Constance Perenyi is leaving the Commons

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Constance Perenyi, long time executive director of Third Place Commons, has accepted a position with the City of Shoreline.

“We are sad to see her leave the Commons,” said Ros Bird, chair of the board of Third Place Commons. “She has been an amazing executive director. We are very happy she has found a new place to use her many talents and experience but she will definitely be missed.”

Constance at the Indoor Market
Photo by Jerry Pickard
Constance became executive director in 2007. During her tenure, she nurtured the farmers market, the indoor winter markets and craft fairs and saw the development of Market Bucks. Market Bucks has become a model food assistance program, getting food into the hands of local people who need support to purchase fresh local food.  

When the music program on Friday and Saturday nights was eliminated she worked with the mall owners to develop a plan for reinstating the music program.

With her gentle enthusiasm and passion for community building, Constance brought new users to the Commons every day of the week.

A look at the upcoming calendar reflects her tireless work. The Spanish, French and Yiddish conversation, gamers night, book clubs, Provail, Tai Chi, Maj Jongg, Redmond Cycling, Word Play, Art-in-the-Commons, ADHD support group, music — and that is just next week.

Her special knack for bringing people together has helped make the Commons a great place for everyone. 

Wednesday, August 19 is her last day. Constance will be in the Commons from 5pm to 7pm. Drop by, sign a card and help give her a warm Commons send off.



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Photo contest: A Day in the Life of Kenmore

Kenmore Camera is co sponsor of the event

The Kenmore Heritage Society today challenged photographers from throughout the region to submit their most creative work in the society’s one-day Fun Photo Contest, “A Day in the Life of Kenmore,” on Saturday, August 8.

Prizes will be awarded in each of six mystery categories, which will be disclosed at 10am on the 8th at Kenmore Camera, 6708 NE 181st St. in Kenmore. Participating photographers must attend this kickoff event.

“It’s all about creative interpretation,” said Jo Ann Evans, a director of the heritage society. “The idea is to capture images that creatively express the categories.”

Photos must be taken within the city limits of Kenmore on the day of the contest. Photographers and teams will have until midnight, August 8 to submit entries in one or more of the categories. A $10 entry fee will be charged. Families and teams may sign up as a team for a reduced fee.

Evans’s advice: “Be spontaneous and have fun.”

Winners will be announced at an awards celebration at 1pm Sunday, August 23, at Kenmore Camera, cosponsor of the photo contest.




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Are insurers allowed to cancel homeowner's policies?

Fire hazard?
From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Unfortunately, yes, an insurer can cancel or choose not to renew your homeowner policy at any time. 

Insurers are required to send you a written notice 45 days in advance, clearly listing the reason(s) for their actions. They are only required to give 10 days’ notice if the reason is nonpayment.

Insurers are not prohibited from making a decision to cancel or not renew a homeowner policy due to claims history, the condition of your property, or failure to respond to their requests for underwriting data from you.

Last summer, a few homeowners reported their insurers wanted to cancel their policies for homes located in the wildfire region in Eastern Washington. Insurers can also ask you to make changes to your property to remain insured, such as removing vegetation to create a fire break around your house, cleaning or repairing your roof, or making repairs to worn siding, etc. 

Your insurance agent may be able to work with the insurer to retain coverage, possibly with a higher deductible or some other provision, such as a home inspection report that would provide the insurer with more information about the overall condition and care of the home and property. There’s no guarantee the insurer will continue the coverage, but it’s worth asking the question.

If you are unable to find coverage, you can get a quote from Washington Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan. It provides basic property insurance up to $1.5 million to people who can't get coverage. All Washington property insurers must participate and consumers must get a quote from a licensed insurance agent. Find a licensed insurance agent or broker

Read more about what to do if your policy is canceled. Questions? You can contact our consumer advocates online or at 1-800-562-6900.



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New baby classes at Swedish Edmonds: childbirth prep to newborn care

Classes at Swedish Edmonds

Members of the community may register online for any of these August classes.

August 2015 Community Classes and Support Groups at Swedish Edmonds, 21601 76th Ave W, Edmonds, WA 98026  
Pre-Birth Tour 
We encourage all expectant parents to take a childbirth center tour at the campus where they will be delivering, approximately 4-8 weeks before their due date. This walking tour will provide you with parking and entrance information for the hospital, how to get to the birth center, amenities available in each birthing suite, what to bring with you, what to expect during your hospital stay, and postpartum care. If you need to do so, you will also be able to complete pre-registration for the hospital. We are unable to accommodate children under the age of 10 on this tour. Tour size is limited so one registration is for the expectant mother plus one support person. Pre-registration is required.

Swedish Edmonds 21601 76th Ave W, Edmonds, WA 98026
Saturday, Aug. 1 from 9:30-10:30am and 11am-noon, and Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 4-5pm or 7-8pm
Cost: FREE
For more information visit our website or call 206-215-3338.

Have a Happy Birth Day Intro Tour and Information Session - Swedish Edmonds
This tour and information session is designed for people who are contemplating pregnancy or are early in pregnancy and still considering which hospital or pregnancy health-care provider to choose. You will receive information on the different choices of hospitals and care, providers available at Swedish, as well as information on specialty care and resources for both before and after delivery, followed by a walking tour of the childbirth center. We are unable to accommodate children under the age of 10 on this tour. Tour size is limited so one registration is for the expectant mother plus one support person. Pre-registration is required.

Swedish Edmonds 21601 76th Ave W, Edmonds, WA 98026
Saturday, Aug. 1 from 12:30-2pm
Cost: FREE
For more information visit our website or call 206-215-3338

Childbirth Preparation - 2-day
While no one can tell you what your birth experience will be like, this class can help you feel prepared, confident and ready for the birth of your baby. This class will provide you with information on the labor process and possible variations, coping skills and postpartum adjustment. Partners will learn ways to support mom during labor.

Swedish Edmonds 21601 76th Ave W, Edmonds, WA 98026
Saturdays, Aug. 1 and 8 from 9am-1pm
Cost: $115 per couple
For more information visit our website or call 206-215-3338

Newborn Preparation
This course combines our newborn care class and breastfeeding class content.
Swedish Edmonds 21601 76th Ave W, Edmonds, WA 98026
Saturday, Aug. 15 at 9am
Cost: $95 per couple
For more information visit our website or call 206-215-3338



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City of Shoreline awarded $25 million for 145th Street Corridor Project

As part of the $16 billion transportation package recently passed by the Washington State Legislature and signed by Governor Inslee, the City of Shoreline has been awarded $25 million for the SR 523/145th Street Corridor Project. Implementing the Corridor Project is a high priority for the City and the $25 million is a significant statement on the importance of the project for the region.

A key east-west connection for the region, SR 523/145th Street will eventually link light rail at 145th to I-5, Aurora and RapidRide service, SR522 and north lake cities, Shoreline Community College, and future transit oriented communities. It will also continue to be a vital link for freight to commercial areas throughout the region. A well-functioning corridor is vital to safe access for the movement of people and goods in the region. 

In early 2015, the City began a year-long process to prepare a corridor study for the 145th Street Corridor. The study will include development of one or more improvement concepts to address pedestrian and bicycle mobility, safety and operations, transit speed and reliability, and freight mobility on the corridor. The $25 million will go towards making those improvements and will help the City in leveraging additional money through federal, state, and local grants, much as was done with the Aurora Corridor project. Grants paid for 88% of the Aurora improvements.

As the roadway is currently owned and maintained by multiple jurisdictions, the City will be working closely with WSDOT, King County, and the City of Seattle on the design and construction of any improvements along the Corridor. The City is also working closely with King County, and the cities of Seattle, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, and Kenmore to ensure Sound Transit adds transit links in ST3 funding to connect SR 522 to 145th and Light Rail.

Learn more about the SR523/145th Street Corridor Project here



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Photo: Food fight - osprey and crows

Monday, July 27, 2015

Osprey visits crows for lunch
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Osprey chose a crow neighborhood to have its lunch in Richmond Beach today. I'm not sure which was the unwanted guest.



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Inclusion and Disability Awareness Workshop


Inclusion and Disability Awareness Workshop
August 25, 2015 4:30 pm- 6pm
Shoreline Community College PUB Building, Room 9208
16101 Greenwood Ave N Shoreline, WA 98133

For more information contact North Urban Human Services
staff@nuhsa.org



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Iora Primary Care opening new clinic in Renton

Iora Primary Care, with a Shoreline clinic at 15214 Aurora Ave N, has announced they are opening a new practice in Renton at 64 Rainier Ave S in October.

Their practices are designed exclusively for adults 65 years old and older with Humana Medicare Advantage plans. 

We are excited at the opportunity to serve more older adults in Seattle. If you haven't visited yet, we'd love to have you come by our Shoreline practice for a tour.




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City of Shoreline: Request for Comments and Public Hearing Notice

The Shoreline Planning Department has issued a Request for Comments and SEPA Checklist for a proposed Development Code Amendment to clarify what uses are allowed on a single parcel when that parcel has multiple zoning designations.

Comments are due by August 6, 2015.

A Planning Commission Public Hearing will be held on August 6th at 7pm in Council Chambers.

According to Senior Planner Steve Szafran, "A parcel may have more than one zoning designation. For example, the Fred Meyer parcel could be zoned Mixed Business on one portion of the site and Town Center 1 on the other portion. It’s not clear in the Development Code what uses can be allowed on the parcel. Is it just the uses allowed in the Mixed Business Zone or is it just the uses allowed in the Town Center Zone or could it be a mix of both uses in both of the zones?"

The Development Code amendment would clarify what can be done on a parcel that has multiple zoning districts.





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Free film: A Not So Still Life July 30

Ginny Ruffner: A Not So Still Life (film) Thursday, July 30, 7pm, Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177.

Ginny exemplifies the word "inspiring." A world-renown artist at 39, she was in a near-fatal car accident, leaving her in a coma for five weeks and confined to a hospital for five more. Convinced that she would never walk or talk again, Ginny transformed a potentially tragic accident into a career of even more imaginative creations.

While your brain is not a muscle, it does need care, feeding and exercise to keep it in top shape. The 2015 King County Library System adult program series, Mind Matters, offers free programs, classes, tips and reading suggestions to stay sharp. It’s YOUR mind. KCLS can help you take care of it.



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Rolling Back to School with Toys for Tots

Hundreds of students in South Snohomish County (many from military families) will be participating in “Rolling Back to School” events hosted by an alliance that includes your U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program (Shoreline North to include Smokey Point) over the next 12 days.

In order to complete this mission, however, we NEED our communities support.

WHAT WE NEED:  
Backpacks (ages 8-17/ male and female)
Sponsors: a donation of $4.50 per child to sponsor a morning of skating fun.

DONATION COLLECTION/DROP OFF SITE(S):
T4T will be collecting backpacks and/or donations at the Marysville/Tulalip Wal Mart on Saturday, August 1st from 10am to 5pm.

Backpacks and/or donations can also be dropped off at
The U.S. Marine Corp. Recruiters – 1203 SE Everett Mall Way, #J
Everett, WA 98208

For more information contact Mary E. Butler, 425-309-0047.



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American Legion holds BBQ and membership drive

Grillmaster Jerry Pickard

Saturday July 25, American Legion Post 227 held a BBQ and membership drive. The event was well attended and several possible new members were contacted.

Seating inside and outside

The Post provided hamburgers, hot dogs, and German sausages and the Ladies Auxiliary prepared and served a variety of salads and condiments for the event.

Dwight Stevens takes a break from selling bricks

Dwight Stevens sold memorial bricks for the Shoreline Veterans Memorial.



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Blood Drive Wednesday, July 29th at LFP Town Center

Give blood - get cookies

Give Blood. It’s fast, It’s easy! It saves lives!

Get a freshly baked Great Harvest cookie!

The Bloodmobile bus will be at the LFP Town Center Wednesday, July 29th from 11am – 5pm (closed for lunch 1-2pm) on the lower level in front of the mall entrance.

Please consider taking the time to donate.  During the summer months blood supplies are low. Students are out of school, folks are on vacation, and more cars on the road can lead to more car accidents and a potential increase in the need for blood supplies. Your donation is a gift of life and can save three lives!

No pre-registration is necessary. Drop-ins are welcome! See the bus and drop by! Donors can enjoy a freshly baked cookies from Great Harvest Bread Company.

For further information go to the website or to make an appointment, call 1-800-398-7888.



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Shoreline City Manager report 7-20-2015

City Manager Update 7/20/2015
From Debbie Tarry, Shoreline City Manager

Council Meetings

July 20
·         Veteran’s Recognition Plaza Groundbreaking: Council joined members of the Shoreline Veterans Association in a brief groundbreaking ceremony for the Veterans Recognition Plaza to be built on the north lawn of the City Hall campus.  Significant progress has already been made on the project.

·         Business Meeting

o   Discussion of the Landscape Conservation and Local Infrastructure Program Feasibility Study: The City Council gave staff direction to continue to move forward on the analysis and partnership of this program with King County. The Landscape Conservation and Local Infrastructure Program (LCLIP) was passed into State Law in 2011. LCLIP creates incentives for both land conservation in the county and infrastructure improvements in the city.The City received a grant to study the feasibility of applying LCLIP in the 145th and 185th light rail station subareas, Town Center, and the Community Renewal Area (Aurora Square). The purpose of the program is to encourage the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) with a public infrastructure financing tool called tax increment financing (TIF). This program seeks to credit added development potential in exchange for preservation of natural and rural lands in the county. At the same time it will provide additional revenues to the City, by the County giving portion of their property tax from the value of the new construction, to pay for improvements such as plazas, parks, sidewalks, bike lanes, etc. to encourage vibrant, livable cities. The study shows a range of situations in which LCLIP could succeed. Although this is the case, we have to take into account the potential for development happening slower than projected, which could result in the City having to buy the TDR credits and the balance of staff resources, other workplan priorities.

o   Executive Session – Litigation.

July 27
·         Dinner Meeting (5:15 p.m.): We will tour City capital projects.

·         Business Meeting
o   Proclamation of National Night Out Against Crime: Echo Lake resident Jeanne Monger will accept the proclamation.

o   Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Write Off Debt: At this time, there are two large outstanding gambling tax debts that staff has deemed as being uncollectible. Staff recommends that Council authorize the City Manager to write off debt in the amounts of $149,528 owed by Slam Dunk Entertainment and $11,629 owed by Gloria Kalitovic.

o   2015 Surface Water Utility Revenue Bond Issuance: The City Council approved the use of $2,000,000 in debt financing in 2015 and 2017 as part of the Surface Water (SWM) Utility Fund 2015-2020 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the Stormwater Pipe Replacement Program. Council is required to authorize the issuance of debt via ordinance. This will be a review of a draft Bond Authorization Ordinance to issue bonds for Council approval on August 17, 2015.

o   2015 State Legislative Session Wrap-Up: The 2015 Legislature finished Sine Die (officially finished) for the third Special Session on July 10, 2015, capping the longest legislative session in Washington State History. The Legislature passed a $16 billion transportation package to fund projects over the next 16 years, funded primarily by an increase in the state gas tax. Overall, Shoreline’s Legislative Priorities were well covered, including directly achieving three of the five Council priorities.

Agenda Planner Highlights
·         August 10 Council MeetingThis is back on and the two action items are Ordinance No. 705 – CRA Planned Action and Ordinance No. 712 – Sign Code (CRA).

Financial Update – Real Estate Excise Tax (REET)
REET collections, which is generated when properties sell in Shoreline, continues to exceed budget and revised projections. A few highlights from the June and 2nd Quarter REET summary include:

·         There were seven properties that sold for over a million dollars in June. Three single family homes and four commercial properties, including the Haggen on Aurora Avenue for $10.7 million, which previously sold in February 2015 for $9.3 million.

·         The tax collected through the end of the 2nd Quarter was $1,309,511, which is $477,547, or 57.4% more than 2014. It is $438,037, or 50.3%, over the 2015 budgeted amount through the 2nd quarter.

This and That
·         Mayor Winstead sent letters to the 32nd District State Delegation(Sen. Chase, Rep. Kagi, and Rep. Ryu) thanking them for their work and support of City issues during the legislative session.

·         We received notification on Thursday that Dockside Cannabis, 15029 Aurora Ave N, was cited by the Liquor Control Board for selling marijuana to a minor. The Liquor Control Board conducted a check at every open marijuana retailer across the state (157 locations) from mid-May until the end of June. There were a total of 19 retailers cited for selling to minors. First penalty for Sale to a minor is a 10-day suspension or $2,500 fine.



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Field Day: Food and Fun for 18 and under


United Way of King County is organizing a Field Day on Wednesday, July 29 at 14 Summer Meal sites around King County. It will take place between 12pm and 2pm.

These are sites where any kids 18 and under can come and get a free meal and partake in fun activities. This Field Day is going to be an incredible day of fun and have a variety of enhanced activities. 

The site closest to us is Northacres Playground, 12718 1st Ave NE, Seattle 98125.



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Setting the stage for outdoor theater

Workers assemble the stage at City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


The stage is being constructed for the production of Fiddler on the Roof by the Aurora Theatre Company, which opens on Friday, July 31 at the Shoreline City Hall Outdoor Amphitheatre, 17500 Midvale Ave N.


Free parking in City garage - but get there early or you will disrupt the performance!

Eight performances on Friday and Saturday at 8pm on July 31, Aug 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Sponsored by The City of Shoreline, 4Culture, Charlie's Produce, Intermezzo Carmine and Il Terrazzo Carmine, Ronald United Methodist Church, North City Lumber, and Gravity Payments.

Over 800 people attended last year's production of Into the Woods. Attendees bring blankets and chairs and find a spot on the grassy hillside above the plaza.

The Veteran's Memorial is under construction in the background of the first picture.



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Artists in Action on the Edmonds waterfront in August

Artists in Action on the Edmonds Waterfront is sponsored by the Port of Edmonds, the Edmonds Arts Festival and ArtWorks to provide a unique opportunity for the community to see how artists create their work.  The Sea Jazz Band will also be performing in conjunction with the artist demonstrations.

Artists in Action demonstrations are on the Port of Edmonds Plaza located on the waterfront side of Anthony's restaurant. 456 Admiral Way, Edmonds 98020

August 2, 1-3pm
    Kim Day is working with polymer clay, a thermal plastic resin, to create jewelry elements.
    Betty Melhof will also be demonstrating working with polymer clay.

August 9, 1-3pm
    Cody French demos various techniques with watercolors and drawing on paper & birch panel.
    Lonni Flowers will be painting with water media and showing how she creates her work.

August 16, 1-3pm
    Janis Graves will demonstrate oil painting to create a wonderful painting of native birds.
    April Richardson combines drawing, painting & collage to make textural monotype prints.

August 23, 1-3pm
    Darlene Lucas paints with watercolors, salt, sand, graphite and acrylics.
    Lonni Flowers will be painting with water colors and/or acrylics.
    Janis Graves will paint native NW birds in oils.

August 30, 1-3pm
     Janis Graves continues to work on paintings of native NW birds using oil paints.
    Darlene Lucas demonstrates her unique style of watercolor painting with sand, salt and more.
    Cody French will be drawing and painting on wood panel and paper.



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Tour de Terrace goes off with a bang

Sunday, July 26, 2015

2015 Tour de Terrace
Photo by Geoff Vlcek


Mountlake Terrace's annual party, the Tour de Terrace, celebrated with a big fireworks show on Saturday, after a community parade on Friday.



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Still no word of missing Shoreline student Mike Sutherland

Most recent photo
Mike Sutherland
Shorewood graduate Mike Sutherland is described as a friendly and easy-going kind of guy. 

According to his sister Erin Sutherland, 

He's very outdoorsy, and loves backpacking and camping. As a family we have been camping together since he was a baby, every summer. He also did boy scouts as a kid where his love for camping and the outdoors grew even more.

At Shorewood he was involved in track, cross country, and was captain for both during his senior year. He did wrestling for a season.

He is a strong student, and challenged himself with honors and AP classes throughout his time at Shorewood. After graduating from Shorewood, he moved to Montana State University, where he is studying biology with an emphasis on fish and wildlife.

And he is missing. Without a trace. He was last seen at home on Friday, June 26, around midnight. He left behind his wallet, ID, and debit cards. His phone has been inactive since midnight Friday.

Erin says, "He has many friends from Montana and Shoreline who love him and are equally as shocked by his sudden disappearance as we are."

On the weekend of July 11-12, over 20 groups fanned out around Puget Sound, distributing 4,000 flyers (download here) from Everett to Renton and beyond. They contacted shelters, street ministries, and any other homeless outreach searchers could think of.

Sutherland is described as Caucasian, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs about 135 to 145 pounds, and has blue eyes and brown hair.

The King County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for Sutherland.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296- 3311 and reference case number 15-183-051.

Updates are posted to a Facebook page Find Mike Sutherland.



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Tech Talk: Upgrading to Windows 10: Reserving Your Free Copy


By Brian Boston

In our last Tech Talk post, I recommended you reserve your free copy of Windows 10 whether or not you chose to install it. The reservation is simply to download the operating system. You may install it immediately upon download or sometime later.

The reservation process assumes that you have Windows 7 with SP1 (Service Pack 1) or Windows 8.1. And, it presumes a little Windows flag has appeared in what is called the System Tray of your Taskbar, near the date and time.

To quickly check your version of Windows, type “winver” (without the quotes) while in either the Windows 8 Start Screen or the Windows 7 Start menu and press the Enter Key.



Windows 7 is internally version 6.1 for program compatibility reasons. Likewise, Windows 8.1 is internally 6.3. If you are running 6.2 (Windows 8) or another version of Windows, look at the sections near the bottom of this post for more information on the feasibility of upgrading to Windows 10.

As we mentioned in our previous post, computers that are “qualified” to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 started to display a little Windows flag near the date and time entries on the Taskbar in June and a banner encouraging you to reserve your copy on the Windows Update window.

So what happens when I click on the flag?

You are presented with an opportunity to join the queue for downloading the upgrade along with a description of some of the features in Windows 10. Those are the obvious items. There is a menu button in the upper left corner that will direct to you to various screens about Windows 10 and the process you start by reserving a copy.



The process is:

You reserve the copy and, optionally, can enter an email address to receive your confirmation and more information about the process.

On July 29, the download process begins. This doesn’t mean that you will receive the operating system on that day. There are likely tens of thousands of people in the queue ahead of you. In addition, people who are in the Windows Insider program and testing Windows 10 for months will be getting their copies first. This approach will shake out any hitches with the download and install process with the more experienced folks. They will serve as an early warning system for problems.

Your download will occur behind the scenes while you are using your computer and will likely take some time. If you are one of those who turn on the computer occasionally and shuts it off when done, the download would be more timely and successful if you leave the system on or, at least, use the “sleep” option for a while. When the process is complete you will be notified and given the opportunity to set when installation occurs. Based on the most recent preliminary builds, you should be able to install immediately or months after download. It’s very flexible.



Checking for Compatibility

The menu button (known as a “hamburger” because its three horizontal lines resemble the patty inside a bun) in in the upper left corner slides out a menu. Among other items, it allows you to check your PC for compatibility with the new operating system. This is very helpful if you have concerns about whether your hardware is compatible. Since first appearing the “Check your PC” has continued to update its compatibility information. So, as Windows 10 has evolved and more compatibility testing is complete, this test is been updated.

If you are generally curious about compatibility, most systems now running Windows 7 with Service Pack or SP 1 and systems using Windows 8.1 are “upgradable.” In some cases, adding more memory (if supported in the hardware) or hard drive storage will not only improve the upgradability but overall operation of the system. You can use Crucial.com's System Scanner to determine what memory capacity you have and the type of memory required. 

Isn't Windows 8 upgradable?

Not directly. If you have Windows 8, you will need to first upgrade to Windows 8.1 to reserve and receive the free upgrade. The free Windows 8 to 8.1 upgrade is available at the online Windows Store, providing that Windows 8 has received the necessary updates to support that upgrade. Microsoft has more information on this process.

Once you have upgraded to Windows 8.1, be prepared to download and install a couple of years’ worth of updates before the system is ready for a Windows 10 upgrade. To speed this process, you will need to spend some time with Windows Update in Control Panel/System and Security checking for, downloading, and installing items. Many system or security updates require other updates to be in place first, so the goal is to keep checking for updates until no further updates are available.

What about my Windows XP/Vista computer?

If you are running Windows XP or Windows Vista, the offer and the upgrade do not apply to your system. Windows 10 only supports a brand new installation. That means that you should back up all your user files and be prepared to reinstall your applications and return the user files after installation.

Unless you purchased a higher-end computer with those older operating systems, it might not work well or be supported by Windows 10. Start with Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant. It will check for compatibility to run Windows 8. Generally, if the system will run Windows 8, it will also run Windows 10. You can also check Windows 10’s official hardware requirements.

One option for Windows Vista is to purchase and upgrade to Windows 7, if you can find it, and install Service Pack 1 (A free download) if it is not already included. This would qualify you for the free upgrade to Windows 10 and let you keep your applications and user data in place. However, like the upgrade from Windows 8 to 8.1 to 10, this can be a time-consuming task.

Is Windows RT 8.1 upgradable?

Windows RT is found on the original Microsoft Surface and Surface 2 tablets and was largely limited to those devices. Because Windows RT is lacking certain functions found in the full version of Windows, it is not fully upgradable to Windows 10. Microsoft has committed to providing some Windows 10 features to Windows RT after the release of Windows 10.

Onward to Upgrading



Once downloaded, the Windows 10 upgrade is a remarkably “hands-off” process once initiated. Based on recent builds, the installation time can vary widely, depending on variables like capability of computer’s processor, capacity of memory, and speed of the hard drive. If your current installation is more complicated, the process of transferring programs and settings may also add to installation time. To be safe, allow a few hours for this to complete, or run it overnight, if you wish.

Before You Start an Upgrade

A good general practice preparing for any operating system upgrade is to make a system backup of your current installation using the backup tool of your choice to an external hard drive. Both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 have a built-in tool for this. In Windows 7, this is called a System Image Backup and can be found on the upper left corner in Control Panel/System and Security/Backup and Restore. For Windows 8.1, it is buried in bottom left corner of Control Panel/System and Security/File History.



At the very least, you should save a copy of your user files, typically found in Documents, Pictures, Music, and Video.

Your System is ready for the Upgrade. Are you?

Change is challenging and, your response to change deeply personal. Whether or not your computer usage is casual, constant, or simply tolerated, dealing with changes in your computer operating system is rarely straightforward.

Next time, let’s explore the challenge of change, especially with an operating system and whether it makes sense to upgrade at all.

~~~~
Boston LegacyWorks, LLC offers talks and individual help on technology topics, troubleshooting and tutoring on PC usage, and services so you can manage and maintain your computer, your network of computers, or how they connect with the world. Contact us for information on how we can help you.



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What happens when there are brush fires on the beach?

This fire on the Saltwater Park Beach
was fought with lots of hoses
Photo by Wayne Pridemore


After we published a story about Shoreline Fire putting out a beach fire at Saltwater Park in Richmond Beach on July 15 (see article), a reader asked this question:

How was the fire put out? Was the fire truck able to drive over the new bridge (over the railroad tracks) and if not, what would have happened if the fire had spread?

According to Shoreline Fire spokesperson Melanie Granfors, 

A fire engine cannot go across the bridge. When there is a fire on the water side of the beach we have a couple of options.

  1. Park the engine at the entrance to the Bridge, where there is a hydrant ... and we walk across ... laying hundreds of feet of hose as we go. 
    • We don't use the "gator" all-terrain vehicle for this work ... because we need to carry the 100 foot bundle of hose and lay it out as we go. The gator comes in handy when we are picking up the hose afterwards. 
  2. We can also carry pumps across that we can fill with water from the Sound and connect to hoses and use on the beach side.
  3. We can connect to what's called a "stand pipe" near the bathrooms and get 40 gallons a minute flow from the "domestic water source" that normally feeds the bathrooms.
  4. We can call Edmonds "Marine 16", which is a small fire boat that can fight the fire from the water, using their fireboat pump and Puget Sound water.

As we move up the hill, past the bridge it is a lot less complicated. We have hydrants, hundreds and hundreds of feet of hose and we could summon as many mutual aid engines as we need to battle a fire in the park.

As for the fire in the article, it was fought with the engine on one side of the bridge ... and hoses across.



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Death notices as of July 21

Obituaries are condensed biographies of people's lives, written by the people who loved them. Like a memorial service, they tell us things we may not have known about the person, and may leave us wishing we had known them better.



Rebecca Anne Dawson  1940-2015  Active member of First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach where she belonged to several bible study groups. 

Rory James Gleason  1990-2015  "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." See previous article.

Ronald Bernard Hansen  1940-2015  Service to the community and love of his family defined his life. See previous article.

Andres "Andy" Karl Hulslander  1969-2015  Lake Forest Park resident died as a result of injuries suffered June 27 when he was hit by a drunk driver in Seattle while bicycling home from work. He was a bicycle racer, riding for Team Wheelsport in Seattle and store manager of the Bicycles West and Bartells.

Roger Allen Schimmeyer  1953-2015  Services were held at Aurora Church of the Nazarene for Schimmeyer, who passed away from Multiple Myeloma. A Seattle school teacher for 31 years, he was a clothing model during summers, then became a flight attendant in order to travel. He ended his career as a probation officer in Seattle and Everett.

Christopher Scott Lahmann  1964-2015  Graduated from Shoreline High School in 1982. He first worked on a crab boat in the Bering Sea, then moved to New Jersey where he worked as a floor installer. He came home to Seattle to care for his mother, who predeceased him.

Shirley McNamara Budiselick  1950-2015  Services held at St Luke's in Shoreline.

Idie Ulsh  1936-2015   Master Birder and president of Seattle Audubon Society. Created and was president of Washington Butterfly Society. 31 years in Shoreline District. See previous article.

Warren N. Arnhart  age 90  Services held at Bethel Lutheran Church for retired principal, WWII pilot and UW grad.

Gaetan (Bill) Patella  Age 91  Beloved volunteer bus aide for disabled children in the Shoreline School District.

Eloyse Nadean "Dean" Ellis  Age 91  Services at St. Dunstan's with memorials suggested to the St. Agnes Guild Memorial Fund.



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Construction begins at Shoreline Veterans Memorial

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The first step for the construction of the Shoreline Veterans' Memorial began right after the ceremonial groundbreaking on July 20. 

The flagpole from the front of the building will be moved to the center of the memorial site, which will have benches and memorial bricks.

The public can purchase memorial bricks to honor a service members - past or present. The brochure with purchase form is here.

The flag in the photo is a half-mast to honor the service members who were recently killed in a shooting in Tennessee.



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Quick Start Shoreline Tuesday July 28 - Part 2 of "Summer Social"

Join the business community at Quick-Start on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 from 12:00 to 1:30pm at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N for the second session of a special two part "Summer Social" complete with Ice Cream!!!

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


Summer Social (complete with Ice Cream after the workshop!!!)

Part 2, July 28th: "Platform Breakdown: Pinterest and Instagram

Join Tracey Warren for a candid talk about social media strategies for your business. 

Visual storytelling is an amazing way for your audience to get to know you and to actually sell on social media. Let’s spend some time talking about those platforms that rely on visuals to get your messaging across.

We will talk about Pinterest, Instagram – and even show you Periscope – a social media game changer that is sure to build reputation!

Tracey Warren

Tracey Warren says "I have a passion for marketing and an addiction to social media. I am a Social Media Strategist and Community Manager and teach business owners how to create successful Social Media Marketing Campaigns to help them grow their businesses. I love to help individuals and businesses maximize their social media presence."



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