Public tells OSPI that counseling and mental heath are top priority for additional education investments

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Superintendent of Public
Instruction Chris Reykdal
In late April, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) opened a survey asking the public to determine how important they found additional public K–12 education investments.

In the six weeks the survey was open, more than 30,000 Washingtonians shared their priorities.

“We were blown away by the number of people who took time to share their feedback with us,” said Chris Reykdal, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “It is a testament to how much the people of our state value their public K–12 schools.”

Participants included educators, parents and families, and community members. Identifying 15 different priorities, the survey asked participants to determine how important they found each one. 

Student support services, such as counseling, advising, and mental health, was selected as the number one priority.

Other highly ranked priorities include access to career and technical education and work-based learning opportunities, school safety enhancements, and effective buildings and facilities for learning.

“These results have made it even more clear how important it is for our schools to be able to address the mental health needs of our students,” Reykdal continued.

“We lose about two K–12 students in our state to suicide every week, and the rate continues to rise. We must do everything we can to equip our schools with the tools they need to fight this mental health crisis.”

OSPI will use the survey results to shape its budget requests before submitting them to Gov. Jay Inslee in mid-September.

Follow-up survey

Today, OSPI opened a follow-up survey asking participants to determine how much funding they would allocate to the top seven priorities identified in the first survey, given a set amount. 

The survey is available in English and Spanish and will remain open through September 12, 2018. Translations to other languages are available upon request.

“In the state of Washington, we have made incredible progress on funding basic education,” Reykdal said. 
“It will take more than ‘basic’ to close opportunity and achievement gaps between student groups, increase graduation rates, and ensure every student has access to a post-secondary pathway that meets their needs and interests.”


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Republic and Recology on the job Monday

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

On the job Monday
Almost everything else is closed on Monday, September 3, 2018 but Republic Services and Recology trucks will be on the job.

Both will collect normally on Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 2018, and there will be no service delays during the holiday week. Please put your carts out as usual.

Their offices will be closed for the day.


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Flags at half-staff until Sept 2 for Sen. John McCain

Flag Lowering – August 27 – Sept 2, 2018 (Senator John McCain)

Governor Inslee hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff on Monday, August 27, 2018, in memory of Senator John McCain who passed away on August 25 at the age of 81 from cancer.

Flags should remain at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, September 2, 2018.

The Senator will lie in state on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, in Arizona state at the Arizona State Capitol, followed by a 10am memorial service to be held at the National Phoenix Baptist Church.

Then on Friday in Washington, D.C., Sen. McCain will lie in state at the United States Capitol. On Friday a memorial service in Washington, D.C. will be held at the Washington National Cathedral. It will be followed by a private ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy where he will buried.

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

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



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Learn how to prune shrubs at the LFP Garden Club Sept 11

Bess Bronstein will explain
pruning at the LFP Garden Club
Lake Forest Park Garden Club meets on Tuesday, September 11, 2018.

The guest speaker will be Bess Bronstein, explaining "How to Successfully Prune Any Shrub"

She will answer some of those questions about good pruning techniques. Bess is a horticultural consultant, educator and ISA Certified Arborist.

She was an instructor for the Edmonds Community College horticulture program for 28 years and holds an A.T.A. degree in Ornamental Horticulture. She is a Lifetime member of Plants Amnesty.

Looking ahead, the October 9th meeting will be on "Colorful Conifers," with Trevor Cameron CPH.

Trevor is with Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville WA. He will expound on the wonderful world of conifers. The variety of colors, textures, forms and sizes are endless. They add color to our winter garden as well.

The club meets at the Lake Forest Park Town Center on the upper level by the stage. General meetings start at 9:30 am, break for refreshments and end after the speaker at about noon.

Town Center is located at the intersection of Bothell Way NE and Ballinger Way NE.

You are welcome to attend twice for free and then must join for $25 for the year if you wish to continue to come to meetings.

We are at all levels of Garden knowledge. You can always learn something new and meet great people.


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LFP Stewardship Foundation funds intern to gather data about tree removals and replacement in LFP

Maple in Animal Acres
Photo by Dan Short
By Jim Halliday, Stewardship Foundation Board member 

There’s a new intern in the City of Lake Forest Park (LFP), thanks again to funding made available from King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, and Elizabeth Louden, Grant Manager at the King County WaterWorks Grant Program.

The grant recipient, the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation, is partnering with Steve Bennett, the City of LFP’s Planning Department Director, and UW Bothell’s Dr. Rob Turner, Senior Lecturer in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, with coordination provided by Tyson Greer, of the LFP Tree Board, to provide a UWB student intern to gather data about tree removals and replacement.

This tree data will be useful to the City Council, City Arborist, the Tree Board, and the public in evaluating the effectiveness of the Tree Preservation and Enhancement Ordinance, including enforcement.

As communities at the north end of Lake Washington such as Lake Forest Park move forward with the implementation of the Return Kokanee to Our Streams Project, the data gathered will be critical for long term planning, and making decisions concerning trees in land use development and avoiding salmon habitat loss.

Other cities in the region, such as Seattle, are spending heavily to replace their tree canopies so they can also benefit from the tree services an urban forest provides.

The entire region looks to Lake Forest Park for leadership in urban forest enhancement and preservation.

Learn more about the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation and its good works.



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Lake Forest Park Summertime Reflections: 182nd Street Party

Neighbors setting up the 182nd Street Party lights
Photos courtesy of 182nd St. Party


By Donna Hawkey

This is a second post in a series of three that highlight summertime fun and community building in LFP.

Photo by Donna Hawkey

A tenth annual homegrown extravaganza street party took place on 182nd street in August.

Photo by Gary Hawkey

Street Party Organizer Sally Yamasaki (pointing) enjoys an evening moment with neighbors and family.

It all began when residents Sally Yamasaki and Polly Saunders were brainstorming ways to discourage the speeding of cut through traffic they were experiencing in their neighborhood.

They found research that shows when communities claim their streets by making their presence known, it reminds drivers that this is a residential street, and they become more responsible for driving safer.

Photo courtesy of 182nd St. Street Party

But what they ultimately found out is that when neighbors work together, they can do almost anything.

It all starts months ahead with a potluck breakfast to gather and socialize, and to begin making plans for the event. This includes a community yard sale, music rehearsals and more potluck gatherings on the street.

Photo courtesy of 182nd St. Street Party

A homemade grill named “BeniYama” that weighs about 1300 pounds is moved to the street party site by neighbors.

Photo courtesy of 182nd St. Street Party

Neighbors come together to practice songs, build stages and hang lights. They start in the daytime and work through the night.

Photo courtesy of 182nd St. Street Party

On the day of the street party, a parade kicks off the event.

Photo by Gary Hawkey

Live music is provided by neighbors and friends - from folk to jazz - to a parody of rock and roll songs.

Here’s an excerpt about LFP’s tree canopy, sung to the tune of Bill Withers “Ain’t No Sunshine.”

“Ain’t No Sunshine in the Park.” 

Ain’t no sunshine from above
Only shadows, lotsa grey
Ain’t no sunshine from above
Cuz it’s blocked by what we love
What’s a Park without the trees? 

Ain’t No sunshine in my yard…. 


Organizer Sally Yamasaki says, “Even though the work is huge, it is that aspect that brings us together, both young and old, such that after ten years, we all know each other well and have a directory, a Yahoo group and enjoy each other’s company throughout the year.”

Photo by Gary Hawkey

This street party is a fun day for everyone.

Photo courtesy of 182nd street party

A popular tradition at this party is called “amateur minute.”

A tradition meant to brings smiles and love to everyone.

Photo by Donna Hawkey


Watch for tomorrow’s National Night Out post.



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Shoreline Schools start on Wednesday

Follow your school with the App
For the first time in years, Shoreline Schools are starting in August, before Labor Day.

Watch for kids walking to school, and clustered at bus stops. Remember that it is not okay to pass a school bus with its STOP paddle out.

The first day of school is Wednesday, August 29 for grades 1-12 and Tuesday, September 4 for kindergarten. Here is a link to the School calendar that was mailed to families.

There will be teachers there because the Shoreline school district and the Shoreline teachers' union have successfully completed negotiations with a sizable raise for classified staff. The other unions are in their contract talks right now - SESPA is in active negotiations.

You will be seeing kids out of school on Wednesday afternoons this year. Beginning on September 12 there will be a 100-minute early release on Wednesdays when there are five days of school in the week. There will not be early release during weeks when there are not five days of school, such as weeks with holidays or other non-student days.

Send us a photo of your students on their way to school!

There's Now an App for That at Shoreline Schools

Shoreline Schools now has a mobile app to help keep families and community better connected to what's happening in our schools. It offers a constantly updated feed of news, events and important links. Learn more and download...


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Free workshop: Chiropractic for Seniors

Chiropractic For Seniors sponsored by Aegis of Shoreline at the Shoreline Library large meeting room, Friday, August 31, 2018 from 11:30am - 1:30pm. Free event and lunch included.

This is the first of four monthly programs in a Senior Health Series in Partnership with Aegis of Shoreline.

Contact Aegis of Shoreline for more information and to RSVP: 206-367-6700 or email.

The library is located at 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155.



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Lake Forest Park Passport Office closed for Labor Day weekend, September 1-3

Customers of the passport acceptance office at Lake Forest Park City Hall are asked to plan ahead for a Labor Day weekend closure. The office is closed from Saturday, September 1, through Monday, September 3, 2018.

Applications can still be submitted this week on Thursday, and Friday, August 30, and 31 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm The passport office reopens on Thursday, September 6, 2018, at 12:00pm.

Regular passport application acceptance hours are Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 12:00 to 4:00pm, and Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. (last application taken at 3:30pm.)

For information about the application process, including fees and a link to the application form, check out passport page on the City’s website here.



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Court orders estate-planning company to immediately halt deceptive “trust mill” practices

State Attorney General
Bob Ferguson
CLA Estate Services, Inc. and CLA USA, Inc. made millions deceptively selling estate-planning services, annuities in a scheme targeting Washington seniors

Following a lawsuit by Attorney General Bob Ferguson, a King County Superior Court judge issued a preliminary injunction ordering an estate-planning company to immediately halt its deceptive conduct. The lawsuit asserts the Texas-based company operated a “trust mill” scheme targeting hundreds of Washington seniors.

On March 8, Ferguson filed a lawsuit against CLA Estate Services, Inc., CLA USA, Inc., and Mitchell Johnson, a former CLA agent.

The suit asserts that CLA held misleading estate-planning seminars and sold financial products to Washington seniors without adequately disclosing that these products could lock up their assets for years and carried hefty penalties for early withdrawal. 

These products made CLA millions in commissions at substantial cost to consumers.

After Ferguson filed the lawsuit, CLA issued a statement claiming, “CLA customers have the peace of mind knowing that they have a valid, legal estate plan in place to handle their affairs upon incapacitation or death.”

“CLA targeted seniors with their deceptive scheme, the opposite of giving them ‘peace of mind,’” Ferguson said. “They made millions through their trust mill scheme. This court ruling puts an immediate halt to CLA’s misleading and unlawful conduct.”

Judge Michael Scott today granted an order for preliminary injunction, which prevents CLA from conducting estate-planning seminars and prevents both CLA and Johnson from marketing annuities to seniors who have purchased CLA’s “Lifetime Estate Plan” while the lawsuit progresses.

In order to obtain the injunction, the state had to show that its case was likely to succeed and that CLA’s deceptive conduct harms consumers.

The company invited seniors to attend free workshops about estate planning. During the workshops, CLA salespeople encouraged participants to set up living trusts and buy CLA’s “Lifetime Estate Plan” packages.

In reality, the ultimate goal was to obtain detailed financial information to sell complex financial products seniors did not understand. The “Lifetime Estate Plan” packages included a referral to an attorney and annual review meetings, where insurance agents, under the guise of reviewing the estate plans, attempted to sell life insurance and annuities.

The annuities lock up seniors’ retirement savings, allowing them to make only nominal withdrawals during a deferral period, typically 10 years, without incurring high surrender penalties. Many seniors incurred substantial penalties for early withdrawal of funds they needed for living expenses.

CLA agents including Johnson did not adequately disclose the terms of the annuities to clients. Johnson and other agents also provided investment advice to seniors without being registered to do so.

For example, after falsely representing that he was an investment advisor, Johnson convinced a senior to transfer $600,000 held in stocks and an IRA to purchase an annuity. Johnson lied about the senior’s assets on her annuity application and failed to advise her of the surrender penalties and tax consequences she would incur if she withdrew funds early. She was ultimately charged over $37,500 in surrender penalties for withdrawals she made to pay her living expenses and help her family.

On one annuity application, a CLA agent misrepresented a couple’s assets as including a second home worth $75,000. However, the couple owned no real estate other than their mobile home and the land it was on. The agent convinced the couple to convert their retirement savings into annuities, without informing them that the annuities would cost them more in charges than they would earn in interest.

Today’s ruling prevents CLA Estate Services from holding estate-planning seminars in Washington, marketing or gathering information for estate planning documents, marketing annuities or other insurance products to CLA clients, and unfairly or deceptively marketing annuities or other insurance products to any Washington consumers. The injunction applies statewide. CLA operates in at least 35 states.

CLA can still sell annuities to individuals who are not “Lifetime Estate Plan” clients, but cannot continue their deceptive practices. They can also continue their annual review meetings with clients in Washington state, but cannot use these meetings to sell annuities or any other insurance product.

Assistant Attorneys General Trisha McArdle and Cindy Alexander are handling the case for the Attorney General’s Office.



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Voter registration continues during Licensing systems update

During a Department of Licensing (DOL) system upgrade scheduled for Labor Day weekend, online voter registration and updates will be unavailable at myvote.wa.gov

However, Washington residents can still make and update voter registrations via downloadable, printable forms available at the Office of Secretary of State’s elections website.

The Secretary of State’s voter registration page contains forms for new Washington voter registrations and updates to existing voters’ information, such as name or address changes, that can be printed in any of 21 languages and submitted by mail or in person at county elections offices. 

Organizers of voter-registration drives that will take place during DOL’s update can request to be mailed up to 1,000 blank registration forms for use as well, in English, Spanish, Chinese, or Vietnamese.

During the Department of Licensing system unavailability, visitors to the MyVote site will still be able to check their registration status. 

The system is scheduled to resume full service Tuesday, Sept. 4. The Licensing system is being upgraded to incorporate improved security for Washington driver license and identification cards, offering increased privacy for state residents.

Washington’s Office of Secretary of State oversees a number of areas within state government, including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. The office also manages the State Archives and the State Library, documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington, oversees the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees, and administers the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime.



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4Culture offers sustained support funding to arts and heritage organizations

Workshop Thursday Sept 6 at noon
in the LFP Library
4Culture, King County’s cultural funding and support agency, is offering Sustained Support funding to organizations working in the arts, heritages, and preservation.

This money helps cultural organizations keep the lights on, and so much more!

There will be a free and informal grant workshop at the Lake Forest Park Library on Thursday, September 6, 2018, 12:00—1:00pm.

All questions welcome. More information here.

The library is on the lower level of Town Center, near the escalator, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.



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The Spirit of Aloha is Alive and Well in Shoreline

The annual Aloha Luau event will be held on September 29, 2018
at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center


By Jon Ann Cruver and Barbara Johnson


Kupuna is a Hawaiian word meaning elder – and often meaning “honored elder”—one who attains natural respect through life experiences and builds community by the practice of love and caring.

And that deeper meaning of the word Kupuna describes the members of the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center Hawaiian Hula dance class! The weekly Kupuna dance class represents so much more than exercise. As members embrace the spirit of aloha, their gatherings are times of caring, sharing, fun, laughter and love.

Share the Aloha spirit with the Kupunas
at the annual Aloha Luau
Tickets go on sale September 10 

At weekly dance classes, the Kupunas encourage each other as they learn the hand movements and steps of dances that tell a rich story from one of the beautiful islands of Hawaii. But the support that they show each other in their dance class continues well beyond. They genuinely care for each other and share in the joys and sorrows of their Kupuna sisters, with baby showers for soon-to-arrive grandchildren, a scrapbook offering words of wisdom for the young, and a dance tribute at a memorial service to honor one of their own.

Barbara Johnson has danced with the Kupunas
for ten years, starting at age 88
One Kupuna sister —Barbara Johnson—is still dancing at 98 years, thanks to the Kupunas’ genuine aloha spirit. Barbara has been attending the weekly class for at least ten years, and she is so grateful for the care and support of her Kupuna sisters, which enable her to continue to dance with this active group. 

At a time in her life when life-long friends are sparse, Barbara recognizes that her Kupuna friends are truly gold! She treasures the friendship, camaraderie and spirit of love and compassion that she has found in this very special group.

The Kupunas, part of the Hokulani Hula Studio, perform at a wide range of events during the year. This summer the group has performed at senior community luaus, the Evergreen State Fair, and Celebrate Shoreline as well as at the prestigious Live Aloha Event at the Seattle Center.

The annual Aloha Luau event will be held on September 29, 2018 at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center. In addition to the Kupuna Dancers, there will be a wide range of dances from the islands as well as Maori and Tahitian, ages 2-98.

If you would like to share in the Aloha Spirit, tickets for the Aloha Luau can be purchased at the Senior Center beginning Monday, September 10, 2018 at the senior center front desk or you may call to reserve your tickets at 206-365-1536.

The senior center is located at 18560 1st Ave NE #1, in the southern-most building of Shoreline Center. We look forward to seeing members of the community all dressed in their island attire, enjoy live music, wonderful dancing and a traditional luau meal. You will find it is a magical evening,

Aloha!


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Call for Artists: 2018 6X6NW – a unique community and national art exhibition

A display from the 2017 6X6NW
Photo courtesy SL-LFP Arts Council


The Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council is currently accepting submissions for 6X6NW
, a community art exhibition event featuring an estimated 700 works of art. Each artwork must be 6 x 6 inches and artists may enter up to 10 works of any medium (2D or 3D). There is a $6 fee to register. Registration is free for children 18 and under.

Entries will be exhibited during 6X6NW on October 6, 2018 and offered for sale to the public for $36 each. The Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council will receive a 60% commission on any works sold and artists may elect to waive their 40% commission and contribute their work(s) as a full donation to benefit the Arts Council’s community arts programming and events.

Interested in taking pART? Registration and participation is open to all — no art background is required! Information and registration here. Registered participants will receive six free tickets to the event at Shoreline Community College on October 6 (a $60 value). Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including People's Choice.

Entries Due: All 6 x 6 works of art must be received to the Arts Council office at the Shoreline Center by September 28 or postmarked by September 29. Please, no late entries! Earlier is better. Arts Council Address: 18560 1st AVE NE Shoreline, WA 98155

Now in its third year, 6X6NW is a program of the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council and will be held on Saturday, October 6 in the Student Union Building at Shoreline Community College – 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Bldg. 9000, Shoreline 98133.

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


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Friends of the LFP Library have fun at the pop up book sale

Friends of the LFP Library book sale at the
LFP Farmers Market Sunday
Photo by Jerry Pickard


By Carol Geil and Sharon Green


Booklovers roaming the LFP Farmers Market Sunday were drawn to the boxes of bargain books at the Friends of the LFP Library table. It was a treat to watch kids’ faces light up as they discovered their next great read.

Folks swapped recommendations for favorite cookbooks as they perused the collection on hand -- $1 each! Browsers gasped with delight as they found something they had been meaning to pick up, or an unexpected treasure.

Thanks are due to all the volunteers for their assistance with Sunday's Pop Up Summer Book Sale -- to those who provided behind the scenes support in planning and organizing, to the enthusiastic book sellers who promoted the Friends, to husbands Hugo Draye and Jim Geil and to Mike Dee who helped with set up and clean up, to Connie Harris our treasurer who handled the money so efficiently, and to the Farmers Market which welcomed us at a Sponsor's Table.

During the book sale, there was a steady stream of visitors and folks seemed to enjoy browsing the selection of books. It was great to gain glimpses into the lives of the browsers: the teacher from Brookside Elementary School who purchased books for use by her 5th grade students; the family from Laos who welcomed English language books for their bilingual/trilingual children; the many folks who discussed food and recipes with us.

It was fun to see children sitting on the ground reading books. It was wonderful to share in the lively atmosphere of the Market. The temperature was comfortable. And the rain held off!

In terms of money, we made $354, which goes directly into the coffers of KCLS, to support their great community programs. More than the income was the opportunity to generate good will by participating in the community activity of the Farmers Market and to enjoy interacting with members of the community and with each other. We had fun!


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Scene on the Sound: the ghost ship comes out of the smoke

Monday, August 27, 2018

National Security Coast Guard Cutter, John Midgett
"ghost" no more - see previous story
Photo by Jan Hansen


What a joy to see our Shoreline Sea again! Today the National Security Coast Guard Cutter, John Midgett, sailed through in clear view. This vessel is not yet one year old and is the eighth ship to be built in her class. She was named to honor the legacy of a brave member of the Coast Guard.

NavalToday.com gives his story and the vessel’s description:

“We often speak of our service as a family, our Coast Guard family,” said Adm. Charles Michel, vice commandant of the US Coast Guard, who was the ceremony’s keynote speaker. “The Midgett name takes that seriously with a family legacy unprecedented in the armed services, a family that is all about service before self. Such a special name deserves to be emblazoned on a special platform.”

The ship is named to honor John Allen Midgett, who was awarded the Silver Cup by the UK Board of Trade in 1918 for the renowned rescue of 42 British sailors aboard the British tanker Mirlo after it was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of North Carolina. He was also awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1924.

Midgett was a senior enlisted member of the US Lifesaving Service when it merged with the US Lighthouse Service and US Revenue Cutter Service to become today’s US Coast Guard.

MNSCs are designed to be the flagships of the Coast Guard’s fleet, capable of executing the most challenging national security missions, including support to US combatant commanders. NSCs are 418 feet in length, 54 feet in beam and 4,600 long tons in displacement. They have a top speed in excess of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles, endurance of up to 90 days and can hold a crew of up to 150. These new cutters are replacing the aging High Endurance Hamilton class cutters (378 feet) that have been in service since the 1960s. NSCs include an aft launch and recovery area for two rigid hull inflatable boats and a flight deck to accommodate a range of manned and unmanned rotary wing aircraft.




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Need a pick me up - join a Sweet Adeline chorus

Seattle Shores chorus

Got the Summer Time Blues? Kids going off to school and you’re looking at an empty nest? Maybe you’ve got some free time; love to sing and you’re wondering what to do next?

Why not consider joining a Sweet Adeline chorus. We sing Barbershop harmony. We are a group of gals who love to sing and love to share our songs with our community. If you want to make a difference in your community and in your own life, please consider joining us for an evening of laughter, song and music. 

It is a scientific fact that Music keeps you young. Come and find out why! If you come by and start learning now you could sing with us as a guest at our Operation Smile Benefit in October and our Christmas Performance.

We are the Seattle Shores Chorus and we meet at the Shoreline's Unitarian Universalist Church at 14724 1st Avenue NE in Shoreline on Tuesday nights from 6-9pm. Anyone can learn to sing if you have a willingness to learn. It is helpful if you can read music but not necessary!

For more information, please contact Christine Allen at 425-463-6650 or you can send us an email.



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Bubbleman enchants the children at Frolic by the Lake

Photo by J M

The Bubbleman enchanted a group of giggling children as he used bigger and bigger (recycled) props to create more and more bubbles for them to try to catch.

He probably has the best smelling show in town.

He did a 45 minute set for the Echo Lake Neighborhood's second Frolic by the Lake on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at Echo Lake Park. 

The smoke lifted for the evening and the sky was blue with little white clouds - just like the old days.

Photo by J M

Other children played on the park playground or got their faces painted.

Aubrye Jacques creates wearable art
Photo by J M

The adults ate from the Yummy Box food truck, tried out the cupcakes and carrot cake from Sweet Pearl Bakery, and mostly sat and talked.

And everyone had a good time.



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Wonderland Gala and Auction Oct 6


Join us for fun with purpose as we celebrate 49 years of providing early-intervention services to children with special needs. Help us raise $100,000 to support our therapy services and supplemental programs. This not-to-be-missed community event will include a cocktail hour, dinner, and live and silent auctions.

This year’s theme, “Imagine the Possibilities”, is a celebration of the potential of every child and a tribute to our shared commitment to give each one the brightest future possible.

We need your help in making this year’s event a memorable one! There are plenty of ways to get involved:

  • Attend Night of Wonder, and bring friends! Become a table captain and make an even bigger impact with your ticket purchase.
  • Become a sponsor! We have new levels of sponsorship this year that that are affordable for any business, individual, family, or group of friend’s budget: visit WonderlandKids.org/NightofWonder for more information.
  • Donate an auction item or experience! We are always looking for unique family activity packages, luxury items, and exciting experiences our guests can’t find anywhere else.
  • Volunteer! It’s not too late to join the planning committee or sign up to help with decorating and day-of set up.

Wonderland Developmental Center
Social Service agency located in Shoreline, Washington
Wonderland Developmental Center is a 501(c)3 non profit organization that provides critical therapies to families and children with developmental delays and disabilities.



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Authors of "Sold on a Monday" and "Rust and Stardust" at Third Place Books Tuesday

Tuesday, August 28, 2018, 7pm at Third Place Books, Town Center Lake Forest Park, intersection Bothell and Ballinger way.

Kristina McMorris and Tammy Greenwood
Sold on a Monday (Sourcebooks)
Rust and Stardust (St. Martin’s Press)

Two brilliant authors of historical fiction discuss their emotionally charged and transportive new novels. McMorris's Sold on a Monday is a tale of the children deemed unwanted in Depression-era America; Greenwood's Rust and Stardust is the fictional account of Sally Horner, the real-life inspiration for Nabokov's Lolita.

In addition, both book clubs sponsored by Third Place Books meet this week.

On Monday, August 27, 7pm, the Literary Book Club members will be discussing A Hope in The Unseen by Ron Suskind.

On Wednesday, August 29, 7pm, the Nonfiction Book Club will discuss Landwhale by Jes Barber.



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BSRE appeals decision of Hearing Examiner - Point Wells project still alive

Point Wells
Google Earth


This update is from the advocacy group Sno-King Environmental Protection Coalition, which opposes the proposed development at Point Wells


BSRE keeps it going - Files appeal with Snohomish County Council

As expected, BSRE hasn't taken "No" for the final answer. After having their development application denied by the Snohomish County Hearing Examiner (HE), then denied again when they asked the Hearing Examiner to reconsider the decision, BSRE has now taken the next step by filing an appeal with the County Council.

According to the Snohomish County Code, the appeal to the Council can only focus on issues already raised in the motion to reconsider the Hearing Examiner's decision. BSRE must argue that the HE came to a conclusion not supported by the record established in the hearing, made a mistake in applying the law, or that BSRE has new information which could not have been introduced at the hearing. The appeal will result in a public hearing where BSRE, the County, and the public will be able to make short presentations before the Council makes their decision. The date for the hearing has not yet been set.

What is "without prejudice"?

The Hearing Examiner had the choice of denying the application either "with prejudice" or "without prejudice". An application denied with prejudice is dead, and the developer must wait a year before submitting another similar application. A denial without prejudice allows the developer to submit a similar application without the one year wait period. The HE's ruling on reconsideration clarified that he denied BSRE's application without prejudice, giving BSRE a path to fix the issues found by the HE and quickly submit a new development plan.

One of the more interesting questions raised by BSRE is whether the HE's ruling that the application was denied without prejudice also grants BSRE the right to retain all their vested Urban Center development rights.

The HE seemed to rule against that right when he said the provision in the 2011 version of the County Code that preserved vesting was no longer in effect because it had been removed in a 2013 update to the Code. The County is almost certain to use this argument before the Council.

BSRE is arguing that they were vested to that provision of the 2011 code so it doesn't matter that it was later removed - their vesting preserves their right to use the 2011 version of the code.

This sounds like an issue that will eventually end up in court before we get a final decision.

Why do we care about "without prejudice"?

If BSRE wins this argument and is able to submit a new application using their vested development rights, then we will be right back where we were a year ago with a large development being proposed for a piece of land that does not have the access needed to support the number of vehicle trips the development will generate, and no process for the City of Shoreline to control what happens with the development.

If BSRE loses this argument, they can still submit a new application, but that application would have to follow the County's Urban Village development rules which give the City much more control over what can be developed.

It's much better for our neighborhood if the City has more control over the development since we have a much better chance of working cooperatively with our own City Council to come to good decisions than we do in talking to the Snohomish County Council.


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The value of prescription drug benefits for Medicare enrollees

Catherine Field is Humana’s
market president in Washington
By Catherine Field, Washington Market President, Humana

If you currently have Medicare, or if you will soon become eligible for Medicare, prescription drug benefits should be an important part of your decision-making when it comes to choosing among various Medicare coverage options.

It’s important to know that Original Medicare provides very little prescription drug coverage. 

Therefore, if you are eligible for Medicare and want drug coverage, you will need to purchase it from a private insurer, like Humana. You can either buy a stand-alone prescription drug plan — commonly referred to as a PDP — or obtain Part D prescription coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.

Even if you’re not currently taking prescription medications, it is still a good idea to look into getting prescription drug coverage as soon as possible.

One reason is that you may need to start taking a prescription medication sooner than you expect, but you can’t just sign up for coverage at any time. 

You can sign up for coverage only when you first become Medicare-eligible (typically at age 65) or during the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment, which runs each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, for coverage that starts on Jan. 1 of the following year. For example, if you are prescribed medication in July and don’t have drug coverage, you could have six months of paying for that new prescription out of your own pocket before your coverage kicks in on Jan. 1.

A second reason to enroll in Part D coverage as soon as you are eligible is to avoid an enrollment penalty.  (Ed.note: the penalty also applies to Medicare itself)

If you wait to sign up, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) can charge you a penalty every month, in addition to the plan’s monthly premiums. Penalties can range from a few dollars up to more than $20 each month on top of your premium. This can be a significant cost if you’re living on a fixed income. Once a penalty is assessed, it never goes away.

For these two reasons, it’s a good idea to sign up for drug coverage. The good news is that there are low-cost drug plans available. For example, there are Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage and have either a very low monthly premium or no monthly premium at all.

Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you choose the drug coverage that is right for you. 
  • It’s always a good idea to find an insurance professional in your community who can help you look at the drugs you might want covered and how they match up with the prescription drug benefit of the various plans offered in your market. 
  • The government-run website Medicare.gov is also a great resource that allows you to compare all of the plans offered in your county and narrow down the options to the plan that will best meet your needs.
Even if you are already in a plan, the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) is the time to take a good look at all your plan options and find the coverage that is right for you.


Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization and a stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on plan renewal.


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Lake Forest Park Summertime Reflections: a party in the forest

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Gretchen holds an annual dinner in her LFP forest.
Photo by Gary Hawkey

Lake Forest Park Summertime Reflections!
By Donna Hawkey

This is the first of three posts that highlight a diversity of Lake Forest Park neighborhood traditions and appreciations.

Summertime brings communities together for enjoyment and to create stronger unity.

Gretchen Bennett Guethner readies
her dinner in the forest
Photo by Gary Hawkey

An annual dinner party held in a deeply forested backyard and hosted by resident Gretchen Bennett Guethner began twelve years ago when she joyfully returned home after experiencing a divorce proceeding in Europe.

“I had no idea how complex legal matters could become for a US citizen married to a foreigner. I was so happy to be back home with my daughter that I threw a party. It was so successful, I have been throwing that same party for the last twelve years!” exclaims Gretchen.
Guests gather in the lower forest level before dinner.
Photo by Gary Hawkey

Gretchen’s future son-in-law James was the chef for this years’ dinner party for nineteen. Even with an incline that requires a significant hike from the kitchen to the serving table, James did not miss a step. 

A guest helps to hike-up food from the kitchen.
Photo by Gary Hawkey

A full dinner from an appetizer starter of a delicate crab salad followed by a refreshing vegetable soup to two entrees rounded out this delightful dinner in a forest.

A full dinner was servd
Photo by Gary Hawkey

Guests include Gretchen’s grammar school friend who still lives only one mile away; a convivial group of neighbors, relatives and Shorecrest friends; and a family friend of longest standing – from the senior Bennetts’ university days.
The Bennett family has been living on this same property for nearly 60 years! 

Photo by Therese Guethner
 
The cellist plays lovely and perfect sounding music for the forest party.


And at the end of Gretchen’s party, neighbors decided to plan a street party for May of next year!

Lake Forest Park summertime reflections continue tomorrow with highlights of another lively neighborhood party on 182nd Street.


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LFP Council COW joint meeting with Planning Commission

The Lake Forest Park City Council Committee of the Whole (COW) will hold a joint meeting with the Planning Commission on Tuesday, August 28, 2018, at 6:30pm.

City Hall Council Chambers 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.

Discussion regarding implementation of Town Center Vision


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Death notices as of July 25, 2018

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

Audrey Anderson age 98 She went to Queen Anne High School and took care of her family in the Shoreline area.

Ann Berni Oliver 1919-2018 She and her husband spent their later years in Edmonds and Shoreline.

Nancy Shuttleworth Rust 1928-2018 Retired state legislator. See previous article.

Donna Rae (Compton) Sowler 1929-2018 She and her husband raised six children in Shoreline where they were long-time members of Bethel Lutheran Church. She loved reading maps and studying recipes for the interesting facts she learned from them. She was a serious Shanghai Rummy player and a Seahawks fan.

Julie May Kehle 1930-2018 She worked for Shoreline Schools for 20 years as an attendance secretary at Morgan Jr High and Shorewood High School.

Erlinda Custdodia Rendorio Age 82 Mass said at St. Mark's in Shoreline for this mother of six and burial at Holyrood.

Brian Richard Peterson 1958-2018 Studied machining at Shoreline Community College and had a long career in the machining trade, which was his passion.

Linda Beryl (May) Forseth 1944-2018 Long-time resident of Lake Forest Park and a devoted and active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Successful Windermere agent, and a volunteer for UNIVAC youth sports, "a passion for providing support was always a priority."

Anna D. Rutledge 1918-2018 She and her husband had their own business North End Delivery and A-One Transfer in Seattle. They lived in Seattle and then Shoreline until they retired and moved to a home on Lake Ballinger. She was a member of Shoreline Lady Lions and traveled with them all over the world, even meeting the Pope. Funeral mass at St. Mark's and burial at Holyrood.

Patsy Ann Thiemens Age 68 after a long battle with cancer. She was a software engineer at Fluke for over 30 years. Memorial service at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Shoreline.

James Martin Shea 1933-2018 Prayer vigil and funeral mass at St. Luke Catholic church in Shoreline. He belonged to St. Vincent De Paul Society, and volunteered with Pioneer Human Services and NAMI.


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Wildlife: Otter at Ronald Bog

Otter at Ronald Bog
Photo by Martin De Grazia

I suspect that Martin was up very very early to get this photo as the best time to see otters is dawn.

This guy is a fresh water otter. We have them in every body of water in Shoreline - and in McAleer Creek as well. They're versatile.

They are also elusive. People who live by the lakes see them (and sadly, people who have koi ponds see them) but the occasional visitor will never know they are there.

Considering how elusive they are, this is really an extraordinary photo. Thanks to Martin for sharing!

DKH


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65-100 young dancers wanted for Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker production in Seattle

Moscow Ballet and local dancers
in the Great Russian Nutcracker

Calling all greater Seattle student dancers.

The Moscow Ballet returns to Seattle this November and is inviting greater Seattle student dancers to audition for a role in their Great Russian Nutcracker.

If cast, students will dance on stage with the Moscow Ballet at Seattle's Paramount Theater, Thursday, November 8, and Friday, November 9, 2018 at 7pm.

Students will audition for The Great Russian Nutcracker's ancillary roles, including little snowflakes, mice, party children, snow sprites, snow maidens, Spanish, Russian, French, Arabian, and Chinese dancers.

Student dancers must be between 6 and 18 years of age, currently enrolled in any dance school, and have had a minimum of one year of ballet training.

Auditions are free of charge.

Local dancers in prep classes before auditions
 
Moscow Ballet’s Seattle auditions will be held at American Dance Institute's Shoreline studio on Monday, September 10, 2018.

The Moscow Ballet hopes to cast between 65-100 local dancers for the 2018 production. The 65 dancers cast in the 2017 production were from as far north as Everett and south to Federal Way.

For over 25 years The Moscow Ballet has performed their brilliant The Great Russian Nutcracker. This year they will give 140 performances in November and December all across the US and Canada. They will be in Seattle for two performances in 2018.

American Dance Institute of Seattle and Shoreline WA serves as host for the Moscow Ballet's auditions and rehearses the dancers for the Seattle performances.

Rapidly Approaching


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