Break-in and vandalism at St. Dunstan’s will not stop the Community Dinner program that has been feeding people every Tuesday for 10 years

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Fortunately, the damage did not extend to the basement which became a makeshift kitchen with cookers and lots of extension cords

Prior to the pandemic, St. Dunstan’s provided an indoor buffet style dinner with an emphasis on good tasting, nutritious and attractively displayed food. All were welcome to enjoy a free dinner made mostly from food gleaned from Shoreline grocery stores.

Instead of dumping unsold produce, grocery stores are allowed to give it to groups like St. Dunstans

Some weeks, as many as 200 people were served in the Parish Hall, all enjoying a good meal and the company of others. Weekly hot meals were also delivered to three city-sanctioned tent camps. When a national holiday fell on a Tuesday, the Community Dinner still went on with many memorable meals served on Christmas Eve and Christmas. 

St. Dunstan’s has kept the Community Dinner tradition going through many challenges and hardships this year. Despite a raft of issues, staff and volunteers remained steadfast in their commitment to keep feeding their neighbors every Tuesday:

In early March 2020, as COVID emerged, it was clear that indoor dining was no longer possible. Without missing a single week, church staff and volunteers pivoted from indoor meals to setting up large tables out front and filling them with hot entrees, salads, fruit and desserts, all packaged to go. 

A sink with soap and hot water was wheeled out, and guests were asked to social distance while waiting in line. Delivery to the tent camps continued. Free masks have been distributed by the thousands. 

St. Dunstan's has become used to working outside during the pandemic. The food is all packaged up and ready to go. People can eat at outdoor tables or take the food with them.

In July 2020, the beautiful 5’ bronze Celtic Cross was stolen from the roof of the church, (see previous article) and despite the disappointment, Tuesday dinners continued.   

Later in July 2020, someone broke in to the church office and caused extensive interior damage, requiring deep cleaning, and replacement of furniture and equipment. And Tuesday dinners continued.  

Last week, on March 18, 2020, a young man broke in by shattering the glass front doors of the church. The Shoreline Police and Fire Department were on the scene quickly and arrested the individual, but in the short amount of time he was indoors, he sprayed fire retardant all over the kitchen, the parish hall and sanctuary. 

Father Marshall points to the fire extinguisher spray on the piano cover. The organ was not covered and the dust would have been pulled into the instrument before someone was able to turn it off

Surfaces are coated with a substance which requires hazmat cleaning. As a result, staff and volunteers cannot safely enter the kitchen to prepare the Community Dinner.  Instead, the team  used a flotilla of crock pots to heat up a simple meal. St. Dunstan’s was able to cheerfully greet guests after quite a challenging week, and give them tasty chili and other treats.  

St. Dunstan’s Community Dinner is a fine example of what a church, a small group of volunteers, and our local grocers can do when they are committed to welcoming and feeding neighbors every week. 

Come rain or shine, pandemic or break-in, if it’s Tuesday, dinner is on!

Volunteers taking food to three tent camps

They cooked at noon and handed out food at 3:30pm. They also delivered dinner to three sanctioned tent camps!

For more information, see their website at sdchp.org or contact The Reverend David Marshall, at 206-334-0175. 

Father Marshall made a walk-through video of the church to document the damage. It can be viewed here

--Story and photos from St. Dunstan's



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Reminder: Paper shredding event Saturday to benefit Relay for Life



The event is being held by Relay For Life N Seattle/Shoreline
Saturday from 10am-2pm

Truck will be in the parking lot near Central Market 

Donations support a team participating 
in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.


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King county vaccine update


From Seattle and King County Public Health

We know it can be hard to keep up with the vax numbers these days, so we'll be more regularly bringing you the latest on our vaccination progress.

A few nuggets from this week (as of Mar 23):

🔹 31% of King County residents ages 16+ have started the vaccine series (received their first dose)

🔹16.5% of King County residents ages 16+ are now fully vaccinated.

🔹 As of last Wednesday, 3/17, vaccine eligibility expanded to pregnant people, people living w/ disabilities, and high-risk critical workers in certain industries.

🔹 Next Wednesday, 3/31, vaccine eligibility will be extended even further, to: people with two or more comorbidities; people between the ages of 60-64; workers in restaurants, food service, manufacturing and construction; and those living in congregate settings.

🔹 It’s great news that more people are now eligible to be vaccinated, BUT vaccine supply has not yet caught up with this expansion in eligibility. We have just one first dose for every 8 eligible residents.

🔹 We know this is frustrating, but hope is on the horizon. In April and May, the national vaccine supply will increase and it will get easier to get a vaccination appointment!

~ Check out kingcounty.gov/covid/vaccine for the latest ~



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Photo: Water droplets on tree

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Photo by Tanis Coralee Leonhardi


Tiny water droplets hang from the branches of the Maple tree.



 

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2021 “Shoreline Walks” Community Walking Program starts in April

Echo Lake Walk
Photo by Alice Lawson

From the City of Shoreline

After taking a year off, we are excited to share that we are starting back up the Shoreline Walks free community walking program. We have a variety of walks planned for 2021, with the first one taking place on Saturday, April 3 at 10:00am. Walkers will meet at Echo Lake Park and explore the surrounding neighborhood. (More details below)

Shoreline Walks is a free community walking program helping Shoreline adults stay active, meet new people (or connect with old friends), and feel safer and more confident exploring our city by foot. Walks explore neighborhoods, parks, and trails offering great insight into some of the best walking routes in our City. 

Specifically designed for adults ages 50+ but open to all ages and abilities, each walk is led by a volunteer walk leader and all walks are free to the public. No need to sign up, just show up at the meetup location and join the group on a walk. Friendly leashed dogs are welcome to join.

For the safety of all volunteers and participants, Shoreline walks will follow the current Washington State Covid-19 guidelines. Currently, all volunteers and walkers are required to wear face masks and practice social distancing.

For more details and to see the full schedule of Shoreline Walks, visit shorelinewa.gov/shorelinewalks or contact Recreation Specialist Marianne Johnson at 206-801-2600.

APRIL WALKS

Saturday, April 3, 2021, 10:00am
Echo Lake Neighborhood Walk

Explore the Echo Lake Neighborhood walking along the Lake and the west side of Ballinger Commons. Walk is on flat pavement and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
All participants are required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Walk is approximately 2 miles / 1.25 hours
Walk Rating: Moderate (some uneven trails and hills)
Meet at: Echo Lake Park, Ashworth Ave. N / N 200th St.
Walk Leader: Dan

Saturday, April 10, 2021, 3:30pm
Boeing Creek Plant Walk and Work Party (Space limited, pre-registration required)

Join Native Plant Steward Ginger on this short walk around the north side of Boeing Creek Park. “Meet” a diversity of native plants. Then, we will compare and contrast 3 of them with look-alike invasives that threaten this resilient habitat. Finally, we'll put this knowledge to work in distanced pods removing small invasive plants in an effort to maintain a healthy growing environment for our native plants. Individuals, families, and educators are encouraged to attend! Wear walking shoes with good treads and bring work gloves and pruners (if you have them). No bathroom available on this walk.
 
Limited number of registration spots to maintain Covid-19 safety precautions. Pre-registration required.
Please contact Recreation Specialist Marianne Johnson to register for this free walk. mjohnson@shorelinewa.gov, 206-801-2638.
All participants are required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Walk is approximately: 1 mile / 2 hours (including work party)
Walk Rating: Moderate (uneven ground, slippery when wet)
Meet at: Boeing Creek Park Entrance on NW 175th St. (between 6th Ave & 3rd Ave NW) (park on road) Walk Leader: Ginger, Washington Native Plant Society Steward

Saturday, April 24, 2021, 10:00am
Shoreline Community College Walk

A walk through the Shoreline Community College Campus and a bit of Shoreview Park and the surrounding neighborhood, including the Washington State Department of Transportation Campus.
All participants are required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Walk is approximately 2.7 miles / 1.75 hours
Walk Rating: Moderate (Hills)
Meet at: Highland Terrace Elementary School, 100 N. 160th St.
Walk Leader: Donna

Go to shorelinewa.gov/shorelinewalks for full walks list.



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"My Unforgotten Seattle" embraces disability

Lina Benson 
Photo provided by Lina Benson
By Lina R. Benson and Sally R. Yamasaki

A few months ago, author of "My Unforgotten Seattle" Ron Chew was interviewed virtually at Lake Forest Park’s Third Place Books about his memoir and preservation of Asian American history and the strength of its community leaders.

Epiphanies that turn to reality come to Ron Chew on his daily 20-mile runs. On one particular day, it struck him that several Seattle activists that he had worked with over the years were now gone and he was concerned that their stories might be lost forever. 

That epiphany inspired him to write his memories of growing up in Seattle as the son of parents who immigrated from China, and of the many people who have helped shape the communities that have too often been ignored. 

The result is his recently published memoir, "My Unforgotten Seattle."

I had heard so much about Ron’s book and couldn’t wait to dive into all the stories he collected. Bill Radke of KUOW described "My Unforgotten Seattle" as the “most Seattle book” he had ever read. 

It is a unique and rarely told story of Ron’s life woven into the history of Seattle’s International District which gives us an intimate experience with a significant part of Seattle history that you won’t see anywhere else.

Ron recalls his grandparents, undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. from China during the Chinese Exclusion Act, and because of this, shares how he came to understand on a deeper level his mother’s fear of her security as a U.S. resident, and the fear some immigrants live with today. 

Ron portrays the dignity and humanity behind the often-overlooked waiter who was his father at a well-known Chop Suey restaurant in the International District. We also get to know Lily Yamada, “an older woman with a bun of white hair,” who worked as a hairdresser at Uwajimaya and lived on the same floor as Ron. Lily was a survivor of the atomic bomb, a hibakusha, from Hiroshima. She told Ron about the horrific experience and what that meant to her.

As a young adult Asian American Trans-Racial Adoptee, I knew I wanted access to this captured history through the voice and lived experience of Ron, a Chinese American who was raised in Seattle. 

However, just like tens of millions of other Americans like me, reading for me means reading audibly, due to my learning disability. As a result, the way I access printed literature is through audio books.

Soon to be available in audiobook

One thing I’ve come to know about Ron is his life mission of being a disruptor for justice and that he’s always reaching a hand behind him to support future BIPOC generations to further this goal. 


To make his book more accessible, Ron’s latest project is creating an audio version of his memoir. A joint project between Chew Communications, partnering with Seattle’s Talking Book and Braille Library, and the International Examiner, they plan to have the audio book available later this year. 

Soon, I and many, many more, will be able to enjoy Ron’s memoir and the stories of the many unforgotten people who have helped shape the history of Seattle’s International District.



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Learn the basics of Suicide Prevention and Intervention in this online class

Learn the basics of Suicide Prevention and Intervention in this online class presented by Shoreline Community College.

How do I ask if someone is having thoughts of suicide? 

What do I do if they say yes? 

Join facilitator Cydney Lucio, MSW, LICSWA, and find answers to these questions in How to Help: Suicide Intervention and Prevention, a new online class offered through Continuing Education at Shoreline Community College.

Students will leave with a beginner’s understanding of suicide prevention and intervention and explore the tools needed to better notice warning signs, improve active listening skills, and understand safety planning. Whether you have some understanding on the topic, or none at all, everyone is welcome.

Fee: $29
Dates: Tuesday, April 6th, 2021
Time: 6-8 pm
Location: Online via Zoom

Click here to view the full details for this course and register today! Please contact continuing-ed@shoreline.edu for more information.



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Case updates March 21, 2021

   Vaccine Phase Finder Vaccine Locations
Case updates March 21, 2021


United States 
  • Total cases 29,652,483 - 39,466 in one day
  • Total deaths 539,517 - 479 in one day

Washington state   
  • Total cases 355,986 - 1204 in two days
  • Total hospitalizations 20,154 - 72 in two days
  • Total deaths 5,183 - 9 in two days

King county 
  • Total cases 85,629 - 346 in two days
  • Total hospitalizations 5,220 - 17 in two days
  • Total deaths 1,452 - 0 in two days

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018) 
  • Total cases 21,077 -  59 in two days
  • Total hospitalizations 1,210 - 6 in two days
  • Total deaths 376 - 0 in two days

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018) 
  • Total cases 2,065 - 9 in two days
  • Total hospitalizations 188 - no change
  • Total deaths 91 - no change

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018) 
  • cases 282 - no change
  • hospitalizations 16 - no change
  • deaths 4 - no change


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Photo:Poetry - Stopped in to Say Hello

Photo by Cynthia Sheridan


Stopped in because I care
It’s nice to know you’re there
And I really miss you so
just wanted to say hello

--Cynthia Sheridan




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Coordinated Vaccine Transportation Helpline


Hopelink Mobility Management, in partnership with RARET and the King County COVID Vaccine Mobility Task Force, has announced the launch of the Coordinated Vaccine Transportation Helpline.

Callers can receive individualized support for themselves or the rider they are helping through either an online intake form or by calling the Coordinated Vaccine Transportation Helpline. The phone line will operate Monday – Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm.

Questions? Reach out to Sara Sisco via ssisco@hopelink.org.

You can also visit the website, www.findaride.org/covid to find out more information about available services or email mobility@hopelink.org


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Bothell-Kenmore Reporter: Now both firefighters union and fire commissioners oppose the proposed district merger

Northshore fire station in Lake Forest Park
Photo by Jerry Pickard

By Diane Hettrick

After a year of discussion, shared fire chief, some shared operations and cheerful press releases about how much money it would save ratepayers to combine Northshore Fire and Woodinville Fire, the whole deal has flipped.

The unions and the fire commissioners now say that they will not support the merger, which will be on the April 27th ballot anyway.

I don't know the backstory but Cameron Sheppard in the Bothell-Kenmore Reporter did a nice job of reporting the forward-facing story.

"The union claims the proposed merger has been a contentious one, with IAFF local unions representing Northshore Firefighters Local 2459, as well as Woodinville, Bothell and Shoreline opposing the merger."

Shoreline was originally in the talks to merge the three fire departments, but dropped out months ago.

"According to the union, first responders who serve the community believe the merger offers no increase to emergency services, proposes a budget and structure that is unsustainable, merges two jurisdictions that do not have contiguous borders, and reduces the wages of our Northshore Firefighters."

Read the story HERE 



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Fitness Junkie in Lake Forest Park - weight loss and strength training

Personal fitness expert Mike Russell takes a break from virtual exercise routines to meet with his client Haley in the pleasant outdoor setting of Animal Acres Park. Matt received his personal training certificate exactly one week after the COVID-19 outbreak February of 2020 and has just recently established his own business: Fitness Junkie in Lake Forest Park. Current training is either virtual or in an outdoor setting.

Story and photo by Cynthia Sheridan

Fitness Junkie of Lake Forest Park is the premier location for weight loss, strength training and nutritional coaching. 

Owner/trainer Matt Russell collaborates with clients to identify fitness goals and to design an exercise program that meets individual needs. 

The plan is to create a supportive yet challenging and safe space for clients to meet fitness and nutritional goals while being motivated, held accountable, and having fun. 

Fitness Junkie specializes in weight loss and strength training in a virtual or in person one-on-one setting with the central focus being body positivity.

This company offers multiple fitness packages, including a free consultation and assessment session. During the initial visit, a trainer will assess your fitness level and design an individualized fitness program for you, including nutritional guidance. Contact their website: Fitness Junkie.fitness



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Helping students work through adversity - free presentation Thursday


For Shoreline Schools families:

“An Evening with JC Pohl - Five Keys to Building Student Resiliency”
Thursday, March 25, from 7:00 – 8:30pm

COVID is affecting student life every day. Teen suicide is on the rise. Mental health continues to be a concern. And students are feeling more and more disconnected from their peers.

In the face of such overwhelming stress, how can we help our students work through the adversity they regularly face?

JC Pohl, the President and CEO of Teen Truth, is an award-winning producer and nationally certified counselor. He offers five proven and immediately applicable ways to help students build self-efficacy and resilience.

These keys to building resilient students might save the next suicidal student, help ignite campus culture, or remind every struggling child that brighter days lie ahead.

A question and answer roundtable session will follow Mr. Pohl’s presentation, which will include middle school and high school principals, district counselors and community partners.

This free event is co-sponsored by the PTSAs of Shorewood, Kellogg, Einstein, Shorecrest and the Shoreline PTA Council.

Registration is required. Sign up HERE. Interpreter services are available upon request during registration.



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Gloria's Critters: Like a shadow, I am and I am not, thought Dougie

Monday, March 22, 2021

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler

(Dougie's been reading lots of Rumi lately:)



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Grand Opening of the Shoreline HEROES' Café

Local veterans at the grand opening of the HEROES' Café
Photo by Chief Petty Officer Ron Jones

By Raymond W. Coffey

The Shoreline Veterans Association, an ad hoc Committee of the Shoreline American Legion Starr Sutherland Jr. Post #227, is pleased to announce the GRAND OPENING of the New Shoreline HEROES' Café.

The event was held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at the Shoreline Scottish Rite Hall 1207 N 152nd St,  Shoreline 98133. The SVA has a year's lease for the second Tuesday of each month at Scottish Rite.

Veterans gather in the new HEROES' Café
Photo by Chief Petty Officer Ron Jones

The mission of the Shoreline HEROES' Café is to bring veterans from the greater Shoreline area from ALL Military Services (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, the new Space Force, Coast Guard, National Guard and Merchant Marines) to gather in a friendly and informal setting to talk over their common military experiences, to hold honors of award recipients, to celebrate birthdays and to hear about local Shoreline area businesses that can and do support veterans.

Veterans in attendance are served coffee/teas and other refreshments and lunch from the local area Chamber of Commerce businesses. The history of the HEROES' CafĂ© across the country has shown a dramatic drop in veteran suicides when HEROES' CafĂ©s are established. 

This is a major goal of the Shoreline HEROES' CafĂ©. 

The Shoreline HEROES' CafĂ© is open on the second Tuesday of the month from 9am to 1pm. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 13, 2021. 

For additional information contact Raymond Coffey, Chair of the Shoreline Veteran’s Association and Director of the Shoreline HEROES' CafĂ© at Starrsutherlandjrpost227@gmail.com



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Shoreline Watercolor and Sketchers group goes to The Bistro

Artist Cyndi Tamayao

The North City Bistro is bringing their Delicious Seared Scallops back, for dine-in only. Their kitchen is open Thursday from 4-7pm and Friday and Saturday from 4-8pm.

Artist Marty Behnke

But it's the outside of the Bistro that got the attention of the Shoreline Watercolor and Sketchers group.

The group is still out painting and has been through this year of the Covid pandemic. "Every Monday we are somewhere and sometimes on Zoom." 
Artist Linda Marie

Last May we featured their paintings of the Aroma Cafe and Crest Theatre in Ridgecrest. (see previous article)

Artist Linda Mendez

This time they were in North City business district at the North City Bistro.

Not deterred by a little rain





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Case updates March 20, 2021 - state numbers not updated on weekend

   Vaccine Phase Finder Vaccine Locations
Case updates March 20, 2021


United States 
  • Total cases 29,613,017 - 60,558 in one day
  • Total deaths 539,038 - 777 in one day

Washington state - not updated  
  • Total cases 354,782 
  • Total hospitalizations 20,082 
  • Total deaths 5,174 

King county - not updated
  • Total cases 85,283 -  -- since yesterday 
  • Total hospitalizations 5,203 - -- since yesterday
  • Total deaths 1,452 - -- in one day

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018) - not updated
  • Total cases 21,018 -  
  • Total hospitalizations 1,204 - 
  • Total deaths 376 - 

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018) - not updated
  • Total cases 2,056 - 
  • Total hospitalizations 188 - 
  • Total deaths 91 - 

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018) - not updated
  • cases 282 - 
  • hospitalizations 16 - 
  • deaths 4 - 


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Lee's Flowers: Forsythia in Innis Arden

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte


The forsythia explodes in glorious bloom in Innis Arden.


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DSHS and DNR challenge portion of Fircrest Chapel landmark status

Fircrest Chapel's wooded setting is part of its landmark
status - but DSHS wants to expand a parking lot.
Photo courtesy SPS
DSHS has filed an application for a Reconsideration of the Landmark Status of the Naval Hospital Chapel at Fircrest,  just secured by Shoreline Preservation Society and their many supporters in January of this year.

The Chapel is a nationally significant site since it was the very first freestanding, non-denominational Naval Hospital Chapel. It was built at the Naval Hospital Base in 1944 at what is now Fircrest School in Shoreline.

A hearing is scheduled this Thursday, March 25, 2021 starting at 4:30pm on Zoom to hear a challenge from DSHS to the recent landmark status for the historic Fircrest Chapel. 

At issue is not the chapel itself but the amount of forested land landmarked with the chapel. DSHS wants to adjust the boundary to allow them to expand the parking lot at Fircrest School.

This would be done in a section of native forest designated as a part of the Landmark landscape. This forest was originally highlighted by Captain Boone, the Commander of the Naval Hospital as his inspiration for building the Chapel.
  
The Shoreline Preservation Society invites the public to weigh in to protect this unique community asset, one of the few Landmarked elements in Shoreline.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS; SPECIAL TAX VALUATION APPLICATION; REQUEST TO RECONSIDER LANDMARK DESIGNATION BOUNDARY DATE, TIME, PLACE:

Thursday, March 25, 2021, 4:30 p.m. Zoom Conference Access Link:
Meeting ID: 896 9247 1595 
Passcode: 494361

If you have questions, please email or call Chair Janet Way janetway@yahoo.com, 206-734-5545.



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Hundreds gather at Unite Against Hate demonstration on Hwy 99 in Edmonds

LFP resident holds sign at rally
Photo by Sally Yamasaki
Several hundred people from Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace and other local cities gathered along Hwy 99 in Edmonds' International District to show support for Asian American, immigrant, and Pacific Islander community members who have been subjected to increased hate and violence.

LFP residents went as a group
Photo by Sally Yamasaki
People gathered along the sidewalks near Ranch 99 market, and lined both sides of Highway 99 from 220th to 228th.

Among them were Lake Forest Park residents Dan Benson, Sara Betnel, Ross Baarslag-Benson, Lee Rolfe, Rob and Nancy Graves, and Sally Yamasaki.

Speaker addresses the crowd
Photo by Sally Yamasaki
Organizer Karin Mei Butler of Edmonds was interviewed by Larry Vogel for My Edmonds News.com:


“We’re here in response to the horrific surge in hate crimes directed against Asians, and to express our outrage. 
"The violence we’ve seen this week in Atlanta is heartbreaking, and is only the latest in the disturbing increase in crimes against Asians nationwide.

“We will continue to work with diversity commissions throughout the area, and working to get representation on City Councils,” she continued. 
“We hope this can lead to greater perspective so that everyone can be represented in our communities. 
"It’s not about specific groups of people – it’s about a greater humanity.”

Organizers worked in partnership with Edmonds Diversity Commission, Mountlake Terrace Anti-Racist Coalition and the Lynnwood DEI Commission.



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Update: Shoreline father with twins and kidney disease celebrates his life after kidney transplant

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Ryan Tibayan with his twins Kaila and Greyson on their 3rd birthday
Photo by Forrest Alverez

By Cynthia Flash

Something about the number that rang on his cell phone on Nov. 15 prompted Ryan Tibayan to pick up. Normally he would ignore those unrecognized numbers – assuming it’s a spam caller. But he picked up.

Good thing he did. It was a representative from the Organ Transplant Center at Swedish Medical Center, saying they had a match. Less than 24 hours later, he entered Swedish First Hill and exited two days later with a functioning kidney.

“It was definitely crazy getting the transplant during COVID, especially being in the hospital alone for a few days post surgery,” the Shoreline resident said. “No visitors were allowed in the hospital at all for any reason.”

Despite receiving a kidney that he had waited so long for, that time in Tibayan’s life was bittersweet. Less than two weeks before he got the call for his new kidney, his mother Remedios Tibayan, who lived with his family, was hospitalized with congestive heart failure. When Tibayan learned that he was going to receive a new kidney, he called his mother in the hospital with an update. 

She was discharged the day after he received his transplant, and he was able to see her when he got home the next day. Sadly, Remedios ended up back in the hospital on Nov. 19 and died the next day.

“I am glad that she came home, even though it was for such a short period of time, so that my kids could see their Lola (grandmother in Tagalog) one last time. My son Greyson fell asleep on her lap that night,” Tibayan said. 
“I honestly feel like she waited for me to get my transplant and to see that everything was ok before she had to leave us.”

That healthy kidney provided Tibayan the opportunity – for the first time since 2017 – to no longer rely on dialysis, the treatments necessary to clean waste and water from kidneys that had failed due to kidney disease. He had been receiving dialysis treatments attached to a machine at home five days a week for four hours at a time – all while caring for his young twins while his wife Nicole works as a manager at a local retail store to support the family. The twins, Kaila and Greyson, turned three on March 14 – the same month Ryan and Nicole recognized National Kidney Month.

“The transplant has definitely changed my life for the better thus far. Not having to worry about doing dialysis five times a week has given me so much more time to spend with my son and daughter. This is what I wanted the most out of my transplant – to be there for them for as long as possible.”

The Tibayan family was featured in the Shoreline Area News in March 2019, when the twins were turning one and Ryan was juggling their care with his dialysis. At the time, he was a patient of Northwest Kidney Centers, a local non-profit that pioneered out-of-hospital dialysis treatment during the 1960s. Although he no longer needs Northwest Kidney Centers’ services, he credits the organization with helping him stay healthy while on dialysis.

“I couldn’t have made this journey without them. They were fantastic and all the nurses that I worked with there were amazing,” said Tibayan, who now receives medical guidance from his transplant team at Swedish Medical Center.

For others facing kidney disease, Tibayan’s advice is to never give up. “Keep fighting. The hardships you endure will be worth it in the end. Also, make sure you have a great support system. And don’t get discouraged if you are not chosen for the kidney once you start getting calls. Most people don’t receive the kidney on their first few calls, when they are called as a backup.” Tibayan was a backup kidney recipient twice before he received his kidney transplant.

Kidney disease is often a silent ailment, with most people unaware that it affects 850 million people worldwide. It is the 11th leading cause of global mortality. Fifteen percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease, and 90 percent don’t know it because kidney damage usually occurs without symptoms.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney disease. Other risk factors include heart disease, smoking and family history of kidney disease. Those who are African American, Asian American or Native American, people who are overweight and those over age 60 are also at risk.

Find out if you are at risk by taking the quiz at www.nwkidney.org/quiz.

“People with a risk factor for kidney disease should have their doctors check their blood pressure and do appropriate lab tests, such as possible blood and urine tests to check their kidney health,” said Dr. Suzanne Watnick, chief medical officer at Northwest Kidney Centers.

“The advice that works for heart health is also good for kidney health: eat a healthy diet, be active for 30 minutes five days a week and don’t put harmful things into your body. All of us should minimize the salt we eat by cutting back on fast food and processed foods. 
"And know that long-term use of drugstore nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen, with brand names such as Aleve and Advil, can be hard on kidneys,” Watnick said.

Find more information about kidney disease prevention and treatment at www.nwkidney.org.



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Lee's Flowers: First day of spring

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Daffodils blooming alongside the trail in Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.




 

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For the Birds: Rufous Hummingbirds love Flowering Red Currant

First, the flowering red currant blooms
Photo by Christine Southwick

By Christine Southwick

Rufous Hummingbirds time their northward migrations to coincide with the flowering of Salmonberries and Red Flowering Currants.

Then the Rufous Hummingbirds appear
Photo by Craig Kerns

Be watching for Rufous Hummingbirds to be passing through your yards-- males first, with females a couple of weeks behind.



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Call to Artists: Virtual Juried Art Show


2021 Shoreline Arts Festival
Presented by ShoreLake Arts

The 2021 Shoreline Arts Festival is going to look a little different again this year. But like last year, we will be moving the much loved Juried Art Exhibit to a virtual space. Supporting local artists is our key mission; and through this Covid-19 pandemic, we plan on doing just that – continue to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts.

The artwork will be featured online only starting June 7 – July 31, 2021. People’s Choice Award voting will take place on the planned festival weekend of Saturday, June 26th and Sunday, June 27th.

Enter online at CaFE
  • Entry Deadline: 5/23/2021
  • Notification Date: 6/7/2021
  • Visit our website for a full prospectus and the online registration form.

REGISTRATION AND FEE
  • Non-refundable entry fee (only $10 per piece this year):
  • $10 for 1 artwork; $20 for 2; $30 for 3; $40 for 4
  • Limit 4 entries per person/per category
  • Only 1 image per artwork
  • Entry fee must be paid at the time of registration
  • A 20% commission will be collected on all sales
  • All applications must be submitted online through CaFE: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=8326

CATEGORIES
  • 2-D Artwork (included, but not limited to paintings, drawings, prints, collage, mixed media, etc.)
  • 3-D Artwork (included, but not limited to sculpture, glass, wood, clay, fiber, etc.)
  • Photography
If you have any questions about this event, feel free to email Lisa at gallery@shorelakearts.org. Thank you!

ShoreLake Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts. Established in 1989.



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Third Place Commons Celebrates 21 Years of Community with Friends and Neighbors

On Saturday, March 6, 2021 a community of neighbors gathered online to laugh, visit with friends, and celebrate the 21st birthday of Third Place Commons at the Finally 21 Online Party.

Guests enjoyed a virtual “return to the Commons” featuring special performances recorded last month inside Third Place Commons (following COVID safety protocols).

Among a number of musical performances, guests were also treated to a lively, cheerful Hula O Lehualani performance by a student of Krista Espiritu, who traditionally brings her students for a popular, annual showcase at the Commons. 

You can enjoy this wonderful performance here.

Jazz pianist Ken Kassover, who has performed at Third Place Commons with a number of different bands, generously contributed his time and talent to present a mini-concert that opened the event and will be streamed online this spring.

During the program, the Commons shared sneak previews from two other upcoming mini-concerts, one by the Milner Family Fiddles and the other by the Honky Tonk Sweethearts. Both mini-concerts will also be streamed as online programs later this spring. Stay tuned for details.

Guests also waxed nostalgic after enjoying Third Place Commons’ 20th anniversary video and remembering everything we all love so much about our Commons community and the farmers market. Watch the video here.

Third Place Commons is actively planning to reopen as soon as it’s safe, and in the meantime continues to provide great, free programming online under the TPC At Home umbrella. Plans are also underway for the opening of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market season as usual on Mother’s Day, May 9th.

The Finally 21 Party was a benefit to raise vital funds for Third Place Commons and the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market in lieu of the traditional annual community breakfast. The Commons Board of Directors sends a big THANK YOU to everyone who joined the party and gave so generously.

If you missed the party, but would like to make a gift to support these vital community assets, you can give online here.

Third Place Commons, a community supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been building real community in the heart of Lake Forest Park for over 20 years. In addition to presenting its largest program, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, Third Place Commons now also fosters real community in digital space with TPC At Home programs. Learn more at ThirdPlaceCommons.org.

Photos from Third Place Commons



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Aegis Living residents can now receive visits from loved ones

Aegis Senior Living in Shoreline
Aegis Living is excited to share that following Governor Inslee’s announcement yesterday, its senior living residents will be able to welcome visits from loved ones again, starting the week of March 22, 2021.
“We are thrilled with yesterday’s announcements and can’t wait to reunite residents and their families – they have been waiting a very long time,” said Aegis Living President Kris Engskov. 
“With more than 95% of our residents vaccinated and zero cases of coronavirus in our Washington communities, Aegis is now one of the safest places on the planet. 
"We can’t wait to take this next giant step toward getting back to normal.”


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Gloria's Birds: Very variable Varied Thrush!

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler

It's a snap distinguishing the female (top) from the more dazzlingly colored male (bottom).
--Gloria Z Nagler

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler

The male is launching himself off the branch.



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Coming up at King County Council, March 22-26


Next week’s action includes potential passage of the sixth COVID-19 supplemental budget, action on funding for prevention of further sewage spills at West Point, a briefing on restoration of Metro services cut during the pandemic, and more. This is what’s coming up at King County Council:

  • Full council will likely take action on the sixth COVID-19 supplemental budget, a $92 million proposal that includes $45 million for eviction protection and rent assistance, funds for vaccine distribution and more.
  • Also at full council will be a $65 million funding proposal to make upgrades at the West Point Wastewater Treatment Plant to help avoid future bypass of untreated wastewater. During the most recent incident in January, 11 million gallons of wastewater was dumped into Puget Sound during a power outage. Full council meets at 1pm on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.
  • On Wednesday, the Mobility and Environment Committee will get a briefing on plans to restore Metro service that was scaled back because of the pandemic. The committee meets at 9:30am on Wednesday, March 24.
  • The Regional Policy Committee could take action on legislation to renew the Best Starts for Kids levy for another six years. The new proposal would set a first-year levy rate of $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed property value with annual growth capped at 3%. If approved, it would require further committee and council approval before going to the August ballot for voter approval. The committee meets at 9:30am on Friday, March 26.
All meetings continue to be held virtually to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Meetings can be livestreamed on KCTV unless otherwise stated. View meeting agendas and legislation here.



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