Omicron-targeted COVID-19 boosters now authorized for children ages 6 months and older

Monday, December 12, 2022

Photo courtesy DOH
Both Pfizer-BioNTech's and Moderna's bivalent vaccines have received authorization

OLYMPIA  – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and other healthcare providers will soon begin offering omicron variant-targeted bivalent booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 6 months and older. 

This follows guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Children 6 months through 5 years of age who received the original (monovalent) two-dose Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series are now eligible to receive a booster of the updated (bivalent) Moderna COVID-19 vaccine two months after their last dose.
  • Children 6 months through 4 years of age who have not started or completed their three-dose Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine series will now receive the updated (bivalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as the third dose following two doses of the original (monovalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Children 6 months through 4 years of age who have already completed their three-dose primary series with the original (monovalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are not eligible for an updated (bivalent) booster dose at this time.

DOH urges all parents and guardians of children ages 6 months and older to prioritize vaccinating their children with the updated booster if eligible, or starting the COVID-19 vaccine primary series if they are yet to begin. 

Washington state is currently seeing record pediatric hospitalizations from respiratory viruses and vaccines add an extra level of protection from severe illness. 
Additionally, flu vaccines are available to everyone 6 months and older at provider offices and pharmacies across the state. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be safely given at the same time.

Pediatric-focused COVID-19 boosters are expected to start arriving in provider offices the week of December 12. To make a vaccine or booster appointment, visit VaccinateWA.org, or call the COVID-19 Information Hotline at 833-VAX-HELP. 

Language assistance is available. If you have questions, visit DOH’s COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions webpage or talk to a trusted healthcare provider.



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Scrooge's Christmas at Shoreline Community College Theater this weekend


Tickets are selling fast for Scrooge's Christmas - a delightful holiday music featuring many of your friends and neighbors!

A family-friendly, inclusive event, staged at the stare-of-the-art college theater. 

Shows are December 16th, 17th and 18th, 2022 in the Shoreline Community College Theater on campus at 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133. Parking is always free after 4pm.

Scan the code or get tickets online

Arrive up to 1 hour before the show and enjoy the photo booth, pre-show music, and concessions!



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After 100 years, together again

Myra Kinzie's remains sat at Butterworth
Funeral Home for 110 years. Photo by Doug Cerretti
Butterworth Funeral Home and Cemetery, a provider within the nationwide network of Dignity Memorial (funeral, cremation and cemetery locations) has been working with the volunteers of Missing in America Project (MIAP) over the past two years to identify the unclaimed cremated remains of veterans, spouses of veterans and dependents of veterans who had been left at Butterworth in Seattle and who were eligible to be interred with military honors in a national or state veterans cemetery.

123 of them were recently interred at Evergreen Washelli in North Seattle. See our previous article by Douglas Cerretti

Now Doug provides a follow up to the story

If you remember Myra Kinzie’s (1/8/1851-11/1/1912) unclaimed remains were 110 years old. She was the widow of Capt John Kinzie, US Army and a veteran of the Indian Wars. 

I had wondered what happened to him and I found out in the Spokesman-Review article that was published when the remains were transported to the Washington State Veterans Cemetery. 

John Kinzie (8/19/1850-8/10/1914) died two years after her and his unclaimed remains were interred at Washington State Veterans Cemetery five years ago. 

They had been separated over 100 years at different funeral homes. They are together now.

Commandant Kinzie with ROTC cadets at Washington State College
John and Myra were married April 17, 1872, he was 21 and she was 20 before his graduation from West Point. After retiring from the Army John became ROTC Commandant in 1898 at Washington State College, Pullman, WA (now Washington State University) and afterwards joined the Washington National Guard in Olympia.


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Remember the bunnies?

Bunny tracks photo by Eric Norberg

Eric Norberg was curious about these tracks in the snow. He walked beside them to provide the perspective of size 11 men's shoes and started asking questions.

The answer was that at least one of the hundreds of summer hares in the area has survived into the winter.

I found that the tracks belong to a hare. That pair of longish divots are the rear legs, and this particular bunny decided to keep its paws close to one another for the front.


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An appeal from Camp United We Stand

Camp United We Stand holding a meeting in 2009.
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Following is a communication from Beverly Hawkins, Board President of Camp United We Stand, a small tent community in Shoreline. The community is hosted in turn by several Shoreline churches and has been for over a decade.

CAMP UNITED WE STAND
c/o Richmond Beach Congregational Church-United Church of Christ
1512 NW 195TH ST
Shoreline, WA 98177
CampUnitedWeStand.tentcity@gmail.com
https://campunitedwestand-tentcity.org

Dear Neighbor,

‘Tis the season of cold and rain, and also of giving. If you could help one person get off the cold streets and into a warm tent in a legally-authorized encampment, would you do so? You have probably read reports in The Seattle Times and other media of the thousands of unhoused people in King County. The King County Regional Homelessness Authority has estimated that rather than the approximately 13,000 individuals found on the streets in the 2020 One Night Count, a likelier homeless total is nearly 41,000. Until we are able to provide brick-and-mortar shelter and permanent housing, we must help our homeless neighbors however we can. That includes encampments.

Camp United We Stand (CUWS) is a legally-authorized homeless encampment with permits from the cities and churches that shelter us. We have federal 501(c)(3) status and are listed as a non-profit organization with the Washington State Department of Revenue. We have been lucky over the years in being hosted on church sites, but our wonderful congregational hosts are experiencing financial difficulties and can't provide some of the extras that they have previously. Thus, we are asking you to help.

We’d like to describe for you what kind of camp CUWS is. CUWS runs a strict camp. We run background checks on everyone, barring entry to sex offenders and those with outstanding warrants. We do not allow alcohol, drug use, or weapons. Bullying and harassment are not tolerated. Respect and civility toward other campers are required.

Who are our campers? Meet Ariana. Ariana had to escape her home because of escalating abuse. While living on the cold streets, she heard about Camp United We Stand, where campers pay $30 a month to help fund the camp. They are provided with a safe place to sleep, a communal kitchen with refrigerators and donated food, porta-potties, and a community that accepts them. It is a place where Ariana could live while she recovered from her difficult experience and looked for a job.

Then there is John. John is in his 60s. He never imagined his later years would come to this, and is very thankful that Camp United We Stand is here for him. His old bones appreciate the warmth of his bed, he gets plenty to eat, and he is glad to be here in a tent and not on the cold, wet streets.

Cost to outfit a new camp member

We need your help. It costs approximately $555 to outfit a new camper, if we already have the wood platforms and frames for the tarps. You are welcome to outfit a camper, or you may donate whatever you can. Send a check or money order made out to Camp United We Stand to our mailing address on the top of this letter, or visit our website: https://www.campunitedwestand-tentcity.org and click “donate”. All contributions are tax-deductible.

THANK YOU, AND WE WISH YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Beverly Hawkins
Board President, Camp United We Stand



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Firdale Winterfest Saturday December 17, 2022

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Just a few blocks north of NW Shoreline (and east of Woodway) is Firdale Village, at 9600 Firdale Ave in Edmonds - a charming little shopping center, home to the Phoenix Theatre and small local businesses.

This Saturday is their Winterfest - 3pm to 6pm - with local craft vendors, entertainment, and food trucks.

Local craft vendors will show off their creations, which range from pottery to hand-blown glass to floral arrangements, plus many more! Festive live music will provide entertainment while you enjoy a warm beverage or dinner from one of the four food trucks.

Winterfest is a community-led pilot project, implemented in partnership with the City of Edmonds as part of the Reimagining Neighborhoods and Streets project.

A key objective of the Reimagining project is to raise awareness of how residents can use their streets and public spaces in ways that promote community togetherness and support economic development at the neighborhood level.
 
Park in the Firdale Village Shopping Plaza, located at 9600 Firdale Ave, during the event.



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SUNDAY: Lake Forest Park Holiday Farmers Market and Craft Fair

The Lake Forest Park Holiday Farmers Market and Crafts Fair Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 10am to 2pm at Town Center - both indoor and outdoor.  

Shop amazing, fresh market goods PLUS unique handcrafted gifts for every budget and every person on your list.

Town Center is at the intersection of Bothell Way and Ballinger Way NE in Lake Forest Park.



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SATURDAY: Final Shoreline Farmers Market of the year


December is here and the Shoreline Farmers Market has ONE FINAL MARKET! 

Join us on Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 10am to 2pm to support our dedicated farmers, artisans, and volunteers. Stock up on winter produce, listen to live music, warm up with coffee, and enjoy the final market of the year.

N 192nd and Aurora Ave N in the corner of the Aurora Park n Ride.



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Candlelight vigil Wednesday for victims of gun violence

Soul Box Wall
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 is the 10-year mark of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting when 26 people were shot and killed by a lone gunman.

By the end of 2022, over one million Americans will have been killed or injured by firearms since that tragic day.

Various community groups will host a candlelight vigil in Shoreline Wednesday at 7:00pm.

Participating groups include St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Brady Campaign, Washington CeaseFire, Grandmothers Against Gun Violence, and the Soul Box Project.

Eight panels of Soul Boxes will be on display at the event. The Soul Box Project is a national community art project raising awareness about the scale of the gunfire epidemic in the U.S.

The Project displays hundreds of thousands of hand-made Soul Boxes in public spaces to illustrate the number of victims of gun violence, defense, accidents, and suicides.

Washington Candlelight Vigil To End Gun Violence
Date: Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: St. Dunstan's Church, 722 N 145th Ave, Shoreline, WA



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Gloria's Birds: Nope, that's it for today, photog, said Varied Thrush

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

you must have a hundred shots already.  (Truth to tell, about 650 in that hour:)

--Gloria Z. Nagler



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Teen Cook and Chat: Gingerbread Brownies - online


Teen Cook and Chat: Gingerbread Brownies - online 
Saturday, December 17, 2022 3 - 4pm

Join teen volunteers from the Teen Advisory Group (TAG) and make gingerbread brownies. This special recipe blends gingerbread cookie dough and brownie batter to make a delicious treat.

Younger participants should have adult supervision.

Ingredients:

Gingerbread Cookie Dough

* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
* 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
* 1/4 cup molasses
* 1 large egg yolk, room temperature (save the whites for the brownie batter)
* 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp ground ginger
* 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
* 1/4 tsp ground cloves
* 1/2 tsp baking soda
* 1/8 tsp salt

Brownie Batter

* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
* 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 large egg + 1 egg white, room temperature
* 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/8 tsp baking soda
* 1/4 tsp salt

Supplies

* 8 x 8 inch pan; parchment paper; oven; hand mixer or big spoon; whisk; measuring cups and spoons; mixing bowls; spatula; wire cooling rack.

Recipe credit to https://brokenovenbaking.com/gingerbread-brownies/#recipe

Please register here

You will be emailed a Zoom link the day of the program. If you do not see an email, check your Junk or Spam folder.


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SilverKite Community Arts: Mindfulness and Gratitude workshop Tuesday, December 13, 2022


SilverKite Community Arts: Mindfulness and Gratitude
At the Kenmore Library
Tuesday, December 13, 2022, 6:30pm – 7:30pm

This free workshop invites you to explore mindfulness and gratitude by finding awareness through journaling, affirmations, tuning into the senses, exploring exercises and sharing stories.

Sponsored by the Kenmore Library Friends Association.

Register here

Phone: (425) 486-8747


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"Elf" movie night - free and open to the public - Friday December 16, 2022


"Elf" Movie Night
Friday, December 16, 2022
Doors open at 6pm; movie starts at 6:30pm

Free and open to all

Are you a human who shares an affinity for elf culture? 

If so, please join us for a viewing of this modern holiday classic! Bring a cozy blanket, Christmas sweaters or Christmas pajamas welcome. 

We'll provide snacks and treats, but you are welcome to bring a brown bag dinner as well if you'd like. 

No need to RSVP. This is open to kids and kids at heart, but no childcare is provided (kids 12 and under, please have an adult attend with you ).


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Success: Community responds to Fire plea for their toy drive

Saturday, December 10, 2022


Fire department volunteers were in distress five days ago at the lack of donations to their annual toy drive.

They put out a brief plea to the community, which was widely shared, including in this publication.

Now distress has turned to elation.

Update!!!

Our community is so amazing! We have surpassed our expectations with your giving!

Thanks so much!!!

It will be a joyous holiday after all for the thousand children and youth in need in the Shoreline School District.



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Shoreline Community College and Faculty Union settle contract dispute dating to 2017

Shoreline Community College
Aerial photography by Jared Solano - Instagram @Juarez.Solano

Statement from Shoreline Community College

Shoreline Community College (Shoreline) and our American Federation of Teachers (AFT) faculty union have recently come to a settlement agreement that will provide a lump sum payment to Shoreline faculty members, as specified by AFT, bringing closure to a contract dispute dating back to 2017.

By design, the faculty union is organized to advocate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for faculty members. This means that the college and the AFT will occasionally be at odds with each other despite our shared goal of providing Shoreline students with the best educational experience possible. 

Shoreline values its faculty and is committed to a partnership with AFT to ensure faculty members are fairly and appropriately compensated for their work. While the college is steadfast that it properly interpreted and applied the 2017-2019 Collective Bargaining Agreement, AFT has been equally steadfast in maintaining that the college’s calculations were not done as intended. The parties worked cooperatively to obtain a compromise solution to this dispute to settle the matter and move forward together. 

At Shoreline, we believe in a spirit of intellectual honesty, free speech, and fostering an environment where our faculty, staff and students are welcome to disagree and challenge each other. We are pleased to have resolved this matter and look forward to the continued partnership with our faculty and AFT into the future.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Allegation ??

 

Cartoon by Whitney Potter



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ReAct Theatre's Holiday Storytime

ReAct Theatre's Holiday Storytime
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 6pm. 
Intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way

ReAct Theatre is Seattle's multi-ethnic philanthropic theater company, creating all kinds of theatre for all kinds of people. Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion on stage for nearly three decades. 

Join us for this delightful annual holiday tradition—Holiday Storytime for the young at heart! This event is free and open to the public. Kids of all ages welcome.



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Kenmore to join with Shoreline Community Court in 2023

Shoreline Community Court in session
Photo by Jamie Holter
In 2023, the City of Kenmore will join with the City of Shoreline's Community Court. 

A community court is an alternative problem-solving court. It differs from traditional court by identifying and addressing the underlying challenges of court participants that may contribute to further criminal activity or charges. 

Its goal is to build stronger and safer neighborhoods and reduce recidivism through a rehabilitative approach.

A community resource center is an integral component of community court, and it is open to all members of the public in addition to community court participants. 

Kenmore residents are welcome to attend Shoreline's weekly community resource center to find out about services in our area (education, job training, legal, recovery, mental health, etc.) on Tuesdays from 1:30pm - 3:30pm, or visit the virtual resource center anytime.

See our previous article on the community court / resource center.



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Teen holiday event Friday


The Shoreline Teen Center is throwing a Winter Holiday Bash, from 4:30 to 9pm on December 16, 2022! 

This fun party will feature holiday films, gift making, and an ugly sweater fashion show! 

The event will be catered by Dick’s Burgers, free and first come first serve! We hope to see you at the center on December 16th at 4:30pm.



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Shoreline Schools Kinderfest for parents of children who will be 5 years old by the end of August

The annual Kinderfest event is returning to Shoreline Schools this year!

Kinderfest is an information event for Parents / Guardians of children who will be 5 years old by August 31, 2023.

It will be held on Saturday, January 21, 10:00am - 12:00pm at the Shoreline Center (Shoreline Room, north entrance), 18560 1st Ave. NE, Shoreline, WA 98155

If you have an incoming kindergarten student for the 2023-24 school year, please plan to attend this event to meet your neighborhood elementary school's principal, teachers, and more.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Cascade K-8 Community School and the Home Education Exchange as well as to learn about the programs offered by Shoreline Schools, such as: Food Services, Transportation, School Nurses, Multi-Language Learners, Special Services, Highly Capable Program, School Nurses, and PTA. 

Superintendent Susana Reyes will give a welcome address to kick off the event at 10:00am.

If you have friends, family, or neighbors with a child who will be five years old by August 31, 2023, please encourage them to attend Kinderfest and to enroll their child starting on January 23!

Learn more about Kinderfest and Kindergarten enrollment: https://bit.ly/Kinderfest2023



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LFP Police calls 12/02 – 12/09

Lake Forest Park Police Calls 12/02 – 12/09

Your officers responded to 167 calls for service or self-initiated incidents, which included the following:
  • 72 Traffic related incidents
  • 38 Extra patrols / Business checks
  • 14 Suspicious Circumstances
  • 4 Welfare checks
  • 12 Theft / Shoplift / Fraud
  • 2 Alarms
  • 4 911 / Domestic
While we don't routinely respond to social media posts, please call 206-364-8216 if you have any questions.


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SATURDAY - final sale at Highland Ice Arena 9:30 to 4:30pm

Photos by Dan Hall

Highland Ice Arena in Shoreline, WA is closed. 

We are having a clearance sale on Saturday, 12/10 from 9:30am to 4:30pm

Hockey stuff is 75% off, figure skating accessories are 50% off. Other items are “make an offer”. 

There are plenty of tables, furniture and fixtures, a large safe, retro China, decorations, filing cabinets, etc.
18005 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133

And it's the last chance to say goodbye to this community institution.



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Some people leave their lights up all year...

Friday, December 9, 2022

Photo by John Crawford
Some people never take their Christmas lights down, although that's not something the fire departments recommend. So I have to admire someone who braves the snow to put up their Christmas lights each year.

This stalwart neighbor is in the Richmond Highlands neighborhood.

Were you saying something about Halloween? What? I can't hear you.

--Diane Hettrick



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Help count birds for science during Audubon’s Annual Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 17, 2022

The Pilchuck Audubon Society invites birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to participate in the longest running community science survey – the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). 

On Saturday, December 17, 2022 birders and bird-enthusiasts will take part in this century-long project once again.

“Over the past few years we’ve made an effort to increase the number of people counting the birds in their yards and at their feeders. This is really important as so much of our count area consists of residential areas. 
"To get the full picture of how many birds we have and of which species, we need to survey more than just our parks,” says Brian Zinke, Executive Director of the Pilchuck Audubon Society.

Birders of all ages are welcome to contribute to this fun, nationwide community science project, which provides scientists and conservationists with a crucial snapshot of our native bird populations during the winter months.


Areas 1 and 9S are in King county

The Edmonds/South Snohomish County CBC is performed in a count circle with a diameter of 15 miles that is centered near Martha Lake in Lynnwood. This circle includes south Snohomish cities (but not Woodway), part of north Shoreline, and a large portion of Lake Forest Park.

In 2021, 101 people participated by counting birds in their yards at 71 locations. This was in addition to the 96 people who participated on field teams surveying our parks, greenbelts, and other places birds congregate. The yard counters detected 3,039 birds belonging to 49 species. This accounted for 11% of the birds detected on the count.

The yard counters found 100% of the Band-tailed Pigeons, 71% of the Anna’s Hummingbirds, 80% of the Hairy Woodpeckers, 52% of the Chestnut-backed Chickadees, and 73% of the Townsend’s Warblers. 

Overall, the yard counters had a significant positive impact on the success of the count. Complete results of the 2021 Edmonds/South County CBC can be found on the Pilchuck Audubon website.

To participate by counting birds in your yard and/or at your feeders, please confirm that you live within the count circle using the zoomable map on the Pilchuck Audubon website

If you’d like to participate or have questions, please contact Brian Zinke at director@pilchuckaudubon.org.

Each year, the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count mobilizes over 75,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,500 locations across the Western Hemisphere. 

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count utilizes the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that scientists could never accomplish alone. 

Data compiled in the South Snohomish and Northern King County area will record every individual bird and bird species seen in a specified area, contributing to a vast community science network that continues a tradition stretching back more than 100 years.

To date, over 200 peer-reviewed articles have resulted from analysis done with Christmas Bird Count data. Bird-related community science efforts are also critical to understanding how birds are responding to a changing climate. 

This documentation is what enabled Audubon scientists to discover that 314 species of North American birds are threatened by climate change as reported in Audubon’s groundbreaking Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink. The tradition of counting birds combined with modern technology and mapping is enabling researchers to make discoveries that were not possible in earlier decades.

For photos of local birds, check the For the Birds columns of Christine Southwick.


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Orangetheory Fitness raising funds for Redmond's Motley Zoo Animal Rescue


Through December 19, 2022, Orangetheory Fitness’ 18 locations across Washington state are throwing down in a friendly competition to raise lifesaving funds for Motley Zoo Animal Rescue.

The non-profit organization based in Redmond, Washington, is dedicated to rehabilitating, caring for and securing safe homes for animals through a foster and education system. Since 2009, they have placed thousands of pets in loving homes and work tirelessly to improve the lives of animals and reach their goal of ending all neglect and abuse against them.

Although Motley Zoo is strong, they were recently displaced from their current building due to structural issues making it uninhabitable. As the facility also offers programs such as dog daycare, training, and boarding to the community and their adoptable dogs, their physical location has become an integral part of the rescue and community. Now more than ever, they need resources to find and create this new safe space.

The partnership was inspired by local “pawlanthropist” @Dash.Dog whose owner, Ande Edlund, is a long-time Orangetheory (OTF) member and animal advocate. With Ande and Dash behind us, OTF is committed to supporting community members – human and four-legged – in need. 

This holiday season, OTF’s 18 Washington locations are competing to raise the most funds for their Motley Zoo animal in need. The campaign runs now through December 19, 2022.

Meet the adorable Motley Zoo Adoptable Roadies each location is working out to support and donate to a Motley Zoo animal at this link: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTcwMDA0.

The Shoreline Orangetheory gym is in Gateway Plaza at 18336 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.



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Key Habitat Restoration Project included in National Defense Bill, including feasibility study for Ballinger Creek

Most of Ballinger Creek is in pipes
Photo by Londa Jacques
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 350-80 to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation – which now heads to the Senate – includes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and would authorize critical projects for salmon recovery and Washington state’s maritime economy.

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, fought to secure WRDA language that would authorize key Army Corps of Engineers projects across the State of Washington.

Among other projects, the bill would authorize construction of the Howard A. Hanson Dam Downstream Fish Passage, which will allow salmon to reach 60 miles of ideal spawning habitat in the Upper Green River.

"Behind the Howard A. Hanson Dam is 60 miles of pristine habitat that's perfect for salmon," said Senator Cantwell. 
"With authorization of the downstream fish passage facility and the $220 million investment secured from the Army Corps earlier this year, we are going to open up this habitat which will help increase salmon survival. This is a major milestone for Puget Sound salmon recovery efforts that has been decades in the making.”

Building the fish passage will open up the Green River cool water habitat deep in the Pierce County foothills, away from road runoff and other human pollutants, where salmon can spawn before returning to the Sound.

In March 2022, Senator Cantwell secured $220 million in funding for the fish passage as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With authorization in the NDAA, the Army Corps will be able to use that funding to begin and complete the design of the facility and the first phase of construction. The project is a top priority of local conservation groups and has strong bipartisan support.

The fish passage project is among several Army Corps projects in the House-passed NDAA that aim to fix short-term problems and provide long-term solutions in waterways around Washington state. Among the project is a feasibility study for the Ballinger Creek Ecosystem Restoration (Shoreline/Lake Forest Park)

The bill would fund a $100,000 feasibility study for a planned project to restore and improve approximately 1,500 feet of Ballinger Creek that is now run through pipes or other man-made structures.

Sen. Maria Cantwell is one of Washington state's two senators. The other is newly re-elected Sen. Patty Murray.



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Jeanne Monger honored with Distinguished Community Service Award at SCC 2022 Student Success Luncheon

At the 2022 Student Success Luncheon of the Shoreline Community College Foundation, held in November, Board of Directors Chair Vince Madden presented the Distinguished Community Service Award to Shoreline resident Jeanne Monger. 
Jeanne and Larry (on the right) helping to paint the first ELNA mural
Jeanne was recognized for 40 years of volunteer work in the local community, work which continues today. She has been a board member for the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) for 18 years, volunteering for almost every weeding and blackberry removal event, along with her husband Larry. They even helped paint the first Echo Lake mural on NE 205th.
ELNA Picnic
Jeanne plans, cooks, and serves a full picnic dinner for 100 at the annual ELNA work party and picnic in Echo Lake Park.

She is arguably the most active Block Watch Captain in Shoreline, communicating with police and neighbors, performing vacation watches, and with adjoining block watches, closing streets and organizing food and activities for a big National Night Out event every year..

She volunteered with the ShoreLake Arts Council from the day it started and in 2009 was honored with their heART award, in part for her volunteering with the Shoreline Arts Festival, as well as the sound stage at Jazz Walk.
National Night Out Block Watch party
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Jeanne was an active PTA member for all the years her daughters Janice and Cindy were in Shoreline Schools. She received PTA's greatest volunteer honor, the Golden Acorn, from Echo Lake Elementary PTA - and then she received an additional Golden Acorn from Shorewood High School PTSA.

Jeanne and Larry are still members of the Echo Lake Elementary PTA.

She is just as active in her Shoreline church, helping to run plant sales, and volunteering with events like the free dinners, and homeless shelters. Most of all, Jeanne and Larry are the maintenance committee, responding to all the issues that arise with the building infrastructure, no matter what time of night, and working with contractors, tenants and neighbors. 

In recognition, she was honored as the Lutheran Woman of the Year.

The Monger family: Cindy, Larry, Jeanne, Janice
In her acceptance speech, she called out her husband Larry, who since retirement has joined her in most of her volunteer activities. She was delighted that both of their daughters were at the luncheon, travelling from Bellingham and Staten Island, NY to be there.

The presentation video can be seen on YouTube
The annual Foundation event is a fundraiser for their scholarship program, which provides over $400,000 in scholarships and emergency aid each year to students in need at Shoreline Community College, which allows them to stay in school and finish their programs.

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Bog Whisperer: Kingfisher has trouble deciding on pose

Thursday, December 8, 2022

 
This kingfisher, who was posing for her formal portrait from Martin DeGrazia at Ronald Bog, had a lot of trouble deciding on her pose. Right profile?

How about the left profile? It shows off my lovely brown ekg markings the best, and the white tip on my beak.

How about a 3/4 view - but wait - I don't have my feathers in place yet - Don't use that one! All right, I'm done. Catch me another day.

--Kingfisher

Update: Christine Southwick says that the lovely zigzag band across the chest identifies this kingfisher as a female. Pronouns have been changes accordingly.  - DKH



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Shorewood boys wrestle in dual with Stanwood

Hunter Tibodeau at #1 and Milan Johnson at #3 in previous match.
Shorewood boys kicked off the dual meet season on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 by traveling north to wrestle the #2 ranked Stanwood Spartans.

The matches began at 160 pounds and Stanwood grabbed a quick 23 second pin. The home team would stretch their lead to 16-6 before Shorewood’s Hunter Tibodeau put his toe on the line at 220 pounds. 

Touting a #1 ranking in the state, Tibodeau had to grind out a tough decision, the first time this year he has not pinned his opponent. Following Tibodeau was fellow senior captain Milan Johnson at heavyweight. 

Johnson brought immediate pressure on his opponent and overwhelmed him for a first round pin that narrowed Shorewood’s deficit to one point in the team score.

Stanwood’s lightweights responded resoundingly as they swept the next four matches. StormRay Masa Taura got his first win of the season with a pin at 132 pounds to keep Shorewood. However, the Spartans held true to their high ranking and won the final three bouts on their way to a 55-21 victory.

Shorewood boys wrestle next this Saturday, Dec. 10th, at the Gator Invite at Decatur High School in Federal Way.

Shorewood Record: 
0-0 WESCO South, 0-1 Overall
Shorewood 21 - Stanwood 55
@ Stanwood HS 12-6-22

Began @ 160lbs
  • 106: Marc Hruscha (STWD) pinned Eli Jepsen 1:07
  • 113: Soren Anderson (STWD) pinned Owen Mulder 3:26
  • 120: Aven Aderson (STWD) pinned Finn Bachler 1:20
  • 126: Bryan Roodzant (STWD) win by Forfeit
  • 132: Masa Taura (SWOD) pinned Jager Twitty 1:26
  • 138: Keaton Mayernik (STWD) pinned Mikey Thomas 1:08
  • 145: Tyler Rhue (STWD) pinned James Nottingham 1:47
  • 152: Lane Ovenell (STWD) dec. Isaac Van Horn 6-2
  • 160: Canyon Bumgarner (STWD) pinned Isaac Liljegren 0:23
  • 170: Mak Kanzier (SWOD) win by Forfeit
  • 182: Ryder Bumgarner (STWD) maj. dec. Alberto Solano 15-3
  • 195: Elijah Fleck (STWD) win by Forfeit
  • 220: Hunter Tibodeau (SWOD) dec. Owen Anthes 13-7
  • 285: Milan Johnson (SWOD) pinned Memphys Ellis 1:10
--Clark Norton



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30 vehicle pile-up on I-90 closes eastbound lanes for 10 hours Wednesday

A truckload of Honeycrisp apples covered the lanes
Highway crews closed I-90 eastbound and spent 10 hours investigating and cleaning up on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 after a driver reportedly went too fast for the road conditions and slid.

Freezing fog limited visibility
Freezing fog made it difficult for the following vehicles to see the crash scene ahead.

No serious injuries were reported
18 cars and 12 semis were involved in the pile-up. There were no reported serious injuries but vehicles were badly damaged and the roadway was a mess. 

Reportedly one driver, who had to be cut from his vehicle, went to the hospital for stitches and a broken rib.


The scene was in Kittitas county, about 115 miles east of Seattle.

Washington State Patrol, Department of Transportation, and tow trucks responded.

--All photos courtesy WSDOT


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988 Lifeline license purchase supports suicide prevention for veterans

Veterans advocates, mental health experts, and state agencies convened this week to reveal a new license plate emblem available for Washington drivers: “988 Lifeline – There is Hope!” Emblem funds support veteran suicide prevention efforts.

Washingtonians are invited to purchase a new license plate design to support suicide prevention. The new “988 Lifeline – There Is Hope!” license plate emblem was unveiled Tuesday by the state departments of Licensing and Veterans Affairs and Health. The new plate costs $18 and proceeds support veteran suicide prevention efforts.

Nearly one in five veterans lives with post-traumatic stress disorder, and veterans are lost to suicide disproportionately. Approximately 125,000 American veterans have been lost to suicide since 2001.

Gov. Jay Inslee accepted a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) challenge two years ago with a goal to reduce veteran suicides. Establishment of the 9-8-8 veteran support option and public awareness campaigns may let veterans know they have someone to call in a moment of crisis. Purchase and display of the new license plate may save a life.

988 is the nationwide, three-digit dialing code for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, introduced in July of this year. (see previous article)

The 988 dialing code connects people via call, text, or chat, to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) where compassionate, accessible care and support are available for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress. 



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For the Birds: Tiny Bug-eating Birds

Female bushtit
Photo by Craig Kerns
By Christine Southwick

Have you seen a group of small birds darting from one bush to the next toward your suet feeder?

Consider yourself lucky (and also a good steward of a healthy yard). You have Bushtits!

Bushtits are tiny, weighing only 0.18-0.21 ounces (about 2 pennies) making them one of the smallest passerines (perching birds) in North America.

These little guys only live in the west where there are shrubs, bushes, and open tree canopy.

Male Bushtit fluffed up to stay warm
Photo by Craig Kerns
This makes sense when you realize that they eat insects found on shrubs, flowers, tree leaves and needles, really anywhere that bugs like to hide, including blackberries. 

Their acrobatic positions while finding their food are fun to watch as they often cling upside-down like chickadees do.

These diminutive balls of fluff fly in small flocks, usually darting one or two at a time from one bush to another with members on both sides making contact chatter, almost as if the wide-open spaces between branches are too daunting without flock support.

Small bushtit flock eating suet
Photo by Elaine Chuang
Bushtits eat those tiny scale insects that like flowering currants and other plants, plus aphids and leafhoppers, even spiders - a bug-eating reason to protect these gregarious spritely birds.

Their tail is almost half the length of their body, and this proportion results in a high rate of body heat loss, so in cold weather they must eat about 80% of their weight a day. 

Freezing weather kills the bugs they need, so offering them suet is vitally important.

Bushtits sleep together for warmth, and in the summer they will sleep in their unusual foot-long pendant-hanging nests made of lichen and held together by spider webbing lined with feathers, hanging from a branch.

Flock eating much needed suet during cold spell
Photo by L. Topinka
I have not yet found one of their nests in my yard, but I know a nest has to be nearby because every summer I have a nesting pair eating in my yard, the only time that Bushtits don’t fly in a flock.

Bushtits often come to a favorite feeding area about the same each day. I usually miss “my” flock since it usually eats about noon in my yard, and I don’t hear their soft calls unless I am outside. 

In the winter they may also fly with chickadees, probably because more eyes find more food.

Hang a suet feeder where you can see it—the ones with a cage around it will let more Bushtits eat at the same time. 

You and the Bushtits will be glad you did.



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