin Taylor are the leaders
Photo by Keith McGlashan
The rules of the Million Stair Challenge are simple; climb as many stairs as you can on as many days as you like during the month of June. Log the number of full or half flights you have climbed on either the online or paper tracking form and the Parks and Recreation Staff will keep track of all the numbers and post weekly updates on the Million Stair Challenge website

As a special addition for 2013, anyone who uses the online tracking form and provides their email address will be eligible to win Million Stair Challenge prizes!


Read more...

Online New Park survey

Site of New Park in Lake Forest Park
Photo by Jerry Pickard

If you are interested in providing input for the design of Lake Forest Park’s New Park at 17038 44th Ave NE you can take a quick, online survey.

In 2011, the City purchased the property at 17038 44th Ave NE using grant funds. The park is located on the east side of the Town Center and north of the fire department.

The property was identified as an opportunity to create connections, natural drainage, people places and habitat. In 2012, the City demolished the existing house in accordance with grant requirements. 

Recently, Mayor Mary Jane Goss formed the New Park Task Force to work with the Administration to prepare the park master plan. This task force seeks your input with this survey.



Read more...

Shoreline City Council Meeting June 17, 2013


Notes from Shoreline City Council June 17, 2013
By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

World Refugee Day
Mayor McGlashan presented a proclamation honoring World Refugee Day on June 20. World Refugee Day was established by the United Nations to honor the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homes under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.

Mayor Keith McGlashan presents the proclamation
to ICHS Foundation Director
Photo by Devon Vose Rickabaugh

“The City of Shoreline has long recognized the richness and value brought to our community by refugees and immigrants. It has also supported services these families need in order to adapt to their new country and community. International Community Health Services (ICHS) is currently constructing a new community health center slated to open in the fall of 2014. ICHS chose Shoreline as a site because we are both home to many immigrants and refugees and because the location on Aurora provides ready access to those living nearby. In addition to this new and needed service, the City of Shoreline provides funding to the Center for Human Services and the Refugee Women’s Alliance of Washington who both support refugees. In observance of World Refugee Day this proclamation recognizes the day in the City of Shoreline and honors the courage, resilience and determination of refugees and the organizations that support them.” 

Ron Chew ICHS Foundation Director received the proclamation.

Capital Improvement Program
The council spent this meeting listening and responding to the update of the 2014-2019 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The City is required to annually adopt a six-year Capital Improvement Plan. This plan is broken into four funds – General, Facilities Major Maintenance, Surface Water and Roads.. City Engineer Tricia Juhnke explained  the key projects and their estimated cost in each of these areas. Since all of the projects will not be funded the council members discussed  projects they thought were high priority.

Finishing the Aurora Corridor between 192nd and  205th  was one of the first priorities for most of the council members. Juhnke said that the last bid that came in was higher than the available budget. She said staff recommends allocating an additional $500,000 to $1 million to adequately fund the project.

Council member Hall said “I think we are systematically underfunding road maintenance”. He said he didn’t think the resurfacing product used last was holding up and he wanted road maintenance to be a higher priority than sidewalks. Council member Eggen wanted to know what projects won’t get done when others have higher priority. He said street lighting is a safety issue and “traffic circles a waste of money.”

Most of the council wanted the city staff to pursue buying Cedarbrook School property when the school district sells it. Also the council wanted more information on the “Kim” property adjacent to Paramount Park and to hold off on the Jackson Shortplat located south of Paramount Open Space.

In addition to pipe repair and replacement, The Boeing Creek Basin Plan identified Hidden Lake sediment dredging as particularly challenging. With the heavy storms like the ones in November and December of last year the $50,000 allocated for annual maintenance went up to $275,000. Staff recommends developing alternative strategies to managing Hidden Lake dredging to avoid the current situation in the future and reduce this and unpredictable expense to the utility.  Council member Salomon suggested letting it fill up with sediment. Mayor McGlashan asked the staff to look into what effect letting the sediment build up would have on the storm water control facilities in Boeing Creek Park. Hidden Lake is supposed to be maintained as a natural habitat, a staff member said.

City Manager Julie Underwood and city staff will write out a list of projects and costs to be further discussed on September 16th.  A  public hearing will be held on November 4th and the council will adopt The Capitol Improvement Program on November 28th.


Read more...

Public invited to Arab Community Potluck Sunday


Arab Community Potluck Sunday, June 23rd at Hamlin Park
From 3-7pm with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 5:00pm
FREE 

Mar’haba! The Arab Center of Washington, (ACW) is inviting the public to attend the second of their annual community potluck series. This event will celebrate ACW's participation in the 23rd Shoreline Arts Festival and kick off its Fundraising Campaign.

Come to share food and friendship in the natural beauty of Hamlin Park. ACW Board President, Huda Giddens, will give an update on the Shoreline Arab Culture Room and this fall's Arab Festival at Seattle Center. 

AGENDA:
3:00 - 4:30 Set-up, pick up soccer and nature walk
5:00 - 5:30 Announcements and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Huda Giddens
5:30 - 7:00 Eat and clean up 

Please bring a dish to share with 6-8 other people. ACW will provide plates, cups, forks, napkins. As this event is outdoors, please dress accordingly.

For more information about the Arab Culture Room contact Su Nelson, Festival Coordinator  or visit Arab Center Washington.


Read more...

Volunteer at the Shoreline Arts Festival



The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is in great need of volunteers to fill this year’s work needs at the 23rd annual Shoreline Arts Festival, June 29-30 (and a few days leading up to it), and would love your help. The Festival will be held at the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave. N Shoreline, WA. The Festival is free to all and is a great opportunity to get involved with local artists of all kinds in your community.

Sign up to help and then share this volunteer opportunity with anyone who might be interested in committing a couple of hours to our community to make this another great Festival. Students can receive community service credit for their work too,

They are looking for people to fill 2-3 hour spots; people can work as many shifts as they like. They have a need for people to work in Hands-On Art helping kids create fun artwork; sit in the various art rooms; work with parking; help in the food court area; and more! All the different opportunities are listed at their website (see below).

They are using VolunteerSpot this year to sign up:

1. Click this link to go to the invitation page on VolunteerSpot
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone, and neither does the Arts Council.  If you prefer not to use your email address, contact them 206-417-4645 and they can sign you up manually.


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


Read more...

Next Monday's Shoreline City Council meeting cancelled

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

The City Council Meeting of Monday, June 24, 2013 has been cancelled due to the Council's participation in the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Conference. The next Council meeting will be held Monday, July, 1, 2013.


Read more...

School District and Shoreline Education Association sign agreement

Shoreline School District and Shoreline Education Association (SEA) are pleased to announce agreement to extend the SEA Collective Bargaining Agreement to August 31, 2015.  The terms of the two-year extension were ratified by SEA membership and approved by the Shoreline Board of Directors on June 17.

The 2013-14 school year calendar has previously been approved and published, and is available on the district’s website.


Read more...

Bicycle smoothies explained

Monday, June 17, 2013

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
at the Shoreline Farmers Market

What is a Bicycle Smoothie? 

This photo from the opening day of the Shoreline Farmers Market was a puzzle. Just what is a bicycle smoothie? The bicycles and riders were obvious in the photo, but smoothies were nowhere in sight and staff appeared to be standing around, rather than handling blenders.

Fortunately a reader has provided an explanation.
These are the best smoothies you will ever taste! All natural, organic ingredients, with honey or aguave used to sweeten. The blender is connected to the bike wheel, so the blender whirls as you pedal the bike! They will blend it for you, or you can jump on and pedal your own bike (and smoothie) for $1 off! 
So the staff are the ones in the rain hats, holding the lids on the blenders on the back of the bike.
Some photos just require explanation.



Read more...

King County launches eAppeals, easy online way to research & appeal property values



Now you can file a property tax appeal from the comfort of your home with just a few mouse clicks. King County eAppeals, allows taxpayers to research, compare and file a property value appeal all from their computer or tablet device – saving property owners time and money and streamlining the entire process. The new system went online June 10, 2013.

"We've been determined to make the property value appeal process easier, more informative, and more transparent to taxpayers," said King County Assessor Lloyd Hara. "With the launch of King County eAppeals, that day has arrived."

King County eAppeals allows taxpayers to research and file a property assessment appeal from start to finish. In Washington State, taxpayers can not appeal their property tax bill. Instead, they can appeal the property assessment that the property tax bill is based upon.

Using the eAppeals online service, taxpayers can look up their own assessed value (used in setting property taxes), and then search for sales of comparable properties through a series of user adjustable criteria. This will allow the taxpayer to compare their assessed value (fair market value) to that of similar sold properties, helping them to decide whether an appeal would be worthwhile.

Special tools allow a taxpayer to calculate what their proposed value would mean in terms of a potential property tax refund. From there, the taxpayer can set up an eAppeals account, pick their comparable sale properties, add any back- up information, and file their appeal – all online. By creating an account, taxpayers can then track the progress of their appeal and receive electronic notifications of when either, new documents are available, or their hearing is scheduled.

The new online system is significantly more taxpayer friendly. The existing paper-based appeal system can require lengthy research and document coordination by the taxpayer. With eAppeals, this research, coordination, and documentation can be accomplished electronically, saving taxpayers time and effort.

Using King County eAppeals is free.

The online service will save King County money in a variety of ways, by improving efficiencies and reducing paper documents and postage costs.

“Taxpayers are always asking what data was used to set my property value,” added Neal Cook, clerk to the Board of Equalization, “King County eAppeals let’s them search for comparable sale properties and even personally adjust the criteria to see if it all makes sense. This is a great step towards greater transparency in the entire appeal process.”

“This shows how technology can increase efficiency, improve customer service and lower costs long-term,” said Bill Kehoe, King County’s Chief Information Officer. “We’re able to automate and streamline the business process, give taxpayer’s 24/7 access to filing an appeal, and save money on paper, photocopying and postage. This is what One King County teamwork can deliver.”


Read more...

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Raven Boys

Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Blue Sargeant is not a psychic. Well, not exactly. She doesn't find hidden things using the Tarot cards, or see the future in a bowl of cranberry-grape juice, or discover the truth by touching an object that belongs to a suspicious person.

Blue amplifies psychic energy ... and when she meets up with a group of boys from exclusive Aglionby Academy who are seeking the body of a  centuries-old Welsh king, their quest becomes more intense. And more mysterious. And more sinister. And more dangerous.

The magic of this darkly imaginative twisting story is lushly written. The characters are wonderfully portrayed, and although very different from each other, join into a strange and compellingly cohesive circle. The relationships are not straightforward and are more convincing because of the complex, jagged edges. This book is first in a projected quartet; the second book, The Dream Thieves, is scheduled for release on September 17th, 2013.

Rating:
Cussing, person-on-person violence, death, magic, and a sweet-but-not-straightforward romance. The audiobook is gorgeously read by Will Patton, with buffer music composed and performed by the author. Highly recommended for readers 14 to adult.

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

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


Read more...

How do I ride a bus? Part 5: Swift, RapidRide, Bus Rapid Transit

I’ve never – or rarely – ridden a bus…how do I ride a bus?

Part 5
By Brian Doennebrink

What about riding Swift or Rapid Ride, or Bus Rapid Transit?

There are some differences between riding a non-Bus Rapid Transit bus (most buses), Swift Bus Rapid Transit (operated by Community Transit, traveling between Aurora Village and Everett Station), and King County Metro’s RapidRide. The latter two run more frequently, from every 10-20 minutes, depending on the time of day or day of the week.



For riding Swift Bus Rapid Transit, payment is made by tapping one’s ORCA card at the ORCA card reader at the station or, using cash or Visa or Mastercard, using Ticket Vending Machines at the station. Tip: give yourself a couple of minutes of extra time if using the TVMs!

For RapidRide, payment is made by ORCA card if there’s an ORCA card reader at the station, or on the ORCA card reader that’s on the bus. Cash payment or transfer slips are also accepted on the bus.


For riders of Swift Bus Rapid Transit, the bus stops at every station, leaving within 10 seconds. Disabled riders have a means of indicating where they’re deboarding the bus.

For RapidRide, when a rider pulls the cord that is at the top of the windows or pushes a button, typically on a pole, the bus will stop at the next stop.


Swift Bus Rapid Transit buses offer a self-serve option for wheelchair passengers to strap themselves in as well as the driver-assisted option.

RapidRide riders have the same options on most coaches.

Riders with bicycles roll their bicycles onto the Swift bus through the back/third door of the bus, where there are spots for three bicycles (additional bicycles at driver’s option).

Riders with bicycles on RapidRide load and unload their bicycles at the front of the bus.

Other articles in the How to Ride a Bus series:


Other articles by Brian Doennebrink on Public Transit Choices can be found on the front page under Features.


Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP