Reduction in irrigation of park properties

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

The grass may turn brown in Echo Lake Park

Over the summer, residents and park users may notice that some of the more infrequently used areas of our parks receive less irrigation that they have in the past.

In recognition of the shifting priorities for parks maintenance, the need to conserve our precious water resources, and in an effort to save costs, the City’s 2016 budget reduces the Parks Department’s irrigation budget from $215,476 to $180,476 and transfers that $35,000 savings to the urban forest management budget.

Because of the reduction in irrigation, park users may notice browning in certain areas.

Parks has undertaken a thorough review of its irrigation locations and procedures and assessed what areas are appropriate for reduction. The goal is to minimize the impacts of reduced irrigation on the public’s enjoyment of the parks. To ensure we protect our tree assets, Parks maintenance crews will use a mobile water tank to water newer, heat/drought stressed trees.

Irrigation will be selectively reduced, consistent with the following priorities:

1.       Safety of park visitors – this is primarily related to athletic fields where irrigation keeps the surface from becoming dry and hard, making it less safe for active recreation.

2.       Preservation of landscape assets – Trees and shrubs are landscape assets that are costly to replace, and when they die, they typically do not recover. Grass can brown out but bounces back with subsequent rain with no permanent damage.

3.       Aesthetics of gathering spaces – Park facilities that are frequent community gathering spaces are important to keep looking fresh, such as Cromwell amphitheater and Saltwater Park Terrace.

4.       General park aesthetics – Overall, people enjoy green grass and adding to their enjoyment of parks and public spaces.

However, even with careful management, some negative impacts are unavoidable.

In 2013, Shoreline became a Tree City USA. As part of that designation, the City developed an Urban Forest Strategic Plan, which transferred maintenance responsibility for trees in the public right of way from the Public Works Department to the Parks Department. By increasing the urban forest management budget, the Parks Department is better able to respond to resident requests for tree maintenance.

Maintaining the investments residents have made in our parks system is a priority. We will continue to manage our resources to ensure that our park system and urban forest continue to thrive.



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Arts Council tent at Shoreline Farmers Market Saturday will have info on summer camps

Look for the yellow tent for info on summer activities
Photo by Jerry Pickard


Find Out About Summer Art Camps for Kids and Teens and More at The Arts Council's This Weekend at the Opening of Shoreline Farmers Market‘s 5th Season

As you enjoy the food, flowers, and (hopefully) sunshine at the opening of Shoreline Farmers Market’s 5th Season this Saturday, make sure to stop by the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council’s yellow tent to say “Hi.”

The organization will be sharing information about their exciting summer arts events and programming, including unique summer camps for kids and teens, the Shoreline Arts Festival, and Concerts in the Park.

It’s a great opportunity to find out how you can take pART in your community and make this an unforgettable summer!

The Shoreline Farmers Market is held on Saturday from 10am-3pm in the Aurora Square parking lot. 15300 Westminster Way N, Shoreline 98133.

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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New feature for the Shoreline Area News - cartoons

Whitney Potter of Shoreline is joining the Shoreline Area News as a contributing cartoonist. Among other credentials, he shares the Editor's fondness for puns - good and bad - so he is a perfect fit.

We'll be gifted with his holiday cartoons, puns, and whatever else he is inspired to create.

Here is his bio:


And here is today's official cartoon:


If you fear that you have missed a cartoon, check under Features on the front page of the Shoreline Area News.



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Washington State University President’s Honor Roll Spring 2016

Washington State University at Pullman
President’s Honor Roll
Spring 2016

The President’s Honor Roll recognizes students who stand above the rest with excellent academic performance. To be eligible for the honor roll, undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of nine graded hours in a single term at WSU and earn a grade point average of 3.75 or earn a 3.50 cumulative GPA based on 15 cumulative hours of graded work.

The data displayed in the President’s Honor Roll may be affected by students who restrict the release of some or all information about themselves.

Kenmore
Cristalle Ann Barnard, Sarah Ann Borgnes, Kristen Jaye Dahlin, Chandler L Edlin, Kevin Charles Schindler, Lorenn Marie Taylor

Lake Forest Park
Amelia Ann Brown, Kaitlyn I Franz, Amy Lyn Jones, Kevin Edward Millet

Shoreline
Derek Douglas Baer, Ana Gabriela Barnes, Ashley Mae Elizabeth Beeson, Grace Marie Brown, Gwendolynn Anne Coombs-Miller, Maxwell Nathan Dellon, Janis Rebekah Freeman, Petr Petrovich Gaburak, Sara Joy Goodwin, Ryan Michael Holmes, Vreni Augusta Hutt, Amna Bilal Khan, Zachariah Henrik Lind, Ryan David Maul, Natalie Dawn McGovern-Borchers, David James McLerran, Marina Evangelos Pappas, Stuart Kenneth Schachle, Kristen Louise Strand, Mitko Stoyanov Tanev, Melissa Lee Wadman, Alexis Franziska Wolf, Vaughn Scott Woodfield, Cynthia Ann Woolery, Jamie William Wright

Correction - this article was previously published as WWU instead of WSU 06-18-2016



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26 Shoreline Fire calls Monday

The very busy Shoreline Fire department responded to 26 calls in a 24 hour period Monday, from midnight to midnight.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
As usual, most of those calls were medical.

Here's the breakdown:

  • 1 cardiac arrest
  • 4 Aid non-emergency
  • 10 Aid emergencies
  • 6  Medic emergencies
  • 2 car accidents with aid
  • 2 fire alarms (multi-family and residential)
  • 4 service call/fire

Fire departments all work in cooperation with each other, with a shared priority is to get to the call as soon as possible. Many factors determine which department takes the call  - traffic, proximity to freeway entrances, available equipment. The lead department would be local, but at need each department can call upon the resources of the other. A large or complex fire may have units from multiple departments, who will stay to help if needed.

Fire engines are fully equipped medically - but they are staffed by firefighters, not Medics, and cannot transport patients. If an engine responds to a call that needs medical attention, an aid car or Medic 1 will be dispatched. Medics can dispense fluids and medications, and Medic vehicles / aid cars can transport patients. Because the engine needs to remain available to respond to fire calls, you may see an engine and an aid car at the same call.



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SCC CET students present Net Zero Energy Building design to industry professionals

SCC students at Clean Energy Technology Center
Photo courtesy SCC

On May 25, Shoreline Community College’s ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers) Student Club hosted the Puget Sound Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) for an after-work networking event highlighting the college’s Clean Energy Technology (CET) program.

The topic of the evening was Net Zero Energy Buildings (buildings that produce as much energy as they consume), with a focus on how the CET program structures its curriculum around this building model. The goal of the evening was to give students a chance to present their course project to industry professionals, and then receive feedback on their work.

“In a professional technical program like CET, it’s so vital that students get to engage with and get feedback from industry employers,” said Louise Petruzzella, Director of Clean Energy Technology at Shoreline. 
“Having that exposure to the larger CET community helps students hone their focus early on, and also allows them opportunities to network, meet mentors, and take the pulse of the industry.”

After a brief introduction by instructor David Redding, the event began with a presentation of a two-quarter long project in which CET students analyzed and designed a retrofit of an existing building into a Net Zero Energy Building.

Tasks for the retrofit included building envelope performance analysis, efficient heating and cooling systems integration, and internal loads calculations. Once benchmarks had been established, students then used AutoCAD to layout the new building’s heat pump, air handling unit, and fan coil systems onto the site plan of the building.



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#Social Movements and Race

Thursday, June 9, 7-8:30pm, Shoreline Library large meeting room, 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155

From sit-ins and boycotts to hash tags and sharing, students have been at the forefront of race and social justice movements throughout American history.

Join students from #BlackAtUW to discuss how social media is used to exchange stories, information and concerns in our community.

Examine the impact of Facebook and Twitter, the power of sharing, and the fight to close generational and access gaps in society through technology.



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Pete Seeger: The Man and His Music - Thursday

Pete Seeger
Fred Palumbo, World Telegram staff photographer
Public Domain photo
Thursday, June 9, 7-8pm Richmond Beach Library Meeting Room, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177.

Peter Seeger (1919-2014) is an iconic presence in the 20th Century American music landscape, revered by some and reviled by others for his activism on issues of labor, war, civil rights and the environment.

Pacific Northwest musical duo Hank and Claire sketch the line from Peter Seeger's personal story to the social justice issues that inspired his music. Learn the context for such iconic songs as "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" and "Turn, Turn, Turn".

Of course you are invited to sing along with Hank and Claire, a banjo and 12-string guitar!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Richmond Beach Library.



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Three car crash in LFP Monday sends one to Harborview

Shoreline Medic 1 responded to a three car motor vehicle accident around 11am Monday in Lake Forest Park on Bothell Way.

One person had to be extricated by Northshore Fire Department and transported to Harborview Medical Center by Shoreline Medics with serious injuries.



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Ethnobotany Tour at Kruckeberg Sunday

Pathway in Kruckeberg Botanic Garden

Sunday, June 12, 1pm, Ethnobotany Tour at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden.

Ethnobotany is the study of how people make use of plants through food, tools, and medicine.

This tour will lead you through the Garden looking at native and exotic plants and some of their uses. $10 per person, register here.



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Pip Bartlett's Guide to Magical Creatures

Pip Bartlett's Guide to Magical Creatures
by Jackson Pearce and Maggie Stiefvater

Pip Bartlett didn't intend to start a riot at her school Career Day. It was totally an accident ... well, a series of accidents ... and some miscommunications ....

Anyhow, she didn't plan to ride the unicorn, and she really didn't mean for the entire herd of magical creatures to destroy three cellos, forty turkey burgers, a geode collection and her teacher's glasses.

But the Unicorn Incident is the reason that Pip got to spend the summer in Cloverton, Georgia, helping out at the Cloverton Clinic for Magical Creatures. A nice, quiet summer ... right?

Except that suddenly, the town is infested with cute little magical creatures that like to nest in underwear drawers and sometimes spontaneously combust.

Suddenly, Cloverton isn't very quiet at all.

This is a fun, silly, playful, story copiously illustrated with pictures of magical creatures such as the Miniature Silky Griffin ("hooves smell like erasers"), Emerald Dunking Duck ("many prefer multigrain and rye bread"), and most of all Fuzzles ("pests").

Highly recommended for readers ages 8 to adult (and beyond).


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

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


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Solarize Shoreline Campaign: Free Educational Workshops Coming

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Solar panels were installed at the City Hall garage
in 2010 in partnership with the Shoreline Solar Project

going solar...

Solarize Shoreline is an initiative to bring solar energy to homes and businesses within the City of Shoreline.

It is a limited-time campaign designed to help homeowners and small businesses purchase solar electric systems with a streamlined process and group discount.

Solarize Shoreline is a collaborative effort of Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (Northwest SEED), City of Shoreline, and a team of community volunteers. 

Registration is now open for the workshops where residents can learn more about the program. 

Solarize Shoreline will hold the first workshop on Thursday, June 23, 7:00 to 8:30pm at Shoreline City Hall.

A volunteer committee selected Northwest Electric and Solar as the solar installer for the campaign. The committee made its selection through a competitive process. Participants in the campaign will be eligible not only for a group discount, but also for federal and state incentives for solar energy.

“Many people don’t realize that the price of solar has dropped over 50% in the past five years, so going solar is more achievable than you might think,” said Jill Eikenhorst, project coordinator for Northwest SEED. 
“With federal and state incentives and the Solarize discount, solar is an effective way to lock in energy prices and produce clean energy that you can feel good about.”

To qualify for a free site assessment and community pricing, interested residents and business owners should attend one of three free educational workshops. Workshop attendees will learn about the technology; site assessments and installation; costs and incentives; and maintenance. Registration is now open.

Workshops are set for the following dates and locations: 
  • Thursday, June 23, 7 to 8:30pm, Shoreline City Hall Council Chamber, 17500 Midvale Ave N
  • Saturday, July 23, 10:30am to Noon, Shoreline Community College, 1500 Building, Room #1508, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133 (campus maps)
  • Thursday, August 11, 7 to 8:30pm, Richmond Beach Congregational Church, 1512 NW 195th 

Workshops are free and open to the public, and residents and businesses in Shoreline are eligible for the group discount.

Northwest SEED has managed or trained the managers of 18 Solarize campaigns in Washington and Oregon, resulting in over 900 solar installations and $21 million invested.

Additional information here.

Corrected photo caption to read Shoreline Solar Project 06-09-16

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LFP Haggens closes Wednesday at 8pm

Good bye Haggen
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Haggens has posted signs stating that they are closing at 8:00pm June 8th and reopening Thursday June 16th at 8:00am as Albertsons.

All of the current staff will remain at the store, but there are open positions. To apply visit www.Albertsons.com and click on the careers link.



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Talk a walk in North City and Echo Lake this Thursday

The Ridgecrest Walk
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Join fellow walkers and walk leader Alice Lawson this Thursday evening, June 9th, for a moderately easy stroll around the North City and Echo Lake Neighborhoods.

Walkers will meet at 7:00pm in the North City Elementary School parking lot, 816 NE 190th, and take a 2 mile walk exploring some of the greener areas of the North City and Echo Lake Neighborhoods, including discovering the North City Park, the 195th pedestrian-only bridge over I-5, and Shoreline Park.

The free walk is part of the Shoreline Walks community walking program sponsored by the City of Shoreline. Check the webpage for more details or contact Marianne Johnson at 206-801-2638.

Thursday, June 9, 7:00pm, North City Loop Walk



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Meridian Park to host discussion on City Parks, Rec, and Cultural Services programs June 21


On Tuesday, June 21st, from 7pm-8:30pm, Meridian Park Neighborhood Association will host a discussion on the current and future needs for our City's parks, recreation, and cultural services.

City Staff will be on hand to provide information and listen to residents' suggestions and concerns. This department of the city maintains the outdoor green spaces around the city, provides activities at the Spartan Rec Center, and runs a vibrant public arts program, and more.

Meridian Park neighbors are heartily encouraged to join the conversation and be a part of shaping plans for the future of Shoreline. Please note, these monthly meetings are also an opportunity to connect with others in the neighborhood and build community!

The meeting will be held in Room 303 at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N. and light refreshments will be served.

More information on Meridian Park Neighborhood Association here, by email, or call Cynthia Knox at 206-218-3302.



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Continuing Education at SCC: Learn the secrets to Word


This 15-hour course with Mikel Ann Aldrich can reveal Secrets to Word that even seasoned pros have missed.

A serious introduction to the basics and beyond of this robust word processing program. You will create, edit, and proofread documents, change the look of text and the document, present information in columns and tabs and work with graphics, symbols, and diagrams.

Prerequisites: Familiarity with the Windows environment and working with a mouse and keyboard.

Word 2013 Essentials in Action! 
START DATE: Monday, June 20 
Total Tuition: $36.42

Textbook: Step by Step Microsoft Office Word 2013, ISBN: 978-0-7356-6912-3.
Continuing Education books are no longer available from the Shoreline Community College Bookstore. Most textbooks are now ordered online from the University Bookstore, or by visiting: UW Bookstore, 4328 University Way, Seattle, WA 98105. For assistance, please call: 206-634-3400 x331.

6:00-9:00 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays
(Class does not meet on Wednesday, 6/29 or Monday, 7/4)
Start date: 6/20/16 | End date: 7/11/16
16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133
Building 1300, Room 1304 (campus maps)
Instructor: Aldrich, M. | P-CMP 129 | Item 6908

ENROLL NOW: 206-533-6706

Updated with enrollment phone number 06-08-16



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Volunteer jobs at the Shoreline Arts Festival

Help make fish prints
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
 Take pART in Your Community: Volunteer for the Shoreline Arts Festival

The Arts Council is still looking for volunteers to help at the Shoreline Arts Festival on June 25 and 26.

Join the veritable army of volunteers who make this celebration of the arts possible and get a glimpse “backstage” as we entertain 10,000+ art-loving community members over two days.

Volunteers are needed for a wide range of tasks, with shifts ranging from two hours to all-day, so there’s something for every skill level and any amount of availability. Sign up now on VolunteerSpot.

Here are some examples of just a few of the volunteer jobs available:
  • Help artists move art and set up booths
  • Organize and hang art
  • Set up the Hands-On Art stations and/or make art with kids
  • Info Booth Attendant: Greet festival-goers and help them find their favorite attractions
  • Juried and Youth Art Room Sitter: Enjoy the art while making sure nothing grows legs and walks away
Volunteers are needed to make sure the art doesn't walk away
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The Shoreline Arts Festival is a free, two-day festival featuring music, dance, theater, art exhibitions, hands-on art activities, cultural rooms, food, and more that is organized by the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council. Visit here for applications, deadlines, and additional information, or call the Arts Council at 206-417-4645. For volunteer questions, contact Volunteer Coordinator Kelly Lie.

Avoid the stress of parking by taking the Free Arts Festival Shuttle. The shuttle will run in a loop stopping at Meridian Park, Cromwell Park, and the Shoreline Center every 15 minutes during festival hours (Saturday, June 25 10am-6pm and Sunday, June 26 10am-5pm).

The Arts Council would like to thank the City of Shoreline, City of Lake Forest Park, 4Culture, Arts WA and all of their sponsors, donors, and members for making this event possible year after year.

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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Point Wells DEIS Workshop June 14 sponsored by four neighborhoods - last chance to register concerns

Architect's rendition 2012
The concept has changed over time

Point Wells DEIS Workshop
Tuesday, June 14, 7:30pm
Richmond Beach Congregational Church
1512 NW 195th Street, Lower Level


From the Richmond Beach Community Association

As many of you may know, a developer plans to put a 3,000 unit development at the north end of Richmond Beach Drive in Snohomish County. When fully built, the project likely will produce many negative impacts to our neighborhoods’ quality of life, for example:
  • An increase in traffic of 15,000 – 20,000 car trips daily on Richmond Beach Road and neighborhood local streets;
  • Cut-through traffic that will spill onto our quiet roadways;
  • Multiple high-rise towers of at least 180 feet;
  • An escalation of noise levels in our community;
  • Irreversible damage to the existing aquatic and land wildlife on the Puget Sound near shore of the Point Wells property.
Why is this so urgent?

If you are concerned about how a development the size of a small city will affect you and your neighborhood, you may have only one more chance to register your concerns to local officials!

Snohomish County has announced they will release a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) within the next few months. Once it is released, you will have only a 45-day period to submit comments expressing your concerns. After the 45-day window closes shut, community members who fail to officially comment in a timely way lose their right to further challenges to the final EIS when it is published.

What can you do about it?

On June 14, the neighborhoods of Innis Arden, Richmond Highlands, Hillwood, and Richmond Beach will sponsor a workshop to help you get ready to comment on the DEIS. There are very specific guidelines for submitting your comments. At the workshop, we will help you learn how to effectively prepare your comments for submission during the 45-day public comment period.

Save the date!

We suggest you go right now to put on your calendar the workshop on DEIS preparation.

It will be held Tuesday, June 14, 7:30pm, at the Richmond Beach Congregational Church, 1512 NW 195th Street in Shoreline.

And then alert all your neighbors to the workshop and encourage them to join them you for what may be your last chance to express concerns.



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Attention Garden Lovers



Have you ever walked around the neighborhood wondering what is in the back yard of some of the homes in Lake Forest Park?

The Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park tour is your opportunity to find out. On June 18, six gardens will be open for viewing. You will have a chance to walk around private gardens, ask questions of Master Gardeners, listen to music and engage with artists creating their work.

This season, with its wacky weather, every garden will be thought-provoking and inspiring.

There is Japanese inspired garden with terraces and ponds, and other varied areas of special interest. A couple of wildlife gardens show how to integrate pesticide free gardening that attracts local birds One of the gardens features legacy plants from homesteads and friends.

You won’t want to miss this once a year opportunity so get your tickets now. Pre-sale tickets are just $12 for the June 18, 2016 event. You can purchase them online.

Tickets are also available at the ticket outlets listed below:

On the day of the tour tickets are $15 at the door: the Lake Forest Park Town Center lower lobby entrance. Town Center is located at the intersection of Bothell Way and Ballinger Way.



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Relay for Life Saturday honors cancer survivors and raises money for cancer research



The Shoreline Relay For Life will be taking place June 11 and 12th at Kings High School, Woolsey Stadium, CRISTA, 19303 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

The event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Teams and individuals collect donations and pledges. The theme this year "May the Cure be With You".

It starts at 10am on Saturday, goes all day and night, and finishes with the closing ceremony on Sunday at 10am.


Join us as we come together to celebrate survivors,
remember loved ones lost, and
fight back against a disease that has already taken too much.

Betty Dietz, Survivor Chair, says "This is a great Community Event and we love to have the Community come spend some time with us. We invite Cancer Survivors to come spend the morning ceremony with us, and participate in the special walk around the track to honor Cancer Survivors, then stay for the luncheon for them at 11am.

Teams and individuals will walk around the track all day and into the evening. There will be fish burgers, donated by Trident, for dinner.

After dark, stay for the Luminaire Ceremony.



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Jobs: Director of Marketing and Communications

Shoreline Community College

The Director of Communications and Marketing is responsible for leading and directing the Communications and Marketing department in a targeted and cohesive manner. The Director provides planning, supervision, fiscal and budgetary oversight to meet operational and organizational goals of the College. This position serves as senior editor for college publications and collateral (both print and online).

Full description and application information here




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Food truck schedule for week June 7-12, 2016

Peach and Pig sandwich

Ridgecrest Public House Week Food Truck Schedule
June 7-12, 2016
5 - 9pm (summer hours)

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. And you can take in a movie at the Crest after you eat.

When the weather gets reliably better, outdoor seating will be available.

Ridgecrest Public House Food Truck Schedule 5-9pm daily:

June 7 Tuesday: Bread and Circuses

June 8 Wednesday: Napkin Friends

June 9 Thursday: The Peach and The Pig

June 10 Friday: Streetzeria

June 11 Saturday: Seoul Kitchen

June 12 Sunday: Wet Buns



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Friday Round Table: Get Hired with Harvard Partners Health Care


This Friday’s Roundtable (6/10): Get Hired with Harvard Partners Health Care.

Harvard Partners has been providing health care in Washington since 2001, including Home Health, Medical Staffing, and Outpatient Clinical Therapy. They have a broad range of both clinical and administrative positions available. HP has experienced incredible growth in the last year and is expanding operations to meet the needs of their patients.

Director of Human Resources, JD Burchfield will be on hand to outline careers and shorter term possibilities at HP. So please bring your resumé, your story, and all your questions about working with Harvard Partners!

Some news: Beginning Thursday, June 23, Roundtable will be on Thursdays, 1:00 – 2:30pm, in the spacious, airy, and with very nice bathrooms, 9202 PUB.

Friday, June 10, 1:00-2:30pm, Shoreline Community College, Room 5116, Building 5000 (ground floor). SCC Campus Map, and Parking.

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

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



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County Council recognizes LGBTQ Pride Month

Councilmembers are joined by representatives of the LGBTQ communities as the Council proclaimed the month of June ‘LGTBQ Pride Month’ in King County.

Front row (l-r): Councilmember Larry Gossett, Louise Chernin, Greater Seattle Business Association, Danni Askini, Gender Justice League, Council Chair Joe McDermott, Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Jeanne Kohl-Welles.

Back row (l-r): Councilmember Reagan Dunn, Elayne Wylie, Gender Justice League, Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Pete von Reichbauer.

~~~
The Metropolitan King County Council, on Monday, June 6, declared June LGBTQ Pride Month, celebrating the accomplishments and history of the region’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities while acknowledging the challenges to their full participation in society.

“In 2011, for the first time ever, the Council declared June Pride Month in King County. We’ve seen significant progress in those years including full marriage equality. Yet, we continue to see attacks on the rights of the LGBTQ community,” said Council Chair Joe McDermott. “LGBTQ Pride Month serves as an opportunity to reflect on our progress and recommit ourselves to the fight for equal rights under the law.”

“I am honored today to celebrate our region’s LGBTQ community,” said Council Vice Chair Rod Dembowski. “While we have seen immense progress and success in the past few years, the fight for equality and inclusion is not over. We must continue our work to advance the cause of equal opportunity for everyone.”

Pride Month is celebrated in June in recognition of the June 1968 Stonewall Riots in New York, considered the start of the modern movement for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.

While there have been a number of accomplishments in LGBTQ residents gaining the rights that most citizens take for granted, there are still challenges for their communities. A number of states have challenged equity laws for the LGBTQ communities with the adoption of “bathroom protection” legislation that would prevent transgender residents from using the bathroom that corresponds to his or her gender identity.

“Gender Justice League was honored to join the council today in celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month,” said Danni Askini, Executive Director of the Gender Justice League. “At a time when we are seeing increased attacks on the transgender community's civil rights, we are honored to live in a county whose businesses, elected officials, and public celebrate transgender people an integral part of the fabric of our communities.”

King County and the County Council have worked to end discrimination against sexual minorities. In 2012, the County supported marriage equality legislation in Olympia. In 2008, the Council sent an amendment to the King County Charter adding gender identity and expression to the anti-discrimination section to voters, who approved it with a 71 percent yes vote.

Seattle’s annual Pride Parade will be held on Sunday, June 27.


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Kenmore wins 2016 Governor’s Smart Communities “Smart Partnership” award


The City of Kenmore, in partnership with MainStreet Property Group LLC, a real estate development firm, has been awarded the 2016 Governor’s Smart Communities “Smart Partnership” Award for the Kenmore Village mixed-use development project.

The downtown project includes The Spencer 68 Apartments + Lofts, The LINQ Flats + Lofts, Spencer Square, and the Town Green and community building.

The Smart Communities program recognizes outstanding efforts of counties, cities and towns, and their partners throughout the state to create quality communities through excellence in growth planning. Kenmore is one of only seven cities statewide to receive a Smart Communities award this year.

The Kenmore Village project met all of the award criteria, including demonstrating innovative, thorough, and meaningful public participation, demonstrating tangible benefits to the community, achieving the community’s vision as articulated in the comprehensive plan; and demonstrating quality design and sustainability principles. See the project come to life in this flyover video and digital rendering of the future Town Center.

“Kenmore Village is a perfect example of a jointly-developed project that implements a local comprehensive plan. The innovative marketing process and careful joint development of the properties is a model for other smaller communities wanting to encourage economic growth and revitalize their downtown,” according to Kenmore Mayor David Baker.

Since incorporation in 1998, the Kenmore community consistently has made a downtown “center” part of the community vision. The City provided the land and park for Kenmore Village, then partnered with MainStreet over four years of project implementation.

In January 2016, MainStreet opened a 138-unit apartment community, The Spencer 68 Apartments + Lofts, with Phase II of the project (58 additional units) planned to open this winter 2016. Coming this fall, MainStreet will open the LEED Certified building, The LINQ Lofts + Flats, that will bring 94 residential units and 20,000 square feet of retail space leased to EvergreenHealth to the downtown core. In addition to the hundreds of new housing units –including affordable housing, new retail and restaurant space are also planned.

“MainStreet couldn’t be more excited to partner with the City of Kenmore to help fulfill their vision for growth, development and revitalization for the Kenmore downtown core,” stated Kim Faust, Senior Vice President of MainStreet Property Group. 
“The solid collaboration between MainStreet and the City has accelerated the pace of the downtown development and it’s exciting to see the sense of pride and community in the area.”

The Town Green and community building will create a year-round gathering place for residents to use and enjoy. Amenities in the Town Green and community building include a two-sided fireplace, meeting spaces, a food or coffee retailer, “hot rocks” for outdoor seating, a water feature, and a large door that can open to connect the building and the public plaza.

The development as a whole is providing improved pedestrian connections, sidewalks and street improvements. The high quality design of the buildings incorporates significant sustainable elements. Kenmore Village Town Green and community building are scheduled for completion this fall. The retail portion of the community building is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2017.



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LFP Council meeting Thursday

City of Lake Forest Park, work session Thursday, June 9, 2016, 6:00 - 7:00pm, City Hall Council Chambers, 17425 Ballinger Way NE

Council discussion topics: 
1. Federal Legislative Advocacy Update (15 min)
Discussion Leader: Aaron Halverson, Environmental Programs Manager; Jake Johnston, Johnston Group
Activity: Status of federal legislation
Goal: Understanding together with State legislative priorities

2. Code Enforcement Code Update (15 min)
Discussion Leader: Steve Bennett, Planning Director
Activity: Next touch on Council familiarization with proposed code
Goal: Determine whether ready for introduction of ordinance

3. Resolution 1560/Agreement with Avocette Technologies, Inc. for Implementation Service Contract and an Order with Carahsoft IT Solutions for a Subscription to the Accela Permit Tracking System (10 min)
Discussion Leader: Steve Bennett, Building and Planning Department
Activity: Discuss contract terms
Goal: Approval


City of Lake Forest Park, regular meeting Thursday, June 9, 2016, 7:00pm, City Hall Council Chambers, 17425 Ballinger Way NE

Agenda highlights

Consent Calendar
  • Approval of City Expenditures for Period Ending June 9, 2016
  • Resolution 1562/Authorizing Mayor to Sign Amendment No. 5 to the Agreement for Consultant Services with Davido Consulting Group, Inc. for Construction Management and Additional Design Services for the Lyon Creek Flood Mitigation Project 
Council Action or Discussion
  • Resolution 1560/Authorizing Mayor to Sign Agreement with Avocette Technologies, Inc. for Implementation Service Contract and an Order with Carahsoft IT Solutions for a Subscription to the Accela Permit Tracking System 
Council Committee Reports
  • Budget and Finance Committee Audit Award 

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Louise Penberthy is keynote speaker at June chamber luncheon Wednesday

Louise Penberthy from Human Interop
Louise Penberthy from Human Interop is this month's Shoreline Chamber guest speaker on Wednesday, June 8. Her topic is Six Signs that You’re Misplacing Your Generosity with Clients – And What to do About It

There are six common signs of misplacing generosity with clients. Learn what these are, how to notice them in yourself, and the problems you can cause for yourself and for your business if you’re unwisely generous with clients. Avoid losing money, being taken for granted, and having to go to court, by creating a policy for you and your business to be generous wisely.


Louise Penberthy is a mediator, conflict-resolution coach, and trainer who helps people strengthen relationships, enjoy their job again, and live a happier life.

In the hundreds of cases she’s mediated over 14 years, she’s seen many ways in which business and personal relationships can suffer in disputes and conflict, and she's passionate about communicating what she's observed that helps people resolve disputes.

She also writes about diversity, inclusion, and enjoying cross-cultural experiences.

Louise is a member of the King County Bar Association's Section on Alternative Dispute Resolution, Washington Mediation Association, and the International Coach Federation.

Wednesday, June 8, 11:45am. to 1:00pm, Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE. Shoreline 98155. 

$20 to attend, includes catered lunch by Special Occasions Catering. RSVP or contact Judy Smith 206-361-2260

The mission of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is to promote commerce in the greater Shoreline area by providing value to its members through business education, networking opportunities, and effective representation.



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Cats: Wendell needs a home - ADOPTED

Monday, June 6, 2016

Wendell
Photo by K.A. Moore Photography

"I may seem shy at first, but really, I'm just feeling sad right now. You see, my wonderful human passed away after loving me since I was a kitten. Now I feel all alone... but I'm starting to hope that maybe I can still have a future. Will you help comfort me?"

Poor Wendell recently lost the person who had loved him for 13 years. He seems withdrawn in the rescue setting, but that's just because his sudden homelessness has left him feeling sad and overwhelmed. If you give him a little love and patience, this handsome fellow will reward you with boundless love and loyalty forever.


Sophie is sad, too


Wendell and his sister Sophie are available for adoption at Seattle Area Feline Rescue. Sophie is a very friendly tortoiseshell girl who loves people. (Wendell and Sophie get along well, and can be adopted together or separately.)

You can learn more about adopting Wendell here  or by stopping by the rescue to meet him at 14717 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

Article updated to include Sophie 06-07-2016

7-13-2016 Wendell and Sophie have both been adopted!

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Learn about Shoreline's public art from the City's Art Coordinator

An example of environmental art
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Tuesday, June 21 from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center, David Francis, Public Art Coordinator for the City of Shoreline will talk about Temporary Art in the Urban Forest - environmentally themed artwork in parks.

As a means of fostering new interpretations of art and nature in urban spaces (particularly urban forests), these temporary artworks would be displayed along trails, glades, meadows, and reclaimed gravel pits, in two adjoining, forested parks (Boeing Creek and Shoreview) to encourage audiences to visit these resources as well as to exercise and spend time in comparative silence. Walking, way-finding, and searching for the "hidden" artwork is a primary component of the project.

The public is welcome to attend this presentation. Senior Center members $2 and non-members $4. Free parking. Funds collected help support the Senior Center.

The Senior Center is located in the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.



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Jobs: WSDOT Northwest Region Deputy Administrator

WSDOT is actively seeking an accomplished executive with exceptional and proven leadership skills and engineering background.

View whole announcement and apply: DRA



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Jobs: Communications Consultant 3 - Temporary

The WSDOT Communications team is part of the traffic team that delivers important information to the public and the media using a variety of communications tools including live interviews, social media and the web.

View whole announcement and apply: CC3




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Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts speaks on the "State of the City"

Mayor Roberts Delivers State of the City Address

On Thursday morning, June 2, the Shoreline City Council hosted local elected officials, business leaders, community partners, and residents for the State of the City Breakfast. The theme for the program was "Securing our foundation; Shaping our future" and it was an opportunity for Mayor Chris Roberts and City Manager Debbie Tarry to provide the community with an update on City issues.

Roberts emphasized the investments the City has made over the past twenty-one years to secure a strong foundation and discussed how the City has been working to shape a future that meets the community’s vision.

“There is no question the Puget Sound Region is growing,” stated Roberts. 
“Shoreline is already beginning to see that growth. Our goal as a City is to be proactive and shape the future growth that we know is coming instead of letting unplanned growth shape us .... 
"When people are looking for a new home or businesses are seeking new locations to invest, we want them to think of Shoreline first. We want them to see Shoreline as a place they want to establish roots and be part of the community.”

Roberts also highlighted the City's continued excellent fiscal health. The City maintains its AA+ bond rating as well as Standard / Poor’s highest assessment for financial management.

Tarry discussed how the City works to provide the services that truly contribute to the quality of life here in Shoreline. 

“The reality is that taxpayer investment funds city services that have real impacts on people’s lives,” stated Tarry. “It is our mission and responsibility to ensure that Shoreline residents and businesses derive value from that investment.”

As part of the discussion of City services, Tarry introduced three Shoreline residents who each provided their own perspective on the benefits they receive from different city services that add to their quality of life. Jeanne Monger talked about her experiences working with the City’s Customer Response Team; Callie Steward expressed her appreciation for the City’s community gardens; and Argelia Paredes spoke about the Nurturing Trust workshops she attended and how they had helped her feel like she had a greater connection to the Shoreline community.

Shoreline's Economic Development Manager Dan Eernissee was the last to speak and he provided an update on all of the new and exciting developments occurring across the City. He also provided a brief introduction to the City’s new marketing campaign “Surprised by Shoreline”.

A video of the event is available on the City's website.



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Cedarbrook School building to be demolished

Aerial view of Cedarbrook site
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools


The Cedarbrook school buildings on Perkins Way in Shoreline, part of the Shoreline Schools inventory, will be demolished this fall or early winter.

The current tenant, the private Living Wisdom School, is moving to Lynnwood.

Cedarbrook was opened in 1965 and closed in 1971. Since then it has been part of the school district's "landbank". It was last used as a Shoreline School during a construction phase, when schools that were being remodeled used it as a transition school until their new buildings were completed. It is considered to be too small a site for a regular elementary.

It was used for some years as the site of the Highly Capable classes, but in recent years has been a rental. A private Christian school was there for several years. The building was vacant until Living Wisdom moved in.

In 2009, when the recession hit, the District planned to sell Cedarbrook along with other school properties. The Friends of Cedarbrook were raising funds to purchase the site, and the City of Shoreline was considering purchasing the property for a park, but those plans were put on hold when the District decided not to sell. The Friends group has disbanded.

The school district has no plans for the site and said that building is being demolished for liability reasons.



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Shorecrest student awarded Comcast Foundation scholarship in ceremony at the Governor's Mansion

Comcast Leaders and Achievers
Photo by CB Bell


As part of the Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program, the Comcast Foundation has awarded Shorecrest High School student Braydon Southerland a $1,000 college scholarship.

The Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program provides scholarships to students who strive to achieve their potential, who are catalysts for positive change in their communities, who are involved in their schools, and who serve as models for their fellow students.

The philosophy behind the program is to give young people every opportunity to prepare for the future and to engage them in their communities. The program also demonstrates the importance of civic involvement, and the value placed on civic involvement by the business community.

In addition to his academic excellence, Braydon is a weekend ski instructor with Outdoors For All, a Northwest nonprofit that helps physically and mentally disabled people enjoy the mountain life by skiing with their peers.

Braydon was awarded his scholarship in a statewide ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia.

88 Washington students received awards this year to "the best and brightest high school seniors for their community service, academic performance and leadership skills."

Corrected spelling of Braydon surname 6-07-16

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Deadline Extended – Apply by 6/13 for LFP Farmers Market Crafts Day

Christine Stoll at her booth at Crafts Day
Photo courtesy Third Place Commons

The application deadline has been extended for artists and crafters who would like to participate in the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market Crafts Day on July 17th. Crafts Day is a once-per-summer special addition to the regular Farmers Market, which takes place Sundays from 10am to 3pm at Lake Forest Park Town Center and regularly attracts 7,000 - 9,000 visitors per week.

We encourage artists and crafters of all kinds to submit applications for consideration. Applicants are asked to submit a completed and signed application form, three labeled photos to represent current work, and a photocopy of current Washington State Business License. A table/ stall fee must also be submitted with the application, but will be returned to applicants not selected to participate in Crafts Day.

Visit the Third Place Commons website and review the Crafts Day application carefully for full details. All applications must be submitted via postal mail and postmarked no later than Monday, June 13th.

All items presented at the Crafts Day must be handmade in Washington by the individuals selling at the market. We seek a wide variety of media to represent a broad spectrum of creative endeavors and look forward to seeing your submissions!



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Photo: Flowers to match the sunshine

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Lee Lageschulte found this bright bouquet of flowers to match the bright sunshine of the past few days.



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Update on car crash Friday

Following is information from the Shoreline Police regarding the serious vehicle crash that occurred on Friday, June 3 at the intersection of N 155th and Aurora.

On June 3 at about 1:20am a Shoreline police officer observed a car southbound on Aurora around N 192nd traveling at a high rate of speed. The officer did a U-turn, but the vehicle was going so fast, the officers didn't catch up until N 160th St. At that time they estimated the car was going over 80 MPH.

The officers activated their emergency lights at that time. The car continued southbound at the same high rate of speed and ran the red light at N 155th St, colliding with a Lincoln Town Car that was going east on N 155th at Aurora.

The Town Car then collided with a Prius that was stopped for the red light on northbound Aurora.

Four occupants of the suspect vehicle went to the hospital, one with a possible ruptured spleen. The driver is currently under guard at Harborview, and will be booked for Vehicular Assault.

The driver of the Town Car had to be cut out of the vehicle by Shoreline Fire. He has a suspected broken pelvis, a suspected ruptured spleen, and possibly other internal injuries.

The driver of the Prius wasn't injured. King County Sheriff MARR (Major Accident Response and Reconstruction) unit detectives responded to investigate. Shoreline CRT (Customer Response Team) sent out three employees to assist with the major road closures. The road opened at 6am, just before rush hour.



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Op-Ed: The Charter School issue is a distraction

By Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-32

A number of people have asked me why I voted for Charter Schools last session. I would like to provide a response.

The Charter School vote was one of the hardest I have ever taken. I voted against Charters in the legislature a decade ago, when the bill passed and was repealed by the voters, and I voted against the initiative to create Charters. However, the initiative passed, very narrowly, but it became the law. Many bills pass the legislature narrowly – the margin doesn’t matter. They become law.

Nine Charters were created as a result of the initiative passing. I went to visit one of those schools, Summit, in January before returning to Olympia. I met many students who had struggled in their schools and were two or three years behind. It was a remarkably diverse population of students with a high percentage on free and reduced lunch. The students I met were excited about their new school and were engaged in their education. I could not see the benefit of closing their school.

My primary focus in the legislature during my entire tenure has been creating opportunities for children and youth who face the greatest barriers to success. That is why I have fought for high quality early learning opportunities for low income children. Research shows that is absolutely the best investment we can make in their future success. A drop-out reengagement bill I passed six years ago has allowed over 4,000 drop-outs to get their high school diploma. I have sponsored bills to improve education for foster children, mental health services for children, and bills to provide stronger support for children struggling to stay in school.

I do not see the Charter School bill as a threat to public education, or I wouldn’t have supported it. The bill we passed limits the number of Charter Schools to 40. We have over 2200 public schools in this state. The funding in this budget for Charters is $10 million. The funding for K-12 is over $18 billion. Charter Schools are not a threat to our public education system. Our failure to fully fund our public schools is the threat; it should be the main focus of this campaign and of the Democratic party this year.

I voted for over a billion dollars in taxes three years ago when the House passed Representative Reuven Carlyle’s bill closing tax loopholes and extending the B&O surcharge. The funding was dedicated to public education. We would likely not currently be in contempt of court if that bill had passed the Senate. We must now raise over $3 billion next year to meet our constitutional obligation. The Charter School issue is a distraction from this imperative.

~~~~~~
Rep. Kagi represents the 32nd legislative district in Washington state House of Representatives. The 32nd Legislative District includes the city of Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, the town of Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of Snohomish County, south Edmonds, the city of Lynnwood, and part of Mountlake Terrace.



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State of the City

North City Water District Manager Diane Pottinger and
Commissioner Charlotte Haines in the foreground
Photo by Keith McGlashan

Shoreline held its annual State of the City Breakfast on Thursday, June 2, with guests invited from leadership positions in the greater city.

Mayor Chris Roberts
Photo by Rod Dembowski

Mayor Chris Roberts hosted the event, and spoke on shaping the future of Shoreline. City Manager Debbie Tarry talked about creating value for the community. Three residents - Jeanne Monger, Callie Steward, and Argelia Paredes - spoke about their experiences with City services. Dan Eernissee, Economic Development Manager, gave an update on economic development and the campaign to promote Shoreline.

County councilmember Rod Dembowski said, "At 21 years old, the city is strong with a very bright future"





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50 years of marriage: Else and Karl Johan Hansen of Shoreline

Shoreline residents Else and Karl Johan Hansen
celebrating 50 years of marriage
Photo by Eastern Sky Photography

By Shari Winstead

Else and Karl Johan Hansen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 28, 2016. They have been Shoreline residents since 1977, and have raised their three children, all Shorewood graduates, Jan, Stan and Evelyn, in the same home in Shoreline where they still live today.

Else and Karl Johan both immigrated from Norway to Ballard in the 1960s. Their love story began on the island of Karmøy, in Norway, where they both were born and raised.

Location of the Island of Karmøy

Although Karl Johan came to Seattle before their romance had fully blossomed, after returning to his homeland for the Christmas holiday, he realized that Else was the girl for him, and proposed. He returned to the States to work as a fisherman, mostly in Alaska. After the immigration paperwork was completed, Else joined him in Seattle. They were married 14 days after she landed in the United States for the first time. A few short days after their wedding, Karl Johan left for Alaska, as was common for many of the men in the Norwegian fishing community.

While certainly not your traditional courtship and engagement, their wedding was definitely traditional, held at the Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Seattle.

The rented wedding dress and half-a-size too small shoes were not important, but Else had one requirement for the wedding - that it be performed by a Pastor that could speak Norwegian. She wanted to make sure she knew what was being said!

Fortunately Rock of Ages had just such a Pastor, and he was able to marry Else and Karl Johan just days before he moved to another church.

Else and Karl Johan wedding photo

Although Oxford English was taught in the schools in Karmøy, as a young girl Else was convinced that studying English was not the best use of her time. Imagine how surprised she was when not long after graduation, as a 19 year old girl, she found herself dependent on those English skills.

The Hansens faced many challenges as a young couple, the language barrier being just one. Not only were they immigrants, they were also very young, just 19 and 24 years old. Else was thankful for her few Norwegian friends also living in Ballard -- including her sister-in-law. In her words, “she had to grow up very quickly”. Not only did she have to learn about banking, cooking and running a household, she had no drivers’ license.

After finding herself frustrated by all the people who promised to teach her to drive, she finally found a driving school that would pick her up and bring her home, and after six quick lessons, she had her Washington State driver’s license!

Else and Karl Johan were determined to do whatever it took to make a good life for their family. With as many challenges as they faced, they never thought about returning to Norway to live, although they frequently visited their parents and families over the years, and still spend time in Norway on a regular basis.

There is no shortage of funny (some hilarious!), frightening, and frustrating stories from the last 50 years, especially for a woman who was both Mom and Dad much of the time. The Norwegian community continued to grow through the years, especially friends from Else and Karl Johan’s small home island of Karmøy.

It was this network of friends that added so much richness to their lives, and to their children’s lives. The Norwegians weren’t just friends, they were family to each other, living in nearby neighborhoods, sharing babysitting and carpool duties, holiday dinners, births of their children, and all the ups and downs of life. Because many of the women were married to fisherman, they were especially grateful to have one another to lean on.

The Hansen Family - from left Stan Hansen, son, Shari Winstead, daughter-in-law, Jessika Hansen, granddaughter, Jan Hansen, son, Joshua Baker, grandson, James Baker, son-in-law, Corey Baker, grandson, Evelyn Hansen Baker, daughter, Karl Johan Hansen and Else Hansen. Photo by Eastern Sky Photography


Having children brought new challenges. Although her English was improving, their oldest son spoke Norwegian as his first language. Fortunately, he learned English quickly, his teacher once telling Else that she believed his thought process was in Norwegian, and he then translated those thoughts to English before speaking. Fortunately, the older child excelled in school and could help his younger siblings. Else recalls that some things were just not possible to do in a different language - such as understanding the terms used in American math.

It was the oldest child who brought Thanksgiving to the Hansen household for the first time. He and another friend (a Norwegian, of course!) came home from school and explained to their Norwegian moms (because the dads were fishing in Alaska) about this holiday called Thanksgiving, and how cooking a turkey was a necessary part. Else and her friend were fortunate to know a neighborhood woman who offered to help them cook a turkey. All the side dishes were Norwegian, but the main dish was turkey, and one of many American holidays was officially adopted by the Hansen family.

That was many years ago, and of course Thanksgivings have changed, as has the Hansen’s life. While Karl Johan and Else are now both retired, they are still very close to their children and grandchildren, all of whom live nearby. They still have a close community of Norwegian friends that enhance everyday life with the many visits for coffee and cake, and catching up on the latest news from back home in Karmøy, as well as the news of all their American and Norwegian friends and families.

You can’t help but wonder, after 50 years of marriage, what the secret is to staying together.

Else’s advice was simple -  never give up, to always figure out a way to work out your problems - and don’t let your husband go to Alaska until the problems have been worked out. Karl Johan’s advice was also simple “marry a woman like Else”.  

Congratulations on 50 years of marriage!



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