The penguins steal the show at Missoula Children's Theater production of Aladdin

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Cast photo Aladdin
Photo by Bob Pfeiffer

By Diane Hettrick

You don't remember penguins in Aladdin? Then you didn't see the goofy, funny, charming version staged by the Missoula Children's Theater at the Shoreline Arts Festival on Saturday.

Missoula sends in a couple of youthful professionals, some costumes and sets. The professionals take some of the lead parts, but they recruit and train upwards of 60 local school kids for the rest of the parts.

They are selected on Monday, train for five days, and put on two shows on Saturday.

Lead players in Aladdin
Photo by Bob Pfeiffer

They were all delightful. I think the palm trees had the best lines (multiple puns on dates). The older kids, many of whom have some stage experience from school, were very good.

But the little ones stole the show. The penguins really did quite well. They sang a song early in the production and not only were on key, and on pitch, they were in unison. There were several serious baby hams in the line up - big grins at the audience. Sometimes one would be a little behind the others in the many arm gestures (slapping their wings to the sides of the heads and calling out "Lost! Lost!"). Occasionally one would turn the wrong way or forget to leave the stage because they were so busy posing for the audience.

The audience ate it up.

I noticed more than one dad in the audience with bouquets of flowers for their young actor.

The Donkey, played by Harper Flynt and one of the young genies, played by Jessica Yost, Jared Yost, and Lexi Burke, were outstanding.

Penguins were played by Jossalyn Acacio, Rosie Cameron, Cedella Dean, Hartley Kropf, Jason Logan, Makenna Louch, Carly Lukson, Iris Sottile, Kaline Suiter, Molly Valderas, Hazel Zackey, and Noan Ziz.

Aladdin was played by Shane Baden, who, at the end, was successful in getting the Princess (Madison Lathrop) to go to the Prom with him.



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Soccer Moms (and Dads) - Don't park in the fire lane

Fire lane, north parking lot
Shoreline Center
Photo by Jennifer Klock

Parking is often tough around the Shoreline Center, especially when there are major soccer events. The Shoreline Arts Festival patrons took a lot of spaces today, in spite of the shuttle service from Meridian Park and the Courthouse.

However, parking in fire lanes is a bad idea. And giant yellow letters that say "No Parking" are not exactly subtle.

Two of the fire lanes were fully parked over today, including cars parked over the curb.

Just plan to leave a little earlier and drive a little farther to find a legal space. 

We'll all be glad for this when the fire department needs to get through.



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Sound Shooters: Real Estate Photography

By Joel Dames

If you want to be a real-estate photographer, get to know a listing agent. The listing agent is the seller's agent. The buyer’s agent has no interest in your photography services.

Perhaps the best place to meet the listing agent is during a weekend open house. Most of the day they are sitting around waiting for someone to walk in and if no one is there, most will be happy to chat. Offer to do a shoot free. You can use the images for your portfolio.

Another option is to contract the broker at the office the listing agent is attached to. You can ask if you can give a presentation on real estate photography at one of their meetings.

Real-Estate Photography 101

Learn all you need to know for a presentation in two downloadable books by Larry Lohrman: Photography for Real Estate and Business of Real Estate Photography.

Most of the information in these two books can be found on his blog. This is The Place to hang out for real estate photography. If you are starting out and need the basics, go to: The Real Estate Photography 101 Category

Photography For Real Estate Flickr group is where group members post images to the group photo discussion area and give feedback to each other and carry on group discussions. It is like attending a free 24/7 real-estate photography workshop with the best real-estate photographers around.

Lens

Even for a large room, a wide angle lens allows you to fill the frame with the room. A popular lens for real-estate photography for the Cannon camera is the 10 - 18mm lens ( about $249 ) on Amazon. I use a Tokina 11 - 16mm lens ( about $440 ) because of the wide 2.8 aperture.

I love the ability to open the lens wide to achieve bokeh, where everything is blurred but the subject, because I use this lens for many projects besides real estate.

Some photographers use small speedlight off-camera flash. Flash gives the room a bright sunlit consistent color. An HDR capture without flash may likely have a warmer ambience. But if you don't like the warm colors generated without flash, you can adjust in post processing.

High Density Resolution (HDR)

I took three to five exposures for each room and put them together in an HDR program called Photomatix.

Smaller house HDR

Larger house HDR

It is not a hard program to work with and once you get the hang of it, it is addictive. You can create warm colors as I've done in these two images, or you can go for a surrealistic effect. For real estate images, though, you want to keep images looking real and untouched as possible.

Real-Estate Photographer for Hire

One of the largest U.S. companies hiring real-estate photographers is right here in Seattle. Vicaso supplies the real-estate clients, paying you to go out and do the shoot. You choose how many hours per week. No post processing is necessary. Fill out their online application




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

Update: Original article did not have the smaller house photo.

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Citizen Advisory Task Force for 145th Street corridor meets July 1

SR 523 is 145th Street


145th Street Multimodal Corridor Study
Citizen Advisory Task Force (includes agenda and past meeting notes)
Meeting No. 5 - July 1, 2015
7:00 – 9:00pm
Shoreline City Hall – Council Chambers

This group of citizens, organized and led by the City and representing the neighborhoods adjacent to 145th Street, are meeting to discuss alternatives for the 145th corridor. Background document.

**Note that any citizen can attend the meeting as an observer, but only task force members can participate in the discussions.




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Notes from meeting of the 145th Street Station Citizen's Committee

Notes from June 25 meeting of the 145th SSCC
By Robin Lombard, Co-Chair

The 145th Street Station Citizen’s Committee met on June 25. Eighteen people attended. The entire meeting (and more) was devoted to talking with Roger Iwata from Sound Transit. We came away with a lot of information. Below is a summary of what was discussed:

  1. Changes to the light rail route. Some small changes have been made in the route between Northgate and Lynnwood (such as the decision to elevate the rail line over 130th instead of put in the line at grade), but no changes between 145th and 185th streets. Roger brought a large map to help explain the route. Other updates:
    1. They will build infrastructure for a 130th Street station and 220th Street (Mountlake Terrace) station to keep those options open, but the stations themselves are not yet funded.
    2. 185th station design – parking on west, station on east, and improvements will be made to 185th
    3. Big change in Lynnwood – Terminus at Lynnwood Transit Station
    4. More details (aerial photo + rail/station overlay) of the final route in Appendix F of the FEIS
  2. Field work. From now until early 2017. Sound Transit workers (or contractors) will be doing tree surveys to determine trees that need to be removed, geotechnical boring, utility potholing (locating utilities) until the end of the year and intermittently all the way through the final design. Final design starts at the beginning of 2016.
  3. Funding. A portion of Lynnwood Link Extension is funded but Sound Transit is waiting for federal grant funding (through a federal funding partner, Federal Transit Authority). The federal funding partner provides approval for final design (then you get the money). For ST2 – what percentage of funding will come from the voters? The majority of the cost is funded by taxpayers.
  4. Property acquisition (people losing homes due to the rail line and station). This was a high-emotion topic. Sound Transit must abide by the federal Uniform Act (an entire web site devoted to regulations and policy about property acquisition in cases like this).
    1. Sound Transit notified 150 property owners (both in and outside Shoreline) that their property may need to be acquired. Roger explained that there is a negotiation with Sound Transit. There is also a real estate agent who will work with homeowners to find suitable housing to move to.
    2. Note that Sound Transit pays moving costs. But this is still very difficult for those who will have to move. Since the final design is not finished there is still some uncertainty about which properties will need to be acquired.
  5. Citizen input/feedback. There will be input opportunities after the final design team comes on board (early 2016). Feedback on preliminary station plans (several opportunities). Early and late opportunities. Roger specified that Sound Transit will hold feedback meetings (open houses) in the Shoreline area. Roger also specified that at major milestones (such as the recent approval of the FEIS) mailers are sent to residents within about ½ mile of the rail line on each side of I-5. He brought handouts to the meeting that had identical information to the recent mailer.
  6. Construction 2018 – 2023. Yes, there will be construction. Roger indicated that Sound Transit must abide by state and City laws and ordinances that govern how noise, dust, hours, etc. must be handled. There was some discussion about where construction workers would park. Roger said that the contracts Sound Transit has with the constructions companies stipulates that the company must provide parking for its employees.
  7. Parking garage. A parking garage is planned to hold 500 spaces. There will be security at the garage (and on the trains). It is undecided whether people will have to pay to park. Sound Transit has several mitigation ideas if the garage is consistently full (see the FEIS). Many of the decisions about how the garage will operate have not yet been decided.


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Obituary: Rory James Gleason

Rory James Gleason
1990-2015
Rory is and will ever be a beloved son and brother.

He was born May 9, 1990 and passed away June 24, 2015. He is survived by his parents, George and Donna and brother Liam.

His joyful loving spirit was and continues to be an inspiration to those who knew and worked with him. In his 25 years, Rory endured many painful procedures and over 20 surgical recoveries. He showed the heart and spirit of a brave fighter, with a winsome smile and sparkling eyes. 

Rory’s family is grateful for the kind and caring individuals at Boyer Children’s Clinic, Lowell Elementary, Parkwood Elementary, Einstein Middle School, and Shorewood High School.

Gratitude is also felt for the doctors, nurses, and technicians who were able to see Rory as an individual. Besides his family, Rory’s two great loves were music and trees, so for those wishing to do so, we offer the Arbor Day Foundation and MusiCares as places worthy of donations in his honor.



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In The Garden Now …. Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’

Clematis: Queen of the Flowering Vines

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

Clematis: Queen of The Flowering Vines … A perfect name for this truly stunning family of climbers. Clematis flowers come in an amazing array of colors including white, cream, red, blue, purple, pink and multicolored combinations of these colors.

The flowers are just as varied in size as they are in color ... and can be anywhere from less than an inch in diameter to six inches across. The vines climb anywhere from a few feet to 40 feet or more. There are clematis varieties available to bloom throughout the year. 

The deep purple flowers of Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’ are a standout in the garden especially when grown along with another climbing clematis or climbing rose with contrasting flowers. In my photo this outstanding clematis is clambering up a large trellis along with Kiftsgate Rambling Rose. They put on quite an impressive show when they come into bloom at the same time each spring or early summer. An added bonus is a second round of blooms in late summer or fall. 

Clematis Etoile Violette is an easy to grow climber that is very forgiving in its cultural requirements. In my garden it blooms happily in part sun to shade and has been quite drought tolerant once established. Unlike most plants where the recommendation is to plant at the same level they were growing in their nursery pots, clematis flourish when planted several inches deeper. I typically plant mine two or three inches deeper and they've done very well. It is recommended that the roots be in shade. This clematis blooms on the current year’s growth so you can cut it back in spring and still have a bountiful flower show. 

Add some color to your garden with this long lived easy to grow climbing vine. Climb it on fences, trellises, lampposts and even through shrubs and trees. You won't be disappointed with the fabulous color added to your garden!

(Botanical Name: Clematis viticella ‘Etoile Violette’ )

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.

  

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On the Mayor’s Mind 6.27.15

Shoreline Mayor
Shari Winstead
On the Mayor’s Mind 6.27.15
By Shoreline Mayor Shari Winstead

What a world we live in!  This past week has been one of excitement, contemplation and busyness, but that’s not really unusual. With Council on break for the July 4 holiday, I’m happy to finally find a bit of quiet time to write, because there has been lots going on!

Last week, a few Councilmembers and I attended the Association of Washington Cities conference in Wenatchee. The conference was attended by over 450 councilmembers and mayors from cities in Washington. This being my sixth year on Council, it’s great to catch up with councilmembers I met years ago, who are still serving their city.

One of the things I enjoy about these conferences is hearing that many cities face the same challenges, and learning how they have dealt with these challenges. 
It’s also really great to hear that Shoreline is much better positioned financially than many other cities, who are still struggling from the “great recession”. 
Our strong financial position comes from great planning, finding efficiencies and making the appropriate cuts at the right times.  

One item that I know is of interest to many of us, and that I heard a lot about, is how cities are growing - from dealing with the legalities of the Growth Management Act to creating a vibrant downtown. It’s great to hear from cities who share these challenges and learn from their lessons of success. Of course every city is a bit different, but the courses and conversations at the conference are really helpful as we make policy decisions about the growth of Shoreline, and many other issues.

It is also very flattering to have other city leaders ask us for advice, because we have gained a reputation for doing things right in Shoreline!

Though the conference was just three days, I listened to many great speakers on topics such as creating a “main street” (a vibrant downtown area), supporting entrepreneurs, and leading cities through crisis (disasters). I also learned 60 of the best local government ideas in 60 minutes, toured a marijuana grow operation (talk about a tough way to make money - it’s harder and not as profitable as you think!).  Councilmenber McGlashan and I also took a historical walking tour of Wenatchee (in 99 degree heat!). 

Our very own Councilmember Will Hall gave a great presentation on “Everyday local actions to improve water quality.”

Councilmember Hall also serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Washington Cities. Having our Councilmembers serve in these key leadership positions helps to keep Shoreline well positioned to keep Washington cities strong, and is another example of the dedication of your Shoreline Councilmembers.

Prior to that busy week, the Council discussed the future of the Shoreline community pool. The pool was originally built in 1971 with “Forward Thrust” bonds, and is about at the end of its life. Last year we had an emergency (and very costly) replacement of the boiler. We know that the pool is used by many of our community members, whether it’s water aerobics, lap swimming, swimming lessons for the little kids or swim team and water polo for the high schoolers.

Council agreed that the pool is an important part of the community and directed staff to make the necessary improvements to extend the life of the pool another eight years or so.

In the next few years we will likely start discussions about a possible community center and the fate of the pool. So stay engaged! Read your Currents and visit the City’s website. We do our best to communicate in our effort to keep people engaged. Because it’s your Shoreline!

The other changes in our country over the past few days have been exciting. Seeing the confederate flag come down, the pride flag go up, and the validation of universal healthcare. It definitely gives you hope that our Country is progressing.

While change can be hard, the old way is not always the right way. I believe that change, done right (like creating housing density around accessible public transportation) is a good thing.

I hope you are enjoying your summer at one of our fabulous parks or Richmond Beach, and that you find some time to stop by the fabulous Shoreline Arts Festival!



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Visit the Shoreline Area News at the Arts Festival

Friday, June 26, 2015

Stop by and visit the Shoreline Area News table at the Shoreline Arts Festival this weekend. We are just inside the main door on 1st Ave NE, by the information table.

Tell us what's happening, what you want to see in the News, and what you might like to contribute!

We can even help you sign up for an email subscription on the spot.



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Poem: Billy the Brookside Beaver

A Letter to the Editor from BILLY THE BROOKSIDE BEAVER

They say I am too EAGER
But that is WHO I am
I feel I may be "up a creek"
But they are saying "DAMN"

I am a little vestige
Of my own City's lore
The Wildlife that abounded here
It can be seen no more

The deer have all been rustled off
The other groups are dwindling
So many trees as well are gone
But they do make good kindling

My coyote brothers have been trapped
They also helped it's true
They kept some pests well in control
But they are losing too

The raccoons often are displaced
Some think that they are crooks
But Robbers like that are so cute
Such striking handsome looks

The possums meet a sorry fate
They can't keep up the pace
With speeding cars that move so fast
They're in a hapless race

The crows are smart  They know
We humans all are in a craze
They try to figure out what gives
They must be in a haze

So please don't trap me-- Let me live
I bring a special gift
To learn the joys of wildlife
It might give you a lift

Just set aside the many games
That humans seem to prize
The competition--fancy cars
"I'll show those other guys"

If you slow down and get in touch
With all  Nature can bring
You  may find out -to your surprise
It makes your Heart to sing

My wetlands all are dwindling
For we are in a drought
Don't trap me in the water
That's what I'm All About

To try to build a nice fine home
Beside a flowing stream
Well can you blame me --don't you see
That's any  Beaver's Dream !


Jean Monce Bryant 
Lake Forest Park



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Local runner in national contest for magazine cover shot

Jeffrey Martin
Richmond Beach Runners Club

Shoreline runner (and member of the Richmond Beach Running Club) Jeffrey Martin is entered in the Cover Search competition with Runner’s World magazine.

If I win it will put Shoreline and the RBRC in the national news this December with a group photo of the running club in the article. 
The community is allowed to vote once every 24 hours and I’m trying to get to 1,000 votes for a chance to get in the semifinals of 100 runners. Local votes would be greatly appreciated!




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Avoid contact with toxic algae found in north Lake Washington

Algae bloom in Snohomish County
Photo courtesy Public Health

From Public Health - Seattle / King County

Toxic blue-green algae are accumulating in patches along the shores of Arrowhead Point in the northern part of Lake Washington. These patches (also called “scums”) are easily blown around by the wind. Therefore, Public Health-Seattle / King County recommends avoiding any Lake Washington water that appears to have patches of blue-green algae floating in it.

King County Department of Natural Resources conducts weekly tests of water collected at swim beaches of Lake Washington and other King County lakes. They also collect samples from areas of concern submitted through the State Department of Ecology’s Freshwater Algae Control Program. Public Health – Seattle / King County reviews results to assure safety for people and pets. Tests show that the algae are producing toxins, which are accumulating and drifting in some places along the lakeshore.

Avoid swallowing lake water with blue-green algae in it. People and pets should not wade or play in the lake where the scum has accumulated. Dog owners should be especially cautious not to allow animals to drink from the lake in these areas. If there is water contact for a pet, rinse their fur well to remove all algae and wash hands after.

The lake remains open to fishing, boating, stand-up paddle boarding and other recreational activities, though areas with blue-green algae should be avoided. People who wade and swim are recommended to stay away from scum patches.

Blue-green algae are actually bacteria (called cyanobacteria), which are always present in small numbers. Blue-green algae need slow-moving water, sun, and nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) to grow. These algae usually grow in late summer, but continuous sunny weather and an abundance of nutrients are promoting growth. With sunnier summers now and in the future, there may be more toxic algae blooms.

People can help prevent blooms by preventing nutrient runoff into the lake. Nutrients can come from daily activities such as car washing and fertilizing yards or gardens. 
Cyanobacterial liver toxins can cause health effects that are typically mild, but at high levels can be severe. Symptoms of illness from exposure to the liver toxin are flu-like and may include weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Children and pets are at highest risk and can become very ill. If these symptoms occur after ingesting lake water, park users should consult a doctor promptly. Consult a veterinarian if pets show signs of illness after being exposed to lake water.

For more information on cyanobacteria, visit the Washington Department of Health toxic algae website. Report algal sightings with Department of Ecology’s website.



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Issue statements from Shoreline Council candidates on the primary ballot

By Evan Smith

Shoreline City Council incumbent Jesse Salomon faces challengers Michael Bachety and Lorn Richey on the Aug. 4 primary-election ballot.

The primary will narrow the field to two for the Nov. 3 general election.

Two other Shoreline Council positions will be on the November ballot, but neither will appear on the primary ballot because they have only one or two candidates.

Bachety, Richey and Salomon recently sent statements about what they think are the most important issues in this year’s Shoreline election.

Here are their statements in the order they will appear on the August primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet: 

Lorn Richey
Lorn Richey

Planning to radically rezone Shoreline is the biggest issue. It will affect every decision for the next 20 years.

The rezones going on now are more suited for rundown, industrial areas, or blighted neighborhoods dominated by vacant lots and empty buildings. Shoreline neighborhoods in question are far from blighted. They are functioning, inviting, safe communities, populated by seniors and struggling middle-class families, who know and rely on each other. I am proud to be a part of them.

The fact is the extreme rezoning is not necessary for the success of Light Rail or mass transit. It is not necessary for the Growth Management Act. The Echo Lake zoning prior to the rezone allowed for a doubling of the housing in 20 years – without changing the essential character of the neighborhoods and without the extreme increased need for infrastructure. We can support mass transit and avoid many of the downsides of land speculation, community displacement, fast track loss of tree canopy and bird habitat, by slowing down and focusing on existing community.

Jesse Salomon
Jesse Salomon

Economic Development is crucial to Shoreline. For obvious reasons we need more jobs and vibrant businesses. In addition, because of Tim Eyman's initiative capping property taxes below inflation, the City's budget will shrink every year and services will be cut unless something is done. So a growing economy is critical for jobs and critical to the revenue we need to fund services like police and parks. 

As your Councilmember, in order to address this, I helped establish a community renewal area (CRA) at Aurora Square, located off Aurora Ave and 155th. Right now it has huge underused parking lots and low earning stores (except for Central Market). With the CRA the City can work with all the business owners to voluntarily redesign the area with housing and amenities like a public square. It is my hope that this attracts restaurants and independent shops. I am proud to say that visits to the Shoreline Farmer’s Market tripled after it moved to Aurora Square this summer! You can find more on the CRA here

Michael Bachety
Michael Bachety

Trust and confidence with the city council has been lost. What has recently brought many concerned residents together is the council’s urbanization plan. This is my main concern.

Before some of the larger rezoning issues, there was the back lot of the Ronald Methodist church. A 5-story apartment building, on what is in essence a single-family plot, will soon dwarf my neighborhood and forever change our quiet atmosphere. The city council made exemptions for their benefit, at neighbor’s expense, and the last group of old evergreens in that neighborhood will soon be lost.

Many larger projects have been proposed since then. This has raised concerns with councilmembers’ motives and has thus depleted trust. If elected, I will be a thorn in the side of this current council and I vow to work for the concerns of Shoreline residents here today, making sure we grow appropriately to what our infrastructure can tolerate.

I hope my conviction to be a sheepdog, of a sort, gains your confidence, and vote, to put Shoreline residents’ concerns first and foremost.



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Notice to patients of Northwest Hand Specialists clinic

To: Patients of Northwest Hand Specialists, Inc. P.S.

Northwest Hand Specialists, Inc. P.S. ceased operations in June 2014. Patient medical records are currently stored at Puget Sound Surgical Centers at 21911 - 76th Avenue West, Edmonds, Washington 98026. Please be advised that you may obtain copies of your health information or transfer your records by contacting Puget Sound Surgical Centers at 21911 - 76th Avenue West, Suite 106, Edmonds, Washington 98026; phone number 425-778-2220.

You should request copies of your health information or transfer of your records upon receipt of this notice because those records may be relinquished by Puget Sound Surgical Centers on or before August 15, 2015 and not retrievable after that date. You may be charged a reasonable fee for document research, retrieval and copying. 

Notice provided by: 
Elliott Bay Asset Solutions, LLC
Court Appointed Receiver for Northwest Hand Specialists, Inc. P.S.
13252 NE 47th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98005



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Enter the Urban County Fair at SolarFest

Get inspired at this weekend’s Shoreline Arts Festival then enter your own creations at the Urban County Fair at NW SolarFest.

NW SolarFest is July 25, 10am to 5pm at Shoreline Community College.

The Urban County Fair is your opportunity to enter creations for competition and public display.

For this year they have five categories and three levels of entries.

Fill out the application and enter today. Application deadline is July 15, 2014. Download the application here.

The three entry levels are: 
  • Kids - to 12 years of age
  • Teen - 13-19 years of age
  • Adult – over 20
Sustainable Living Categories

Backyard Floral Arrangement: Your best display of a floral arrangement using only materials from your backyard. Containers may be from your house or second hand shops. Do not go out and buy something new. Floral arrangements must be tabletop.

Container Gardening: Your container garden must be movable by one person and no bigger than you are willing to transport. There are two divisions - Edible and Ornamental.

Best Original Recycle or Upcycle Idea: Make and display your most interesting demonstration of reusing materials. Displays must be small and light enough to transport.
  • Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value.
  • Recycling is a process to change waste materials into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials 

Restyled Clothing/Wearables: The remake of anything worn on the body, including accessories. Items will be displayed flat or hung.

Food Art: Food is always part of a county fair. However since the competition is People’s Choice we don't have the ability to judge a food item by taste. However any food that is visual can be entered. 

Think seed and nut art, noodles, vegetable carving, interesting display of food. Remember the food item will be out in the elements throughout the day so consider the best materials that can withstand the exposure. Ice cream displays would not work.



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AG's office awards grant to agency for credit counseling to avoid foreclosures


About 1,000 Washington State homeowners facing foreclosure will receive financial counseling to help resolve their mortgage issues, thanks to a grant awarded this week by Attorney General Bob Ferguson to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.
Over the next two years, the grant for $807,788 will be used to serve homeowners through the Housing Finance Commission’s statewide housing-counseling network.

“Despite the slowdown in the number of foreclosures, the need for counseling is still great,” said Ferguson, who attended the June 25 meeting of the Housing Finance Commission to present the grant. “Without these services, many distressed homeowners really have nowhere to go for quality, trusted and free assistance.”

Default counseling is aimed at stopping preventable foreclosures. Many homeowners seeking counseling to stay in their homes have experienced harm from unfair or deceptive mortgage servicing practices.

Since 1998, the Commission has allocated over $26.3 million to nonprofit agencies throughout the state to provide housing counseling. More than 100,000 homeowners have been assisted.
 
This assistance works: According to a 2011 report, borrowers in foreclosure counseling are 70% more likely to get up-to-date on payments. Foreclosure counseling increases chances of acceptance for loan modification at better terms. Modifications obtained through counseling are 45% more likely to be sustained.
 
In February 2015, Standard / Poor’s Financial Services LLC agreed to pay Washington state $21 million to resolve allegations the company misled investors when it rated structured finance securities before the financial crisis. Of that total, $18 million of the funds were returned to the state’s general fund. Another $3 million were set aside to help victims of the mortgage and financial crisis through a cy pres grant process. Cy pres means "as near as possible" and requires the funds from a legal resolution be distributed in a manner that benefits the category of consumers harmed by the illegal conduct.

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission is a publicly accountable, self-supporting team that brings private investment dollars to benefit families and achieve public goals throughout Washington. Over 30 years, the Commission has created and preserved affordable homes for more than 307,000 people across the state, while contributing more than $42.5 billion and 240,000 jobs to the economy.



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Marine biotoxins reach dangerous levels in Puget Sound and coastal areas

Public Health reports that high levels of naturally-occurring marine biotoxins have prompted the closure of recreational shellfish harvesting in portions of Hood Canal, along the outer coast, northern Puget Sound, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

In these areas, public beaches have been closed and private property owners are advised not to harvest shellfish until toxin levels decrease. Harvesters can find the status of their harvest area on the Department of Health Shellfish Safety Maps.

Here's what the clickable map says about Richmond Beach:

Health Status: Closed
Closed For: All Species
Pollution Closure: Closed for clams, geoduck, scallops, mussels, oysters, snails and other invertebrates.
Water Quality Comment: This beach is located in a densely populated urban area. Large sewage treatment outfalls and urban stormwater runoff are sources of contamination concern.

“Knowing that a shellfish area is safe for harvest is important to avoid possible illness, and we've made that easy with our clickable maps,” said Laura Johnson with the agency’s Shellfish Licensing and Certification programs. “This year has been particularly active for marine biotoxins, leading to frequent closures of recreational harvesting areas. We're opening and closing harvest areas every day. It’s extremely important to check our Shellfish Safety Maps before heading to a public beach or harvesting on your own property.”

Testing has shown dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins near Hoodsport in southern Hood Canal for the first time. At the same time, domoic acid levels along the outer coast have recently closed razor clam and crab harvests.

Marine biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing, and people can get very sick and may even die from eating contaminated shellfish. Symptoms of PSP can appear within minutes or hours and usually begin with tingling lips and tongue, moving to the hands and feet. This is followed by difficulty breathing and potentially death. Anyone who has eaten shellfish and begins having these symptoms should get medical help immediately.

The state health department works with commercial harvesters in areas with increasing marine biotoxin levels to thoroughly test product before it can be harvested and sold. All commercially harvested shellfish currently on the market should be safe to eat.


The Department of Health website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, Facebook and Twitter.



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Shuttle service for Shoreline Arts Festival this weekend

Shuttle service for Shoreline Arts Festival


Avoid the stress of parking at the Shoreline Arts festival and instead take the free shuttle from either Meridian Park Elementary or Cromwell Park / King County District Court building.

Shuttle provided by Shoreline Community College

The shuttle is provided by Shoreline Community College and will run in a loop every 15 minutes starting at 9:15am at Meridian Park Elementary, with the last ride leaving the Shoreline Center at 6:30pm (5:30pm on Sunday).

The Shoreline Arts Festival provides two extraordinary days of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and food, plus the Shoreline Philippine Festival. This creative community event, presented by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council, will be held at the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE. 

June 27 and 28, Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 10am-5pm. Free.



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Board action ensures state budget impasse won’t impact SCC students

Two measures approved by the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees ensure that college operations will continue as a midnight, June 30 deadline to adopt a state budget bears down on state lawmakers.

At their regular meeting on June 24, the board first approved a budget as proposed by President Cheryl Roberts and staff for the fiscal year 2015-16 which starts on July 1. That financial plan includes an operating budget of $41.6 million. The total budget, excluding the capital projected capital expenditures, is $54.9 million.

But, that proposed budget can only be used if lawmakers take action in time.

A second action by the trustees ensures the college will stay open and continue to serve students even if the Legislature fails to meet the state-budget deadline.

The board approved a resolution that allows the college to “proceed with normal operations of the College” using available funds. This “continuing authority” resolution would be in place until the Legislature takes action and a new 2015-16 proposal could be brought to Shoreline’s trustees. That process would need to include time for the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and then Shoreline officials to review and analyze the legislative action.

Before approving the measure, the board accepted an amendment by Trustee Phil Barrett to put the continuing-authority item on every upcoming agenda for review and renewal. Barrett said he’s worried that not only will the Legislature miss the June 30 deadline, the impasse could drag on for months.

“Whatever happens, we are going forward with summer term,” Roberts said. “To not do so is unfair to students. However, we are asking our managers to hold off on major purchases.”

In the absence of an approved state budget, there would be no state funding allocation to the college. About 45 percent of Shoreline’s operating budget comes through that allocation. The rest of the college’s money comes from a combination of tuition, grant and contracts, which along with reserves, would be used to continue operations.

If the Legislature does pass a budget by June 30, Shoreline’s plan approved by the trustees would immediately take effect.



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Flag at half-staff Saturday

Governor Inslee is deeply saddened by the death of Elson Floyd, president of Washington State University, and directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in his memory on Saturday, June 27, 2015.

Elson Floyd, 59, died on June 20 after suffering from complications due to colon cancer.

The Governor’s Office has no objection to agencies lowering the flags at the close of business on Friday, June 26, 2015. Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Saturday, June 27 or first thing Monday morning, June 29, 2015.

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, June 27, 2015, in Henderson, North Carolina. This is the family service, but open to the public. There will also be a campus celebration of life on August 26, 2015.



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Bargain Corner Thrift Shop will be open during the Shoreline Arts Festival

Photo courtesy Bargain Corner Thrift Shop

Gina Boetes, the new manager of the Bargain Corner in the Shoreline LFP Senior Center, reports that the Shop will be open during the Arts Festival Saturday and Sunday 9:30-5 with great sales and will be handing out 50% off coupons for July. 

If you don't get there during the Festival, they have an eBay site where 100% goes to fund the center. Buyers can pick up at the store and not pay shipping. 

And they have an Etsy site, And a new Facebook page,

We'll also be having a raffle for a silver tiered plate stand in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Arts Council with purchase over $20!

Gina is always looking for new volunteers who are people friendly, helpful, have organizational skills, are teachable, self motivated, trustworthy, punctual, reliable, and flexible. Retail experience is not a requirement, but is helpful, and training is provided by the Shop Manager and other volunteers. 

Potential volunteers may choose hours and days of service. Contact Gina, the Bargain Corner Manager at the Senior Center 206-365-1536, or via email or come in and meet her Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday - or during the Arts Festival.



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Capt. Scott Strathy retires from Shoreline Police

Capt. Scott Strathy
Capt. Scott Strathy will retire from the Shoreline Police Department (King County Sheriff's Office) on July 1. These are his remarks from his retirement celebration.


This past Tuesday I paid my last visit as a commissioned deputy to the Law Enforcement Memorial in Olympia. I am retiring July first. 

Six members of our department, the King County Sheriff’s Office, have lost their lives in the line of duty since I first pinned on my Sheriff’s star in March of 1982; Det. Sgt. Sam Hicks, Det. Mike Raburn, Deputy Rich Cochran, Deputy Mark Brown, Deputy Rich Herzog, and Deputy Steve Cox.

I was reminded of the day 33 years ago today, when fresh out of the academy I was in my first month of field training partnered with my Field Training Officer. At the end of our shift an urgent call for help came over the radio. Sgt. Sam Hicks’ partner was reporting shots fired, officer down. The suspect had fled with his hunting rifle and was now somewhere in the heavily forested area north of Enumclaw. I’ll never forget the tension of the 10 minute code run to that remote location where the suspect had disappeared and Sgt. Hicks now lay dying.

When we arrived my partner left our patrol car to attend to the crime scene I was told to take a perimeter position a quarter mile down the rural county road where the suspect was last seen entering the woods. As instructed, I drove to my position, parked the car, turned on the overhead lights, and with all my senses on full alert, stood there alone in the heat of that June afternoon. Armed with my .357 revolver and my shotgun, I had never felt so scared or unprepared in my life. Staring into the woods for the next 10 hours, listening intently to every sound that came from the woods, I wondered if I was now being lined up in the cross hair of a dangerous and desperate man. Was I next?

I had chosen a career in law enforcement out of my love for my community and the opportunity to protect and maintain the free and civil society we all enjoy. However, I didn’t want to be there, right then. But someone had to be there. I learned very quickly the meaning of “duty”… putting the mission and the well-being of others before yourself. 

All of us in law enforcement have had their particular moment or moments where the realization of the very special nature of our chosen profession, the most noble in my opinion, has been profound. In the current climate of white hot criticism and unprecedented scrutiny of law enforcement, we can never lose sight of the fact that we remain the constant, the reliable, the brave, the professionals that run to the threat, to the danger, while others run away. We are the men and women that are ALWAYS there to answer the bell and put forth everything we have for our communities. 

In parting, I leave with three observations:
  • You, the men and women that serve today in our department are the best I have ever seen. Smart, professional, committed to do the right thing, you are a generation of law enforcement that deserves to be supported. We are consistently getting better at serving our communities. Are we perfect? No. But quality service delivered in a fair and transparent manner remains the goal. 
  • Always remember and respect the sacrifice our community members make in building the businesses, working the long hours, and paying the taxes that support our ability to serve. Without community support, we don’t exist.
  • Take care of each other, be good to each other. No one understands the stressors and the challenges of our profession like those who live it. 

It’s been my honor and a privilege to join you in service in the King County Sheriff’s Office. 

Capt. Scott Strathy
June 24, 2015



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Free Rain Garden and Natural Yard Care Workshop Sunday

Thursday, June 25, 2015

A Free Rain Garden and Natural Yard Care workshop will be held this Sunday, June 28, from 1:00pm to 2:30pm at Home Depot (Aurora Village - 1335 N 205th St Seattle, WA 98133).

Take a break from the heat and stop by to learn about rain gardens and natural yard care to finish your summer projects! Free educational handouts will be available as well as advice from a professional.



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The Beaver is safe at Brookside Elementary

Maintenance crews had set out traps at Brookside Elementary in Lake Forest Park for a beaver who was - surprise! - building a dam across a tributary of McAleer Creek near the school.

Mothers and children protested, City Hall was lobbied (it wasn't their doing), and Lake Forest Park police tried to stay aloof while maintaining their position of enforcing laws, after someone kept springing the traps.

The School District called off the maintenance crews and will examine other options for keeping the school grounds from flooding.

Eric Lacitis wrote an article in The Seattle Times which is worth the read.

(If anyone has a photo of one of our local beavers, please share it with us!)



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Vacation Bible Camp at St Dunstan’s Episcopal Church

Making paper flags
Photo courtesy St Dunstan's

Vacation Bible Camp at St Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 722 N 145th St, Shoreline, WA 


Art projects, music, singing, stories from the Jesus Storybook (Moonbeam Award Gold Medal Winner) games inside and out!

We had a blast last year. Just look at the pictures! 
Story time with new bible story books
Photo courtesy St Dunstan's


For more info call 206-363-4319 or go to their website.   



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Burn ban on Washington state lands

DNR expands burn ban to include western Washington

With heat and drought rapidly increasing fire danger in western Washington, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expanded last week’s burn ban from DNR-protected lands in eastern Washington to include those west of the Cascades. The statewide burn ban will run from June 22 through September 30, 2015.

The statewide burn ban applies to state forests, state parks and forest lands under DNR fire protection.
  
It does not include federally owned lands such as national forests, national parks, national wildlife refuges or other areas administered by federal agencies.

In 2015 so far, there have been 306 wildfire starts throughout the state. Last year’s fire season was the biggest on record in Washington, with the largest state fire ever, the Carlton Complex, destroying more than 250,000 acres. More than 1 million acres of Washington’s landscape has been consumed by wildfire since 2009. 

The statewide burn ban applies to all outdoor burning on DNR-protected forestlands with the exception of recreational fires in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal and other campgrounds. Charcoal briquettes may be used only in approved campground fire pits. 

Fireworks and incendiary devices, such as exploding targets, sky lanterns, or tracer ammunition, are illegal on all DNR-protected forestlands.

DNR’s wildfire mission

Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR is responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 13 million acres of private, state and tribal-owned forestlands.

DNR is the state’s largest on-call fire department, with more than 1,000 employees trained and available to be dispatched to fires as needed. During fire season, this includes more than 700 DNR employees who have other permanent jobs with the agency and about 400 seasonal employees hired for firefighting duties.

Additionally, adult offenders from the Department of Corrections and juvenile offenders from the Department of Social and Health Services-Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration support firefighting efforts through DNR’s Correctional Camps Program. DNR also participates in Washington's coordinated interagency approach to firefighting.



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