States that send a mail ballot to every voter really do increase turnout, scholars find

Thursday, October 12, 2023

King County mail in ballots ready to be counted
Photo courtesy King County Elections
From The Washington Daily Standard

Lately, a rough consensus has emerged among people who study the impact of voting policies: Though they often spark fierce partisan fighting, most changes to voting laws do little to affect overall turnout, much less election results.

But one fast-growing reform appears to stand out as an exception.

When every registered voter gets sent a ballot in the mail — a system known as universal vote-by-mail — voting rates tend to rise, numerous studies have found.

Advocates for mail voting say these findings haven’t gotten the attention they deserve, and that they should lead more states that want to boost turnout to adopt UVM, as it’s called.

“[T]o a remarkable degree, most of the nation’s leading journalists, democracy reform organizations, and elected officials continue to largely ignore, downplay — or even dismiss outright – the potentially profound implications of these noticeably high turnout rates,” said a research paper released last month by the National Vote at Home Institute, which advocates for increased use of mail voting.

Currently, eight states — California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington — use UVM.



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First female firefighter for Shoreline Fire Department retires after 30 years

Sabine Arnold retires after 30 years with Shoreline Fire

On September 26, 2023, Firefighter/Paramedic Sabine Arnold worked her last shift of a 30-year career with the Shoreline Fire Department.

Sabine started with Shoreline Fire in 1993 as a Firefighter/EMT. In 1999, Sabine served as an Acting Lieutenant prior to being selected to attend the University of Washington’s Paramedic Training Program where she graduated from Class #26 in July 2000. 

During Sabine’s career, she took every opportunity to better herself in the EMS and Rescue field. 

Sabine received certifications in various technical rescue disciplines and was one of the founding members of WA Task Force 1, a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team. 

As a member of the task force, Sabine has been deployed numerous times, including the Oklahoma City bombing and the Oso landslide.

Sabine Arnold with two of Shoreline's other female firefighters

Sabine received many accolades during her career, including the Chief’s Company Award for EMS and Paramedic of the Year. 

She is also known for her commitment to physical training, both personally and professionally, and spends much of her free time participating in outdoor activities.
 
Sabine’s dedication, passion and humor will be missed by us all. Thanks to her for her service to our community and the department. As Shoreline Fire Department’s first female firefighter, her retirement serves as an inspiration to all. 
Sabine’s career is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of someone who has had to break down barriers. Shoreline Fire wishes her all the best with her much deserved retirement! 

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A brief moment of sun produced a rainbow

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Drizzle, rain, pounding rain, drizzle, -- wait! sun! - oh now it's gone.

But Lee Lageschulte had her camera at hand to capture the rainbow.



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International Travel Trips presentation Thursday at the Senior Activity Center


SHORELINE-LAKE FOREST PARK SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
PRESENTS

International Travel Trips Presentation with Toni Ingram, Collette Travel


Shades of Ireland - Tropical Costa Rica – Spain’s Costa del Sol and Madrid Discovery

Discover Maritimes Coastal Wonders – Memorials of World War II, England and France


Join us for a relaxing slideshow with question/answer period, as Toni gives us an overview of several 2024 trips that the senior activity center will participate in. 

Learn which in-country highlights you will be visiting, how to obtain booking discounts, what does no risk deposits and no change fees mean. 

You will also learn how you will be picked up at the senior center’s doorstep, and how to choose a roommate, should you desire to benefit from the discounts associated with double and triple occupancy bookings.


Date: Thursday, October 12, 2023
Time: 11:00am
Cost: Free
Location: Bridge Room, Senior Activity Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, southermost building on Shoreline Center campus

Refreshments served!


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UW Med: More study needed into the ‘why’ of new weight-loss drugs

A cartridge injector is used to administer
Ozempic and other medications that help
control blood-sugar levels.
Getty Images, courtesy UW Med blog
Hitting the market over the past six years, the drugs Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro are viewed as a therapeutic breakthrough for the 42% of the U.S. population who are clinically obese. 

One Seattle endocrinologist suggests, however, that their unknowns are significant, and more research is needed.

It is premature to regard these drugs as the ultimate weight-loss therapy, Dr. Michael Schwartz co-wrote in a commentary published this week in The Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Many experts seem to be saying “OK, we’ve fixed this problem. We’re done,” noted Schwartz, who co-directs the UW Medicine Diabetes Institute.

The commentary contends that concerns about the drugs’ specific mechanisms of action have not been addressed — among them, why some people who have experienced pronounced weight loss with the drugs “regain the weight at an extraordinary pace — even faster than it was lost” upon discontinuing the drugs.

Learn more about Schwartz’s perspective in this UW Medicine Newsroom blog post.


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Jobs: City of Shoreline Finance Manager

City of Shoreline
Finance Manager
Salary: $123,050.00 - $155,947.00 Annually
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Closing Date: 10/31/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

The City of Shoreline is recruiting a Finance Manager to oversee the Financial Operations Division of the Administrative Services Department.

The Finance Manager is responsible for managing all general accounting and finance operations for all City Funds, including Utility Billing and Customer Service. 

The Finance Manager reports to the Administrative Services Director and is a member of the Department’s Leadership Team. The Finance Manager works closely with the other ASD Division Managers (Budget / Tax, Information Technology, and Parks, Fleet / Facilities) and Human Resources as well as partnering with our operating Departments to ensure smooth function of the City’s financial processes. 

The Finance Operations division includes 10 professional and para-professional staff members that report directly to the Finance Manager.

The City has a strong financial position with a general fund balance that exceeds our policy requirements and a fully funded “Rainy Day Reserve”. The City has received only two findings on its financial statements in its 27-year history. The City utilized Central Square Finance Enterprise as its Finance and Human Resources System and will complete an upgrade in early 2024 to stay current, fix issues, and take advantage of software enhancements. 

We utilize Springbrook Utility Billing Software, Springbrook, and have plans to implement the online customer Service Portal. Additionally, the Finance Operations Manager is leading the expansion of the Wastewater Low Income Assistance program in 2024 through the implementation of a rebate program to aid qualified renters.

The successful candidate must be committed to teambuilding, continuous improvement and supporting staff in the implementation of enhanced features available in the software and evaluating processes for efficiencies, internal controls and equity. 

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader and team builder who values diversity and brings solid governmental accounting experience and understanding of financial systems and analysis, GASB, financial operations, and municipal procurement practices. Experience with municipal budgeting would be a plus.

This position supervises a hybrid team with some staff working 2-3 days a week remotely and some in the office full-time. The current Finance Manager has found that intermittent remote work is most effective for managing this operational team. 

The current Manager has provided ample notice, and we hope to have a short overlap for knowledge transfer. To accomplish this, we will plan to conduct panel interviews via zoom on Wednesday November 8, 2023 and final interviews in person on Friday, November 17, 2023.

The City's mission is to fulfill the community's vision through highly valued public service. Our employees work relentlessly to achieve organizational goals while embracing the City's values. City Mission, Values, and Goals


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Jobs: City of Shoreline Engineer II – Capital Projects – Limited Term

City of Shoreline
Engineer II – Capital Projects – Limited Term
Salary: $52.29 - $66.27 Hourly
Job Type: Part-Time Regular
Closing Date: Open till filled

The City of Shoreline's Public Works department comprises over 60 people in our Engineering, Utility Operations, and Transportation Services Divisions. We provide planning, project delivery, operational, and maintenance services to the community in the areas of Surface Water, Transportation Services, and Wastewater. 

We are a collaborative team focused on the needs of our community. We operate based on a philosophy of continuous improvement and are pleased to have achieved the American Public Works Association (APWA) Accreditation. We serve a growing, ethnically and racially diverse community of 56,000 located in north King County, Washington.

The City's Engineering team is busy and growing! We support an annual Capital Improvement Program of $50 million to $70 million spanning transportation, surface water, wastewater, and facilities.

This position is a half-time, 3-year limited term position with benefits.

This position will manage one or more projects including related design and construction activities that install new sidewalks within the City.

DEFINITION
Manage the development and delivery of one or more of Shoreline’s sidewalk projects to strict deadlines; including managing public involvement, overseeing consultants, and meeting schedule and budget objectives; to coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, other departments, outside agencies, consultants, contractors and citizens; and to provide highly responsible and complex administra­tive support to City departments.

While this position will be primarily focused on sidewalk projects, it is possible that work could be assigned in other areas in including streets, facilities, parks, drainage, and wastewater.

Job description and application


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Jobs: City of Shoreline Youth Karate Instructor - Extra Help

City of Shoreline
Youth Karate Instructor
Salary: $15.74 - $45.75 Hourly
Job Type: Extra Help Variable Hours
Closing Date: 10/26/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

We are seeking a qualified Karate/Martial Art instructor to lead classes in City of Shoreline recreation programs. This is a non-benefited position. 

Work schedule is dependent upon student demand with hours flexible on days, evenings and weekends during Spartan Recreation Center operating hours.

Reposting for a larger pool of candidates.

Karate/Martial Arts Instructor (ages 7+)1 position available
2-6 hours per week
Example Schedule: Monday and Wednesday: 5:30 pm-8 pm

Apply here


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Baseball



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Coat drive for the Shoreline PTA Council clothing room The WORKS

Coats at Costco October 2nd
The WORKS, the free student clothing room that is operated by Shoreline PTA Council, is hosting its annual coat drive for students! 

Gently used or new coats are being collected.
They would welcome volunteers to help sort and hang donations every Wednesday evening from 6:15-8:00pm. Sign up here!

The WORKS is located in the Shoreline Center in a room accessible from the back of the north parking lot.


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Rep. Jayapal shares resources for connecting with friends in the Middle East

Map courtesy Media Alert blog

From U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal

Amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East, I wanted to share some resources to assist with any concerns you may have regarding security for U.S. citizens in the region:

For the latest updates, please monitor messages from the U.S. Embassy in Israel to U.S. citizens: https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/

If you or someone you know is a U.S. citizen that is currently in Israel, please enroll your contact information in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/step/

The State Department will post travel advisory updates for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/IsraeltheWestBankandGaza.html?wcmmode=disabled

The Department of State has a 24/7 coordinating group communicating with U.S. citizens and providing them assistance through phone calls and an online form. All U.S. citizens whether in Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza seeking to be in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Israel can fill out the form at https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake or call 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.


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Free online parenting classes start November 8, 2023 from Center for Human Services

Positive Discipline is for parents, caregivers, and educators with children of all ages.

This is a 7-week, free, virtual parenting class program for parents and caregivers who want more positive and respectful relationships with their children.

Through the program, participants can learn tools to:
  • Be more effective as a paremt and have fun in the process
  • Discipline with kindness and firmness at the same time
  • Raise responsible and respectful children
  • Strengthen your social support network
  • Reduce your stress and strengthen your family’s resilience.
Wednesdays November 8 to December 20, 2023, 6:30 - 8:30pm online

Registration required: use the QR code in the flyer or this link


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Candidate forum in Lake Forest Park brings a few fireworks

Story and photo by Mike Remarcke

Monday night, October 9, 2023 at the Lake Forest Park Third Place Commons, the two candidates running for Mayor and several other city council candidates vying for open council positions participated in a well-attended candidate forum event.

The League of Women’s Voters sponsored the event and moderated the proceedings. The event started with a series of set questions, followed by a couple of questions from the audience.

Running for Mayor is the incumbent, Jeff Johnson, who has been Mayor for the last eight years and is looking for a final four to close out his career. Competing against Jeff is Tom French, a recent councilmember who resigned to challenge the existing Mayor.

Other candidates included Ellyn Saunders and Nigel Keiffer running for Council Position #4, Paula Goode and Stephanie Angelis for Council Position #6 and Councilmember Lorri Bodi running unopposed in Council Position #2.

In a nutshell, starting with the Mayor’s race, Jeff Johnson touted his record as Mayor over the eight years, mentioning the upstream culverts project, the waterfront park, his support for the police department diversity and issues dealing with Sound Transit.

He sees safety issues as a continuing challenge as well as budget issues, but sees LFP on a good path. He feels throughout his terms as mayor, the citizens of LFP all feel included and safe in the city. 

Tom French also touted his experience on the council over the years (Deputy Mayor). Some of his key issues are the environment and tree cover, which he sees as an important component of equity. He has expanded the park system in the city. He would like to oversee the actions of mass transit and sees safety on the streets of LFP are a major concern.

If there is a need for more money he would support camera use on highways in the city as a form of city income. He has championed programs to help seniors who want to downsize and yet remain in LFP and for a modest change in zoning to allow for more affordable housing.

Lorri Bodi, running unopposed for Position #4 participated in the form. She is currently on the council and has been deeply involved in the Sound Transit issues, a climate action plan and other pressing issues of the day in the city.

The Position #6 is the most interesting of the races, with Stephanie Angelis running against Paula Goode. Both have similar views on inclusion and diversity. Stephanie supports a program of business incubation to allow for more companies to do business in LFP. She also has ideas regarding options with the single family zoning rules. 

Paula is one of the founders of CORE and has proposed changes to Sound Transit’s route through LFP.  She is opposed to the ST retaining wall and loss of tree cover.

Position #4 has Ellyn Saunders running against Nigel Keiffer. Ellyn has no experience in city government but is looking forward to learning and speaking to residents to find what their ideas and concerns are. She supports safe parks, clean water and air and cheaper housing. 

Her opponent, Nigel Keiffer was the surprise of the event. He attacked city government and taxes at every chance. He called the folks at the table all communists and social engineers. He was against everything. It should be an easy win for Ellyn.

Some of the overall questions concerned the waterfront park. The joke was that Lake Forest Park had lots of Parks and Trees, but no Lake (front). Now they do and the need to develop the property will be the focus. But the biggest problem is there are no places to park! The city is working on that issue. 

Another issue, and all candidates support the concept, is affordable housing and diversity in the city. That is another tough issue in that LFP was developed as a bedroom community years back. With the tree cover, hills and streams, more development will bring other issues. 

A big issue is what can the city do to keep taxes from soaring? All candidates were aware of the issue but had no clear path to solutions, except for one candidate who said taxes should be eliminated!

Finally a 13 year old girl asked what they foresaw LFP looking like in 30 years. All the candidates talked of parks, bike lanes, traffic circles etc. Tom French then used his extra time to answer more in line with his environmental focus, that he hoped to see deer in his yard, fish in the streams and eagles soaring with an occasional bear sighting. That seemed to please the young woman!


Correction: Tom French said he would support cameras on the highways in the city, not city streets. LFP has three highways: SR 104 / Ballinger Way; SR 522 / Bothell Way; NE 145th

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Philharmonia Northwest opens their 2023-2024 season at the Shorecrest Performing Arts Center on Sunday

Philharmonia Northwest opens their 2023-2024 Season at the Shorecrest Performing Arts Center on Sunday October 15, 2023 at 2pm with a pre-concert lecture at 1pm.

“Remember the Ladies” a celebration of music by women composers, features Natalie Dungey, trumpet. Christopher T. F. Hanson, conductor.

The program includes:
  • Joan Tower:  Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 1
  • Barbara Harbach:  Demarest Suite
  • Ellen Taffe Zwillich:  American Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra
  • Florence Price:  Symphony No. 1 in E minor

Opening the concert, Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 1 showcases Philharmonia Northwest's brass and percussion sections. Commissioned in 1986 and dedicated to groundbreaking conductor Marin Alsop, this fanfare sets the tone for the extraordinary talents and contributions of women artists in the program.

The Demarest Suite by Barbara Harbach highlights the orchestra's dynamic string sections. The suite includes movements inspired by Harbach's opera O Pioneers and Abigail Adams' famous words "Remember the ladies" in a 1776 letter to her husband, John Adams; her plea urged the then-delegate to advocate for women's rights at the Continental Congress.

Natalie Dungey, trumpet; and Christopher T.F. Hanson, conductor
The concert includes a command performance by Natalie Dungey, an internationally renowned trumpeter featured on NPR’s From the Top, performing Pulitzer Prize winner Ellen Taaffe Zwilich's demanding and powerful American Concerto

And concludes with Florence Price’s iconic First Symphony, a remarkable balance of Western European and African American musical traditions, composed in 1932.

Tickets are available online at philharmonianw.org

Single Tickets are $30 adult and $20 senior/student.

Tickets will also be sold at the box office before the concert.


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The 2023 Student Mock Election is open for all Washington K-12 students

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Image courtesy WA Secretary of State
OLYMPIA — Young Washingtonians across the state are invited to participate in the 2023 Student Mock Election presented by the Office of the Secretary of State.

The Student Mock Election is a non-partisan, educational event that teaches children to be informed voters. All K-12 students in Washington state are welcome to participate by casting votes on races and measures. 

In recognition of National Voter Education Week the first week of October, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is calling on students and teachers across Washington to take part in the Mock Election.

“This opportunity is great preparation for young Washingtonians to become aware and involved as soon as they’re eligible,” Secretary Hobbs said. “I’m inviting educators throughout the state to use the Student Mock Election and help encourage lifelong participation in our democracy.”

Ballots, vote tabulation sheets, posters, and Voters’ Pamphlets available for download here. Free “I Voted” stickers can be ordered from the website as well. 

In this year’s Mock Election — History Edition, students have the opportunity to vote on historical questions from past Washington elections, including which city should serve as the state capital (an 1890 election), whether to lower the state voting age (1970), and other milestone decisions. 

An alternate ballot, also downloadable, offers participants choices of favorite desserts or seasons, or whether to ban pineapple as a pizza topping.

From October 6 until the November 7, 2023 General Election, participation statistics will be available on the Secretary of State’s Mock Election engagement dashboard website

The Mock Election website also offers a free Teaching Elections in Washington State curriculum book and a series of 30-45 minute lessons to help students learn how elections work.

“I’m proud to make this toolkit of free resources available to every teacher and home educator,” Secretary Hobbs said. “I hope to help students across the state learn the power of civic engagement.”

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.


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Art Movie Night at Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds Friday, October 13, 2023


Art Movie Night at Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds Friday, October 13, 2023 7pm

After a summer of long bright days filling our beautiful skylight space with sunshine, Graphite Arts Center is happy to see the darkness return - and along with it the return of monthly Art Movie Nights.

Graphite is proud to feature the best movies on art and artists the film world has to offer. 

Friday, October 13 we are pleased to present Daliland (2022), starring the great Ben Kingsley as Salvador Dali. This feature length film follows the flamboyant Spaniard in 1973 as he prepares for his final New York gallery show. Come join other art and movie lovers for this special screening. Not rated.

Show starts at 7pm

Free to the public, tickets not required
Donations are welcome (suggested donation $10 per person)

Soda, water and popcorn available

Graphite is home to the non-profit Art Start Northwest which was founded in 2015 by Mary Olsen and Tracy Felix to champion the creative process and to make art accessible to all who seek to learn and create.

Graphite Arts Center is Edmonds' newest facility dedicated to the arts. Graphite is a vibrant, active, multi-use arts center. Graphite Arts Center includes The Gallery at Graphite; ten artist studios; an art book library; classroom space, and more. Graphite hosts regular movie nights and is open during Art Walk Edmonds on the third Thursday of the month.

Graphite and Charcoal restaurant are both located at 202 Main Street, Edmonds WA 98020


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Home Sales in Shoreline during the month of September 2023

The following are properties that sold in Shoreline during the month of September 2023. Data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.


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Humor: Horizontal Art


Humor by Margaret Hartley


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Shoreline PTA Council sponsoring Mental Health Symposium

The Shoreline PTA Council Mental Health Committee is sponsoring an event about behavioral health resources and how to use them to improve outcomes for students and families.

The session will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 5:30 - 8pm in the Shoreline Room of the Shoreline Center (north end) 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155.

RSVP here or use the QR code.


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Shoreline Public Schools Foundation funds two critical programs within the district

Roots of Empathy baby
Photo courtesy SPSF

Shoreline Public Schools Foundation (SPSF) is proud to announce the funding of two critical programs within the district: Roots of Empathy and Power of One. 

Without the generosity of our donors, these two programs would not be accessible to our students this year.
 
Roots of Empathy is a program that was launched in Seattle, Washington in 2007. 

Roots of Empathy seeks to reduce levels of aggression within students and nurture their emotional and empathic development by exposing students to neighborhood infants and their families.

Families commit to visiting classrooms throughout the school year so students can observe the baby’s development and use experiential learning to reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others.

According to research, this program reinforces inclusivity, appreciation for differing viewpoints, and supports school curriculum. 

SPSF funds totaling $3,750 will provide this program to 12 classrooms across five different schools within the district.

Power of One volunteer
Photo courtesy SPSF

Power of One is a program in which community seniors work with students and educators to provide extra academic support. 

Fifty seniors complete a total of over 1,500 hours of one-on-one tutoring, leading small groups, helping with classroom lessons and projects, providing support in libraries and assisting with after-school programs. 

Founded in 1996, Power of One is a way to connect seniors to our school community and utilize their unique talents, all while offering critical support to students and educators in our district. 

SPSF support totaling $4,000 will provide students and community seniors access to this valuable opportunity.
 
With the Shoreline Public School District’s budget crisis still looming large, it is crucial that community members continue to support the work of the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation.

Many of these emotionally and academically enriching opportunities could not take place without SPSF and our incredible donors. If you are interested in learning more about these two programs please visit Roots of Empathy and Power of One volunteers 
 
Grant requests are pouring in and every dollar donated helps. Please donate to the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation here  
 

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DOH opens Public Comment Period for Sunrise Review on SB 5411 expanding scope of practice for naturopathic physicians

By request of Senator Annette Cleveland (D-49), Chair of the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee, the Washington Department of Health (DOH) Office of Health Professions and Health Systems Quality Assurance is conducting a Sunrise Review on Senate Bill 5411.

SB 5411 is the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians' (WANP) ongoing effort to expand naturopathic scope of practice to better align with that of other statute-recognized primary care providers in Washington.

In summary, this bill would:
  • expand naturopathic prescriptive authority to include controlled substances in Schedules II through V of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act as necessary in the practice of naturopathy; 
  • enable naturopathic physicians to sign and attest to any documents or certificates that any primary care provider is routinely expected to sign; 
  • update defining language under "minor office procedures" and "physical modalities"; and 
  • update the RCW to reflect that our profession is now regulated by an established board rather than by the Office of the Secretary of Health (effective 2011).

In order to pursue the current Sunrise Review, the WANP prepared a substantial applicant report addressing key questions relevant to this legislative request. 

In the report, we provided information about why a change in regulation is necessary; how SB 5411 would benefit the public; the minimum level of training and education necessary and the current level of training required for our profession; and the safeguards in place to ensure public safety.

As of today, the Department has officially opened the public comment period for this review and will accept written comment from *any interested parties* until 5pm on Monday, November 20, 2023.

The Department is particularly interested in hearing how this legislation would impact patients, doctors, and the delivery of care; as well as in receiving comment from patients, physicians, and regulatory boards where this scope already exists. 

The Department uses the Sunrise Review process to ensure that the public would not be harmed by the requested advancement of scope. The Legislature then uses the recommendations of the Department through the Sunrise Review to inform its decisions on the legislation it considers. 

In addition to public safety, there is currently a legislative focus on increasing access to care and reducing costs. We are confident our current proposal meets all of these needs.

*Any interested parties* includes patients, allied care professionals, clinic administrators, academics, researchers, other state/national/specialty organizations

The Department is interested in a broad array of feedback and perspectives to help them make an informed recommendation to the state legislature.

Send your supportive comments to sunrise@doh.wa.gov to help advance this longstanding legislative effort.


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Bridge Lessons: Ten Steps to Basic Bridge starts Monday, October 16, 2023

Monday, October 9, 2023

Are you ready to "fall" into a new hobby? Come learn how to play Bridge!

"Ten Steps to Basic Bridge" starts Monday, October 16, 2023 and runs on Monday and Thursday evenings through November 16. 

In this lesson series, you'll learn Bridge from the ground up using Standard American bidding with a couple of modern twists. This fast-paced series appeals to those with at least a little cardplaying experience, as well as players who want to get back into the game using modern methods.

When you complete this series, you will be ready to play Bridge in social games and in introductory Duplicate games. Seattle Bridge Center offers a Rookie Duplicate game on Tuesday evenings.

No partner needed -- you'll meet several new players along the way.

Lesson fees are collected on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can stop or return at any time. The cost is $10 per person per lesson, with discounts for players age 25 and under.

Classes are held at Seattle Bridge Center, 1539 NE 145th Street, Seattle WA 98125. We are a half-mile east of Interstate 5 at Exit 175 for NE 145th Street and share a parking lot with the QFC supermarket and Dollar Tree store on the southeast corner of 15th Ave NE and NE 145th St. If you are facing the entrance to the Dollar Tree store, turn to your right and you will be facing our front door. We have plenty of free parking.

This series begins Monday, October 16, 2023 and meets on 10 Monday and Thursday evenings through November 16, 2023. Each class begins at 7pm and runs until 9:30pm. We start right at 7pm to make the best use of your time. Our doors are usually open by 6:45pm or earlier. Light snacks are provided.

Please let us know if you're planning to attend the lesson series, so we can be sure to prepare enough copies of the lesson materials. Send an email to SeattleBridgeCenter@gmail.com to sign up for the lesson series.

The complete and current schedule for Rookie Duplicate games and the beginner lessons can be found by visiting www.SeattleBridgeCenter.net -- then follow the link for "Schedule and Results."

Questions? Want to register? Send an email to SeattleBridgeCenter@gmail.com and tell us to "Sign me up for the beginner series starting July 10"; or leave a message for David at 206/336-3428.


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Donations requested for free secondhand clothing event at Shoreline Teen Center November 3, 2023

Thrifting event at the Teen Center Friday November 3, 2023

We are accepting donations at the Shoreline Teen Center leading up to this event. 

We are looking for like-new or lightly used clothing for cold and wet Washingtonian weather. 
  • We are accepting any donations that fall under the following categories: winter coats, raincoats, waterproof shoes, boots, and other warm clothing. 
  • Sizes can range as long as they are for teens. We are accepting youth or adult sizes. We are not looking for sizes for younger youth aka junior and below as this is a youth-only event for those 6th to 12th grade.. 
If you have clothing outside of these descriptions to donate, consider The Works - they are having a clothing drive for kids and adults this November and December!

All donations will be free to any youth in 6th to 12th grade who attend this event.

Donations will be accepted Monday to Friday between 2:30 to 5:30pm at the Shoreline Teen Center at 16554 Fremont Ave N Shoreline WA, leading up to this event. Please wait at the entrance to the building for a Teen Programs staff member to come to you. Tell them you have donations for our free thrifting event.

If you have any questions send an email to Mary at mhale@shorelinewa.gov or send us a direct message on Instagram @ShorelineTeenPrograms


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King and 27 other counties sue state for failure to provide evaluation and treatment for patients with behavioral health conditions

Photo from Seattle Municipal Archives
A Pierce County judge ruled in favor of a lawsuit brought by 28 counties, including King County, and the Washington State Association of Counties against the Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). 

The judge ordered the state to immediately evaluate patients with behavioral health conditions and provide sufficient community notice when releasing patients from treatment.

The lawsuit holds the state accountable for fulfilling its obligation to evaluate and treat patients with behavioral health conditions, reducing further strain on a crumbling behavioral health system that the state legislature and local governments are actively working to restore.

“Today’s ruling affirms the state's basic obligation to evaluate the behavioral health needs of people in the legal system who can not be tried because they lack the ability to aid in their own defense, and to give them an opportunity for meaningful treatment. 
"It does not, of course, solve the very real capacity problems in the behavioral health system born of long-term funding and workforce shortages,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“With today’s ruling, counties across Washington can move forward with greater clarity, working with the state and other jurisdictions on the funding and strategies to meet the needs of the people we all serve.”

Under the order granted this morning by Judge Michael Schwartz, DSHS is immediately required to perform its statutory obligation to evaluate all new conversion patients – those for whom criminal charges were dismissed after they were found incompetent and non-restorable. 

It also requires DSHS to provide proper notice when releasing existing conversion patients, which is important for patient well-being and community safety.

Following the filing of a lawsuit in August by King County and 21 other counties against the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), the Pierce County Superior Court granted the motion for a preliminary injunction. 

Another six counties will be joining the suit. The 28 plaintiff counties represent over 7 million Washington residents.


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Parkwood Fall Cleanup - Neighborhood Trash Walk

 
Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 10am to noon, volunteers will gather to pick up litter in the Parkwood neighborhood.

Volunteers will gather at the Twin Ponds Park 155th St parking lot to collect cleanup supplies and territories.

Free donuts, coffee, and juice provided!


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Rail grinding on the Lynnwood Link could be noisy for nearby neighbors

In preparation to open service from Northgate Station to the Lynnwood City Center Station in fall 2024, Sound Transit crews will be performing nighttime rail grinding this month between the Northgate Station area and Lynnwood Transit Center. 

Work will be performed between 9pm and 5am the following mornings. A breakdown of the schedule is below.

Rail grinding is a routine preventative maintenance tactic that prolongs the lifespan of light rail tracks. 

As crews work each night, the rail grinding will move further along the selected alignment. 

Nearby residents and businesses should expect to hear increased noise and see localized sparks near the equipment as the operation continues. 

Here is a video showing what the process looks like from previous rail grinding on the Northgate Link Extension: Northgate rail grinding (external link to YouTube).

Where/when
  • Oct. 4 – Oct. 13: City of Seattle and Shoreline (Northgate Station to NE 152nd St, shown as blue on map).
  • Oct. 9 – Oct. 20: City of Shoreline (NE 152nd St to 205th St/ SR 104 Interchange, shown as green on map).
  • Oct. 13 – Oct. 26: City of Shoreline and Mountlake Terrace (SR 104 Interchange to 222nd St SW, shown as gold on map).
  • Oct. 16 – Oct. 26: City of Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood (222nd St SW to Lynnwood Transit Center, shown as red on map).
  • Dates and times are subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen issues. 
Contact information

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For the Birds: Fall and Winter Birds

Fox sparrow in leaves
Photo by Craig Kerns
By Christine Southwick

Migrant birds such as Western Tanagers, most of our warblers and flycatchers, plus our Osprey have flown southward heading to areas with winter food and warmth.

Because of our habitat-providing trees, this area has a good variety of resident birds, plus some that fly here to winter in our milder climate.

Year-round birds are easier to see in the winter perhaps because there are fewer leaves, or because they are drawn to bird feeders, suet, and liquid water in times of cold.

Two warblers who have adapted to our wet winter weather are the Townsend Warbler and the Yellow-rumped Warbler. They are a welcome splash of color during our grayer days.

Townsend's Warbler by Craig Kerns
Two migrating birds that will be arriving soon are the Varied Thrush and the Fox Sparrow.

Indeed, I have been hearing Varied Thrushes for the last two weeks, which seems early for this area. Maybe it was too dry for their mountain bugs…

Fox Sparrows could be arriving anytime now. They particularly like habitat with Himalayan Blackberries. 

These blackberry vines provide shelter from predators, protection from much of the cold weather, especially if we have snow (usually there is reduced or little snow on the ground under blackberry brambles), and there is always food such as bugs, spiders and leftover berries for them to forage.

Spotted Towhee by Christine Southwick
Our resident birds like the Spotted Towhee, the Song Sparrows and the Bewick’s Wrens all search through leaves to find their delectable life-saving bug meals. 

It is important for conservation-minded neighbors to keep areas of fallen leaves until spring cleaning.

When I first started attracting birds into my yard, I looked to other yards that had Spotted Towhees and found those birds foraging through leaves. 

Yellow-rumped Warbler on suet
by Christine Southwick
Once I started raking leaves off my grass onto my dormant flowerbeds, I had towhees and wrens and sparrows.

Suet and water kept liquid are two other life-sustaining commodities you can provide for birds.

Suet supplies much needed protein, especially when bugs can be scarce during cold weather. Chickadees, Juncos, Bushtits, Hairy, Downy, Pileated woodpeckers, and Flickers will all come to suet feeders. Townsend Warblers and Yellow-rumped Warblers will also eat suet.


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Rotary Hunger Strike raises money for Harvest Against Hunger - not too late to donate


Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park held a successful and fun-filled Hunger Strike™ event last week at Spin Alley on Richmond Beach Road. 

There were costumes, wigs, and pom-poms. These service minded folks joined other Rotary Clubs in their district to fight hunger, and Lake Forest Park will donate a portion of proceeds to Harvest Against Hunger.

There were pom poms
(left) Claire Conway, (right) Robin Roat

Hunger Strike™ is a fun and friendly team-based fundraising competition that culminates in a one-day in-person bowling event where club and community members come together to celebrate their efforts and for some, receive sweet prizes. 

Hunger Strike™ benefits Harvest Against Hunger, an organization that works with farmers, truckers, volunteers and others to bring valuable skills and resources into hunger relief efforts in communities across Washington state and beyond.

ROTARY - HUNGER STRIKE™ participation was AMAZING!
  • 12 Interact students, thanks to their dedicated Advisor - fellow rotarian, Jacqueline Drew.
  • 20 Rotarians (4 teams)
  • 7 Non-rotarians
  • 37 people had a (bowling) ball!
Keep donating. The deadline has been extended to Monday, November 9, 2023 at 5pm



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Megan Rapinoe plays her last game before retirement from soccer


The King County Council and the King County Executive Dow Constantine proclaimed the week of October 2-9, 2023, as MEGAN RAPINOE WEEK in King County, in recognition of her incredibly decorated career, unfailing advocacy, and contribution to soccer. #RapinoeReigns

Soccer star Megan Rapinoe with U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal

U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal issued a statement:

It was a total honor to watch the incredible @mrapinoe play her last game with @olreign

She is not only one of the best soccer players of all time and a superstar on the field, she utilized that star power to advocate for things that were courageous, powerful and just. 

From her immediate solidarity with Colin Kaepernick around Black Lives Matter, to her powerful advocacy for equal pay to her clear embrace of LGBTQ rights, she grew her star power in every single arena. 

She changed the way that not only little girls could see themselves in soccer, but she also showed everyone what it looks like to be who you are and to fight for the things you believe in. 

Thank you, Megan! It has been an honor to have you as a constituent and I will always be your fan! We love you and we are #foreverrapinoe



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