Photos: Shoreline police station construction

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Checking in on the construction of the new Shoreline police station on N 175th. The site is full of small construction equipment.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The interior remodeling is done. The 3rd floor meeting rooms have been improved, and the Planning department has been moved to the third floor.



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Random works of art: Cairns by Pilgrim



Text and photos by Cynthia Sheridan

The Balancing Man, also known as Pilgrim, has found a new spot for his lifelong vocation of creating structures in harmony with the law of gravity.

Along the exterior edge of his apartment complex, Pilgrim has built a garden of balancing rocks.

Recently he was required to move the structures from one side of the driveway to the other, an amazing feat which he was able to complete in one short weekend.

This is a local curiosity not to be missed; the standing rocks are located in the parking lot of North Ridge Apartments, at 1530 NE 177th St in North City.



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Insurance Commissioner approves 11 health insurers for individual plans - but rates are up

According to state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, eleven health insurers are approved to sell 74 plans in Washington's 2018 individual health insurance market (PDF, 138 KB). The average premium increase this year has jumped to 36.4 percent due to President Trump's decision to stop funding the cost-sharing reduction assistance.

He reports that the president's decision increased rates by 10 percent on average in Washington state.

2018 Approved rate changes by insurer

Health insurerApproved average* rate change due to CSR funding endingApproved average* rate change if CSR funding is restored

Sold inside/outside Exchange
Asuris Northwest Health25.00%25.00%Outside
BridgeSpan Health Co.16.00%16.00%Outside
Coordinated Care Corp.45.85%30.03%Inside
Health Alliance11.76%11.76%Outside
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington23.26%15.53%Both
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest28.30%18.89%Both
LifeWise Health Plan of Washington33.73%26.20%Inside
Molina Healthcare of Washington61.25%45.53%Inside
Premera Blue Cross35.51%29.71%Inside
Regence BlueShield24.60%24.60%Outside
Regence BlueShield of Oregon23.30%23.30%Outside
Total approved average* change
*weighted by enrollment as of March 2017
36.4%26.4% 
"I'm very disheartened to have to approve these rates," said Kreidler  
"For months, we've struggled with the ongoing uncertainty at the federal level and have shared our concerns with our Congressional delegation and with the president's administration.  
"I warned of the harm their actions could inflict on real people and their families. The president's decision to stop making cost-sharing subsidy payments and weakening the enforcement of the individual mandate to buy health insurance are behind the surge in premiums we're seeing this year.  
"The other major cost driver is the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs -- something the administration promised to tackle, yet has failed to take on."

See insurers and their rates by county

Consumers who select a silver-level plan inside the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) will see an additional rate increase due to the end of cost-sharing reduction funding. However, they will still receive cost-sharing assistance if they income qualify, and any rate increase would be mitigated if they qualify for these subsidies or Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs). People who select a silver plan and do not qualify for subsidies will be hit the hardest by the president's decision.

Last year, approximately 110,000 people purchased silver plans through the Exchange.  More than 73,000 of them received subsidies.

More than 300,000 people in Washington - or about 5 percent of our state population - do not get health insurance from their employer and must buy a plan through the individual health insurance market. They can buy these plans through the Exchange or directly from an insurer. However, subsidies are only available through the Exchange.



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Public Health: Flu activity picking up in Washington


Washington State Public Health officials are already seeing influenza cases across the state, and they expect the number to rise in the coming weeks. People are urged to get a flu shot now as the best line of defense against flu.

“The flu can, and does, make people really sick,” said Dr. Kathy Lofy, health officer for Washington State Department of Health. 
“Most healthy people who get the flu don’t need urgent medical care; however, people in a high-risk group and those who are very sick should contact their health care provider as soon as possible.”

Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and up. Serious complications from influenza are more likely to occur in high-risk groups such as young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions. Health care providers, and others in close contact with people in high-risk groups, should get a flu shot to protect themselves and the people in their care.

People who are sick should stay home so they don’t spread the flu to others. Antiviral medication may be prescribed to help reduce the severity and duration of flu illness.

Washington had 278 confirmed flu deaths in the past year, and medical facilities saw high numbers of patients seeking care for flu. While most people with the flu can be safely treated at home, there are some symptoms that should trigger immediate medical care. To find out what to do if you feel sick with flu-like symptoms read this guide from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.

Department of Health encourages everyone to knock out flu with an annual flu shot. Visit KnockOutFlu.org for places to get your flu shot, weekly flu updates, and more.



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Holiday Bazaar at Senior Center Friday and Saturday


The annual Senior Center Holiday Bazaar will be held this coming weekend, Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4, 2017 from 10am to 4pm.

The Senior Center is located on the Shoreline Center campus, southernmost building, 18560 1st Ave NW #1, 98155. The Bargain Corner thrift shop will be open, with specials for the sale. There will be a bake sale and the kitchen will be serving food.

Tickets are still available for the annual ThimbleBelle quilt raffle. A silent auction features donated gifts. Vendors at the crafts table are a mixture of Senior Center members and craft vendors.

Best of all, proceeds help fund the services of the Senior Center.



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Shoreline City Council Meetings Monday

Shoreline City Council

Monday, October 30, 2017 – Special Meeting 5:45pm
- Executive Session: Personnel – RCW 42.30.110(1)(g)

Monday, October 30, 2017 – Regular Meeting 7:00pm

Agenda Highlights - Link to full Agenda
  • Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract with PAWS in an Amount Not to Exceed $175,000 for Animal Sheltering Services for 2018-2022
  • Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Contracts with Superion LLC in an Amount up to $700,000 for the Licensing and Professional Services of the Financial and Human Resource Software System Implementation
  • Discussing Ordinance No. 791 – Amending the SMC Chapter 3.75, Implementing a Fire Impact Fee
  • Discussing Ordinance No. 803 – Amendments to SMC Chapter 10.05 Model Traffic Ordinance Adding Parking Restriction for Bicycle, Transit and Turn Only Lanes
  • Discussing an Update on Implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan and Selecting 2018-2021 Priority Recommendations
  • Discussing Ordinance No. 792 – Repealing in its Entirety Chapter 12.40 Impact Fees for Transportation and Adding a New Chapter to Title 3 Revenue and Finance, Chapter 3.80 Impact Fees for Transportation to the Shoreline Municipal Code
Comment on Agenda items



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Donate to the Shoreline Public School Foundation for classroom enrichment

SPSF Annual Breakfast
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The Shoreline Public Schools Foundation has received sixty-six grant requests from Shoreline teachers.

These requests support educational excellence and student success in every Shoreline Public School. 

The Foundation's Fall Campaign looks to raise the funds to support every grant request.

With community support, students will have new opportunities to: 
  • explore science and engineering concepts, 
  • expand their knowledge in the areas of technology and math, 
  • increase literacy skills, and 
  • discover a greater appreciation for the arts, music and diversity. 

As today’s students become our future leaders, a rich and well-rounded public education gives them and our community the greatest opportunity for success.

Your investment in these learning opportunities will help ensure that our students are ready for the future as contributing, responsible citizens.

You are a click away from enriching a child’s education! DONATE TODAY
SPSF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID# 91-1556631. Your donation is tax-deductible.

The Shoreline Public Schools Foundation raises funds to support academic excellence and expanded learning opportunities for all students in the Shoreline Public Schools.



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Einstein girls take honors at cross country championships

Einstein girls take championships at cross country meet

Here are the results from the Wednesday, October 25, 2017 SNO KING MS Cross Country Championships held at Shoreline Stadium.

Over 550 athletes from 15 Middle Schools participated. The SNO KING Middle School league represents middle schools from Shoreline, Edmonds, Mukilteo and Everett School Districts.

Congrats to the the following team champions:
  • 7th grade girls: Einstein (Shoreline)
    • 7th grade Kellogg girls were 2nd (Shoreline)
  • 7th grade boys: Explorer (Mukilteo)
  • 8th grade girls: Einstein (Shoreline)
  • 8th grade boys: Brier Terrace (Edmonds)

Here are the results of the races:

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Death notices as of October 25, 2017

Painting by Chrystine Westphal
Obituaries are condensed biographies of people's lives, written by the people who loved them.

Like a memorial service, they tell us things we may not have known about the person, and may leave us wishing we had known them better.

Obituaries extracted from The Seattle Times

Vera Adamson  1934-2017  A memorial service was held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church for former Kenmore resident. 

Lanny and Diane Kimmel  Lanny 1942-2017 / Diane 1944-2017  Married for 54 years, Lanny and Diane Kimmel passed away within a month of each other. A funeral mass was held at St Mark Catholic church in Shoreline.

Don Meehan  1931-2017  Rosary and funeral mass at St Luke Catholic church in Shoreline for retired Seattle schoolteacher and army veteran. The Gonzaga graduate loved Broadway musicals and "an occasional trip to the casinos."

Charlotte H. Comin  Services at St. Mark Catholic church in Shoreline with graveside services at Holyrood.

Jennifer Attwood Rapuzzi  1953-2017  Memorial service held at the Lake Forest Park Civic Club for writer and climate activist. She belonged to the Sierra Club and was a Bernie volunteer.

Richard Allen 'Dick' Strand  1927-2017  Born a few years after his family came from Sweden, he grew up in north Seattle. "In 1962 he established his own business, Shoreline Plumbing and Heating where he and his wife Irene worked side by side for 20 years." After retirement in 1982 he started a second career in real estate, which he pursued for 40 years. Services at Seattle Golf Club in Shoreline.

Bonell (Bonnie) K. Gonzalez  1939-2017  Services at New Hope Four Square Church in Shoreline for Lake Forest Park resident.

Paul Smith  1921-2017  An educator and fitness guru, he was an athletic instructor at the UW when he was named chair of the P.E. department at the newly opened Shoreline High School. He was a teacher, then administrator for the Shoreline School District until he retired in 1989. During WW II he was in the Army Signal Corps. He was listed in many Who's Who and received numerous awards. He had a fitness show on local public TV. He conducted fitness workshops in 18 states and developed teaching techniques for dyslexia. Services held at Acacia in Lake Forest Park.

Patricia Jean Stone Vegsund  1935-2017  With her first husband, Ivan S. Stone, Jr., she lived in Shoreline from ten years, from 1954 to 1964 when they moved to Edmonds with their children.

Eleanore Louise Montzingo  1927 -2017  Richmond Beach mother of six passed at her residence at Crista. She was an artist and crafter who loved to entertain at home. In later years, she and husband Lloyd were members of Calvin Presbyterian church in Shoreline.

Ingvald Ask  1921-2017  Passed at Anderson House, close to his home in Shoreline. He was a commercial salmon and albacore troller, and longliner into his 80s and a dedicated member of the Seafood Producer's Co-op. His fishing stories are here.


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Op-Ed: LFP Candidate forum highlights experience and passion

Incumbent council members John Resha and Mark Phillips answer
questions at the LFP candidate forum by LWV moderator Kathy Sakahara
Photo by Amy Whittenburg

By Donna Hawkey

The candidate forum in Lake Forest Park on October 18, moderated by the League of Women Voters and sponsored by Third Place Commons, highlighted the choices of experienced city council incumbents versus personally passionate opposers and an interesting situation for the school board position.

The voters will decide whether a City Council candidate in place is a good fit going forward when the City is at its most pivotal decision making point in an over 50-year history. The most important decisions will take place in the next 18 months. Or does the city need new voices to move forward in some different directions?

In the race for Shoreline School Board Position No. 2, the big question is; do the voters feel comfortable giving this position to a Shoreline resident who is a college instructor with strong political experience, or do they want a Lake Forest Park resident with a decade of volunteer experience in school organizations? Jill Brady lives in Lake Forest Park and is not associated with any government. Heather Fralick lives in Shoreline and is the wife of the Mayor of Shoreline.

Because school board directors have to live in the district associated with the position, there are only two positions that a Lake Forest Park resident can run for. Debi Ehrlichman, who is retiring, is the only Lake Forest Park resident on the board.

Back to the City Council race, the voters will decide if the current failed Central Subarea community process caused them to lose confidence in this government and staff decisions to the point of upsets in either City Council Position No. 3 or Position No. 7. Councilmember John Wright, who has 30 years experience as an engineer with Metro Transit, currently holds Position No. 3. “We have only one chance to get this right,” he said, referring to the new Central Subarea Plan which includes Sound Transit 3 planning. He also feels he is the only pure “independent voice” on the current City Council and especially when it involves the more controversial issues, mentioning that he is often the "one" vote in a 6 to 1 decision.

Councilmember John Resha has been acting as the City’s budget chair and says he has served the budget process well even with increased spending in some areas of identified need. “ As we go forward as community, I hope to continue leading efforts for financial stability and stewardship, environmental protections, and developing local solutions with the people of Lake Forest Park through open dialogue and experienced delivery,” (from Councilmember Resha’s recent NextDoor re-introduction posts.) Councilmember Resha also spearheaded the City’s recent tree ordinance update.

The City of Lake Forest Park, Mayor Jeff Johnson, along with City Council and City Staff, did take swift action in recently breaking an up to $200,000 outside Central Subarea services contract that wasted considerable time and energies during an already rushed process for a complex set of projects. Going forward the City Council is promising to really find ways to engage the residents. They learned from this false start and have taken responsibility for what has happened. But will they keep moving ahead on their promises to improve “two-way communication?”

Some residents are still upset from past experiences with the city. Sanctuary and compassionate city issues brought one candidate, Ben Gonzalez O’Brien to the forums, and another, Nick Negulescu, stepped forward after concerns over rumors about rezoning in his neighborhood.

Now both of these opposing candidates say they are hearing loudly from other Lake Forest Park residents that they are tired of the same old lack of communication that has been its own historical rub for too long.

Ben Gonzalez O’Brien for City Council Position No 3 runs his overall platform around “Community, Accountability, Environment.” Ben especially is interested in developing a ten-year plan for the creation of affordable housing in LFP to address increasing housing prices and a lack of senior living facilities. Being a Professor of Political Science, Ben feels that gives him independent thinking perspective. He pledged to hold “office hours” to talk with constituents, push for more community forums, and work on outreach to our low-income and minority communities.

Candidate Nick Negulescu is mounting a last-minute campaign for City Council Position No. 7 as a write-in, challenging the more budget experienced Councilmember Resha for his seat. Nick is a resident living nearby the Town Center in what would be one of the neighborhoods most affected by any ST3 parking garage or other Town Center development.

The most important thing to remember though, is just to vote, and always do your own homework before you vote. Some candidates have websites that can be easily googled by using their name and city/state.

No matter who you choose to vote for, take responsibility for that decision and get involved however you can. Together we can make sure all the winners follow through on their campaign promises!

Thanks to all these candidates for your service.


Donna Hawkey is a 21 year Lake Forest Park resident and can be reached at dhawkey@comcast.net.  She has personally endorsed Jill Brady.

Updated to change article to Op-Ed category and correct schools in  


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Photos: Fall foliage

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Oak leaf hydrangea
Photo by Shirley Sidell

Here are some of the colors we are experiencing. Seems like there isn't a street without bursts of color. I drove down a street today where four yards had the same absolutely brilliant red foliage.

DKH



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U.S. Postal Service is looking to buy or lease property for new post office

Postal Service is looking to purchase or lease
land to house the North City Post Office
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
The U.S. Postal Service is losing the lease for the North City Post Office at NE 175th and 15th NE in Shoreline.

Do you own property or know someone who owns property they might like to sell or lease to the Feds?

According to Postal Service Real Estate Specialist Greg Shelton, here's what they are looking for:

Location (as close as possible to the current location at NE 175th and 15th NE, ideally less than a 1 mile)

Option1: Retail and Carriers in one building known as a one for one
  • Building size: 19,648 Gross SF or about 16,833 Net SF
  • Parking: 153 Parking (21 Customer, 76 Employee and 56 Carriers)
  • Land Size: 110,000 SF
  • Docks: One 30” High and one 50” high minimums
Option 2: Retail only (Has the PO BOX and service counter)
  • Building size: 4,329 Gross SF or about 3,684 Net SF
  • Parking: 25 Parking (20 Customer and 5 Employee)
  • Land Size: 42,000 SF
  • Docks: One 30” High
Option 3: Carrier Building only (Can be a warehouse more industrial)
  • Building size: 15,785 Gross SF or about 13,770 Net SF
  • Parking: 131 Parking (2 Customer, 73 Employee and 56 Carriers)
  • Land Size: 95,000 SF
  • Docks: One 30” High and one 50” high minimums

Ideally, they would prefer an existing building. If someone is building a building that meets their needs, they will consider this as well.

Also, they would consider purchasing property to build a facility.

Contact Bryan Hester with CBRE regarding all properties.

Bryan Hester / Vice President CBRE
1420 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1700, Seattle, WA 98101 
Email                  



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Letter to the Editor: Honesty in politics

To the Editor:

I'm writing to discuss honesty in politics. I'm sorry to say that one candidate has not been honest in her campaign. Jin-ah Kim has made irresponsible untrue claims against her opponent, Keith McGlashan. In one widely distributed flyer, she claimed that McGlashan had been instrumental in the 'approval' of Point Wells, then asked how we could trust him when he would do this. Of course, this was completely untrue. Point Wells has not been approved, and only Snohomish County could ever approve it. Kim’s supporters then claimed this flyer was a "misunderstanding" Hogwash! It was a deliberate smear. Then another Kim supporter wrote a long diatribe about McGlashan’s personal business dealings, another untrue smear. You can read McGlashan's rebuttal.

Why is Kim using these tactics? I know she has the support of the local Democratic Party so I'm confused, as a long time Democratic voter. Her claim to fame seems to be her hard luck story of being a heroin addict, recovered. She's promoted heroin injection sites first in Shoreline, then backing off after realizing that wouldn’t fly here, but she still supports them. She bemoans the deaths of her many dear addict friends. This is sad, I agree, but does not qualify her to represent the citizens of Shoreline. What has she actually accomplished that gives her the ability to make decisions for the vast majority of Shoreline residents who are not homeless or addicted to drugs?

McGlashan, on the other hand, is an award winning business owner, was co-president of Shoreline Public Schools Foundation, raising money for its cause, helped stop backyard encampments, blocked Deepgreen double-density, and worked on behalf of Shoreline’s Wonderland Development Center. I support Keith McGlashan for city council.

Barbara Twaddell
Shoreline



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AG’s office wins $3M federal grant to process backlogged sexual assault DNA evidence

Photo courtesy Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education

It was announced earlier this month that the Attorney General’s Office won a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to inventory, test and help investigate the state’s backlog of sexual assault kits, which provide DNA evidence for sexual assault investigations.

The grant, part of the Bureau of Justice Assistance Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, will fund a team within the Attorney General’s Office dedicated to processing the backlogged sexual assault kits and training law enforcement. The three-year grant will end in September 2020.

“Sexual assault is a devastating crime that affects thousands of Washingtonians,” said Attorney General Bob Ferguson. “These sexual assault survivors deserve justice, and I intend to help them get it.”

A sexual assault kit is a collection of evidence gathered from a victim by a medical professional, usually a specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. A crime lab then tests the evidence for DNA that will help law enforcement find a perpetrator. Generally, if a kit remains untested for more than 30 days, it becomes “backlogged.”

In 2015, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs asked local law enforcement agencies throughout Washington to estimate the number of backlogged sexual assault kits in their custody. This informal survey identified approximately 6,000 untested kits statewide. However, many agencies lack the resources needed to investigate these cases.

Using $1.5 million of the grant, the AGO will establish a Sexual Assault Kit Initiative team, including two new investigators who will work solely on the project. During the project’s first six months, these investigators will travel across the state to collect a detailed inventory of backlogged sexual assault kits. Once the inventory is complete, the investigators will help local law enforcement prioritize and submit the kits to the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.

The remaining $1.5 million of the AG’s grant will cover the cost of testing evidence at Washington State Patrol Crime Labs in Seattle, Tacoma, Marysville, Spokane, and Vancouver. These funds will be used to process up to 2,100 kits. Each kit costs about $680 to test, not including the cost of shipping or peer review, which is required for about 35 percent of kits.

Once the backlogged kits are tested, the AGO will support law enforcement as they use the newfound information to reopen cold cases. Throughout the project, the AGO will provide victim-centered trauma training to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and victim advocates.

State lawmakers passed legislation in 2015 and 2016 designed to help survivors of sexual assault find justice and improve the way the state handles sexual assault kits. One of the bills passed in 2015, sponsored by Rep. Tina Orwall, D-Des Moines, requires the testing of all sexual assault kits after July 2015.

“I commend Attorney General Ferguson for his leadership in obtaining these critical resources, which build on our work to seek justice and provide support for survivors of sexual assault, protect our communities, and hold offenders accountable,” Orwall said.

Assistant Attorney General Katharine Hemann will lead the new Sexual Assault Kit Initiative team, composed of Criminal Justice Division Chief Lana Weinmann, Chief Criminal Investigator Cloyd Steiger and two new investigators.

Victim advocates Antoinette Bonsignore and Erika Teschke assisted in the development of the program.



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Panel discussion: Diverse voices in the U.S. Military

Friday, October 27, 2017


Diverse Voices in the U.S. Military

Panelists
  • Francisco Ivarra (U.S. Army, honorably discharged)
  • Donna Lowery (Sergeant Major, US Army Retired)
  • Bill Moore (Colonel, U.S. Army Retired)
  • Charles Santiago (U. S. Navy, honorably discharged)
  • Jordan Smith (U.S. Army, honorably discharged)

Moderator
  • Derek Levy, Acting Associate Dean, Student Support Programs

Thursday, November 2, 2017, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Shoreline Community College
Room 9208 PUB


What have been the challenges faced by women and racial and ethnic minorities in the military over time? How have they overcome or otherwise dealt with these challenges? How have their service, return home, and commemoration of their service been similar or different? This discussion is a collaboration between the Global Affairs Center and Veterans Programs at Shoreline Community College.

This event is open to the public and FREE. However, in order to help better prepare, you are asked to register that you plan to attend. Click here, then click again on Sign Up. To receive email confirmation, you must provide your email address. Your email address will not be shared with others.

Parking on campus in the evening is FREE.



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Parks & Recreation facility closures on Nov 2 for staff training

Shoreline Teen Center closed one day Nov 2
Facility Closure Notice:

On Thursday, November 2nd all Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services staff will participate in Diversity and Inclusion training.

As a result, the following facilities will experience schedule changes on that day only:

  • Shoreline Pool - closed from 5:30am to 5:30pm, opening at 5:30pm for evening programs.
  • Spartan Recreation Center - open for registered programs only. No Indoor Playground or Senior Volleyball.
  • Richmond Highlands Recreation Center (Shoreline Teen Center) - closed.
  • Parks Administration and Maintenance staff will be unavailable.


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Free car washes for all military at Brown Bear on Veteran's Day

Shoreline Brown Bear Tunnel Wash
16032 Aurora Ave N


As a way of saying “thank you” to our military, Brown Bear Car Wash will offer free washes to all current or former members of the military on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11. The free “Beary Clean” washes will be offered at Brown Bear’s 24 tunnel wash locations from 8am to 6pm.

The Shoreline Tunnel Wash is located at 16032 Aurora Ave N. See Brown Bear for a list of participating tunnel locations.

The offer operates on an honor system and no verification or documentation is required. Drivers should identify themselves as a current or former member of the military to the wash attendant upon arrival.

Brown Bear will also proudly donate $1 for every car washed on Veterans Day to Puget Sound Honor Flight. For the past three years, Brown Bear has donated more than $30,000 to support Honor Flight’s mission of transporting Western Washington war veterans to visit memorials in Washington, D.C. More information here.



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LFP write-in candidate holding Meet the Candidate events on Saturday

Nick Negulescu
Nick Negulescu, write-in candidate for Lake Forest Park City Council position 7, is holding two "meet the candidate" events on Saturday, October 28.

Morning Event - Let's talk budget
Lake Forest Park Library, Meeting Room
LFP Town Center, 1st floor
10 AM - 12 PM

Afternoon Event - Coffee at the Civic Club
Lake Forest Park Civic Club
(Members only, members can invite up to 4 non-members)
1PM - 3PM



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Auditions for Northwest Boychoir Nov 4

Photo by Ben Van Houten
The Northwest Boychoir will hold auditions for new members at its facility at the University Heights Center in Seattle's University District on Saturday, November 4, 2017 or at a time convenient for families. They are looking for boys ages 6-9 for January enrollment.

All boys are eligible to audition; no prior musical training is required – just musical aptitude and obvious enjoyment of music.

Financial aid is available to any student who meets our audition requirements. We are firmly committed to assisting families with financial aid to cover tuition and other program costs.

Audition appointments are scheduled through the Northwest Choirs office by calling 206-524-3234 or through the website. Auditions are private and low-key, designed to make the boys feel comfortable and relaxed. They last about 15 minutes, and parents are strongly encouraged to be present.

Recognized as one of the nation’s premier children’s choral programs, the Northwest Boychoir serves as the official singing ambassadors of Washington State as recognized by five consecutive governors. The Northwest Boychoir also maintains a long-standing professional relationship with the Seattle Symphony, which gives members the opportunity to perform regularly with the region’s world-class symphony orchestra.


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Letter to the Editor: McGlashan v Kim

To the Editor:

In many respects, I am disheartened when our local politics devolve into the “fake” stories approach perpetuated in our National politics. Mr. McGlashan responded with specific, verifiable, information; his opponent’s camp chose to present facts which are not true. Notwithstanding their modest retraction, is it that the bigger the lie the more likely it is to be believed? I certainly hope our Shoreline voters see through this charade.

Mr. McGlashan’s record as a valuable public servant within our diverse community is unblemished. That he survived an unbelievable financial set-back and has come back is to be applauded.

Indeed Ms. Kim has come back from a terrible life experience, but that does not replace knowledge and experience. While I understand youthful exuberance, Ms. Kim identifies neither public nor not-for-profit service upon which we can judge her potential as a Shoreline City Council Member. I might add that this epidemic plague of addiction is significant, but this, in my opinion, is not the only plank upon which a candidate should stand.

November 7th is an important date to keep our City “on track”; please re-elect Keith McGlashan

Don Bell
Shoreline



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Photos: Prettiest trees

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Plenty to choose from, but Lee Lageschulte's vote for Prettiest Tree goes to some in Richmond Highlands on N 200th near Fremont and Linden.


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Rainy City Riff Raff big band in Halloween event at Third Place on Saturday



The Rainy City Riff Raff big band will be performing a lively mix of dance music at the Third Place Commons on Saturday, October 28, beginning at 7:30pm.

It's a free family event and everyone's encouraged to wear a costume and dance the night away!

The Riff Raff features two local LFP residents - Mike "Zeppy" Zittle on drums and and Dan Benson on bass.

Third Place Commons, upper level Town Center, Ballinger Way.



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Letter to the Editor: Vines are destructive

To the Editor:

I was appalled when vines were planted to grow over the decorative cement walls at this location. (see previous article)

The walls are beautiful showing seashore life in 3D. The vine suckers clinging to the walls will eventually destroy the design. If this was the original plan why were the walls created with this design. Certainly plain walls would have saved us a lot of money.

Nancy Utter
Shoreline


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For the Birds: Keeping Winter Habitat for Birds

Lincoln Sparrow on blackberry cane
Photo by Scott Ramos
By Christine Southwick

When you are cleaning up your yard for winter, keep some leaves, shrubs, and even blackberries for our wintering birds. 

Blow those leaves off your lawns, but leave some in your flower beds, or at least in a corner of your yard. 

Spotted Towhees, Song Sparrows, and maybe even a Fox Sparrow will entertain you as they dig through those leaves to find their insect delicacies.

Wild areas, often having Himalayan Blackberry, protect wildlife, including birds, from predators and from the elements, (just ask Brer Rabbit). Blackberry thorns, and the overhanging canes, provide escape routes, perches, shelter from most snow and frosts, small delicious bugs, and fruits for much of the year.

Golden Crowned Sparrows beside blackberries
Photo by Elaine Chuang
Local birders know that resident ground birds like our sparrows, Spotted Towhees, and Bewick’s Wrens can be found in blackberry patches.

One special ground bird that comes to the Puget Sound area to benefit from our milder winters is the Fox Sparrow. Fox Sparrows here will always be found in, or adjacent to, blackberry brambles.

Take away Himalayan Blackberries, and those wintering Fox Sparrows will leave to seek the protections of another patch.

So when removing invasives in your yard, parks, or wetlands, it is healthier for birds and other wildlife to leave some blackberries and remove all NON-BENEFICIAL invasives first:

Local invasives listed below displace native and beneficial plants, causing loss of grassland and native forest habitat. They aggressively spread to form monocultures, replacing desirable native plants and young trees. They are on the Washington State Noxious Weed list, class B:
  • Ivy (all types here), 
  • Knotweed, 
  • Scotch Broom, 
  • Butterfly Bush (fast reproducing, even out-competes blackberries here), 
  • English Holly (King County noxious weed control list) “Invades native forest habitats where dense thickets suppress germination and growth of native trees and shrubs. A glutton for water, holly can prevent surrounding plants from obtaining sufficient moisture.”

Bewick's Wren in sheltering brambles
Photo by JR
Humans don’t like thorns. Cats, raccoons, coyotes and other predators don’t like them either. This is why many ground birds value these sheltering brambles.

Himalayan Blackberries can be cut back easily, and a person can get a visceral reward for reclaiming a “dangerous space”. 

So keep small patches of blackberry (five foot is better than none) to provide much needed habitat. 
Trim as needed. In the fall-winter blackberries are valued by birds, and small patches make it easy to pick summertime berries for delicious blackberry pies.



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Letter to the Editor: My vote for school board

To the Editor:

School Board - How much does experience count?

There is a big difference between serving on the PTA and being a teacher.

As a teacher Heather Fralick has first hand experience in how school board policies help or hinder teachers in the classroom.

We need that perspective. Heather has my vote!


Wendy DiPeso
Shoreline


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Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Party Sunday

If you don't have a pumpkin, Sky Nursery has plenty!
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Join MakerLab NW Makerspace and The Academy of Music and Dance Shoreline for our Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Party this weekend!

Bring your own pumpkin to carve - we have the tools
  • Free chili, cider and candy
  • Live music and dance performances
  • Free mini dance lessons
  • Crafts for kids
Sunday, October 29th, 3:30 - 7:30pm, 23931 Hwy 99
Free and open to the public. Donations welcome.



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Halloween Dance Party at Sno-King October 28

Thursday, October 26, 2017

2016 Halloween Dance
Photo courtesy Sno-King Folk Dance
Sno-King International Folk Dance Club Invites you to our Halloween Party 7:00 to 9:30pm at the Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood

Prizes for “Most Creative”, “Funniest”, and “Most Halloweeny” costume.

Bring potluck snacks to share.

Enjoy dances from many countries, including partner, no-partner, and set dances, and you don’t need to bring a partner.

The Grange has a great hardwood dance floor and lots of free parking.

Join us also for our regular dances including lessons every Wednesday and Saturday, starting at 7:00pm. Wednesday is all requests, and Saturday has a program of dances, with room for requests.

Folk dancers have more fun!

The donation is $7.00 for non-members and $5.00 for members. Yearly membership is only $15.00 ($25.00 for a family).

For information, call 360-387-9923, or email.



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Photos: Only cedars remain at Cedarbrook

Flagpole waiting for pick up
Photo by Jerry Pickard

As planned, the old Cedarbrook Elementary School in Lake Forest Park has been demolished. The school, on Perkins Way, opened in 1965 and was last used as a Shoreline Public School in 1971. It was leased to North Seattle Christian Schools for some years, but when that school moved north, Cedarbrook sat vacant.

Then Living Wisdom School occupied the building for several years and was the last school to use the building, leaving in June of 2016. The building was vacant again.

The site is difficult, the buildings were old, and people were starting to break into the building. So it came down. 


Photo by Jerry Pickard

The only reminders of the school are two Cedar trees and the brook (Whisper Creek) that the school was named for.

10-27-17  Living Wisdom school occupied the building last.

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LEGO®: Bricks & Minifigs® store opens in south Everett Oct 28 with invasions and giveaways



Bricks and Minifigs®, the South Everett one-stop shop to buy, sell, and trade all things LEGO®, will officially open October 28, 2017 in the 607 Marketplace.

Bricks and Minifigs® (BAM) is the largest franchised toy store of its kind specializing in the buying, selling and trading of new and used LEGO® sets, bulk bricks, and minifigures (“minifigs”). The store will be located at 607 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 6C and is the first store opened by franchisee Brad Bergman, a resident of the Bothell area.

In addition, BAM will provide an event space for birthday parties or special LEGO® themed events like after-school robotics clubs, “Make-and-Take” events, Brick Derby races, and more. The space will also be available for corporate workshops, mini-retreats, and team-building off-site meetings.

BAM has built their brand based on three principles:

  • REBUILD: with tens-of-thousands of pieces to choose from, customers will have what they need to rebuild their favorite sets or create their own original projects.
  • REUSE: BAM buys, sells, and trades everything LEGO®. And we mean everything!
  • REIMAGINE: staff members are trained to assist customers of all ages to create unique and imaginative masterpieces.

“I’m very excited to bring the Bricks and Minifigs experience to the South Everett neighborhood,” Bergman said. “LEGO® is an ageless toy that appeals not only to children, but also to parents, grandparents, and anyone who enjoys creative expression through those little plastic bricks.”


Happy Birthday!

The first 100 customers through the door for the Grand Opening celebration on October 28, 2017 will receive a free customized “Bricks and Minifigs South Everett” minifig. There will be surprises and giveaways throughout the day. Parties and events booked during the Grand Opening weekend will receive a 25% discount off standard booking rates.

The 501st Legion’s Garrison Titan, Alpha Base, Jet City Saber Guild, and Gurreck Clan (Star Wars costuming groups) have been invited to invade the store and will be available for photo opportunities with attendees. A donation on behalf of the 501st is being made to Homeward Pet, a Woodinville-based non-profit, no-kill animal shelter.

The LEGO® pop culture experience not only includes the quintessential building bricks, but various movies and television programs as well, such as “The LEGO® Movie” (2014), the “LEGO® Batman Movie” (2017), and “The LEGO® Ninjago Movie” that is now playing.

Bricks and Minifigs® was founded in Portland, Oregon in 2006 and now operates 29 franchised stores in North America and Canada with 12 stores slated to open later this year and early 2018. In 2016 BAM was named one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s 500 Best Franchises.



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