Annual Holiday Pet Food Drive at Cats Exclusive

Pet Food drive at Cats Exclusive
Photo courtesy Cats Exclusive

Annual Holiday Pet Food Drive to benefit Seattle Humane Society

Bring in cat food of any kind and place in the collection barrel in the lobby of Cats Exclusive, and they will match your donation pound per pound now through December 24, 2013.

"Last year with your help we donated over 1000 pounds that helped families in need. We're hoping to either meet or beat that this year! "

Cats Exclusive, Caring for Cats since 1981, 19203 Aurora Avenue N, Shoreline 98133. 206-546-2287 (CATS).

Holiday hours
Mon and Fri: 8am -6pm
Tues, Wed, Thurs: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am -5pm
Closed Sun

Richmond Beach resident opens restaurant in Edmonds

Soup's On Cafe, 8402 Bowdoin Way "on the first of 5 corners, at 5 Corners! "Homemade soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts (Drive north on Aurora into Snohomish County, turn left on 212th, proceed west until the road splits at a cross street - 5 corners - Bowdoin is to the left)

Chef Will Carhuff and Richmond Beach resident Theresa Williams
have opened a new restaurant in Edmonds
Photo courtesy My Edmonds News

From our news partner My Edmonds News

By Brian Soergel

Thirty-five years ago, Old Milltown housed a popular and successful restaurant called Soup’s On, where The Cheesemonger’s Table is located now. A waitress and a cook from that shop are now opening their own soup shop, Soup’s On Café. This one’s at Five Corners, in the spot formally held by Pho Five Star.

Shoreline resident Theresa Williams (the waitress), who grew up in Edmonds, is the manager, and friend Will Carhuff (the cook), from Mountlake Terrace, is the kitchen manager. “Over the years,” says Williams, “Will has been a cook at several local restaurants, and I was married and a stay-at-home mom. Last fall, at a friend’s birthday get-together, Will and I discovered that we both were interested in opening a restaurant. And we both shared the same vision of opening another Soups On.”

Williams says she plans to stick close to the original Soup’s On menu, and no wonder – she and Carhuff retained many of the original soup recipes. They will, of course, offer their own, new creations.

Since Soup’s On sports “Café” in its title, customers can order an assortment of non-liquid options. “We will feature our own roasted beef for sandwiches and salads, and will get our white, wheat and rye sandwich rolls from the Edmonds Bakery, just like we did at the original Soup’s On,” Williams says. “We will include gluten-free sliced bread, and Will will make homemade rolls to go with the small and large bowls of soup.”

There will be desserts, too, like homemade apple crisp and crème brulee.

A combo deal will include a cup of soup, a whole sandwich and a salad, for under $10. “We will have all our menu items reasonably priced to suit repeat customers, such as businesspeople coming in on their lunch break, as well as tourists and local residents coming in with their families to enjoy our quick and friendly service,” Williams says. “We feel many people in Edmonds will remember the original Soup’s On and will want to come for a nostalgic food experience.”

Hours are 10:30am - 7:30pm Monday- Saturday and 10:30am - 3pm Sunday.

Book Review by Aarene Storms: That Time I Joined the Circus

That Time I Joined the Circus by J.J. Howard

17-year-old Lexi never considered leaving her home in New York City until her dad dies suddenly and leaves her almost nothing. With very little money and the vague notion that she should try to locate her long-gone mother, Lexi hops on a southbound Greyhound and hops off in front of Circus Europa, a smalltime show with exotic animals, trapeze artists, and some good-looking guys running the Hurricane Ride and helping to hoist up the tents.

Lexi is welcomed into the circus, and quickly makes more friends than she ever had back home. In fact, at least two of the guys seem very friendly ... and then Eli from New York turns up and the narrative changes direction again.

I wanted more from the story than it delivered. I wanted more about the exotic animals, but aside from learning that elephants are called "bulls" and that tiger cages smell bad, I didn't get much. There was not a lot of colorful background from the lives of the clowns, no reason to believe that the trapeze artists came from a family of fliers, not a lot of traditional wisdom passed down to the new grasshopper in town, and no real reason for handsome Nick to keep coming back to the circus to see Lexi.

The romance(s) were shallow, and Lexi's sudden realization of what she wants to do with her life was unconvincing at best.

Rating:

No cussing, no on-page kissing, some references to off-page sexual activities, and at least one teen driving without a license.

Next time, I'll just re-read Water for Elephants.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian

Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS

Discounts on Early Bird tickets for Northwest Flower & Garden Show

"A Hobbit's New Zealand Garden"
2013 Flower and Garden Show
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

"Cyber Monday" means big savings for garden lovers: deep discounts for online Early Bird ticket purchases for the 2014 Northwest Flower and Garden Show.

Tickets only $12 when purchased online; 24-hour offer starts Monday, December 2, 2013 at 8am

Just in time for holiday gift giving, the Northwest Flower and Garden Show will offer a 24-hour,

"Cyber Monday/Early Bird" special for online purchases of Early Bird adult tickets for the 2014 show, February 5-9 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.

Priced at $12 (compared with $17 regular "Early Bird" advance ticket purchases, or $22 the week of the show), the specially priced tickets go on sale Monday, Dec. 2 at 8 am PST, ending at 8 am PST on Dec. 3.

There is no limit to the amount of tickets purchased with this promotion.

To purchase, go to the show's website; click the "Online" link and enter promo code cyber14 on the order page (look for the orange "Enter Promo Code" text directly above the "Order Now" button). Your Early Bird ticket will automatically reflect the new, deeply discounted "Cyber

Monday" price.

This special savings is only available for the Early Bird ticket and will not work with any other ticket type.

The 26th Northwest Flower and Garden Show provides imagination and inspiration with its magnificent showcase of gardens big and small, over 120 free seminars, a big line-up of exhibitors in the Marketplace and more. This year's theme, "Art in Bloom," will highlight artistic renditions that complement the spectacular garden displays and other show attractions.

For more information on the show, visit the webpage.

WeatherWatcher: Weekly Report, A storm, snow, then very cold

• Forecast
• December cold
• Last week's data

Forecast

Sunday - We have some heavy rain moving into the area. It looks like Shoreline and Lake Forest Park will be on the southern fringe of the Olympic Mountain rain shadow so we may not be as wet as most places in the Puget Sound region. It will be breezy at times as well, however we are not expecting anything major to cause widespread power outages. 

Monday - Rain showers in the morning may turn into snow showers in the afternoon and evening. For the most part it is expected to dry out by the time the really cold air arrives from the north.

However, there are a couple of wild cards in the mix. One situation is that there will be a Puget Sound convergence band that may develop, anywhere north of Seattle. It could form over Shoreline-Lake Forest Park or it could be further north. Also it could easily slowly move from north to south or south to north, depending on where it forms. Another wild card is that the leading edge of the cold air could generate a local "cold front" which would force a small band of showers to move from north to south leaving a light accumulation. Of course if both wild cards happen it could make things a little more interesting. In general though this is not looking like it will be a major event but it is possibly going to make the evening commute a disaster.

Bottom Line: I strongly urge everyone to prepare for winter driving conditions before leaving for work Monday, even if it's warm and raining Monday morning. This cold air moving in is going to be the coldest air mass we've had in the region in 2 years. It will cause a sharp temperature drop through the afternoon and evening.

Tuesday-Saturday: We will be back into another blocking high pressure dry pattern, but it will be very cold. Most of the week temperatures in our area will struggle to reach above the freezing mark. We will have low temperatures in the 20's, and we could see the teens mid-week.

Next weekend is still far enough away to be somewhat uncertain, but early indicators are pointing to another possible snow event. This may be interrupted by Sunday or Monday with a slight warmup to rain, before yet another cool down to below freezing is possible.

December Cold: Longer range forecasts on multiple sites seem to agree that our December will be anywhere from 2-8°F colder than normal. There is strong hints that ridging well off the Pacific Coast stretching to Alaska will force storms to go up and over the Arctic bringing storms and cold down along the west coast. We may be a lot drier than normal for December due to the ridging so I'm not expecting significant snow accumulations but I'm pretty sure we will have a couple of snow events. Most of our precipitation in December, might fall as snow, instead of rain in general. 

Average daily temperature for November 2013.
Graphs by Carl Dinse

Average Daily Barometer (inHg) November 2013.
Graphs by Carl Dinse

Last week's data:

High temperature: 51.8°F (Wednesday)

Low temperature: 30.7°F (Saturday)

No rainfall last week.

Warmest day: 43.9°F (Wednesday)

Coldest day: 37.5°F (Saturday)

Average temperature last week: 40.3°F (3.1°F colder than normal.)

Station historic average temperature: 43.4°F

For winter storm updates and current weather conditions, check out my web page www.shorelineweather.com.

Art and Gardens - Reinforcing Beauty

"Energy I " by Micajah Bienvenu
Photo by Bruce Amundson

By Bruce Amundson

While I was eating breakfast one morning this week the first rays of the morning sun illuminated the rich red hues of a redwood sculpture off our deck. Last week’s full moon lit up the soaring steel sculpture shown here as I looked out our darkened bedroom window. And - I experienced these visual delights without even going outside into our garden.

Outdoor sculptures have dramatically added to the enjoyment of our garden. They help us to “see” more acutely as they provide an endless array of visual pleasures: textures, shapes, colors, and reflections of their natural surroundings. In summary, the art adds visual interest to our living spaces whether we are inside or out. It just makes our world more fun, more interesting, more dynamic.

Many residents of the Pacific Northwest have lovely gardens. It’s quite easy, then, to evolve to the notion of our gardens being enhanced by sculpture. There is a powerful symbiosis that occurs when art and nature are married: a particular site in a garden makes a piece of sculpture look more stunning, and the sculpture makes a garden infinitely more beautiful and visually stimulating. 

Many people assume that purchasing sculpture is only for the very wealthy, the benefactors of museums. Wrong! One can buy lovely sculptures in many mediums by northwest artists for the cost of a summer vacation or a new living room set. It’s not the cost for many people, it’s just getting the idea that it’s both achievable and affordable, together with some aesthetic passion that it could add beauty to one’s personal space.

"Razzamataz" by Brian Yates
Photo by Bruce Amundson

In its short history the city of Shoreline has acquired a number of pieces of public sculpture that are placed in our parks and byways. It recently added a monumental redwood sculpture to the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden. Ros Bird, Public Art Coordinator for the city, has creatively led this effort, and this summer opened the Second Annual Sculpture Walk at city hall and the surrounding park. The artists selected for the show have graciously donated their 14 pieces for an entire year for all of us to enjoy. All are for sale.

Shoreline is becoming a city of both public and personal outdoor art. The more sculpture we have in both these types of spaces, the more interesting our city becomes. But the more people who add sculptures to their personal spaces, the richer their visual lives and their gardens become. I urge you to think of including a sculpture in your garden. It will dramatically enhance the quality of your home and personal space. (Of course, it would also support the artists who are donating their creative products to our city’s outdoor art show. We can’t expect them to continue to do that if nothing sells, if we don’t show our appreciation for their generosity and their artistic creations.) 

If you haven’t been to the city hall grounds to view the works, I urge you to bring the kids and family and take a stroll. If you’d like to see how JoAnn and I have enhanced our garden with sculpture, please feel free to contact us (jobrucebaa@frontier.com) and we’ll do a walk-through. The photos accompanying this article illustrate the beauty that a couple of our pieces contribute to our garden. Let me warn you, though - beauty is infectious, but it’s a great infection to have.

Know before it snows: Sign up for Metro Transit alerts

With winter weather in the forecast, it’s a good reminder for King County Metro Transit riders to plan ahead how they will get around before the flurries fly.

No matter what kind of weather comes to the Puget Sound region this winter, Metro is prepared to reroute buses around closed roads, chain up or switch to snow routes as needed. Metro also has online tools for riders to stay informed.

By signing up for Metro Transit Alerts, riders can receive an email or text message warning about known significant disruptions to Metro bus service. Riders also can preview specific snow routes, and review tips for winter travel online.

Metro customers know when bad weather strikes it can delay or reroute any number of Metro’s over 200 bus routes. When snowy, icy conditions affect travel, Metro buses will go to snow routing as necessary, depending on road conditions in a broad geographic area. All bus routes are assigned into one or more of seven geographic areas within King County. The service status of each area is color coded and displayed on an online snow map. The pre-planned snow routing for individual bus routes is displayed in the print and online timetables.

Tools for bus riders 

Metro Online

Sign up for Metro Transit Alerts

Metro’s Snow / Ice

Metro Customer Information Office 206-553-3000

Metro on Twitter @kcmetrobus

Metro on Facebook

Rotary Sharing Tree in Lake Forest Park - help make the holidays bright for those in need

LFP Rotary Sharing Tree
Photo by Linda Holman

For the 20th year, the Lake Forest Park Rotary has set up their Sharing Tree at the Lake Forest Park Town Center, located at the juncture of Bothell and Ballinger Ways. The Tree is in the lower level lobby.

In 2011 the tree was renamed "Tim's Tree" in honor of Rotarian and community activist Tim Davis.

Each of the ornaments on the tree has the name, gender and age of a person who needs a gift. They range in age from infants to seniors. You are invited to provide the gift, delivered unwrapped.

The Sharing Tree hours are 10:00am to 7:00pm and will continue until December 23, 2013 when the tree will be removed.

The Sharing Wreath
Photo by Linda Holman

Gifts for infants through middle school will go to North Helpline Food Bank located at 12736 33rd Ave NE.

Gifts for middle school through high school are taken to Kellogg Middle School to be distributed at the Holiday Basket event when families come to pick up food for the holidays. This event is sponsored by the PTA and Rotary.

"Please stop by to see us and help make this holiday memorable for someone in need.  Thank you."

Emerald Ballet performs The Nutcracker at Northshore Performing Arts Center

The Emerald Ballet Theatre, with the Rainier Symphony Ballet Orchestra, performs holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, at the Northshore Performing Arts Center in Bothell.

Saturdays and Sundays

December 7, 8, 14, 15 at 2:00pm

Buy tickets online or call 425-984-2471. Adults: $35, Seniors: $31.50, Youth: $20.

Holiday magic returns to NPAC with the Nutcracker, a classic seasonal favorite. The Emerald Ballet Theatre makes the stage come alive accompanied by the inspiring music of Tchaikovsky performed by the Rainier Symphony Ballet Orchestra.

The family-friendly ballet features the Emerald Ballet Theatre and Tchaikovsky's music performed by the  Rainier Symphony Ballet Orchestra with David Waltman conducting. Former Bolshoi ballerina Ms. Viktoria Titova appears as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mr. Shane Tice is her Cavalier.  The ballet features over 150 students from Bellevue, Redmond, Woodinville, Kenmore, Bothell, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, Renton, Seattle and Mercer Island.

Music in December - many concerts and events

Music programs are strong in Shoreline Schools and December is a good time to experience a variety of student music. From jazz to band and orchestra concerts to big band - there's a lot going on. Most of the events are free to the public.

If you subscribe to the new Shoreline Schools online events calendar, you will be notified of upcoming events.

Here's the schedule for music in December

Dec. 3: Shorewood Wind Ensemble Concert with Shoreline Concert Band, 7:30 p.m. in Shorewood HS theater.

Dec. 9: Kellogg Middle School Jazz concert, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10: Einstein/Syre Choir concert prior to Holiday Ships arrival at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 10: Shorewood band concert, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 11: Einstein and Shorewood orchestra concert at Shorewood theater, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12: Shorewood choir concert, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: Shorewood Big Band jazz dance at Shoreline Community College Pagoda Union Building, 7 to 11 p.m.

Dec. 16: Highland Terrace, Ridgecrest and Parkwood bands Holiday Concert at Third Place Commons, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 17: Shorecrest band and orchestra concert, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 18: Highland Terrace, Ridgecrest, Briarcrest, Brookside, Parkwood 6th Grade Orchestra Holiday Concert at Third Place Commons, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 19: Shorecrest wind ensemble, choir and orchestra concert, 7:30 p.m.

Bright Ideas for Holiday Lighting

From Seattle City Light

We all know that when holiday lights go up so does your bill, but you can show your holiday spirit and keep your bill manageable by using these tips:

1. Put your lights on a timer. That way, you won't accidentally leave them on all night and pay for something you didn't enjoy.
2. Try using mini lights instead of the bigger C7 or C9 bulbs. You'd still be festive, but cut your wattage by 75%.
3. Want to slow the meter down even more? Try LED lights. They use a small fraction of what traditional incandescent bulbs use. Your old C9 incandescent string uses 170 watts. A string of LED C9 only uses 2.4 watts!   

For more great holiday lighting tips, contact City Light Energy Advisors at 206-684-3800.

Wrapping party at Aegis of Shoreline Dec 17

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah!

However you say it, we hope you’ll join us

for our Wrap-it-Up party!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Let us wrap your gifts while you sip hot apple cider!

We will be at Callahan House from 1:00pm - 3:00pm and at

Aegis of Shoreline from 4:00pm - 6:00pm

14900 First Avenue NE

206-367-6730

*We can’t guarantee we are the BEST wrappers, but we can guarantee you’ll have fun!*

Black Friday Sale at the Shoreline Bargain Boutique

Black Friday Sale at the Shoreline Bargain Boutique

Don’t forget to put the Shoreline Bargain Boutique on your list of stores to visit on Black Friday! We will have a surprise sale from 10:00am to 5:30pm you do not want to miss. And your purchases will support Seattle Children’s Hospital.

100% of the profits from Seattle Children’s Bargain Boutiques in the Puget Sound area benefit Seattle Children’s Uncompensated Care Fund. Where Shopping Helps Kids!

15138 Westminster Way N, Shoreline, WA. 98133 in Aurora Square (Sears) lower plaza

Annual Holiday Sale and Studio Open House

Annual holiday sale and studio open house at Paul Lewing's studio, 105 N 200th St., Shoreline, December 7 and 8, 10 am-5pm.

2 Herons - artist Paul Lewing

The sale features not only Paul's ceramic tiles and trivets, and acrylic paintings, but also new for this year, clocks.

Unexpected Treasure - Gay Jensen

Gay Jensen will be returning with her textile/mixed media art, handwoven scarves and note cards.  

Earrings by Lee Klastorin

This year's guest artist is Lee Klastorin, showing handcrafted silver earrings and necklaces. All our neighbors are invited to join us for great art and treats as we continue the tradition.

Help support Shorecrest Senior Spree - purchase garlands and wreaths

Shorecrest Senior Spree is the traditional, safe, all-night graduation party sponsored by PTSA.  The next Spree fundraiser is the ever-popular Spree Trees, in a new location this year, at the former Elks Lodge parking lot, at 145th and Bothell Way (behind Taco Bell). 

Christmas Trees, Garlands and Wreaths will be available for three days only: December 6, 7, 8, 2013 - Friday, Saturday, Sunday. 

Buy Your Tree and Support Spree!

Hillwood Community Meet-up covers Crime Prevention and Home Security

Shoreline Police Officer Steve Perry will speak at the next Hillwood Community Network Meet-up on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013 at 7pm in the Fireside Room at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 18826 Third Ave NW.

Topics will include reports on local crime, and tips to protect your home, car and mailbox. Learn how to start a Shoreline Watch on your street and how to sign up for Alert Shoreline.

Open to the public. It is free and everyone is welcome.  Join us for warm cider and cookies. Bring holiday cookies to share if you would like.

Bicycle and pedestrian signs - wayfinding - open house Thursday

City of Shoreline Wayfinding Project Open House

Join your neighbors and City staff on Thursday, December 5 from 6:00 to 7:00pm to review the recent work to create a comprehensive plan for pedestrian and bicycle signage for Shoreline. Recent work done by a citizen committee to identify bicycle routes, sign locations and key civic destinations in Shoreline will be shared.

The Regional Trail Signage project will develop a strategic plan for bicycle and pedestrian wayfinding throughout the City. The project is funded through the 2007 King County Trail Levy and will identify a standard signage style, routes to and from the Interurban Trail, and sign locations. Signs will identify direction and distance to key destinations.

Implementation of the project will be completed through phases. There is approximately $100,000 budgeted for the phase I implementation. Phase I Implementation will focus on signage on or near the Interurban Trail. Staff has hired design consultant KPG to assist in developing the strategic plan. A subcommittee of citizens has been established to assist with determining destinations, bicycle routes, and sign locations.

For more information visit the website or contact Capital Project Manager Noel Hupprich 206-801-2472.  

Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church’s Holiday Drive for Poverty Level Children in the north end

SUUC members Carol Roach and Laura Banks
coordinate the church Holly House contributions

This season, the SUUC Social Action Committee is joining a number of other community groups to support the Holly House Christmas project. 

Holly House serves 2,000 children from the north Seattle area (Shoreline, Lynnwood, etc.), and the Christmas project is a hallmark event. Groups donate items to stock a cost-free “store” where low income parents can each pick up a few quality new items to make their children’s lives cozier and more fun. 

You can help by bringing one or more of the following items (new and without any gift wrapping) to the church on Sunday, December 1, or Sunday, December 8. The Holly House store will open for the parents on December 13 and 14 while the children play elsewhere in the facility. 

Warm pajamas, a package of new socks, a package of new underwear, and/or a toy. 

Your gifts are not for a specified child, so get something –or several things—for a child the age and sex you want. Remember that the gifts will be selected by the parents of as many as 2,000 children, newborns to age 18. Nothing will go to waste. By the way, Holly House has a special goal of receiving 900 pairs of warm pajamas to go to children this year. Why warm pajamas? Because many of these children sleep in unheated homes in the winter! 

For further information, contact Carol Roach or Laura Banks.

Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 14724 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155 or visit the website.

October Home Prices Up 13% in Shoreline

By James Sharpe

Redfin Real Estate Agent

In October, Shoreline saw a 13.2 percent bump in home prices compared to the same time last year, thanks to an increase of higher-priced homes coming on the market. As the economy continued to rebound, many homeowners were able to sell their properties because the market could support the price they wanted for their home. There was even demand for Shoreline homes priced above $1 million, which helped drive up property values.

October sales in Shoreline were down 6.2 percent since last year, with 19 homes sold, according to Redfin’s latest report on home prices. And homes sold 35.7 percent slower, spending an average of 19 days on the market. The decrease in sales and the slower market conditions are partly due to normal seasonal slowdown and sellers pricing their homes above what market data was indicating in October. In the fall, sellers listed their homes for what the market demanded back in the spring and summer months, when low interest rates and limited inventory drove up home values.

For now, many Shoreline homeowners are gearing up for 2014. To get ahead of the busy spring and summer seasons, homeowners are beginning to contact their agents for market analysis. I have already been contacted by a dozen clients who are ready to list their homes in the late winter and early spring.  If you’re a homeowner ready to sell, consider the following before listing your property:  

• Get in touch with your real estate agent, keep an eye on the market and have a good strategy in place for pricing your home.
• Tidy up around the house, clean out your cupboards, get rid of personal items and pack away things you haven’t used in a while. Clean out the crawl spaces. Make sure they are debris free and that you do not have pests and rodents.
• Complete any necessary maintenance and repairs around your home.
• Paint the interior walls neutral colors, spruce up the landscaping and pressure wash the exterior of your home so it stands out on the block.
• Visit our Home Selling Guide for other helpful tips.

Shoreline Tree Board meets Thursday, Dec 5

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The Shoreline Parks Department will hold its regular Tree Board meeting on Thursday, December 5, 2013 in  Room 301 of Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N.

Agenda Highlights

- Urban Forest Strategic Plan Retreat Summary

- Community Garden Action Items

- RBSW Park Pedestrian Bridge Update

- 2014 PRCS/Tree Board Work Plan

Full Agenda

Shop at small, local businesses on Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses across the country.

Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

This year, Small Business Saturday is on November 30, 2013.

Our area is full of small businesses, clustered in multiple "downtowns". This would be a great day to explore some of those areas. Park your car, get out and walk around.

Most of the businesses in Lake Forest Park Town Center are small and many are unique.

Have you ever stopped at these areas or have you just driven by?:

• Ballinger Village and the Ballinger business district
• North City, where each building houses 4-5 storefronts.
• 4-Corners on Richmond Beach Road, where four neighborhoods meet (think QFC)
• Ridgecrest (think Crest Theater) has a few businesses - or you can just go to a movie
• Southern Gateway from 145th north on Bothell Way has more restaurants than anywhere else in the area
• The entire length of Aurora

Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park is a small business with a large inventory. They are putting on a special event for Small Business Saturday, bringing in five local authors who will each spend an hour interacting with the customers, discussing books, and selling their current book.

Spirit 105.3 and Union Gospel Mission give back to Kent families in need

From Thanksgiving through Christmas, Shoreline's Christian radio station SPIRIT 105.3 and Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission will be giving back and reaching into the hearts of those who call Kent, Washington home. From collecting necessities including socks and blankets to community service projects, SPIRIT 105.3 is asking volunteers to help make the holidays brighter for families in need.

“Christmas is a time of giving, of love and community. We are asking the SPIRIT 105.3 listening family to join us and give love in practical ways to some who are less fortunate, adding to the joy in the community of Kent,” said SPIRIT 105.3 Program Director Matt Stockman. 

“We hope that this effort will be the beginning of a great partnership between the business and church community in Kent and SPIRIT 105.3! Together, with Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, Kent Downtown Partnership, Kent Station, KentHOPE, and River of Life Fellowship Church, we are making this possible.”  

For more information or to get involved, visit the website.

SPIRIT 105.3 is part of CRISTA Media which owns and operates KCMS SPIRIT 105.3 and AM630 KCIS in Seattle, KWPZ PRAISE 106.5 in Bellingham, KFMK SPIRIT 105.9 in Austin, and PURE MUSIC RADIO, a multi-market HD radio music service.  CRISTA Media is a member of the CRISTA family of ministries.

Lake Forest Park - let's be ready for winter storms

Winter Storms – Let’s Be Ready Together!

In Lake Forest Park, winter can bring heavy rain, high winds, ice and snow. During a snow and ice event, maintenance crews will switch to two 12-hour shifts to ensure 24-hour coverage. Snow and ice crews will focus on primary routes first, including arterials, bus routes, and designated emergency routes. Attention will turn to secondary and then residential streets, once the primary routes are clear. Crews will continue to work around the clock as long as snow and ice conditions exist.

Be a Good Neighbor

You are part of the team, too! Your participation and awareness can help:

• Clear your sidewalk and nearby street drains of leaves. Do not remove the grate from the storm drain opening – this does not unclog the system and creates a hazard for everyone. Place your leaves in a yard waste container, not in the street.
• When snow falls, shovel sidewalks and driveways. If you have neighbors who have difficulty shoveling snow, consider cleaning theirs too.

What You Can Do

• Listen to the weather forecast. Have a plan in case severe weather strikes. Get your emergency kit ready now!
• Make sure you have a snow shovel and environmentally safe de-icer.
• When the storm hits, don’t drive if you don’t have to. Having fewer cars on the street during and after a storm makes it easier to clear streets.
• If you must drive, make sure your car is ready. Carry chains and be prepared to put them on. Make sure windows are clear and the snow brushed from the entire car.
• Keep an emergency supply kit in your vehicle.
• Slow down, allow plenty of room between you and the next vehicle, and be prepared for ice you cannot see.
• Watch for “Street Closed” signs. They are placed by crews for your safety.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Use alternative heat sources safely and wisely. Follow manufacturers’ instructions. Adequately vent fueled space heaters (e.g., kerosene, propane, alcohol) to avoid fatal carbon monoxide gas buildup. Also, do not use outdoor grills or camp stoves indoors as it may cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Call 9-1-1 only for emergencies.

Weekly update from Office of the Shoreline City Manager

Week of 11/25/2013

Council Meeting - Future Meetings

December 2

o   Dinner Meeting with 32nd District Representatives – Council will meet with Senator Maralyn Chase, Representative Ruth Kagi, and Representative Cindy Ryu to discuss Shoreline’s 2014 legislative priorities.

o   Discussion of Transition Area Amendments – This will be a discussion on the reconsideration of a portion of Ordinance No. 654 pertaining to building setbacks in all commercial zones in transition areas (SMC 20.50.021(a)) when across streets from R-4, R-6, and R-8 zones. The Planning Commission met September 23 and held a public hearing October 3 before making their unanimous recommendation to amend the code to require a 15–foot front setback for commercial development in transition areas. Staff is also providing an alternative for Council’s consideration that would allow for setback reductions when the right-of-way is greater than 60 feet.

o   Proposed Guiding Principles to Inform Metro Cuts – The purpose of this discussion is to provide direction to Councilmember Roberts on the Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee (PIC) proposed guiding principles that were discussed at the PIC meeting on November 13 and will be considered for a vote at the PIC meeting on December 11. King County Metro service will be cut by 17% starting in June 2014 absent additional revenues.

Aurora Contract Award

On November 25, 2013 Council awarded the construction contract for the final phase of the Aurora Avenue North project to Gary Merlino Construction Company! The contract amount is $26.9 million. In order to make sure that there is adequate City budget to complete the project, Council waived the 1% for arts contribution for this project. Staff is hopeful that as the project nears completion we will find enough savings to reinstate the 1% art contribution. Construction will start in January 2014 and be complete at the end of 2015, weather permitting. This has been a project that was envisioned by the Shoreline community since it became a city in 1995. What a great 20 year anniversary present to our community to finish it up in 2015. Special kudos to City staff for the extra time spent the last few weeks evaluating bids with our funding partners to make the award possible!

Light Rail

On Thursday Sound Transit announced the preferred alternative that includes two stations in Shoreline – at 145th and 185th. The preferred alternative removed the potential station at 130th, although Sound Transit will study this location as a future option if additional funding is available. Visit Sound Transit.

Utilities Update

Ronald Wastewater District – George Webster is scheduled to be sworn-in as a District Commissioner on Tuesday, November 26, after the election has been certified. Since he was elected to take over the remaining term of appointed commissioner Richard Matthews, he can take his seat immediately upon certification. Gretchen Atkinson is scheduled to take her oath of office in the new year.

Point Wells

Snohomish County is planning to begin the environmental review process, or the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, for the Pt. Wells development. That Snohomish County process begins with a 30-day scoping period, including meetings to hear from affected parties on what should be analyzed in the environmental review – these meetings are known as scoping meetings. City staff have been in contact with both the developer, BSRE, and Snohomish County regarding the timing of the Environmental Impact Statement scoping process and meetings. Given that we are approaching the first of December, City staff has conveyed that we think it would be best for the Shoreline community to avoid having the 30-day scoping during the busy December holiday season. We have conveyed this preference to BSRE. Also we want adequate time to give residents a heads up about the timing and process. Even though the scoping process is a Snohomish County process, the City of Shoreline will hold a pre-scoping community meeting with residents to explain the process, provide them with a draft of the City’s scoping comments, provide an opportunity to partner with residents in submitting comments, and provide a preview of the Transportation Corridor Study process that would kick-off at the end of the EIS scoping period.

Special Legislative Session and Potential Transportation Package

It is still unclear if there will be a Special Session to consider a transportation package. Last week King County Executive Constantine announced that King County may pursue an alternative plan under the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) regulations to have voters approve up to a $100 vehicle fee and an increase in sales tax with the proceeds being used to restore proposed Metro cuts and to provide funding for both cities and the county. The City of Shoreline currently has a $20 TBD fee that provides funding for the City’s road surface preservation program. Any TBD fee charged by a City is credited against a County fee. The maximum combined fee currently allowed is $100.

Police Update

During the third quarter of this year the Criminal Investigative Unit had two high end burglary investigations that resulted in the arrests of five suspects. A total of 23 felony charges were filed against them.

The number of unforced entry burglaries (garages) and auto break-ins in unlocked cars in the Innis Arden and Richmond Beach neighborhoods has increased over the past several months. Shoreline Police have stepped up patrols, particularly during the hours of 1:00 and 5:00am, the hours when the majority of the break-ins have been occurring. Always remember to lock your garage and car doors, lock the door from your house to the garage, and don’t leave your garage door opener in your car if it is parked outside.

Employee of the Year Finalists

Each year, an employee committee accepts nominations for an Employee of the Year. The committee narrows the nominations to three finalists and then makes a recommendation to the City Manager regarding who should be the Employee of the Year. The Employee of the Year will be announced at the City’s All City Staff meeting on Wednesday, December 11. This year’s finalists are:

• Jay Clark, GIS Specialist, Administrative Services Department
• Hazel DelaCruz, Engineering Technician, Public Works Department
• Patti Rader, Finance Director, Administrative Services Department

Burn ban lifted in King County

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has lifted the burn ban for King County and Kitsap County. A Stage 1 ban remains in effect for Snohomish County and Stage 2 for Pierce County, which was the first county to be issued a ban.

Windermere offers free pictures with Santa in Lake Forest Park

Save the Date: Saturday November 30, 2013. Windermere Real Estate/Northlake, 17711 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park, will be hosting free pictures with Santa, hot chocolate from 4:00 - 5:00pm and a tree lighting at 5pm. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the HopeLink food bank. Questions – 206-364-8100.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey dinner from Shoreline Central Market

Not all turkey dinners have to come out of your own kitchen and not all families have to be blood relations. We hope you are spending the day with good food and good company.

We at the Shoreline Area News are thankful for all the wonderful people who contribute to this publication, sharing their photos, events, stories, and community activities.

LFP Rotary opens nominations for The Jeff Award

The Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park seeks to recognize one business with a strong commitment to practicing High Ethical Standards and Public Values.

The Jeff Award is named after Jeff Weissman, Rotarian, and former owner of Great Harvest Bread Company in Lake Forest Park. In business, and as a contributing member of the community, Jeff exemplifies the standards and values defined in this award process.

This is a community-wide award, and any person can make a nomination. All nominees who meet the following criteria will be considered:

• The nominee lives in Lake Forest Park (LFP) and runs a local business, which can, but does not have to be, located in Lake Forest Park.
• Or, the nominee runs a business in Lake Forest Park, but does not necessarily live in the City of LFP.

The Jeff Award Selection Committee will consider the following qualities as they evaluate nominees and select a winner. 

Nominees are: faithful to the ethical codes of their vocation, of the law, and the moral standards of our community; fair and honest in the workplace, with competitors, in advertising, with customers and the public; respectful of other vocations and individuals.

 

Furthermore, nominees voluntarily serve in their vocation, community, or in international settings; and they have earned a reputation for high ethical standards and trust among business associates and in the community, which reflects well on our community as a whole.

You are asked to submit the official nomination form. In your nomination, use concrete examples to clearly explain how your nominee:

1. Practices truth in advertising and promotion;
2. Promotes fair business practices;
3. Provides a benchmark for ethical behavior;
4. Takes pride in his/her work, and the work of others;
5. Builds goodwill and friendship;
6. Finishes what is started;
7. Keeps promises.

Nominations are due no later than December 13, 2013. Send by email or mail to LFP Rotary, PO Box 55983, Shoreline WA 98155-0983.

The Jeff Award Selection Committee will review all nominations. The winner of the award will be announced and honored at 2pm on December 15, 2013 at the Winter Farmers Market in Third Place Commons.

If you need additional information or have questions, contact Ed Pearson.

United Way seeking volunteers to help operate free tax sites

Be a tax hero - volunteer with United Way
Photo courtesy United Way

United Way is seeking volunteers to help operate free tax sites throughout King County from January 15 – April 15, 2014. 

Volunteers will be certified and trained by the IRS and will help families and individuals complete their tax returns to ensure they secure all refunds and credits they are eligible for. On average, each tax volunteer helps secure more than $30,000 in returns for low income families in our community during the campaign. Your time as a volunteer will help stabilize people’s lives and make real difference for families in need.

There are two primary roles at tax sites available for volunteers, Volunteer Tax Preparers and Intake and Benefit Specialists.

Complete descriptions are available online. The suggested time commitment is three to four hours a week for the duration of the campaign.

At the sites, tax customers will also be able to sign up for certain public benefits, receive assistance completing FAFSA applications, and learn about opportunities they have to make the most of their tax refund such as opening a savings account or investing in a savings bond.

Volunteers are needed at all locations throughout the county. Those who speak Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Somali, Korean, Amharic, Cambodian and Russian languages are especially needed.

In 2013, 700 volunteers prepared 14,900 tax returns and helped return $22 million in federal returns. The tax campaign also saved King County residents more than $1.5 million in tax preparation fees.

For more information and to volunteer, visit the webpage or email.

Order tickets online for the Arts Council Holiday Spectacular variety show

Jennifer Jasper

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is starting the merriment marathon that is December off right with a lively and lighthearted variety show sure to brace you for the incoming holiday hoopla. Join the fun at 6pm on December 1, 2013 at the Shorecrest Performing Arts Center at 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.

Comedian Jennifer Jasper will be the emcee for the night, hilariously guiding the audience through three incredible acts. 

First up, Sweet Swing will entertain you with a choreographed 1940s style radio show, done a cappella! Next, the Polka Service, who have recently performed all over Seattle, will take the stage, bringing a new twist on some of your favorite songs, including Jingle Bell Rock, Silent Night, and of course O Tanenbaum.

The evening will conclude with the members of Alchymeia gathered on stage to entertain with folk holiday songs from various world cultures arranged in new and fascinating ways.

Tickets are $20/$15 adults/children (with discounts for seniors, students, and groups), and are available at Brown Paper Tickets.

St. Barnabas teenager spearheads Thanksgiving Food Drive for needy families at Parkwood Elementary

Donated food waiting to be boxed up
Photo by Barbara Kinney

When parishioners at St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Shoreline began planning their annual Thanksgiving outreach earlier this fall, 14-year-old Ian Barr stepped forward and volunteered to take on much of the work.

Ian, a freshman at Roosevelt High School in Seattle, took on the project to provide Thanksgiving meals for five families in need at nearby Parkwood Elementary School as part of his community service project. Hours earned will help Ian meet his graduation requirements.

Every year families who will anonymously receive groceries for a complete Thanksgiving dinner are recommended to St. Barnabas. This year family advocate Kristina Weidart, MSW, helped tailor the meals to cultural and ethnic preferences for these families.

Ian spearheaded this drive by collecting groceries and receiving contributions beyond what was donated by members of St. Barnabas. With his special help, the parish was able to send 10 full grocery boxes to Parkwood.

Each family will receive two boxes filled with non-perishable food items, a turkey, and a $50 Safeway grocery card.

The parish’s Thanksgiving meal program for Parkwood families was started in November 2005 – the first year that Fr. Harley Crain and his wife, Donna, were at St. Barnabas. It is part of a four month Mission of the Month outreach to help low-income parishioners and church neighbors, including the homeless, during the fall and winter months.

100 subjects identified from CanYouID.me site

CanYouID.me ?

CanYouID.me reached 100 identified subjects on November 25, 2013.

CanYouID.me was created in August of 2010 by Lake Forest Park Police detective Tony Matthews and started with five participating detectives. It now has 210 Washington State investigators signed up on the website from 58 police departments.

The intent of this program is to provide one location where Washington State Detectives can post photographs of unknown subjects that could be seen by the public. In addition, the public can submit names of those persons in photographs directly to the investigating detective.

"CanYouID.me would like to thank the public and law enforcement agencies for taking the time to view our website and submit names to our investigators. Your information has helped solve numerous crimes that might have not been solved without your assistance. Please continue to view the website and make if even more successful."

View the site.

Shoreline Public Schools Foundation announces new position for District fundraising

Cindy Pridemore, Development Director
Shoreline Public Schools Foundation

The Shoreline Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce that Cindy Pridemore has been hired in the newly created position of Development Director. The Development Director will be working in partnership with the SPSF Board and will coordinate efforts to increase the Foundation’s funding base while promoting its mission and programs. 

Ms Pridemore brings an intimate knowledge of the Shoreline School district and the Foundation with her to this position. A Shoreline School District alumnus, she has also raised her family in this area specifically to take advantage of the great educational opportunities provided in Shoreline schools. Cindy, who has a Master’s in Education from SPU, is also a past member of the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation and is passionate about education and supporting teachers and schools.   Her in-depth knowledge and work within the community include: nine years with SPSF, fifteen years of PTSA service, Shorewood High School Design Committee, Shoreline School District Boundary/Transportation Advisory Committee, and Shorewood High School Art in Public Places committee. 

The new Lake Forest Park City Council

By Evan Smith

When the Lake Forest Park City Council convenes in January, three of the seven members will be new. Here are the seven people who will make up the new council:

Catherine Stanford—The longest serving member of the council; first elected in 2007 after an unsuccessful campaign in 2005; re-elected in 2011 against an opponent backed by the LFP-Gov-Watch organization;

John Wright—First elected in 2009; re-elected in 2013 with the endorsement of LFP-Gov-Watch and with no opposition;

Tom French—Elected in 2011 with the endorsement of LFP-Gov-Watch after unsuccessful campaigns in 2005 and 2009;

Jeff Johnson—Elected in 2011 with the endorsement of LFP-Gov-Watch;

Mark Phillips—Newly elected in 2013;

John Resha— Newly elected in 2013 against an LFP-Gov-Watch-backed opponent

Hilda Thompson—Newly elected in 2013 against an LFP-Gov-Watch-backed opponent whom she vastly outspent; daughter of longtime Councilman Dwight Thompson, the losing 2011 candidate for mayor.