Pramila Jayapal: Beta application for student loan debt is officially live

Thursday, October 20, 2022

From Congresswoman Pramilia Jayapal

BIG NEWS: The beta application for student loan debt cancelation is officially live and takes less than two minutes to submit! 



Please note: this is a beta application and may close and reopen throughout the week.

Recently, President Biden announced his administration will be canceling $20,000 of federal student loan debt for Pell Grant recipients and $10,000 of federal debt for other borrowers, reaching a total of 43 million borrowers.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal
This is a massive step in the right direction, and as the Chair of the Progressive Caucus, something I have personally been fighting for.

With the President’s action, approximately 20 million people will see their loans fully canceled, and an additional 23 million will see relief with a portion of their debt canceled. 

AND it will help to address the root cause of the issue by capping interest for current and future loans at 5 percent of income, half of the current rate. 

This means that those who still have a balance on their loan after this action will be able to lower their average annual payment by more than $1,000.

Be sure to get your application in today and subscribe to get email updates so I can keep you updated as we learn more about the timeline of when you'll see this money!



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Halloweentown #5 The Mayor of Halloweentown lives here

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

The Mayor of Halloweentown lives in this house just off Richmond Beach Road on “Seeley Lane” During daylight hours he is known as Tim Norton, D.C.

This is Bob. He's a ghost. He is friendly despite his appearance.

His friends are “Maggie” (short for Margaret) the witch. She likes to cackle. The skeleton brothers, “Billy Bob” and "Bobby Joe” play bluegrass music for passersby to enjoy. 


In spite of what it says on the tombstones, these guys are not "Resting In Peace." They may just like bluegrass and want to join the party.



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Learn about Medieval Cuisine in King county library online class

Dr. Christopher Monk will talk about the different foods that were common during medieval times in this online lecture offered through the King County Library System.

Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 4pm. Suitable for ages 10 and older.




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In the Garden Now: “Soft Caress”

Mahonia photo by Victoria Gilleland
Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ has finally come around. 

In my garden it sulks and looks quite sad for 9+ months of the year…. and then redeems itself with those gorgeous blue leaves crowned with bright yellow flowers.

“Soft Caress” adds striking color to the autumn and winter garden. 

Grow it in a pot near the front door or in a garden bed near the entry so you’ll see it during the cooler months when you enter and leave your home.

--Victoria Gilleland




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Beginning wire wrapping jewelry class at Red Sky Gallery in LFP

Beginning wire wrapping jewelry class, a five week series beginning November 4th through December 9th. Instructors, Janet Hawse and Eve Ingraham will be leading us. 

Register online at: redskygalleries.com In Lake Forest Park center.



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King county property tax exemption program

King County has property tax exemptions available for seniors and disabled homeowners. 

Basic qualifications for the program are: Own the home you live in and be at least age 61 by December 31 of the preceding year or disabled.

Max income of $58,423 (2019) or $40,000 (2016–18), after allowed expenses

The application process opens in March. If you applied for a property tax exemption in the past but didn’t qualify, consider applying again.

More information on applying can be found at https://senior-exemption.kingcounty.gov/intro, via email at Exemptions.Assessments@kingcounty.gov or by calling 206-296-3920.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: The court

 
Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE



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After-game party for high school students on Friday October 21, 2022

After the Shorewood and Shorecrest game on Friday, October 21, 2022 Shoreline Recreation will be having a party for high school students at the Spartan recreation center, right next to the Shoreline Stadium at 202 NE 185th St.

It is a free event. Food and dancing throughout the night. Featuring DJ Matondo! 

The party starts after the game and goes until 11pm. For more information contact Angela at aelliott@shorelinewa.gov

See our previous article about the game



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Dramatic vehicle fire in Bellevue on I-90

Photo courtesy WSDOT

Multiple crews were on scene eastbound I-90 near Bellevue Way on the east channel bridge for a vehicle collision and car fire.

The vehicle fire was caused by a ruptured fuel line after a vehicle collision. The air was already saturated with smoke from wildland fires burning in the larger region.

Brief video from Bellevue Fire

While off-duty and commuting to work, Capt. Tom Tull of Eastside Fire and Rescue was first on scene this morning.

Capt. Tull, along with another bystander, was able to break a window to pull an entrapped driver from their burning truck.

Two patients were transported to hospitals, but the extent of their injuries was unknown. Two others involved were uninjured.

All lanes on eastbound Interstate 90 on the East Channel Bridge, between Mercer Island and Bellevue, were closed due to a collision and multiple vehicle fires. This is between the East Mercer Way on-ramp (milepost 8) and the Bellevue Way off-ramp (milepost 9). 

Medical Aid, Fire Assistance, the Washington State Patrol and the Incident Response Team were on scene. As of 7:50am, the backup was approximately four miles long, extending to the eastbound floating bridge between Seattle and Mercer Island. 

The lanes were reopened around 10:30am.



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Cosmic Queries with Troy Carpenter of the Goldendale WA Observatory - online Wednesday October 19, 2022


Join the Seattle Astronomical Society online as they welcome Goldendale Observatory's Troy Carpenter!

Troy has been running the Goldendale Observatory for nine years and has also spent seven years teaching and training in the energy sector. He also has five years of broadcasting experience.

The curious are welcome and questions are encouraged!


Request the meeting link at outreach@seattleastro.org



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Senior Center Holiday Bazaar Friday and Saturday


Every possible space at the Senior Center will be filled with vendors for the Holiday Bazaar this Friday and Saturday, October 21-22, 2022.

Doors open at 10am and close at 4pm. You will need all that time - every possible space will be full of booth artists selling their work. Don't miss the silent auction or forget to buy a raffle ticket.

And buy lunch to go along with baked goods for yourself and your family.

Enjoy the atmosphere.

The Senior Center building is at 18560 1st Ave NE #1, the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus. Free parking.



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Jobs: WSDOT Assistant Project Engineer (WMS02)

WSDOT
Assistant Project Engineer (WMS02)
Shoreline, WA. – Northwest Region
$87,570 - $112,303 Annually

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is eager to hire an experienced project engineer looking to advance their career into a senior leadership role and serve as Assistant Project Engineer. The primary undertaking of this position is the delivery of projects requiring the administration of construction contracts to ensure their completion is on time, on budget, and completed safely with the least amount of impacts to the traveling public as necessary. 

The successful candidate appointed into this position is expected to consider personal, coworker, and public safety a top priority during the planning and performance of all project activities. Through strong and innovative leadership, this position will strategically manage and implement the departmental policies that ensure the most efficient management of WSDOT to successfully deliver WSDOT projects.

Job description and application



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Halloweentown #4 Richmond Beach

Tuesday, October 18, 2022


Happy pumpkins and a friendly ghost ...a haunted house and a very thin neighbor. Richmond Beach appears to have it all.



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Hopelink Virtual Open House November 4, 2022

The Hopelink food bank in Shoreline is set up like a grocery store.

Hopelink Virtual Open House

This is a great opportunity to learn about how Hopelink programs are serving our community members. We will be introducing our new center managers, sharing important updates on our services, sharing about our Trauma Informed Community of Practice, and more.

All Open Houses will be held on Zoom. Once you complete your registration you will receive an email with the Zoom meeting information.

Shoreline Hopelink Open House
Friday, November 4 from 1:00 to 2:30pm

Shoreline Hopelink Open House – Registration Form



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Bach piano concert at St. Dunstan's Sunday, October 23, 2022 to help feed hearts and souls

Kohler and Campbell piano at St. Dunstan's
As the Church that Feeds People we hope to help feed people’s hearts and souls with music by providing concerts to the community at large. 

The concerts are free, but donations are accepted at the door for those that want to support and help us to continue to provide these concerts.

On Sunday October 23, 2022 at 3:00pm we have Hartwig Eichberg who will perform Bach's "Aria with Divers Variations," commonly known as the "Goldberg Variations," in its entirety on the beautiful Kohler and Campbell piano at St. Dunstan's. 

The Goldberg Variations count among the few works which Bach had published himself, a sign he valued them highly and wanted them to shape his legacy. 

Experiencing these variations is like getting to know a big family: each of the 30 members gathered has a distinct personality, yet one senses their common relation to the matriarch who sits and shines at the center. This concert will be a musical treat as Bach's artistry and humanity unfolds before us.

Please RSVP on Eventbrite

Suggested Donations: $5 for Students, $15 for Adults, $30 for Families.


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44th Annual Rotary Cup Football Game Friday, October 21, 2022

Join us for the 44th Annual Rotary Cup football game next Friday, October 21, at Shoreline Stadium as Shorecrest and Shorewood face off for bragging rights!

Kick-off is at 7pm, but be sure to arrive early or risk missing some of the action while waiting in line to get into the biggest game of the year!

Important Rotary Cup info:Gates open at 5:30pm
  • Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for seniors (65+)
  • Tickets are free for Shorecrest and Shorewood students with ASBs
  • Tickets are $5 for middle school students accompanied by an adult and $7 if they are without an adult
  • Tickets for children and elementary students are $5
  • Cash and check are accepted for ticket purchases
  • Parking is available at the stadium and Shoreline Center
  • We recommend staying in the stands for halftime to watch the performances and be in place for the traditional "Shoreline Family Photo" that will be taken at the end of halftime for the first time since 2019.


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David Tadlock appointed Shorewood High School Interim Assistant Principal

David Tadlock
David Tadlock has been appointed to serve as Interim Assistant Principal at Shorewood High School for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year. 

David replaces Nancy Elder for the current school year, who has been appointed as Interim Director of Classified Staff, Human Resources, for Shoreline Schools.

David is a familiar face around Shoreline schools, having served as the principal at Meridian Park Elementary School for the last nine years, and six years prior as the principal at Syre Elementary School. 

His 37-year career also includes time as a high school English teacher, a coach, and an administrator, including ten years at Shorewood as both a teacher and an assistant principal. 

David holds a bachelor's degree in English Education from Central Washington University and both a master’s degree in School Administration and Superintendent Certificate from Western Washington University. Outside of the work day, David is an avid golfer.

“David is an administrator who goes above and beyond for students, staff, and the school community,” says Superintendent Reyes. “He fosters school environments that are warm, welcoming, and inclusive, and I am excited to welcome him back to Shorewood High School.”

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Jobs: City of Shoreline Grounds Maintenance Worker I

City of Shoreline
Grounds Maintenance Worker I
SALARY : $26.87 - $32.69 Hourly
CLOSING DATE:10/28/2022 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.

Selected candidates will be subject to virtual interviews. In addition, they may be subject to work-related skills assessments on site.

Job offer to the most successful candidate is contingent upon verification of driving history and a successful passing of a criminal background check.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: A candidate selected and offered the job must demonstrate proof of vaccination against Covid-19. A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here (Download PDF reader).

The Grounds Maintenance Worker positions reside in the Grounds section of the Utility and Operations Division of Public Works Department and report directly to the Grounds Maintenance Supervisor. The City offers generous benefits packet to all regular employees.

This job is represented by Local Union No.763.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level class in the Grounds Maintenance Worker series. This position performs routine tasks and duties using hand tools, small power tools and light vehicles and equipment. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or skills as positions allocated to the Grounds Maintenance Worker II class and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS
Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:
  1. Performs maintenance tasks common to the care of grounds, landscape and bioretention facilities including edging, leaf blowing, line trimming, litter and graffiti removal mowing, mulching, planting, pruning, raking, trimming and weeding of living infrastructure located within public rights-of-way, easements and other public properties.
  2. Water shrubs and trees during dry periods using hose or by activating fixed irrigation systems or portable watering systems.
  3. Assist in irrigation system diagnosis and maintenance including valves, pipe, and sprinkler head or drip line repairs.
  4. Operate a variety of light equipment including blowers, chainsaws, chippers, edger, hedge trimmers, mowers, line trimmers, pole saws, and pressure washers, etcetera; assist in equipment maintenance, make minor repairs, and monitor and report overall equipment performance.
  5. Set up, maintain and take down traffic control equipment; performs flagging duties in work zones; and effectively control traffic to ensure a safe working environment.
  6. Operate City vehicles in a proper and safe manner to transport personnel, materials, and miscellaneous equipment; performs routine maintenance vehicles including maintaining filters, hoses, fuel, oil and other fluid levels.
  7. Load, transport and unload equipment, material and tools to and from jobsites and assist in cleanup of jobsite upon completion of work.
  8. Attend weekly and monthly safety meetings and perform monthly safety checks. Perform work in accordance with OSHA safety regulations.
  9. When in the field, make decisions to ensure that jobs are completed correctly and on time.
  10. Use asset management software to maintain records, track service requests, create and close work orders, input inspection data, add costs and look up assets.
  11. Perform after-hours, weekend and holiday work during emergencies, inclement weather, or other essential operating periods to perform vital services such as storm damage cleanup, snow removal, and other duties as required.
Marginal Function:
Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:
  • Hand, power tools and equipment used in landscape construction and grounds maintenance activities.
  • Safe use and proper care of power tools and small power equipment.
  • Safety rules and regulations related to public works maintenance operations.
  • Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
  • Basic computer skills, including the use of Outlook and Word.
  • Basic record keeping techniques.
Job description and application


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Jobs: City of Shoreline Extra Help various positions

City of Shoreline
Extra Help – Various Positions
SALARY : $13.79 - $40.24 Hourly
CLOSING DATE: 12/19/2022 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.

We are seeking qualified recreation instructors to lead classes in City of Shoreline recreation programs. These are non-benefited, under 20 hours per week positions. Work schedule is dependent upon student demand with hours flexible on days, evenings and weekends during Spartan Recreation Center operating hours.

Ten (10) positions are available:

Preschool Art Instructor
  • 1 position available
  • 2-4 hours per week
  • Example Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00 am-11:00 am
Preschool Dance Instructor (ages 2 to 5yrs) (Ballet, Tap Dance)
  • 2 positions available
  • 4-6 hours per week
  • Example Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 am-11 am; Tuesday, Thursday: 4:30 pm-5:30 pm
Preschool Music and Movement Instructor
  • 1 position available
  • 2-4 hours per week
  • Example Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00 am-11:00 am
Youth Art Instructor
  • 1 position available
  • 2-4 hours per week
  • Example Schedule: Monday, Wednesday: 430 pm-6:30 pm
Youth Dance Instructor (Ages 6yrs and up) (Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary)
  • 3 positions available
  • 4-10 hours per week
  • Example Schedule: Monday, Wednesday: 5 pm-6 pm; Tuesday, Thursday: 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Adult Fitness Instructor for Barre, Pilates, Zumba
  • 1 to 3 positions available
  • 3-10 hours per week
  • Example Schedule: Monday, Wednesday: 10 am -11 am: Tuesday, Thursday: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Fitness Instructor- Pickleball Lessons/Clinics
  • 1 position available
  • 2-8 hours per week
  • Example Schedule: Monday: 5 pm-7 pm; Saturday 2x a month: 10 am-12:00 pm
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervisor from supervisory or management staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Essential Functions
  1. Teaches scheduled classes, beginning and ending on time; providing adequate prep and warm-up, then clean up and cool down
  2. Instructs students on effective methods; explains proper techniques, demonstrates skills, encourages participation and leads by example
  3. Prepares appropriate equipment, supplies, music and handouts for each class
  4. Assists patrons, answers questions, and maintains a positive experience for members and class participants
  5. Keeps management informed of customer and facility needs
  6. Ensures that safety standards are met, and that department and facility policies are adhered to
  7. Oversee the use of any equipment used to promote optimal use and safely
  8. Review “Instructor Handbook” and meet the Instructor Expectations outlined in the Recreation Program Plan
  9. Carry out First Aid and CPR if needed
  10. Follow safety and hygiene guidelines
  11. Ensure that all Covid-19 guidelines are being followed
QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to participate and work effectively in an organization committed to advancing principles and practices of equity and anti-racism.
  • Previous related work experience in the desired position or similar role
  • Ability to instruct and motivate people
  • Ability to work independently leading a group of participants
  • Ability to plan, organize and lead a structured class
  • Strong oral communication skills with an enthusiastic and friendly personality
Job description and application



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Jobs: City of Shoreline Extra Help – Front Desk Attendants

City of Shoreline
Extra Help – Front Desk Attendant
SALARY : $17.82 - $20.23 Hourly
CLOSING DATE: 11/4/2022 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 and social justice.

We are seeking two (2) Front Desk Attendants who can work during the listed days and times for this position. This is an ongoing, non-benefited, average 10 hour a week position.

Typical schedule will provide coverage for assigned hours on days shown below. Incumbents will not work all listed hours. Scheduled hours are based upon rental requests and confirmed with Front Desk Attendant by scheduling supervisor.
  • Monday and Friday evenings: between the hours of 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Some Saturdays: between the hours of 7:45 AM - 3:15 PM 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Some Sundays: between the hours of 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Scope of Work

To perform front desk reception duties at the Spartan Recreation Center. In addition to working at the front desk, staff will be required to work facility rentals at the Spartan Recreation Center and the Richmond Highlands Center outside of operation hours including weekends: Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
Typical facility rentals include, but are not limited to, birthday parties and other celebrations, basketball practices, and religious services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
  • Provide customer service to facility patrons, in person or on the phone
  • Create new accounts in registration software
  • Answer telephone, take registrations, handle cash, point of sale
  • Process department liability forms, scholarship requests and other paperwork as needed
  • Issue monthly passes and punch cards
  • Assist program instructors, provide administrative support for recreation programs
  • Closely monitor the use of the facility, maintain facility safety procedures, report injuries and safety hazards
  • Respond to medical emergencies and incidents by alerting the authorities, calling 911, filling out incident reports, administering First Aid and CPR
  • Open and close the facility
  • Set up and take down program equipment
  • Ensure that all participants sign in and pay the required admission fees
  • Monitor the program, participants and equipment for safety, cleanliness and conflict resolution
  • Monitor center, rooms and spaces during private rentals
Job description and application



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Jobs: City of Shoreline Administrative Assistant II

City of Shoreline
Administrative Assistant II
SALARY : $27.50 - $34.85 Hourly
CLOSING DATE: 11/6/2022 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 Manager's Office is hiring an Administrative Assistant II to join the Code Enforcement and Customer Response Team division, consisting of five employees working to better the community through education and enforcement of the City codes.

This front-line job has constant and direct contact with the public and is expected to deftly handle a large number of incoming calls and communicate competently with diverse Shoreline community members and customers. The ideal candidate will have strong customer service skills, the ability to make decisions on the fly while receiving, screening and directing calls, and can organize themselves to accomplish a variety of daily tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. The incumbent has to possess the ability to deliver professional, helpful and quality service to everyone consistently.

Recruitment Process:
  • Submit completed online application
  • Successful candidates shall be subject to an online skills assessment test, followed by an interview
POSITION DEFINITION:
To perform a wide variety of responsible and complex administra­tive, secretarial and clerical duties in support of an assigned department; to provide information and assistance to the public regarding departmental policies and procedures; and to perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTIONS: Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions
  1. Provide responsible and complex administrative, secretarial and clerical duties in support of Code Enforcement and Customer Response Team.
  2. Receive and direct visitors and telephone calls; provide front counter assistance, providing informa­tion and directing to appropriate staff; monitor division or department email account; respond to and resolve complaints and requests for information on regulations, procedures, systems and precedents relating to assigned responsibilities.
  3. Work closely with the public to explain detailed regulations and procedures.
  4. Research and assist with responding to citizen and staff requests for public records and information, including public disclosure requests.
  5. Assist in the maintenance of the City's electronic data systems; maintain accurate and updated data.
  6. Type and proofread a wide variety of reports, letters, contracts, public notifications, easements, memoranda and statistical charts; type from rough draft or verbal instructions; may independently compose correspondence related to assigned responsibilities.
  7. Develop and review report and correspondence layout, arrangement, grammatical composition and ensure the inclusion of all pertinent information from sources; initiate routine correspondence, reports and records; develop clerical procedures, routines and record keeping systems.
  8. Archive records and documents according to City, State and federal regulations.
  9. Maintain records of receipts, track invoices, reconcile credit card statements and petty cash and assist with resolution of payment-related issues or questions.
  10. Coordinate department schedules; schedule and arrange for meetings and appointments in coordina­tion with the public and department representatives; make travel arrangements and register for conferences as needed.
  11. Perform mailing activities; apply and record postage; sort, bundle and deliver mail and organize bulk mailings.
  12. Maintain inventory of office supplies; obtain estimates for ordering purposes; order supplies as needed.
  13. Attend and coordinate a variety of meetings; conduct research and prepare documentation as requested; prepare and compile meeting packets and agendas; take and prepare minutes; disseminate information, as appropriate.
  14. Serve as City's point of contact with outside agencies.
  15. Assist in the preparation and monitoring of the bi-annual budget.
Marginal Functions
  1. Serve as a City representative on various community and event committees; plan and participate in special events as required.
  2. May train new staff on daily procedures.
  3. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of
  • Department operations, programs, functions and terminology.
  • Public safety radio systems.
  • Applicable computer software applications.
  • Methods and techniques of customer service.
  • Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
  • Principles and procedures of record keeping.
  • Methods and techniques of research.
Ability to
  • Participate and work effectively in an organization committed to advancing principles and practices of equity and anti-racism.
  • Provide customer service and respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
  • Use good judgment and resources to provide service to citizens.
  • Defuse tension while maintaining professional decorum.
  • Interpret and explain department policies and procedures.
  • Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications; TrakIt and City-Works, a plus.
  • Plan, organize and schedule work assignments to meet deadlines.
  • Work with continual interruptions.
  • Multitask and prioritize tasks.
  • Research and gather information.
  • Maintain complex specialized records and prepare narrative and statistical reports.
  • Handle confidential information per City, State, and Federal guidelines.
  • Create material for marketing and educational purposes.
  • Work independently in the absence of supervision.
  • Work well as a contributing member of a team.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Foster a climate that encourages fairness, respect, and inclusiveness
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
  • Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
  • Experience
  • Three years of responsible administrative support experience in general office, reception, or related work experience which involved direct, or via calls and email, regular contact with public.
  • Training
  • Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in public administration, communi­cations or a related field.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Environmental Conditions
Office environment; exposure to computer screens; extensive contact with the public including customers who may express anger.


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The Garden Guy: October in the Garden

Monday, October 17, 2022

The garden in autumn
By Bruce Bennett

It is difficult to believe that, as of September 22, autumn will have, all too quickly, arrived in the Pacific Northwest. There are still too many tasks in the house and around the landscape that need to be accomplished! 

Still, autumn does have its own set of enticements. There are those sweet, late-ripening tomatoes; the greens and purples of your various basils, the reds, oranges and burgundies of the changing leaf colors on your street; and, of course, the cooler days when sitting outdoors doesn’t feel like it is a grueling rite of passage. 

Normally, this column is not involved with ‘the tasks of the season.’ Too many such columns share theses perennial tasks with readers. Yet, this year, these are the questions being received through my virtual In-box. So, in trying to give the readers what they ask for, here is the requested information for the calm after our hottest summer on record.

When it comes to adding new plants to the landscape, yes, October is, arguably, a better month than April. This holds true whether for trees, conifer, shrubs, hardy perennials and, certainly, bulbs. The soil is still warm, roots are still active and wanting to investigate the territory around them. 

If you have timed it right, once the new members of the garden have been planted and thoroughly watered-in, the seasonal rains will take on the task for the next several months. The other positive aspect of planting in October is the end-of-season sales which many nurseries and garden centers sponsor. 

This month’s worse-for-wear-looking perennials will come back next year looking just fine. Shrubs may need a bit of pruning (after they have gone dormant), but, they also will come back fuller than when purchased. And, depending on the garden center, you could potentially save 25% - 70% over regular retail costs.

Photo courtesy offset.com
It’s also time to start cleaning the garden, protecting fall vegetables and preparing for frosts, but we’ll get into all that a little more below!

A traditional task of the season is the raking of the leaves (Leaf-raking and snow-shoveling paid for most of my freshman year fees for college. Do high school students even do that anymore?). 

Rather than raking and sending your leaves to the recycling center, repurpose and use these multi-hued beauties to save you money in the garden. 

Whole-leaf mulch is a bit too slug friendly of an environment. Use your lawn mower or the leaf vacuum capability on your leaf blower to shred the leaves. 

Add three inches of the shredded material to your beds as a mulch to insulate in the winter weather, hold in moisture in summer heat, add nutrients while decomposing into the soil and save yourself the price of many bags of bark mulch you may need to accomplish the same ends. 

If you add leaves as a top dressing and cover for your vegetable beds, simply till them in spring to improve the soil’s tilth. Any type of mulch should cover just the root areas and should never be piled up around stems or tree trunks. This situation could cause rot of the bark and underlying tissues.

With temperatures moderate again, it is an excellent time for planting any hardy trees and shrubs. Your soil should be workable if it is moderately moist. Generally, planting now versus next spring will result in better root development before next summer, which is often the toughest season on new plantings for about three years, until the roots become established

Transplanting. Photo courtesy extension.uga.edu
October and November are usually the best time adding new shrubs or moving established shrubs, if you feel you need to. Because of transplant shock, this will still be a difficult time for the plants -- even this time of year. It is not quite pruning season yet. So, sit back and enjoy the results of your labors.

Enjoy the changing autumn colors, and, once the trees and shrubs have gone dormant and dropped their leaves, then consider which of them may need pruning

October is one of the best months to plant hardy perennials and herbs. Many are still looking great right now, including hardy cyclamen, Japanese anemones and mints as well as evergreen perennials like Heuchera, rosemary and lavender. Almost any hardy perennial can be planted now, and most established ones that have been growing for more than four years, can be divided and moved with little risk of loss. 

If you are thinking about moving Iris or peonies, it’s time for that too! Keep in mind that moving plants can sometimes mean sacrificing next year’s flowers..

Bulbs. Courtesy of iastate.extension.edu
It must be bulb-planting season. The box stores have multiple bins of bulbs set-up and on sale right now. 

The short response to the several questions received is, Yes, this is prime bulb planting season for planting tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and most other spring-blooming bulbs. 

To those of you who find a forgotten a bag of bulbs in December; plant them then. And, yes, if it is March, still get them in the ground. 

There’s always hope. That’s why you garden, the hope of a prettier garden?

Harvest. Courtesy of hgic.clemson.edu
Finish harvesting warm season veggies like green beans, herbs, tomatoes and potatoes. Apples, pears, fall raspberries and kiwi are potentially ready for harvest as well. 

Having mentioned apples, let’s digress for a second. Questions have come in about the scarcity of apples on Seattle-area trees (Mine included). 

Blame this state of affairs primarily on the unusually cool spring weather. The low temperatures caused flowers to die and pollinators to wait to do their tasks after bloom times. And, don’t think you are alone. 

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association on Monday projected the 2022 apple crop will see a decrease of more than 10% this year. Many crops can be stored for winter consumption, most notably potatoes, squash, apples and pears. Root crops like carrots and beets can be stored in the ground or in another cool location.

It’s time to clean up finished veggie and fruit beds. Much of the debris left in the garden after summer can be added to a compost pile or bin. However, the plants succumbed to a disease or insect infestation, be cautious and dispose of this end-of-season in a yard waste container and not your home compost bin. This is also a great time to prune (down to the ground) your raspberry canes that produced fruit this year.

Harvest. Courtesy of hgic.clemson.edu
Now that your planting beds are clean, they may look a bit forlorn and abandoned. If so and the gardeners’ power still burns within you, now is the ideal time to add some late season and overwintering vegetables. Bok Choi, Kale and Swiss chard can be grown and harvested all winter long. 

Cabbage, garlic, shallots and onion sets can be overwintered for an early harvest next spring. This late in the season, use starts as it is beyond the time for the successful planting of seeds.

Frosts can occur in October, but November is more likely in the Seattle-area. Still, having season extenders like row cover, cloches or cold frames close at hand will help to keep frost off of leaves and create a warmer environment under the cover. As always, watch for slug damage on your greens.

It is not quite pruning season yet. So, sit back and enjoy the tastes and visual displays offered to you through your seasonal labors and success in the garden. Enjoy the changing autumn colors and, once the trees and shrubs have dropped their leaves and gone dormant for the winter months, then consider which of them may need pruning (a gardener’s work is never done). Happy gardening all!

Bruce Bennett, The Garden Guy
Contributing columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a WSU Master Gardener, lecturer, garden designer and consultant.  

If you have questions concerning this article, have a gardening question or two to ask concerning your home or simply want to suggest a topic for a future column, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@gmail.com  



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Echo Lake Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday evening on Zoom 7-9pm

The Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) meets on the third Tuesday of the month January to June and September to November.

Meetings are held on Zoom and the link to join the meeting is sent to the ELNA email list, or by request to ELNABoard@gmail.com

The Tuesday, October 18, 2022 meeting at 7pm will feature representatives from Metro Transit, who are returning to update us about the maintenance issues at the Aurora Village Transit Center on N 200th, across from Echo Lake Park.

Shoreline Customer Response Team rep Ben Hosseinzadeh, who has responsibility for Echo Lake, will speak about his background and his job as a CRT rep.



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Host a Trunk for Echo Lake Elementary PTA Trunk or Treat on October 29

Echo Lake Elementary PTA is looking for businesses, groups, teams or families to sign up to host a trunk on our Annual Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 3 - 6pm. 

This is a great community event that over 200 kids and families attended last year. It's a great way to build community, have fun and showcase a business or group as well. 

Reach out and share to people who might be interested.

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Good night, Highland

 

After the last show. Photo by Terry Green

Today was a day full of celebration. All the open skates were full, the last show was a success, the shop was busy, lots of people came all day. We have many more photos to share from the last few days, but I thought it important to say, “Good night, Highland.”
--Terry Green, co -owner, Highland Ice Arena 
Highland sign glows in the smoke-filled air
Photo by Terry Green
#Highland Ice Arena held its last skate on Saturday, October 15, 2022 with a celebration. Teams performed, people skated - some who hadn't skated for years.

They are getting well-deserved attention from the media. Stories have been published in print and online media and told on radio and TV.

The story that we published on September 5, 2022 End of an Era: Highland Ice Arena closes October 15, 2022 by Jamie Holter, was our top story for three weeks.

Over 100,000 people saw the story and thousands commented, shared, clicked - easily our top story of all time.

The comments were basically all the same, variations of "oh no, a piece of my childhood gone." Then they would forward the story to the people they skated with.

Terry Green and her brother Rick Stephens are the co-owners. 

They will continue their business sharpening skates. Rick Stephens will still be selling skates by appointment on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the next few weeks at the Highland location.

The building will be demolished and two apartment buildings built in its place.

Photos by Dan Hall

Dan Hall, like many, took a recent trip to look at the place he spent so many hours while his daughter played hockey. He shared the photos he took.

--Diane Hettrick



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2nd half of property tax due October 31, 2022

For people who pay their own 2022 Property Tax, rather than having it included in a mortgage payment, the payment deadline for first half was May 2, 2022 and the second half is due October 31, 2022.

To review current amounts due please use the safe and secure online eCommerce System 

What are Real Property and Personal Property Taxes?          
  • Real property is residential or commercial land and structure(s)
  • Personal property is assets used in conducting a business 
  • Mobile homes and floating homes are taxed as personal property if not associated with a real property account
Property taxes are paid to the county. There is more information here.


There are senior tax exemptions. Information here: https://senior-exemption.kingcounty.gov/intro

You can sign up for reminders when your taxes are due.



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Break down brick walls with free help at Sno-Isle Genealogical Society October 22, 2022

Sno-Isle Genealogy
Sno-Isle Genealogical Society is offering researchers another opportunity to get help with their "brick wall" problems on Saturday 22 Oct 2022, at its Research Library, 19827 Poplar Way, Heritage Park, Lynnwood. 

To make a reservation call 425-775-6267 to leave a message. Your call will be returned later to confirm your appointment. 

Caroll Budny is an experienced researcher who can direct your research efforts. The free 40 minute session is an "in person" appointment. 

This is the last brick wall scheduled until next January.



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New graduate of Columbus State Community College


COLUMBUS, Ohio (October 10, 2022) - The following student graduated from Columbus State Community College on August 12, 2022. 
 
HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME

Shoreline, WA 

Jacqueline Lauw




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Inslee tours shell house of University of Washington’s famous “Boys in the Boat”

Nicole Klein, the University of Washington's recreation capital campaign manager, shows Gov. Jay Inslee around the ASUW Shell House, home to the famous 1936 "Boys in the Boat".

 “All were merged into one smoothly working machine; they were, in fact, a poem of motion, a symphony of swinging blades.” (Brown, 2013).

Daniel James Brown’s 2013 book, “The Boys in the Boat” made waves as a dramatic retelling of the Olympic success of the University of Washington men’s rowing team in 1936. 

The group pulled with all their might to surpass Italy and Germany to claim a gold medal. The ASUW Shell House was the team’s home base – the University of Washington has been restoring the facility to preserve its triumphant history. Gov. Jay Inslee toured the facility on Friday.

Within the shell house are a number of historic photographs and mementos from that 1936 team and the 1948 team, which won a gold medal in the men's coxed four (a four-man boat event).

Olympic champion crew team 1936
A feature film directed by George Clooney and casting Joel Edgerton, Callum Turner and Courtney Henggeler is currently under production. The film is expected to debut in 2023.

Local readers will remember that this book was one of the 'if everyone read the same book" events.

*CITATION: Brown, D. J. (2013). The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Penguin Books.


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Gloria's Birds: You'd better hop to it and press that shutter, photog; I sense something bad's gonna happen!

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(Jana, sitting for her annual portrait, had good instincts, I did snap in time, and no Steller's Jays were harmed in the making of this image:)

--Gloria Z. Nagler




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Rainbow Girls Trunk or Treat October 30, 2022 at Windermere Shoreline parking lot

Pack up your little ghosts, monsters, princesses, and superheroes, load up a bag of nonperishable food items, and visit the Rainbow Girls Community Trunk or Treat and Food Drive for Hopelink (Shoreline) Sunday October 30, 2022 in the Windermere/Shoreline Parking lot! 2 to 4pm. Rain or Shine!

Last year over 250 people dropped by to donate to Hopelink, trick-or-treat, admire 18 elaborately decorated cars, win fun prizes, chat with Ken from the Shoreline Historical Museum, check out the fire truck, visit with neighbors, learn about Richmond Highlands Rainbow Girls, and enjoy the hospitality of Windermere/Shoreline!

It's free and all ages are welcome. . . including your dog!

Shout out to their current "Great Pumpkin" sponsors: Windermere Shoreline, Beach House Greetings Shoreline Masonic Lodge, Alfi Real Estate Team, Tommy Quach Real Estate, JC Gagnaire Realtor with more to be added!

"Magnificent Mummy" supporters are Steve Koon Homes, Kira and Nicole Real Estate Services, QFC, Sweet Pearl Bakery and the list is growing. .

Visit Richmond Highlands Rainbow Girls Facebook Page and Event Page for updated info including the names of new sponsors and supporters who have joined the fun.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066894976767



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