Creating art at Echo Lake Elementary brought the community together

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Community art project at Echo Lake Elementary shows their heart
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

By Kaija Dalan

The Echo Lake Elementary PTA started doing a community art night as a way to both beautify the school and connect as a school community. 

Art brings people together and it is one of the easiest ways to open conversations with others. It was so fun to watch both kids and parents be creative.

They were painting 4x4 squares of wood. Being only 4x4 they didn’t have to make anything elaborate so pressure was low.

I never know exactly how things will turn out. I have a tentative plan in my head but kids are hard to plan for, so flexibility and adaptability are critical.

When all the pieces were done, and ready to go on the fence along Ashworth at the school, we didn’t know exactly how we were going to hang them till we started. 

We tried different layouts on the sidewalk. The heart was created on the spot with all the assorted colored pieces. So it’s always cool to see how things turn out.

Kids love showing off what they did and trying to find their square on the fence.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

PTA will continue to try to bring the community together with events like this, back to school bbq, trunk-or-treat, science night etc. 

Since Covid people are longing for the connections with others and the school. So we are trying to create new and reestablish old traditions to foster that.
 
Next year, and until the budget issue is rectified, we will need families at the school more than ever to support our kids and staff. 

We hope PTA events like this will help encourage families to participate in whatever manner that they can because they feel comfortable and connected and proud of the school. 

It took hundreds of hands to make the new art, each piece unique and different. It wouldn’t have been the same if just a few people did it. It took the whole Echo Lake community to make it as unique and special as it is.

Dunn Lumber graciously donated all the wood, so that was amazing. Big thank you to them for supporting local schools and the PTA.


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Friendship Adventures car wash fundraiser Saturday June 24, 2023

 
Car wash fundraiser for Friendship Adventures on Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 12pm - 4pm behind their building at 1206 N 185th St, Shoreline WA 98133.

Cars $6 and trucks $10 - and if you want to volunteer you are welcome. All proceeds benefit their day program.

Friendship Adventures is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities by providing social, recreational and educational activities in a safe, engaging environment while promoting inclusion, building interpersonal skills, confidence and lifelong friendships one smile at a time. 

For additional information contact faad@friendshipadventures.org


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More than $300 million awarded across the state to support clean water projects

The City of Pasco is receiving a $52 million loan from the state to support their process water reuse plant, which will reduce pressure on the city's wastewater treatment plant (seen here) and help protect the Columbia River.  Photo courtesy Dept of Ecology

OLYMPIA – More than 125 clean water projects across Washington are on the list to receive $313 million in grants and loans from the Department of Ecology.

Ecology’s Water Quality Combined Funding program supports communities by helping them upgrade wastewater treatment and sewer systems, manage polluted stormwater, and complete other projects to prevent and clean up diffuse sources of pollution, also known as nonpoint pollution.

Nearly 90% of the funding Ecology’s water quality program receives is passed through to local communities to support environmental and infrastructure projects. 

Washington’s clean-water funding is a mix of state and federal funds dedicated toward improving and protecting water quality.

In 2021, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and reauthorized the Capitalization Grant, which contributes funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. 

In Washington state, this funding included $36 million focused on assisting small, financially disadvantaged communities, and $3 million in forgivable loans to address emerging contaminants such as 6PPD – a chemical used in vehicle tires that has been linked to salmon mortality.

For more information, including access to an interactive map of funded projects and the final offer list, please visit the Water Quality Combined Funding program funding cycles webpage.

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Shoreview Park Playground closed June 26-27, 2023 for maintenance work

Playground at Shoreview Park will close for maintenance two days in July
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

The playground at Shoreview Park will be closed June 26 and 27, 2023 while maintenance crews from Shoreline recoat the surface. 

This is part of the regular maintenance work for playgrounds and ensures the long life of the rubber pad underneath.  

Please do not use the playground equipment or walk on the rubber surface until we have removed the closed signs. 
The new coating needs time to cure before it can be used. 


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Local Students to participate in ACLU Summer Institute in Washington D.C.


WASHINGTON, D.C. — This month the American Civil Liberties Union is hosting its annual Summer Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C. for rising junior and senior high school students that will give students the tools they need to engage in their communities on issues around civil liberties and civil rights.

Maylat Esayas and Naomi Takie of Shorewood High School are joining nearly 200 high school students from across the country for the opportunity to receive first-hand experience from lawyers, lobbyists, community activists, and other experts dedicated to defending these constitutional rights.

From June 30 - July 6, 2023 participating students will engage with lawyers and political activists to build expertise and knowledge in advocacy – including issues such as criminal justice reform, voting rights, and religious freedom; participate in debates; and develop successful media and social networking strategies, all while observing policy development on Capitol Hill. 

The students will also take part in a day of action during the institute. They will be taking to the steps of the Capitol on July 5th to fight for trans justice and gender affirming care.

This year’s Summer Institute speakers include:

Students will also attend a young influencer panel entitled "Social Media Change-Makers: The Power of Online Activism.” The panel will be moderated by Schuyler Bailar, the first transgender athlete to compete on an NCAA Division I men’s team at Harvard, and feature:
  • Jameelah Jones, Interim Audience Editor at Scalawag Magazine with a focus on social media, DE, and inclusive content creation
  • Annie Wu Henry, Creative Director at AAPI Victory Fund and Digital Consultant for the Working Families Party

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Prolific Mail Thief indicted for nine federal felonies

Postal van by Joel Moysuh on Unsplash.com
The suspect in a series of mail vehicle and mail key thefts was indicted on June 21, 2023 by a federal grand jury for nine federal felonies, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. 

Johny Mixayboua, 27, was arrested on a criminal complaint last month and is now charged with three counts of theft of government property, unlawful possession of a postal key, mail theft, possession of stolen mail, illegal transactions with a credit or debit card, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

According to records in the case, on December 28, 2022, a U.S. Postal Service vehicle was stolen from the 6300 block of South Bangor Street in Seattle. In the vehicle was a postal key that is used to access the cluster mailbox units in the 98178 zip code. 

The key allows the postal worker to open the back of the cluster box to deliver mail to multiple households. Since the theft of the vehicle and postal key, there have been numerous reports of cluster boxes in zip code 98178 being opened and mail stolen.

Working with neighbors, the Postal Inspection Service was able to get door camera footage showing the person accessing the postal boxes. Neighbors reported credit cards being stolen and attempts being made to use them. Inspectors were able to review images from when the credit card attempts occurred and ultimately identified Mixayboua as the person stealing the mail and attempting to use the stolen credit cards.

Additionally, local law enforcement determined that vehicles used in a number of the mail theft incidents were reported stolen.

On January 17, 2023, two more Postal Service vehicles were stolen. One in the 3000 block of Beach Drive SW and a second one in the 3600 block of 57th SW. Both are in zip code 98116. Using doorbell camera footage from the block where one of the vehicles was recovered, investigators allegedly saw Mixayboua removing mail and parcels from the stolen postal vehicle and putting them in another vehicle. 

Again, law enforcement traced credit cards stolen from the mail and obtained surveillance footage that appears to show Mixayboua attempting to make purchases with the credit cards.

On January 30, 2023, a fourth postal vehicle was stolen – this time from the 2000 block of S. Columbian Way in Seattle. On March 28, 2023, a fifth postal vehicle was stolen from the 5700 block of S. 129th Ave. 

One of the people associated with the theft matches a description of Mixayboua. In late January and February, the mail theft incidents continued -- this time in the Snoqualmie, Washington area. The cluster boxes were opened with either a counterfeit or authentic postal key. Again, credit cards were stolen, and one was linked to images of Mixayboua making purchases at Target.

Throughout April, mail thefts continued from as far north as Lake Forest Park, which has 21 cases of mail theft from locking mailboxes at apartment buildings, and as far south as southeast Seattle.

The postal service halted deliveries in zip code 98118 for about a week while investigators worked to track down and arrest Mixayboua.

Mixaboua apparently was living in a vehicle near a relative’s home. When he was arrested, law enforcement found a firearm that he threw into the bushes while attempting to run away and ammunition in the vehicle, resulting in the last two counts in the indictment. 

Mixayboua is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple felony convictions in King County for auto theft, possession of stolen property, and bail jumping.

Mail theft and possession of stolen mail are punishable by up to five years in prison. Theft of government property and unlawful possession of postal keys are punishable by up to ten years in prison. Illegal transactions on an access device, possession of ammunition, and being a felon in possession of a firearm are punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) worked diligently to get Mixayboua into custody.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elyne Vaught.


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King County receives Secretary of Defense Freedom Award for support of National Guard and Reserve

King County has been honored with a 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in recognition of its support of National Guard and Reserve members.

Only 15 recipients were selected for the award, which is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to small and large private and public sector employers for their exceptional support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

“King County is deeply honored by this award,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“Military personnel bring an unmistakable can-do attitude, proven effectiveness working in diverse environments, and a rock-solid sense of duty and service, which is exactly what we want at King County. 
"We are committed to supporting our Guard and Reserve employees and their families, and we are stronger for their contributions – as an employer and a community.”
More information here


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Jobs: WSDOT Local Agency Compliance Engineer (TE3)

WSDOT
Local Agency Compliance Engineer (TE3)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$73,244 – $98,532 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Local Agency Compliance Engineer (TE3) to administer and deliver federal and state grant programs to local agencies in the Northwest Region. 

WSDOT’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality for people, and businesses. This position directly supports this mission by providing education, direction, and guidance to Local Agencies, helping them navigate the project delivery and contract administration processes while meeting Federal and State Requirements, and ultimately delivering transportation projects that improve communities they serve.

Job description and application


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Shoreline police have technology to quickly identify drugs

TruNarc identifies illegal drugs

Identifying illegal drugs comes with numerous risks, including exposure to harmful substances. 

To protect our officers from the dangers of drug exposure such as fentanyl, the Shoreline Police has implemented TruNarc; a handheld device that uses laser technology to identify substances quickly and accurately.

With the push of a button, TruNarc determines the chemical composition of drugs, through transparent packaging such as bags or glass bottles, in a matter of seconds. 

This helps prevent accidents, reduce risks to individuals, and the community.
 
With innovative technologies and commitment to safety, we can work towards creating a safer and more secure community for everyone.


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For the Birds: Nestling crows leave home before they can fly

Maaaaaaa!
Carl the Crow calls for his mother

By Christine Southwick
Photos by Peggy Bartleson

Do you have a crow on the ground, making a loud noise? Unless you see blood, or a hanging wing, it is probably not injured. It is most likely a nestling crow which has left its nest before it can fly. Most crows leave the nest early for safety reasons. Nests, with their “feed ME” sounds, are lures for predators — raccoons, hawks, owls, eagles. The sooner nestlings are strong enough to leave their nests and hide, the more likely that they will survive.

Feed me!
Carl the crow begging parent for food

And do not fear; the parents are watching, dive-bombing cats and other dangers, and feeding their youngsters on a regular basis. Sometimes a couple of youngsters will hang together, but more often they will go their separate ways, thus increasing their probability of survival. The parents know where each is, and are feeding them appropriately.

Don’t let the nestlings’ size fool you. When they leave the nest, they are 80% or more of their adult weight. Their legs are already adult size, and their wing feathers are nearly full grown. But they are still babies. They will often tip side to side as they walk, making them look a trifle drunken. Part of the problem is that they don’t have their tail feathers yet to act as their rudders.

Carl being fed by his parent

The pictures are of a neighborhood nestling. I first saw it five afternoons ago. The first neighbor didn’t know what to do, but had put out some tuna fish. Baby crows have to have the food stuffed down their throats—so putting out food won’t help nestlings.

The next morning that baby had moved across the street, near a house with a known hunter cat. The parents dive-bombed that cat until it started lying elsewhere. Now the little crow is staying at a house where the owner watches daily, but doesn’t crowd it. The parents feel comfortable in the yard, and Carl the crow (that’s what the neighbor calls it), struts around more steadily every day, and hides in the flowers at night.

Still no tail feathers - Carl is grounded

It still doesn’t have tail feathers yet, but will soon.

Remember, most birds found walking about on the ground are not abandoned, and don’t need human “help”. Keep your pet away from the area that the bird is staying, and wait about a week. It will fly away then.

More info about baby crows and what/what not to do, here.

Find more For the Birds columns HERE

Reprinted from 2014 and 2019


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Seattle Police seek information in homicide on north Aurora Friday

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Homicide at 137th and Aurora
Photo courtesy Seattle Police

Police are investigating a shooting that killed one person along the Aurora Avenue corridor early Friday, June 16, 2023.

Shortly after 4:00am, North Precinct officers responded to a 911 call about a person shot in front of a business in the 13700 block of Aurora Avenue in Seattle.

When officers arrived, they found a deceased male with a gunshot wound. Witness information indicated the suspect left the scene in a vehicle prior to police arriving.

Members of the Crime Scene Investigations Unit responded to the scene alongside Homicide detectives who will lead the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident please call the Seattle Police Department (SPD) Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.



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UW Med: Anxiety and depression are related to what we eat

Free lectures from Dr. Iman Majd
How and what you eat influences how you think, according to numerous studies. 

Dr. Iman Majd will discuss this connection Thursday evening, June 22, 2023 in a free online lecture. 

He directs UW Medicine’s Osher Center for Integrative Health and is an associate professor of family medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

“Gut health and brain health are intimately connected, and this is an emerging field that is just coming forward in the recent years,” Majd said. 
“Studies have shown that emotions, such as feelings of anxiety and depression, can be affected by the inflammation we have in the gut and is related to what we eat.”

Find out more and register for the free lecture series on the brain-gut connection in this article on the UW Medicine Newsroom.


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Fire training in North City brings together north end fire departments

A Woodinville fire truck in front of the 'burning' building
Photo by Mike Remarcke
On Tuesday, June 20, 2023 crews practiced ventilating commercial buildings and cutting defensive trench cuts to protect occupancies in a strip mall, under the auspices of the North King County Training Consortium. 

Shoreline brought their truck with the 105' ladder, which was used as a bridge this time.
Photo by Mike Remarcke
Wood Partners donated the building which is going to be torn down.

The building housed Leena's Cafe, which has plans to reopen in the apartment building which will be constructed on the site.

Crossing the 'bridge' to the fire truck
Photo by Mike Remarcke
Excited at the chance of training in a commercial building, fire departments from Shoreline, Bothell, and Woodinville sent rigs and fire crews to the exercise.

A 105' ladder requires an external brace
Photo by Mike Remarcke
Smoke and smells permeated the business district from the straw burning in the building. An alarm sounded steadily from inside the building, doing its job to notify occupants of a fire.

Practice included the use of regular ladders from the trucks.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Shoreline sent their ladder truck along with other fire vehicles. Crews used regular ladders as well. 

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

At times there were 20 people on the roof.

The debriefing begins.
Photo by Mike Remarcke
Fire departments take every opportunity to train their firefighters, under all kinds of conditions.

--Diane Hettrick

Correction: the ladder is twice the length stated in the original story! 105' long.


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Kids In Medicine Summer camp on college campus in July

Camp participants will immerse themselves in a fictitious, yet realistic, simulated crime and spend the week solving the case. 

Collected evidence from the recreated scene is analyzed using eight different fields of forensic science. 

There are 12 forensic science labs and activities daily and guest experts will teach alongside professional camp staff. 

Each day is infused with entertaining intrigue where camp participants view video footage of suspect interactions that leak clues and potential motive. 

On the last day, teams interrogate their main suspect, and present their cases to a prosecuting attorney. A short reveal-film of what “actually” happened concludes the camp.

Dates: 7/17/2023 - 7/21/2023
Times: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fee: $475.00
For rising 7th-9th graders (Ages 12 – 15)

Sponsored by Kids in Medicine and Science (KIMSeattle) and hosted at Shoreline Community College 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.

Email for more information: info@kimseattle.org.


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Schools Out BBQ at the Shoreline Teen Center

Come to our annual Schools Out BBQ at the Shoreline Teen Center!

This Friday, June 23, 2023 from 3-8pm

Location: Richmond Highlands Rec Center and Park!

Lawn games, volleyball, kickball, home run derby, food, snacks, sugary treats, and more!

ALL FREE!

Open to Youth 6th grade-18 y/o
Teen Center Hours 2:30 - 9:00pm
For middle school and high school students only. The Shoreline Teen Center is a drop-in free program sponsored by the City of Shoreline that provides a safe place for teens to have fun. We serve ages 12-18 Teens are supervised by City staff and are provided with engaging activities. Our Mission is to support youth making successful life choices by offering engaging programs that foster a sense of identity, leadership and community.


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Shorecrest grad inducted into Utah State University Athletics Hall of Fame

Denae Mohlman Pruden
Photo courtesy Utah State
Denae Mohlman Pruden (Shorecrest 1997) was recently inducted into the Utah State University Athletics Hall of Fame. Before she played volleyball for the Aggies in Logan, Utah, she was a dynamite volleyball player for the Scots.

Her high school coach, Dave Morehouse, remembered the Denae Mohlman he coached. 

“Denae was a great player, an extremely hard worker, very DRIVEN to be the best on the court - a great teammate. 
'She was very different off the court, she had a very gentle spirit. 
"She still holds the all-time school record for kills in a varsity match with 45 in a five-set match against Cascade HS back in 1996. She was a GREAT kid.”


At USU, she was a three-time first-team all-conference player. Today, she resides in Hyrum, Utah, with her husband, David, and their five kids. She’s doing the important work of an elementary school teacher.

Denae is the daughter of Dave and Marian Mohlman of Shoreline.

--Sports Desk



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Shoreline Fire to do a training burn at Leena's Restaurant building Tuesday

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Leena's Cafe building will be the site of live fire training on Tuesday
photo by Mike Remarcke

FOLLOW-UP: See the action here

Tuesday around noon, Shoreline Fire will train with live fire in North City. 

The new owner of the building that was Leena’s cafe made the contribution of the use of their building. 

This will be clean burning of pallets and straw. 

Thanks for the donations we receive to train in “real” as possible settings. This prepares us to handle your emergencies! 

Interested in donating?  Learning more?  Call 206-533-6500.

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Pediatric, skilled nursing home opens in Shoreline


All photos by TH Photography except as noted

On the eve of the COVID 19 pandemic construction started on the first 15-bed, pediatric skilled nursing facility in Washington State. 

Years had passed since the Ashley House Organization had the vision of serving medically fragile children, youth, young adults and their families in Washington State. 

Bridges to Home

With the perseverance of the Ashley House organization and the support of a network of hospitals and care centers, the complex and highly anticipated facility overcame regulatory and licensing obstacles to fill this need across the country.

Ashley House was created in 1989 by a small group of individuals who recognized that there was a gap in services available to medically fragile children and their families. Prior to the creation of Ashley House, medically fragile and complex children stayed in hospitals longer than necessary, resided in adult nursing homes or were placed out of state far away from their families. 

Main courtyard from entry

When children with severe medical diagnoses leave the hospital, they often still need complex medical care. Ashley House provides transition between hospital and home for children who require complex care. 

Until now their services were provided with renovated single-family homes that allow up to six kids.

Entry and Reception

Bridges to Home, the new 15-bed, pediatric skilled nursing facility in Shoreline Washington, is the first of its kind and will not only set a precedent for other facilities, it will allow Ashley House to provide the next level of care and provide needed support to acute care centers like Seattle Children's Hospital

Consultation Room

The design team focused on how the spaces would support care providers as well as how the facility would provide the best possible experience for families that are going through these incredible endeavors. 

“We wanted to provide some WOW factors as well as places of respite from the overwhelming weight of seeing a child connected to such intensive medical equipment,” the lead architect noted. 

The Common Room

The facility provides two outdoor courts for kids and their families to “get a breath of fresh air”, a beautiful common room with lots of activities for the kids, as well as a literal bridge at the main entry in the home-like environment.

Neighbors called the original residence "The Mansion" Photo from Google Maps

The project started as a non-conforming, over-sized, single-family home in the Echo Lake neighborhood of Shoreline. 

Gabbert Architects Planners, the lead for the design team, worked with the City of Shoreline to modify the land-use code to allow the facility in the residential zoning, as well as how the facility would comply with the other municipal code regulations.

Ashley House staff maintained close communication with the neighbors and the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association, all of whom were fully supportive of the project.

The facility can serve 15 patients

One particularly encumbering requirement was the parking regulation that required half of the twelve (12) required spaces to be within the building. This eliminated the potential to use the basement for patient care and required the project to provide a drive aisle through the single-family structure and back out to the street, without adding any more impervious surface to the already non-conforming site.

Gabbert Architects Planners also worked with the Washington State Department of Health to align the facility with the intent of the regulations created for adult or general skilled nursing facilities. 

Patient room

Because federal and state regulations are written for beds rather than cribs, many of the operational requirements were discussed considering the standard of care that Ashley House already provides in their other facilities and how it will work at the larger scale.

Nurses station from hall

Construction got underway just as the Covid 19 pandemic hit the economy. Given the severity of the virus and the fragility of the kids that Ashley House cares for, many adjustments were made to the already tightly designed facility that needed approval from many authorities.

Now the facility is open and can begin admitting patients who are ready to leave Children's but not ready for home. It truly is a Bridge.

Correction: Photos are by TH Photography


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Humor: When your dog is a pillow

This one-frame cartoon is from Margaret Hartley's latest zine, When Your Dog is a Pillow, which is currently on sale at the Shorelake Gallery Arts Shop on lower level lobby of Lake Forest Park Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.



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"Best in Shoreline" pet show to be hosted by Parkwood Neighborhood Association at Twin Ponds Park

On Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 2 - 5pm, Parkwood Neighborhood Association will host their annual summer picnic in the park. 

This year, there will be a pet contest titled "Best in Shoreline," where ALL Shoreline residents are invited and encouraged to register their pet (not just dogs!) in the contest. 

There will be awards and prizes for winning contestants, and judges will include local favorites such as Shoreline City Councilmember Chris Roberts. 

Best in Shoreline pet categories to include: Best Trick, Most Free-spirited, Most Fashionable, Best Kid Pet Handler, and more! 

It is highly recommended to pre-register pet contestants here

"Best in Shoreline" will take place at Twin Ponds Park, 16501 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155

The pet show starts at 3pm. Soccer fields will be open to the public for free use from 3-6pm, with free ice cream served to Parkwood residents from 2-3pm. The pet contest will take place in the green space between the playground and the soccer field.
 
Bring the whole family (including furry friends!) and celebrate all that pets of Parkwood and the greater Shoreline area have to offer!


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Wildfires: Oasis Fire in Walla Walla county - 1500 acres and growing

Monday, June 19, 2023


Walla Walla County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Oasis Fire located in Walla Walla County, near the town of Touchet. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on June 19, 2023, at 5:00pm at the request of Fire Chief Rusty Waite, Walla Walla County Fire District 6.

The Oasis Fire started on June 19, 2023, at approximately 3:22pm. This fire is estimated at 1,500 acres and growing. It is burning in grass and sage and is threatening agriculture, homes, and infrastructure. 

No evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation


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2023 WSU Master Gardener Advanced Education Conference in Tacoma September 27-30, 2023

Tacoma, WA – Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State in partnership with the WSU Master Gardener State Program will present the 2023 WSU Master Gardener Advanced Education Conference, taking place at Marriott Tacoma Downtown on September 27-30, 2023.

The Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State and the WSU Master Gardener State Program are proud to announce the 50th Anniversary of the Master Gardener Program. 

The Master Gardener Program is WSU Extension’s flagship volunteer program; a grassroots, sociologic movement that started at Washington State University in 1973 and was emulated across the United States and into Canada and South Korea. 

The conference will be the culminating event of a year-long anniversary celebration. The 2023 Advanced Education Conference offers top-notch classes and instructors, and significant WSU-approved continuing education hours to statewide Extension Master Gardeners who serve our communities here in Washington State. 

The WSU Master Gardener Advanced Education Conference is open to the public.

Early registration closes on June 30, 2023


Keynote speaker Michael Blackstock
In addition to keynote speaker, Michael Blackstock (Gitxsan name: Ama Goodim Gyet), writer visual artist, forester and founder of the Blue EcologyÔ theory, there will be 35 speakers on diverse topics such as biodiversity, pollinators, climate change, soil health and nearby nature. 

The Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State is instrumental in providing funding to advance the Master Gardener Program and education through horticultural-based research generated through Washington State University and affiliated university systems. 

WSU Extension Master Gardeners empower and sustain diverse communities with relevant and unbiased, research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education.



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Father's Day sunset

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

The weather is cold and wet but we still get these spectacular sunsets.



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Golden Wheels car show

All photos by Steven H. Robinson
Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the Shoreline Historical museum, 18501 Linden Ave N., Shoreline, WA 98133 members of the Golden Wheels car club displayed their historic vehicles.

From the early days of Playland to the race cars of Aurora Speedway the history of cars and transportation was on display at the Shoreline Historical Museum by the Golden Wheels car club.

The owners, who have lovingly restored these vehicles, were on hand, happy to talk about their work. Many cars were accompanied by information display signs.

They not only restore the vehicles, they race them! More information here.



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Garden Guy: The Garden Guy Appreciates His Plants for Dry Summer Days

Top the list: the Rock Rose
takaonursery.com
By Bruce Bennett

Even for a garden designer, there's no such thing as a ‘maintenance-free’ yard and the beginning of the summer season will find this Garden Guy watering his west-facing front yard. 

I enjoy this early morning task because the air is cool, the birds provide a joyful chorus and, even during the later ‘Dog Days of Summer’ I usually only need to irrigate once a month. 

“How’s that possible? you ask. It’s simple; choose the right plants. Look for beauty as well as toughness, drought-tolerance and little-to- no-pruning. 

Let’s take a look at a few of the choice summer candidates that can hold their own and will brighten-up my yard this summer……

On the top of my list this year is the simple rockrose. This particular one, Cistus ‘Mickie, has the added interest of large, white crepe-paper-like flowers in spring. But, it’s the golden variegated foliage that provides the colorful punch throughout the year. Back it with a purple barberry for a great color combination. 

Don’t believe the 2’ x 3’ size noted on the plant tags. Mine have been in for six years and are about 4’ x 5’ and gorgeous for the four seasons of the year. Other great cistus include ‘Purpurea,’ ‘Sunset’, the dwarf Skanbergii and ‘Snow Fire.’

Barberries
https-//landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu
There's a reason you see Barberries in many corporate landscaping vignettes. 

They are extremely low maintenance, yet can still stun with seasonal colors ranging from purple to orange to gold. 

It’s ideal for foundation plantings or hedges. 

Depending on the cultivar, these deciduous plants can grow from one- to seven-feet tall. 

They may need the occasional pruning, but not much. 

My favorites include ‘Rose Glow’ (shown), ‘Crimson Pygmy’ (a dwarf) ‘Orange Rocket’ (columnar), and ‘Sunjoy’ (golden).

Nandina ‘Fire Power.’
extension.msstate.edu
For a smaller-than-usual evergreen shrub, I’d vote for Nandina ‘Fire Power.’ 

At about 2’ x 2’, this is among the smallest varieties in this family of shrubs. 

Yes, its common name is ‘Heavenly Bamboo,’ but, it is not a bamboo (the reason it is so heavenly). 

The new bamboo-shaped leaves emerge a nice chartreuse shade and, as the weather cools in autumn, they can turn a full-on fire engine red and remain that way throughout the winter months. 

It’s a great spot of color in the midst of our gray winter blahs.

Fescue 'Elijah Blue'
missouribotanicalgarden.org
I particularly like Fescue ‘Elijah Blue.’ 

The color of this perennial tells you right up front that it is accustomed to heat and sunshine. 

Its gray leaves evolved to handle harsh sun. 

Depending on the fescue cultivar, the blades of this grass can range from gray to a powder-blue and you can rely on the color holding throughout the year.

Plant heights can range from 9” to 18” tall, with the seed heads floating at up to three-feet tall. 

Similar favorites include ‘Boulder Blue’ and the larger ‘Blue Oat Grass.’

Coreopsis aka 'Tickseed'
greatplantpicks.org
Coreopsis. Also known as ‘Tickseed,’ this native of the Great Plains is a perennial bloomer (although there are some annual varieties) which will provide you with a nice color spot from early summer through autumn. 

In tones like yellow, orange, pink, purple and red, Coreopsis make nice cut flowers that can be enjoyed in home flower arrangements.

It’s an easy grower, tolerates most any soil condition and pollinators love it. 

Favorites include ‘Moonbeam’ (shown), ‘Zagreb’ and ‘Blushing Pink.’

To me, at least, it makes sense that I should treat myself as well as I treat my landscape and that includes simply enjoying the warm, sunny days of summer. 

Garden Guy Bruce Bennett
By doing some initial research prior to purchasing and planting, I can ensure that the right plants have been added to the garden and I’m spending more time enjoying the beauty of the landscape and less time maintaining it. Happy gardening all!

Gardening columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a WSU Master Gardener, lecturer and Seattle-area garden designer. 

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



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