So you brought yourself, your kids, and maybe your neighbors and some non-perishable food items for the Hopelink Food Bank. It was great to see you and share this creative way to make our neighborhood a better place to live and network.

We had the Around the Sound Community Band, the Pirates of Treasure Island, two huge inflatables, lots of free ice cream, the Shoreline Police and Fire Departments and tons of smiles. Thank you all for making this evening such a warm and wonderful success.

To view photos of the Ice Cream Social, click here.

For more information or if you would like to volunteer to help next year, call Patty Hale (206) 365-8596.

Come celebrate the completion of the newly renovated Cromwell Park at a dedication ceremony and free concert on Monday, August 30 at 6:00 p.m. The park boasts a new stage and grass amphitheatre, baseball and soccer field, basketball court, play area and swings. Other improvements include paved pathways, benches and picnic tables, open lawn and landscape beds, and storm water and wetland areas planted with native vegetation.

In May 2006, Shoreline voters approved a bond issue to acquire park property and improve parks throughout the community, including Cromwell Park. In addition, the Surface Water Utility wanted to improve water quality and detention in the headwaters of the Thornton Creek Basin, which begins upstream of Cromwell Park.

The Cromwell project was jointly funded by both the Open Space, Parks and Trails Bond Levy and the Surface Water Utility to create much-needed recreational and storm water improvements.  Information:  Maureen Colaizzi, (206) 801-2603 or mcolaizzi@shorelinewa.gov.

Listen to spooky songs and stories as you toast marshmallows around a crackling campfire, ride the hay wagon, play Halloween games, have your face painted and get your picture taken. And best of all, wear a costume! Bring a flashlight to help you maneuver the ghoulies and goblins.

Shoreline Police work together with the King County Sheriff’s Office to present a program to increase the understanding between citizens and their police department through education. Graduates of the Citizen’s Academy come away with a better understanding of the law enforcement role in the criminal justice system and an appreciation for the many challenges facing law enforcement in today’s complex society.

This is a unique experience and it’s offered at no cost to Shoreline residents and those who work or attend college in the City of Shoreline.  The academy will be held for ten weeks every Thursday evening from March 4^th through May 6^th, 6:00 – 9:00 PM, at the King County Sheriff’s Office, Precinct 2, in Kenmore. The class size is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Applications are available at the main Police Station and Neighborhood Storefronts as well as on the Police page of the city website www.shorelinewa.gov

September was National Emergency Preparedness Month and the City of Shoreline is redoubling its efforts to keep the community safe and ready in case of disaster.  Earthquakes, floods, winter weather and wind storms are just a few of the natural hazards facing our area, but careful planning can minimize loss of life, property and money.  In order to help raise awareness and make planning easier the Emergency Management department has come up with a number of strategies for the community. 

 The first level of preparation is individual, taking place in your own home.
 In an effort to assist your household the City has partnered with a number of local stores to highlight items that will be useful when a disaster strikes.  Keep an eye out at Central Market, Bartell Drugs and Ace Hardware for the Ready Shoreline logo which signifies an important item for your emergency planning. 

The next level of readiness comes at the neighborhood. 
The unfortunate truth of major disasters is that the standard emergency responders will be overwhelmed and unable to assist you.  However, a community that plans in advance can look out for itself and even save lives.  The City of Shoreline is offering free training manuals and DVDs of the Map Your Neighborhood preparedness program to help make sure that your community can remain safe even when 911 is overrun. 

Contact Chris White in the Emergency Management Department at 801-2256 or cwhite@shorelinewa.gov if you are interested in taking the first step towards making your neighborhood safer.

An often overlooked facet of emergency planning involves small to medium-sized businesses.  Statistics show that after a disaster nearly 25% of businesses in this size-range do not reopen.  Careful planning ahead of time can help make sure that your business and livelihood isn’t lost. 

Get This Free Simple, Step-by-Step Guide on Emergency Preparedness
On the business front, Shoreline is promoting a Ready Business initiative that provides a template for your planning.  A simple, step-by-step guide, along with personal support, can be received by contacting Robert Waisburd in the Emergency Management Department either by e-mail at rwaisburd@shorelinwa.gov or phone at 801-2266.  Both the Map Your Neighborhood and Ready Business programs and materials are provided at no charge, making preparedness that much easier. 

While disasters may seem unlikely and uncommon, they do exist and can cause tremendous damage.  Taking a small part of your time today can make the difference between catastrophe and speed bump, so please be sure to utilize the resources listed above to make sure Shoreline remains a safe, vibrant place to live.