City of Shoreline closes Café Aroma over unlicensed adult cabaret events

Monday, September 16, 2024

Owners posted this sign on the door of Café Aroma in Ridgecrest

The city of Shoreline closed Café Aroma in Ridgecrest for operating without a valid business license and accused the cafe of hosting adult cabaret events without a license.

According to a search on the city’s website, the Café Aroma’s business license expired on 12/31/2023. The city requires businesses to have an Adult Cabaret license to host exhibitions and performances involving unclothed people or sexual activities.

A section of the Cease & Desist notice on the door of Café Aroma

The cease and desist order posted on the door of the cafe said: “Pursuant to information provided to the City, business activities occurring at Café Aroma's location at 509 NE 165th Street necessitate both a General Business License, for the operation of an eating and drinking establishment (café), and a Regulatory Business License for the operation of an Adult Cabaret. Café Aroma currently does not maintain such licenses.”

The issue came to the attention of the city when a long-time Ridgecrest resident submitted a See-Click-Fix notice. In part, it said:

"I discovered that these events appear to be adult-oriented parties involving group sexual activities and BDSM practices. 
"These events are particularly concerning given that they take place in what is typically used as the "kids' room" during the day, a space designed for children with toys and play areas."

Café Aroma, which was sold to new owners Vicious Coffee two years ago, is a neighborhood gathering space, popular with families. They have sponsored neighborhood food drives and participated in neighborhood events. New owners have continued the tradition of hosting music and arts events.

Café Aroma in the Ridgecrest business district

Tickets to the after-hours events were offered on Brown Paper Tickets with explicit details. That site has been taken down and neighbors have observed equipment being removed from the premises.

When the city investigated the issue they discovered that Café Aroma's Shoreline business license had expired at the end of 2023.

A second letter on the door is a Cease & Desist notice for operating without a food & drink license, as well as operating an unlicensed "cabaret".

Both notices state that the owners have 14 days to appeal the action.

Café Aroma is located at 509 NE 165th st Shoreline, WA 98155


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Gloria's Insects: Opened our front door and saw the loveliest moth

Sunday, September 15, 2024

The White Satin Moth. 

Took a zillion shots, so excited was I. 

He never moved.

They were introduced in the U.S. in the 1920s, probably from Europe. 

I love the "furry" mane (so like a horse!) and the comb looking antennae. 

This is likely a male; they take flight just before dusk, says the internet, which may explain his long interlude on our door. 

They're found here in the summer.

--Gloria Z. Nagler



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Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) meeting Tuesday - what do you think about the 1 Link light rail from Shoreline?

ELNA meeting on Zoom, Tuesday September 17, 2024 from 7-9pm

Have you used the new light rail system, either to commute, shop, attend sporting events or even go to the airport? 

Come to the ELNA meeting Tuesday to tell us about your experiences.

How did you get to the station? Walk? Take a bus? Try a Lime scooter?

Besides the obvious advantages of having a transit station that many of us can walk to, our neighborhood will be deeply affected by the 185th Station, in terms of traffic, safety of children taking school buses, and pedestrian safety.

Our guest speaker will be Jeff Raker, City of Shoreline Senior Transportation Planner.

Contact ELNA at ELNABoard@gmail.com to request the link for the meeting.


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Kruckeberg Boardwalk officially open to visitors

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden opened its boardwalk with a ribboncutting ceremony on Friday, September 13, 2024.

Photos by Mike Remarcke

City councilmember Betsy Robertson gets ready to cut the ribbon, flanked by original board member Dick Olmstead, previous Executive Director Joseph Abken, current Executive Director JP Sauerlender, and Shoreline Parks Bond Project Manager Jacob Bilbo

With brief and heartfelt speeches and a snip of the ribbon, the new boardwalk at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden opened to the public.


An excited crowd of city councilmembers, past and present Executive Directors, designers and construction workers, board members, city parks staff, and Kruckeberg staff posed for a family portrait on the new boardwalk.


The boardwalk zigzags through the forested park, accessing areas previously inaccessible to visitors.


It was built to ADA requirements.


Representatives from Forma Construction and Mithun design were on hand to see people enjoy their work.

Come take a walk through the forest

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • March - October: 10am-5pm
  • November - February: 10am-3pm
Admission is free, but a donation is appreciated!

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


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Invisible



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Local Business: Silesia Guitars in Ridgecrest

Dagna Silesia, working in the shop
Photo courtesy Silesia Guitars

Q&A with Dagna Silesia, Owner of Silesia Guitars
By Jeremy Gross

Did you know that Silesia Guitars has been part of the Shoreline business community in Ridgecrest for almost 11 years? I recently met up with Dagna Silesia, the owner behind the guitar repair shop and luthiery. We discussed her journey, the evolution of the business, and what’s next for Silesia Guitars. Check it out!

Jeremy: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to start Silesia Guitars?

Dagna: I started out with just being a musician and just, you know, having that classic rockstar dream. I started playing when I was 12. I went to a music high school in Sweden—I'm originally from Poland, but I grew up in Sweden. After high school, I wanted to stay within the music business, not really knowing exactly what to do. 

Then I stumbled upon a guitar-making school in Phoenix, Arizona, while I was still in Sweden. I thought, 'That's something that would be really cool to do,' so I packed my bags and came to the States for the school.

After I graduated from the luthier school, I worked for a couple of people in Seattle, like Parsons Guitar Shop, to gain experience. After a while, it was pretty easy to take the leap on my own.


Jeremy: How has your business evolved since you first opened your doors?


Dagna: We’ve been in this location for 11 years now. The locals have been really welcoming, and we have some amazing repeat clients. We just feel the love when they come in. The only major change is that I have a helper now who is a big part of the business. He’s always there, and it's a relief to have someone around. I worked on my own for so long, but having someone else makes the atmosphere in the shop better and is a great addition.

Custom inlay work
Photo courtesy Silesia Guitars
Jeremy: What are your future plans for Silesia Guitars?

Dagna: I've always wanted to make custom guitars. But we’ve been so busy with repairs that I never got to that point. The custom guitars are still in the plans; it’s just pulling it all together.

I'm also looking to expand the inlay work. It's kind of my extra specialty and a fun thing I like to do on the side.

And as we grow, hopefully to involve one or two more people in the repair business. In such a niche market, it’s hard to find the right person. The meticulousness, detail-oriented skills and patience is so important because the difference between a good guitar setup and a bad one is so small. The measurements we’re dealing with are tiny!

I don’t want to expand the shop too much because I find the personal attention is so important to client satisfaction. For some people, leaving their guitar at a shop is a big matter of trust. The personal relationship with the luthier is what makes this experience more enjoyable.

Custom inlay work
Photo courtesy Silesia Guitars
Jeremy: Who would you consider to be your ideal customer?

Dagna: An ideal customer is someone who likes to explore different sounds and is really into their guitar. They’re the kind of person who, as soon as something wears out, wants to keep their instrument in top-notch condition. I love those customers because it makes me happy to maintain their guitars – they have so much pride in their instruments.

I also enjoy helping beginners who come in with a guitar they just picked up, which might not be set up well. A lot of people don’t realize how much better a guitar can play after a proper setup. 

Beginners often struggle because the instrument itself isn’t right, not necessarily because of their lack of ability. It’s like using a knife that hasn’t been sharpened—it makes things unnecessarily difficult. Helping someone discover that their guitar can be more enjoyable to play brings me lots of joy.

Jeremy: Do you have a favorite customer story?

Dagna: One of my favorite stories is about a client who started coming to me when he was just 14. He saved up money from landscaping jobs to get a custom inlay job done on his guitar. He kept coming back, and eventually, he decided he wanted to do what I do. I told him about the school I went to, and he ended up going there too. He worked for me for a few years before branching out on his own. I’m really proud of the journey he’s taken. It’s rewarding to know I played a part in his story.

Jeremy: What’s the best way for people to reach you or visit your shop?


Dagna: The best way is to just come in during our business hours—Wednesday through Friday. 

People can be shy about it, but we encourage them to bring in their guitars so we can assess them in person.

It’s hard to give accurate advice over email or with photos; it helps to see and feel the instrument to give the best options!

Business Contact Details

Silesia Guitars can be found online or call 206-624-7668 for more information. They are located at 517 NE 165th St, Shoreline, WA 98155 in the Ridgecrest Business District (across the street from the Crest movie theater.)

Jeremy Gross
Interviewer Details


Jeremy Gross is a personal & business finance and cash flow coach for small business owners. He loves learning about each business owner’s journey into entrepreneurship and helping others on their business adventures! 

You can reach him at jeremy@youpluscash.com or learn more at www.youpluscash.com.

Note to Readers: If you have a favorite business that you’d like profiled in Shoreline Area News, please let Jeremy know!


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Fall Continuing Education classes at Shoreline Community College


Check out the fall brochure for Continuing Education classes at Shoreline Community College. 

  • Community Concert Band and Chorale
  • Athletics & Wellness
  • Gardening & making a natural holiday wreath
  • Podcasting and Voiceover Training
  • Career Training opportunities, including Flagger Training & Non-Profit development
  • Intro to Excel and other business classes
  • Youth softball camps, drama, music lessons & more!
  • Language classes: Chinese, Japanese, Spanish
  • Writing for personal enrichment or your career
  • Retirement planning
  • and more!

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Shoreline Fire assists with 2 alarm fire in Edmonds

Apartment fire in Edmonds
Photo courtesy South County Fire

South County firefighters transported two people to hospitals with non-life threatening injuries while battling an apartment fire in Edmonds on Saturday shortly before 3pm.

The fire was upgraded to a 2-alarm commercial fire to bring in additional resources.

A total eight units were impacted with fire or smoke damage, leaving 11 people displaced. The cause of the fire is under investigation by South County Fire. 

Firefighters from Shoreline Fire Department assisted with this response.


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Bella's Voice thrift shop celebrates 10th anniversary with new location in Lynnwood

Lynnwood, WA - Bella’s Voice, a local non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare, is celebrating their 10th anniversary of business in Lynnwood with the grand opening of a new, larger thrift store in the former Bartell Drugs Pharmacy off of Hwy 99. 

Bella’s Voice Thrift Store gives new life to a former Bartell Drugs Pharmacy. 

Photo by Rory Durrough.



The grand opening event will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 10am - 2pm, Mayor Christine Frizzell and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance to kick off the celebration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The one-stop-thrift shop sells a wide range of gently used goods and all proceeds benefit animal welfare throughout our communities through donations, education, and outreach programs. 

The Bella’s team is proud and honored to give new life to a Washington staple business and continue serving the community through their Pet Food Bank, Emergency Vet Bill Program, and monthly partnerships with local animal charities to raise funds and awareness of their causes.

The thrift store is located at 17633 Hwy 99, Lynnwood, WA 98037. They are open daily from 9am - 7pm with donation hours of 9am - 5pm, all donations are tax-deductible and help support Bella’s Voice’s mission of improving the lives of all animals. 

More information about Bella’s Voice, acceptable donation items, and the work they do can be found on their website.


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Collections Corner: Blanche Hillmann's Companion

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Blanche Hillman's camelback trunk is now part of the museum's collection
Photo courtesy SHM

At the start of August 2024, the Shoreline Historical Museum received a special donation of an 1896 travel trunk. 

This important companion accompanied Richmond Beach Pioneer, Blanche E. Hillmann on her 1915 journey from Minneapolis, MN to present day Shoreline, WA.

The interior of the trunk was beautifully decorated
Photo courtesy SHM

The trunk was crafted in the German style Camelback form, known for its highly detailed wood carving, art printing and metalworking. The hardy storage unit had a curved top design that prevented other furniture from being stacked on top of it. This kept the contents of the trunk safe and allowed for multiple areas of storage. Perfect for the long journey from Minneapolis to Shoreline!

Blanche Hillmann was an elementary school teacher in Shoreline
Photo courtesy SHM

The trunk would have contained many of Hillmann's personal belongings, including clothes, housewares and teaching supplies as she made her journey across the Northwest to eventually reach Shoreline. 

She would spend her career teaching 2nd grade and German language at Richmond Beach Elementary School, which was open from 1891-1971.

The Shoreline Historical Museum is located at 18501 Linden Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133


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Scene on the Sound: The Nimitz heads out

 
Photo by Bill Schnall

After five day in port, the USS Nimitz sailed out of Puget Sound on Friday September 13, 2024. Plans are already underway to decommission the Nimitz.


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State Representatives Davina Duerr and Shelley Kloba to host community discussion on Initiative 2124 and the Washington Cares Act Sept 18, 2024


On Wednesday, September 18, 2024 1st Legislative District State Representatives Davina Duerr and Shelley Kloba, along with other local leaders, will host a community discussion on Initiative 2124 and the Washington Cares Act.

With the general election just a couple of months away, it's up to us to shape the future of long-term care in Washington! 

This event is for anyone interested in learning more about the initiative, understanding its potential impact, and having their questions answered. 

WHEN: Wednesday, September 18th, from 6:30 - 7:30pm

If you require ADA-related accommodations for this event, please email bass@votekloba.com as soon as possible.



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Shorewood soccer - 2-2 draw with Kamiak

Shorewood's Abbey Lee #13
Photo by Todd Linton

Shorewood's Soccer Captain Abbey Lee presses the Kamiak defense. Abbey Lee scored Shorewood's first goal in the 2-2 draw with Kamiak.

Thursday, September 12, 2024
Home game
SW 2 - Kamiak 2


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Boats Afloat continues this weekend at South Lake Union September 14-15, 2024

Boats Afloat Show at South Lake Union

The 2024 Fall Boats Afloat Show continues at Seattle’s South Lake Union September 14-15, 2024.

The Northwest’s largest on-the-water boating showcase, the 2024 Fall Boats Afloat Show docks at Seattle’s South Lake Union spotlighting more than 125 impressive motor yachts, a variety of sailboat offerings, high-end cruisers ideal for Northwest waters, high-performance craft, fishing models and much more. 

Presented by the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association (NYBA) since 1978, this boating tradition offers opportunities to learn, dream and explore the latest boating lifestyle and technology trends.

The show features marine services and the Dockside Marketplace offering high-quality boating-inspired goods, clothing and art; informational seminars; family-friendly activities (the show is free for children 12 and under); a raffle supporting Salmon For Soldiers; casual dining and beverage options and live music performances by top local talent each day of the show.

Show hours and tickets
  • Saturday (September 14), 10am to 6pm.
  • Sunday (September 15), 10am to 5pm. 

Admission is $22 for adults 18 and over, $5 for teens ages 13-17, and is free for children 12 and under. Tickets can also be purchased through the show’s website boatsafloatshow.com

For more information visit www.boatsafloatshow.com. The 2024 Fall Boats Afloat Show is located at Lake Union Piers on the shores of South Lake Union at 901 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109.


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Events at Ridgecrest Books: Banned Book Sale to benefit Ridgecrest Elementary and author event on September 22, 2024

Friday, September 13, 2024

Ridgecrest Books aat 512 NE 165th, Shoreline WA 98155, celebrates Banned Books week with a benefit for the Ridgecrest Elementary Library.

Purchased banned books September 22 - 28, 2024 and the store will donate 20% of the sale to the school library.

Then, on Sunday September 22 from 7-8pm meet authors Jane Wong and Lucy Tan for a discussion and book signing.


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Choosing the right professional to help you stay in your home as you age

By Joseph Irons, CAPS, President of Irons Brothers Construction, Inc.

If you are like most Americans over 45, you want to continue living in your same home and community throughout your maturing years. Baby Boomers' existing or older homes are often unequipped to meet their needs. 

According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), a third (33%) of 50-plus adults believe they will have to modify their current home to make it safe and accessible to continue to live there as they age.

Home owners should consider working with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), in partnership with AARP, developed the CAPS designation.

Professionals who have earned the CAPS designation have been trained in the unique needs of the older adult population and apply strategies and techniques to provide comprehensive and practical home modification solutions. CAPS professionals help homeowners find aging-in-place solutions that fit their needs and budget. 

While there are various ways CAPS remodelers can help make your home work for you, some of the most common aging-in-place renovations include:
  • Wide doorways. 32-36 inches wide doorways let wheelchairs pass through and make it easy to move large items in and out of your home. Extra floor space. The space allows homeowners and their guests to feel less cramped.
  • Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces keep everyone on their feet. Handrails on steps and bathroom grab bars will also help homeowners maneuver easier.
  • No-step entry. No one needs to use stairs to get in and out of the home.
Learn more about CAPS professionals here

To speak with a CAPS professional locally, contact Irons Brothers Construction, Inc. 

Please join us for a Remodeled Homes Tour Showcase project
from Irons Brothers Construction, Inc.

The event will take place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, September 21, 2024. One Day Only!

Meet with our team of PROS and learn about our Professional Reliable Outstanding Service.

Watch the video about this homeowner’s experience with our Team and Embracing the Future.

Can’t attend, you can tour this home virtually on our website at your convenience.

No RSVP required, register in advance or at the door. Free admission.

CORRECTION: The open house is on September 21, 2024, not October


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Review: Murder Inn at the Wade James Theatre in Edmonds

Murder Inn
by local playwrights, Howard Voland and Keith McGregor

September 13 - October 6, 2024
  • Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm
  • Sundays at 2pm
  • 15 total performances
Edmonds Driftwood Players
Wade James Theatre, 950 Main Street, Edmonds

Review by Kindle Carpp
Murder Inn is set in New England, at the dilapidated eighteenth-century Bardsley Inn, supposedly haunted by Marco, a knife-throwing poltergeist. A group of tourists, on a tour - Ghosts and Ghouls of New England - is forced by a storm to make an unscheduled stop at the inn. 

What looks to be an unpleasant and uncomfortable detour soon turns into a night of mayhem and madness as knives begin to pop up. As the storm builds and the body count rises, the survivors try to figure out who done it. And even more important - who’s likely to have it done to them next?

Olivia Alderton, David Hayes, Codie Wyatt, Jeannine Early, Ingrid Sanai Buron, Jennifer Nielsen, Tina Devrin. Photo by Dale Sutton

This engaging play begins when our stranded guests arrive at the Barnsley to discover it is a ramshackle inn which has closed for the season, opening only because of local flooding and landslides due to the rain. 

The proprietress maintains that the inn is haunted by her long ago murderous ancestor, while her son is skeptical that the ghost even exists.

The set design by Thomas LeClair stands out, setting the tone and scene of the decrepit inn. Look for the small details such as peeling wallpaper and water-stained walls. One aspect of the set that I particularly enjoyed was a door masquerading as a bookcase with an authentic-looking collection of books.

Carol Richmond, David Hayes, Tina Devrin, Thomas A. Glass
Photo by Dale Sutton

Everyone in this large cast performed well but there were a few actors who shone.
  • Tina Devrin embodied the exasperation of customer service when you really hate the customer.
  • Ingrid Sanai Buron embodied the mean girl trophe to perfection.
  • Jennifer Nielsen did a wonderful job of presenting as the benign and uncomplicated retired school marm who just happens to be sharp as a tack.
  • Rachael Risbell Walters really committed to her character’s kooky bit without upstaging the rest of the cast.
And the chemistry build between Olivia Alderton and Landon Whitbread was timed well and very believable. I literally caught myself “aw-ing” at their cuddling up on the sofa.

Just in time for the Halloween season you can check out Murder Inn and I promise you won’t have any reservations about the experience.

Codie Wyatt, Tina Devrin, Ingrid Sanai Buron, Jeannine Early, David Hayes, Carol Richmond
Photo by Dale Sutton

TICKETS: $28 General Adults (ages 19-59); $25 Youth/Senior/Military. Available online at www.edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org or by phone at 425-774-9600. Discounted tickets for groups of 10+ people.

Edmonds Driftwood Players is a volunteer-based nonprofit community theatre that is proud to have been entertaining audiences in the Pacific Northwest since 1958, making EDP one of the oldest operating community theatres in Washington State. As we celebrate our 66th Season in Edmonds, we would like to thank the community for their continued support of local theatre.” -Katie Soulé, Managing Director

Content Information: this production has been deemed by the publisher as appropriate for all audiences, however, it contains some mild adult themes, weapons and alcohol, as well as references to the supernatural.

Approximate Run Time: this production is anticipated to be approximately 2 hours including a 15-minute intermission.

“Murder Inn” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com


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Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races at Lodge at St. Edward September 21, 2024

Weiner dog race at Kenmore Oktoberfest
Photo courtesy Kenmore Oktoberfest

Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at the First Annual Kenmore Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Races hosted at The Lodge at St Edward Park!

Join us on Saturday, September 21, 2024 starting at 1pm to watch as spirited dachshunds dash down a perfectly sized course, each vying for the coveted title of First Place Winner! 

Whether you believe your wiener dog has what it takes to be a champion, or you simply want to enjoy the adorable sight of dozens of pups racing to glory, this is an event you won’t want to miss. 

Expect excitement, laughter, and perhaps a few detours as some dogs take a moment to socialize with fans and onlookers. 

Don’t have a Dachshund but still want to join the fun? Enter your dog in our Wiener Dog "Wannabe Race" and be part of the action.

Lodge at St. Edward State Park
Photo courtesy GreenRubino

WHEN: Saturday, September 21st, starting at 1 PM
WHERE: The Lodge at St Edward State Park, 14477 Juanita Drive Northeast, Kenmore, WA 98028
EVENT LINK: (with race terms and conditions for participants), and more info on all the great Kenmore Oktoberfest activities here 
COST: Free to attend and spectate; $10 to register your dog to race with a portion of the proceeds donated to a local animal shelter, thanks to the support of the Kenmore Heritage Society.

Race day is also a great chance to explore inside The Lodge at St. Edward Park, which is dog-friendly year-round!

The Lodge at St. Edward Park is a beautifully restored former seminary built in 1931, transformed into an 84-guestroom luxury hotel. Located in a lush 326-acre forest just 20 minutes from Seattle, this historic Northwest landmark boasts three restaurants and bars, an art gallery, a world-class spa, and year-round activities for hotel guests and locals alike to enjoy, including an indoor pickleball court, game nights in the library, guided historic tours, nature hikes through the park, and more.


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Friends of the Shoreline Library Book Sale September 20-22, 2024

 

Friends of the Shoreline Library Book Sale Friday - Sunday September 20-22, 2024. The sale begins with a members-only sale on Friday from 5-7pm. Memberships will be available for $10 and can be used immediately.

The General Sale will take place
  • Saturday, September 21, from 11am - 5pm
  • Sunday, September 22, from 12 - 4pm
The bag sale is all day Sunday. Purchase bags for $5 and fill them up - no limit!

The Shoreline Library is located at 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline WA 98155.


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Flags at half-staff September 15, 2024

Flag Lowering - September 15, 2024 (Dennis Flannigan)

Governor Inslee is deeply saddened by the death of former Representative Dennis Flannigan, 84, and directs that Washington state and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in his memory on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

Governor Inslee has no objection to agencies lowering the flags at the close of business on Friday, September 13, 2024. Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Sunday, September 15, 2024, or first thing Monday morning, September 16th.

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

A memorial service will take place on September 15, 2024, at Urban Grace Church, Tacoma at 3:00pm.

Please email FlagRequests@gov.wa.gov if you have any questions about this flag lowering.


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