Letter to the Editor: Civic and Aquatic Center versus Parks – Really?

Sunday, June 9, 2019

To the Editor:

Please check out the numbers below. They are taken from the May 20th City Council packet with the single exception of more current housing numbers.

  • The Civic and Aquatics Center will add $16 per month to the taxes of the median home.
  • The recommended and significantly reduced park improvements would add $4 per month.
  • Putting both on the ballot will allow us, to choose one or both. 28% of respondents have already indicated they prefer both.  (I’m one of them.)
  • Aren't the survey’s results too close for the City Council to deny taxpayers a choice? I believe taxpayers have the right to choose.
  • City Council is seriously considering withholding the vote the option to improve parks until who knows when.
  • If you don't like Council denying your right to choose, then please tell them.
Boni Biery
Shoreline



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Relay for Life held at CRISTA this weekend

Luminaria at Relay for Life
file photo from American Cancer Society

The annual Relay for Life, which raises funds for the American Cancer Society, was held this weekend at the CRISTA campus in Shoreline, 19303 Fremont Ave N.

The 24 hour event was held at Martin Stadium at Kings High School on the campus. Teams raised money, then walked a lap or two around the track. There were half a dozen theme laps - pajama, favorite sports team, funny hats.

Activities started at 11am on Saturday and went through the day, ending with bowling with coconuts in the evening. A silent auction was held all Saturday.

There were lines of food trucks, and a stage with live music all day. Family friendly movies ran all night Saturday. Breakfast was served on Sunday by the Shoreline Rotary.

Special events throughout honored and supported survivors and their caregivers. The first lap on Saturday morning was for survivors and caregivers.

After dark on Saturday, the luminaria were lit and placed around the track. Each one had the name of someone who had fought cancer.



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Briarcrest Emergency Prep and Safety Fair June 15


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A four-season guide to adventures with kids - authors at Third Place Books


From secret beaches to off-the-radar bike paths to tree house hotels, this is a local’s guide to the most affordable and awesome family outings around the Puget Sound region and beyond. Organized by season, the book helps parents make the most of this extraordinary region, highlighting indoor and outdoor adventures for every week of the year. 

Author Elisa Murray presents her book 52 Seattle Adventures with Kids: A Four-Season Guide Saturday, June 15 at 6pm at Third Place Books Lake Forest Park, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.

And the rest of the week:

Monday, June 10 at 7pm 
Susan Jane Gilman
Donna Has Left the Building

Donna Koczynski is an ex-punk rocker, a recovering alcoholic, and the mother of two teenagers whose suburban existence detonates when she comes home early to the surprise of a lifetime. From the beloved, New York Times-bestselling author of Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress comes a hilarious, timely, and big-hearted new novel about rebuilding life in the face of disaster.

Tuesday, June 11 at 7pm
Sarah Gailey

Magic for Liars

Ivy Gamble was born without magic and never wanted it. Ivy Gamble is perfectly happy with her life. She doesn't in any way wish she was like Tabitha, her estranged, gifted twin sister. Ivy Gamble is a liar. Sharp, mainstream fantasy meets compelling thrills of investigative noir in Magic for Liars, a fantasy debut by rising star Sarah Gailey.

Friday, June 14 at 7pm
Megan Griswold

The Book of Help: A Memoir in Remedies

Megan was born into a family who enthusiastically embraced New Age California culture. But when her newly-wedded husband calls in the middle of the night to say he's landed in jail, Megan must accept that her many certificates, degrees and licenses had not been the finish line she'd once imagined them to be, but instead the preliminary training for what would prove to be the wildest, most growth-insisting journey of her life.



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Photo: Squatch finds love and moves to Everett

Photo by Donna Hawkey

Shoreline's former mascot Squatch has been out of sight for over a year. But now we know what happened.

He was spotted in an Everett park with a wife and child.

We're happy that he has found love. When last seen, he was headed north.



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Global Wellness Day

Global Wellness Day was celebrated on Saturday, June 8, 2019 in more than 130 countries at 5000 different locations.

All of us would like be healthier, to look better, and to live well both physically and spiritually.

Living well is almost the entire world’s shared dream.

As everything that is precious to us has been honored with a special day, why is it that we don’t have a special global day dedicated to the only thing which is really valuable to all of us, that is, living well? We can now answer this question by saying “it now exists”.

This special day is called Global Wellness Day.

With the slogan “One day can change your whole life,” we celebrate Global Wellness Day on the second Saturday of June every year as an international day.

Global Wellness Day is an entirely not-for-profit day, a social project dedicated to living well. The purpose of Global Wellness Day is to ask the question, even if for just one day, “How can I live a healthier and better life?”, to direct the thoughts of both individuals and society towards “living well” and to raise awareness.

The main aims of the day are:
  • To recognize the value of our lives
  • To pause and think, even if for just one day of the year
  • To be free from the stress of everyday city life and bad habits
  • To make peace with ourselves
  • To raise awareness about living well and increase motivation, not just for today, but for the remaining 364 days of the year

First celebrated in 2012, Global Wellness Day was established in Turkey as the “first” day dedicated to living well, and has now been accepted worldwide.

Reflecting its success, in 2018 Global Wellness Day has been celebrated simultaneously in 130 countries at 5000 different locations with different events ranging from the GWD flag reaching the summit of Mt. Everest to giving medical care to children at the Thailand and Myanmar border and visiting elderly people’s home in Brazil.



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Get your outfits ready for the Pet Pawrade in LFP on July 13

2017 Pet Parade
Photo by John Wright

Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 10:00am – 1:00pm - 3rd Annual Pet Pawrade

Mark your calendars, the City of Lake Forest Park is hosting its third annual Pet Pawrade - July 13th, MVP’s of LFP! 

Dress up in your favorite sports gear! 

The Pet Pawrade will start at City Hall and end at Pfingst Animal Acres Park where there will be prizes for best costumes, pet trick competition, food trucks, booths, and giveaways galore for you and your pet to enjoy!

Looking to view the Pawrade? 

Bring a chair to watch on Brookside Blvd NE between NE 178th St and 44th Ave NE.

Planning to participate in the Pawrade walk? Line-up will begin 9:40am at City Hall, marching will begin at 10:00am.

Event schedule:
  • Lineup for Pawrade Walk - 9:40am at City Hall
  • Costume Contest Judging - Begins at 9:50am through 10:20am
  • Parade March Begins - 10:00am
  • Community Celebration at Pfingst Animal Acres Park with Booths, Food Trucks, and Music ~10:15am to 1:00pm*NEW* Pet Trick Competition - 10:40 AM
  • Announcement of the MVP’s Costume Contest (after Trick Competition) - ~11:15am
  • Musical Performance - ~11:45am to 1:00pm
MVP’s of LFP Costume Contest Categories:
  • Big Dog
  • Small Dog
  • Parade Float
  • Family
  • Non-Dog (i.e. hamster, fish, cat)
Rules to Remember:
  • Only motorized or battery-operated vehicles assisting disabled persons will be allowed in the parade.
  • All animals are invited but must be under control at all times.
  • Participants should bring water for their pets and pick up after them!
  • All judges’ decisions on awarding winners are final.
  • No commercial entries or politicking will be allowed.
  • Have fun!!

Questions? Contact the Community Volunteer Coordinator by phone 206-957-2814 or email croche@cityoflfp.com.

LFP City Hall 17425 Ballinger Way NE
Pfingst Animal Acres Park 17435 Brookside Blvd NE



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County Council honors Shoreline resident Dwight Stevens

County Council members and members of the military
honor Shoreline resident Dwight Stevens
Photo by Jerry Pickard

On Wednesday, June 5, 2019 the King County Council held a D-Day Anniversary Observance with Dwight Stevens, WWII B-17 pilot as their honored guest.

On June 6, the world commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the Allied invasion of Europe, better known as D-Day. The men of the “Greatest Generation” stormed the beaches of Normandy, playing a decisive role in turning the tide of World War II.

Councilmembers recognized those soldiers and their role in bringing an end to the global conflict.

Councilmember Larry Gossett, Dwight Stevens, and
Council Chair Rod Dembowski with the proclamation
honoring Dwight.
Photo by Jerry Pickard


From a speech by Dick Deal Veterans Day 2013

...Dwight was then flown to Prestwick, Scotland in a C-54 Transport plane, arriving June 7, 1944, the day after the D-Day invasion began in France. He was assigned to the 95th Heavy Bombardment Group stationed at Horham, Suffolk, England, 60 miles north of London.

In the next six months, as a B-17 pilot, Dwight flew 33 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe and participated in air raid missions over heavily-defended German targets such as Hamburg, Munich, and Berlin as well as other targets in Belgium, France, Poland and Romania.

During what he described as the “toughest” mission, on an air raid over Hamburg, Germany, the B-17 bomber he was piloting lost both left-side engines to heavy German anti-aircraft fire over the target. To lighten the damaged, struggling plane and improve its airworthiness and chances for making it back to Horham, the crew dropped the plane’s 2,000 lb. ball-turret and threw all machine guns, ammunition, and non-essential gear overboard. With the help of a protective escort of P-47 fighter planes, they “just made it back” to land at home base at Horham, England.

On the last five of his 33 air missions, our honoree and his crew were chosen as the Lead Plane, guiding 1500 airplanes to their intended targets. For his effort, skill and courage on these five missions, Dwight was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross ( DFC ), the highest award a flying officer can earn. He was also awarded the European Theater of Operations Ribbon with three stars, plus four Air Medals. In a ceremony held in New York on September 18, 1994, 50 years to the day after participating in a low-altitude raid in support of the Polish Military at the Warsaw Uprising, Dwight was awarded the Polish Home Army Medal personally, by the President of Poland, Lech Walesa.

Our honoree was promoted to the rank of 1st Lt. in September 1944, and flew his last combat mission on December 14th of that year. He spent the last six months of his military service as a flight instructor at Luke Field in Arizona. He was discharged from the Army Air Corps at Fort Lewis, Washington on August 1, 1945.



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Book review by Aarene Storms: Be Prepared

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

Vera desperately wants to fit in with her American classmates, but she doesn't: her family is too poor, too Russian, too different.

Then, her mom sends her to summer camp: Russian summer camp. At Camp Orra, Vera will get to sleep in a tent, swim in a lake, and make friends who also speak Russian at home. Right?

Fitting in -- even at a camp for Russian kids -- still doesn't come easily for Vera, and she makes a lot of mistakes. She also does some stuff right, including befriending a belochki ("squirrel", a younger camper).

Loosely based on recollections of the author's own experience at Russian summer camp, the pictures are lively and fun, and the story is easy to relate to -- even for kids who don't speak Russian.

Highly recommended for ages 8 and up. After reading Be Prepared, you'll be ready to read Lumberjanes, a graphic novel series about girls at a fun -- and mysterious -- summer camp.


The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS astorms@kcls.org



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Help for Seniors and their families - what you need to know



Monday, June 17, 2-4pm at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155, hear from a panel of experts on issues important to Seniors and their families.

  • An Elder Law attorney to ensure that you have taken all of your legal steps to preserve your independence for as long as possible; 
  • a Home Care Advisor to learn how to help people stay in their homes with assistance for as long as possible; 
  • a Senior Housing Referral Specialist to understand what options are out there for assisted living and what the costs of those may be; and 
  • a Senior Real Estate Specialist and licensed Broker who will outline the steps to downsizing, marketing and selling seniors’ homes.
Panelists:
  • Don Gibbons, Seniors Real Estate Specialist,
  • SASH Home Sales Services, SASH Realty, LLC
  • Tiffany Kopec, Home Care Liaison,
  • Home Care Assistance of Seattle
  • Adrienne Miller, Chief Care Officer,
  • Forever Care Services, LLC
  • Peggy Sanders, Managing Attorney,
  • Sanders Law Group, PLLC


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World Dance Party at Shoreline CC Saturday June 15



World Dance Party Saturday, June 15, 6:00pm-8:30pm at Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, PUB Building #9000

Free event! Meet neighbors, share food, enjoy multicultural music, learn dances, and have fun! 

If you're able, bring a potluck dish to share! 


Contact Suni Tolton 206-801-2256, for more information.




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LFP City Council COW will work on Town Center subarea plan Monday

Lake Forest Park City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
The Lake Forest Park City Council Committee of the Whole will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, June 10, 2019, to work on the Town Center Vision / Subarea Plan Work.

  • Review and Update Draft Goals and Policies
    • Additional Comments on Items Reviewed at COW 6/3
  • Goal TC-16 through TC-21
Meetings are streamed live and then archived for viewing. See webpage for details.

City Hall 17425 Ballinger Way NE.



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Dinner in the Gardens July 18 at Dunn Gardens

Saturday, June 8, 2019



Imagine a warm July evening, alfresco dining overlooking Puget Sound, a historic garden, good company, and a relaxed dining experience. 

Dunn Gardens can make this vision a reality at their annual signature event, Dinner in the Gardens. 

The evening will begin with a cocktail on Ed’s Lawn to sip as you meander your way to The Great Lawn for appetizers and socializing. A scrumptious 4-course meal crafted by Maverick Catering will then be served at one long, beautifully set table stretching across the lawn.

An abundance of wine on each table will complement this exquisite feast. Food, wine, friends, and a beautiful 7-acre garden – you won’t want to miss this!

Heather
Photo courtesy Dunn Gardens
 

The esteemed Olmsted Brothers Landscape firm designed the Dunn Gardens in 1915. One hundred years later the vision of the Gardens as a place of timeless grace has been realized. Notable features include naturalistic groupings of trees, broad lawns with borders of shrubs, and woodland walks. 

Plants range from diminutive Erythroniums to large rhododendrons and towering Douglas firs.

Dinner in the Gardens 
Thursday, July 18 
5:30 to 8:30pm

Tickets from $125 per person, includes food, wine, taxes, staff gratuities, and other transaction fees. Call us at 206-362-0933, or go to the website for additional information and to purchase tickets.



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Scene on the Sound: North to Alaska

Photo by Mary Igl


Thank you readers!

This ship is the

Royal Carribean Cruise ship Ovation of the Seas

It is sailing to Alaska - here's the cruise information

Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum-class cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean International and the third ship of her class. The Quantum class is the third largest class of cruise ships behind MSC Cruises's Meraviglia class and Royal Caribbean International's Oasis class by gross tonnage.
---Wikipedia



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Learn to save a life - American Heart Association CPR and AED class June 19

Shoreline Fire Department will hold a public class to teach the lifesaving skills of using a defibrillator (AED), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to American Heart Association standards.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 7pm – 9pm at Shoreline Fire Department Headquarters 17525 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline 98133. Enter the parking lot from southbound Aurora.

Do you want to learn how to potentially save a life? Come to our class and get certified with an American Heart Association Card by one of our Firefighter/EMT's. 

Please bring exact cash of $50 or check for a card. 

Free if you do not need a card.



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Photo: Orange the Overpass

Orange the Overpass


Shoreline Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America hosted an “Orange the Overpass” event at the I-5 overpass at NE 185th St in Shoreline from 3:00 to 6:00pm under threatening skies on Friday evening.

About Wear Orange
In 2013, a small group of teens at a South Side Chicago high school asked their classmates to honor the life of their murdered friend Hadiya Pendleton by wearing orange – the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others and a color that reflects the value of human life.

They inspired the Wear Orange campaign (wearorange.org), which is led by a broad-based coalition working to reduce gun violence in America. Spearheaded by Everytown for Gun Safety, the campaign asks Americans who want to save lives from gun violence to do one simple thing on June 7, National Gun Violence Awareness Day: Wear Orange. 

Thousands of Americans will also participate in events during the Wear Orange weekend on June 8 and 9 with nationwide days of action. Those who wear orange promise to honor the lives of Americans stolen by gun violence, to help keep firearms out of dangerous hands and to protect our children from gun violence. Orange is the symbol of the gun violence prevention movement, and is used by activists all over the country to raise awareness.



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Trailer fire Wednesday in Shoreline - no one hurt

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

There was a trailer fire Wednesday morning, June 5, 2019 at approximately 2am. 

It was parked near the residence at the 20200 block of Densmore Ave N. 

The fire was contained before spreading to the house. All the residents were evacuated.


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Police arrest car thieves after tip from citizen

Shoreline Police arrested three people in stolen vehicle
Photo courtesy Shoreline Police


Patrol arrested three people in a stolen vehicle Thursday morning June 6, 2019.

Narcotics found on one of the three people arrested
Photo courtesy Shoreline Police


They responded to a call from a community member that saw this car and thought "something didn't seem right". 

We appreciate your help. Call 911 whenever you see something suspicious.

Even though it looks like a pistol, it is actually a
BB gun found with the car thieves
Photo courtesy Shoreline Police


Narcotics and a BB gun were located with the individuals.

Updated 6-8-19 - changed the term "revolver" to "pistol" 

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Cat uses 7 of 9 lives with 50 day stay in chimney

Royal is happy at home with his people
Photo by Laura King


By Diane Hettrick

A local cat named Royal used up seven of his nine lives after being stuck in a neighbor's chimney for 50 days.

Here's the timeline:
  • Laura King says "Royal first went missing on April 13. We remember that date because it was the one year anniversary of us getting our two cats. Our girls were planning a little party, but that didn't happen for obvious reasons." 
  • April Macdonald started hearing noises from her fireplace about three days later.
  • Kevin from Sound Chimneys pulled out the fireplace insert on June 3.
  • April contacted the Kings on June 4

On April 16, Laura and Jared King posted a notice on Nextdoor:
Lost our Black Cat, Royal. Hey Everyone, We live on 185th close to Corliss. Our black short-haired male cat has been lost for about 3 days now. He doesn't usually go far from home and is always back to eat. If you have any information about a black cat we would love to talk with you. Our kids are pretty upset. Thanks for your help. 

They put up flyers around the neighborhood.

Extremely heavy fireplace insert
Photo by April Macdonald

Meanwhile, down the street, April Macdonald was hearing noises.
Around 48 days ago I swear I heard a cat meowing in my fireplace. It's a very heavy metal fireplace, inserted into the wall. It hasn’t been used for like 20+ years.
When I heard what sounded like a cat, I opened the front of the fireplace but heard nothing. I kept looking. I went outside and heard nothing. The sound went away so I thought maybe it was one of my four cats. 
For the next week or so I kept hearing the noise and would grab all my family members (kids, husband, mom, and anyone who would come over) and ask them to listen. Some heard - some did not. 
Moving forward, about 20 days passed and I still heard it. I went on the roof and took pictures down my huge chimney. I had to tiptoe to put my phone up to see and almost lost the phone - but nothing. 
I went to the fire department. Fire chief came out -  nothing. Called an exterminator. Exterminator came out - nothing. 
45 days later: Monday night at around 8pm we heard a huge thud and a cat distinctively meowing. We opened up the fireplace and went outside - nothing. 
The noise was stronger then ever. Called 911, fire department, cat in a tree complaint, and like four chimney companies to find help. No one could assist me. 
I, along with my husband and mother, was feeling helpless. As I talked to the cat, my mom did a google search and found this company. She called at like 9:42pm and a gentleman answered. My mom told him what was going on and reassured him it wasn’t a prank, that we needed help!!!!!!! 
Kevin from Sound Chimneys and Masonry was in bed but jumped up to come to the rescue. He was at our place by 10pm ready to do what he could. 
Inside the house, he pulled the fireplace insert out of the wall. My husband helped hold it up so I could grab the black kitty who was behind the fireplace 
We were all so excited and shocked that the little boy was still alive. He started to purr the moment I grabbed him. Kevin put our fireplace back. If it wasn’t for his kindness and quick decision to help at such a late hour I don’t want to think of what could have happened. 
This company is now our chimney company from here on out and I am referring everyone and anyone who want kind, quick, and friendly service to this company. We are forever in your debt for your kindness Kevin. Thank you!! 

Royal was so happy to be out of the chimney that
being at the vet was no issue at all.
Photo by April Macdonald

We also want to say a big thank you to Blue Pearl Animal Hospital. If it wasn’t for their quick action to help what at first was thought of as a stray who knows what could of happened.

April saw a battered flyer
Photo by April Macdonald


Once April knew what the cat looked like, she paid attention to the flyers in the neighborhood. The next day she saw a battered flyer about a lost cat - with a photo of a sleek, short haired black cat.

She called immediately and the hopeful owners headed for the Blue Pearl Animal Hospital on Aurora.
Laura King says that when her husband Jared first went to the vet and the cat was confirmed to be Royal, they let Jared hold him and Royal immediately began purring and rubbing his head on Jared. The vet said Royal had not done anything like that before that point.

"Amazingly," said Jared King, "he's alive. It will be a few weeks of recovery for him, but he's home safe. Thanks for all the help over the last several weeks."

The chimney is extremely tall
Photo by April Macdonald
So how did Royal end up down the chimney? And how did he survive for 50 days without food and water? The humans have theories but only Royal knows what really happened.

The only way he could have ended up behind the fireplace insert was to come down the chimney. The chimney is extremely tall. April had to stand on tiptoe and reach her arms high just to get a picture of inside the chimney.

Royal had to get on the roof first and then make a very big jump to the chimney opening.

As for 50 days without food or water, Laura King says "But two factors we can know that I think helped him was his youth (he's less than 18m old) and his size. He was a really big cat, and his heftiness may have helped save him."

Everyone, including Royal, is just thrilled that he is safe at home and recovering from his ordeal.
Laura says, "His recovery has been steady ever since. He is getting around the house well, though he wants to be held most of the time (which was always his personality), and the kids are, of course, eager to accommodate him in this."

April says, "When I messaged the owner yesterday he sent me a pic of his kids with Royal and it was the best feeling knowing they were all reunited!!"




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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Extra hand




Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter can be found under Features 
in the first column of the front page of the Shoreline Area News



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175th Street Corridor Improvements online Open House

N 175th from Stone to I-5
Stone is very close to Aurora
Google

From the City of Shoreline

If you could not attend the 175th Street Corridor Improvement Project open house on May 21, you can still provide your input online! The online open house will be available until June 14. The City of Shoreline wants to hear from you.

Visit 175corridor.participate.online

We are planning to improve 175th Street between Stone Avenue N and I-5 to make it easier and safer for everyone. 

We are early in the design process. No decisions have been made. 

We are talking to people who live along the corridor to see what changes need to be made. We are also talking to local businesses, community organizations, and people who travel along 175th Street.



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Photos: 185th Light Rail Station - every day it's different

Photo 6-7-19 by Steven H. Robinson

Photo 6-7-19 by Steven H. Robinson

Every day there are major changes at the construction site for the Shoreline North / 185th light rail station at 8th NE and NE 185th. Today the pit is filled in and covered with gravel and the pile of splintered wood is half the size and in a different location.





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Wear Orange: Shoreline and LFP declare Friday as National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Friday, June 7, 2019

Present for the photo were: local gun violence prevention advocates wearing orange, Mayor Hall, Deputy Mayor McConnell, Shoreline City Council members Chang and Roberts, and State Rep Davis of the 32nd LD.



Shoreline and Lake Forest Park city councils proclaimed Friday, June 7, 2019 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day as part of a nationwide effort.

On Thursday morning Mayor Will Hall of Shoreline and the Shoreline City Council proclaimed Friday, June 7th, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the company of volunteers with the Washington Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

He joined Mayor Jeff Johnson of Lake Forest Park and the Lake Forest Park City Council who issued a similar proclamation during their Council meeting on May 23rd.

Following National Gun Violence Awareness Day, nearly 750 Wear Orange events will take place across the country on June 8th and 9th during Wear Orange weekend. More than 1,000 influencers, brands, mayors, partner organizations and buildings and landmarks in nearly all 50 states and D.C. will participate in the Wear Orange campaign. Learn more about Wear Orange here.

School Board member Heather Fralick
and Shoreline City Council member
Chris Roberts at Orange the Overpass

Volunteers from the Shoreline local group of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America hosted an “Orange the Overpass” event at the I-5 overpass at NE 185th St in Shoreline from 3:00 to 6:00pm on Friday evening.

On Saturday morning, June 8, there will be a “Clean Up the Underpass” event starting at 10:00am at Ronald Bog Park, N 175th and Meridian. Go to wearorange.org and put in zip code 98155 for further details.

On Sunday, June 9, volunteers from the Shoreline local group will join volunteers with the Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, to host a Wear Orange rally and a walk over the I-90 bridge in Seattle to honor the lives of those affected by gun violence and elevate gun violence prevention efforts nationwide. 

Gun violence prevention groups from across the Puget Sound region are supporting partners of this Wear Orange event.

Orange is the color that Hadiya Pendleton’s friends wore in her honor after she was shot and killed in Chicago at the age of 15 — just one week after performing in President Obama’s second inaugural parade in 2013. Orange honors the 100 lives cut short and the hundreds more wounded by gun violence every day — and demands action.



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State Parks free admission Saturday for National Get Outdoors Day

The Grotto at St. Edward
Photo by Lien Titus
State Parks Discover Pass Free Day on Saturday, June 8, 2019

To celebrate National Get Outdoors Day, Saturday is a State Parks "free day" when a Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park or lands managed by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Free days apply only to day use (not overnight stays or rented facilities).

A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources on this day.

Locally, St. Edward in Kenmore is the closest state park. This site has good information (WA State Parks) as does an article in The Seattle Times: Free fun




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What will be at the Market at the Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Market?

On Saturday, June 15, 9:00am - 3:00pm, the day of the Lake Forest Park Garden Tour, the lower level of the Town Center will be transformed into a lush green nursery.


This market is part of the Garden Tour event. Everyone is welcome to look, get inspired and even purchase plants and garden art that will thrive in our local environment.

Chimacum Woods will be at the market with a variety of rhododendrons. Chimacum Woods is devoted to preserving local species of rhodies.

The owners have also traveled extensively to preserve rhododendrons where their native habitat is threatened.

If the snow took out some of your favorite rhododendrons, check out the variety and color from this grower.

Lee Farms and Nursery have been a staple of the garden market for years. One regular visitor to the Market said, 

“My garden is littered with the tags from Lee Farms. The plants they bring to the market are perfect for my garden. Plants grow in the shade and in the sunnier areas of my garden. I appreciate the variety and quality of the plants they bring.”

Mason Bee house
Have you ever wondered about Mason Bees? They are native North American bees and terrific pollinators. They are different from the honey bees. Mason bees (named because they build houses from mud like masons) are solitary bees. As early pollinators with a 30-day life span, they are used mostly for fruit trees and sometimes blueberries.

Ray Strelecki of Michael’s Mason Bees will be at the Market for the first time. 

Ray raised 16,000 Mason Bees this year. He teaches people about how to raise bees and sells several varieties of Mason Bee houses. 

Ray will be happy to chat with anyone interested in raising and releasing Mason Bees. And maybe entice you to buy a bee house!

Come visit all of these garden-related vendors:



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Small Ensemble Recital Friday at Shoreline CC is open to the public



Small Ensemble Recital Friday, June 7, 2019, 12:30 ­- 1:30pm at Shoreline Community College Music Building 800 / Room 818, 16101 Greenwood Ave. N, Shoreline 98133. Cost: Free, but small fee for parking on campus.


Join us for an afternoon of eclectic ensemble performances in the Music Department at Shoreline Community College. The Small Ensemble Recital is the collective ensemble performance featuring our dedicated music students. This event showcases a variety of music genres, performing works ranging from jazz to classical to funk.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event on Friday, June 7, 2019 at 12:30pm.

The lineup of performers includes:

Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Evan Norberg - Director

Kia Burt, Sarah Kercheval, Emory Anderson, Paige Mahler, Hannah Roufs, Quinn Krivanek, Jaret Miller, and John Cassel - vocalists

Accompanied by: Evan Norberg - Piano, Nate Omdal - Bass, Jacques Willis - Drums

Chamber Ensemble
Jeff Kashiwa - Director

Leslie Bigelow - Flute, Emory Anderson - Clarinet, Zachary Pang - Alto Sax, Regan Roberge - Cello

Brass Ensemble
Al Keith - Director

Cael Frerichs and Nicolas Woolwine - Trumpets, John Cassell - Trombone, CJ Roundy - Tuba

Repertoire Jazz Ensemble
Steve Kim - Director

Edward Gabrielyan - Piano, Jeremy Papke - Electric Bass, Emm Heffernan - Guitar, Colin Plancich - Drums

Snarky Ensemble
Jeff Kashiwa - Director

Leslie Bigelow - Flute, Emory Anderson - Clarinet, Regan Roberge - Cello, David Bissell - Alto Sax, CJ Roundy - Tuba,

Edward Gabrielyan - Piano, Shane Hansen - Bass, Keegan Cass - Drums, Jeff Kashiwa - Tenor Sax




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Call to Youth Artists – 2019 Shoreline Arts Festival

Lady in Red
Artist Thea Jacobsen


Call to Youth Artists – 2019 Shoreline Arts Festival
Youth Art Exhibit

Applications are now available online at the Shoreline Arts Council website for the Shoreline Arts Festival Youth Art Exhibit. 

There is no fee to enter! All students living in the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park area in grades Pre-K through 12 are encouraged to register up to two of their favorite 2D, 3D, or photographic works through the Arts Council's website and bring them to the Shoreline Community College (building 1400) on Tuesday, June 25th, 4:00-7:00pm. 

Online registration closes June 24th. Each work MUST have an identifying label affixed to it. The College is located at 16101 Greenwood Ave North. Work is juried for prizes and all entries are displayed during the Shoreline Arts Festival on June 29 - 30 at the Shoreline Community College (NEW LOCATION). Plus, up to twenty of these pieces will be selected for the Shoreline School District's 2019-2020 calendar.

The Shoreline Arts Festival provides two extraordinary days of music, theater, film, visual arts, dance, culture, and food. This creative community event, presented by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council, will be held at Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave North. Admission is free and plenty of free parking will be available. Visit our website for applications, deadlines, performance schedules, maps, or additional information or call the Arts Council at (206) 417-4645.


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Op-Ed: Response to Pam Cross's Op-Ed of 6/5/19

By Ginger Hayra Gunn

I think it would be fabulous if we could have a state of the art Community Aquatics Center (CAC) and a complete Senior Center with a commercial kitchen.

I do however, agree with Pam Cross's op-ed (posted 6/5/2019) about other needs.

I appreciate her review of Shoreline Parks' conditions and related political process. These excerpts from her summary are most significant for me:
  • According to the PROS [Parks, Recreation and Open Space] Plan, Essential Park Amenities include children’s playgrounds, picnic areas, trails, and open grass areas for active and passive uses. And natural areas should be generally accessible to all residents. The City does not meet its level of service (LOS) target for providing these amenities within a 15-minute walk to all Shoreline residents.
  • Shoreline has 23 parks, but they are not all treated equitably. 
I think of how much Shoreview Park has to offer, as ideal (other than the Invasive plants along its edges): playground equipment, sports fields, a dog park, real restrooms, ample paved parking, forest, and even tennis courts.

In looking at Zillow's "Recently Sold" homes, in what appears to me to be a 15 minute walk to this park, I see 17 properties with an average sales price of $992,000. I am guessing that most of the families in these homes have cars and could afford to join a club for use of a pool and tennis courts, or could enroll in ice skating, dance classes, martial arts classes, etc.

Because of this, I suspect that Shoreview's amenities... if replicated in less wealthy Shoreline neighborhoods, would be likely to have more positive impact on proximal residents, than they do for the "walkable neighbors" of Shoreview Park.

I don't feel that each park needs to have all the LOS listed amenities (or tennis courts and parking lots), but there needs to be enough to make a walkable park magnetic for its neighbors.

Fee-for-service recreation tends to be less affordable for residents in low income areas, so this is where our parks amenities are most important.

Let's give our financially-challenged residents better proximal options, to support them in getting away from the TV and its common accompaniments... like eating chips, consuming high calorie beverages, and developing Diabetes.

One equity adjustment (if we are going to stick with the projected CAC funding priority) would be to create easy, free, and frequent shuttles across the city and provide free pool passes to families that qualify (or nearly qualify) for the National School Lunch Program.

This, however does not replace the benefit that an appealing, walkable, casual meeting place provides, toward building community and an interest in being active.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I do appreciate our City Servants for the vast amount of work they do and the wealth of goodwill and expertise involved. I particularly commend them for moving toward better public transportation AND acquiring more parks acreage, as it has become available.

As Mark Twain put it, "Buy land, they're not making it anymore."



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Photo: 185th station site work

Photo by Steven H. Robinson


This is the site of the 185th Street light rail station aka Shoreline North. The site is different every day. Steve took this photo on Wednesday. On Thursday I drove by. The excavation is much deeper, the pile of shredded trees is twice as tall, and the north end of the site is perfectly level and covered with gravel.

DKH



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Photo: The north wind doth blow

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Photo by Cynthia Sheridan


The north wind doth blow
And we shall have snow
And what will the robin do then
Poor thing

--Traditional nursery rhyme


We probably won't get snow, but we got most everything else on Thursday, including a large clap of thunder.



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Home sales in Shoreline during April 2019

The following are properties that sold in Shoreline during the month of April 2019. Data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.


6-7-19 Posted the 2019 information.


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Shoreline Farmers Market opens Saturday


The Shoreline Farmers Market opens for its 8th season on June 8th in the same location, next to Central Market on Westminster Way.

The market runs through October 6th.

"We are really gearing up for a great year. We'll average 45 vendors every week and offer flowers, prepared foods, fruits/vegetables, crafts, kids program, seating area, and live music."

Come down and shop for deliciously fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, meats, and eggs. Local artisan crafts, a food truck and family friendly music for your entertainment. Bring the kiddos down for the PoP Kids Club with fun activities and PoP Bucks to spend on fruits and veggies.

The Shoreline Farmers Market participates in the Fresh Bucks Program where they double the dollars of every EBT/SNAP transaction. (10$ off EBT and customer gets $10 extra totaling $20).

We are committed to providing healthy foods for everyone in the community and the Fresh Bucks program is just one way we can help. Most of our vendors accept WIC and SFMNP Vouchers as well.

This Saturday only: We are very excited to be hosting the DSHS Mobile Community Service Office (CSO) on June 8th only. This is a 40 foot truck that doubles as an office. 

"Each Mobile CSO unit is staffed by experienced program specialists who are able to determine financial eligibility for the cash and food assistance programs. They process new applications, reviews and changes for active cases; they issue EBT cards and receive documents. The Mobile CSO specialists also determine eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs and Aged, Blind, or Disabled Medicaid."



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Northshore Fire Department refinances bonds, saves money

Describing rating grade and bond refinancing for Northshore Fire Department 

King County Fire Protection District No. 16 (Northshore Fire Department) is in the process of issuing Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Bonds to refinance the 2009 Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds (which were issued for constructing and equipping the headquarters Fire Station 51) for interest cost savings. 

The District received the highest rating of AAA. The average annual reduction in the voted bond payment is $166,272 for the years 2020 through 2027. The District achieved a total net savings of $1,333,980 for taxpayers.

The District is very pleased to receive the highest rating grade of AAA, which is an upgrade from the AA+ rating previously received. This is a great accomplishment for the District and its citizens. 

Only one other fire district in the State of Washington has achieved the highest rating of AAA. We want to thank the Commissioners and District staff for all of their hard work.

The AAA bond rating grade was based on the following key factors: 1. Demonstrated track record of very strong fund balances in the General Fund; 2. Strength of the local economy; 3. Growth in assessed value; 4. Financial management practices and policies; and 5. Experienced management in operating the District in an efficient manner.

Board Chair, Suzanne Greathouse went on to say, “This bond rating upgrade from AA+ to AAA reflects that the District is very well-managed and has excellent financial policies and practices in place for the benefit of our taxpayers.

“The higher the rating grade, then the lower the interest cost. We are very pleased and proud to achieve the AAA rating grade.”

As part of the rating process, District staff prepared a presentation to S/P Global Ratings. The presentation team was comprised of Fire Chief Jim Torpin, Deputy Fire Chief Eric Magnuson, Finance Specialist Dawn Killion, Consulting CPA Tom Broetje (of CFO Selections), Board Chair Suzanne Greathouse, and Bond Underwriter Jim Nelson (of D.A. Davidson and Co.).

The team presented information and answered questions relating to management, finances, local economy and long-term planning. The Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Bonds were underwritten by D.A. Davidson and Co., Trading and Public Finance Office in Seattle. The 8.5-year financing achieved a True Interest Cost percent of 1.78%.



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Incumbent withdraws from school board race

2018-19 Shoreline School Board
Dick Potter, far left, and Dick Nicholson, far right
will not be running for re-election
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Dick Nicholson has withdrawn from the race for School Board District #4, where he was a long-time incumbent. This leaves the seat to newcomer Rebeca Rivera.





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