On March 11, take time to celebrate the beloved power and hand tools in your life

Thursday, March 10, 2022

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 9, 2022) – From simple household repairs to the most complex of projects, hand and power tools allow us to saw, hammer, screw, drill, dig, smooth, sand, spray, and mix our way to the satisfaction gained from a job well done. 

To honor the place these hard-working implements have in our daily lives, make plans to celebrate National Worship of Tools Day on March 11, 2022.

Westlake Ace Hardware (Ace Hardware, Lake Forest Park) suggests a trip to the garage, basement, or wherever you store your tools, and following these simple tips to honor and pamper the screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, saws, and power drills that make our lives easier.

  • Reorganize: Remove all tools from hooks, nails, and holders, empty toolboxes, and tidy up your workspace for future projects. If needed, mount a pegboard in the workspace to keep all tools easily in site. Lubricate power tools and make sure they are stored in their original cases to protect against moisture and dust.
  • Clean: Wipe or hose down hand and garden tools and remove accumulated rust with fine sandpaper or wire brush. Sharpen shears and oil them at the joint to ensure smooth cutting. A great way to clean and protect garden tools from rust is to mix linseed oil in a bucket of sand and “stab” the tools into the mixture a few times.
  • Other great tips for tool maintenance and storage can be found here.
  • Restock: National Worship of Tools Day is a great excuse to dream a little and do some shopping. If you simply want to expand your tool collection, or if you have multiple household repairs and improvements planned in 2022, few power tools provide the versatility of a multi-tool.

With the ability to cut through drywall, nail-embedded wood, oak, vinyl, copper, and PVC, multi-tools like the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool allow for a wide range of tasks involved in many renovation and repair jobs:
  • Demolition (removing drywall, old vinyl floor, surgical cut on baseboard or trim, old decking, cutting through nail embedded wood)
  • Sanding projects (furniture refinishing, paint prep for doors, shutters, and other narrow shaped and long edges)
  • Grout Removal (removal of old, crumbling, or moldy grout to freshen up a kitchen backsplash or bathroom without the hassle and huge project of retiling)
  • Drywall cutting (a simple way to make a cutout in drywall for a switch box or outlet)

Fun Facts About Tools
  • The first electric hand drill was invented in 1895 in Germany.
  • A nail travels more than 1000 feet per second when leaving a nail gun.
  • The earliest known tools were sharpened rocks – created during the Stone Age – to cut through animal hides and prepare food.
About Westlake Ace Hardware

Headquartered in the Kansas City area, 117-year-old Westlake Ace Hardware currently owns and operates 151 stores in 12 states including Ace Hardware in Lake Forest Park Town Center, located at the intersection of Ballinger and Bothell Way NE.


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Gloria's Birds: Dancers don't need wings to fly, thought Carl the Coot, but me, I can do both!

Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

 
(American Coot cutting a rug on Lake Washington)

--Gloria Z Nagler


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Insurance Commissioner: No Surprise Medical Billing

Insurance Commissioner
Mike Kreidler
OLYMPIA, Wash. – A bill increasing protections from surprise billing (HB 1688) has passed the Legislature and is on its way to Governor Inslee’s desk for signature. 

State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler requested the legislation to help align Washington’s recent Balance Billing Protection Act with the new federal No Surprises Act that took effect on January 1, 2022.

“We heard so many heartbreaking stories from consumers about their battles with surprise medical bills,” said Commissioner Kreidler. 
“I’m incredibly proud of the bipartisan law we created several years ago and that the federal government followed in our footsteps. Now, we have the best of both laws. 
"I’m very grateful to Rep. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle, Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, Sen. Annette Cleveland, D-Vancouver and Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor for their leadership on this critical issue.” 
The federal No Surprises Act extends surprise billing protections to all consumers, including people with self-funded health plans and federal employees. 

It also expands the types of services that are protected from surprise billing. Congress gave those states with strong surprise billing protections, including Washington, added flexibility in how they align the new federal law with state protections.

House Bill 1688 will protect consumers from balance billing for a broader set of health services, including behavioral health emergencies treated outside of a hospital emergency room in settings such as crisis triage centers and the services of mobile crisis response teams. 

It also prohibits health insurers or medical providers from asking a patient to waive these critical protections.



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FBI Seattle launches online training to protect religious communities from potential threats

Donald M. Voiret, Special Agent
in Charge of the Seattle Field Office.
SEATTLE, WA – The FBI’s Seattle Field Office, together with other federal agencies, launched an online training series Monday night for religious communities to prepare for potential threats to their houses of worship. 

Leaders from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; and the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Community Relations Service participated.

More than 90 participants joined the virtual introductory meeting, facilitated by Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and SAFE Washington.

Tentative training schedule (events are subject to change):
  • March 23: Building Security
    • Led by: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
  • April 6: Active Shooter
    • Led by: FBI Seattle
  • April 20: Domestic and International Terrorism
    • Led by: FBI Seattle
  • May 4: Hate Crimes
    • Led by: FBI Seattle, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington,
    • DOJ Community Relations Service
If you are interested in offering this training series for your house of worship, please e-mail seattle.fbi@fbi.gov

“A top priority for FBI Seattle is protecting against threats to Washington state’s faith communities,” said Donald M. Voiret, Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Office.

“That’s why we are holding this event and others like it. We want our houses of worship to be equipped and our lines of communication open before a disaster strikes, and hopefully, with preparation, we can keep that from happening.”

“People gather in their houses of worship for prayer, fellowship, and community. Investigating and prosecuting hate crimes is a top priority for the Department of Justice, and we must ensure that people are safe,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. 

“I want to be sure our religious communities have the latest information on ways to secure their facilities, and deal with threats that may come their way. As we saw recently at a synagogue in Houston, training made a difference in the safe escape of those taken hostage.”

“The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is committed to working with our federal partners in supporting any effort to maintain safe and secure places of worship for our community,” said Patrick Massey Regional Director for CISA. 
“Our agency’s work providing security assessments for religious facilities underscores our commitment to building safer communities.”

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 911. If you believe you have been the target or victim of a hate crime or other civil rights violation, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or the FBI Seattle Division at 206-622-0460 or submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov.

Tips can remain anonymous and can be made in an individual’s native language.

FBI Seattle is one of 56 FBI field offices located in major U.S. cities with 9 satellite offices called resident agencies in Washington state. The mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States.



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Jobs: WSDOT Design Quality and Compliance Engineer - TE4

WSDOT
Design Quality and Compliance Engineer - TE4

WSDOT is currently seeking two Design Quality and Compliance Engineers – TE4 to join our Northwest Region team in Shoreline, WA. 

These positions are responsible for the oversight, coordination, and training of the organization's design review and design documentation practices as well as oversight, coordination, and training of the organization's quality control and quality assurance practices. 

Other responsibilities include supervising and mentoring direct reports to become effective members and future leaders at WSDOT and overseeing design projects led by outside entities. 

These positions highly impact WSDOT's mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality for all people by creating an inclusive environment, encouraging practical solutions, and developing a resilient workforce while also limiting the Department's liability risk by ensuring that design decisions and deliverables are made and documented in accordance with established guidelines.

Job description and application



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Home sales in Lake Forest Park during February 2022

The following are properties that sold in Lake Forest Park during the month of February 2022. Data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.




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Shorewood girls varsity basketball team are state 3A Academic Champions with a 3.94 grade point average

Shorewood girls varsity basketball team
Academic Champions
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Shorewood High School's Girls Basketball varsity team was awarded the 3A Academic Championship by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association on Saturday, March 5, 2022 during the 3A Girls Basketball Championship game at the Tacoma Dome. 

The 11-person squad averaged a 3.94 grade point average to earn this prestigious award for the 2021-2022 winter season. 
Congratulations to our stellar student athletes!


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Ryu's catalytic converters bill passes legislature - goes to governor for signature

Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-32
Olympia—The Washington House of Representatives granted final legislative approval to HB 1815 Tuesday evening to deter theft of catalytic converters, a rapidly growing problem in communities across Washington state. 

The bill now heads to Governor Inslee's desk for his signature.

The final legislation was strengthened to include:
  • Additional documentation requirements of the scrap metal recyclers and vehicle wreckers
  • A Three-day cooling off period for them to make payments beyond $30 to sellers
  • Creates a Consumer Protection Act violation
  • While not creating new crimes, imposes fines of $1,000 per catalytic converter for violations of existing metal theft laws
  • Adds an emergency clause while giving several weeks for businesses to adopt these new practices
  • Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs will establish a grant and training program to assist local law enforcement agencies targeting metal theft

“This bill became stronger because colleagues engaged with the industry, the Governor’s Office and law enforcement agencies every step of the way.

"With the Governor’s signature, the new law can help reverse the spike in catalytic converter thefts, and the Washington State University work group will help inform further efforts the state can take to protect people from this crime,” said Rep Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline), the bill’s prime sponsor.

Reps Valdez and Pollet (D-46) co-sponsored the bill.


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Gloria's Insects: Sure, photog, the flower's splendid,

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

but it's my sublime proboscis we should all focus on!

(Hetty Honeybee is splendidly sublime herself! Yay, bees!)

--Gloria Z Nagler




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The Almost Antiques Guild at the Shoreline Historical Museum

 

Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 2pm, in a digital presentation, staff from the Shoreline Historical Museum will share an in depth look at objects in their collection. Community member Dick Stucky will showcase his collection of tie pins.

Thanks to the King County Library System, for arranging the digital presentation.
 
Sign up by clicking the button below and if you have your own collection you would like to share in the future, be sure to let us know by phone or email!


Shoreline Historical Museum 206-542-7111 

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Local students on Dean's List at Baylor University


WACO, Texas (March 7, 2022) – More than 5,000 Baylor University students have been named to the Dean’s Academic Honor List for the Summer and Fall 2021 semesters.

The Dean's Academic Honor List recognizes Baylor undergraduates for their outstanding academic work during each semester. Students honored on the Dean’s List earned a minimum semester grade-point average of 3.70 with no grade lower than a "C" while enrolled in at least 12 graded semester hours.

HOMETOWN, STATE; ZIP CODE, NAME, COLLEGE, HONOR

Lake Forest Park, WA
  • Logan Stoecker, Hankamer School of Business, Fall Dean's List

Seattle, WA
  • Kate Selby, Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Fall Dean's List

Shoreline, WA
  • John Hollinrake III, Hankamer School of Business, Fall Dean's List

Baylor University is a private Christian university and a Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. 

Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.


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PSE partners with Taco Time to help restaurants go carbon neutral

Taco Time photo by Steven H. Robinson


BELLEVUE, Wash. – Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Taco Time Northwest are working together to make all 79 Taco Time restaurants carbon neutral. Taco Time has signed on to match 100% of its energy used with renewable power through PSE’s Green Power and Carbon Balance programs.

By matching its electric and natural gas usage with clean energy options, Taco Time restaurants will reduce their carbon footprint by more than 15.5 million pounds of CO2 every year – the equivalent to not driving nearly 18 million miles each year.

“It’s wonderful to see a Pacific Northwest institution showing its commitment to our region by participating in PSE programs that invest in local renewable energy projects,” said Mary Kipp, PSE’s President and CEO. “This type of partnership is another way we’re working together to create a clean energy future for all.”

PSE makes it easy for businesses to meet corporate sustainability and clean energy goals through its renewable energy programs which includes; Green Power, Carbon Balance and Renewable Natural Gas. Each one offers a way for businesses to reduce its carbon footprint while making use of the Pacific Northwest’s abundant clean power resources.

“As a local, family-owned company, headquartered in Washington state for nearly 60 years, we believe it is important to sustainably use our region’s natural resources so they’re available for generations to come,” said Chris Tonkin, Taco Time co-president. 
“Almost a decade ago, we launched an industry leading and nationally recognized composting program. We’re thrilled to take the next significant step in our commitment to preserving the environment by making our business 100% powered by renewable energy and offsetting any natural gas usage with carbon offsets in northwest forests.”

PSE is committed to working together to create a clean energy future for all while setting an aspirational goal to be a Beyond Net Zero Carbon company by 2045. PSE will target reducing its own carbon emissions to net zero and go beyond by helping other sectors to enable carbon reduction across the state of Washington. Partnering with successful Northwest businesses like Taco Time, helps PSE engage more people in that mission.

Check out how Taco Time is going carbon neutral here.

Founded in 1962, Taco Time Northwest is a family-owned business operating 79 restaurants throughout the Pacific Northwest. Operated by the fourth generation of the founding family, these restaurants run independently of the nationwide Taco Time franchise. Taco Time Northwest offers the ultimate quick service experience featuring fresh, healthy salads, tacos and burritos, sourcing local ingredients whenever possible. 

For more information about Taco Time Northwest, visit www.TacoTimeNW.com. Follow Taco Time Northwest on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TacoTimeNW and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/TacoTimeNW.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Best friend

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here



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Spring Kids Garden March 19 and 20 at Kruckeberg

Spring Kids Garden photo courtesy 
Kruckeberg Garden
Spring Kids Garden event March 19 and 20, 2022 from 10am - 2pm - all ages. Kruckeberg Garden

Celebrate the first day of spring with Kruckeberg Botanic Garden and the Edmonds Floretum Garden Club!

Can you find all the signs of spring in the Garden? This event features a self-guided activity in the lower Garden and a craft for youth to take home.

The Spring Kids Garden event is a collaboration between the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation and the Edmonds Floretum Garden Club to celebrate and inspire youth gardeners! Printing and materials donated by Coldwell Banker Bain and T/L Nursery.

This event is free to youth and their families. Limit one kit per child, while supplies last.

Please note: The safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff is our #1 priority! Please observe covid-19 safety guidelines: wear a mask if you are unvaccinated, practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and stay home if you’re not feeling well!

10 am – 12 pm is our busiest time, we suggest visiting the Garden later afternoon to help ensure safe social distancing. Parking at the Garden is limited please consider walking, biking, or carpooling.

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden 20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177



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FTC knocks out Raging Bull’s deceptive earnings claims

By Lesley Fair

For people trying to gain a financial foothold, the promise of “$10,000 per week” is a heavyweight representation. 

But all too often, they wind up losing their life savings to the promoters of bogus investment schemes. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just announced a $2.425 million settlement in its action against RagingBull.com, an outfit the agency says exploited people’s dreams of economic security while often leaving them on the financial ropes and trapped in hard-to-cancel subscriptions.

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Jobs: City of Shoreline Plans Examiner III

City of Shoreline
Plans Examiner III

CLOSING DATE: 3/20/2022 11:59 PM

GENERAL SUMMARY

Shoreline is an inclusive City that endeavors to build a work culture which embraces diversity, encourages participation, and promotes equity.

The City of Shoreline Building and Inspections Team of plan reviewers and inspectors, is key to implementing private redevelopment within two major area upzones within the City as preparation for two new Link Light Rail Stations currently under construction.

DEFINITION
To review complex commercial and residential building plans and specifica­tions for compliance with established building codes and ordinances; to respond to inquiries from developers, contractors and the general public regarding code compliance issues; to assist staff in the application and interpretation of adopted codes; to perform various field inspections; and to perform a variety of plans examination tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey level class in the Plans Examiner series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of independence in performing work, the responsibility assumed, and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including plans examination work supporting building projects of a large and complex scope and high level of responsibili­ty. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility, and have supervisory responsibility.

Job description and application



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AAUW Art for STEM fundraiser March 25

 
An Evening of Art for STEM

Join the Edmonds SnoKing Branch of the American Association of University Woman as they raise scholarship funds for local women pursuing an education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Friday, March 25, 2022, 5 to 8pm at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 4th Ave N, Edmonds WA 98020.

Ticket price $20. To purchase event tickets use the QR code or go to http://tinyurl.com/4b9c2wtc

Funds raised go towards scholarships for women studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Support local artists while also supporting local scholarship funds for women in STEM!



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Point Wells: Snohomish County to appeal the February 22 Remand Order issued by King County Superior Court judge

Point Wells photo by Tim Davis

By Tom McCormick

As reported in an earlier article https://www.shorelineareanews.com/2022/02/point-wells-court-gives-bsre-yet.html , Snohomish County twice denied BSRE’s application to develop a huge urban center at Point Wells, because its application substantially conflicted with the County’s code. Among other conflicts, numerous buildings exceeded the code’s 90-foot height limit, and several buildings violated the code’s residential setback requirement.

In 2021, BSRE (the developer) petitioned the King County Superior Court to review and reverse the most recent denial. BSRE argued in part that the County’s code allowed buildings taller than 90 feet because of the site’s proximity to a high capacity transit route (the Sounder train passes through the site, though it doesn’t stop there), and that the code’s residential setback rules do not apply to its project. BSRE also argued that the County failed to exercise good faith in reviewing and processing its application.

Point Wells aerial view copyright Marc Weinberg

On February 22, 2022, a King County Superior Court judge issued an order remanding the matter. After finding that there was "a lack of good faith [by Snohomish County] in the processing and review” of BSRE’s application, the judge gave BSRE a do-over—an opportunity to revise its application to address the substantial code conflicts that gave rise to the County’s denial.

The judge gave BSRE six months to submit its initial revisions. But the judge did not rule on the substantial conflicts. The judge, for example, did not rule on whether the maximum building height is 90 feet or 180 feet, or whether the residential setback rules apply.

"Central Village" site drawing from BSRE
Just one of many building clusters planned for the site.

Snohomish County is going to appeal the judge’s remand order. Likely triggered by the judge's "lack of good faith" finding, and/or by the judge’s failure to decide whether BSRE’s application does indeed substantially conflict with the County's code, the Snohomish County Council passed a motion on March 7, 2022, to authorize the County Attorney’s office to file an appeal.

It is possible that BSRE too will file an appeal. The deadline for filing an appeal is March 24, 2022.

According to the judge’s remand order, if anyone appeals her order, then "all of the deadlines herein shall be automatically stayed while the appeal is pending.” This means that BSRE’s re-submission opportunity will be put on hold until after the Court of Appeals issues its decision, perhaps by late 2023.



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Conversations on homelessness: Skid Road with Josephine Ensign - lessons from our past to inform our future

 

NAVIGATES is a NEW and FREE speaker and conversation series where we will be exploring the complex, interconnected issues around homelessness and learning more about what we can do as individuals and together as a community.

Our first speaker is a UW Professor of Nursing and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies, Josephine Ensign.

She has recently written and published a book called “Skid Road: On the Frontier of Health and Homelessness in an American City.”

This conversation, happening on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30pm, will explore Professor Ensign’s timely research and book about the historical and present-day challenges Seattle faces in this crisis.

Please join us and be ready to ask questions! This event will take place over Zoom. No registration is necessary.



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Organ Dedication Concert Series at St. Dunstan’s March 27

Jonathan Wohlers and Naomi Shiga present an hour of organ duets
at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church March 27

Organ Dedication Concert Series at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church

Sunday, March 27, 3pm

Jonathan Wohlers and Naomi Shiga present an hour of organ duets — yes, four hands and four feet! — on the newly installed Ortloff pipe organ of St. Dunstan’s Church. 

Come immerse yourself in an hour of music in a serene and welcoming setting, where you can feel the organ’s vibrations through your body as you look through the windows to old growth evergreens. This concert is appropriate for music lovers of all ages. 

Masks will be required for everyone in attendance. Free will offering requested.

Naomi Shiga is a frequent performer of organ recitals, most recently playing in Switzerland at the historic Bellelay Abbey and the Church of the Holy Spirit, Bern. 

She has served on the faculty of North Harris College where she taught music theory and class piano, has worked at a number of churches across the country, including St. John the Evangelist, Boston, the Old West Church, Boston, and First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Houston. 

In addition to performing and teaching, she is also a translator of books on music and is active as a composer. Her most recent commission was for Hymn Accompaniments for the Hymnal of Nippon Sei Ko Kai published for the Anglican Church in Japan by the St. Paul University Institute of Sacred Music Press. 

Ms. Shiga began her organ studies at Ferris Women’s University, Yokohama before moving to the United States where she received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Organ Performance with the award of Distinguished Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. She also undertook post-graduate studies in organ at the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston. 

Ms. Shiga is a former Dean of the Tacoma Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and is Music Director and Organist at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Tacoma.

The Ortloff Organ Company Opus 2 was installed at St. Dunstan’s Church in 2021.

Jonathan Wohlers
has performed widely with concerts in the U.S., Mexico, Europe, South Korea, and Japan, most recently playing at Opera City Concert Hall in Tokyo. He is a former Dean of the Tacoma Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, is the Director of Music at Trinity Lutheran Church, Tacoma, and is a member of the contingent faculty at Pacific Lutheran University where he has served as Visiting University Organist. 

In addition, he is Artist-in-Residence on the Paul Fritts and Co. organ (opus 13) at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Tacoma, playing on and helping to organize the church’s concert series and providing educational opportunities about the organ and its repertoire. 

Dr. Wohlers has performed with the Houston Bach Society, Ars Lyrica Houston, and the Seattle Bach Choir, and has written notes for the Boston Early Music Festival and Loft Recordings. 

He holds degrees with honors from the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston, from the New England Conservatory of Music in performance and musicology, and from Southern Adventist University, and has engaged in extensive research on fugues in the early seventeenth century.

For more information please visit: http://www.sdchp.org/music-2/organ/



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Echo Lake and Shorewood principals at Echo Lake Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday, March 15

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Bill Dunbar, principal
Shorewood High School
"What is Happening in Our Schools" is the topic of the March 15, 2022 meeting of the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) at 7pm on Zoom. 

Principals Andrew Lohman and Bill Dunbar will be speaking specifically about Echo Lake School, Einstein Middle School and Shorewood High School. 

They will share news about their schools' recent and past activities and achievements. 

Our Einstein Middle School principal has a school-related meeting and will not be able to join us.

Andrew Lohman, Echo Lake principal at
the dedication of the new sidewalk
to the elementary school.
Dunbar and Lohman will share how COVID-19 has impacted the education of our students and the changes that have been made to keep students safe and educated. 

Our community has always supported the excellent education in Shoreline, and our schools have gone beyond normal expectations in these unusual times. 

Come to hear from our educational leaders.

For more information or the link to the Zoom meeting, contact ELNA at ELNABoard@gmail.com


 

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Shoreline Fred Meyer is one of Washington's Lottery "Luckiest Retailers"

Each year, Washington’s Lottery announces its “Luckiest Retailers,” stores that sold the most tickets worth $1,000 or more.

Olympia, WA (March 7, 2022) – Looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow this St. Patrick’s Day? You might want to try searching for it at your local Lottery retailer, as Washington’s Lottery today announced its Luckiest Retailers of 2021 that sold the most prizes valued at $1,000 or more last year.

13 Wins: Fred Meyer at 18325 Aurora Ave N in Shoreline

Another nearby retailer on the list:
  • 8 Wins: Fred Meyer at 2902 164th St SW in Lynnwood, who also tied for 7th place in 2020 with 6 wins
In fact, in Puget Sound nine Fred Meyer stores and nine Safeway stores were on the list.

Making a Difference in Washington State

Since 1982, Washington’s Lottery has generated more than $4.5 billion to support several important state programs, including providing much-needed funds for the Washington Opportunity Pathways Account (WOPA). 

In FY21, WOPA received $185.7 million from the Lottery, enough to pay college tuition for more than 18,000 Washington residents. It also provided approximately 25% of the annual budget for the state’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, which provides critical services to more than 15,000 children at 440 locations across Washington.

About Washington’s Lottery 

The state’s Lottery offers players several types of games, including Mega Millions, Powerball, Lotto, Hit 5, Match 4, Pick 3, Daily Keno and Scratch. For more information, visit www.walottery.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @walottery.

Keep it fun. Know your limit. Washington’s Lottery is an advocate for responsible gaming and collaborates with the Evergreen Council for Problem Gambling to provide resources for those in need. More information is available at www.walottery.com/Responsibility.



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Two Frockt-sponsored health related bills pass the Legislature and go to the governor for signature

Sen. David Frockt, D-46
OLYMPIA — Two bills passed recently by the Legislature would improve health care in Washington state by ensuring that people can use coupons to get lower prices for prescription drugs and by setting up a statewide program to provide outpatient treatment to children with serious behavioral health needs.

SB 5610, which passed today, would require insurance companies to count prescription coupons used by a patient as part of the patient’s cost-sharing requirement. Some health insurance companies refuse to count coupons provided by drug manufacturers towards a patient’s deductible.

“Patients often rely on coupons to afford lifesaving drugs that are only offered at exorbitant prices,” said Sen. David Frockt (D-Seattle), the bill’s sponsor. “For many chronic conditions, there are no cheaper alternatives.”

SB 5736, which passed last Thursday, would build on a successful pilot program to provide statewide access to evidence-based care for children with severe behavioral health needs. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) can provide the treatment that many children need without full hospitalization.

“We are in a global child and adolescent mental health crisis. Expanding the availability of outpatient and partial hospitalization programs is an important step to allow our behavioral health system to provide better care for children,” Frockt said. 
“We should not have children boarding in emergency rooms waiting for beds and inpatient treatment. One of the best ways to avoid that is to increase access to care that doesn’t require full hospitalization.”

According to reporting from The Seattle Times, an average of 33 children at a given time are boarding in emergency departments, hotels, or acute care units waiting for inpatient behavioral health beds, and wait times range from one to four months.

Under Frockt’s legislation, coverage for IOPs and PHPs will be added to Washington state’s Apple Health Medicaid plan by Jan. 1, 2024, pending approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 

Thirty-three other states already fund similar programs. According to testimony, inpatient hospitalization can cost $2,000 per day or more, compared to IOPs and PHPs, which cost between $500 and $700 per day.

Both bills now go to the governor for his signature.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, Shoreline, signed on as a co-sponsor for both bills.

Sen. David Frockt, D-Seattle, represents the 46th Legislative District, which includes Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Lake City, Pinehurst, Northgate, Wedgwood, Windermere, and Laurelhurst.



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Brookside librarian receives grant to purchase foreign language texts

In February Sno-King School Retirees, an organization of active and retired employees of the Edmonds, Northshore, and Shoreline School Districts, awarded a $296 educator grant to Christina Torres, librarian at Brookside Elementary, for the school library. 

Torres intends to use the money to buy books in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, and Braille. The foreign language texts allow students to have reading opportunities with family members who may not be fluent in English. The Braille texts will dramatically increase the number of books available to Brookside's visually impaired students.

Since 1998, SKSR has dispersed over $105,000 to educators to use with their students. The grants have been used to pay for classroom and library books; curricular material; on-line math programs; speakers, music, science and p.e. equipment, and field trips.

SKSR is glad to be able to assist Ms. Torres and Brookside students in this small way.

Brookside Elementary is located at 17447 37th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155



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Lake Forest Park Planning Commission meets virtually on Tuesday, will consider sign codes

At the February 8, 2022 meeting of the LFP Planning Commission, Commissioners reviewed the initial draft of proposed changes to Ch. 18.52 (Signage). 

The meeting on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 will be an opportunity for a second review and discussion of an updated draft that has a few minor changes which City Attorney Kim Pratt will address at the meeting. 

A pending U.S. Supreme Court case related to signs may impact local codes.

Zoom link to the meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83329147986





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Letter to the Editor: Proposed amendments to Tree Code apply to specific zones and are not city-wide

To the Editor:

As reported in Pam Cross’ column “Notes from Shoreline Council meeting on February 28, 2022”, Council voted 6 to 1 to remove the construction contract for the new sidewalk program along 5th Ave NE. 

This item returns to the Council agenda on Monday, March 21. Regarding the proposed tree code amendments submitted by the Tree Preservation Code Team, several Councilmembers had questions, which we hope will be addressed on March 7. When asked “which zoning designations do these amendments apply to”? Staff responded, “Unless they’re specifically called out zones, they apply citywide.” 

I am commenting on this response as the proposed codes do not apply “citywide.” Per Shoreline municipal code 20.50.310.5. Exemptions from permit: all trees can be clear-cut and no tree replacements are required on the following zones in Shoreline: Community Business (CB), Neighborhood Business (NB), Mixed Business (MB), Mixed Use Residential (MUR-70’), and Town Center 1-2-3 unless within a critical area or critical area buffer. 

The proposed tree code amendments do not affect these 7 zones. In addition, the proposed tree code amendments, C8 and C9, pertaining to the director authority to reduce tree retention and tree replacement do not apply, as proposed, to R-4 or R-8 zones so the example of a single family home with one significant tree causing foundation and utility issues is not impacted by this proposed tree code. 

Removal of director authority to reduce tree retention or tree replacement applies to R-8 thru R-48, MUR-35’, and MUR-45’ zones only. In addition to C9, tree supporters ask Council to approve the following: 6” significant tree definition; penalties if a tree is destroyed or removed at a construction site; and, a cap on hundreds of tree removals at large property sites without review by Staff, this does not apply to 7 zones that, by code, can remove all trees. The proposed tree codes are not extreme but will help accomplish the City goal of “no net tree loss”.

Kathleen Russell
Tree Preservation Code Team/Communications


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Girl Scouts and LFP Police and cookies, oh my

Sgt. "Red" Parrish of Lake Forest Park police and Girl Scouts from Troop 41395
with cookies in front of Third Place in Lake Forest Park Town Center.
Photo courtesy LFP Police

Sgt. "Red" Parrish supporting Girl Scout Troop 41395 with their cookie sale fundraiser. Proceeds will be used to buy new PJ'S and underwear for underprivileged kids.

The Troop is selling cookies in front of Third Place at Town Center in Lake Forest Park at the intersection of Ballinger and Bothell Way NE.



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Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association virtual meeting Tuesday

You are invited to attend the Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association monthly meeting of the Board of Directors on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 7-8:30pm via Zoom.

Ridgecrest neighbors and business owners are welcome to attend and may speak during the public comment period at the beginning of the meeting with a three minute limit. 

All guests attending must identify themselves whether speaking during public comment or not.

We discuss matters that affect us in Ridgecrest, schedule community information meetings, plan events and work on grant-worthy neighborhood improvement projects and much more.

Board of Directors meetings are always held the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

Items on this month's agenda include:
  • Follow up to logo decision
  • Scholarship updates (Damaris, KK, Wendy)
  • Discussion: 2022-23 Board look-ahead
  • Fircrest Master Plan: briefing
  • *Recap of sub-committee meeting about Summer Events
  • *Planning events and activities for 2023
Zoom link to Tuesday's meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84501873407



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Local State Farm Agent joins forces with NO MORE to raise awareness of the need to end domestic violence, sexual assault

L-R: Shinae Jeong, Chelsea Roehm, Ashley Olson, Agent Wendi Valles, and James Valles.

The NO MORE Foundation is conducting its 2nd annual NO MORE Week Virtual 5k Walk/Run fundraiser this week. State Farm agents, along with the general public, are participating in order to support the critical work of NO MORE, a nonprofit dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault.

The Virtual 5k is being held during NO MORE Week -- March 6th to March 13th -- an annual event when NO MORE and its allies shine a spotlight on the importance of stopping and preventing domestic and sexual violence. The NO MORE Week Virtual 5k also commemorates International Women’s Day (March 8th).

On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. 

During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. According to UN Women, 1 in 2 women reported that they or a woman they know experienced a form of violence since the COVID-19 pandemic began. One in 4 women (23%) said that COVID-19 made things worse in terms of how safe they feel at home.

The race was created as a fun, easy way to get some exercise, raise awareness and much-needed funds for violence prevention. To encourage participation, the 5K is completed any time, in any way desired between March 7th and March 13th. 
Participants can complete the 5K on their street, a neighborhood park, the local gym, treadmill, or favorite track.

Local State Farm agent Wendi Valles in Shoreline and her staff, along with family members, participated as a team for the cause.

Quick facts:
  • More than 1,000 State Farm Agents, Employees, Family and Friends have signed up to run
  • Over 9 Countries are participating (US, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and others)
  • Mariska Hargitay, who stars as Olivia in NBC’s Law and Order, has joined the cause and signed up for the run.


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Shoreline City Councilmembers to attend National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. photo by Harold Mendoza on Unsplash.com

Shoreline City Councilmembers will hear directly from policymakers and thought leaders about the issues important to cities at the annual conference of the National League of Cities, March 14-16, 2022.

The conference highlights important topics such as homelessness and affordable Housing, Federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, energy efficiency and alternatives, safety, and transportation.

On Hill Day, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with our Senators and Congresswoman and their staff, to discuss Shoreline priorities and legislative agenda.



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Photo: Tractor in the Skagit Valley

Monday, March 7, 2022

 
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

A tractor sits on the road next to fields in the Skagit Valley. You can see hints of yellow in the green fields.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The yellow color is barely brushing the tops of the green. Soon the fields will be bright with yellow daffodils.



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County Council approves new green building standards that improve flexibility, enhance requirements for County buildings

Rod Dembowski sponsored
the green building legislation
The King County Council on Tuesday approved legislation that steps up the County’s own green building standards, including adding certification requirements for County capital projects, projects on leased properties and easing restrictions that could limit higher level green certifications.

“The time to invest in more sustainable buildings and infrastructure is now. We don’t have a moment to lose,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“Through the adoption of our newly updated Green Building Ordinance, King County is leading the way – getting carbon out of our built infrastructure and laying the foundation for our sustainable future.' 
"I’m thankful for the King County Council’s work to pass this legislation, raising the bar and charting a green course for King County.”

Sponsored by King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, the changes to the green building code include:
  • Requiring higher green building standards for all County capital projects, including new construction and substantial retrofits;
  • Identifying and defining green building rating systems that would be accepted;
  • New green building requirements of the ordinance would apply to new third-party leases of county-owned property executed after the effective date of the ordinance, and to existing leases that are renewed or extended after the effective date of the ordinance; and
  • Eliminating cost prohibitions to achieving the highest certification possible.

“Reducing emissions from the built environment is one of the most impactful things we can do to address climate change.” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, prime sponsor of the legislation. 
“King County spends billions of dollars on infrastructure and this new law ensures that we will lead the way in reducing carbon emissions from our own projects. I am hopeful other jurisdictions will follow King County’s lead.”

The approval comes on the heels of the latest UN Climate Report, a sobering analysis that found efforts to respond to and slow climate change have had little impact and have come too slowly.


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Dragonfish owners, Takao and Yuko Kikuchi, open Baguus Little Asia in Mountlake Terrace


Baguus Little Asia www.baguus.com
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
(425) 504-7111

Open Tuesday-Sunday 4pm to 8:30pm
Locally owned by Takao and Yuko Kikuchi
Chef: Brandon Morales
General Manager: Czarina Novenario

Seattle, WA  With decades of experience in Pan Asian cuisine, Dragonfish Asian Café former owners have opened Baguus Little Asia in Mountlake Terrace.

A fast, full-service casual concept. Baguus Little Asia has been open since November 26, 2021. Baguus, pronounced “bah ɡo͞os” offers dishes from Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand.

In Malaysia and Indonesia, Baguus means great, beautiful and having a wonderful time. So “Baguus is the place to enjoy happiness and joy through food,” says owner Takao Kikuchi. 

“Our goal is that every guest who visits us at Baguus will leave happy!”

“The Baguus menu highlights some of our favorite dishes, along with a couple of popular recipes that we brought along from Dragonfish; Dragonfire Noodles and Dragonfire Shrimp,” said co-owner, Yuko Kikuchi.

“Our Asian-inspired bold flavor menu also features noodles, potstickers, vegetables, seafood, poultry and rice. We’ve added our own American twist to traditional Asian dishes that we discovered through our many trips to Asian countries, creating a unique culinary culture,” added Takao. 
“We want the experience to be “easy, quick, affordable and delicious.”
Self-serve wine and beer wall

The restaurant features a state of the art, self-serve wine and beer wall with 20+ local, seasonal and international brands. This unique feature is perfect for enjoying a small tasting or a full glass.

Yuko and Takao
The 2000 square foot space, seats 60 and features an artistic, modern decor along with a real moss wall on the restaurant’s back wall, designed and produced by Michelle Ritter at Seattle Plant Company. 

“We have also hired local artist and interior designer, Robert Williamson to bring a fusion of Japan and the Pacific Northwest to our ambiance,” said Takao. 
“Robert was educated in the Far East so he has an eye and appreciation for the history and culture that we wanted to incorporate into the design.”

“Our goal is for the guest to enjoy a true cultural dining experience and the green wall adds a serenity to the dining experience,” added Takao. 
“That includes not only our unique, pan Asian flavors but the restaurant décor and vibe.”

Another element different from traditional restaurants is the cell phone, self-ordering and payment via a QR code business model. This idea comes from Japan and is used in many Asian countries. 

"We also have a well-trained, full-service staff with the capability of providing traditional services but we feel our quality of service is better and guests are more comfortable utilizing this system."


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