A Welcome Third Place Books Homecoming for AJ Whittier on Tuesday August 18, 2026

Monday, August 17, 2026


When Amy Whittenburg stepped away from her long-held position as Executive Director of Third Place Commons just over two years ago, it was to start a new life as a full-time author. A big dream and an even bigger mountain to climb to achieve it.

Tuesday night, she returns to Lake Forest Park for her second author event at Third Place Books. Writing as AJ Whittier, she’s just released her third novel, Uncrossing the Stars, which she will be discussing and reading from at the event.

As AJ, she is the author of two previous novels, Always Never Meant To Be: A Love Story and The God in 3B, the first two standalone books in the Magical Seattle Series. As an author, AJ says she’s committed to bringing light, love, and magic to a dark world.

AJ also loves highlighting all the beauty of Seattle and the PNW region. Every book is filled with real Seattle locations, some you’ll know and love, and some that might just send you on an adventure to discover them firsthand.


Indeed, in a review so good that was featured in their magazine, Kirkus Reviews wrote of her first book Always Never Meant To Be, “As the duo scouts movie locations, traveling from popular tourist haunts like Pike’s (sic) Place Market to lesser-known scenic parks, the author creates a love letter to Seattle, such that readers might find themselves planning a trip.”

Of her latest, Uncrossing the Stars, they write, “The novel’s highlight is its cast of characters—especially Sarah, whose complexity as she decides to pursue what she truly wants in the face of overwhelming grief is rewarding to explore. The mystical kismet elements give the love story an ethereal feeling.”

Head to Third Place Books on Tuesday night to see what all the fuss is about. The event takes place in the Den on Tuesday, August 18th at 7 PM. It’s free, but registration is requested for planning purposes. 

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Celebrate Shoreline crowds appreciate what Shoreline has to offer


By Diane Hettrick
Photos by RJ Perna

Celebrate Shoreline, celebrating the birthday of the city, took place for appreciative crowds on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Cromwell Park in central Shoreline.


Tidy rows of canopies sheltered offerings of information of what the city has to offer. The city showcased its projects. Emergency management promoted Readiness. 


Police and fire were there with vehicles and people to show them off.


Activities for the kids included giant inflatable slides, bouncy houses, and pony rides. A more sedate activity for the adults was the corn hole toss from Town & Country Market.


The Family Stage started the day with The Reptile Man, teaching and entertaining with a collection of reptiles, including an 8 foot long corn snake.




Popular events on the side included face painting and making bubbles.


The Pied Piper must have been at the music stage because these children were clearly hypnotized!


Meanwhile, these children volunteered for the PR crew, holding the new Shoreline is My Neighborhood bags and a 2026 sign. Never too young to start.


So Folks, that's all for this year. Plan for next year at this time and we'll see you then!


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Work progressing on Ballinger Way roundabout


As promised, work began on the 40th Pl NE & Ballinger Way / SR 104 roundabout on August 3, 2026. 

As of August 16, the trees have been cleared on the corners.


The center island has been removed and the orange vinyl fencing installed.

The roundabout is a project of the City of Lake Forest Park. This new roundabout will include a single-lane roundabout, new sidewalks, shared-use pathways, four pedestrian crossings with refuge islands, and improved street lighting.

Next week the contractors will begin work on the water mains.

-Photos by David Carlos


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King County’s Energize program expands to help in-home childcare providers and adult family homes with energy-efficient heat pumps

Heat pump installation. Photo courtesy King County

King County’s Energize program is helping families, in-home childcare providers, adult family homes, and community spaces switch to clean energy and reduce energy costs by installing efficient electric heat pumps for heating and cooling that protect human health and the environment.

The program has expanded with new grant funding and includes qualifying homes and businesses in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties, bringing energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to the Central Puget Sound region.

Executive Girmay Zahilay said “These upgrades will also lower energy bills, improving affordability while also promoting resilience to the impacts of extreme weather. As our region continues to experience hotter summers and colder winters, the Energize program shows King County’s commitment to meeting our climate goals while improving the health, wellbeing, and livability of our communities.”

Energize began in 2023 as a modest residential decarbonization pilot program in the White Center and Skyway communities to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce utility bills for community members, and help prepare homes for the impacts of climate change through added cooling.

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Business Spotlight: A Different Kind of Hearing Care: Harmony Audiology Puts People, Connection & Choice First


Local Spotlight brought to you by Kate Ledbetter,
 DestinationShoreline.com
 
A Different Kind of Hearing Care: Harmony Audiology Puts People, Connection & Choice First
 
Hearing healthcare is about more than what happens during a hearing test, it can shape communication, relationships, confidence, and quality of life. Newly opened in neighboring Mountlake Terrace, Harmony Audiology is reimagining the experience with a people-first approach centered on compassion, inclusivity, patient autonomy, and evidence-based care. From hearing loss and tinnitus to specialized support for musicians, Deaf and neurodivergent individuals, the owner-operated practice is creating a place where patients feel heard before they're ever tested.
 
Q & A with Harmony Audiology
 
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: We're brand new to the community! We soft-launched clinical care in July 2026 and are celebrating our Grand Opening the week of August 17-21. Our ribbon cutting ceremony is Friday, August 21st at 10:00 AM. General public welcome to enjoy tours and refreshments at that time. (Registration requested.)
 
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
A: Harmony Audiology was founded out of a deep desire to reimagine what hearing healthcare can—and should—look like. After years of working in traditional clinical settings, our founders saw a need for a practice that goes beyond the basics: one that centers compassion, gold standard practices, inclusivity, and patient autonomy at every level of care.
 
We created Harmony Audiology to fill the gaps often left by conventional models—by offering culturally competent services for Deaf and neurodivergent individuals, protective and restorative care for musicians, and emotionally supportive guidance for those living with tinnitus or age-related hearing loss. We believe that everyone deserves access to meaningful, respectful, and personalized care—regardless of background, communication style, or socioeconomic status.
 
Our mission is to create a space where patients feel heard before they are tested, where treatment is collaborative, and where hearing health is a gateway to deeper connection, confidence, and quality of life.
 
Q: What service does your business provide for our community?
A: Professional evaluation and management of challenges with communication and quality of life related to hearing loss, tinnitus and other conditions of the auditory system.
 
Q: What has been your proudest moment in business so far?
A: It's hard to name one proudest moment! As we approach our Grand Opening, there are so many moments of realizing how far we've come and how much we've accomplished. For one, it has felt really affirming to welcome longtime patients of ours from all over the greater Seattle area into our own clinic space.
 
Q: How do you approach customer service, and what sets you apart?
A: We believe hearing healthcare should be centered on people, and we are weary of its commodification.
 
Individuals and families navigating hearing and communication challenges deserve (1) an accurate assessment, (2) clear and transparent communication about results, recommendations, alternatives, and expected outcomes, and (3) respect and support for the decisions they make.
 
Our model is designed to put these principles first. Because our services are not driven by sales incentives, our focus can remain where it belongs: on understanding each patient’s needs, providing thoughtful and unbiased recommendations, and helping individuals and families make informed decisions that are right for them.
 
We believe this approach creates a more trusted, personalized experience, and ultimately better supports the people we have the privilege to serve.
 
Q: How does your business support or give back to the local community?
A: Individuals needing our services who are experiencing significant financial hardship or other access barriers may be eligible for low-cost or no-cost evaluation services and consultations, and are invited to inquire about financial support from our local and state partners or from our internally-funded program for free or reduced-cost hearing assistive technology (i.e., hearing aids, accessories, AAC, etc.)
 
Q: What future plans or goals do you have for your business?
A: We seek to grow more deeply embedded in the local community. We have no intention to expand beyond the capacity of our owner-operator team and single office. We seek to sustain our modest lives in this beautiful neck of the woods, and to invest capital directly back into the local communities that sustain us. Service to others is at the heart of every material and moral decision we make.
 
Q: What’s your next upcoming event?
A: Harmony Audiology Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - August 21st @ 10:00 AM - 21907 64th Ave W, Suite 100, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Connect with Harmony Audiology
 
Harmony Audiology
21907 64th Ave W, Suite 100
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
206-880-7333
www.HarmonyAuD.com
tyler.ellis@harmonyaud.com
Facebook: Harmony Audiology


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Monster Mini Golf coming to Mountlake Terrace

Once CompUSA, then Gene Juarez, now the future home of
Monster Mini Golf
Photo by David Carlos

Coming soon to the Gateway Place business district in Mountlake Terrace: Monster Mini Golf, a glow-in-the-dark indoor family entertainment center.

According to the company’s website, the Mountlake Terrace location will feature:
  • 18-hole glow-in-the-dark miniature golf
  • Arcade games
  • Mini bowling
  • Laser tag
  • Party and event rooms
The website lists a summer 2026 opening.

The approximately 15,000-square-foot space was previously home to the Gene Juarez Academy North Campus, which operated there from 2013 until 2022 before relocating to Federal Way.

Before Gene Juarez, the space was occupied by CompUSA from about 1994 to 2007.

After years of computers and cosmetology, the space is now taking a swing in a whole new direction. And if all goes according to par, Monster Mini Golf should be teeing off soon.

More information here


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Wallingford Avenue Block Party August 30, 2026


Wallingford Avenue Block Party
Sunday, August 30, 3-6pm
Wallingford Avenue between 150th - 155th
Next to Parkwood Elementary

Join Urbanist Shoreline and Parkwood Neighbors for an end-of-summer block party! 

Parkwood neighbors will be closing down Wallingford Avenue next to Parkwood Elementary School to hang out with friends and neighbors, play games, and eat ice cream.

Join in for a Family/Cargo Bike Rodeo! 

If you have an interesting electric or non-electric family bike or cargo bike and want to show it off, or are interested in checking out other people's family bike setups, come on down! 

You can also come meet Meryl Sweep, the new Bike Lane Sweeper.



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ICE arrest at Ballinger McDonalds

Photo by KH

This is from a forwarded message.

"ICE Gestapo showed up at a McDonald's in Shoreline, WA and demanded a worker be released to them because of a warrant, but they couldn't show a warrant so they weren't allowed behind the counter. So they arrested a random customer instead." - Saturday, August 15, 2026

Is there anyone who can confirm or deny this story, or add to it?

Diane Hettrick


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Sears demolition continues

Sunday, August 16, 2026

By Diane Hettrick
Photos by David Carlos

Piles of rubble surround the Sears building in Shoreline Place as the gutting of the interior continues.


Crews are doing a professional job, cleaning up as they go.


I was told a long time ago that the underground spaces went all the way back to the extension wing which has the blue fronts in the photo. But it's a little shocking to see how huge the building actually is. I wonder what they did will all that extra space.

Shoreline Fire used the lower level to train firefighters to fight fires in confined spaces.


The building in the back is the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The extension in the front of the photo was the auto shop. The entry door on the other side led into a lower level where I remember a photo studio. I also remember a wall with a locked door just beyond it. Employees frequently went into the area beyond the door. Tire sales were near the entrance and I believe the retail section on the other side had clothing. But it was nowhere as big as the size of the building would indicate.


I'm realizing now that I spent very little time shopping here. I have been in the main retail level on the top floor, using the entrance near the corner near Town & Country. And I have spent some time in the area accessed from the back, usually deserted parking lot. I had no idea there was anything but solid earth underneath. Those two sections of the store probably connected but I never checked it out.


I wonder what they will do with all the chunks of concrete? They are bristling with rebar so not useful for building retaining walls.

It will be interesting to see the building plans.


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Scene Over the Sound: Air India test flight

Test flight before delivery to Air India
Photo by Jan Hansen

The Central Puget Sound corridor was treated to a fly-over from an Air India VT‑AWD, a Boeing 777‑300ER running a test flight before delivery.

Air India Boeing 777‑300ER
Photo by Jan Hansen

The photos show a clean underside, gear doors sealed, flaps neutral, engines spooling evenly.


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Call to Artists: Richmond Beach Orca Replacement

One of the original orca statues in Richmond Beach

The Richmond Beach community within Shoreline, WA is looking for local artists to embellish the next generation of Orca sculptures within our neighborhood. 

The Richmond Beach Orcas are portable sculptural three-dimensional objects made of ASA polymer. The orcas are seasonally mounted on poles in set locations in parks and public rights-of-way in Richmond Beach.

Originally, 22 orcas were built, decorated and installed in 2017. Since then, the number of Orcas has been reduced slightly due to theft, vandalism, and general wear-and-tear. 

The Richmond Beach Community Association Board has authorized a process to begin retiring and replacing the current orcas. 

New Orca bodies are being built using polymers and a 3D printing process. The RBCA Board is now issuing a call for artists to submit entries to embellish this next generation of orcas. 

Up to ten artists will be selected with an $800 honorarium provided to each artist selected. 

The application window is now open and will close on September 30, 2026. 

An Orca body will be distributed to each artist selected. The completion date for the project will be in early 2027. 

Interested artists should go to the following website to learn more about the project and to submit their application. Questions? Email georgedbuswell@gmail.com


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Amazon Agrees to $2.25 Million Settlement and Injunction to Resolve Alleged Violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department announced today that a federal court has entered a stipulated order against Amazon.com Inc., in a case investigated and referred to the Department by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 

The order resolves allegations that Amazon violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and it requires Amazon to pay a $2.25 million civil penalty and follow practices that protect consumers whose identities have been stolen.

In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the government alleged that Amazon violated FCRA by failing to provide identity theft victims with requested records of transactions involving people believed to have fraudulently used those victims’ identification, and by failing to provide those records within 30 days of a request. 

The court’s stipulated order resolving the case imposes a $2.25 million civil penalty and requires Amazon to provide its records of transactions alleged to have been the result of identity theft to victims who request them, free of charge within 30 days of the request, subject to verification of the victim’s identity and claim of identity theft. 

Amazon must also post a notice to its website informing identity theft victims of how they can request those records.

“Consumers whose identities have been stolen should not face unnecessary red tape when they investigate how their identities were misused and seek to clear their names,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
“The Justice Department will continue working with the Federal Trade Commission to protect identity theft victims.”


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Family Day is Coming to the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market Sunday August 23, 2026


  Family Day is Coming to the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market!

  Sunday, August 23, from 10am – 2pm

Bring the whole family for a day filled with fresh local food, live music, and fun for all ages!

🎶 Live Music

  • 10–11:45 a.m. | Mosquito Fleet – Enjoy an energetic blend of bluegrass, old-time, and Americana, bringing timeless traditions to life with a fresh, modern sound.
  • 12–2 p.m. | Mariah Fraser – A local favorite, Mariah delights audiences of all ages with fun ukulele covers and interactive music.

 

🌟 Family Fun Includes:


🫧 Bubble Station &  Bouncy House

🎨 Face painting

🚗 Zucchini Races – Build, decorate, and race your own zucchini car!

🖍️ Coloring activities & giveaways

🚛 Explore a real City of Lake Forest Park big rig!

 


And while you're here, shop the very best of the season from our local farmers, enjoy delicious prepared foods, sweet treats, artisan goods, beautiful flowers, and so much more.

Celebrate summer, community, and the joy of spending time together at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market. See you there!

Presented in partnership with the City of Lake Forest Park and with generous support from 4Culture.

The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is a program of Third Place Commons, a community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Market takes place every Sunday (May-October), 10-2, and is located in the parking lot at the Town Center at Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.


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Call for Art: 2026 6x6NW Show

Call for Art!
2026 6x6NW Show

It’s back! The beloved, annual 6x6NW Art Show & Sale is returning this year on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 4:00pm at the Shoreline College - PUB. 

ShoreLake Arts is seeking artwork - from all ages and skill levels - to enter into our show! All work must be 6” x 6” and prepared to hang on a flat surface. 



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Former LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson to entertain LFP Rotary Wednesday August 19, 2026

Jeff Johnson
Past Mayor, Jeff Johnson will be speaking at the LFP ROTARY on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. 

The title of his talk is ‘Life and the Pursuit of Happiness’! 

Did you know Jeff has a history of being a professional comedian? Jeff will entertain us…laughter guaranteed.

Please join us… @7:15 am
LFP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH


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Free haircuts for school kids K-12 at Evergreen Beauty College Wednesday August 19, 2026


Evergreen Beauty College 18336 Aurora Ave N #103, Shoreline, WA 98133 in Gateway Plaza at 185th & Aurora is offering free haircuts for school kids (K-12) and mini manicures and skincare services (mini facials, etc) for all family members including moms!

Wednesday, August 19, 2022 from 11am – 3pm.

No appointments, just show up. "Do not let the long lines scare you, just be patient because we will take care of you."


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Grand Central Bakery recalling 517 loaves of Potato Sourdough bread distributed on August 10, 2026

Grand Central Bakery of Seattle, WA is recalling loaves of Potato Sourdough bread because they may contain the presence of pieces of metal.

A pallet nail was found in a loaf from that batch which was sold at grocery stores, select restaurants, wholesalers, and four Grand Central Bakery (GCB) Café locations within Seattle and Tacoma Metro areas in WA on Monday August 10, 2026.

Other grocery stores in Seattle/Tacoma area in WA that received loaves from that batch:
  • Central Co-op
  • Fred Meyer Stores
  • Hilltop Red Apple
  • Ken's Markets
  • Marketime Foods
  • PCC Markets
  • QFC Stores
  • Town & Country Market
  • Thriftway Stores
  • Whole Foods Markets
  • Yakima Fruit Markets
Grand Central's Potato Sourdough bread
No injuries or illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after a pallet nail was discovered in a loaf of Potato Sourdough Bread.

If you purchased this product on 8/10/26, please dispose of product and contact our GCB Wholesale Support Team at info@grandcentralbakery.com or at their website’s “contact us” page  

Customers may also contact Grand Central Bakery at 503-232-0575 Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 3:00pm PDT.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.


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Gloria Z. Nagler: Birdy banter...

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

What IS that over there, photog?

Photog, being a fuddy-duddy, replied: please don’t talk with your beak full, Harry the House Finch.

--Gloria Z. Nagler



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Qigong and Music at Dunn Gardens August 19, 2026

Music on the Lawn
Photo courtesy Dunn Gardens

Sponsored by 4Culture and free to the public with registration:

Wednesday August 19, 2026

11am Qigong in the Gardens with Michelle - register here

Qigong practices mirror the patterns of the natural environment - aligning movement (similar in quality to Tai Ji Quan), breath, and consciousness to promote resilient vitality. Here are hundreds of Qigong forms based on the ancient traditions of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Taoism. Those offered by Michelle at Dunn Gardens are suitable for beginners as well as experienced students looking to deepen their practice. All forms may be performed in either a seated or standing position.

12 - 3pm Music on the Lawn with Third Harbour - register here

Round up your family and friends! Join us from 12pm-3pm on August 19th for an enchanting afternoon filled with toe-tapping Celtic tunes from our favorite band, Third Harbour.

Pack your picnic baskets with your favorite snacks and treats, and spread out your blankets for a leisurely afternoon feast. Savor the flavors of summer in the Gardens as you dine al fresco, accompanied by the sweet tunes of the Celtic & Irish tradition.



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Outdoor movie night at Ridgecrest August 29, 2026


The Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association is holding an Outdoor Movie Night on Saturday August 29, 2026 at 6pm at Paramount School Park 15300 8th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155

The movie: Labyrinth starts at dusk.
Patty Pan Cooperative will be serving up delicious dinners and we will be giving out free ice cream sandwiches + selling some movie snacks!


So bring the whole fam, some blankets or chairs and get ready for a fun night!


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