Kiwanis dinner meeting Thursday features Omar Rivas

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Omar Rivas at Kiwanis
The North Central Seattle Kiwanis club is having their monthly dinner meeting from 6:30 to 8:00pm on Thursday, June 25.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The meeting is in Provail Suite B, 12550 Aurora Ave N, Seattle. There is ample parking in the Provail lot.

Dinner is $12 per person but free to first time attendees who RSVP by calling 206-295-4049 or contact by email.

The program will feature Omar Rivas, an award-winning speaker who also coaches and advises speakers. He will share ideas that will be helpful with your professional life.

This will be the last club meeting before members depart to conduct Camp Casey on Whidbey Island for kids with physical disabilities.



Read more...

Lake Forest Park Library celebrates 50 years

Lake Forest Park Library celebrates 50 years
Photo by Jerry Pickard

On Friday, June 19, the Lake Forest Park Library celebrated its 50th Anniversary.

In an afternoon celebration, patrons shared memories of the library, viewed old photos, entered a raffle, and enjoyed refreshments.

Special guests were Mary Jane Goss, Mayor of Lake Forest Park, and Gary Wasdin, new Director of the King County Library System.

Kristin Chambers and her band performed soulful music.

The Library, part of the King County Library System, is located on the lower level of Town Center, behind the escalator.



Read more...

Move or Be Moved, Video Art Exhibition by Jeffrey Curtis, at Shoreline City Hall Art Gallery

Shoreline resident Jeffrey Curtis becomes the City’s first guest-curator of an exhibition at Shoreline City Hall. 

Curtis responded to an Open Call for Curatorial Proposals in late winter and was selected by Shoreline Public Art Coordinator David Francis and Executive Director of the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Arts Council Fred Wong.

Curtis’ installation of five flat panel video monitors showcases the video and dance of five artists and artist teams that are unified by their interdisciplinary interest in video and dance.

Explaining that “screen dance is an integrated art form of dance, video, and visual art,” Curtis created the exhibition to elicit a “visceral response” in the viewer that will in turn inspire him or her to embrace movement as a fundamental human activity.

Curtis, a lecturer in the Dance department at the University of Washington, recently presented Sidewalk Dance Films in Tacoma.

Video art is rarely exhibited in municipal art galleries, which more often display paintings, drawings, photography, or collages.

Move or Be Moved is on view on the 4th floor during regular business hours from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday, to October 25, 2015.



Read more...

House in The Highlands burns to the ground

A 3000 square foot home in The Highlands which had been vacant for ten years burnt to the ground early Friday morning.

Firefighters were on scene on Beach Driver for several hours. The cause is under investigation. No injuries reported. Shoreline Fire was assisted by crews from Edmonds, Seattle and Northshore.



Read more...

Music and dance of West Africa showcased in Shoreline


Saturday, July 25, 2015 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm, Shorewood High School Performing Arts Center, 17300 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline 98133

Under the direction of Ghanaian-born griot and percussionist Eben Pobee (JHP Cultural and Diversity Legacy), The Cultural Heritage is a myriad of music and dance traditions practiced by West African artists.

This year's exceptional program features world-renowned guest performers representing Ghana, Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Guinea, and Liberia. As the Program acknowledges the vast influence of West African performance traditions throughout the African Diaspora, 2015 performers include local Obo Addy Legacy Project- Okropong artists sharing music and dance from Ghana and West Africa at large, featuring the Seattle Cultural Crew.

CULTURAL HERITAGE 2015 will present a vibrant and unique celebration featuring unparalleled music and dance performance -- an African Chief Installation / Procession process, an art of exhibition on how A Ghanaian Chief is installed, not to mention live Band Music led by Portland based Saeeda Wright! (currently one of the background singers for PRINCE).

JHP Cultural and Diversity Legacy has the ability to celebrate past traditions while expanding to embrace new ideas and foreign influences through traditional music and dance.

The gift for that night would be a 30 minute Fashion Show with "Adeshie Collections" owned by Emmanuel Arhu and Fred Amankwaah- Beautifully Designed African clothing for men!





Read more...

Shoreline School District Approves New Secondary Social Studies and Science Curricula

By Marianne Deal Stephens

On June 1st, 2015 Shoreline School District Director of Teaching and Learning Teri Poff offered a briefing of recent decisions by the District Instructional Materials Committee (DIMC).

The committee, which consists of administrators, teachers, and parents, recently reviewed social studies and science curriculum options.

All materials were piloted in classes, usually alongside other options, and teacher and student input was collected and evaluated. Shorewood Social Studies Department Chair Lara Sukol led the Social Studies pilot, and Instructional Specialist for Science Lisa Chen spearheaded the review of various science texts. 

The committee approved the Brown University Choices as a supplemental Social Studies curriculum for Senior Civics courses. Students are “presented with scenarios (choices) and there are lessons with role-playing, writing, and graphic organizers” (Minutes from 5.27.15 DIMC Meeting). Choices also aligns with Common Core literacy standards.

Here are excerpts from the DIMC Recommendation regarding Choices. Curricula are evaluated for intended use, adherence to standards, bias, and several other factors. 

Source: Shoreline School District. 

The committee also approved:

The entire DIMC report containing student and teacher feedback, sample lessons, and detailed reviews of each newly adopted instructional material can be found on pages 162-348 of the June 1 School Board Agenda Packet. On June 15th, the School Board unanimously approved DIMC’s recommendations.



Read more...

Summer Smash Tennis Tournament coming to Snohomish in July is open players from around the region



Frustrated by what he saw as limited opportunities for local area high school tennis players to play in the off-season, Snohomish resident Kraig Norris decided to create one.

The Snohomish Summer Smash, a two-day tournament for high school players ages 14-18, will take place July 24th and 25th at the Snohomish High School Tennis Courts.

Registration costs are $25 for Singles players and $40 for Doubles teams, with a two-match minimum ensured for players, and water and tournament t-shirts provided. Trophies will be awarded for each division winner. Proceeds go to the Snohomish High School Boys and Girls Tennis Teams.

“My inspiration came from reading about the Midsummer Night Madness basketball tournament taking place in Everett,” Norris said. 
“There are tournaments for football, volleyball and lacrosse players, but unless a player is registered with the US Tennis Association, there are very few opportunities to play tennis.” 

So Norris, in conjunction with Snohomish High School Coach Dick Jansen, set about to change that. 

“We have reached out to the coaches of thirty five regional high schools, trying to increase exposure and get as many players competing as possible. This is a chance for players from different districts and divisions to compete against each for the first time. 
"For someone hoping to secure a spot on their Varsity team, this is a chance to get some playing time, and players who have played only Singles will have a chance to try their hand at Doubles, and vice versa.”

It won't just be all about the competition either; borrowing a page from beach volleyball tournaments, there will be music playing during the matches.

“This is serious tennis, but it’s also going to be fun.” 

Registration deadline for the tournament is July 8 , and players interested in participating can email the tournament director for a registration packet.



Read more...

Services for former Mayor Ron Hansen

Services for former Mayor Ron Hansen will be held at Shoreline Community Church at 1 pm on Saturday, July 11th.

Reflecting the place where he was able to serve his community, at 2pm there will be a reception at Shoreline City Hall in the council chambers.

Ron was elected to the first Shoreline City Council and elected four terms as councilmember and one as Mayor.

It was his joy and honor to help form a city where folks would be safe and truly enjoy a beautiful place to work, play, and care for each other.

Read more...

Visit Master Gardeners at the Lake Forest Park Farmer's Market Sunday

GOT GARDEN QUESTIONS?
VISIT MASTER GARDENERS IN LAKE FOREST PARK
  • Are you wondering what it is that is eating your rhododendron leaves?
  • And what in the world are those little gray creepy things on your kale?
  • Why are your tomato leaves turning yellow?
  • Are hardy fuchsias REALLY hardy?
  • What kind of fertilizer do brussels sprouts need?
  • How do I repot my rootbound ficus?

The WSU Extension Master Gardeners of King County staff weekly clinics all over King County from April through November (dates vary by location) to answer questions just like these that were asked at one of last week's clinics.

Master Gardeners are folks who have gone through an intensive training and internship and share their passion for gardening by addressing your landscaping and gardening challenges.

This service is free!! If you have a plant problem you would like diagnosed, bring a photo or better yet, a sample. 

This week's Master Gardener clinics in Lake Forest Park will be held:

Sunday, June 21st
Ace Hardware / Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
17171 Bothell Way NE (Town Center at LFP)
11 a.m. -- 3 p.m.



Read more...

Saturday is a Great Day for a Garden Tour

Friday, June 19, 2015

The Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Plant Sale is today, Saturday, June 20, 2015.

You can get tickets in the Lake Forest Park Town Center. Your ticket provides you with admission to six local gardens. Yesterday’s rain refreshed the gardens and they are looking great.   


Make Dad a gift of green at the garden sale at Town Center. There will be an activity table for children to make Dad (or Mom) a planter. Draw on paper and then make the drawing into a paper planter. There will be dirt and some annuals to plant and you have a great gift. This is a free activity for kids. 


The plant sale is a great opportunity to add interest and color to your garden. Shop for plants and garden art from 9 am to 4 pm.


  
Visit the gardens on the tour - take your camera or just go and enjoy the music, the art, and the gardens. Talk to the experts at each site - or just look at the pretty flowers and greenery!




Read more...

4th Annual Old Dog Haven Walk for Old Dogs and Old Dog Pageant


Old Dogs, young dogs and people of all ages are invited to attend. The walk is not a race, but a promenade around the park to celebrate our senior dogs. The walk is followed by the Old Dog Pageant with competitions for Best Costume, Best Begging Face and Grand Old Dog. All proceeds benefit Old Dog Haven.

Sunday, July 19, 2015 12:00 - 3:00
Cromwell Park
18030 Meridian Ave N.
Shoreline, WA

Register as an individual or start a team at the website.
Registration includes a walk tote bag.


Read more...

Kenmore gives Key to the City to outgoing Bastyr President

Dr. Church, center, Mayor David Baker 2nd from left

At the June 15 Kenmore City Council meeting, Dr. Daniel Church, retiring president of Bastyr University, was honored for his accomplishments and contributions to the University and the City of Kenmore.

Dr. Church led Bastyr University over the past 10 years and in this time became a pillar of the community and a well-regarded leader. Bastyr experienced unprecedented achievement and growth during Dr. Church’s presidency.

The University witnessed increases in student enrollment, core faculty, revenues and cash reserves, the expansion of the Bastyr Center for Natural Health and the amount of degree programs offered. In 2012, Bastyr opened their second campus and clinic in San Diego, CA.

In honor of Dr. Church’s leadership and community partnership, the City of Kenmore bestowed upon him their very first “Key to the City.” Dr. Church embraced many opportunities for the City of Kenmore and the University to partner including the lease for the local ball field that serves Kenmore-area kids, opening up the campus for Kenmore’s annual art show, The Arts of Kenmore, and collaborating on many city and community events and initiatives.

“We have benefited from a longstanding, positive relationship with our City’s largest employer, Bastyr University, and we thank Dr. Church for that. We're grateful for his leadership in shepherding Bastyr through the past decade,” says Mayor David Baker. “We will miss Dr. Church greatly, but know his work has positioned Bastyr for continued success in the years to come.”


Read more...

Shoreline Farmer's Market opens Saturday in new location in Sears upper lot

New location by Sears for the Shoreline
Farmer's Market
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Join the Shoreline Farmers Market at its new location at 10am on June 20 as they kick off the 4th season of the market.

The market will be at 15300 Westminster Way, Shoreline, WA in the Sears upper parking lot next to Central Market. Look for the many booths set up when you arrive. Market sales begin at 10am and end at 3pm every Saturday until October 3. 



Read more...

Shorewood girls' doubles players win spot on All-Wesco South tennis team

Ellie Allen-Hatch
Photo by Wayne Pridemore
The Shorewood doubles tennis team of juniors Ellie Allen-Hatch and Emily Wright won a place on the all-Wesco-3A/2A-South girls' tennis team.

Allen-Hatch and Wright won the all-Wesco-South position by placing fourth in the division tournament in May. They went on to win their first-round match at the Northwest District 3A tournament before losing in the district semifinala.

They played on a Shorewood girls' varsity team that finished second in the Wesco South dual-meet standings with a 10-2 record (13-3 overall), behind Glacier Peak (11-1, 14-1). Shorecrest trailed at 1-11 (2-13).

The Shorewood junior varsity had a 5-7 (5-11) record for fourth place behind Glacier Peak (12-0, 15-0). The Shorecrest JVs were sixth at 4-8 (5-10).



Read more...

Senior Center needs instructors

Tai Chi class needs teacher
The Shoreline-LFP Senior Center needs class instructors: one for the Intermediate/Advanced Spanish class and one for Tai Chi class.

The Intermediate/Advanced Spanish class currently meets every Tuesday, 10:00 to 11:30am. 

The Tai Chi class meets two days a week: Tuesdays and Fridays 10:45-11:45am. This group meets at the Spartan Gym which is next door to the senior center.

Both positions are for contracted instructor positions and are for on-going classes. These classes are among the 65 taught per week at the senior center. Both of these classes have been meeting for a number of years.

Members of the Spanish Conversation for Advanced Beginners are looking for a volunteer who is a Spanish speaker who would be interested in joining them on Mondays, 10:00-11:30am. They are looking for someone who can help them advance their conversational skills.

For more information contact Jon Ann Cruver, Program Coordinator at 206-365-1536, Wednesday through Friday. To learn more about the senior center go to the center’s website



Read more...

Lake Forest Park resident thwarts burglary

From Lake Forest Park Police

Friday afternoon, an extremely alert resident of Lake Forest Park observed a suspicious vehicle driving slowly through the neighborhood.

The vehicle stopped at her neighbor’s house and one person got out of the vehicle and went around back. The front door opened and the second person walked through the front door. The citizen immediately called 911 and officers began driving to the residence.

Once police were on scene, one of the suspects ran from the house. Officer Parrish and Detective Matthews gave chase. The suspect was caught and arrested. The second suspect left the house and was located by officers and Lynnwood K9 after he had shed his clothes and stolen items from the residence.

Both suspects will be booked into jail; charges are pending. 

GREAT JOB by all involved! First thanks to the alert citizen! Second, great job by LFP officers, Bothell, King County, and all the other agencies involved. Remember to call 911 when you have that gut feeling something is not right and get a good description. Way to go!




Read more...

ThimbleBelle Quilters at the Shoreline Arts Festival in a new, larger space

A $2 raffle ticket could get you
this beautiful Christmas quilt
Photo courtesy SL-LFP Senior Center

The ThimbleBelle Quilters are pleased to introduce a new activity for kids and a demonstration during the Shoreline Arts Festival, June 27 and 28. The group will be in a new location this year: they will have their amazing display of quilts in the Staff Lounge in the Conference Center. They are among the activities on the Passport, so look for them and get your stamp!

Quilting starts with color choices and shapes. Come enjoy coloring basic quilt block piecing designs, from the basic 9 patch design to a block using small squares and half square triangles. A good activity for all ages.

Painting on cotton fabric with acrylics, fabric paints, fabric pencils and mediums will be demonstrated by Elizabeth W. Pankey, an experienced freelance illustrator and designer. Demos will be both days at the festival: 2-3pm on Saturday and 1-2 on Sunday. They could run over an hour depending on our interest in the process. This is aimed at the teen to adult skill levels.

The sign for the quilt - is quilted!
Photo courtesy SL-LFP Senior Center

The ThimbleBelles Group Quilt for 2015 is a beautiful Holiday gift theme. Raffle tickets go on sale during the Arts Festival for $2.00 each and sales will continue at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center through the Holiday Bazaar, with the drawing being held on Saturday, November 7. The group meets at the Senior Center every Tuesday, noon until 3:00pm. All level of quilters are welcome to join. Bring your own projects to work on if you wish!

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center is located in the southern-most building of the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, #1 with ample parking in the front of the building. For more information: 206-365-1536 or see the website.


Read more...

Southbound I-5 night owls, beware

From WSDOT

If you drive really late at night / early in the morning into Seattle, this one is for you.

From 1 to 2am on (very early) Wednesday morning, June 24, WSDOT will be closing all of southbound I-5 between NE 175th Street and NE 145th Street to install a sign bridge and video message sign across the highway.

This is part of the I-5 pavement repair project between Shoreline and North Seattle.

During the closure, traffic will exit at 175th, go to Aurora (or Meridian) and head south to 145th, where vehicles can re-enter I-5.



Read more...

Follow-up: naked driver causes power outage in Shoreline

A 24 year old woman was driving the vehicle that collided with a utility pole around 1am Friday morning near the corner of NE 155th and 1st Ave NE in Shoreline. This is the intersection by Twin Ponds Park and virtually in front of Shoreline Fire Station 65.

Sergeant Klein of the Shoreline Police was on patrol in the Twin Ponds parking lot, heard the crash and was on the scene immediately. Shoreline Fire responded immediately. When they arrived, the car was draped in wires and the naked driver was unresponsive, going in and out of consciousness.

Although her injuries did not appear severe, she was transported to Harborview. A blood test was taken there which will be sent to the state crime lab for analysis.

The driver's city of residence is Tacoma.

Power was knocked out to over 4000 customers for several hours until City Light crews were able to repair the damage.

According to Shoreline Police, the Aegis facility on 1st Avenue NE had to call out their emergency staff due to the power outage for patients needing oxygen and other electronic monitoring.

updated 9:16pm



Read more...

Power fully restored to Shoreline after car hits pole

A one-car accident took out a power pole near the Shoreline substation and cut off power to 4443 Shoreline customers.

The accident occurred around 2am. Seattle City Light reports that power was fully restored by 4:54am.



Read more...

Sound Shooters: Photography in Gardens

Thursday, June 18, 2015

By Hitomi Dames

After we bought our first digital EOS Rebel in 2003, it took several months for me to start photographing. I wasn't a photographer then. And I didn't know what I wanted to shoot.

On the following year our friend took us to the Chinese garden in West Seattle. That spring day I began to photograph in gardens.

Here is "Spring Light" I shot at the Chinese Garden.

Spring Light
Photo by Hitomi Danes

Focal Length 55 mm, Ć’/10, Shutter Speed 1/200, ISO 100

You might have thought I shot this with a macro lens, but it was a 18 -55 mm zoom lens which came with my Rebel. My first year I only had this lens. Actually we had pro zoom lens but it is heavy and expensive, so I was afraid to use it. 

Choice of Lenses

Now I use mainly the 100 mm macro lens for flowers but I also carry wide lens with me to get the entire garden.

Don't run out to buy a new lens. You can use many different lenses in gardens.

1. 18 -55 mm Zoom lens

a )  Focal Length 51 mm,  Ć’/5.6, S 1/100, ISO 100

Japanese Garden
Photo by Hitomi Dames
Zoomed in on full scene

Remember, you can shoot close-up with this zoom lens if a flower is large enough like peony. But as with any lens, as you get closer to the flower, lens autofocus won't work as well, so best to focus the lens manually.

2. 100 mm Macro Lens

Macro lens get in closer than a zoom lens.
Ć’/5.6,  Shutter Speed 1/80, ISO 400

Peony shot with a macro lens
Photo by Hitomi Dames
I did not have more than one camera when I travelled Japan, so I was constantly changing lenses back and forth.

3. 17-85 mm Zoom Lens

I sometimes shoot two shots at the same scene; one focusing on the foreground, another midground focus or background. The garden stays the same with each shot, of course, so you get a variety of images simply by changing focus and angle.

a ) Focal Length 73mm, Ć’/7.1, Shutter Speed 1/160, ISO 800


Focusing on the midground object
Photo by Hitomi Dames

I also shot focusing the plant in foreground at this scene. If you want everything to be in focus, you need to increase the f-stop to maybe f/16 or even more.

Still Life Portrait

b ) Focal Length 64mm, f/6.3. Shutter Speed 1/100, ISO 200 (17-85mm lens)

Zoomed in to create still life portrait
Photo by Hitomi Dames

4. 75 -300 mm Zoom Lens

A telephoto comes in handy when you shoot flowers on a tall tree. And when you don't want to or /can't get close to a flower.

Focal Length 265 mm, Ć’/5.6, Shutter Speed 1/50, ISO 200

Mimosas
Photo by Hitomi Dames


I always think which camera and lens to bring each time. I usually carry at least one camera and two lenses. Often I take two cameras (meaning one lens each camera, of course). Sometimes two cameras and three lenses.

There are zoom lenses like 18-200mm, 28 -300mm. I wish I had a 18-200 zoom lens for traveling.

However, even if I had a 18-200 zoom lens, it is a good idea to bring an extra lens, and even an extra camera. I experienced either camera or lens failure when I got on location, but fortunately I had extra of both. Bring extra batteries and camera cards too.

Garden Tours

Garden tours are the perfect place to hone photo skills.

Don't miss the chance to hone your photography garden shooting this Saturday, 20 June.
Music and Art in the gardens at the Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park.

Musicians will perform and artists will display their artwork. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions.

Photo Booth - Not Just a Tiny (Open with huge background), Portraits, Events, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Weddings, Albums



Read more...

Shoreline Arts Council’s Wonderland of the Arts 2015 Gala in Review

HeART Award winners Robin and Keith McClelland
with Arts Council President Bob Pfeiffer dressed as the White Rabbit.
Photo by JM

From the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council

The Board of Directors, and staff of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council would like to thank everyone who made this year’s Gala such a success! The approximately 160 guests at the event really went the extra mile by raising $48,169 to make sure our communities will continue to be enriched by the Arts! 

The Make a Difference portion of the evening (often called “Raise the Paddle”) raised an impressive $10,100 for arts education in our schools! This money goes to support the Arts Council’s Artist-in-Schools program which brings working artists into the classroom to lead tactile, hands-on art experiences in our increasingly digital world.

The winners of this year’s HeART award are Keith and Robin McClelland who were recognized for their long-term commitment to supporting and cultivating the arts in our community, and especially for their work on the North City Jazz Walk.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts.



Read more...

Sara Lane selected as Shoreline’s new Administrative Services Director

Sara Lane
City Manager Debbie Tarry has selected Sara Lane to be City’s new Administrative Services Director. Lane's selection is the culmination of an extensive search after Robert Hartwig announced his resignation as Administrative Services Director.

“I'm excited to appoint Sara as the City’s new Administrative Services Director,” stated Tarry. “She is an energetic and collaborative leader who will be effective in serving the Shoreline community.”

Lane has worked for the City of Bellevue’s Finance Department for 23 years, most recently as the Assistant Finance Director. In that role, she was responsible for leading the Accounts Payable, Business Systems, Payroll, Procurement, Tax and Treasury, Budget, Investment and Debt functions.

Lane was also responsible for developing and implementing Bellevue’s budgeting for outcomes budget process and has led efforts in strategic planning and communication improvement. She is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association, the Washington Finance Officers Association, and is on the Bellevue College Accounting Advisory Board.

In addition to her position as the Assistant Finance Director, Lane has also held the positions of Finance Business Systems Manager, Treasury and Tax Manager, Assistant Treasury and Tax Manager, along with other technical positions with the City of Bellevue.

The City received over 20 applications for the position. Of those, 10 were chosen as semi-finalists to go through additional screening. After the additional screening, the City Manager chose five finalists to be interviewed by four panels. The interview panels were made up of City staff and the City’s Leadership Team. The final interview was with the City Manager.

Lane’s start date will be June 22, 2015.



Read more...

Lake Forest Park teen is finalist in International Piano Competition

Christopher Son Richardson

Christopher Son Richardson, 16, of Lake Forest Park, WA was among five finalists out of an initial field of more than fifty contestants that competed at the e-Piano Junior Competition held this week in Minneapolis. Richardson took fifth prize, winning $1,000. The top prize winner, Nathan Lee of Sammamish, WA, took home $8,000.

Christopher has performed in venues all over the United States, including competitions, music festivals, and TV/radio.
 
He was selected as one of the scholarship winners at the National Chopin Foundation of the US in 2013 and a winner at the National YoungArts Foundation. He performed with the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra as the winner of the Young Artists Concerto Competition and the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra as a guest artist. He won first prize 2011 at Seattle International Piano and at the International Russian Competitions (2012, 2013), and eight gold medals at the US Open Music Competition. He won third prize at the Lennox International Young Artists Concerto 2011, as well as third prize in the 2014 American Prize Competition.

He was the winner of Washington MTNA 2014 and also named a prizewinner in the Longer Works Division of the LA International Liszt Competition 2014, in which there was no age limit.



Read more...

County Council unanimously approves new priorities for assisting children and youth

Rod Dembowski
The Metropolitan King County Council gave its unanimous support to the Youth Action Plan (YAP), a new set of priorities that will guide and inform the County's annual investment in programs and services for children and youth, from infants to 24-year olds.

“Kids should be empowered to achieve their full potential, not be held back by circumstances out of their control,” said Councilmember Rod Dembowski, who sponsored the legislation calling for the creation of a Youth Action Plan. 
“The Youth Action Plan represents the best thinking of children and youth advocates countywide to ensure that all kids in King County can achieve their full potential. The plan provides a blueprint to reform how we invest in kids at King County, and lights the path for potential new investments of resources to achieve the plan's vision for our kids.”  
The Council initiated the development of the YAP, with the goal of ensuring that King County’s Strategic Plan objective to “promote opportunities for all communities and individuals to realize their full potential,” is applied to the County’s children and youth and reflected across all County departments, programs, and initiatives. The goal of the YAP is to set the County’s priorities for an accountable, integrated delivery system of services to achieve the best outcomes for children, families, youth and young adults.

Development of the YAP was completed by an appointed task force of twenty-five experts representing a broad range of organizations and entities with substantial expertise and knowledge relevant to children and youth. Community input was collected through five community conversations held across the county, and through a survey of more than 1,000 youth. The nine recommendations contained in the YAP are the culmination of the task force’s work over the last year.

The recommendations in the Plan include:

  • Apply social justice and equity principles to our children and youth policies
  • Strengthen and stabilize families, children, youth, and young adults
  • Stop the School to Prison Pipeline
  • Break down barriers between government, non-profits, and other providers of services
  • Use data to measure program efficacy and to make investment decisions
  • Invest early, invest often, and invest in outcomes
  • Increase accountability and oversight 

As noted in Executive Constantine’s 2014 budget address, the Youth Action Plan inspired the discussion and development of a potential funding mechanism known as Best Starts for Kids (BSK). The visions of the YAP and BSK are aligned, and the YAP’s recommendations provide the guidance and framework for addressing the allocation of additional revenue.

“The Youth Action Plan is a central feature of Best Starts for Kids, which is why I'm so pleased by the Council’s unanimous support,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “We are focused on what works—a scientific, evidence-based approach. The Youth Action Plan sets the direction. Best Starts for Kids, our six-year levy, will make it possible to fulfill that promise.”



Read more...

PSSBL plays baseball at Safeco field to benefit Make-A-Wish® Alaska and Washington



Players from the Puget Sound Senior Baseball League, one of the largest amateur adult baseball organizations in the U.S., will play ball on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Safeco Field.

72 players will participate in two baseball games, starting at 12:30pm. Home Plate gate opens at 11:30am. The day-long event will raise money for Make-A-Wish® Alaska and Washington. The event is open to the public, and admission is FREE. Donations will be accepted throughout the day. Concessions will be available. This is the sixth PSSBL event at Safeco since 2006.

Make-A-Wish® Alaska and Washington grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Several Make-A-Wish children will throw out ceremonial first pitches before the games. The local chapter, Make-A-Wish® Alaska and Washington, is currently celebrating its 31st year of service. More information is available at their webpage.

Umpires from the Northwest Baseball Umpires Association (NBUA) and the Puget Sound Umpires Association (PSUA) are donating their time and talents to the event. 

STADIUM SCHEDULE:

11:30 am Home Plate Gate Opens 
noon—6 pm Concession stand open

GAME SCHEDULE:

12:30 pm Game #1 Nationals #1 vs. Americans #1
3:45 pm Game #2 Nationals #2 vs. Americans #2

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

PSSBL President Tom Evans Krause 425-743-2751,  or 206-915-6369 cell.


Read more...

All-Sister band's new music arrives for summer


The Gothard Sisters’ Mountain Rose - folk music and simple thing


Winners of “Best New Irish Artist” in the Irish Music Awards last year, Edmonds-based sister band The Gothard Sisters, known to local audiences for their appearances on the Third Place Commons stage, are releasing their third Celtic folk music album, filled with youthful takes on traditional music and brand new songs written by the sisters.

The new album, Mountain Rose, features fresh, inventive and melodic violin, the rhythmic drive of bodhran, percussion, Irish step-dance and guitar, and three-part vocal sibling harmony. The songs on the album were inspired by the love of simple, timeless and transcendent things – patience, beauty in nature and character, traditional dance music, and the feeling of comfort in being with those you love as the sun sets on Summer nights.

Photo by Gabriel Bienczycki
Following the June 23rd release of Mountain Rose, the Gothard Sisters will be touring across the country with their new music, performing their entertaining live show, which incorporates music, sibling antics and Irish dance, among other things. More information on the tour schedule can be found at their website

About the Gothard Sisters

The Gothard Sisters aim to create and perform music that is timeless, uplifting, and energetic. Over the course of nearly 1,000 shows nationwide since they formed as a Celtic band in 2006, the Gothard Sisters – who are truly sisters – have become internationally recognized as a dynamic, multi-instrumentalist Celtic music and dance group from the Pacific Northwest. Although much of the sisters’ music comes with a distinct Celtic flair, hints of their Western American heritage can be heard in what Irish Central calls “an earthiness that gives the songs a lively, approachable, down-home sound.” The Gothard Sisters operate independently of any music label, preferring a DIY approach in self-producing their award-winning albums, energetic live shows and imaginative music videos. 

Photo by Gabriel Bienczycki

About Mountain Rose
 
The Gothard Sisters started out their musical careers as classical violinists before expanding into folk music, so naturally there are many songs where the violin shines; the energetic and spunky fiddle and drum tune “The Bandit,” written about a raccoon in the woods, to the jazzy fiddle tune “Cat in a Bush,” lovingly dedicated to the neighborhood cat that keeps squashing the lavender bushes, and many more. Along with new lyric songs by the sisters like “It Was Beautiful,” a song about different perceptions of beauty, and “Grace O’Malley,” a story-song about the legendary Irish pirate queen when she was 9 years old, there are also new arrangements of traditional songs – Welsh lullaby “All Through the Night,” and Scottish anthem, “Auld Lang Syne.” The album can be found on the band’s website, or on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.




Read more...

Free day camp for children and teens who have lost a sibling


Providence Hospice of Seattle is inviting children and teens who have lost a sibling to participate in a Family Day Camp Aug. 12, 2015, in Seattle.

This free camp runs from 11am to 2pm at Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave N, Seattle. It is specifically designed for children and teens who have experienced the death of a sibling and offers a unique camp experience for campers and their parents or guardians to come together for fun and support. The camp is led by professional youth and grief counselors from Providence Hospice of Seattle.

To register, contact Brad Justin at 206-749-7699. For more information on this event or other hospice programs visit Providence website.

About Providence Hospice of Seattle: Founded in 1975, Providence Hospice of Seattle is a recognized leader in the community for providing innovative services and compassionate end-of-life care for adults and children living with life-limiting illness throughout King County.



Read more...

Shoreline School District aims for Equity

Source: City of Portland, OR

By Marianne Deal Stephens

At the June 1st Shoreline School Board Meeting, Executive Director of Schools Brian Schultz presented the report from the Shoreline District Equity Committee which has been meeting over the school year.

For much of the year, the District undertook a self-inventory process which “was designed to support your district in taking a deep look at current organizational and system infrastructures with the intent of identifying systemic barriers and gaps that can be addressed to reduce inequalities in student outcomes and increase equity and opportunities for academic success” (Shoreline Public Schools Equity Profile 2015, p. 1).

Director Schultz praised the group — which consisted of counselors, family advocates, teachers, administrators, staff, parents, a community member, and a student— saying that they had all learned to see issues through different lenses.

Source: Shoreline School District


The Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) oversaw this work, and created four key dimensions to synthesize the data and help Shoreline plan for equity. The four key dimensions are: Equity Policies and Plans; Leadership for Equity; Access to Programs and Services; and System Supports for Equity. Though changes will take time, the District will adopt the PSESD’s guiding recommendations for the 2015-16 school year.

Source: Shoreline School District

Starting this fall, the district will: establish an Equity Advisory Committee; create a position for Director of District Equity; incorporate new goals and standards in policies, processes, and policy; and work to embed the principles in school district matters.

Efforts will extend into professional development, data collection, language services, assessment, and many other aspects of district operation. Regarding access to programs, the committee issued the following recommendations: 

Source: Shoreline School District

Director Schultz emphasized that the district intends to be research-based and to implement changes that are measurable. The administration wants new families and those in transition to feel welcome and will look at the Family Friendly Schools process.

For more details on the District Equity Committee’s Recommendations, see Director Schultz’s report and the PSESD’s Profile on pages 115-143 of the June 1 Agenda packet



Read more...

Jet City June 20th event cancelled

The Jet City Rollergirls of Everett have cancelled their GAME ON: An Interactive Roller Derby Experience event planned for the Shoreline Derby Center on June 20.



Read more...

Photo: Special Effects

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

The special effects, in this case, are provided by Mother Nature. This sunset graced most of the central Sound but Lee Lageschulte took this photo in Shoreline.



Read more...

Lake Forest Park student named to Cornell Dean's List

Cornell University announced that Scott Holmdahl, son of Ray and Ronda Holmdahl of Lake Forest Park, has been named to the Dean's List for Autumn 2014 and Spring 2015.

Dean’s List citations are presented each semester to students with exemplary academic records. 



Read more...

Local student awarded Washington and Lee University Scholarship

Joshua J. White of Shoreline, Washington, a rising senior at Washington and Lee University, has been awarded a Lewis Kerr Johnson Scholar.

This scholarship was created by friends and former students honoring the memory of Lewis Kerr Johnson, longtime professor of administration at W/L. Former L.K. Johnson student William S. Rosasco III of the Class of 1951 increased the scholarship fund in 1981.

The scholarship is awarded to students majoring in business administration and accounting who possess the basic characteristics of integrity, initiative, independence, self-discipline, drive and leadership.



Read more...

Mark Haner hired as Shorewood T-Bird Girls Basketball Coach

Mark Haner
Shorewood High School and the Shoreline School District are pleased to announce Mark Haner as their new Varsity Girls Basketball coach. Haner replaces Erica Ryan who resigned in May after two years as the T-Birds Head Coach. 

Haner, who has also accepted a Social Studies teaching position at Shorewood, comes to the T-Birds after spending the last two years as the Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at Jackson High School in Everett. Haner led Jackson to post season appearances both years with a two-year career record of 26-21.

Mark is no stranger to the Shoreline School District. Previous to his experience at Jackson, Mark served as the JV boys basketball coach at Shorecrest for many years and currently is an assistant Track and Field coach for the Scots as well.

We are excited to have someone with Mark’s experience and commitment for high expectations heading the Shorewood program. We are very pleased to have Mark teaching in the building and continuing to build a program that has seen some success over the last 10 years. 
Mark is familiar with Shoreline, our programs and our procedures. His expectations for student success both on and off the floor match our school district’s expectations. We feel this is a great fit for both Mark and Shorewood High School.  



Read more...

Lyon Creek Waterfront Preserve Park closed until July 7

Lyon Creek
Photo by Carl Dinse

The Lyon Creek Waterfront Preserve Park is closed now and will remain closed through July 7 to allow for construction for the Lyon Creek Flood Mitigation project. It will reopen after July 7 but will close again August 10 - 14.

KLB Construction will reestablish the floodplain by clearing and grading Lyon Creek Waterfront Preserve, constructing a floodplain with berm to contain flood water to the limits of the property. The disturbed areas will be re-landscaped with ~4,000 native plants and the stream will be restored with streambed aggregate. KLB Construction will also install five bank logs with anchors and a new pedestrian bridge.

For more information on the Lyon Creek Flood Mitigation Project see the City webpage traffic /project news and updates.



Read more...

Respond by Sunday: Hazardous Waste Survey



The City of Shoreline would like your input.

If you brought your household hazardous waste to the Wastemobile Event at Sears this year, thank you! 

More than 41,700 pounds of hazardous waste were collected and safely disposed of, helping to protect our health and the environment.

In order to consider these events in the future, we need to know your interest and need to safely dispose of your hazardous waste.

It's important that we hear from you!

Please take a 1-minute survey (really only one minute!), online or call 206-801-2455 to give us your feedback. The link will be available through Sunday, June 21.

Here's a hint: the North Seattle Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility is located at 12550 Stone Ave N, just off Aurora.



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