Christmas Lights

Friday, December 20, 2013

Photo by Lee Lageschulte
A home in the Hillwood neighborhood, 2nd NW and 195th


Light of Christmas shining through
Our eyes, our smiles, you know we could
Shine on through
The good that we do for the people that don't have it so good

Light me up and I'll show you the way
Every year can't wait for Christmas day
Light me up, I finally figured out
What Christmas is all about

--Owl City

.

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Christmas Eve Services at Ronald United Methodist Church



Christmas Eve services at Ronald United Methodist Church, 17839 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, will begin at 7pm. The evening will include special music and a candle lighting ceremony, as well as Holy Communion.

The United Methodist celebrate an Open Table for Communion so that all are welcome and can take part. For more information, visit the church website, FaceBook page, or phone 206-542-2484.


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Winged Jewel - hummingbird in the snow

Photo by Wayne Pridemore


                                    Winged Jewel


            With wings spun of silver and hearts of gold,
                        These tiny creatures our hearts behold.

            With angelic features and colors so bright,
                        Make even the heaviest heart seem light.

            The magical way they flit through the sky,
                        They appear, then vanish in the blink of an eye.

            They’re sending a message for us to retrieve,
                        Anything’s possible for those who believe!


                     Written by Christopher Griffiths


Photo by Wayne Pridemore

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End of Year report from Congressman Jim McDermott


From Congressman Jim McDermott

Happy Holidays! As 2013 comes to a close, I'd like to take some time to reflect upon the past year and share with you some highlights.

This year the Evergreen State had the honor of providing the Capitol Christmas Tree. Speaking at the tree lighting was a refreshing break from polarized D.C. politics. Along with the Capitol tree, the U.S. Forest Service brought a smaller tree to my D.C. office. It’s nice to have a piece of home during stressful days at the Capitol. 

Jim McDermott is the congressional representative
for the 7th District, which includes Shoreline
and Lake Forest Park


In the last few months, we often heard from our constituents on coverage options created by the Affordable Care Act, both stories of successes and failures. Happily, many of those callers were able to sign up for affordable and more comprehensive plans in the WA Health Benefits Exchange. The roll-out has been rocky, and not everyone has been able to find insurance solutions they like, but thanks to the efforts by King County, Governor Inslee, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, and the Obama Administration, health reform is working for Washingtonians across the state. Washington state has already reached over 176,000 enrollments with more people finding coverage every day. I am optimistic that in the coming year more enrollments and more improvements will make this reform truly a success.

I receive many requests from constituents asking for assistance with federal government agencies and my Seattle office is ready to help. We work with federal agencies such as the Veterans Administration, Social Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of State, just to name a few. This year, we helped seniors claim money owed to them by the Social Security Administration, sometimes thousands of dollars in back payments; assisted veterans in communicating with the VA regarding the benefits they earned; and helped navigate the sometimes complex immigration rules for constituents’ family members. If you have an issue with any agency in the federal government, please do not hesitate to contact my District Office in Seattle at (206) 553-7170. My office will help you directly or refer you to the appropriate organization to help resolve your problem.

Sadly, Congressional Leadership chose to end our session before we had a chance to get some of our most important work accomplished. We need to take action on comprehensive immigration reform, increasing the minimum wage, SNAP funding, the farm bill, and extending unemployment insurance for 1.3 million Americans who are about to lose it. I know these issues matter to you and you have my commitment that I will work hard to get them addressed. Looking forward, I hope in 2014 my fellow Members of Congress can work together to pass legislation that Americans want and needs. I will be hosting a coffee on January 18th at Hattie’s Hat in Ballard, which will give me a chance to meet with you face to face. Keep an eye out for those details and information on other events coming soon!

It is a great pleasure and honor to represent you in Congress. I hope you have a happy and safe New Year and wish you and your family the best in 2014 and beyond.

Sincerely,
Congressman Jim McDermott

PS – If you’d like to stay up to date on what I’m doing in Washington or in DC, sign up for my e-newsletter, find me on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter!



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Sound Transit Board elects King County Executive Dow Constantine as chair


The Sound Transit Board of Directors unanimously elected King County Executive Dow Constantine to serve as chair for the next two years starting Jan. 1, 2014. Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland and Everett City Councilmember Paul Roberts will serve as vice chairs.

“It’s an honor to succeed chair Pat McCarthy as we take on the work ahead,” said Executive Constantine. “We must keep University Link on track to open earlier than planned, and keep the extensions of light rail pushing forward on time and on budget. The update of our Long Range Plan will also inform how we deliver high-capacity transit throughout the Puget Sound region.”

Sound Transit is focusing on delivering all but two out of more than 30 miles of Sound Transit 2 light rail expansions by 2023 despite a 29 percent funding reduction created by the national recession. In 2014 crews will begin tunneling the largest construction contract in its history: continuing further north in a tunnel beneath Seattle’s University of Washington and Roosevelt areas to Northgate. In 2015 Sound Transit will begin construction of the East Link light rail extension to Mercer Island, Bellevue and Redmond, while closing in on extending current Link light rail service one stop further south from the airport, to South 200th Street.

The agency is working to establish final routes for extending light rail to the Lynnwood and Kent/Des Moines areas, and further south to Federal Way subject to identifying funding.

Meanwhile, the Board will explore long-term expansion priorities, including the details and timing of a potential Sound Transit 3 ballot measure that responds to expected population growth of nearly 30 percent by 2035.

“This is an exciting time for the region as Sound Transit makes good progress in its work to extend Link light rail and other transit services north to Northgate and Lynnwood,” said new vice-chair Paul Roberts. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to increase transit options for the citizens of Everett and other cities in Snohomish County, as well as those who live in King and Pierce counties.”

Each day, 100,000 riders in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties depend on Sound Transit trains and buses to reach their destinations. Third quarter 2013 ridership increased 10 percent from the same period last year.


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Up With People cast meets Pope Francis

Pope Francis and members of the Up With People cast
who were staying in our area this fall
By Jan Hansen

Members of Shoreline Rotary, along with other local Rotary Clubs, hosted the Up With People cast this fall. Yesterday their audience was larger than here at McCaw Hall, close to 75,000. What a great group of young people they are, with a musical message of hope and peace while at the same time doing service projects around the world. It was a joy to sponsor them for the greater Seattle area to enjoy.


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Four Shoreline District teachers earn National Board Certifications


Four Shoreline School District teachers have received their certifications from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

The teachers and schools are:

  • Melissa Ceesay, Syre Elementary
  • Matt Gallagher, Shorecrest High School
  • Randy Gangnes, Lake Forest Park Elementary
  • Ellen Smith, Einstein Middle School


With this latest announcement, Shoreline now has a total of 71 board-certified teachers currently working in the District. Numbers released by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards show that Washington has the most new NBCTs in the United States (516), and is fourth overall in the total number of NBCTs (7,333). This achievement brings the total number of teachers certified nationwide to more than 100,000.

The national certification process takes a minimum of 18 months. Teachers must demonstrate in their four-part portfolio a deep understanding and application of the national standards that are in place for their field of teaching. A national panel of peers then assesses the portfolio. Teachers also take a six-part examination in their content area.

The Shoreline School District supports the National Board Certification program by paying half of the registration fee. Those who complete the program receive a yearly salary bonus approved by the Legislature. Teachers attaining certification provide service either teaching professional development classes, supporting or mentoring colleagues, or working on projects.

Created in 1987, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is an independent, nonpartisan and nonprofit organization devoted to advancing the quality of teaching and learning. For more information, visit the NBPTS website.


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Everything's back to normal

A lot of people heeded the warnings and either stayed home or went in late today, Friday, December 20, 2014. This was good as the early morning roads were icy and treacherous, like being in a pinball machine, as one reader described it.

By 9:30 or 10am well-travelled roads were bare and wet, and the snow on neighborhood streets had turned to drivable slush.

Most institutions ran two hours late - Shoreline Schools, Shoreline Community College, garbage and recycling services. People who had places to go - work, appointments - reported lighter than usual traffic.

The snow brought out most of our photographers and we'll be sharing those photos with you.

--Diane Hettrick

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Republic Services in Lake Forest Park and Kenmore

Republic Services picked up garbage, yard waste and/or recycling today in Lake Forest Park and Kenmore, with a two hour delay.

If anyone was missed today, Republic asks you to bring your containers back in and you may put them back out on Saturday, December 28, with up to double the allowed amount.


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Photo: Snowfall

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Snow caught in the act - those white flecks in the photo are the real thing. The snow is not expected to last, but it's pretty while it's here.


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Shoreline Schools are two hours late with buses on snow routes


Shoreline Schools are operating on a two-hours late schedule Friday, December 20, 2013 and the buses are on snow routes.

Zero period secondary classes, where students go in an hour before normal start time, were cancelled this morning because of the snow. 

The Regular Education and Special Education Classes will begin two hours late. 

All the morning classes for the youngest children - morning Kindergarten, morning Early Childhood Program, and morning Head Start classes were cancelled. The afternoon classes will run as scheduled.

These are the standard procedures when morning driving conditions are unsafe.



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CleanScapes collecting garbage despite snow


Customers are advised to anticipate normal collection service

CleanScapes provides garbage, recycling, food scraps and yard debris collection service to the residents and businesses of the City of Shoreline. CleanScapes will continue to operate with collection service despite winter weather conditions on Friday, December 20th.

Residents should place all carts (garbage, recycling, food scraps and yard debris) in the usual collection location from 7:00am Friday until they are collected. Customers may see a delay in their normal service time due to weather conditions.

If your collection is missed, leave your materials out for one more day. If your materials still have not been collected by 5pm Saturday, bring them inside until your next regularly scheduled pickup day.

Current service updates are available on their website.  Customers are encouraged to check this site for the most up to date information.

Christmas will impact the collection schedule next week.  No garbage, recycling, food scraps or yard debris collections are scheduled in Shoreline on Wednesday, December 25. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday collections will be collected one day later that week, including Saturday, due to the Christmas Day holiday.

CleanScapes is the trusted partner for communities seeking to enhance residential and commercial vitality by providing innovative streetscape maintenance, recycling and solid waste services.  CleanScapes was founded in Seattle, Washington in 1997, and currently provides sustainable solid waste and recycling collection to the communities of Seattle, Shoreline, Issaquah, Des Moines and Carnation.


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Shoreline police catch package thieves

Thursday, December 19, 2013

According to KIRO, Shoreline police pulled over a car which was loaded with packages they had stolen from porches and doorsteps.

Detectives have been able to use tracking numbers and packing slips to reunite many of the packages with their intended recipients. But they'd like to hear from anyone else who was a victim of package theft, or possibly witnessed one of the thefts. Anyone with information can email detectives, Cary.Coblantz@kingcounty.gov.

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Christmas lights

Photo by Jerry Pickard

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but here's it's so delightful
Since we've no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow


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Shorewood boys play host to Mountlake Terrace Friday after 53-43 home basketball victory over Meadowdale Tuesday

Thunderbird forward Brandon Mar puts up a nice jump shot
in the opening moments of the game.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore


The Shorewood boys’ basketball team plays host to Mountlake Terrace Friday after a 53-43 home victory over Meadowdale Tuesday.

The victory over Meadowdale gave Shorewood an early-season lead in the Western Conference 3A South lead with a 2-0 record (5-0 overall). 

Shorewood’s Cameran Testerman
gets the defenders in the air with a head fake.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Shorewood and Mountlake Terrace meet at 7:15pm Friday at Shorewood High School, with junior varsity teams from the two schools playing at 5:40pm and “C” teams meeting at 3:45pm. 

In Shorewood’s 53-43 victory over Meadowdale, Shorewood trailed 11-10 after the first quarter, before taking a 30-23 halftime lead and a 41-33 lead after three quarters before extending the lead by two points in the final period.


Sam Boone puts down a dunk shot late in the game.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore


Sam Boone led the Thunderbirds with 16 points. The Shorewood junior varsity lost 53-50, and the Thunderbird “C” team lost 49-45. The Shorewood JVs and C’s both have 0-2, 3-3 records. 


Shorewood guard, Jordan Muir-Keung,
fades away from the basket and puts up a shot.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore


Shorewood 53, Meadowdale 43
At Shorewood High School, Tuesday, Dec. 17

Meadowdale -- 11 12 10 10 -- 43
Shorewood ---- 10 20 11 12 -- 53


Shorewood Scoring                                    Points


Anxhelos Pere
4

Sam Boone
16

Taylor Freeman
12

Brandon Mar
10

Jordan Muir-Keung
10

Zane Hopen
1

Karson Gronvold
0

Cameran Testerman
0



The Shoreline Area News welcomes submission of sports stories and photos from coaches, parents, and interested fans.


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King County Library System bids farewell to long-time Director Bill Ptacek


Bill Ptacek, Director
King County Library System

Ed. Note:  Ptacek, pronounced puh-TASS-ic)


The Trustees of the King County Library System (KCLS) reluctantly bid farewell to long-time Director Bill Ptacek, who has led KCLS since 1989. Ptacek has been named CEO of the Calgary Public Library in Alberta, Canada effective February 1, 2014.

During his 25-year tenure, Ptacek’s vision for technology and collection management kept KCLS in the forefront of public libraries nationally. Continual innovation, including upgrades to computer-based data and materials handling systems, public computer access, and organizational and library staffing models enabled the King County Library System to stay ahead of the curve and provide seamless service through both economic booms and downturns.

In 1990, KCLS operated 36 community libraries with an annual circulation above nine million items. Under Ptacek’s leadership, KCLS experienced unprecedented growth as King County’s population and economy expanded and local municipalities voted to join the Library System. Voter-approved capital improvement bond measures (passed in 1988 and 2004) funded new, replacement, and expanded libraries, adding nearly 515,000 square feet of library space, while annual circulation grew to more than 22 million items. Voters also passed a one-year levy increase during the 2009 economic crisis, demonstrating the community’s support of KCLS.

KCLS typically shares one of the top three spots for highest circulating public library in the United States and leads the US, Canada and Australia in eBook circulation. KCLS was named Busiest Library in 2010 and Library Journal’s 2011 Library of the Year.

KCLS Board Chair Lucy Krakowiak announced Ptacek’s departure with mixed emotions. “For Bill, this is a great opportunity to take on exciting new challenges…and it’s not easy to top the challenges Bill has tackled with KCLS. We are sorry to see him go.”

KCLS Trustee Jessica Bonebright added, “Bill’s move marks the beginning of our search for a candidate who can fill his well-worn running shoes. KCLS’ recruiting campaign for a new Library Director—a job opening rarely seen —will be conducted both nationally and internationally.”

Trustee Robin McClelland of Shoreline said Ptacek’s departure will be felt far beyond KCLS. “Through his civic engagement and community advocacy, Bill has made a difference across a wide range of issues touching many lives in many ways.” 

Trustee Jim Wigfall added, “It would take a long time to list Bill’s many contributions over the years. Firmly committed to equal access, lifelong learning, and community development, Bill has served in leadership roles in a number of local and statewide organizations since he came to King County.”

In addition to his role as Library Director, Ptacek has served on the King County Board for Developmental Disabilities and State of Washington Developmental Disabilities Life Opportunities Trust, United Way of King County Campaign Cabinet, King County Governance Task Force, KCTS Public Television Advisory Board, City of Bellevue Arts Commission, and Cascade Bicycle Club Board of Directors.  He has also served on the University of Washington Bothell Advisory Board since 2008.

Trustee Rob Spitzer summed up the Board’s sentiments: “We’re delighted for Bill, and daunted by the task of finding his successor. The search and selection process will be thorough and inclusive, and we are confident that there will be many interested, qualified candidates. Watch for opportunities for public input on the final phases of the selection process. 

Julie Brand, Director of Community Relations and Marketing has been appointed to serve as Interim Director until a new director is hired. 


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Community invited to St. David Emmanuel Christmas services

                  206-362-2565, email, or webpage



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WeatherWatcher: Snow Update: Winter Weather Advisory

Shoreline Center Soccer Fields January 2011.
Photo by Carl Dinse
The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 1am - 10am Friday morning. The Winter Storm Watch has been ended. Current forecasts seem to agree that Northern King County (that's us) and Snohomish county may receive 1-5 inches of wet, slushy snow for a storm total. I am expecting the changeover to rain for our area to happen between 10am - Noon. It's possible the changeover could take until 1-2pm but not likely. The bulk of the accumulating snow appears to be likely in the 7-9am range making the morning commute quite a hazard.

Afternoon and evening temperatures are expected to reach the mid 40's after the changeover from snow to rain. Any snow that sticks will melt off quickly as the afternoon progresses. Roads should be clear by the time the afternoon commute starts.

If you are driving in the morning hours, prepare for winter driving conditions. Make sure you have a flashlight, blanket, food and water in your car in case of an emergency. Shovels or cat litter/sand can be helpful too for getting vehicles unstuck.

For winter storm updates and current weather conditions, check out my web page www.shorelineweather.com.








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Gardeners: you are invited to a Solstice party from Diggin' Shoreline



You are invited to Diggin's Winter Solstice Gardener Gathering, on Saturday, December 21, 2013, 10am to noon

You're invited to our second Tool Care and Storytelling Event in celebration of the Winter Solstice!

Last year's event was so popular we're doing it again. Join us for a couple of hours of gardener indulgence only other gardeners would understand.

Bring those dull tools, and we'll teach you how to sharpen your hand pruners, trowels, shovels, etc., so that you get another good season out of them. Believe us, this task is much more fun done in a group than alone in a cold garage in February!

Dress warmly as we'll sharpen outdoors, then move inside for hot beverages, goodies to munch, and storytelling. Children welcome. We'll have a fun winter craft for them, too.

We have a nice big room at the Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church, 14724 - 1st Ave NE, so we are able to accommodate more folks. Drop-ins welcome, but we'd appreciate a reply, just to make sure there are plenty of hot drinks and goodies on hand.

Look forward to seeing you there!


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Cold day, warm hearts - give blood Saturday in Richmond Beach

Donate like crazy!!!!
Ok, just donate


Bloodmobile in Richmond Beach Saturday
By Tom Petersen

Yes, there's nothing like hemo for the holidays: Richmond Beach's annual "Cold Day, Warm Hearts" blood drive takes place Saturday from 10am to 4pm, rain, snow, or shine, in front of the Fire Safety Center at the corner of Richmond Beach Road and 20th NW.

Giving the gift of life takes just 45 minutes, and the need is acute this time of year. Appointments are recommended but not necessary -- walk-ups are welcome. Search blood drives or call 1-800-398-7888.

Bring a friend!


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Preview the Shoreline Winter 2014 Recreation Guide



Winter 2014 Recreation Guide arriving soon 

Winter registration begins Thursday, Jan. 2nd for Shoreline residents and Tuesday, Jan. 7th for non-residents.

Register online or call 206-801-2600.

Preview the New Winter 2014 Recreation guide (Digital)


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Last weekend for A Christmas Carol at Seattle Musical Theatre



A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Adapted by Mark Chenovick
Music Direction and Arrangements by Terence Alaric Levitt
Directed by Rick Wright

This original adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is rich with traditional carols, alive with color and movement, and is created to tell this enduring tale in a fashion that will appeal to people of all ages. Join the SMT family and celebrate this timeless seasonal classic.

Purchase your ticket online at BrownPaperTickets

  • December 20, 2013 at 7:30pm
  • December 21, 2013 at 2:00pm
  • December 21, 2013 at 7:30pm
  • December 22, 2013 at 2:00pm


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Christmas lights

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Photo by Jerry Pickard








Those Christmas lights light up the street
Down where the sea and city meet
May all your troubles soon be gone
Oh, Christmas lights, keep shinin' on
--Coldplay


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WeatherWatcher: Special report, winter storm watch issued


  • Forecast
  • Winter Storm Watch
  • Graphs and Highlights
Forecast: Cold air has begun moving in Wednesday evening and will continue to move into the region during Thursday and Thursday night under clear skies. We have a wet but warm storm moving in from the Pacific overnight Thursday into Friday morning. Air is expected to be below freezing when the precipitation from this storm moves over our area overnight into Friday morning. Snow accumulations are likely from 1-4 inches in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park before turning over to rain in the afternoon hours. Warmer air moves in Friday afternoon and over the weekend bringing temperatures back into the mid-upper 40's for a high. Expect a series of weather systems to move through to keep us wet off and on through the weekend and early next week.

Winter Storm Watch: The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a winter storm watch including the areas of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. The watch is in effect from Thursday evening until Friday afternoon. As this next storm moves in overnight Thursday, widespread snow is expected to develop across the entire Puget Sound region. We are right on the fringe of accumulation totals from 1-2, to 2-4 inches, so I suspect the exact alignment of the storm will be key for how much snow Shoreline and Lake Forest Park might get before it warms up to rain. The further north you are, the more snow is likely on the ground.

Worst case scenario, we could receive up to 5, maybe 6 inches of snow. More is possible if the changeover to rain does not happen when expected.

Likely to happen, and what I think will happen, is we will probably get 2-3 inches of snow before a changeover late morning. It will be just enough to make the morning commute difficult; however the drive home should be clear and unfrozen. This event will have help sticking to roads and urban areas due to the very recent deep freeze we just had. This is because most lakes, rivers and creeks now have cooled down to just above the freezing mark and no longer provide the extra moderating effect that usually takes place during an early season snow event. Many freshwater bodies around here have already frozen at least partially earlier this month.

Be prepared for winter driving conditions if you will be heading out in the overnight or early morning hours Thursday night and Friday morning.

Below are some graphs from the data so far this month. We have had a very cold and dry December. Usually we are warm and dry, or cold and wet, but not this winter so far. What was amazing was the very low dew points we had during the cold snap. One day we had a dew point as low as -6.6°F! Coldest temperatures recorded this month, Saturday December 7th: 15.8°F, Sunday December 8th: 14.5°F, and Monday December 9th: 18.1°F. We stayed below freezing from December 4th, Wednesday afternoon until December 10th, Tuesday afternoon, (6 days total). 

Daily Average Temperature December 2013
Graphs by Carl Dinse

Daily Average Dew Point December 2013
Graphs by Carl Dinse

Daily Average Barometer December 2013
Graphs by Carl Dinse

For winter storm updates and current weather conditions, check out my web page www.shorelineweather.com.


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We're invited to a sing-along Friday



The Driftwood Players Holiday Sing-A-Long 
Dec 20, 2013 @ 7-9pm (non-perishable food 
donation is accepted in lieu of admission fee)
Wade James Theatre


Every year this time of year we welcome the community into our house for a Sing-A-Long. In lieu of any admission fee, we collect food donations for charity.

We would love to have residents of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park join us for an Evening of Holiday Music in the Spirit of Giving.

We will even have bell ringers on stage during the evening. Come SING YOUR HEARTS OUT!


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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 Shoreline Central Market, upper level Aurora Square on Westminster Way.

There's often something to sample, and always recipes for the taking. Below is the lineup for demonstrations.The kiosk is staffed 10 am-6:30pm daily (9 am-5:30pm Sundays) with sampling noon to 4:30pm. If a line appears under the recipe or if the name is in color, you can click to go to the full recipe.

DEC. 18-24, 2013 



Fri, Dec. 20  Lamb Leg Provencal

Sat, Dec. 21  Our Deli’s Finishing Butters - Make your holiday meal easy and delicious 

Sun, Dec. 22  Holiday Sweets - Taste various treats from around the store all day 

Mon, Dec. 23  Holiday Help - We’ll be in the aisles to answer your questions and help you find things 

Tues, Dec. 24  Holiday Help - We’ll be in the aisles to answer your questions and help you find things

Wed, Dec. 25  The store will be closed for the holiday


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For the Birds: Northern Flickers—The Woodpecker with the Flashy Wardrobe

Male Red-shafted Flicker taking bath. Note red mustache line.
Photo by Christine Southwick

By Christine Southwick

Northern flickers are basically brown-colored woodpeckers, whereas most North American woodpeckers are combinations of black and white. What makes Northern Flickers so delightful is the black barring on their brown wings, a dark crescent at their neckline, and black centers on their brown breasts. Red-shafted Flickers, our predominate flicker, have a tan cap, with a sienna eye patch, and if it is a male, a red-colored mustache line.

Add to that a white rump patch, and red-shafted (salmon-colored really) or yellow-shafted feathers showing on the under-side of their wings as they fly away in their roller-coaster pattern, and you have quite a spiffy  bird.

female Northern Flicker using suet feeder
designed for woodpeckers
Photo by Christine Southwick
Since ants are Northern Flickers' favorite food, they can often be found on the ground, an unusual place to find a woodpecker. In the spring, males can be found on resonating surfaces, like your chimney cap, drumming away to attract females.

Males excavate the nest for 5-8 eggs, with some help from the female. Both parents feed their young, and the fledglings are taught where the best foods are found. It is quite a treat to watch the parent teaching its young how to harvest suet, while the youngsters hang on at the same time.

Red-shafted Flickers commonly stay on their breeding grounds; some come down from higher elevations in the winter. Yellow-shafted Flickers migrate much further, and become more common here during the winter. Many of the yellow-shafted that winter here migrate from Alaska and the northern Rocky Mountains.

This blending of populations has created intergrades—flickers that have some combination of both Red-shafted and Yellow-shafted—pictures of which you won’t find in most birding books. One of the most common result is a Red-shafted with the red nape-spot of the yellow-shafted; another expression is a yellow-shafted with the red-shafted red moustache, instead of its normal black mustache.

Close up showing barring and spotting. It is a Red-Shafted
 since it has no spot on nape of neck. Sex not identifiable in picture,
Photo by Christine Southwick

Because their abandoned nests are later used by other birds, mammals and reptiles that are unable to make their own holes, the Northern Flicker is an important species of our open woods.

Flickers will use nest boxes, and if you fill it with wood shavings, the flickers will  use the box, and the starlings will ignore it.

Presently Northern Flickers are the most common woodpecker in North American. Loss of habitat, specifically loss of large dead or dying trees, and fragmentation of habitat appear to be reducing their population.

Previous 'For the Birds' columns can be found on our main webpage under Features.


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Retired union administrator Tom Lux named to SCC Board of Trustees

Tom Lux, SCC Trustee
By Jim Hills

If there’s anyone who knows about the role education and training plays in the economy, it’s Tom Lux.

The Lake Forest Park resident, who was recently named to the Board of Trustees for Shoreline Community College, is also recently retired as an administrator with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union.

From 2003-11, Lux managed a joint labor/management team of program managers and career advisors that developed training opportunities and assisted Boeing hourly workers with their career paths.  He was also the leader of the labor/management safety committee at Boeing Renton plant.

“Washington state is a competitor in the global economy and must develop and produce highly skilled workers,” Lux wrote in his application for the gubernatorial appointment. “I see the Community and Technical Colleges as essential institutions for this task. I believe the Trustees fulfill a critical role in this mission.”

Lux started at Boeing as a machined parts inspector and coordinate measuring machine (CMM) operator. He went on to be a program manager with IAM/Boeing Joint Programs before moving to the administrator role.

Lux attended high school Buffalo, NY, received a BA degree from Marquette University and then went back to school at Waukesha County Technical Institute, in Pewaukee, Wisc., for an AA in Industrial Safety and Health.

Lux continues to stay involved in aerospace training, volunteering as a member of the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee and the Aerospace Machinists Joint Training Committee. He has served on the Workforce Education Advisory Committee at South Seattle Community College and the Science Technician Advisory Committee at Lake Washington Institute of Technology.

Lux also has penchant for history, volunteering as the Washington Vice-President of the Pacific Northwest Labor History Association, chair of IAM/AW District 751 Labor History and Education Committee and a committee member for MayWorks, an annual month-long celebration of workers’ culture and history first organized in 2012.

Board appointments are for five years. Lux takes over Board Pos. 5 from Gidget Terpstra, whose term ended.


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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Keeping the Castle

Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl

17-year-old Althea needs to marry for money. 

She knows that the fate of her noble-but-impoverished family as well as the fate of the family castle depends on her ability to make a successful -- i.e. a wealthy -- marriage match.

At first, Althea is willing to marry anybody who is rich enough to pay the bills and repair the dilapadated ancestral home, but gradually she realizes that she would prefer to marry someone who is not only rich, but also well-bred, well-educated, well-mannered, good-looking, and smart enough to recognize those virtues in Althea herself.

Fans of Jane Austen's literary world will adore Althea and her eccentric family, and astute readers will immediately identify the character she should marry, even when Althea seems impossibly blind to his fine qualities. This quick, charming book can also be a stepping stone to the world of Regency romance made so popular by Downton Abbey.

Rating:
No sex or cussing (heavens forefend!); the sweet and funny romances in this story will mostly appeal to gently reared female readers ages 12 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


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Chamber January membership luncheon features North Urban Human Services Alliance


Membership Luncheon, Wednesday, Jan. 8,, 2014, 11:45am, Shoreline Center, SPARTAN Room, $20, RSVP. The Spartan Room is on the North end of the Shoreline Center.

The North Urban Human Services Alliance will discuss how local business can increase their community presence and exposure through volunteerism and supporting human services.

The North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) works in partnership with other organizations to increase the capacity of our communities to respond to humans service needs in North King County.

Since 2002, NUHSA has been working to solve the toughest problems in North King County from ending homelessness by participating in the One Night Count to recognizing citizens who give back to their community at the annual Human Services Awards. Members range from the City of Shoreline to individuals. No organization is too small to join or too small to make an impact. For more information on NUHSA, visit the website.

RSVP is required before Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014 for members and visitors so we can order lunches from our Caterer, Special Occasions.To reserve your spot for lunch send an email to the Chamber and the office will confirm your reservation, or register on-line with a credit card. 


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As state climate debate heats up, local governments call for action to cool down

King County and eight mayors, including Shoreline, join in call for bold state action on climate change

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Mayors from the cities of Mercer Island, Kirkland, Issaquah, Shoreline, Snoqualmie, Sammamish, Seattle, and Tukwila have issued a joint letter calling for bold state action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The joint letter calls for bold state action, including establishment of market-based tools to set a price on climate pollution, coupled with steps to ease the transition for businesses and low-income residents.

The Governor’s Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup (CLEW), a bi-partisan group convened by Governor Jay Inslee, is scheduled to make recommendations this month on actions to meet state climate commitments.

“Some legislators have raised concerns about the financial and economic uncertainty of key climate strategies proposed by the Governor, and argue we should wait for more analysis. British Columbia provides us with a ready model: since setting a cost on carbon in 2008, climate pollution in BC is down and economic growth surpassing that of peer provinces. Now is the time to act,” said Mercer Island Mayor Bruce Bassett.

“We are on the cusp of decisions that must be made now if we are to have a sustainable environment and economy for our future,” said Executive Constantine. “We support the Governor’s work to outline clear commitments for state action on climate change. We can’t afford to wait.”

“Our residents want a healthy environment and sustainable economy and community for their kids and grandkids. Cities are taking on the climate challenge through tough decisions on housing and transportation, and we seek a similarly strong commitment by the state of Washington,” stated Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride.

“Cities like Issaquah are requiring buildings to be energy efficient and focus growth around transit, but even these actions will not be enough to meet the state and local climate goals. The state and local governments all need to be pulling in the same direction,” noted Mayor Ava Frisinger of Issaquah.

“Snoqualmie’s historic downtown, a state highway, and essential public services like schools face growing flood impacts each winter. In addition, a projected decreasing snowpack threatens regional water supplies, hydropower and our local snow-ski industry. Consequently, we welcome stronger state action on climate change,” said Mayor Matthew Larson of Snoqualmie. 

Read the joint letter and learn more about climate action by King County and cities.
Learn more about climate actions by King County and cities.


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Christmas Lights

Photo by Jerry Pickard

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas - let your heart be light"


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Catherine D’Ambrosio appointed to Board of Trustees of Shoreline Community College

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Catherine D’Ambrosio
New SCC Trustee
By Jim Hills

Catherine D’Ambrosio has a habit of getting involved in her community.

Married to a now-retired Navy submarine commander, the new member of the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees has had plenty of opportunities to ingrain that habit.

“I’ve always gotten involved wherever we were. We live in Shoreline and the community is really important to me … we’ve landed, we dropped anchor, we are here.”

It would be wrong, however, to think that D’Ambrosio is following in anyone’s wake.

After high school in St. Louis, D’Ambrosio received her BSN in Nursing from the University of Missouri. Then, it was on to the University of Pennsylvania for a master’s in Nursing, focusing on Gero-Psychiatric Nursing, clinical nurse specialist in care of elders suffering from delirium, dementia and depression.

Then, at the University of Washington, D’Ambrosio received her Ph.D. in Nursing with a dissertation entitled: Computational Representation of Bedside Nursing Decision-Making Processes.” D’Ambrosio followed that with post-doctoral work at Oregon Health and Science University, where she wrote a decision-making process regarding chronic, non-healing wounds.

And, in the mid-1990s, she found time start a home health care agency, providing medically intensive care to children. D’Ambrosio and her husband, Karl, recently revived that business as well as advancing another project eight years in the making: a robotic aide to help incontinent patients get to and use the bathroom, making it more likely they can continue to live at home. That last effort is helped by Karl’s degree in mechanical engineering and his experience now working for aerospace supplier Exotic Metals Forming Co.

But her day job, make that jobs, are teaching as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Nursing and working at Virginia Mason Medical Center as a nursing analyst.

D’Ambrosio was appointed to serve the remaining three years of the Pos. 1 term held by Roger Olstad who resigned when he moved outside the college district. She is eligible to then serve two full five year terms. D’Ambrosio’s first Board of Trustees meeting was on Dec. 4, 2013.


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Shoreline area voters overwhelmingly supported labeling genetically modified foods


By Evan Smith

Voters in Shoreline and the nearby area of northwest Seattle that makes up the King County part of the 32nd Legislative District overwhelmingly supported the November ballot measure to required labeling of genetically modified food,

Initiative 522 lost statewide by a 51 percent to 49 percent margin, but passed in the King County part of the 32nd District by a 62 percent to 38 percent margin. 


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