Four nights of music at North City Bistro

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

From Ray at North City Bistro

North City Bistro is located at 1520 NE 177th St., Shoreline, WA 98155. They serve good food, good wine, and good music. Telephone: 206-365-4447. Email your comments or questions. Call or email to reserve your table

Wednesday, Meridienne is back in full force, with all 4, Susan Moore, guitar and vocals, Linda Srb, piano and vocals, Neil Angst on bass and Steve King on percussion.

They play a wonderful collection of originals by both Susan and Linda, as well as really cool versions of many different artists/songwriters.

Here's a link to their website for your viewing pleasure. These folks never charge a cover, but they do appreciate your gratuities dropped in the bucket.

Thursday, we welcome a new act to the "stage" with Cara Francis. Cara will be singing from 7:00-9:30 for $8 cover, and she will be backed up by Hans Brehmer and some other local talents. Here is a link to her site,

Now, if you were at the Bistro on January 9th, when my very talented daughter, Camille Bloom, performed, you heard an amazing guitar player open the show and accompany Camille for the night. 

The one and only Danny Godinez proceeded to wow the house with his Guitar Wizardry, and he enjoyed the place so much, he decided he wanted to do a show here, so he will be performing this Friday, from 8:00-10:30, for $10 cover.

Danny plays with numerous acts around town, including Michael Shrieve, Drummer for Santana and many other bands over the years. He has a style of playing that somewhat defies words, so you'll just have to come in and watch and listen!

We have received a lot of reservations so far, but there are still tables available, so please call or email if you want to come in and experience this amazing guy! Here is a link to his website, just in case you need more convincing.

Saturday
And as if that wasn't enough music for one week, we still have Saturday to tell you about. George Bullock has been a great friend and supporter of Live Music here at the Bistro, and has put together a number of really cool shows over the past year, and this Saturday is no exception. We have had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Marina Christopher playing bass with a number of singers over the past months, but a few months ago, Marina stepped up to the mic to sing a couple songs, and blew us all away!, So, we decided she needed her own night, and guess what? She will be the featured vocalist this Saturday night, as part of the George Bullock Trio.

Apparently Marina has a lot of fans (understandably) as the calls for tables have been frequent, and excited for her showcase! If you want to hear this very lovely and talented musician/singer, please call or email for reservations, as we are over half full now.

So, as you can see, North City Bistro and Wine Shop continues to present Live Music Every Week and we truly appreciate your support. The food is quite good too, so what are you waiting for?




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Bargain hunter's delight: Innis Arden rummage sale March 21-22

The Innis Arden Clubhouse is the site of the Rummage Sale


The Innis Arden Community is putting on a bargain hunter's delight!

Designer clothes, kids toys, accessories, home furnishings, books, and more.

At the close of the sale, all items unsold are donated to various local charities.
  • Saturday 3/21 from 9am - 4pm
  • Sunday 3/22 from noon - 4pm

Innis Arden Clubhouse at 1430 NW 188th Shoreline



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Special Guest Harry S. Truman at North Puget Sound History Day Contest

Students reviewing their presentation
Photo by Don Wilson

North Puget Sound History Day Contest March 20, 2015 
with Special Guest Harry S. Truman Speaking on "Leadership and Legacy"

By Marianne Deal Stephens

On Friday March 20, over 300 young scholars from the North Puget Sound area will converge on Shoreline Center to present their historical research to panels of judges from the community. Sound dry? Then you haven't seen these kids in action. The students create documentaries, exhibits, performances, websites, or papers according to the guidelines of the National History Day contest. Websites and papers were judged in the weeks preceding the contest; documentaries, exhibits and performances will be presented and judged on March 20.

Students compete in two divisions: Junior for grades 6-8, and Senior for grades 9-12. Documentaries and performances have both individual and group sections. All students create entries based upon an annual theme, which is Leadership and Legacy in History for 2015.

Junior performance before a panel of judges
Photo by Don Wilson

On contest day, students in Documentary, Exhibits, or Performances compete in morning preliminary rounds in various locations in Shoreline Center. The work is evaluated by panels of three judges. About 12:30pm, the final round entries are announced, and those students present their work one more time to a different panel of judges. Following the final round, students and staff will enjoy a special performance at 3:00pm, and then the contest closes with announcements revealing which students will go on to the State Contest. 

President Harry S. Truman
addresses the students
Photo by Don Wilson

This year's featured speaker, Harry S. Truman (as portrayed by Seattle Attorney Mike King) will share his thoughts on Leadership and Legacy at 3:00pm in the Shoreline Center Auditorium. He will be joined by two members of his cabinet, Secretary of State James F. Byrnes and Secretary of War Henry Stimson. 

Participating students have already competed within their home school before advancing to this North Puget Sound History Day Contest, which includes Seattle, Shoreline, Northshore, and Mercer Island School Districts as well as many regional private schools. Students selected from this contest and seven other regional contests across Washington State will advance to the State History Day Contest to be held Saturday, May 2 at Green River Community College. State winners will advance to the national contest, which will be held June 16-18 at the University of Maryland in College Park. The North Puget Sound contest often has students go all the way to nationals. 

Volunteer judges reviewing the entries
Photo by Don Wilson

The contest depends on about 100 volunteer judges from the community. Judges need not have a history background; the group ranges from former History Day students to retired professionals. Volunteer judges simply need a willingness to spend a morning (7:30am-12:00pm) giving students constructive feedback and working on a panel with two other judges. There is always a last-minute need for judges. If interested, please email NPS Contest Administrator Gayle Edwards

Mr. King has played Harry S. Truman in many contexts. His appearance at the Bush School in Seattle as a President, deciding whether to drop the atomic bomb was covered in national media  and his work inspired a theater production "In the Realm of Whispering Ghosts: If Truman Met Einstein" .  . Gordon Coffey, who plays both Secretary Byrnes and Secretary Stimson, has acted in many local venues, including Seattle Repertory Theatre, ACT Theatre, and Stone Soup Theatre. 

Though all students work with the Leadership and Legacy theme, they get to choose their own topics for research. A look at the 2015 catalog shows entries across the historical and geographic spectra, from Gutenberg to Steve Jobs and Gandhi to Narcissa Prentiss Whitman. Students have researched politics (Mao Zedong, the Cuban Missile Crisis), the arts (Aretha Franklin, Dale Chihuly), science and technology (Margaret Sanger, Boeing), the natural world (Jane Goodall, John Muir), and many other topics. 

The North Puget Sound History Day Contest by the numbers:
  • 322 students
  • 266 entries (documentaries and performances can be done as a group)
  • 16 entries with "Roosevelt" in the title
  • 12 schools 
  • 19 teachers
  • 93 judges (signed up so far; more are needed)
  • scores of parents and chaperones
Previous themes of the National History Day Contest have included Taking a Stand (2006), Innovation (2010), and Rights and Responsibilities (2014).



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ESCA offers FEMA disaster preparedness classes

A CERT practice drill
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

How will you keep your family safe and assist others in a disaster?

Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. As we have seen in the wake of SR 530 mudslide, Hurricane Sandy and other recent events, it may take hours to days for emergency responders to meet the needs of the public following a major disaster.

The Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA), located in the City of Brier, is offering disaster preparedness classes to King and Snohomish county residents. CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training is about keeping yourself and your family safe and assisting others until help arrives.

Professional first responders, Emergency Managers and CERT Instructors teach students to extinguish small fires, provide life-saving first aid, conduct urban search and rescue, and perform other vital skills needed to help themselves and others after a disaster.

The course begins Thursday, April 2nd, 7:00pm –10:00pm and continues over eight consecutive Thursday nights. The last class on May 21st is a disaster simulation for students to practice what they have learned over the eight week course. 

Classes convene at the Brier City Hall, 2901 228th St. SW, Brier.

ESCA is currently accepting CERT class registrations.  To register, contact Vickie Fontaine at 425-776-3722.




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Shred-It opportunity March 21 at Aurora Square

Prevent identity theft by shredding documents
March 21 at Aurora Square
Here’s your chance to protect yourself from identity theft and have your private papers shredded as you watch!

Shred-It will be on site on Saturday, March 21, from 10am to 2pm at the Sear’s upper level parking lot, near the entrance to Central Market parking. (Entrance off Westminster Way)

This is a fundraiser for the Shoreline/ N. Seattle Relay for Life. Cost is a donation of your choosing. 

The Shoreline/N. Seattle Relay for Life is being held on June 6-7, 2015. Information to form a team, participate, or attend as a Cancer Survivor will be available.




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The luck of the Irish be with you on Bingo Night at the Senior Center

Donna Ault wears the Green for St. Patty's Day Bingo
Photo by Jon Ann Cruver


Karaoke/Bingo St. Patty's Day celebration on Friday, March 13th

Sure and it's a pre-St. Patty's Day celebration!

Register today for Karaoke/Bingo and you will be entered in a drawing for a very special dinner prepared by our own Chef Janice. Corned-Beef dinner for 4 to take home for your dining enjoyment. Included in this dinner is corned beef cooked and all the trimmings, plus a very special dessert. 

Wear your Green! There will be a contest and a prize for the best leprechaun and/ or a clover. 

Online registration ends Wednesday, March 11, so hurry to register. After that, walk-ins are welcome on a space available basis.

Bingo starts at 7:00pm, and walk-ins should be at the Center no later then 6:30 pm.

Register online here. You will pay $6.00 to make your registration online and then pay $5.00 at the door for the bingo game packet. Walk-in fee is $15.00 which includes admission and the eight game packet. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Shoreline-LFP Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Suite 1, Shoreline, WA 98155, 206-365-1536.



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Rep. Ruth Kagi Early Start bill passes the House, heads for Senate

Photo courtesy House Democrats


OLYMPIA – Monday, in a 67-31 vote the House passed HB 1491, the Early Start Act, sponsored by Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Shoreline.

“Half of Washington’s children are set up to fail,” said Kagi. “On the first day of kindergarten, they’re behind on math and language and don’t have the social and emotional skills to succeed. These kids are starting a lifelong race 20 yards behind. Most never catch up. If you’re a mom or dad, a business owner or a taxpayer, you should care. Because when children fail, we all pay the price.”

The Early Start Act expands the effective, high-quality programs and policies that have made Washington state a nationally recognized leader in early learning. It is based on proven brain science and the positive long-term impact quality early learning has on a child’s school readiness, overall health and life.

“If we want to improve school outcomes for students, our best investment is in high-quality early learning,” said, Rep. Ross Hunter of Medina. “We now know how to assess the quality of pre-school programs and assess outcomes. We just have to be serious about doing it. The evidence is really clear – quality early learning is the best investment we can make to close the opportunity gap here in Washington.”

A large, bipartisan group of representatives stood up in support of the Early Start Act. Rep. Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla, spoke about the importance of empowering parents to help their children in the most early and critical years of the life. Rep. Norm Johnson, R-Yakima spoke of the value of investing in Early Learning to help bring children out of poverty and put them on a path to success.

“When we change the beginning of the story, we can change the whole story,” said Kagi. “A strong start for children leads to more successful schools, stronger families, more self-reliant adults and safer communities. It’s as simple as pay now or pay a lot more later.”

Early Start now heads to the Senate for consideration.



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Photo: Shadow of Spring

Photo by Mary Lynn Potter

Taken near the tulip fields of La Conner, by Shoreline resident Mary Lynn Potter.


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Shorewood musicians win awards at NW Orchestra Festival



The Shorewood High School orchestras, which play at Carnegie Hall on April 5, won four awards at the Northwest Orchestra Festival at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Ore. last weekend. 

  • Symphony Orchestra, first place, senior division; 
  • Chamber Ensemble, first place, chamber orchestra division; 
  • Concert Orchestra, second place, junior division; 
  • Piano Trio, second place, chamber music division. 

Dan Wing is orchestra director at Shorewood.




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Shoreline Public Schools Foundation Spring Fundraiser



Shoreline Public Schools Foundation Spring Fundraiser 
                                               
Thursday, March 26, 2015
The Shoreline Room – Shoreline Center
Breakfast 7 - 8 am | Lunch noon - 1pm

Please join us! -- While there is no cost to attend this event, we hope guests are inspired to give at a level of $125 or above.

We continue to raise funds and enlist help from our community to provide academic enrichment in addition to supporting basic educational needs.

For more information call 206-393-4107 or RESERVE YOUR SEAT by March 16.



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Insurance Commissioner: Warranties - know what you are paying for

From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Consumers can buy warranties on any number of products these days, ranging from a new vehicle to a small gadget or appliance. Before you lay down more money for a warranty, here are a few things you should know: 

  • Be sure you fully read any warranties before you buy them and don't be afraid to ask questions if something you read needs clarification. 
  • Warranties do not cover all damage. For example: Vehicle warranties may exclude damage related to after-market modifications to engines, power trains or suspension systems. If you buy a used vehicle that comes with these types of modifications, the warranty may not cover damage to or in the event that those modifications fail. Be sure you understand the limitations of any warranty you are thinking about buying. 
  • Some warranties require you to pay a fee or copayment if you need to use the warranty. For example, smartphone warranties often require you to pay a fee each time you use them. 
  • Do the math. Weigh the cost of the warranty over the time period it covers. Would it cost you the same or less money to replace the item if it broke during the warranty period? 
  • Does your homeowner or renter's insurance cover the item? Your policy may cover you if the item is stolen or destroyed in a fire or other incident. Check your policies and deductibles first, and remember that insurance policies typically don't cover damage to items that you break. 

Read more about warranties and service contracts on the OIC website. Questions? You can contact consumer advocates online or at 1-800-562-6900.



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Brighton School® relocating to create expanded, state-of-the-art facilities


New campus will open in Mountlake Terrace in September 2015

Brighton School has announced that it will relocate to a new campus at 21705 58th Street West in Mountlake Terrace, 1.5 miles from its current location in Lynnwood. The move is in response to increased enrollment and the need for more modern facilities to support Brighton’s commitment to providing a 21st century education.

After undergoing a complete renovation and expansion, the new campus will accommodate 420 students in preschool through 8th grade in a natural park-like setting. A new wing is being built to house the preschool classrooms.

“We are very excited to relocate to the new campus in Mountlake Terrace. This move will allow us to serve more students, while still retaining our personalized approach to instruction and our safe and nurturing community feeling,” commented Dr. David Locke, Brighton’s Head of School. 
“We are investing in our students’ futures by providing leading edge resources to support student learning about technology, engineering, and performing and visual arts. Our new music, art, innovation and science labs will allow us to better connect classroom learning to real-life situations.”

The new facility is expected to open on September 9 for the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year. Applications for a limited number of openings are currently being accepted. For more information, please visit www.brightonschool.com.

Brighton School in Lynnwood, Wash., is part of Nobel Learning Communities, Inc., a national network of more than 185 nonsectarian private schools, including preschools, K-8 schools and high schools in 17 states across the nation. Since 1982, Brighton School has provided high quality private education, with a challenging and well-rounded curriculum, caring and skilled teachers and attention to individual learning styles. The school also offers extended day enrichment and summer camp.




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Strawberries and GardenSoxx classes at Garden Essentia on March 18th and 21st

Garden Essentia is in Shoreline on Ballinger next to the Thriftway grocery store.

Laura Westbrook and Gayle Hoffman will be holding our very first Strawberries and GardenSoxx classes at Garden Essentia on March 18th and 21st.

Please register at Garden Essentia. If you can't make it, please share this with your neighbors and gardening network. 



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WSDOT postpones long-term lane closures on Aurora in Seattle

The Washington State Department of Transportation is postponing plans for long-term lane closures on Aurora originally scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 11.

These closures were needed to install several large sign foundations for the SR 99 North Access project. While this work must occur, it will be rescheduled to a later date in an effort to minimize impacts to the traveling public. The public will be alerted in advance of any future lane closures.

Contractor crews still plan to close northbound SR 99 Monday night to straighten the curve in the highway near Mercer Street. All lanes will open at 6am in time for the morning commute.


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Job Seekers Round Table - hold on to your confidence

The Job Seekers Round Table meets this Friday, March 13, from 1-2:30pm, at Shoreline Community College, Room 5116, Building 5000 (ground floor). SCC Campus Map. Parking info.

Okay, we all experience doubts. And rightly so, it’s all part of how we sort things out for ourselves - BUT: We also need to get the balance correct between inner doubt and inner confidence.

Our inner voice can be the voice of inspiration, courage and support. It can revolutionize our lives into a vital, glowing, growing triumph.

Successful people possess inner confidence. They hear this supportive voice egging them on to success even whilst the inner doubt tries to raise its voice and tell you can't achieve it.

Join us this Friday with Back to Work Now! career specialist, Marsha Major, as she shares ideas on getting in touch with your value (what makes you a stand out among everyone else) and regaining and holding onto your confidence.

As always, great coffee and snacks, compliments of Central Market, will accompany the work.

Great conversation and networking opportunities await you!



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A slide show history of Lake Forest Park Town Center

By Diane Hettrick

People generally look at me as if I had two heads when I tell them that I used to take my little girl to Lake Forest Park Town Center to ride the carousel inside the mall (on the second floor, no less).

So I am very pleased to have pictorial proof that there was, indeed a carousel there!

It's a trip down memory lane looking at this slide show, put together by Aaron Stadler for the 2015 Breakfast for the Friends of the Third Place Commons.

Coco's Restaurant - the Lake Forest Park Preschool across the street had an arrangement for small group classes to be held in the back of the restaurant. I spent many happy mornings there, drinking coffee, and learning how to parent.

When The Commons opened, everyone from miles around flooded in. I went to a PTA Board meeting there the third day it was opened. Every time I went there, I saw someone I knew - many from Edmonds, as well as Shoreline and Lake Forest Park.

And the Farmer's Market - I remember when it started. It only gets better every year.

Tree Top Toys was a wonderful store. I was sad when they closed but that didn't stop me from buying bags and bags of marked down merchandise.

I kept looking at the photos, expecting to see myself in one of the crowd shots. Maybe I had my back to the camera.





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10th Annual Third Place Commons Breakfast -February 26, 2015

Monday, March 9, 2015

225 enthusiastic supporters at the 2015 Breakfast
Photo by Aaron Stadler

By Constance Perenyi

“This event is one of my favorite days of the year and I hate to miss it. You're here because this place, this Commons concept, is a remarkable community asset. Not everybody has this. We do, and we're lucky. 
We're also, as a community, smart enough to recognize the value in this kind of human churn and interweave, the exchange of ideas, the warmth of dance and music and learning and simple daily interaction. This place, this idea, helps all of this happen and helps make this a better place. Thank you so much for coming again this year and for once again supporting Third Place Commons.”
     Allen Schauffler, Master of Ceremonies in absentia

This year, as Friends of Third Place Commons prepared for our annual fundraising Breakfast, we hit a few bumps in the road. One of our honored guests was out of town in mid-February, so we set the date two weeks later. Brilliant idea, something we will do again because it gave us more time to organize and fill those tables.

MC Allen Schauffler was called out of town
Photo Shoreline Area News 2011

Then, just a few days before the event, Allen Schauffler, our intrepid Master of Ceremonies for eight of the last ten years, was sent out of town on assignment. What to do?

Simple! We started the Scher-Sher-Shere show early. Steve Scher, interviewer extraordinaire and a local treasure, was already on board to interview Ron Sher, the visionary behind Third Place Books. Right after musician David Shere completed his first set, Steve took the podium, read Allen’s greeting, and our biggest breakfast ever, with over 270 guests, was off and running.

David Shere, musician, at Third Place Commons Breakfast
Photo by Thomas Ager.

This year, we marked several significant anniversaries.

The Town Center opened 50 years ago, and as we saw in Aaron Stadler’s slide show, the mall has gone through several evolutions. And it has had its share of owners. In October 2014, Merlone Geier purchased the property from Madison Marquette. During the months we awaited word of the final sale, supporters of the Commons held our collective breath. Would the new owners recognize the value of Third Place Commons, and of the little non-profit organization that produces over 900 free, public events every year, and runs the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market? We are delighted to answer that question with a resounding yes. We started the Breakfast festivities by thanking Merlone Geier for continuing support of the Commons and the weekend music program.

Ron Sher and Anne Stadler were interviewed by Steve Scher
Photo by Aaron Stadler

Every year, Third Place Commons honors one community partner for service above and beyond ordinary support. This year, Ros Bird, Chair of Third Place Commons, recognized Third Place Company for 15 years of vision and support. After accepting the award, Ron Sher was joined on stage by Anne Stadler, the founder of Friends of Third Place Commons, and Steve Scher asked both of them about how this space came to life.

Ron began by recounting how he was influenced by Ray Oldenberg’s book The Great, Good Place, in which he describes the power of informal, common places like pubs and taverns where everyone in the community is welcomed. When he looked beyond the empty storefronts of a nearly deserted mall in Lake Forest Park, Ron envisioned a thriving bookstore. He also saw the potential of a third place where readers linger over a cup of coffee, neighbors see each other often, and people drop by to be “at home” in public.  He leased much of the mall’s top floor and sublet space to several local restaurants, including the Honey Bear Bakery, a much loved Seattle institution. Rather than building another standard food court, he created the Commons, and furnished it with comfortable places to sit, a giant chessboard and a stage.

Third Place Books opened in November 1998, and while the community immediately embraced this vibrant new business, the Commons presented a challenge. Book store staff couldn't take on a full schedule of public events, and without leadership from the community, the future of the space was uncertain. That is until one fateful morning when Lake Forest Park resident Anne Stadler bumped into Ron Sher in line for coffee at the Honey Bear. A visionary who shared Ron’s passion for community and an activist with plenty of practical experience, Anne proposed setting up a nonprofit organization to manage the Commons. Ron encouraged her to do it, and the adventure began.

And the adventure continues. At the Breakfast, Anne spoke passionately about the Commons as a place that continues to evolve, welcoming an even broader diversity of people, engaging their imaginations and willingness to participate in this ever-unfolding experiment.
  
Ros Bird and Ron Sher were given awards at the Breakfast
Photo by Aaron Stadler

After the interview, members of the Lake Forest Park Rotary Club presented this year’s Jeff Award. Named after Jeff Weissman, beloved Rotarian and retired owner of Great Harvest Bread Company, this award recognizes a Lake Forest Park business or organization with an exemplary commitment to high ethical standards and public values. Ros Bird was surprised by the invitation to return to the stage and receive the award for current and past board members of Third Place Commons this year.  

When he returned to the podium, Steve Scher was obviously moved by the commitment of our community to Third Place Commons. He reminded us how fortunate we are to have this special place. And after every good word has been spoken, the success of the Breakfast is reflected in the amount of money we raise. 
Apparently, our guests agreed with Steve’s assessment, and stepped up to help fund our programming. Our tenth breakfast drew more people than ever, and when the last donation is counted, we will have made over $38,000 in support, the most so far for this event.

We are grateful to every table sponsor who brought friends and colleagues to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of Third Place Commons.

The auction this year was a great fun(d)raiser, and we thank our friends at the Lake Forest Bar and Grill, The Resort at Port Ludlow, Stephanie Kallos, Third Place Books, Honey Bear Bakery, and Arnies in Edmonds. Third Place Commons Board members put together a bucket of different beers, and although we still have not figured out how to serve mimosas at the Breakfast, at least the winning beer bidder left happy. Once again, Honey Bear Bakery kept everyone happy with an abundance of bacon. The Lake Forest Park Youth Council and students from the Shorecrest Interact Club helped us set up, serve, and put everything back in place.
  
As it is with everything we do in the Commons, the Breakfast is a community event from the ground up, and if you haven't had a chance to experience it yet, be sure to mark your calendars for February 25, 2016. Tickets will be available starting in December of this year. To stay posted on this and all Commons events, visit our webpage, and be sure to "like" the Friends of Third Place Commons Facebook page. Donations are gratefully received throughout the year. For more information about how you can support your Commons with tax-deductible contributions, please email.



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WeatherWatcher: Rain returns, warm winter

  • Rain returns
  • Warm temperatures
The rain will return this week about Wednesday afternoon. In the meantime, expect some patches of low clouds, fog, giving way to a mostly sunny afternoon for Tuesday. Highs will probably be in the low 50's as they were today. Wednesday will be mostly cloudy as a storm front moves in to bring us rain Wednesday night and Thursday. Cooler temperatures will arrive with the rain, temperatures in the upper 40's and low 50's for highs. Friday will clear up a little bit before another front moves in Saturday for some more rain. These storms are nothing really serious, I don't expect very heavy rain, at most half an inch out of each system. After Sunday longer range points to more dry weather such as the stuff we've been getting last weekend.

Warmer temperatures:

February has come and gone with more of the winter trending the same way, warmer than normal, and about normal precipitation. The reason for our warm weather? A very warm spike in what is called the PDO, (Pacific Decadal Oscillation). This pattern causes warmer than normal weather, kind of like El Niño, except the precipitation remains near normal if not towards the wetter side. Typically the warm phase and cold phases of this oscillation last 20-40 years, but sometimes there is a warm spike in the middle of a cold phase, and a cold spike in the middle of a warm phase.  Such a cold spike in the warm phase occurred in the winter of 1990-1991. Some may remember the nasty winter snow and cold we had that December. 

We switched into a cold phase PDO around 2006-2007. The warm spike started last winter and appears to be peaking right now. Usually the warm spikes happen right about when a weak or moderate El Niño develops. We skirted right on the border of a La neutral to an El Niño all winter long. Long story short, an interesting combination of naturally occurring patterns have combined to give us this warm and wet winter, leading to one of the lowest mountain snow packs on record.

Thankfully water management is much better than it was in past years and most utilities have been saving the rainwater, realizing we do not have the snow runoff available this summer. So with some luck we may not run into any shortages for the summer/ fall seasons of 2015.

I put up a graph of the average temperatures for January and February 2015 compared to the weather station's average. You can click on the graph to view a larger version.

January 2015:


February 2015:



 March 2015:


As you can see, low temperatures and high temperatures have all been almost universally higher than the average. February really shows it the most, with January having a few days where the low temperatures reached near normal. There were many nights where the low temperature was the normal high temperature for the day.

For current weather conditions please visit http://www.shorelineweather.com


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Be a group fitness instructor


Rene De los Santos will help you with the steps to become a Certified Group Fitness instructor at a meeting on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th. Contact Rene to register. 



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Letter to the Editor: "A very vocal minority" or worried residents?

To the Editor:

When a large number of residents started writing to and attending City Council meetings, expressing objections to a proposed Council action as has happened with the Radical Rezone of 25% of Shoreline, the Mayor - with no factual basis because no survey was taken – implied that objectors are  " A very vocal minority”. 

When constituents are emotionally distressed by the planned destruction of their long-established way of life in an affordable community among neighbors who have become family friends, good leaders respond to these concerns. 

Instead, the Mayor indulged herself in a public analysis of her own psychological discomfort with the way her constituents express themselves, but said of herself “Frankly, I'm just not good at hiding my emotions”  in response to criticism of her demeanor at meetings. Could she extend the same understanding to the thousands with homes in the Rezone areas who are stressed out by the prospect of losing these homes if the Radical Rezone is adopted? 

This Radical Rezone is also terribly wrong for all Shoreline residents because the terms of this rezone would become the precedent for future arbitrary major city changes without citizen right of appeal.

It would take only four (4) Councilmembers to adopt some version of this Radical Rezone on March 16, before all residents have had a chance to study and comment on it. If this happens, Shoreline will be governed by developer-based profit-seeking interests, without citizen agreement. This would be bad for our neighborhoods and bad for our families for the foreseeable future.

When deeply worried constituents, normally serene members of their community, turn to their elected officials for help, the “natural” response of good leaders is to delay action long enough to find a remedy, given that there is no emergency requiring precipitous action.

Elaine Phelps
Shoreline


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Photo: Signs of Spring

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Signs of Spring in Richmond Beach
Photo by Frank Kleyn

Ok - let's count the ways. The door to The Little Store is propped wide open. People are walking their dogs. Someone is actually sitting outside. The flowers are blooming in the pots by the door. The tree is in full bloom.

Looks like Spring!



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Aurora Corridor construction update March 6

From the City of Shoreline

Construction Update
Updated March 6, 2015

N 200th Street east of Aurora to the first driveway into Aurora Village / Costco is reduced to one lane of traffic for approximately 6 months in order for crews to install a joint utility trench and a structural sidewalk.

The stop sign is on a tripod next to the traffic lane
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Eastbound traffic should be aware that there is now a stop sign on 200th, right at the Costco entrance closest to Aurora. It's a temporary sign and people are apparently having difficulty getting used to it. - Editor

Traffic is in the eastbound direction. Transit routes leaving the Aurora Transit Center have changed. Please visit King County Metro and Community Transit for the latest details. King County Metro customer service can be reached at 206-553-3000 and Community Transit can be reached at 425-353-RIDE (7433).
Street trees planted on Aurora near 195th
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Roadway Work

Irrigation and landscaping work will continue along Aurora between N 200th Street and north of N 205th Street.

Over the next several weeks, new luminaire poles will be installed on the west side of Aurora. 

Temporary asphalt ramps in the future bus lane will be removed and other work will take place to prepare for the traffic switch to the west side. Steel plate ramps will be used in the interim for business access until the traffic is switched later this month.


Permeable pavers by Artiste Apartments on Aurora
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline


During this time, the southbound direction of Aurora and the affected side streets may be restricted to one lane during the daytime non-commute hours to perform any of the work above. 

Conduit installation in the joint utility trench on N 200th Street
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Utility Work

Joint utility trench excavation and installation will occur on N 200th Street east of Aurora over the next several weeks. Work will also occur on the east side of Aurora. The northbound direction of Aurora will be restricted to one lane during the daytime non-commute hours to perform this work, weather permitting.

Project Updates

If you wish to receive project updates, please sign up for Alert Shoreline and select "Aurora Updates" as one of your community alert selections.


Updated 03-09-2015 8:30am



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Quick-Start Shoreline Tuesday: Data Breaches

Join the business community at Quick-Start on Tuesday March 10th, 2015 from 12:00 to 1:30pm at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Avenue N. 

Quick-Start Shoreline is presented by Shoreline Community College Small Business Accelerator and the City of Shoreline. These workshops are designed to be helpful for start-up, existing or potential business owners. Sessions are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch.


A Finger in the Dike:
Coping with and Preventing Data Breaches


Whether your business is small or large, the greatest emerging technical fear over the last two years is to lose control of your company and customer information to hacktivists, cybercrooks, and nation states. Size doesn't matter; vulnerability to attack does. Let’s talk about how to reduce your vulnerability to attack and keep the trust of your customers.

Brian Boston

With over two decades  educating and supporting end-users, Brian Boston has continued to explore what technology can do for people and work to improve their computer experience. He understands the issues involved in teaching beginning computer users, supporting people's usage of computer software, training support engineers, working with disability groups seeking computer accommodations, and managing relationships with hundreds of technology experts.

Brian has helped individuals, high schools, local colleges, and companies seeking to improve the user computer experience. During his 18+ years with Microsoft Corporation, Brian supported and trained other support engineers in MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, and other Microsoft products. He was part of the Accessible Technology Group, the development team that builds the Ease of Access Tools in Microsoft Windows. He also searched online technical communities for people who helped others with computer software through the Microsoft MVP Award Program and managed connections with hundreds of awardees worldwide.

Brian is available for speaking engagements and classes on various technology topics as well as one-on-one consultations.

Brian has also been a columnist for the Shoreline Area News. His columns can be found under the Tech Talk label in the Features section on the main webpage.




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Register now for Great Discussions 2015 at SCC's Global Affairs Center

India changes course - April 30
Great Discussions 2015
Global Issues & US Foreign Policy

Eight Thursday Evenings
April 9 – May 28
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Room 1010(m)

Enrollment limited.  Register Now!


Do we need to rethink U.S. foreign policy? What better way to start than to share thoughts with friends and neighbors!

Join Great Discussions 2015 at Shoreline Community College meeting every Thursday evening starting April 9, for eight weeks.

Topics we will discuss include:
  • Russia and the Near Abroad, April 9
  • Privacy in the Digital Age, April 16
  • Sectarianism in the Middle East, April 23
  • India Changes Course, April 30
  • U.S. Policy Toward Africa, May 7
  • Syria's Refugee Crisis, May 14
  • Human Trafficking, May 21
  • Brazil's Metamorphosis, May 28

$35 to register for the series (8 meetings)*

To register:
  1. go online, click on “Event Registration” and specify “Great Discussions 2015” 
  2. send a check payable to "SCC Foundation/GAC" to: SCC Foundation, 16101 Greenwood Ave. N Shoreline, WA 98133

For more information go to the GAC website, or contact Larry Fuell, GAC Director, lfuell@shoreline.edu

*Attending individual seminars if space available; contact Larry Fuell



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Streetzeria benefit dinner for RBCA March 11


Streetzeria Pizza is honoring its first year in Richmond Beach by donating all proceeds from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday, March 11 to the Richmond Beach Community Association.

1857 NW 195th Street, Shoreline 98177




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On the Mayor’s Mind - 3.8.15

Mayor Shari Winstead
By Mayor Shari Winstead

Public Comment

Over the last six weeks, I have heard and seen more public comment than in the previous 5+ years I have served on the City Council, most around the rezone of the light rail station areas. 

I truly appreciate people taking the time to come out and make their comments in public at our weekly meetings. As well, I appreciate the time it takes to sit down and write an e-mail - we receive hundreds, and they are given just as much credence as in-person testimony. The in-person public comment forum can be a bit awkward.

I know that public speaking is uncomfortable for a lot of people, and while it is the public’s opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions with the Council, it’s not a conversation, which can make it unfulfilling to both the speaker and the Council. Many times people will pose a question, but this forum does not give us the opportunity to directly provide a detailed answer.

One good thing about e-mails and letters is that we then have an opportunity to provide a thorough response. Rest assured that if public speaking isn't your thing, you are still being heard by submitting a written comment, as they are always read and considered.

One thing I have observed about myself during public comment. I don't react well when people yell at me, call me names, make allegations, or are degrading and disrespectful.

In fact, it’s hard to actually hear the point someone is trying to make when they are speaking this way. Feeling defensive and shutting down is a natural response to this type of treatment.

It’s no secret to me (or anyone who knows me) that I don't have a good poker face.

Frankly, I'm just not good at hiding my emotions. Some people consider that characteristic a quality. But still, I've been trying for most of my life to suppress the occasional eye roll or heavy sigh, but hey, I’m not perfect, and yep, I am human. In my 51 years I have grown to appreciate my imperfections, and to soften my (very strong) inner critic. I do my best to honor others and treat them respectfully.

The Shoreline City Council is one of the best examples of a collaborative, independent, respectful body of elected officials.

Analyses of the votes on the many amendments offered on the 185th rezone are evidence that there really isn't a faction or group think.

The different backgrounds, perspectives and personalities on the Council are why I am confident that our work fairly represents the citizens of Shoreline – all 53,000+ of them.

A very vocal minority is not necessarily the true representation of the City. And when I disagree with my colleagues on the Council, I still treat them respectfully and thank them for their work at the end of the night.

My love for our community and my desire to see Shoreline become a vibrant, community oriented City with great services and businesses are why I chose to run for City Council in 2009. Those are still my foundational principles and why I continue to do this job.

One last thought about public comment.

I truly appreciate those people who come and share their opinion and feelings about an issue. I strongly encourage folks to do this in a focused, respectful manner, so that we can hear you.


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Poem: A Dear Deer Sight

Deer in Shorewood Hills
Photo by Ed Neff

A DEAR DEER SIGHT
  
Oh dear I am happy
That they still are around
Such magical beauty
Such grace so profound

To know we still have
Some of them in our midst
My joy it is boundless
It will not desist

I hope that the gardener
Forgives their real prank
To eat up your tulips
Oh whom can you spank

But oh what they bring us
Some beauty still WILD
It's fast disappearing
Such Joy--like a child

Let's try to protect them
Let's save them some space
Their biggest of foes
Yes-the whole human race


Jean Monce Bryant
March 8, 2015




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