The Senior Center Book Club: February Book of the Month

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Reading: a great Northwest pastime.
Linda Stapish, a book club member.
Photo by Jon Ann Cruver
Once you have read Kristin Hannah’s novel, The Nightingale, recently reviewed by Aarene Storms, (see previous article) feel welcome to come to discuss it at the Senior Center Book Club.

The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, with the discussion of this novel on Tuesday February 14, 1:00-2:00pm at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center.

The fee is $2.00 for members, $4.00 for nonmembers.

On the group’s list for March 14: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen and for April 11, Hotel Angeline by Lake Forest Park author Garth Stein.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center is located in the southern-most building of the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE Suite #1; 206-365-1536, email, Community Partner of Sound Generations.



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Photo: Wind and Waves

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Wind driven waves crashed on the beaches Tuesday. This scene is at the Edmonds waterfront.




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AG introduces proposals for assault weapon reform, supported by Sen. Frockt

Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the introduction of two bills aimed at reducing deadly mass shootings: a previously announced proposal to ban the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and a second, alternative bill enhancing background checks and raising the minimum age required to buy such weapons and magazines.

A review of mass shootings between January 2009 and January 2013 by Mayors Against Illegal Guns found that incidents where assault weapons or large capacity ammunition magazines were used resulted in 135 percent more people shot and 57 percent more killed, compared to other mass shootings.
 
Ferguson’s proposal bans the sale of assault weapons, as defined in the bill, similar to legislation passed in New York and Connecticut and upheld as constitutional by the United States Supreme Court.

The ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines applies to magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Currently, there is no limit on the capacity of magazines in Washington.

The legislation covers only sales, thereby grandfathering current gun ownership. The legislation would not require registration of existing weapons but would require them to be safely and securely stored.

Sen. David Frockt, D-46, and Rep. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds, are the bill’s prime sponsors.

"This past year, we all watched in horror as the mass shootings in Orlando and Dallas took place,” said Rep. Peterson. “And then it happened here, in Mukilteo. It's past the time we stand up for our communities and keep these assault weapons from destroying more families.”

A teenager employed at Shoreline Community College was killed in the shooting. See previous article.

Ferguson also proposed a second bill, which creates a new license to purchase and possess assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

Sen. Frockt also sponsored the background-check bill.

Similar to a Concealed Pistol License (CPL), Ferguson’s proposed license limits assault weapons ownership to those over 21 years of age. The current minimum age to purchase an assault weapon is 18. Allen Ivanov, the accused perpetrator of the July 2016 Mukilteo shootings, was 19 when he purchased the AR-15 he allegedly used to murder three former classmates and wound another.

A license would be required for any purchase of an assault weapon or high-capacity magazine. At the time of purchase, an additional in-depth background check would be conducted, and all purchases would be subject to a 10-day waiting period — similar to standard handgun purchases.

The license must be renewed annually to ensure the holder maintains eligibility to possess these weapons and magazines.

Representative Laurie Jinkins, D—Tacoma, is sponsoring a companion House bill.

                     

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Homeless to Housed

North Urban Human Services Alliance NUHSA has reconvened its Homeless to Housed committee, "and we already have a wonderful, committed, energetic group!"

If you would like to join this group, the next meeting will be this week: Thursday, January 12, 4:00 to 5:30pm at the Lake City Drop-In Center: God's Li'l Acre Drop-in located in Valor Apartments at 12521 33rd Ave NE, Seattle.

Parking available at 3120 NE 125th St with access from 125th or 33rd Ave.

If you'd like to be a part of the group but can't make it this Thursday, email to be added to the list.



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Captured by the Viet Cong - war survivor tells his story to American Legion

Bg. General Ben Tran
Text and photos by Jerry Pickard

On Tuesday January 3, 2017 the American Legion Post 227 held its monthly meeting at the American Legion Hall in Shoreline.

The featured guest speaker was Bg. General Ben Tran of The United States Volunteers.

General Tran related his experiences growing up in South Vietnam and his military life.

He was born in 1947 in South Vietnam and grew up there. When he finished school he was drafted into the South Vietnamese military forces.

He applied to become a pilot in the South Vietnamese Air Force. Everyone was required to speak English in the military so he studied and learned English.

The flight instructors were civilians and had a zero failure rate. If the student pilot failed, the instructors lost their job. Gen. Tran said he had a hard time learning to hover his helicopter at first but passed all his check rides. Upon graduating from flight school he was assigned to fly a gunship.

After his certification as a Gunship Pilot he was sent to Survival School. Upon completion of Survival School he was promoted to Warrant Officer in July of 1970 and was assigned to a Squadron as Second Pilot.

Captain Tran and his aircraft with his support crew
and his co-pilot on the far right. 
Gen. Tran said that some of his most dangerous missions were flying insertions of Special Forces units into enemy territory. He qualified for and was promoted to Command Pilot as a 1st Lieutenant.

In 1973 he was promoted to Captain and assigned as a Flight Leader. In 1974 he was promoted to Major as served as pilot to the President of South Vietnam.

In 1975 Saigon fell to the Viet Cong. 

Tram went into hiding but was captured by the North Vietnamese a short time later.

He suffered severe beatings in the re-education camp where he was interred until his escape in 1980.

He fled through Cambodia and into Thailand. He traveled using false papers until he was able to reach the American Consulate in Thailand. Someone at the consulate identified him as having been a barracks mate from his Lackland Air Force Base training days.

Members of Bg. Gen. Tran's United States Volunteer Unit were guests of Post 227.

Upon having his true identity confirmed he was granted refugee status and flown to America to start a new life.

When he arrived in America he had to go to school to learn a trade. He studied to become a salesman, saved his money and bought a store. As the store became successful he bought several more stores.

Due to an economic downturn he lost his stores and went bankrupt.

Back to square one, he studied real estate and through hard work became a successful realtor. He has offices in Bellevue.


After his lecture he showed slides of his Helicopter and his life as a Pilot. Post Commander Richard White (right) and Chaplain Larry Fischer (left) present a Certificate of Appreciation to Bg. Gen. Tran after he completed his lecture.



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Chubby Cat discount at Seattle Humane

Start the New Year off on the right paw with Seattle Humane's Chubby Cat Discounts from Friday, January 13 through Sunday, January 15!

They're offering a $1 per pound discount on cats one year and up to encourage animal lovers to welcome a furry workout buddy into their hearts and home.

Here's how it works: If a cat weighs 15 lbs., you'll get $15 off their $25 adoption fee - that's unconditional love for just $10!

Many cats are surrendered to shelters overweight. Seattle Humane works hard to get unhealthy pets back in shape with a nutritious diet and daily exercise, but nothing compares to the care of a loving home environment.

Browse through adoptable cats now at seattlehumane.org or, better yet, come visit them in person at 13212 SE Eastgate Way in Bellevue. Open seven days a week, from 11am to 6pm Sunday through Wednesday and 11am to 8pm Thursday through Saturday.



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SCC athletes are winners in the classroom

The Shoreline Dolphins had a successful Fall Quarter on the court and in the field, but their best performance came in the classroom.

Four Phins earned a 4.0 for their work in the classroom during the Fall Quarter.

Women’s Soccer had two players earn a 4.0 GPA – Sophomore Tayler Lime and Freshmen Kayla Holland.

The leading scorer from Women’s Basketball, Sophomore Enjunay Jones-Lee, also led the team with a 4.0 GPA for the Fall Quarter.

Sophomore Baseball stand out David Becker received the highest male student-athlete GPA with a 4.0.


Softball led all seven Shoreline sports programs in the Fall Quarter with a 3.1 team GPA.

Men’s Basketball led the male sports teams with a 2.95 team GPA.

Below is a list of the remaining individual GPA leaders for each team.
  • Marissa Miner led Volleyball with a 3.7 GPA.
  • Men’s Soccer was led by Jacob Weingartner and his 3.15 GPA.
  • The highest GPA for the Men’s Basketball team was earned by Brady Anderson with a 3.71.
  • Softball was led by Cheyanne Garcia with a 3.57.
--Donald Brady
--Photos courtesy SCC Athletics



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Letter to the Editor: For the Birds

To the Editor:

I so enjoy Christine Southwick's contributions on birds. She has a wonderful way of bringing them to our attention. The current one on the marbled murrelets is just one enjoyable example.


Thank you, Christine, and thank you Shoreline Area News.

Vicki Westberg
Shoreline



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Nightingale

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

WWII is on, the Nazis have invaded, and France is occupied. Elder sister Vianne is committed to surviving and to keeping her daughter safe. Younger sister Isabelle is outraged, and determined to join the Résistance and beat the Germans. The siblings rarely agree and are separated by time and politics for almost the entire duration of the conflict.

The point is made several times during the story that "war stories" are almost always about (and told by) men, and that the Nazis often overlooked the role of women in warfare, sometimes to the tremendous detriment of the Third Reich.

Not everything goes well, of course. Some of the wrong people are taken away, some of the characters that readers attach to come to grievous harm. Very few of the characters would be objectively considered "good people" ...and yet, the details of their lives are so compelling that the book is difficult to put down.

Written for adult audiences but with plenty of teen appeal, especially for readers of Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire. Sexual situations are mostly off-page, but some of the violence (and torture) is not.

Rating:
Highly recommended for readers ages 14 to adult, and especially for book discussion groups.


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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Drop-in playtime at Shoreline Fire's Children's Safety Center

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire
What child doesn't love fire engines? Imagine dressing up like a fire fighter and climbing in a real fire truck.

Take your little ones to the Children's Safety Center in Richmond Beach.

They'll be open from 9 - 11am for a drop-in playtime Monday, January 16 at 9am on Martin Luther King Jr's Day.



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Bonsai class at Sky Nursery

bonsai
Photo courtesy Sky Nursery
Saturday, January 14th, 1 pm – 2:30pm
Basic Bonsai Care - Robert Cho of Asia Pacific Gardens

Got a bonsai for the holidays, and you’re not sure about its care and feeding?

Or perhaps you’ve always been fascinated by these living treasures.
With the correct care and maintenance, a bonsai tree can last a lifetime, increasing in beauty and value every year.

Join local bonsai guru Robert Cho for this informative seminar on maintaining your bonsai.

Robert will focus particularly on pruning and repotting, but other aspects of bonsai care will be covered.

This seminar is free and open to the public.

Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave N. Shoreline 98133, 206-546-4851.


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Crime in Shoreline week ending Jan 1, 2017

Selected items from the Shoreline Police Blotter, week ending 1-1-2017.

12-19  Two people were charged with larceny after shoplifting small electronics items from Goodwill, valued at $22.83.
12-22  Packages stolen from front porch at 180th and Ashworth.
12-22  Tagging at Echo Lake Park bathroom.
12-23  One car accident at 32nd and 155th. Driver arrested on DUI.
12-23  Person at 180th and Midvale arrested on $10,000 King county burglary warrant.
12-24  Person under 21 arrested for DUI.
12-24  Three juveniles found in construction site after hours.
12-24  Vehicle found near 15000 N 150th was stolen from Seattle.
12-26  Gerber Towing impounded a vehicle stolen from Seattle.
12-26  Assisted Edmonds Police in arrest of three individuals at a Shoreline gas station wanted for vehicle prowls in Edmonds.
12-26  Vehicle prowl at 24 HR Fitness - window broken, purse taken.
12-27  Vehicle abandoned in eastbound inside lane of NE 175th.
12-27  Purse stolen from vehicle at Highland Ice arena.
12-27  During an argument at a house on N 173rd, one man stabbed another. The suspect is a Sureno gang member. The victim was in custody at Harborview.
12-27  A person falling down drunk at the transit center was taken to detox - again.
12-27  Unlocked apartment at The Blakeley was burglarized.
12-27  Forced entry to garage on 184xx 24th NE. Appliances stolen - new in the box.
12-28  Tools taken from secure container at construction site 145th and Bothell way.
12-28  Transient found sleeping in U-Haul truck in back of U-Haul business.
12-28  Vehicle prowl at Parkwood Plaza. Window smashed and suitcase taken.
12-29  Subject is seen dumping stolen auto at 170xx Stone; later arrested on warrants.
12-29  Forced entry 192xx 11th NE; nothing taken.
12-29  Cell phone stolen from Y locker room.
12-30  Stolen vehicle recovered at Fred Meyer; suspect identified.
12-30  Commercial burglary at 9xx N 175th.
01-01  4 year old boy wearing Thomas the Train pajamas was found in the middle of the intersection at 155th and Meridian.
01-01  Rifle and Apple computer stolen from garage at 173xx Ashworth.
01-01  Mail box opened and mail left on ground at 202xx 25th NE
01-02  Male was picking at his face, claiming there were worms underneath his skin. Taken for mental evaluation.



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Photo: Birds only

Photo by Seattle Poppy

Seattle Poppy walks her dog all over Shoreline and finds the most wonderful, quirky things. 

Somehow this reminds me of the classic meme of a tree house with a "No Boys Allowed" sign.

DKH



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Opera Preview: La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi

Opera Preview: La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi, Wednesday, January 11 from 7 - 8:30pm at the Shoreline Library Location: Large Meeting Room, 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155.

La Traviata, Giuseppe Verdi's 19th opera, has proven to be one of the most popular operas ever written. Why? Beautiful music and a touching story. A famous courtesan, dying of tuberculosis, accepts the sincere love of a young middle class fellow. But when the courtesan learns that her wicked past has ruined the life of the young fellow's sister, she agrees to give up her love for him. When she dies we have come to realize, courtesy of Verdi's superb music, that the truly noble person in this story was the courtesan.

This free lecture, provided to increase enjoyment and appreciation of Seattle Opera productions, will feature speaker Norm Hollingshead with recorded musical excerpts.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library.



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Leveraging LinkedIn for Business Wednesday in MLT

Mountlake Terrace Library
Leveraging LinkedIn for BusinessWednesday, January 11, from 6:00-7:30pm at the Mountlake Terrace Library, large meeting room. Free program.

LinkedIn is social media for business, yet it remains vastly underutilized for many businesses and professionals. Attend this class to first learn how to make your profile SUPER.

Next, understand how you can change profile visits into new business through various techniques. 

Space is limited but there are openings; preregister here or by phone at (425) 776-8722.

Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043.



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Author Megan Chance at Third Place Books Wednesday

Author Megan Chance will be in the "den" at Third Place Books on Wednesday, January 11 at 7pm to discuss her new book, A Drop of Ink.

A richly imagined, emotionally nuanced tale of passion, ambition, inspiration, and redemption from the critically acclaimed award-winning author of The Visitant and The Spiritualist.

Third Place Books is on the upper level of Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way in Lake Forest Park.



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Family square dance lessons Tuesday night

ClipArtKid.com
Family Square Dance Lessons for beginners ages 10 to 100 (lesson 1) with the Dudes and Dolls club, Tuesday, January 10, 7-9pm at the Cedar Valley Grange. 20526 52nd Ave W. Lynnwood, WA.

FREE admission this night for the first lesson. $3 to $6 per lesson for future lessons. “Can't dance?” No problem - this is directional walking, as easy as going to the refrigerator!

Info here or phone 425-344-3498.



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Fire calls - January 2 - 8

Responding to a call around 162nd and 11th NE
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Shoreline Fire calls for the week of January 2 through January 8 are as follows:

Aid - 103
Aid Non Emergency- 21
MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) - 4
CMT (Community Medicine Team) - 9
Medic - 48
MVA Medic - 2
Cardiac Arrest- 0
AFA (Automatic Fire Alarm) - 29
Flooding Minor - 7 (lots of thawing/burst pipes)*
Smoke Smell/Haze in the Area - 4
Service Call Fire - 5
Dumpster Fire - 1
Structure Fire Residential- 2
Structure Fire Unconfirmed -1 (chimney fire)


January 3 - Motor vehicle accident at 3am took out a power pole at 20th Ave NW near 197th. Two patients sent to the hospital with non life threatening injuries.

*Editor's note: My favorite plumber says to unfasten the hoses from the outside bibs and cover with insulating material to keep the pipes from freezing. The hardware stores sell inexpensive ones made of styrofoam.



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Karaoke - Bingo this Friday

This Friday, January 13, is Karaoke and Bingo at the Senior Center and it's not too late to reserve a spot.

Make your reservation online by Wednesday. After that take your chance at the door.

This is a celebration of the New Year - the drink of the evening will be Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps or Brandy.

Dinner will be offered for a reasonable price.

Good company - good fun!

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



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LFP City Council meetings Thursday

Monday, January 9, 2017

The Council work session will be held Thursday, January 12 from 6 - 7pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way (northeast corner of Town Center), followed by the regular meeting.

Council will discuss the Critical Areas Ordinance to review proposed amendments to Sensitive / Critical Areas Regulations. Discussion Leader is Steve Bennett, Planning and Building Director.

The goal is to facilitate Council understanding of proposed code amendments and prepare for public hearing and ordinance adoption in February.

The regular city council meeting will begin at 7pm with the proclamation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, followed by a presentation about the school district bond on the February ballot.

The consent calendar has approval of minutes and expenses, as well as resolutions authorizing the mayor to sign agreements for local hazardous waste management and waste reduction and recycling programs.

Resolution 1598 would authorize the Mayor to sign an Amendment to Agreement for Consultant Services with The Watershed Company to expand scope of work relating to Critical Areas Ordinance Public Process.

The Parks task force will make a presentation. The Council will schedule a meeting for January 26, 2017 to consider taking a position on the school district bond levy.

After reports, the Council will go into Executive Session to consider property acquisition.


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Shoreline Music4Life donates 16 instruments to Shoreline Schools

Shoreline resident Karen Stoufer donated a flute
during the Shoreline Arts Festival
Photo by Kathryn Paulsness
During the last quarter of 2016, Music4Life donated 16 musical instruments to Shoreline Schools.

The instruments - an alto sax, a cello, three clarinets, four flutes, a trombone, a trumpet, a violin, and an electric guitar with an amplifier - are valued at $9,400.

Music4Life accepts donated musical instruments, has them refurbished, and donates them to school districts to be distributed to students in need.

Their goal is that every child who wishes to play an instrument is able to do so.

Currently they operate in six school districts. Each district has its own booster group. New volunteers are always welcome.

Donations of instruments are always welcome. Donations of cash go to refurbish instruments.

Email for more information.



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Do you know someone who needs a wheelchair ramp?

Irons Brothers volunteers build a ramp
for a Shoreline resident
Photo by Tom Redner

Rampathon


Each year since 1993, MBA members and community volunteers head to a home site somewhere in King or Snohomish County to build a ramp. For free.

Because our neighbors in need deserve the same freedoms we have. Wheelchair access ramps are their link to our beautiful community we all share.

The Master Builders Association, through their Care Foundation, is proud to help local veterans, children in need, and elderly community members become more mobile and independent.

See previous article: Free wheelchair ramp gives Shoreline woman independence

Do you know someone who is struggling to get a wheelchair over steps? Let them know how to apply for Rampathon this year.

Applications to be considered for a free wheelchair ramp are available now.
Applications are due by Wednesday, March 1, 2017.

You could be helping to change a life for the better.


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For the Birds: Marbled Murrelets - our endangered seabird

Our Marbled Murrelets are endangered seabirds.
Photo by Rich McIntosh
By Christine Southwick

Marbled Murrelets, endangered seabirds, really are one of our local birds we can protect, if we act in a concerted manner.

Marbled Murrelets are only found on the Pacific Coast, breeding only in the old-growth forests growing from northern California through Alaska.

Marbled Murrelets in Washington build their one-egg nest only on a mossy, lichen-lined horizontal branch in 200 year or older trees within a heavily forested area.

Marbled Murrelet on the nest
These suitable nesting sites are rare, and becoming rarer, often causing the parents to fly 45 miles each way to capture the small schooling fishes that they feed to their nestling.

And you thought you had a long commute!

Marbled Murrelets forage close to shores, preferring calm waters and bays, swimming underwater to catch their small schooling fish in waters usually less than 100 feet deep.

Jim Creek, a naval radio station near Arlington, has 5,000 wooded acres, of which 225 acres are ancient growth trees. 

“Many trees in the 225 acres (0.91 km2) are estimated to be up to 1500 – 1700 years old with some over 260 feet tall and 10 feet in diameter.”

This ancient growth forest is the largest remaining old-growth cedar and spruce forest in the Puget Sound trough. Jim Creek has verified Marbled Murrelet nests.

Nestling.
The most enlightening event of my trip to Jim Creek was when the ranger explained that old-growth trees are chemically different and support different organisms than second-growth trees.

He said that if you took a second-growth tree and shook it upside-down, and then you took an old-growth tree and shook it upside-down, and you would get totally different organisms.

Old growth trees have lived so long, and collect dampness from fog, etc., that over the years lichen and mosses have decomposed enough that soils have formed, and salamanders and other creatures climb up and take shelter there too.

Murrelets fly 45 miles each way
to get food for their nestlings
Murrelets have adapted to only flying inland from the sea just before sunrise or after sunset when the light is low, to avoid daylight raptors. 

The chick, or the brooding parent, has to keep hidden for 24 hours before food or the parental exchange can arrive. The chick has a month to grow, go through its first adult molt, and then it has fly to the ocean by itself at night.

Mortality is high, and not all eggs survive nest predation.

There are public meetings / webinar being held this month on rules and ways to save these birds.

Come to a public information meeting on Thursday, January 12 from 6-8 pm at Whitman Middle School in Seattle’s Ballard/Crown Hill neighborhood: 9201 15th Avenue NW, Seattle, 98117.

More information at Seattle Audubon.



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WeatherWatcher: New snow threat, forecast, last week's data


Forecast: There's a new chance of snow Tuesday morning. I know this is short notice but models were not picking this up until this afternoon. Most of the snow is expected to remain south of Seattle, however, so Shoreline and Lake Forest Park are likely to only see cold air again, with maybe a dusting to one inch of snow. This is not a big enough threat to prompt any weather watches or warnings at this time for our area.

After Tuesday morning's showers and arctic push, expect to see clearing skies and cold temperatures to last us through Friday. Highs are expected to be in the low to mid 30's and lows in the mid to low 20's. Just a little warmer than it was last week.

Friday night into next weekend a new storm system is moving in, but I can't call it right now on whether it will be a snow event or rain event. All indications right now are saying a slight warm up and rain, but temperatures are expected to still be in the mid-30's.

Here's our daily high and low temperatures graphed compared to the station's average:


We've been much drier than normal as a result of these arctic high pressure systems. We've had one day of rain so far (not including Monday as I write this) and about 3/4 inch of snow accumulation New Year's Day.


Last week's data:

High temperature: 37.2°F (Saturday December 31st)
Low temperature: 18.9°F (Thursday January 5th)
Rainiest day: 0.10 inches (Saturday December 31st)
Total rainfall: 0.10 inches
Total snow accumulation: 0.75 inches
Warmest day: 33.9°F (Saturday December 31st)
Coldest day: 25.8°F (Thursday January 5th)
Average temperature: 29.2°F (Normal average is 38.7°F) 9.5°F colder than normal.

For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com



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Photo: On the rocks

The ice is thick enough on Echo Lake that it cracked when someone threw rocks on it, but didn't break through.

Thanks to Ellen Wood for this photo, taken from Echo Lake Park.





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Mary's Place opens a small house shelter in Shoreline

Volunteers pose in front of Mary's Place Shoreline
Photo courtesy Mary's Place

Providing shelter for homeless families with critically ill children

On Sunday morning, January 8, teams of volunteers convened at the newest Mary’s Place shelter in Shoreline to turn the two-bedroom house, on loan from Shoreline Covenant Church, into a home for their Popsicle Place program.

Gutters were cleaned and repaired
by Gaspar's Handyman and Construction
Photo courtesy Mary's Place
Mary's Place operates two day centers where they meet basic needs and provide housing, employment, and wellness resources for women and families experiencing homelessness in Seattle; and five emergency family night shelters that offer 24x7 accommodations for 400 family members – moms, dads, and their children.

Popsicle Place provides comfort and caring in a smaller house setting for kids with life-threatening illnesses and their families, many of who are recovering from chemo and other treatments while living in tents, or their cars parked outside the hospital.

The Shoreline Popsicle Place is Mary's Place second location; the first Popsicle Place program is operating inside the Mary's Place Guest Rooms shelter in downtown Seattle.

“We began to see an increase in the number of families who were becoming homeless as a result of caring for a sick child” said Marty Hartman, Executive Director of Mary’s Place. 
“These moms and dads had lost their jobs to take their child to doctor’s appointments, they lost their homes, they had nowhere to go. Children undergoing chemo would open a car door to be sick. We knew we had to do something to provide a place where these families could focus on healing, and these children could be comfortable and safe. We hope to open more homes as Popsicle Place locations.”

E and L Flooring installed new floors
Photo courtesy Mary's Place
 On Sunday, volunteers from E and L Flooring installed new flooring; Gaspar’s Handyman and Construction Services updated the bathroom, cleaned and repaired the roof and gutters, built a new gate, and did several other small projects.

Seattle Children’s Hospital Volunteer Services donated hygiene products.

First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach filled the cupboards with supplies and provided furniture to make this house a home for one or two families when it opens at the end of the month.

If you would like to learn more about Mary's Place and how you can help, visit their website.



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Home sales in Shoreline December 2016

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



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Shoreline City Council Meetings Monday

Shoreline City Council
Shoreline City Council meets at City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N.

Monday, January 9, 2017 – Special Meeting 5:45pm with the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County

Monday, January 9, 2017 – Regular Meeting 7:00pm Council Chambers

Agenda Highlights
  • Proclamation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Amount of $493,916.80 with Award Construction, Inc. for Construction of the 15th Avenue NE Pavement Preservation Project
    • The 15th Avenue NE roadway is classified as a Principal Arterial. The segment between NE 148th Street and NE 155th Street will be repaved in this project. Existing curb ramps and sidewalk sections that do not meet ADA requirements will also be reconstructed. 
  • Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Amount of $881,297.50 with SRV Construction for Construction of the Meridian Avenue N Pavement Preservation Project (see previous article)
  • Motion to Waive Certain Sections of the Parks and Facility Naming Policy and Adopting the Name “Gloria’s Path” for the Path Commonly Referred to as the Fremont Trail
    • Gloria and Herb Bryce have been maintaining the trail for the benefit of the community for many years. Council will consider formally naming the pathway for Gloria Bryce.
  • Adoption of Ord. No. 769 – Amending Section 15.05.080 of the Shoreline Municipal Code, Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems (NFPA 130) Amendments, to Require Public Restrooms at Stations
  • Discussion of Ordinance No. 767 amending Development Code Sections 20.20, 20.30, 20.40, 20.50, 20.70, 20.100, and Ordinance Nos. 713 and 714 amending Municipal Code Sections 16.10 and 16.20
Link to full Agenda

Comment on Agenda items


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Film shot in Shoreline almost ready for film festivals


The Shoreline film community is currently finishing up work on the short film, “Legacy”.

This film was shot completely in Shoreline at a resident’s home and at Jersey’s Great Food and Spirits. The crew is led by Shoreline residents and primarily made up of Shoreline Community College students, alumni, and faculty.

The Director, Kira Sipler, Director of Photography and Editor George Watt, and Writer / Producer Elaine Douglas are all long-time Shoreline residents.

Tony Doupé, SCC Film Department instructor, is the Executive Producer.

“Legacy” is about Charlie, an idealistic young woman, and Lee, her devoted father, who have to come to terms with some hidden truths when Charlie decides to enlist in the Marines.

They are in the final days of a crowdfunding campaign on IndieGoGo and are close to reaching their goal. They would love support from Shoreline residents.

Keep up to date on the progress of “Legacy” by following it on the IndieGoGo site or on Facebook

See the trailer here.

They expect to start submitting it to film festivals, including SIFF, in the next few weeks.

Shoreline has a budding film industry, centered around Tony Doupé's drama program at Shoreline Community College.



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Photo: Lorelei learned her lesson

Photo by Lorelei Begalka

Lorelei Begalka says she has learned her lesson!

I carefully keep the area under my bird feeder cleaned up to avoid rats. 
I emptied the old bird seed out onto a cookie sheet for the ground feeders and squirrels in this below freezing weather. First time, last time. 
My kitten, Suki, was chattering at the slider and I looked out to see why at 9:30pm at night!!

Four large raccoons were on the deck, attracted by the food.

Suki, fortunately, is a indoor cat. And Lorelei says she'll never put food on the ground again.



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Restaurant review: Black Pearl


Black Pearl
Review and photos by Carolyn Keopanya

Who can turn a selective vegetarian into a ravenous carnivore? The same ones who can create a leftover sauté enthusiast out of my picky 10 year old food separatist - Black Pearl. With inviting dishes of brightly colored crisp vegetables, and tantalizing smells of marinated meats, Black Pearl is a wonderland for the experienced and new to Chinese cuisine.


My family and I recently visited Black Pearl for lunch. Black Pearl is a fantastic Chinese restaurant on the north side of Goodwill on 15th NE and 145th. They have an open line concept so you can watch your food being prepared while you wait. Lunch is a great time to try a variety of items there for a really great price. Each entree item comes with a choice of rice, choice of soup (their hot and sour is the best!) and either a spring roll or bbq pork.

We chose to share our entrees family style. I couldn't believe the enthusiasm that came from my kids - never witnessing such eagerness to try new foods before! My children are as selective as they come, so this can only attest to the offerings at Black Pearl.

We chose to have General Tso's Chicken, Stir-Fried Green Vegetables, 10 Ingredient Chow Mein, and a full entree size of the Mongolian Beef. My boys had a fork fight to compete for who got the last of the General Tso's - one of them being the aforementioned vegetarian.

This General Tso's is like none other I've had. Light and crispy coating, large pieces of breast meat chicken, and a sauce that is the best blend of all that the palate desires: Savory garlic and soy with just the right touch of sweetness, followed with that bit of spice the dish is known for. Nothing needed, nothing missed.

The Green Veggies was a total hit! Those picky kids I mentioned.... wouldn't leave them alone! Frosted in garlic, simply sautéd to an al dente perfection, this dish was a great accompaniment to our meat and noodle dishes without overpowering them.

The Mongolian Beef was definitely the favorite all around, eliciting the highest amount of praise from the crowd. When I asked what made the beef so tender, Chef giggled and said she bought a machine especially to cut the meat for this dish. First the beef is defatted, tendons removed, then marinated. The sauce for the final preparation is as delicate as the meat itself, tossed with green onions, and poured over crispy noodles.

The 10 Ingredient Chow Mein combined an array of meats, shrimp, and vegetables with soft noodles. This dish is available with the house homemade noodles ($1.25 up charge) which is a recipe Chef learned from her mother. Other recipes Chef Tieth-Sun Cheng brought from home are the Mu Shu pancakes and Pot Stickers.

Fresh, healthy ingredients are important to Black Pearl. They use absolutely no MSG, no nitrites, as well as no artificial colors. And they limit the amount of sugar, sodium, and corn starch in their dishes, and use only white meat chicken. So often I leave Asian restaurants feeling sluggish. This wasn't the case with Black Pearl -  I was satisfied and energized!

Chef Juei-Hsi Cheng and Chef Tieth-Sun Cheng,
"Ray" and "Marlene", owners of Black Pearl

Chef Tieth-Sun Cheng and husband Chef Juei-Hsi Cheng, who most know as Marlene and Ray, moved to Shoreline in 1987. In 1989 they opened the first Black Pearl in the Wedgwood neighborhood. Ten years later, they opened their current location here in Shoreline.

They are the kindest people and treat their customers as an extension of their family. Their restaurant is clean, and staff is courteous. Free delivery to a 3 mile radius with a $10 minimum order.

Lunch Specials $6.75-8.25 (served until 4pm)
Appetizers $1.75-7.50
Entrees $8.25-11.95
Specialty Items $13-15

14602 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, 206-365-8989

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11-9pm
Friday, Saturday 11-9:30pm
Sunday 4-9pm
Monday Closed



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Local legislators take leadership posts in new session

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Evan Smith
By Evan Smith

Legislators from the 32nd and 46th districts will hold leadership positions in the 2017 legislative session that opens Monday.

Democratic 32nd District State Rep. Ruth Kagi will continue as chairwoman of the House committee on early learning and human services and a member of the Appropriations Committee, while joining the Environment Committee.

The other 32nd District representative, Democrat Cindy Ryu, will continue as chairwoman of the committee on community development, housing and tribal affairs, while joining the Capital Budget Committee and the committee on commerce and gaming.

Democratic 46th District State Rep. Jessyn Farrell, who will become deputy house majority whip, also will become vice chairwoman of the Transportation Committee and a member of the Rules Committee, while joining the committee on commerce and gaming.

The other 46th District representative, Democrat Gerry Pollet, will continue as vice chairman of the Higher Education Committee and a member of the Finance Committee, while joining the Appropriations Committee.

In the Republican-controled Senate, Democratic 32nd District State Sen. Maralyn Chase will be ranking minority member of the committee on agriculture, water and rural economic development and a member of the Senate Rules Committee.

Democratic 46th District State Sen. David Frockt will become assistant ranking minority member for the capital budget on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, while continuing to serve on the Higher Education Committee and the Law and Justice Committee.

The 32nd District includes Shoreline and part of northwest Seattle, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, south Edmonds, the city of Lynnwood and a small part of Mountlake Terrace.

The 46th District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.



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Open House about drainage, water quality, and stream habitat issues in Shoreline

Shoreline's Surface Water Utility conducted a study of the Puget Sound drainage basins and portions of Edmonds Way, Bitter Lake, and West Lake Washington drainage basins within the Shoreline city limits in 2015 and 2016 to identify drainage, water quality, and stream habitat issues in these basins and management strategies to address the identified issues.

In addition, the City assessed the condition of the subsurface stormwater conveyance system (storm pipe network) in each basin.

City Staff will be conducting an Open House to discuss findings of the study at Shoreline City Hall, Council Chambers on Thursday, January 12, 2017 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

Staff will be there to explain the study and results and recommendations.

If you are unable to attend the Open House and would like to provide input, contact Uki Dele, Surface Water and Environmental Services Manager, 206-801-2451 or see the project webpage.



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Jobs: Emergency Management Specialist - Emergency Program Officer

ClipArtBest.com

Shoreline WSDOT has an opening for an Emergency Management Specialist - Emergency Program Officer.

WSDOT has a unique high-profile opportunity for an accomplished and innovative emergency management professional. This professional will be responsible to spearhead and coordinate a comprehensive emergency management plan for the most populated region of Washington State that experiences more actual and potential emergency events than the rest of the Northwest.

Full description and application here



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Briarcrest Neighborhood Association to hear from Shoreline Schools Superintendent

Your Briarcrest Neighborhood Association invites you to a presentation by Shoreline School District Superintendent Rebecca Miner about the upcoming $250 million school construction bond vote scheduled for February.

Join us for our regular monthly meeting at 7:00pm on Tuesday, January 10th or come at 8:00pm to hear Superintendent Miner.

Join us at Patty Pan Community Kitchen, 15550 - 27th Avenue NE. See ya there!



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Ronald Bog Park



Text and photos by Wayne Pridemore

Stopped at the Ronald Bog Park one morning and took a few photos of the local ducks that stay there year round.

During the 1940s and 1950s the area was privately owned and peat moss was harvested for the commercial market.



In 1974 King County bought the acreage and created the park that later was given to the city of Shoreline.

There is a small parking lot for the park just west of the freeway on the south side of 175th St. It is a good place to visit and view many forms of wildlife.



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Free guaranteed carpool parking at Northgate park n ride

Start the New Year off with free guaranteed carpool parking at one of six Metro park-and-rides.

Applications for permits are now available from Metro and Republic Parking Northwest.

To get a permit, groups must include two or more people who ride together, park at the park-and-ride, and then catch transit, a vanpool, or a carpool with at least three people.

Carpool permit parking starts Wednesday, February 1, at six park-and-ride lots including Northgate.

More information about permits or sign up for web alerts here



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