Park / Tree Board meets Thursday

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/ Tree Board Regular Meeting will be on Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Shoreline City Hall Room 303.

Agenda Highlights
  • Girl Scout Butterfly Garden Proposal
  • Critical Areas Ordinance Update
  • Public Art Budget Update
  • 2015 PRCS/Tree Board Work Plan
Link to the Community Calendar for the full agenda


More information about the Board on the PRCS/Tree Board webpage

                                                                           

Read more...

Prune-a-thon Saturday at Sky

2014 Prune-a-Thon at Sky
Photo courtesy Plant Amnesty

Saturday, February 28, 9 am – 4 pm, Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave N, 206-546-4851

PRUNE-A-THON -- A PLANT AMNESTY BENEFIT

Join Plant Amnesty and Sky Nursery for the fourth annual Prune-a-Thon: a full day of free pruning demonstrations, slideshows, seminars, and fun.

Two stages with free pruning classes throughout the day, on topics ranging from Japanese maples to rhododendrons to fruit trees.

Free 15-minute mini garden design consultation—bring a photo of an area you’d like to rework.

Come to learn and stay to buy — a portion of Sky’s sales for the day will be donated to Plant Amnesty to support their educational programs.


Read more...

Lecture: Myths of Globalization at SCC Thursday evening


Myths of Globalization
Thu, Feb 26, 2015, 7pm
9208 PUB (Quiet Dining Room)
Shoreline Community College (maps)
16101 Greenwood Ave N.

Myths of Globalization

Thursday, February 26, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Is globalization new, inevitable, and creating a “level playing field” or “flat world” where all share in its benefits, as some believe?

Professor Sparke argues that these are myths, that reality is sometimes very different, and that there are alternative paths to globalization. Dr. Matthew Sparke, professor in the Geography Department and The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, and author of a popular textbook on the subject will join us.


Read more...

Puget Sound Senior Baseball League tryouts Mar 8


The Puget Sound Senior Baseball League (PSSBL), one of the largest amateur adult baseball leagues in the U.S., will have open tryouts for all baseball players, age 19 and over, during the course of three weekends in March. The non-profit PSSBL is comprised of over 1,000 players forming 67 teams in 9 different divisions.

The divisions are organized based on age and skill level, ranging from competitive to recreational. Formed in 1989, this year marks the PSSBL’s 27th season of operation. The League is affiliated with MSBL/MABL, the national organization which spearheaded the adult baseball movement in the 1980’s.

Former Major Leaguer Jeff Cirillo will play for the Sugar Kings in the Age 45 and Over competitive Smoky Division. There are a number of ex-minor leaguers and college players in the PSSBL, but there’s also plenty of room in the recreational divisions for players who haven’t picked up a baseball since Little League.

The 2015 tryouts will be held at Meridian Park in Shoreline on Sunday, March 8th, Bannerwood Park in Bellevue on Sunday, March 15th, and Bellevue College on Saturday, March 21st. There is no fee to try out for the PSSBL.

For more information including times, tryout players and all interested parties are encouraged to view the PSSBL website or call 425-644-1901.

The 3N2 Rangers, based in the PSSBL, are the current national World Series champions in the Age 50 and Over category. Also of interest, the all-women’s Seattle Diamonds baseball team plays in the recreational-level Teton Division vs. all-male teams, plus the PSSBL features 11 teams for players age 55 and over.

The PSSBL is well known for donating money, materials, and labor to youth and school baseball organizations around the Sound as well as other charities. This season they are assisting Thomas Jefferson High School, Bellevue College, Borderline Baseball, Make-A-Wish, and the Wounded Warriors Project.


Read more...

Road construction season in Shoreline

Saturday, February 21, 2015

The joke used to be: there are two seasons in Seattle - Rainy Season and Construction Season. Shoreline has a jump on the season because this is apparently road construction season.

Besides the 195th Separated Trail project, and the Aurora Corridor project, our photographer Steven H. Robinson found two other road construction projects in Shoreline - one in Ridgecrest and one in Echo Lake.


Ridgecrest - 10th NE between 165th and 170th.


Echo Lake - N 200th by Costco



Aurora Corridor - Discount Tire at 200th and Aurora

Read more...

Loom Lady fundraising reaches 77% with 6 days to go

Elsa Bouman, The Loom Lady
Help fund fiber arts and weaving classes in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park!

With ten looms in tow, the Loom Lady reaches school classes, small groups and individuals. In our high tech world, all people, especially children need hands-on learning. Weaving and all the fiber arts develop dexterity, creativity and connection with organic materials - a welcome relief from social media, technology and our plastic-laden culture.

Elsa Bouman, The Loom Lady, is the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council Fiber Artist in Residence. She is an accomplished artist and teacher with a passion for sharing the gift of fiber arts! She has worked with the Arts Council for six years to bring fiber arts to young people through the schools and summer arts camp.

Your donation allows Elsa to educate people of all ages in the fiber arts and weaving from grade school kids to seniors. Also essential to this project is the purchase of ten Ashford rigid heddle looms and yarns that serve as the foundation for Elsa's teaching. In addition to being part of the Artists in Schools program, Elsa will lead numerous community activities and appearances such as arts camps for teens and kids, as a featured presenter in the Fall 2015 Create and Make workshops, "Grab a Shuttle to The Loom Lady" drop-in sessions at the 2015 Shoreline Arts Festival, Summer Concerts, Shoreline and Lake Forest Park (LFP) Farmers Markets, Shoreline LFP Senior Center, LFP Garden Tour, and Third Place Commons.

Donate Now and support Hands-On learning in our community
Learn more about this project, watch the video, and donate online at Power2Give Puget Sound.

Your Money Goes Twice As Far

Your donations are being generously matched 1-to-1 by an anonymous donor though ArtsFund. Power2Give is a program of ArtsFund.

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...

Update on I-5 pavement repair

Last update: 1:30pm, 2/19

I-5: NE 117th Street to SR 104 pavement repair #8633
Mileposts: 173.15 - 177.76

  • Monday, Feb. 23 to the morning of Friday, Feb. 27 - Up to three lanes of southbound I-5 from Northeast 175th Street to Northeast 145th Street will be closed from 8pm to 5am nightly for sign and barrier work.
  • Monday, Feb. 23 to the morning of Friday, Feb. 27 - Up to four lanes of northbound I-5 from Northeast 145th Street to Northeast 175th Street will be closed from 7pm to 5am nightly for concrete roadway grinding.

Read more...

Nominations now open for ICHS 2015 Bamboo Award for Health

The late Rep. Kip Tokuda was recipient of the
2014 Bamboo Award for Health. The award was
presented to his family at the 2014 ICHS Bloom Gala.

International Community Health Services (ICHS) and the ICHS Foundation are now accepting nominations for the 2015 Bamboo Award for Health, to recognize the outstanding work of people and organizations in supporting ICHS and its mission.

The nominations will be accepted until March 6. The award will be presented at the ICHS Bloom Gala on May 8. Awardees will be contacted by March 13.

The Bamboo Award for Health was established to recognize the exceptional work and achievement of people and organizations that support ICHS's mission of providing culturally and linguistically appropriate health services to improve the health of Asian Pacific Islanders and the broader community.

These works and achievements may have resulted in:
  • Increasing access to health services for ICHS patients, clients, or the local Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community and other local underserved communities.
  • Improving measurable health outcomes for ICHS patients, clients, or the local API community or other local underserved communities.
  • Increased resources that allow ICHS to serve or expand its patient and client populations.
Last year, the late Rep. Kip Tokuda was recipient of the 2014 Bamboo Award for Health. The former state legislator, who died in July 2013, was a prominent leader in Seattle's API community and credited for mentoring several generations of civic and political leaders, including ICHS Foundation Director Ron Chew. Tokuda was also a long-time supporter and former board member of ICHS, and spent his career advocating for children and under-represented communities. The award was presented to his family at last year's gala.

More information, application instructions, and download the nomination forms here.


Read more...

Help with heating bills still available through Hopelink in Shoreline


Despite the early spring weather, mid-February is still too early to assume we’re out of the woods when it comes to turning on the heat. The good news is that for many low-income residents in Shoreline, it’s not too late to receive up to $1,000 to help with energy bills. 

Hopelink offers assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps with the cost of electric, gas, oil, propane, wood and coal. For Puget Sound Energy customers, Hopelink also offers help with gas and electric costs through the Puget Sound Energy Help Program (PSE HELP). Assistance is available to both low-income renters and homeowners who live within the Hopelink service area. You do not need to be behind on your bill in order to qualify. 


Call 1-800-348-7144 to make an in-person appointment at Hopelink’s Shoreline Center. The line is open 24/7 and is available in English, Russian and Spanish.


Read more...

Shoreline senior’s animation named Finalist For BBB Scholarship

Scene from Michael Hayes BBB animation
see link below

King’s Senior Michael Hayes has been named a finalist in the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Annual $10,000 Scholarship.

To quality for this scholarship students were required to submit a 90 second video that highlighted the benefits provided by the BBB for educating consumers in avoiding fraudulent schemes.

Michael chose to use animation as his video medium because of the unique capabilities that this medium provides. Although animation has been utilized for many years in movies and professional videos, it is just now becoming a popular medium for the every day student thanks to online classes and inexpensive computer programs such as Blender.



Read more...

Lake Forest Park City Council - Communications committee and Committee of the Whole on Monday



City of Lake Forest Park Ad Hoc Communications Committee, composed of Tom French, Mark Phillips, and Hilda Thompson, will meet on Monday, February 23, 2015, from 5-6pm at Lake Forest Park City Hall, Lake Forest Room, 17425 Ballinger Way NE

Committee Discussion Topics
1. Debrief Town Hall Meeting Held on February 5, 2015
2. Communications Plan

The Agenda for the Lake Forest Park City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, February 23, 2015, 6:00pm, Lake Forest Park City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

6:05 pm - Communications Committee: Debrief on Town Hall Meeting and Consideration of Date for Next Town Hall; Council Website; Council Press Releases; City Newsletter

6:35 pm - Economic Development Commission: Review and Discussion of Draft Work Plan

6:55 pm - Draft of City-Wide Work Plan Prepared by City Administrator Pete Rose; Initial Review and Discussion; Review of Council Work Plan Items

7:40 pm - Discussion Regarding Council Retreat: Content, Objectives and Dates




Read more...

Rat City Home Team season underway, rivalry heats up

From a 2014 bout
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Saturday, the four Rat City home teams competed for crucial wins as they inch closer to home team championships on April 25. Throttle Rockets (1-1) will take on Sockit Wenches (0-2), and Derby Liberation Front (2-0) will battle Grave Danger (1-1).

The home teams have a mix of new and familiar faces on their rosters this season, resulting in some of the closest battles in recent Rat City history. In Season 11 bout 1, Grave Danger narrowly beat Sockit Wenches 149-140 during the final jam. Derby Liberation Front (DLF) won Season 10 home team championships, but the team this year is almost completely made up of newly rostered Rat City skaters.

“As a relatively inexperienced team, we have been developing at an exponential rate. The team has become so cohesive and strong, and we approach this bout with confidence,” said Cassie Beck, AKA Raven Evergore of Derby Liberation Front. “We are prepared for Grave Danger's strong defense and their able jammers, and we cannot wait to apply all of our hard work to the challenge of playing such a strong team.”

The Throttle Rockets will welcome back Rattle Skate, who skated for the Rat City All-Stars travel team at the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) championships during Season 10. The Sockit Wenches have been training hard under the direction of LeBrawn Maimes and Sami Automatic, Rat City All-Stars respectively. Both the Throttle Rockets and Sockit Wenches are known for having agile jammers and strong blockers.

“The Throttle Rockets are coming in with a fire in our belly to keep a winning streak,” said Lenaya Kerlin, AKA Shock Therapy of the Throttle Rockets. “With our strong newcomers and seasoned veteran skaters, we will have to be on top of our games for Saturday's bout against the Wenches.”

Although tickets to the Feb. 21 bout sold out, fans still have a chance to purchase tickets to the March 7, March 28 and April 11 bouts at The Rat’s Nest for $20 through Brown Paper Tickets (BPT). Rat City has added additional seating to bouts at The Rat’s Nest to meet unprecedented demand, but Nest bouts are still expected to sell out. Fans may also purchase tickets for the Season 11 championship game at KeyArena for $17 via Ticket Master.


The Rat City Rollergirls (RCRG) is Seattle’s premiere all-female, flat-track roller derby league. RCRG is composed of about 80 active skaters and many more retired skaters who are still involved. The skaters are divided among four home teams, as well as the All Stars team and Rat Lab. It is Rat City’s mission to maintain a competitive athletic program, promote the sport of roller derby, provide quality sports entertainment for fans, and make a positive impact in the community.


Read more...

LFP Garden Club with Master Gardener Laura Watson March 10

Well-known Master Gardener and Clematis expert
Laura Watson will speak at LFP Garden Club

Lake Forest Park Garden Club is happy to have Laura Watson, Master Gardener at its meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 for an informative talk on "Clematis".
 
The club meets at Lake Forest Park Town Center Commons by the stage on the upper level.

Ballinger Way NE and Bothell Way NE

General meeting at 9:15am and speaker at 10:30am.

All are welcome.



 

Read more...

Progress on 195th Separated Trail Project

Friday, February 20, 2015

NE 195th looking west from 5th AVE NE
Photo by Carl Dinse
Work is proceeding on the 195th Separated Trail project between 1st NE and 5th NE on NE 195h. The ditch was filled in and ground prepared all the way to the Holyrood property line (hedge).

NE 195th looking east from 1st AVE NE
Photo by Carl Dinse

The corner curbs have been installed, the ground leveled and filled with gravel. Next, work will begin on the street. This section of 195th is open only to local traffic.



Read more...

Bicyclists: Chilly Hilly ride on Sunday

2014 Chilly Hill riders waiting for ferry
Photo courtesy WSDOT


Bicyclists will take their annual (usually) cold weather ride on Bainbridge Island Sunday. The ride is nowhere as long as the Seattle to Portland ride, but the hills make it just as challenging.

Other vehicles and ferry riders are asked to proceed with caution. WSDOT says:

Are you planning to be down by the Seattle waterfront this Sunday, Feb. 22? You won’t be alone. More than 3,000 bicyclists will be loading onto a couple of ferries to get to Bainbridge Island for the annual Chilly Hilly Ride. All cyclists will enter the ferry terminal at Yesler Way. 
Vehicle capacity will be limited on departures between 7:55 and 10:35am. There’s a lot of construction in this area so please proceed with caution and watch out for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. Also, be sure to check out the recent changes to Colman Dock access.

Read more...

Large crowd attends deliberations of Planning Commission

The room was filled for the Planning Commission
deliberations on the 145th Subarea
Photo by Vicki Westberg

The Shoreline Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2015 was devoted to deliberations on the subarea zoning for the 145th Sound Transit station area.

Planning Commission works through Decision agenda
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

According to Robin Lombard of the 145th Street Citizens' Committee, the Planning Commission voted to delay recommending an action alternative for the FEIS until the completion of the 145th St corridor study. They felt the study can better inform them of zoning changes to the subarea.

Attendees listened attentively to the proceedings
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The Shoreline City Council will consider the Commission findings on March 23rd. They are not obligated to follow the recommendations of the Planning Commission.


Read more...

Update to Council dates for subarea consideration

185th Subarea: discussion on February 23 at 6:30pm, final decision on March 16

The adoption of the 185th Street Station Subarea Package by the Shoreline City Council has been moved to March 16, 2015.

Adoption had been scheduled for February 23. However, in order to further analyze the proposed changes to the zoning map discussed at their February 9 meeting, Council has decided to continue its discussion on February 23 and make a final decision on March 16.

The meeting on February 23 is still scheduled to begin at 6:30pm. The staff report has been updated for the Discussion of Ordinance Nos. 702, 706, and 707 – 185th Light Rail Station Sub-Area Plan, Development Regulations and Planned Action.


145th Subarea: Council is scheduled to review the Planning Commission's recommendation on March 23.

The Planning Commission, at their February 19th meeting, voted to table the rezone of 145th until the completion of the 145th St corridor study. The Council is not bound by the recommendations of the Planning Commission.


Read more...

Tony Doupe joins the cast of Music of the Spheres


Prolific Shoreline-based actor Tony Doupé has joined the cast of the sci-fi web series Music of the Spheres. In the past two years alone Doupé has acted in 19 different films, television, and web series including Eden, Laggies, and Safety Not Guaranteed. Doupé can currently be seen acting opposite Reese Witherspoon in the Oscar-nominated film Wild.

Doupé will be playing Dan, a desperate father with a death wish who is also stuck in a time loop that is causing his mind to deteriorate.

Doupé, besides being a working actor, is a professor at Shoreline Community College in the drama and film department.

Tony Doupé
The cast of Music of the Spheres already includes a bevy of Washington talent including actors who’ve been on nationally-televised shows like Syfy’s “Z Nation” and NBC’s “Grimm.” Rosalie Miller is attached to play the main character, Angela. The primary cast also includes Wonder Russell (Elizabeth/Betty), Lowell Deo (Scott), Jennifer True (Petra), and Jodie Harwood (Pam).

Award-winning filmmaker Ruth Gregory is the creative force behind “Music of the Spheres.” A project she categorizes as an interactive, female-centered, sci-fi web series.

“I decided that after producing ‘Maikaru’ (which won best documentary short at the 2014 Seattle International Film Festival making it Oscar-eligible) that it was time for a new challenge,” Gregory said, “I’m a huge sci-fi fan and have always wanted to take the plunge in that direction as a filmmaker. This just seemed like the right time to try something new.”

But an interactive web series? How does that work?

“The net is a great communication tool so why not invite your audience into the creative process instead of just presenting your show like we’ve done for years on network television,” Gregory states. “I was thinking about it in a very formalist manner – as mediamakers no one has really tried to maximize what you could do with media on a platform like the internet and I wanted to explore the possibilities.” 

The “Music of the Spheres” episodes will be freely available on the web, but the pay community that surrounds the show – the Order of the Spheres – will financially and creatively support the show as it moves forward. “We wanted to give our pay fans the opportunity to be a part of the show in a unique way. And you can’t get much more intimate that becoming a part of the creative process!”

The actors are excited and intrigued by the possibilities crowd sourcing the material could take. Jodie Harwood (Pam) stated that she: “…can’t wait to see where the audience takes them!”

To join the creative community behind “Music of the Spheres” help crowdfund the series between now and 10pm on March 1 at Where's Angela?


Read more...

Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for Shoreline girl with rare cancer


Friday, March 6, 6:30 - 8:30pm at Edmonds Lutheran Church, Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for Ahmie, the teenaged Shoreline resident who is fighting a rare cancer.



Read more...

Opera Americana at SCC this weekend only

Opera Americana at SCC this weekend
Photo by Jamie Ostro

Opera Americana is a musical sampler of operas set in the American landscape. Scenes include excerpts from Little Women, Tender Land, Sunday in the Park with George, and also a full act of "Down in the Valley"! 

Shoreline Community College Theater (maps)
16101 Greenwood Ave. N. 1600 Bldg. Theater

Shows at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, and matinee Sunday at 3pm 

Tickets online or at the door.



Read more...

Do you want to be a Group Fitness Instructor?

So You Want To Be A Group Fitness Instructor?

A Free Informative Workshop will be offered at the Shoreline Public Library, small meeting room, on Sunday March 15, 2015 from 1:00 – 3:30pm.

In this informative workshop, we will cover everything you need to know on how to become a Certified Group Fitness Instructor.

Whether your interest is Zumba®, Yoga, Turbo Kick®, indoor cycle, aqua fitness, or strength classes, this workshop is for you! Space is limited. There is no cost, but you must register.

Register by contacting the facilitator Rene De Los Santos at 206-569-7017.  

Everyone is welcome!


Read more...

Tickets available for Third Place Commons Breakfast next Thursday

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Friends of Third Place Commons breakfast next Thursday, February 26, 2015. Lake Forest Park resident Allen Schauffler will be the master of ceremonies and a live auction will feature get-away packages, author events, and lunch for 15 and the Lake Forest Bar and Grill.



Read more...

Shorewood boys still alive in district play - SW girls, SC boys and girls all end their seasons

Only the Shorewood boys basketball team is still playing in District One tournament play, as the Shorewood girls, the Shorecrest girls, and the Shorecrest boys have all fallen by the wayside and seen their seasons end this week.

Shorewood's boys face a tough task if they're going to advance to the Regional round-of-sixteen next weekend. Friday they travel to Marysville-Pilchuck to face the Tommies at 7pm. With a win, they would play Saturday at 4:15pm at Jackson HS against the winner of Friday night's Ferndale/Arlington game.  Their mission is simple .... win both games and live to play the following weekend or hang up their sneakers until next year.

The Shorewood girls faced a near impossible task as they travelled to #1 seed Arlington last Friday and lost, then took the long bus ride up to Ferndale on Tuesday where they were soundly defeated by the Golden Eagles, 57-39.

Shorecrest's girls fell to Blaine, 54-48 Thursday night at Mount Vernon, finishing their season. Tuesday they were defeated by top-seeded Burlington-Edison 49-41.

The Shorecrest boys lost their second game of the double-elimination tournament Monday afternoon, to Archbishop Murphy, 57-46.


Read more...

Jazz and swing at 3rd Place Commons

Rainy City Riff Raff at Third Place Commons Saturday

Market Street Dixieland Jass Band plays “Dixieland Jazz” on Friday, February 20th at Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park Town Center, 7:30pm.

World's Best in traditional New Orleans jazz, rags, stomps, blues and 1920’s standards.

Rainy City Riff Raff plays swing music at 7:30pm on Saturday, February 21st.

Playing everything from swing to classic rock, Motown, disco and R/B.

Both performances are free to the public, courtesy of Merlone Geier, owners of Town Center.


Read more...

Shoreline Planning Commission meetings to be video recorded

Beginning March 5, City of Shoreline Planning Commission meetings will be live-streamed and video recorded.

Similar to how the City Council meetings are available for online viewing, residents will now be able to view meetings live from anywhere where there is internet access.

They will also be able to view past video-recorded meetings.

To view live streamed and recorded meetings visit the webpage.


Read more...

Bloodmobile in Richmond Beach on Saturday

Let's draw thirty again!

By Tom Petersen

The Bloodworks Northwest (formerly Puget Sound Blood Center) mobile unit will be in front of the Shoreline Fire Safety Center, corner of Richmond Beach Road and 20th Ave NW, from 10 to 4 on Saturday (closed for lunch 12-1).

It will be the "little" bus this time, taking 6 donors an hour, so appointments are advised: 1-800-398-7888 or online. Walk-ups are still welcome and encouraged!

Thanks again to the 35 people who donated in December to set the tone for this year: We Show Up!



Read more...

Richmond Little League "try-it' on Saturday

Spring softball is starting next month! 

Richmond Little League is excited for the upcoming softball season so we are inviting all players and interested girls to attend a fun softball event we are calling "try it" rather than "try out."

All girls who are interested in trying the game of softball are welcome to come and be part of the fun. Tell your friends and schoolmates that this is open to all and it's free.We also want all registered girls to attend so we can assign them the appropriate team. 

Please meet us this Saturday from 2pm to 3:30pm at Meridian Park Elementary's utility field for some fun softball games. We look forward to seeing you then. Email for more information


Read more...

Hooked on Hellebores - Feb 21 workshop at Sky


Saturday, February 21st 11:00 am  – 12:30 pm

Hooked on Hellebores! Katie Miller of Skagit Gardens

Flowers aren't just for summer! Get hooked on hellebores with Skagit Garden's Katie Miller.  Come learn about the multitude of new hellebore varieties and how you can use them to keep your outdoor living spaces fresh and colorful November through April. 

In pots or in your flowerbeds, in sun or in shade, there is a hellebore perfect for you. 

Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave N. Shoreline, WA 98133 206-546-4851 


Read more...

Northwest MLS brokers swap 90,000 keyboxes for enhanced devices

iBox

Technology is transforming many industries, with real estate being among the major ones. To accommodate expectations from members and their clients for tech-based security, convenience and accountability, the Northwest Multiple Listing Service recently replaced a tool virtually every broker uses – the keybox. 

It was no small undertaking, according to Tom Hurdelbrink, the president and CEO of Northwest MLS. He said the task involved one-to-one exchanges of more than 90,000 keyboxes used by real estate brokers around the state. 

The new, enhanced devices mean its mobile membership can use their Bluetooth® enabled smartphones to access properties using Bluetooth’s wireless technology or infrared signals, without needing additional hardware. The devices allow brokers to simply point and beam their electronic key to interact with the keybox and related systems.

Northwest MLS, with assistance from Supra (a UTC subsidiary), its vendor, conducted the exchange over several weeks at 21 locations. The keyboxes are used by nearly 23,000 brokers in 23 counties. Hurdelbrink said the feat required months of planning to minimize disruption since it also affected keyboxes on active listings. Both the exchange process and the replacement devices were well-received, he reported.

The older boxes, while very secure, were about a decade old and showing signs of decreasing battery life. In addition to longer battery life, the new boxes have a larger key container for storing gate cards and keys. The replacements use Bluetooth® Low Energy technology and communicate with newer smartphones. 

Supra has provided keyboxes to the real estate industry since 1955. The protective shell securely stores a seller’s house key, making it easy for authorized users to access properties and for listing brokers to track activity at each home seller’s property. The rugged devices have a steel shackle and include PIN-code security. Only authorized keyholders can open these boxes. 

An online data record is created whenever the electronic keybox is opened so the listing broker can obtain real-time information about showings, including the name of the colleague who entered the home and the date and time of the showing. Every opening is documented both in the keybox and in the secure SupraWEB database.

Listing brokers attach an assigned keybox to a doorknob or other secure place where it can be opened by licensed Northwest MLS brokers and appraisers. These approved users open the keybox using a leased device called an “ActiveKEY” or by using the “eKEY” app service that can be downloaded to their mobile devices, including tablets. Members who use the eKEY app no longer have to purchase a key “fob” to open the keybox. Both the ActiveKEY and eKEY app are password protected and must be synchronized with the MLS keybox system daily in order to function. 

Supra, Bbased in Salem, Oregon, USA, Supra is part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corporation. Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple, secure connectivity for an expanding range of devices and serves as the backbone of the connected world.

Northwest Multiple Listing Service, owned by its member real estate firms, is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest. Its membership includes more than 23,000 real estate brokers. The organization, based in Kirkland, Wash., currently serves 23 counties in Washington state. 


Read more...

Opera Workshop 2015 - Opera Americana this weekend at SCC


Opera Workshop 2015 - Opera Americana
Friday – Sunday

February 20 and 21, at 7:30pm
February 23, at 3:00pm

Shoreline Community College Campus Theater
16101 Greenwood Avenue N, Shoreline (maps)

Enjoy an evening of American operatic masterworks as they are presented by the talented student singers, actors and dancers enrolled in Shoreline Community College's award-winning theater program. The 2015 opera workshop, titled Opera Americana, will showcase excerpts from The Old Maid & The Thief, The Tender Land, Candide, and Little Women, as well as pieces by arguably America's greatest living composer, Stephen Sondheim. Kurt Weill's rarely performed American folk opera, Down in the Valley, - performed with full orchestra, and in what will be a Seattle area premiere - crowns this program of iconic American music.

General Admission                                              $18
Seniors, non-SCC Students                                 $12
SCC Students, Children 14 or under                   $10

Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets – 800-838-3006 and at the door.


Read more...

Spring in mid-February

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Photo by David Matthews


What's not to love...  Taken from the high path at Richmond Beach Park.


Read more...

Friday Roundtable guest - Paul Valenti

Don’t miss Paul Valenti, who is one of Seattle’s most connected professionals for Plus 50 job and business opportunities. 

Paul has been with the Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens, Employment Resource Center for just over 7 years where he specializes in assisting older job seekers age 55+ in finding and obtaining part and full time jobs. He is a former Hawaii State Legislative Lobbyist and the former Program Manager of the Center for Learning and Undergraduate Enrichment (CLUE) at the University of Washington. Paul is a certified Dependable Strengths Trainer and a professional Job Search and Employment Speaker and Counselor.

Please respond to this email to save your place at the Table or call 206-533-6706.

As always, delightful treats compliments of Shoreline’s Central Market are part of the deal, along with the usual hot, turbo blend of quality coffee.

Job Seekers' Round Table
Friday, February 20, 1:00-2:30pm
Shoreline Community College 
Room 9208, Building 9000 (second floor), maps


All are welcome.


Read more...

Rep. Jessyn Farrell’s statement on HB 1449: The Oil Transportation Safety Act

Rep, Jessyn Farrell D-46 has issued a statement on oil transportation:

“I was disappointed, but unsurprised at the news out of West Virginia yesterday. At this point, with derailments almost weekly, and the sheer amount of crude being brought into some of Washington’s most populous communities by rail, we simply need to know more about what is coming through our back yards. We must do all we can to prevent these kinds of disasters.
“Today’s passage of the Oil Transportation Safety Act out of the House Environment Committee is a positive step in the right direction of mitigating the damage one of these derailments could have in Washington.”


Read more...

Shoreline City Council in Olympia for meetings

Members of the Shoreline City Council are in Olympia Wednesday and Thursday for the AWC City Action Days. They have special meetings arranged with 32nd District Legislators:

  • Meeting with Representative Cindy Ryu, Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - 1:00 p.m. Legislative Building, Room 132D
  • Meeting with Representative Ruth Kagi, Thursday, February 19, 2015 - 8:15 a.m., John L. O’Brien Building, Room 308
  • Meeting with Senator Chase’s session aide Jennifer Minich, Thursday, February 19, 2015 – 10:00 a.m. Cherberg Building, Room 218 

Read more...

Attorney General’s proposal to raise smoking age passes House Health Care Committee

Credit: © michaeljung / Fotolia

Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s agency-request bill to raise the state’s legal smoking age to 21 passed a key legislative hurdle today. The House Health Care and Wellness Committee approved the bill in a bipartisan 12 to 3 vote.

“This legislation will protect young Washingtonians from the health consequences of a lifetime of addiction,” Ferguson said. “If we do nothing, more than 100,000 kids in our state are currently projected to die prematurely from the effects of smoking. But if we continue to work together across party lines, we can have a major impact on those numbers.”

The proposed law, Senate Bill 5494 and House Bill 1458 sponsored by Sen. Mark Miloscia (R-Federal Way) and Rep. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines), respectively, would raise Washington’s age to legally use and possess tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 21.

Representatives Ryu, Kagi, and Pollet have signed on as sponsors.


Read more...

Seattle Wind Symphony in performance at Shorewood Performing Arts Center Saturday


Seattle Wind Symphony, a 60-member wind band made up of talented musicians from the greater Seattle area will be performing at the Shorewood Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 7:30pm

The group says that "We're really looking forward to performing in the PAC - it's such a great venue!"

On the program is "River of Doubt" by local jazz composer Dr. Daniel Barry. They will perform this piece with guest artists and jazz musicians Steve Mostovoy (trumpet), and Jovino Santos Neto (piano). Rounding out the jazz ensemble will be Steven Kennedy (bass) and Mathew Pelandini (drums).  

The concert will introduce a young guest artist, Beserat Tafesse. This euphonium soloist will play "Fantasia Di Concerto" composed by Edorado Boccalari.

Also on the program:

English Folk Song Suite by Ralph Vaughn Williams
Symphony No. 2 by Frank Ticheli,
Early Light (Carolyn Bremer)
Danzon from the Ballet "Fancy Free" (Leonard Bernstein)
The Gum-Suckers March (Grainger)
Colonial Song (Grainger)

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $5 for students and are available at all Kennelly Keys Music locations, BrownPaperTickets or at the door. Parking is free.


Read more...

Music line up for North City Bistro


Here's the schedule of performers for next several weeks at the North City Bistro and Wine Shop, 1520 NE 177th, North City in Shoreline, 98155, 206-365-4447. 

Thur Feb 19 - Jazz Decree
Fri Feb 20 - Rod Cook and Toast
Sat Feb 21 - Phil Randoy Quartet
Wed Feb 25 - Groovetramps
Thur Feb 26 - Side Project
Fri Feb 27 - Jim Wulff and Family
Sat Feb 28 - Dr Richard Kimball and the Fugitives
Wed Mar 4 - Jazz Jam w/Darin Clendenin
Thur Mar 5 - Diane and Bob
Fri Mar 6 - Pearl Django CD Release
Sat Mar 7 Four

More information on their Facebook page and web page.


Read more...

Obituary: Erling Holand, first principal of Shorecrest

Erling Holand received a standing ovation at the
community celebration opening the new Shorecrest last September.
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Erling Holand, who served as the first principal of Shorecrest High School, passed away Feb. 7 at age 94. Mr. Holand was honored at the community celebration opening the new Shorecrest campus last September.

He had a distinguished 30-year career with Shoreline Schools, first as a teacher and vice principal at Maple Leaf when it was part of Shoreline, then as the first principal of Hamlin Park Elementary from 1952 to 1955.

He also opened Shoreline High School as vice principal  in 1955, before becoming the first principal of Shorecrest from 1961 to 1968, helping to establish many of the school's Scottish traditions. He then moved to the central office as a personnel director, but did serve for one year as principal of North City Elementary in 1976-77.

Complete obituary information is here.


Read more...

In The Garden Now….Purple Stem Sweet Box

Sarcococca Purple Stem Sweet Box


Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

What a heavenly scent! Every winter I'm bowled over by the heady fragrance of Sweet Box. No sweeter scent can be found in the garden at any time of year. And it couldn't come at a better time. 

I’d describe the scent as a cross between that of honeysuckle and jasmine. Some say the scent reminds them of vanilla. However it's perceived it's definitely an intense olfactory experience ... one you'll look forward to each winter.

We’ve actually met many of our neighbors because they stopped to enjoy the smell of this fragrant plant. Plant it near your mail box and you’ll see it live up to one of its common names “Postman’s Friend.” Our postman, other delivery people and guests have commented on the lovely scent wafting through the garden. It grows well in containers as well so you could set a pot of sweet box next to your front door for the winter season then exchange it for later blooming plants after flowering ends.  

A number of sarcococca varieties are available. All are relatively small evergreen shrubs, 3 x 3 feet more or less, with scented white flowers. Purple Stem Sweet Box is a bit showier because of a touch of pink on the flowers and the purplish color of new stems, but its most important contribution to the garden is its rich perfume. Flowers are followed by bluish black berries. In my garden this variety blooms a little later than other varieties so the sweet box flowering season is extended.  

Our climate is perfect for growing this plant. Much of the rest of the US offers climates that are too extreme .... too hot, too cold, too humid, too dry. We lucked out on this one!

While you're walking through the neighborhood this week you just might catch a whiff of sweet box. If you do, breathe deep and enjoy this sweet scent of winter.  

Botanical Name: Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.


Read more...

Host families needed for international students

Flag of Brazil

International Student Exchange is seeking host families for foreign exchange students age 15-18, who will attend Shorecrest and Shorewood High Schools for the 2015-2016 school year. We have students for the full school year or just one semester.

Our exchange students are available from the following countries: Brazil, Vietnam, Spain, Thailand, Denmark, Belgium, Germany China, Norway, Sweden, Slovakia and more.

All students have good English skills and are able to follow conversations and directions. Our students have full health coverage and personal spending money. The students have the desire to improve their English skills and want to live as a member of an American family.

Host families do not need to have teenagers of their own; young families as well as empty nesters are excellent high school student hosts.

For more information about the foreign exchange student program, contact Darren Jordan at 425-791-4792.

See the website for additional information about International Student Exchange.

  

Read more...

Forest Park IL and Shoreline WA

Here's an interesting article, written in 2013, by a man from the Chicago suburbs who dreams of Shoreline.

It’s strange to see the difference in planning between a town like Forest Park and a town like Shoreline just north of Seattle in Washington. (Shoreline Sustainability Page) Forest Park’s 78- page comprehensive plan is a joke compared to Shoreline’s 182-page in-depth Environmental Sustainability Strategy updated in July of 2008 or their 244-page Transportation Master Plan updated in 2011. (Shoreline ESS, 2008) (Shoreline Transit Master Plan) 
I was speechless after reading through these two documents and paging through the community’s website. This town has basically created a framework for every municipality to follow in every aspect of sustainability.
Read it here to see how we look from the outside.


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