Promotions at Shoreline Fire

Friday, December 16, 2022

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire
Shoreline Fire congratulates these individuals who have invested so much time and energy to reach this level of service!
  • Deputy Chief of Support Services - Matt Hochstein
  • Captain - Scott Ciraulo
  • Lieutenant - Terrance Lewis
  • Lieutenant - Willis Reed
  • Paramedic - Mitchell Larson


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Jobs: WSDOT Air Quality, Acoustics and Energy Program Specialist (TPS3, In-Training)

WSDOT
Air Quality, Acoustics and Energy Program Specialist (TPS3, In-Training)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$61,639 - $91,501 Annually

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Northwest Region’s Environmental Office promotes and facilitates an environmentally responsible transportation program. In order to achieve the goals of the program, WSDOT is hiring an environmental professional to serve as the Air Quality, Acoustics and Energy Program Specialist. 

This position allows for an in-training option that offers a career path and on-the-job training, allowing you to progress upward through the field of environmental science, planning, and transportation. This position will independently and collaboratively conduct planning assignments involving multiple transportation modes and problem areas within the Air Quality, Acoustical, and Energy disciplines related to transportation projects. 

Your involvement and initiative will be supporting the natural ecology of our region and the livelihood of the traveling public. With this in mind, WSDOT is searching for someone who has a passion for environmental issues and wants to make a truly rewarding contribution to WSDOT and the state of Washington.

Job description and application


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Echo Lake Elementary School has its very own book vending machine

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Photo courtesy Echo Lake Elementary PTA
And it is exactly what it sounds like: a typical vending machine for snacks, but one that has been specially repurposed for books. 

This is tied into the school's Eagle of the Week program where students earn a special gold bookworm coin for being safe, respectful, responsible, and kind. 

Students redeem the coin for a book of their choice. The machine is stocked with books in both English and Spanish that highlight equity, inclusion, and social justice so that students can see themselves and learn about others in the books that they read.

Fourth-grade teacher Shari Wennik says, "We're super excited to give students the opportunity to earn books while also promoting kindness. 
"We want this to be one of their special memories from Echo Lake Elementary, where students discovered or continued their love of reading."

Special thanks to Nvidia’s matching donation program that helped purchase the machine, and to the Echo Lake PTA and Washington State School Retirees’ Association for grants to help purchase books.



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Explore, Prepare, Succeed! Take COL 101 at Shoreline Community College

Want to start college but don't really know how or where?
 
If you don’t have a specific career or academic goal in mind yet, we have a course designed just for you!
 
COL 101 is designed to help you explore your options, learn about resources available to you, and set you up for success.
 
Whether you are starting new or starting again, we are here to help you succeed and achieve our goals!

Learn how to sign up for this course by visiting www.tinyurl.com/COL101course or email Advising@shoreline.edu



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You can recycle burned out holidays lights

Replace these with LED lights
Do you have a pile of burned-out holiday lights? 

Are you replacing old holiday lights with energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lights? 

Don't throw out your holiday lights - recycle them!

These holiday lights recycling programs (list updated Nov. 2022), offered by retailers and other organizations, accept your old holiday light strands for recycling and send them to processors that recycle the copper wire inside them.

For drop-off programs, it's best to call first to confirm they are taking the lights, get more specific location information if needed, confirm the hours, and see if they have any restrictions. These programs are generally free unless otherwise noted in the listing.

For example, most holiday lights recycling programs want you to remove large glass bulbs (the smaller bulbs are okay) from light strands, and remove any excessive plastic attachments from the light strands, since that glass and plastic is not recyclable (you can throw those materials away yourself at home).

Maple Leaf is the Seattle neighborhood on the hill just south of Northgate. If you drive south on 15th NE, past Northgate Way and up the hill, Maple Leaf Hardware will be on your left in the business district. Of course the freeway is faster! 9000 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle WA 98115

Other businesses and organizations may also offer holiday lights recycling programs. This list will be updated as new programs are announced. When shopping for new holiday lights at retailers, ask if they have a program. Thanks for recycling your holiday lights!


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Check in: Holidays can be lonely for seniors

Whitney Carlson, geriatrics psychiatrist at UW Med
The holiday season is supposed to bring families together. But with seniors living alone at the highest rates ever and the pandemic still altering daily life, feelings of loneliness and loss are widespread.

Dr. Whitney Carlson, a geriatrics psychiatrist at UW Medicine, suggests using the holidays as a time to be mindful of those who might be alone.

Nearly three in 10 U.S. adults over age 60 live alone, a recent study indicates. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected older adults most severely, with people 65 and over accounting for 75% of all U.S. deaths attributed to the virus, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

“I think this particular time of year for seniors is difficult because many seniors live away from their families,” Carlson said. 
“They often can't gather, or the people they want to be with aren't here anymore. The key is just to take an interest, I think, because most people just feel invisible.”


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AG Ferguson: Walmart to pay $62.6 million to Washington for its role in opioid epidemic

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that he will sign onto a resolution with Walmart that will bring an estimated $62.6 million to Washington state. 

This resolution from Walmart will bring Washington state’s total recoveries to approximately $802 million to help fund opioid abatement and recovery programs. 

These resources must be used to combat the opioid epidemic.
 
“This is another important step in our fight for accountability for the opioid industry,” Ferguson said. “These resources will increase prevention efforts and help Washingtonians in need.”
Today’s announced resolution is not final until certain conditions are met:At least 43 states must join the resolution, and

  • At least 85% of litigating and non-litigating local governments in the settling states must join.If approved, the amount will be split between the state, county and city governments similar to Washington’s opioid distributor resolution.
  • As part of the resolution, Walmart will tightly monitor opioid prescriptions and prevent patients from seeking multiple prescriptions.
The state’s money would come from a $3.1 billion multistate resolution with Walmart.

More information here

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Shorewood One Acts on Thursday and Friday - free admission for good entertainment

 
The Shorewood drama group is staging its One Acts this Thursday and Friday, December 15-16, 2022 at 7pm at the Shorewood Black Box Theatre, 17300 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.

The performances are free although they would appreciate donations. The One Acts are very short (one act!) playlets each performed by usually one to five drama students. Many of the plays are created by the actors with themes about their lives - both serious and comic.

It's a kaleidoscope of performances, one after another. They range from kid humor to one hair away from professional. And either way, it's only one act.

It's all good fun and a great way to spend your evening.

--Diane Hettrick


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Good advice from Social Security this holiday season - Be Aware

Many of us spend the holidays relaxing and sharing in goodwill with friends and family. 

But some bad actors use the holidays to take advantage of people’s generous spirits. 

Scammers frequently target the older and other more vulnerable members of our communities. They pretend they are from Social Security or another government agency to steal your money or personal information.

Caller ID, texts, or documents sent by email may look official, but they are not. Fraudsters are calling to verify information about the 2023 cost-of-living adjustment for people who get benefits. Remember, this adjustment is automatic and a beneficiary does not need to verify anything. 

Social Security won’t ask you to provide information or money to get your benefit increase. Know that how we do business with you doesn’t change because it’s the holidays. We may email or text you about programs and services, but we will never ask for personal information via email or text.

Recognizing the signs of a scam can help you avoid falling victim to one. These scams primarily use the telephone to contact you, but scammers may also use email, text messages, social media, or U.S. mail. 

Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust. Scammers say there is a problem with your Social Security number or account. Scammers pressure you to act immediately. Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.

Know what to look for and be alert. Scammers don’t take days off and neither should you… when it comes to making sure you identify suspicious communications and report it. If you receive a questionable call, text, or email, hang up or don’t respond and report it at oig.ssa.gov/report

Scammers frequently change their methods with new tactics and messages to trick people. We encourage you to stay up to date on the latest news and advisories by following SSA’s Office of the Inspector General on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook or subscribing to receive email alerts.




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Fire department gives toys and gift cards to 1352 children and youth

Toys for the littlest ones
After a scare when the fire department had not been able to collect enough toys for all the children in need in Shoreline Public Schools, the community responded.

These are very popular
From Shoreline Fire:

Last week our community stepped up to our plea! We were able to help parents and caregivers pick out gifts for 1352 total children!

This definitely wouldn’t happen without your hearts to help others!

Volunteers checking last minute details
Thanks to all those that volunteered throughout this season to make this happen!

Special thanks to our partners - Dale Turner YMCA, Shoreline PTA Council 6.12, local Shoreline PTAs, LFP Rotary, City of Shoreline City Hall!! And to our local businesses - Frank Lumber and Hardware, Employees of Costco and Fred Meyer who helped bridge the gap financially!

All photos courtesy Shoreline Fire



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Emergency shelter unable to open Wednesday for lack of volunteers - will be open Thursday, December 15, 2022

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

"Due to a sudden staffing shortage, we are unable to staff the shelter overnight this evening, Wednesday, December 14, 2022."

They were on site until 10pm offering Lyft transportation to other shelters for anyone who came.

They plan to open Thursday evening, 12/15/2022.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Present

Cartoon by Whitney Potter



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Scots wrestlers sweep the competition in double dual at Kamiak HS

Shorecrest wrestling team
By Bryan Officer

The Shorecrest HS wrestling team had a strong showing against WESCO opponents Kamiak High School and Mariner High School.

The Scots were able to fill each of the 14 varsity weight classes, which proved to be a big advantage over the opponents who were set back by injuries, illness, and ineligible wrestlers.

Senior captains George Fernandez and Joseph Martinez each played a huge role in leading their team to victory. George F. picked up two quick pins in his first two matches of the season, while Joseph M. bumped up one weight class (130lbs wrestling up to 138lb class) and scored two hard fought victories over quality opponents. 

The match of the night was at the 145lb weight class where Shorecrest sophomore Kenneth Adams prevailed 9-7 in a double overtime match over Mariner's Ken Larsen. Great job by both wrestlers.

Shorecrest's next match is a head-to-head dual against Lynnwood HS on 12/14/2022.

Shorecrest 59 - Kamiak 19

106: James Lyons (SC) Win by Forfeit
113: Ridha Alnaiema (KAM) def. Neta Navot (SC) 8-0
120: George Fernandez (SC) pinned Jaxon Conklin 1:23
126 Kaiju Fergerson (SC) pinned Giovanni Besson 1:44
132: Keegan Waterstraw (KAM) pinned Avi Wylen (SC) 2:22
138: Joseph Martinez (SC) pinned Isaiah Williams 5:26
145: Kenneth Adams (SC) tfall. Luc Lannertone 21-6
152: Tison Cao (KAM) pinned Finn Kennedy (SC) 1:40
160: Shokan Conway-Yasuyama (SC) pinned Sal Kakar 3:13
170: Peter Grimm (SC) pinned. Tyler Odergaard 1:28
182: Rico Gonzales (KAM) def. Max Rutledge (SC) 11-5
195: Carter Nichols (SC) pinned Alfredo De Villa 0:34
220: Jessie Gigrich (SC) win by Forfeit
285: Brett Gigrich (SC) win by Forfeit

Shorecrest 66 - Mariner 10

106: James Lyons (SC) win by Forfeit
113: Neta Navot (SC) win by Forfeit
120: George Fernandez (SC) pinned Rodney Caparas 0:58
126: Kaiju Fergerson (SC) pinned Alejandro Parra 0:33
132: Avi Wylen (SC) win by Forfeit
138: Joseph Martinez (SC) def. Noel Villar Cereceres 9-2
145: Kenneth Adams (SC) def. Ken Larsen 9-7 2OT
152: Finn Kennedy (SC) pinned Wyatt Cook 1:40
160 Shokan Conway-Yasuyama (SC) pinned Braden Chaput 1:41
170: Peter Grimm (SC) pinned Preston Marshall 0:29
182: Max Rutledge (SC) win by Forfeit
195: Antonio Alvarez (MAR) pinned Carter Nichols (SC) 1:22
220: Robert Galeana (MAR) def. Jessie Gigrich (SC) 13-2
285: Evan Claar (SC) pinned Samuel Lamas 1:00


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King County Council 2023 reorganization

King County Council
King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove was on Tuesday selected by his peers to become the new Chair of the Council as members approved their annual reorganization for leadership roles.
“My priority will be to support and strengthen our democratic institutions and demonstrate that democracy can work,” Upthegrove said. “Our guiding value will be respect. This means respect for one another, for our exceptional staff, and for the people we serve.”
Upthegrove, 51, has represented South King County (District 5) on the King County Council since 2014. Upthegrove takes over from Councilmember Claudia Balducci, who held the position for the past three years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the reorganization motion, Councilmembers Jeanne Kohl-Welles and Reagan Dunn were selected as Vice Chairs for Council.

Rod Dembowski, who represents Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, northeast Seattle, and parts of Bothell and Kirkland is chair of the Transportation committee and vice chair of Budget and Fiscal Management. 

Other committee leadership assignments include:
  • Committee of the Whole: Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Chair; Claudia Balducci, Vice Chair
  • Budget and Fiscal Management: Joe McDermott, Chair; Rod Dembowski, Vice Chair
  • Law, Justice, Health and Human Services: Girmay Zahilay, Chair; Sarah Perry, Vice Chair
  • Transportation, Economy and Environment: Rod Dembowski, Chair; Pete von Reichbauer, Vice Chair
  • Local Services and Land Use: Sarah Perry, Chair; Girmay Zahilay, Vice Chair
  • Government Accountability and Oversight: Pete von Reichbauer, Chair; Joe McDermott, Vice Chair
  • Employment and Administration: Dave Upthegrove, Chair; Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Vice Chair
  • Regional Policy Committee: Pete von Reichbauer, Chair
  • Regional Transportation Committee: Sarah Perry, Chair
  • Regional Water Quality Committee: Claudia Balducci, Chair
New leadership positions are effective January 1.


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ICHS President and former CEO Teresita Batayola awarded the Arcora Foundation 2022 #OralHealthHero

Teresita Batayola, ICHS President and former CEO, was awarded the 2022 #OralHealthHero award by Arcora Foundation!

This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to improve oral health and address oral health access disparities in their communities.
 
Under her leadership, ICHS expanded from two sites to 11, including the large, full service clinic in Shoreline. 

Six of the 11 sites provide oral health services, four of which are co-located and integrated with medical clinics, one is a school-based health center that also provides medical and behavioral health services, and one is a Mobile Dental Clinic that brings dental services right to the doorsteps of high schools in our region!
 
ICHS is proud to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate integrated dental services to immigrant and refugee communities.



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Stocking Stuffer Show at ShoreLake Arts Gallery through December 31

ShoreLake Arts Gallery in Town Center LFP
ShoreLake Arts Gallery Presents

Stocking Stuffer Show
Now through December 31, 2022

Shop this holiday season and support your local arts organization at the same time! ShoreLake Arts Gallery has a large selection of handmade art items by Pacific Northwest artists, including jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber, paper goods and wood. We are always on the lookout for new and interesting inventory - stop by and discover our most recent finds!

On the walls will be 12”x12” (or smaller) paintings, mixed media, prints, and photography – the perfect gift size. Plus, boxes and bags are available for most small items helping to make your gift-wrapping a snap.

Shop local at the Gallery
Extended 2022 Holiday Hours:
  • Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm - 5pm
  • Sundays: November 20 - December 18, 12pm - 5pm
  • Mondays: December 5, 12, 19, 12pm - 5pm
  • Saturday, December 24, 10am – 5pm
  • CLOSED: Christmas Day (Dec 25) and New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
These hours may change. If you are making a special trip, please call first to make sure we are open: 206-588-8332.

While at the gallery you can sign up to become a member of ShoreLake Arts and receive 10% off all of your gallery purchases throughout the year!

Everything in the shop is by local artists
2022 Participating Artists: Erynn Allen, Magrit Baurecht, Elsa Bouman, Jennie de Mello e Souza, Joan Glenn, Margaret Hartley, Beth Henkes, Sarah Huang, Cheryl Hufnagel, Monica Josephson, Alison Leigh Lilly, Marsha Lippert, Jennifer Munson, Teresa Stern, Brandi Young, Anna Zachariah, Michelle Zeidman

Questions: 206-588-8332 (Wed or Thurs only 12pm-5pm) or gallery@shorelakearts.org

The ShoreLake Arts Gallery is a program of ShoreLake Arts and is located inside the Town Center in Lake Forest Park on the lower level lobby. 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.

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



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Kenmore police apprehend armed felon

Items in possession of felon apprehended in Kenmore
Photo courtesy Kenmore police
This past weekend, a Kenmore Officer found an occupied stolen vehicle parked in the 6800 block of Bothell Way. An occupant exited the vehicle and refused to comply with the Officer's commands. 

The male walked into a business where he again refused to cooperate. A struggle ensued, during which a loaded handgun was found in the male's waistband. 

The male was eventually detained; he was found to be a convicted felon who is ineligible to possess a firearm. He also had suspected narcotics and "shaved keys," which are commonly used to steal a variety of cars.

Further investigation has found that an associate of the suspect fled from the store during the incident. The vehicle was seized for a search warrant request.

The detained male was booked in the King County Jail for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Stolen Property. His accomplice is still outstanding (see you soon!).

--Kenmore police


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Shorewood Boys Wrestling 12/13/2022

By Clark Norton

It was a rough night for the Shorewood boys wrestling team as they faced off against Mariner and Kamiak high schools in a double dual. The bus showed up late, four varsity starters were out, and it didn’t get much better from there. 

Despite a few clutch victories, such as heavyweight Aidan Careres getting a come from behind pin in the third period, Shorewood was never able to gain any momentum and lost both matches, 48-30 to Mariner and 54-24 to Kamiak.

Shorewood wrestles next on Thursday, December 15th, at home against Mountlake Terrace.

Shorewood 20 - Mariner 48
@ Kamiak High School


*Match began at 182 pounds

106: Double forfeit
113: Eli Jepsen (SW) win by forfeit
120: Rodney Carapas (MAR) pinned Finn Bachler 0:57
126: Alejandro Parra (MAR) pined Eion Ritter 0:56
132: Skylar Klein (SW) win by forfeit
138: Noel Carceres (MAR) pinned Masa Taura 3:00
145: Ken Larsen (MAR) pinned Corin Lumsden 4:50
152: Wyatt Cook (MAR) win by forfeit
160: Braden Chaput (MAR) pinned Paddy Andresen 1:46
170: Preston Marshall (MAR) pinned Mak Kanzier 3:50
*182: Alberto Solano (SW) win by forfeit
195: Antonio Alvarez (MAR) win by forfeit
220: HunterTibodeau (SW) pinned Anil Suzan 0:49
285: Aidan Caceres (SW) pinned Elijah Mayfield 5:08

Shorewood 24 - Kamiak 54
@ Kamiak High School


*Match began at 195 pounds

106: Double forfeit
113: Eli Jepsen (SW) pinned Rhidha A 0:23
120: Jaxon Conklin (KAM) pinned Finn Bachler 1:59
126: Richard Beach (KAM) pinned Eion Ritter 1:30
132: Keegan Watershaw (KAM) pinned Masa Taura 3:10
138: Isaiah Williams (KAM) pinned Sky Klein 1:39
145: Luc Lannertone (KAM) pinned Corin Lumsden 0:57
152: Tison Cao (KAM) win by forfeit
160: Paddy Andresen (SW) pinned Sal Kakar 3:17
170: Tyler Odegaard (KAM) pinned Mak Kanzier 0:58
182: Rico Gonzales (KAM) pinned Alberto Solano 4:31
*195: Alfredo De Villa (KAM) win by forfeit
220: Hunter Tibodeau (SW) win by forfeit
285: David Welle (SW) win by forfeit



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Let them unwrap the possibilities of education this holiday season

By Michael Meotti

Have you ever experienced anxiety trying to get that last-minute holiday gift for someone? It might have even been a Turbo-Man action figure or the coveted Tickle Me Elmo. While there is much joy in this season, there is often a degree of pressure to find the perfect gift for everyone in our lives.

If you’d like to beat the rush at the mall and the endless scrolling on Amazon, consider funding a 529 education savings plan instead.

529 plans make it easy and affordable to plan ahead for the cost of higher education. They can be used for nearly every level and type of schooling you can think of - from a four-year college or university, to technical or trade school and community college. Use it on tuition, books, computers, room and board, or even the costs associated with an apprenticeship. Regardless of your child or grandchild’s changing interests, saving in a 529 plan can give you peace of mind.

Here in Washington, you have two outstanding options. One is the Guaranteed Education Tuition program, known for nearly 25 years as GET. GET is a prepaid tuition program, where you purchase tuition units at today’s price, and those units can be used years down the road, no matter what type of education your student chooses to pursue or how costs change in the future. With tuition rates rising over time, locking in current rates now offers predictability and certainty for you and your student.

The other option we offer Washington families is the DreamAhead plan
. This plan offers a selection of investment portfolios that you can tailor to your student’s age and your risk tolerance. You can start an account with a contribution as small as $25. From there, your investment has the opportunity to grow through interest and appreciation. Once you’re ready to use it, the money can be applied to almost any education-related expense.

However you choose to save, keep in mind that a contribution to a student’s 529 plan makes a great gift suggestion to doting family members and friends.

We hope you consider a 529 as part of this year’s gift-giving. A contribution to an education savings account is a gift that will keep on giving for years and years to come. Visit 529.wa.gov to learn more.
--
Michael Meotti is the Executive Director of Washington Student Achievement Council, a state agency committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington.


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Shorewood Girls Wrestling 12/10/22

Fiona Blair, Finley Houck, Kiana Yoshimura
The Shorewood Girls’ Wrestling team went to Everett on Saturday, December 10, 2022 to compete in the Everett Girls Championships tournament. 

With almost 300 girls in the varsity brackets and another 100 plus in the junior varsity competitions, it was non-stop wrestling the entire day. 

Eight different StormRays won at least one match and when all was said and done Shorewood had earned 10th place out of 54 teams.

Highlighting the day for Shorewood were a trio of top 3 placers. Seniors Fiona Blair at 120 pounds and Kiana Yoshimura at 190 pounds each made runs into the semifinals before suffering their first losses of the season and finishing in 3rd place. Shorewood’s other placer was freshman Finley Houck at 110 pounds. 

Houck improved her perfect record to 7-0 by upsetting the #5 ranked wrestler in the state in the semis to make the finals. Her reward was the #3 ranked wrestler from Burlington-Edison high school. 

Houck weathered an onslaught in the first period to trail just 4-2. In the second period she was dominant, grinding her opponent down and scoring 7 points while giving up zero. Houck continued the pressure in the final period and emerged with a tough 9-6 victory and a 1st place medal.

--Clark Norton


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Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 8:30pm.

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Shorewood's Susie McDowell retires from coaching after 30 years

Susie McDowell's last team in 2022 had a hugely successful season
Photo by Kristi Lin

By Kristi and Daniel Lin

After over 30 years of coaching swimming in the Shoreline School District, Susie McDowell made the surprise decision to announce her retirement from coaching - at least a surprise to all but Susie! At the core of her decision was the reality that it was simply too difficult to commit to her second grade teaching position and coach at the same time.

2022 team with Coach Susie McDowell and Assistant Coach Jeremy Hunter
Photo by Kristi Lin

Susie grew up swimming year round in the Tri-Cities with the Tri-City Channel Cats. She was a decorated high school swimmer, achieving both Junior and Senior National qualifying standards. She garnered attention from prestigious swimming programs, deciding to swim at UW from 1985-1989 and serving as Captain during her Senior year.

Upon graduation, she knew that she loved teaching and swimming, and she started coaching in hopes of it helping her land a teaching job. Because of her gifts in both education and coaching, she excelled in both disciplines and coached from 1989-2022 with seven years as Assistant Coach and 26 years as Head Coach, totaling 33 years of inspiring and motivating kids in the classroom and in the swimming pool!

Susie fosters team spirit. 2014 team pre-meet cheer.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Susie is most proud of seeing kids happy about being a part of a team and learning how they could contribute, no matter their skill level. She felt that these attributes would serve our high school kids well throughout their entire lives as family members, friends, colleagues, parents, and mentors.

Susie was also a meticulous planner and fierce competitor. She would spend days and weeks mapping out a dual meet match-up, figuring out the lineup to optimize success which usually resulted in endless piles of chart-riddled paper strewn about her house.

2010 State Champions
One memorable meet was a 94-92 victory against Kamiak in their home pool for the 2006 WESCO South Title! Another lasting memory was the 2010 State Champion 400 Free Relay team (Annika Stenfjord, Anni Hecker, Alicia Hoverson, and Dana Michaels), with Susie standing on a chair cheering and Assistant Coach Jeremy Hunter preventing her from climbing on the table.

Susie never backed down from a good challenge, and several dual meets came down to the last race which she absolutely embraced and loved.

Susie and her daughter Emily
Photo by Kristi Lin
A particularly sweet highlight for Susie was the opportunity to coach her daughter Emily from 2015-2018, thinking initially that she might hang up the whistle and stopwatch after Emily’s graduation, but thankfully hanging on to her coaching mission for four more years.

Susie gracefully leaves Shoreline coaching after a hugely successful season – 1st place JV Championship, 2nd place District Varsity Championship , with swimmers posting personal-best times, culminating in a 15th place finish at the 3A Washington State Championships.

The community will miss Susie, as she helped with the successful transition from the now permanently closed Shoreline pool to the new site at Innis Arden at the height of the pandemic.

Swim team training at Innis Arden pool
Photo by Susie McDowell

See Susie's article on the venue change from indoor to outdoor pool 

She absolutely loved serving and mentoring the swim team youth. Susie feels immensely honored and proud to have been a part of high school athletics for the past three decades and feels that high school participation represents the best things about sports for our children.

While Susie is still hopeful that Shoreline will find resources for a public indoor pool, she is grateful for all the opportunities and experiences that Shoreline has offered and thankful for all the support for Shorewood Swim Team.

Congratulations, Coach Susie, on all your excellent hard work and success for our Shoreline student-athletes!



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Winter Driving: A tale of two tire types

Winter traction tires use a rubber blend that stays
flexible, almost sticky, when the temperatures
drop below freezing. Photo courtesy WSDOT
Just a couple of months ago, we were basking in a weirdly warm early fall, with the thermometer flirting with 80 degrees. 

Who had winter traction tires on their mind? Not this guy, because too hot!

What a difference four weeks makes.

With overnight temperatures below freezing, WSDOT crews have been spraying anti-icer on highway travel lanes that can get slick from overnight frost or potential lowland snow. 

So, a couple of weeks ago I performed my annual ritual and mounted dedicated winter rubber on our rigs for safer winter driving.

Winter traction tires use a rubber blend that stays flexible, almost sticky, when temperatures drop below freezing. 

Between the special rubber and aggressive tread pattern, winter tires stick to a slick road surface so you have more control over how your vehicle stops, turns and goes than you would with standard tires. 

Even my impractical Mazda Miata convertible can get around fine with four good winter traction tires.

If you need to cross mountain passes this winter, dedicated winter traction tires are the way to go (studded tires are legal now through March 31). They’re the only way to cross a mountain pass when weather forces WSDOT to declare TRACTION TIRES REQUIRED, short of chains.

Please prepare for winter travel. You don’t want to be the driver who causes a blocking spinout on the pass when traction tires are advised or required. We’re all in this together. Be patient. Be courteous. Be smart. That will help keep traffic flowing.

--Article by the anonymous WSDOT Snohomish County traffic guy


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Gloria's Insects: Well, yeah, it LOOKS like a Flying Stick Bug.

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

And that's what the internet says this is! I'm open to other opinions;)
Made the shot in our yard a couple of weeks ago.

Update! Turns out it’s a Plume Moth! Sure doesn’t look like a moth.

--Gloria Z. Nagler



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LFP Holiday Market from Third Place Commons on Sunday, December 18, 2022

Hope you’ve started your shopping list because it’s almost time for Third Place Commons’ annual Lake Forest Park Holiday Farmers Market and Crafts Fair.

There will be no better place to shop for last minute gifts and all your holiday meals than this coming Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 10am to 2pm.

Don’t miss an amazing line-up of artisans and crafters stretching across both locations with a virtually endless array of unique, handmade jewelry, ceramics, metal art, bags, clothing, drawings and prints, photography, housewares, candles, holiday cards, and more.

Whatever you need – from stocking stuffers to show-stoppers – the LFP Holiday Market will be the place to find it, including work from several new vendors who weren’t at the market in November. So whether you’re heading back for something you saw last time or looking for something new, you’ll find it at the market on Sunday!

Of course, there’s nothing better than seasonal, fresh food for your holiday table. So you definitely won’t want to miss the LFP Farmers Market, which will be jam-packed with the freshest and best in Washington grown and produced fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, wines, baked goods, and more.

Among the farm vendors, you’ll see familiar faces from Garden Treasures, Well Fed Farm, Sidhu Farm, Martin Family, and if the pass is open, Alvarez Organics and Bautista.

For sweet treats, look to Doll House Baked Goods, Pete’s Perfect Toffee, and Browned and Toasted. If savory treats are on the list, stop by Cascade Valley Farm, the Mediterranean, or Holmquist Hazelnuts.

If you need a main dish or extra side, get the good stuff from Wilson Fish, Mollie Bear Farm, and La Pasta. Pick up the condiments and flavoring you need from 11 Olives Olive Oil and The Black Flag BBQ Sauces and Rubs. And don’t forget to lubricate with adult beverages from Lopez Island Vineyards and Greenwood Cider.

Both artisans and food vendors are still being added, so check the Third Place Commons website for the full, most up-to-date list.

Once again this Sunday, the market event will be spread between both the regular market location outside and inside the lower lobby of the Town Center at Lake Forest Park. Be sure to visit both locations so you don’t miss a thing!

If you want to use your SNAP benefits, just drop by the info table in the lower lobby of Town Center before you shop the food vendors. And yes, if you still have 2022 Market Bucks, you can still spend them with the food vendors, too!

So start making your lists and checking them twice because all the magic happens this Sunday, December 18th from 10-2pm at the Town Center at Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE. See you at the market!

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



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Shorewood Boys Wrestling 12/10/2022

Shorewood boys wrestling senior captains and coach Derek Norton
Photo by Clark Norton
The Shorewood Boys’ wrestling team squared off in the Gator Invite at Decatur High School in Federal Way on Saturday, December 11, 2022.

The StormRays were led by their quartet of senior captains (above). 
  • Alberto Solano placed 3rd at 182 pounds, 
  • Isaac Van Horn placed 1st at 152 pounds, 
  • Hunter Tibodeau placed 1st at 220 pounds, and 
  • Milan Johnson placed 1st at 285 pounds. 
As a team Shorewood took home a 7th place finish.
Hunter Tibodeau placed #1
The win by Tibodeau, ranked #1 in 3A, was particularly impressive as he faced off against the Johnathan Gessert of Curtis, the top ranked wrestler in the 4A classification. Both wrestlers lost in the state finals last season and are on quests to grab a state title this year. 

Tibodeau used an early takedown to seize the lead and controlled the entire match as he cruised to an 8-2 victory. With the win, Tibodeau improved his record to 8-0 on the season.
Milan Johnson took the #1 spot at 285 pounds and Isaac Van Horn placed 1st at 152 pounds. Both are senior captains on the Shorewood StormRays wrestling team.

--Report and photos by Clark Norton



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Do not be alarmed to see first responders at your local school in 2023

Maintaining safe and secure schools with ideal conditions for all students to learn and grow is a top priority for Shoreline Schools. 

To help us keep students, staff, and school visitors safe and cared for when at our sites, we are partnering with the cities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, Shoreline Fire, Lake Forest Park Police, and Shoreline Police to conduct safety and security assessments of our buildings.

With several new and remodeled buildings in our district and after the COVID-related disruptions to schooling over the last few years, now is an important time for our first responders to conduct safety and security assessments of our buildings.

These school visits will take place over the next few months outside of the school day, typically on weekends or school breaks when there are not large-scale activities taking place. 

You may see first responder vehicles at a school building while we hold these visits.

Understanding that police presence at schools any day of the week can be alarming to members of our community, we wanted to let you know that these visits will be taking place.

We anticipate the visits will occur between the dates of December 19 and February 26.

We appreciate the support of and continued partnership with local law enforcement and emergency responders to help us keep our school community as safe and secure as possible.

Student, staff, family, and community partnership is also critical in maintaining safe learning spaces for all; if you have a safety concern, you may quickly, easily, and anonymously report it via this anonymous safety tip line.

If you have questions or concerns about the planned school safety and security assessments described above, please contact public.info@ssd412.org



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A fabulous season for Shorecrest girls varsity soccer

Monday, December 12, 2022


The Shorecrest varsity girls soccer team had an outstanding season this year.
  • WESCO 3A League Champions with a record of 14-1-1
  • District 1 3A Champions*
  • Finished 4th in 3A State Girls Soccer
Overall record was 18-3-1  
  • a team high 15 shutouts
  • 5 shutouts through the post season until reaching the semi-finals. 
There were only 3 games the whole season that they did not score a goal (1 in regular season and then the semi-finals and consolation game).  

They only allowed 9 goals in total against us (5 regular season and 4 post season).

They placed 3 players on WESCO 1st team, 4 on Second team, and 4 received Honorable mention.  

Their semi-final game was vs. Bellevue who became the 3A state Champ.

*This was Mindy Dalziel's first district title in her 22 year career coaching at Shorecrest.

Next year looks good too, as only three seniors are graduating.

Correction: Mindy has coached for 22 seasons. This year was her first district title.


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Taproot Theatre and British themed Christmas party at St. Dunstan's Saturday

This Saturday December 17, 2022 at 2pm Saint Dunstan’s The Church that Feeds People is hosting Taproot Theatre for a performance of An Improvised Christmas Carol by Randy Dixon.

Following the performance, there will be a British Themed Christmas Party. There will be Figgy Pudding to try, as well as mincemeat treats, some sausage rolls and other yummy treats.

The event is free. Free Will Donations will go to support the Feeding Ministry. 

This ministry serves a community dinner each Tuesday at 5pm and distributes hot meals to two local tent encampments and two tiny houses locations. The funds are used to supplement the gleaning we are able to do from local stores and are helpful to continuing to be able to serve our local food insecure neighbors.

St. Dunstan's is located at 722 N 145th St, Shoreline WA 98133



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Shoreline Emergency Cold Weather Shelter will be open Tuesday December 13, 2022

The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 8:30pm.

The shelter is housed at St. Dunstan’s Church at 722 N 145th St, Shoreline WA 98133.




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Garden Guy: Gifting Plants for the Holidays

By Bruce Bennett


If you have been a gardener for more than a few years, you have probably been pegged by those around you as a gardening authority and someone who is all about plants. If that’s the case, gift-giving is a snap for you. Gifting a plant will make perfect sense. You just need to know the right plant to give to someone. 

And, let’s face it, plants are one of those presents that will keep on providing happy thoughts for years to come. They can also help stave off seasonal depression, improve air quality in their environment and enhance room decor. 

The fact that they are also readily available for last minute shopping and can be very budget-friendly only helps to make your decision the easier. They are, quite simply, great Christmas and holiday gifts, and, you get to take the credit for them. But, of all the possibilities, what are the best plants for you to give as gifts?

Poinsettia - not a good idea for a gift
Knowing your recipient is the most important part of choosing a houseplant as a gift. A water-sipping succulent might be most appropriate for a busy on-the-go type of friend, while a shade-tolerant fern could fit better in a shady apartment with an observant owner. 

If the potential recipient is already a plant-lover, consider an unusual choice that may test their skills. In any case, including a ceramic pot and a bag of the appropriate potting mix can be an excellent addition to the Christmas / Hanukkah plant package you decide to pull together.

That said, before you decide to give a plant as a gift, if you don’t already have the answers to these questions, do a bit of research first so you’re sure that it’s the right type of plant to give:
  1. The next time you are in your friend’s home, check the light levels where plants might be well placed.
  2. Is your friend allergic to flowers? If so, giving succulents or other foliage plants as a gift will be better than flowering plants.
  3. Does your friend have a pet? If so, make sure the plant you are gifting isn’t poisonous to the type of pet they have.
  4. Does your friend hate a certain color? Then avoid giving plants that have that flower color (or that have flowers at all).
If you know that your friend would like a plant for the holidays, but you just don’t know which plant to choose, that’s why I’m here - to provide a few ideas for you. Generally speaking, there are three gift-able types of indoor plants that make excellent holiday gifts: traditional, easy-to-care-for, and extra-special.

Christmas cactus
Among the traditional category, the first thought is probably the ever-popular red-leaved Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima - above). 

Restrain yourself from giving this one. Not only is it too ubiquitous and obvious a gift, it is also a short-timer in the horticultural scheme of things. By the end of the holidays, both the green leaves and red bracts will begin shriveling and falling off. Then, if someone is attempting to recolor the plant for the next holiday season, there are the months of plant sequestration in a dark room and ….... Well, just don’t do it! 

Instead, consider something hardier, like the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii - shown) or one of its cousins, Thanksgiving Cactus and Easter Cactus, with their nice pink, white, orange and flowers which bloom for more than a month and require minimum maintenance and do well in full sun to part-shade.

Paperwhites
Bulbs are another way to go. You can easily wrap unsprouted bulbs or give ones that have emerged from dormancy and has green leaves growing. 

Amaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna) and the ever-fragrant Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus - shown) are the Christmas poster children for bulbs. 

And, you could also include Hyacinths, Grape Hyacinths and Daffodils in this mix of possibilities. Keep the plant in a well-lit area. 

When the blooms drop later in the winter, cut the flower stalk and keep the leaves until those also die back for the season. 

With proper care, bulbs can happily survive to enhance several holiday seasons.

Rosemary
Another of the traditional plants would be every Italian cook’s favorite aromatic herb, Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis). 

Often trimmed into the shape of a mini-Christmas tree, they make excellent, multi-purpose hostess gifts. 

They can remain an indoor potted herb to be snipped as needed for a meal or can be planted in the yard this coming spring and will grow much larger and have small light blue flowers. 

No matter whether indoors or out, give them as much sunlight as possible.

Spider plant
Among the easy-to-care-for category, consider one of the following: For bright-light areas, the Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is an old favorite. 

It can be kept as a bushy, pot-sized plant or left to grow its hanging branches from which will grow youngsters upon youngsters down to some four feet long. 

Smaller sun lovers could include Succulents, colorful Bromeliads and the extremely low-maintenance Air Plants (Tillandsia) (which can grow nicely in suspended glass balls). 

For a typical shady room, take a look at the upright Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) and Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior), as well as the ever-popular hanging/climbing Philodendron (Philodendron).

Norfolk Island Pine
Among the extra-special plant category, I’d include reasonably easy-growing plants such as the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla - shown), Bonsai (various species), Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) and the ever red-flowered Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum). 

In the wilds of the South Pacific, the Norfolk Pine can reach some 200’ tall, while in the average living room, that height will max-out at around 6’ (just right for a layered living Christmas tree in its own right). 

The Moth Orchid is, arguably, one of the easiest orchids to grow. And, the Anthurium has bright red, green, and white colors that can constantly bloom for long periods making them an excellent indoor color spot year-round. 

The blooms are distinctive heart-shaped waxy red spathes with yellow tail-like flower spikes.

Holiday plants aren’t a one-size-fits-all gift. Get your green-thumbed friend something that really suits his or her fancy. Remember, both the friend and you could be looking at that holiday gift for many years to come. Allow one to remember your thoughtfulness and consideration while you, inwardly, smile at your educated and right-on plant gift-giving decision. 

Happy Holidays! to you and yours and Happy Gardening all year long!

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

If you have questions concerning this article and your own landscape or care to suggest a gardening topic for a future column, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@gmail.com.

Previous columns by Bruce Bennett here




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