Kiwanis dinner meeting Thursday

Sunday, January 14, 2018

Visitors are welcome to attend a dinner meeting of the North Central Seattle Kiwanis club, a club that represents all of north Seattle in serving the needs of kids.

The club provides an annual free summer camp, Camp Casey on Whidbey Island, for up to 90 kids with physical disabilities. They also help with Project Cool in providing backpacks loaded with school supplies to homeless kids and have other service projects as well.

The meeting is Thursday, January 18th from 6:30 to 8:00pm. Dinner begins at 6:30pm, and the program begins at 7:00pm at PROVAIL - 12550 Aurora Ave N. Seattle 98133. There is ample free parking behind the PROVAIL building.

Guest program speaker will be Rachel McEvoy. This former Camp Casey counselor has become a social worker at Children’s Hospital and will discuss her work there. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation.

RSVP to Barb Williams at director@campcasey.org to help with meal planning. Dinner will be provided for $12.00 but first time visitors eat free.



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MLK Day of Service events with Washington Native Plant Stewards Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday


Gather your family and friends together and join us for these special United Way MLK Jr Day of Service events!

Contact Joy Wood, the WNPS Master Steward Coordinator, for more information by email CPSStewardshipProgram@gmail.com or by calling 206-963-5704:

Brugger’s Bog: Sunday, January 14th, 9am to 1pm

§ 19553 25th Ave NE
§ Meet at the end of the dirt/gravel path entrance to the park on the bridge

Hamlin Park: Monday, January 15th, 10am to 1pm

§ 16006 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
§ Meet at the far north end of the park, next to the NE 166th Street stairs

Twin Ponds (North End):

§ 16501 N 155th St, Shoreline WA 98133
§ Meet at the northwest corner of the park along the fence on N 155th St
  • Wednesday, January 17th, 1pm to 3:30pm
  • Saturday, January 20th, 9:30am to 12pm


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Joe Mehelich: American Hero of WW II


On Friday January 12 The American Legion Post 227 visited Joe and wished him a Happy Birthday. Pictured front row: Richard Bologna, Joe Mehelich, Dwight Stevens, Earl Thompson. Back Row: Larry Fischer, Randall Kerher, Gerry Shogren, Jerry Pickard.

Joe Mehelich
Text and photos by Jerry Pickard

On Thursday 11 January 2018 WWII Veteran Joe Mehelich turned 95. Joe is very healthy for a 95 year old. He takes no medications and exercises daily.

Joe Mehelich enlisted at age 17 prior to the Pearl Harbor attack.

Joe was a tank gunner and a medic in North Africa as part of Gen. George Patton's Tank Corps.

After the Allied victory in North Africa he was in the first wave going into Normandy and landing ashore at Omaha Beach.

He was the only survivor out of his landing craft.

He was given a field commission to Captain and led a company through France, Holland, Belgium and into Germany.

He and his company fought on the Siegfried Line during the Battle of the Bulge. The snows were four feet deep as it was one of the coldest winters in many years.

Joe's battle decorations
He ordered his men to stay burrowed in the snow while the German Panzer Tanks rolled by and then attacked them from the rear which was lightly armored. They won when Germany ran out of gas for their tanks and vehicles and stalled in their attack. 

After crossing the Rhine river they continued their attack into Germany until they met the Russians coming from the east.

Joe earned a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts from his battle injuries and still has shrapnel in his body.






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WA infant mortality rate below U.S. rate, disparities still remain

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Image courtesy DOH
Washington Department of Health

OLYMPIA – Washington ranks eighth in the nation for the lowest infant deaths, yet African-American and American Indian families still experience disproportionate rates of infant mortality.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics released its variations in infant mortality by race report on Thursday, January 10, 2018.

Between 2011-2015, African-American and American Indian / Alaska Native women in Washington experienced infant mortality rates twice the rate of those born to Caucasian mothers.
  • African-American infant mortality rate = 8.9 per 1,000 live births.
  • American Indian/Alaska Native infant mortality rate = 8.4 per 1,000 live births.
  • Caucasian infant mortality rate = 4.2 per 1,000 live births.

Environment and social factors, such as educational level, income level, housing safety, and employment can negatively influence infant mortality.

During 2011-2015, infant mortality rates varied across the state. For example, Stevens County had 3.2 infant deaths per 1,000 live births as opposed to Clallam County that had 8.1. King and Snohomish had rates lower than the state rate of 4.8.

The leading cause of infant deaths in 2015 in Washington included congenital malformation, sudden unexpected infant death, short gestation and low birth weight.

For more information on infant mortality in Washington, visit the Infant Mortality Reduction Report.



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Call for Hispanic artists

Arts of Kenmore Gallery
Hispanic Art and Culture Juried Exhibition

The Arts of Kenmore Gallery at Kenmore City Hall invites artists of Hispanic/Latino heritage residing in the greater Seattle area to exhibit in a cultural context.

Established and emerging artists working in any 2D media, traditional and contemporary cultural interpretations are encouraged. 

Artists may submit up to 2 works. Approximately 24 pieces will be selected.

ENTRY DEADLINE: 11:59 PST, Monday, February 12, 2018

ENTRY FEE: $25 1st Entry, $10 2nd Entry - 2 Entry Limit

JURORS: Alfredo Arreguin and Juan Alonso-Rodriguez

Apply on Arts of Kenmore website



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Classifieds: Planning Commission meeting cancelled


Shoreline Planning Commission meeting January 18, 2018 cancelled.
Next meeting February 1, 2018




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Auditions for SCC's production of Stephen Sondheim's "Company"

Shoreline Community College Musical Theater program is proud to present Stephen Sondheim’s Company – coming to the Campus Theater in May 2018.

From musical theatre's most renowned composer, the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Lyrics and Best Book, Company is regarded as a trailblazer of the dark-comedy, modern-musical genre.

The story follows the journey of its 35-year-old protagonist through various personal relationships encountered while traversing the contemporary dating scene. Fear of commitment, isolation, loneliness, and the process of life are signature topics of this piece.

Featuring a brilliant, brisk and energetic score – and containing many of Sondheim's best known songs - every audience member will see reflections of themselves in at least one of the characters onstage.

Produced by Charles Enlow
Directed by Jessica Low

David Close, Conductor

Performance dates:
  • May 11, 12, 18, and 19, 7:30 pm; May 13 and 20, 3:00 pm
Auditions:
  • Thursday, January 18, 2018; 5 – 9 pm (every 5 minutes)
  • Friday, January 19, 2018; 5 – 9 pm (every 5 minutes)
  • Callbacks: Saturday, January 20, 2018; 5:30 – 9 pm
All auditions and performances will take place in the Shoreline Campus Theater, 16101 Greenwood Avenue North, Shoreline, WA 98133

Prepare a short musical theater song (not from Company) and a memorized 1 to 2 minute monologue. A pianist will be provided.

Sign up for an audition time



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Thornton Creek Alliance general meeting Thursday

Thornton Creek is the largest watershed in Shoreline, starting with Twin Ponds and spreading widely southeast to Northgate and Lake Washington.

The Thornton Creek Alliance will meet on Thursday, January 18, 6:30 - 9pm at Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, 10005 32nd Ave NE, Seattle 98125.






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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Mooncop

Mooncop by Tom Gauld

The Mooncop makes his rounds every day. He finds a lost dog, locates a wandering museum automaton, eats a doughnut in his car, and submits his reports. There is no crime on the moon; instead, each day there are more machines and fewer people.

Then his favorite doughnut kiosk is upgraded to a cafe, staffed by somebody new.

The last page made me laugh out loud.

No blood, no cussing, no kissing, no sex. This is a simple, powerful, poignant little story. Highly recommended.

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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Flags at half-staff Wednesday

Flag Lowering - 1/17/18 (Dep. Daniel McCartney)

Governor Inslee is deeply saddened by the death of Pierce County Deputy Daniel A. McCartney, 34, and directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in his memory on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. Deputy McCartney was shot and killed while responding to a burglary call on January 8, 2018.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 17, 2018, beginning at 1:00pm, at Pacific Lutheran University’s Olson Auditorium, 12180 Park Ave S, Parkland, Washington.

Please call 360-902-0383 if you have any questions about this flag lowering.



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Scene on the Sound: Windsailing on the Shoreline Sea



Marc Weinberg says, "Friday was a perfect Day At The Beach for several Kite Boarders who were enjoying the gray overcast weather because the wind was blowing just right to have a spirited dash across the water."



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Community Open House for LFP City Administrator Finalists – January 18, 2018

Following a nationwide recruitment process, the City of Lake Forest Park will interview five finalists for the position of City Administrator.

Mayor Jeff Johnson invites the City Administrator candidates and the community to a Community Open House from 6:30 to 8:00pm on Thursday, January 18, 2018.


The open house will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Citizens will be able to speak informally with the candidates and have an opportunity to provide feedback to the Mayor.

The finalists will be interviewed by four panels including the Mayor, City Council, Leadership Team, and a Public Advisory Panel on Friday, January 19, 2018.

The Public Advisory Panel will include representatives from Lake Forest Park Commissions, the local business community, Lake Forest Park Rotary, local water and utility districts, and Shoreline Public Schools.



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Art Attack: Showcase of student artwork on display at Shoreline Center

Friday, January 12, 2018

Shoreline student artwork is on display in the Shoreline Center Lobby until March 2.

The Shoreline School District's Art Department is proud to present, Art Attack: A Showcase of the Shoreline School District’s Visual Art Program.

There will be an art walk of the second annual student exhibition in the main lobby of the Shoreline Center, 18650 1st Ave NE, on Monday, January 22, 2018 from 6:30-7:00pm.

The public is invited to view the artwork and speak with some of the artists and their teachers. This wonderful show features work from student artists attending Cascade K-8, Kellogg Middle School, Einstein Middle School, Shorewood High School and Shorecrest High School.

Work was selected from students in middle school art classes, and high school classes in Ceramics I and II, Advanced Placement Photography, Cartooning, Drawing and Painting I and II, Studio Art and Advanced Placement Art.

Shoreline Schools would like to acknowledge the district art teachers: Deanna Baldi, Marty Ballew, Lori Chase, Scott Kelley, Laura King, Fergus Temporada, Craig van den Bosch, and Michael Zadra.

Creating visual art is a vital component of Shoreline, and the District is excited to showcase the Shoreline visual arts program at the secondary level. The work will remain on display from January 9 through March 2.


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Folk dancing Saturday at the Cedar Valley Grange

2016 Birthday

Sno-King Celebrates 31st Birthday January 13

Sno-King International Folk Dance Club Invites you to celebrate with us and dance to the live music of Folk Voice Band 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood.

Do dances from many countries, including partner, no-partner, and set dances, and you don’t need to bring a partner. No formal teaching tonight, but we will do lots of easy dances. There will be birthday cake! During band breaks there will be request dancing to recorded music.

Ethnic costumes are encouraged. The Grange has a great hardwood floor and lots of free parking.

We teach at our regular dances, every Wednesday and Saturday , starting at 7:00pm. Lesson at 7:30pm. Wednesday is all requests, and Saturday has a program of dances, with room for requests.

The donation for this party is $8 for non-members and free for members. All other dances are $7 for non-members and $5 for members. Yearly membership is only $15 ($25 for a family). For information, call 949-646-7082 or email  dancesnoking@gmail.com



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Kenmore Mayor David Baker appointed to Sound Transit's Board of Directors

Kenmore Mayor David Baker
Kenmore Mayor David Baker, a longtime transportation and transit advocate, has been appointed to Sound Transit’s Board of Directors to represent the East King Subarea.

The Mayor’s four-year term begins this month. King County Executive Dow Constantine’s appointment of Mayor Baker was recently approved by the King County Council.

Mayor Baker is credited with being an influential force in organizing northern cities to support transit improvements on State Route 522.

Under the leadership of Mayor Baker and the City Council, Kenmore has promoted transit use through signature investments such dedicated bus lanes, sidewalks and streetscape improvements on State Route 522 through the city, and enacted Transit Oriented Development regulations to encourage housing in areas close to regional transit routes.

“Smart transit solutions such as Bus Rapid Transit along the 522 Route corridor and additional parking near stations strengthen Kenmore’s future,” said Mayor Baker. 
“As our resident population continues to grow, the downtown Kenmore core expands and more businesses move into the city, comprehensive regional transit planning becomes even-more critical to our success as a region.
“I am honored to be representing the transit interests of the East King Subarea and my city on the Sound Transit Board of Directors,” Mayor Baker concluded.

In addition to his new Board position, the Mayor currently serves as President of the Sound Cities Association Board of Directors and has served as a member of the Regional Transit Committee, Eastside Transportation Partnership, and the SeaShore Transportation Forum.



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Activist and attorney Nikkita Oliver to speak at Shoreline Community College

ACTIVIST AND ATTORNEY NIKKITA OLIVER TO SPEAK 
AT SHORELINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The College celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. with activities January 15-25, 2018

Nikkita Oliver will speak at SCC
Nikkita Oliver, activist, teacher, artist, attorney, singer, and poet, will be the keynote speaker at Shoreline Community College on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 12:30pm, as a part of a week of events honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The College is located at 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133

“We are incredibly proud to welcome Nikkita Oliver to speak at Shoreline Community College,” said Dr. Marisa Herrera, Vice President of Students, Equity and Success. 
“Nikkita is an authentic voice speaking up on behalf of those most disproportionately disenfranchised in our community. She is described as a former Seattle mayoral candidate for the People’s Party, attorney, and community advocate, but those labels don’t do justice in describing her work as a transformational leader and coalition builder.”

Oliver will speak about the role of activism in social change; the importance of young people and students in social movements; and ways people can engage in the socio-political landscape wherever they live, work, or study.

“We want our students to know that they can engage and achieve real change in the issues they care about in their communities; they don’t have to travel far to make a positive difference,” added Herrera. 
“Nikkita Oliver tirelessly shows up for her community and works for and with youth with great passion and promise.”

Admission to the talk is free and the public is invited. There is a campus parking fee on weekdays until 4:00 pm. Learn more details about this event, organized by students and the department of Student Life.

About Nikkita Oliver

In 2017, Oliver ran for Mayor of Seattle as a representative for the People's Party of Seattle. While unsuccessful in her bid for mayor, she had many followers who supported her and her platform fiercely. In an interview with Seattle Met last July, she said it was youth who inspired her to run: they told her they don’t see people who look like them running for office.

Oliver graduated from the University of Washington where she received a Masters of Education and Juris Doctorate. At 31, she currently teaches part-time at both Washington Middle School and Franklin High School in addition to her work as a case manager with Creative Justice, an arts based, youth diversion program that provides alternatives to incarceration.

Oliver has been actively involved in social justice movements including Black Lives Matter and No Youth Jail. She received the Artist Human Rights Leader Award from the City of Seattle in 2015 for her spoken word work and activism with the Black Lives matter movement. In 2016, she collaborated with Macklemore on his song “White Privilege II”, and performed on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

About Shoreline Community College

Founded in 1964 with leadership from the Shoreline School District and on land acquired with the help from the Boeing family, Shoreline Community College offers more than 100 excellent academic and professional/technical programs. The professional/technical programs at Shoreline are closely tied to industry and graduates gain the skills that help them quickly find employment in their chosen field.


  

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Lake Forest Park Water District presents ‘2017 Water Protector Award’ to Lake Forest Park Resident Eric Strom

Eric Strom teaching students at LFP Elementary
about aquifers
Photo courtesy LFP Water District


Lake Forest Park Water District is honored to present the 2017 ‘Water Protector Award’ to Lake Forest Park Water District Citizen Advisory Committee (Adcom) member Eric Strom.

The Water Protector Award is awarded to individuals and organizations that show exceptional leadership in protection of LFPWD’s drinking water.

Eric Strom, Water Protector
Photo courtesy LFP Water District
Eric Strom is an original member of the LFPWD Advisory Committee, and has been active in several Adcom sub committees. As an individual member he proposed and developed a storm water runoff testing program.

The results of the study have been instrumental in the District’s continual effort to protect its wells and well fields. Eric also has been active at many District public outreach events, including local elementary science nights and the LFP Green Fair.

He and other Adcom members developed a science curriculum based on aquifer protection and water conservation for elementary students. He and other Advisory members recently presented the new aquifer unit at Lake Forest Park Elementary School to all fourth grade classes.

Lake Forest Park Water District is fortunate to have active community support from people like Eric and an Advisory Committee that is committed to protecting its water. We celebrate Eric’s dedication.

LFPWD Commissioners; Dave Hammond, Eli Zehner and Bill Donahue, our General Manager; Alan Kerley, District staff and our community thank him for his service.



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Anderson Community Grand Reopening Jan 26

Anderson Community
Grand Reopening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting

Friday, January 26, 2018
6:00-9:00pm

You’re Invited!

Please join us as we celebrate the completion of our building renovation and the opening of our Memory Care community.

Come and enjoy beautiful harp music, informative tours, delicious food and drinks, and community ribbon cutting.

Please let us know you’re coming!




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Kinderfest January 27 for parents of 5 year olds

Briarcrest principal Jonathan Nessan talks
to a parent at Kinderfest
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Do you live in Shoreline or Lake Forest Park and have a child who will be 5 years old by August 31, 2018? If so, Kinderfest is the place for you!

Kinderfest will be held on Saturday, January 27 from 10am-12pm in the Shoreline Room, Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE.

This is a great opportunity for families to hear and learn about the programs offered by the Shoreline School District such as: Food Services, Transportation, Nurses, ELL/Special Services, Highly-Capable Program, and PTA.

Each elementary school in the Shoreline School District will be there for a meet and greet and to answer questions. Spanish, Amharic, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese interpreters will be available.

Limited, no-cost childcare will be available on-site for children over 2 years old who are potty-trained (sponsored by the Shoreline Children’s Center). Please note that food will not be allowed in the childcare room due to possible allergies.

Kindergarten registration will begin on Feb. 2, 2018 at your neighborhood school. In order to attend kindergarten in the fall, your child must be five years old by August 31, 2018 and reside in the cities of Shoreline or Lake Forest Park.

For more information on registration visit the Enrollment webpage.

If you have additional questions, contact Trinitee Swan at 206-393-4365.



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Author / Activist Saab Lofton performs at Shoreline City Hall Feb 3

Saab Lofton reads at City Hall

MAKE AMERICA READ AGAIN:
AUTHOR / ACTIVIST SAAB LOFTON
PERFORMS at SHORELINE CITY HALL 

Saab Lofton reads from Defend the Archive!, his new science fiction novella, and shares his revolutionary poetry. A voice in the wilderness that refuses to be silenced, Lofton appears courtesy of a grant from 4Culture and additional support from City of Shoreline Public Art Program on Saturday, February 3, with doors opening for refreshments at 4:30pm and Lofton’s performance beginning at 5:00pm at City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N., Shoreline, 98133.

Originally from South Central Los Angeles, Lofton graduated from Evergreen College in Olympia before moving to Las Vegas to host the Saab Lofton Power Hour, a social justice radio program on KLAV, and win awards for his commentaries in Las Vegas City Life, an alternative weekly newspaper.

"…[W]onderful, imaginative, brilliant, and funny; a gift worth waiting for. Thank you! I really had a good time reading this. You took me on a ride I giddily enjoyed and provided surprises that I didn't see coming. And you made all this wickedly humorous, too. Sir, you have a robust imagination, a keen intellect, and a bottomless talent. Thank you! With much gratitude."– Professor Charles Johnson, National Book Award winner, MacArthur Fellow, former director of Creative Writing at UW

Updated 1-12-18

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State Rep. Pollet starts “traveling town-hall” discussions Saturday

State Rep. Gerry Pollet
By Evan Smith

Democratic State Rep. Gerry Pollet will start his series of “traveling town-hall” discussions when he returns to the 46th Legislative District from Olympia each Saturday during the 60-day legislative session that started Monday, Jan. 8.

The first of these “drop-in discussions” is scheduled for Saturday Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at Burgermaster, 3040 NE 45th St., Seattle.

The second drop-in town-hall discussion is scheduled for Saturday January 20, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lake Forest Park Town Center upper level, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park.

Pollet represents the 46th District, including Lake Forest Park, northeast and north Seattle, and Kenmore.

Pollet said Jan. 3 that he wanted to hold these events “because I know how difficult it is for constituents to go to Olympia, and because I want to make it easy for constituents to discuss issues with me.”

He also listed these priorities for the new legislative session:
  • Fully funding our schools, which means another $1 billion for teacher compensation this year, and fully funding the real costs for special education, bilingual education, responding to the severe teacher shortage and much more
  • Reducing the property tax hike for education and replacing it with progressive taxes, closing loopholes and capital gains (he will also be moving forward with his tax loophole transparency and expiration legislation)
  • School construction funds to ease overcrowding and enable us to lower class sizes
  • Free Community College: the Washington Promise, plus major investments in advising for all students; and, pay equity for community college part time faculty
  • Opening legislators' records to public and media view, so you know who lobbies your legislators
  • Regulating For Profit colleges and their student loans
  • Protecting youth from addiction to e-cigarettes and nicotine with a e-cigarette tax, which pays to raise the age to buy to 21, and providing Narcan to prevent opioid overdoses.

Pollet is vice chairman of the House Higher Education Committee and a member of both the Appropriations Committee and the Finance Committee.



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Shorewood wrestling pulls off victory over Mountlake Terrace Thursday

It was a tight match Thursday night as the Shorewood Thunderbirds went to Mountlake Terrace and pulled off a 46-31 road victory.  Junior Nick Lotz got the match started for the T-birds with a controlling 20-7 major decision win at 120lbs.

The two teams traded victories before back to back pins from Senior Alex Olivera at 145lbs and freshman Cole Becker at 152lbs gave Shorewood a 22-9 lead.

Mountlake Terrace fought their way back to within three points at 28-25 after a pin at 195lbs. 

Freshman Taejin Thongdee ended all hope of a Hawks' comeback with a huge pin in the second round at 220lbs to clinch the win for Shorewood.

Shorewood Record: 3-1 Overall, 2-0 WesCo South

Shorewood 46 - Mountlake Terrace 31

106: Tommy Tran MT win by forfeit
113: Kai Layton SW win by forfeit
120: Nick Lotz SW maj. dec. Tyler Ekse 20-7
126: Pedro Hernandez MT dec. Curt Tanaka 7-4
132: Kody Carpenter Sw pinned Patrick Milam 4:30
138: Arun Khou MT pinned Devin Leach 3:26
145: Alex olivera SW pinned Connor Lefsky 1:21
152: Cole Becker SW pinned Dylan Breyer 3:51
160: Jordan Simms MT pinned Mark Yamane 2:34
170: Edward Soloman SW pinned Edward Dodgin 0:16
182: Jaice Jones MT maj. dec. Hendrik Wirthwein 17-5
195: Reyne Mack MT pinned Phil Ball 3:07
220: Taejin Thongdee SW pinned Devon Lohr 2:55
285: Luke Hohenstein SW win by forfeit



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Shoreline City Council selects Will Hall Mayor and Jesse Salomon Deputy Mayor; Judge Smith swears in Councilmembers

With Shoreline District Court Judge Douglas J. Smith presiding, returning Councilmembers Will Hall, Keith McGlashan, and Chris Roberts took the oath of office on January 8. Newly elected Councilmember Susan Chang also took the oath of office. Following the swearing in ceremony, Council selected Will Hall as Mayor and Jesse Salomon as Deputy Mayor, both of whom will serve for two years.


Mayor Will Hall
Elected to the City Council in 2009 and re-elected in 2013 and 2017, this will be Hall's first term as Mayor. He served as Deputy Mayor from 2010 to 2011. Prior to being elected to Council, Mayor Hall served on the Shoreline Planning Commission for six years including terms as Vice Chair and Chair.

His external committee assignments includes representing all 281 Washington cities and towns on the Board of Directors of the Association of Washington Cities and representing cities on the Puget Sound Partnership Ecosystem Coordination Board, which works to restore the health and sustainability of Puget Sound. 

Hall and his wife, Laurie Lindblad, both grew up in King County and now live in the Richmond Beach neighborhood. Hall has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Washington.

“Shoreline is a great city,” stated Mayor Hall. “It is a privilege to serve on the council, and a great honor to be chosen as Mayor. I enjoy listening to the community and learning from my council colleagues every week.”

Deputy Mayor Salomon
Deputy Mayor Salomon was first elected to the City Council in 2011 and was re-elected in 2015. Salomon has a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and a law degree from the University of Washington. After graduating law school, Salomon served as a prosecutor for the Lummi Nation in Whatcom County.

He currently works as a Public Defender in Seattle Municipal Court. His external committee assignments include representing the Sound Cities Association on the King County Children and Youth Advisory Board. Salomon grew up in King County and now lives in the Ridgecrest neighborhood with his wife and son.

Shoreline operates as a code city under the laws of the State of Washington with a council-manager form of government. As the governing body, the seven elected part-time city councilmembers set policy and appoint a city manager to implement policy.

The City Council chooses a Mayor and Deputy Mayor from among its members at the first meeting of a new year following an election. The Mayor presides at Council meetings and represents the City at ceremonial functions and inter-governmental meetings. The Deputy Mayor presides in the Mayor‘s absence.

The Shoreline City Council meets every Monday at City Hall. Meetings that fall on legal holidays are cancelled. Meetings begin at 7:00pm. Council meetings are streamed live from the City’s website. Video of the meetings are available online or on Shoreline’s government access channels (Comcast Channel 21 and Verizon Channel 37) the day following the Council meeting.

The latest meeting information here.


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Medical Examiner's Report: What we learned from those we lost in 2016

Safe Sleep for babies
By Lindsey Bosslet, Public Health Insider

Last year, 14,373 people died in King County. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) investigated those deaths that were sudden, unexpected or unnatural – 2,494* in total.

But, the count of life lost is more than a number. By tracking and analyzing different manners of death as well as trends in homicides, traffic fatalities, and drug overdose deaths, we are able to develop preventative measures and learn about emerging issues.

Here are some key findings from 2016, as illustrated in the MEO’s recently published annual report, and steps we are taking to save lives.

In 2016, King County lost 4 infants to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and 5 infants to Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Syndrome (SUIDS).


SIDS/SUIDS deaths are related to many risk factors, but making sure caregivers understand the risks of bed-sharing with their babies has been a priority. Through the Child Death Review Process, experts developed recommendations, including the distribution of baby bed boxes, lightweight boxes – similar to Finnish Baby Bed Boxes – that function as cribs and help spark conversations between healthcare providers and new parents about safe sleep and the risks of bed-sharing. Last year, our Nurse Family Partnership Program and Swedish Recovery Services distributed 116 baby bed boxes, and the work is expanding statewide.

Of all traffic fatalities in which tests were performed, 24% tested positive for the presence of alcohol in the blood.

Public Health and Kent Police Department co-lead the King County Target Zero Traffic Safety Task Force, a multi-agency group that includes law enforcement, community and human services, liquor control, nonprofits, traffic engineers and others. This coalition works to alleviate the leading causes of traffic fatalities, including alcohol and drug impairment, speed, distracted driving and failure to wear seat belts. This work includes high visibility media and enforcement funding for public education and area law enforcement.

Firearms were the most frequent instrument of death in homicides (72%) and suicide (40%).
 
Firearms are a highly lethal means of both suicide and assault. In interpersonal violence, firearms are a common instrument in both fatal and nonfatal shootings; the majority of firearm injuries in King County are nonfatal. In both cases, unsafely stored firearms contribute to the problem: Theft of unsecured firearms from homes and cars fuels the illegal firearm trade, and availability of the most lethal means of suicide makes it unlikely that a person will survive an attempt.

King County’s Lok-It-Up program, in partnership with participating law enforcement agencies, firearm retailers, and community partners, promotes voluntary safe storage of firearms for family and community safety.

A disproportionate number of firearm homicide victims were African American when compared to the percentage of African Americans in King County.

King County residents experience indisputable health disparities based on race and place. These include exposure to violence, adverse childhood experiences, and community trauma. The cycle of exposure to violence, trauma from violence without accessible support, and involvement in violence concentrates this traumatic exposure in particular communities, including those where many King County residents of color live.

Ready availability of firearms in this cycle of violence amplifies the risk. County initiatives, including Best Starts for Kids, are directly addressing trauma exposure, family supports and health equity in King County. Community-led services and supports for youth of color affected by violence offer paths out of the cycle. And, our violence and injury prevention unit’s work, including the Lok-It-Up program, approaches the problem on the population level by promoting safe storage, which can reduce firearm theft and stem the availability of illegally traded firearms.

Accidental drug overdose deaths in 2016 were the highest ever, representing an increase of 20% over the last 10 years, with the majority of the increase related to heroin and methamphetamine. 

King County has not been immune to the opiate epidemic that has swept the country. To address the complex factors surrounding this issue, representatives from Public Health and other agencies coordinated the Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Task Force. This group has recommended a comprehensive strategy that focuses on prevention, increasing access to treatment on demand, and reducing the number of fatal overdoses.

*Of the 2,494 deaths in which the MEO assumed jurisdiction, 2,384 were applicable to the 2016 annual report.



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Walmart closing North Seattle Sam's Club

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Aurora Sam's Club to close March 16

Right on the heels of Sears closing 103 stores, including the Shoreline Aurora Square store, Walmart has just announced the closing of 63 Sam's Club stores, including the North Seattle store at 13550 Aurora Ave N, Seattle 98133.

A tweet from Sam's Club explained:
After a thorough review of our existing portfolio, we’ve decided to close a series of clubs and better align our locations with our strategy. Closing clubs is never easy and we’re committed to working with impacted members and associates through this transition.

According to an article in The Seattle Times
The company notified the state Employment Security Department it will close stores in Seattle, Auburn and Renton effective March 16, and will affect 495 jobs. 148 of those jobs are at the Seattle store.

Business Insider quotes a Walmart official saying "Sam's Club membership fees — which cost $45 annually — will be refunded to customers affected by the closings."


Updated 1-12-18



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Photo: Last bit of the holidays

Photo by Seattle Poppy

The poinsettias at the base of the street tree on 15th NE in North City look both sad and brave. The end of the Christmas holidays.

The stores are full of Valentine candy and cards. Next Monday we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We're two weeks into the New Year, which seems awfully fast. An engineer once gave me a lecture on parabolic curves and how some days really do move faster than others, but I'm not sure that applies now.

However, the skies have been lighter recently. We have had many sunny days, yet plenty of rain. Snow in the mountains delights the skiers and snowboarders and will provide us enough water in the summer.

Maybe the poinsettias will be happy on the street. They do cheer things up.

DKH


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Shoreline Fire calls Jan 1-7

Shoreline Fire aid car heading for a call
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Shoreline Fire calls for January 1-7, 2018

Aid - 67
Aid Non Emergency - 30
MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) - 8
CMT (Community Medicine Team) - 1
Medic - 76 (Bothell and Northshore included M65, M47)
MVA Medic - 0
Cardiac Arrest - 2 (1 in Bothell and Northshore w/M47 and M65)
AFA (Automatic Fire Alarm) - 5
Appliance Fire - 1 (Heater fire)
Gas Spill/Absorbent - 1
Haz - 1 high CO level in home
Natural Gas in a Residence - 1
Service Calls - 3 (2 blood draws for PD, 1 broken heater for elderly)
Smoke/Haze in the Area - 1
Working Fire Residential - 1 in Northshore



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Send off and questions for 46th District Legislators

Citizens at Legislative Town Hall LFP
Photo by Pete Rose

On January 2nd from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, the cities of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore co-hosted the 46th District Legislators for a send off event followed by a town hall in the Lake Forest Park Council Chambers.

The mayors shared their city’s legislative agendas and Senator David Frockt and Representatives Javier Valdez and Gerry Pollet shared their thoughts on the upcoming 2018 state legislative session. 

At 7:30pm, the event shifted to a town hall. There was no shortage of questions or topics. This was a great opportunity for residents to hear directly from the state elected officials and ask questions about the issues facing the region.

--Pete Rose, City Administrator



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Shoreline artist has solo show in Seattle

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Installation view of Win over Destiny triptych at Virginia Inn
Photo by Shruti Ghatak

Shoreline artist Shruti Ghatak has a solo show at the Virginia Inn in Seattle, through February 26, 2018. Her works reflect the Indian mythology and folklore of her birthplace in India.

Shruti Ghatak was born and raised in West Bengal, India and received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting from New York Studio School, NY and an MS in Organic Chemistry (specialized in Color technology) from Institute of Chemical technology, Mumbai, India. She has an interdisciplinary background and studied both Science and Art with the belief that crossing boundary sometimes open up new way of seeing.

Eternal
By Shruti Ghatak
Themes addressed in her works are the tension of personal struggle with alienation, social inequality, juxtaposition of folklore and mythology with contemporary culture and memory.

She exhibited widely in USA and India. Currently Shruti lives and works and teaches from her home studio in Shoreline.

About my work

In the pre-modern world, the identity and significance of mythology and folklore were communicated through prophecy and storytelling.

Today traditional archetypes are no longer familiar to everyone yet remain potent to individual imagination.

My recent works explore how those myths are reformed in response to our contemporary experience.

They also examine the potential of painting as a medium in contemporary culture that offers the possibility of mining and vitalizing ancient myths.


Up for the Challenge
By Shruti Ghatak
These works try to capture the essence of the sublime by the visual depiction of the experience of those folklore and myths I read in Bengali (one among many Indian languages) literature and poetry.

Although many artists and their works have had a lasting effect on my thoughts and on my work, but I have to admit that I was influenced by great many media beyond visual arts.

My works liberally draw inspiration from thirteenth and fourteenth century Bengali literature, poetry, music,Hindu mythology and folklore, as read and experienced them along my creative evolution.

The images I make often reflect the residual feelings those narratives, stripped of their stories, had left on me. I lace those feelings with my imagination.

Evidently, the intention of my works are not to retell the stories from where I drew the inspirations from, but to create the similar feelings within the heart of the viewer- the feelings that those old narratives have left me with.



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LFP City Council to discuss school levies and emergency prep

LFP City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
The Lake Forest Park City Council work session will be held Thursday, January 11, 2018, 6:00pm in the Lake Forest Room of City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE.

Shoreline Schools Superintendent Rebecca Miner will discuss the replacement levies on the February 13 ballot.

Emergency Manager Carl Lunak and Capt. Paul Armbrust will discuss emergency preparedness.

At 7pm the regular meeting will convene, with the first business being the election of the Deputy Mayor.



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Be prepared for emergencies - take a CERT class

The Pacific Northwest is subject to a wide range of natural hazards. Earthquakes, severe winter storms, urban flooding, and wind storms can all escalate into a disaster situation.

If you want to be better prepared to respond and recover from disasters Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training may be for you.

The next Northshore Emergency Management Coalition CERT academy will begin on Thursday February 8th. The 8-class program teaches participants critical skills to help family, friends, and neighbors in emergencies.

Classes begin at 6:30pm each night and end at 9:30pm at the Northshore Fire Station 51 in Kenmore, 7220 NE 181st St.

The cost of the class is $35. Registration is now open. More information or find an application here  or email Carl Lunak



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Dances of Universal Peace Friday in Shoreline

Dances of Universal Peace are a group of simple dances to live music.

The focus of each dance is in the singing of a particular sacred phrase or phrases inspired by a large variety of religious and spiritual traditions from around the world.

No experience necessary. All dances are taught.

Friday, January 12, 2018 at 7:30pm (every second Friday) at Shoreline Community Acupuncture - 18505 Firlands Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

Small donation accepted but no one turned away for lack of funds. Fragrance free please.

For more information, contact David Matthews at 206-272-0580.



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In The Garden Now….. Amaryllis

‘Minerva’ Amaryllis
with Rex begonia
Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Houseplants really aren’t my thing. But I have to admit I truly enjoy having one very special plant in my house each winter… Amaryllis.

They’re available in a wide range of colors including white, red, pink, salmon, yellow/green and orange with either solid or variegated blossoms.

In fact there are at least 500 different Amaryllis varieties that come in all different flower shapes, sizes and colors. 

Amaryllis are sold just about everywhere. Of course they’re available at local nurseries where you may have a particularly good selection from which to choose.

But they also can be found at a host of other local retailers including drug stores, the big box stores, grocery stores, a variety of discount stores, and online.
   
This blossom has more white
These lovelies are typically sold as a kit which includes a small plastic pot, planting mix and a single large bulb. Prices range from $5 to $15 dollars or more depending on the variety, size of the bulb and where they’re purchased.

Follow the very simple directions on the box and in a few short weeks you will be the proud owner of a lovely flowering indoor plant.

I hit the jackpot with my purchase this year. My ‘Minerva’ Amaryllis has produced five huge strikingly beautiful flowers! Previous plants have produced no more than four blossoms.

The flowers have unfurled gradually over a four week period. Each blossom has a white star center, veining, and is surrounded by an intense rich red color.

This blossom has a rich, red color
The flowers all sport the same basic colors, but may be patterned quite differently from each other. Strap-like leaves follow the flower stalks.
 
Enjoy a burst of amazing color on the dreariest of winter days! Amaryllis are easy to grow, drought tolerant, and bloom reliably indoors. What’s not to like?  I highly recommend!

(Botanical Name: Hippeastrum Amaryllis ‘Minerva’ )

(Note: The green leaves at the base of the amaryllis plant pictured belong to a Rex Begonia that I’m over wintering indoors. Begonias are gorgeous outdoor garden plants that thrive outdoors for the warmer part of the year. Most won’t make it through our typical winters unless moved indoors.  My Rex Begonia will be returning to a container garden outdoors come spring. )

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 25 years. 



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Voter registration deadline is Friday or Monday or Tuesday

By Evan Smith

The deadline for voters to register online or by mail for the February 13 Shoreline School District special election or for previously registered Washington voters to file a change of address is Friday or Monday or Tuesday depending on how you register – in person, online or by mail.

Monday, January 15, is the official deadline -- 29 days before election day – but that’s the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday; so both the county elections office and the U.S. Postal Service are closed.

That makes Friday, January 13, the effective deadline to register in person at the King County elections office in Renton and the voter registration annex in downtown Seattle, and it allows voters to send mail registration with a Tuesday, Jan. 16, postmark.

Voters who register online still have a Monday, January 15 deadline.

In person registration is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Thursday and Friday at the King County Elections office at 919 SW Grady Way, Renton, and at the Voter Registration Annex, 500 4th Ave, Room 440, Seattle, Thursday and Friday from 8:30am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4:30pm.

Voters can register online or update existing registrations through midnight Monday, January 15, at this link.

Mail registration forms are available at the elections offices, at local libraries or at some other government offices. Forms also are available online.

Voters who register by mail need to send their forms in time to get January 16, postmarks. That means being aware of pick-up times at local post offices.

New Washington voters can register through February 5, but after Tuesday, January 16, they must register in person at the Snohomish County auditor's office in Everett.

Voters who don’t file a change of address will have ballots sent to the old address and forwarded to the new address.

For voters who move within the Shoreline School District, that simply means a delay of a day or two, but for voters who move from one district to another, it could mean getting the wrong ballot.

For example, a voter who moved from Everett to Lake Forest Park would have his ballot forwarded to the new address, but that ballot would have the two Everett School District measures but not the two Shoreline School District measures.

The Shoreline School District includes Shoreline and Lake Forest Park.

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


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WeatherWatcher: Strong winds Thursday, dry weekend ahead


We have a moderate storm system moving in Thursday morning and afternoon that is expected to bring some significant rainfall during the day and wind in the evening. It's not strong enough to prompt any wind warnings or advisories.

Thursday, rainfall is expected to be up to 1 inch or a little more in the area. 1.5 inches is possible before Thursday night is over. Winds are expected to start to pick up in the afternoon, probably close to 3pm, and taper off near or after midnight. Winds are expected to gust up to 40mph, though I suspect they may not be as strong over Shoreline, so probably closer to 30-35mph for our area.

Friday we are going for mostly cloudy skies with some showers as we clear up for the weekend with partly to mostly sunny skies both Saturday and Sunday. Highs Thursday through the weekend are expected to be near either side of 50°F.

Wet weather is expected to make its return Monday afternoon or evening and last at least through the middle of next week.

For current weather conditions and resources visit www.shorelineweather.com



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