Buy your Forever postage stamps before Friday

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

On April 9, 2024, the United States Postal Service® filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of Mailing Services price changes to take effect July 14, 2024

The new rates include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 68 cents to 73 cents

All mailing prices are expected to increase a small amount.


The price tables proposed to take effect July 14, 2024 are available on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website

The price changes have to be favorably reviewed by the PRC, but in the meantime you may want to invest in Forever stamps before Friday.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.


Read more...

Scene on the Sound: Art Aboard!

Monday, July 8, 2024

Royal Caribbean with Bear
Photo by Jan Hansen in September 2023

According to Travel Weekly, as Royal Caribbean chairman Richard Fain told one puzzled travel agent during an inaugural cruise: 'The bear is a little bit ridiculous, and certainly unexpected,' then added, 'But isn’t she great?'

The bear's prominence symbolizes the importance of art on the Royal Caribbean fleet.

'Art is an integral part of the vessels. A ship has to appeal to all the senses,' Fain said. Art is also 'one of the more controversial things. Everyone has an opinion.'

Fain calls the eight-ton bear made of 1,340 stainless steel triangles 'Felicia.' The Denver-based British artist Lawrence Argent's stainless-steel sculpture is titled 'From Afar.'


Read more...

June real estate market report

In Shoreline, the real estate market has experienced notable changes.

Year-over-year, closed sales transactions decreased by 26%, and the median price saw a slight decrease of 0.7%. 

Comparing month-over-month data, June observed a 20% drop in the number of sales, from 48 in May to 40 in June. 

Additionally, the median price declined by 11%, from $900,000 in May to $800,000 in June.

As of June 30, 2024, there were 63 active listings in Shoreline, with a median list price of $949,000. 

With the current rate of sales, it will take just over 1.5 months to sell all the available homes, indicating a market that continues to favor sellers.


Read more...

For the Birds: House Finch or Purple Finch?

House Finch pair note white on wings
Photo by Chris Southwick
By Christine Southwick

So you have a reddish bird on your feeder. What is it?

In our area it will be either a House Finch or a Purple Finch (Cassin’s Finches are higher up in the mountains).

Firstly, both birds are reddish tinted—to my eye there is no purple in a Purple Finch—raspberry coloring yes, but definitely not purple.

The house finch, especially in early spring can be bright red, and can be easily confused with the Purple Finch at first glance.

Lucky for us there are some distinct differences.

House Finch males have brownish wings with white wing bars and no red on their shoulders or wing edges. (Note: depending on food, some House Finches can be orangish, but that is not common.) House Finches of both sexes have streaking from their breast all the way to their tail.

Purple Finch pair note clear belly on female.
Photo by Chris Southwick
Purple Hinch males have a delightful raspberry red coloring over most of their body, except for their clear white underbellies. 

Their wings have a brownish undertone, but the raspberry wing bars and edges dominate. 

Their bellies, and those of the females are clear white, without streaking. Both House Finches and Purple Finches have reddish coloring on their tails.

One of the easiest physical differences is that Purple Finches have an exaggerated eyebrow—white on the female, raspberry on the male-just lighter than the rest of his head.

Females of both finches are brownish with no red at all. The best way to tell the adult female Purple Finch from the adult female Purple Finch is to look for that eyebrow. Purple Finches have shorter tails than House Finches, but that usually doesn’t help me.

House Finch female Photo by Craig Kerns
Not all brown-colored finches in the summer are females. 

Young males of both House Finches and Purple Finches are without any red until their second year, when they molt into their adult plumage.

For me, the easiest way to identify Purple Finches is to hear them singing their rich melodious song that end with clear notes. 

The House Finch’s song usually ends more quickly and with muted notes. 

Purple Finches appear chunkier that the House Finches which often appear thinner. 

Then I look for those other diagnostic clues.

Male Purple Finch note eyebrow
Photo by Chris Southwick
Enjoy these year-round birds. Often you will have only a couple of Purple Finches, but if you have House Finches there will usually be several.

Purple and House Finches nest in trees, usually evergreen, but do not use nest boxes. 

Their favorite birdseed is sunflower seeds—with or without shells. Water, especially this hot summer, will help bring them in.


Read more...

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Season Opening



Read more...

Friendship Academy celebrates a fun Festival of Cultures Saturday, July 13, 2024


From 12 - 4pm on Saturday, July 13, 2024 the Friendship Academy at 1204 N 185th St, Shoreline WA 98133, will hold a Festival of Cultures with entertain, food, and prizes.

$5 per person. Pre-register here.


Read more...

Shoreline PTA Council has started their back to school backpack drive




There are so many kids in need that the Shoreline PTA Council starts collecting items for the back to school event as soon as school is out in June. Even families that are doing ok can find it a real stretch to outfit one or more kids for school.

But you can help to make sure that all kids are back-to-school-ready. 

If you’re able to contribute, here are three ways you can help.
  1. Donate backpacks in person to:
    • Shoreline Public Schools Foundation
    • @ Shoreline Center
    • 18560 1st Ave. NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
  2. Purchase backpacks from this Amazon wish list for delivery to Shoreline Public Schools Foundation 
  3. Make a financial contribution to Shoreline Public Schools Foundation 

Read more...

Making a Difference: Volunteer opportunities at North Helpline

Washington Summer is in full swing and with folks traveling and kids out of school means we have lots of opportunities for you to get involved at the North Helpline. 

No better time to get started than this week! 

They have a high need for volunteers this Wednesday and Saturday at Lake City and Bitter Lake food banks.

Learn more about our volunteer positions here


Read more...

How hot was it?

Edmonds Beach photo by Lee Lageschulte

I checked in with WeatherWatcher Carl Dinse (see his weather report here) to see how hot it was in Shoreline this weekend.

He said that on Saturday, July 6, 2024, the temperature was 90° in his Northridge station in central Shoreline and 84° at his Richmond Beach station.

On Sunday, we hit 94° at Northridge and 88° at Richmond Beach.

At the beach, people were bringing tents and umbrellas to shelter themselves from direct sun, but enjoying the relatively cooler temperatures and breeze off the water.

Just after midnight on Monday, it was 74° in Northridge and 72° in Richmond Beach. Low temperatures will be bottoming out overnight into the mid 60’s so it will not cool down very much.

Monday will be basically a repeat of Sunday with maybe a degree or two warmer at the peak. Tuesday is going to be the hottest day this week, with mid 90’s expected.

Even when the heat advisory expires Tuesday night, we are still going to be pretty warm for the rest of the week, with highs in the upper 70’s to mid 80’s.

--Diane Hettrick with Carl Dinse


Read more...

Meet the fireweed of Hamlin Park (not a weed)

Sunday, July 7, 2024

A bee collects fireweed nectar in Hamlin Park in July
Photo by Oliver Moffat

By Oliver Moffat

The pollinators are literally buzzing about the big fireweed patches at Hamlin Park these days.

Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) is common across North America and gets its name because it is a pioneer species - the first plant to grow after a fire or other disturbance.

Despite its name, fireweed is considered a beneficial species (not a weed). There are two, large fireweed patches at the forest restoration site at the north end of Hamlin Park where the fireweed is aggressive enough to out-compete even the noxious weeds such as the himalayan blackberry.

YouTube: How to Harvest and Process Fireweed

Fireweed is traditionally harvested by native peoples of the Pacific Northwest and in Lushootseed (the traditional language of the Puget Sound) its name is x̌ač̓tac. In the spring, fireweed shoots are a nutritious vegetable and tea can be made from the leaves. The summer nectar is used for honey and jelly and in the autumn, the fluff can be used as fiber for weaving and padding.

If you walk through Hamlin Park, take some time to stand near the fireweed and watch for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies feasting on the purple blossoms.

Fireweed shoots poke through the soil in February in Hamlin Park
Photo by Oliver Moffat

Fireweed is an impressive grower: each year the plants grow from underground shoots into towering stocks topped by purple flowers. Later in the summer, they will release fluff to float on the breeze and spread seeds far and wide. The canes die back in the autumn and start over again in the spring.

There’s plenty of forest restoration work to be done in Hamlin Park and at parks across Shoreline. Work parties are a great way to make new friends and connect with our natural open spaces.

Note: Shoreline municipal code forbids the removal, damage, or destruction of trees, shrubs and plants in city parks - so please leave the fireweed for wildlife. 

Updated: 7-7-2024


Read more...

Fireworks roundup - smoke in Woodway and a death in Redmond

Quiet 4th of July for
Shoreline Fire
Harborview Medical Center treated approximately 50 patients to date for fireworks-related injuries.

However, Shoreline Fire says that they had no reported fireworks related injuries!

There was a lawn fire in Woodway which produced an impressive amount of smoke, but the residents had put out the fire before the department arrived and before it reached any structures. 

The smoke stayed in the atmosphere for a very long time.

A Bothell man died trying to light a mortar-style firework in Redmond. (The Seattle Times)

And our columnist Gordon Snyder taught Charlie to love fireworks!


Read more...

Richmond Beach Library hosts STEM classes for children from the Museum of Flight


Richmond Beach Library 19601 21st Ave NW 98177 206-546-3522

All programs require registration

Alka-Rockets
Monday July 22, 11am
For ages 5-7 with adult

Participants learn the basic physics involved in launching rockets as well as the fundamental shapes and design of a rocket. Participants will design and launch small rockets using Alka-Seltzer as their fuel.

Suited For Space
Wednesday July 31, 2pm
For Ages: 9 to 13

Participants learn about the dangers of the vacuum of space by investigating how low-pressure environments affect the human body. Using household materials, students will design spacesuits for a marshmallow astronaut, and test their design in a vacuum chamber.

Crafting an Aircraft
Wednesday August 14, 1pm
For ages 8 - 13

Did you know that a Boeing 747 is made up of around 6 million parts made of all types of materials? Join us for a fun, interactive investigation into the many ways engineers make and build old and new flying machines.


Read more...

Making the switch to battery powered lawn tools

Battery powered lawn tool
By Sarah Phillips

Why make the switch from fossil fueled lawn products? There are three big reasons: noise, pollution and messy filling with fuels and oil. And one more benefit, the tools start right up.

The noise from gas powered gas tools can be a danger to the hearing of both to the operator and those nearby. Even with good ear protection leaf blowers and pressure washers can be dangerous. 

The emissions from a leaf blower being used one hour is the same as leaving a car idling in the driveway for 10 hours. And third, many of the gas-powered tools like lawn mowers and pressure washers require mixing of gas and oil creating potential waste and pollution.

Consumer Reports looked at leaf blowers, comparing them, and found:

That’s a pretty strong case for electrics. What’s more, they’re also better for the planet, better for your ears, and over time, they’re probably better for your wallet, too, when you factor in a gas model’s lifetime cost of gas and (in some cases) oil. 

How to take the first step. Decide what tool you use the most. Start with that tool.

Research where to purchase the tool. Locally, Ace and Home Depot have specific brands.

The batteries for a brand of tool are often interchangeable, but not with other brands. So when you purchase your first electric battery tool think about your next tool as well.

The batteries have a long life. Usually, several years depending on use, storage, temperature. Home Depot recycles lithium batteries for free. The Rotary holds an annual collection event in the spring

You can try out some of the battery-operated tools at the Shoreline Tool Library.

For more information about electrifying your home click here.


Read more...

Local photographer joins international non-profit council

Lara Grauer in studio

Professional photographer Lara Grauer of Lara Grauer Photography in Seattle, WA was elected to the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Council for the 2024 – 2027 term. 

An international nonprofit association with more than 35,000 members, PPA is ultimately governed by its members through such council representatives.

“Professional Photographers of America has been an important resource during my career thanks to the amazing artists who came before me and gave their time. 
"I’m excited for the opportunity to participate in the process and help pave the way for others in this industry,” Grauer says about her new role.

PPA Counselors are professional photographers who volunteer their time and service to guide and act as the voice for their state's PPA members. Duties include discussing and voting on changes to the bylaws and the association's leadership (via the election of the Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors). 

They also play a crucial role in sharing the PPA message to existing, new, and prospective PPA members in their state.

Grauer has been a North Seattle and Shoreline area portrait artist since 2008. Currently, she is the President of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce. 

Grauer's studio promises to honor and celebrate clients through a fun and engaging portrait process that instills a lasting feeling of confidence and connection.

Grauer’s work has been displayed in various business venues, and lives lovingly in homes around the Seattle area. Learn more about Lara Grauer Photography

About PPA:
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest and longest-standing nonprofit photography trade association. 

Founded in 1868, PPA helps over 35,000 professionals elevate their craft and grow their businesses with resources and education, all under PPA's core guiding principle of bridging the gap between photographers and their consumers. More information here


Read more...

Measure to prevent phasing out of natural gas in WA is on track for November ballot

Anthony Anton, president of the Washington Hospitality Association,
loads a box of signed Initiative 2066 petitions into a cart for delivery
to the Secretary of State’s Office on July 2, 2024. The proposed measure
would halt the state’s push to end natural gas use in homes and buildings.
(Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)
By Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard

It’s now all but assured voters will get to weigh in this November on Washington’s polarizing efforts to phase out natural gas use in homes and other buildings.

Backers of an initiative aimed at reversing the state’s climate-oriented policies turned in more than 400,000 signatures in support of the measure on Tuesday. 

They delivered boxes of petitions for Initiative 2066 to the secretary of state’s office in Tumwater just 49 days after the first ones were signed.

Sponsors said they turned in 431,063 signatures, nearly 110,000 more than required to qualify for this fall’s general election.

“It is very simple. If you have natural gas, this protects you to be able to keep natural gas in your home or in your business. And it protects the freedom of every single Washingtonian to have the clean energy of their choice,” said Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, the measure’s main sponsor.

Initiative 2066 repeals provisions of a new state law meant to hasten Puget Sound Energy’s transition away from natural gas. It also bars cities and counties from prohibiting, penalizing or discouraging “the use of gas for any form of heating, or for uses related to any appliance or equipment, in any building.”

And the measure would effectively nullify recent changes to Washington’s energy code designed to get more electric heat pumps – instead of gas furnaces – installed in newly built houses, apartments and commercial buildings.

Critics of the measure say it would force the state to retreat from many fronts in its fight against climate change and pursuit of clean energy.

“I-2066 would take away communities’ choice, jeopardize rebate programs that help families and small business owners afford building upgrades, repeal common-sense measures that make homes and workplaces more energy efficient and healthy, and erode clean air protections,” said Caitlin Krenn, climate and clean energy director for Washington Conservation Action.

“Over time this measure will raise energy costs for hardworking Washingtonians,” she noted.

In a statement, Puget Sound Energy said it is “deeply concerned about the misinformation that continues to be spread about natural gas.”

“There is no ban on natural gas,” reads the utility’s statement. “PSE has an obligation to serve any customer who wants natural gas.”

House Bill 1589, the law targeted by the ballot measure, did not change that so those provisions in I-2066 would not affect PSE or its customers, according to the statement. PSE has posted information on HB 1589 on its website.

Lane disagreed. He insisted the intent of one section of the law “will be the electrification of the state. They can say what they want. I think they’re wrong.”

Gregg Small, executive director of the environmental group Climate Solutions, said the measure “would be a major misstep in our path toward a clean energy future that keeps costs lower.”

Planning is critical to keeping utility bills of existing gas customers as low as possible as the state transitions to other sources of energy to heat homes, he said. By repealing some requirements, the initiative “will cost ratepayers more and negatively impact our health by prolonging our reliance on burning polluting gas in our homes and buildings,” he said.

BIAW, the state’s leading voice for the home building industry, drew up the measure and assembled a coalition of backers including the Washington Hospitality Association, Washington Realtors and Associated General Contractors. BIAW formed a political committee, Main Street Matters to Washington, to help get the measure on the ballot and pass it.


Read more...

Scene on the Sound: The EUKOR

Photo by Lee Wolfe

I see many container vessels on the Sound, but this was a new one to me. 

From Wikipedia: EUKOR is a South Korean company specialized Roll-on/roll-off shipping line. The company's main business is the sea carriage of new and used cars. The name of the brand EUKOR comes from a portmanteau that combines the words "Europe & Korea".

--Lee Wolfe


Read more...

Cantando y Jugando / Singing & Playing July 16, 2024

Cantando y Jugando / Singing & Playing
Tuesday July 16, 2024 at 12pm
Presented by Marco Cortes

Held in the Richmond Beach Community Park 2201 NW 197th St, Shoreline, WA 98177 adjacent to the Richmond Beach Library.

All ages welcome.

Join a bilingual English/Spanish concert for kids and families with music and songs from different countries.

Una programa en Inglés y en Español para niños y familias con música y canciones de diferentes países.

In the event of inclement weather, event will be held indoors and seating will be limited, first come first served.


Read more...

44 Shoreline students compete at National Technology Student Association Conference in Florida and bring home trophies and awards

Shorecrest High School TSA Team. Back row: Mina Pearson, Brooks Murray, Lewis Stotler, Trevor Templin, Thomas Linville, Owen Watson, Aidan Rouhani, Sam Kuo, Ben Feinberg, Ronan Connell, Drew Bladek, Kuba Howell. Middle row: Kari Potter, Alex Lee, Vyr Sterkowicz, Ole Lynass, Shyam Srinivasan, Adah Perry, Lola Maas, Vivian Zittle, Emily Slack. Front row: Kai Witwer, Lydia Chin, Ameli Graff, Jared Atherton, Jameson Gibbs, Escher Crawford, Ming Chan

This past week 44 Shoreline students competed at the National Technology Student Association Conference in Orlando, Florida! Over 9,000 middle and high school students from nearly every state and several other territories and countries competed in more than 70 events over this 5-day conference.

Shorecrest High School brought 26 students who competed in a wide variety of technical events; 
Animatronics, Board Game Design, CAD Engineering, Coding, Digital Video Production, Drones Challenge, Fashion Design and Technology, Forensic Science, Future Technology and Engineering Teacher, Geospatial Technology, Manufacturing Prototype, Music Production, On Demand Video, Promotional Design, Senior Solar Sprint, Software Development, Structural Design and Engineering, Systems Control Technology, Technology Bowl, Technology Problem Solving, TEAMS Challenge, Transportation Modeling, Video Game Design, Virtual Reality Modeling, and Webmaster.

The following students brought home trophies for their remarkable efforts. 

Feinberg and Crawford - 2nd Place in Nation in Coding Challenge

Escher Crawford and Ben Feinberg competed with determination and took 2nd Place in the Nation in the onsite Coding Challenge.

Murray, Stoller, Sterkowicz, Lee - 3rd Place in Nation for Drone Challenge

Alex Lee, Brooks Murray, Vyr Sterkowicz and Lewis Stotler showed tremendous grit and resilience in the Drones Challenge, earning 3rd Place in the Nation.

Linville, Feinberg, Perry, Crawford, Connell - 3rd Place in Nation for Video Game

Ronan Connell, Escher Crawford, Ben Feinberg, Thomas Linville and Adah Perry spent countless hours developing a professional quality Video Game that earned 3rd Place in the Nation.

Technology Student Association offers an Achievement Program that encourages student members to engage in the areas/categories of service leadership, STEM immersion, and personal/professional development. 

  • One Shorecrest student, Kuba Howell, was honored for his overall accomplishments with a Gold Level Award, the highest level achievable.

Additionally, the following finalists finished Top 10 in the Nation:
  • Drones Challenge – Jared Atherton, Lydia Chin, Ameli Graff, Ole Lynass
  • Fashion Design and Technology – Mina Pearson, Kai Witwer
  • Forensic Science – Ming Chan, Lola Maas
  • Promotional Design – Aiden Rouhani
  • TEAMS Challenge – Knowledge Test – Drew Bladek, Sam Kuo, Thomas Linville, Lola Maas
  • TEAMS Challenge – Design/Build Competition – Drew Bladek, Sam Kuo, Thomas Linville, Lola Maas

Shorewood High School brought 11 students for their first team participation in this conference. They competed in Audio Podcasting, Board Game Design, Forensics, On Demand Video, Photographic Technology, Structural Design & Engineering, Tech Bowl, Tech Problem Solving, and Webmaster. (See previous article)

Yeva Gomilko, Shorewood -
3rd Place Photographic Technology

Shorewood made semi-finals in Photographic Technology and Structural Design with Yeva Gomilko earning a 3rd place trophy for her Photographic Technology event! 

Cascade K8: Left to Right: Olive Stieber 7th, Tierney McGinnis 7th, Ryah Anderson 7th, Zoe MacDicken 6th, Stella Claire Sullivan 6th, Dagny Lynn 7th, and Alaina Cross 6th

Cascade K-8 Community School
brought 7 amazing 6th and 7th-grade students - Ryah Anderson, Alaina Cross, Dagny Lynn, Zoe MacDicken, Tierney McGinnis, Olive Stieber, and Stella Claire Sullivan. 

Students from CK-8 competed in Biotechnology, Career Prep, Children’s Stories, Community Service Video, Digital Photography, Forensic Technology, Problem-Solving, and Technical Design.

Cascade K-8’s Community Service Video team - 7th graders Dagny Lynn, Tierney McGinnis, and Olive Stieber - placed top 10 in the nation with a video about their project collecting donations for the Shoreline PTA Council clothing room, The Works, which supports students and families in the district. (See the video on The Works website)

Cascade would also like to give special congratulations to our Cascade K-8 TSA alumni who were honored with awards and top 10 finalist pins at TSA Nationals - Adah Perry, Lola Maas, Ming Chan, Kai Witwer, Sam Kuo, Mina Pearson, and Kuba Howell all competed for CK-8 before moving on to Shorecrest.


Read more...

A friendly bunch of flowers

Saturday, July 6, 2024

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte
Lee found a charming planting of unpretentious flowers in a lovely color mix.


Read more...

Lake Forest Park Open House for Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update – July 16, 2024

The City of Lake Forest Park’s decennial Comprehensive Plan periodic update is well under way, now into its second year. 

The active update effort is required by state law to address recent legislative changes, new King County Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs), and the Puget Sound Regional Council's (PSRC) VISION 2050. 

Collectively, there are new requirements and policies that change the ways we plan for housing, address the needs of vulnerable residents, and incorporate climate planning. 

As a member of the Lake Forest Park community, we value your insight and ideas about the city. The city is holding an open house for the community, hosted by the City's Planning Commission, at Third Place Commons, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 4:00pm - 7:00pm. 

The open house is an informal setting to learn about the update, ask questions, and give feedback to the Commissioners as a check-in at this point in the process. 

The Commission has reviewed the existing goals and policies in the adopted 2015 Comprehensive Plan and made draft amendments to each element. Before the Commission holds a noticed public hearing and makes a recommendation to the City Council, the open house is an opportunity to update and check in with the community on this important effort.

Read more...

Kenmore city council unanimously opposes repeal of Climate Commitment Act - Initiative 2117

Kenmore City Council. Back row from left: Councilmember Jon Culver, Mayor Nigel Herbig, Councilmember Joe Marshall, Councilmember Nathan Loutsis. From row from left: Councilmember Debra Srebnik, Deputy Mayor Melanie O'Cain, Councilmember Valerie Sasson

The sidewalks on 84th Avenue NE near Moorlands Elementary School don’t connect, forcing kids walking to school and bus riders taking Metro’s 225 to walk near cars.

The city of Kenmore recently received $3.1 million in CCA funds  to build new sidewalks on 84th, but those funds are now threatened by an initiative that will appear on the November ballot.

A map from the Washington State Patrol’s website shows the location of ten years of collisions near Moorlands Elementary School where new sidewalks are planned, paid for with revenue from the Climate Commitment Act

In a press release, the city of Kenmore announced the council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Initiative 2117 which would repeal Washington state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA).

Passed by the legislature in 2021, the CCA established a market-based program to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions by auctioning credits to polluters. The revenue from those sales are invested in programs that transition the state away from its dependence on greenhouse gas polluting activities.

Kenmore, like other cities in the state, expects to receive millions of dollars in CCA funds - including money for the sidewalks in front of Moorlands elementary school as well as funds for EV charging infrastructure and urban forestry.


Read more...

What to do on hot days - coping with the heat

The King County region has a heat advisory through Tuesday. 

Temperatures are expected to reach the low 90a locally. (see WeatherWatcher report)

Stay cool and out of the heat by going to an open library, community center, or other publicly accessible facility (such as the mall, movies, or public pool/splash pad). Stay hydrated.

Who is at higher risk
If you are in one of these groups, take extra precautions to stay cool, drink water, and take breaks from the heat:
  • Older adults (65 and older)
  • Young children
  • People with chronic health conditions or mental illness
  • Athletes who exercise outdoors
  • Outdoor workers
  • People living unsheltered or homeless
  • Medications and health conditions can make you more sensitive to heat, including those for allergies and colds, thyroid, depression, heart/blood pressure, and weight loss. Check with your doctor about your health conditions and medications.

Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors

Stay cool
Spend time in air-conditioned buildings (such as malls, movie theaters, or libraries) if you can and avoid direct contact with the sun.

Go to local cooling centers

Reduce physical activity and move to shaded areas
Do outdoor activities in the cooler morning or evening hours.

Cool your body down quickly by wearing a wet scarf, bandana, or shirt.
Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible

Stay hydrated

  • Drink plenty of water and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more.
  • Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol. They can be dehydrating.

No infants, children and pets in parked cars

Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. It only takes a few minutes for severe medical problems and even death to occur.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
Seek medical care immediately if you know someone who experiences symptoms.

Recognizing heat exhaustion and heat stroke
When people's bodies can't cool themselves quickly enough it can cause heat exhaustion. 

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting. 

If you see someone with signs of overheating, move the person to a cooler location, have them rest for a few minutes and then slowly drink a cool beverage. 

Get medical attention for them immediately if they do not feel better.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability unless treated immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke include:
  • An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
  • Red, hot, and dry skin
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Nausea, confusion and unconsciousness

Outdoor Workers
As a summer heat wave approaches, Washington is one of just five states with established workplace heat safety standards. Washington’s rules require employers to give frequent breaks and access to shade and water to outdoor workers once temperatures reach 80 degrees. As temperatures rise to 90 or 100 degrees, workers are entitled to additional protections. Employers can learn more at Lni.wa.gov/HeatSmart.

Some employers, like Recology, are starting shifts earlier so workers can finish before the late afternoon heat.

Metro riders
King County Metro riders can find heat-related information and how to stay cool and safe on Metro during the heat.

Other resources

Read more...

Heat advisory -Local cooling centers

The Shoreline and Kenmore libraries
are designated cooling centers
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
With a heatwave and NWS HeatRisk in the orange and red categories in the forecast, (see WeatherWatcher column) King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA) is activating Severe Weather protocols from July 5-9, in accordance with their Severe Weather Policy.

This information was last updated on July 3, 2024 at 3:45pm
  • Families with Children: Call the Family Shelter Intake Line 206-245-1026 to be connected with a shelter bed and a ride to that location.
Cooling centers - Kenmore
Cooling centers - Bothell
Cooling centers - Shoreline

Read more...

WeatherWatcher: Heat Advisory in effect, temperatures soaring to the upper 80's then lower 90s

From the archives, warm day over Richmond Beach July 24, 2022.
Photo by Carl Dinse
National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a heat advisory, in effect until 10pm PDT Tuesday. A heat wave is bringing very warm temperatures for the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park areas as well as the greater Puget Sound region for the next several days. Generally, high temperatures are expected to reach the upper 80’s and low to mid 90’s Saturday through Tuesday next week. 

From the National Weather Service:

  • What: Hot conditions with temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s expected. This will pose a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness.
  • Where: Portions of northwest and west central Washington.
  • When: Until 10pm PDT Tuesday.
  • Impacts: This level of heat will significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses for much of the population, especially those who are heat sensitive and those without effective cooling or adequate hydration.
  • Additional Details: Temperatures will gradually cool during the middle of next week but remain well above normal.

Forecast for Shoreline and Lake Forest Park: Sunny skies all week. There are no clouds or rain in this forecast. Saturday should reach a high temperature into the low to mid 80’s. Lows near 60°F. Sunday high temperatures will be well into the mid to upper 80’s. Sunday night low is also expected to be near 60°F.

Monday through Tuesday high temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid 90’s with low temperatures in the mid to lower 60’s.

Wednesday, we start cooling down into the mid 80’s, with high temperatures coming back down into the upper 70’s or just reaching 80°F Thursday and Friday.

To get relief from the heat without finding air conditioned spaces, your best bet is to get near a Puget Sound beach or take a trip over to the Pacific Ocean. Temperatures along the waters of Richmond Beach up north through Mukilteo and Everett are expected to be around 5 degrees cooler for up to about a half mile inland. 


For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com


Read more...

Travels with Charlie: How Charlie learned to love fireworks

Friday, July 5, 2024

Charlie at Horizon View before the fireworks started

Story and photos by Gordon Snyder

During the afternoon before the firework explosions started, we headed for a Spectacular Independence Day Walk around Horizon View Park. Afternoon sun highlighted our lazy break on the grass. A few fireworks were popping in the distance, but not enough to bother Charlie. Yet...

Charlie has freaked out about fireworks since he moved in with us. For the 4th and New Years, we are always surrounded by blasting fireworks later in the evening. It sounds like a war zone. Charlie would hide in the basement bathroom. He felt terrible.

This year we tried a new approach to help reduce his Firewok's Fear.

Food not Fear for Charlie
After we finished BBQing some chicken. I chopped some BBQ thigh meat and put it into a bag for Fireworks Time in an hour or so.
 
My thought is: Charlie is a Chow Hound. Anything for Food. Food makes him focus on Food.

So maybe he won't fear the fireworks if there’s a tiny morsel of BBQ.

Slowly, as the fireworks began, we started a game BOOOM and a FOOD distraction…

After a big blast, I’d give him a tiny morsel. DIdn’t take long before Charlie began to forget the fireworks and was more interested in the treat. Soon he became more comfortable with the blasts because they were becoming a signal for some BBQ taste.

This next step blew me away. After a nearby loud one would blow up, we started playing by barking and chasing sorta like he does with a squirrel. He got excited when something blasted. He’d bark and scurry around a bit. Catch a piece of chicken and wait for the next explosion.

The evening was a beautiful success where we watched fireworks together (sorta) and he nibbled.

He never spent any time scared and hiding in the bathroom…

We all enjoyed this Independence Day. Hope yours was wonderful also.

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder


Read more...

Allison Reagan named Lake Forest Park Rotarian of the Year

Alan Merry and Allison Reagan
Photo by Robin Roat
Alan Merry, Past President, presented Allison Reagan as Lake Forest Park Rotarian of the year.

"Introducing Allison Reagan as our Rotarian of the year. Allison is the Treasure of our Lake Forest Park Rotary Foundation. She knows everything!"

Alan interviewed Allison to get answers to questions about why she thinks she was selected and what her Rotary story is. (Thank you Alan!)

Her very modest answer as to why she was selected:

"My first awkwardly ungracious inclination is to say, “I don’t know why. We all do so much !” I don’t know the selection criteria for this award, which is done in secret by the Club Board."

"Personally," she said, "I thought Claire Conway should have gotten it for leading the auction and throwing club parties, but she wasn’t eligible because was also busy being president !"

Allison Reagan, LFP Rotarian of the Year
And here is her Rotary story:


“My involvement in Rotary began with a grandfather who belonged to club #1 in Chicago, and after we moved to Arizona, he would take me to the Christmas party.

"In those days, that was one of the rare times women were allowed at Rotary events. (Good thing times have changed !) 

"I was a stay at home mom for our two daughters - coop preschool, PTA, etc - until they graduated, then went to work with my husband in our aluminum boat building business. During that time I also took business math, accounting and law classes.

"After he passed away, I was looking for an opportunity make a difference, and in 2012 Tom French finally got me to join LFP Rotary, where I have made some wonderful friends.

"I have been Club Secretary, Foundation Secretary and became Foundation Treasurer in 2021. Finance is what I do best, and it’s a job I like.

"I also work with the Auction procurement chair in entering guests and donations into the software, and am head cashier on auction night. Our auction is the main fundraiser for the year, and determines our charitable budget.“

Obviously, she is, as Alan says, "a Treasure."


Read more...

Gloria's Birds: 'Nary a feather out of place, that was Chelsea's motto

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(Chestnut-backed Chickadees are fastidious creatures:)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


Read more...

Drums and dancing mark the first summer at the Miyawaki Forest

Miyawaki Forest Celebration, 25 booths, Food truck, Sweet Dream Bakes and Programs

By Sally Yamasaki

Around 350 people came to celebrate The Miyawaki Urban Forest’s first summer at the Shoreline Historical Museum last Saturday, June 29, 2024. 

The Forest is in bloom - trees and flowers are reaching new heights, and the Shoreline Historical Museum field was transformed for this event.

Children's Activities

Around the edges of the field, there were 25 different informational and activity booths. Paparepas food truck, and Shoreline’s own Sweet Dream Bakes filled the air with deliciousness. Children painted night scapes, molded clay forest protectors, and made magical forest wands.

To celebrate the Forest there were drum performances. When Seattle Kokon Taiko started playing, the rumbling of the drums gave sound effects to the gray-skyed backdrop. As they continued, the deep patterned resonance of the drums seemed to pull the crowd together, as if the many heartbeats rhythmically joined the drums.

Audience Participatory Dancing

The rhythms continued the audience’s connectivity with JHP Legacy playing drums that looked over 5 feet tall. Eben Pobee, Shoreline City Councilmember and co-founder of JHP Legacy, explained and demonstrated how drums could be used for long distance communication. 

The group then led the crowd in joining in the performance with clapping out rhythms and dancing on stage as well as in seats.

Concept drawing of Welcome Stone
On behalf of the Rotary Foundation, the design for a Welcome Stone was unveiled that Roger Fernandes is creating for the Miyawaki Forest entrance. 

Fernandes is an artist, storyteller, and educator whose work focuses on the culture and arts of the Coast Salish tribes of western Washington. He is a member of the Lower Elwha S’Klallam Tribe.

His design will be an art form with function, as part of the 6’ x 3’ glacial rock which will be carved and allow for seating. 

Fernandes will carve petroglyphs that represent images based on local tribal teachings. 

According to Fernandes, "Plants are our greatest teachers. The carvings represent local tribal stories that teach our relationship to the plants and brings storytelling into the meaning of the rock and carved designs."

The Forest is always open. Come walk through it. Talk, and listen to the plants. Take a moment to pause and take a deep breath and enjoy summer. 

As the weather begins to change and the leaves of the trees begin to transition, mark your calendars to join us at our next program: Life of the Forest, on Saturday, September 28th from 10 – 12pm. 

At this event, Roger Fernandes will share traditional stories that will give us an opportunity to learn and gather again as a community.

See more photos from the event.


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

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

Back to TOP