No Shoreline council meeting Monday - Presidents' Day

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Please note that the Monday, February 19, 2024 Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting has been cancelled in recognition of Presidents Day.

The next regular meeting will be held on February 26, 2024. The Council Agenda Planner shows two potential discussion items:
  1. Discussion of Draft Human Services Strategic Plan, and
  2. Discussion of Ordinance 987 - Amending SMC Title 15 - Construction Codes
As soon as the agenda has been finalized, we will provide an updated agenda.

--Pam Cross


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Shoreline Walks on Saturday: Jackson Park to Haller Lake

Explore neighborhoods, parks and trails on some of the best walking routes in our City and beyond. 

Designed for adults ages 50+ but open to all ages and abilities, each walk is led by a Volunteer Walk Leader and all walks are free. No need to sign up, just show up at the meetup location and we'll take care of the rest! Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome to join.

For a full list of walks visit www.ShorelineWA.gov/ShorelineWalks

Saturday, February 17, 2024, 10:00am
Jackson Park to Haller Lake 


We will walk along the south side of the Jackson Park Golf course and cross I-5 to North Acres Park. After leaving the park we will head to an access point on Haller Lake and return by a slightly different route back to our starting point. 

The walk is mostly level, but there is a long, steep, up-hill path near the beginning of the walk and several steep downhills near the end.


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Senator Patty Murray tours the 148th Light Rail Station site and announces federal funding for 148th St Pedestrian Bridge

Sen. Patty Murray at podium. L-R Deputy Mayor Laura Mork, Shoreline Public Works Director Tricia Juhnke, Mayor Chris Roberts, King County Executive Dow Constantine, in the parking garage for the 148th Light Rail station. View to the west. Photo by Steven H. Robinson

By Oliver Moffat

On Valentine’s Day afternoon, Senator Patty Murray took some time to tour the construction site of the 148th Street light-rail station with King County Executive Dow Constantine, Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts and Deputy Mayor Laura Mork.

Standing at a podium in the new 500-car parking garage with the roar of midday I-5 traffic behind her, Murray said, “a light rail station does no good if you’re stuck on the other side of a busy highway.”

A view from the city’s website of the light rail tracks, and future bridge, and east landing looking west across I-5.

Nearby, construction workers were busy drilling shafts into the ground that will hold the footings of the east-side landing of the 148th St bike and pedestrian bridge. Crews are working to complete construction of the 148th St bridge before WSDOT begins a project to daylight Thornton creek on the west side of I-5.

Deputy Mayor Mork, Mayor Roberts, Sen. Murray
The 148th St bridge will provide a safe path to the light rail station for the future residents of the 1,605 new homes coming soon in the south Parkwood neighborhood including 151 “missing middle” townhomes and 296 affordable apartments.

With an estimated price tag of $43.6M, the bridge will be funded with grants from the Washington Department of Transportation, Sound Transit, King County, Transportation Impact Fees, and (the reason why Murray came by to visit) a $20M federal RAISE grant.

Sen. Patty Murray with Sound Transit, city of Shoreline and King county electeds and staff in the under construction 148th Street parking garage for the Lynnwood Link light rail station. The pedestrian bridge will cross I-5 next to the cell phone tower in the background.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Senator Murray, who has served in the Senate for over 30 years and is now president pro tem, established the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program in 2009. As every Shoreliner knows, Murray won her first election to the Shoreline school board in the 1980s and now chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The ripe smell of fresh mulch wafted in the air from crews who were busy planting some of the 864 new trees that will replace the 317 existing trees that have been removed to make way for the 145th street projects.

Mayor Chris Roberts presented Senator Murray with a
Valentine’s Day cookie reading “Shoreline ♥️ Patty”
Photo by Oliver Moffat
In remarks, Mayor Chris Roberts pointed out that (unlike some cities in North King County) Shoreline has embraced the task of building affordable housing to address the region’s housing crisis. 

He said he is proud that the new developments near Shoreline’s light-rail stations have mandatory affordability requirements.

In addition to the bicycle and pedestrian bridge across I-5, the money from the RAISE grant will be used to pay for new sidewalks and roundabouts on 145th and a network of bike lanes in the Parkwood neighborhood - safety improvements that are urgently needed for the dangerously outdated 145th street corridor.


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WeatherWatcher: Will it snow Thursday morning? Yes, but probably minor or no accumulations

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

 
Low temperature expected Thursday Morning by the National Weather Service
Some cold air is passing through the gaps in the Cascade Mountain range and the threat of mixed winter precipitation has returned. Some models say snow, others say a mix, and some say rain. The forecast is marginal on the freezing mark, and as always it seems with snow forecasts around here, uncertain.

For Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, the National Weather Service forecast is calling for snow, or rain and snow mixed late Wednesday night and Thursday. Most models show the bulk of the precipitation to be between 3am and 11am Thursday morning. Temperatures are expected to be between 31°F and 37°F during this time.

This is a marginal event. In the coldest scenario we could see a trace to 2 inches of snow, but the more likely outcome from this event is snowfall but no accumulation. There might be some slushy accumulations on lawns and other unpaved surfaces for a short time.

The daytime temperature Thursday is expected to reach 42°F after the precipitation stops, which should melt off any accumulated snowfall we get. We have clearing Thursday evening and overnight into Friday. Temperatures overnight into Friday morning will likely dip down to the freezing mark but we begin to moderate through the weekend.

The weekend forecast looks rainy, with high temperatures near 50°F and lows near 40°F. The first half of next week looks like our typical late February weather of cloudy days with a chance of rain each day. We will quickly look back on this forecast as another near miss with snow this winter, as is somewhat typical during moderate to strong El Niño winters.


For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com


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Winter Shelter Update from Lake City Partners

During the recent cold spell, Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness (LCP) opened their GLA Day Center over the weekend of January 13th and 14th, 2024 to respond to the freezing temperatures outside. 

It was a welcome respite to those served on those cold weekend days.
 
The St. Dunstan's severe weather shelter was open for eight nights with a capacity of 20 beds and provided a total of 108 bed nights (67% total utilization, with 19 people on one night!). 

We need more investment in the North Seattle King County area to support the over 350 unsheltered people in our community. 

LCP strongly supports efforts to bring more shelter in the Lake City and North Seattle area. We have been working to bring a seasonal winter shelter to Lake City for well over a year. 

Our team favors a seasonal winter shelter solution over severe weather emergency response for a variety of reasons, with effective access to housing pathways being the biggest one. 

We are working closely with KCRHA, King County, and the City of Seattle to advocate for increased funding to support neighborhood-based seasonal winter shelter as a way of creating meaningful pathways to housing.

--William Towey, Executive Director


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Kiss

 
Who's your valentine!


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Sen. Salomon to introduce resolution supporting Ukrainians on the two-year anniversary the Russia invasion

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline
Photo courtesy LSS
OLYMPIA –Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline) will introduce a resolution on Tuesday supporting Ukrainians on the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the largest conflict in Europe since World War II, began a campaign of terror and destruction which upended the lives of Ukrainians and Ukrainian Americans.

“Civilians are being murdered in their homes, at the grocery store, on the street, while simply trying to live peacefully,” Salomon said. 
“Our state has one of the largest populations of Ukrainian immigrants in the country. Washington state has shown immense compassion, welcoming refugees and providing fundamental human needs such as food, housing, and mental health care to help them cope with the horrors they’ve endured.”

Washington state is home to more than 60,000 Ukrainian Americans and has welcomed over 16,000 Ukrainian refugees since the war began.

“Thousands of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war have arrived in Washington seeking safety for their children and hoping to build a better life for themselves,” said Galina Volchkova, Executive Director of Housing Services at the Volunteers of America Western Washington. 

“Since May 2021, over eight hundred households in our Refugee Resettlement and Stabilization program are employed and self-sufficient. They are succeeding because of their resilience and because we offered timely access to resources, rental assistance, and job opportunities.”

“Ukrainians and Ukrainian Americans in Washington have enriched our communities through their resilience, leadership, and culture,” Salomon said. 

“The United States’ support for Ukraine has helped the country to withstand Russia’s assault abroad, and our support for Ukrainian refugees has helped them bear the immense physical and psychological toll of this war. 

"I urge all of us here today to show our solidarity with the people of Ukraine who are fighting to preserve their peace, freedom, and democracy just as our great nation has done before.”

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.


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Shorewood Cheer competes at State

Shorewood Cheer compete at State. Photo by Kristi Lin

By Emily Lin

The WIAA State Cheerleading competition was held at Battle Ground High School on February 2nd and 3rd, 2024. 

This is only the 2nd year that Shorewood Cheer has competed in any state cheer competition. The 21 Shorewood cheerleaders competed against talented teams from across the state who have been going to and training for the state event for many years.

At the State competition, Shorewood’s Traditional routine placed 5th, and Game Day routine placed 8th. 

Shorewood Athletic Director Joanne Fukuma, 4th from left, middle row,
with a very happy group of competitors at State

"It has been amazing to watch Cheer elevate to an elite competitive team. Coach Sturm continues to raise expectations to meet the level of athletes that participate in cheer and hope to qualify for State year after year. This group of athletes are some of the best in the school!" exclaimed Joann Fukuma, the athletic director at Shorewood.

The Shorewood Cheer coach, Brianne Sturm, has been phenomenal in giving the cheerleaders the skills and confidence to “BELIEVE” in themselves and remember that “WE CAN DO IT!” 

There have been many challenges along the way, yet these girls have shown perseverance, hard work, and grace in the process.

Floor routine. Photo by Kristi Lin

Equally important, these Shorewood cheerleaders have excelled in the classroom and have shown deep dedication to service to the community, including, the Great Strides Breast Cancer walk, Syre Carnival and Elementary Cheer Day Camp with over 285 participants.

“Shorewood cheer has a history of creating strong, confident athletes who positively impact the communities they are a part of. They provide a great representation of Shorewood around the state,” shared senior Amelia Uran, one of the captains of the SW Squad.

Their second year at the state competition. Photo by Kristi Lin

This special team of athletes has positively changed the dynamic of the school with their passion for both the sport of cheerleading and Shorewood Athletics. The hard work that has gone into competition has brought pride to the school. 

The shared school spirit that they encourage in students, athletes, and each other, is palpable to all faculty, staff, students and parents.


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You know Spring is almost here when ….. the Flower & Garden Show arrives

You know Spring is almost here when …..

By Bruce Bennett
Photos by Steven H. Robinson

Well, ….. when the country’s best garden show again rises from the concrete floors of the Seattle Convention Center Summit (900 Pine Street) beginning Wednesday, February 14, and running through Sunday, February 18, 2024.

February 14-18, 2024
  • Wednesday - Saturday: 9am - 8pm
  • Sunday:  9am - 6pm
Half a dozen varieties of fern
Whether you are a horticulturalist, a home gardener or an apartment dweller with a couple of containers on your deck, the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival will provide you with information and ideas about all aspects of ornamental and edible gardening.

The sheer size and diversity of the show can take your breath away. It not only offers an opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the natural and cultured worlds in a spectacular setting, the show is also designed to teach gardeners how to develop their ideas and turn them into practical landscapes.


Some 120 seminars, held in three lecture halls, allow you to listen to local, national and international experts in the horticultural world discuss design and growing issues from civilizing the back five acres of your land to developing an indoor herb garden. 

Also, look for talks dealing with climate issues, pollinator gardens, drought-resistant design and plants, etc. These programs blend excellent visual images showcasing cutting-edge advice as well as practical demonstrations of tools and pruning, creating garden art, tips for successful gardening and planting, and floral arranging from the garden — there’s something for everyone. See one seminar or see dozens! 


They’re all included in the cost of a ticket. Drop in every day and discover something new. Check out the seminars being presented over five days 

After all those seminars, see much of the advice used in the various display gardens. This year will have twenty gardens, covering some three acres of floor space. 


Each garden was developed with a different theme ranging from very wild and woodsy to life around a manicured backyard lawn (as well as lawns that are drought-tolerant where nary a blade of grass can be found). Think of the water savings on your utility bills! 

Reimagined uses for repurposed trees
Some of the noted trends in the display gardens include many reimagined uses for repurposed trees, a reuse of metal I-beams and cortan (weathered) steel and slow moving water features (versus traditional stream and fountains).

Slow-moving stream

With these types of events, you can’t forget the marketplaces and Seattle has the largest Marketplace in the country! With over fifty nurseries, garden centers and growers, this year’s plant market will be the largest one ever and will offer more trees, shrubs and perennials than ever before. 


Whether you are looking for indoor plants or outdoors, you’ll find something to tickle your fantasy and provide a color spot for you. After all, there will be thousands of and thousands of plants from which to choose. 

New and unusual plant offerings

Save some time to look at new plant offerings. If you have questions concerning growing conditions, plant sizes, etc., not only are the growers’ representatives able to answer many questions, Washington State University will be staffing a double-sized booth filled with Master Gardeners to discuss immediate-need questions as well as general horticultural education.


Then, you can expect to traverse the marketplace aisles to view another 300 gardening-related vendors, including diverse items such as jewelry, art, tools, seed/bulbs/tubers, equipment and the ever-present and much loved ‘tchotchke.’ If you can’t find the right gardening item, it probably doesn’t exist.

Plants, windows, and a round fountain

Whether gardener or not, most find the Flower Show to be quite the stimulating experience, with fragrant and colorful blooms in every direction. Walk through the main entrances to the show and you're bound to pull out your iPhone or camera to record the colors and designs that appeal to you. 


Take home a new plant, learn about rain gardens, or chat with experts on how to grow the perfect orchid. 

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to dig in the dirt, there’s something for everyone at the 2024 NW Flower and Garden Show. Make the commitment to make the time to look and listen. 

ADMISSION

Two Day Pass (valid any two days of the show, one per person): $40
Adult:  $27
Student (ages 13-23 or with valid student ID): $13
Children (ages 12 & under): FREE
Five Day Pass (valid every day of the show, one per person): $80
Half Day Pass (entry after 3pm on Wed. - Sat. and 2pm on Sun.): $14
Group (minimum purchase quantity of 20): $18 each


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Shoreline Community College Presents: The Crucible

 

The Crucible opens March 8, 2024 at Shoreline Community College

This exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society. 

The story tells how small lies, childrens lies, build and build until the suspicions of a whole town are aroused. Set in a small tight-knit community, personal grievances collide with lust and superstition, fuelling widespread hysteria. 

Arthur Miller's timeless parable attacks the evils of mindless persecution and the terrifying power of false accusations.

Salem, Massachusetts, 1692. A small group of girls cry out against other people in the town, accusing them of witchcraft, in an attempt to cover up their own dabblings in the occult.
Led by Abigail Williams, the girls accusations cause a court to be formed to investigate the alleged crimes.
Caught up in the trials are John and Elizabeth Proctor, a farming couple whose marriage is hanging by a thread. John Proctor, following an illicit affair with Abigail, finds himself and his wife caught up in the proceedings when Abigail accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft, hoping to take her place at John's side.
Desperate to clear his wife's name, John attempts to convince the court of her innocence, but instead finds himself in deep water when Abigail turns on him.

The end of this tale, based on true events, is both tragic and deeply affecting as John is arrested for witchcraft himself. When faced with the choice between confessing to witchcraft, thus saving himself or professing his innocence, and destroying his good name, John finds it is an impossible choice to make.

Directed by Duygu Monson

Performances:  
  • March 8, 9, 15, 16  -  7:30pm
  • March 10 & 17th  -  3:00pm
Shoreline Community College Theater
16101 Greenwood Ave N, 1600 Bldg. / Theater
Shoreline WA  98133

House Doors open approximately 30 minutes to performance time
Lobby opens 1 hour to performance start time


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Travels with Charley: Catching a sunset

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Photo by Gordon Snyder
Catching a Sunset while Trying to Catch a Fish on the long pier at Log Boom Park.

This is over by the bridge to the public area at Harbour Village Marina.

I’m not sure but this inlet might be some part of the historic Cat Whiskers Creek water from along 61 Ave NE.

--Gordon Snyder


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The Art of Death: Preparing the Way for Those We Leave Behind

Since death comes to us all and we know not when, having a plan for those that will pick up the pieces after you are gone is one of the kindest things you can leave behind for them.

What

A series of five sessions that will focus on various aspects of planning for death, including the stuff, the numbers, the law, the body and the service. 

Each session will be a combination of practical information, an opportunity to ask your questions, and time to begin to write down your plans and start your own death binder.

When

Saturdays, 10am to Noon
February 24 — March 23

Where

St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church
722 N 145th, Shoreline, WA 98177

$25 materials fee.
Pre-Registration requested at www.sdchp.org


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NEMCo announces four Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs for 2024

The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) is announcing the first of four Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs for 2024! 

The CERT basic curriculum teaches community residents how to prepare themselves, their families and neighbors for an emergency, disaster or other community incident. 

Regardless of your age, background, experience or capabilities, there is something you can do to help yourself, your family and your community. 

Classes are presented by trained CERT instructors in the areas of Fire Safety, Basic First Aid, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search & Rescue, Utility Management, and overall preparedness.

CERT is for everyone! 

Topics are presented in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step process, with hands-on training to build your knowledge and skills. After some class practice, you and your classmates will participate in a disaster simulation to give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned and build confidence in your new skills and abilities.

  • The next CERT course will be in a seven-week format, on Thursday nights, 6:00 - 9:00pm, March 28 through May 9, with the simulation on May 11. 
  •  We will repeat these offerings in August and September if you are unable to attend the upcoming classes. Hope to see you there!

After completing this CERT course, the opportunities do not end. Join us at NEMCo to become one of our CERT or community members who serve our Northshore community, police, and fire departments throughout the year by participating at community events and so much more. 

NEMCo also offers additional training in GMRS Emergency Radio Communications, amateur radio (ham) communications, Emergency Operations Center management, its drone program, and teaches additional emergency skill sets with more specialized member training through our monthly training program.

Additional information about NEMCo on their website For additional information on this CERT Class, Contact northshoreemc@gmail.com


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Shorenorth Cooperative Preschool invites you to their Open House March 2, 2024 10am - 12pm


Are you interested in learning more about the close-knit community and amazing learning environment a co-op preschool can offer your family?

We invite you to come tour our space and meet our lovely families and teachers!

Shorenorth Cooperative Preschool believes kids thrive on play-based learning and a community of parents in (and out) of the classroom.

Our school includes four play rooms, a library and an outdoor playscape designed by our members. 

We have five classes who attend every week (0-5 years old) and a K-3 Parent Education class that meets two evenings a month.

Learn more about our school and view our photo gallery here.



Enter from southbound Aurora. Park in parking lot in front of Ronald United Methodist Church and enter through the outdoor playscape gate.


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Shoreline Council moves to expand Twin Ponds Park

A map from the city’s website shows the location of properties the city of Shoreline would like to purchase to expand Twin Ponds park.

By Oliver Moffat

Directly south of Twin Ponds park are a row of homes built in the 1950s and early 1960s. The single family homes are visible from the tennis/pickleball court, the community gardens and the arboretum.

If the owners of those homes are willing to sell, those parcels could become part of the park in the future - expanding the 22-acre park in the neighborhood near the 148th street light-rail station.

A photo from the city’s website shows Twin Ponds in the evening from the boardwalk.

The Shoreline city council voted unanimously to expand Twin Ponds Park by purchasing one of the parcels at the Monday, February 12, city council meeting. The 0.17 acre parcel is located on N 149th Street a block away from the property on 150th the city purchased in August of 2023.

The city was awarded Conservation Futures Tax (CFT) Levy funds to pay for 75% of the acquisition. The rest of the cost would be paid from Park Impact Fees. King County Conservation Futures is a program that provides grants to acquire open space. Park Impact Fees are collected by the city from new developments to pay for parks.

Unlike eminent domain, the city can only use CFT funds to purchase property from willing buyers.

A photo from the city’s website shows the Twin Ponds playground.

According to the CFT Application once acquired, the city could build trails to allow access to the park from the south while restoring native tree canopy and wetlands.

According to the 2017-2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan, Shoreline needs an additional 95 acres of park land with 43 of those acres within the 145th and 185th light-rail subareas. For comparison, Hamlin Park is 80 acres.

On average the city has 7.38 acres of parkland in walking distance of every 1,000 residents. But within the Parkwood neighborhood where Twin Ponds is located, there are only 5.7 acres per 1,000 residents.

The city expects 15,000 new residents by 2035 with 75% of that growth in the light-rail subareas. There are 1,605 new homes coming soon in the south Parkwood neighborhood including 151 “missing middle” townhomes and 296 affordable apartments.


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Fire Commissioners public hearing to hear citizen appeals to 2024 Fire Benefit Charge

 
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
 
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners of Shoreline Fire Department will hold a public hearing at the date, time and place specified below to hear citizen appeals to the 2024 Fire Benefit Charge.
 
DATE OF HEARING:    Thursday, March 14, 2024
 
TIME OF HEARING:     5:00 p.m.
 
LOCATION:
Shoreline Fire Department Station 61
17525 Aurora Avenue North
Shoreline, WA 98133
 
To attend the meeting online please use the below information:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83414034545?pwd=QVJhWGxPMEtvaEdvMjJZSWFMMnBoQT09
Meeting ID: 834 1403 4545
Passcode: 554785
Dial by your location: #253 215 8782
 
The agenda can be retrieved on the Shoreline Fire Department website (http://www.shorelinefire.com/).
 
Notice posted by:                Beatriz Goldsmith
                                                Executive Assistant
                                                February 12, 2024

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Gloria's Birds: Toss of the Townsend's Warbler...

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

 (He nabs bits of the suet but, in order to swallow it, the warbler tosses it into his open beak.)

--Gloria Z. Nagler



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Call to Artists - 2024 Art Cottage Residency program


Shoreline Art Cottage Residency Program

The City of Shoreline Public Art Program is seeking a qualified artist, or artist team, interested in exploring their art practice while providing a regular presence at the Art Cottage and creating options for viewers to observe and engage with this creative process.

For its fifth season in 2024, the Shoreline Public Art Program will fund up to four residencies. The Art Cottage is located on an idyllic bluff overlooking the Salish Sea at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park in Shoreline, WA.

The Art Cottage at RB Saltwater Park

ARTIST RESIDENCY HONORARIUM $2,000 per residency (No Entry Fee)

ELIGIBILITY: OPEN CALL TO QUALIFIED ARTISTS
  • Open to emerging as well as established artists working in a wide variety of media.
  • Must be 18 years of age and able to complete a W-9 form for payment.
  • Artists must be residents of the state of Washington and reside in King, Pierce, or Snohomish County during the time of the Art Cottage Residency. (There are no overnight accommodations.)
  • Artists of color, immigrants, and artists from diverse communities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
  • City of Shoreline staff members, selection panelists, as well as their immediate family members, are not eligible to apply

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park and the Salish Sea

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5:00pm on Friday, February 20, 2024 (Deadline Extended!)

TIMELINE: Residencies will be for six contiguous weeks each, March through October 2024 (no availability the first 2 weeks of July).
  • Residency A March to April 2024
  • Residency B May to June 2024
  • Residency C mid-July to August 2024
  • Residency D September to October 2024

PROJECT GOAL

The Art Cottage Residency Program is dedicated to showcasing dynamic artistic production, introducing contemporary art forms, and activating the park, space, and landscape through artistic intervention, all with the goal of fostering community engagement. 

The Shoreline Art Cottage Residency Program at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park reflects a commitment to engaging residents and visitors, nurturing a sense of ownership and pride within the community. It invites everyone to explore the captivating intersection of culture and nature in this uniquely inviting setting.

For a full description of this Call to Artists, please see the RESIDENCY APPLICATION FORM 


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Family-owned and operated Town & Country Markets announces Ryan Ritter as new President and CEO

 (L-R) Ryan Ritter, Susan Allen, Bill Weymer
Photo by Cameron Karsten

Town & Country (T&C) Markets, one of few local, independent, and family-owned and run markets across the Puget Sound, is excited to announce the promotion of Ryan Ritter from Executive Director of Operations to President and CEO.
 
The current CEO, Bill Weymer is retiring from this position after 13 years of dedicated service and will remain on the Board of Directors alongside Town & Country family members Susan Allen, Ron Nakata and Chairman Larry Nakata. Concurrently, the company welcomes Wendy Oliver, a seasoned retail industry expert, as the new Senior Director of Retail Operations.

Ritter has worked with T&C for over a decade, integrating the company’s deep commitment to its legacy as a family-owned business with innovation and vision. Known for his effective leadership, track record of success and dedication to creating a great guest and employee experience, Ritter brings an extensive background in hospitality and information technology. 

His prior work aligns seamlessly with T&C’s strategies and goals, and his skills will continue to address evolving technology and hospitality needs for future growth.

“Bill and I have been working together for over 10 years, so we’re very aligned with what we’ve been doing and where we’re going,” said Ritter. 
“I’m very proud of the transition we’ve completed over the past year, charting a clear direction for where we’re headed as a company. We have a bright future as an independent, family-owned business and I’m thrilled to carry forward Bill’s legacy of adaptation, pushing ourselves to explore new ways to serve our guests, offer unique dining experiences, and better connect with our communities. "

Weymer’s remarkable 55-year career includes 13 years at the helm of T&C Markets, leading the company through a myriad of strategic initiatives, including the substantial remodel of the original market location on Bainbridge Island, the purchase of the Lakemont location in 2015, and the 2022 rebrand, unifying all markets under the original Town & Country name. 

In total, Weymer spent 19 years with T&C, including opening the original Ballard Market in 1986. As Weymer retires from full-time work, he will continue to serve on the Board of Directors.

"It’s been one of the greatest privileges of my long career to work for Town & Country. I’m profoundly grateful to have served this family, our shareholders, employees, communities, and the region we’re so deeply connected to. 
"I also feel so fortunate to be a part of an amazing industry like the food business. Over the years, I’ve been enriched by the contributions of so many great people,” said Weymer.

(L-R) Ron Nakata, Ryan Ritter, Larry Nakata, Bill Weymer, Susan Allen
Photo by Cameron Karsten

Weymer and Ritter collaborated closely to identify and begin execution on T&C’s next 65 years. This vision includes ongoing investment in employee education to empower future grocers, sustained community support and involvement, the continual diversification of the workforce, and the expansion of T&C’s hospitality and in-market restaurant and food service offerings. 

Additionally, T&C will build on the legacy of the Nakata MiddleField Farm, celebrating its 100 years of family ownership in 2024 to promote sustainable agriculture and nurture future farmers for a healthier food system.

Ritter sees the evolving industry landscape shaped by consolidation and acquisitions as a prime challenge for the independent grocer. Key priorities will include adapting to changes, particularly in workforce dynamics post-COVID. He plans to address challenges by strategically integrating technology and upholding the distinct service standards and connections that set T&C apart, notably in guest service and community involvement.

Wendy Oliver joins T&C as the new Senior Director of Retail Operations, bringing over 45 years of experience in grocery retail. Oliver’s extensive background includes leadership roles in operations, marketing and merchandising with national and regional grocery companies. Oliver seeks to foster a workplace where employees continue to be valued, guests are inspired by the food offerings, and local vendors can thrive.

As T&C Markets undergoes this leadership transition and expansion, the company remains committed to its core values, community enrichment, and providing food people love. Stakeholders can expect a seamless transition, a continued focus on local, sustainable products, and an unwavering dedication to serving the communities in which it operates.

To join T&C Markets in the everyday delight of eating, visit townandcountrymarkets.com or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook.

About Town & Country Markets

Founded in 1957 by two brothers, John and Mo Nakata, and good friend Ed Loverich, the local, family-owned and run markets across Puget Sound offer an eating and shopping experience that embodies the love of great food and drink and the experience of sharing food people love.



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Shorewood wrestling sends Eight to State

Stormray Girls @ Regionals: (L-R) Natalia Pittman, Aly Fellores, Finley Houck, Abi Chishungu, Libby Norton, Izzy Crave, Ellie Van Horn, Sarah Norton. Photo by Jeremy Tantrum.

By Tricia Norton

The Stormrays faced tough opposition in Monroe and Federal Way on Saturday at the Regional Wrestling tournament. After a solid day of wrestling, eight Stormrays landed on the podium with a ticket to the Tacoma Dome’s Mat Classic State Wrestling Tournament.

Libby Norton took a first at regionals.

In Monroe, junior Libby Norton took first place at 105 lbs, beating Kamiak’s Rebecca Serrati 8-6.  

Sophomores Finley Houck and Abi Chishungu both took second at 110 and 190 lbs respectively.  Junior Izzy Crave finished in 3rd at 135 lbs. 

Ellie Van Horn took 4th and Aly Fellores claimed an alternate spot with a 7th place finish at 130 lbs.

Mak Kanzler with Coach Derek Norton. Photo by Jenny Kanzler

The Stormray boys finished the day with two heading to Tacoma. Senior Mak Kanzler took 5th at 165 lbs and junior Masa Taura finished as an alternate in 6th place at 132 lbs.  


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Canopy Cat Rescue - story hour in a Mount Vernon tree

Photo courtesy Mount Vernon Library

Canopy Cat Rescue rescued a cat for an employee of the Mount Vernon Library and they asked us to read a book in a tree, and tell folks a little bit about what we do at CCR. Here you go, hope you enjoy “Cat up a tree” by John and Ann Hassett.

Hear the story on You Tube


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Icebreaker Polar Star escorts container ship through the ice to McMurdo Station

Polar Star and Gladiator

The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) escorts the cargo ship Ocean Gladiator through the ice channel in the McMurdo Sound, January 21, 2024. Photo by U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeremy Burgess

Every year, a joint and total force team works together to complete a successful Operation Deep Freeze season. Active, Guard, and Reserve service members from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy work together to forge a Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica - that continues the tradition of U.S. military support to the United States Antarctic Program. 

Following the successful breakthrough of a 38 nautical mile channel through the fast ice, (ice that extends out from the shore and is attached to it) the Polar Star escorted the Ocean Gladiator (container ship) and the Acadia Trader (fuel ship) safely to McMurdo Station.

These supply ships provide essential resources, including fuel, to sustain operations and scientific activities in Antarctica until the next Austral summer.

After both supply ships are escorted out, the Polar Star will start her voyage back to the United States, with stops in New Zealand and Japan!

Gladiator (left) and Polar Star

The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) is seen escorting the cargo ship Ocean Gladiator through the ice channel in the McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, Jan. 21, 2024. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeremy Burgess)


The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) is seen from overhead escorting the cargo ship Ocean Gladiator through the ice channel in the McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, Jan. 21, 2024. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeremy Burgess

The U.S. military's support of U.S. Antarctic research began in 1955. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command continues to lead the Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica team in providing logistic support for the United States Antarctic Program. 

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Kalinoski, a boatswain’s mate, observes the fuel ship Acadia Trader as the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) comes alongside it during a fueling evolution in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, Jan. 30, 2024. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Graves


The cargo ship Ocean Gladiator transfers cargo between the ship and McMurdo Station prior to being escorted through the ice channel by the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) in the McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, Jan. 31, 2024. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Graves

Every year, a joint and total force team works together to complete a successful Operation Deep Freeze season. Active, Guard, and Reserve service members from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy work together to forge a Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica -that continues the proud tradition of U.S. military support to the United States Antarctic Program. 


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