Photos: Echo Lake

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Echo Lake from the south end, boardwalk.

Wild Birds Unlimited in Lake Forest Park completes remodel

Store Front
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Lake Forest Park's Wild Birds Unlimited has completed a major remodel of their store. Co-owner Amy Legg of Branson, Missouri spent two weeks here working with store employees to install new hardwood flooring, resurfacing the walls and painting in bright new colors. 

View of the main aisle and hardwood floor
Photo by Jerry Pickard

After rearranging product displays, the store appears to be more open and brighter with less clutter. Co-owner Kellie Watts joined Amy as they completed the remodel.

Wall decorations on new display wall
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Wild Birds Unlimited is located in the lower level of Town Center at 17171 Bothell Way NE, #A007, Lake Forest Park.

Updated 4-3-2016

Letter to the Editor: In excitement over light rail station, don't forget to preserve wetlands

To the Editor:

I am writing another letter to the Planning Commission as I have done over the years to explain why it is so important to remember not only in word but in deed the value of open spaces, in this case Paramount (Open Space) Park which also happens to be a wetland, home of Little's Creek with a “direct” route to Thornton Creek.

I don't seem to be able to make the points in a way that can truly be understood by those who don't want to understand. And I'm not the only one. Many like me have put forth the reasons for preserving and protecting wetlands and forests for their benefit to us.

The fact is they filter our air of pollution, provide a sound barrier to traffic, and a visual softening of the built community. The health benefits are emotional and psychological as well as physical. They control rain water runoff and provide drainage and they are just there already. No need to build something artificial at a cost to taxpayers to provide these needed services.

Those of us who see the downside of construction encroaching on the green environment and the resulting loss of the natural treasures in our midst often sound like a broken record, I know, but what is our option when those we are speaking to, the powers that be, do not seem to get it and are blinded by the excitement of the new 145th St light rail station? Please let's go slow on the proposed massive rezoning of eastern Shoreline and the widening of NE 145th St.

Vicki Westberg
Shoreline

Shorewood Softball vs. Lynnwood 3-31-16

Shorewood vs. Lynnwood at Meridian Park Field

Battery

Lynnwood: M. Rieflin and A. Martin (catcher)

Shorewood: Bonnie Paulson, Holly Ebel (3) and Lauren Smith (catcher)

Highlights

Lynnwood: A. Young 4-5, 3 2Bs

                    H. Swartz 3-4, 2B

                    M. Johnson 3-3, HR
               
Shorewood: Ebony Harrison 3-4, 3B

                        Alison Feise 1-3, 2B

                        Lauren Smith 2-2

                        Anna Kate Rattray, 2B

Seattle Music Theatre presents South Pacific

Seattle Music Theatre concludes season with sweeping romance "SOUTH PACIFIC".

Marissa Ryder as Nellie Forbush and John Carroll as Emile de Becque in SOUTH PACIFIC
at Seattle Music Theatre. Photo by Nataworry Photography

Seattle Musical Theatre concludes its 38th season with SOUTH PACIFIC. Considered one of the finest musicals ever written, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC is set in an island paradise during World War II and tells the sweeping saga of two parallel love stories that are threatened by the realities of war and prejudice.

The songs, deeply ingrained in American culture, include the romantic “Some Enchanted Evening” and “Younger than Springtime,” the spirited “There is Nothing Like a Dame” and the reflective “This Nearly Was Mine.”

Directed and choreographed by Phil Lacey. Music Direction by Brandon Peck.

Casey Raiha as Lt. Cable and
Liz Oyama as Liat in
SOUTH PACIFIC at
Seattle Music Theatre.
Photo by Nataworry Photography

SMT’s production of this timely and stunning musical boasts Director and Choreographer Phil Lacey at the helm and Brandon Peck music directing a both funny and romantic score. 

SOUTH PACIFIC plays Apr 8 - May 1, 2016. Single tickets (starting at $20) are on sale online now.

The cast of SOUTH PACIFIC features local favorites Marissa Ryder as Nellie Forbush, John Carroll as Emile de Becque, Casey Raiha as Lt. Cable, Rachel Rene as Bloody Mary, Liz Oyama as Liat. The ensemble includes Morgan Bader, Meagan Castillo, Charlie Chittenden, Andrew Coopman, Caelan Creaser, Alex Gallo, Timothy Joyce, Christina Masson,Sean O’Bannon, Tony Pallozzi, Alana Peters, Nick Perry (also Associate Choreographer), and Sarah Mather. Kiana and Kalia DeLeon will share the role of Ngana and Keagan DeLeon will play Jerome.

The production team includes set and lighting design by Ahren Buhman, sound design by Michael Connolly, and costumes by Margaret Toomey. Seattle Musical Theatre is located at Magnuson Park, 7120 62nd Ave NE, Seattle 98115.

American Legion meeting Tuesday with featured guest Jack Bodé

WWII Experiences

American Legion Post 227, located at the corner of NE 146th Street and 17th Avenue NE in Shoreline, will meet on Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30pm

Jack Bodé will be the invited speaker. Now 93, Jack lived a storied life. He walked on many continents while experiencing exciting and near death experiences. He will tell how he was rejected from enlisting in the US Army as an infantryman in 1942. He was told to go back to Ohio State University to continue his technical work on the war effort. This led to adventures beyond what any 19 year old could fathom.

All military veterans, their guests, and all who are interested in military history are welcome to come to hear how Jack made it all happen.

A social, meet and greet time is held from 6:30pm to 7:00pm. The meeting starts at 7:00pm sharp and refreshments will served after the meeting. Post 227 members look forward to seeing you on April 5.

Coloring for adults - Sunday or Tuesday

Free samples

Join us as we set aside two hours for adults to color! Many adults use coloring as a way to relax and relieve stress. Drop-in to do some coloring with provided sheets and coloring utensils, or bring your own materials to work with.

Two different opportunities:

• Sunday, April 3, 2-4pm, Shoreline Library large meeting room, 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155. Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library.
• Tuesday, April 5, 6:30-8:30pm, Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177

Shoreline City Council regular meeting Monday 7:00pm

Shoreline City Council next Monday

April 4, 2016 – Regular Meeting 7:00pm.

Agenda Highlights

• Proclamation of Sexual Assault Awareness Month
• Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Construction Contract with Combined Construction, Inc. in the Amount of $280,621 for the 10th Avenue NW Bridge Repairs
• Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Louis Berger Group, Inc. for $1,256,930 for Design of the 25th Avenue NE Flood Reduction Project
• Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with the King Conservation District for the Neighborhood Urban Forest Stewardship Program
• Discussion and Review of Ord. No. 742 - Public Records Policy and Procedure

Link to full Agenda

Comment on Agenda items

Walk or run across the longest floating bridge in the world this Saturday

The new 520 bridge - the longest floating bridge in the world - opens this weekend with events for the public.

There are free events all day Saturday. Find out the details on the Go Long event page.

From 11pm, Friday, April 1, to 2pm Sunday, April 3, both directions of SR 520 between Montlake Boulevard East / SR 513 and 92nd Ave NE will be closed.

This is your chance to experience the new bridge with a 10K fun run at 7:30am Saturday (you can still sign up!), a stroll from 10am to 5pm Saturday. A bike ride on Sunday is sold out.

During grand opening events April 1-3, both 520 floating bridges will be closed to traffic in both directions. And heads up, the run and bike ride will require additional closures near the Montlake Bridge.

Shorewood tennis defeats Everett to improve record to 6-1

Prep Girls WesCo 3A Tennis 3/31/16
Shorewood 5 - Everett  2
Shorewood overall record 6-1

Singles
1. Sasha Gaeth SW def. Liz Coughlan EV 6-0, 6-2
2. Ellie Allen- Hatch SW def. Gwynn Anderson EV 6-0, 6-1
3. Emily Wright SW def. Melody Barnhart EV 6-1, 6-3
4. Bretta Petersen SW def. Jennifer Arends EV 6-3, 6-1

Doubles
1. Katie Taylor / Meredith Rand SW def. Lucy Guyer / Parker Leland EV 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
2. Bryn Wells-Edwards / Sophia Maggio EV def. Kate Drake / Maya Talbot SW 6-1, 6-0
3. Sam Coughlan / Elsa Willows EV def. Tina Chi / Katy Keuchle SW 6-1, 6-3

Shorewood defeated Everett 5-2 to improve their overall record 6-1 and remain at 3-0 in league.

T-Bird Sasha Gaeth led a sweep in singles to clinch the win. Winning in singles for Shorewood were number two Ellie Allen-Hatch, number three Emily Wright and number four Bretta Petersen.

In doubles, T-Birds, Katie Taylor and Meredith Rand came from behind to win two sets 6-4, 6-4 after losing the first set 4-6.

The Thunderbirds host Edmonds-Woodway Friday April 1 at 3:30pm for their next match.

--Arnie Moreno

Shorecrest track & field 3-31-16

Shorecrest vs Marysville-Pilchuck

Track and field meet 3-31-2016

Shoreline Stadium

Both Shorecrest teams won their meets with Marysville-Pilchuck high school on Thursday, 3-31-16.

Track and field results here

--Vicki Klein

For the birds: April Fool's Day bird - whose egg are you?

Male and female Brown-headed Cowbirds
Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz

By Christine Southwick

Scenario: within a warbler’s nest is a larger egg than all the others. It will most likely hatch before the native eggs, develop faster, and demand more food than the host mother / parents can likely supply to the whole brood.

Who claims responsibility for this brood parasitic behavior?

In our area, it is the Brown-headed Cowbird. It’s not really the cowbird’s fault. This species was a plains bird that followed the bison, eating the bugs and seeds disturbed by those large herbivores. To survive, the Brown-headed Cowbird evolved to laying eggs in other species' nests since they were not going to be around to brood / raise the eggs they laid. Good for the cowbirds, bad for the 144 (plus) species that fall prey to raising a bigger, hungrier, cowbird off-spring.

A female Brown-headed Cowbird watches birds making nests, waits until there is an egg in the nest, and then lays one egg. If there are several eggs already in the nest, she may remove one, often eating it to replenish her calcium so that she can continue to lay her up to 40 eggs per season that others will raise.

Brown-headed Cowbird being fed by Lazui Bunting
Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz

Small birds like warblers and kinglets are the most in danger. The eggs are too big for them to remove. Some, like the Yellow Warbler, recognize cowbird eggs, build a new nest over the top of their first nest, and hope the cowbird doesn’t return. Some larger species like jays, robins, and orioles, recognize cowbird eggs and eject them from their nests.

Brown-headed Cowbird being fed by Song Sparrow
Photo by John Riegsecker

But most, like Song Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows, and juncos, raise them as one of their own. Cowbird nestlings, being bigger and more demanding, tax the host’s resources to the point that the host’s nestlings often starve. Endangered species can ill afford to lose a brood due to cowbird parasitism.

Cowbirds are one of the most important causes of songbird declines in North America.

Brown-headed Cowbird being fed by Junco
Photo by Kelly McAllister

Brown-headed Cowbirds are a relatively recent occurrence in Western Washington. Since they avoid forests, preferring feed-lots and brushy fields, they were not seen regularly here until 1955, after enough forests were cleared to create large open areas.

Song Sparrows and Yellow Warblers, two of our local birds, are the two most parasitized species in the US.

(Fun note: American Goldfinches, being totally vegetarian, don’t have to worry since cowbird nestlings starve without protein.)

Shred your confidential documents Saturday at Aurora Square

Shred your confidential papers Saturday
at Aurora Square upper lot

The American Cancer Society has a Paper Shredding event scheduled for Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Aurora Square.

No set price - donations of any amount will be given to the Cancer Society.

Saturday, April 2, 2016, 10am to 2pm, Aurora Square upper parking lot. The truck will be by the entrance to the upper lot - US Bank, Sears, Central Market. 15711 Aurora Ave N.

Shredding truck provided by Shred-It.

Photo: Edmonds Fishing Dock

Edmonds Fishing Dock
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Wayne Pridemore likes to take photos at night - he appreciates the play of light and shadow - and we appreciate his results!

New Executive Director at the Commons

Amy Whittenburg
Executive Director, Third Place Commons

The Friends of Third Place Commons is pleased to announce the hiring of Amy Whittenburg as the new Executive Director.

Whittenburg comes to the Commons from ArtsEd Washington, a state-wide K-12 arts education nonprofit, where she had been Deputy Director, interim Executive Director and most recently Organizational Transition Consultant.

Prior to that she worked eight years in development at Cascade Community College and the University of Washington.

Her community volunteer work includes five years on the Kirkland Cultural Council / Commission including two years as its Chair. In that capacity she was involved in instigating several collaborative community programs and events.

The skills Whittenburg brings to this Commons position are considerable including technology, collaborative experience with fund development and event planning, a passion and facility for innovation and a strong work ethic.

She has been described as a fabulous communicator who is professional, personable and collegial, adept at outreach, empathetic and passionate about her work. And, someone who can see the big picture as well as the details.

Third Place Commons at the Lake Forest Park Town Center is a vibrant, safe, welcoming space open to everyone. The Friends of TPC is the non-profit organization that schedules and facilitates all of the community events that happen there. Last year there were more than 900!

Third Place Commons board members are excited to welcome and begin working with Whittenburg on this next phase in the life of our wonderful space. And, she is excited to meet our community, so please say hello if you see her next time you’re in the Commons.

Shorecrest varsity girls tennis 3-30-16

Shorecrest varsity girls tennis 3-30-16
vs Edmonds-Woodway at Kellogg courts

Shorecrest 2 - Edmonds-Woodway 5
Shorecrest overall record 1-4

Singles
1.  Anna Burke SC vs Nicole Ung, 6-4, 7-5  Win
2.   Eli Parsek SC vs Leona Aklipi, 5-7, 3-6
3.  Sophie Ivens SC vs Pavi Chance, 6-4. 6-2  Win
4.  Shiyao Li C vs Stephanie Wroblewski, 0-6, 2-6

Doubles

1.  Bella Saunders / Tessa Farnam SC vs Olivia Olson / Hailey Rehnfeldt, 1-6, 2-6
2.  Emily Paulsen / Victoria Nguyen SC vs Pauline Lee / Nancy Ou, 1-6, 4-6
3.  Ane Eguia / Julie Moss SC vs Mariena Cekrezi / Mady Reunanen, 4-6, 1-6

--Robert Mann

Rep. Gerry Pollet: Washington first state in nation to label vape products

e-cigarettes will have warning labels in Washington state
Photo courtesy Medicalopedia

Washington will become the first state in the nation to ensure e-cigarettes and “vape” products are labeled with health warnings and nicotine content.

“Washington is taking a big step forward to preventing a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine with today’s vote to regulate e-cigarettes,” said Rep. Gerry Pollet (D-46). “Consumers deserve, and need to know what they are inhaling into their lungs.”

Testing by the FDA and independent researchers have repeatedly found major brands of “vape” products, including flavors marketed to teens, had far higher nicotine levels than disclosed. Indeed, some which said they had no nicotine, actually had high levels of addictive nicotine.

“We will prevent tens of thousands of high school students from becoming addicted to nicotine every year,” Pollet said.

A quarter of high school seniors used e-cigarettes and vapor products last year – a dramatic increase. There are no current state laws in Washington regulating the sales of e-cigarettes and other vaping products to minors. These consumer protections measures will require retailers to be licensed and have the same restrictions on sales of these products as cigarettes. The bill also increased the retail license fee for cigarette sales for the first time in 23 years to improve enforcement against sales to minors.

“Consumers have a right to know what they are inhaling into their lungs. The new law will require accurate disclosure of the nicotine in e-cigarettes and vapor products,” said Pollet. “Unfortunately, we did have to compromise with the Senate and industry and removed provisions passed by the House which would have regulated known carcinogens and toxic substances.”

Since Rep. Pollet began working with local health officials, advocates, and UW School of Public Health to regulate e-cigarettes 3 years ago, an estimated 50,000 teenagers in Washington began using e-cigarettes and “vaping.” Research shows that 50% of e-cigarette users also regularly use cigarettes.

Jobs: WSDOT Real Estate Consultant / Lead Appraiser

WSDOT in Shoreline has an opening for a Real Estate Consultant/Lead Appraiser.

WSDOT is seeking a Real Estate consultant Liaison to provide technical guidance, leadership, and expertise to consultants and staff appraisers including developing scope of work, innovating, and streamlining processes. Candidate must have eminent domain experience.

View whole announcement and apply here: Property and Acquisition Specialist 5

Discuss current events on Thursdays at the Senior Center

Come discuss a newspaper, radio or online item with other thoughtful seniors at the
Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center.

Email or call 206-365-1536

Thursdays 1:00pm - 2:30pm

18560 1st Ave NE, Suite #1

Shoreline 98155

Beau-Metro String Quartet performing in Edmonds Saturday

Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 7:30pm.

Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church

8109 224th Street SW

Edmonds 98026

Tickets Available at Brown Paper Tickets

Contact: Wil Sederholm by email or at 425-778-0373

Photos: Shorewood softball 3-30-16

Shorewood Softball Team
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Shorewood Softball vs. Edmonds-Woodway 3-30-16
Game results for Shorewood vs. Edmonds-Woodway at Meridian Park Field

Bonnie Paulson, Anna-Kate Rattray, and Bella Hotham
Photo by Chris Stuvek

Abby Gustafson takes a ball while Alison Feise gets a lead at first
Photo by Chris Stuvek

Battery

Ed-Way: Kyra Collingridge, Woolery (5) and Mya Fegler (catcher)
Shorewood: Bonnie Paulson, Holly Ebel (5) and Lauren Smith (catcher)

Anna-Kate Rattray applies a tag to an Edmonds Woodway runner
Photo by Chris Stuvek

Highlights

Ed-Way:  Kendra Cooper 4-5, 2B, 3B
                Ciara Ortiz 3-5, 2B
                Mariah Woolery, 3B
                Kyrah Collingridge, 2B

Shorewood's Jesi Stuvek makes good contact on the ball.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Shorewood: Ebony Harrison 2-4
                    Lauren Smith 2-3

T-Bird right fielder, Brianne McCaslin, makes a sliding attempt to catch the foul ball.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

View other game photos by Wayne Pridemore
Game report Paul Jensen

Four great events in one weekend - Richmond Beach Celebration May 6 - 8

Four great events, one spectacular weekend.

29th Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale

Friday, May 6, to Sunday, May 8

10:00am to 5:00pm

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, 20312 15th Avenue NW

Explore a wide selection of hard-to-find plant species at the on-site MsK Rare and Native Plant Nursery and enjoy activities for the whole family.

Arts and Crafts Sale

Friday, May 6, 6:00pm to 9:00pm (Artists’ Reception)

Saturday, May 7, 10:00am to 5:00pm

Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Avenue NW

Sponsored by Friends of the Richmond Beach Library

More info: Julie Vaughn at 206-321-1934

The show features handcrafted items, including jewelry, textiles, ceramics, glass, photography and original art, a raffle and book sale. Come meet local artists on Friday night and enjoy light appetizers and quartet music provided by Shorewood High School.

7th Annual Car Show

Saturday, May 7

10:00am to 2:00pm

Richmond Beach Rehab, 19235 15th Avenue NW

More info: Sandi Sweeters at (206) 546-2666

Friends, neighbors and car enthusiasts are invited to visit the rehab between 10:00am and 2:00pm to view one of the best displays of cars of yesteryear around. Enjoy live music by Brian Lee and the Orbiters from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

17th Annual Strawberry Festival

Saturday, May 7, Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Children’s Parade at 11:45 a.m. (Star Wars Theme)

Richmond Beach Community Park

Next to the library at 2201 NW 197th Street

Co-Sponsored by Richmond Beach Community Association (RBCA) and City of Shoreline; music supported by a Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council Community Project Award

Sensational music
12:00pm   Rat City Brass (a Tijuana Brass tribute band)
1:45pm     Scott Lindenmuth (phenomenal jazz-rock-fusion guitarist)
3:30pm     Quarter Past 8 (classic rock)

Scrumptious food
Flying Dragon Chinese Cuisine
Full Moon Thai Cuisine
Streetzeria
RBCA will be serving up fresh strawberry shortcake

Walking tour of historic Richmond Beach
Meet in front of the library at 1:00pm for a walking tour of historic Richmond Beach led by Shoreline Historical Museum.

Additional activities
Community and business information booths
Shorewood Photography Exhibit
Chalk mural, volleyball, inflatables, carnival games and other activities for kids
Equipment, displays and information provided by the police and fire departments

Richmond Beach swag available for purchase
T-shirts, sweatshirts, lapel pins, mugs, pint glasses, tote bags, beach buckets & shovels and more!

Parking for all events
Due to limited parking at the event sites, off-site parking and shuttle service to all four events will be provided on Saturday, May 7, at Richmond Beach Congregational Church located at 1512 NW 195th. Guests are encouraged to use the shuttle to reduce impact on the neighborhood. Richmond Beach residents are encouraged to walk or carpool, if possible. Follow parking signs.

Register now for Spring Emergency Preparedness Workshop May 7th

The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition is sponsoring its Spring Emergency Preparedness Workshop on Saturday, May 7 from 9am-1pm at 7220 NE 181st, Kenmore. Lunch provided. 

During the workshop, you will learn basic emergency preparedness activities, such as: Fire extinguisher safety, basic generator operation, gripping and lifting, and more. 

Instructors are all certified CERT instructors and will pass along “tips and tricks” you can use at home and in your neighborhood.

The first 30 people to register will be guaranteed a spot in the class- email for more information.

Best Starts for Kids Community Conversations: Share Your Perspective Apr 13 at the Shoreline Center

King County's Best Starts for Kids Initiative is the largest single new source of funding for human services in the past decade. They are in process of gathering community input, and they'd like us all to join them! Your perspective as a member of the North King County community matters as the framework on this important initiative is built.

Conversations will be happening all throughout King County over the next several weeks. Topics of discussion will focus on the following:

• Is the initiative on the right track based on what is important to you?
• Will the strategies and approaches work to fund services in North King County?
• Are there any critical gaps that have been overlooked?

These are conversations that are important to all of us, of course, and NUHSA wants to hear, too. We will be at the Wednesday, April 13, meeting at Shoreline Conference Center, and we hope you will be, too! 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155, 6-8:30pm.

Help us spread the word! Share this event with anyone you think might be interested!

For all gatherings, onsite registration begins at 6:00pm, with conversations going from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. As of this writing, conversations are scheduled in East King County (April 7), North King County (April 13), April 21 (South Seattle), April 27 (South King County), and May 3 (North Seattle), with more dates coming soon.

Find out more at the Best Starts for Kids blog.

80 summer positions available to help end childhood hunger in King County

United Way of King County is seeking 80 exceptional End Summer Hunger Campaign Corps members to join a team of dynamic change agents working to end childhood hunger in King County. They deploy Corps members across King County to increase food security in our community. 

Corps members are assigned to one or more Summer Meals sites, and their job is to make a fun, safe and engaging environment for kids. Members will plan and lead activities for kids and families and ensure that all rules for the Summer Meals program are being followed. This is the ideal opportunity to work with a cohort of 80 other End Summer Hunger Campaign Corps, engage with parents, kids, nonprofit leaders and community members on a daily basis, and do something meaningful this summer.

The requirements for this position include:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States
• Must be available 40 hours a week for five days a week from June 20, 2016 to August 26, 2016
• Cannot miss more than two days of the entire term of service. No exceptions can be made.
• Must go through a Washington State Patrol background check

Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged. To apply, complete this application form.  Contact nationalservice@uwkc.org if you have any questions or concerns.