Positive ponies

Monday, June 22, 2020

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The ponies have been trying to keep everyone positive and cheerful. 

How's that working for you?



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In The Garden Now….. Taiga Large Flowered Clematis

Taiga Clematis
Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

This clematis first caught my eye when it was featured at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2017. 

It went on my ‘Plant Wish List’ immediately. 

I didn’t actually come across one for sale in our area until last fall….. and there she was on the sales table of a local hardware store nursery!

I’ve seen many different clematis in my gardening lifetime, but I’ve never seen a clematis quite like this one. 

The double flowers are multicolored and ever changing. 

One day blossoms appear to be a soft green and the next they’re taking on mauve and purple tones. The flower shape and form continues to change as blossoms mature. 

In its later development the sepals are curved upward so that they take on a star shape. This heavily flowering clematis is truly unique!

Taiga Clematis blooms on both old and new wood so it can be pruned before or after blooming and should grow and bloom again with no problem. Plants usually produce flowers from late spring through summer. My plant has been in bloom since early May and is definitely going strong in the large pot that is now its home.

This lovely vine typically reaches 8 feet tall by 3 feet wide. If you add one of these clematis to your garden be sure and plant it at least two inches deeper than it was growing in its nursery pot. Clematis planted extra deep will grow additional roots along the planted stems. Like many clematis this one likes sun to part shade and shade at its roots.

If you’re looking for a truly gorgeous climber for your garden consider this outstanding clematis.

Botanical Name: Clematis florida hybrid ‘Taiga’

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 30 years. (vjgilleland@yahoo.com) 


 

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She kicked up her heels and did a little "thanks for the nectar" dance

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


When the mind is pure, Helene mused, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. (Well, Buddha actually said that, but who better than a bee to quote Buddha?)
--Gloria Z Nagler



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Book review by Aarene Storms: This One Summer

This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki (graphic novel)

Every summer, Rose vacations at Awago Beach with her mom and dad. Her younger friend Windy is there too, and together the girls play in the water, make s'mores by the campfire, and watch scary movies, just like always.

This summer, things are changing: Rose is becoming more alert to adult situations around her, including the possible pregnancy of a local teen girl and the conflict between her own parents.

She doesn't resolve any internal conflicts or reach any life-changing decisions -- this isn't that kind of book. 

Instead, it's a portrait of a short time in the lives of a few people, mostly focused on the two girls. The illustrations are beautiful, gentle, and evocative, with just enough conversation to move the story along.

Find out why this book is a Prinz Honor and Caldecott Honor Award winner and a frequently challenged title: check it out for yourself!

Some cussing and sexual situations.


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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Case updates June 21, 2020

COVID-19 case updates as of June 21, 2020

United States
  • cases 2,248,029
  • deaths 119,615
Washington state
  • cases 28,680
  • hospitalizations 4,049
  • deaths 1,270
King county
  • cases 9,234
  • hospitalizations 1,541
  • deaths 584
Shoreline
  • cases 382
  • hospitalizations 86
  • deaths 54
Lake Forest Park
  • cases 35
  • hospitalizations 2
  • deaths 0



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Seattle Humane pet food bank


Seattle Humane’s Pet Food Bank collects and distributes pet food donations for pets belonging to low-income families or pet owners experiencing hardship. The program feeds 2,000 pets every month with eight tons of donated pet food delivered by volunteers to low-income senior housing complexes and food banks throughout the region.

If you’re struggling to make ends meet or care for your pets, we would love to help. We offer a pet food bank and services for low-income pet owners or families experiencing hardship.

According to their interactive map they have a pet food pick up location near us at North Helpline - Bitter Lake Food Bank 13000 Linden Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133

The Pet Food Bank receives the majority of their supplies through generous donations from the community. They try to provide both wet and dry food, and litter, while supplies last. 

Please let us know if your pet has specific dietary needs and we will do our best to accommodate.

Pet owners may apply for monthly pet food or one-time emergency assistance for 30 days’ worth of supplies. In order to apply, click on this request form.

If you have questions contact them by phone at 425-649-7566 or email outreach@seattlehumane.org.



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No cost for COVID-19 testing in Washington state

Sunday, June 21, 2020

According to the state insurance commissioner and the state Department of Health there should be no cost to you as a patient for testing, whether you have insurance or not.

The state Insurance Commissioner is requiring insurers to waive co-pays and deductibles for COVID-19 testing, and has answered frequently asked questions about health insurance and COVID-19.

The Health Care Authority is working with insurance carriers across all the populations they purchase for (Apple Health, public employees and school employees). You may learn more on HCA's website.

If you don’t have health insurance, visit the Washington Health Benefit Exchange to find out if you qualify for free health coverage (Apple Health, Washington’s Medicaid program) or if you qualify to purchase individual health insurance under specific circumstances. Find answers to frequently asked questions about getting coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about costs for COVID-19 testing (PDF) in Washington state.



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Bird Air BnB


Steve Schneider reports that a wren has taken up residence in a little trailer on their property.


She likes her new set of wheels!





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Parks, Recreation, Cultural Services/Tree Board virtual meeting Thursday

Parks/Tree board

PRCS/Tree Board will meet Thursday, June 25, 2020 from 7-9pm on zoom. Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/92924069207

Pursuant to Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28, in an effort to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the PRCS/Tree Board's Regular Meetings will take place online using the Zoom platform and the public will not be allowed to attend in-person.

You may join the meeting via Zoom Webinar or listen to the Meeting over the telephone.

Public comment will be accepted by submitting written comment or calling into the meeting to provide oral testimony. To provide oral testimony you must sign-up by 6:30pm the night of the meeting. 

Links to access all of these options:
Agenda Highlights
  • Director's Report
  • City Financial Outlook
  • Accepting Donation of Public Art
  • Parks Facility Rental Operations Manual and SMC Amendments
  • Strategic Discussions -Equity and Inclusion
Link to Full Meeting Packet [PDF]

Comment on Agenda Items via email


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St. Dunstan’s new mini farmers market for those in need


By Josef Hinkofer

St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, "the church that feeds people," has for many years, provided our community a buffet style dinner, with emphasis on quality, presentation, and nutrition.

It has not been uncommon for us to serve up to 200 people gathered in our parish hall, enjoying each other’s camaraderie. Additionally, we delivered meals to homeless encampments like United We Stand, Tent City 3 and Tent City 5 each week.

As Covid-19 emerged, we transformed our buffet to a to-go only program, donning masks, and practicing frequent hand washing and social distancing.

For the past eight years Safeway, and more recently, Smart Food Service donations have made it possible to care for those less fortunate. This was our first week with our new Community Partner, Sprouts, which just opened at 13010 Aurora Ave. N. With the additional donations we were able to offer a mini farmers market, along with packaged food items and a hot meal.

We encourage the residents of southern Shoreline to visit us at St. Dunstan’s Church any Tuesday starting at 4:30pm. We are located at 722 N 145th ― “the church in the woods” next to the Interurban Trail. All products are gleaned or purchased from local retailers, offered free of charge, with no religious affiliation required.

We serve until 6pm or until we run out. Our aim is for everyone to receive a full hot meal and to take home a little extra for their kitchen. We encourage our guests to share with their own neighbors.



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Happy Father's Day



Happy Father's Day

to dads and grandpas and uncles

and all the men who provide support and strength

to the younger generation

no matter what your title is.




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Where to get free food for kids during the summer

REVISION: Start date for Grab and Go is 6/24/20 not 6/22/20 as originally published.

Shoreline Public Schools is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program for children. Meals are available at no charge to children 18 years of age and younger.



OTHER FREE MEAL PROGRAMS:

Operated by Hunger Intervention Program and YMCA of Greater Seattle

North City Elementary School
June 22 - August 28
11:30-12:30
816 NE 190th Street

Paramount Park
June 22 - August 28
11:30-12:30
15300 8th Ave NE

Echo Lake Elementary School
June 23 - August 28
2:00-3:00
19345 Wallingford Ave N

Shoreline Public Library
June 22 - August 28
1:00-2:00
345 NE 175th Street

To locate more summer meal sites in our area, call 1-866-348-6479 or visit the summer meals finder. You may also text "Food" or "Comida" to 877-877 to find locations serving free meals.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD- 3027) found online, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide  all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov

Shoreline Public Schools is an equal opportunity provider.



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Sheriff’s Office reforms policy, seeks approval from 8 Can’t Wait

Use of Force interactive dashboard
From the King County Sheriff's Office - which includes the Shoreline Police Department and Kenmore Police Department


The King County Sheriff’s Office is always evaluating our current policies and looking for ways to evolve and improve. 

After the tragic and troubling death of George Floyd on May 25th in Minneapolis, Sheriff Mitzi G. Johanknecht ordered a further review of our Use of Force policies to look for opportunities to clarify or strengthen them.

Although the King County Sheriff’s Office made considerable changes to our Use of Force policies last year, we asked Campaign Zero to audit KCSO policies against the 8 Can’t Wait.

The 8 procedures were developed by Campaign Zero, a nationwide police reform campaign to reduce Use of Force and police brutality. 8 Can’t Wait consists of:

1. Ban Chokeholds and Strangleholds
2. Require De-escalation
3. Require exhausting all reasonable means before resorting to deadly force
4. Ban Shooting At Moving Vehicles
5. Require Use of Force Continuum
6. Require Comprehensive Reporting (of force)
7. Duty to Intervene
8. Require Verbal Warnings Before Shooting

On June 11, 2020, Campaign Zero determined that items 1 through 6 are already contained in existing policy in our General Orders Manual (GOM). The General Orders Manual sets forth professional standards for the performance, behavior, and service of our employees.

Although KCSO already complies with 7 and 8 in practice, KCSO agreed that policies need clarification on these points. KCSO reached out to union leadership, who fully supported the Sheriff’s efforts and promptly agreed with the need to clarify policy. 

Collaboration with the King County Police Officers’ Guild (KCPOG) and the Puget Sound Police Managers’ Association (PSPMA) and the King County Sheriff’s Office Marshals’ Guild (KCSOMG) resulted in policy revisions to require a Duty in Intervene (GOM 6.00.055) when a member of KCSO observes another member using force that is clearly beyond what is reasonable under the circumstances and Verbal Warnings (GOM 6.00.045) before discharging a firearm. We accomplished these revisions in only 5 working days.

The King County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to Campaign Zero and union leadership. This is an example of how collaboration can work to effect change.

On Monday, June 22nd, we will send our revised policies to Campaign Zero for feedback and final sign off.

We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate on issues that improve transparency and accountability. Another recent project that increases transparency on use of force can be found at an interactive dashboard which contains information on all uses of force from 2014-2019.



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Orca pride at Highland Terrace Elementary


Some parents decorated the school fence at Highland Terrace Elementary to help send off students and staff for the summer.


The sixth graders are making the big transition to middle school. End of year celebrations were all cancelled this year.



It's a transition for many parents, as well. After years at Highland Terrace, they will be moving on to involvement in middle school and high school.

But they'll always remember Highland Terrace.

We love Highland Terrace. Orca Pride!


Highland Terrace is located at 100 N 160th St, Shoreline 98133, across the street from Shoreline Community College. Students at HT move on to Einstein Middle School and Shorewood High School.




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Peony

Photo by Jo Simmons

Flower fix for the day: deep pink peony




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Case updates June 20, 2020; update on weddings and funerals

Gov. Jay Inslee announced additional clarification for non-religious weddings and funeral or memorial services in Phases 1, 2 and 3. This comes as more counties move forward under Washington’s Safe Start recovery plan.

The memorandum further clarifies the guidance for religious and faith based organizations released on Thursday, June 18.

Find the full memo here.

Full list of current reopening guidance.

Case updates June 20, 2020

United States
  • cases 2,215,618 - 32,218 new cases in the previous 24 hours
  • deaths 119,055 - 690 new deaths in the previous 24 hours
Washington state
  • cases 28,225
  • hospitalizations 4,030
  • deaths 1,265
King county
  • cases 9,165
  • hospitalizations 1,540
  • deaths 585
Shoreline
  • cases 381
  • hospitalizations 86
  • deaths 54
Lake Forest Park
  • cases 35
  • hospitalizations 2
  • deaths 0



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The Seattle to Portland (STP) bike ride is virtual this year

To the 8,000 bicyclists who are disappointed that the 200 miles Seattle To Portland (STP) ride was cancelled in 2020, there is hope!

The Cascade Bicycle Club has announced the Seattle to Portland Virtual Challenge.

Registration (free) will officially open on July 1. The 200+ mile Seattle to Portland is accessible to all who want to ride it, virtually. The challenge begins July 18 and gives riders a variety of mileage options to complete the virtual event in one, two, or as many as twenty days! Riders will enjoy a virtual tour of STP along the way.

Take the journey from Seattle to Portland from your own home. We will take you on a virtual journey along the way and cannot wait to open up this iconic event to folks around the world to participate!

This year STP will meet you where you are both in location and ability. Finish the 200+ mile journey by committing to as little as 10 miles a day or as much as 200 in one day!

Registration links, COVID-19 rules, and challenge rules will be posted on the club's web page.



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Master Gardener online plant clinic


Master Gardeners Online Plant Clinics
Now - October 17, Online

NEW! Master Gardener Online Plant Clinic – The Master Gardener Plant Clinic is now online to answer your gardening questions.

During your clinic visit, you will be able to share pictures of your plant, pest or disease concerns.

Master Gardener Plant Clinics are held Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11am to 1pm through October 17, 2020 on Zoom.


To join the Online clinic during its hours of operation, click this link, then press enter and follow the prompts. The clinic password is 490023.

Master Gardener e-Clinic via Email – Send your gardening questions via email to a Master Gardener at ask-a-mastergardener@live.com

To help us better diagnose a plant problem, please try to share as much of the following information as possible:
  • What type of damage are you seeing and when did it start?
  • Which parts of the plant are affected, for example, flower, leaf, stem, fruit, etc?
  • How is the plant watered and how much, for example, hand watered 3 times a week for 10 minutes?
  • Where the plant is located, for example, in a garden bed or in the lawn, next to a driveway or house, in full or part sun, facing what direction?
It is also very helpful if you can share photos of your plant problem or plant or insect to be identified. 

Here are some helpful guidelines for what to include in your photos:
  • Show the damaged or problem plant in the landscape along with other plants to provide additional clues to the probable cause of the problem.
  • Show the base of the plant at the soil line to determine root issues.
  • Show the live branches, limbs and leaves as well as the dead branches, limbs and leaves.
  • Show buds and flowers to help with plant identification, show the damage, etc.
  • Show the insect or other pest that is the suspected culprit in the damage.


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LFP leaders, residents comment on local policing at council meeting June 11

Lake Forest Park City Council

By Tracy Furutani


The mayor, city council members, the police chief, and residents of Lake Forest Park made strong remarks condemning systemic racism, in a lengthy city council meeting last Thursday, June 11, 2020, held virtually on Zoom. 

“Let me make this very clear: Black Lives Matter,” said Chief of Police Mike Harden, while presenting the annual police department report, “they absolutely matter in Lake Forest Park.”

Mayor Jeff Johnson, in his presentation to the council, said, after noting that the city was already dealing with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the stay-safe order from the Governor, “But to be real honest, when I saw the knee on George Floyd’s neck that day and the Black Lives Matter protests started and then the riots and all the stuff that happened downtown I had to sit on the couch and say to myself ‘I don’t know if I can go anymore.’ 

The mayor continued, "It got to be overwhelming for me; it’s intense for a lot of people. It gets hard on me because when you’re mayor you do feel responsible for the citizens of your city.” But, he continued, “we [the leadership in LFP] are going to have to make some changes, and I’m going to be the first to admit I need to make changes.”
He concluded, “The city of Lake Forest Park will treat everybody with absolute justice, equity and respect, and provide safe community for all residents. Racial discrimination and injustices are unacceptable and will not be tolerated by anybody, including me or anybody on my staff. We must end systemic racism throughout this community and this country.”


Twelve comments from city residents, some self-identifying as persons of color, uniformly demanded the city take active anti-racist steps, including the acknowledgement of the city’s racist housing covenant history, and the persistence even today of racism and micro-aggressions towards people of color by other residents.

“Even at our beloved LFP Elementary where many well-meaning parents ignorantly take an active stance against inclusivity measures; changes around Halloween and other holiday celebrations…are but one example,” a couple of the commenters noted.


The mayor, the police chief and city council leaders had posted “A Renewed Call for Compassion” on June 4 on the city website, a few days after marches protesting the killing of George Floyd began in Seattle. In the post, the city leaders reaffirmed the principles of the Charter of Compassion which, in part, describe Lake Forest Park as a “welcoming, inclusive, and safe city”.

In response to a question by Councilmember Mark Phillips about the use of chokeholds and carotid holds by the LFP police, Harden responded, “I’m suspending the LVNR [lateral vascular neck restraint]. 

"The larger issue is the ongoing review of police use-of-force policies, he continued, “I don’t want to pull away less-than-lethal options for officers, if that option is safe and it’s proven, then we need to review it and understand it…why are we using it? What’s the purpose of it?”

The policy manual for the LFP Police Department is available on the city website.

When asked about “Eight Can’t Wait”, a national campaign to reform police procedures with eight policies to be implemented immediately, Harden said, “most of our agencies in this area have covered everything that’s in there already, but when I did a review, I can see how we’ve matched up, but I also see some language that we can actually tweak to be better and closer to that and it doesn’t harm our officers.”

At the same time, he continued, “I don’t want to be ‘hey, this social media campaign says we should do this’ and then we just go and do it. It’s got to be thoughtful and methodical and understand what’s the importance of it.”

Answering a question by Councilmember Semra Riddle about whether the LFP officers’ “duty to intervene” (one of the eight policies in Eight Can’t Wait) extended beyond city limits, Harden said, “anything that is written in our policy our officers are absolutely responsible for, regardless if they’re in this jurisdiction or any other jurisdiction. An officer sees another officer do something inappropriate, they will intercede and they will report it.”

Councilmember John Resha concluded the discussion by asking the police chief, “Don’t just invite community to the table: hear them, help them to lead us in the review of what we need to [review]. And your vision, as you reestablish it, needs to be not just the vision of the police department, but the vision of the community for our police department.”



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Candidate Forum: 32nd District Pos. 1 candidates introduce themselves

Saturday, June 20, 2020

(Editor’s note: This is part of a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. We will present responses to our questions from candidates for state representative positions in the 32nd and 46th legislative districts. After these introductory questions, we’ll have issue questions for all candidates, with future questions coming from readers. Send questions for the candidates to schsmith@frontier.com.)


Shirley Sutton, Keith Smith, Cindy Ryu


By Evan Smith

Democratic 32nd District incumbent State Rep. Cindy Ryu faces two fellow Democrats, Keith Smith and Shirley Sutton, on the Aug. 4 primary-election ballot.

Smith, of Lynnwood, lost to Ryu and a Republican in the 2018 primary. Sutton is a former Lynnwood city council member. Ryu is a former Shoreline City Council member.

The 32nd Legislative District includes Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, south Edmonds, Lynnwood and a small part of Mountlake Terrace.

The top two candidates in the primary, regardless of party, qualify for the Nov. 3 general-election ballot. With no Republicans or independents running, the top-two primary is certain to produce a Democrat vs. Democrat general election.

The three Democrats recently introduced themselves with their answers to this question: What is your background for this position? Here are their responses presented in the order their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:

Legislative District 32, State Representative Pos. 1

Shirley Sutton (Prefers Democratic Party)


At Burlington Northern Railroad I gained experience in management and labor relations, developing strong mediation skills. I have a BA in law and justice, MA in education, worked in the Yakima Public Schools and Yakima Valley Community College. I directed adult basic education and coordinated school-to-work training with area high schools. At Edmonds Community College, I served as Director of Diversity Affairs and taught diversity and cultural trainings.

Keith Smith (Prefers Democratic Party)


I have lived in the 32nd district for the last 21 years. I am a graduate of Brier Terrace Middle, Mountlake Terrace High, Shoreline CC, and CWU-Lynnwood. I officiate high and middle school athletics within the district. I volunteer extensively within the district (Holly House, Old Dog Haven, Beck’s Place, Snohomish County Juvenile Court). I am a substitute teacher. And as a grocer, I am an essential worker in the fight against COVID-19.

Cindy Ryu (Prefers Democratic Party)


I have lived in North Seattle, Shoreline, Lynnwood and Edmonds since 1976 and raised 3 children who attended Edmonds and Shoreline Schools. I have extensive work history since I was 12 years old, including nursing assistant, medical transcriptionist, Management Systems Analyst / Records Manager for City of Seattle, Allstate Insurance Agent, Shoreline City Councilmember and Mayor. As State Representative, I chair the Housing, Community Development and Veterans Committee. MBA and BS in Microbiology from UW.

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



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A pair of poppies

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


Poppy season!

"Papaver rhoeas is an annual herbaceous species of flowering plant in the poppy family, Papaveraceae. 

"This poppy is notable as an agricultural weed and after World War I as a symbol of dead soldiers. Before the advent of herbicides, P. rhoeas sometimes was abundant in agricultural fields."
--Wikipedia

One man's weed is another man's symbol of sacrifice is a gardener's delight.



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Shoreline Community College virtual graduation ceremony Saturday 10am

Marking the success of the Class of 2020, Shoreline Community College will conduct its 56th Annual Commencement Celebration with a virtual ceremony this Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 10am PST. 

Over 900 students and their families have indicated they will participate, with viewership expected across the globe.

This is the College’s first-ever virtual Commencement ceremony. College administrators decided to move the ceremony online in response to the COVID-19 health crisis.

The ceremony will consist of a 30-minute pre-recorded video presentation. The video will feature President Cheryl Roberts, Board Chair Tom Lux, Vice President for Student Learning Phillip King, Faculty Speaker Tom Genest, Student Speaker Travis Tribble, and several Student Service Award recipients.

“It was incredibly important to us to make this event feel as special as possible,” said Cheryl Roberts, Shoreline Community College President. 
“This year’s graduates have endured unprecedented struggles and we want to make sure they are recognized for their grit and perseverance along with their educational success.”

Staff held a social distancing work party to package and mail graduation packets to grads ahead of the ceremony. The packets contained honor cords, diploma covers, some Shoreline swag, and a letter of congratulations.

To build excitement around the event, graduates are encouraged to download digital assets from Shoreline’s Commencement web page and show off their #PhinNation pride across their digital communities.

The web page includes printable window signs, graphics for Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, and Zoom backgrounds to use during watch parties. Graduates are encouraged to use the hashtags #ShorelineGrad2020 and #WeDidItShoreline2020 when sharing photos and videos of their graduation celebrations on social media.

The community at large is invited to tune in to help celebrate the Class of 2020. Head to the Commencement web page to access the virtual ceremony link, download digital assets, and view and download the Commencement program.

Learn more about Shoreline Community College.



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Mini Edition Arts Camp: Two Day Acting Intensive for middle schoolers

In keeping with safe practices for groups of under 10 people, the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is offering a two day acting intensive workshop for Middle Schoolers.

The instructor and the students will practice and rehearse in a larger room with enough distance to maintain a comfortable and safe environment, while teaching young actors to come out of their shells!

Mini Edition Arts Camp: Two Day Acting Intensive: July 6 - 7, 2020

9am - 4pm - Shoreline Center - Cost: $155 - $170
Registration is open to all students grades 6 - 8.

Start your summer off in the spotlight! In this fast-paced workshop, we will explore scenes and monologues through energetic theater games and performances. Also, actors will gain a foundation in audition readiness by learning skills for the professional world. No experience is required but creative imagination is a must. Get ready for fun and a self-confidence boost!

Instructor: Rachel Street

Rachel Street caught the acting bug at the tender age of 6, and she’s been acting ever since. She has worked at Paramount Pictures in Los Angeles, taught and directed in numerous theaters in Costa Rica, Hawaii, Vermont, and Seattle. A drama teacher at Rainier Beach High School, her current partnerships include the 5th Avenue Theatre, Book-It Repertory Theater, Seattle Repertory Theater and Intiman Theatre. A resourceful and dynamic teacher, she loves making the imagination come alive!

Camp Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available for camps. Additional details are listed on the Arts Council’s website.

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



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Checking out the blueberries

Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

It always interests me to see what the bunnies are eating. The traditional munch through the vegetable garden, as one reader cheerfully reported.

I watched one spend a long time nibbling on the grass and white clover that had grown up through the crack in a sidewalk. It was right next to a big patch of red clover and a large bed of strawberries.

Now this one is checking out the blueberries. If you see a bunny with blue stains around its mouth, you'll know where it has been.

--Diane Hettrick



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Overeaters Anonymous is now virtual


Is compulsive eating a problem for you? Has staying at home made it worse? Overeaters Anonymous is now virtual. Free. Newcomers welcome.

Overeaters Anonymous is a 12 step group patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. It is free to participants with no dues or fees. Donations are welcome.

To join, one only needs a desire to stop eating compulsively.

There are currently no face-to-face meetings due to the coronavirus. In person meetings are either suspended or are virtual through Zoom. Once the state of WA is in a phase where OA can reopen, there are meetings in just about every neighborhood - mornings, afternoons, and evenings - every day of the week.

Through the meetings website, you will find a list of current meetings that are virtual at this time. They will all be in person again when the time comes.

When folks go to www.seattleoa.org/meetings, they will be directly linked to meetings along with the Zoom information.



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Spaghetti and Meatballs (with garlic bread) Drive-Thru Dinner at the Elks Saturday

Drive-Thru Dinner at the Elks
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


The Shoreline Elks is hosting $10 Spaghetti and Meatballs (with garlic bread) Drive-Thru Dinner, Saturday June 20th from 5-6:30pm.

The funds from this dinner will be used to support the Shoreline Elks and the work they do to support our area communities.

In addition to dinner, the Lake City/Shoreline Emblem Club will be offering freshly baked Cinnamon Espresso Bars for dessert ($3 for 1 / $5 for 2). Dinner and desserts served on a first come/first served basis.

Come support your local Shoreline Elks and Lake City/Shoreline Emblem Club and grab some dinner and dessert on the run!

Shoreline Elks Spaghetti and Meatballs Dinner To Go

PLUS Dessert!

Saturday, June 20th 5:00-6:30pm
$10 cash/check only (no credit/debit cards) -- dinner
$3-$5 -- dessert (depending on quantity desired)
1st come / 1st serve -- Sorry, no RSVPs
Proceeds support the local Elks and Emblem Club, which in turn support the local community.

14625 15th Ave NE
Shoreline, Washington 98155



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Case updates June 18, 2020

Yakima has moved into second place behind King county

Case updates June 18, 2020

United States
  • cases 2,178,710
  • deaths 118,365
Washington state
  • cases 27,601
  • hospitalizations 4,003
  • deaths 1,255
King county
  • cases 9,096
  • hospitalizations 1,540
  • deaths 584
Shoreline
  • cases 382 - from 6/4 to 6/18 there were 8 positive cases
  • hospitalizations 86
  • deaths 54
Lake Forest Park
  • cases 35 - from 6/4 to 6/18 there was 1 positive case (this includes Kenmore)
  • hospitalizations 2
  • deaths 0


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Executive Constantine: King County enters Phase 2 of Safe Start recovery plan

Friday, June 19, 2020

King County Executive
Dow Constantine

Following approval by state Secretary of Health John Wiesman, King County has officially entered Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start recovery plan to allow limited business re-opening.

Phase 2 allows for twice the capacity in retail, restaurants, and other businesses previously allowed in King County’s modified Phase 1 and goes into effect immediately.

“Moving to Phase 2 is another step toward economic recovery for our region, but it must go hand-in-hand with even more careful adherence to precautions from our public health experts,” said Executive Constantine. 
“Wearing face coverings, washing hands, and avoiding crowds and unnecessary contact can help make ours a one-way trip back to prosperity, and prevent the need to go back to stay-at-home orders.”

While there are no additional categories of businesses included in moving from modified Phase 1 to Phase 2, the operating capacity has doubled for those able to reopen. For example, restaurants can now operate with 50% of indoor capacity, and retail with 30% capacity. Businesses with questions on how to safely reopen under the state’s guidance are encouraged to call Public Health's Business Compliance Line at 206-296-1608.

“We evaluated a number of factors to apply to move to phase two of reopening. Our healthcare system, perhaps the single most important factor, is currently well-prepared to care for COVID-19 cases as well as the other health needs of our community,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle and King County.

Public Health officials recommend that people keep 6 feet apart from one another whenever possible. Outdoors exposures are less risky than indoors, and improving indoor ventilation is recommended. In addition, people need to wear face coverings in public, wash hands frequently, and get tested at the first sign of symptoms.

“Our cases have declined significantly since the peak of the outbreak in late March, and are now hovering around our target goal,” said Duchin. 
“Over the past seven days, however, we have seen an uptick in the number of cases compared to the previous week. With re-opening, we anticipated more cases in the community. 
"That is why it is now more important than ever keep 6 feet apart from one another whenever possible and minimize unnecessary activity, especially people at increased risk for COVID-19.”
“As we move into phase 2 and for the foreseeable future, our risk will be increasing, not decreasing,” said Duchin. “COVID-19 has not gone away and we must take the ongoing risk very seriously. 
"If we are going to be successful continuing to reopen, it's essential that we do everything we can to prevent COVID-19 spread as we have more contact in social, recreational and work-related settings.”

Phase 2 activities permitted by the state include the following:

Card Rooms

Activities allowed: All card rooms or similar activities.

Limitations: All card rooms are subject to Phase 2 guidance which generally restricts the card room designated area to the lesser of 25% capacity or 50 individuals. The restaurants or taverns area of the facility is required to follow the Phase 2 guidance, which restricts capacity to 50% and prohibits bar service. Games are also limited to 25% occupancy per table. Limitations on capacity does not include staff.

Construction

Activities allowed: All construction, including new work and where social distancing may not be maintained.

Limitations: All construction activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance.

Domestic Services

Activities allowed: Any worker (hourly, salaried, independent contractor, full-time, part-time, or temporary) who is paid by one or more employer and provides domestic services to an individual or household in/about a private home as a nanny, house cleaner, cook, private chef, or household manager.

Limitations: All domestic services are subject to Phase 2 guidance.

Drive-in theaters

Activities allowed: All drive-in theaters.

Limitations: All drive-in theaters are subject to Phase 2 guidance.

Fitness

Activities allowed: Staffed indoor fitness studios and facilities, including but not limited to gymnastics, weight and resistance training, martial arts, yoga, and similar instructor-led fitness services, as well as staffed indoor tennis facilities.

Limitations: All fitness activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance which generally limits to groups of five participants or less.

Higher Education

Activities allowed: All non-lecture based higher education and workforce training, including where social distancing may not be maintained.

Limitations: All higher education activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance.

In-store retail

Limitations: All retail activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance which restricts customer occupancy to 30% of a building’s occupancy or lower as determined by the fire code.

Library services

Activities allowed: All public libraries, public library systems, institutional and governmental libraries, and libraries at institutions of higher education.

Limitations: All library activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance which limits services to mail or curbside pick-up and libraries remain otherwise closed to the public.

Manufacturing operations

Limitations: All manufacturing activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance.

Outdoor recreation

Activities allowed: Staffed outdoor tennis facilities; guided ATV, paddle sports, and horseback riding; go-kart tracks, ORV/motocross facilities, and participant only motorsports; gondolas; zoos and aquariums; guided fishing, and all other similar activities.

Limitations: All outdoor recreation activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance and are generally limited to groups of five participants or less, in some instances up to 12 individuals or three households are permitted.

Personal services

Activities allowed: All personal services including Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Barbers, Estheticians, Master Estheticians, Manicurists, Nail Salon Workers, Electrologists, Permanent Makeup Artists, Tattoo Artists, Cosmetology Schools and Esthetics Schools.

Limitations: All personal services are subject to Phase 2 guidance which restricts customer occupancy to 50% with the exception of one to one services in an enclosed room.

Pet grooming

Activities allowed: All pet grooming services including any location provided by an individual, or at a retail, veterinary, or other facility.

Limitations: All pet grooming services are subject to Phase 2 guidance which restricts client occupancy to 50%.

Professional photography

Limitations: All professional photography services are subject to Phase 2 guidance which restricts services to appointment only and for one client (and family member, if client is a minor) at any given time. Group sessions are not allowed unless the group consists of immediate family only.

Professional services

Activities allowed: Accountants, architects, attorneys, engineers, financial advisors, information technologists, insurance agents, tax preparers, and other office-based occupations that are typically serving a client base.

Limitations: All professional services are subject to Phase 2 guidance which restricts guest occupancy to 50% of a building’s occupancy with the exception of one to one service in a fully enclosed room.

Real estate (residential and commercial)

Activities allowed: All real estate brokers, firms, independent contractors and industry partners.

Limitations: All real estate activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance which generally restricts out of office activities to appointment only and with no more than three people; office activities require reservations for in-person customer services and guest occupancy is limited to 50% of a building’s occupancy.

Religious and faith organizations

Activities allowed: All religious and faith-based organizations may operate services including worship services; religious study classes; religious ceremonies; religious holiday celebrations, weddings, and funerals.

Limitations: All religious and faith based activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance which generally restricts indoor services to the lesser of 25% capacity or 50 individuals and in-home services/counseling is restricted to no more than five individuals. Outdoor services are permitted for up to 100 individuals. Limitations on capacity does not include an organization’s staff, but does include volunteers.

Restaurants and taverns

Limitations: All restaurant and tavern operations are subject to Phase 2 guidance which prohibits any bar seating and restricts indoor customer occupancy to 50% of a building’s occupancy or lower as determined by the fire code. Outdoor dining is allowed at 50% of capacity and does not count toward the building occupancy limit; additional outdoor seating will be allowed provided it follows Public Health – Seattle and King County’s best practices and a restaurant secures any municipal permit that may be required.

Social and recreational gatherings

Limitations: Individuals may gather with five or fewer people from outside their household per week.

Sporting activities

Activities allowed: Golf; professional sporting activities indoor and outdoor; outdoor youth team sports and outdoor adult recreational team sports, excluding school-connected or administered team sports and junior hockey.

Limitations: All sporting activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance (golf and other sporting activities). Non-professional sporting activities are generally limited to groups of five participants or less; for team sports that can mean limiting to groups of five in separate parts of the field if separated by a buffer zone. Professional sporting activities may generally operate, including up to 50 people for back office operations, for full team practices and spectator-less games and competitions.




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Quarantine wine kept the Bistro going through the pandemic shut down

North City Bistro owners, Ray and Sharon Bloom.
They are dedicated owners who miss greeting and serving their customers.

North City Bistro owners say“We have an astounding community!”

By Donna Hawkey

Ray and Sharon Bloom have been reaping the benefits of loyal customers for almost seven years, and that continues through a pandemic, too. They are two “devout foodies” who just want to “create awesome, quality food,” says Sharon. They are also huge music fans, so they have combined that love by offering live music - pre -COVID - five days a week. “We were often packed,” says Ray.

Quarantine case sales turned the dining room into a warehouse


When they had to shut down their business in March, at first they panicked, but then came up with a win-win solution with their promotion of “quarantine wine” cases to their customers. And it’s been a huge success with repeat buyers.

They offer fine wines at a greatly discounted price, and that helps pay the rent and keep the lights on. You can still purchase these cases today.

The wine sales helped keep their wine supplier in business, too. “We were their largest customer during the pandemic. We are very grateful for this relationship, and to all our outstanding customers,” says Ray.

Dining at the Bistro pre-COVID-19. When Ray first saw North City Bistro,
he thought it was “charming and had potential,” and that urged him to consider buying it,
something that totally surprised his wife, Sharon! But the two foodies took a chance.
And now they have many happy and charmed customers!


But that is not enough to keep the business alive, and they know their customers have been missing them and visa-versa. With their small and intimate restaurant, opening again with only 25% capacity and the six-foot requirement for social distancing is just not workable. 

So they have started offering about 60-70% of their menu, and craft cocktails, as take-out options on Wednesday through Friday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. And they are adding Saturday for a couple of weeks, to see how it goes. “No scallops or scampi,” says Ray. It has to meet their standard for take-out food portability.

Here is a link to the website and the menu is HERE.

Sharon doing curbside delivery so you can take home delicious meals quickly and safely.


Ray has a grin in his eyes when he talks about their Bistro. Sharon shows the same enthusiasm as she describes her passion for food that is of high quality and of her joy in offering new innovative dishes. But, she says, “We always try to keep certain popular items on the menu, like the crab cakes and steak bites.”

Customers are happy to see food available again. Take-out customer Kathleen Stamm said "We just finished our leisurely small-plate, multi course dinner. It was Superb … from beginning to end … "

The couple boasts of their staff, calling them “just amazing,” and feel they are their “Bistro family.” They all work together on menu creation and help each other in resolving problems, or kinks in the system. You can understand why Ray and Sharon are successful, but they go beyond this and offer live music too, hosting some of the most talented local and national Jazz, Blues, Brazilian, and Latin musicians and songwriters. 

Lee Oskar and Friends played regularly at North City Bistro and it’s their favorite place to play.
Lee is a world renowned harmonica player who was a founding member of the group War.
The Bistro pays musicians better than standard fees so they earn more. 


“Music venues are dwindling around the Shoreline and Seattle areas, and that is disconcerting,” says Ray. Since Grinders and Tula’s closed, there are fewer opportunities for musicians to work. And now with COVID-19, many musicians do not have a way to earn a living, and that concerns them a lot.

Some musicians are streaming from their living rooms with a small entry fee, and patrons are leaving them large tips, so that helps. But it’s tough times for sure, that requires ‘out of the box’ thinking, explains Ray.

Seeing the City of Shoreline north end growing, they did start thinking about new ideas because North City Bistro is located nearby the building of several new, large apartment complexes on or near 15th Ave NE. Ray expects they will mostly be occupied by millennial workers, so he and Sharon went ahead and planned to open an additional venue close by. to be called RoseLee’s.

One of their customer’s favorite meals are their fish n’ chips.
They only use fisherman fresh cod, and a small amount of coconut adds a nice crunch.


“We are very concerned now of course,” gulps Sharon, as she discusses signing the lease right before the pandemic hit. “We have to remain flexible,” says Ray, and they both plan to remain optimistic. 

RoseLee’s, when it opens, will be oriented toward a healthy menu of comfort food with slow-roasted proteins and vegetarian and vegan dishes, that they feel will entice both current and future residents.

Now though, everything feels so unpredictable, and while they are grateful to have received a Personal Protection Program (PPP) loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA), Ray says he is concerned that they could be required to pay back thousands of loan dollars. 

This is due to changing SBA requirements that have created a moving target of confusion and too much extra work for a small business owner. Ray sighs, “The SBA has not done such a great job in making sure this money does what it is supposed to, and that is, to support small businesses and not to break them.”

Sharon has a passion for food that is of high quality
and takes joy in offering new innovative dishes


North City Bistro is intertwined within their hearts, and their values as a community partner reach beyond Shoreline into Lake Forest Park (LFP), too. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, they had to cancel a May 12th Lake Forest Park Rotary benefit that included LFP resident and jazz musician Ken Kassover and a special stand-up comedy performance by Mayor Jeff Johnson! Hopefully, that one can be rescheduled in the future as they expected a sold-out crowd.

Sharon and Ray are owners who work hard but make it look easy. They always greet their customers with a warm smile and offerings that bring joy through good food and lively music. Ray is proud of his craft cocktails, too, and offers them at reasonable prices. He says he uses the best and freshest ingredients and that he has learned the art of blending flavor combinations to make a perfect tasting drink. And he has transferred these flavor blending skills over to cooking. 

2015 Jazz Walk line to enter the Bistro to hear Bill Anschell Trio
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


They are brainstorming ideas with other community members to continue some form of the popular and annual August Shoreline Jazz Walk. But so far, too many safe social distancing obstacles are in the way. However, they are working on a potential virtual festival! Details to come soon.

Treat yourself and check out North City Bistro’s website to order take-out food, cases of "quarantine wine," spirits and craft cocktails!

North City Bistro 1520 NE 177th St, Shoreline 98155. Phone 206-365-4447




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