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Sunday, March 31, 2024

MyNorthwest: Ex-US Rep. McDermott says he found what fought for when he went abroad

McDermott when he was in Congress.
MyNorthwest Magazine has an article about retired U.S. Congressman Jim McDermott. 

McDermott was a powerful member of congress for 30 years, representing the congressional district that included Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Edmonds, Vashon Island, and Seattle.

He now lives in France.

Former Washington Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott spent decades working in public service, first in Olympia and then in Washington, D.C., fighting for causes and policies he believes in.

In recent years, he has been able to live the policies he fought for. He just had to move to Europe to do so.



UW to receive $3.5 million from Federal budget to upgrade Biosafety Level-3 facility

Biosafety Level-3 lab at the University of
Washington. Photo courtesy UW.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that five health care facilities and one pathogen research lab in the State of Washington will receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to improve services for patients, make care easier to access, or boost the research capability of staff.

“By passing this budget, Congress is delivering $13.9 million in critical funding to six health institutions across the State of Washington to expand capacity and make healthcare more accessible – especially for our rural communities,” said Sen. Cantwell. 

"Among them, the University of Washington is receiving funding to support its essential viral diseases and pandemic response research.”

The funding for the projects was championed by Sen. Cantwell in the latest round of appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2024 passed by the Senate last week.

$3.5 million for the University of Washington in King County to upgrade the facilities and equipment at its aging Biosafety Level-3 facility, which studies viral diseases and pandemic response.

The facility received especially heavy use during the COVID-19 pandemic, and these investments will preserve and enhance UW’s research capacity for pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, monkeypox virus, valley fever, tuberculosis, and other new pathogens as they emerge as threats.

This funding will upgrade infrastructure like HVAC and replace critical equipment.


Last Chance for Tickets! Third Place Commons Breakfast is Thursday

The Third Place Commons Growing Our Community Garden fundraising breakfast is coming up this Thursday, April 4, 2024. That means this is officially your last chance to get your tickets!

This annual celebration raises vital operating funds that sustain all of Third Place Commons’ hundreds of free events each year, as well as the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market.

Auctioneer Ken Carson
The festivities will include a tasty breakfast from Honey Bear Bakery, music from the Milner Family Fiddles, and a fun, fast-moving live auction led by auctioneer Ken Carson.

Roz Bird and the Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour Committee will also be honored with the Friends of the Community Award.

All this, plus some surprises, too!

This joyful gathering of community is the perfect opportunity to connect with friends, neighbors, and local and civic leaders while supporting Third Place Commons programs and the safe, welcoming gathering space that sits at the heart of our community.

Don’t miss out on the good fun for a good cause. Get your tickets here!

And special thanks to Platinum Breakfast Sponsors, Honey Bear Bakery and the Town Center at Lake Forest Park, for their generous support that makes this event possible!

Third Place Commons is a community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which has been fostering real community in real space for over twenty years through the farmers market and hundreds of free public events each year. Third Place Commons is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, Washington 98155. Learn more at ThirdPlaceCommons.org.


Tulip time

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

The tulip fields are blooming Skagit County, but we have our own displays close to home.


Stewardship Foundation Community Parks Clean-Up: Work toward a waste-free world

Earth Day volunteers Brian Saunders and his wife
Ellyn Saunders (now an LFP Councilmember)
Photo courtesy Stewardship Foundation
Stewardship Foundation Community Parks Clean-Up
Saturday April 20, 2024 from 9:00am - 2:00pm

Last year, 18 wonderful people came out on a drizzly morning in honor of Earth Day, to pick up trash and remove invasive weeds in several parks around the Lake Forest Park Town Center.

Make a difference by participating in our parks cleanup this year!

We plan to meet at 9:00am at Whispering Willow Park 17038 44th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.

Depending on the number of volunteers, we will fan out to other areas from there. Hope you will join us for this fulfilling experience of civic engagement as we work together to keep our environment beautiful and free from litter.

What We’ll Do: 
  • Pick Up Trash: Armed with gloves, trash grabbers, and bags, we’ll scour parks and rights of way to collect litter. We will also work on areas with ivy or other invasives as time allows.
  • Sort Waste: We’ll separate trash, recyclables, and hazardous materials for proper disposal.
  • Connect with Others: Meet fellow environmentally conscious individuals and make new friends while making a positive impact.
LFP Councilmember Tracy Furutani with LFPSF Board member & StreamKeeper Brian Saunders
Photo courtesy Stewardship Foundation

Why Participate?
  • Environmental Impact: Every piece of trash we pick up contributes to cleaner communities and a healthier planet.
  • Fun and Fulfilling: Volunteering is a rewarding experience. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time outdoors! Time in nature is good for your mental and physical health.
How to Get Involved:
  • Show Up: Bring your enthusiasm and let’s make a positive impact together! (dress for the weather, bring gloves if you have some you don't mind getting dirty)
  • Spread the Word: Share this opportunity with friends, family, and coworkers.
For more Info: 
  • Contact organizer, Brian Saunders or the Stewardship Foundation at info@lfpsf.org
Together, we can work toward a waste-free world!


Direct file your income tax - webinar on Tuesday, April 2, 2024


The office of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, along with Washington State’s Taxpayer Advocate, is hosting a webinar to present on and answer your questions about the IRS Direct File Pilot program.

Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS Direct File Pilot program was launched to provide eligible taxpayers in Washington State — one of only 11 states with access — with the ability to file their tax returns online for free directly with the IRS.

Rep. Jayapal says,

"I’ve advocated for the American people to have free tax filing services since the 117th Congress, and I am grateful for the IRS and the Biden administration’s rollout of the Direct File program that will greatly benefit hardworking families across Washington State. "

Please RSVP to reserve your spot.

WHAT: IRS Direct File Pilot Webinar
WHEN: Tuesday, April 2nd from 6:00-7:00pm 
WHERE: Zoom link will be provided upon RSVP

If you have any questions, please contact Jayapal's local office at 206-674-0040.


Secretary of State Steve Hobbs certifies March 12 Presidential Primary results

WA Secretary of State Steve Hobbs certifying the Presidential Primary election results.

OLYMPIA — Washington Presidential Primary election results certified Friday March 29, 2024 by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs show the second-most votes counted of any Presidential Primary in Washington history.

More than 1.7 million Washingtonians participated in the Presidential Primary, a 35.3% turnout of the state’s 4.8 million registered voters. In 2020, nearly 2.3 million voters — a record 49.6% turnout — participated in that year’s Presidential Primary. Washington’s previous highest number of Presidential Primary voters was 1.3 million in 2000.

“We had a sizable turnout for this election considering that both parties’ nomination processes were down to clear frontrunners by the time Washington’s turn to participate came up,” Secretary Hobbs said. “It goes to show that Washington voters want to make their voices heard, and that our accessible, all-mail elections provide them with ample opportunities to do so securely.”

The certified results will be used by the two major political parties to allocate delegates for their presidential nomination process. Certified candidate totals, and breakdowns by county and Congressional district, are available at results.VoteWA.gov.

Each party’s rules required voters to declare a partisan affiliation for their vote to count toward that party’s results, a unique requirement for Washington voters in Presidential Primary elections which drew criticism from many voters. 

More than 44,000 voters returned signed ballot envelopes without a party declaration and did not utilize opportunities to make a declaration after county elections offices received their ballots. For the next 60 days, registered voters' party declarations will be public, and then will be removed from public records in accordance with WAC 434-219-330.

“Although making a party declaration has been part of Washington’s Presidential Primary for many years, the fact that it only comes up once every four years makes the requirement jarring for some voters,” Hobbs said. “We will continue to work to refine how our Presidential Primary functions.”

Hobbs said an additional improvement already in place will prevent a statistical display error that appeared briefly on a state web page election night from recurring. Due to a configuration error, posted on results.VoteWA.gov shortly after polls closed reflected candidate vote totals for King County but overall vote totals for statewide turnout. As a result, candidates' vote percentages were incorrectly displayed for a brief time.

“Our elections team addressed the issue very quickly, and it did not impact the election,” Secretary Hobbs said. “We have taken preventative steps to ensure that only correct statistics will be displayed.”

Washington has three more elections in 2024: the April 23 Special Election, the August 6 Primary, and the November 5 General Election. 

Candidate filing week for Washington’s statewide, federal, judicial, and local elections will begin May 6.


REMINDER! The seven-month closure of NE 145th Street between the southbound Interstate 5 ramps and 1st Avenue NE will begin Monday night, April 1


Over the seven-month closure, the N 145th Street overpass will be reduced to one lane in each direction between the I-5 on- and-off ramps and 5th Avenue NE to maintain access to the interchange. 

The on- and off-ramps will remain open and be accessible from the east side of I-5 throughout construction.

Detour route

Travelers wanting to head east and west between 1st Avenue NE and I-5 will need to detour and use N 155th Street or N 130th Street. Bicyclists and pedestrians will take a detour along N 147th Street. 

Northbound and southbound travel on Meridian Avenue N, 1st Avenue NE, and 15th Avenue NE will not be affected by these projects. 

Detour signage will be posted to inform travelers of alternative routes. 

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Easter at Shoreline Free Methodist Church

Shoreline Free Methodist Church
Photo by Dan Short

Shoreline Free Methodist Church

Easter Breakfast 9am
Easter Egg Hunt 10am
Easter Worship Service 10:30am


Cozy Mystery Con April 14, 2024 at Third Place in Lake Forest Park


Cozy Mystery Con!
A celebration of all things Cozy Mystery

Sunday April 14, 2024 from 3 - 6pm, Lake Forest Park intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.

Third Place Books, the Third Place Commons, and Kensington Books are proud to present Cozy Con West, a gathering for all things cozy mystery! 

15 authors join us for a casual Sunday afternoon of games, signings, panels, author speed dating, and snacks. Each guest will receive a swag bag and surprise gifts. RSVP is required, but this event is free and open to the public.

RSVP here


Everett Police make arrest in death of missing 4-year-old child

EVERETT, WA – On Friday, March 29, 2024, the Everett Police Department made an arrest in the death of local, missing 4-year-old, Ariel Garcia. 

Members of the department’s Violent Crime Unit arrested Janet Garcia, Ariel’s mother, in Vancouver, Wash. for Murder in the First Degree, Murder in the Second Degree and Assault of a Child in the First Degree, with the assistance of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). 

Janet was a person of interest and her whereabouts were known early on in the investigation. She will be booked into the Snohomish County Jail.

Janet was placed in custody by CCSO for making false and misleading statements within a few hours of Ariel being reported missing on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Her vehicle was impounded by CCSO the same day.

At approximately, 5:55pm on Thursday, March 28, 2024, Everett Police were notified that a body had been located along I-5 in Pierce County. EPD Detectives responded to the location and were able to confirm the deceased is Ariel Garcia. The family has been notified. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner now has custody and will determine the cause and manner of death.


Scene Over the Sound: Royal Flying Doctor Service

 
Photo by Jan Hansen

We have our own Royal Flying Doctor Service with UW Medicine. Real drama that saves lives.

--Jan Hansen


Shorecrest tennis vs Cascade

Shorecrest girls tennis team. Photo by Kristi Lin

Shorecrest Girls tennis
3-29-2024 
Shorecrest 5 Cascade 2
At Kellogg MS

Singles
  • Lily Haessler (S) def. Sophia Manabet 6-4, 4-6; 6-4; 
  • Zoe Greenweig (S) def. Yasmina Drissy 6-1, 6-1; 
  • Megan McMullen (S) def. Sophia Thigpen 6-3, 6-1; 
  • Ally Miner (S) def. Audrie Everett 6-0, 6-0
Doubles
  • Laurene Bogne-Elena Scordamaglia (C) def. Faraj-Brittany Morales 6-2, 6-1; 
  • Ahia Porte-Eva Wagner (C) def. Lauren Kajimua-Sophie Schmit 4-6, 7-6(2), 7-5; 
  • Mia Halset-Thayer Katahara-Stewart (S) def. Yubal-Maliya Mao 6-3, 6-2
Coach Rob Mann


Shorewood girls golf team plays under rainy skies

From left: Olivia, Ryleigh, Evelyn, Ivy, Julia, Sadie and Venetia. Missing in this photo is Sofina.
Photo by Val Patrick

Shorewood Girls Golf team played in true "northwest wet" for their match Wednesday with Meadowdale.

Shorewood's Ivey Ren and Julia Kang finished at 3rd & 4th place overall under rainy skies, and soaking wet fairways. 

Shorewood had 3 players on the course that were playing their first match - ever. This is a team learning to play the game, and learning to compete all at the same time. Very proud of this team.

Our next Match is with Shorecrest on April 3, 2024.

~Coach Val


Shorewood softball vs. Snohomish

Shorewood softball player
Photo by Heather Grutz
Shorewood softball
at Meridian Park
5-28-2024
Snohomish 11 - Shorewood 0






Pitcher(s) and Catcher(s)

Snohomish: 
  • A. Flohr (10 K's) and 
  • R. Girard, 
  • R. Doyle (5) (catcher)
Shorewood: 
  • Emma Kellum, 
  • Ellie Van Horn (4) and 
  • Lillian Perrault (Catcher)
Highlights

Snohomish: 
  • C. Sage 3-4
  • H. Siegler 2-4 (HR)
  • A. Clark 3-4
  • A. Edwards 2-4 (2B)
  • A. Flohr 2-3 (2B)
Shorewood: 
  • Lillian Perrault 1-2
  • Maddie Schilperoort 1-2
Coach Paul Jensen


Crashes rise while trees come down as construction starts on 145th

By Oliver Moffat

On Sunday, January 7, 2024 Shoreline resident and college student Khondakar Hossain was riding his scooter eastbound along 145th street when he was hit by a vehicle near the Sunnyside intersection.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and has not been caught by police. Hossain is recovering from his injuries.
Data from the WSDOT crash data portal shows annual fatal and serious injury crashes in Shoreline
So far in 2024, Shoreline Area News has reported on three crashes along 145th street: a collision involving a pedestrian, a multi-vehicle crash and the hit-and-run involving Hossain.

As reported on KUOW and The Seattle Times, 2023 was the deadliest year for traffic fatalities in Washington State since 1990.

A map from the WSDOT collision data portal shows the locations of ten years of crashes along 145th and nearby roads
The statistics are grim for crashes that kill or leave people with life altering injuries in Shoreline.

According to data collected from WSDOT, for the five years before 2019, the city had 54 fatal and serious injury crashes. But that rate jumped starting in 2019. For the five years before 2024, there were 96 serious injury and deadly crashes in Shoreline - a 78% increase.

Activists gather along 145th street on Sunday to protest the removal of trees to build a multi-use path for pedestrians accessing the nearby light rail station. Photo by Oliver Moffat
On Sunday, March 24, activists with Tree Action Seattle and Save Shoreline Trees gathered near the site of the hit-and-run that left Hossain injured in 145th street.

With construction equipment parked nearby, the activists gathered to call attention to the loss of 317 trees that will be removed to make way for improvements the city says will make 145th street safer.

Kathleen Russel from Save Shoreline Trees acknowledge the group may be too late to stop tree removals of the first phase of construction, but she said, the group will be seeking to “put a pause on the next segments” to try and save additional trees. She said the group does not oppose sidewalks but would like the city to build around the trees.

The city acknowledges that the project will have significant tree impacts. But says, “We are balancing these impacts with our need to address the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Shoreline – transportation. This project helps further our goal of creating dense, walkable communities around transit.”
The city plans to replace the removed trees with 864 new trees.

An overgrown laurel hedge and a utility pole blocks the sidewalk of 145th street. Photo by Oliver Moffat

With the light-rail station opening at 145th street this year, the city expects increased pedestrian and cyclist traffic. To make the roadway safer for all users, the 145th project will add a wider sidewalk and roundabouts.

According to multiple sources including the city, WSDOT, AARP, and the Federal Highway Administration, roundabouts reduce traffic jams, are better for the environment, cost less over the long run and are safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

A map from the city’s website shows the roundabouts coming to I-5 and 145th

Construction of phase one between I-5 to Corliss begins on April 1; information on the road closure is available on the city’s website.

The city of Shoreline will be hosting a public presentation on the 145th Corridor Project on Wednesday April 3 from 7pm to 8:30pm

The 145th project team will discuss the construction schedule, roundabouts, and benefits of the project. Residents can attend in person at city hall or join online. The presentation is part of Shoreline’s monthly CityLearn program which gives residents an opportunity to learn about, ask questions and discuss important local topics with city staff and council members.

On Monday April 15, the city council will hold a public hearing and discuss Shoreline’s Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The city updates the TIP each year serves as a six-year roadmap for transportation projects in the city.


Easter Bunny at Ballinger Thriftway on Saturday

The Easter Bunny will make a surprise appearance on Saturday, March 30, 2024.  from 12 - 3pm at the Ballinger Thriftway, located in Ballinger Village 20150 Ballinger Way NE, Shoreline, WA 98155

 Bring the family for a fun visit with the Easter Bunny who will also be handing out special Easter treats. 

Don’t miss out on seeing the Easter Bunny!!


Friday, March 29, 2024

Gloria's Critters: My first white squirrel (and a Douglas Squirrel, at that!)!!

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Pretty exciting, and such an enchanting little creature. I just hope Snowball doesn't stand out in a crowd where predators lurk...

Snowball does not have albinism, but instead leucism, which is a partial loss of the animal's pigmentation. I've seen several leucistic birds where the condition can cause just white patches, or more, as in Snowball's case. (No red/pink eyes, though, as there are in albinos.) The internet says a white squirrel is a rare thing.

--Gloria Z. Nagler


April events at Third Place Books

Third Place Books
Lake Forest Park


April 2024 EVENTS

Unless ticketed, events are free and open to the public. See thirdplacebooks.com for details. For free events, RSVP is strongly encouraged.

(★) – denotes ticketed event

(⁂) – denotes event for children or middle grade readers

⁂Tuesday, April 2 at 6pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Ben Clanton
The King of the World!

Tuesday, April 9 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Clayton Page Aldern with Chantel Prat
The Weight of Nature: How a Changing Climate Changes Our Brains

Thursday, April 11 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Cara Black with Libby Hellman
Murder at la Villette

Sunday, April 14 from 3-6pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Cozy Mystery Con
in partnership with Kensington Books

Tuesday, April 16 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe with Tayi Tibble
Thunder Song: Essays and Rangikura: Poems

Tuesday, April 23 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Lily LaMotte in conversation with Diana Ma
Unhappy Camper

Thursday, April 25 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)
Barbara Ridley with Kate Jessica Raphael
Unswerving: A Novel

Saturday, April 27 at 7pm (all Third Place Books locations)
INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY!

Tuesday, April 30 from 4:30–6:30pm (University of Washington Student Union Building, Room 332)
Anton Hur
Lecture: Translator Jetlag: Voice and the World We Build


Missing Everett child found dead

Kidnapped and murdered
Ariel Garcia, age 4
Photo courtesy Everett Police
Washington State Patrol, at the request of the Everett Police Department, sent out an alert on Thursday that set off alarms on cell phones all the way to Oregon.

A four year old boy, Ariel Garcia, was reported missing and endangered on Wednesday morning from an address in Everett. 

A massive hunt involving police, state patrol, and FBI ensued. A vehicle thought to be involved in the disappearance was found abandoned outside of Everett.

At 6pm Thursday, Everett Police were informed that a body had been found, which was thought to be the missing child.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner will confirm identity and cause of death.

Major Crimes detectives from the Everett Police Department are actively involved in this case and are investigating this incident as a homicide.

There is no perceived threat to the community. Because the investigation is ongoing, additional information is still being gathered and confirmed.



Beloved SW baseball coach Wyatt Tonkin dies at 69

Wyatt Tonkin
Photo courtesy Shorewood Boosters
Longtime Shorewood HS Baseball coach Wyatt Tonkin passed away this week. He was 69 years old.

He probably wasn't any taller than 6-1, but in every way he was a big big man. When he shook your hand, you knew your hand had gotten shook. You were just happy to even see it again. And you could feel one of his bear hugs for three days.

His life will be celebrated this Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 1:30pm in the Shorewood gym. Maybe bring a cushion to sit on. Given the number of young men he coached (as well as the people he saw for years on a daily basis at Shorewood), and all the stories they have to tell, the celebration could easily go extra innings.

In 2017 Tonkin was inducted into the Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Wyatt compiled an amazing record at Shorewood, posting 367 wins against 145 losses, for a winning percentage of 72%.

For reference, such a winning percentage taken over a major league 162-game schedule would work out to 116 wins.

The famous handshake. Photo by Wayne Pridemore
Five times he took his team to the State tournament semi-finals. His teams brought home two 4th place trophies, one 3rd place, trophy, and twice they came heartbreakingly close to winning the State Championship, only to fall just short. 

His most decorated former player is Blake Snell, two-time Cy Young Award winner, now with the SF Giants.

Wyatt attended the University of Washington. In 1976, he was drafted in the 20th round by the Atlanta Braves. 

He pitched three seasons in the minor leagues, rising to the level of A ball before he left the game as a player.

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Shorecrest Baseball Coach Alan Bruns has a unique perspective on Coach Tonkin, likely knowing him better on the baseball field than anybody.

Said Coach Bruns, "He brought me in as his JV coach in 1999 and I spent 6 seasons there before taking the head position at SC in 2005. This would've been our 19th year of going head to head (we lost the 2020 season of course). 
"Wyatt was always teaching, not just his players but other coaches as well. The baseball lessons came along with a terrific story from his storied baseball past. As a young coach he showed me the importance of building team camaraderie, paying attention to the little things, and making sure players understand the purpose of what they were doing in practice. 
"He's also the most observant coach I've ever been around. He was always noticing subtle tendencies of opposing hitters, finding "tells" in an opposing pitcher's delivery, and picking up on other coaches' habits in how they ran their offense on the bases. With all that said, everything Wyatt did and said was from the heart."

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Shorewood Principal, Bill Dunbar, kindly shared his thoughts on Coach Tonkin.

"Wyatt has been such a presence in our school for more than 20 years. 
"He was one of the greats in coaching in our region. He focused on character, teamwork, developing young players, mentoring and I've never seen another coach who could bring a group of athletes together to form a team the way he can. 
"Over the years Wyatt taught us all many things about school spirit, about life, about sportsmanship, teamwork and competition. He loved being here and being part of Shorewood in so many different ways ... as a coach for baseball and assisting in football, as gym manager for all of our gym events at every level ( basketball, volleyball, wrestling) and any other event we hosted. 
"He would chaperone social events (dances and prom) and act as a substitute school security monitor whenever we needed him. He was one of the finest coaches in realizing also the impact he could have as a mentor both on and off the field. "

Anyone who lingered in the gym after an event Wyatt managed knew what music he preferred. His gym, his music. Expect to hear the Beach Boys blaring Saturday afternoon.


Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Every summer Wyatt coached a local Select team, most of their games getting played after school let out in June, against the circuit of other like-talented teams. While those games didn't attract nearly the attention that HS games did, they were of high importance to him. It was well within his skill-set to give real-time evaluations to umpires, particularly those whose eyesight or judgement came into question.

His death occurred almost seven years to the day after his beloved wife Alice passed. It's safe to say he never got over it.

And it's safe to say no man ever loved his wife more than Wyatt Tonkin loved his Alice.

He leaves behind two outstanding sons, Shea and Tyler, and their young families.

They're hurting.

They could use all the bear hugs you've got.

--Frank Workman


CityLearn presentation on the 145th Corridor Project April 3, 2024

Learn about the 145th Corridor Project at CityLearn on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 7 - 8:30pm


After many years of planning, construction has begun on the 145th Corridor Project. Join the project team to learn more about the construction schedule, roundabouts coming to the I-5 interchange, and the benefits this project will bring to the region.


Thursday, March 28, 2024

Scene on the Sound: Early morning mountain view

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


A rosy sunrise on the Olympics, the Edmonds ferry, and water looking like textured cloth. Sometimes it's worth it to get up and out in the early morning.


 

Check out the student art display in the Shoreline Center lobby through April 2, 2024

Student art display at Shoreline Center
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Make a plan to visit the Shoreline Center lobby and see the fabulous student district art show on display through April 2!

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Art students at Einstein, Kellogg, Shorecrest, Shorewood, and Cascade K-8 contributed visual art in the form of painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, and mixed media for this impressive display.

Ceramic art on display at the Shoreline Center through April 2, 2024
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Shoreline Center address: 18560 1st Ave. NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
Hours: 8 am - 5 pm on school days


Easter Gathering at The Practicing Church

Easter Gathering 10:00a | Easter Egg Hunt 11:30a | Brunch 12:00p

If you’ve been longing to reclaim your faith in authentic community to embody love in the neighborhood, you might find our faith community a fit. We meet in a home in the Richmond Highlands neighborhood and share life together as we seek to follow Jesus in deep listening, creative liberation, radical hospitality, and embodied practice. 

Join us for Easter! Amid a world of turmoil, celebrate that there is hope in the midst of despair, life in the midst of death, and that darkness gives way to the dawn! So get on your dancing shoes and come on out for an Easter paaaartaaaay!!! 

We will worship together, play together and eat together! Mimosas, spiral ham and scalloped potatoes are on the menu! Everyone is welcome! For more info, contact info@thepracticingchurch.org or visit us at www.thepracticingchurch.org.


Easter Sunday at First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach

You are invited to worship with First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024:
  • Worship services at 9:00am & 11:00am*
  • Easter Breakfast - 9:30am to 11:30am
Easter breakfast is back! This is an annual youth fundraiser. Money raised is used towards youth trips. 

Every year the youth go to Tillamook, OR and serve with Habitat for Humanity, and this summer they will be heading to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering.
  • Easter Egg Hunt - 10:15am
Families are invited to join us for an Easter Egg Hunt. Egg hunt is designed for elementary kids and younger. Non-candy options available!
  • 11:00 am service is also livestreamed*
Visit our YouTube channel to view the livestream or recordings of past livestreams.

Starr Sutherland, Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion hosted a Blood Drive Friday, March 22, 2024

The postage stamp “Giving Blood Saves Lives” was Issued March 12, 1971 at a time when blood donations were not keeping up with demand. This stamp was meant to raise awareness of blood donor programs, thus increasing needed donations.

By Doug Cerretti, Blood Program Leader

Starr Sutherland, Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion hosted an American Red Cross blood drive Friday, March 22, 2024. 

“Hosting a blood drive coincides with The American Legion’s core values of giving back to the community, not only to veterans and their families but also to the community in which we live. With a simple blood donation, we have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be a coworker, loved one or neighbor,” said Post 227 Commander Charles Grenard.

Last Friday was the 16th blood drive Post 227 has hosted since 2021. During this time 640 units totaling 80 gallons of much needed blood have been donated. Commander Grenard continues, “We always look forward to working with the wonderful people from the American Red Cross in organizing these blood drives.”

The donated blood is routinely transfused to patients with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and trauma victims. 

“The short amount of time it takes to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical condition. We urge eligible donors to join us in the selfless act of giving blood,” says the American Red Cross. 

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative; type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone and is often used to treat trauma patients.

Volunteers donating blood. Photo by Doug Cerretti

Blood supplies are low so please consider donating blood. You can sign up for future American Red Cross Blood Drives. By using the sponsor code "Shoreline," you can sign up for future blood drives at Post 227 on Friday, May 17, 2024 and Friday, July 26, 2024. 

The Red Cross Blood Drives at Post 227 are spaced at least eight weeks apart, the minimum time required between blood donations. Reserve your slots now. The Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion, 14521 17th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155.

--Doug Cerretti

Eat at Round Table Pizza on Thursday April 4, 2024 to support Cascade K8 PTSA



Cascade K8 PTSA Fundraising Night at Round Table
Thursday April 4, 2024 from 11am - 9pm

Just show this flyer to the cashier to make sure 20% of proceeds are donated to Cascade K8 PTSA. 

* Purchases must be made in restaurant. Tax, alcohol, gift cards and retail sales are excluded from the donation.


Wednesday, March 27, 2024

The Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Market returns on Saturday, June 15, 2024

Six beautiful, local gardens will open to visitors for the Secret Gardens of LFP tours

Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Market Saturday, June 15, 2024, 9am to 3pm

Buy Tickets now

Amid the shade of old-growth trees and the sunny ridges of its watershed, Lake Forest Park residents incorporate all-weather sculptures, and create havens for chickens, honey bees, children's fairy gardens, native salmon alevin and campfire musicians.

Six private LFP gardens will be open to public view on June 15, 2024 at the 20th Annual Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour. These properties provide solace and recreation and are cultivated by gifted amateurs and professionals. 

They have much to teach novice and seasoned gardeners -- "I love going to the Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park," says local resident, Sadie, "“I always get inspiration for new ideas that I want to incorporate into my own yard.”

Detail from one of the Secret Gardens
Maps to the gardens may be bought in exchange for a tour ticket and picked up at the Garden Market, in the LFP Town Center, on the same date. 

Show up at the lower level of the main building from 9am - 3pm, get your map and answers to nettlesome questions from attending WSU Master Gardeners. 

Also available are folks from the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation, who’ll explain how the neighborhood has managed to preserve the foundational aspects of the city: its forest, parks, and water. 

Consult and purchase garden-related services and goods: landscape professionals, specialty nursery stock, floral bouquets, and handcrafted all-weather art, including glass, stone, and metal work. Then, go explore those gardens!

Gardens can be viewed in any order you choose. Parking will be adjacent and free, and you may hear the sound of live music as you approach. 

Consult the garden owner, or you might overhear the sage observations of members of the Lake Forest Park Garden Club, the 100-yr. old association of neighborhood horticulturists. 

While exact details of these gardens are still a mystery, they’re reputed to vary in size (up to a shy acre), and include open meadows, trees of national registry significance, stone work, kitchen gardens, and of course, the native creeks that define the city.

Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Garden Market, Saturday, June 15, 2024, 9am - 3pm

Benefitting:
  • Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation
  • Third Place Commons
  • ShoreLake Arts
  • Lake Forest Park Garden Club
Buy Tickets online starting early May ($20 in advance, $25 day of) or at:

The free LFP Garden Market is located in the lower lobby of LFP Town Center

LFP Garden Market

Tour maps to the garden tour can be picked up at the check-in table at LFP Garden Market
Admission to the Garden Market is free
Saturday, June 15, 2024, 9am to 3pm

Lower level of the Lake Forest Park Town Center 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, 98155 (intersection of Bothell Way NE/SR-522 & Ballinger Way NE/SR-104)

Find: professional advice, local environmental and natural resource agencies

Purchase: Secret Garden Tour maps, potted native and cultivated plants, cut flowers, garden art, garden-related crafts,

New and prospective vendors at Garden Market encouraged to email for information here.