988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline celebrates one-year anniversary

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Rising number of calls underlines the need for and importance of 988

OLYMPIA – Washington is celebrating the one-year anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline this month. 

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is the nationwide, three-digit dialing code that connects anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or those seeking help for a loved one, with a trained counselor. 

It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7/365.

Washington was the first state to pass legislation in 2021 to implement the 988 Lifeline and is among only a few states using it as more than just a crisis hotline. 

The bill also established dedicated funding to create a system that will allow designated 988 contact hubs to dispatch crisis units or directly connect callers to local providers, even helping to schedule appointments.

“It’s hard to overstate the importance of real-time support for people who find themselves in crisis, which is why this effort is so crucial,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. 
“Today, people have someone to call or text for support. Soon, the system will also make sure we can send someone to respond if in-person help is needed, and a place for that person to go for continuing support. 
'This will be an enormous help for local communities, families, law enforcement and others who are regularly stepping in to assist people with urgent behavioral health needs.”

Washington passed additional legislation in 2023 that expands mobile crisis response capacity, creates regional crisis workforce and training collaboratives, increases collaboration between 911 and 988, and improves how the state reaches those most at-risk. 

Washington also formed the 988 State Affinity Workgroup which allows states and territories to collaborate, share risks and barriers, give advice, and support each other in the nationwide implementation of the 988 system. Washington state facilitates monthly meetings of the group, which includes representatives from 44 states, the District of Columbia, and two territories.

“A healthy and humane behavioral health system has three main components: someone to talk to, someone to respond, and someplace to go. Washington state has already demonstrated leadership nationally in reforming a broken system,” said Michelle McDaniel, Chief Executive Office at Crisis Connections, one of Washington’s crisis call center locations.

988 Calls, Texts, and Chats are on the Rise in Washington

Washington currently contracts with three 988 Lifeline crisis centers that answer calls from around the state: Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOA), Frontier Behavioral Health, and Crisis Connections. 

“We’ve been providing crisis services over the phone since the early 1980s, but this first year of 988 has been very exciting as we’ve hired additional staff and worked to implement a new phone system,” said Stacey Okihara, director of crisis response services at Frontier Behavioral Health.

From July 2022 to June 2023, these crisis centers answered 65,029 calls, 11,808 texts, and 13,064 chats, according to national data. This represents a 75% increase in calls answered since 988 launched, which underlines the need for this service and the importance of the work. (Before 988’s launch, Vibrant Emotional Health, the 988 national administrator, didn’t track the percentage of Washington's chats and texts answered.)

“People throughout our community are struggling more than ever to cope, which staff and volunteers at Crisis Connections see firsthand in the dramatic increase in calls from people seeking help for themselves or others,” said McDaniel. 
“As a key provider helping community members navigate the behavioral health system, we recognize the urgent need to invest in long-neglected mental health and addiction treatment services.”

Native and Strong Lifeline

In November 2022, Washington introduced the Native and Strong Lifeline. The line is the first of its kind in the nation dedicated to serving American Indian and Alaska Native people. Native crisis counselors who are tribal members and descendants closely tied to their communities answer all calls made to the Native and Strong Lifeline.

"We are proud to be at the forefront of behavioral health care crisis reform in Washington,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “The launch of the Native and Strong Lifeline and formation of the State Affinity Workgroup creates a model for other states to follow in improving access to compassionate and accessible care."

According to data from VOA, the crisis center that administers the Native and Strong Lifeline, it received 2,377 calls between November 2022 and June 21, 2023.

“We’re answering approximately 300 calls a month, with incredible positive feedback from callers, who say ‘Finally, there’s a service for us—a program run by Native people who know us.’ 
"Now that people know there are Native people on the other end of the line, they’re more inclined to call,” said Rochelle Hamilton, Tribal Operations Manager for VOA. “We’re celebrating this success, and now that we know the program works, we’re moving forward with a goal of expanding this needed service to other states.”

988 License Plate Emblem

Washington drivers can also raise awareness for suicide prevention with the “988 There Is Hope” license plate emblem, created in late 2022. 

Anyone with a license plate (excluding motorcycle plates) can buy an emblem at any licensing office. Proceeds go to the Veteran and Military Member Suicide Prevention account, which awards grants to organizations that focus on suicide prevention for the veteran and military community. 

So far, 256 Washingtonians have purchased the emblem.

The implementation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was made possible by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, as part of a series of expansions to crisis services.

In 2021, Gov. Inslee signed House Bill 1477 (E2SHB 1477), the Crisis Call Center Hubs and Crisis Services Act. 

This bill expands Washington’s Behavioral Health Crisis Response System with changes over several years to help enhance and strengthen the state’s ability to provide culturally, geographically, and linguistically appropriate services. Learn more.


Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Call to all Food Trucks!

To the Editor:

Call to all Food Trucks!

Several times a year Shoreline Washington hosts various events and fairs in local parks that include the casual delight that is food truck fare. However now there may be an opportunity for more regular business for these much loved visitors. 

With the destruction of Lena’s Cafe in North City there has become a lack in eatery options in the area between Lake City Way, Ballinger Way, 145th Ave, and Aurora Avenue. 

While several brick and mortar eateries remain open in this large area that includes residential neighborhoods, numerous public parks, schools, and the future location of a Light Rail station, there is plenty of potential business to support additional sources. 

As a resident of this area I am putting out the call to all mobile food vendors saying ‘Welcome, we would love to have you’ and hope to see more of them this summer.

Catherine Welland
Shoreline


Read more...

Jobs: City of Shoreline Combination Inspector

City of Shoreline
Combination Inspector
Salary $39.85 - $50.50 Hourly
Closing Date 7/30/2023 11:59 PM Pacific Time

The City is preparing for two Link Light Rail Stations and the School District touts an aggressive school facilities capital improvement plan. City Staff is proud of our customer service focused work ethic. This position is one of building inspectors sustaining local redevelopment construction growth in this inner-ring city of 55,000. The position will focus on conducting commercial and residential on-site inspections (IBC, IMC, IFGC, UPC and IRC) for compliance with locally adopted WA State Building Codes.

An ideal candidate will be able to read and interpret engineering plans; interpret, apply and enforce applicable building construction and site development codes; perform on-site inspections; perform computer data entry (iPADs and PCs); provide exceptional customer service for requests and inquiries.

DEFINITION

To perform a broad range of advanced and technical building and civil inspections for compliance with federal, state and local codes. Assure compliance through inspection and code enforcement with City of Shoreline Development Code, City of Shoreline Engineering Development Guide, adopted surface water design manual and other applicable regulations and ordinances. Work with developers, architects and contractors to maintain code requirements and resolve problems relating to code compliance. Perform project site inspections and perform a variety of inspection tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Work at this level requires outstanding communication skills and the ability to facilitate and establish effective working relationships with staff and with the development community.

Job description and application


Read more...

Jobs: City of Shoreline Administrative Assistant II

City of Shoreline
Administrative Assistant II
Salary $31.13 - $39.45 Hourly
Closing Date: 7/31/23 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Public Works is an exciting environment committed to serving the residents through a variety of projects and programs. The Department is accredited by the American Public Works Association (APWA) demonstrating use of best practices for the industry and a dedication to continually improving/enhancing operations and project delivery. The Engineering Division within the Department is looking for a positive, resourceful, and supportive individual to be part of a dynamic team of project managers, engineers, and other professionals charged with development review, delivery of capital projects, addressing real-time traffic and transportation needs, and responding to queries from community members. The successful candidate will be able to support multiple project managers and projects including being adaptive, identifying and solving problems, and committed to customer service and the community.

This half-time position will perform a wide variety of responsible and complex administra­tive, and clerical duties in support of the department; will perform as part of a team focused on delivery of capital projects, plan review, and other related activities; and will perform a variety of tasks including support of public outreach, contract administration, management, and analysis of information and documentation.

DEFINITION
This classification performs a wide variety of responsible and complex administra­tive and clerical duties in support of an assigned department; provides information and assistance to the public regarding departmental policies and procedures; and performs a variety of tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility.

This is a 20 hour a week position with some schedule flexibility for a total 40 hours across the two-week pay period.

Please apply at Job description and application


Read more...

National Night Out in Lake Forest Park

Lake Forest Park Police and City of Lake Forest Park are excited to announce that National Night Out is just around the corner, taking place on Tuesday, August 1st from 6-9pm. 

This special evening aims to strengthen our community bonds by encouraging everyone to step outside and connect with their neighbors for a delightful gathering filled with fun, food, and a strong sense of togetherness.

National Night Out presents an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with those living nearby, as well as the dedicated first responders who serve our city. Throughout the event, we'll have city staff, NEMCo volunteers, police officers, and firefighters making their rounds, visiting as many neighbor parties as possible.

To participate and make the most of this fantastic occasion, please visit https://www.cityoflfp.gov/429/National-Night-Out

There you'll find further information regarding the event, and please note that registration will close next Friday, July 21st. 

Let's come together and make this National Night Out a memorable celebration of our wonderful community.


Read more...

Puget Sound Vintage Radio Swap Meet and Experience Thursday August 20, 2023

Puget Sound Vintage Radio Swap Meet and Experience Sunday August 20, 2023, 9am-2pm at Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave. N, Shoreline, WA 98133 in the west parking lot

The public is invited to celebrate the Puget Sound Antique Radio Association’s 50th anniversary swap meet and electronics experience. 

Entrance is free to the public. 

This meet will include a vintage electronics swap meet, vintage technology demonstrations, a free radio troubleshooting and evaluation booth, radio and cash raffles, prizes and food. 

Find out what Grandma’s old radio is worth and what it takes to get it going again. See an actual Jacobs Ladder, Tesla Coil and Van De Graff machines in action in the classroom building, free great family fun!

The gate will open to swap meet vendors at 6am and sale will start at 9am. 

If you or your organization wish to have a non-selling free booth to promote your organization, visit the PSARA website at: pugetsoundantiqueradio.com and request a space. PSARA is a non-profit organization recognized by the State of Washington.


Read more...

Tour de Terrace this weekend in Mountlake Terrace

Seafair Pirates will be at Tour de Terrace
Tour de Terrace is back this year and bigger than ever. Events are scheduled over three days:

Hours
  • Friday, July 21: 2-11 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 22: Noon-11 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 23: Noon-6 p.m.
Evergreen Playfield Complex, 22205 56th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace.

Parades, carnival, rides, food, live music, car show. There won’t be a fireworks show this year, but festival organizer say they “look forward to seeing it again in the future.”

The event is a Seafair event, so the pirates will be there. They get a little rowdy so keep your daughters out of the way!




Read more...

LFP, Kenmore, and Shoreline to offer GO ELECTRIC! workshop series starting today (Tuesday)


The cities of Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Shoreline have partnered together to host a GO ELECTRIC! workshop series!

Each presentation in the series will help homeowners and renters find out about rebates available from the federal government. The Inflation Reduction Act provides tax rebates and tax credits for making climate friendly home improvements.

The first workshop will be July 18, 2023 at 7:00pm at Third Place Commons 17171 Bothell Way NE in Lake Forest Park. 

Learn how you can have cleaner air and cook faster by switching from gas to an induction stovetop. 

Dr. Mark Vossler from Physicians for Social Responsibility will be presenting information on the health benefits of electrifying your home, especially in the kitchen, for adults and children. 

Gary Hawkey, a Lake Forest Park resident, will provide a demonstration of cooking on an induction stove.

Watch for the next in the series hosted by the City of Kenmore on solar installations and then Shoreline on heat pumps. Save the dates!


Take part in the series and learn ways to get ready and take on climate friendly actions!



Read more...

Pizza and Books for middle and high school aged youth Thursday

Monday, July 17, 2023

Join KCLS and The Shoreline Teen Center for some book-filled fun Thursday, July 20 and August 17, 2023. 

Any middle and high school-aged youth are welcome. Come and discuss what you have been reading while enjoying some pizza!

Location: Richmond Highlands Rec Center 16554 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

Note this event happens once in July and once in Aug!

Shoreline Teen Center is open Thursdays from 2:30 to 6:00pm so feel free to come early and stay late for Teen Center games and activities.

Register at pizzabooksKCLS.eventbrite.com

For more events from KCLS check out KCLS Teens

For more from the Shoreline Teen Center follow us on Instagram at @ SHORLINETEENPROGRAMS or online at linktr.ee/shorelineteens and shorelinewa.gov/teens

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. Parents and guardians do not stay for events.


Read more...

Upcoming workshops at Kruckeberg

Concrete leaf casting
Registration is open for workshops at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden. These workshops are an opportunity to connect with friends and family while picking up a new skill. Check out the details, and secure your spot! 

Plant Propagation by Cuttings | Saturday, July 22nd

Learn the art of vegetative propagation by cuttings! Join this class to grow new plants from shrubs and herbaceous specimens found in the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden. This must-have skill for budding horticulturists will nurture your green thumb (hint hint: humidity is key!). You'll create a tray of cuttings to take home and gain knowledge for future propagation.

Hypertufa Planters | Saturday, August 12th

Experience the artistry of crafting a hypertufa container. These visually captivating, lightweight creations add a naturalistic touch to your container plantings. Each participant will make and take home one 12×12-inch container, with instructions for making more. You'll also learn how to elegantly fill it with plants handpicked from the MsK Nursery.

Concrete Leaf Casting | Saturday, August 5th

Enhance your garden with a unique touch by crafting a stunning concrete leaf cast! Join our workshop and unleash your creativity as you create a captivating piece of art for your garden or home.

Herbal Balms and Salves | Saturday, August 19th

Herbal crafting connects us to our past, utilizing commonly grown herbs with remarkable healing properties. Join our class to discover easy yet rewarding plants for crafting balms and salves. Participants will take home their creations!

Register for Workshops

Visit us Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays March thru October 10 am - 5 pm, November thru February 10 am - 3pm, admission is always free!

20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177
206-546-1281
info@kruckeberg.org



Read more...

Secretary Hobbs named Western Region Vice President of the National Association of Secretaries of State

Steve Hobbs, Washington
Secretary of State
OLYMPIA — Secretary of State Steve Hobbs has been named Western Region Vice President of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).

Secretary Hobbs was sworn in Wednesday, July 12, at the NASS 2023 Summer Conference in Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1904, NASS is the nation’s oldest nonpartisan professional organization for public officials. Its members include secretaries of state, lieutenant governors, and chief state election officials from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

“I am honored to have been selected by my fellow secretaries of state to a national leadership role for our organization,” Secretary Hobbs said. 
“NASS is a vital partnership for states to share important innovations about elections, business support, and the many other critical services secretaries of state provide. I look forward to this opportunity to work with other state leaders and share the advances that we’ve made in Washington.”

Secretary Hobbs began serving as Washington Secretary of State in November 2021 and was elected in 2022.

Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State oversees a number of areas within state government, including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. 

The office also manages the State Archives and the State Library, documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington, oversees the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees, and administers the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime.


Read more...

Obtain a commemorative brick for a veteran at the Shoreline Famers Market

Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza
Photo by Doug Cerretti
The Shoreline Veterans Association (SVA) will have a booth at the Shoreline Farmers Market this Saturday July 22, 2023 from 10:00am to 2:00pm to showcase the Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza. 

Sample engraved bricks will be displayed and orders taken to honor Veterans at the Plaza. The SVA, a standing committee of the Starr Sutherland, Jr Post 227 of The American Legion, was formed in 2010 to design, raise funds, and build the Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza. 

The Plaza recognizes past, current and future veterans and is located on the northside of Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133

If you can’t make it this Saturday, the SVA will return to the Farmers Market August 19 and September 2. The Shoreline Farmers Market is located at Shoreline Park and Ride, 18821 Aurora Ave N (192nd St N and Aurora Ave N).

This brick honors well-known Shoreline
resident Dwight Stevens who died in 2020
Engraved bricks to honor Veterans can be purchased for a $100 donation. A single brick can be engraved with the Veteran's name, service branch and years served. 

You can choose to have your brick placed at the Plaza or shipped to you to display at home. This would be a wonderful gift to honor a Veteran family member or friend.

Bricks can be purchased online from The American Legion Post 227’s webpage or you can print out the order form, fill it out and mail it in with your check or credit card number. Purchases are tax deductible as the Shoreline Veterans Association is a 501(c)19 non-profit. 

See previous article about the Veterans Recognition Plaza

--Doug Cerretti


Read more...

Voters pamphlets and ballots have been mailed and drop boxes are open

King County Elections (KCE) mailed approximately 1.4 million ballots for the August 1, 2023 Primary to registered voters across King County today. KCE is projecting 35% turnout for this election. Turnout in both the 2021 and 2019 Primary Elections reached 35%

Voters who have not received their ballots by Monday can call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).

This election is the first in which ballots translated into Russian and Somali are available for voters. These two languages join Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese as fully supported languages at KCE, meaning everything from ballots and voters’ pamphlet to voter education and customer service are available in-language.

Voters who wish to update their language preference can call 206-296-VOTE (8683) or use the online form.

Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, August 1, or returned to one of the 76 drop boxes locations across the county. Drop boxes are open 24-hours, seven days a week, until 8pm sharp on Election Day.

Locally, drop boxes are at LFP City Hall, Shoreline Library, and 192nd and Aurora Park and Ride.

The deadline to register to vote online is July 24. Voters can register and vote through 8pm on Election Day at any of KCE’s Vote Center locations - locally, at Kenmore City Hall.

All voters are encouraged to track their ballot to make sure their voice heard. Voters can also sign up for ballot alerts to receive text and email notifications about their ballot status from when it’s mailed to when it’s verified and counted by King County Elections. Simply opt in online through KCE’s ballot tracker.


Read more...

Medical experts ask Congress to help deal with a rise in "superbugs"

Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash  
Medical experts want Congress to pass legislation that could help deal with a rise in so-called "superbugs" -- bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotics. 

Abundant use of antibiotics in both medical care and in agriculture for livestock are blamed for driving the trend. 

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, of Kansas, the top Republican on a subcommittee that discussed the issue this week, and also a doctor, noted that more than 3 million Americans will be diagnosed this year with an antimicrobial-resistant infection.

Read more...

New state agency will investigate police use of deadly force

A new Washington agency established to investigate incidents where police officers use deadly force is now accepting requests to review past cases. 

It is not investigating new ones yet. 

Led by a civilian director, the state's Office of Independent Investigations is meant to serve as an unbiased examiner of the deadly force incidents. 

It only plans to delve into past cases if new evidence emerges that wasn't part of an earlier investigation. 

The office was created by legislation that was part of a 2021 package of bills intended to improve police accountability. The co-chair of an advisory board to the office described reviewing past cases as “a big step and something a lot of us have wanted for a long time.” | 

Read more...

Break down brick walls with Sno-Isle Genealogical Society

Sno-Isle Genealogical Society library
Sno-Isle Genealogical Society is offering researchers another opportunity to get help with their "brick wall" problems on Saturday July 22, 2023, at its Research Library, 19827 Poplar Way, Heritage Park, Lynnwood

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

Margaret Summitt is an experienced researcher who can direct your research efforts. 

The free 40 minute session is an "in person" appointment. If the four sessions are filled you will be placed on a waiting list for the next "brick wall" day.


 

Read more...

New businesses coming soon to Shoreline Place

Construction is progressing on new retail buildings at the corner of 155th and Westminster Way.
Photo courtesy Merlone Geier

Merlone Geier Partners have announced that three new offerings are slated to open as early as this fall at Shoreline Place, Westminster Way and Aurora.

They have signed leases with Big Chicken, MOD Pizza, and Pet Evolution.

“Despite uncertainty over the past few years, we are thrilled to be completing construction on our new retail buildings and to bring these popular offerings to Shoreline,” said Jamas Gwilliam, Managing Director at Merlone Geier Partners. 

"We have received an incredible amount of interest from tenants who want be part of this exciting project and are currently working with multiple tenants on all of the remaining available spaces. 
"We look forward to announcing soon the rest of our exciting mix of retailers, restaurants and services that will complement Shoreline Place and meet the needs of the broader Shoreline community.”

Big Chicken, MOD, and Pet Evolution will anchor the corner of 155th and Westminster Way adjacent to a new plaza with landscaping, outdoor seating, and gathering areas – the first of many such areas to be constructed as part of this transformational project.


Read more...

Five months into the new crisis response agency, patterns begin to emerge

By Diane Hettrick

The Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR) grew out of the RADAR program which originated with Shoreline Police and City of Shoreline. The program sent crisis-trained social workers on police calls that involved people with social and behavioral issues.

The program expanded to other north end cities. It is now the Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR -pronounded 'racer'), serving and supported by a coalition of five north end cities: Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, and Kirkland.

The RCR Principals Assembly

The new agency is overseen by the Principals Assembly with elected officials from all five cities: 
  • Shoreline Councilmember John Ramsdell
  • Lake Forest Park Councilmember Larry Goldman
  • Kenmore Councilmember Debra Srebnik
  • Bothell Councilmember Jenne Alderks
  • Kirkland Councilmember Neal Black
On June 28, this body met for the first time to review the foundation of the RCR Agency as well as services provided so far this year.  

The councilmembers also discussed how they would define and measure success as the Agency continues to grow and provide services for more people across North King County. Finally, they heard feedback from the RCR Community Advisory Group, made up of individuals who have lived experiences in the crisis system, about desired program outcomes.

The Executive committee is composed of the city managers / administrators from all five cities. The Executive Director is Brook Buettner, who has been with the program from the very beginning.


In the first five months of the year (January 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023),  RCR Crisis Responders provided services for a total of 438 individuals in our communities, during a total of 1,228 encounters.

Of those individuals served for whom race data was available (n=211), 73% were White, and 27% were Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC).

Of those for whom housing data was available (n=223), 37% were homeless or unhoused. Of all individuals served, 55% identified as female, 43% identified as male, and 2% identified as trans, non-binary or other gender expression.

The regional mobile crisis services provided by RCR begin with a person-centered approach focusing on compassionate and immediate crisis response, de-escalation, resource referral, and follow-up tailored to the specific needs of those experiencing behavioral health challenges.



Read more...

Gloria's Birds: No time for a portrait today, photog, I gotta go

Sunday, July 16, 2023

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

I'm late for my next meeting...
(Dark-eyed Juncos are busy birds!)

--Gloria Z. Nagler




Read more...

VW Car show is a crowd pleaser

VW Beetles all in a row.
The Cascade Kombis Vintage Volkswagen Club hosted Saturday's VW car show on the Shoreline Community College campus. 

Vehicles have been lovingly restored to a condition better than the original
On Saturday, July 15, a large crowd enjoyed checking out the premiere vintage VW show in the Pacific Northwest!


More than one owner picked up their van in Germany and traveled Europe
or bought their van in the U.S. and followed the Grateful Dead around the country
This event has been staged for 40 years, primarily at the College by the Cascade Kombis vintage VW club, a non-profit organization.

Waitresses on roller skates brought your order to your car
Visitors enjoyed the cool vintage cars, campers and busses, picked up gear at the swap, and won some amazing prizes for $1!
 

$1 tickets paid off in big prizes

The show concluded with the awards presentation and grand prize raffle. Read the full show details here.

--All photos by Wayne Pridemore

*Original info in the caption was not quite correct. Here's the info: Older VWs didn't have a fuel gauge, only a fuel petcock. If you were low on fuel ( = engine cutting out) you had to switch the petcock to the 'reserve' position, while you were driving. The lever was located below the dashboard.

Read more...

Memorial Service for long lost WWII B-24 hero on 80th anniversary of Operation Tidal Wave - August 1, 2023

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Alfred "Freddy" F. Turgeon
Portrait by Michael Reagan
The Gold Star Family of USAAF TSgt Alfred “Freddy” F. Turgeon (MIA/KIA) today announce a Memorial Service in his honor to be held on the 80th Anniversary of his being Killed in Action (KIA) on August 1, 1943. 

The memorial Service will be at the Memorial Garden Columbarium at St Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 722 N 145th St, Shoreline, WA 98133

TSgt Turgeon was listed as one of over 80 known but unidentified casualties of the “Ploiesti Raid” interred in Romania and then Belgium. 

Through the efforts of the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) using advances in DNA technology, TSgt Turgeon was Identified and Repatriated to his Family in 2021 after being missing for 78 Years.

Technical Sergeant Alfred “Freddy” F. Turgeon was the Radio Operator and Waist Gunner on the storied Consolidated B-24 Heavy Bomber, “The Vulgar Virgin” when he was killed while engaged in Operation Tidal Wave over Ploiesti, Romania on 1 Aug, 1943.

Alfred was born in 1919 in Worcester Massachusetts to Ruth Cutler and Alfred Turgeon Sr.

A young 21yr old Alfred enlisted in the Army Air Corp in the summer of 1941.

He was assigned to the 9th Air Force and after extensive training at Barksdale, LA and Wendover, UT was deployed with the 98th Bomb Group (Heavy) - 344th Bomber Squadron to North Africa in late 1942.

They were known as “The Pyramiders.” The Squadron flew multiple combat support missions out of Benghazi, Libya to targets in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Greece. 

On 1 August 1943 the ”Pyramiders” joined the other B-24 Squadrons of the 98th in Operation Tidal Wave, the low level daylight bombing raid on the Nazi Oil Refineries at Ploiesti, Romania.

TSgt Turgeon was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, The Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, The Bronze Star with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, The Good Conduct Medal, The Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, The American Campaign Medal, The European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal, The World War II Victory Medal and The Purple Heart.

TSgt Turgeon was interred with Full Military Honors at the Memorial Garden of St Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Shoreline Washington on Aug 28, 2021. He lies next to his sister, Lorraine Bass (Cutler) in the family columbarium.

He is survived by his sister, Mrs Joan Mackie (Cutler, Tucker) of Shoreline Washington, Nephews Phillip (Laurie) Tucker and Craig (Patricia) Tucker of Ketchikan Alaska and David (Barbara) Bass of Indianapolis, Indiana and Niece Kathy (Don) Newman (Tucker) of Seattle Washington along with numerous great nieces and nephews.

Alfred Turgeon was on board the Vulgar Virgin B-24 Liberator when it was attacked.
Only the captain survived. (Photo courtesy of David Bass)

From The American Air Museum

“On that day, 47 B-24 Liberators of the 344th Squadron took off for the raid against the Ploesti oil refineries.

"Only 21 returned safely.

"THE VULGAR VIRGIN', flying as the lead aircraft in the "E" Section of the 98th's formation, took a direct hit in the nose section by flak over the target and burst into flames. 

"The pilot pulled out of formation and ordered a bail out. It is believed they were still too low for the chutes to open and only the pilot, Wallace Taylor, one of the four who got out, survived. 

"This was the crew’s fate: 
  • Capt. Wallace C. Taylor, Pilot (POW), 
  • F/O Paul W. Packer, CoPilot (KIA), 
  • 1st Lt. Jack K. Wood, Navigator (KIA), 
  • 1st Lt. Robert N. Austin, Bombardier (KIA), 
  • T/Sgt. Gerald E. Rabb, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner (KIA), 
  • T/Sgt. Alfred F. Turgeon, Radio Operator/Left Waist Gunner (KIA), 
  • S/Sgt. Ralph M. Robbins, Gunner/Asst. Eng. (KIA), 
  • S/Sgt. Louis Kaiser, Right Waist Gunner (KIA), 
  • S/Sgt. Donald H. Duchene, Tail Gunner (KIA), Sgt. Arthur B. Van Kleek, Tunnel Gunner (KIA). Aug 1, 1943.”
“B-24D Liberator bomber, flown by Capt. Wallace C. Taylor, in the 9th Air Force, the 98th Bomb Group, "The Pyramiders", and the 344th Bomb Squadron flown out of the USAAF Air Base at Benghazi, Libya. 

"Lt. Taylor and 'THE VULGAR VIRGIN' flew on Operation Tidal Wave, the large mission to destroy the German oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania on August 1, 1943. Their target was code named, "White IV", the Astra Romana refinery. 

"As the two groups, the 98th and the 44th Bomb Groups, being led by Col. Leon Johnson and Col. John R. Kane, approached their targets, the entire area was already on fire and compromised by the flames, smoke, and exploding delayed action bombs previously dropped by the 93rd Bomb Group ahead of the attack plan. 

"When the 98th bomb Group, led by Col. Kane, entered a wall of smoke and flames over the Astra Romana refinery complex, #41-24198, 'THE VULGAR VIRGIN', did not reappear coming out of the smoke, shot down and lost over their target.”

See previous article from Shoreline Area News



Read more...

Politics: Former U.S. Attorney Nick Brown to run for office of State Attorney General

Nick Brown announces run for State Attorney General

Nick Brown, a former U.S. attorney and past general counsel to Gov. Jay Inslee, will run as a Democrat in the 2024 election to be Washington's next attorney general. 

He announced his candidacy this week. Bob Ferguson, the current AG, is stepping aside to run for governor. 

"Keeping Washington families safe,” advancing gun policy, preserving a healthy environment, and preventing discrimination in housing are some of the areas Brown says he'd prioritize if elected. 

Democratic state Sen. Manka Dhingra is also running. 



Read more...

Sportquest Sports Camp openings for 10 - 15 and 13 - 15 year olds


Still looking for youth summer camps? The following weeks of SportQuest are available still for registration! 

Open to youth 10 to 15 years old!


Search SportsQuest 
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/shorelinewa/home?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

Spots are also open for our CIT (Counselors in Training Camp. Open for ages 13-15 years old.
  • July 24th to Aug 11th
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/shorelinewa/activity/search/detail/1365?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

These camps are provided by the Youth and Teen Development Program from the City of Shoreline, also known as the people behind the Shoreline Teen Center! 

Read more...

Filmmaking camp for youth with Rising Reels


This camp will introduce students to learning about how to create a short film with an introduction to professional film equipment. 

Students will learn to create concepts and characters, script writing and the elements inside producing and directing to shoot their own short film. 

Requires a cell phone with recording abilities, a tripod, and a mounted camera mic , water bottle and a snack. More information about Trina Griffin and Rising Reels: rising-reels.org.

Register here: Filmmaking with Rising Reels (campusce.net)


Read more...

Garden Guy: Butterflies in Your Garden

Butterfly Garden at Woodland Park Zoo
Photo courtesy WoodlandParkZoo.org
By Bruce Bennett

As a volunteer at the Woodland Park Zoo, I received word about the 2023 June reopening of Molbak’s Butterfly Garden after a two-year pandemic-related closure. 

But, “Why?” you may well ask, “would a zoo dedicate precious urban space to an exhibit which is open for only four months of the year? “ 

It’s because the twenty or so varieties butterflies who call western Washington home are choosy insects. Any gardener can have aphids, but Red Admirals, Painted Ladies and Tiger Swallowtails and all their kin insist upon certain environmental niceties, such as sunshine, shelter from wind and protection from the winter wet.

The chances of area readers/gardeners having such spaces in their yards are pretty good and would allow the ephemeral spots of color to float through neighborhood yards and display like so many flowers-on-the-breeze. The zoo also provides the space because butterflies as well as other pollinators are becoming even more endangered. And, for the zoo, the survival and preservation of ‘endangered species’ is what it’s all about.

I highlight butterflies in this column because they tend to be the most visually interesting and mind- stickering of our much-needed plant pollinators. If you have read a summer newspaper, magazine or blog in the past several years, you already know how important pollinators are to the overall health of the human ecosystem and how they help to keep us thriving and eating. 

If you want to read more information on the subject, simply type ‘butterflies’ or ‘pollinators’ in your Internet browser-of-choice. The care and promotion of butterflies would also make an excellent science research report for any kiddo in the house who attends school or is homeschooled.

Photo courtesy WoodlandParkZoo.org
You can increase your butterfly viewing opportunities by creating garden spaces which are attractive to them. 

To butterflies, the plants in the garden are more important than the design of the garden. They need flowers for nectar throughout the short season of their lives. Luckily, many annuals, perennials, shrub and tree flowers are great nectar producers throughout the year. 

While native plants can play an important role as host plants for butterfly caterpillars, most adult butterflies have more cosmopolitan tastes and are able to get their fill on the more exotic flowers that you grow in your landscapes. This one fact makes it much easier edit the design of your garden and still feel good about providing for the many pollinators who are under siege in our urban environments.

Butterflies seem to be especially attracted to gardens boasting generous patches of a given nectar flower. If you happen to plant the robust Jupiter's-Beard (Centranthus), don't settle for one or two plants. A drift of three to seven plants will provide an excellent meal for your colorful visitors and, at the same time, provide you with a garden color spot surrounded by the aerobatics of butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. It’s a value-added strategy, without any extra cost, for the landscape designer within you.

Tiger swallowtail
Photo courtesy WoodlandParkZoo.org
I am fairly successful at having flowers blooming in the yard for twelve months a year. 

This planning process certainly helps to visually enhance my window views and increases the smorgasbord menus that pollinators can enjoy, some more than others (think about our resident hummingbirds). 

Plants such as mahonia, azaleas, grape hyacinths, lilacs and pinks can start the menu in late-winter through mid-spring. 

Achilleas, asclepias, germander, perennial phlox and Jupiter’s Beard provide color and nectar in July and August. 

For September and October, abelia, caryopteris, purple asters, sneezeweed and coreopsis will help to fill-out the pollinator menu. The list of nectar-producing plants is long and varied and will change from one part of the state to another. 

Talk to volunteers at a local Master Gardener Clinic. Visit your local library and/or surf the Internet for specific information on your part of the world. To be a good gardener, you need to also be a good researcher!

Start a pollinator garden area in a location that gets at least six-hours of sunlight. Butterflies need the sun's warmth and most plants that attract butterflies grow best in full sun. Determine how much space you have and any items, other than plants, that you'd like to include. 

Consider adding a large flat rock or two. Butterflies enjoy basking on them, often with their wings spread out to catch more rays. Also allow room for a pot saucer filled with mud or moist sand as a water source to encourage butterflies to linger longer. Create this manufactured puddle in a low-profile container with to attract swallowtails and other butterflies that enjoy drinking at mud puddles. (They do so to obtain needed salts in their diet.) 

A sprinkling of table salt and the addition of some manure each year will increase the puddle's appeal, for pets and kiddos if not butterflies. After their first year, these pollinator gardens can become low-maintenance areas of the landscape.

Photo courtesy MissouriBotanicalGarden.org
After two years of a pandemic-related hiatus, the Woodland Park Zoo’s Molbak’s Butterfly Garden opened its doors with 300+ butterflies to welcome you. 

The garden will be open during regular zoo hours through the first week of September. 

Even after the Butterfly House closes for the season, the adjacent Microsoft Pollinator Garden is open year-round. On display will be more pollinator-friendly plants than would be useful for just butterflies (the Voodoo Lily, Dracunculus vulgaris, a fly attractor, immediately comes to mind. 

Strange? Well, yes and, yet, flies are pollinators). You may even find me wandering the two gardens and have the chance to ask your home gardening questions.

With proper planning, good plant selection and minimal maintenance, Western Washington gardeners can create a garden area that will not only attract butterflies and help to preserve these important and beautiful insects that are so vital to our ecosystem, but, also provide we homeowners with many garden-produced smiles throughout the year and I’m all for that. 

Happy Gardening all!

For More Information:

  • Burns, Deborah, ed. Attracting Native Pollinators, North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, 2011.
  • Fleming-Hayes, Rhonda. Pollinator Friendly Gardening: Gardening for Bees, Butterflies, and Other Pollinators, McGregor, MN: Voyager Press, 2016.
  • Johnson, Lorraine and Colla, Sheila. A Northern Gardener's Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators, Washington, DC: Island Press, 2023.
  • Kruckeberg, Arthur and Chalker-Scott, Linda, Gardening With Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press, 2019.
  • Lewis, Alcinda. Butterfly Gardens, Brooklyn, NY: Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, 2001.

Contributing garden columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a Washington State University 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 landscape or want to suggest a topic for a future column, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@gmail.com or visit the Master Gardener Clinic at the Lake Forest Park Town Center in July and August.

Previous Garden Guy columns can be accessed HERE


Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP