Creating a Healthy Garden with RainWise - online Thursday

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Presented by RainWise staff, Kate Kurtz of the Natural Yard Care Program,
and Laura Matter with the Garden Hotline and Tilth Alliance.

Creating a Healthy Garden with RainWise 

Thursday, February 24, 6-7pm

Presented by RainWise staff, Kate Kurtz of the Natural Yard Care Program, and Laura Matter with the Garden Hotline and Tilth Alliance.

Get ready for Spring and learn how to create healthy soil, what plants to pick, how to water wisely in your garden and plan for weather extremes due to climate change. This webinar is for anyone interested in making their yard and garden more beautiful and resilient.

The RainWise program offers rebates to help control the rain that falls on private properties.




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Measles case in Snohomish county infant who was at SeaTac and Seattle Children's Hospital

Local public health officials have confirmed a measles infection in an infant residing in Snohomish County. 

The person is believed to have been infected with measles during travel in South Asia prior to arriving in the state. 

The Health District is monitoring the health status of other individuals in the family who were exposed.

Others may have been exposed in the following locations:

Sea-Tac Airport during these times:
  • February 19: 11:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Seattle Children’s Hospital, Emergency Room Lobby
4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, during these times:
  • February 20: 12:34 a.m. – 2:49 a.m.

Most people in our area have immunity to the measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was in the above locations around the same time as the individual with measles should:

  • Find out if they have been vaccinated for measles, have evidence of measles immunity from blood testing, or have had measles previously. Measles vaccination is recommended within 72 hours of exposure for people who are not already immune. AND
  • Call a health care provider promptly if they develop an illness with fever or illness with an unexplained rash between now through March 12, 2022. To avoid possibly spreading measles to other patients, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be evaluated for measles.

People at highest risk from exposure to measles include those who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants under six months of age and those with weakened immune systems. 

A person is considered immune to measles if any of the following apply:
  • You were born before 1957
  • You have had a blood test result that shows immunity to measles
  • You are certain you have previously had measles diagnosed by a healthcare provider
  • You are up-to-date on measles vaccines (one dose for children age 12 months through three years old, two doses in anyone four years and older)

There was a large measles outbreak in Washington state in 2019 with 90 cases. Infections were primarily among those who had never been vaccinated.



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Shoreline Severe weather shelter will be open Tuesday night

Severe weather shelter at St. Dunstan's
The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be Open and Activated Tuesday night, February 22, 2022, from 8:30pm until 7:30am at St. Dunstan's Church, 722 N 145th St in Shoreline.

Details in previous article.



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This is the End: How Movies Prepared Us for the Apocalypse - online lecture

This is the End: How Movies Prepared Us for the Apocalypse 

Saturday, February 26, 2 - 3:30pm

Sponsored by Humanities Washington and King County Library System (KCLS)

Great city streets emptied of people; a population panicked; misinformation in the air. If some of our experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic seemed familiar, it might be because the movies already imagined them.

In this talk illustrated with clips, Robert Horton looks at the eerie imagery of apocalyptic movies, and how these films foreshadowed our responses during the pandemic: the extremes of divisiveness and community-building, the loneliness of isolation and the tantalizing possibility of starting over again.

Part one of a four-part Arts and Movies series.

Please register here  You will be sent the Zoom link on the day of the program.



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Shorecrest boys basketball win District 1 title and will go to State

Shorecrest was behind ten points at the beginning of the fourth quarter. They fought their way back, with the lead going back and forth between the two teams. They made the winning shots in the last 40 seconds of the game.

EVERETT — Elijah Johnson and Parker Baumann were not going to let Shorecrest’s season come to an end prematurely.

Johnson and Baumann combined to score 20 fourth-quarter points, and the Scots overcame a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Stanwood Spartans 59-56 in a Class 3A District 1 boys basketball tournament winner-to-state, loser-out game Saturday at Everett Community College.



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WeatherWatcher: Light Snow possible, cold snap this week.

Shoreline 11pm February 21, 2022 photo by Diane Hettrick

Flurries are indicating a cold snap is moving in place. We have arctic air moving into the region to take hold for most of the week, but it's not expected to bring much, if any snow with it. Temperatures this week are expected to dip into the low to mid 20's with highs in the 30's. Tuesday night is expected to be our coldest night. We are also expecting sunshine and clear skies, with not much moisture around to give us too much of a snow threat.

There is another slight chance of snow Wednesday night into Thursday morning, but again, slight chance and very light. We're not expecting the story here to be a snow event, just a cold event. Friday is a transition day, with temperatures rising a little bit relative to the earlier part of the week. Saturday and Sunday we go back to high temperatures near 50°F and a renewed chance of rain.

Bottom line: Main story this week will be the cold air, but it's not as cold as it was during the last week of December. We remain, for the most part, dry all week until we warm up a little and return to chances of rain next weekend.

For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com



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Obituary: LaNita Joyce Wacker 1941 - 2022

LaNita Wacker 1941-2022
On January 14, 2022, LaNita Joyce Wacker (née Jordan), wife of the late Judge Robert Wacker, passed away from this life and her spirit was lifted into Heavenly Grace. Born September 27, 1941 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Marvin Jordan, Sr., a Methodist minister and Army Chaplain, and May Jordan (née Williams), a school teacher, she grew up and lived during a generation of change.

A lifelong learner, she traveled the world attending schools in Kentucky, Colorado, Germany, and Washington. A 1959 graduate of Dayton High School, in Dayton, Washington she went on to study and earn her bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Puget Sound (UPS), Tacoma, Washington in 1963. An accomplished vocalist, she travelled with the UPS Adelphian Choir and was a member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity.

In 1962, at the time of the Seattle World’s Fair, she met her husband and soulmate, Robert Wacker, while working on the Dominion Monarch Cruise Ship and later working with her husband at the Edgewater (Inn) Hotel. Married on December 30, 1962, the couple welcomed four children into life while living in Seattle and establishing roots in Shoreline, Washington.

Throughout her life she saw opportunities for advocacy and service. She personally faced and challenged gender discrimination in her first employment with the local phone company, later leaving that position to become a real estate broker and sole proprietor of Dream House Realty, where she had a knack for meeting people at their level and the gift of gab, understanding their hopes and dreams, and finding them their dream homes from which they could create and establish a strong foundation for their young families.

She successfully managed her husband’s campaign for election to Judge of the Shoreline District Court in 1974. A lifelong champion of the underprivileged and those who faced discrimination, she fought for civil rights and disability rights, and became active and influential in local politics. She had no qualms about being a thorn in the side of government when she felt it was not representing and serving the People. She ensured that local leaders acknowledged those on the fringes of society and made sure their interests were represented. 

She was progressive in thought, an active member of the Democratic Party and Rainbow Coalition, and supporter of the LGBTQ+ Community. She regularly attended local school board and city council meetings, as well as lobbying the Legislature, even running for election to get her points across. She was a master of the 3-minute opportunity to speak in public hearings (which is far less than she would have liked) and used her voice to advocate for others.

She enjoyed researching genealogy and connecting with extended family tracing her roots of the Hammond Family back to the American Revolution and as a descendant of the explorer Captain Cook and understood the lessons history could teach us to make a better world for our future. She was an active Soccer Mom with Shorelake and Emerald City soccer clubs, a strong supporter of the Arts in Shoreline, and active member of the PTA in the Shoreline School District. Her family and friends remember her loving and caring nature, her fierce independence, and her creativity with a flair for the dramatic.

She is preceded in death by her father, mother, brother, Marvin Jordan, Jr. of Spokane, and sister, Brunhilde Gebhardt of Ober-Ramstadt, Germany. She is survived by her sisters, Elfriede Arribas and Karola Modenesi of Florida, her four children, Paul (wife Pamella), Ted, Douglas (wife Dalliana), and Tracie, her 10 grandchildren, Jhemini (husband Michael), Kelly, John, Kenny, Danny, Jaimee, Jasmyn, Kaiya, Brennan, and Gabriella, and great-grandson, John-Michael. She was also a mother to many more kids who grew up in the Shoreline Community.

The family is planning an in-person Celebration of Life to be held at the Lake Forest Park Civic Club, July 15, 2022 at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ShoreLake Arts Council and Shorelake Soccer Club or any other organization to which you believe her memory will be honored.



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So why DID the heron cross the road?

Monday, February 21, 2022

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

Great Blue Heron in Skagit County

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Financial Foundations: Reality Fair for teens and young adults - online Wednesday

Financial Foundations: Reality Fair

Register here https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/61f025da600a0f410027c115

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 from 6-7:30pm
Presented by BECU Financial Educator.

Gain real-world financial planning, saving and budgeting skills through a fun, interactive simulation. 

Learn to manage a budget while making spending decisions about transportation, housing, entertainment and more.

Register before 5pm on February 23. You will be sent the Zoom link.



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Zoom event for teens and adults: The Last Stargazers with author Emily Levesque

Author event from King County Libraries: The Last Stargazers with Author Emily Levesque

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 from 6:30-8pm

In “The Last Stargazers,” award-winning UW astronomer Emily Levesque takes us on a road trip to visit the most powerful telescopes in the world, introducing the passionate and sometimes quirky individuals who run them, modern-day stargazers who devote their lives to peering across the universe and are at risk of being supplanted by automated technology.

Meet Emily, hear about the book and get a chance to ask questions.

The book was shortlisted for the 2021 ALA Alex Award, the 2021 Pen/EO Wilson Literary Science Award, and the 2021 AAAS/Subaru Book Prize.

“The Last Stargazers” is available in paperback and is available from Third Place Books.

Please register. A Zoom link will be sent to you. Email andrewm@kcls.org if you don’t receive an email by the day of the event.

Register here: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/61b8dd91b1d14b30001286a3


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Severe weather shelter open Monday night through Thursday night at St. Dunstan's

The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be Open and Activated Monday night, February 21, 2022, from 8:30pm until 7:30am at St. Dunstan's Church, 722 N 145th St in Shoreline.

Severe Weather Shelter staff and volunteers plan to continue to activate and open for a few days after that, 

Check the hotline 206-801-2797 or Facebook daily to confirm it will be open before trying to access the Shelter site.

Other resources for people in need of shelter:
  • King County Crisis Line: 866-427-4747 Connects people to the most up-to-date shelter options during severe weather.
  • For families with children: Families can access help by calling the King County Emergency Family Shelter Intake Line at 206-245-1026. 
  • Information about Severe Weather Shelters and Day Centers and other resources call 2-1-1 or visiting this website: https://www.crisisconnections.org/get-help/community-resources-online/
St. Dunstan's is a beacon in the darkness
The St. Dunstan’s Church Severe Weather Shelter is a Congregate Shelter Space. People using the space will have access to a mat on the floor, (physically distanced), and access to a blanket and / or sleeping bag. 

This Shelter practices COVID-19 Prevention Protocols, including taking a temperature reading, asking questions about potential symptoms or contact with someone experiencing symptoms or who has tested positive for CoVid-19 disease. 

Hand sanitizer is available, and access to restrooms. Limited drinks and snacks are available during the stay. No vaccinations required to access the Shelter. No vaccine cards required. Masks should be available if people are in need of a mask. 

Someone who appears to be dealing with COVID-19 type symptoms may get assistance to access a Quarantine and Isolation Site, if they are looking for that support.

There is no religious element or requirement to access and use this shelter.

Updated 2-23-22

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Shoreline Youth and Teen Center reopens after eight month closure for roof repair

The greenhouse at the Shoreline Teen Center was
damaged by vandals. Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
The Shoreline Teen Center (Rec Center) in the Richmond Highlands neighborhood reopened February 11, 2022 after an eight month closure for major maintenance and upgrades.

The roof was repaired. A fire suppression system was installed. Most noticeably, the interior was completely refurbished. 

While the facility was closed, vandals caused major damage to the greenhouse on site. 

This damage was repaired by the Parks department in time for the reopening.




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Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board Meeting Thursday

PRCS/Tree Board
Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board Meeting Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm on Zoom

You may join the meeting via Zoom Webinar or listen to the meeting over the telephone.
Agenda Highlights:
  • Directors' report
  • Public Art engagement plan
  • Committee Charter adoption
  • Urban forestry advisory panel recommendation
  • Street tree strategy discussion

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Presidents' Day is a federal holiday

By Diane Hettrick

Today, Monday February 21, 2022 is Presidents' Day, a federal holiday. It honors Presidents Washington and Lincoln and by extension, all presidents.

Washington's Birthday was celebrated on February 22 from 1879 until 1971, when the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the third Monday in February, which can occur from February 15 to the 21st. 
The day eventually also became known as Presidents' Day (though the placement of the apostrophe, if any, varies) and is most often an occasion to remember all U.S. presidents, or to honor Abraham Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays together.

America's most confused holiday.

Not all employers or jurisdictions observe this day or give their employees the day off. Some companies do trades and add a day to a different time off so employees get a longer weekend at a different time.

All this makes it very confusing if you are trying to decide whether there was no mail delivery or if you should worry that someone stole your mail.

So you may be working today but don't bother checking the mail. Federal employees have the day off.

Here's what's closed:
  • Post office retail and mail delivery
  • Banks and credit unions
  • Government agencies
  • Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center
  • Shoreline Schools - the rest of the week is mid-winter break
  • Private schools: King's School, Seattle Christian
Be sure to pick up your mail on Tuesday. You don't want to miss all the junk mail and offers to buy your house.



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Looking forward to the 2022 Market Season

Sunday, February 20, 2022



Mark your calendar for Opening Day of the Shoreline Farmers Market 11th season 
on Saturday, June 4. 2022 10am-2pm

Get ready for an exciting farmers market season...

October and December Harvest Markets will return this year
Kids PoP Program is back every other week
Live music at every market
We're moving- watch out for the announcement next month
More delicious hot food vendors
More juicy berry vendors
Pop-up farmers markets at community events

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for season updates.



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Executive Constantine outlines new community-led Metro safety proposal to King County Council

Guided by Executive Constantine’s declaration that racism is a public health crisis in 2020, King County Metro launched the Safety, Security, and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Reform Initiative with two goals in mind: 
  1. to create a new vision for Metro’s safety and security functions, 
  2. to eliminate disproportionately negative outcomes of safety and security policies and practices on customers and employees, especially for Black, Indigenous, and other people of Color (BIPOC).
The initial SaFE Reform report was transmitted to the King County Council last week.

Metro worked with diverse community-based organizations and engaged with roughly 8,000 individuals—including community members, customers, and Metro and Metro Transit Police employees—throughout a year-long, four-phase engagement process. 

Together, these stakeholders developed a vision statement of a, “safe, accessible, and equitable transit that is co-created to support community well-being,” supported by several concepts outlined in the SaFE Report transmitted to the Council.

Community members identified three consistent themes
  • First, community members expressed a clear desire for an increased presence, a timely and appropriate response if a danger arises, and that support shows up in an equitable way. 
  • Second, Metro should make the expectations of its Code of Conduct clear and should ensure that small transgressions are not a pathway into the criminal legal system. 
  • And third, Metro should partner with community-based organizations to improve non-transit resources available to customers, and assist customers in crises related to fares, homelessness, mental health, etc., at various locations throughout the transit system.

The proposed initial concepts outlined in the report reflect the robust SaFE Reform Initiative work that is still underway with community. Each of the proposed initial concepts requires additional engagement with BIPOC community members, community-based organizations, bus riders, and employees to identify specific costs, features, functions, and timelines. Metro will continue working with both internal and external stakeholders to do this work in the weeks and months ahead.

Near-term actions to address safety on buses

Since last summer, in response to increased concerns onboard coaches, Metro increased security personnel, specifically focusing on routes with higher reports of incidents. Metro is in the process of hiring more than 50 additional Transit Security Officers to provide 24/7 visibility and support across a broader range of routes. Metro continues to monitor and adjust security deployment to support the ongoing safety of both operators and riders.

However, some inappropriate behaviors are taking place that can impact the health and safety of employees and other transit users. 

In the coming weeks, Metro is also utilizing community feedback from the SaFE Reform Initiative to implement near-term updates to policies and practices related to inappropriate conduct and misuse of the transit system. Metro is working with Metro Transit Police and service providers to implement new policies to address drinking, illegal drug use, and smoking on transit.

Additionally, Metro is developing a pilot program in response to a small number of instances of customers who do not deboard when their bus has completed its route and is set to return to base. Metro’s approach to these riders continues to be guided by compassion and aims to connect those in need of behavioral, housing, and social support with those opportunities.

In cases where individuals have rejected those resources and services, and continue to affect Metro’s ability to provide on-time transit service or the safety of our operators, Metro Transit Police will assist in removing these individuals from the bus. Metro will monitor the pilot and, in coordination with employees and community partners as part of the SaFE Reform effort, determine refinements and future steps.

While the SaFE Reform report acknowledges the limited ability of transit to affect broader societal upstream problems, the proposed initial concepts in the document are crafted to contribute to the well-being of Metro customers and employees. 

King County and Metro continue to develop these policy improvements with community members, employees, labor partners, and other King County departments to increase safety today, and to engage with transit riders to shape the policies of the future. 

Together, Metro will continue to advance the Executive’s True North vision of making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.


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SR 104, I-5 ramps to close overnight for light rail work

The eastbound State Route 104 on-ramps to northbound I-5 will close from 8pm to 4:30am nightly Tuesday, February 22 through the morning of Friday, February 25, 2022.

The northbound I-5 off-ramps to westbound State Route 104 will close from 9pm to 4am nightly Tuesday, February 22 through the morning of Friday, February 25.

Sound Transit contractor crews will continue work on the Lynnwood Light Rail extension during the closures.



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Birds in the Backyard: Juvenile flicker

 
Juvenile flicker photo by Lee Wolfe

This cute juvenile flicker visited our yard today. The flickers have been busy tapping on everything, including our chimney, trying to attract suitable mates.

- Lee Wolfe



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Ethiopian Culture Share online February 27, 2022

Sunday, February 27, 2022  from 4pm-5pm

Online Zoom (link will be shared on Facebook event page day of event)

Learn about Ethiopian language, calendar, traditions, coffee and food. Presented by Selam Habte, President of Ethiopian-Traditions, a small home-based business in Lynnwood. 


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Property tax details available online now, statements in the mail soon

Property owners in King County can go online now to view their 2022 property tax details. 

When visiting the county tax website 
kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax, property owners can also pay their taxes, look up their property information, and sign up for email or text reminders.

Hard copies of property tax statements, which are typically mailed in mid-February, will be a little later than normal this year. A routine quality control check revealed a validation error before the statements were printed and mailed. While it was quickly corrected, the error delayed production of approximately 350,000 paper property tax statements.

State law requires tax statements to be sent to taxpayers no later than March 15 each year. King County expects to have all statements mailed out well before that deadline. 

Only those who pay their property taxes themselves, rather than through a mortgage lender, receive paper statements. A paper statement is not required to pay property taxes.

Because of the way the calendar falls this year, property taxpayers have a couple of extra days to pay the first half of their property taxes. The due date for the first half falls on a Saturday in 2022, so payments will not be due until Monday, May 2

Payments are accepted online, by mail, and by drop box. Visit kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax for details on payment options.

Taxpayers can also visit kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax to learn more about their property tax account, payment details, or to request a statement. Customer service representatives are also available to assist Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Contact King County Treasury Operations at 206-263-2890 or email propertytax.customerservice@kingcounty.gov.

Information on tax exemption and deferral programs for seniors, people with disabilities, or other qualifying conditions can be obtained from the King County Assessor's Office at TaxRelief.kingcounty.gov, by emailing exemptions.assessments@kingcounty.gov, or calling 206-296-3920.


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: President's Day

 

President's Day Monday, February 21, 2022



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2022 City of Shoreline Public Art and Cultural Services survey

Lauren Iida Shoreline panels 2016-2017
2022 City of Shoreline Public Art and Cultural Services Survey
 

Dear Shoreline Arts and Cultural Services Community,

We're grateful to so many of you for involvement in our programs over the years; you have made our City a welcoming place for arts and culture. As we emerge from the long hibernation of the pandemic, we're excited to look ahead.

We need your help to shape the future of arts and culture in Shoreline!

We are creating a new Public Art and Cultural Services Plan that will serve as a guide for the next six years (2023-2028); the data gathered here will help shape the Plan and identify community priorities.

Please take 3-5 minutes to respond to the survey available at the links below. Answers are anonymous and not identified by individuals. Please note, the survey will close by March 10, 2022. Thank You!

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J2NKN9X

The Salmon Hunt at Kayu Kayu Ac Park
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

2022 Encuesta de Servicios Públicos de Arte y Cultura


Estimada comunidad de servicios culturales y artísticos de Shoreline,

Estamos agradecidos con tantos de ustedes por participar en nuestros programas a lo largo de los años; usted ha hecho de nuestra Ciudad un lugar acogedor para las artes y la cultura. A medida que salimos de la larga hibernación de la pandemia, nos emociona mirar hacia el futuro.

La Ciudad de Shoreline está creando un nuevo Plan de Servicios Culturales y de Arte Pública que servirá como guía para los próximos seis años (2023 - 2028). Las respuestas son anónimas y no identificadas por individuos. La duración de la encuesta es de 3 a 5 minutos. 

Tenga en cuenta que la encuesta se cerrará el 10 de marzo de 2022. Gracias!

Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J2WMMWY

--City of Shoreline Public Art and Cultural Services



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King county libraries to increase hours of operation

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Shoreline, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Richmond Beach
By Steven H. Robinson, Jerry Pickard, KCLS, Steven H. Robinson

ISSAQUAH, WA — FEBRUARY 18, 2022 — Starting Sunday, February 27, 2022 the King County Library System (KCLS) will increase hours of operation by 18% System-wide. Hours of operation will vary by location. 

Local King county libraries are Richmond Beach, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore. Find updated hours on library location pages with KCLS’ location finder map.

Nearly all libraries will add a day of service to their schedules, including Sundays and Mondays. This will ensure that patrons have access to a community library seven days a week in each region. In addition, all KCLS libraries will be open later into the evenings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and earlier on other days of the week to serve as many King County residents as possible.

“KCLS is excited to expand in-building services and hours again as we work to get back to pre-pandemic levels,” stated KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum. “We will continue to address our patrons’ evolving needs and increase in-building access when and where it is needed most.”

Following state and public health mandates and guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic, KCLS has been operating on modified hours. KCLS has continued to serve King County communities in a variety of ways throughout the pandemic. 

The System acted swiftly to add new contactless services such as external library lockers, Curbside to Go pickup and virtual programming in the early stages of the pandemic, while steadily expanding in-building services. All 50 libraries opened to the public again in July 2021.

About the King County Library System: Founded in 1942, the King County Library System (KCLS) is one of the busiest public library systems in the country. Serving the communities of King County (outside the city of Seattle), KCLS has 50 libraries and 1.2 million cardholders. 


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Purple spring flowers with logos

Photo by Lee Lageschulte - and she doesn't know what they are either.
She just loves flowers.

I've been watching the Olympics channel too much. When I look at these flowers - and I have no idea what they are - I keep seeing a logo for downhill ski racing.

Feel free to identify the flower and if you yell at me for not including an identification and complete dissertation I will delete your comment.

Yes. The power has gone to my head. But the flowers are still pretty.

--Diane Hettrick


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U.S. Dept. of Education to forgive $71.7 Million in loans for students deceived by DeVry University

Example of deception ad from DeVry
Courtesy Carlson Law Firm
The Federal Trade Commission announced this week that its years-long investigation into DeVry University continues to benefit consumers, as the U.S. Department of Education will forgive $71.7 million in federal student loans for students deceived by the for-profit university, based in part on the FTC’s prior action.

“Students deceived by DeVry should not be drowning in debt, and I’m pleased to see the Department of Education taking action to right this injustice,” said Samuel Levine, Director of FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. 
“It also sends a strong message to for-profit schools that luring students with fraudulent claims will not be tolerated. The FTC looks forward to continuing its coordination efforts and partnership with the Department of Education.”

According to the 2016 FTC complaint, DeVry deceptively advertised that 90 percent of its graduates seeking employment landed jobs in their field within six months of graduation. The FTC also alleged that DeVry misrepresented that its graduates had 15 percent higher incomes one year after graduation on average than the graduates of all other colleges or universities.

The announcement by the U.S. Department of Education builds on the FTC’s prior federal court order against DeVry. Under that order, the school paid $49.4 million to the FTC for partial refunds to some students and $50.6 million in relief from debt owed to DeVry. 

In 2017, the agency mailed 173,000 refund checks totaling more than $49 million to students in compensation for DeVry’s allegedly misleading ads. Because money remained in the fund, in 2019, the FTC mailed an additional 128,875 checks totaling more than $9.4 million to people who cashed their first check.

Consumers interested in submitting a claim for loan forgiveness, should visit the Department of Education’s Borrow Defense Loan Discharge informational page.



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Mystery writer J.A. Jance in person at Third Place Books

Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 7pm. In person at Lake Forest Park! Proof of vaccination required.

After over two years since her last in-person appearance, Third Place Books welcomes back New York Times bestselling author J.A. Jance to the stage at Lake Forest Park. 

We'll be celebrating the release of Nothing to Lose, the latest in Jance's Seattle-based J. P. Beaumont series.

Register here for this in-person event!



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Medicare workshop Tuesday at the Senior Center

Kelsey Rauenhorst, Sound Generations
Medicare Advisor
Medicare workshop Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE #1, Shoreline WA 98155, southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus.

Each month on the 4th Tuesday at 11am Kelsey Rauenhorst, a Sound Generations WeCare Advisor, will be presenting an educational overview of Medicare options.

Following the presentation, Kelsey will be available for one-on-one appointments to answer specific questions or assist with enrollments.

She is an employee of Sound Generations, so all commissions go directly to help fund the work being done for older adults in King County.

To register, call the Senior Center 206-365-1536 and please leave your name and number.



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Shoreline council subcommittee to conduct public interviews for planning commission positions Saturday

Current members of the Shoreline Planning Commission

A Shoreline City Council Subcommittee will hold Planning Commission candidate finalist interviews on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 9:30am to 11:30am

The subcommittee will interview candidates for upcoming vacancies on the Planning Commission.

Both the Planning Commission and Parks Board have commissions serving four year terms. Calls for the Planning Commission go out in December of odd-numbered years and calls to serve on the Parks Board go out in December of even-numbered years.

Attend the Meeting via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82837880210?pwd=YkNMVjdFK0IrV09DTWxLdStSNnoxdz09

Passcode: 528624

No opportunity for public comment during the interview process.

2-19-22 Photo updated
2-20-22 Added detail about commissioner positions 


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Department of Health launches science contest for high school students


OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) Washington Tracking Network (WTN) is launching the inaugural Washington Tracking Network Youth Science Contest

The WTN Youth Science Contest provides an opportunity for high school students across Washington to develop their science and communication skills while working with health and environmental data from their own communities.

Participants can choose from three tracks:
  1. Health Science – students will perform an analysis with WTN data to reveal correlations, impacts, and/or disparities
  2. Community Engagement – students will use WTN tools and data to address health and equity concerns. They will develop either a public policy proposal or work with a local organization to create or improve a project or program.
  3. Science Communication – students will identify an issue that is important to them and develop a message to increase awareness or drive action related to the issue

Each track requires students to use WTN data and examine how their project addresses equity issues within their communities.

Jennifer Sabel, WTN manager, said, “Students participating in this contest will gain knowledge about the health of their communities, how to work with data, and how to use that data to affect positive change.”

The contest is designed to have a broader appeal than traditional science competitions by bringing in the Community Engagement and Science Communication tracks.

“These tracks are the intersection of data and real-world impact,” said Sabel. “Science affects every aspect of our lives, and this is a chance for students to use knowledge to improve their communities. I am really looking forward to seeing the creative applications the students come up with.”

In developing the contest, DOH consulted with an advisory committee comprised of high school students.

“The students offered important insight into what would be interesting and motivating to their peers, and they helped shape the contest,” said Lize Williams, the DOH communications strategist who led the contest creation. 
“Co-creation is one way we enact equity by centering the voices of those impacted by a program in that program’s design.”

Registration is open from February 17 to March 15, 2022 and the official contest period is from March 1 through April 30. Winners will be announced in early June.

WTN is a DOH program that makes public health data more accessible. The mission of WTN is to provide health and environmental data and tools, develop partnerships, and inform data-driven policy and programmatic decisions, with the goal of improving health and health equity in Washington.



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Baby formula recalled because of bacterial contamination

OLYMPIA – Abbott Nutrition announced late on Thursday, February 17, 2022 that it is voluntarily recalling infant powdered formula produced at their Sturgis facility in Michigan. This includes Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare brand formula.

The recall comes after four consumer complaints about infant illnesses related to Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella bacteria. In all four cases, infants were hospitalized and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating and working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state, and local partners to alert customers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products manufactured at that facility.

The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formula if:
  • The first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
  • The code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
  • The expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
More details here



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State announces changes to mask requirement

Gov. Jay Inslee
Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday that most indoor masking requirements will lift March 21, 2022 thanks to dropping hospitalization rates, improving vaccination rates, and broad access to masks and tests.

“The virus has changed significantly over the past two years, and so has our ability to fight it. While caution is still needed, we are entering a new phase of the pandemic,” Inslee said. 
“Vaccination remains our most essential protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19. 
"It’s also crucial to prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed again. If you’ve been procrastinating, now is the time to get the shot.”

Inslee was joined in the announcement by Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, Department of Health Secretary Umair Shah, and Department of Health Deputy Secretary Lacy Fehrenbach.

“Our students, educators and school employees, and families have been incredibly resilient as we’ve navigated the impacts of the pandemic,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. 

“Our efforts over the past two years have led us to this moment. Nearly all of our school employees are vaccinated, the number of vaccinated students increases each day, and we have one of the most robust COVID-19 school testing programs in the country. Moving away from a statewide mask mandate to masks being encouraged is a safe next step as we move from pandemic to endemic.”

Beginning March 21, face masks will no longer be required in most settings, including K-12 schools and childcare facilities. Masks will still be required in health care settings such as hospitals, outpatient and dental offices, long term care settings, and correctional facilities. 

In addition, beginning March 1, vaccine verification for large events will no longer be required.

Businesses and local governments can still choose to implement vaccination or face mask requirements for workers or customers, and school districts can still choose to have students and teachers wear masks. 

Federal law still requires face masks in certain settings such as public transportation and school buses.


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United Way of King County seeking volunteers to help working families with tax preparation

SEATTLE – Tax season is back! And this tax season, United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign is proud to announce the return of in-person tax assistance as well as virtual tax service – after nearly two years of reduced service due to COVID-19. 

Our tax preparation services are a convenient option available to you, your family members, and your community!

From now through April 21, 2022 United Way is offering free tax preparation services both virtually and in-person at 11 locations throughout King County.

The Free Tax Preparation is for any household with an income under $70,000. Filers can be connected to other community resources and public benefits by request.

COVID-19 considerations: In accordance with public health guidance and for the safety of program participants, tax clients and guests over 12-years old must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Masking is always required on-site. For further information on our COVID-19 policies and site requirements visit www.FreeTaxExperts.org

There are three easy ways to file:

In-Person: File your taxes in-person at one of 11 locations throughout King County. Locations have convenient hours to meet your schedule, and no appointments are needed. To find a location near you, languages available, a list of what to bring, and other details, visit United Way’s website at www.FreeTaxExperts.org or call 2-1-1.

The two closest locations are Lake City and the UW Campus.

Virtually – with assistance from a volunteer: Interested in filing your taxes virtually but don’t feel comfortable doing it on your own? We’re happy to help! Visit https://www.GetYourRefund.org

Please note: Our virtual tax assistance slots are limited. Also, if you do not feel comfortable sharing sensitive information like your Social Security Number or personal identification information online, or with navigating a web client, please come see us in person.

Virtually – without assistance (no income limit on this software!): Feel comfortable filing your own taxes and just wish there was a way to do it yourself for free? Then look no further! File your taxes online at 100% no cost with United Way’s ‘My Free Taxes’ tool at www.MyFreeTaxes.com

Homeless
In addition to offering these tax services, United Way’s tax team partnered with Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness and AT/T to conduct outreach to people experiencing homelessness before tax filing deadlines. 

The tax team also secured grants from the IRS and City of Seattle and launched a new partnership with King County 2-1-1, a free telephone number for access to local community services. It is part of our way of helping to take the stress out of tax season.

Volunteer - if you have the skills and are able to help, sign up here for either in person or remote work https://www.uwkc.org/volunteer/



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Local COVID-19 case updates February 18, 2022

King county case report 

After a huge wave of cases starting in mid-December and peaking January 9, 2022 with over 2,000 cases that day in King county, cases are steadily dropping, with 200 cases in the last reported day.

Mask requirements and proof of vaccination orders are being dropped at state and county levels, with local businesses and cities left to make their own decisions.

The numbers reported are still being verified as the reporting agencies strive to confirm cause of death, remove duplicates, verify residence, and catch up to a huge backlog.

King county

Level of community transmission HIGH*
  • Total confirmed cases - 340,678
  • Cases in past 7 days - 5,152
King county hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 11,112
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 154  

King county deaths
  • Total deaths - 2,524
  • Deaths in past 14 days -98  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases - 83,997 
  • Cases in past 7 days - 1,277   
  • Total hospitalizations - 2,224
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 22    
  • Total deaths - 578
  • Deaths in 14 days - 21     
  • Level of community transmission HIGH*  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases - 7,515 
  • Cases in past 7 days - 163    
  • Total hospitalizations - 272    
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 2
  • Total deaths - 121
  • Deaths in 14 days - 4 
  • Level of community transmission: HIGH*

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases - 1,364   
  • Cases in past 7 days - 34 
  • Total hospitalizations - 30    
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 1
  • Total deaths 6  - 0 
  • Deaths in 14 days - 0
  • Level of community transmission: HIGH*

*Level of Community Transmission is based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days:

High: ≥ 100
Substantial: 50-99
Moderate: 10-49
Low: < 10



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Gloria's Birds: My lord, I'm a handsome fellow, thought Woody (and not for the first time)

Friday, February 18, 2022

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

(Male Wood Duck in Lake Washington)

--Gloria Z Nagler






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In person Open House Saturday at North Seattle French School



Come visit our classrooms and meet with current families this Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 10am to 12pm. Please RSVP here.

We are a French Immersion and bilingual preschool and K-5 elementary school located in Shoreline, within the Shoreline Center and we are open to all. No French experience needed for students entering preschool and kindergarten.

Our curriculum is based on the internationally recognized program created by the French Ministry of Education, while also incorporating the best of U.S. teaching styles. We emphasize project-based learning, creative thinking, problem solving, and social-emotional learning.

We are looking forward to meeting you on Saturday!

Contact: Aurelie Declerck admissions@northseattlefrenchschool.com



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