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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Shorewood Culinary Arts program receives grants for the new Herb & Vegetable garden

Wendy Jordan and Culinary Arts Instructor Diana Dillard
Herbs have already been planted in the new containers

WSU King County Extension Master Gardeners of Shorewood High School and Culinary Arts Instructor Diana Dillard along with Wendy Jordan have received three notable grants to assist in the creation of Shorewood's Herb and Vegetable Garden outside the new classroom building.  

The grants are from:

  • Les Dames d'Escoffier Seattle Green Tables
  • Shoreline Public Schools Foundation
  • Whole Kids Foundation
The old garden was dug up and held in containers while the school was under construction.


New Economic Development Commission to meet in Lake Forest Park Wednesday

The Economic Development Commission of Lake Forest Park will meet on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 7:00pm at City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, its first meeting of the year. The commission will be staffed by Finance Director Chris Bothwell. The community is invited to attend.

The Economic Development Commission, also referred to as the "EDC," has not met in the last several years. However, new commissioners have been confirmed to the commission and they will begin meeting again in 2014.

The mission of the Economic Development Commission is to develop recommendations that promote the long-term economic health of the city in order to provide jobs for its citizens, provide goods and services for local consumers, and strengthen the tax base to fund local public services and facilities.

Current Commissioners
  • David Chow
  • Jason Colberg
  • Gretchen Bennett Guethner
  • Robert Henderson
  • John Nyhuis
City Council Liaison
  • Tom French
City Staff
  • Chris Bothwell, Finance Director



Shorecrest to present 'Oklahoma' as its spring musical


The Shorecrest High School drama department will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical “Oklahoma” from May 8 to 10 and 15 to 17 at 7:30pm and May 11 and 18 at 2pm in the school’s Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 and available through brownpapertickets or at the school. 

Rodgers and Hammerstein's first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, having set the standards and established the rules of musical theater still being followed today. Set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the 20th century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story.


County transportation package continues on road to defeat despite slight gain in 'yes' votes Tuesday

By Evan Smith

The King County roads-and transit package on the April 22 ballot continued to be headed for defeat despite a slight narrowing of the gap in returns released Tuesday.

New returns showed proposition 1 losing by a 53.97 percent to 46.03 percent margin.

County officials will post new returns each weekday through May 6.

You can reach Evan Smith at schsmith@frontier.com


Tooth time in Shoreline Saturday - register now

Spring Huskies Smiles Event

A volunteer group of dental students from the University of Washington: School of Dentistry will be providing free dental and orthodontia screenings, toothbrushes and fluoride treatments to children 6 months -18 years of age.

Saturday, May 3, 2014, 11:00am-1:00pm, at the Family Support Center, 17018 15th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.

Register to attend by calling Amber at 425-205-2004.


Marvel at Storytelling in May

Coffee at The Bridge
Join the Seattle Storytellers Guild at its friendly, inviting Story Circle at the Bridge Coffee House, Friday, May 2, from 7-9 pm.

Both storytellers and listeners are welcome to this free event. Tellers may tell a traditional or personal story for adults of 8 minutes or less. If you plan to tell a story, please practice it a few times to be sure of its length.

Attendees are asked to support the Bridge Coffee House’s generous offering of their space by purchasing drinks or treats! The Bridge Coffee House is located at 2150 North 122nd Street, Seattle 98133 on the North Seattle Alliance Church campus.  

If you have questions contact host Cynthia Westby.


Teens: Comic Book Day at the Shoreline Library Saturday

Have your photo taken with
Storm Troopers at the Shoreline Library
during Comic Book Day
Three big events for teens and families at the Shoreline Library Saturday feature games and comic books. 345 NE 175th, Shoreline.

Free Comic Book Day 10am to 3pm for Teens, Children and Families, and Adults too!

Comic shops across the country are giving away comics for Free Comic Book Day and we're joining the fun! Come by and pick out some FREE comic books to keep. Come early since comics are only available while supplies last. Plus, meet and have your picture taken with Stormtroopers and other characters from the Star Wars universe from Seattle's Garrison Titan!

Make Your Own Comic Book with David Lasky, for Teens, 3-5pm

In 90 minutes you are challenged to make your own 8-page mini graphic novel. Cartoonist David Lasky will guide you through the book-constructing and storytelling process. Supplies and basic drawing tips will be provided. Drawing skills are not all necessary; the only prerequisite is a desire to communicate through the medium of comics. Shoreline Library Small Meeting Room.
Registration required by May 2 at 5pm. Form is here. Attendee must be between the ages of 10 Years and 18 Years old.
   
Game On! Special Edition 12pm to 2pm

Enjoy a little healthy competition by playing Wii and Xbox 360 games in this special Free Comic Book Day edition of Game On! Plus, have some snacks!
Shoreline Library Large Meeting Room


Governor comes to Shoreline Community College to announce climate initiative

Board of Trustees Chair Shoubee Liaw introduces Gov. Jay Inslee
during a press conference at Shoreline Community College on April 29. 2014

Gov. Jay Inslee came to Shoreline Community College to sign an executive order intended to reduce carbon pollution in Washington and push for clean energy technologies.

At an April 29, 2014 press conference in the Professional Automotive Training Center, Inslee signed an executive order to establish the Carbon Emissions Reduction Taskforce composed of 21 leaders from business, labor, health and public interest organizations. The group will provide recommendations to the governor on design and implementation of a market-based carbon pollution program.

Inslee then kicked off the first meeting of the task force immediately following the press event. The Governor directed the taskforce to consider measures to offset costs to consumers and businesses and to design strategies to help energy-intensive industries transition from carbon-based energy sources.

Rod Brown of the Cascadia Law Group and Ada Healey of Vulcan will co-chair the taskforce. Final recommendations are due Nov. 21, 2014.

Shoreline Board of Trustees Chair Shoubee Liaw welcomed Inslee to campus, first at the Clean Energy Technology Center and again to introduce him at the press conference. Joining college officials at the clean-energy center were Shoreline Mayor Shari Winstead and City Manager Debbie Tarry.

Attendees at the press conference included a number of legislators, including Sen. Maralyn Chase and Rep. Ruth Kagi from the 32nd District. Also attending were Rep. Hans Dunshee, Chair of the House Capital Budget Committee; Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, Chair of the Environment Committee; Sen. Kevin Ranker, ranking member on Ways and Means; Sen. David Frockt, a member of Ways and Means and Higher Education; Sen. Christine Rolfes, a member, Early Learning and K-12 and Education.

Industry representatives attending included Steve Klein, of Klein Honda and President of the Puget Sound Auto Dealers Association, Glenn Grossenbacher, of Snap-on Industrial, and Gary Shaver, CEO of Silicon Energy. Shaver’s Marysville-based company manufactured the solar panel that served as the desk on which Inslee signed the executive order establishing the task force.

In her comments before the press conference, Chair Liaw noted that automotive center was the perfect place for Inslee’s initiative to reduce carbon emissions.

“Transportation is responsible for the majority of fuel use in this country,” Liaw said. “In this facility, we train the best technicians in the world on the latest technologies in the world to reduce our fuel usage and move toward other, more sustainable energy sources. 
“Sustainability is not just about generating clean energy, but also learning how to use less of traditional energy sources and that’s what this program and our many industry partners are committed to doing.”


“Shoreline Walks” Richmond Beach Parks Walk

Saltwater Park
Join walk leader Mary Jo Gerst this Saturday, May 3 on a hearty three mile walk around Richmond Beach and explore four of the neighborhood parks.

The walk is part of the Shoreline Walks free community walking program. Discover walking routes that connect all the parks and enjoy some of the beautiful weather we are having!

Walkers will meet at the entrance to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park at 10am, 2021 NW 190th St. Walk is 3 miles in length and will last for approximately 90 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Walk is rated moderate for some hills. 

Shoreline Walks is a free community walking program to help Shoreline adults stay active, meet new people (or connect with old friends) and feel safer and more confident exploring our city by foot. Walks explore neighborhoods, parks and trails offering great insight into some of the best walking routes in our city. Specifically designed for adults ages 50+ but open to all ages and abilities, each walk is led by a Volunteer Walk Leader and all walks are free to the public. For more information and full list of walks visit the webpage or call City of Shoreline Recreation Assistant, Marianne Johnson at 206-801-2638.

Take photos on the walk and send them to the Shoreline Area News for publication.


City announces next steps in Point Wells Transportation Corridor Study process

Statement from the City of Shoreline

The City of Shoreline held the final Transportation Corridor Study Workshop on April 16. Based on resident comments and feedback from the previous five workshops, the City and the traffic consultants developed preferred alternatives for the street configuration of Richmond Beach Drive and Road and traffic mitigations along these corridors. 

Using the community feedback provided at the April 16 workshop, staff will make adjustments to the preferred alternatives and then present a final recommendation to the City Council. City staff will also prepare a set of design principles for Council review that provide direction for the design, implementation, and construction of the street improvements. These will be based on the community input and modeled after the Implementation Strategies that the City Council adopted to guide design and implementation of the City's Aurora Corridor project. Although the timeline for submission of a final mitigation recommendation to the City Council has not been finalized, staff anticipates that this will occur in late June. City staff will hold an Open House to share the final recommendation with the public prior to the recommendation meeting with Council.

If the City Council is supportive of an acceptable traffic analysis and mitigation package, then they will provide direction to the City Manager to submit the TCS outcomes and agreement to Snohomish County, to negotiate a "development agreement" with BSRE, and docket, or schedule for action, appropriate Point Wells subarea plan amendments that will be worked on later this year. 

Following Council acceptance, the City will provide the “mitigation package” to Snohomish County to be included as part of the transportation section of the County’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The City anticipates Snohomish County adopting the mitigation package and incorporating it into its permit review and analysis, and making it a condition to projects permits. If the City is not able to secure the requirement from the Snohomish County EIS process that the mitigation package will be constructed by BSRE to mitigate the project impacts, the City's Memorandum of Understanding with BSRE states that the City and BSRE will negotiate these mitigations as part of the development agreement. 

The City will also work to negotiate the following items into the development agreement with BSRE: 1) a funding mechanism to pay for the required mitigation package; 2) agreement on the ultimate cap on daily vehicle trips to and from Point Wells and how to enforce the cap; 3) agreement on the sequence of implementation of the mitigation projects; and 4) Point Wells annexation to the City of Shoreline. 

Can We Close the road?

Over the past several years, residents have repeatedly asked why we can't just close the road to Point Wells. With the recent Supreme Court decision the question is once again being asked. While it seems like an easy answer, in the court case YARROW ETC. v. Town of Clyde Hill, 403 P. 2d 49 - Wash: Supreme Court, 2nd Dept. 1965, a case with similar facts to the Point Wells development, the Supreme Court found that Clyde Hill's vacation (closing) of a road due to anticipated traffic increases from a proposed development was unlawful. 

Clyde Hill's City Council was concerned about increased traffic from an apartment complex in neighboring Houghton where the only access was through Clyde Hill. The Council vacated the road and the Supreme Court ruled the action to be unlawful. Below are excerpts from the decision:

In closing a public street, the "public use" that must be considered is broader and more inclusive than the mere use by abutting property owners. Streets are dedicated to the public use .... This implies that streets must be maintained primarily as public ways .... This refers not alone to adjacent property owners, nor to the inhabitants of a particular political subdivision, but to the whole people .... Every citizen of the state has an equal right to use the streets.
Cities are vested only with such powers over the streets as are conferred upon them by the legislature .... However, the power to regulate streets is not the power to prohibit their use by nonresidents .... Similar consideration must be given to the power of a municipality to vacate a street.
...[T]he residents of a particular town possess no proprietary rights to the use of its streets, in priority to or exclusion of the general public. They may not use their power to the detriment of other citizens or municipalities of the state .... The fact that a city may have the burden of constructing or maintaining its streets gives it no peculiar privileges insofar as the use of its streets is concerned.

Closing Richmond Beach Drive near the entrance of Point Wells would open the City up to legal challenges and its actions would most likely be found unlawful under the findings of Yarrow etc. v. Town of Clyde Hill.


Transit delays, reroutes expected in Seattle on May Day

Riders should prepare for rerouted buses and traffic delays in downtown Seattle the afternoon and evening of Thursday, May 1, as 16 Metro routes and three Sound Transit routes will be temporarily rerouted during May Day events.

Some city streets are scheduled to be closed as a result of May Day activities. During the planned events, Fourth Avenue is expected to be closed for about an hour between 3:30-4:30 p.m., and Pine Street is expected to be closed for about four hours between 3-7 p.m.

During the respective street closures, Fourth Avenue bus routes will travel instead via Third Avenue, and Pine Street buses will travel via Union Street. Reroutes are planned for Metro routes 10, 11, 43, 49, 64, 250, 252, 257, 260, 265, 268, 301, 306, 308, 311 and 312, and Sound Transit Express routes 522, 545 and 554.

Those identified routes are not the only ones expected to be slowed by traffic disruptions. All bus service that travels near or through the downtown Seattle area may be subject to delays during and after Thursday afternoon’s events. Bus riders are advised to plan ahead for longer trips, revise travel plans if necessary and allow plenty of travel time.

Visit Metro’s Service Advisories page for specific reroute details. Transit reroute start and end times may be subject to change.

Visit Metro’s Online Regional Trip Planner to find out how to get to and from events and locations.


What's cooking at Central Market

If you're looking for inspiration, answers, tips or new recipes - come by the Culinary Resource Center near Produce at Shoreline Central Market, upper level Aurora Square on Westminster Way.

There's often something to sample, and always recipes for the taking. Below is the lineup for demonstrations.The kiosk is staffed 10 am-6:30pm daily (9 am-5:30pm Sundays) with sampling noon to 4:30pm. If a line appears under the recipe or if the name is in color, you can click to go to the full recipe.

May 1 -May 6, 2014  


Thurs,May 1  Perfect Pork Tenderloin - Restaurant-style secrets revealed! 

Fri, May 2   Ahi Fish Tacos 


Sun, May 4   Lamb Posole
Our Deli’s Pico de Gallo and Chipotle Salsa 

Mon, May 5  Frontera Skillet Sauces 

Tues, May 6   Tuna Confit Melts


Registration open for Community Connections Conference


Community Connections Conference: 
Moving from I to We 

Join 299 other folks on June 26, 2014 from 8:30-4 pm to:
  • learn how others make community connections to become successfully interdependent
  • find out how some organizations have "cracked the code" by engaging people based on their gifts and contributions, rather than seeing people based on their needs
  • create new community networks and models based on reciprocity and resiliency
  • celebrate community by learning dances from many cultures at the World Dance Party!
Registration is $25 and includes continental breakfast and lunch. See the website and recent articles.


Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Rare chance to tour the Wurdemann Mansion in Lake Forest Park benefits the Museum


Heritage Home Tour May 20, 2014 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of one of the oldest homes in Lake Forest Park, the Shoreline Historical Museum~Heritage Center in Shoreline, with the gracious permission of the Sankrithi Family, will hold an exclusive fundraising party and tour at the Harry Vanderbilt Wurdemann Estate. Built in 1914, the beautiful home and its surrounding grounds are nestled in the genteel past of the community. 

To purchase your tickets, use PayPal (click the ”Buy Now” button), or mail your check by May 16 to Shoreline Historical Museum, P.O. Box 55594, Shoreline, WA  98155. 
They accept Visa and MasterCard by telephone at 206-542-7111.

Pick up your pre-paid tickets at the Will-Call table in the upper level of Third Place Commons at the Lake Forest Park Towne Center between 5:45 and 6:00pm. Take the Museum-provided shuttle to the Wurdemann Mansion, or walk three blocks to the estate. There is no parking on-site.

Photo courtesy Shoreline Historical Museum

Tour Guidelines for the Heritage Home Tour:

  • Due to the age of the home and general setting, the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
  • No cameras or video equipment.
  • Only a limited number of tickets will be sold.

Ballinger Neighborhood meets Monday, May 5


The Ballinger neighborhood association will meet on Monday, May 5, to nominate new board members.

If you have an interest in being a part of the board, complete the application and return it to this email address before the May 5 meeting.

For information on the meeting, and other upcoming neighborhood events, see the webpage.


Point Wells transportation study on the agenda for this week's Shoreline Planning Commission

The Shoreline Planning Commission meets on Thursday, May 1, 2014, 7pm for its Regular Meeting

Agenda Highlights

  • Point Wells Transportation Corridor Study Update
  • Light Rail Station Subarea Planning Update



Comment on Agenda items by email or in person. The meeting will be held at Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133.



Shoreline City Manager's Report weeke of 4-28-2014

Week of 4/28/2014

Council Meetings
·         April 28 Meeting
o   Dinner Meeting: Joint meeting with the Parks/Tree Board.
o   Regular Meeting:
§  Recognition of Out-Going Park Board, Planning Commission, and Library Board Members. Mayor Winstead said a few words of appreciation for each of the out-going members and presented each a small token of appreciation.
§  Tree City USA Award: Last week we found out that the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has awarded the City its 2nd Tree City USA award. A representative from DNR announced the award and the grant mentioned in the “This & That” section at the end of this update.
§  Ordinance No. 685 Amending the 2014 Budget: This item was pulled from the April 14 Consent Agenda. Ordinance No. 685 includes both the “carry-over” of budgeted, but uncompleted, projects from 2013 to 2014 and recommended amendments to the 2014 budget. Council is scheduled to consider adoption of this ordinance on May 12.
§  Discussion of the Draft Urban Forest Strategic Plan: There have been several public Open Houses on this plan. Council reviewed the recommendations from the Tree Board on the plan. Adoption is scheduled for May 19.
§  Discussion of the 145th Route Development Plan, Scope and Funding Update
·         May 5:
o   No Dinner Meeting scheduled
o   Transportation Benefit District (6:45 p.m.): This is the regularly scheduled semi-annual meeting of the TBD Board. The agenda will include approval of November’s meeting minutes and the required annual report of the expenditure of funds in 2013.
o   Regular Meeting:
§  Adoption of Resolution No. 358: This resolution will authorize the City Manager to make a formal loan application to the Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) for funding to be used for the Stormwater Utility Pipe Repair and Replacement Program as budgeted in the City’s adopted Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The City’s adopted CIP and Stormwater Master Plan anticipated the issuance of Revenue Bonds as part of the funding stream for the pipe replacement program, but a loan through the PWB program will have a lower interest rate. The PWB has a new requirement that elected officials need to adopt a resolution at the initial application phase stating that if the loan is funded, the elected body commits to budgeting funds for the repayment of the loan. Repayment will be made through Surface Water Utility fees.
§  Discussion of the Seattle City Light Franchise Agreement: This a new franchise agreement that staff has been negotiating for the last eighteen months. The current franchise agreement was extended through June 30, 2014. The proposed franchise will be for a 15 year period. The franchise is scheduled for Council approval on May 19.

Point Wells Update:
We submitted an article to be printed in the May issue of the Richmond Beach Community Newsletter to help lay out next steps in the Transportation Corridor Study process and to further explain why the City is unable to legally close the road to Point Wells based on prior legal precedent.

King County Transportation Benefit District Proposition No. 1 and Metro Cuts
A map shows the initial vote outcome by voting district for Proposition No. 1. The map shows that the 32nd District was not approving Proposition No. 1 (48% Yes/52% No). The proposition passed in almost all areas of Seattle, with the outlying areas of King County have a majority  “no” vote. Given that the proposition did not pass, Metro has released its preliminary proposed changes along with estimated timeline. A table shows the anticipated impacts for Shoreline routes. The eliminations/reductions, as currently proposed, are not as extensive as Metro’s original projections, due to improved sales tax collections.  Given that these projected service changes are preliminary, City staff will continue to monitor to make sure that Shoreline’s reductions are as painless as possible.

Police Update:
Police Contract: On April 18 I attended the Police Oversight Meeting (City Managers of King County Contract Cities). The King County labor negotiation staff provided an update on the negotiation status of the Deputy Contract. Both sides have agreed to go to interest arbitration, which was certified by the Public Employment Relations Commission. The issues subject to the arbitration include wages, special pays, health benefits, and a number of other items. The contract under negotiation will be retroactive to January 2013. The arbitration hearing is tentatively scheduled for September 2014, with a decision anticipated in January or February 2015.

The Sheriff’s Office also shared that they are in the process of converting the reporting of crime statistics from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report (UCR) system to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) with the goal of changing the reporting of crime information for contract cities by 2015. The NIBRS reporting system is more extensive as it reports much more detailed information, especially in cases with multiple crimes in a single incident. In essence we will be getting the full picture of the crimes that have been occurring.

City Wayfinding Design Guidelines
A Wayfinding Steering Committee (WSC) was created consisting of community volunteers, technical consultant (KPG), and City staff from Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services and Public Works Departments. Through several meetings the WSC identified destinations, bicycle routes, developed sign types, and specified sign locations to develop wayfinding design guidelines.

Calendar Items
·         April 30 – Tree Planting in Cromwell Park at 10 a.m.
·         May 2 – World Dance Party at Shoreline Community College, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
·         May 3 – Million Step Challenge Kick-Off, Paramount School Park, 9 a.m. (Councilmember Salomon participating in kick-off)
·         May 13 – Meeting with Mayor Winstead and Mayor Murray, 3 p.m.
·         May 19 – Retirement reception for Superintendent Sue Walker. The reception is from 4 to 6 p.m., Shorewood High School in the Commons. The official program will start at 5 p.m. There is no RSVP required.

This / That
o   Bellwether (formally Housing Resource Group) provided information regarding funding gaps that they have traditionally relied on public sources to fill. They are a major non-profit developer of work force housing in Seattle.
o   Recology/Cleanscapes is in the process of converting to “grey” dumpsters in the City.
o   Marci Wright, HR Director, will be retiring this Friday, May 2. She has served the City since 1997.
o   The Parks Department will be planting five or six trees in Cromwell Park at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, if you are interested in joining them for an Arbor Day tree planting!
o   This week we received word that the City is the recipient of another $10,000 grant award from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources to create a phase 1 implementation plan of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan that was adopted. This will be helpful in formulating 2015 budget recommendations.

Links corrected 04-30-2014 7:58pm


Open House Thursday for new exhibit at Shoreline City Hall Gallery

New Art Exhibit at Shoreline City Hall Gallery

Open House this Thursday, May 1st5:30-7:00 p.m.

Meet the artists, listen to live music, nibble, converse
and enjoy a beautiful spring evening!

Hope you'll stop by!
17500 Midvale Ave N

Shoreline City Hall Gallery

journey of discovery

Karen Dedrickson, sumi painting
Marcia Douglas, monoprint
Virginia Jenkins, clay sculpture
Karen Leonard, silk painting
Mary J McInnis, oil painting
  
May 1 – July 25, 2014

OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, May 1, 5:30 – 7:00pm
Art, artists, and conversation
Live music: piano and violin by Shoreline Community College

Shoreline City Hall is located at 17500 Midvale Ave. N, Shoreline 98133.


New art exhibit opens Thursday at Shoreline City Hall

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council and the City of Shoreline present “JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY”, a new exhibit featuring: Karen Dedrickson - sumi painting, Karen Leonard - silk painting, Marcia Douglas – monoprint, Mary J McInnis - oil painting and Virginia Jenkins, clay sculpture.

Karen Dedrickson, "Curiosity" ink, acrylic, collage on Xuan Paper

For Karen, Sumi is a way that encourages working intuitively. The birds are intuitive expression of what she feels at that moment of painting. When she least expects it, a bird like "Curiosity" shows up, which resonates with a charisma beyond perfection. She describes her process, “It's fascinating to watch what happens on the Xuan Paper --all the different ways I can push and pull, play and bounce my inky black brush on the smooth white surface. Each mark speaks a truth that can't be erased.” Karen exhibits widely in the Puget Sound area.

Karen Leonard, "Lady in Waiting", silk painting

Karen starts her silk paintings by drawing freehand directly onto a clean white piece of silk, without a sketch, and without an eraser. Like an author creating a character, she lets the character or image decide what happens to it. This leads to unexpected details. Adding color to the drawing is a separate and equally challenging task. She celebrates those serendipitous moments when the colors have their own ideas about where to go. Karen holds certificates in Graphic Design and has won awards at juried shows on both coasts. She is a silk painter, graphic designer, interior designer, artisan tile setter, quilter, silkscreen printer, and amateur photographer.

Marcia_Douglas, "Wishful Thinking", monoprint etching

For Marcia, printmaking is a journey of discovery. She works intuitively, often starting without a sketch or idea of where it will go. Working with multiple plates, bits of paper ephemera, layers of color and imagery, she also integrates photographic images into her monoprints. Inspirations come from travels (like France and Italy in this show) and experiences, from shapes and colors playing with and against each other, and from the simple pleasure of mark making. A member of Seattle Print Arts, Los Angeles Printmaking Society, NW Collage Society, Marcia exhibits nationally and regionally.

Mary McInnis, "Gold Creek Trail", oil on canvas

The major theme of Mary’s work is the play of light on various subjects, her favorite subject being the forests of the Pacific Northwest. The best way she knows of to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings is by walking the nature paths and trails. She offers these paintings for those who are unable (by whatever reason) to vicariously experience these places. Mary holds a BFA in Painting from the UW; she is a Signature Member of the NW Pastel Society, and has exhibited widely in the Northwest.

Virginia Jenkins, Sherbet Boat, clay sculpture
Virginia Jenkins

My ceramic sculpture represents a convergence between existing and imagined realities inspired by the potential of undiscovered life in our oceans. Through the use of iconographies drawn from the natural world found in our coastal environments, and subtle allusions to the human body, I create objects that suggest an esoteric existence. The objects become their own biological entities with their own spirituality and provoke the experience of an independent, symbolic world. Their presence reveals covert process, intrinsic sexuality, and vulnerability.

Shoreline City Hall is located at 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133. For more information contact the Arts Council at 206-417- 4645.


Girl Scout Rummage Sale at St. Luke's Saturday

2013 sale - before the doors open

Rummage Sale
Saturday, May 3, 2014
8:30am-3pm
St. Luke Catholic Church
322 N 175th St
Shoreline 98133

2012 rummage sale - after the doors open!

Sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 43139

Furniture, small appliances, kitchenware, tools, toys, baby items, home decor, jewelry, electronics, books, clothing, sports equipment, shoes, coats, and more!



Irons Brothers to construct wheelchair ramps for Lynnwood family

Rampathon Volunteers 2013
2013 Rampathon Volunteers
Team Irons Brothers Construction
For over ten years the staff and volunteers of Irons Brothers Construction have built free wheel-chair ramps as part of the Master Builders Care Foundation's Rampathon event. 

This year, on Saturday, May 17. company employees and volunteers will once again take on this effort and are planning to build a ramp for a family in Lynnwood. 

The family they have chosen needs a ramp for their son, Joshua, age 14, who is a complete quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. He uses a manual wheelchair and requires a nurse and/or caregiver at all times. 

His family is currently using removable metal temporary ramps at their front door step and step to the driveway. These are not very safe or user friendly and something permanent will be very helpful to them. 

Building a new ramp will allow this family to transport their son in and out of the home safely and regain the ease of getting outdoors.
We are looking forward to helping this family to better their lives and safety. 

To learn more about the Rampathon program, donate, volunteer, or complete an application for next year's program, click here.

View past rampathon photos and aging in place work, as well as information on Irons Brothers community involvement on their website


Shoreline CC professor honored for a "life well-lived"

A picture of Marty and Vicki Olsen at an April 26, 2014 memorial service for Marty Olsen

More than 350 of Marty Olsen’s best friends came to Shoreline Community College on Saturday, April 26, 2014 to pay their respects and reflect on a life well-lived.

Olsen, a faculty counselor and Professor Emeritus, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 13. 

Olsen joined Shoreline in 1973 and retired in 2009, touching the lives of co-workers and thousands of students during his 36 years of service.

A life-long resident of Seattle, Olsen was a graduate of Ingraham High School and the University of Washington. He earned a medal for his service in the Army during the Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife, Vicki, son Justin Olsen, daughter Tiffany (Steve Brewster), granddaughters Isabel and Ashley, sister Kathy (Al Dunn), brother Norman Olsen, and stepmother Gidge Olsen.

A common theme among the speakers was pointing out Olsen’s love of people and his selfless giving, with many describing him as a best friend. Indeed, when Vicki Olsen asked for a show of hands from those who had known her husband from a long list of activities, the room became a sea of raised arms.

“And for those of you who didn’t raise your hand, Marty would’ve loved you, too,” Vicki Olsen said.

The Shoreline Community College Foundation has established the Martin Olsen Memorial Scholarship Fund. “I’m sure Marty would love to know that he’s still helping students,” Justin Olsen said.


LFP City Council continues to work on Governance Manual

The Lake Forest Park City Council will meet in a special work session at 6pm on Thursday, May 1 to review the Comp Plan strategy for working with commissions.

At 7pm they will convene the Council Committee of the Whole to continue their discussion on the Governance Manual. The meeting is planning to adjourn at 8pm but can be extended by a vote of the council.


Meetings are held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE.

Visitors can attend the meetings in person. Audio recordings are posted online after the meetings.

To email all the councilmembers at one time, click here.


Photo: Skagit Valley tulips

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Local photographer Lee Lageschulte spent some quality time with the tulips in the Skagit Valley during prime blooming season.


Monday, April 28, 2014

Shorewood plays home softball game with Oak Harbor Tuesday after 11-2 home loss to Getchell last week

The Shorewood softball team plays a home game with Oak Harbor Tuesday after an 11-2 home loss to Marysville Getchell a week earlier.

Shorewood takes a 1-5 Western Conference 3A record (3-10 overall) into the game with Oak Harbor (0-6, 1-11) at Shorewood’s home Meridian Park fields at 4pm Tuesday, with junior varsity teams from the two schools playing at the same time on an adjacent field,

In the 11-2 loss to Getchell at Meridian Park Tuesday, April 22, Shorewood catcher Alison Feise hit 2 for 3. Holly Ebel was the losing pitcher. Getchell pitcher Kymber Devlin struck out 11 Shorewood batters.

                          1    2    3    4    5    6   7     R  H  E

Getchell          0    0    3    4    1    2    1    11  8   2

Shorewood    0    0    0    0     0   2   0    2   5   4


King County Republican chairwoman calls defeat of transportation package a victory for good government

King County Republican Chairwoman Lori Sotelo calls the defeat of the County transportation package in last week’s election a step toward good government in the County.

Sotelo said Friday that the fight to hold King County Metro accountable is just getting started. She noted that County Executive Dow Constantine had responded to the election results by announcing plans to punish voters with cuts in bus service,

 She noted that Constantine had called cutting service the county’s only option,

But, Sotelo said, by rejecting Prop 1, voters had sent a message of reform.

“We want county government to stop throwing good money after bad” she said. “Yet, Constantine refuses to listen to us. He continues to ignore the need for accountability and focuses his energy on punishing voters. 
“Our county government must stop blaming the state Legislature for their failure to appropriately respond to King County’s transportation needs. County government must stop undermining negotiations for a statewide transportation package in the Legislature -- as Prop 1 threatened to do — and start working for real transportation solutions. 
"Voters want county government to address the unique needs of all areas of King County and work toward a 21st century transit system.“

Election results posted Monday showed the County roads-and-transit package losing by a 53.97 percent to 46.03 percent margin.

With ballot counted from 37.63 percent of registered King County voters through Monday, the final turnout is likely to reach the expected 38 percent by the time county officials certify results May 6. 

Most remaining ballots are from voters whose ballots were returned for signature correction. A few others may be from voters living, working, traveling, studying or serving in the military overseas,

Special Election, Tuesday, April 22, 2014
King County Transportation District

Ballots counted through Monday, April 28, at 4:01:58 p.m.: 442,062  = 37.63% of 1,174,773 Registered King County voters

Yes--  203,237 votes, 46.03%

No -- 238,280 votes, 53.97%


First Thursday at Garden Essentia features clay works and fused glass

Garden Essentia in Ballinger Village
20152 Ballinger Way NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
206-453-3920

Meet May Featured Artists:

Gina Holt (Clayworks)
Cindy Nelson (Fused Glass)

May 1 - 4:00 - 8:00pm open house

Come enjoy a refreshment and meet local artists Gina Holt and Cindy Nelson. Their art will be on display and available for purchase throughout the month.  



"I have been working in clay since 1991 from my home studio in Bothell. I've explored various mediums and find that none compare to the flexibility and feel of clay.

"The versatility allows me to draw, carve, and paint with such a range of expression. I find this to be both satisfying and endlessly intriguing."


Cindy Nelson

"The Art of Fused Glass is challenging, exciting and has endless possibilities. Being creative has been a passion of mine my whole life.   I paint and do stained glass as well.   Fused glass is the melting of layers of glass together using a kiln.

"I am inspired by art in all kinds of mediums and the beauty of nature. Always wondering and thinking if that beauty can be recreated in glass.

"I like framing my art, giving it more depth, and surprising viewers that it is glass art not painted art."


Nominations open for the 2014 Inspire Positive Aging Award

Senior Services will host its Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 31 from 9 to 10:30am at Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E. Riverside Drive in Bothell. The event is free and open to the public. There is free parking and continental breakfast will be served. Space is limited and advance registration is required by May 27.

The program includes the “State of the Agency” address by Senior Services CEO Paula Houston, remarks by Board Chair John Norden and the presentation of the 2014 “Inspire Positive Aging Award.” The recipient and nominees will be honored.

Senior Services is now accepting nominations for the 2014 Inspire Positive Aging Award. The deadline is May 2, 2014. Individuals 60 and over who live in King County are eligible to receive the award. Anyone is eligible to submit a nomination. Nomination forms are available online. Requests for the form or questions regarding the award may be directed to Wendy Armour, Senior Development Director, 206-727-6205.

King County is filled with older adults, whose lives inspire us about how to age with grace, enthusiasm, creativity, hope, and energy. They quietly make life better for others even as their years advance. Senior Services created the Inspire Positive Aging Award in 2006 to recognize such inspiring elders.

The recipient receives two domestic, roundtrip airlines tickets to a destination of his/her choice and a one-year membership to his/her King County senior center. The individual who nominates the recipients receives a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card.

Senior Services is the most comprehensive non-profit agency serving older adults and their loved ones in Washington State. Established in 1967, we promote positive aging for thousands of seniors and their families each year through our integrated system of quality programs and senior centers. More than 3,000 volunteers, together with 250 employees, make our work possible and efficient.


Shorecrest student wins Spanish language award for poetry

Christopher Potter
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Shorecrest High School student Christopher Potter has won first prize in the category Poetry, Speakers of Other Languages, in the 16th edition of the School Contest "Escribo en espaƱol.”

Christopher will be honored at an awards ceremony on May 3 at the Seattle Art Museum. At the ceremony, the winners will be greeted by dignitaries from the Legislature, OSPI, the University of Washington and the Office of the Honorary Consul of Spain in Seattle.

Siri Hulbert is Christopher’s Spanish teacher at Shorecrest.


Quick Start Shoreline on Tuesday

This weeks Quick-Start Shoreline Business Workshop for start-up, existing or potential business owners will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 from 12 noon to 1:30pm at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Avenue N. The workshop is free; feel free to bring a snack or a brown bag lunch.


Business Communication: Multicultural Marketing Tips 

New American ethnic and cultural groups comprise 50% of the Puget Sound’s population growth since the year 2000. Since the globalization of markets only continues to increase, we ask: "What does this mean to your local business? How can you compete?

This workshop will be led by entrepreneur, Lee Mozena, whose mission is to help businesses and organizations develop strategies and skills to find new customers. Participants will take away: 
  1. Data on local demographic and psycho graphic trends 
  2. Ideas for discovering overlooked marketing opportunities 
  3. A task list to begin optimizing your potential in new markets

Lee Mozena
Lee Mozena is the owner and founder of Zena Consulting LLC, which provides business development that brings new customers, community partners, funders and contracts.

Lee and her Associates specialize building relationships with local Muslim, Arab and New American cultural groups. Learn more at Zena Consulting