Communicating with animals - Sunday at Shoreline Library

Monday, January 11, 2016

Photo courtesy Karen Cleveland

Animal Communicator Karen Cleveland will give a free talk on Sunday, January 17, 2016, 3:00pm at the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St, on “Demystifying Animal Communication”

What is it? How can it help me?

  • Who can talk to animals?
  • What animals can be communicated with?
  • When would I use animal communication?
  • Why talk to Animals?
  • How does it work?

Bring your questions and learn about animal communication!



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12-7-15 Shoreline School Board Meeting: Leadership Shift, Kindergarteners Doing Well, A High School Student Speaks Up

Directors Potter (from left), Jacobs, and Nicholson
take the oath of office at the 12-7-15 meeting
Photo by Marianne Deal Stephens

By Marianne Deal Stephens

Oath of Office and Reorganization of the Board
Once a year, the Superintendent of Shoreline Public Schools renews the Oath of Office. Board President Mike Jacobs, in his last official act as Board President, administered the Oath to Superintendent Rebecca Miner. She vowed to “support the Constitution of the United States and the State of Washington and will faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of the Superintendent of the Shoreline School District No. 412, in the County of King, State of Washington, according to the best of my ability.”

In turn, Superintendent Miner administered the oath for three Directors reelected in November: Mike Jacobs, Dick Nicholson, and Richard Potter. Following the oath, the Board quickly reorganized.

David Wilson became the new Board President, and Debi Ehrlichman assumed the office of Vice President.

Consent Agenda
The evening’s 21-item consent agenda included:

  • Acceptance of gifts from Echo Lake PTA ($6000 for class projects and student experiences), Meridian Park PTSA ($7197.88 for assemblies, 6th grade camp, and music), and Syre Elementary PTSA ($6050 for assemblies and field trip transportation).
  • Approval of the final SEA Certificated Salary Schedule.
  • Approval of Interlocal Agreement with Fircrest and DSHS for education of the students “through age 21 who have not met high school graduation requirements and reside at Fircrest.”
  • Authority and Project Budget for Feasibility/ Design Phase for: Ridgecrest Fire Alarm Replacement Project; Shoreline Stadium Field Replacement and Track Structural Coating Project; Shorewood High School Security Fencing.
  • Approval of Extended Field Trips: Shorecrest music students to All State in Yakima in February; Shorewood DECA students to the State Competition in Bellevue in March; Shorewood Drill to State Competition in Yakima in March; Shorecrest AVID students to four Eastern Washington colleges in April; Ridgecrest 6th graders to Warm Beach Camp in May; Echo Lake 6th graders to Camp Orkila in May.


President Wilson publicly thanked Echo Lake PTSA, Meridian Park PTSA, and Syre PTSA for their gifts, saying that “the common theme here is tremendous support” in the form of donations that “fill our needs and enrich our schools.”

Dual Language Program: Exploration Update
A summary of the District’s research and possible proposal will appear in a separate article. (Shoreline School District exploring Dual Language Program)

WaKIDS Assessment Results
Dr. Michael Power, Director of Assessment and Student Learning, offered a summary of the first Shoreline WaKIDS results. This assessment is a required part of the newly acquired State-Funded Full-Day Kindergarten at five Shoreline elementary schools. All ten Shoreline elementary schools offer full-day kindergarten, but state funding currently covers five: Briarcrest, Echo Lake, Lake Forest Park, Meridian Park, and Parkwood. In 2016-17, state funding for all day Kindergarten will expand to all elementary schools.

WaKIDS, the Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills, is a State transition process “that helps ensure a successful start to the K-12 experience and connect the key adults in a child’s life” (OSPI WaKIDS).

Source: WaKIDS, OSPI

The WaKIDS Whole-Child Assessment involves teacher observation during usual class activities; kids are not pulled out and tested.

Source: Shoreline School District

Teachers assess six areas of development and learning: Physical; Social-emotional; Language (oral); Cognitive; Mathematics; Literacy (print). Since the observations include so many characteristics for each child, there are many pieces of data and the teachers’ work is intensive. The District provided some release time [substitutes were hired] for teachers. Meetings with parents at each school explained the process and the WaKIDS program.

While there is currently no state data for 2015, a comparison of Shoreline in 2015 to the state in 2014 shows that our kids are starting out well.

Source: Shoreline School District

Dr. Power pointed out that approximately 20-22% of our kids need some additional skills, and that the high percentage in literacy “is a testament to our families who provide language-rich homes.”

Over time, the District will use the information for planning purposes. Board Vice President Ehrlichman asked what the State plans to do with the information, and wondered if results would be shared with the early childhood programs. Dr. Power assured the Board that the information is primarily for the teachers, though the State does need proof that all day kindergarten is working in order to support the funding. One of the advantages of WaKIDS is that it “makes you look at the child, the physical child” and not only at the child’s work. Over time, the District will work with kindergarten teachers on how to use this data.

Revisions to Policy Regarding Release of Student Directory Information
Public Information Officer Curtis Campbell presented an update to Policy 3250, which concerns the release of student directory information. In its previous form, the policy “did not clearly state that photographs, video images, and email addresses are considered directory information.” Along with the policy change, the Opt-Out Form will be updated. This form allows parents to request that their student’s name, image, or other pieces of information not be released for any reason. Mr. Campbell noted that parents often, in the flurry of paperwork at the start of a new school year, sign the form without realizing its full ramifications.

Discussion about the policy led to a related but separate issue regarding volunteers and parents taking photos during the school day. The District will come out with photo guidelines in early 2016.

New Policy for Library Media Centers
Policy 2021 outlines the purpose of library media centers, which “will be used to support and extend the classroom program of instruction” and establishes procedures for selection of materials.

2014-2015 Year-End Financial Report
Director of Finance and Business Services and Deputy Superintendent Marla Miller presented the 2014-2015 Year End Financial Report. Though the District’s Fiscal Year ends August 31, the final reports come out in late fall after all transactions have closed.
Source: Shoreline School District
In addition to the items highlighted above, officials offered a few comments about particular budget variances:

  • The Children’s Center did better than in 2013-2014 because of higher enrollment;
  • Electricity and natural gas expenditures were under budget due to: the mild winter; a change in heating method at Shorecrest; and low energy prices;
  • Tax collections were higher than expected because of increased real estate activity.

The District submits a detailed year-end report to the State, which can be viewed on pages 175-249 of the December Meeting Packet.

Community Comment
Shorewood Senior Krystin Kalvoy has chosen the issue of the school year’s late start as her civic project. She described how the late start is “detrimental to all students taking AP courses, especially when Labor Day is late.” With East Coast schools 3-4 weeks ahead of us, “we have to cram the material”, and students must work through holidays. The calendar “causes additional stress” for teachers and means that “counselors are cramming along with us” to help students with college applications in the fall. Krystin realizes that “there are more elementary kids than high school kids” yet wonders if child care would be easier for elementary parents if the school year started earlier.

Shoreline Education Association President David Guthrie circled back to the WaKIDS presentation, wondering what will be done with the data, and expressing concern that this is part of “data-driven testing madness.” He commended the board for realizing that WaKIDS means a lot of extra work for teachers, and asserts that measures like WaKIDS are a factor in the looming teacher shortage. Mr. Guthrie spoke about teaching as “our [teachers’] deep joy meeting the world’s deep needs” and asserted that “we have a joy deficit.”

Board Requested Discussion
Director Richard Potter thanked community member Ray Koelling for his leadership of the Shoreline STEM Festival. Mr. Koelling will be moving from the area, but noted that since he will be traveling 300 miles to come back to attend the 2016 festival, he hopes that others will travel just a few miles to participate. The STEM festival grew from Mr. Koelling’s vision, and now has a steering committee and will be incorporated as a nonprofit. The 2016 STEM Festival will be held on May 14, 2016.

New Board President David Wilson thanked outgoing President Mike Jacobs with a Dodgers baseball cap since the two share a passion for baseball.

Action Item: Authorization to Pay off LGO Bonds
The Board adopted Resolution 2015-18 which allows the District to pay off LGO bonds early. Doing so will save the taxpayers in interest payments, and lower the District’s overall debt. The move has been thoroughly explored with financial advisors and the legal team.

Board Reports
Members of the Board praised several recent events, including: recent high school plays, the fundraising dinner put on by Shorecrest Culinary Arts, Highland Terrace’s Science Fun Night, and the Veteran’s Day celebration at Parkwood.

They also commended:




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Hot off the presses - Trader Joe's to open Shoreline location February 26 at 8am

Shoreline, Washington – Opening February 26, 2016!

January 11, 2016
Trader Joe’s is dropping anchor in Shoreline, Washington! We’ve consulted our maps and compass and have found a terrific location for a store.
Store Address: 1201 N 175th St, Shoreline, WA 98133

Date & Time of Opening:  Friday, February 26th at 8 am


Announced and published Monday, Jan 11 on the Trader Joe's webpage.


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"Modvale" exhibition at Shoreline City Hall explores nostalgia, memory, and history

Nia Michaels, "Mysterious Stranger"

Modvale: Presence and Absence in Local History, Shoreline City Hall’s first art exhibition for 2016, brings together nine local artists whose work collectively offers a fascinating range of response to historical forces through a variety of media, including photography, drawing, pyrography, 3-D photo collage, painting, and sculpture.

Susan Gans, "Aged Smokestack"

Modvale plays on the name of the city’s Midvale Avenue, which echoes the halcyon days when the unincorporated area served as a suburban bedroom community or even as rural escape for picnics in the country (at Echo Lake, for example). In addition to changing demographics, Modvale also points toward a similarly dramatic change in the natural world.

Participating artists: Tyson Benard, Susan Gans, Libby Gerber, Ted Grudowski, Cathy Fields, Nia Michaels, Lita Kenyon, Mimi Sturman, Suze Woolf.

The exhibition opens on Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 4:00 – 6:00pm, with a panel presentation on art and historical change. 
Regular gallery hours M-F, 9:00-5:00pm, February 1 – April 8, 2016.

Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133. Free parking in City Garage behind City Hall.



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No date announced for Shoreline Trader Joe's

Local residents anxious for the opening of the new Shoreline Trader Joe's have been checking with clerks at the Lynnwood store for opening dates - and everyone seems to come back with a different date.

The Trader Joe's website simply says: "Coming soon!"

The store address is 1201 N 175th St, Shoreline 98133 - the site of the former Tops Foods / Haggen Fresh grocery store.

We previously reported that the site was fully leased, but that was not correct. There is still a large area of the site available for lease, between the new Everett Clinic and Trader Joe's. Mud Bay has also leased part of the building.



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For the birds: Kinglets, Kingbirds, Kingfishers

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Golden-crowned Kinglet male (note orange in center of gold)
by Louis Kreemer. Kinglets have cute yellow feet

By Christine Southwick

Martin Luther King Day is the eighteenth of January this year, so I thought that I would write about birds in Washington that have the word “king” as part of their names.

Washington has Golden-crowned Kinglets, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Western Kingbirds, Eastern Kingbirds, and Belted Kingfishers.

                   [World-wide there are 115 birds with “king” in their names;
                     zero birds have “queen” in their names….just sayin’]


Female Kingfisher by Max Warner
(male does not have rufus on breast)

I decided on Golden-crowned Kinglets since they can frequently be seen all year in Washington, especially here in the winter-time. The Belted Kingfisher also is here year round, but few backyards have large enough streams to support a Kingfisher.

Golden-crowned Kinglets are nimble-moving, wing-flicking little birds that, in the summertime, stay up in the tops of heavily canopied spruce and fir coniferous forests, making them hard to see, and their high thin call-notes and song can be hard to hear. They often hover while plucking tiny insects from conifer needle clusters.

Male Ruby-crowned Kinglet  by Kellie Sagen
(female does not have the ruby center)


Their nests, with up to eleven eggs, are usually 50 feet up, and hidden under overhanging branches near the trunk. Most breed in the boreal forests of Canada, but suitably dense and high forests here in Washington will have breeding kinglets. Golden-crowned Kinglets can be found from 10,000 feet elevation down to sea level in the right habitat. They have been known to survive -40F degree nights, sometimes huddling together for warmth.

Some Golden-crowned Kinglets migrate as far as Mexico; some are local residents, and some go further north than others, so the kinglets that you see in the winter may not be the same ones you see in the summer.

Eastern Kingbird by Jane Hadley
 (note white edge on tail)

In the wintertime Golden-crowned Kinglets are easier to see when they hunt low in the trees moving within mixed flocks while searching for the many tiny insects, spiders, and insect eggs found nearer the ground during cold temperatures. Sometimes these kinglets will even land on the ground.

Winter-time is when we most often notice Golden-crowned Kinglets.

Updated to correct photographer name to Louis Kreemer 01-11-2016

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Immigration & Refugees: We've seen this Newsreel Before


The Global Affairs Center at Shoreline Community College will present a free program this Thursday, January 14 from 11:30 am-12:20pm in room 9208 PUB: "Immigration and Refugees: We've seen this Newsreel Before," with speaker Dr. Amy J. Kinsel, Dean of Social Sciences, Equity and Social Justice, Library, and Parent and Child Center, Shoreline Community College.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric has filled the airwaves during the early months of the 2016 presidential race, especially since Syrian refugees began pouring into Europe and terrorist attacks shook Paris, Beirut, and other places.

Amy Kinsel, Global Affairs speaker
But this rhetoric is not new. Despite its reputation for welcoming the "huddled masses" to our shores, U.S. immigration and refugee policies have served to shut doors to tens of thousands of desperate "tempest-tossed" people seeking safe haven from religious, political, and military strife.

The college is located at 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133. There is a nominal charge for parking during the day. SCC Campus Map,  Parking information.

Looking ahead, the first evening event this quarter takes place the following week, Thursday, January 21, at 7:00pm. the topic will be Civil Rights in the Movies with a panel discussion at the Black Box Theater at Shoreline Community College. More details at the GAC website.



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The Egg and the Plague and I


On Saturday, January 16, from 1-2pm at the Richmond Beach Library meeting room, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177, professional audiobook narrator Heather Henderson will read selections from the books of Betty MacDonald, including passages from Onions in the Stew, The Egg and I, and The Plague and I.

HistoryLink writer Paula Becker will introduce Ms. Henderson with some historical thoughts of her own on the subject of local author Betty MacDonald and MacDonald’s brush with tuberculosis.

Ms. Henderson will have a selection of her audiobooks available for purchase after the program.

Co-Sponsored by King County Library and the Shoreline Historical Museum.



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Four City Councils to hear about Sound Transit 3 at Tuesday meeting

The city councils of Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, Bothell, and Kenmore will meet in Kenmore on Tuesday, January 12, 7pm, to hear speakers on the ST3 funding proposal.

Mayor David Baker of Kenmore will convene the meeting and introduce the topic, followed by perspective from new Sound Transit board members Claudia Balducci and Fred Butler.

Ric Ilgenfritz, Sound Transit Executive Director of Planning, Environment and Project Development, will give the Sound Transit 3 Overview and Process.

Fehr and Peers, transportation consultants, will give an overview of the SR 522 / 145th Street Corridor as well as ST3 Candidate Projects N-09, N-10 SR 522 BRTP-8 Overview and Analysis.

Representatives from the 522 Transit Now! Coalition will finish up the presentations, which will be followed by council discussion.

The meeting will be held at Kenmore City Hall, 18120 - 68th Ave NE, Kenmore 98028.


Updated with meeting time 01-11-2016

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Construction begins on specialized boarding home in Shoreline for people with traumatic brain injury

PROVAIL President and CEO, Michael Hatzenbeler (left),
with Dan Baldner (right), a project Senior Architect from Environmental Works,
view the large site of the new TBI boarding home site in Shoreline

On Thursday, January 7th, PROVAIL broke ground in Shoreline where construction on a specialized boarding home for individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) has started.

PROVAIL will build a state-of-the-art facility designed to support survivors of TBI who need additional medical and therapeutic support. Designed specifically for the needs of those with a TBI, this Boarding Home will provide 24 hour supportive care and access to therapy with a strong focus on each individual's needs and independence.

Amal Grabinski, Director of Community Living at PROVAIL said “The Boarding Home will create capacity for individuals with TBIs to get the support and services they need, and allow them to regain and maintain full membership in the community.”

Key community partners and supporters broke ground on the $3 million TBI Boarding home in Shoreline, WA. Pictured from left to right: Judy Smith, Executive Director of Shoreline Chamber of Commerce; Chris King, PROVAIL Board Member (retired); Michael Pollowitz, Environmental Works, Dan Baldner, Environmental Works; Kevin Brett, Kirtley-Cole Associates; Michael Hatzenbeler, PROVAIL CEO & President; Amal Grabinski, PROVAIL Director of Community Living; Michael Hughes, CEO Board Member (Cornerstone); DeAnna Poling, Home Loan Bank of Des Moines; Nick Licata, City of Seattle Council Member; Andrea Okomski, Okomski Law Firm


The property for this project was purchased by PROVAIL in 2013 and was funded by King County, the Washington State Department of Commerce, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. With the full funding request awarded, the TBI Boarding Home is planned to be completed June 2016.

“The PROVAIL facility is a $3 million investment in the City of Shoreline, and for that alone we are thankful,” said Dan Eernissee, City of Shoreline Economic Development Manager. “But given the truly wonderful service PROVAIL provides, we are more than just thankful; we are honored that PROVAIL chose Shoreline.”

The site is at 1548 NE 175th in North City

PROVAIL is a non-profit organization serving people with disabilities in King and Snohomish Counties of Washington State. In 1942, PROVAIL was founded by a group of parents dedicated to supporting their children with disabilities. Today, PROVAIL is one of the largest disability service providers in the region with programs and services that meet critical needs and address gaps in services for the disability community that emphasize independence, opportunity and inclusion for all.

The Boarding Home will be a huge milestone of expansion for PROVAIL as it is the organization’s first new residential project since 1999.



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Shoreline Special Needs PTSA meets Wednesday

Join the Shoreline Special Needs PTSA for the first general member meeting of 2016 on Wednesday, January 13 at the Shoreline Center (Alumni Room), 18560 1st Ave NE.

Meet and greet time is from 6:30-7pm, followed by a short business segment and then this month's speaker, Amy Huntley with the Washington Autism Alliance and Advocacy.

She will share how WAAA helps families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities learn how to better access their insurance benefits for medically necessary treatments.

After Amy's presentation, we'll have fun with the annual post-holiday white elephant gift raffle. Recycle an unwanted gift by bringing it to the meeting to be raffled. Tickets are only $1 each. All proceeds benefit the chapter.

Anyone interested in the work of this chapter is invited to join. We work to foster communication and collaboration among parents, students, teachers, schools and the community to support Shoreline School District students with special needs.



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Compassion Games Team at The Everest Kitchen in LFP

Jon Ramer, center, Mohan Birgurung, right
in front of the Everest Kitchen in Town Center, LFP
Photo by Anne Stadler
By Anne Stadler

When you walk in the door of The Everest Kitchen in the Lake Forest Park Town Center, you're welcomed into a community of kindness and service, focused on good food.

Mohan Birgurung and his wife Huni, who immigrated from Nepal twenty years ago, have created a new life here in Lake Forest Park, bringing with them cooking and culture from their roots in Nepal.

And that's not all. Mohan says their restaurant is about more than food, it's about community. 
"I want to encourage people to open their hearts, to be part of a community of compassion and kindness."

Enter Jon Ramer, a Lake Forest Park neighbor, founder of the Compassion Games International. He's inviting everyone to join in honoring Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday by "LIVING beloved community" from January 15--18th .... living the kind of community Mohan encourages.

It's a Compassion Game that teams from all over the country are participating in. Ramer calls them "coopetitions", emphasizing cooperation and community building rather than competition.

So the Everest Kitchen's staff decided to be a Team in the International Compassion Games.

When you come in for a meal anytime between January 15 and 18th, you'll be served by people who are living the values of Kindness, Compassion and Respect. You'll help The Everest Kitchen Team honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And you'll be helping to create the kind of community we all want to live in.



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Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month


The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month is IRG: Your Family Physical and Hand Therapist.

IRG is Northwest's premier physical and hand therapy group. IRG has locations throughout the Puget Sound region so a patient never has to go far to receive exceptional service.

We attract and retain the best people to provide compassionate, individualized care. AT IRG you will find physical and hand therapists who:

  • Create a friendly and positive environment
  • Strive for complete customer satisfaction
  • Use the latest techniques  and technology to create exceptional results 
IRG has clinics in Edmonds, North Seattle, and Greenwood. Check their website for all their Puget Sound locations.



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Shorewood boys' basketball vs Interlake

Shorewood boys basketball vs Interlake, Saturday afternoon at Shorewood Gym. Final score SW 65 Interlake 45

Photos by Wayne Pridemore


Shorewood's Ian Kirk scores on a fast break early in the game



Thunderbird junior guard, Daniel Ishkhanov, outruns the defense to the basket.


Shorewood's Connor Williams brings the ball up court late in the game.





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Judges needed for 2016 North Puget Sound History Day

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Volunteers are needed as judges for the 2016 North Puget Sound History Day projects, to be held at a new location at Northshore Junior High School in Bothell.

History Day judges are adults with an interest in history and a desire to help students in grades 6 -12 improve their ability to do historical research and present their results in public. All judges will work in teams of three.


Help is needed to evaluate student work at two different times:

1. Judges to read papers and evaluate websites in February and early March. Judges work independently but meet briefly once as a team of three to assemble results. If you are interested in those types of entries, register for one or both of these categories on the registration link. (Tentative dates are on the website under Contest Specifics.)

2. Judges to evaluate exhibits, documentaries and performances at the new location at Northshore Junior High School on Saturday, March 19. Most judges will serve only in the morning. Some experienced judges serve also in the afternoon in our final rounds. (Breakfast and lunch are provided.)

We hope you can join us for a very heartening exposure to young people doing good things. To sign up to judge, follow the link right here. You can also find more information AND the link to the registration system on our website, npshistoryday.weebly.com. Any special requests or clarification can be input to the Comments section within the registration program. If you need further information, just email me or check out our website. It does contain lots of good information about our contest.

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Arts Council seeks video submissions for “YouTube MeTube WeTube” screening event

The Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council is having its first movie night, but we can’t do it without you! Tell us what your favorite YouTube videos are so we can help storyteller, comedian, and artist extraordinaire Emmett Montgomery curate an evening of humor, art … and maybe even some cats.

This PG-13 movie night, “YouTube MeTube WeTube,” will take place on February 6, 2016 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at the state of the art theater at Shoreline Community College.

Tickets are $10 and popcorn, candy, soda, wine and beer will be available for purchase. And the best part: at the end of the evening the audience will select 3 People’s Choice Award winners who will receive fabulous prizes for their excellent video selection.

So go to the Arts Council’s website, click on YouTube, and tell us your favorite videos by January 25, 2016. It’s FREE and easy. Then join us on February 6 to see if your selection will be shown and if it is popular enough to win you a prize.

Emmett Montgomery is a storyteller, comedian, and artist who has been involved in a lot of things including critically acclaimed comedy collectives, post apocalyptic variety shows, underground wrestling leagues and family friendly comedy nights in pizza restaurants. Montgomery was voted Best Comedian in Seattle Weekly’s 2015 Best of Seattle Reader Poll and was also featured on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.”

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture all of the arts in the community through programs and events, arts education, advocacy, and support for artists and arts organizations.



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Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Sweater Drive Jan 1 - Feb 7


Help those in need this winter by donating new or gently worn sweaters, coats and cold-weather gear to KCTS 9's 19th annual Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Sweater Drive, running from January 11 through February 7. The donated items will benefit Wellspring Family Services, Queen Anne Helpline and Northwest Center.

Look for the Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Sweater Drive collection bin at any PCC Natural Markets location or Sound Credit Union location in Western Washington; or drop your items off at KCTS 9's Seattle Center studio. Warm clothing for children and teens is greatly needed, but all new or gently used adult and children’s sweaters and coats will be accepted.

“All of us, at some time or other, need help,” said Fred Rogers. “Whether we’re giving or receiving a sweater, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors—in our way, everyone is a giver and receiver."

Fred Rogers began the sweater drive and inspired its spirit of generosity and neighborliness for six years before he passed away in 2003. His red sweater (knitted by his mom) and tennis shoes bring to mind comfort, care and joy in learning for millions. KCTS 9 is honored to continue the program in his memory. Last year's Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Sweater Drive collected more than 7,900 sweaters and coats—more than 10,000 pounds of warm clothing!

Sound Credit Union in Shoreline, 16330 Aurora.
PCC Markets at Westgate, Edmonds, 9803 Edmonds Way.



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Honor roll students at Central Washington University

Central Washington University undergraduate students who earn a 3.5 or better grade point average, on a 4.0 scale, while carrying at least 12 graded credit hours of study are eligible for the honor roll.

These are the local students who made the 2015 Fall Honor Roll.

Lake Forest Park
Boyer, Anessa Marie, Sophomore
Matheson, India, Senior
Munchinski,Sarah Elizabeth, Freshman

Shoreline
Burkell, Elizabeth Regina, Senior
Charnley, Alan D, Senior
Clark, Jens Kristjan, Junior
Cook, Bethany Stella, Senior
Follis, Henry Owen , Freshman
Henderson, Cory James, Junior
Higgins, Alexandre, Senior
Jang, Munwon , Senior
Livingston, Jennifer Marie, Senior
Mapes, Jason Dean, Senior
McConnell, Skye Maura. Junior
Mentele, Laura Cannon. Freshman

Kenmore
Anderson, Ryan Edward, Senior
Cruz, Mariana Kenmore, Junior
Larson, Jonathon Andrew, Senior



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Shoreline man dies in house fire Friday morning with his dog by his side

Friday, January 8, 2016

Greg Gibson, left, with Benjamin Arao II

According to KOMO news,

A man was found dead - with the body of his faithful dog beside him - after a house fire Friday morning in Shoreline, officials said. Four others were able to escape the flames. 
Firefighters responded to the home, in the 700 block of North 201st Street, at about 5 a.m. after receiving 911 calls about the blaze. 
Crews quickly brought the fire under control. When they went inside the burned structure, they found a man's body in the basement, along with his pet dog.

KIRO 7 identified him as Greg Gibson, about 35. He had been the music promoter for Tim's Tavern in Greenwood for the last three years.

UPDATE: The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental - a result of faulty wiring.

Updated 01-09-2016 to correct name in photo caption.

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Shoreline Little League signups for Winter Clinics

Shoreline Little League is excited to announce that signups are available for the Winter Baseball Player Clinics. These clinics are free for players with a paid registration for the upcoming 2016 season looking to participate in the AAA (Minors) or Majors baseball divisions (typically ages 9-12, though 8 year olds trying out for AAA are welcome).

Is there a cost?
No. As in years’ past, player clinics are offered free of charge to players with a paid registration for the coming season. Registration for one of the four clinic dates is required.

Where and When?
The clinics will be held indoors at the Spartan Gym, located in the East side of the Shoreline Center, at 202 Northeast 185th St, Shoreline, WA.

There will be 4 clinics, held on the following Saturdays from 12pm to 3:30pm:

             January 9th
             January 16th
             January 23rd
             January 30th

NOTE Placement Day (formerly known as tryouts) for Minors and Majors will be February 6th.

Clinics for softball will be held separately. Clinics for younger baseball divisions (tee ball, coach pitch, and kid pitch) will be held towards the end of March.

Who can participate?
The January clinics are open to all Shoreline Little League players with a paid registration for the coming 2016 season who will be seeking placement to play at either the AAA (Minors) or Majors divisions. This restricts clinic participation to players that are league age 9 to league age 12, though 8 year old players are welcome to attend if they will be attending the placement day in hopes of playing AAA (Minor) baseball.

How many players may attend each session? 
Space is limited to 32 players per clinic.  This is to ensure the safety of the players and to maximize the time available for the practice and instruction. The demand for clinic spots is usually very high.

What will the Clinics cover?
The clinics will cover throwing mechanics, fielding mechanics, hitting mechanics, and conditioning. This year’s clinics will be fast-paced and highly structured to maximize each player’s opportunity for skill repetition. The smaller number of available spots means that players will work in small groups to provide more skill work, and to limit time spent in line awaiting a turn.

How do I reserve a spot? 
Registration for the player clinics will be exclusively through ShorelineLittleLeague.com. You will need to use the same user name and password that you used when you registered for the upcoming season. Because space is limited, you will be able to sign up for only one clinic at a time. Depending on demand, you may be able to attend more than one clinic, but our goal is to include as many players as possible.

As a courtesy to all players, if you should have to cancel after you have received a confirmation, please contact us immediately so we can make the space available for another interested player.

What to Bring/Wear
Players should come ready to play ball and have fun! They must have a baseball glove, and can optionally bring their own batting helmet, bat, and batting gloves. Each player should also bring water, though a drinking fountain is available just outside the gym area.

Because the clinics will be indoors, players should wear athletic attire (shorts are OK) and a ball cap, (baseball pants are not required). They should wear gym shoes, or turf shoes (cleats are not allowed).

If you have any questions,  email



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Richmond Beach fights crime

Richmond Beach Community Association's January Community Meeting: Richmond Beach Successfully Fights Crime!

Tuesday, Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m. (socializing at 7:00 p.m.)
Richmond Beach Congregational Church, 1512 NW 195th Street

Thanks to a great team effort by our neighbors, the Shoreline Police and the King County Prosecutor’s office, a criminal group responsible for a string of burglaries in Richmond Beach was apprehended last March. Police credit the actions of observant citizens for the arrests.

Attend the January 12 RBCA community meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Richmond Beach Congregational Church and hear details of the case from investigation to capture, then trial and conviction of the burglars.

If there is time, we will review some simple steps to make your home a harder nut for the crooks to crack.



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Oily rags caused the home fire in Lake Forest Park Thursday

Oily rags combusted and caught structure on fire
Photo courtesy Northshore Fire

Oily rags were the cause of the structure fire in Lake Forest Park on Thursday. The home was undergoing renovations, and the fire appears to have been started by the spontaneous ignition of rags saturated with an oil base wood finish.

Photo courtesy Northshore Fire


It is estimated that damage to the home, located in the 3900 block of NE 157th, is around $5,000. The home is located in an area of difficult access and was vulnerable to fire due to the ongoing renovations. Without the quick actions of the home owner, who put out the fire with a garden hose after calling 911, the entire structure would have likely been lost.



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Lecture: Escape from East Germany



January 19, 2016 10:30 to 11:30am at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center


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Blue Friday at Aegis of Shoreline

Photo courtesy Aegis

The 12’s were out in force at Aegis of Shoreline on Blue Friday.

The staff redecorated their break room in honor of the Seahawks, and they all wore their jerseys.

They even brought the Skittles. Go Hawks!



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Driftwood Players announce new season


Thrillers, Thinkers, Musicals and Side-Splitting Comedies
Edmonds Driftwood Players Announces 2016-2017 Season

Edmonds Driftwood Theatre has announced its productions for their 58th Season, which will run September, 2016, to June, 2017. Production dates will be announced shortly. Tickets will go on sale May 1st, 2016. A play-selection committee works tirelessly for months reading and choosing plays that will entertain and intrigue the community. This line-up includes popular and lesser-known plays that will thrill, stir and delight Driftwood patrons.

Wait Until Dark by Frederick Knott - Twists and turns abound in this suspenseful thriller when three con men who are searching for a mysterious doll target an unsuspecting blind woman.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury - In this well-known dystopian drama, a book-burner starts to question his empty existence when a free-thinking teenager moves in next door and ignites a dangerous situation. A TIPs Production.

Mr. Scrooge by Richard Morris, Dolores Claman and Ted Wood - A lilting Christmas show based on the well-known Charles Dickens' classic. Lighthearted music makes this a wonderful way for the entire family to see the grand story of hardhearted Ebenezer Scrooge.

Seasons Change by Joe Starczyk - The season’s Spotlight on New Playwrights, the play chronicles the relationships of four couples as they face life’s challenges. The tone is funny, bittersweet, and sad as they deal with aging, loss, forgiveness, love, and death. A TIPs Production.

Enchanted April by Matthew Barber - Don’t miss the Tony-nominated play that the LA Times calls “as good as they come: a lush, thoroughly refreshing theatrical holiday. Escape has seldom seemed so sweet. A magical triumph."

Leaving Iowa by Tim Clue and Spike Manton - When a middle-aged writer finds the intended burial place for his father’s ashes has turned into a grocery store, he embarks on one last father and son road trip in search of the perfect resting place in this simultaneously hilarious and touching comedy.

The Drowsy Chaperone, book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison - Winner of five Tony Awards (including Best Book and Best Original Score), this delightfully madcap send-up of the Jazz age musical features one show-stopping song and dance number after another.

Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig - In this Broadway sensation, a meek and unassuming opera house assistant must save the day when a series of screwball mishaps befall the Cleveland Grand Opera’s biggest night. Hilarious fun!



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Jobs: Regional Traffic Operations Engineer

WSDOT has an opening for a Regional Traffic Operations Engineer in its Shoreline office, which is the headquarters for the Northwest Region.

The Northwest Region (NWR) is located within the State’s most populous geographic area, comprising over half of the State’s population. It is one of the top ten most congested metropolitan areas in the country. Optimized highway operation that takes advantage of emerging innovation is key to moving people and goods as efficiently and safely as possible.

NWR is looking for a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) to be our Regional Traffic Operations Engineer to manage the region-wide Traffic Signal Operations, Special Projects and General Operations teams out of the NWR HQ office located in Shoreline, WA.

The NWR Traffic Signal Program includes about 450 signals owned and operated and maintained by the state. Some are rural and operated independently. Many are coordinated with adjacent signals and connected to WSDOT’s central signal system.

WSDOT has several joint operation and maintenance agreements with other jurisdictions, many of which have different signal operating systems. The operations teams test innovative strategies and implement best practices, such as automated traffic signal performance, active warning signs, flashing yellow arrow, leading pedestrian interval, etc.

The incumbent will develop and implement policy and strategy and direct work of staff. This position has an immediate and direct impact on highway traffic safety and system efficiency and is responsible for applying engineering judgment to develop and implement actions that optimize safety, operation, and minimize maintenance.

Full description and application information here



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Jobs: Assistant Area Traffic Engineer - King County

WSDOT has an opening for an Assistant Area Traffic Engineer - King County to be located at its building in Shoreline.

They are looking for a licensed, professional engineering candidate to become the Assistant Area Traffic Engineer for state highways in King County working in our office in Shoreline, WA. This position will work in a dynamic and complex environment to provide operational and design guidance for projects and programs within King County that include the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement, the SR 520 Floating Bridge Replacement, the I-405 Program, and Sound Transit projects that interface with state highways.

View the entire announcement and apply here





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Seattle Fire conducting interviews in Shoreline next week

Expect more traffic than usual around the Shoreline Center next week.

Seattle Fire will be conducting interviews for fire fighters all week at the Shoreline Center. The department has rented nine meetings rooms in the south wing from 7am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday.



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False threat to Shorecrest Friday

Following reports of a possible bomb threat at Shorecrest High School, police conducted a thorough search of the school. Based on their search and investigation, it was determined that there is no threat to the school’s safety.

All evening and weekend activities at Shorecrest will proceed on schedule.

In a statement released by the District, they said,

We thank students, staff, families, community members and our law enforcement partners for their support during this situation.

Students were dismissed early while the building was searched.





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Call to artists: 2016 Jazz Walk

Thursday, January 7, 2016


The 2016 Jazz Walk committee will be accepting applications for artists for the 2016 Jazz Walk on Tuesday, August  16, 2016.

Interested groups should provide a sample of their music and resume of experience. Must be received by February 1, 2016.

Send to: NCBA - Jazz Walk   PO Box 55224  Shoreline WA 98155

For questions email

Updated address and contact info 01-08-2016



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New Executive Director for Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council

Lorie Hoffman, Executive Director
Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council

The Shoreline Lake Forest Park Arts Council would like to announce a change in our Executive Director.

The Board of Directors and Staff have great appreciation for the four years of association we have had with Fred Wong, and with heartfelt reluctance we bid him farewell, with the assurance he will have great success in his new position.

In those four years Fred has brought innovation, and change with new programs, and invigorated more community engagement and connection. For these and many other accomplishments he has enriched the broad variety of events and programs we offer Shoreline and Lake Forest Park residents.

We are happy to announce our new Executive Director, Lorie Hoffman. Lorie has been a member of our staff for the past three years, working closely with Fred in marketing and public relations. During her time on staff, Lorie has demonstrated energy and enthusiasm in the work the Arts Council does and our commitment to community enrichment and exposure to arts programs. We feel she is an excellent fit for the job of Executive Director.

Be looking out for opportunities to meet and greet Lorie; as she begins making contact with members of the cities, community neighborhoods and citizens of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park.

--Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council Board of Directors



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Exciting Shorewood - Shorecrest swim meet ends in tie

Feel the energy in this shot of both teams before the match
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Shorewood and Shorecrest boys swim meet at Shoreline Pool Thursday, January 7, 2016.
Final score SW 93 SC 93

Swim meet results here

Shorecrest had a secret weapon as swimmer Tyler Jensen
brought out the bagpipes to get the Scots ready for the battle.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Andrew Butcher SW swims on to win the 100 freestyle in 49.99
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Grant Heisey SC cruises on to win the 500 freestyle in 4-50.31
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Excited fans watch the finish
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The fans are excited because they know every point counts. In an unusual meet finish both reams scored 93 points. All those races and a tie!





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2016 Burns Night Dinner & Silent Auction


Kenmore and District Pipe Band announces the 2016 Burns Night Dinner and Silent Auction to be held on Saturday, January 23 at the Nile Country Club.

Come join us for:

  • Parade of the Haggis
  • Bagpiping
  • Highland Dancing
  • Door Prizes, Raffle
  • And more!

Doors open at 6:00pm. Reserved tables for 8 people are still available. Tickets are available online

Nile Country Club is located across the street from Shoreline at 6601 244th St. SW (NE 204th) Mountlake Terrace 98043.



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Shorewood Wrestling results 1/7

The Shorewood wrestling team swept a pair of matches Thursday night against Cedarcrest and Mount Vernon. The double dual, hosted at Monroe High School, began with the Thunderbirds facing off against the Red Hawks of Cedarcrest.

Junior Troy Halloway-Beach opened the event in the 195lb match. After falling behind 4-0 in the first period Halloway-Beach rallied to tie the score in the 2nd before pinning his opponent at the 3:44 mark.

By the time senior T-Bird Rhaye Samson earned his team-leading 14th win of the season by pinning his opponent in just 29 seconds, Shorewood had built a 30-0 team lead. Cedarcrest would win two of the next three weights, but the rally was short lived. A pair of one point victories by Shorewood's Elias Thorne at 138lbs and Fidel Chishungu at 145lbs gave the T-Birds an insurmountable 42-9 advantage.

In the final match of the dual freshman Phil Ball picked up his first varsity pin of the season at the 2:12 mark for a final team score of 60-15.

Shorewood's second match of the night was a rematch against Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon, hoping to avenge a 39-36 loss on December 16th, came out strong with two first round pins at the 220 and 285 pound weight classes. Shorewood relied on superior team depth and close victories to quickly end all hope for their opponent as they pulled away for a 54-15 victory. The win was Shorewood's 4th victory in a row.

Shorewood wrestles next this Saturday, January 10, at the Shoreline Invitational at Shorecrest High School. The first round of wrestling begins at 8:30am and finals are estimated for 2:30.

Shorewood Record: 1-0 WESCO South, 5-6 Overall

Shorewood 60 - Cedarcrest 15
@ Monroe High School

195: Troy Halloway-Beach (SW) pinned Shane Cook 3:32
220: Brandon Hernandez (SW) win by forfeit
285: Japhet Valladares (SW) pinned Garret Nelson 1:42
106: Zion Ingram-Villagrana (SW) win by forfeit
113: Rhaye Samson (SW) pinned Austin Link 0:29
120: Parker McBride (CC) pinned Kellen Davis 1:18
126: Aiden Smith (SW) win by forfeit
132: Cameron Rose (CC) dec. Matthew McMillan 3-1
138: Elias Thorne (SW) dec. Jimmy Yepez 9-8
145: Fidel Chishungu (SW) dec. 16-15
152: Alex Olivera (SW) pinned Joshua Buckley 1:29
160: Jonathan Castle (CC) win by forfeit
170: Phil Ball (SW) pinned Jared Stevenson 2:12
182: Esdras Valladares (SW) pinned Ryan Linerud 3:44

Shorewood 54 - Cedercrest 21
@ Monroe High School

220: Essa Kouyate (MV) pinned Brandon Hernandez 1:40
285: Draven Hodgins (MV) pinned Japhet Valladares 0:53
106: Zion Ingram- Villagrana (SW) win by forfeit
113: Rhaye Samson (SW) win by forfeit
120: Kellen Davis (SW) win by forfeit
126: Aiden Smith (SW) win by forfeit
132: Matthew McMillan (SW) win by forfeit
138: Landon Edwards (MV) dec. Elias Thorne 7-5
145: Fidel Chishungu (SW) dec. Jerry Fernandez 5-1
152: Alex Olivera (SW) pinned Lucas Sedano 1:09
160: Zach Cleave (MV) win by forfeit
170: Phil Ball (SW) dec. Evan Reyes 4-2
182: Esdras Valladares (SW) win by forfeit
195: Troy Halloway-Beach (SW) win by forfeit

--Clark Norton



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Job Opening: Third Place Commons seeks new Executive Director

It’s a Real Space for Real Community! Third Place Commons needs a new Executive Director who is innovative, organized, energetic, has excellent communication skills, can work independently and embraces the power of creative community connections.

Friends of Third Place Commons, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1999, manages the Commons for the community. Adjacent to Third Place Books on the upper level of the Town Center at Lake Forest Park, the Commons is a large and flexible community space that encourages both spontaneous and organized activities. Features include seating for restaurants, free Wi-Fi, a safe place for children to play in sight of their caregivers, a semi-private meeting room, and a stage.

Every year, Third Place Commons hosts over 900 free public programs for people of all ages, interests, and abilities. With play and learn programs for infants, concerts by Shoreline School District students, educational opportunities for adults, Friday and Saturday night music, book clubs, Mahjongg and arts gatherings, plus the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, the Commons is a lively and welcoming place.

The vision of the organization is: Third Place Commons is a vibrant, safe, welcoming space open to everyone.

Our mission is to:

  • Enrich and foster real community in real space at the Commons.
  • Facilitate free public events in the Commons.
  • Sponsor the local farmers market.
  • Partner with civic, arts and social service entities to help maximize their impact.


The Executive Director we seek is able to work independently and collaboratively, supervise part time staff and manage his/her time.  The position requires flexibility and a commitment to building and sustaining community relationships.

Complete job description and application requirements here




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Structure fire in Lake Forest Park

At 9:00am Thursday morning, the Northshore Fire Department was dispatched to 3900 block of NE 157th in Lake Forest Park, in response to a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found that the home owner had extinguished the fire with a garden hose.

The home was undergoing renovations, and the fire appears to have been started by the spontaneous ignition of rags saturated with an oil base wood finish. It is estimated that damage to the home is around $5,000. The home is located in an area of difficult access and was vulnerable to fire due to the ongoing renovations. Without the quick actions of the home owner, the entire structure would have likely been lost.

Please remember that finishing rags should always be placed a non-combustible container of water when not in use.



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Photos: Heather in full bloom

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Lee Lageschulte found this riotous bloom of heather in Shoreline today - in the dead of winter. Full sunshine and blooming flowers. Where are we and what has happened to the northwest?




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New artwork in Shorecrest High School Commons

Art installation at Shorecrest
Photo by Jerry Pickard


"Wonders"by Portland artist Suzanne Lee was recently installed in the Commons area at Shorecrest High School as part of the Washington Art Commission's Art In Public Places (AIPP).

The Washington State Legislature established AIPP in 1974 to acquire artwork for K-12 public schools, colleges, universities, and state agencies, funded by 1/2 of 1 percent of the state's portion of construction costs on new public buildings.

One of three pieces at the Shorecrest Commons
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Shorecrest's "Wonders" is now one of more than 4,500 artworks in the State Art Collection sited where people study, work, and live.

A team representing Shorecrest, the district, and the City of Shoreline met over many months to develop artistic goals, review the work of dozens of artists, interview finalists, and ultimately select Mrs. Lee to create the special piece to become a part of the new school.

The artistic goals articulated by the team, prior to the selection of an artist or a concept, included: draw people in, something that will stretch, something that will last, something you can look at multiple times and see different things, something to appeal to a broad audience of students, staff and community.

"Wonders" is a metaphor for personal growth and transformation, reflecting the energy and potential of youth," said Lee.  "Like a drop of water on a still pond, our thoughts radiate out into the universe offering infinite possibilities."

Another view
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The artwork was delivered from Mrs. Lee's studio in Portland in thousands of pieces. She and a crew of three worked ten hour days through the winter break to reassemble the three parts of the artwork and attach them into the ceiling.

Polarized glass catches the light and changes colors when viewed from different angles on each piece. The three pieces form a triangle which is very eye catching as the sunlight comes in the south facing windows of the Commons.

A formal dedication ceremony will be coordinated with the State Arts Commission at a later time.



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