New Programs at the Senior Activity Center in July and August

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center staff are very excited to bring you new opportunities and programs in July and August!


Tech Help
Tech Help

FREE, individual tech assistance for seniors through our partnership with TechConnect WA. 

Technician Casey Diaz will be able to help you resolve technical issues with phones, computers, tablets, kindles, smart watches, software, email, internet settings, accessibility settings for hearing, vision, and dexterity impairments and much, much more.

APPOINTMENT REQUIRED - Please call the senior center to make an appointment at 206-365-1536

Date: Tuesdays 10:00am-12:00pm and Fridays 9:00am-12:00pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155

Driftwood sculpting
New Driftwood Sculpting instructor Susan Watts


Unveil the hidden beauty in driftwood with expert Susan Watts. 

Explore the art of driftwood transformation by shaping, smoothing, and enhancing weathered wood into stunning natural art. 

Instructor has basic tools available for $25.

Date: Tuesdays 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Cost: 
  • Members of the Senior Center: $6 –
  • NonMembers of the Senior Center: $9
Location: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155

Juggling for Coordination
Juggling for Coordination

Improve coordination, range of motion, and upper body strength while having fun and laughing together with juggling! 

This class involves a variety of juggling exercises which involve bouncing, tossing, and catching balls in groups and independently. 

No juggling experience required. Participate seated or standing. This is a one-time, 7-week program. 

NOTE: This class is well-suited for people with Parkinson's

Registration: Space is limited, registration is required. Please come in or call the senior center to register at 206-365-1536.

Date: Mondays 10-11am - July 8 - Aug 26
Cost: 
  • Members of the Senior Center: $35 
  • NonMembers of the Senior Center: $56
Location: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155

Greeting card making class
New Greeting Card Making Class

Learn the art of crafting personalized greeting cards with local cardmaker Frank Macaluso! 

No experience required. Materials provided. 

Registration: Space is limited, registration is required. Please come in or call the senior center to register at 206-365-1536.

Date: Thursdays 12:30-2pm – Starting July 11
Cost: 
  • Members of the Senior Center: $12/month
  • NonMembers of the Senior Center: $18/month
Location: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155

Documentary Discourse

Attention all history buffs, film nerds, and culture enthusiasts! Join Program Coordinator Kevin Hallagan for hand-picked film screenings followed by engaging discussions.

Shameless: the Art of Disability
  • July 5 we will be watching 'Shameless: the Art of Disability’ [2010] for Disability Pride Month

The Vote
  • August 2 we will be watching 'The Vote' (Part 1) [2020] for Women's Equity Month
Registration: Please come in or call the senior center to register at 206-365-1536 for more information.

Date: First Friday of every month from 9:00-11:30am depending on movie length
Cost: FREE
Location: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155

Become a member of the Senior Activity Center - there are no age restrictions.
  • Annual single membership $40
  • Annual couples membership $70

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Point-in-Time homeless count results from King County

The 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count found that on any given night in King County, there are an estimated 16,385 individuals experiencing homelessness. 

This is 23% higher than the 2022 PIT estimate. 

There are several contributing factors to the latest PIT figures. KCRHA partnered with University of Washington researchers in 2022 to improve the accuracy of counting our unhoused neighbors. 

Additionally, homelessness has been growing across the country since 2017, particularly unsheltered homelessness, especially in cities where housing prices have been substantially increasing. 

In the past five years, more than 1,000 shelter beds have been added to the system. Since 2019, an estimated 5,000 permanent housing units are now available. Despite an increase in the number of places for people to go, it's still not enough.

The Community Impact team is working on a full report that will be released this year with more details and analysis.

PIT Count Overview


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Temporary closures of Interurban Trail through Ballinger Commons for maintenance

Interurban Trail in Ballinger Commons
Photo by Oliver Moffat


In order to complete maintenance work, the Interurban Trail running through the Ballinger Commons apartment community will need to close temporarily for brief periods over the next two weeks. 

Ballinger Commons has structured the work to minimize the amount of time needed to close the trail.

Closure schedule:
  • Northern portion of trail (N 200th Street to N 205th Street) – July 1 and 11, 2024
  • Southern portion of the trail (N 200th Street to N 195th Street and then east to 1st Avenue NE) – July 1-2 and July 11-12
There will be signs on the trails to let people know about the short closures.

Bicyclists can use Meridian Avenue N as a detour route while the trail is closed. Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of Meridian Avenue.


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Jobs: WSDOT Project Lead (TE3)

WSDOT
Project Lead (TE3)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$78,460 - $105,550 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Transportation Engineer 3 to serve as the Project Lead in Shoreline, WA. The Project Lead directs activities that are necessary for the development of transportation safety, preservation, and improvement projects for the NWR within the WSDOT charge of programs. 

The Project Lead is responsible for delivering the assigned projects within scope, schedule, and budget, while developing the direct reports to become future leaders of the Department. The Project Lead has high impact to WSDOT’s mission to provide and support safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve livable communities and economic vitality for people and businesses. The Project Lead will deliver projects using a variety of delivery methods.

Job description and application


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Upcoming restoration work party events with the Green Shoreline Partnership

Upcoming restoration work party events with the Green Shoreline Partnership


Pick a park and join a restoration work party to celebrate summer! No experience necessary. Just bring your enthusiasm!

Contact Joy Wood at stewardship@restorationad.com with any inquiries about the Green Shoreline Partnership.



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Friends of the LFP Library summer book sale Sunday, July 7, 2024


It’s the Peak of the Season for fresh local produce at the LFP Farmers Market, and there’s something special going on this weekend!

Be sure to stop by the Friends of the Lake Forest Park Library Summer Pop-Up Book Sale Sunday, July 7, 2024 from 2 – 4pm at LFP Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.

Look for the booth among the market vendors.

Pick out delectable fruits and veggies, and allow plenty of time to browse our quality bargain books. 

You might find a stack of perfect beach novels, or well-preserved copies of classics you’ve always meant to read, and we’ll have a great selection of kids’ books. 

This year we have a lot of great cookbooks to inspire your kitchen adventures. 

Plus, you get to mingle with fellow book lovers -- you might even be inspired to join our group in supporting our beloved local library!

Proceeds will support the joint Lake Forest Park Library and Third Place Commons programs.


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Watch 4th of July Fireworks at Log Boom Park

You're invited to the 4th of July Fireworks event at Log Boom Park! 

The event kicks off at 7:30pm with music, food trucks, face painting, games, and crafts, and the fireworks show will begin at 10:00pm.


Event details:
The event kicks off at 7:30 pm with music, food trucks, free face painting, games, and crafts, and the fireworks show will begin at 10:00 pm. The fireworks show is 20 minutes.

Parking:
  • NOTE: The 61st Ave NE hill by Log Boom Park will be closed 3pm- 11pm. Use the detour route* 
  • Log Boom Park Parking lot will be closed all day on 7/4 for the event setup and activities 
  • Limited parking along NE 175th Street
  • A section on NE 175th Street for ADA parking

*NEW & FREE this year: 
  • Starting at 6pm there will be 2 ADA accessible shuttle buses running from the Kenmore Park & Ride to the drop off point on NE 175th Street/near Log Boom Park. The shuttles will run till 11:30pm. 
  • *After the event, practice patience as the shuttles move from NE 175th Street to the Kenmore Park & Ride*

Parking lots
These parking lots will be available for event parking:
  • Church of the Redeemer: 6210 NE 181st St, Kenmore WA 98028
  • Kenmore Park & Ride 

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Preparing for the 4th

 




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Puget Sound Kidney Centers opens new dialysis center to serve Shoreline and surrounding communities

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

On Thursday, June 20, 2024, Puget Sound Kidney Centers (PSKC) celebrated the opening of its newest dialysis treatment facility in Shoreline, WA located at 355 NW Richmond Beach Rd in the 4-Corners business district.

This new 20-station dialysis center will accommodate up to 120 in-center dialysis patients. The center, designed by Botesch, Nash & Hall, was created to be a warm, welcoming, and comfortable environment for patients and visitors.

Dialysis center
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The 15,730 square foot facility includes one isolation room and a permanent bed station for patients. The facility will house a specialized training area for home dialysis patients for both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis modalities. 

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The adjacent building on the 1.25 acre campus, will be home to PSKC’s Foundation, Human Resources Department, and meeting space which can accommodate free education classes for patients and the community.

As a patient centered, community based nonprofit organization serving Western Washington since 1981, PSKC has long been considered a leading and trusted provider of outstanding dialysis care known for its delivery of quality and compassionate service.
 
From left: Tom DeBord at microphone, Puget Sound Kidney Centers President and CEO;
George Bowden, Board Chair, Dr. Raghu Durvasula, Chief Medical Officer PSKC
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

President and CEO, Tom DeBord, shares, “Our highest priority is to provide outstanding care, compassion, and support for our patients. This new facility is an extension of our commitment to ensuring the welfare of our patients by providing a safe, high quality, and beautiful care environment to support their wellbeing.”

The diagnosis of kidney failure can change a patient’s life forever. PSKC is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of those with kidney disease through outstanding dialysis care, education and community support. PSKC care teams provide the support patients need to enable them to transition successfully into healthy living on dialysis, or as successful kidney transplant recipients.

Theresa Tofflemire, Shoreline Clinic Manager
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Currently, one in seven U.S. adults has chronic kidney disease. With the progression of chronic kidney disease, the kidneys eventually stop functioning resulting in End Stage Kidney Disease (also known as End Stage Renal Disease) or kidney failure. Today, over 800,000 Americans have End Stage Kidney Disease and are dependent on dialysis or a transplant to sustain their life.

For more information visit PSKC.net


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Jobs: WSDOT NWR and Mega Programs Safety Manager

WSDOT
NWR and Mega Programs Safety Manager
Shoreline, WA – Headquarters
$91,068 – $116,796 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a strategic partner to spearhead and lead safety initiatives for Northwest Region (NWR) and Urban Mobility Access & Mega Programs (UMAM) while collaborating with each of the Leadership teams to meet the agency's goals. 

This position will lead the Safety Program and will be responsible for directing and controlling safety and health operations and programmatic services for the NWR and UMAM staff. In this role, you will serve as a member of the Office of Human Resources & Safety (OHR&S), the Region and UMAM Leadership Teams and is the highest-level Safety authority and subject-matter-expert in the region and UMAM. 

The Safety Program coverage area is vast within the NWR and UMAM, with approximately 1500 employees, these employees are broken into 127 different organizational groups spread across the region. 

The employees deliver vital transportation options to people and businesses in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Island, and San Juan counties. The work of the NWR and UMAM supports the agency’s strategic plan in areas of highway maintenance, engineering, planning, environmental, safety, clerical, fiscal/budget matters, communications, community engagement, and other program areas. 

The UMAM has approximately 550 employees and these employees are broken into 35 different organizational groups. They are responsible for integrating mobility and technology by developing policies and programs to manage major incidents, transportation system changes and future construction coordination in the Seattle/Tacoma metro area.

Job description and application


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College and Fire partner to offer two week course "Introduction to Fire Services"

Shoreline Community College and Center for Education and Career Opportunities (CECO) is offering this two week course "Introduction to Fire Services" in partnership with Shoreline Fire Department. 

This hands-on class will certify you in First Aid/CPR in addition to teaching lifting techniques, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and other tools of the fire service. 

Basic search and rescue techniques will be explored along with Security topics. If you are interested in career in fire service or general emergency service, sign up today! For students 16+ and adults.

Some funding may be available for you - contact Michael Boehm at mboehm@shoreline.edu for details. If you're a current High School student and have a IEP /504, there are a few scholarships available for you to participate - please email Teresita Capuli at: tcapuli@shoreline.edu

This class takes place at the Shoreline Fire Department Training Facility in Shoreline with the final class on campus. Monday - Wednesday classes are scheduled from 9am - 12pm with Thursdays from 9am - 2pm.

Fee: $214.00
Item Number: 20034
Dates: 7/15/2024 - 7/25/2024
Times: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: M Tu W Th
Sessions: 10



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New LGBTQIA+ specific programs at the Senior Activity Center

Our Senior Center is PROUD to announce new LGBTQIA+ specific programs! 

In the coming months we will be implementing activities, groups, and classes designed to empower, support, and cultivate community within our LGBTQIA+ population of older adults. 

At the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued.

Date: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 10:30am - 11:30am
Cost: FREE
Location: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155
  • July 11 LGBTQIA+ Tea Time Social - Get together with Program Coordinator and fellow LGBTQIA+ community member Kevin Hallagan to socialize with complimentary tea and assorted pastries. Decaf, caffeinated, and herbal options will be available.
  • July 25 LGBTQIA+ Literary Salon - Join Program Coordinator Kevin Hallagan to discuss any LGBTQIA+ you've read. James Baldwin, Virginia Woolf, Roxane Gay, books, poetry, essays, etc. A curated booklist is available at the senior center on request.
  • Aug 8 LGBTQIA+ Tea Time Social - Get together with Program Coordinator and fellow LGBTQIA+ community member Kevin Hallagan to socialize with complimentary tea and assorted pastries. Decaf, caffeinated, and herbal options will be available.
  • Aug 22 LGBTQIA+ Board Game Social - Get together for some friendly competition! The group will decide together on what to play that day.

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Portage Bay Big Band Wednesday June 26, 2024 in Pfingst Animal Acres Park 6:30pm

Concerts in the Park are back to Lake Forest Park!

Stop by Pfingst Animal Acres Park Wednesday, June 26 at 6:30pm! The Portage Bay Big Band is an authentic musical tribute to the legends of the Swing Era, playing the swing hits of the 30’s and 40’s with featured singer, Hannah Scott.
 
Concerts in the parks are free, no tickets needed. Bring seating for the lawn or a blanket for an evening picnic and enjoy the show!

Check out the ShoreLake Arts website for a complete schedule of events!


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What’s Happening this Week in Shoreline? June 26 – July 2

By Kate Ledbetter, Destination Shoreline

What’s Happening this Week in Shoreline?
June 26 – July 2


This week kicks off with Outdoor Family Story Time Under the Tree on June 27 at Richmond Beach Community Park, featuring stories, music, and rhymes to enhance early literacy. On June 29, explore alternative transportation options at the Walk, Ride and Roll Event at the Shoreline Farmers Market and later celebrate the Miyawaki urban forest with cultural drumming and activities at the Shoreline Historical Museum. Keep reading for more information or visit www.DestinationShoreline.com for more information about upcoming events in Shoreline.

Outdoor Family Story Time Under the Tree
Thursday, June 27, 2024
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Richmond Beach Library
Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes that develop your child’s early literacy skills. Please bring a blanket. Held at Richmond Beach Community Park, adjacent to the library. In the event of inclement weather, Story Time will be canceled. For status, call the Richmond Beach Library, 206.546.3522. Registration not required.
Source

Walk, Ride and Roll Event
Saturday, June 29, 2024
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
BikeLink Park & Ride
Meet the scooter/bike share vendor and test ride devices - Learn about electric car-share coming to the City - Explore what a Shared-Use Mobility Hub might look like - Find Out about ways for getting around without a car. Sign up so we can send information on this and other upcoming ways to participate. The Shoreline Farmers Market is located at the 192nd & Aurora Avenue Park & Ride and is open 10 a.m. to 2 pm. We are excited to join this group for a one time extended venue to include Walk Ride Roll information and demonstrations!
Source

Shoreline Farmers Market
Saturday, June 22, 2024
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
BikeLink Park & Ride
Shoreline's community hub for farm fresh & local foods, flowers, baked goods, local honey, live music, food trucks, kids programming, and so much more. Join us every Saturday through October 5th, located at the BikeLink Park & Ride (corner of 192nd & Aurora, across from Sky Nursery).
Source

Miyawaki Forest Celebration
Saturday, June 29, 2024
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Shoreline Historical Museum

Celebrate the first summer of the Miyawaki urban forest. Learn about a Miyawaki Urban Forest and see what’s growing as we stir up the earth with sounds of drums from different cultures. Enjoy an evening of drumming and learning. We are celebrating the first summer of the Miyawaki Urban Forest that was planted by community in December 2023.

Program: Seattle Kokon Taiko (Japanese percussion instruments) and JHP Legacy (Ghanian percussion instruments) see what’s growing as we stir up the earth with sounds of drums from different cultures.

This is an outdoor event. Bring a picnic and blanket, or purchase food at the event. There will also be activities for all ages, tours of the Miyawaki Urban Forest and informational booths.
Source

For more information and more upcoming events, visit the Shoreline events calendar on DestinationShoreline.com/Calendar

To have your event included please email DestinationShoreline@gmail.com.


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In the Garden Now: Dwarf Mountain Laurel

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Kalmia Minuet

Story and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Two of my favorite Dwarf Mountain Laurel are in bloom in our early summer garden.

'Elf' is a showy white variety that actually starts out with a pinkish cast to its flowers. As flowers open they become bright white. You'll notice highly textured bumpy buds and softer open flowers on the shrub as blossoms unfold.

'Minuet' has pinkish buds that open to white flowers with a maroon stripe around the inside edge of the flower. This petite shrub with the unusual striped flowers is a real surprise to those who see it for the first time.

Kalmia Elf white grass

These are compact varieties that are typically 3-4' high and wide. Larger Mountain Laurel varieties may be anywhere from 6-15' high and wide which may be too large for most home gardens. The more sizeable varieties are sometimes trained into small flowering trees which can be quite attractive.

Mountain Laurel are native to Eastern North America and are evergreen. When grown in their home area they do well with natural rainfall and little additional care. Our PNW climate is a bit different so it can be a challenge to find just the right garden home for them here. I've noticed that they tend to flower better with more rather than less sun.

Bees and hummingbirds like these flowering shrubs. Rabbits and Deer not so much. These hungry critters have not touched our plants but how well I know that could change in an instant!

Mountain Laurel makes a lovely addition to the summer garden.

(Kalmia latifolia 'Elf' & Kalmia latifolia 'Minuet')

Previous In the Garden Now articles here


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HomeTechHacker: Good Charging Practices for Your Smartphone


By Marlon Buchanan

Despite their central role in our lives, many of us might not be aware of the best practices for charging smartphones. By adopting better charging habits, you can extend your device's battery life and performance. These days this is even more important because smartphones don’t get significantly better with each release anymore. If you can make your phone last, you won’t need to buy another one.

Here are some tips.

1. Avoid Draining Your Battery Completely
One common myth is that you need to let your smartphone's battery drain completely before charging it again. This might have been true for older nickel-based batteries, but modern smartphones use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries actually fare better when you charge them before they drop too low. Try to keep your battery between 20% and 80% to optimize its lifespan and maintain good health.

2. Use the Right Charger and Cable
Favor the charger and cable that come with your device, or those that are certified by the smartphone manufacturer. Cheaper, non-certified chargers can not only damage your phone’s battery but also pose safety risks like overheating. Don’t cut corners with accessories that could compromise your device's functionality, safety, and longevity.

3. Avoid Overheating
Heat is the enemy of lithium-ion batteries. Avoid leaving your smartphone in direct sunlight or in a hot car. Similarly, if you notice that your phone heats up significantly during charging, consider removing the case which might be insulating the heat. Also, give your phone a break during heavy usage if it starts to heat up. Managing device temperature is crucial for maintaining battery health.

4. Charge Smartly with Smart Charging Features
Many modern smartphones come with smart charging features that help manage battery health by controlling how fast and how much the battery charges. Features like optimized battery charging can prolong your battery's lifespan by learning your charging patterns and waiting to finish charging past 80% until you need to use your phone. Dive into your phone's battery settings and activate these features to leverage tech solutions that simplify your life.

5. Disconnect Once Charged
While modern smartphones are designed to prevent overcharging, keeping your phone plugged in at 100% for an extended period can still stress the battery. Once your phone reaches full charge, it's a good practice to disconnect it. This is not only good for the battery’s health but also a safety practice that minimizes unnecessary power consumption.

6. Use Battery Saving Modes Wisely
Battery-saving modes can be lifesavers when you're low on power and far from a charger. However, using them routinely can lead to decreased functionality by limiting background activities that could include important updates or communications. Use these modes judiciously to make the most of your device when you need that extra juice.

By the way, these tips also apply to your laptops and tablets. Make the most of your home tech by keeping these tips in mind for extending the life of your mobile devices.

Marlon Buchanan
Marlon Buchanan is a best-selling author, IT Director, and founder of HomeTechHacker.com, a website with free resources to help you make the most of your home technology. 

If you have questions or comments about this article you can contact Marlon through his website or X (Twitter).


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Camp United We Stand is relocating June 27 - 30, 2024 from Kenmore to north Seattle

Entrance to Camp United We Stand

Camp United We Stand is relocating June 27 - 30, 2024

They will begin to move out of their current location in Kenmore on Friday, June 28, 2024.
They expect to be set up at their new site at Haller Lake in north Seattle as of Sunday June 30, 2024.

Camp United We Stand (CUWS)Is a legally sanctioned homeless encampment that relies on local hosting sites to set up camp on their campus.

The homeless encampment houses up to 35 adults, some of whom work outside the camp.
  • They are assured of returning to the same place night after night to lay their heads.
  • To having food and drink.
  • To having their basic human needs met.
  • The camp has garbage and recycling service, porta-potties, water access (for dishwashing and showers), and weekly laundry service by a team of volunteers.
  • The residents are screened.
  • No sex offenders or people with outstanding warrants are permitted.
  • No weapons are permitted in the camp.
  • No street drugs or alcohol are permitted in the camp.
  • The rules for CUWS are strictly enforced.
CUWS has a volunteer Board of Directors.
If interested in more information about joining their efforts, visit their website

Due to city permitting regulations, the CUWS hosting site needs to relocate every 90-120 days. Their current hosting site is Northlake Lutheran Church

The Camp has a shower that can be transported on a flatbed truck

The City of Kenmore and private camp donors donated funds for the camp to build a residential shower for the tenants use! It is designed to be pulled/relocated on a flatbed to new locations, and includes hot water, changing area, and solar panels! "What an amazing gift for the residents to have access to hot showers!!"

A fully functioning kitchen can be transported on a flatbed truck

The camp also has a beautiful kitchen that is designed to be relocated as needed, thanks to the creative efforts of Sawhorse Revolution and a team of volunteers. This structure is well built, offers electrical outlets, has ample shelving, storage, food prep space and areas to plug in refrigerators.

We are in need of volunteers to help with the relocation efforts the weekend of June 27-30, 2024.. If you can help with the upcoming move from Kenmore to Haller Lake: please sign up here

We are also in need of volunteers to provide meals / food deliveries while the camp is without access to the kitchen during the move. There are also slots to sign up for ongoing meal deliveries – so check out all the meal needs listed here: sign up for meal delivery to the camp residents:

Thank you for your ongoing support for this organization. Having community support truly makes the campers lives much more enriched.

Contact Lisa McDonald for any further questions: lisa_mcd@comcast.net


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Ridgecrest Park reopens June 28, 2024

New Ridgecrest Dog Park opens June 28 in Ridgecrest Park
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

First 2022 Park Bond project complete!

Ridgecrest Park will reopen to the public on June 28, 2024! 

The park is the first of eight 2022 Parks Bond projects to be completed.
 
Play structure in Ridgecrest Park
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Come check out the new amenities including a new off-leash dog park, an all ages play area, and an accessible path around the park.

The next park project to open will be the new boardwalk at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden. It will open in July. In the meantime, the park remains open during regular business hours.

In February 2022, the Shoreline community passed the Proposition 1 Bond measure, that among other improvements within the City included capital improvements to eight of the City's parks. 
  1. Brugger's Bog, 
  2. Briarcrest, 
  3. Hillwood, 
  4. Richmond Highlands, 
  5. James Keough Park, 
  6. Ridgecrest, 
  7. Shoreview, and 
  8. Kruckeberg Botanic Gardens
Ridgecrest Park will be open normal hours (dawn to dusk) beginning June 28.

The park is located at 108 NE 161st St, Shoreline, WA 98155


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Jobs: WSDOT Lead Designer (TE2)

WSDOT
Lead Designer (TE2)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$64,474 - $95,621 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking multiple skilled Transportation Engineers (In-Training) to serve as Lead Design Engineers in Shoreline, WA. The Lead Designer is responsible for activities that are necessary to support the scoping, development, and implementation of assigned projects in areas including, but not limited to, safety, preservation, fish passage, and improvement. The Lead Designer position highly impacts WSDOT's mission to provide and support safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses.

Job description and application


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Senior Center partners with Post 227 to provide free assistance to veterans filing for benefits and disputing denied claims

Certified Veterans Benefits Advisor
Sean Contreras
Thanks to our partnership with Shoreline American Legion Post 227, we have secured appointments with certified veterans benefits advisor Sean Contreras effective immediately! 

Sean will be available via Zoom to assist veterans with filing for benefits and disputing denied claims. 

Veterans familiar with Zoom can do so from home. Additionally, we provide a private room at the senior center and a staff member or volunteer to operate Zoom for those needing computer assistance. 

All staff and volunteers adhere to HIPAA Confidentiality Policies, ensuring your private information and claim remain secure.

Frequently sought benefits include medical coverage, spousal benefits, burial rights, etc. We highly recommend that anyone with a denied benefit claim schedule an appointment with Sean, as he can access your veterans and benefits records.

NOTE: Veterans of all ages may schedule an appointment by contacting the reception desk at Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center at 206-365-1536. You will be sent an intake form that needs to be completed prior to your appointment.

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ORCA Card now available in Google Wallet; Android users can pay for transit with phone and Wear OS devices

ORCA is excited to announce the ability to save and access ORCA transit cards in Google Wallet from Android and Wear OS devices. 

Customers across the Puget Sound region can add an ORCA card to Google Wallet for convenient transit payments.

Now ORCA customers with Android and Wear OS devices can easily add their ORCA cards to their Google Wallet, enabling them to pay for transit, fund their accounts, purchase a pass, view transactions, and see trip history all within the Google Wallet app.

"We’re excited for this feature to offer another convenient payment option for transit customers using Google devices! Adding a new ORCA Card to the Google Wallet app is simple." according to Brittany Esdaile, director of the ORCA program:

  • Open Google Wallet
  • Select Add to Wallet
  • Choose Transit pass
  • Search for "ORCA"
  • Tap ORCA, and you're on your way

Additionally, customers who own plastic ORCA cards can easily convert them into digital cards on Google Wallet at no extra charge. 

If you have an Android phone, converting your plastic card to a digital card is available for Adult, Youth, Senior, Disabled, and ORCA LIFT cards. Upon conversion, the plastic card will be deactivated, and all passes and balances will be seamlessly transferred to the phone. New Adult digital cards added to the wallet will cost the same as purchasing a plastic ORCA card: $3.

While this innovation offers new convenience to customers who have purchased their own ORCA Card, it is important to know that businesses, schools, and organizations that issue ORCA cards will determine if they enable the cards that they provide to be added to Google Wallet. Customers can contact their issuing employer, school, or organization for more information.

Paying for transit with ORCA from Google Wallet is easy: 
  • Simply wake your phone screen, tap it on an ORCA card reader, and go.
To use ORCA from Google Wallet, customers must have an Android phone and have their ORCA card loaded into the Google Wallet app. They can also connect a Wear OS device to Google Wallet. Of note, this feature is only available for ORCA cards at this time; customers cannot use credit and debit cards from Google Wallet to pay for transit in the Puget Sound Area.

This new feature is supported by all seven participating transit agencies, including Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, and Washington State Ferries.

To ensure the best experience, customers are also encouraged to link their digital ORCA cards to their ORCA account on the myORCA app or myORCA.com.

For more information, please visit info.myORCA.com/GooglePay and stay updated with the latest news and updates by following ORCA on social media @TheORCACard.


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CORRECTION: K9 Quinn is a partner - not a member of the Shoreline Police force

K9 Kota
Shoreline PD
In a recent notice about Officer Planalp and K9 Rex returning to the Shoreline Police Department, we said that they joined K9 Quinn, renowned for his part in numerous drug busts in King County.

Quinn is a partner to Shoreline, not a member of the force. Shoreline PD works with other KCSO departments in the county to identify and arrest drug dealers and confiscate their drugs.

Officer Planalp and K9 Rex join Officer Dallon and K9 Kota as full-time members of the Shoreline PD. 

Kota and his handler have been with Shoreline for several years.



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Crows love to mess with eagles

Monday, June 24, 2024

Photo by Kristine Tsujikawa

Martin DeGrazia has mentioned more than once how flocks of crows harass the eagles that try to nest at Ronald Bog.

Local photographer Kristine Tsujikawa captured this close up of a crow in action.


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Magic in the Forest - Forest Celebration June 29, 2024

Miyawaki Forest Wands
By Sally Yamasaki
 
As children, growing up in Lake Forest Park, our neighborhood playground was the forest. 

I recognize now when I go back to the same woods, that being small made our forest feel all-encompassing, ominous, with trees that looked like giants. 

To add to our wonderment, one of our neighbors had a fairy garden in the woods that we would take care of and, in return, the fairies would sometimes leave us gifts of feathers, a pretty rock or pinecone, and sometimes even a shell. 

Dryad – a tree protector
This notion of magical beings in trees or forests, was not just a part of some Lake Forest Park children’s imaginations; in fact, magical beings that live in trees and cared for the forests exist in many ancient cultures.

In Greek mythology, there were Dryads, natural spirits, or nymphs that lived in trees. Their purpose was to watch over and protect the trees.

If a tree died, so would the dryad which was seen as unfavorable by the gods. If a person caused the death of the tree, there were consequences.
 
Locally, the first people of this area had a similar understanding. Forests were natural storehouses of foods and materials, but also the haunts of dangerous spirit beings. 

Clay Forest Protector, a Kodama
The forests were protected by Swah wah TEEKHW tud, dwarf spirit beings that protected the woods and punished those who used it thoughtlessly. (author David Buerge)

On June 29, 2024 starting at 5:00pm at the Shoreline Historical Museum field, 18501 Linden Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133, there will be a Forest Celebration with forest-related activities for all ages.

Nocturnal Forest Painting
Come make your own forest protectors out of clay, a Nocturnal Forest Painting, or a Miyawaki Forest Wand.

In addition to the fun activities, bring a picnic or get a meal from the Paparepas food truck, or a dessert from Sweet Dream Bakes. Meander around and visit the many booths, tour the forest and the museum. 

Enjoy yourselves as we stir up the earth with the sound of drums from Seattle Kokon Taiko and JHP Legacy.


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Strawberry Moon amid the clouds




Photos by Bruce Hill between 1:23 and 2:03am

The Strawberry Moon during the early morning hours of June 22, 2024 at Bitter Lake in north Seattle.

The Strawberry Moon played hide and seek behind a thinly remarkable layer of clouds, and then appeared between them for a full face view.  

Just wonderful, were one to be up at these hours of the night.

--Bruce Hill


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Help refurbish Stanley the Sea Serpent


Stanley the Sea Serpent is the friendly greeter at the playground for Lake Forest Park Elementary. Over the years, hundreds of children have ridden the waves on his back.

A second generation is now delighting in Stanley.

Stanley, however, is a little worse for wear and needs to be refurbished.

The school district, alas, has no funds for aging sea serpents, so some of his old friends are trying to raise money to make him bright and new.

They have created a GoFundMe site and hope that people will add a little (or a lot) of money to help them meet their goal.


Organizers say "We hope he will bring smiles and balancing skills to kids for generations to come! 


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Skandia Midsommarfest June 30, 2024 at St. Edward in Kenmore

Photos by John Rowan

Celebrating Midsommar in the Pacific Northwest!
Sunday, June 30, 2024
11am to 6pm
Free Admission

Sign up TODAY to volunteer!

The summer solstice is celebrated by all the Nordic countries, although the celebration may be called by different names, and celebrated in different ways on different days. In Sweden it is called “Midsommar,” so Midsommarfest means Midsommar party or festival. 

In Norway, the celebration of the solstice is called Sankt Hans Aften or Jonsok-kveld. In Denmark, the celebration is called Sankthans or Sankthansaften ("St. John's Eve") and in Finland it is called Juhannus. 

Midsommarfest, as presented by Skandia Folkdance Society, is a traditional Swedish celebration of the summer solstice, recreated in as authentic a manner as possible, complete with  raising of a garlanded Midsommar pole, a serpentine dance around the pole, and scores of costumed musicians and dancers - traditions practiced in Sweden for centuries. 

Over the years since the 1959 inception of Skandia Midsommarfest, the festival has expanded to include contributions from all the Nordic countries so that the rich cultural diversity of all those lands can be experienced by Skandia Midsommarfest attendees.

Spectators are invited to help hoist the 35-foot (previously 45-foot) pole with their muscles or cheers, and then to join in the rousing långdans (serpentine running dance) around the pole, accompanied by the stirring music of massed musicians. Entertainment, food, crafts activities and good times continue throughout the park grounds.

​A special focus of Midsommarfest is the Hemslöjdsmarknad - an avenue of traditional crafts where carefully selected crafts people demonstrate their skills and sell their wares. Traditional midsommar food and other Scandinavian delicacies will be offered. 

And a flower crown -- the classic midsommarkrans -- ready to decorate to your own taste, will add the finishing touch to your midsommar celebration.

Midsommarfest showcases a wealth of wonderful music and dancing by the Northwest's premier Nordic folk musicians and dancers (and this area boasts some of the best in the Western Hemisphere).  

Allspel 2024 led by Ellen Wijsman

Tunes to be played 2x each, in addition to the first, midsommar långdans played longer. After the långdans, start with Ringnessen; end with Stockholmslåten, with probably ~5-6 of the remaining tunes in between. (not in final order)

1. Fjällnäs polska (Midsommarpolskan Långdans, Dalarna Sweden)
2. Ringnesen (Reinlender, Norway)
3. Snar å ta åt (Rørospols, Norway)
4. Stens vals (Waltz, Dalarna,Sweden)
5. Grannas Britta (Slängpolska, Ostergotland Sweden)
6. Schottis från Porjus (Schottis, Lappland Sweden)
7. Fanteladde (Finnskogspols)
8. Laggar fars polska (Polska, Boda Sweden)
9. Båtsman Däck (Polska, Uppland Sweden)
10. Åttatakten (Polska, Jamtland Sweden
11. Stockholmslåten (Gånglåt, Boda Sweden)

Here are the notes to the tunes


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