Mexican Dancers at Echo Lake Elementary

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Mexican dancers take a bow after their performance
Photo courtesy Echo Lake Elementary


Families and staff at Echo Lake Elementary worked together to organize their annual Festival of Cultures. Children showcased the music and dance of their culture.




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Velveteen Rabbit at Seattle Children's Theatre offers Sensory Friendly Performance, also ASL and Audio Described


Seattle Children’s Theatre stages The Velveteen Rabbit at the Charlotte Martin Theatre 201 Thomas St, Seattle 98109 (Seattle Center on Queen Anne)

Enjoy this adventure-filled adaptation from London’s acclaimed Unicorn Theatre through December 30, with a sensory friendly performance on December 16.

As the weather becomes cool, warm your heart with the much-loved story about a toy rabbit who longs for nothing more than to become real. 

The Velveteen Rabbit is on stage at SCT from November 1—December 30. Age Recommendation Ages 5+. Running Time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including intermission


Special performances:

ASL Interpreted Performances:
Public - December 8, 2018 1:00pm (with audio description)
School - December 13, 2018 10:30am

Audio Described Performances:
Public - December 8, 2018 1:00pm (with ASL interpretation)
School - December 6, 2018 10:30am

Sensory Friendly/Relaxed Performance:
December 16, 2018, 11:00am
Learn More About Sensory Friendly Performances

Active Audience Guide: The Velveteen Rabbit


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Walking with Mary and Joseph in labyrinth at Church of the Redeemer


You are invited to walk the labyrinth at Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore on Tuesday December 11, 2018. "Walking with Mary and Joseph" begins at 7:00pm.

If you would like to help with set up, arrive a bit early, like 6:30pm. If you have questions, contact Bee Jay Mar at labyrinth@redeemer-kenmore.org. 
 
Church of the Redeemer is at 6210 Northeast 181st St, Kenmore, 425-486-3777.
 
The main labyrinth at Church of the Redeemer is an original design by Dan Niven. It is installed on the floor of the parish hall as a gaffer tape, semi-permanent labyrinth. Dan has designed and installed many labyrinths in the Puget Sound region. 

His description follows:

Over the past fifteen-plus years, I’ve created many circular designs, and am also drawn to patterns which emerge out of a series of nested polygons. A common medieval labyrinth shape was octagonal with a flat base–imagine a stop sign–occasionally rotated 22.5 degrees to create on “on-point” look. 
I use this motif often, sometimes increasing the number of sides to twelve, creating the dodecagonal shape employed in this cruciform five-circuit design. Paths are wide enough for those using a walker. The middle is 3.5 circuits wide or about quarter of the overall width, a common ratio for labyrinths with an expanded center.

Our labyrinth is named “The Twelve Apostles,” reminding us of all the adventures Jesus’ original core group experienced, walking in the footsteps of Jesus and the Old Testament wanderers.

We also have a variety of table-top labyrinths for walking with a finger or with a stylus.

Church of the Redeemer is at 6210 Northeast 181st St in Kenmore. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And, we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

Community life at Redeemer centers on worship in the Episcopal tradition. Art and music vitally deepen this worship. Our faith expresses itself with service to people, locally to internationally.

The Episcopal Church welcomes you.


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Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board Meeting Thursday

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Douglas fir photo by
Mike Remarcke
Thursday, December 6, 2018 from 7 - 9pm
Shoreline City Hall Conference Room 303 

Agenda Highlights and 
Link to Full Meeting Packet (50 pages)
  • Sound Transit Tree Impacts
  • Public Art Sculpture Donation
  • Street Tree List Update for Unimproved Rights-of-Way
  • Aging Adult Services Strategy Review
Comment on Agenda Items



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Santa arrives at the Fire Safety Center for the tree lighting

Photo by Sabrina Pridemore

Saturday evening the Shoreline Fire Department picked up Santa at a secret site and transported him to the fire safety station on Richmond Beach Road. He was there for the Christmas tree lighting event.

Photo by Sabrina Pridemore

Santa was helped down out of the 1970 fire truck by Sheri Ashleman and fire fighter Steve Anderson. There was a large crowd waiting for Santa's arrival.

Photo by Sabrina Pridemore

The kids were excited to see the jolly old fellow and there many shouted greetings to him from the youngsters. Many families from Shoreline attended the tree lighting and many children lined up to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas.

Photo by Sabrina Pridemore

Santa led the large crowd with a countdown to light up the holiday tree.

Photo by Marc Weinberg

The crowd admired the pretty tree and the twinkling lights.

Photo by Marc Weinberg

Then it was back to party time - playing with the safety center toys, refreshments, and the music of the St. Luke children's choir - oh - and supervised sliding down the fire pole!

Photo by Marc Weinberg

Santa said that this community, Richmond Beach, within a community, Shoreline, was one of his favorite places.

Ours, too, Santa!



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The Camp wildfire is officially out



From Shoreline Professional Firefighters Local 1760

After two weeks of destruction and burning an area almost the size of Chicago, the fire in Northern California is finally contained. Thank you to our four Shoreline firefighters, the Washington strike team and all the countless firefighters across the country that sacrificed so much in a unified effort to put out the fire.



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Innovative city forest Carbon Project launches in Shoreline Saturday

Ballinger Open Space
Google maps
A new way to fund city trees is afoot across the nation, and a group of local and national stakeholders are launching one of the pilot projects in the City of Shoreline. The innovation: these trees will earn carbon credits. 

On December 1, Shoreline community volunteers will join local volunteers from Bank of America and staff from the local Greenway Trust to plant 200 trees at the three-acre Ballinger Open Space site at 2350 NE 200th Street, Shoreline.

These trees are the beginning of a project that will clear out invasive plants to restore public access and will plant 2,000 trees on the site.

Many cities are struggling to fund their trees, and growth and development are taking their toll on city trees. 

American Forests and its corporate partner, Bank of America, have been working to address this problem in more than 20 cities across the country since 2013, with a large focus on restoring and expanding urban forests in underserved neighborhoods.

American Forests is also a partner of City Forest Credits, a Seattle-based non-profit organization working nationally to enable tree planting and preservation projects in cities to earn Carbon+ credits. Projects can sell these credits to local or national companies, thus generating new, private-sector funding to help keep our cities green, healthy and equitable.

The scientists at City Forest Credits developed a unique City Forest Carbon+ Credit that includes a metric ton of CO2, quantification of stormwater runoff reduction in cubic meters, reductions in air pollutants, and energy savings.

The Ballinger Open Space site is projected to deliver the following quantified benefits over the next fifty years:
  • Storage of up to 1,000 metric tons of CO2 
  • Reduction of over 62 million liters of storm water (rain fall interception), at a savings of approximately $455,000
  • Energy savings (heating and cooling) of $73,000
  • Improvements in air quality valued at over $5,000 
  • Total dollar benefits over 50 years valued at $533,000 

Clearing has already taken place
Photo courtesy Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust
By working with City Forest Credits, the Greenway Trust will leverage the initial sale of credits to pay for maintenance and monitoring of the trees on the site.

Mark McPherson, founder and Executive Director of City Forest Credits, said, “The City of Shoreline, the Greenway Trust, American Forests, and Bank of America all deserve recognition for their work to pioneer this new opportunity. 

Everyone benefits, from the nearby residents at the Ballinger Homes, to the neighborhood, the larger community, the City of Shoreline, Bank of America and its employees who are volunteering here, birds and pollinators, the environment, and the planet.”

The Seattle-based Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust worked with the City of Shoreline to identify the Ballinger Open Space site as ideal for the first group of national pilot carbon projects. The site is currently choked with blackberries and knotweed and allows no community access. More information on the project and site can be found on the City Forest Credits website under the Ballinger Open Space Project.

“The Greenway Trust is excited to partner with the City of Shoreline and City Forest Credits and pilot the Carbon+ Credits. This new funding opportunity supports critical urban reforestation and restoration efforts consistent with our long-term commitment to the ecological health of the Mountains to Sound Greenway. We greatly appreciate American Forests and Bank of America’s early support for the program and the Ballinger Open Space reforestation project,” said Tor Bell, Field Programs Director

“As part of our commitment to responsible growth, Bank of America is demonstrating the power to make a difference in our communities by putting financial and human capital into innovative, cross-sector partnerships that help communities be more climate resilient and enhance green spaces for people to enjoy,” said Kerri Schroeder, Seattle market president for Bank of America. “We are proud to support our partners in this Carbon+ Credits pilot program because it is creating financial incentives to solve environmental problems right in our own backyard.”

Shoreline Mayor Will Hall said, “Shoreline residents love our trees. In 2014 we adopted an Urban Forest Strategic Plan with goals and strategies to improve the forests in Shoreline. We are excited about this partnership with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, City Forest Credits, American Forests, and Bank of America to restore over two acres of degraded forest land at Ballinger Open Space. It is a big step toward our forest goals.”

The Greenway Trust has already begun to clear invasive weeds from the site. On December 1, volunteers will be planting a diverse palette of native tree and shrub species that have historically grown on and are adapted to this area. These include Sitka and Scouler’s willow, Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Dogwood, and Sitka Spruce.


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The Polytech hosts Hour of Code

Hour of Code is an international event
Map from Hour of Code

Hour of Code​​ is an international event held during Computer Science Education Week, December 3rd-9th. The Polytech​ is pleased to host an Hour of Code event at their newly remodeled campus. 

We live in a world surrounded by technology. And we know that whatever field our students choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly depend on understanding how technology works. But only a tiny fraction of us are learning how technology works. Only 35% of all high schools teach computer science.

The Polytech not only offers computer science courses, they offer a way for high school students to begin training for a career in the technology field. 

As part of their commitment to make high-quality advanced workforce education courses​ available to teenagers, The Polytech is joining in on the largest learning event in history: The Hour of Code. More than 100 million students worldwide have already tried an Hour of Code, and all of The Polytech staff and students are ready to participate.

To encourage others to participate in The Hour of Code, The Polytech is opening its campus to the community. Anyone is welcome to visit the campus and complete their one hour of coding instruction during regular business hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm during the week of December 3rd.

For students who want to continue their studies in this field, The Polytech has a unique offering of business and technology programs. Their partnerships with local community colleges enable high school students to begin learning introductory C++ programming as well as the option of earning an industry certificates for these high-demand careers:
  • Application and Desktop Support Specialist 
  • Desktop Support Technician 
  • Server Administrator
  • Network Infrastructure Specialist 
  • Network Engineer 
Join The Polytech to complete your Hour of Code and learn foundational 21st-century skills during Computer Science Education Week!

The Polytech is a WA-State approved private school serving students in grades 11-12 through a combination of small group and one-on-one instruction, college courses taken in partnership with local community colleges, and internship experiences. Students may earn industry certificates, college credits, and a high school diploma at the same time. For more information, call 206-557-4646 or visit thepolytech.com.

The Polytech is located at 540 NE Northgate Way Suite D in Seattle. Look for us behind Starbucks!



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Jobs: WSDOT Access Control and Records Liaison

WSDOT Access Control and Records Liaison
Opening Date: 11/28/2018
Closing Date: Open until filled

We are looking for a Access Control and Records Liaison (Forms and Records Analyst 3) to join the Northwest Region! This position assists headquarters in processing public disclosure requests, serves as the region's records retention coordinator, manages badge and security procedures, and contributes to region policy decisions in those areas of responsibility.

Because this position will be in direct support of Public Disclosure Request (PDRs), a successful candidate will have an aptitude for prioritizing tasks and adhering to confidentiality protocols.

This position is open until filled; the first resume review will take place on December 11th.To view the entire posting and apply, visit Access Control and Records Liaison



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Washington students invited to create 1968 oral history projects for statewide competition


Students throughout Washington in grades 9-12 are invited to enter a statewide oral history competition to complement the new exhibit 1968: The Year that Rocked Washington by Legacy Washington, a program of the Office of the Secretary of State.

The competition will open Jan. 1 and run until April 30, with finalists invited to a reception in June. Entries are to consist of a 4-10 page written profile or essay, based on interviews and research, telling the story of a person who experienced the tumult of 1968. Winning works will be published online by the Office of Secretary of State. Legacy Washington invites educators to participate in this special event by sharing it with their classrooms.

“This competition gives students in our state a wonderful opportunity to participate in telling the story of an immensely significant time in Washington and world history,” Secretary of State Kim Wyman said. 
“I’m proud that the Office of Secretary of State can sponsor this statewide contest, and I’m eager to read the entries sent in by students after interviewing relatives, family friends, and other fascinating members of communities across Washington.”

Legacy Washington’s 1968: The Year that Rocked Washington homepage features educational resources including Common Core-aligned lesson plans, 16 extended profiles of Washingtonians deeply involved in the year’s historic events, and more details about the oral history competition, including instructions on how to conduct an oral history interview. Further information on the Legacy Washington project can be found HERE.

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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Chinook Salmon return to Thornton Creek after an eight-year absence

Two Chinook salmon swam 1.5 miles up Thornton Creek to spawn.
The spawning ground is at a recently restored habitat site
completed by Seattle Public Utilities.


From King County Dept of Natural Resources and Parks


For the first time in eight years, Chinook salmon were spotted spawning in Thornton Creek. Thornton Creek is the largest watershed in Seattle which includes a large central / south area of Shoreline. Thornton Creek is one of the most impacted streams in the region. 

Most nearby residents historically saw the creek as an obstacle to development and subsequently channelized and re-routed creek flows into ditches and culverts. More recently, some devoted advocates and the City of Seattle have restored some sections of the creek to regain healthier conditions. The creek now has some stretches of beautiful riparian forest, active beaver ponds, and clear springs.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) recently completed the Thornton Creek Confluence project in the Meadowbrook neighborhood, which provided both stream habitat restoration and flood control. SPU’s urban creek biologist Katherine Lynch praised the unique project:

“We engineered the streambed vertically and horizontally. Four years after construction, it is maintaining very high-quality gravel. The Chinook salmon pair travelled almost one and a half miles to select this site for spawning. That’s a vote of confidence!”

Unfortunately, the creek still has some room for improvements in habitat, with multiple undersized culverts and large stream sections that are still piped underground. Water quality challenges remain, including untreated waste from camp sites, leaking side sewers, and the runoff of polluted stormwater.

In addition, there is a large population of invasive New Zealand mudsnails. Not surprising nearly half of this urban watershed is rooftop, driveway, roads, or parking – otherwise known as impervious surfaces. Impervious means that rainfall cannot infiltrate into the soil. Open space, parks and vacant land only comprise about eight percent of the watershed.

The return of two Chinook salmon to Thornton Creek to spawn is very exciting and a good indication that we’re on the right track. Further habitat restoration, culvert replacement, and stormwater and pollution controls can lead to improved recovery for Thornton Creek and other streams in the region.



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Call for artists: the legacy and ideas of Edwin Pratt

The Pratt family lived in Shoreline
In partnership with the Black Heritage Society of Washington, the City of Shoreline Public Art Program seeks emerging and established artists in the region with an interest in responding to the legacy and ideas of Edwin Pratt (1930 – 1969), Seattle civil rights pioneer. 

There are two primary modes of submitting work:
  • Submit existing work that reflects his legacy or related themes; or
  • Submit new work that responds directly to the source material.
For the source material, we have identified a selection of vintage photographs and documents from the Pratt Archive at the Black Heritage Society that we hope will serve as touchstones or points of inspiration and poetic response.

The source material images and documents can be browsed prior to submitting. Artworks that manipulate or alter copies of original images are welcomed, with the understanding that acknowledgement will be made to the original source material curated by Black Heritage Society of Washington. 

Anticipated themes might include representations of race, identity, history, and the concept of the archive, but the Call is open to any engagement with the materials. Example: an acrylic painting of one of the snapshots.

Pratt was tragically gunned down on a winter night in his Shoreline home, where he had earlier established residence as one of the first Black families in the suburbs to the north of Seattle in what is now the City of Shoreline. Pratt Park and Pratt Fine Arts Center are named after him and continue his legacy of welcoming everyone to the practice of art making. --Wikipedia

The exhibition will be installed in City Hall Shoreline and the opening will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Pratt’s death. Deadline for consideration: Tuesday January 15, 2019 at 11:59 pm. Drop off will be Sunday Jan. 20 and/or Monday Jan. 21; install occurs on these same days.

For submission details, contact David Francis at dfrancis@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2661. Generous support for the project provided through a Collections Care Grant from 4Culture.



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Tickets on sale now for Physical Poetry 2019


PHYSICAL POETRY 2019

January 11 and 12, 2019
Shorecrest HS Performing Arts Center
15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155
7:30 pm Evening
2:30 pm Saturday Matinee

Tickets: 
$18 General Public (Advance)
$20 at the Door *
*This event tends to sell out, purchase tickets now to secure your seat!


Exciting, heart-stopping, foot-stomping performances featuring dance forms and styles from companies all over the Northwest 
including TAP, HIP HOP, MODERN, JAZZ, STEP, LYRICAL AND MORE! 

Experience three spectacular shows packed with amazing talent from the Greater Seattle Area. This is a family friendly event that will have the audience craving more!


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First group of students graduate from Tesla START training at SCC

One of SCC's Teslas at the Shoreline Solar Fest
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Public invited to see the first cohort of students honored at December 6 Graduation and Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

10 hard-working students will celebrate the completion of their Tesla START service technician training at Shoreline Community College with a special ceremony on Thursday, December 6 from 4:00 - 5:30pm.

“We are thrilled to have the very first cohort of students complete their Tesla training at Shoreline,” said Cheryl Roberts, President of Shoreline Community College. 
“These students have bright futures ahead of them in the fast-paced electric vehicle industry and Shoreline Community College is so pleased to pioneer this training in Washington state.”

Shoreline is just one of five community colleges in the nation to offer the program from electric vehicle manufacturer, Tesla. The inaugural class completed an intensive 12-week technical training that provides them with the skills necessary for job placement as service technicians at Tesla service centers across North America.

Tesla said in a statement, “Tesla is currently working with colleges that have strong automotive programs to help attract and train students who are passionate about our mission of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy. 
"The program recently introduced at Shoreline Community College will help students learn about electric vehicles and sustainable energy and be prepared to start their career on Day 1. As Tesla grows across the United States, it is important that we invest in our community and build a strong pipeline of local talent excited by our mission.”

The public is invited to attend the Tesla Inaugural Graduation and Ribbon-Cutting Celebration on December 6 from 4:00 - 5:30pm. The event includes a special recognition of the graduates, remarks from Tesla and Shoreline Community College representatives, followed by a ribbon-cutting and reception in the new Tesla space on Shoreline’s campus. Guests will also experience first-hand views and demonstrations of Tesla vehicles.

The celebration will take place in Building 2900 at Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave N in Shoreline 98133. Parking is free. Learn more about this event.



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Chinese Dragon dancers

Friday, November 30, 2018

Photo courtesy Echo Lake Elementary
Festival of Cultures 2018 - Chinese Dragon Dance

Echo Lake Elementary, Shoreline Schools.

November 29. 2018



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Jobs: WSDOT Northwest Region Deputy Administrator

WSDOT Northwest Region Deputy Administrator
Opening Date: 11/29/2018
Closing Date: 12/31/2018 11:59 pm

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is actively seeking an accomplished executive with exceptional and proven leadership skills and engineering background.

As the Northwest Region's Deputy Regional Administrator (DRA) you will be a key strategic partner for WSDOT's most challenging and dynamic region. Together with the Regional Administrator (RA), the Deputy is responsible for customer-focused, cost-effective and timely delivery of transportation products and services. The Northwest Region's Headquarters is located in Shoreline and is responsible for state highways in King, Snohomish, Skagit, San Juan, Island, Whatcom and sections of Pierce counties.

Internal to the department, the RA and DRA provide the day-to-day leadership of the Region, systematically fostering a work environment of continuous improvement, transparency and accountability. This requires a strategic plan with clear goals and performance objectives designed to encourage and reward behaviors leading to improved performance, quality and delivery of programs on time and within budget. The DRA will be responsible for delivering Agency-wide initiatives that include creation of practical solutions, promotion of a workforce development program and development of a diversity inclusion strategy to ensure our workforce reflects the population we serve and the composition of our business partners.

Externally, the DRA must be an effective ambassador and key player for the region and department on transportation issues. In this role, the incumbent must build coalitions, establish partnerships and engage communities on issues of vital importance locally and to the State of Washington as a whole.

To view the entire posting and apply, visit Northwest Region Deputy Administrator



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Holiday Makers' Market this weekend in North City business district

The Creativity Loft in North City is hosting a Holiday Makers Market on December 1st and 2nd, from 10am to 4pm on both days.
There will be holiday music, yummy baked goods, and cider for shoppers of handmade gifts for friends and family.

Free admission to shop from 15 local artisans, including Asha Blooms (inspirational jewelry), Ann Espo (opportunity knit accessories), Maren Rosario (colorful prints, candles, and magnets), Seattle Miscarriage Center (earrings), #Loveon24th Prints (world photography), and Jaki McQuiston (leather jewelry, safer home products).

The Creativity Loft ("The Loft") is a brand new community space for artistic expression and healing. It opened September 1st. The Loft provides co-working studio space, workshops, and events for members and guests.

The Creativity Loft 1539 NE 177th Street, Suite D, Shoreline 98155. 206-745-2281. info@thecreativityloft.com

A community space for artistic expression and healing


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Food and gift donations for families in need in the Shoreline Schools community


Donations accepted at Shoreline Schools December 3 - December 14 of non-perishable foods and gift cards for teens.

Volunteers are also needed. Sign up here.



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Music4Life announces another record year providing musical instruments to schools


Music4Life™ has closed another record year by providing 2,036 ready-to-play musical instruments at no charge for use by students at eight Puget Sound public school districts.

The instruments are valued at nearly $183,000. This is an increase of 12 percent in instruments and nine percent of the total value of those instruments from those delivered the previous school year.

Included were 311 full-size instruments and 1,725 recorders (the little flute-like instruments that stick straight out of the mouth) to third- and fourth graders to two public school districts.

Shoreline Public Schools received 54 instruments valued at $21,334.

“We are very grateful to all those donors of ‘lovingly used’ musical instruments who make our work possible,” says David Endicott, Music4Life Co-Founder and President. 
“It is people who have a trumpet, flute, clarinet, violin or other used musical instrument in their garage or attic and donate it to Music4Life who make participation in school-based instrumental music activities available for students in need.”

Endicott says “the reason we do this is because research shows that students who participate in instrumental music activities do better in math, science, history, literature, international languages, reading and writing, even in computer science, in addition to what it teaches in terms of teamwork and self-discipline.

These are advantages that should be available to all public school students regardless of a family’s ability to provide them a musical instrument. The sad fact is that many families today can’t even afford to rent a musical instrument for a son or daughter to play.”

Music4Life provides ready-to-play musical instruments at no charge to public school districts for use by students in need. The Seattle-based non-profit acquires instruments from adults who no longer need them and decide that their highest and best use is to put them back into play.

Music4Life operates programs supporting Auburn, Bremerton, Edmonds, Everett, Highline, Northshore, Seattle and Shoreline Public Schools. Music4Life also accepts donations to help pay for instrument repairs. At least two other local public school districts are being considered for the program.

Music4Life enjoys the support of notable music advocates and other community leaders. Gerard Schwarz, world-renowned conductor laureate of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, has endorsed the program, saying, 

“This wonderful program begins with children in elementary school at a time when, if they’re interested and talented in any way, they have the greatest chance of success. Many people tell me of the impact that direct knowledge of instrumental music has had on their lives. We intend to give this advantage to all our children.”

Music4Life™ is supported in part by grants from 4Culture (formerly the Seattle-King County Arts Commission); the Highline Schools Foundation; the Everett Public Schools Foundation; OpenSquare; Knossos Foundation (based in Shoreline); the Hazel Miller Foundation; various local Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis clubs; the Community Foundation of Snohomish County; the Auburn Schools Foundation; as well as by the law firm of Garvey Schubert Barer; Seattle Symphony Orchestra; the Seattle Folklife Festival; Rafael Carrabba Violins; Encore Media Group; Lamar Advertising; 98.1 Classical KING-FM; KNKX Radio; GMA Research; the Early Music Society of Seattle; Cascade Symphony Orchestra; the Washington State Blues Society; Randy Oxford Entertainment; the Stacy Jones Band; the Edmonds Center for the Arts; Kennelly Keys Music stores; Hammond Ashley Violins in Issaquah; Ted Brown Music; and others.

__________

For more information or to donate an instrument to Music4Life, contact info@Music4Life.org or go to the website. Instrument donation forms are available online, as well as at designated instrument drop-off sites.


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Seattle and King County Housing Authorities team up with King County to house 426 additional homeless and disabled households

The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) and the King County Housing Authority (KCHA) have just received notice of a third 2018 award of new federal voucher funding to help house the region’s most vulnerable and homeless households.

In total, the three recent funding awards will enable the two housing authorities, working in partnership with King County, the Federal Veterans Administration (VA) and the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families, to house 426 additional households.

Earlier this year, the housing authorities applied to the federal government for additional housing vouchers in three separate categories. They worked in partnership with the King County Department of Community and Human Services to propose a coordinated program in which the vouchers could immediately be put into use to help homeless veterans, homeless families and youth, and adults with disabilities secure stable housing and the support services they need to remain stably housed.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the new vouchers through three separate programs:

  1. Mainstream Vouchers for non-elderly adults with disabilities
  2. Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Vouchers for homeless veterans, provided jointly through HUD and the VA; and 
  3. Family Unification Program (FUP) Vouchers, which are used to assist both homeless families with children who are involved with the child welfare system and foster children at risk of homelessness as they age out of the system at age 18. 

Awards in Seattle and King County were as follows:


Organization
Mainstream
VASH
FUP
SHA
79
15
75
KCHA
99
97
61

The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) has several divisions that work directly with the special populations the vouchers will assist, and it oversees the region’s coordinated Homeless Management Information System.

The housing authorities will work with DCHS and community partners to identify individuals and families eligible for and most in need of the additional vouchers. The KCHA Mainstream award builds on the Authority’s Housing Access and Support Program (HASP), which is already supporting 1,800 disabled households in partnership with King County and community-based providers as well as existing VASH and FUP programs that are providing 1,196 vouchers.

SHA, which currently serves 769 households with Mainstream, VASH and FUP vouchers, is working with DCHS to identify people who have been in shelter housing long term and no longer need intensive services if there is a stable housing option, thus freeing up capacity in the system for homeless people to newly come into shelter and obtain the higher level of services.

More than 30 partner agencies are working to support these households through King County’s homeless crisis response system. They help identify eligible people, assist them through the voucher application process, help find appropriate rentals including physically accessible units, assist voucher recipients through the leasing process and provide home and community-based services after a household has received a voucher through this partnership.

“The addition of these vouchers provide additional housing resources and support services for our most vulnerable population,” said SHA Executive Director Andrew Lofton. 
“We appreciate the successful efforts of Senator Patty Murray to get these additional federal resources and we appreciate the local partnerships that will enable us to make a difference right away in the lives of more homeless individuals and families.”

Rents are continuing to outpace the ability of many of our neighbors to stay housed,” said Stephen Norman, Executive Director of the King County Housing Authority.

“These vouchers address the housing needs of some of the most vulnerable members of our community. I am very pleased at how this approach coordinates housing and service resources for these families and individuals on the street level. 
"To solve this problem, however, more resources on the federal level are needed. We are extremely grateful to Sen. Patty Murray for her steadfast advocacy and success in getting this funding for our region.”  

“To truly tackle the regional homelessness crisis we need partnerships between the Seattle and King County housing authorities, all of our cities, community organizations, and the federal government. I am thankful for Sen. Patty Murray’s efforts to secure additional housing funding that will transform people’s lives,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine.

“These vouchers will bring indoors hundreds of vulnerable adults, youth and families with children, including families involved in the child welfare system, one of the root causes of homelessness.”


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Avalanche chutes fill up, SR 20 North Cascades Highway closed for the season

Thursday, November 29, 2018

SR 20 Avalanche areas North Cascades Highway
WSDOT


Scenic mountain highway closed at mileposts 134 and 171 on Nov. 28


DIABLO – Get the holiday decorations ready – the snowy season has arrived, at least in the mountains. Enough snow has fallen in the North Cascades that avalanche chutes are full and, for traveler safety, the 37-mile seasonal stretch of State Route 20 will closed Wednesday, Nov. 28.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will swing the North Cascade Highway gates closed at milepost 134 near Diablo and milepost 171 near Mazama. This section will remain closed until sometime in 2019 when the snow stops falling and melts enough to make it safe for maintenance crews to plow the road.

Winter access
Snowshoers, cross-country skiers, fat-tire bikers or snowmobilers can access the closed area throughout the winter. Parking is available near each closed gate. Anyone choosing to use the area should know the conditions, including avalanche risks, watch the forecast and bring proper gear.

Later this winter, once there is significant snowfall, adventurers should plan for the gate closures to expand on both ends of the North Cascades Highway. In the Diablo area it will move back to milepost 130, on or after Jan. 2, 2019. The closure in Mazama will move back to milepost 178 once snow is too deep for snow blowers. Extending the closure area when the snow gets heavier and deeper saves money and resources. There will still be parking available at both closure locations.

Highway history
WSDOT opened the final section of SR 20/North Cascades Highway in 1972. Each year crews close it to vehicles for the winter due to the snow in the 27 avalanche chutes that loom above the highway. That closure usually happens in November or December. However, in previous years the highway has closed as early as October. The latest closing was Jan 3, 1990 and in 1976-77 the highway remained open all winter due to the lack of snow.

Spring 2019 reopening
Avalanche experts will assess conditions in the spring. When it is safe, WSDOT will move snow blowers, plows and loaders to the area to start clearing snow, removing winter debris and replacing damaged guardrail and signs. That clearing process usually takes about eight weeks.



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Jingle All the Way through December at Third Place Commons

Caspar Babypants at The Commons

Every month is a busy one at Third Place Commons, but December is always extra jam-packed!

With everything from an indoor holiday farmers market and crafts fair to dance recitals and dance lessons to holiday concerts and the beloved children’s entertainer Caspar Babypants – plus live music and dancing every weekend like always – the month to come is no exception.

Here’s a quick overview of just some of the always fun, always free happenings in December.

85th Street Big Band holiday show
at The Commons


Weekend Music and Dancing every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30pm:

Sat, Dec. 1 – New Rhythmatics (Soul)
Fri, Dec. 7 – Jack Cook and the Phantoms of Soul (Soul/Blues)
Sat, Dec. 8 - 85th Street Big Band (Big Band/Swing)
Fri, Dec. 14 – Brian Lee and the Orbiters (Blues)
Sat, Dec. 15 – Rat City Brass (Tijuana Brass)
Fri, Dec. 21 – Mark Dufresne Band (Blues)
Sat, Dec. 22 – Purple Passion Swing Band (Big Band/Swing)
Fri, Dec. 28 – Market Street Dixieland Jass Band (Swing Plus)
Sat, Dec. 29 – Left Turn on Blue (Soul/Blues)

Visit the Third Place Commons calendar to read about each of these great acts. And big thanks to Merlone Geier Partners and the Town Center at Lake Forest Park for their continuing support for this fabulous program!

Community Events in December:

Lisa Toner Violin Recital
Sat, Dec. 1, 1:00 PM
Violin students, age 5-17, perform seasonal and classical favorites.

Here Comes Santa Claus - WA School of Dance
Sat, Dec. 1, 3:00 PM
Celebrate the season with dancers ages 7-18 in a series of holiday performances in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and musical theater.

Shorecrest High School Chansons
Sun, Dec. 2, 1:00 PM
This select group of acapella singers perform throughout the country - including at Carnegie Hall! From classics to the hits, a variety of genres will be performed to your ear's delight!

Northwest Ballet Center Holiday Performance
Sat, Dec. 8, 1:00 PM
Don’t miss this charming and popular annual holiday recital. (Second show on Dec. 15th.)

East Coast Swing Dance Lesson
Sat, Dec. 8, 6:00 PM
Celia Boarman, professional dance instructor, will get you ready for the dance floor with a fun and upbeat, all-ages lesson. No partner necessary. Meet by the stage.

Swingy! A Special Holiday Dance Party
Sunday, Dec. 9, 6:00 PM
The Northwest’s premiere rockabilly band has recently returned from their European tour, ready to "rock this town.” Bring your dancing shoes and expect to hit the dance floor when the band starts playing.

Northwest Ballet Center Holiday Performance #2
Sat, Dec. 15, 1:00 PM

Holiday Farmers Market and Crafts Fair
Sun, Dec. 16, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
One last farmers market to get you through the winter plus the ever-popular annual Holiday Crafts Fair for all your holiday shopping. More details to come!

Milner Family Fiddles
Sunday, December 16, 11:00 AM
Texas style bluegrass from our favorite locals will provide a soundtrack for your lunchtime visit and indoor market shopping.

Computer Q/A: Five Reasons Why Your Computer Is Slow
Sun, Dec. 16, 1:00 PM
System slow-downs can be very frustrating and difficult to figure out. Learn about the most common reasons for this… and what you can do about it!

Caspar Babypants – Keep It Real Concert!
Thurs, Dec. 20, 10:30 AM
Sing and dance along with one of the most popular children’s performers in the Northwest for an all-ages family concert. Presented by Lake Forest Park Library.

Your Commons community is waiting for you, and you’ll find even more to do on the online calendar. So take a break from the holiday hubbub and head to the Commons for the holly-jolliest of months.

Third Place Commons is a community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering real community in real space. It is located at the Town Center at Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, Washington 98155.

Find out how you can support great community programming like this and hundreds of other free events all year long here. See you at the Commons!



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City seeks applicants to fill vacancy on City Council

The 2018 Shoreline City Council
Shoreline City Council Position #6 of will become vacant by January 8, 2019, when Deputy Mayor Jesse Salomon begins his term in the state senate.
 
To fill this Council position, the Shoreline City Council will appoint a Shoreline resident to serve in this role. 

The appointment by the City Council will commence on January 28, 2019 and expire upon the certification of the 2019 general election results in November 2019, as the position will subsequently be filled in the 2019 election cycle.

Eligible applicants must be a registered voter and have resided within the Shoreline city limits for at least one year. The City Council’s regular business meetings occur every Monday evening at 7:00pm. Council dinner meetings are generally held every other Monday beginning at 5:45pm. City Councilmembers often have committee meetings and other time obligations in addition to the City Council meetings.

Applications for appointment to the City Council must be received by the City Clerk no later than 5:00pm on Thursday, January 3, 2019.

Applications can be found online at shorelinewa.gov/councilapplication. You can also pick one up in the City Clerk's Office at City Hall. If you would like additional information, contact City Clerk Jessica Simulcik Smith at 206-801-2231 or jsmith@shorelinewa.gov.

The anticipated timeline for filling the vacancy is as follows:
  • January 3, 2019 – Applications for appointment due 
  • January 7, 2019 – City Council review of applications and selection of candidates for interview 
  • January 28, 2019 – City Council interview of selected candidates and appointment of new Councilmember


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Aegis Holiday Bazaar Saturday

Aegis Living will hold its third annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 10am to 4pm.

Handmade cards, woodworking, photography, jewelry, gifts, Seahawks merchandise, apparel and more.

Kamiak High School Barbershop ensemble performs, while Santa pays us a visit. Hot cider and cookies will be served.

14900 First Ave NE, Shoreline 98155



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Rep. Gerry Pollet (D-46) on the State Auditor’s charter schools performance audit

From Rep. Gerry Pollet D-46

The recent report from the state auditor on charter schools sent a clear message: there’s still more work to be done to ensure charter schools are meeting the needs of their communities and Washington taxpayers.

I appreciate the state auditor’s office looking into many issues of concern that I flagged, such as ensuring charter schools are properly serving at-risk students in their communities. The audit found only four of the state’s charter schools enroll a higher percentage of low-income students compared to neighboring school districts. Only two of ten charter schools enroll as many or more English Language Learners at the same rate as their entire school districts. And while most charter schools are enrolling students with disabilities at comparable rates to neighboring districts, most fall comparatively short in serving students with significant special education needs.

I also requested an examination on whether charter schools are meeting our state’s public records and open government laws. I was disappointed to learn from the audit that 70% of Washington’s charter schools have not established or published procedures for public records requests. Not a single charter school provided a statement of costs, index of records, or list of exemptions for the audit.

I continue to have concerns over the lack of locally-elected board members. Charter schools should have locally-elected boards that are accountable to the communities they serve and to our elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Transparency and accountability are critical components to ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. As a longtime advocate of openness and public accountability, I will continue to work toward more transparent government at the state and local levels.

I will continue to work to ensure charter schools are governed with openness and transparency; and have increased accountability to the communities they are chartered to serve.

SAO Report: Charter School Accountability and Opportunities for Collaboration


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Shoreline Schools students named to All-State and All-Northwest Concert

Shorewood L-R: Julia McConnachie, Stephen Nichols, Ben Helde, Chris Cummings, Andy Ren, Kevin Lee, Deanna Han, Sophia Stevenson, Veronica Lee, Brook Roberts, Adeline Kovell, Elizabeth Hickman, Karsten Lomax and Natalie Ositis


The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is nearing its annual conference this February in Portland.

One of the highlights of the conference will be the hundreds of outstanding student musicians from all across the state and the northwest, including 21 of our very own Shoreline students.

The Washington Music Educators Association sponsors the All-State Choir, Band and Orchestra process to promote students' dedication to their musical knowledge and skill.

  Shorecrest L-R: Peter Park, Dalma Ashby, Jakob Phipps, Sejon Ashby and Tyler Keen


The competitive selection process begins with individual musicians recording an audition and submitting it to WMEA. A panel of judges then ranks each instrument or voice part. From this ranking, a select group of musicians is selected.

The highest-ranking musicians qualify to perform in the All-Northwest and All-State music groups.

These students participate in three days of rehearsals that are directed by nationally recognized conductors during the annual state NAfME Convention in Portland, February 14 – 17, 2019. Their performances in front of thousands of attendees bring this extraordinary event to a close.

  Einstein: Keiyu Mamiya, Sophia Serwold and Ameena Majeed


Honored All-State musicians from Shoreline are:

Einstein Middle School
Ameena Majeed, clarinet        Junior All-State Baker Band
Keiyu Mamiya, violin              Junior All-State Orchestra
Sophia Serwold, alto              Junior All-State Treble Choir
Shorecrest High School
Dalma Ashby, violin                All-Northwest Symphony Orchestra
Sejon Ashby, violin                 All-Northwest Symphony Orchestra
Tyler Keen, clarinet                All-State Concert Band 
Peter Park, alto saxophone    All-Northwest Concert Band
Jakob Phipps, bass                All-Northwest Symphony Orchestra
Shorewood High School
Chris Cummings, clarinet  All-State Symphonic Orchestra
Deanna Han, piano                 All-Northwest Orchestra
Benjamin Helde, clarinet  All-Northwest Band
Elizabeth Hickman, soprano  All-Northwest Treble Choir
Adeline Kovell, violin  All-Northwest Orchestra
Kevin Lee, alto saxophone  All-Northwest Band
Veronica Lee, viola All-Northwest Orchestra
Karsten Lomax, tenor  All-State Symphonic Choir
Julia McConnachie, french horn  All-State Concert Band
Stephen Nichols, clarinet  All-Northwest Band
Natalie Ositis, alto All-Northwest Mixed Chorus
Andy Ren, alto saxophone  All-State Concert Band
Brook Roberts, viola  All-Northwest Orchestra
Sophia Stevenson, viola  All-State Symphony Orchestra


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