Karaoke / Bingo Mar 11 - tickets available

Wednesday, March 2, 2016


Drink green beer and support the Senior Center




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Vision House needs twin beds for apartment units



Vision House, which creates housing for homeless women and children, has a need for twin beds (mattress, box spring, and bed frame) for use in their apartment units.

If you have any to donate, contact them at 425-228-6356. Donating helps homeless families get back on their feet!



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Shoreline Police reunite Edmonds pup with family

Rescued and home
Photo courtesy Shoreline Police

This nice pup was roaming around NE 205th and 5th NE Tuesday afternoon. Thanks to helpful citizens and Officers Kieland and Perry, she's now at home with her family in Edmonds!

She must be part cat. In order to be where she was found, she had to have crossed State Highway 104. She definitely used up one of her nine lives for that feat.



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Close call: Tree down on Burke Gilman trail

Photo by Heather McLaughlin

Heather McLaughlin said,

This is a picture early Wednesday morning of a tree across the Burke-Gilman trail between Ballinger and Log Boom Park. Good thing I had a bright light!

We're glad you had a bright light, too, or this might be a very different story!



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WeatherWatcher: Seasonal rain, long range outlook, Tuesday storm and weekly forecast

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

There has been a lot of talk about this winter being the wettest winter on record, especially because we are supposed to be having an El Niño weather pattern. In this report I am going to talk about how all of these records are set using selective data ranges.

This season is reported as the wettest winter on record for December 1st - February 28th. You might notice that range does not include September, October, or November. November happens to be typically the wettest month of the year in general.

So, I've put together a bunch of data from my weather station, rain data specifically. My station only goes back to the winter season of 2008-2009, so it's not much history to go on compared to historic stations in the area, but it works for this example.

Here is the historic annual rainfall data, by calendar year:

  • 2009: 37.32 inches
  • 2010: 41.95 inches
  • 2011: 41.14 inches
  • 2012: 61.29 inches
  • 2013: 25.69 inches
  • 2014: 42.87 inches
  • 2015: 32.96 inches
There is a wide variance. 2012, for example, was a combination of a wet spring and wet fall.

Here's another look at seasonal annual rainfall, except instead of starting January 1st we are starting the measurement period at August 1st and ending July 31st the next year. I think this date range best captures our annual rain season. I decided to note the El Niño Southern Oscillation status as well, to give you an idea on how it correlates to seasonal precipitation.

El Niño typically results in warmer and drier than normal. La Niña typically is colder and wetter than normal (more snow). ENSO neutral is typically average on everything.
  • 2009-2010 Strong El Niño: 35.80 inches
  • 2010-2011 Strong La Niña: 56.41 inches
  • 2011-2012 Minor La Niña: 45.73 inches
  • 2012-2013 ENSO neutral: 44.09 inches
  • 2013-2014 ENSO neutral: 32.57 inches
  • 2014-2015 ENSO neutral: 33.23 inches
  • 2015-2016 Strong El Niño: 31.08 inches (This season isn't over so measurement is to date)
The numbers come out completely different; of course, it's all about what combination and what configuration you choose to measure the data. You can see how anyone can make a record of any given period of time if they exclude the other portions that were otherwise included previously in the average or total. So when records are talked about, it's important to find out over what period of measurement that record was for.

Overall, we've had a fairly wet winter, not exactly typical of an El Niño year. However the warmer than normal temperatures have been present, keeping lowland snow events unheard of which is typical of El Niño. We were actually drier than normal for September, October, and November, which balances us out for an almost near normal rainy season for the past 6 years at my station.

Normal annual precipitation for Seattle at Sea-Tac is 37.49 inches. The average at Sea-Tac is recorded by the calendar year, starting January 1st, ending December 31st. There is, of course, variance year over year, and in Shoreline we can sometimes get more, as we did 2010-2011 due to frequent convergence zone events. 2013-2015 we were affected by the Blob of warm water in the Northeastern Pacific keeping us much drier and warmer than normal.

For 2015-2016 season, I've graphed out the daily rainfall amounts, and the monthly rainfall totals compared to my station's 6 year average.

Daily Rainfall for 2015-2016 rain season to date.

Monthly rain totals compared to station average.

The first graph starts August 1st, 2015 and ends March 1st, 2016. Between August and November you can see there are only one or two significant rain events. However, starting in November you can see the periods of several days of heavy rain with breaks in between all the way through March. Those periods of heavy rainfall probably represent the majority of our atmospheric river events that occurred this winter.

In the second graph you can see how August is over double its average, all due to that August 29th freak windstorm we had. Sometimes it only takes one single event to blow out an average. Additionally I'd like to point out that the graph shows September and October at nearly half of the average, with November just under the average for rainfall.

December, January and February are all above average, with December and January almost double the average. If you base your rainfall comparison to just December, January and February, then yes, it easily is one of the wettest years for that period of time.

I wouldn't call this a record breaking winter for rainfall, it's only a record breaker if you only look at December, January and February.

Long range outlook: We are still in a strong El Niño pattern. With that we are still seeing the heavy storms moving through, so I expect this pattern to continue through spring. Temperatures will probably be about one, maybe two degrees Fahrenheit above average and rainfall will probably be near or above normal.

A La Niña transition appears likely this summer. That's good news if you don't like the hot weather we had last summer. I don't think we'll see 90°F more than a couple days, and we will probably see a lot of mid-70's, and maybe a day or two with some thunderstorms.

Tuesday Windstorm and Thunder: Our first strong storm system of the week moved through Tuesday afternoon bringing with it winds gusting up to 52mph around the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park area. The strong winds prompted the National Weather Service in Seattle to issue a Wind Advisory in effect from Noon - 9pm. North City Elementary recorded a gust of 37mph, there are also reports that the Edmonds Waterfront had a gust of 52mph. Strong moist westerly flow behind the cold front produced a thunderstorm that moved quickly through the area at around 6:30pm.

Near term forecast (this week): Wednesday should be relatively calm with a few showers around in the morning. Thursday will have more showers before another strong Pacific storm moves in Friday. The storm on Friday is expected to bring with it more wind and more rain. Rain is likely to be steady and continue through the weekend and the early part of next week. Temperatures will generally be the same every day, highs in the 50's and lows in the 40's.

For current weather conditions and updates, visit ShorelineWeather.com




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Power outages, whitecaps, and rainbows

Tree down by SCC
Photo courtesy Shoreline Community College

Wild weather today. High winds moved through and took down a couple of trees and a lot of tree debris. Some people are still without power. The good news is that the north end was the only area affected by outages, so all the City Light crews have been dispatched our way.

Power outages at 6:45 pm 2-1-2016

162 households are out between Greenwood and Westminster Way in Shoreline because of a downed tree and the road is closed on Dayton Ave N between 155th and 160th.

The largest outage is at Northgate with over a thousand customers without power between 5th NE and Lake City Way.

Whitecaps
Photo by Jan Hansen

The wind made the water choppy as well as blowing the trees around.

After the wind, a double rainbow
Photo by David Matthews

After the wind and rain blew through, a double rainbow appeared. Looks like the pot of gold is in the Echo Lake Neighborhood!



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LFP signs Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters Local #117

Lake Forest Park City Council unanimously approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters Local #117 representing maintenance workers at its regular meeting on February 25, 2016.

The current agreement between the City of Lake Forest Park and the Teamsters Local #117 expired on December 31, 2015. City Administration and the Teamsters Local #117 have been negotiating for a successor agreement since October, 2015. Tentative agreement was reached in early February 2016. The three-year contract provides for 1.6% wage adjustment in 2016, a 2% wage adjustment in 2017, and a 2.5% wage adjustment in 2018.

“This Agreement keeps the City on a sustainable financial path, with modest wage increases that grow as the economy recovers,” said Mayor Jeff Johnson.  “I want to applaud our maintenance workers for negotiating a contract that is good for their membership, but keeps the City on solid financial footing.”

John Scearcy, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local #117, said,

“The Teamsters are pleased to reach this Agreement with the City of Lake Forest Park”. “We worked with the City to reach an agreement that contained a wage and benefit package that met our members’ needs as well as the City’s need for cost control to achieve stability in jobs and public services for the next 3 years.”

The Public Works Department provides a wide variety of services to the citizens of Lake Forest Park and to the City of Kenmore through a contract. The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance, operation and repair of the city’s streets, surface water infrastructure, buildings and grounds facilities, parks, sanitary sewer, and 24/7 emergency response. Teamsters Local #117 represents 11 maintenance workers in the Public Works Department.



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ShoreNorth Coop Preschool Spring Carnival and Silent Auction


SPRING CARNIVAL and SILENT AUCTION
Saturday, April 9 from 10:00am – 2:00pm
North City Learning Center, 816 NE 190th St
Admission = FREE 
Game and activity tickets at family-friendly prices

Shorenorth Coop Preschool is proud to host Shoreline’s friendliest, funnest, most fantastic family carnival at the North City Learning Center.

Kids ages 1—8 will win prizes playing games like: Treasure Dig, Hockey, Bean Bag Toss, Deep Sea Fishing, Angry Birds, and Bowling.

Little artists will create in our Art Pavilion and budding bibliophiles will read stories in the Story Time Tent. Trade your carnival prizes for gently-loved toys and books. Come hungry — the food is delicious.

Shop your way through our silent auction featuring truly unique handmade arts and crafts donated by our talented preschool community. You will also find great goods and services from local shops, restaurants, arts organizations and sports teams.



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Shredding event April 2 at Aurora Square benefits American Cancer Society

The Shredd-It truck will be parked in the upper lot
at Aurora Square. Donations to American Cancer Society.

You have plenty of warning - an entire month to go through your stacks of papers to get ready for the Paper Shredding event scheduled for Saturday, April 2 at Aurora Square.

The event is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and your donations go to that organization.

Saturday, April 2, 10am to 2pm, Aurora Square upper parking lot. The truck will be by the entrance to the upper lot - US Bank, Sears, Central Market. 15711 Aurora Ave N.

Shredding truck provided by Shredd-It.



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“Spotlight on Local Playwrights” tells story of loss & love in Man Defeats Nature



Edmonds Driftwood Players is proud to offer an annual “Spotlight on Local Playwrights” that features the work of playwrights in the Pacific Northwest. This season’s spotlight is on Christopher Bailey and his moving play Man Defeats Nature, running March 17-26, 2016. Not only is the playwright based locally, but so is the play.

Man Defeats Nature tells the story of a family whose adult son has yet to be recovered a year after the eruption of Mount St. Helen. The play touches on heartache, moments of joy, the desperate need to hope, and the choice to move on. Filled with compassion, frustration, and event humor, Man Defeats Nature is a heartfelt and relatable story that Driftwood is thrilled to present.

The Man Defeats Nature production team, led by director Nikki Fey-Burgett, has had the rare opportunity of having the playwright close-by for some collaboration. When asked about being included in the production process with his play, Christopher Bailey says,

 “Watching this play come to life in Nikki's hands is like watching Dr. Frankenstein flip the switch then proclaim, ’It's alive. It's ALIVE!’” Seeing auditions and rehearsals was fun and enlightening; fun when my play takes its first steps; enlightening when I learn things about the characters I couldn't see when I created them.”

Two post-show Q/A’s with the playwright, director and cast have been scheduled after performances on Friday, March 18th and Thursday, March 24th. The audience is invited to chat with the team for a deeper look into the production process from writing the play to taking the stage.

The cast of Edmonds Driftwood Players’ Man Defeats Nature includes Danette Meline, Dan Niven, Asa Sholdez, and Annie St. John. All wonderfully talented actors Driftwood is proud to have returning to the Wade James stage.

About the Playwright: Christopher Bailey has written numerous plays, including “Mandrake and the Marsh People” and “Man Defeats Nature,” and recently completed “Magic Bullet,” his multi-chambered epic about the Kennedy assassination and its ongoing impact on America.

Performances: March 17-26, 2016 Thursday -Saturday at 8:00pm, Sunday at 2:00pm

Performances are at the Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St, Edmonds.

All tickets are $15.00. Purchase tickets online or by phone 425-774-9600 option 3.



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Native American storytelling performance at Fircrest Chapel in Shoreline Apr 1

Roger Fernandes, Native American storyteller
Photo courtesy Northwest Heritage Resources


Northwest Heritage Resources is pleased to present a performance of Native American storytelling by Roger Fernandes in Shoreline on Friday, April 1, 2016.  The event is in partnership with the Briarcrest Neighborhood Association. The performance is scheduled for 7:00pm at the Fircrest Chapel, 15230 15th Ave NE in Shoreline.

The event will feature well-known Native American storyteller Roger Fernandes, who is an enrolled member of the Lower Elwha Band of S’Klallam Indians, a Washington state tribe from the Olympic Peninsula.

He shares the myths and legends of Coast Salish tribes across the region, looks at the “teachings” within those stories and examines their relevance to the modern life of indigenous people.

A suggested donation of $5 per person over 18 can be made at the door. Directions to Fircrest Chapel are as follows: Enter Fircrest grounds at 155th and 15th Ave NE, turn left and go to stop sign. Take first right and follow to Chapel parking. The brick building with the white steeple is the Fircrest Chapel.

Space is limited, so reservations are recommended. For reservations or more information call 206-306-1181 or email.

The April 1st event is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, 4Culture, and Northwest Heritage Resources.



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Shoreline Schools Support Person of the Year: Leo Valenzuela

Leo is congratulated by students and staff as he arrived to a
surprise announcement at Lake Forest Park Elementary
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Leo Valenzuela, Spanish interpreter, has been selected as the 2016 Shoreline Schools Support Person of the Year.

“Leo is more than just an interpreter,” said Lake Forest Park Elementary Principal Aimee Miner. “His connections with families and staff go so much further because he really listens to families and helps staff at schools understand their questions and concerns."
"He encompasses what Shoreline is all about, caring for your community, contributing in a positive way and supporting students and families," she added.

Valenzuela will be honored at a reception on Monday, March 14 at 6:15pm in the Shoreline Center lobby as the District kicks off Support Staff Appreciation Week. The community is invited to attend.

Leo (center) with District staff and volunteers after the announcement.
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Valenzuela has worked as a Spanish interpreter throughout Shoreline Public Schools since 2008, however he has been a fixture in the District for much longer. He previously served as a counselor in Shoreline schools from 1958-2002.

“Leo cannot help but to teach and inspire, even as he translates,” said Lynn Gardiner, teacher at Lake Forest Park Elementary. “Through his work and his great heart for people and learning, Leo is a beloved member of our school community.”

The Support Person of the Year award has been made annually since 1998 and is selected by a committee of staff and community members from nominations received from around the District. The recipient also receives a professional development grant from the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation.



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Applications being accepted from high school juniors for Evergreen Boys / Girls State

Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 session of Evergreen Boys State and Evergreen Girls State. This is a national program of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary to promote hands-on learning of the U.S. democratic form of government.


Students ending their junior year of high school in 2016 are eligible to attend this week-long simulation after being selected, and funded, by local American Legion / Auxiliary Posts.

During the week, the citizens will be assigned to a fictitious city, county and political party in the state of “Evergreen.” They will attend classes, hold meetings, and establish their own government at the city, county, and state levels. Attendees also have the opportunity to earn several different scholarships, and earn up to four college credits just by participating.

Evergreen Boys State will be held at the Warm Beach Conference Center in Stanwood, Washington, from June 19-25, 2016. Details and application here

Evergreen Girls State will be held at Central Washington University in Ellensburg from 12-18 June 2016. Details and application here.

Both Boys State and Girls State offers a fun, hands-on learning experience where you can meet new people and make life-long friends. You’ll have the opportunity to meet elected officials and challenge yourself to learn and grow in ways you never knew possible.

It’s one of the most respected youth programs in the country, and this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate. Apply today to begin your journey. It’s also a great way to start building your resumĂ©. Each session is limited to 300 participants. First come, first served. 

The Boys State program began in Illinois in 1935. The Girls State program began much later. However, both are now held in every state, every summer. The list of alums is long and distinguished.



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Reception Thursday for Garden Essentia featured artist Andrea Loewen

Monday, February 29, 2016


Meet March Featured Artist: Meet and Greet Andrea Loewen (Photography)

Thursday, March 3  - 5:00 - 8:00pm (open house)
Garden Essentia
20152 Ballinger Way NE, Shoreline 98155
Phone 206-453-3920

We are excited to have Andrea Loewen share her amazing photography with us this month.
Her art will be up throughout March.

'Beauty and Oddities: Miscellany from the Vaults'
Photography by Andrea Loewen

Andrea is a long-time Seattle native, now living in Edmonds, who developed her sensibility and eye for beauty over many years traveling widely, imbibing various cultures and subcultures and devouring all things art, film, music, fashion, architecture and as many provocative ideas as she could get her hands on, often with an undercurrent of mysticism and the esoteric. She brings these elements and influences to her work as a nature photographer, continually developing and refining her visual language with a particular interest in the deep structure of nature from which it all emerges.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Solitary expeditions; raw, wild nature; a receptive spirit: the recipe for magic.

Visual components compete for our attention daily. Line. Form. Shape. Combinations of elements. Photography, for me, is a way of capturing those exquisite moments when the light is just right - when colors and shadows are enhanced, and objects or scenes once dull and lifeless become enchanted inroads to another world.

I believe that nature's anatomy triggers something deep in the psyche that yearns for an antidote to the stresses of our modern world. My work is an ongoing dialogue with and investigation of this process. And my hope is that each piece may offer some unconscious insight, or reveal some question as yet unasked.



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Meridian Park PTSA and Dandylyon Drama present "Out of the Woods" Friday & Saturday


The Meridian Park Elementary PTSA Drama Club and Dandylyon Drama present a student musical Out of the Woods, this Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5, both at 7pm at the Shorewood High School Performing Arts Center, 17300 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

The public is encouraged to attend. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the door.



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SCC Theater presents "Live! From the Last Night of My Life"


Shoreline Community College Theater Department is proud to present Seattle based Wayne Rawley's "Live! From the Last Night of My Life", opening Thursday at the campus theater.

Doug Sample is a man who has decided his experiment with life has, for all intents and purposes, failed. He has achieved nothing, accomplished nothing, and has nothing except his graveyard shift at a local gas station and Mini-Mart. 
He has decided that the best thing for everyone would be if he shot himself in the head, and he is planning to do it right in front of the Mini-Mart's security cameras at the end of this, his last shift. 
But before the night is over, Doug will be visited by his past, his present, his possible futures and some particularly annoying customers as he struggles with some of life's most challenging questions like, "Why should I go on?", "What does it all mean?", and perhaps most importantly, "Did I remember to change the cherry syrup in the Slushie Machine?"

Written by Wayne Rawley and Directed by Debra Pralle

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12  at 7:30pm

Shoreline Community College Theater, 16101 Greenwood Ave N
SCC Campus Theatre, Bldg. 1600, Shoreline 98133 (campus maps)

Ticket Information:
  • General Admission - $12
  • Seniors, Non-SCC Students - $10
  • SCC Students - $8
Not appropriate for children under 15



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Sell out crowd for Third Place Commons Breakfast

2016 Commons Breakfast
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Last week Third Place Commons held its annual fundraising breakfast with more than 240 people in attendance. Allen Schauffler brought his usual charm to the job of Master of Ceremonies and Mayor Jeff Johnson shared some of his visions for the city.

This year the Commons’ Community Partner Award honored the Church of the Redeemer for its generous contributions to the Market Bucks program over the past five years. (see previous article)

LFP resident Allen Schauffler
was the Master of Ceremonies
Photo by Jerry Pickard

After a wonderful breakfast of Honey Bear bacon, eggs and scones and a tasty chocolate from the Chocolate Man served up by the Interact Club and the Youth Council students, Schauffler led a short but lively auction.

Many thanks to all of you who came to the event, donated to the Commons and to all of the friends and supporters of this amazing community asset. 

Mayor Jeff Johnson shared his vision for the city
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The annual breakfast raises about a third of the annual budget of the Commons. These funds help support the staff who organize events, provide sound and tech support and manage the Commons.

Auctioneer Chuck Paulson presents the annual Community Partner award
to The Rev. Fr. Jed Fox for the Church of the Redeemer's
participation in the Market Buck program
Photo by Jerry Pickard
 
As you can see below the Commons is hopping. Here is a sampling of what is coming up just in the next week.
  • Monday: Mah Jongg 9:00am - 4:00pm
  • Tuesday: French Conversation, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
  • Wednesday: Third Place Commons Game Night 6:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Thursday: Kaleidoscope Play and Learn 10:30am - 12:00pm Join other parents, grandparents, and caregivers with children ages birth to 5 in front of the stage for art, games, and conversation, sponsored and led by the Shoreline Family Support Center.
  • Thursday: Spanish Conversation 5:30pm - 7:00pm
  • Friday: Kellogg Middle School One Love Festival with special guest, Blues Artist Chic Streetman. 7:00pm - 9:00pm
  • Saturday, March 5, 2016, In the Commons
    • T’ai Chi 8:30-9:30am Stadler Room
    • Clay Day in the Commons 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Commons Art-In 10:00am - 4:00pm
    • LFP for Peace 10:00am - 11:00am
    • Keiki Hula 2:00pm - 3:00pm On the stage, Hula and Polynesian dance featuring the youth of Hula o Lehualani
    • Gin Creek "Blues/Roots" Live Music brought to you by Third Place Commons 7:30pm - 9:30pm
  • Sunday, March 7
    • Sunday Morning Wordplay 11:00am - 1:30pm All kinds of word games, from Prolix and Wordsters to Fictionary and Word on the Street. Come and enjoy wordplay with other logophiles!
    • Turkish Conversation 1:30pm - 3:00pm

For more information on events check out our calendar at Third Place Commons calendar  -- and do come join the fun!



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How to get health insurance if you missed open enrollment

From the office of the Insurance Commissioner

If you missed open enrollment and didn't sign up for health insurance by Jan. 31, 2016, you may have to wait until next year's open enrollment period, unless you have a life event that makes you eligible for a special enrollment or you qualify for Apple Health (Medicaid).

Such events include, but are not limited to:

  • Losing health insurance, including an employer plan or individual health plan 
  • Losing Apple Health (Medicaid) because you no longer qualify 
  • Giving birth to or adopting a child 
  • Permanently moving to a new area where your current plan doesn't provide coverage 
  • Your employer not paying your COBRA premiums on time 
  • Your COBRA coverage ending or reaching the lifetime limit 
  • Your dependent turning age 26 and losing their coverage on your employer plan 
  • Getting married or entering into a domestic partnership 
  • Getting divorced or ending a domestic partnership 
  • Cancelling your Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) coverage 
  • Your health plan no longer being offered for sale in Washington state 
  • Most special enrollment periods are limited to 60 days from the qualifying event. 

Keep in mind that you do won't qualify for special enrollment if you voluntarily cancel your health insurance or if your insurer cancels you because you didn't pay your premium.

Next year's open enrollment for individual and family coverage starts Nov. 1, 2016.



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On the Mayor's Mind: Leadership qualities and tonight's meeting

Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts
By Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts

This week I had the pleasure of visiting with the Shorewood High School Leadership class. The students asked me questions about the most important leadership qualities working in politics.

The most important leadership quality to me in an elected official is the ability to listen with an open heart and to be respectful. What I like about our Council is that the seven of us remain open to new ideas to make the best decisions for everyone in our community. I also recognize that we do not always get things right for everyone.

This Monday we will discuss how the City’s Transportation Impact Fee (TIF) affects new businesses. In July 2014, the Council adopted a TIF to help improve the level of service for Shoreline’s streets. We recognized that all developments have a shared responsibility to provide  transportation facilities that support the growth associated with the project. Before the adoption of the TIF, the only developments that were required to pay for their growth were those developments that caused traffic to “break” an intersection.

Since adoption of the TIF, the Council has made multiple changes to the program. In August 2015, the Council adopted several amendments to the program to encourage the development of low-income housing and to provide credit for businesses who enter vacant storefronts. In the 2016 budget, the Council reduced the increase in the fee after we learned that the TIF would increase from 2014 to 2015 by 34.98%. Earlier this year the Council determined that business growth and vitality was in the public interest and directed the staff develop an ordinance to provide an exemption or partial exemption to new businesses.

I continue to learn from the community and learn from my colleagues on the Council. Sometimes we disagree, but we know that we are going to continue to work collaboratively to benefit the entire City.



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Food truck summer hours start this week

Off the Rez
smoked pork sandwich w/spicy honey mustard


Ridgecrest Public House Week Food Truck Schedule
February 29 to March 7, 2016
5 - 9pm

The Ridgecrest Public House at 5th NE and NE 165th sponsors food trucks outside their business every day of the week.

Those over 21 are welcome to bring their food inside the Pub to eat.

Spring hours are now in effect - 5 to 9pm.
 
When the weather gets reliably better, outdoor seating will be available.

Schedule for the week:

Monday Feb 29th: El Cabrito
Mexican food.

Tuesday March 1st: Bread and Circuses
Sandwiches: burger, roast pork, salmon reuben, chicken, tofu taco, and fried Brussel sprout caesar.

Wednesday March 2nd: Napkin Friends
Soups, sandwiches, salads

Thursday March 3rd: The Peach and The Pig
Pulled pork, grilled chicken, or mushroom sandwiches, meatballs and mushrooms, prawn salad, beer.

Friday March 4th: Streetzeria
Italian food, salads, salads on flatbread, 11 different pizzas.

Saturday March 5th: Off the Rez
Tacos (pulled pork indian, beef chili indian, chicken chili verde), Quinoa Succotash. Indian as in Native American.

Sunday March 6th: Charlies Buns 'N Stuff
Burgers from local, 100% pasture-raised beef, free of growth hormones, antibiotics, and animal by-products. Cheesesteaks in steak and chicken on a fresh baked (daily) hoagie roll.

Monday March 7th: Crisp Creperie
Savory crepes, sweet crepes, handmade milkshakes, real fruit smoothies.



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Photo: Windy day brings out the kite boarders

Kite Boarder
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

It was a great day on the water for kite boarders at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.



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Plant Amnesty Prune-a-thon at Sky Nursery Saturday

2015 Prune-a-thon
Photo courtesy Plant Amnesty

Saturday March 5, 2016 at Sky Nursery, 18528 Aurora Ave N, Seattle 98133, Plant Amnesty will be holding its annual Prune-a-thon, 9am to 4pm

Cost: FREE!

Would you like to get some guidance on how to prune your own trees and shrubs without fear? Come see us at Sky Nursery on Saturday, March 5, when we put on our sixth annual Prune-a-thon. The Plant Amnesty experts will offer free pruning classes on topics like Japanese maples, fruit tree, hydrangeas, and more!

Need some ideas to help you create your dream garden with a free consultation? Just bring along a photo of an area in your yard you would like to rework and our professional garden designers will give your practical suggestions to suit your location and garden style.

Don’t miss the PlantAmnesty booth where we highlight shearing horrors (like poodled shrubs) and provide handouts so you can avoid the embarrassment of these unsightly faux pas, along with great information on perfect pruning practices. We will be joined by some of our horticultural sisters, like the Master Gardeners, Seattle Tilth, and the Seattle Fruit Tree Society.

New this year: Stump the Experts! Bring your really tough pruning questions to the All Knowing answer booth.

Experts, including PlantAmnesty’s founder, Cass Turnbull, will have the answers to your questions. (If we don’t have the answer, we’ll make one up.)

Come to learn and stay to buy—a portion of Sky’s sales for the day will be donated to Plant Amnesty to support their educational programs.

If you are available and inclined to help us put on the best Prune-a-thon ever, we need people for set up and take down, boothers, greeters, and more! Contact Pandora Touart at 206-783-9813, x3.

Updated 02-29-2016



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Mexico's Consul General will speak at SCC Thursday evening - open to public

Sunday, February 28, 2016

The Cathedral in Mexico City

Mexico’s Development and Priorities

Eduardo Baca Cuenca
Consul General of Mexico, Seattle

Shoreline Community College
Thursday, March 3, 2016
7:00 - 8:30 pm


The Global Affairs Center at Shoreline Community College will present a FREE program this Thursday, featuring Eduardo Baca Cuenca, Mexico’s current Consul General in Seattle. Sr. Baca Cuenca will be discussing Mexico’s international priorities and its relations with the United States.

Mexico shares a 2,000-mile border with the U.S. and bilateral relations between the two have a direct impact on the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in both countries. The level of bilateral cooperation on various issues is unprecedented. However, Mexico often has a distinct response, especially regarding relations with other countries in Latin America and with developing countries in general.

Consul General Eduardo Baca Cuenca
will speak at Shoreline Community College

Previous to coming to Seattle, Sr. Baca Cuenca was Deputy Assistant Secretary for North American Affairs in Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City.

The program starts at 7:00pm, and is open to the public. Parking on campus in the evening is FREE. 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133.



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Trader Joe's - before and after photos

Parking lot before store opening

Kirstie Cameron sent in these before and after photos of the Trader Joe's parking lot and store interior. Quite a contrast.


Parking lot opening day

Store interior during build out
Store interior opening day

Remember when we were all worrying that the site would sit vacant for years, as it had in the past? Now I expect we'll be talking about lack of parking and dangerous driving getting in and out of the site.

Mud Bay will open soon and the Everett Clinic will be starting build out. These businesses will be a vibrant addition to our Town Center.

--Diane Hettrick






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My Leap Day birthday

By Michael Henderson, Shoreline

It’s the 29th of February, the most unique of all days. Those of us born on the 29th get to celebrate our “real birthday” for the first time in four years.

Many people have asked me what it’s like being born on February 29th. In short, it’s great! In my opinion, it's really the best of all birthdays. Why? Because it’s unique. You don’t meet a lot of other people with a leap day birthday.

I have only met two other people face to face who share my birthday. One was the young daughter of friends - long since moved out of the area. The other was a fellow who worked for the same company I did 20 years ago when I was turning 40. A little fanfare was being made about my birthday and we found each other, Comparing notes, we discovered we were both born in 1956 at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. So we shared the hospital nursery at the same time. It was pretty bizarre coming back together 40 years later.

In spite of my personal experience, the birthday really should not be that rare. There are 365 days in non-leap years, and 366 in leap year, so that makes a total of 1,461 days in the four year cycle. So your chances of being born on Leap Day are 1 out of 1,461. Of the approximate 55,000 people who live in Shoreline, there should be about 38 people with Leap Year birthdays.

With the advent of social media, community pages have been created for people with Leap Year Birthdays. There are at least three that I know of with a total of 2,232 members. With Facebook’s 1.6 billion active monthly users, there should be just over one million Leap Year Birthdays among Facebook users. So we appear to be way under-represented.

Those of us with this unique birthday almost universally like it. An expectant mother with a February 29th due date recently polled a Facebook group of Leapers about whether they liked their birthdate, and especially if it was difficult for them as a child. 65 people responded that they were either very enthusiastic or loved the birthday. Only one said she hated it, and one said it could be difficult as a child. That was not my experience at all.

So if you are lucky enough to know a leaper, wish them an especially hearty Happy Birthday today. You won’t have to do it again until 2020.



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Crime in Shoreline - week ending 2-22-2016

Selected items from the Shoreline Police blotter, week ending February 22

2-11  Residential burglary 185xx Ashworth. Forced open rear kitchen door and used victim's wheeled suitcase to load up jewelry, men's clothing, and shoes.
2-16  Residential burglary. Door of empty home kicked open. 21xx N 155th.
2-16  Unknown vehicle knocked down a set of locking mailboxes at 174xx 10th NE.
2-16  Residential burglary. Unknown method of entry. 8xx NW 165th.
2-17  Level 3 sex offender registered address at 197xx 21st NW.
2-17  Elderly Ethiopian woman who speaks only Amharic was lost in Shoreline. Reported missing from Lynnwood. She was returned to her family.
2-18  Unknown suspect used green Silly String to draw penis and testicles on victim's car.
2-18  Unknown female shoplifted a vibrator from Lovers Package and escaped on foot.
2-18  Five juveniles loaded three hand baskets and two backpacks with alcohol at Safeway and left without paying. Approximate value $1500.
2-19  Attempted residential burglary at 12xx N 173rd. Glass of front door broken with rock.
2-20  Window broken at Richmond Beach Library.
2-21  15 year old was driving his dad's car without permission and his 16 year old passenger had marijuana. Passenger was booked on three warrants. Car released to dad. Driver released to mom.




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Shorecrest Girls are going to State, too

#40 Uju Chibuogwu at Hoopapalooza in January
Photo by Geoff Vlcek

By Frank Workman

You'll be forgiven for thinking the Shorecrest girls basketball team listened to an endless loop of 'Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better' on their bus ride Saturday afternoon, on their way to their Regional game in Puyallup to face Franklin Pierce.

After the boys' team qualified for the 2A State Tournament the night before by eking out a close overtime win against Steilacoom, the girls matched the boys' feat (and then some) by swamping the Cardinals 59-24.

After trailing 5-2 early, the Scots went on an amazing 30-2 run, taking a 34-9 lead into the half. In the second half, the Scots' lead reached 40 points, automatically kicking in the WIAA's running-clock rule.

Senior Uju Chibuogwu scored 14 points, with 10 assists and 15 rebounds to lead the way. Jazlyn Owens scored 12 points, and Sheridan Stephenson, playing her best game of the year, added ten, as well as providing outstanding defense against FP's top scorer, Alexius Foster, holding her to only 6 points.

Shorecrest                          14    20    21    4 —59

Franklin Pierce                   5      4       8    7 —24


The WIAA conducted a drawing Sunday afternoon to determine the match-ups for the 2A State Tournament that starts Thursday morning in Yakima, and the girls won't have a lot of time Thursday to stew about the game as they kick off the festivities with the early game, 9am, against Washougal.

The boys open Thursday night against River Ridge. Game time is 7:15pm.



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Reminder: Upcoming meeting at Fircrest to open the Rec Center

Activity building at Fircrest

We will be having a meeting at the Fircrest Recreation Building regarding how to achieve the opening of the facilities at the Recreation Building to the public.

These include the extensive pools, the meeting rooms, the gym and stage, and the kitchen activity room. For too long this remarkable asset has been closed, we hope to organize a movement of those interested in opening this resource to the community.

Thursday, March 3, from 7-8:30pm at the Fircrest RHC Activities (Recreation) Building, 15230 15th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.

Directions: Enter Fircrest campus where 155th street intersects 15th Ave NE, turn left and then right, the building is on top of the small hill. There is parking in front.



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Euphonium player from "The President's Own" joins Shoreline Concert Band Mar 8

Gunnery Sgt. Ryan McGeorge
will play with Shoreline Concert Band
The Shoreline Concert Band directed by Ken Noreen presents a very special concert on Tuesday March 8 at the Shorewood High School Performing Arts Center at 7:30pm.

The special guest performer will be Gunnery Sgt. Ryan McGeorge from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington D.C. He will also perform solos with the two guest groups, Einstein Middle School Band and the Shorewood High School Wind Ensemble.

Euphonium player Gunnery Sergeant McGeorge joined “The President’s Own” in May 2004. He began his musical instruction at age 8. Upon graduating from Grossmont High School in El Cajon, CA, he attended and graduated from the University of North Texas in Denton.

His appearance here is made possible through a grant from the Shoreline/LFP Arts Council. That organization has enabled the Shoreline Concert Band to have an annual visit by an outstanding soloist like Sgt. McGeorge for the past 18 years.

This concert also features our national known composer in residence, Richard Brown, conducting his own work “Fanfare for a Fallen Soldier.” Mr. Brown is a member of the band’s French Horn section and is a retired music educator.

The theme of the concert “Musically American” will be demonstrated by the band playing “American Salute”, a selection featuring the “Blues” and ending with the most American piece possible, “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

No admission is charged for this very special concert, but donations will be accepted at the door for the band’s scholarship fund that helps fund participation for students in the band.





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In The Garden Now ... Zig Zag Contorted Camellia ... Dragon in the Clouds Camellia

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Camillia Unryu closeup

Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

If you like something a little different you might like growing this special camellia in a container or a garden bed. Camellia ‘Unryu’ originated in Japan and its Japanese name means “Dragon in the Clouds” suggesting the twisting of a dragon as it climbs to the sky. I love the name and the distinctive growth pattern of this small shrub!

This is an unusual camellia variety because the plant has such a twisted or contorted growth pattern. Branches make a zig zag pattern of crisscrossing branches from top to bottom. This is an upright small to medium size camellia growing to a linear 6 feet tall. Many camellia varieties are notorious for becoming great hulking masses that are not very attractive for much of the year. Because of its smaller size and unusual branching pattern this plant can become a focal point in the garden rather than a problem plant.

A Dragon in the Clouds
 

I really do like red flowers and there are quite a few red camellias out there. In fact you might have read the article about the Yuletide Camellia that I wrote in December. This one is a little different…. with nodding rose red flowers, a contorted shape and a later bloom time.

I’ve been growing my Zig Zag Camellia in a container perched on a stump in a shady garden area for about five years now. The plant is about four feet tall and has some side branches to four feet wide but still has a very open growth pattern.

It took several years for my plant to get settled. The first three or four years it just sort of sat there looking okay but not wonderful. A few flowers were produced each year, but nothing spectacular. Last year only two flowers opened. The buds were hit by an early frost the previous fall and were lost or damaged. This year there are 15 open flowers on my plant at this time with at least 15 more to come. This makes me happy!

Zig Zag Camillia
 
This single shrub planted in a pot near your front door could brighten your world year round. Even when it’s not sporting its striking bell shaped red flowers, the deep green leaves and the distinctive silhouette are eye catching. How about a “Climbing Dragon” for your garden?

(Botanical Name: Camellia japonica ‘Unryu’ )

~~~
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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Documentary film about raising boys showing at Shoreline Center Mar 6


The Shoreline Community is invited to a screening of the award-winning documentary “The Mask You Live In,” a film about how we raise boys.

Sunday, March 6, 5:00pm at the Shoreline Center Auditorium, 18560 1st Avenue NE, Shoreline (north end of Shoreline Center). This event is sponsored by Shorewood High School PTSA, Shorecrest High School PTSA, and the Women’s Funding Alliance.

On site childcare ($15 first child, $10 subsequent) by YMCA is available; please reserve through Brown Paper Tickets by March 1st so that we can make arrangements.

Stacks Burgers will start serving from their food truck in the north parking lot at 4:00pm. Screening of the 90-minute film will begin in the auditorium at 5:00pm, followed by a 30-minute panel discussion.

The film is recommended for adults and teens 14 and up. For information about content, see Common Sense Media.

Tickets $7 online or at the door (exact change would help us greatly!).

High school students will be admitted free with school ID.

View the trailer



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Shoreline restaurants are favorites of Seattle chef

According to a story that ran on King5, when Chef Eric Tanaka - partner of the better known chef Tom Douglas - takes his family out to eat, two of his three favorite restaurants are in Shoreline.

Here's the story




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King County Library director at Library Board meeting Thursday

King County Library System Director Gary Wasdin will be the guest at the Shoreline Library Board Meeting on Thursday, March 3, 2016 6:30-8:00pm at the Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177.

Link to Agenda

Comment on Agenda items




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Shoreline City Council Monday - light rail facility design and Ronald Wastewater assumption

Shoreline City Council Meeting
Monday, February 29, 2016 – Regular Meeting 7:00pm

Agenda Highlights - Link to full Agenda

  • Adoption of Res. No. 381 Amending the Council Rules of Procedure
  • Adoption of the Ronald Wastewater District Assumption Transition Plan
  • Discussion and Adoption of Guiding Principles for Light Rail Facility Design
  • Discussion of Ord. No. 739 – Development Code Amendments
  • Discussion of Ord. No. 717 – Transportation Impact Fee Amendment for Certain Businesses

Comment on Agenda items



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Shoreline Planning Commission - 145th Street Corridor Study - Thursday

Shoreline Planning Commission, Thursday, March 3, 2016, 7pm, Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N.

New commission member Susan Chang will be sworn in.

The entire agenda is devoted to study of the staff report for the 145th Street Corridor.

The next meeting, on March 17, will be a discussion of zoning scenarios analyzed in DEIS (draft environmental impact statement) for 145th Street Station Subarea Planning and the Staff Report.

Link to full Agenda

Link to full Packet

Comment on Agenda items





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Clean out your closet or donate money for a yearbook to help Shorewood PTSA


Shorewood High School relies upon the support of our community. Currently, there are a few ways that Shoreline residents could help Shorewood students. All items can be dropped off at the Shorewood front office 8:00am - 3:00pm.

Counseling Department: Study Aids and Graduation Gowns
  • Gently used ACT study books no more than five years old
  • Gently used Shorewood caps and gowns (perhaps you have unused ones in your closet?)
  • Metro Passes from Chinook Books
PTSA: Buy a Yearbook
  • Donate a yearbook for an outgoing senior who cannot afford one.
Even though Shorewood is a public school, families are responsible for ASB, class, and athletics fees, and seniors have additional obligations like graduation gear and application fees. Please consider purchasing a yearbook for a senior or going in with a friend to cover the cost. The keepsakes cost $70 each; your donations are tax-deductible.
 
Donate in either of two ways:
  1. Online via the Shorewood PTSA website
  2. Send a check for $70 or another amount to Shorewood PTSA, 17300 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133. Note "yearbook donation" on the check. 
Theater Department: Clothing for Costumes

The Shorewood Drama Department needs your clean, quality cast-offs! We are planning for our April production of Grease and boosting our costume inventory. Please leave at the front office, to the attention of Zachary Gill.

Through mid-March, we’ll take:
  • girls and women’s old formal dresses 
  • Keds™ and Converse™-style tennis shoes
  • leggings of all sizes and colors 
  • men’s suits, 40R and smaller
  • pants and jeans, waist 30-35”
  • dress shirts, 15x33 and smaller or sizes small and medium 
  • men’s dress shoes and belts, all sizes

The Shorewood PTSA, on behalf of the Shorewood community, thanks you for your support of our high school students. If you have questions, please email



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Shorecrest stuns Steilacoom in OT - surges to State

Steven Lin (40) and Omar Camara celebrate with their teammates after SC's OT win
Photo by Geoff Vlcek

For the second week in a row, the Shorecrest boys' basketball team overcame a horrid first half to charge from behind in the second half to overtake a scrappy squad from Steilacoom Friday night, 66-57 in overtime, to advance to next week's 2A State Championship tournament in Yakima.

Trailing 34-24 at the half, Scots' Coach Brian Fischer pleaded with his team "to quit thinking so much and just play ball like we know how".

As big a hole as the Scots dug themselves in the first half, it would have been substantially worse had it not been for the long-range shooting accuracy of junior Daggy Menelik, who hit all three of his 3-point attempts in the second quarter. Later in the game, it was Menelik whose 3-pointer with :30 to play in the game finally brought the game back to even for the Scots.

The Sentinels had a chance to win the game in regulation, but Philip Pepple had his eighth blocked shot as time expired.

#10 - Dagi Menelik with one of his 3-pointers that got SC back into the game
Photo by Geoff Vlcek

In the overtime, SC took the lead for good on a free throw from Tobyn Lawson. Then junior Malcolm Rosier-Butler made a lay-in, was fouled, and sank the free throw to extend the Scots' lead to 58-54 with 1:30 to play.

"Coach reminded  us at halftime that we'd come from behind last week (in Districts against Squalicum), and that we could do it again", said an excited Rosier-Butler minutes after the game. 
"We had, I had, too many turnovers in the first half. We wanted to feed the ball to Philip (Pepple) down low. It was a great team win for us". 

Feed Pepple they did, as he had 12 of his 14 points in the second half and overtime, while Rosier-Butler led the Scots with 18.

For Coach Brian Fischer, he felt the relief of a jinx being removed. Seems the site of the game, Mountlake Terrace HS, has been a haunted house for him over the years.

Four years ago his team had a chance to advance to State with a win over Glacier Peak. The Scots led the entire game until 8 seconds remained when GP took a 1 point lead. A shot at the buzzer was off the mark, and that dream of going to State was dashed.

Two years ago his team faced O'Dea with a berth at State on the line. Roaring back from 11 points down with three minutes to play, the Scots had the ball and a 2 point lead with 30 seconds to play, only to have that game slip through their fingers.

"I think I know how the Boston Red Sox felt when they finally won the World Series in 2004 and lifted the Curse of the Bambino".

Steilacoom                 15         19        9      10       4         57
Shorecrest                    7         17       18     11      13        66

On Sunday, the WIAA will announce all the pairings for the State Tournament which begins on Thursday.

--Frank Workman



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