Seattle Times: Macy's to close its Northgate store

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Site plan submitted to Seattle planning dept in March 2018


Goodbye to the Bon Marché.

First it was absorbed into Macy's and now - at Northgate - it will be closed altogether. And Penney's is closing as well.

According to an article in Tuesday's Seattle Times

The Northgate closure marks a somber milestone for the Seattle mall. The mall’s “anchor” tenant, when it was founded back in 1950, was The Bon Marché, which became Macy’s in 2003. Last October, another Northgate anchor tenant, J.C. Penney, announced it would close in 2019. 
Both closures also reflect somber times for all brick-and-mortar retailers as shoppers increasingly turn toward Amazon and other online players.

Many of us have not gotten over the loss of Aurora Village - Frederick and Nelson (Frango mints), Penney's, Woolworth, Nordstrom...

Plans have been filed with the City of Seattle to redevelop the entire Northgate site, with 95 foot buildings, with apartments over retail space. The redevelopment is still in the review phase.

I remember Northgate when it didn't have a roof. Hard to envision now but I remember getting rained on between the stores. The mall has been through at least two major redevelopments, but this is the most dramatic, urbanizing the original suburban mall. Northgate used to be the end of the freeway - because why would you want to go any further?

--Diane Hettrick



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Can You Fight City Hall?

Nick Licata spoke Tuesday in Lake Forest Park

Nick Licata says you can, and told citizens how at his presentation on Tuesday, January 15th at the Lake Forest Park Library.

Named “Progressive Municipal Official Of The Year,” by The Nation, Nick served on the Seattle City Council for 18 years, and he knows his stuff.

He wrote a book about it all called “Becoming A Citizen Activist.” Nick was an activist before becoming a councilmember.

On Tuesday night, he talked about the process involved in changing the law and how to nurture respect at the same time. 

Showing mutual respect is key to any productive working relationship and knowing the governing rules, and targeting the right legislators for a specific issue or cause is as important, too.

Keeping focused and your eye on the ball is needed, and yes, it’s all a lot of hard work! Momentum building, the right timing and creating “a parade” of support are essential in getting that work done, said Nick.

If you are in a race against a speeding train, try to slow it down with tactics such as asking for a report, or develop a mitigation strategy.

Many tips and successful activist examples bring the concepts all together in his citizen friendly handbook which can be found at local library shelves and Third Place Books.

Besides having worked on significant legislation that became a national model, in 2013 he also received the highest votes ever in a Seattle city councilmember contested race.

Nick is retired now but says he can’t dampen that activist spirit, and he gave engaged citizens a road map to getting an activist job done.

By Donna Hawkey – dhawkey@comcast.net


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A Vote for Democracy: The Case for Ranked Choice Voting


Why does our democracy feel like it’s coming apart? Polarized politics. Government shutdowns. Gerrymandering. Vitriolic rhetoric. Voter apathy… 

What can we do about it? Come join us for an engaging presentation from FairVote Washington, to learn how making a simple change to the way we vote creates a more functional democracy that works for all of us.

FairVote Washington is an adamantly non-partisan, grassroots, nonprofit, working for a more functional democracy through electoral reforms like ranked choice voting that give voters a stronger voice in our elections.

Presented by Lisa Ayrault, Chair of FairVote Washington

Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 8:00pm to 9:00pm at the Lake Forest Park Library, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park. The library is on the lower level of Town Center by the main escalator.



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2019 Legislators - Shoreline 32nd District

32nd District team
Ryu, Davis, Salomon
Two of the three legislators going to Olympia to represent the 32nd legislative district will be in office for the first time. Of the previous set of legislators, Rep. Ruth Kagi has chosen to retire, Rep. Cindy Ryu was re-elected, and Sen. Maralyn Chase was voted out of office.

The new legislative team, starting in 2019, will be Sen. Jesse Salomon, Rep. Cindy Ryu, and Rep. Lauren Davis. They are all Democrats.

The Democrats are the majority party in both Senate and House. As such, they chair all the committees, set the agenda, and are the majority on all committees.

Jesse Salomon
Sen. Jesse Salomon
I continue to be motivated by the thousands of conversations with community members I've had over the course of this year. I look forward to working hard in Olympia towards meaningful solutions to the issues that impact our community, and I pledge to fight for the environment, early education, tax fairness, and more.

He has been assigned to the following committees in the state senate:
  • Vice Chair of Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources, and Parks. 
  • Vice Chair of Local Government
  • Member of Early Learning and K-12
  • Member Law and Justice


Rep. Cindy Ryu
Rep. Cindy Ryu
My priorities are to fully fund education, ensure safety of our communities, and protect our privacy, the environment, and consumers from predatory lenders. I will work to increase affordable housing units and access to homeownership, while fixing our aging infrastructures.

I will advocate for small business owners and local jobs, and help make Washington State a better place for us to live, work, and raise our families.

She will serve on the following committees in the state house of representatives:
  • Chair of Housing, Community Development and Veterans Committee
  • Member of Appropriations Committee
  • Member of Consumer Protection and Business Committee

Rep. Lauren Davis
Rep. Lauren Davis
Thankful for so much, including a "thanks" very new this year: thankful to the 48,158 people who voted for me to serve them in the Washington State House of Representatives. A most humbling thought and a most enduring gratitude. Can’t wait to get to work on behalf of the wonderful people of the 32nd and individuals and families across our great state!

She has been appointed to the following committees in the state house of representatives:
  • Vice Chair, Public Safety (Adult corrections system, sentencing, diversion, law enforcement, crime prevention)
  • Member of Health Care and Wellness (Physical and behavioral health care, insurance, public health, health promotion)
  • Member of Capital Budget (Public funds for facility construction and repair, including schools, treatment facilities and housing, land acquisition)
  • Member of Rules (Prioritization and scheduling of bills for consideration on the House floor)


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Ruth Kagi finishes a 20 year career in the state legislature

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-32
wraps up a 20 year career
in the state legislature
Rep. Ruth Kagi formally wrapped up her 20 year career in the state legislature by witnessing the swearing in of her hand-picked successor, Rep Lauren Davis, on Monday January 14, 2019.

Kagi was a champion for children even before she went to the legislature, working with the League of Women Voters on issues involving foster children.

“The greatest honor of my life has been the opportunity to serve in the House as a champion for children and families,” said Kagi, chair of the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee since 2002.

She was first elected to the House in 1999 and represented the 32nd District, which encompasses Shoreline as well as parts of Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and Seattle. For the years before the last legislative redistricting, she represented Lake Forest Park as well as Shoreline.

Kagi said she focused her efforts on helping foster kids, improving the child welfare system, reforming the state’s drug sentencing laws and strengthening early learning and child care.

In 2017, she spearheaded the creation of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, which united programs and services that had been scattered among other state agencies. In 2015, she sponsored the Early Start Act which expanded high quality early learning to thousands of Washington children. She also led the effort in 2002 to reform the state’s drug sentencing laws.

Ruth Kagi and Lauren Davis 


“Ruth is the conscience of our caucus when it comes to children and families,” House Speaker Frank Chopp said. “With her leadership, the Legislature changed the way the state views early learning challenges, transforming the way we address these issues from separate components to a holistic approach.”

Kagi has also served as the chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures' Human Services Committee, the Vice President of the League of Women Voters of Washington and the Vice Chair of the Thrive Washington board of directors.

“It’s been a long journey, and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished on a bipartisan basis,” Kagi said. “ I will dearly miss my colleagues and the excellent staff who work so diligently to make Washington a better place to live.”

This week she said,
"Congratulations to Representative Lauren Davis! I am filled with tremendous gratitude and appreciation for all of the support of the people of the 32nd District over the past twenty years — and for their wisdom electing Lauren Davis to my seat. 
"It was a joy and inspiration to see Lauren take the oath of office today in Olympia. Best wishes for a great session and legislative career!"



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In The Garden Now…..”Variety’s the spice of life…..”

Vinca minor ‘Illumination’

Variegated Plants in the Winter Garden

“Variety’s the spice of life,

That gives it all its flavor.”

From ‘The Task
A poem by 
William Cowpers, 1785

Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Aralia japonica ‘Camouflage
And so it is in the garden. We gardeners strive to have variety in our gardens and to make them interesting and inviting year round.

The addition of ‘ever colorful’ variegated plants is a sure fire way to spice up the interest level throughout the gardening year but especially in the winter months when ‘50 Shades of Grey’ pretty much describes our weather.

Variegated plants display color in veining, splashes, marbling and mottling.

Foliage may be combined shades of green, yellow, white or red and be subtle or bright.

Pieris japonica ‘Little Heath’
Variegated plants can brighten dark corners, echo and pull together the colors of adjoining plants and provide light and texture where otherwise there would have been a mass of dull green.

Some of my favorite variegated plants currently growing in the garden are pictured and described here.

All could be grown in containers when young and in garden beds later. These plants are reliably evergreen through typical northwest winters.

Chamaecyparis obtusa
Aralia japonica ‘Camouflage: Variegated Japanese Aralia has stunning foliage with overlapping colors of yellow, lime and green and may reach 5’ to 8’. White blossoms appear in fall and often persist into winter.

Carex morrowii ‘Variegata’: Variegated Japanese Sedge. Adds movement and linear texture to the container.

Daphne odora ‘Maejima’: ‘Maejima’ Variegated Daphne. Fragrant white flowers adorn the plant in later winter to early spring. 

Plant it and leave it in place. Daphne often die when transplanted.

Many Daphne that I have moved to new locations in my garden have made an early exit to the compost bin.

Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Rainbow’
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Saffron Spray’: This dwarf Hinoki Cypress sports Green foliage splashed with yellow. Mine has grown very slowly in a pot for the last four years and is currently about 2 ‘tall and wide.

Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Rainbow’: ‘Rainbow’ Leucothoe or Fetterbush provides colorful marbled foliage year round and drooping clusters of white flowers in spring. Plants may reach 5’ tall and wide over time.

Pieris japonica ‘Little Heath’: ‘Little Heath’ is a Dwarf Variegated Lily of the Valley shrub. Pink buds open to fragrant white flowers in late winter or early spring.

Daphne odora ‘Maejima’
Vinca minor ‘Illumination’: This variegated green and gold spiller cascades over the edge of pots or may be used as a ground cover in shade to part shade gardens. Blue flowers provide stunning contrast to the foliage in spring.

Brighten the gloomiest of winter days with the simple addition of a few colorful evergreen variegated plants.

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. 

She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.

She can be reached at vjgilleland@yahoo.com





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Authors at Third Place Books Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Urban Trails, the magic of Disney, and paranormal mystery novel - all presented by the authors at Third Place Books this week. Free presentations and if you purchase the book, the author will autograph it.

Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way, Lake Forest Park.


Thursday, January 17 at 7pm
Craig Romano
Urban Trails Seattle

Get your heart pumping with a quick run, enjoy a peaceful hike, or take the kids for a stroll, all on trails close to home. Urban Trails Seattle takes you to beaches, old-growth forests, shorelines, meadows, and historic sites, not only around Seattle, but also throughout south King County and on Vashon and Blake Islands.

Friday, January 18 at 6pm
Kimberly Bouchard
Positively Disney

See the true magic of Disney at work through this captivating collection of stories that shows the amazing versatility of the Disney magic. Artists, cast members, and guests young and old reflect on how the power of the Disney experience has impacted their lives.

Saturday, January 19 at 6pm
Kristi Charish
Lipstick Voodoo: A Kincaid Strange Novel

Kincaid Strange cannot catch a break. After dealing with a spate of paranormal murders, there's barely time to recuperate before she encounters a new problem: her roommate, Nathan Cade — the ghost of a grunge-rocker with a pathological lack of self-control — comes home bound to a dead body.




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Obituary: April Marie Brownfield 1962-2018

Her disabilities didn't hold her back
April Marie Brownfield
56 years young
April 17, 1962 – December 12, 2018

April Brownfield of Shoreline, Washington, passed away after a fierce fight with cancer and the effects of treatment, at her Mother’s home in Monroe, Washington under family and Hospice care, on December 12, 2018.

Born in New Bern, NC to Arthur and Bonnie Brownfield, April did not allow her disabilities, from birth, to hold her back. 

Instead, she made an indelible imprint on the many lives she touched. Her strong will and faith, ambition, discipline, loving personality and desire to live life to the fullest, were admired by all who knew her.

After living from coast to coast, camping and seeing the sights of the U.S. with her family, the Northwest became home. 

Graduation from Nathan Hale in 1980
She attended Lowell Elementary and moved on to graduate from Nathan Hale High School in 1980. She was a passionate Camp Easter Seal member and enjoyed all opportunities for socializing, fun and education. April realized her faith at a very young age as she began studying, at home, with two Jehovah’s Witnesses sisters in the mid-70’s.

At the age of 20, April decided to move away from home and into the United Cerebral Palsy Center. April’s electric wheelchair and UCP staff helped April gain independence, navigate the roads, shop for her groceries at Fred Meyer and spend sunny days at Green Lake.

For 30 years she traveled by Metro to attend Shoreline Community College (Students with Disabilities program) earning her Associates of Arts and Sciences degree, Microsoft and Business Software Certificate and a heap of additional credits.

April was an active member of the Spartan Recreation Center and Friendship Follies, exploring and sharing her acting, artistic and academic abilities. She also showed an immense dedication to our Mariners' baseball team which brought her great enjoyment while she cheered them on with passion.

Over the years, April shared her life experiences and voice with the aid of an electric typewriter, computers and an iPad. April was kindhearted to her many roommates over the years, and always advocated for a friend in need.

April Marie Brownfield
April dedicated her life to Jehovah, studying her bible every single day, traveling to bible studies, Kingdom Hall congregations and assemblies. Her Brothers and Sisters in nearby congregations welcomed April into their homes, lives and facilities, making it possible for her to be fully involved in the Kingdom Hall activities.

When April was unable to attend, there was never a shortage of visitors that came to her home to study with her, look thru photos or just catch up.

To all of us, April’s life was full of challenges, with every moment of her days and nights a challenge, dependent upon others to help her. But to April, her life was full of happiness, friendships and accomplishments. April never complained or took pity on herself. She held her head high and was thankful for everything she had, every day.

April is survived by her Mother, Bonnie Brownfield, brother, Kirt Brownfield, sisters, September Brownfield and March Feyko, nephew, Dallas Garcia and a countless extended family of friends.

April’s smile, unwavering strength, determination and kindness to all, is something that we can all remember her by. We will always love our April Marie.

A Memorial will be held in February 2019 to celebrate the tremendous and gracious life that April led.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to JW.org or Shoreline Community College Student Accessibility Services @ shoreline.edu


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Scene on the Sound: USNS Amelia Earhart

USNS Amelia Earhart in the sun
Photo by Jan Hansen


The USNS Amelia Earhart, T-AKE 6, sailed by Monday morning on her way to Masan, Korea.  The ship shone in the sun, then slipped into the bank of fog. Camouflage on the sea was demonstrated, and Amelia disappeared.

This vessel has her own coat of arms honoring the woman for whom she was named.


https://www.navysite.de/ake/ake6coa.jpg
Gold represents achievement, excellence and high ideals, Celeste Blue symbolizes the skies over the Atlantic, the Pacific and the United States, through which Amelia Earhart made her historic flights. The demi-globe recalls her goal to circumnavigate the Earth. The lozenge, a symbol traditionally associated with women, represents Earhart, her achievements in aviation and her importance to the wider acceptance of women’s abilities and roles in twentieth century culture. Argent (White) denotes purpose and integrity. The aircraft represented in base, an Electra, is the type she piloted during her final record-breaking attempt.

The compass rose refers to navigation, by sea or by air. The award to Amelia Earhart of the Distinguished Flying Cross, given at the time to only three civilian recipients, is signified by the propeller, derived from the award. Azure represents flight.


Slipping into the fog
Photo by Jan Hansen

The ship went into a fog bank but the Olympics maintained their proper place in the sun.




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Collision, stabbing, and house fire - but not all at once

This was Damon Titus' view as he was trying to get home
on Monday night - going west on N 175th


At 6:30pm on Monday, January 14, 2019 fire, police, and medics were called to the scene of a motorcycle vs truck collision at Ashworth and 175th. Medics took motorcycle rider to Harborview.

The rush hour traffic stacked up as up to ten emergency vehicles responded to the scene. An eyewitness reported that both westbound lanes of 175th were closed at Midvale by City Hall, and reduced to one lane from Meridian Ave N.

At 8:30pm police and fire responded to a stabbing victim at N 205th and Aurora. Medics took patient to Harborview with stable vitals.

On Friday, January 11, 2019, there was a house fire in Richmond Highlands that caused $300,000 of damage. There were no injuries.

Correction: photo was taken by Damon Titus


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Classifieds: Ronald Wastewater District special meetings scheduled

Ronald Wastewater is holding two Special Meetings this month - one this Wednesday and the other on Monday, January 28, 2019.

Both will be held at the district office at 17505 Linden Ave N, Shoreline 98133.





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Fun and messy one-day camp for kids on Jan 21

Printmaking
Photo courtesy Arts Council
Need a creative solution for childcare on school holidays?
Mini Edition Arts Camp is just the thing!

This fun and messy one-day camp, put on by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a perfect, creative solution!

Campers will learn about modern African American masters, such as Romare Bearden, Augusta Savage, Jacob Lawrence, and Faith Ringgold, and create portraits and cityscapes in their styles.

They will experiment with color theory and techniques through printmaking, painting, drawing, and collage, led by professional teaching artists.

This one-day Arts Camp for 1st-5th grade students will be held on:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 21, 2019
At the Lake Forest Park City Hall building
17425 Ballinger Way NE Lake Forest Park 98155
206-368-5440

9:00 am - 3:30 pm, with aftercare from 3:30-5:30pm. Please provide your child’s lunch and drink.

The cost of $110 includes the full day of printmaking, painting and drawing instruction, all supplies, a lot of fun, and the children will go home with all their great work.

Aftercare: additional $30

Scholarships are available! To fill out a scholarship application, please click HERE.

Enroll today as space is limited. To register your budding artist, or for more information, contact Silvia by phone 206-417-4645 or email, or click the link.


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Hoopapalooza returns to Shoreline Saturday noon to night

Monday, January 14, 2019

Hoopapalooza 2017
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Hoopapalooza returns to Shoreline for its 10th year on Saturday, January 19 with non-stop, high-flying boys and girls basketball action from noon to night!

All of the Shorewood and Shorecrest basketball teams will face off for some friendly competition and cross-town bragging rights.

This year’s games will be held at Shorecrest High School, 15343 25th Ave. NE.

Game times:
  • 12 pm - Frosh Boys  
  • 1:30 pm - JV Girls
  • 3 pm - JV Boys
  • 5 pm - Varsity Girls
  • 7 pm - Varsity Boys
Shorecrest Girls Varsity will be entering the matchup with hot hands. They are currently 7-1 in conference play and 12-1 overall.

The Shorewood Girls Varsity will be looking to turn the tide after a 2-5 conference start and 4-9 overall record.

The Boys Varsity teams will also be looking to find some rhythm and momentum as push into the second half of the season.

The Shorewood Boys are 3-3 in conference matchups and 4-8 overall. The Shorewood Boys are 3-4 in conference and 7-6 overall.

Admission is just $6 for adults, $4 for seniors/children and free for high school students with their ASB card. And, as always, the BEST popcorn in WesCo is just $1.



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Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center is open for business



Photos courtesy Shoreline Schools

The Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center opened its doors to 400 of Shoreline Public Schools’ youngest learners on Monday, January 7.

The new 55,000 square foot facility at 1900 N 170th St is now home to all of the school district’s preschool programs. Those programs include Shoreline Children’s Center tuition-based preschool, Head Start and Early Childhood Education.

Parents and kids chatting with Supt. Miner


The open, bright and modern spaces are a big change from the Shoreline Children’s Center that was originally built in 1957. The original building was home to Meridian Elementary until it became the Shoreline Children’s Center in 1985.

Outdoor play area


“This has really been worth the wait,” said Director of Early Learning Hillery Clark. “Our staff, students and families are incredibly excited for this amazing place to instill a lifelong love of learning in our students and help prepare them for success in elementary school.”

Classroom

Construction on the new facility began just over a year ago and was funded through a $250 million school construction bond approved by 73 percent of voters in February 2017. That bond is also funding construction of new Einstein and Kellogg Middle Schools and a new Parkwood Elementary.

Classroom

“We are very fortunate to work, live and learn in a community that has such an amazing history of investing in and supporting our schools, students and staff,” said Superintendent Rebecca Miner. 
“This new facility is a shining example of that commitment to the transformative power of public education. It will serve as the foundation for the success of a new generation of students who will walk through its doors and for that we are incredibly grateful.”

The total estimated cost for design and construction of the Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center is $35,800,000. The architect for the project is Mahlum Architects and the contractor is BNBuilders.

Wall art


The Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center is named after Edwin Pratt, a local civil rights leader who was assassinated in front of his home in Shoreline on January 26, 1969 at the age of 38.

A formal dedication date has not been announced, but district officials expect it to be sometime in March to give student and staff time to settle in as well as have more daylight available for touring the outdoor spaces at the school.



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9-1-1 Call if you can - Text if you can't

From Northshore Fire

You can now text 9-1-1 in an emergency in King County.
  • This new service is intended to help those that cannot call. 
  • King County asks that texting be reserved for those that are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, or those in an emergencies where being heard may cause additional dangers like home invasions and domestic violence. Texts to 9-1-1 are not anonymous and should not be used as a tip line.
  • Find out more about text-to-9-1-1 at www.kingcounty.gov/911
Should you need to text in an emergency:
  • Open the text messaging program on your cell phone.
  • Create a new message and enter the numbers “911” into the “To” field.
  • Include the location of the emergency and type of help needed (police, fire, or medical) in the very first text.
  • Stay with your phone, use full words, and follow instructions from the call taker.
  • Never use abbreviations or send photos or videos.


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Martin Luther King, Jr. events Jan 21 at Edmonds Center for the Arts

A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. – Lift Every Voice Monday January 21, 2019 at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave N, Edmonds, 7:30pm – 9:00pm.

Edmonds Center for the Arts and The Lift Every Voice Legacy jointly present A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Inspiring a beloved community in song, spoken word and dance.

This event will feature Dr. Gloria Burgess, The Sound of the Northwest Choir directed by Juan Huey-Ray, Price Arts Dance, Josephine Howell and Band, Barclay Shelton Dance Center and JHP Legacy.

Admission: GA $10, Student $5. GA $12 Day of Show

Tickets HERE

Our Beloved Community Event, 10am – Noon
Free morning session for parents and children with activities and art projects.

Spend the morning of MLK Day celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and his vision of a Beloved Community. Performances include Kaleidoscope Dance, Northside Step Team, Youth Voices, UMC Joyful Sounds Choir and the EdCC Oratory Contest Winner, 2018.

The morning program. is free and all are welcome!



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Shorecrest student's poem goes to state PTA Reflections contest in Special Artist category

JJ and Veronica dressed as super heroes
at school shortly after JJ wrote the poem
Jerimiah "JJ" Johnson is a student of Veronica Cook from the Shorecrest A-team - a program for students with significant Autism.

The poem he entered in the PTA Reflections contest is headed to the state competition in the Washington State PTA Reflections Finals for the 106th WSPTA Convention, which will be held April 26-28 at the SeaTac Hilton Convention Center.

JJ is Shoreline’s first entry into the WAPTA Special Artist category.

The theme for this year's Reflections contact is "Heroes Around Me."
Example of Super Keys,
the app JJ uses to type with.

JJ, a non-verbal student, typed a poem about his teacher Veronica Cook using his district iPad and the assistive technology that is provided for him to be successful in communicating.

JJ and his ribbon from the Shoreline
Reflections competition
He uses a program called Super Keys to allow him to target the letters better.

When JJ started out at Shorecrest, Veronica was told he had no communication. 

She quickly learned that this was not the case and worked with his family to advance the communication he had and to encourage him to use it as much as possible.

Now JJ is an award winning poet. 

JJ was given the theme for the title of his poem and wrote this:


Hero Around Me
by JJ Johnson

You are the hero around me

You take care of all of your students

You kind and tough

You are a super teacher

I work hard because of you

You are my hero

You are my friend


Veronica said, "JJ is an inspiration to all the staff in the A-team classroom and I hope he is an inspiration to all of you too."


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Bus vs car Saturday

Bus vs car
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire


There was a bus vs car collision near The Little Store around 3:45pm on Saturday, January 12, 2019.

The bus was heading east at the stop on 20th Ave NW.

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire



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Emergency Preparedness Workshop - March 4th


NEMCo is partnering with the King County Office of Emergency Management to sponsor a 2.5 hour Emergency Preparedness Workshop on March 4, 2019 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the Northshore Fire Department in Kenmore, 7220 NE 181st St, Kenmore 98028.
  • Family Planning
  • All Hazards Assessments
  • Emergency Kits
  • Neighborhood Readiness
  • City Partnerships
  • Pet Preparedness

Online registration or 206-205-6545.




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Come join the community effort at Twin Ponds North


Restoration at Twin Ponds North
Saturday, January 19th, from 10am - noon


On Saturday, January 19th, from 10-noon, the Washington Native Plant Urban Forest Stewards will be hosting a community work party, at Twin Ponds North.

Everyone is welcome!

We will be removing blackberries and ivy and mulching.

We meet on the far NW side of the park, along 155th street, west of the parking lot.

Please dress warmly and bring gloves, hand pruners, and water. We will also have gloves, tools, water, and cookies on site.

Contact us with any questions at northtwinpondsrestoration@gmail.com

~If you know of anyone else who would love to join us, please feel free to pass on the invitation. We hope you are able to join us. ~


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Attention Hams (you know who you are): check in to service net on Mondays

Sunday, January 13, 2019

All licensed amateur radio operators (“hams”), 

  • particularly those in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, North King County and South Snohomish County

are invited to check into the Shoreline Auxiliary Communications Service net, which meets every Monday at 1930LT (7:30pm) on the Shoreline repeater on the CRISTA tower.

frequency   442.825MHz    offset  +5.00MHz    tone  103.5Hz

  • Meet your neighbor hams.
  • Check the operation of your equipment.
  • Get some additional air time.
  • Prepare to better help your family and neighbors in time of emergency.
73
Shoreline ACS

Update: Mondays only - not Wednesdays.

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Photo: View from the Richmond Beach Trail

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


A beautiful day in Shoreline and a good reason to take a walk along the Richmond Beach Trail overlooking RB Saltwater Park.




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Parenting Strategies lecture Tuesday at Eastside CHADD meeting

Tuesday, January 15th: Kristi Kwon Ph.D.: “Parenting Strategies” 7pm to 9pm.

Kristi Kwon, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, talks about the why and what of parenting strategies when ADHD, Anxiety, Executive Function, Learning Disorders are in the picture.

Teens are Welcome - All are welcome to join us for this informative meeting.

Eastside CHADD normally meets the third Tuesday of the month, September - June (except December) 

Support and information for families and individuals living with ADHD.

Eastside CHADD Members : No fee - a membership benefit
Non-members: Suggested donation of $7 to help defray the meeting costs and chapter expenses

New meeting location

Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue 209 100th Ave NE, Bellevue 98004, 2nd Floor.

Park in the Bellevue Downtown Park Western Parking Lot (across the street from Boys and Girls Club)


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How to get your government to respond to you - Tuesday at LFP Library

People often feel frustrated when they think local government ignores their concerns. 

There are reasonable and clear steps that can be taken not only to be heard, but also to get government to change their policies. 

It does take time and diligence, but with a well-defined strategy, improvements can be made, and more quickly than you might expect. 

Presenter Nick Licata, author of Becoming a Citizen Activist and former Seattle City Council member, will go through the strategies that have worked and discuss how they can be applied in practical ways.

Tuesday, January 15, 2019, 7- 9pm Lake Forest Park Library, lower level Town Center (by escalator) intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.



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Three day weekend of activism Jan 19-21 Womxn’s March on Seattle


Womxn’s March on Seattle anniversary events January 19 -20; MLK March and Day of Service January 21

On the third anniversary of the Womxn’s March on Seattle, organizers have planned three days of activism, including rallies, marches, workshops, lectures, panel discussions, and more.

The events on January 19 and 20 are being organized by Seattle Womxn Marching Forward, the Seattle chapter of the Women’s March. These womxn organized the Womxn’s March on Seattle in January of 2017 and last year’s official anniversary event, Womxn Act on Seattle.

Events on January 21 are organized by the Martin Luther King Day Organizing Coalition. Both organizing groups have worked collaboratively to build positive, complementary events.

January 19: Womxn’s March on Seattle 2019: Building Power
  • 9 a.m. rally at Cal Anderson Park
  • 10:30 a.m. Womxn’s March from Cal Anderson to Seattle Center
  • 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Seattle Center events
January 20: Womxn’s March Day of Action
  • 9:30 a.m. start time for Womxn’s March Day of Action and Food Drive, taking place at Hubs around the city
  • 2 p.m. MLK Day Kickoff Youth Celebration Hip Hop Party at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center
  • 4 p.m. deadline to drop off Food Lifeline donations at Hubs
January 21: Martin Luther King Day
  • 8:30 a.m. start time for events celebrating MLK Day at Garfield High School
  • 12:30 p.m. Womxn’s March contingent joins MLK Day March in progress at 22nd and Jackson 
Womxn’s March on Seattle 2019: Building Power
The anniversary weekend programming kicks off on January 19 with a 9 a.m. rally at Cal Anderson Park.

The Womxn’s March will start immediately following the rally between 10 – 10:30 a.m. In keeping with the last two years, the march will be led by Indigenous womxn. The route will take marchers from Cal Anderson Park to Seattle Center. A detailed march route will be published the week before the march and sanctioned entry and exit points will be published as soon as they are identified.

As they arrive at Seattle Center, Seattle Womxn Marching Forward has organized nearly a dozen panels led by speakers from diverse and dedicated communities. Topics include: #MeToo, homelessness, youth activism, womxn of color candidates, personal stories of indigenous womxn, disability justice, womxn's health, immigrants and refugees, art in activism, and trans advocacy.

Events at Seattle Center begin at 11:30 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. Details about panel locations and exact timing will be published on the Seattle Womxn Marching Forward website and in Real Change newspapers.

Womxn’s March Day of Action
On Sunday, January 20, Seattle Womxn Marching Forward presents the second annual Womxn’s March Day of Action, a day of learning, educating, healing, and community-building in neighborhoods all around the city. 

Currently, programming is planned at the following five hub locations. Programming details are not yet finalized, and more locations may be added.
  • Phinney Neighborhood Association
  • The Riveter Capitol Hill
  • Plymouth Church Seattle
  • Casa Latina
  • Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
At each of these events, local leaders, teachers, and activists will share their expertise with attendees seeking to make new connections, uncover new truths, and deepen their understanding of marginalized communities and systemic oppression.

Partnerships for Building Power

Seattle Womxn Marching Forward is partnering closely with a number of nonprofits and grassroots groups on the anniversary weekend. Recognizing early in the planning process that the Womxn’s March anniversary would fall on Martin Luther King Day weekend, Seattle Womxn Marching Forward reached out to the organizing committee for the MLK Day events. Both teams have worked in close collaboration and will offer complementary programming.

For the second year in a row, Seattle Womxn Marching Forward will partner with Food Lifeline and Seattle Indivisible to collect food and sundries at Hub locations on January 20. Please bring your non-perishable goods to each Hub by 4 p.m. Last year, Hub attendees donated almost one metric ton of food.

A detailed schedule of all the Womxn’s March and MLK Day events will be published in the January 16th edition of Real Change. These newspapers will be available to purchase from every Real Change vendor one week prior to the march. Vendors will also attend the march. Programming details also will be available online.

Since 2017 Seattle Womxn Marching Forward has organized several major events, including the volunteer-centered Community Convergence and last year's Womxn Act on Seattle,. They work with local, regional, and national coalitions to bring attention and awareness to issues of iniquity and injustice. Seattle Womxn Marching Forward is fiscally sponsored by Seattle-based nonprofit, Reel Grrls.



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Learn the Åtabakspolska at the Skandia Third Friday Dance Jan 18

Seattle Spelmanslag will play for dance Jan 18

Skandia Third Friday Dance Jan 18 at the Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave W. Lynnwood 98036. 

Jerry Walsh and Judy Patterson will teach Åtabakspolska, a lovely polska from Jämtland, Sweden.

Once you grasp the pattern of this accessible dance, you’ll be glad you did. For those “what do I dance?" moments, try this on for size; you’ll be surprised at its versatility.

Teaching starts at 7:30pm. We hope to see you in class. After the class, the dance will have music by the Seattle Spelmanslag; you won't want to miss their big sound that's perfect for dancing.

In addition, there will be an excellent break set with more than one hardingfele, so you can practice your Norwegian moves!

Class, 7:30pm; dance, 8:30–11p.m. $15 (Skandia members, $10); kids, free.

Information: Email, website, or 425-954-5262.


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County Council Chair Dembowski meets with LFP City Council

From left: Councilmembers John Resha, Phillippa Kassover, Tom French, Deputy Mayor Catherine Stanford, King County Council Chair Rob Dembowski, Mayor Jeff Johnson, Councilmembers John Wright, Mark Phillips, Semra Riddle



King County Council Chair Rob Dembowski reports that he had a very productive working meeting with the Lake Forest Park City Council on Thursday, January 10, 2019.

We talked Transit, Environmental Protection, Affordable Housing, Youth Sports Grants, Recycling, Public Safety, Burke-Gilman Trail, and many other other efforts on which we partner to bring regional and local government together to serve our residents. Good people doing good work.

He also joined in honoring Brookside Elementary students for their King County Environmental leadership award for their innovative, student-led recycling program.



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