Community invited to farewell reception for Mayor Mary Jane Goss

Thursday, December 3, 2015

LFP Mayor Mary Jane Goss

The City of Lake Forest Park is hosting a farewell reception for Mayor Mary Jane Goss on Thursday, December 10, 2015, beginning at 5:15pm, at Lake Forest Park City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE.

Residents and other members of the Lake Forest Park community are cordially invited to attend.



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Shoreline boys sing with elite Northwest Boychoir in “A Festival of Lessons & Carols”

Greg Guettler
Greg Guettler is a student at Einstein Middle School and Enrique Garcia is at Kellogg Middle School. Both boys have been singing with the Boychoir for many years and have risen through the ranks to join the elite performing choir level.

Now in its 37th season, A Festival of Lessons and Carols is a holiday tradition that showcases the 90-member combined chorus of the Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle, all talented young people ages 10-18 who attend 53 local schools.

Enrique Garcia

The eight regional performances, all conducted by Joseph Crnko, culminate at Benaroya Hall on December 23, when the Seattle Symphony, with members of the Northwest Sinfonia, presents the final performance of A Festival of Lessons and Carols.

Two other boys who recently graduated from the Boychoir and who join them in A Festival of Lessons and Carols, are also Shoreline students; Altay Sarikaya is at Shorecrest High School and Jacob Espling at Shorewood High School.



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Shorewood wrestling opens the season with a win and a loss

Shorewood's Sam Thurman grabs a leg and gets set
to lift his Stanwood opponent off his feet.
The match was in the 152 lb. weight.
Report by Clark Norton
Photos by Wayne Pridemore

Shorewood Thunderbirds wrestling opened the 2015-16 season Wednesday by hosting a double dual against Stanwood and Oak Harbor. With only two seniors in the varsity line-up, the very young Thunderbirds rode high on their emotions to a victory over Stanwood in their first match and let things snowball out of control in a second match loss to Oak Harbor.

182 lb. class Shorewood wrestler, Esdras Valladeres, locks up his opponent

Shorewood 48 Stanwood 34
The first match of the season belonged to Shorewood junior Sam Thurman who bumped up a weight class to 160 pounds. Thurman exploded into his opponent, lifting him high into the air, to secure the first takedown. With a raucous crowd behind him, Thurman was able to get a first round pin.

Stanwood kept the match close, but could never tie the score as Shorewood gradually built a larger and larger lead. The final score of 48-34 was the first victory over Stanwood in Coach Derek Norton's eight seasons leading the team.

106 lbs. Thunderbird Nick Lotz controls his Spartan opponent.

Shorewood 30 Oak Harbor 48
After the close-fought win over Stanwood, Shorewood faced Oak Harbor in their second match. The match began at 170 pounds with T-Bird freshman Phil Ball. Ball trailed by a score of 2-1 going into the final period. Despite giving everything he had, Ball gave up a late pin to put Shorewood behind in the team score 6-0.

Shorewood senior Rhaye Samson controls his opponent in the 113 lb. match.

With the help of 195 pound junior Troy Halloway-Beach's second pin of the night, Shorewood would tie the score at 12-12 after four weight classes. From that point on Oak Harbor used superior skill on their feet to take control of the match. The Thunderbirds appeared a bit shocked at the shift in tactics and never recovered. Although forfeits would keep the score close, the final outcome was never in doubt as Oak Harbor rolled to a 48-30 victory.

Shorewood 48 - Stanwood 34
@ Shorewood High School
106: Nick Lotz (SHWD) pinned Zac Bender 0:55
113: Rhaye Samson (SHWD) pinned Antonio Bernocco 1:42
120: Jake Alwert (STWD) maj. dec. Aiden Smith 9-1
126: Mike Mezzone (STWD) pinned Shinkwang Moon 3:02
132: Shea O'Leary (SHWD) pinned Ben Woolman 1:59
138: Carson Phillips (STWD) pinned Matthew McMillan 3:09
145: Mason Phillips (STWD) pinned Elias Thorne 1:46
152: Fidel Chishungu (SHWD) win by forfeit
*160: Sam Thurman (SHWD) pinned Logan Feguson 1:24
170: Phil Ball (SHWD) win by forfeit
182: Arie Van Veen (STWD) pinned Esdras Valladares 3:45
195: Troy Halloway-Beach (SHWD) pinned Brett Wilfong 3:54
220: Wyatt Taylon (STWD) pinned Brandon Hernandez 1:35
285: Japhet Valladares (SHWD) win by forfeit

Matthew McMillan, a Shorewood sophomore,
sets to lift a Stanwood wrestler in the 138 lb. class.

Shorewood 30 - Oak Harbor 48
@ Shorewood High School
106: Blake Servatius (OH) pinned Nick Lotz 3:00
113: Rhaye Samson (SW) win by forfeit
120: Garrett Stahl (OH) maj. dec. Aiden Smith 9-1
126: Blake McBride (OH) tech. fall Shinkwang Moon 25-7
132: Michael Lym (OH) dec. Shea O'Leary 7-1
138: Matthew McMillan (SW) win by forfeit
145: Elias Thorne (SW) win by forfeit
152: Dymond Piper (OH) win by inj. def. Fidel Chishungu
160: Eriq Boler (OH) pinned Sam Thurman 1:20
*170: Nick Dugan (OH) pinned Phil Ball 5:27
182: Grant Gerber (OH) pinned Esdras Valladeras 1:55
195: Troy Halloway-Beach (SW) pinned Nate Mecom 4:57
220: Brandon Hernandez (SW) win by forfeit
285: Samuel Zook (OH) pinned Japhet Valladares 0:57

At 132 lbs., Shorewood's Shay O'Leary, starts his match in the top position.



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Shoreline Fire toy drive Saturday at Fred Meyer

Coming up Saturday at Shoreline Fred Meyer at Aurora and 185th -  Shoreline Fire's annual toy drive.

We collaborate with Shoreline Schools, Hopelink and the community to create happy holidays for children and teens in need.

Come by, say hi and purchase a new, unwrapped toy or gift card!

Or bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift card to any Shoreline Fire station between now and Dec. 10.



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Choir of the Sound celebrates the holidays with performances at Shorecrest this weekend


Kick off your holiday season as Choir of the Sound celebrates the holidays with traditional carols, the ever-popular “Twelve Days of Christmas”sing-along, and songs from some of your favorite holiday movies, including The Nightmare Before Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Polar Express, and A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Concerts are at Shorecrest Performing Arts Center, 15343 – 25th Ave NE, on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 3pm and 7pm and Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 3pm.

Tickets are available at the door.
General $20, children $10, Seniors and Young Adults (under 30) $18.




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Flags at half-staff

Pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation issued on December 3, 2015, Governor Inslee hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff immediately, in honor of the victims of the attack in San Bernardino, California.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business at sunset on Monday, December 7, 2015.

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

Please call 360-239-1317 if you have any questions about this flag lowering.



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Raina just wants to be a normal 6th grader, but when an accidental fall knocks out and damages her two front teeth, she begins a long journey of being a "brace-face". Add that onto normal middle school life (boyfriend confusion, friend confusion, life confusion ...) and the reader joins Raina on a bumpy journey through adolescence.

No sex, no explosions, no car chases, no gore, but there is some sadness and lots of changes to cope with, sometimes gracefully but mostly not.

This author excels at telling gentle stories in graphic novel format that teens can relate to--with, or without braces. Here's another good one of those.

Recommended for ages 10 and up.


The events may not have happened; still, the story is true.  --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


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Shoreline City Council adopts balanced 2016 City budget

On November 23, the City Council unanimously adopted the City’s 2016 budget. The 2016 budget is balanced at $79.4 million, which is a decrease of $3.9 million, or 4.7%, from the current 2015 budget. 


The 2016 budget allocates resources to maintain service levels desired by Shoreline’s residents and complies with the City’s adopted budget and financial policies.

The City’s operating budget (General Fund and Street Fund) totals $43.8 million. This is a 4.9% increase over the current 2015 budget. The increase is primarily the result of a one-time General Fund allocation for high priority capital projects in the amount of $2.65 million.

These projects include substantial pool maintenance, a 185th Street corridor study, design of Westminster Way and N 155th Street intersection improvements, a grant match allocation for roads projects, and the Police Station at City Hall. Excluding the one-time $2.65 million allocation, the change from the 2015 to 2016 operating budget is a 1.5% decrease.

As part of the 2016 budget, Council increased funding for Hopelink’s rental and utility assistance programs by $19,600 and for the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center by $26,000. In total the City’s 2016 budget includes $548,650 for funding human service needs in the Shoreline community. 

These dollars are provided to 12 service agencies to deliver 24 service programs to Shoreline residents, with the largest allocations going to Hopelink, Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center and Center for Human Services. These entities serve over 4,700 people from the Shoreline community.

The City maintains fully funded reserves that meet or exceed City policies. The City’s Revenue Stabilization Fund (“rainy day reserve”) totals $5.2 million, equal to approximately 33% of the City’s economically sensitive operating revenues. This exceeds the 30% minimum established by the City Council. The 2016 proposed budget also provides a General Fund ending fund balance of $4.8 million. This is 121% of the City Council’s minimum policy requirement of $3.96 million. The City’s total undesignated general reserves are estimated to total $10.5 million at the end of 2016.

As a result of the Council’s strong financial policies, diligent financial management, and conservative budget planning, the City continues to maintain its AA+ bond rating and a Standard & Poor’s (S&P) financial management rating of “stable.” The City has a perfect record with 20 Unqualified (clean) Audit Opinions, and has received 16 consecutive Government Finance Officers Association Budget Awards.

More information about Shoreline’s budget here or contact Administrative Services Director Sara Lane at 206-801-2301.



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Time change for 46th Democrats holiday party

Due to a venue conflict, we've had to change the time of the 46th District Democrats' Annual Holiday Party and Auction an hour later. It's now starting at 6pm.

Please join us on Sunday, December 6, from 6:00-9:00pm at the Lake City Community Center. And please RSVP here in advance if possible. It helps us a lot with the logistics.




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Menorah lighting on Sunday is a free speech issue

By Diane Hettrick

Some readers have expressed their concerns about the City of Shoreline appearing to sponsor a religious event with the announcement published here that the Chabad Jewish Russian Center would hold a public menorah lighting ceremony at City Hall on Sunday at 4pm.

City staff point out that this is not a city-sponsored event and that City Hall will be closed. The group applied for a permit through the Parks department and paid $20 for the use of the front steps for a few hours.

This is not a permanent display. Everything will be taken down at the end of the event that evening.

As a legal issue, cities are bound by the rulings of the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has held the First Amendment of the United States Constitution applies to religious worship and discussions. 
Since the decision of Widmar v. Vincent, 454 U.S. 263, 267(1981), the Supreme Court has consistently held that once a governmental entity establishes a forum open generally to use by the public, it assumes an obligation to justify its discriminations and exclusions under applicable constitutional rulings. 
In essence, the Court’s rulings hold that government cannot exclude religious speech simply because of its religious character. 
For example, in Lamb's Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free School, 508 U. S. 385 (1993), the Court concluded that a school board's policy that refused to allow a church to show a religious film at a public school after school hours when other civic and social organizations could use the facilities favored non-religious over religious viewpoints and that such a policy violated the First Amendment's Free Speech clause. 
The Court also concluded that the use of school property to show the film did not violate the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, because the film was open to the public and not scheduled during school hours or sponsored by the school.


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Shorewood and Shorecrest runners make 2015 3A All-Wesco South Cross-Country team



Four Shorewood runners and three Shorecrest runners were named to the 2015 3A All-Wesco South Team for their performances this season. Those who obtained this honor are identified below.

2015 Boys 3A All-Wesco South Cross-Country Team

Second Team

  • Aaron Rainboth (Senior) – Shorewood
  • Devan Kirk (Junior) – Shorewood

Honorable Mention

  • Anton Bingham (Senior) – Shorecrest



2015 Girls 3A All-Wesco South Cross-Country Team

Second Team

  • Rachel Hansen (Junior) – Shorewood
  • Lillian Visser (Freshmen) - Shorecrest

Honorable Mention

  • Lauren Block (Freshmen) - Shorecrest
  • Emily Farden (Junior) – Shorewood



Link to Complete 3A/4A All-Wesco Cross-Country Team Lists

---Photos and results from Corey Rainboth



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Shorecrest High School Spree’s annual Holiday Tree Lot opens this Friday

Wednesday, December 2, 2015


Purchase your holiday trees, wreaths and garland at the Shorecrest High School Spree Tree Lot December 4, 5 and 6.

Your purchase supports the Shorecrest High School PTSA Spree Fundraiser to send graduating seniors to a drug and alcohol free grad night party in June following commencement giving students one last night to celebrate together and giving parents peace of mind.

Beautiful and fresh trees, wreaths and garland from Donna’s Trees starting at $37, wreaths starting at $35 and garland only $2 per foot accompanied by the friendly service of the local Shorecrest High School students and parents.

Location: Scott Sherman Auto Care, 1211 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155, behind the post office on 175th.


  • Friday, December 4th 1:00pm - 9:00pm
  • Saturday, December 5th 9:00am -9:00pm
  • Sunday, December 6th 9:00am – 5:00pm


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Planned Good To Go! Web and phone outage Dec 5

The Good To Go! automated customer service phone system and MyGoodToGo.com will be unavailable from 2pm to 10pm on Saturday, December 5, while WSDOT’s toll vendor upgrades system servers. During this time customers will be unable to access their Good To Go! accounts or make payments.



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Shorecrest boys basketball beat Eastside Catholic 66-55

Following a season-opening road win at Mariner on Tuesday, the Shorecrest boys' basketball team made their home debut successfully with a wire-to-wire 66-55 win over Eastside Catholic Wednesday night.

Junior Malcolm Rosier-Butler led the Scots in scoring with 20 points, and sophomore Philip Pepple added 15.

SC led 30-17 at the half and extended that lead to 45-26 at the end of the third quarter.

EC's sophomore Brock McKenzie almost single-handedly shot his team back into the lead, scoring all 22 of his points in the second half, including six 3-pointers.

All local winter sports schedules can be found here.

Eastside Catholic      11     6     9     29      55
Shorecrest                  16  14    15   20       66

--Frank Workman



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Ribbon cutting for Lyon Creek Flood Mitigation Project

No more flooded streets!

The City of Lake Forest Park and Town Center at Lake Forest Park invite you to the Grand Opening of the Lyon Creek Flood Mitigation Project this Saturday, December 5 from 11:30am - 1pm in the new patio area by Subway and MOD Pizza on the lower level of Town Center, intersection of Ballinger Way and Bothell Way (entrance from Bothell Way).

There will be a ribbon cutting and cake!



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Studio sale for ceramic artist Sam Scott this weekend

Porcelain by Sam Scott

Shoreline ceramic artist Sam Scott will be opening his studio this weekend, Saturday December 5, 10-4 pm and Sunday December 6, 12-4 pm.

There will be a large selection of wheel-thrown functional and decorative porcelain objects.
Ceramic artist Sam Scott

The studio is located at 18502 6th Ave NW Shoreline 98177. Contact Sam 206-542-1944.



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Karaoke Bingo Friday Dec 11 - register now


And wear your best holiday t-shirt or sweatshirt!




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Special Olympics invites basketball players

Edmonds Independent Special Olympics is looking for athletes of all skill levels in the South Snohomish County area, ages 9 and above, to participate in the 2015-16 basketball season beginning December 5.

Practices are held 3-5pm, Saturdays, at Columbia Athletic Club in Everett; participation is free.

For more information contact Lisa at 425-345-8679 or Hector at 425-268-4706.



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Former Shorecrest student releases Christmas album


Former Shorecrest student, singer/songwriter Kristin Chambers, just released a Christmas album - ‘Snow Globe’ - featuring five brand new, original Holiday songs and five all-time favorites.

Snow Globe, produced by Eric Eagle, was recently selected by Akademia as Best Holiday Album - November, 2015 by an expert panel of six judges, who are all former senior executives and industry veterans from some of the largest record companies.

In selecting Chambers with this award the panel commented...

'This mesmeric collection of Christmas songs is the perfect gift for the holiday season; Kristin Chambers' enchanting voice is the glittering bow on every exquisite track."

The album "Snow Globe", a special limited edition of a collector's songbook with all original artwork, and a few remaining tickets to the "Snow Globe" CD release live performance at The Royal Room, Seattle, December 11, 2015 are available at special, reduced Holiday prices until December 10, 2015 only at Chambers' website.



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Recreation program registration is getting a whole lot easier in 2016

The Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is very excited to unveil a new recreation management system in January. What does it mean for you as a resident?

  • Enhanced customer service
  • Easy and efficient online program registration, including for swim lessons (all levels)
  • Instant account creation for online registrations
  • Picnic shelter rentals will now be online

However, in order to use the new system you will need to set up a new account. It’s free, easy, and instant. Simply go to this link and set up your account.

Want first dibs on all the great classes and programs this winter? Then set up your new account early so you are ready to register for Winter 2016 programs and classes when they open for registration on January 5.

Should you prefer to register in-person instead of using the new system online, you will need to have an annual Liability Waiver form on file prior to being able to register. These forms can be found here.



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Fund-raising site for pedestrian injured in hit & run in Edmonds Sunday night

The pedestrian hit by a hit and run driver on Sunday night in Edmonds, just north of the county line on SR 99, will need extensive medical care. Her coworkers have set up a GoFundMe site to help pay for her immediate medical expenses.

The vehicle, last seen heading for Shoreline, has not been found, but it has front end damage and missing pieces. (Update on hit and run in Edmonds).

The victim's teen daughter was in the car with her and was interviewed by KOMO TV 4.



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Help Shoreline kids have a Merry Christmas


The Shoreline PTA Council, along with community partners the Shoreline Fire Department, Hopelink, Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park, and Dale Turner Family YMCA, are joining together to support families with children in the Shoreline School District who need assistance during the holiday season.

The 2015 Shoreline PTA Council Holiday Baskets Food, Toys and Teen Gifts Drive will run November 30 – December 11, 2015.

Gift cards are a particular need. Donate gift cards for tweens and teens in the $15-25 range (i.e. Fred Meyer, Target, Walmart, iTunes, etc) and drop them off at any Shoreline School District school, including the district office, during regular school hours.

Organizers say, "Our greatest challenge is the tween/teen gift room. The teen gift program aims to provide one gift card ($15-25) for every tween/teen. 
We have 600 kids to serve this year. 
"We simply can’t do it without you. If you can help us meet that goal in any way, big or small, it would make a world of difference. 
"If you have connections to any local businesses that may be willing to donate, we would gratefully accept any assistance. Monetary donations are also accepted by check or PayPal."

Monetary donations may be made payable to the Shoreline PTA Council, note Holiday Baskets-Food or Holiday Baskets-Teen Gifts, and mailed to Shoreline PTA Council, P.O. Box 55784, Shoreline, WA 98155-5784. Donate online with PayPal at this link.

Toy donations may also be dropped off at any Shoreline Fire Station.
The Shoreline Fire Department will be sponsoring a toy donation drive at the Fred Meyer in Shoreline on Saturday, December 5th.

For more information, or to donate using PayPal, go to the Shoreline PTA Council website  and click on Family Services then Holiday Baskets. 

Volunteer opportunities are available on Friday, December 11th in the afternoon and Saturday, December 12th all day. Sign up to volunteer online or email.



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Ronald Wastewater Public Notice


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Free training program through Hopelink


Hopelink has a new education program. “Work Ready” is a free training program for people to gain skills that are critical to job success.

Classes will be held at Ronald United Methodist Church in Shoreline on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-8:00pm.

Registration is on January 4th at 5:00pm. Students register by contacting Kelli Graham at 425-361-3703 or kgraham@hope-link.org

This is class is good for people who:
  • Have been applying for jobs but don’t seem to be getting anywhere
  • Are feeling stuck in their minimum wage job
  • Struggle to get or keep a job due to anxiety or other issues

The program serves adults, including refugees and immigrants (ESL level 5 and up), and out of school youth ages 16 and up.

Students will develop skills for job search and interviewing. workplace communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, decision making, planning and organization, time management, and customer service.

Students are given free one-on-one employment and financial coaching, scholarships to pay GED test fees for those without a high school diploma, bus tickets to travel to and from class.

Students who complete the program receive a certificate of completion, and a free laptop valued at $200.



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Photo: Light on the Water

Tuesday, December 1, 2015


Wayne Pridemore took this photo at 12:30pm on Sunday afternoon. Hard to say where the water ends and the sky begins.



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Councilmember Hall elected Chair of Puget Sound Partnership Board

Shoreline Councilmember Will Hall
On November 12, Shoreline City Councilmember Will Hall was elected Chair of the Puget Sound Partnership Ecosystem Coordination Board.

The Ecosystem Coordination Board is the policy advisory body for the region’s cooperative effort to restore and protect Puget Sound. The Board is made up of 27 members representing businesses, environmental interests, ports, tribes, and federal, state, and local governments. Dave Herrera of the Skokomish Tribe was elected to serve another term as Vice Chair.

“The health of Puget Sound is essential to our environment, our economy, and our cultural identity,” said Councilmember Hall. “It is an honor to lead this group of outstanding people as we identify and implement the highest priority actions to protect and restore the entire ecosystem.”

The Puget Sound Partnership released the 2015 State of the Sound report earlier this month. The report shows progress in several areas, but more remains to be done. 

"As a community, we are still damaging Puget Sound faster than we are fixing it," said Sheida Sahandy, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Partnership. "I am very excited to work with Will in a key leadership position to help us continue the work to protect Puget Sound and keep the quality of life we treasure."

Councilmember Hall grew up in the Puget Sound region and has a master’s degree from the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. He was elected to the Shoreline City Council in 2009 and reelected in 2013. He has served on the Ecosystem Coordination Board for four years and previously chaired its regulatory subcommittee. The Board meets several times each year. Board members do not receive any compensation for their services.



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Shoreline Comprehensive Plan amendment suggestions due by Dec 31

Comprehensive Plan amendment suggestions due by December 31, 2015

Every year the City goes through a Comprehensive Plan amendment process. The annual amendment process is an opportunity for individuals to propose changes to Shoreline’s Comprehensive Plan. Suggested amendments usually address changing conditions or emerging issues.

Individuals are encouraged to propose changes to Shoreline’s Comprehensive Plan and submit them to the Planning and Community Development Department (P&CD). Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application materials can be found on the City’s website on the Permits and Development Information page.

To be eligible for consideration, applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. December 31, 2015 to Senior Planner Steven Szafran, P&CD, 17500 Midvale Avenue North, Shoreline, WA 98133 or emailed,

Once all amendments have been received, the City Council will develop a list of amendments to be studied in early 2016. For more information visit the City’s website or contact Steven Szafran at 206-801-2512.




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46th Democrats Holiday Party and Auction Dec 6



Plan to join your neighbors and fellow members at the 46th District Democrats' Annual Holiday Party and Auction on Sunday, December 6, from 6:00-8:00pm at the Lake City Community Center 12531 28th Ave NE, Seattle 98125.

Please RSVP here.

Updated with time change 12-03-2015

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32nd Democrats 2015 Dinner and Winter Auction Dec 5

2015 Dinner and Winter Auction
Saturday, Dec 5th

When: Saturday, December 5th, 5:30pm - 9:00pm                  
               
Where: Mountlake Terrace Senior Center, 23000 Lakeview Dr, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Suggested Donation: $10
Just like last year, we'll have a Live Auction, Silent Auction and raffle items (white elephant type of items that you contribute).

We'll prepare a wonderful dinner including dessert, wine, beer, coffee and tea. We're asking for a suggested donation of $10 per person, however, no one will be turned away!

Please bring a salad or dessert to compliment dinner.



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Eight foot Menorah to light up Shoreline as part of world's largest Chanukah observance


This Hanukkah, Jewish Community commemorates pnce-every-seven-years tradition

Chabad Jewish Russian Center will ignite a public eight-foot menorah erected at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133, followed by a community-wide celebration on the first night of Chanukah, which falls on December 6, 2015.

Public Menorah Lighting, Shoreline City Hall, December 6th 4:00pm, free and open to the public.

The ceremony will feature Shoreline City Councilman Jesse Salomon. Following the menorah lighting ceremony, people will dance, sing and eat the night away, with freshly made donuts and chocolate gelt.

The public menorah lighting was organized by Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Yechezkel Rapoport, director of Chabad Jewish Russian Center, who remarked,

“The Menorah serves as a symbol of Shoreline's dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G-d freely, openly, and with pride. Specifically, in America, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution, the Menorah takes on profound significance, embodying both religious and constitutional principles.”

Shoreline's menorah is one of thousands of large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad throughout the world, helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message.

This year’s Hanukkah celebrations bring added significance as Jewish communities worldwide celebrate the year of Hakhel, a once-every-seven-years opportunity to celebrate Jewish unity and learning. Throughout the year, Jewish synagogues and organizations are hosting communal gatherings for men, women and children dedicated to encouraging Jewish observance.

Throughout the State of Washington, Chabad will be presenting scores of Chanukah events and celebrations, including public menorah lightings, Menorah Parades, Latkes parties, Giant Dreidel Houses, “Chanukah Wonderlands” and more. Information about Chanukah and a local schedule of events here.

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, recalls the victory more than 2,100 years ago of a militarily weak but spiritually strong Jewish people who defeated a ruthless enemy that had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life, prohibit religious freedom and force the Jewish people to accept a foreign religion. During the occupation of Jerusalem and the Temple, the Syrian Greeks desecrated and defiled the oils prepared for the lighting of the Menorah, which was part of the daily service in the temple. Upon recapturing the Temple from the Syrian Greeks, the Jewish people found only one jar of undefiled oil, enough to burn only one day, but it lasted miraculously for eight days until new, pure olive oil was produced. In commemoration of this event, the Jewish people celebrate Chanukah for eight days by lighting an eight-branched candelabra known as a Menorah. The Menorah is placed in highly-visible place to publicize the miracle, with its message of hope and religious freedom, to all. Today, people of all faiths consider the Chanukah holiday as a symbol and message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, of light over darkness.

Chabad Jewish Russian Center offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations. For more information, contact Rabbi Yechezkel Rapoport, Chabad Jewish Russian Center, at 206-387-3919.



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Join a community collaboration to end child hunger in Shoreline


Looking for a way to give back this holiday season?
Imagine a Community Where No Child Goes Hungry

More than 2,500 children qualify for the federal free or reduced-price meal program in the Shoreline School District.

During the school week, most of these children depend on the meals their school offers. Sometimes, the meals at school are the only ones they get. When the school closes its doors on Friday afternoon, many of these children go home to empty cupboards and empty bellies for 65 hours until they return to school on Monday morning.

Around the area, you’ll find many teachers who can tell you about a student who came to school on Monday, not reluctant to start the school week but eager to get back to school after going through Friday evening, all day Saturday, and all day Sunday without a square meal — or knowledge of a source for their next meal. Those children are the reason we started the Weekend Backpack Programs. Who will feed them this weekend?

The Weekend Backpack Programs ensure that children in need have balanced, nutritious food they need to learn and grow. The concept is simple: children at risk of weekend hunger receive a bag of food that is child-friendly, nutritious, nonperishable, and easy to prepare and eat.

Each Backpack offers enough food that children can easily assemble into six healthy meals over the weekend when schools are unable to provide breakfasts or lunches. By partnering with churches, community organizations, school staff, and our local school district, the Backpacks are distributed to children in need through the schools — discreetly — each Friday afternoon or before a long holiday weekend.

For students in need, the program:
  • Provides nutrition
  • Eases anxieties
  • Reduces absenteeism
  • Improves attention span
  • Raises academic performance
  • Increases self esteem
Weekend Backpacks

In 2009, the first grass roots effort began in Shoreline after Polly Terman watched a 60 Minute special on child poverty. Wanting to offer food, love and hope to hungry kids in Shoreline, she began Backpack Kids out of her faith community, Calvin Presbyterian.

Since that time, Polly has been instrumental in recruiting and encouraging other churches and organizations to begin to make a difference in our Shoreline community. Today, bags of food are assembled at more than 8 local churches and organizations and then distributed to more than 260 children at the end of the week. But for every child who benefits, there are many more still going without. With your help, we can provide more food to more children in need.

Food4Kids mobilizes communities, individuals and resources to provide food on the weekends for school children and youth in the Shoreline School District who might otherwise go hungry.

Because there is more need than we can currently meet, Food4Kids Shoreline was formed to help raise awareness and empower individuals and communities to take action. Each food pack costs between $9 per child per week, which adds up to $36 per month or $325 per year to support one child. Multiplied by 10, 20, or 50, these numbers can be significant -- and yet we have already seen what can happen when individuals come together and give sacrificially of their time and resources. 

Every contribution, big or small, collectively adds up to something quite astonishing. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.



Our mission is that every school-aged child in the Shoreline School District has the nourishment needed to learn and grow. As a leader in the movement to end childhood hunger, Food4Kids strives to ensure children don't go hungry on the weekends by empowering individuals and communities to take action.

Current Backpacks Provided  315 EVERY WEEK

Students With Unmet Needs

138 CURRENTLY IDENTIFIED

$9 FEEDS A CHILD FOR A WEEKEND

$36 FEEDS A CHILD FOR A MONTH

$325 FEEDS A CHILD FOR A YEAR



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Wreath-making at Garden Essentia

Proudly displaying the wreath she just created
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Saturday evening, November 28, Garden Essentia in Ballinger Village held a Holiday Wreath Making class at their store.

Wreath making workshop at Garden Essentia
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The class was well attended. Participants learned the essentials of making wreaths and were able to create beautiful decorations.


 

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Thai Siam Restaurant offers free dinner to those in need

Frank and Nancy Vhanthip Bhokayasupatt
Owners of Thai Siam Restaurant
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Thailand immigrants Frank and Nancy Vhanthip Bhokayasupatt, owners of Thai Siam Restaurant in Crown Hill, are offering free Christmas dinners to those in need.

Food is a source of life, and we are thankful to have been blessed with this gift that we can share with the community. Thank you for the continuous support you have provided us. We are encouraged to know that you are standing with us.

If you know someone in need who would not be able to have a festive dinner on Christmas day, Thai Siam Restaurant would like to extend our warmest invitation to a free turkey dinner on Christmas Day from 12:00pm to 2:00 pm.

Please call 206-783-3668 or visit us the week before.
Thai Siam Restaurant, 8305 15th Ave NW, Seattle 98117.



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Flags at half-staff

Governor Inslee hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff Monday, December 7, 2015, for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day was created by Congress in 1994 in honor of those Americans killed or injured as a result of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Monday, December 7, 2015.

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

Please call 360-239-1317 if you have any questions about this flag lowering.



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Parents Night Out compliments of Trinity Presbyterian


Parents Night Out
Friday, December 11, 6:00 - 10:00 pm

1315 N 160th St
Shoreline, WA 98133

Fellowship Hall in the lower level of the church on the corner of N 160th and Interlake Ave N.

Come one come all! Drop your kids off for a night of free childcare while you go on a date, take a nap, finish Christmas shopping or whatever else you need to get done!

This event is open to the community as we just want a chance to share the Christmas joy with our neighbors! Tell your friends. Enjoy a date night!

Dinner, crafts, games, Christmas movie and all of that will be provided!



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King's High School Robotics team launches program for special needs students


King's High School Robotics team launches Unified Robotics: After school program introduces robotics, computer programming and engineering to students with special needs or intellectual disabilities.

The CyberKnights, King’s High School’s robotics team, is proud to announce the launch of their new program, Unified Robotics. The student-designed and implemented program is open to students with special needs and a variety of learning challenges. It’s the first of its kind and brings the world of STEM and robotics to high school students with special needs during a 6-week after school program.

The 6-week program model is currently being tested at Roosevelt High School with the goal to sustain and expand to other Seattle schools, so that the final week will include an inter-school competition in the future.

Already students from Ballard High School and Garfield High School are joining King’s and Roosevelt students in this inaugural season. The CyberKnights are documenting each step of the development of the program in order to create a teaching manual for other schools to start their own clubs.

“I am so proud of our students,” said Eric Rasmussen, King’s Schools Superintendent. “One of our goals at King’s is to inspire hearts and equip minds as we develop the leaders of the future. Seeing our robotics team step out and engage with their peers with special needs in this way demonstrates who we are.”



Here’s how Unified Robotics works:

  • Students from King’s robotics team (along with Unity Club volunteers from Garfield and Ballard High School) go to Roosevelt on Wednesday afternoons to work alongside students with a variety of skill levels to design and build robots in small teams of about four students using NXT kits made by LEGO.
  • Each team builds their own robot including designing, building and programming the bot.
  • In their ‘Season Finale,’ each team will present their robot and its features, and then compete in a friendlier version of Battle Bots.

“In only three weeks of participating in Unified Robotics, each member of my team has had a life-changing experience,” said Delaney Foster, CyberKnights CEO. 
“First, we learned ‘success’ has many different definitions. In our previous experiences, success only meant building the champion robot. This program is not only teaching the students with special needs robotics and engineering, it is teaching the robotics students about acceptance and success.”

Tom Ledcke, a teacher from Roosevelt High School, said this about the Cyberknights:
“The robotics team from King’s High School generously offered my students the opportunity to participate in the area of engineering and programming. This was presented in a fun and social setting. I appreciate the hands on approach and modifications that are made to suit the individuals' learning level. More importantly I am witnessing meaningful relationships developing as young people learn about each other’s lives.”

The CyberKnights seek to inspire an interest and passion for science and technology while preparing students to become industry leaders in tomorrow’s competitive global marketplace.

The King’s High School’s award-winning robotics program serves as an educational community within King’s Schools as well as FIRST ® Robotics. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an organization that seeks to further education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and provide an environment in which students can grow academically and acquire skills vital to their professional development such as an exceptional work ethic and problem-solving skills.

The CyberKnights serve as the founding team of King’s Robotics, a group of FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge, FIRST Lego League, and FIRST Lego League Jr. teams. In its endeavor to successfully embody FIRST values and goals, the CyberKnights seek to create a team culture that sustains their community for years to come. From team recruitment, developing student leaders, maintaining a gender-equal team, serving as FIRST ambassadors in outreach, collaborating with each other in a student-lead environment and asking corporations to support them as the next generation of leaders, the CyberKnights strive to be an organization of people impacting the world for FIRST.

Starting in 2009 in FIRST Tech Challenge with eight students, the CyberKnights have inspired over 10% of the K-12 students to participate in FIRST programs. CyberKnights Alumni have gone on to pursue fields in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and return to invest in the program as mentors for the current team. The team continues to develop its members in leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.



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Photo: Christmas cheer by LFP Artist

Monday, November 30, 2015

Photo by Michele Dietzel
Window art by Debbie Thomassi of Lake Forest Park

Photo by Michele Dietzel
Window art by Debbie Thomassi of Lake Forest Park

Garden Essentia in Ballinger Village specializes in art by local artists. So naturally they turned to local talent to decorate their window for Christmas.

The cheerful display was created by Debbie Thomassi of Lake Forest Park.



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Niche ranks best school districts in the state - Shoreline makes the top ten

Shoreline Public School District made the top ten list for school districts in the state of Washington from school ranking website Niche.

The best school districts are based on statistics, student and parent reviews, and expert insights.

Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, student and parent reviews, and more.
See how this ranking was calculated.

1 Bellevue School District

2 Bainbridge Island School District

3 Mercer Island School District

4 Lake Washington School District

5 Camas School District

6 Issaquah School District

7 University Place School District

8 Shoreline School District

9 Seattle Public Schools

10 Tahoma School District



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Christmas Ship Celebration Dec 8

Christmas ship at Saltwater Park 2013

The Christmas Ship festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Pacific Northwest tradition since 1949. Every year, the Argosy Christmas Ship sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities, over 45 in total. From the flotilla of boats to the crowds of people who gather onshore, this festival is one of the gems of the Northwest.

The Christmas Ship Celebration at the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (2021 NW 190th Street) is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8. The evening begins at 7:30pm with music from Sweet Adelines who sing barbershop-style arrangements of songs old and new.

The Christmas Ship, followed by a fleet of Argosy vessels, private yachts, sailboats and other small crafts decked out with holiday lights, will arrive off the Saltwater Park at 8:20pm for a 20-minute performance by the Dickens Carolers. Gather around a roaring bonfire while joyous voices from the choir onboard the ship serenade beach guests. Complimentary cookies will be served and Richmond Beach swag will be available for purchase at the RBCA booth on the beach.

This event is free to attend and jointly sponsored by the City of Shoreline and Richmond Beach Community Association. More information here.



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Friday Round Table (12/4): Get Hired! UPS Seasonal and Part-to-Full Time Permanent Positions


Part II of our: “If you really, really want a job, come and get it” events.

Especially if you’re solid with time management and reliability. ALL AGES ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND,

So: Are you or anyone you know --  friend, a son, daughter, niece, or nephew --  looking for a quick extra cash opportunity for the holidays, with the possibility of picking up a permanent part time or full time career?

HR Recruiter, Tiffany Balloun from UPS, Seattle will join us this week to provide details, answer questions, and look over resumes and other application materials. We’ll also walk everyone through the online application process. Package handlers, drivers, and driver helpers are all needed right away! Come by and see if there's a fit for you. Coffee and treats, compliments of Central Market, will be served.

Friday, December 4, 1:00-2:30pm
Shoreline Community College Room 5116, Building 5000 (ground floor)

SCC Campus Map, Parking information. Small fee for daytime parking on campus.

Open to anyone of any age who is job seeking or interested in career change.

Led by Ron Carnell, Program Coordinator, Workforce and Continuing Education / Plus 50 Career Builder, Shoreline Community College, 206-533-6706.

See the Plus 50 Spring Schedule!



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Audition Announcement – A Little Night Music



Shoreline Community College Opera Workshop 2016 is proud to present Stephen Sondheim’s enchanting reminiscence of love, relationships, and worlds long forgotten – A Little Night Music.

Winner of three Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score, this bewitching musical is truly an operetta in three-quarters time.

Produced by Charles Enlow and directed by 2014 Gregory Award winning director Teresa Thuman, with 5th Avenue and Village Theater conductor Bruce Monroe.

General auditions for this show will be held on December 10, from 3 – 6 pm and December 12, from 10 am – noon in the Shoreline Campus Theater (1600), 16101 Greenwood Ave N. Campus maps.

You can secure an audition time here.

Shoreline Community College’s annual Opera Workshop is a 1-3 credit performance course offered during Winter Quarter. The course will culminate in three performances in the Campus Theater, February 19, 20, and 21, 2016.

In order to participate all cast members must enroll in either Music 154, 155, or 156.




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In The Garden Now …. Japanese Fatsia

Japanese Aralia

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

You may not be headed for the warmth and sunshine of a tropical paradise this winter, but you could grow this exotic looking plant in your northwest garden. It really does look like an escapee from some equatorial jungle but, it is actually native to southern Japan and South Korea.

Japanese Fatsia sports shiny evergreen leaves. The leaves may measure 16 inches or more at their widest. In fall, showy clusters of white flowers appear above the foliage. Flowers are followed by black berries which are often eaten by the birds.

This plant makes a dramatic addition to the shade garden where it is usually happiest. If grown in too much sun or in windy conditions the foliage will burn or become damaged. Young plants require moisture to look their best. Once established, I’ve found that they are quite drought tolerant and even grow well under tall trees in full shade with little irrigation.

Large containers can provide a good home for Japanese Aralia. However, during a particularly cold winter roots might freeze and the plant could die. If room is available indoors they make good houseplants. You may see them used in commercial settings as potted plants in the courtyards and lobbies of large office buildings.

This time of year I’m thankful for anything that is flowering in my garden. It is a serious bonus when the flowers are large, showy, and followed by berries. Dramatic tropical looking evergreen foliage doesn’t hurt either. This one’s a winner!

(Botanical Name:  Fatsia japonica)

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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Olympic Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker in Edmonds

The Nutcracker in Edmonds Dec 18-20

Celebrating its 35th Anniversary Season, Olympic Ballet Theatre presents its traditional holiday production of The Nutcracker in Edmonds December 18-20.

Beloved by fans of all ages, OBT’s production is presented in an intimate venues, the Edmonds Center for the Arts, where every last detail is easily seen from any seat.
Guest artist Andrei Vassiliev
dances The Prince

New to this year’s production is guest star Andrei Vassiliev, who will dance the role of the Nutcracker prince. A former colleague of OBT Artistic Directors Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev from their time at PNB, Vassiliev has also danced on international stages with the Russian Opera and Ballet Theater, the Hamburg Ballet, Leipzig Ballet, and English National Ballet. He is also the recipient of the first prize at the illustrious Prix de Lausanne ballet competition in 1997.

With a cast of nearly 100, including the animated, aspiring young dancers of Olympic Ballet School, OBT’s production of Clara’s magical dream on Christmas Eve remains a festive family activity to enjoy during the holiday season.

Tickets range from $25-$37.50. All seats are reserved, and are available online or by calling 425-774-7570, or stopping by the OBT box office located in the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main Street in Edmonds.



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First Thursday artists: Jewelry and Garden Stones


Meet December Featured Artists: 

Liz Lyell (Jewelry)

Terri Goodwin (Garden Stones)

December 3 - 4:00 - 8:00pm (open house)


Garden Essentia presents two terrific artists this month. Their one of a kind pieces will be on display in the gallery throughout December.

Work by Liz Lyell

Liz Lyell

Liz Lyell, based in Edmonds, has been making jewelry for many years, and in business full time as PS, NorthWest since 2002. She has store accounts in the greater Seattle area (including 3 years at the Seattle Art Museum), and says about her work, "I have always loved gemstones, wondered about their energies, and making jewelry for me is a way to make this energy available in a small personal form. People have said my jewelry is both rustic and fine ... a combination of earthy, delicate, muted, and shiny, all rolled into one!"

Materials used are semi-precious and precious stones, pearls, Czech limited edition glass, sterling (.925) and fine (.999) silver. All the silver work is hand shaped, forged, and fused. Liz will be bringing an array of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and trinkets (many great gift items). 

Art by Terri Goodwin

Terri Goodwin 

After earning a BA in Design from UCLA, Terri Goodwin spent her early career as a graphic designer for small companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle. In 1999, an interest in mosaic led to the desire to make ceramic tile by hand. Current work combines her handmade tiles with concrete to create decorative garden stones, wall hangings and sculpture suitable for the home and garden.

Garden Essentia is located in Ballinger Village, next to Thriftway on Ballinger Way, just east of I-5. 206-453-3920.



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