Shoreline Pool to reopen mid-June

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Shoreline Pool before remodeling

Completion of the major maintenance work on the Shoreline Pool is on schedule and the City anticipates re-opening it mid-June, barring unforeseen issues with construction.

Even though the pool is closed, Gator swim team and lifeguard registration is open. Register online or call 206-801-2600 to register. Summer swim lesson registration starts June 13.

Closed since February 20, the Pool has been undergoing major maintenance in order to meet health and safety codes, and to help extend the pool’s useful life. After 42 years of service, the pool is showing its age. The City expects this year’s repair work to keep the pool operational until approximately 2022.

As part of the update to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan, the City is conducted a study on the City’s future needs for a pool and aquatic related programs to determine what kind of demand there might be in the future and what options may be available to continue to provide residents with aquatic related services.

Find more information on the pool repair and closure on the project page or by contacting Capital Projects Manager Noel Hupprich 206-801-2472.

For more information about the PROS plan update and the aquatics study, visit the project page or contact Park Project Coordinator Maureen Colaizzi 206-801-2603.



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Help children in the Pacific Northwest by volunteering in Shoreline

A volunteer at work in the Bargain Boutique
Photo courtesy Bargain Boutique

Do you want to help children in the Pacific Northwest?

Then join the family of volunteers at the Seattle Children's Hospital Shoreline Bargain Boutique.

Stop by the store pick up an application and speak with the Manager or Assistant Manager about how just volunteering four hours a week can help save a child.

100 % of the profits from Seattle Children’s Bargain Boutiques in the Puget Sound area benefit Seattle Children’s Uncompensated Care Fund.

Where Shopping Helps Kids!

Location in Aurora Square at N 155th

Seattle Children’s Hospital Shoreline Bargain Boutique, 15835 Westminster Way N (Aurora Square), Shoreline 98133, 206-448-7609

Store hours:
  • Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.


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Summer Smash Tennis Tournament returning to Snohomish in July

The Snohomish Summer Smash, a three-day tournament for high school players ages 14-18, will be returning to the Snohomish High School Tennis Courts July 22nd through July 24th.

Registration costs are $25 for Singles players and $40 for Doubles and Mixed Doubles teams, with a two-match minimum ensured for players, and water and tournament t-shirts provided.

Trophies will be awarded for each division winner. Proceeds go to the Snohomish High School Boys and Girls Tennis Teams.

The tournament was created in 2015 by Snohomish resident Kraig Norris and Snohomish High School Coach Dick Jansen as an opportunity for local area high school tennis players to play in the off-season.

Although the two were happy with the turnout at last year’s tournament, they fully expect the numbers to grow this year.

“We have reached out to the coaches of forty high schools from Shoreline to Bellingham, trying to increase exposure and get as many players competing as possible. This is a chance for players from different districts and divisions to compete against each for the first time. For someone hoping to secure a spot on their Varsity team, this is a chance to get some playing time, and players who have played only Singles will have a chance to try their hand at Doubles, and vice versa.”

It won’t just be all about the competition either; borrowing a page from beach volleyball tournaments, there will be music playing during the matches.

“This is serious tennis, but it’s also going to be fun.”

There will also be ping-pong and other games, for in-between matches.

Registration deadline for the tournament is July 9th, and players interested in participating can email the tournament director for a registration packet.



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Assessor: Senior tax exemption applications on the rise

From King County Assessor John Wilson

It is a story I hear too often: Seniors who bought a home, raised a family, paid off their mortgage but now – living on a tightening fixed income – find that property taxes are a true financial burden. I’m determined we’re going to do what we can to help these folks. So as I took office, we placed an emphasis on raising awareness about the low-income senior exemption program and getting more people enrolled.

So I’m pleased to report a nearly six-fold increase in enrollment. We’ve gone from roughly 100 folks a month to as many as 700 a month. And we know from Census data, there are thousands of seniors out there, eligible but haven’t yet enrolled.

The criteria is straight-forward: Owner occupant of the home, 61 or older at time of application, with a household income of $40,000 or less. If you’re disabled or a disabled veteran, the age threshold is eliminated.

In a county of more than 2 million residents, we have roughly 16,000 signed up. We know there are thousands more out there who could use our help.

If you, or someone you know, could use the help, please contact us. Just call 206-296-3920


Phone number corrected 6-06-16

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2016 Shoreline Arts Festival - To Do List



June 25 - 26 at Shoreline Center

The Shoreline Arts Festival is a free community event with something creative and fun for everyone! Don’t miss these two extraordinary days of music, dance, theater, visual arts, food, culture, and more at the Shoreline Center (18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155) on Saturday, June 25 from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, June 26 from 10am to 5pm. For more information, visit the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council’s website.

Festival To Do List

Shop for local art at the Artist Marketplace
Peruse paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and pretty much every other kind of art as you saunter through the sunshine and decide which of the masterpieces on offer will grace your mantelpiece. Enrich your home with hand-made art, support local artists, and show the world where you stand as a curator of great taste.

Rock out, or take it easy at our Showmobile Performance Stage
Sit back, relax, and be entertained by an array of musical and dance performances spanning a wide range of styles. From Ukuleles to Alt Rock, there’s something for every musical taste. Check out the full line up here

View the Juried Art and Photography Exhibitions
Featuring over 300 artworks from regional artists in 2D, 3D, and photography, the Juried Art Exhibit is one of the highlights of the Arts Festival. Over $2000 in cash prizes and merchandise are awarded and winners are announced at 10:30am, Saturday on the Main Stage.

Surround yourself with the creativity of students at the Youth Art Exhibition
Witness the talents of the 300+ Pre-K through 12th grade students who share their artwork in the Shoreline Arts Festival Youth Art Exhibit and vote for your favorite piece to win the People's Choice Award. Awards are given in four different age groups and art for the Shoreline School District’s 2016-17 calendar is also selected from this exhibit of 2D and 3D artworks.

Get creative at the Hands-On Art stations for children and adults
Try your hand at a festival favorite with one or all of our Hands-On Art stations! Supplies are provided, all you need to bring is your imagination and a willingness to explore. This year’s creative adventures include: Caterpillar Pets, Firework Paintings, Blasts from the Past, Water Bottle Wonders and, of course, the beloved Fish Prints — with real and rubber fish.

Tantalize your taste buds at the Food Truck Food Court
Get lunch, dinner, or just a sweet treat at this year’s Arts Festival Food Court. Conveniently located by the Showmobile Stage, the food court is the perfect place to grab lunch, meet your neighbors, and enjoy the festival atmosphere.

Wet your whistle at the Shoreline Senior Center’s Beer Garden
New this year: After their famous Arts Festival Breakfast (8:30am-11:30am), the Shoreline Senior Center will be reopening its doors for festival goers to come in and enjoy cold beer, bar food, and lively entertainment at the first ever Festival Beer Garden. Performances of clog dancing, folk songs, hula, and more can be enjoyed from both the Beer Garden and the adjacent Family Room. Open 1pm to 6pm on Saturday and 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, it will be the perfect place to beat the summer heat!

Experience something new in the Cultural Rooms
Explore three cultural rooms offering many fun hands-on activities and displays. Learn about different cultures, sample foods, see art, listen to music, learn to dance, and more. This year's highlights include:
  • Explore Korean! (Korean Cultural Room) presented by the Korean American Historical Society
  • Philippine Cultural Room hosted by Filipiniana Arts and Culture
  • Chinese Cultural Room hosted by Chinese Artist Group
Get inspired by Missoula Children’s Theatre
An annual Shoreline Arts Festival tradition! A little red truck pulls into town with everything needed to mount a full one hour musical ... except the cast. Sixty local students are cast in a play, rehearse for a week with professional actors/ directors from Missoula Children’s Theatre touring company, and perform for an audience on Saturday. This year’s performance is The Frog Prince! Tickets are just $8, get yours here.

Take the festival shuttle and don’t stress about parking.
Parking is a breeze with the Shoreline Arts Festival Shuttle Service! Running every 15 minutes during festival hours, the shuttle will make a loop starting at Meridian Park Elementary, with a stop at Cromwell Park, and then come to the Shoreline Arts Festival. The Shuttle Service is provided through the generous support of Shoreline Community College.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts.


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Shoreline Schools to announce facilities recommendations Monday

 By Marianne Deal Stephens

At the regularly scheduled Shoreline School Board Meeting on Monday, June 6, 2016, the School District will present recommendations for major construction projects.

In the past year, the District has studied several aspects of Shoreline Schools, including: current enrollment; building capacities; condition of facilities; projections for enrollment growth; instructional needs of Early Learning, Highly Capable, and Middle School programs.

On May 9, the Instructional Program Planning Committee recommended that the District (see previous article):

  1. Consolidate all Early Learning programs in one location;
  2. Leave the Highly Capable Program as is;
  3. Implement a 6/7/8 Middle School model. 
in response to the instructional recommendations, the District will announce plans for replacement or modernization of some school buildings. Monday’s presentation will be informational; the recommendations are slated to come before the Board on Monday, June 20 for approval. If the District goes ahead with these plans, there will be a February 2017 special election to issue bonds to finance the construction projects.

The June 6 agenda will have a few additional items:
  • Curricular recommendations for Special Education, English Language Arts, and Social Studies
  • Updates to Policies 3317 and Policy 3210
  • Commissioning of Shorecrest and Shorewood High School Replacement Projects
  • Approval of new courses for grades 8, 10-12 

View the full agenda on the School Board Agendas and Minutes page. Monday’s meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm at the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Avenue NE, Shoreline



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Photo: Little Free Library

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

While on the trail of garage sales, Steve Robinson came across this Little Free Library in the Ridgecrest Neighborhood.



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Frank Workman on Sports: Memories of Muhammad Ali

Frank Workman March 1971

By Frank Workman

The weathered old photo seen here was taken back in March of 1971, when I was but a mere lad going to school at the late great George Williams College in Downers Grove, Illinois.

The photo itself is unremarkable on many levels, merely depicting another day in the life of me with my nose buried in a local sports page.

(My first recollection of reading the sports section would have been in 1957 when, at the age of seven, I asked, “Daddy, what does S-P-A-H-N spell?” during the World Series. It seems the first girl I ever kissed, Delette Ziggleman, had an Uncle Del from our home town who was the Milwaukee Braves catcher, and I must have wanted to keep up on the important current events of the day.)

The memory that does come flooding back, though, is of the time itself. March 1971. For it was in that month when the single biggest sporting event of my lifetime was played out, one that has yet to have seen its match, nor is it likely to.

It was on March 8, 1971, that the first Ali-Frazier fight was held, in Madison Square Garden. It brought together two undefeated champions.

Up to that time, the only 'defeat' Ali had suffered was in 1967 when the ruling boxing commissions stripped him of his title for failing to serve in the armed forces when he was called to duty. “I ain't got no quarrel with them Vietcong” the champ famously said, citing his Conscientious Objector beliefs as a justified reason for sitting out the increasingly unpopular Vietnam War.

With a felony conviction to his name and stripped of both his title and his license to fight, Ali was dormant for three years until October 1970 when, with his case under appeal to the U. S. Supreme Court, he was able to mount his boxing comeback. (The Supreme Court overturned his conviction in June of 1971.)

With the heavyweight crown having been vacated in Ali's exile, a tournament of sorts was arranged by the boxing powers, and Smokin' Joe Frazier emerged from the morass as the new/ other undefeated champion.

After Ali won a pair of tuneup bouts in late 1970, The Fight Of The Century was scheduled for March 8.

The hype leading up to the fight was unprecedented for its day.

This was back before there was the March Madness that we know today; before there was an ESPN, CNN, or cable TV for that matter. The only way news was conveyed over the air was on the national and local news. And with that year's Super Bowl still in its infancy and well in our collective rear-view mirrors, and Opening Day of the baseball season still a month away, Ali-Frazier had our full, complete, and undivided attention.

From a pure boxing point of view, it was a fight fan's delight. Two contrasting styles;  the tall and graceful Ali with his lightning fast hands that matched his feet, and his remarkable ability to evade punches, against the short and squatty-bodied Joe Frazier, forever relentless in his attack, willing and happy to let you hit him twice, three, four times for each blow he'd deliver.

As a crystallizing social event, this fight was in a class by itself. Those of us from a younger generation had taken Ali to our heart as a man who had the courage to stand up to his moral convictions, consequences be damned, while Frazier was depicted by Ali as an 'Uncle Tom', with all the demeaning racial overtones that term carried in its day.

The promoters smelled a giant payday, and they made the most of it.

There were only way two ways to see the fight live – either in person at MSG, or at various auditoriums, halls, and theaters around the country, where the fight was being shown on what was called closed-circuit TV. Steep admission prices were charged. To further boost their live gate, promoters restricted the use of ringside blow-by-blow announcers, allowing only a post-round analysis given in narrative form. For months afterwards, highlights of the fight could only be seen at selected theaters during intermissions of what used to be called 'double-features'. It was only after the cow had been almost completely milked dry that the fight appeared (amidst much pomp) on free TV, with Howard Cosell narrating on Wide World of Sports.

We college students huddled around the radio in our dorms, awaiting one man's opinion of what happened and who might have won each round, a scene that was duplicated throughout living rooms, bars, cars, and other dorms around the country.

The fight seemed pretty even going into the fifteenth and final round.

When the final round was described, shock turned to horror when we heard first that our hero Ali had not only been knocked down (!!), but that Frazier had won the match.

Muhammed Ali had lost.

Stunned disbelief was on the faces of my dorm mates as we all emerged from our rooms to try to sort out what had just happened, and to find out if they had just heard what we had heard.

I remember going to class the next morning, walking outside, thinking it odd that the sun still managed to come up that morning after.

It wasn't until we saw the photographs of Ali on his back, his tassels dangling from his shoes, that it truly sank in with me that he had, indeed, lost.

Yes, there were rematches between the two, both of which Ali won. A second fight 2 ½ years later in MSG paled in comparison to the original, as Frazier had lost his title to George Foreman. Their third fight, the 1975 epic Thrilla In Manila, damn near killed them both. Smokin' Joe couldn't get off his stool to face the fifteenth round. Legend has it that Ali would have done the same if Frazier hadn't beaten him to it.

But no match, not the Thrilla in Manila, nor any ballgame or sporting event since, matched the hype, the build-up, that we saw in March of 1971 with the first Ali-Frazier fight.



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32nd Legislative District Democrats 2016 endorsement meeting

Saturday, June 4, 2016


32nd Legislative District Democrats will hold their 2016 Endorsement Meeting on Wednesday, June 8 at 7pm at the Richmond Masonic Center, 753 N 185th St, Shoreline 98133. map

The meeting will begin with a 2016 Platform discussion and caucus review and continue with 2016 Endorsement Considerations. Come early at 6:30 pm for socializing and room set-up.

General members shall be eligible to vote twenty-eight (28) days after payment of dues. Pay 32nd LD Membership dues here

32nd LD Endorsement Rules

Draft 2016 32nd LD Platform

Resolutions for Consideration

Full Agenda and Endorsement Rules



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Rep. Jessyn Farrell statement on oil train derailment

The following is a statement from Rep. Jessyn Farrell (D-46) on the June 3, 2016 oil train derailment in Oregon. Rep. Farrell sponsored The Oil Transportation Safety Act, which passed the state legislature in 2015.

“I am saddened to hear that yet another oil train disaster is occurring today, right across our shared border with Oregon. The increasing number of oil trains traveling through our region are making events like the oil train derailment and fire in Mosier, Oregon today far too common. While it is fortunate that there aren’t any reports of people being injured in today’s derailment, there is surely harm to our natural environment from oil spills. Additionally, these same trains run through our most populated areas – like Seattle and Tacoma – so it is easy to imagine a disaster more like the derailment in Quebec in 2013 that killed 47 people.
"In 2015, I was able to successfully advocate to take some steps towards strengthening our laws regarding oil trains. As directed in the bill I sponsored, HB 1449, the Washington State Department of Ecology is currently conducting rule-making to give first responders and local governments notification about when oil trains will be traveling through their jurisdictions so that there can be a coordinated, prepared response ready in case of emergencies. These new rules will be a big step towards keeping our communities safe when oil disasters happen.
"But there is still more to do. My thoughts are with the people of Mosier and the region as it deals with the consequences of today’s derailment and I am hopeful that we can continue working to make sure that public safety is prioritized over the profits of the oil companies.”

The 46th district includes Lake Forest Park and Kenmore.



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Dozens of garage sales in Ridgecrest Saturday

Not moving out - just did a serious amount of cleaning out


Photos by Steven H. Robinson

A casual observer driving through the Ridgecrest neighborhood on Saturday could be forgiven if they thought that half the neighborhood was leaving town.

Many of the yards looked as though the residents were moving out.

Tabernacle Baptist parking lot

Rather than setting up at home, many took the option of a parking slot at the Tabernacle Baptist Church.


It was a great opportunity to socialize, while finding treasures - and an inexpensive place for the kids to shop.


It was a really hot day, so this sale looked very inviting, with its shade and cold drinks.


Tools are a sought-after garage sale item, so this man was probably not idle for long.


But really, it's all about the marketing. And you are never too young to start.

The Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association puts on this event every year at this time, so mark your calendars for next year.



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Shoreline City Council Monday to discuss code amendments for light rail facilities

Shoreline City Council Meeting Monday, June 6, 2016 – Regular Meeting 7:00pm Shoreline City Hall17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

Agenda Highlights

  • Proclamation of Shoreline Schools Music4Life Month
  • Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Contract with Brown and Caldwell in the Amount of $596,000 for the 2017 Surface Water Master Plan Update
  • Authorize the City Manager to Amend Contract No. 7528 with OTAK, Inc. in the Amount of $18,400 for the 145th Street Subarea Plan
  • Adoption of Ord. No. 745 – Amending SMC 8.12.500 - Allowing the Sale and/or Consumption of Beer and Wine at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
  • Adoption of Ord. No. 746 – Granting a Franchise to Century Link to Operate a Cable System in the Public Right-of-Way to Provide Cable Services in the City of Shoreline
  • Discussion of Ord. No. 741 – Development Code Amendments for the Light Rail System and Facilities Permitting Process and Applicable Regulations
  • Discussion and Update of the Capital Improvement Plan
Link to full Agenda

Comment on Agenda items



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New construction in Aurora Village

Aurora Village parking lot
Photo courtesy My Edmonds News

Construction will begin soon for two businesses who will be setting up shop in the middle of Aurora Village, in what is now open parking.

Wilcox Construction already has their construction fences and trailer in place and will soon start construction on a Habit Burger restaurant and a Starbucks Drive-Thru.

The existing Starbucks will move to the new site.


Habit Burger is a chain founded in Santa Barbara, California in 1969. They currently have 110 units located in California (97), Arizona (6), Utah (6) and New Jersey (1).

This will be their first Washington restaurant. They feature fast casual dining specializing in burgers, sandwiches, salads, sides, shakes and more, with a distinctive menu built around made-to-order burgers char-grilled over an open flame.



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Restoration Program helps LFP landowners and the environment

McAleer Creek is the stream that runs along NE Perkins Way and NE 180th,
 and through Animal Acres Park to Lake Washington.
Photo courtesy LFP Stewardship Foundation


From the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation

Property owners along McAleer Creek in Lake Forest Park are taking tremendous steps toward restoring their forested hillside slopes and streambank.

Once a beautiful cedar and mixed-conifer forest, the drainage is now a hodgepodge of alder and big leaf maple which grew after the heavy logging of this area in the late 1800s to early 1900s. These trees are now coming to the end of their natural life cycle and falling.

Invasive species such as English ivy and Himalayan blackberry have choked out native trees and shrubs that would have reclaimed this forest.

It is quite common in the winter to have Perkins Way closed while fallen alders are cleared. Luckily no one has been injured with these events though clearly more trees are due to fail and fall. 

McAleer Creek drainage is home to many birds, salmon, coyote, and deer. Bear have occasionally been sighted here. Bald Eagles, great blue heron, and kingfishers are seen looking for fish in the creek. Degradation of the habitat is a concern as well as erosion and loss of trees.

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation canvassed streamside landowners for interest and introduced them to a great King Conservation District (KCD) restoration program.

The KCD chips in 90% of the cost, with the remaining matching funds provided by the landowner. Thus far several properties have had their invasive species, English ivy and Himalayan blackberry removed and replanted with native conifers, ferns, and shrubs. 

Between 182nd and 33rd NE you will see slopes on the creek side now dotted with blue plant protector sheaths where native plants are being established. This spring’s new growth has obscured it some, but if you look closely you will also notice erosion control material and the absence of ivy and blackberry on these slopes.

Blue plant protector sheaths mark where native plants are being established.
Photo courtesy LFP Stewardship Foundation

In the next fall planting season another property along the drainage on the creek side will be scheduled for restoration. Then, it is our hope in 2017 reforestation efforts will start on the north side of Perkins Way. The KCD program is an amazing deal for property owners. Not only do property owners cover just 10% of the project costs, the KCD also actively monitors the slopes for the next three years to ensure success. The KCD works with the hearty Washington Conservation Corps who actually do this hard work on these slopes.

Kudos to these landowners for proactive stewardship of their properties in this step to restoring a vibrant native forest, improving habitat for salmon and other wildlife, and all of us who travel Perkins ravine.  

If you are interested in learning more about this project or the King Conservation District, please contact the LFP Stewardship Foundation.



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Shoreline Planning Commission meeting June 16 cancelled

As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act, you are hereby notified that the Thursday, June 16, 2016 meeting of the Shoreline Planning Commission has been CANCELLED.




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Review: The Dixie Swim Club


THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB
By Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and
Jamie Wooten
Directed by Simone Barron
Production Stage Manager: Becky Plant
The Phoenix Theatre
June 3 – June 26, 2016


Review by Doug Gochanour

Set in a beach cottage in North Carolina’s Out Banks, there is an annual gathering of five special friends. These women were mates on their college swim team, and their continuing friendship has covered decades. This play offers glimpses into four of those sessions, with all the emotions that can bubble up within such affairs.

Since the gatherings require an aging process, it is interesting to see how this challenge is addressed. Characters are viewed four times between ages 44, and 77.

The women enjoy their week together as a time to get away from jobs, husbands, and / or children. They can recharge their lives, while catching up on all the events affecting each other’s lives. There are lots of laughs and a few tears, along with some real surprises. There is ample opportunity to meddle in the affairs, which are revealed, as well.

The cast gives an enjoyable performance, rich with humor. The characters are interestingly diverse. Sheree is the organizer of event activities, always trying to maintain a perfect life. Dinah is a successful attorney, but is less successful in her personal life. Jeri Neal enters a convent, but decides later in life, being a mother is more important to her.

Lexie is determined to hold on to her good looks as long as she can. She rotates through multiple husbands as the thrill of the chase gives her the most pleasure.

Vernadette seems to have many woes in her life, with personal injuries, poverty, family members in prison, and ultimately a declining memory. Melanie Calderwood, as Vernadette, is always quick to fire off very funny zingers. This is frequently the case at Phoenix Theatre, as Melanie is an audience favorite.

When she can no longer recall her life circumstances, Vernadette asks if the memories she has lost were happy. Her friends assure her that they were.

Entropy - the gradual decline into disorder - is the most pervasive and ultimate law of nature. Flesh-and-blood bodies are no match for it. In the final scene, the years have taken their toll on these ladies. You will be happy to see how their spirit of caring is still present, proving the enduring power of friendship.

The Phoenix Theatre Season 9 is now taking subscriptions. Don’t miss out on the fun!!

$19.00 adults, $16.00 Seniors/Military
Friday and Saturday 8:00 pm - Sunday 2:00 pm
Tickets by calling 206-533-2000 or email phoenixtheatreedmonds.org



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Shoreline School Board Report: Washington Achievement Index explained

By Marianne Deal Stephens

On May 9, 2016, Shoreline Director of Assessment and Student Learning Dr. Michael Power presented the data behind the Washington Achievement Index Awards presented by Washington State. (See April 2016 District Press Release).

Several Shoreline Schools won awards, a few in multiple categories: Briarcrest Elementary, Brookside Elementary, Cascade K-8, Echo Lake Elementary, Melvin G. Syre Elementary, Meridian Park Elementary, and Parkwood Elementary.
Source: Shoreline School District 
 
Dr. Power offered a brief overview of the origin of the Washington Achievement Index. As state assessments have changed, the ability to measure students over time has been lost. The State Board of Education and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction developed the Achievement Index to “make sure that schools are making progress.” The index “is a snapshot of a school’s performance based on statewide assessments” comparing “how a school performs in reading, writing, math, science, and graduation rates.” The State not only tracks overall performance; by closely tracking every student, the State aims to help districts identify and close achievement gaps and to show how well low income and non-low income students perform.

When explaining how factors are weighted in the index, Dr. Power noted that the data behind the index is “massive” and “it is difficult to identify what made the difference at a certain school.” The index weights growth (60%) over proficiency (40%). Schools must have 95% participation rate in state assessments; when they do not, absent students receive zeroes, which negatively affect average scores.

[Learn more about the indicators and categories of the Achievement Index on pages 2-8 of Dr. Power’s Report.]

The seven award-winning Shoreline Schools are high performers based on three years of academic information as measured by the index. The State notes that “Award recipients are schools that have made measurable progress helping students prepare for college, career, and life.”

One such school is Briarcrest Elementary, recognized for “High Progress.”

Source: Shoreline School District 

As Dr. Power has indicated on the bar graph, the highest yellow bar marked 9.3 is an average of data over the last three years. The red achievement index bars are roughly a weighted average of proficiency (purple bars) and growth (yellow bars). Other award winning schools show similar patterns of upticks in proficiency and/ or growth and the overall index.

Dr. Power displayed graphs of all Shoreline schools, whether or not they met the State criteria for Achievement Index awards in 2016. While some schools’ bar graphs show declines, Dr. Power cautioned against reading too much into those, saying that “the data are so complex that it is difficult to see what it [the factor that affected the measurement] was.”

Source: Shoreline School District 
However, he does have an explanation for the declines of the middle and high schools’ performance: “students who do not participate [in testing] receive a zero, so that brings the averages down…proficiency is a downward trend due to participation.”

The Shorecrest Proficiency indicator dropped from 8.5 to 4.9, while the graduation indicator increased. Our students are not less able; their non participation in state assessments skews the measurement.

Board Vice President Debi Ehrlichman mentioned that she is “pleased to see the spike in graduation” and acknowledged that, with the combination of factors, there is not one particular weighting factor to “hang your hat on.”

For full Shoreline results by school, see pages 10-24 of Dr. Power’s Washington Achievement Index Report.
 
For award criteria and a full list of state winners, see Washington Achievement Award.



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Everett Clinic hiring event Tuesday, June 7 at Shoreline City Hall


The Everett Clinic, which is opening a 50,000 square foot clinic in Shoreline, next to Trader Joe's on N 175th at Midvale, is holding a recruitment event in Shoreline.

Tuesday, June 7 at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133, 4:30 to 6:30pm.



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Law Enforcement Torch Run

Friday, June 3, 2016

Chief for a Day Ethan Hennig ran with LFP and Shoreline
and Kenmore police officers in the Special Olympics Torch Run
Photo courtesy LFP Police

Officers from Shoreline Police, Kenmore Police, King County Sheriff's Office, and Lake Forest Park Police carried the torch for Special Olympics through Shoreline on Friday, June 3.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is used to raise funds and increase awareness of the Special Olympics.

"Chief for a Day" Ethan Hennig ran with LFP Officer Coleman, Shoreline Chief Ledford and other deputies in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Chief Hennig joined the run at 205th and Aurora and handed the torch off to SPD Deputy Chief Merner at 145th.

Chief Hennig led most of the way, sometimes with a little help from Officer Coleman, and had a great time.



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Poem: A Wallaby Runaway


KANGAROO " KAUGHT" 
A WALLABY RUNAWAY

Are you a driven "wannabee"
Oh take a look and you will see
We have a Stranger in the Park
He ran away-- oh what a lark

The Officer was on the ball
He promptly answered the owner's call
For Wally yes--he'd run away
But he is safely home today

Officer Gross--oh what a treat
A Runaway who's very Sweet
So if you too decide to roam
Just call the cops to bring you home


PS Bless you -you little kangaroo
The cops-they "got the jump" on you


Jean Monce Bryant
Lake Forest Park
June 3, 2016



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Disney Noir barbershop musical June 25 in Shoreline



Mark your calendars for June 25th - Two performances, 2pm and 7pm at Shorewood High School, 17300 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline 98133 of Disney Noir, an original barbershop musical, presented by the Seattle SeaChordmen Chorus.

So, what does the title Disney Noir indicate? Well, our show is set in 1932 Seattle and contrasts the evil and good found throughout Disney shows and songs.

Besides enjoying a Musical play featuring songs from Disney shows, you will get to hear one of the best Barbershop Quartets in the world --- Main Street.

Main Street, composed of former Dapper Dans from Disneyland and Disney World, finished 2nd in the International Quartet competition last July.

They do some wonderful comedy routines and sing magnificently.

In addition you will see a performance by 4.0, the local division champion quartet. And of course the Seattle SeaChordsmen Chorus and quartets will round out the show.

You can order tickets on Brown Paper Tickets for either 2pm or 7pm.



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Shoreline student wins prestigious scholarship at Swarthmore

Asma Noray
Asma Noray, of Shoreline, currently a junior at Swarthmore College, has won a prestigious Truman Scholarship.

Established to select and support the next generation of public service leaders, the Truman has become one of the most prestigious scholarships in the United States. Noray is one of just 54 students to receive the honor this year and the only one from Washington state.

Asma was born in Nairobi, Kenya and currently studies political science and Arabic at Swarthmore College where she is an active leader of the Muslim Students Association.

As a freshman, Asma volunteered in Iran for two months working to set up independent English programs for rural and impoverished communities and using language learning as a tool to build cultural understanding between Iranians and Americans.

Noray has studied Arabic in Morocco, Oman, and Jordan and hopes to work with refugee populations in the region while improving relations between American citizens and the Middle East.

Last year she earned a Boren Scholarship, created by a federal initiative to broaden the pool of U.S. citizens with foreign language and international relations skills.

Truman Scholars receive $30,000 toward either graduate school or professional development programming leading to careers in public service leadership. Noray plans to pursue a dual program in public policy and Middle Eastern studies, with a concentration in refugee policy and humanitarian aid.

775 candidates applied for a Truman this year, nominated by 305 colleges and universities and 54 were awarded.



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Shorecrest students get sobering lesson on impaired driving

Realistic simulation of the aftermath of a crash

Text by Curtis Campbell
Photos by Julie Moss

With prom season and summer just around the corner, Shorecrest High School students and staff held a mock car crash on May 26 to remind the school’s juniors and seniors of the dangers posed by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The aftermath of a simulated car crash caused by an impaired driver was set up in the school’s parking lot to look as realistic as possible. Shoreline police and paramedics responded as if it was real, and student actors demonstrated the consequences of getting behind the wheel while impaired —complete with special effects makeup and fake blood.

A student actor with a Shoreline Police officer

The demonstration began with students watching a video in the gymnasium to set the context for what they would witness in the parking lot. The video depicted two groups of students at a party where alcohol was being consumed — each making very different choices. One group was uncomfortable with the drinking happening at the party and left with a sober driver. The other group stayed and consumed alcohol before deciding to drive to get some food.

With the storyline set, the students exited to the parking lot. The scene that awaited them was stomach churning. Two cars — mangled in heaps of twisted metal — are at a standstill after one apparently drove head on into the side of the other.

It’s eerily quiet, but for the sounds of sirens getting louder as they approach the scene. One actor’s body is halfway through the windshield, lying motionless on the hood and covered in blood, and another lies motionless on the asphalt with serious wounds.

Parents comforting their daughter, who survived the crash
(simulated scene)

Their fate becomes apparent when a paramedic covers both bodies with white sheets. The actor playing the intoxicated driver at fault is given a field sobriety test by a police officer. He fails and is placed under arrest. Meanwhile, the parents of deceased arrive on the scene and cry out in anguish. The moment is so moving in that many in the audience shared in their sorrow with tears in their eyes.

After the demonstration, the students returned to classrooms where they were able to discuss what they had witnessed.

The whole experience was pretty sobering, explained Rachel Semon, a senior who helped coordinate the event. “It made a big impact on the students … even though they knew it wasn’t real, it was overwhelming because they knew it could be real because people die under those same circumstances every day.”

In the simulation, one student died when he went through the windshield

In 2014, the Center for Disease Control reported nearly 10,000 people were killed in alcohol related crashes. This accounted for one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. While data for 2015 hasn’t been released yet, early indications are that the number will be even higher.

Because of statistics like that, it’s important for students to truly understand the life-altering consequences of impaired driving, explained Coquille Knutson, drug and alcohol counselor at Shorecrest. “It’s a great conversation starter … because it’s so shocking, you can’t tune it out.”

In addition to exposing them to the reality of drunk and drugged driving, she notes the work they do year-round to educate and empower students to make wise and healthy decisions. “Even if it just saves one life, it’s all worth it.”

Both Knutson and Semon expressed their gratitude to the Shoreline Police and Fire Departments for their help putting on the event. “It’s a lot of work,” said Semon. From setting up the wrecked cars to doing the special effects makeup, the first responders are a huge part of the event. “We could not have done this without them, we really appreciate how much they care and do for our students,” said Knutson.

Students and parents/guardians were notified in advance of the demonstration and given the opportunity to not participate.



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Home sales in Shoreline during May 2016

The following is a sampling of homes at each price point that sold in Shoreline during the month of May 2016 from data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.


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Early morning crash sends five to hospital

2:30am Friday morning, a vehicle traveling on Aurora at a high rate of speed collided with another vehicle and pushed it into a third vehicle.

The road was closed at N 155th and Aurora from 2:30am until 6am while the scene was cleared.

Five people were transported to hospitals, two of them in serious condition. Most of the injuries were sustained by driver and passengers in the speeding vehicle. The driver of the third vehicle was not seriously injured.



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Second case of Zika in King County

Public Health of Seattle and King County reports that a second person has tested positive for Zika infection in King County.

The illness was identified in a female in her teens who had recently been in Haiti, a country that has Zika virus spreading actively and is on the list of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) travel advisories. The person was not pregnant at the time of her Zika testing in early May and she is no longer ill from Zika.

Zika virus leaves the blood of an infected person, usually within a week.

This is the fifth case of Zika found in Washington state. All five cases were found in people who became infected while in countries with current Zika outbreaks. With ongoing widespread outbreaks in the Americas and the Caribbean including Puerto Rico, the number of Zika cases among travelers visiting or returning to King County and elsewhere in the mainland United States will likely increase.

This Zika case does not pose a risk to the public in Washington state. Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, or less commonly, through sexual contact with a recently infected man. The types of mosquitoes that transmit Zika are not found in the Pacific Northwest so local health officials do not expect Zika virus to spread.

More information here



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Hillwood annual membership meeting Wednesday June 8

6th Annual General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, June 8, 7 pm
Shoreline Historical Museum, 18501 Linden Ave N


All Hillwoodlanders are invited for a pleasant 
evening including:

  • Introductions and get acquainted time
  • Garden Plant Exchange: bring plants to share, take home something new
  • Brief Business Meeting
  • Instant Elections
  • Meet Guest of Honor Constance Perenyi, City of Shoreline Neighborhoods Coordinator
  • Social Time
  • There will be cookies


Hillwood is bounded on the south by N 185th Street, on the west by 8th Avenue NW, on the north by 205th Street and on the east by Aurora Avenue N. All who live with these boundaries are official Hillwoodlanders.



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Rep. Ruth Kagi selected for Crayon Award

Every two years, the Early Learning Action Alliance presents awards to state legislators who are leaders and champions for early learning in the legislature.

Rep. Ruth Kagi (D-32) has been selected by the Early Learning Action Alliance as a Crayon Award recipient for 2016.

The Early Learning Action Alliance is a broad coalition of nonprofits, businesses, and professional associations that are dedicated to making sure that every child in Washington arrives at kindergarten prepared to succeed.

Much of a child’s future is determined by the opportunities and support provided during their first years of life. High-quality early learning is one of the best investments we can make in the future of our state. Research shows that for every $1 invested in early learning, we get $4-$7 back.

“I am honored to be receiving a Crayon Award for my work on behalf of young people across our state,” said Rep. Kagi, chair of the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee.

Rep. Kagi is being recognized for her leadership in the legislature on early learning policies and funding. In 2015, the legislature, led by Rep. Kagi, passed the Early Start Act, which will give parents reliable information about the quality of early learning programs; bring high-quality early learning to more childcare centers and preschools around our state; and increase childcare stability and consistency for low-income working families.

Additionally, the 2015-2017 budget invests more than $159 million in early learning to improve outcomes for kids – increasing the quality of care and the number of children who have the opportunity to take part in quality early learning. The 2016 supplemental budget increases wages for some of the lowest paid early learning and family child care workers.

“Half of Washington’s children show up to kindergarten already behind, and most never catch up,” said Kagi. “The Early Start Act gives providers and educators the tools, training, and support needed to provide quality early learning to children farthest from opportunity, and gives parents reliable information to use when choosing an early learning program.”


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Kings student named WIAA Athlete of the Week

Each week throughout the school year, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) recognizes twelve varsity athletes, a male and a female from each of the six classifications, who exhibited an outstanding performance for the previous week.


Hannah Roh, a Senior from King's High School, was nominated by a community member and selected by WIAA staff as one of the Athletes of the Week for achievements in Golf.

Roh won the 1A State championship last weekend at Liberty Lake Golf Course (Spokane), helping her team win first place for the 3rd year in a row.

She fired a 69 on the final day for a two-day total of 149.

In recognition of their accomplishment, each Athlete of the Week winner receives a congratulatory letter from WIAA Executive Director, Mike Colbrese, a commemorative WIAA State Athlete of the Week t-shirt, and a certificate. Winners are also posted to the WIAA website.



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SIFF ends run at Shoreline CC Saturday

The Seattle International Film Festival ends its run at Shoreline Community College with four films on Saturday, June 4.

Truman shows on Friday night at 9pm, but rumors are that there are very few tickets left. Tickets are also going fast for Big Sonia. Two lucky readers of The Shoreline Area News won the give-away for tickets for this movie.

Here's the schedule, starting with Friday night.


Truman
director Cesc Gay - Spain, 2015 - 108 min

A wise and tender ode to friendship, of man and dog, two middle-aged men reunite in Madrid and spend four days taking unexpected detours, reflecting on loves, losses, triumphs, and regrets. Winner of five Goya Awards including Best Picture.  Friday, June 3, 2016 - 9:00pm

SATURDAY


Sommer of '92
Denmark - 2016 - 90 minutes - Kasper Barfoed

The Danish national football team, a group of ragtag underdogs already knocked out in the 1992 UEFA Euro playoffs, must pull themselves together in only a week when another country forfeits their spot in this Full Monty for footballers.  Saturday, June 4, 2016 - 1:00pm



Sonita
Iran - 2015 - 90 minutes - Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami

Winner of the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, Sonita is the tale of a feisty teenage refugee and aspiring rapper from Afghanistan who, after her mother announces an arranged marriage, upends the foundations of documentary filmmaking with a bold request to her filmmaker: Will you buy me? Saturday, June 4, 2016 - 3:30pm


Big Sonia
USA - 2016 - 90 minutes - Leah Warshawski, Todd Soliday

Diva. Enigma. Holocaust survivor. Meet 90-year-old Kansas City tailor-shop owner Sonia Warshawski. She may be just shy of five feet tall, but her enormous, sparkling personality and stirring stories of survival have earned her the nickname "Big Sonia."  Saturday, June 4, 2016 - 6:00pm
Directors Leah Warshawski and Todd Soliday scheduled to attend.


Triviṣa
Shu Dai Jiu Fung
Hong Kong - 2016 - 97 minutes - Frank Hui, Jevons Au, Vicky Wong

A trio of directors helmed this noir about three notorious Chinese criminals who cross over into Hong Kong to make their fortune in the days leading up to the 1997 British handover of the territory. Produced by master filmmaker Johnnie To (Drug War). Saturday, June 4, 2016 - 8:30pm



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Ridgecrest garage sales Saturday - here's the list


Making it easy for shoppers, the Ridgecrest Neighborhood has provided the list of garage sales to be held in the neighborhood on Saturday, from 9am to 4pm


  • 16508 8th Ave NE – Tabernacle Church: 60 families selling items in the parking lot! FREE hot dogs!
  • 15816 8th Ave NE – clothes (some vintage), women’s Solomon running shoes, cast iron stove
  • 15822 8th Ave NE – items from multiple families
  • 16266 8th Ave NE – lots of good stuff
  • 840 NE 170th St – lots of furniture, antique dining set, antique dressing table, IKEA student desk, home decor, dishes, craft supplies, vintage items, Duplos, some young ladies clothing, small chainsaw and more!
  • 158th and 9th Ave – sale for two families. Tools, household ware, clothing, sporting goods, furniture, books, misc.
  • 17053 3rd Ave NE - home decor/ furniture, Frye boots, bar ware/ glassware
  • 17019 13th Ave NE
  • 524 NE 174th St- clothing, household goods, books, furniture, appliances and some baby stuff. We’re holding the sale to raise money for adopting our first child.
  • 16260 8th Ave NE – lots of baby items
  • 18026-10th Ave NE – moving sale (more than your common yard sale goods) and also like to note that the house is mid-block with a long driveway.
  • 15536 8th Ave NE
  • 15201 6th Ave NE
  • 15569 11th Ave NE - general household – some kitchen, small furniture, canning jars, veg and plant starts, baby and toddler clothes, toys, tools, gardening supplies, etc. This is a fundraiser. Majority of funds raised will be used to send much needed items to Hopkins Village, Belize.
  • 1105 NE 180th St – specialty items: household goods midcentury modern enthusiast items
  • 819 NE 151st street – many fun pieces of mostly midcentury furniture, decor, lamps. There will be some books and fabrics and costumes, too.
  • 16203 6th Ave NE
  • 14825 8th Ave NE – lots of clothes, adult men’s/ women’s, children’s – toys
  • 17015 8th Ave NE
  • 17412 5th Ave NE
  • 304 NE 158th St – kids items (strollers, toys), housewares large and small
  • 15544 10th Avenue NE – furniture and household items as well as kids’ stuff (equipment and toys)


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Photos: Dusk to Dawn in Richmond Beach

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Another in Wayne Pridemore's collection of Dusk to Dawn photos - this one in Richmond Beach.

If he stayed up as late as I do, I'd ask him where this was taken. Anyone still up who knows? email your answer.

Update: Thank you readers - it's the playground at Richmond Beach Library Park.



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