Campaign to help every homeless veteran in King County find a home by the end of 2015

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

King County launched a community-wide campaign to help every local homeless military veteran find housing by Dec. 31, 2015.

The Committee to End Homelessness and its regional partners have already helped more than 1,200 veterans transition to housing since 2014. Operation: WelcomeOneHome encourages property owners and community organizations to help the estimated 662 remaining veterans find housing.

"Many homeless military veterans have a housing voucher in their hands -- they just need a property manager to give them a chance," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
"Helping every veteran in King County find a safe, affordable place to live by the end of the year requires a community-wide effort, one that I am proud to be a part of."



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40 Years and Going Strong - celebrate with the Senior Center September 18


Shoreline-LFP Senior Center

Cheers to 40 Years! 1975 - 2015

Let’s Party!! 40 Years and Going Strong! 

A special invitation to the Community

Please join us as we celebrate 40 years of giving service to the seniors of our community!

A community celebration will be held on Friday, September 18th, 2:30 – 4:00 pm.

Wine/punch, nibbles and cake, special entertainment:
RSVP at 206 365-1536 by September 11th, or in person at the Reception Desk

18560 1st Ave NE, Suite 1, Shoreline, WA 98155
Reservations required, limited seating.



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Op-Ed: Deception should not deter Planned Parenthood from vital work

Mike Kreidler
Mike Kreidler, Washington State Insurance Commissioner

The continuing deceptive attacks on Planned Parenthood cloud the long-term benefits that this organization provides in Washington state as well as the rest of the nation.

In Washington state, Planned Parenthood’s 35 health centers reach more than 107,000 patients, many of them low-income. Without Planned Parenthood, many would likely receive no care at all.

Planned Parenthood also works to make sure that insurance companies in Washington state provide the free preventive services and maternity benefits guaranteed to women under the Affordable Care Act. My office is following up with insurers this fall on their progress in providing the proper information.

Besides family planning assistance, 95 percent of Planned Parenthood’s work in the state covers other services. These include:
  • Cancer screenings.
  • Exams for sexually transmitted disease to prevent and contain them from spreading.
  • Detection and prevention of other illnesses and diseases.

Congressional opponents of Planned Parenthood are likely to try again in September to eliminate funding. They say the money and care provided can quickly shift to other organizations – ones favored by the opponents.
I am proud of my longtime association with Planned Parenthood. I will continue to strongly support its work on behalf of millions of Americans, including many in our state.

But the state Department of Health says such a change would be disruptive to the individuals and families whom Planned Parenthood serves. Opponents of Planned Parenthood again are not being upfront about the consequences.

False and deceptive claims should not be allowed to disrupt the public funding of this vital health care organization.



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SOLD OUT: Rock your socks off with Merrilee Rush Sept 26 - tickets on sale now

Save the Date:  It’s gonna be
a Rockin’ Good Time!
September 26 2015 – 6:30 to 9:30
Rock Your Socks Off with Merrilee Rush
and the Dueling Pianos,
the Viceroys and More

at the Shoreline Center, Shoreline Room (Shoreline High School Cafeteria!)

Tickets on sale now – click here!
A Benefit for the Shoreline Historical Museum


Updated 09-25-2015

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Lake Forest Park City Council meets Thursday

City Council Meetings
Thursday, August 13, 2015
City Hall Council Chambers
17425 Ballinger Way NE, 2nd floor

City Council Work Session 6pm
  • Update and formalize public disclosure practices and procedures, including revision of request form and establishment of electronic tracking process.
  • Briefing on Shoreline School District Surface Water Management Fee

City Council Regular Business Meeting 7pm

The council discuss the process for responses to requests for public records, authorize a letter to Metro Transit stressing the need for park 'n ride lots in Lake Forest Park, and create a standing Communications committee.




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46th Democrats endorsement meeting Aug 20


46th Democrats
Endorsement Meeting
 Thursday August 20th, 2015 7:30 PM
George Center For Community 
2112 NE 125th Street
Seattle, WA 98125

Sign in starts at 7:00 PM

Call to Order at 7:30 PM 


Thursday, August 20th will be a forum on the ballot measures/initiatives in the upcoming general election as well as endorsements afterwards. We'll be endorsing on the ballot measures/initiatives as well as any races that are still eligible or newly eligible at the primary results come in.


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Fred Hutch’s Obliteride tops $1.8 million for cancer research after weekend ride

Shoreline student Karly Schneider
and mom Kerri Kazarba
rode the new 10 mile route
People can still donate as fundraising continues until September 30

Obliteride riders pedaled more than 63,000 miles across Western Washington this weekend, raising critical funds to help Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center obliterate cancer.

“What a weekend! Thank you to every rider, volunteer and supporter who helped make year three the biggest and best yet,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride executive director. 
“It’s been amazing to see the region embrace Obliteride and our goal to support cancer research at Fred Hutch. From lemonade stands to arts and craft sales, individuals are finding fun, creative ways to accelerate the research happening here every day.”

To date, Obliteride has raised $1,847,000 for lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch and organizers expect that number to significantly increase, as their community of passionate supporters continues to fundraise until September 30, 2015. Thanks to generous sponsors like University Village, 100 percent of every dollar raised goes to cancer research at Fred Hutch.

“We know that cancer touches almost everyone. Half of all men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime,” said Dr. Gary Gilliland, president and director of Fred Hutch. “The effort and generosity of people through events like Obliteride are vital to our work toward cancer cures, and so appreciated.”

Shoreline student Kade Schneider blew the horn
as riders crossed the finish line

Obliteride is more than a bike ride. Nearly 1,200 riders enjoyed a weekend of live entertainment, delicious food and celebration. Grammy award winning composer Mateo Messina performed with his new group, The Gentlemen, at a kickoff party at Gas Works Park on Friday night. Famed Seattle chef Tom Douglas attended the celebration for the third year in a row and helped his staff cook up a salmon feast for the crowd. The one word participants use most to describe Obliteride is “awesome.”

Registration for Obliteride 2016 opens early next year.



Obliteride is maniacally focused on FUNding cancer research at Fred Hutch and ultimately, ending cancer. We ride together annually, focusing on possibilities, embracing our fears and celebrating discovery. It’s fun, focused and full of energy! Thanks to generous sponsors like University Village, one hundred percent of every dollar raised goes directly to lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch

Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer with minimal side effects. Private contributions are essential for enabling Fred Hutch scientists to explore novel research opportunities that lead to important medical breakthroughs. 




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Inclusion and Disability Awareness Workshop Aug 25



Inclusion and Disability Awareness Workshop August 25, 4:30 - 6pm  at Shoreline Community College. Sponsored by NUHSA (North Urban Human Services Alliance).



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Friday night at the Market features local band Hot Box

HotBox plays at Central Market Friday Night

Friday, August 14 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Central Market Shoreline will stage a Friday night at the Market event, featuring local band Hot Box playing classic rock.

Central Market Shoreline, 15505 Westminster Way N, Shoreline, Washington 98133, Show Map.

Two different menu items will be for sale at the outside grill or you can buy from inside the store. Tables and chairs are set up in the parking lot so you can eat and listen to the band.

  • On The Grill: Bacon Cheeseburger with Chips, Fruit and Water - $5.99 +tax
  • Deli Special: Tamale Meal - $7.99 +tax


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Community Discussion on Violence Against Women



New Beginnings, Seattle’s oldest domestic violence services agency, will be hosting a community discussion on Violence Against Women at the Northgate Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6pm – 7:45pm.

They will show three Ted Talks and debrief after each one. Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided.



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Captain Troy Olmstead assigned to Shoreline Police

Captain Troy Olmstead
Shoreline Police

Troy Olmstead was promoted to Captain August 1 and assigned to the City of Shoreline, replacing Captain Scott Strathy who recently retired. Troy was previously a sergeant in the City of SeaTac.

He has 28 years of law enforcement experience. Prior to law enforcement he spent five years in the Air Force.

Troy graduated from Mountlake Terrace High School; his mother and grandmother were longtime residents of Shoreline, living in the Echo Lake and Richmond Beach areas.

Troy started as a deputy with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona, where he was a training officer, DARE Instructor and community relations officer. Troy came to KCSO in 1997 and was assigned as a deputy to the North Precinct. He has spent time as a sergeant at the Southeast Precinct, Metro and a detective sergeant in Metro.

Troy was also assigned as a sergeant in the Internal Investigations Unit doing follow up investigations.

Troy is married and he and his wife have raised four children. His oldest son is a detective with the King County Sheriff’s Office.



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Number of roadside brush fires double year to year

Roadside brush fire
Photo courtesy WSDOT

By Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT Blog

This year’s hot weather and drought conditions have dramatically increased wildfire and roadside brush fires across our state. Several were burning just on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Our Northwest and Olympic region staff has seen roughly double the amount of roadside brush fires this year compared to last – more than 100 since April 1 – and we still have most of August and September yet to come. It’s the same story across the state.

Because of the increased risk, we’ve introduced intermittent “High Fire Danger” messages on our electronic roadside Variable Message Signs after working with the Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Fire Chiefs Association.

We’ve started in the eastern part of the state, where fire danger remains extra high, but also plan to add the messages to the western side of the state. In normal years the western side of the state doesn’t have as high a fire risk – but this year is far from normal. 

We’d also like to share some basic wildfire safety tips.

DRIVING
Our partners at the Washington State Patrol urge all drivers to be extra alert aware and use common sense this summer, especially if you’re driving in an area near an active fire.
  • Obey all detour and road closure signs and never re-enter a fire area without permission.
  • If you see a brush fire with no emergency crews around, be sure to alert authorities. Don’t assume someone else has called it in.
  • NEVER throw a cigarettes or any other flammable material out of vehicle windows. With such dry conditions, one cigarette is all it takes to spark a major fire. (It can also land you a $1,025 ticket).
  • Do your part for prevention. As we noted in a July blog, the top causes of brush fires along roads are drivers throwing lit items out windows, blown tires or malfunctions that cause sparks or driving a vehicle onto dry grass or vegetation (the heat from a car’s engine can start a fire).
  • And, as always, you can check for road conditions and closure notices by using WSDOT’s mobile app, online tools, social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook, or by calling 5-1-1.


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Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC)

The Puget Sound Regional Council is a consortium of elected officials from four counties -  King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap. Representatives from cities and towns, ports, tribes, transit agencies, and the state work together to develop policies and make decisions about regional issues, planning for regional transportation, growth management and economic development.

PSRC works with local government, business and citizens to build a common vision for the region’s future, expressed through three connected major activities:

  • VISION 2040, the region’s growth strategy
  • Transportation 2040, the region’s long-range transportation plan
  • Regional Economic Strategy, the region’s blueprint for long-term prosperity.
VISION 2040 is the region’s strategy for addressing anticipated growth of population and employment through 2040. VISION 2040 describes how and where we can grow while also supporting the well-being of people and communities, economic prosperity and a healthy environment.
Transportation 2040 is the region’s long-range transportation plan. The plan outlines the investments and strategies needed to keep the region moving as we grow.
Regional Economic Strategy, led by the PSRC’s Economic Development Board, is a plan for strengthening the region’s economic foundations and supporting industries that offer outstanding potential for good-paying jobs and long-term sustainability.
PSRC is governed by a General Assembly and an Executive Board. Each member of PSRC is a voting member of the General Assembly, which meets at least annually to vote on major decisions, establish the budget, and elect new officers. The Executive Board is chaired by the PSRC President, meets monthly, and serves as the governing board. Both the General Assembly and Executive Board use weighted votes based on population to make decisions.

The Transportation Policy Board and Growth Management Policy Board include representatives of PSRC’s member jurisdictions, tribes, regional business, labor, civic, and environmental groups, as well as voting members representing each caucus of the state Legislature. These boards make recommendations on key transportation and growth management issues to the Executive Board.

Shoreline City Councilmember Chris Roberts is an alternate to the Growth Management Policy Board, as well as an alternate to the Transit Oriented Development Board. Councilmember Chris Eggen is an alternate to the Transportation Policy Board.

PSRC also supports the work of the region’s Economic Development District, governed by a board composed of public and private members that meets bi-monthly to coordinate regional economic development planning.

The Puget Sound Regional Council operates under a two-year (biennial) budget and work program. The agency receives its revenue from federal, state and local sources.



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Jazz Walk tonight

Monday, August 10, 2015



August 11 marks the 9th Annual North City Jazz Walk, held on 15th Ave NE in Shoreline from 7pm to 10pm (Jazz Bites start at 6pm) 10 venues of music this year feature:
  • Susan Pascal Quartet at the North City Theatre
  • Pearl Django at Easy Monkey Taphouse
  • Sonondo at the Bounty Coffee House
  • Greta Matassa with Critical Mass on the Industrial Air Stage
  • Shoreline Lake Forest Park Jazz Camp and Faculty Band at St. Mark Church and School
  • Janette West Quartet at North City Eagles
  • Bill Anschell Trio at North City Bistro and Wine Shop
  • Jacqueline Tabor Quartet at North City Water District
  • Fred James and Junior Duo at North City Lounge
  • Hook Me Up at Frank Lumber Delivery Store 

Fifteenth Avenue NE will be closed from 6:00pm to 10:30 pm between 175th St and 182nd St NE.

Come early and enjoy delicious “Jazz Bites” along the street and in the venues.

Venues are 21 and up but music on the street is free and open to families with children.

Tickets are $20. Three kiosks will be set up for sales and check in for bracelets (to admit wearer to venues).



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Outdoor Movie Night Aug 22

The Bubbleman
The Ballinger and Meridian Park Neighborhood Associations invite you to the 6th annual outdoor movie presentation on August 22.

This year's movie is The Wizard of Oz. Gates open at 7:00pm with pre-show activities that include demonstrations by both the Shorewood High School Robotics Club and the Marymoore Remote Control Plan Club.

The Bubbleman will be there along with a kids' craft booth, face painting and concessions. A raffle will be held at 8:00pm with the movie starting at 8:30pm.

Walk in or car pool to 2545 NE 200th St. Parking available on 25th and 200th. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. No pets please.

Corporate sponsors include Smart Service Subaru, Dr. Robert Feasel, Tami's Nails and Health Chiropractic and Massage.



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Shoreline Police action week of 7-27

Some interesting items from the 7-27 Shoreline Police Blotter

7-19  A suspicious neighbor on Richmond Beach Road called police after observing a man wearing a backpack standing on the street corner and texting on his phone. Police arrived and arrested the man on an outstanding warrant.

7-21  Residents in the 15300 block of Ashworth found an unloaded gun and a single bullet lying in their driveway.

7-21  $5000 ring stolen from vehicle and pawned at Cash America.

Not listed, but noteworthy were at least half a dozen encounters with mentally ill people who were either suicidal or acting out, or both. We don't normally think of police as mental health workers, but it's a large part of their job.

---Diane Hettrick



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Sue Grafton signing latest book - X - in LFP

Sue Grafton coming to
Lake Forest Park
X by Sue Grafton - SIGNING ONLY
Join Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park for a special signing with the best-selling author Sue Grafton on Sunday, August 30.

This special event is a ticket required book signing only. Receive your signing line ticket with your purchase of X by Sue Grafton at Third Place Books.
  
BOOKS AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY - TICKET INCLUDED WITH PURCHASE OF X BY SUE GRAFTON. 
  
PURCHASE YOUR BOOK HERE. Books must be paid for online to secure your ticket to this event.  
Books and tickets are available in-store on Tuesday, August 25.

Sue Grafton is an extremely popular mystery writer. With her anti-heroine Kinsey Milhone, she has traveled through the alphabet, from A is for Alibi, to W is for Wasted. Fans are delighted that the latest book, X, is out, but in despair there are only two letters left in the alphabet. See the entire list here.



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Sky Seminar: Fall and Winter Feasting Aug 15

Extended feasting
Photo courtesy Sky Nursery

Saturday, August 15th, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Fall and Winter Feasting with Emily Apple Wilkins

Is there life, or at least gardening, after tomatoes? It’s time to face that question boldly!

While picking your summer bounty, think about what fresh vegetables you’ll want to feast on this fall and winter. Earthy beets roasted and tossed with peppery arugula, crisp endive, frost-sweetened kale, and much more can be yours through the New Year if you plan (and plant) now!

Emily will talk with you about succession cropping, what seeds and starts are suitable to plant now through fall, and techniques for keeping your favorite cool-season crops producing through rains and frosts.

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



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Pipe Band takes second in Perth Festival

Pipe Major Marcus De Vight holds the band's trophy
after the second place finish in North Berwick on Saturday.
Photo courtesy NWJPB
Another band trophy for the Northwest Junior Pipe Band after a Saturday competition in Perth, Scotland.

They have won individual trophies as well:
  • North Berwick: 1st and 2nd in piping. 4th in drumming and 3rd in ensemble.
  • Perth: 2nd in piping and 1st in drumming.


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Flags at alf-staff for Washington State Trooper Brent Hanger

Governor Inslee is deeply saddened by the death of Washington State Patrol Detective Brent Hanger, 47, of Mount Vernon, and directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in his memory on Tuesday, August 11, 2015. 

Detective Hanger died on August 6 after suffering a medical condition while on assignment.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on August 11 or first thing Wednesday morning, August 12, 2015.

Please notify your staff and all of your field offices and facilities around the state.

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

Services will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2015, at 1:00 PM at Skagit Valley College, 2405 East College Way, Mount Vernon.



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Piano Time: have you found all the pianos?

Land Free Home Brave by Jennifer Carroll
Photo courtesy 

Celebrate Shoreline once again includes the artist-decorated painted pianos of Piano Time. This one, called Land Free Home Brave by Jennifer Carroll is at the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155.

Open to anyone to play!



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Second Annual Richmond Beach “Beach to Bluff” Fun Run Adds Spartan Twist

The youngest runner in 2014 run
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The “Beach to Bluff - Bust Your Buns” run returns to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park August 16 at 7:30am as part of the Celebrate Shoreline summer activities.

This year’s free run has a new Spartan twist.

“Frankly, we were stunned at how quickly runners tackled and chewed up that long beach to bluff hill,” said Jamie Holter, Beach to Bluff run coordinator. “So, we added more challenges.”

This year, competitors start at the beach, head up the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park hill and into the first parking lot. There, runners will hula hoop for one minute, complete an agility ladder and do 25 jumping jacks. Then it’s up the next piece of hill.

In the upper parking lot, competitors will do 50 jump rope skips and dribble a basketball around the parking lot. And it’s on to the bluff for a loop and back down the stairs.

Runners will be serenaded by live piano music at the top of the hill thanks to pianos provided by the City of Shoreline as part of the It’s Piano Time! program.

Last year, Shorewood Cross Country star Andrew Christiansen completed the loop in less than 15 minutes! We hear the Shorewood Football team plans to compete with the Cross Country team this year excelling, of course, in hula hoop and the agility ladder!

Shoreline’s own Lamont “Running Man” Thomas will emcee the event again, launching runners with an inspirational speech about determination and overcoming obstacles.

Top finishers will earn gift cards from local merchants. All finishers get free food and water also provided by local sponsors including Central Market, Zing Bars, and Super Supplements.

T-shirts are available with a suggested $10 donation. Runners are invited to stick around for the Sandcastle Contest at noon.

Registration begins at 11am. Many thanks to the YMCA and the City of Shoreline for their support. Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, 2021 NW 190th St, Shoreline 98177.



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In The Garden Now…..Pistachio Hydrangea

‘Pistachio’ Mophead Hydrangea

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

New hydrangea varieties arrive in the garden centers each year, but they’re not likely to top Hydrangea ‘Pistachio’ for bold flower color. In fact many people don’t recognize this plant as a hydrangea because of the unusual, ever-changing flower color. It’s very different from the old fashioned blue mophead hydrangeas grown in Grandma’s garden.  

Double flowers, 5 inches in diameter, open lime green and gradually develop raspberry centers with a small blue eye. Blossoms in an amazing assortment of colors are displayed on the plant all at the same time.  

This compact shrub typically matures at 3- 4 feet high x 4 feet wide and would prefer morning sun and some afternoon shade. If spent blossoms are removed, flowers will be produced well into fall.   Because it’s a smaller hydrangea, ‘Pistachio’ can be grown successfully in either containers or flower beds….just be sure it gets enough water.    

For a wallop of startling color in your garden try a little ‘Pistachio’… Hydrangea that is!

(Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Horwack’

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.

See other articles in this series by clicking on In the Garden Now under the Features section on the main webpage.



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Running Club: St Edwards on Saturday and Burke Gilman on Wednesday

Richmond Beach running club
A friendly group

The Richmond Beach Running Club is open to all. They have runs on Wednesday evening, Saturday morning, and Sunday morning, in different locations.

Burke Gilman on Wednesday
We had a great turn out last Wednesday night and will be doing it again this Wednesday. This out and back run on the Burke will easily accommodate any distance from 1-2 miles up to as far as you want to go, and refreshments are available at Starbucks afterwards.

So come out and enjoy a mid-week run and take in the nice views of Lake Washington with your running friends! Log Boom Park is close by if family members want to go for a walk while you run. Meet up at the Lake Forest Park Starbucks at 17039 Bothell Way NE. Warm-up 6:20pm. Run 6:30pm.

St. Edwards on Saturday
Jeff Stone is leading a special trail run in St. Edwards State Park this Saturday morning at 8am. The address is 14445 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028. More information here. Jeff will have small maps available with three route options of 3 miles, 5 miles, and 7+ miles. A Discovery pass is required and can be purchased there. A QFC is nearby if you want to run in from there.



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Burke-Gilman Trail - Ditching Work

Crews will be ditching along the Burke-Gilman Trail from Aug. 10 - 21, from 8am to 3pm. They have begun at the City of Seattle line (near Lake Forest Park) and will proceed east from there along the trail. There will be heavy equipment involved, so portions of the trail may be closed for up to 15 minute intervals.



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Tech Talk: Windows 10: Should I or Shouldn’t I: Part 2

By Brian Boston

In Part 1, we explored some technical reasons that might stop you from upgrading. Now, let’s look at some of more personal reasons why you might either wish to upgrade or not. It may depend on the operating system you are using right now.

If you are currently running Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 users who have chafed at the changes from Windows 7 to 8 will likely embrace the changes made for Windows 10. Those who actually liked the new interface in Windows 8 and 8.1, especially touch support, may be disappointed as the focus has switched back to mouse support:



  • Start Menu is back. When Windows 8 switched the Start Menu out and offered the Start Screen instead, it was not well received. Windows 8.1 restored the Start Button, but the return of the Start Menu itself didn’t come until Windows 10. This version of Start Menu combines the tiles of the Start Screen with more traditional icons. And the menu can adjust to full screen when a keyboard is removed or a setting is adjusted. This menu change is part of a larger transformation in OS and app behavior called Tablet Mode that supports more of a tablet experience (or not, according to some reviewers).

  • Charms are gone. This black bar that popped out from the screen’s right side was never fully embraced or appreciated except as an annoyance, especially for mouse users. PC Settings in Charms moved to the Start Menu with other charms (Share, Devices, App Settings) added to a app menu in the title bar of new style apps that use these items.

  • Task View and Snap Assist. The Windows 8 task viewer was a “touchy” pop-out column on the left side that challenged touch and mouse users alike. The new Task View (demonstrated here along with Virtual Desktops) is full screen with large thumbnails of running apps easily accessed by swiping or clicking on the Task View icon in the Taskbar. Snap Assist uses this same view with you drag app windows to the side of the screen and “snap” it. The “assist” let you naturally chose the app window to snap to the opposite side and does the work for you.


  • New style apps better integrated with old style desktop applications. The “new” apps in Windows 8 were originally full screen, touch-focused, and often awkward to use with the mouse. Windows 10 turned them into windowed, resizable apps with similar buttons to minimize, maximize, and close like the traditional 32-bit desktop applications we all know.
  • Less side scrolling, more up-and-down scrolling in built-in apps. Many apps that shipped with Windows 8 had great horizontal scrolling screens to showed additional information. While these were fun for touch users, it wasn’t as discoverable or easily useable for mouse users. These updated apps now scroll vertically.


  • More smartphone-like features (Action Center, Settings). The style of grouping and presenting settings and notifications has adapted to methods used on smartphones. It also solves the problem of locating those disappearing notifications that disappear too quickly or are missed completely.

If you are currently running Windows 7

Windows 7 users may be more divided in their opinion. Whereas Windows 8 users might be more inclined toward Windows 10 because of bad Windows 8 experiences, many Windows 7 users have actually been pleased with their OS and may be less likely to move to something new.

Though some elements of Window 10 are similar to Windows 7, there is still a lot that is different in look and feel. Windows 10 is full of changes that started in Windows 8. They may be specifically confusing to Windows 7 users and noticeable for everyone else:


  • Where is Control Panel, Documents, Pictures, etc.? Control Panel and most of the advanced features of Windows 7 are still there for advanced users if you right-click on the Start Button. Control Panel has many of its more commonly used items moved to Settings in the regular Start Menu.
  • Button and icons have changed. Microsoft has changed the design of most of its icons and buttons as well as placing new icons on the Taskbar. Most of these make-overs are designed to make them more easily clickable and touchable than what was possible in previous versions of Windows, especially on smaller screens. Others are simplified in color or design. Hovering over each one will usually tell you what it is. 
  • A bunch of new apps. With Windows 8, Microsoft released a number of apps in the area of Communication (Mail, Calendar, People) that you can use for email and scheduling, and Information (Weather, News, Money, Sports, Maps, etc.) based on Bing information as well as, Photos, Alarms, and other useful tasks. Some of these will be in the Start Tiles or available in All Apps on the Start Menu. Most of these apps have been updated for Windows 10. Additional apps can be located and installed from the Store app. Many of these apps are free.

But wait…there’s more

Overall, these changes are more evolutionary than anything else. There are some bigger changes, too. We will focus on those items and look a bit closer at the actual question of whether you should upgrade or not… in Part 3.

Till then…

~~~
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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WSP Troopers seek witnesses to drive-by shooting on I-5 in Shoreline

Victim vehicle
bullet holes visible on passenger door

State Patrol troopers are seeking witnesses and/or information to a drive-by shooting that occurred August 9, 2015 at approximately 10:15pm, northbound I-5 at NE 175th St in Shoreline.

The victim reported that the suspect vehicle, described as a dark colored or possibly blue Chevy Trailblazer, began to follow the victim’s vehicle, a white, Chevy Impala in the South Seattle area. 

The suspect vehicle continued to follow the Impala until gun shots were fired near NE 175th St on I-5. 

Incident began in South Seattle
but finished in Shoreline

Among the damage to the victim vehicle were two shattered windows, two flat tires and at least three bullet rounds that entered the passenger door.

The suspect vehicle was last observed exiting to NE 205 St. Although the driver was grazed by a bullet nobody was seriously injured during the incident.

The WSP requests that anyone with information regarding this event contact Detective Sergeant Stacy Moate 425-401-7745.



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Last call for Jazz Walk - Tuesday evening street stroll - music starts at 7pm


Jazz Bites on the street at 6pm, music starts at 7pm
15th NE between NE 175th and 180th



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Op-Ed: Free college helps build strong, globally competitive middle class

Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D
President, Shoreline Community College
By Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D
President, Shoreline Community College

Erosion is a slow process that, if left unaddressed, eventually requires strong and immediate action to counteract.

In many ways, this is where public higher education finds itself today, something that President Obama and elected officials in both houses of Congress fully understand. The foundational bargain struck more than 50 years ago, that higher education is so important to the health and strength of society that it should be publicly supported and available to all citizens has been slowly eroding for years.

In January, President Obama used his State of Union address to reinforce the idea of making community college tuition free for many students. Earlier this week, legislation was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to do just that: Provide significant new funding that, in partnership with the states, would help all Americans get the education and training they need to live successful, fulfilling lives in a globally competitive world.

Shoreline Community College supports and applauds the efforts and is already using existing abilities to implement its own local version of free college, the Shoreline Scholars program. Launched just this spring for qualifying students arriving for fall quarter 2015, Shoreline Scholars provides up to two years of free tuition. The program focuses on local students who have worked hard to achieve academic success in high school, but don’t have the financial resources to attend.

Shoreline’s program aims at local students and families and will have significant and positive impacts on many lives. Moreover, Shoreline Scholars sets a goal for younger students by saying that hard work and achievement will be recognized and supported when it is their time to go to college.

These effects would be multiplied thousands of times by President Obama’s America’s College Promise proposal and the similar legislation introduced in Congress this week. However, while the scale is huge, the beauty of applying such a level of resources toward the mission of community and technical colleges is that the impact is local.

Shoreline Scholars and similar programs started by forward-thinking colleges across the country are lifting up their communities. The proposal to expand free tuition for community college is a national effort with local consequences.

And, America has seen it work before.

Out of the sacrifices made by service men and women in World War II came the GI Bill. Hundreds of thousands of returning soldiers parlayed the college benefit of the GI Bill into education and training that fueled an explosion of advancement, innovation and productivity, pushing the United States and the world farther and faster than ever before. It was a bold move, one that not only set our trajectory to the moon, but also   trajectory set charted a course to the middle-class for more Americans.

And, in Washington state we see the power of education now.

Each year, Washington’s community and technical college educate and train nearly 400,000 students for well-paying careers, to start along the path toward a four-year degree or update their skills and knowledge. During the recent economic downturn, community and technical college were flooded with students looking to find new ways to achieve their dreams.

President Obama’s proposal and the legislation introduced this week represent a dramatic swing in support for publicly funded higher education. Just as the GI Bill following World War II helped create the workforce for the 20th century, this new initiative in higher education can launch the workforce for the 21st century.

Shoreline, and the community and technical colleges in Washington and across the nation have proven for more than 50 years that they help build prosperity. These proposals are an investment in America.



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Bingo / Karaoke at the Senior Center Friday



Join the Senior Center for their Celebrate Shoreline KARAOKE/BINGO, Friday, August 14 on the eve of the Shoreline birthday event.

The special drink for the evening will be a Shoreline Slushy with Rum. The basket for the drawing will include Shoreline items. Also, there is good food and beer and wine available for your enjoyment. This is a fundraiser for the Senior Center and you have to be 21 to attend.

Doors open at 6:00pm. Reservations are available online until Wednesday, August 12. Walk-ins welcome after this date. Fine print: if you pay on line, you will pay $6.00 to make your registration on line and then pay $5.00 at the door for the BINGO packet as required by the Gambling Commission.
If you are the spontaneous type, just drop in or call on Friday to see if there are seats available; walk-ins pay $15.00.

18560 1st Ave. NE, Shoreline, WA 98155 Call: 206 365-1536 



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Noxious weeds: Parrotfeather discovered in Ronald Bog

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Parrotfeather found in Ronald Bog

According to the King County noxious weed site, parrotfeather has been discovered in Ronald Bog.

Milfoil’s more attractive cousin, known as parrotfeather, is a very difficult to control, aquatic, noxious weed.

So far, it has only been found in a small number of mostly private ponds in King County.

The recent discovery of the plant in Shoreline's Ronald Bog is very alarming indeed. Fortunately it was discovered fairly early and should be manageable at this point.

Once parrotfeather is established in a lake or slow-moving waterway, it can be almost impossible to eradicate. Even small populations are very persistent and can usually only be eradicated with an herbicide.

In addition, given the need to use a product approved for use in water and to obtain a permit from the Department of Ecology, control can be expensive and requires professional contractors or agency staff with the appropriate license and experience.

This is definitely a plant to find early and eradicate quickly!


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Sound Shooters: Telephoto Zoom Lens

Hitomi Dames
By Hitomi Dames

I like a zoom lens because it is very convenient, so I enjoy it more than a fixed lens. There are Ultra-Wide, Standard and Telephoto Zoom Lenses. I use our telephoto zoom lens most when I go out shooting for fun.

Our telephoto Zoom lens, 75-300 mm, is old — you can only buy a used one today — and cheap. But it works pretty well.

A Subject is Far

When a subject is far away, you will naturally use a telephoto lens and want to zoom in, especially with birds.

These Mt. Rainier images are shot from a ferryboat.

A) ƒ/13, 170 mm, 1/320, ISO-250

The focal length of image A (above) is 170 mm; B (below) is zoomed in 300 mm. The longer the focal length, a subject becomes larger but it covers less area (narrow angle area).

B) ƒ/13, 300 mm, 1/250, ISO-250

A focal length is a distance between a lens and image censor (film). The illustration below shows the angle view of focal length.

Focal lengths and Angle of Views

The angles shaded in purple get smaller and smaller, as the focal length in mm gets larger and larger. This Nikon site may help more to understand.

Two subjects – near and far

Experimenting using different focal lengths, when shooting two subjects near and far is very interesting.

This silhouette image C is zoomed in (300 mm). It’s nice because of the sky color and a seagull happened to be flying by.

C) ƒ/7.1, 300 mm, 1/125, ISO-125

D) ƒ/7.1, 75 mm, 1/125, ISO-200

But, image D is more interesting to me —  to see the differences of size and distance of two subjects, and the gradation sky color.

My initial purpose for using a telephoto zoom lens was taking birds, but it is one of my main lenses now.

My hardest experience for using telephoto zoom lens was bar /bat mitzvah ceremonies, where we had to be stationed far back from bima (stage) or had to shoot from an upper balcony. And we were not allowed to use flash. The lighting was usually bad, either dark or too bright and made images contrasty.

Keep these in your mind:
  • The longer the focal length, the more shaking; so images tends to be less sharp. Faster shutter speed helps. Turn image STABILIZER on when you are not using a tripod.
  • The longer the focal length, the shallower depth of field. Even though two subjects are next to each other,  one may not sharp as the other. So watch your f-stop.

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

See other articles in this series by clicking Sound Shooters under Features on our main webpage.



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