What’s Happening this Week in Shoreline - July 3- July 9

By Kate Ledbetter, Destination Shoreline

What’s Happening this Week in Shoreline?
July 3- July 9

Looking for fun and engaging events in Shoreline? 

On Wednesday, July 3rd, head to Shoreline Library for the "Animals Got Talent Puppet Show," where you'll enjoy hilarious puppet acts and get to vote for your favorites! 

Celebrate Independence Day with the Highland Terrace 4th of July Kids Parade on Thursday, July 4th. On Saturday, July 6th, visit the Shoreline Farmers Market for farm-fresh produce, live music, and activities for kids, then join the Richmond Beach & Kruckeberg Garden Walk to explore one of Shoreline's oldest neighborhoods. 

The following week, enjoy story times, concerts, video games, and more at the Shoreline Library and local parks. Don't miss these exciting community events! Visit www.DestinationShoreline.com for more information about upcoming events in Shoreline.

Animals Got Talent Puppet Show
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
6:30 PM - 7:15 PM
Shoreline Library
You are sure to sing, dance and belly laugh as each act tells you about their characteristics through silly antics and talents. Help pick your favorite acts in Animals Got Talent! Presented by Penny Walter of Penny's Puppet Productions. Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library. All ages welcome with adult. Registration not required.
Source

Highland Terrace 4th of July Kids Parade
Thursday, July 4, 2024
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Highland Terrace Neighborhood, 2nd NW & 159th
The Highland Terrace Kids Parade is on for the 4th of July. It is a small, old fashioned hometown event. Here is what is needed: Juice and lots of cookies + come early to help set up. If you are willing to make Cappuccino at the booth, please let us know. If you can purchase saltwater taffy at Town & Country, please let us know. I am passing the lead on this over the Paul Van Hollebeke and would like him to get as much assist as possible, so he continues to be the energy to initiate it. This is a 100% neighborhood sponsored and paid for event. If you do not have small children, come and lend a hand, throw candy, decorate the canopy and enjoy your neighbors.

Shoreline Farmers Market
Saturday, July 6, 2024
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
BikeLink Park & Ride
Shoreline's community hub for farm fresh & local foods, flowers, baked goods, local honey, live music, food trucks, kids programming, and so much more. Join us every Saturday through October 5th, located at the BikeLink Park & Ride (corner of 192nd & Aurora, across from Sky Nursery).
Source

Richmond Beach & Kruckeberg Garden Walk
Saturday, July 6, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Richmond Beach Community Park
Walk around Richmond Beach, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Shoreline. Visit the lovely Triangle Garden and Kruckeberg Botanical Garden. Walk is approximately 3 miles. Rated moderate for some hilly streets. Meet at Richmond Beach Community Park, 21st Ave NW and NW 197th St. Parking is on the street only. Do not park at the library, as that is reserved for library patrons.
Walk is approximately: 3 miles / 1.5 hours
Walk Rating: Moderate (some hills)
Meet at: Richmond Beach Community Park, 2201 NW 197th St. (Park along street)
Walk Leader: Dan
Source

Baby Story Time
Monday, July 8, 2024
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Shoreline Library
Share bouncy rhymes, familiar songs and a book for babies, newborn to 24 months with adult. Stay for a short play and social time for children and caregivers afterward. Registration not required.
Source

Family Story Time
Monday, July 8, 2024
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Shoreline Library
Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes that develop your child’s early literacy skills. Ages 2 to 5 with adult. Registration not required.
Source

Lunch Bunch Stories
Monday, July 8, 2024
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Shoreline Library
Come for the Free Summer Meals program and listen to stories while you munch! Share songs and do activities! All ages welcome. Registration not required.
Source

Lunchtime Concert Series
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
Johnny Bregar Music – Original Kids Songs. Bring family and friends of all ages to one of Shoreline’s beautiful parks for a free concert at lunchtime during the summer. Free Lunchtime Concerts for All Ages!
Source

Game On!
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Shoreline Library
Play video games on Nintendo Switch! We've got Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 and more. Snacks provided by Friends of Shoreline Library. Don't miss out! Grades 6-12. Registration not required.
Source

Karaoke in the Park
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Cromwell Park
Karaoke is free and open to everyone. This is a family friendly event.
Source: Source

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For more information and more upcoming events, visit the Shoreline events calendar on DestinationShoreline.com/Calendar

To have your event included please email DestinationShoreline@gmail.com.

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Letter to the Editor: Don't feed the raccoons

To the Editor:

Our dog was attacked by two raccoons as we left our condo last night. We spent till 2:00am at the pet emergency center.

For anyone out there who thinks that feeding raccoons helps anything, please stop. Every single expert says do not feed wild raccoons.

Our neighbor has been consistently feeding the raccoons all around our unit. The population exploded to 9 with 5 cubs, and the neighbor refused to believe that it could become a problem, in spite of what everyone with knowledge says about it.

This family of nine raccoons came to consider our property a part of their den, apparently. They became extremely territorial and aggressive towards us.

If you want to keep a healthy environment for pets, people, and raccoons: NEVER FEED WILD RACCOONS

It will lead to a raft of painful problems.

Our dog has 4 - 5 puncture wounds and a laceration that needed to be stitched. He's doing okay. It could have been much worse. 

Luckily I was following close behind my partner as she left with the dog, and I followed up, kicking the raccoons as hard as I could to get them to leave. It was a wild attack, probably lasted 45 seconds, but it seemed like an hour. I could see that my partner and the dog were losing their battle with the two raccoons. Thank God I was there to kick them.

Name withheld (but known to Editor)

Shoreline

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Educational resources available to help reduce the loss of crab pots

12,000 crab pots are lost in Puget Sound each year.
They continue to trap crabs,who simply die in the traps
Photo by Cas Holmes on unsplash.com

July 1 was opening day for recreational crabbing in Puget Sound. 

Each year an estimated 12,000 crab pots are lost in Puget Sound, resulting in the capture of an estimated 180,000 Dungeness crab a year with no one to harvest them. 

The Snohomish County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) and the Northwest Straits Foundation continue to partner to educate crabbers about the problem.

Luckily there are several ways crabbers can prevent losing their pots:

• Avoid marine transit and ferry lanes.
• Check tides and currents. Avoid crabbing during strong tidal changes and currents.
• Make buoys more visible. Add a second buoy or stick and flag.
• Use a weighted line to sink below the surface and avoid being cut by passing boats.
• Weight your pot so they do not move in high currents or tidal changes.
• Use longer line. Use one-third more line than the water depth to allow for tide changes.
• Secure lid and escape panels with biodegradable cotton escape cord. This allows crabs to escape from lost pots after the cord degrades.
• Stay with your pot. A watched pot will bring home more crab.

This handy checklist and additional information can be found here. You will find instructional videos, helpful apps and other resources to help catch more crab and avoid having your crab pots become one of the 12,000 lost each year.

MRC members will be at the 10th Street Boat Launch in Everett, at 607 10th St, Everett WA 98201 on the mornings of July 6 and 7, 2024 from 6:00 to 10:00am providing educational materials including free rot cord, bait hooks, and gauges for measuring your catch. 

Come with any questions you may have on how to correctly set up your crab pot so you can catch more crab. The goal is more crab for you, less lost pots for Puget Sound.

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A Hummingbird is a Pretty Bird

Photo by Jan Hansen

A hummingbird is a pretty bird.

A hummingbird is bright.

It gathers nectar all day long,

And rests in a torpor night.

--Nursery rhyme rewritten (Jan Hansen)

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Attack websites seep into WA election battles

SaveOurYachts.com

By Jerry Cornfield in the Washington State Standard

Bob Ferguson, Semi Bird, Jim Henderson and Brian Heywood have something in common this election season in Washington.

Their political opponents have built websites to spread unflattering information – and in some cases misinformation – about them.

There’s “BobforBob” looking into Ferguson’s political history and “bird-docs.com” digging into Bird’s past personal tribulations. “Save Our Yachts” jabs the wealthy Heywood for pushing an initiative to repeal the capital gains tax and “realjimhenderson” is an attack by Republicans on a first-time GOP candidate for legislative office.

These creations aren’t expected to go viral or significantly alter the trajectory of any of the ballot battles but are viewed by their creators as a tool to educate, and maybe sway, a few voters.

“They are very much fodder for people looking to use negatives to put a partisan in their place,” said Cathy Allen, owner of The Connections Group and veteran Democrat campaign consultant.

Take BobforBob.com. It delves into a select few pieces of the political record of Ferguson, the three-term Democrat attorney general running for governor. Links to and excerpts from news accounts fill the site. It is not flashy and is laid out a bit like a research paper.

But make no mistake, it’s packed with jabs.

“Previously, Ferguson worked as Attorney General of Washington suing small-business owners, withholding evidence, waging lawfare, and extorting corporations for campaign donations,” is the opening line.

Peter Graves of Axiom Strategies, the Republican consulting firm behind BobforBob.com, said ideally it will be one of the first websites to show up when someone searches for background on Ferguson.

“The goal here is to obviously get out information about Bob Ferguson and for the research to be used to help others make decisions,” he said.

Bayley Burgess, Ferguson’s campaign manager, blasted the website as “a fever dream of baseless rants, and not worthy of additional comment.”

“What voters care about is the direction of our state and country,” she said in an email.

Such undertakings tend to change few minds and can incite a backlash, especially in communities where negative campaigning is not the norm, said Bill Phillips of Sound Strategies, a Democratic consulting firm.

“It feels good for supporters. It feels like you’re making a difference. It feels like you’re getting your message out,” said Phillips, a former leader of the Snohomish County Democratic Party. “In the entire history of the internet, I have never met one Democrat who has said I was going to vote one way and then I saw this website.”

Family feud, take 1

Steve Gordon, a Pierce County Republican, shelled out a few hundred dollars to launch the ominous-looking bird-docs.com in April.

“Is Semi Bird the best choice for governor of Washington state? We won’t tell you how to vote. You be the judge” is a headline atop the site promising “facts” about the GOP gubernatorial candidate.

Scroll down and one finds links to videos and public records concerning Bird’s legal wranglings, military service and recall from the Richland School Board.

Gordon said he sought to get information to Republicans ahead of the state party convention in Spokane in April where Bird and Dave Reichert were to compete for the party’s endorsement.

The effort didn’t prevent Bird from securing the endorsement by an overwhelming margin. But he’s struggled since the convention to gain momentum.

At the convention, Bird acknowledged his past troubles. “If you want me to apologize for making mistakes, I will apologize. I will not live in shame for the rest of my life,” he said.

Since then he has assailed some fellow Republicans as “vile individuals” working to undercut his campaign.

Gordon also cut a $25,000 check to the political action committee funding the site targeting Ferguson. “I don’t know if people will cover some of Bob’s record as they should,” he said.

Fun on the water

Fuse Washington, the state’s largest progressive organization, got lighter and snarkier with SaveOurYachts.com. It is part of its opposition campaign to Initiative 2109, a measure on the November ballot to repeal the state’s capital gains tax.

It is one of three measures that qualified for the ballot through the efforts of Let’s Go Washington, a conservative political action committee largely funded by Heywood, a millionaire hedge fund manager.

It pokes fun at the extremely wealthy whose capital gains tax payments go to early learning and child care programs.

“We have a new hero in Brian Heywood,” begins one section. “He understands that many of us are upgrading our yachts for the summer, and now is NOT the time for us to keep paying taxes on our Wall Street profits.”

Aaron Ostrom, executive director of Fuse, said it is intended to motivate and engage their base. It had received 33,153 total visits as of June 25, which Ostrom said exceeded his expectations.

“It’s not like this is how we’re going to win the election,” he said. “We want to give our folks some laughs.”

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Shorewood's TSA Club (Technology Student Association) performs well at National TSA Conference

Back: Reagan Dunphy 12th, Milo Clark 11th, Sam HIcks 11th, Andrew Mitchell 12th, Eli Cady 11th. Front: Kat Siteras 12th, Maddy Costello 12th, Grace Abernathy 12th, Rachel Li 12th,Yeva Gomilko 9th. Advisors: Angie Nouwens and Shannon McMaster

Shorewood's TSA Club (Technology Student Association) participated as a team for the first time this year at the National TSA Conference of over 9000 students from across the nation and several international teams.

3rd place trophy winner, Yeva Gomilko for Photographic Technology

Shorewood competed in Audio Podcasting, Board Game Design, Forensics, On Demand Video, Photographic Technology, Structural Design & Engineering, Tech Bowl, Tech Problem Solving, and Webmaster.

Our team made semi-finals in two events: 

• Photographic Technology (Top 12) and 
• Structural Design (Top 20). 

In final competition, Yeva Golmilko won the 3rd place trophy for her Photographic Technology event. Over 9000 students competed from every state and several international teams over the 5 day conference.

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UWMed: Harborview readies for annual wave of fireworks injuries

Dr. Morris says: Don't play with fireworks, don't hold them in your hand, and don't use them around children. Photo courtesy UW Med

Every year around the Fourth of July, Harborview Medical Center, the region’s only Level I trauma and burn center, treats about 55 patients for fireworks-related injuries. The hospital's Emergency Department will be staffed to care for the influx of injuries expected this week.

“We see a lot of fireworks-related injuries,” said Dr. Stephen Morris in emergency medicine at UW Medicine in Seattle. “The most devastating injuries that we see are those to the hands and eyes.”

“Fireworks and alcohol certainly don’t mix,” he added. “That’s a big portion of the injuries we see related to people who are intoxicated and just don’t have the wherewithal to use them properly.”

Morris encourages people to attend a public fireworks display run by professionals to celebrate Independence Day.

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Upcoming restoration work party events with the Green Shoreline Partnership

Upcoming restoration work party events with the Green Shoreline Partnership!

On Wednesday, 7/3 we will be in Hamlin Park near the meadow on the north end

On Saturday, 7/6 we will be atShoreview Park

• Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
• Hamlin Park

Pick a park and join a restoration work party to celebrate summer! No experience necessary. Just bring your enthusiasm!

Contact Joy Wood at stewardship@restorationad.com with any inquiries about the Green Shoreline Partnership.

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Fireworks outside of authorized shows are illegal here

They never look this good in person but thanks to Snohomish county for the pretty picture

By Diane Hettrick

...but you knew that, didn't you? 

All our local cities are issuing statements about fireworks being illegal in their jurisdictions. Shoreline, Woodway, Kenmore, Bothell, Mountlake Terrace, and Lake Forest Park has also posted notices at every "Welcome to Lake Forest Park" entrance to the city.

Snohomish county finally closed their loophole in South County by banning fireworks in Esperance, the only unincorporated area in SW Sno county (west of Ranch 99).

They still have fireworks stands in the area because they were a little slow in changing that regulation.

The authorized shows are in Kenmore and the 3rd of July in Mountlake Terrace. 

The 3rd of July Family Celebration in Mountlake Terrace

Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Ballinger Park, 23000 Lakeview Drive

Details here

This year’s festivities will begin at 6:00pm. The fun will include pie eating contests, field games, a DJ and food trucks. A fantastic fireworks display over beautiful Lake Ballinger will be the highlight of the event when darkness falls at approximately 10:00pm.

Across the Sound, the small town of Kingston always has a huge 4th of July party and fireworks. If you can find a vantage point in west Shoreline or Edmonds, you can watch the show, which starts after 10pm.

If someone near you is setting off fireworks, do not call 911 - call the non-emergency number for your police department - unless of course they set something on fire.

I have fond memories of going to a fireworks show in Edmonds and watching the people next to the stadium catch their roof on fire with errant fireworks. It was a better show than the main event.

Remember to keep your dogs where they can't run away.

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Classifieds: Special joint Shoreline / Northshore Board of Commissioners Planning Committee meeting

SPECIAL JOINT SHORELINE/NORTHSHORE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RFA

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING NOTICE

As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act, you are hereby notified that the Planning Committee Board of Commissioners of the Shoreline Fire Department will hold a Special Joint Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Planning Committee Meeting on July 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.with the Planning Committee Board Commissioners of the Northshore Fire Department.

The purpose of the special meeting is to continue discussions of establishing an RFA between Shoreline and Northshore Fire Departments.

DATE: July 15, 2024

TIME: 5:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Northshore Fire Department - Station 51

7220 NE. 181st Street Kenmore, WA 98028

To attend the meeting online, please use the below information. The agenda will be posted separately on the Department’s website.

To attend the meeting online, please use the below information:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85044713997?pwd=dW1uWDFpNldPZ1dSSU1ZYy9LSXVQQT09

Meeting ID: 850 4471 3997
Passcode: 743608
Dial by your location: #1-253-205-0468

Notice posted by: Beatriz Goldsmith
Executive Assistant
July 1, 2024

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Noodle's Pet Remembrance Campaign

July 5th is Pet Remembrance Day, and Seattle Area Feline Rescue (SAFe Rescue) invites animal lovers to join them for a month-long tribute to furred, finned, and feathered family members who have passed on.

Inspired by her beloved tabby named Noodle, an anonymous community member will match every donation to SAFe Rescue made via this link, up to $17,000. 

In addition to having their donation to kitties in need matched, dollar for dollar, supporters will also be able to share photos and memories of dearly departed pets on an online memorial page.

Noodle

“Noodle brought a lifetime of love to us,” said Noodle’s human. “Every day was better with him. He is my soul cat and I know that I’m not the only one who has been blessed with a soulmate in animal form, so I wanted to create this match fund in loving memory of the seventeen wonderful years we had together and also give others the chance to honor their beloved pets.”

The online memorial, named after Noodle, provides a space for the community to celebrate the pets who have walked, played, and cuddled through their lives. Anyone who makes a donation is encouraged to contribute stories and images of the animals they wish to remember.

Noodle’s Pet Remembrance Campaign will accept submissions through July 31, 2024.

Learn more about SAFe Rescue and its life-saving programs for felines and the people that love them at this link.

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Veterans booth at Shoreline Farmers Market displayed engraved bricks honoring veterans at the Recognition Plaza

Veteerans bricks at the Shoreline Farmers Market

Story and photos by Doug Cerretti

The Shoreline Veterans Association (SVA) sponsored a booth at the Shoreline Farmer Market this past Saturday, June 29 to display engraved bricks that are installed at the Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza to honor veterans. 

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

For a donation of $100 (tax deductible) an engraved brick will be placed in the Plaza to honor a past, present or future veteran.

It is a joy meeting people at the Market and telling them about the Plaza and how they can honor a veteran. What I am amazed at is how many people have visited Shoreline City Hall but have not seen the Plaza???

Veterans RecognitionPlaza at City Hall

This was hard to fathom but it may be that people have not seen the Plaza because you enter City Hall from the east and west.

The Plaza is on the northside of City Hall at the base of the flag pole flying the American Flag. 

I would suggest the next time you visit City Hall or if you are in the vicinity, visit the Plaza. 

There are five benches where you can sit, relax and contemplate the names engraved on the bricks. 

To paraphrase, “If only the Bricks could talk.” 

There is a brick honoring WWII veteran Dwight Stevens, who piloted a B-17 for 33 combat missions at the ripe old age of 20. 

Dwight honored 14 family members with engraved bricks at the Plaza including J Dwight Stevens, Union Army, 1862 to 1863. Think of the stories these bricks tell. 

Three bricks honor veterans who paid the ultimate price in WWII. 

Starr Sutherland, Jr., namesake of The American Legion Post 227 in Shoreline, 

Alfred Turgeon whose remains were identified 78 years after his death, and Ralph Henry Keil who perished 12 minutes after WWII came to the United States December 7, 1941.

Think of the stories. 

On rare occasions the SVA will honor non-veterans who served veterans. Mother and daughter, Barbara Alvarez and Bessie Bellecourt served in the USO and Avis Schwab served as a Donut Dolly in Vietnam. 

Please visit the Plaza and think about the stories behind the engraved bricks and consider having a brick installed at the Plaza to honor a veteran past, present or future in your family so that the Plaza can tell new stories. 

The SVA will again be at Shoreline Farmers Market July 20 and August 17. Come visit us.

The Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza is on the north-side of Shoreline City Hall located at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

Engraved Bricks can be purchased here. You can order engraved bricks online or an order form can be printed, fill out and mailed with a check or credit card number. Questions: call 206-546-9603 and leave a message.

Shoreline Farmers Market is held from 10am to 2pm Saturdays: June 1 - Oct 5, Harvest Oct 26 + Dec 14 at Shoreline Park & Ride, 18821 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA (192nd St N & Aurora Ave N).

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4th Annual Safety Day & Bike Rodeo for Kids July 13, 2024 in Lake Forest Park

Give-aways at Safety Day (first come, first serve)
Photo courtesy LFP Police

On Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 10am to 2pm, the Lake Forest Park Police Department will host the 4th Annual Safety Day & Bike Rodeo for Kids in the parking lot in front of the City Hall 17425 Ballinger Way NE.

Bicycle course for kids
Photo courtesy LFP Police

Featuring: 

• Bounce House, 
• Cotton Candy Machine, 
• Dunk Tank, 
• Bike Courses for Kids, 
• Food Vendors, 
• Free Lifejackets & Bike Helmets (first come, first serve), 
• Free Gift Bags and...much more!

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Volunteer work parties in Five Acre Woods July 13 and August 10

Five Acre Woods volunteers
Photo courtesy LFP Stewardship Foundation

Five Acre Woods Volunteer Work Parties are scheduled for:

• Saturday, July 13
• Saturday, August 10
• Both from 9am - 12noon

Join us, rain or shine, on the second Saturdays of the month for July & August (first Saturdays Sept-June).

Restoration volunteers are busy improving your local forest park, Five Acre Woods.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome, children will need adult supervision and permission. Please sign in when you arrive.

Dress for the weather. Bring your own gloves & tools if you prefer, we will have some to lend as well. Beverages and treats provided to volunteers.

Come & out and enjoy the forest!

Questions? contact volunteer coordinator Polly Saunders or LFPSF at info@lfpsf.org.

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Prevent small children from falling out of windows - the screen is no protection

EVERETT, WA - In the past week, the Everett Fire Department has responded to two separate incidents involving young children falling from third-story windows in their homes.

Unfortunately, both children sustained significant injuries and required transport to Harborview Hospital for medical care. 

Since the beginning of this year, Snohomish County fire agencies have responded to six known incidents where children have fallen from windows, three of which occurred in the city of Everett. These incidents highlight the critical importance of ensuring window safety for toddlers in residential settings.

The most recent incident occurred on Wednesday evening, June 26, just after 7:30pm, when firefighters were dispatched to a home in south Everett for a 3-year-old boy who had fallen from a third-story window. 

Engine 7 and Medic 5 found the child had sustained traumatic injuries, including a head injury. The child was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett and later transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. 

Reportedly, the window had been opened by an older sibling, and the young boy fell out after leaning on the screen. The child remains hospitalized at Harborview Hospital.

The previous incident took place on Wednesday, June 19, around 4:00pm, when firefighters responded to a report of a 4-year-old girl falling from a third-story window at a south Everett residence. 

The child sustained significant injuries and was transported directly to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle by a South County Fire medic. The child was released to return home at the beginning of this week. 

In this instance, the young girl fell out of the window when the screen gave way.

Window safety is crucial, especially when windows are often open in warmer months; however, as in the case of yesterday, window falls can happen regardless of the time of year or weather. Young children are naturally curious and quick, and those between the ages of two and five are at the highest risk of falling out of a window. 

Sadly, around 5,000 children are injured every year due to falls from windows, but the good news is that most of these falls can be easily prevented with some knowledge, the use of safety devices, and careful habits.

Talk to your family, friends, caregivers, and older siblings about window safety for your toddler. 

Seattle Children’s Hospital offers these simple steps:

• Always supervise young children. Be particularly aware at family gatherings when there are many distractions.
• Keep windows closed and locked if possible.
• Install child safety devices on windows 6 feet or more from the ground outside. Be sure to buy devices that an adult can release in case of emergency.
• Use child safety window stops to prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches.
• Keep furniture and other things that can be used for climbing away from windows.

Inexpensive window safety devices are available for purchase at home improvement stores and online.

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Gloria's Insects: On her way to work

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

I believe this is an Asian Lady Beetle, not a true ladybug, brought to the U.S. to control other insects that live on plants such as aphids and mites. 

Apparently, they sometimes reproduce enough to be pests themselves. 

Spotted this lovely creature in a community garden in King County last week.

--Gloria Z. Nagler

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It's A Summer Splash Party

Shoreline families are invited to a fun and free family event at Sunset School Park 17840 10th Ave NW, Shoreline WA 98177 on Saturday, July 13, from 3 to 5pm. 

There will be sprinklers to run through, a slip and slide, a giant sling shot for water balloons, and all kinds of summer water related fun activities.

Rain doesn't stop the fun!

An activity of the Richmond Highlands Neighborhood Association, everyone is invited for a fun summer afternoon.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets, please.

Questions? Contact PeteGerhard@gmail.com

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Save the Date: 2024 Jazz Walk August 13, 2024

 

The 16th Annual North City Jazz Walk will be held on Tuesday August 13, 2024 in Shoreline's North City Business District.

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Muscular Dystrophy Association applauds expanded FDA approval of ELEVIDYS Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) celebrates the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s expanded approval of ELEVIDYS (delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl). 

The efficacy supplement approval will expand the labeled indication of ELEVIDYS to include boys and men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) with a confirmed mutation in the DMD gene who are at least 4 years of age.

The FDA granted traditional approval for ambulatory patients and accelerated approval for non-ambulatory patients, confirming the functional benefits of the treatment.

Developed by Sarepta Therapeutics, ELEVIDYS targets the genetic root cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and works by introducing an engineered gene that codes for a shortened version of dystrophin, referred to as ELEVIDYS micro-dystrophin into muscle cells.

The FDA granted accelerated approval for boys ages 4 and 5 in June of 2023.

“By expanding the label beyond current age groups, the FDA is exercising flexibility in its approach to a rare disease with high unmet need. 

"Many older boys and young men urgently need access to new therapies that could alter the disease's progression. 

"By broadening the indication, hope can be offered to more families and improve the quality of life for a larger segment of the DMD community”, said Paul Melmeyer, EVP, Public Policy and Advocacy, MDA.

 

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Recycle leftover paint

Photo courtesy LFP Rotary

Environmental Sustainability Committee recycling tip of the week from Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park.

Recycle your leftover paint.

Paintcare.org has a list of places to recycle paint, including Ace Hardware at LFP Town Center

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Scene on the Sound: Shortage in the System

Photo by Jan Hansen

Jan comments: It is a beautiful time of year, and many are using our ferry systems. The Washington State Ferries are short vessels and crew. Some of the scheduled runs are being cancelled, so travelers need to do check ahead and plan.

WSDOT details: We’re expecting about 700,000 people to ride our ferries from Friday, June 28, through Sunday, July 7, 2024. 

To help navigate this July Fourth travel rush, customers are encouraged to download and use the WSDOT mobile app. 

The app and our website allow visitors to see sailing schedules, view live terminal conditions and traffic cameras, check for rider alerts that provide service updates by route, monitor a real-time map for the location of each operating vessel and make vehicle reservations for our Anacortes/San Juan Islands or Port Townsend/Coupeville runs. 

We run a complex operation of roughly 400 daily sailings. Our online tools let customers take control of their ferry travel to help plan a trip and know what to expect before they get in a ferry waiting line.

Even more information here

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Shorecrest grad featured in Seattle Times sports article

Skylar Shibayama

Skylar Shibayama, 2012 Shorecrest graduate, Ridgecrest native, and son of Gerry and Jennifer Shibayama, is featured in a Seattle Times sports article by Adam Jude.

Shibayama is the Mariners' director of baseball strategy, and oversees the advance scouting department.

He is credited with modernizing and streamlining statistics for the team.

"Until Shibayama arrived, the Mariners were still printing out sheets of stats before every game, stacks an inch or two thick for the coaching staff to pore through. Shibayama’s objective was to streamline all that data and make it digestible and usable on the field."

Shibayama is now one of Mariners Manager Scott Servais most trusted advisers.

Read the article here

And see our previous article about Skylar

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Destinations: Summer at Meerkerk Gardens on Whidbey Island

Meerkerk Gardens on Whidbey Island

Meerkerk Gardens is open to visitors from 9am - 5pm seven days a week, except during extreme weather events. Admission is $10 for adults. Kids under 13 are admitted for free. Dogs on leash are welcome. The Gardens are located at 3531 Meerkerk Lane in Greenbank on beautiful central Whidbey Island.

Greenbank, June - As summer blossoms into full splendor, Meerkerk Gardens is delighted to announce an array of captivating experiences for nature enthusiasts, families, and avid learners alike. 

Nestled in the heart of Greenbank on Whidbey Island, Meerkerk Gardens invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of its lush landscapes, tranquil nature trails, and vibrant flora.

Summer at Meerkerk Gardens promises an enchanting blend of education, exploration, and relaxation amidst the backdrop of its renowned botanical wonders. 

Here are some highlights of what visitors can expect:

1. Educational Classes and Workshops: Embark on a journey of discovery with our series of educational classes and workshops designed for garden enthusiasts of all ages. From Falconer exploration to learning about bats, and trees Meerkerk provides learning opportunities for all ages.
2. Guided Nature Trails: Set out on an adventure along our scenic nature trails and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the natural world. Our knowledgeable docents will lead you through winding pathways, past tranquil ponds, and beneath towering trees, offering insights into the fascinating flora and fauna that call Meerkerk Gardens home. Guided tour Sundays at 1pm.
3. Spectacular Vistas: Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking vistas that await you at every turn. Whether you're admiring the vibrant colors of our rhododendron collection, gazing out across the Salish Sea, or marveling at the majestic beauty of our woodland landscapes, you'll find inspiration and tranquility at every corner of Meerkerk Gardens.
4. Family-Friendly Activities: Bring the whole family and enjoy a day of outdoor fun and exploration. Our family-friendly activities include scavenger hunts, and interactive learning experiences designed to engage and inspire young minds.
5. Special Events and Festivals: Throughout the summer months, Meerkerk Gardens will play host to a variety of special events and festivals celebrating the beauty of nature and the joy of community. From Evening walks for Members and plant sales to live music performances, there's always something exciting happening at Meerkerk Gardens.

"We are thrilled to welcome visitors to Meerkerk Gardens this summer and to share the beauty and wonder of our botanical paradise," said Daniel Burns, Publicity, Outreach and Event Coordinator at Meerkerk Gardens. 

"Whether you're seeking inspiration, relaxation, or simply a day of outdoor adventure, we invite you to discover all that Meerkerk Gardens has to offer."

For more information about summer classes, nature trails, and upcoming events at Meerkerk Gardens, please visit their webpage or contact dburns@meerkerkgardens.org

About Meerkerk Gardens:
Meerkerk Gardens is a beloved botanical garden located in Greenbank on Whidbey Island. Spread across 53 acres of rolling paths, woodlands, and meadows, Meerkerk Gardens is home to a diverse collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and other native and exotic plants. Meerkerk Gardens is dedicated to promoting the appreciation and conservation of plants through education, outreach, and stewardship.

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