A Glance Backward While Gazing Forward

As I stand at the threshold of a new year
I am pondering and wondering how we got here
It seems like last New Years Day was merely moments ago
And along comes another wouldn’t you know

As I look back on all the ALSC fun that was had
Reflecting on all the good times not recalling any bad
The last year started the same as the new
We gathered together to Plunge in on queue

A couple months later the Easter Bunny did hop
From dock to dock he made every stop
The children rushed in and hugged his legs
Anxious to received their candy filled eggs

Then into spring the community was blessed
As the Club hosted the big Fishing Contest
A derby several decades old
Where participates brave the wind and the cold
At the end of every line is a similar wish
That they be the one who lands the big fish
Plenty to eat with plenty of prizes
From small to big and a variety of sizes

We paraded, decorated and raced into July
And ended up watching Fireworks fill the sky
In August we costumed and got into Glitz
To travel by boat to enjoy Tapas Tidbits
Then sailed into September with an exciting roar
As we viewed hydroplanes racing from just off the shore

In late fall when the light fades early
Costumes were readied for boys and for girlies
Down to the dock to greet the BooBoat
To grab handfuls of candy to shove down their throat!

In the beginning of December
At the annual Christmas Party
Neighbors gather to remember
Many are cordial and others hearty.

Then weeks later we were ready to go
For St Nick to appear and to steal the show!
His sleigh a pontoon boat all bright and aglow
The kid’s expectations are high even without snow

To make a long story endless my wish for you all
Is never to be friendless and never withdrawal
That you’ll continue to participate in club activities
To celebrate togetherness through all the festivities

I hope you’re like me and you cherish the unity
That we have all actively worked to build in our community!

Wishing you all the very best in this New Year!

NYD 2019 - The Annual Polar Bear Plunge!

Is there a reason to be outside freezing? Why yes, yes there is! The need to replenish the shelves is great during this time of year for our local Highline Food Bank. So the intent of hosting a Polar Bear Plunge is to encourage cash and nonperishable food donations for HFB while bringing ALSC Members and neighbors together for fun, light breakfast, drink and prizes – yes PRIZES! 

One raffle ticket for our prize drawing will be awarded for each category: showing up in costume; showing up with a donation of food or cash contribution; or showing off by going for the big plunge! 

That’s up to three entries for a chance to win some fabulous prizes, which include:
• Overnight, dinner and spa treatments at Cedarbrook Lodge (pending)
• Hair cut and style at the Ultimate Solution Hair Salon, 3215 S.188th
• Treat basket from Paws in the Park, 17833 1st Ave S
• Gift from Wild Birds Unlimited, 15858 1st Ave S.
• Treats from Maven Mercantile, 641 SW 152nd St, Burien

So make plans now to join us on January 1st

11:00 am - Brunch

Azteca donates a warm food platter

Starbucks donates coffee

Trader Joes donates gluten free treats

Spirits & pastries from the ALM & ALSC

11:45 am - Raffle Drawing for Fabulous Prizes

12:00 NOON - Plungers Dunk

(Firemen will be on hand to resuscitate)

Win fabulous prizes, benefit our local food bank and have FUN!
There are no better reasons to be out there freezin’!

The Happiest Time of Year!

With the exception of this one little guy, everyone was thrilled to greet Santa during his annual visit with the children and their families on Angle Lake.

Early Saturday morning December 15th Bruce G and Bruce B, Lonnie, Dave, John, Doug and Fuzz teamed together and festooned the Santa Boat with Christmas lights and holiday figures. This being the eighth year of hosting St. Nick's special trip to the lake, memory muscle helped to make short order of the task - that and having the benefit of the extra helping hands didn't hurt, as well!

Later that evening as darkness was impending; the sound of sleigh bells grew louder as Santa drew nearer. Down the hill came the ole' jolly fellow trailed by his crew of holiday helper elves, Debbie, Shelly, Annie, Sandy, Julie and Capt Bruce. They quickly took to their places as the lights were set aglow and off they did dash as quick as the barge could go! (within the maximum speed limit, of course!)

Through a total of twelve scheduled stops, Santa had visited nearly 90 wee little ones including a few bit bigger ones, too! It is this opportunity to create indelible childhood memories that will last a lifetime that make this effort such a joy. We'd like to thank everyone who turned out and participated in this wonderful family event.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

Pictures from the event may be viewed HERE
((Additional Photos will be added throughout December))

Santa's On His Way!

Santa’s elves are busily preparing the special Christmas Pontoon Boat for Santa Claus’ return visit to Angle Lake on Saturday, December 15th.

The Shore Club has arranged the following spots around the lake where children and their families can gather to meet Santa, share their wish list and gift ideas, pose for Christmas family photos and receive a small gift bag from Santa.

2018 Saturday, December 15th

• 4:30 pm - Siedenburg Post 32
• 4:50 pm – Gutierrez Post 54 
• 5:10 pm – Flanders Post 56
• 5:30 pm – Mungra Post 63 
• 5:50 pm - Pickett Post 78
• 6:10 pm – Rice Post 42 
• 6:30 pm – Patton’s, Lot 4/12
• 6:50 pm – Yurozu Post 14
• 7:10 pm – Gehring Lot 4/33
• 7:30 pm - AL Mobile Home Park
• 8:00 pm – Steinke Post 3

We encourage anyone who is interested meeting with Santa to gather at the locations above. Children 14 and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Click on the image below to download a copy of the Route Map.

Please Note:

Times listed above are approximate. Please check our Facebook Page for any schedule changes and for the latest list of locations and status. In the case of inclement weather, the event may be rescheduled or canceled. This event is free and open to all neighbors, extended families and their guests.

Nothing Bizarre About These Bazaars!

Join together with your neighbors for a fun filled day of holiday shopping and cheer!

Take in the good times while hunting for some bargain deals among the over 100+ booths of hand-crafted and commercial items.  Shop unique items from local vendors and artisans; have breakfast; take in some lunch; enjoy an espresso beverage. Plus you’ll never know when Santa might appear, so be sure to bring your camera for some great photos.

Seattle Christian School Christmas Bazaar 
18301 Military Road South
Sea Tac, WA 98188

Tyee High School Holiday Bazaar
4424 S 188th St
SeaTac, WA  98188

Both events are being held on Saturday, December 1st from 9 AM until 4 PM and will be held in the  school gymnasium at each location.

But wait, if that isn't enough local shopping for you, here's another one for you to consider. What started out as a neighborhood bazaar now attracts vendors and shoppers from all over the Seattle/Tacoma area.

Normandy Park Cove Holiday Bazaar
1500 SW Shorebrook Drive
Normandy Park, WA 98166

Peruse high-quality handcrafted gift and décor items presented by 40 original artists. There will be everything from personalized ornaments to hand-blown glass to doll clothes.

No Blues During the Cruise!

The 2018 Halloween Boo Cruise Spooktacular has achieved notoriety as one of the wettest ALSC events in recent memory! While participants were fully soaked, their enthusiasm was far from watered down! And we have the photos to prove it! 

Refer to the following LINK to view all the pics.

Editors Comment: I’d suggest for next year, guests might consider follow this cleaver youngster’s lead and dress as a fireman, fisherman or a duck!  

Thank you ALSC Member Ros and her crew for sticking it out through the miserable weather.

Bring Hope to Children in Need

Holiday of Hope organizers reach out to the community each year with an invitation to join together with friends and neighbors for joyous evening of fun, entertainment and sharing.

Bring your caring and generous spirit, along with your delightful personalities and if you dare, your most brilliant singing voice, to the annual Holiday of Hope event. The evening will feature karaoke, raffle prize drawings and an opportunity to bring a little extra joy to children who suffer from less fortunate circumstances during this holiday season.

The goal is to collect unwrapped children’s toys valued around $25 each (no stuffed animals please) or gift cards to Ross; Old Navy; Game Stop or cash or check donations are also welcomed and appreciated. 

December 7th, 2018

7:30 until 10:00 PM

Gregory’s at the Red Lion Hotel

18220 International Blvd, SeaTac

If you are not able to attend the event in person but would still like to give, please contact Patricia at p.morinelli@pipeline.com for additional options to contribute via online giving or information on how to deliver donations direct to the Angle Lake Resource Center.

For additional details, please see the event FLYER.

Silent Night? Not So Much!

The annual Angle Lake Shore Club Members Only Christmas Party is scheduled for Saturday, December 1st. If you plan to attend, purchase your tickets before Wednesday, November 21st to receive $5.00 off the regular $40 admission price.

The Christmas Party is a wonderful opportunity to visit with familiar neighbors, meet new members, and share the fun times that were had during this year’s various club events!

Included with your price for admission is a delicious catered Buffet Style Dinner with an open bar. We’ll again announce Mr. and Mrs. Christmas to the couple who best demonstrated the Giving Spirit through their community volunteer efforts from the past year. Come dressed in your best holiday outfit or bad sweaters!

This is a private party for Angle Lake Shore Club Members Only and their guests. If you are not currently an active member, no worries, we are accepting applications for new and renewal memberships alongside Christmas Party ticket purchases. Membership enrollment form along with party times and location detail is available by clicking HERE.

Should you have any unanswered questions or if you’d like to assist, please contact our hostess, Nancy Erickson at (206) 465-0988. Here’s looking toward seeing you at 2018 ALSC Christmas Party.

Calling All Boos and Ghouls!

The ALSC Spook-tacular Boo Cruise is set to sail the waters of
Angle Lake on Sunday, October 28th.

The Boo Boat Ghastly Group will have spooky treats on board to present to children, families, and adults who are dressed in costume! Plus the club photographer will be ready to take pictures of you; your family; your group; or if you’d like with our Spooky Boo Cruisers, too!

Please gather at any of the following locations to participate:

Boat Arrival	Member Residence
4:00	Bob & Chris Simmons
4:20	David and Maritza Gutierrez
4:40	Judy Williams
5:00	Harvey and Phyllis Picket
5:20	Angle Lake Mobile Home Park
5:50	Curtis and Kerry Steinke

Click HERE – to download a map of Scheduled Stops.

The Fine Print:
Subject to safe weather conditions. High winds may force event cancellation without prior notice. Arrival times indicated above are estimated. Gift bags are limited to the first 80 costumed participants.

City Seeks Applicants for Vacant Council Position

Mayor Michael Siefkes announced his resignation from City Council on Tuesday, September 11th, citing health concerns and his family decision to relocate out of state.

The remaining SeaTac City Council is seeking applications to serve in filling the vacant Council Position #5. The Council will hold a public meeting, date to be determined, to interview candidates and make a final selection for the vacant position. The chosen candidate will serve the remainder of the unexpired term through the November 2019 General Election certification period.

Pursuant to RCW 35A.12.030, all applicants must be a registered voter in the City of SeaTac and a resident of the City of SeaTac for a period of at least one year preceding the date of appointment.

Applications are available from the City Clerk at 4800 South 188th Street, SeaTac, WA 98188, or on the City’s website at: http://www.seatacwa.gov/government/city-council. Any questions, please call 206.973.4661. All applications must be submitted to the City Clerk in person at, or by mail to the address above by 5 p.m., Friday, September 28, 2018.

Are You In Tune to Tune In?

Outboard motor boat racing returns to Angle Lake this weekend!

Angle Lake Park

19408 International Boulevard

SeaTac, WA 98188

Time: 11 AM to 6 PM

Dates:  Sept 8 and 9

Even if you’re not able to view the races from the park, you can still catch all the race action from your FM Radio! That’s right. The Frank Hansen Memorial Race, presented by Master Park will broadcast the race tower announcements over low band FM Channel 90.5

Allan Freedman, a twenty-five year Angle Lake resident and President of the Mark Eleven Condominium Association, is generously donating his time; his equipment and lending his subject matter expertise to enable low power FM transmission of the tower communications! Spectators and race enthusiasts from around the lake will be able to tune in on Saturday and Sunday to hear all the race coverage broadcast from the tower!

Thank you to our local business, Master Park Valet Parking for sponsoring this event and Thank you to Allan Freedman for helping to deliver a great race experience.

A Willingness to Try Something New

Hydroplane and Runabout racing returns a third time to Angle Lake.

Frank Hansen Memorial Race presented by Master Park 

September 8th and 9th 

10:00 am until no later than 6:00 pm each day

Back as early as 2012, a couple members of the Angle Lake Shore Club pondered event concepts that might increase interest in our area and offer family entertainment to our local community. Included in these discussions were festive events like the Celebrate America; athletic events like a Des Moines Creek/Angle Lake Triathlon; and a consideration of bringing hydroplane racing back to Angle Lake. It was rumored that hydroplane racing events were in the past held on Angle Lake. Crazy as it seemed at the time, a small task force was formed to begin exploring the possibility reintroducing hydroplane racing back to the community again. 

  

When discussing the idea with individuals outside the group, general first impressions were formed from their own Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane Racing experiences. Where large crowds of often inebriated race fans crowded around the race course featuring some very large and very noisy boats racing in an oval at a very high rate of speed – who would welcome that kind of experience to a small residential community? 

While the design of the overall event is modeled after the Seafair Race format, research revealed that Junior Series Hydroplane and Small Outboard Boat Racing is not comprised of a bunch of old white guys feeding their need for speed – but is truly considered a family sport mainly comprised of youth, both boys and girls, working together with their families, both Moms and Dads, learning the art and skill of boat building; developing mechanical expertise; and experiencing the sport of organized racing. Who wouldn’t want to support that in their community?!

In 2013 a survey to gauge interest in bringing back boat racing was sent out to 177 homes around the lake. Of the 174 responses receive, only 14% were not in favor of the idea. At that time we knew we had  support from the majority of the community, but could we gain the necessary approval from City of SeaTac authorities to stage the races at Angle Lake Park? After several rounds of negotiation with city representatives over the span of a couple years, the City Council finally voted to approve a onetime event to be held on a trial basis in 2016. The event was a tremendous success in reconfirming community interest, calming much of the prior anxiety and fear and recalibrating experience expectations by delivering a high quality family event.  

This year, 2018 will be the third year that Seattle Outboard Association will host the Frank Hansen Memorial Race, presented by local sponsor Master Park. In addition to watching the races, we hope that you’ll visit the race pits at Angle Lake Park, meet the families who make up this event, experience the camaraderie among the racers, witness firsthand the quality educational and social opportunities presented to each of the participating youth. Perhaps even your youngster may be inspired to join!

After experiencing the race side, please consider viewing the boat building side by paying a visit to the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum to view the Junior Hydro Program where kids 9 to 16 years of age learn traditional wooden boat building skills while building and rigging their own J-Hydros. These boats that are built alongside their family members at the Museum facilities are the same boats that compete in the APBA sanctioned events, including Angle Lake. The Museum also offers a “Kit Boat” to assist in making it more affordable for children to learn and participate. 

Summer Celebrations through the Lens

Each summer, Angle Lake area residents look forward to observing our nation’s Independence Day by way of parades, sporting events, friendly competitions and fireworks! And our celebration community through the annual progressive appetizer party referred to as the Tasty Tapas. 

By way of the camera lens, our club photographer and several members capture all the most cherished moments and share these images with you via the blog. Pictures from this year’s Summer Celebrations can be view through the below links:

2018 4th of July Celebration

2018 Tasty Tapas and Float Around

You’re welcome to download any of these photos to reshare as you like.

Blue Wave Returns to Angle Lake

The one and two mile open water swim event started back in 2009 and held at the ‘End of Summer’ each year on Angle Lake is scheduled to occur this year on Saturday, Sept 15th. 

The nonprofit groups, Blue Wave Aquatics and the Fife Area Swim Teams (FAST) will return to Angle Lake to host the 9th annual open water competitive swim races. The meet at Angle Lake is mentioned to be among the favorite locations due to location convenience, water quality and calmness of the lake.

Up until a couple of years ago, several lakeside residents had provided the event considerable support in the form of a supplying powered pontoon boats for safety purposes. These volunteers were of great help to the success of the open water swim event and was very MUCH appreciated.

Then a couple of years back, due to an unrelated incident at a swim event in Hawaii, resulted in changes to the event insurance coverage requirements which almost precluded power boats from being a part of any sponsored swim event. Since that time the event organizers have had to decline the generosity the resident volunteers in order to maintain our insurance coverage.  

Recently however, a representative from the Blue Wave Aquatics organization wrote to the Shore Club informing our members and lakeside residents that the insurance restrictions have now been substantially loosened, leaving the organizers with a hope that community volunteer pontoon boat support may be available again.  Their request is for 2 or 3 power boats that could be located on the perimeter of the course, available to assist in the event of a safety issue. 

There is one insurance requirement still in place, and that is that there must be at least one observer on each power boat to assure that no swimmer is at risk of coming near the boat or boat propeller. The observer will be in addition to the boat pilot.

If you are a pontoon boat owner and would like to volunteer or you are interested in becoming an onboard safety observer, please send an email to the Angle Lake Shore Club address at anglelakesc@gmail.com. 

If you have any questions about the event, the volunteer schedules and/or volunteer benefits, please contact the Meet Director Eric Durban at 206.423.8043 or send email to lastgaspofsummer@bluewave-aquatics.com

Volunteers Needed: Back to School Resource Fair!

The “Back to School Resource Fair” happens one day each year. However, it requires several days and many volunteers to prepare for this event. If you are able, your help is needed for each of the following days: 

WAREHOUSE: 20413 59th Place S, Kent 98032
Bring water and snacks for yourself. Wear light comfortable clothing and tennis shoes.

Tuesday, August 14: Assembly Line Backpack Fill, 10:45 am - 2 pm (Orientation at 11 am).
40 people needed. The more hands the lighter the work!

EVENT DAY: Valley Ridge Park, 4644 S 188th St, SeaTac 98188
Wear light, comfortable, non-revealing clothing and tennis shoes. Sunscreen and sunglasses also recommended. Bring water, Hot dogs and fixings will be provided by the Rotary Club.

Thursday, August 16: Check in at Registration Table for assignments and orientation, 9:30 am-2 pm (Event is from 10 am-2 pm.)
20 people needed for Registration, 30 people needed for Backpack Distribution.

If you can volunteer for any of these dates, please email Amy Lloyd Wagner at the Angle Lake Family Resource Center, alloydwagner@icsnw.org and please copy p.morinelli@pipeline.com.

Let's Talk Tapas

Isn’t if funny?

For the past several years we’ve had to resort to posting a panic announcement that the tapas, which has continually been voted one of the most favored events offered by the Shore Club each year, was in jeopardy of a forced canceling due to the minimum number of host stations having not been secured. Yet each year, at the last minute, we’ve been successful in aligning the required number of stations; and each year the event continued on; and each year we hear “This was the BEST tapas ever!”

So, as an alternative approach this year, chief organizer Jim Todd decided to start earlier to secure the necessary required four stations and the dessert station. Low and behold all stations were secured ahead of schedule – no problem, no issues, right? 

Well my goodness, if the drama doesn’t continue. This year, even though the logistics are ahead of schedule, ticket sales are behind!  Why is this a big deal, when it seems that every year attendance meets expectation? The issue is that the event depends on ticket sales to fully fund the event. If 100 advanced tickets sales are achieved, then on average there is $500 budgeted per station to be used for food and drink. If advanced ticket sales are only 50,  then the budget is reduced to $250 per station! Have you ever tried to host an hors d’oeuvres party for 100 people on half the budget? 

Our Tapas guests deserve the best, yet our Tapa hosts can not be expected to foot the overages all  themselves. How can this be corrected? Reserve you tickets early (Before August 4th) so that our hosts can plan accordingly for the number of expected participants. If you wait for the last minute to purchase tickets, you’ll still be welcomed to attend, however it diminishes the overall experience and prevents delivering a premium event you’ve come to expect with all of the shore club events!

Please, if you plan to attend the Tasty Tapas, please contact Judy Williams at jywfs@comcast.net as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

Creating an Ideas Incubator

Jim Todd asks:
Are you an arty thinker? Better yet, are you interested bringing interesting local business to SeaTac?  Perhaps you'd like to see a large performance space, a brewery, some restaurants, maybe a museum.

Artist studios and artistic workspaces would fit and maybe a business incubator - or an incubator of artists. Other spots could help the area become a draw.

Yes I have big dreams. A few of us have started talking about creating a vision of what the area around the 200th rail station could become. We’re looking for others that may enjoy a little City Center happening spot. It has the logistics to generate the foot traffic needed for a district like this to work. There are thousands of hotel rooms but no local attractions. And most of the metropolitan area will soon be able to get here easily on the train. We are looking at several possible exciting additions and trying to brainstorm avenues to creating such a center. 

What do you think?
If you have interest in this type of development in town please join the Facebook group
Seatac Friends of the Arts! We’d love your input on how to enliven our little corner of the world!

Kick Back 'n Enjoy Some Kickin' Country!

Sometimes authentic country music artists do not grow up in what we would consider hotbeds of country music. Sometimes they grow up in Halsev, Denmark. 

Jessica Lynne, a rising country star and London Tone Music’s latest signing sensation, moved to the US from Denmark in 2010 and immediately took the scene. Compared to luminaries like Dolly Parton and Miranda Lambert, Jessica Lynne has taken the Northwest by storm. 

Jessica has already played legendary stages such as the Gorge Amphitheater and the Triple Door, a natural step up from her being the Washington State Winner of the Texaco Country Showdown. With her Nashville recording "Catch Me If You Can", her first National Tour now in the books and nationwide distribution, it is clear that one can continue to expect big things from Jessica Lynne.

This Wednesday, July 25th, Jessica will bring her dynamic country sounds to SeaTac to perform all her latest hits live on Center Stage at Angle Lake Park. The performance starts at 6:30 PM and concludes at 8:00 PM.  The concert is FREE to attend.

Music in the Park at Angle Lake

Wednesday, July 25th

6:30 until 8:00 PM

Locking Mailbox Program - Begins July 16th

It’s a fact, locking mailboxes help reduce mail theft. However, having the right locking mailbox can effectively eliminate mail theft altogether!

In response to increasing cases of mail theft in our area, the City of SeaTac is launching a neighborhood mailbox program. Locking mailboxes will be available to residents and businesses located within the city boundaries. Owners of single-family residences, duplexes, triplexes and business property owners that have individual mailboxes are eligible to participate in the program. Tenants may also participate with written permission from their landlord.

Mail Boss™ Locking Security Mailboxes will be available through the program at the City’s cost of $108 .00. That’s a savings $51 off the mailbox manufacturer's suggested retail price plus includes free installation. For property owners whose income is below 50 percent of the median (based on HUD Income Guidelines for King County), the cost of the mailbox will be subsidized 50 percent by the City’s Neighborhood Mailbox Replacement Program funds. 

For more information and to download an application, please go to the City of SeaTac Mailbox Program webpage at http://www.seatacwa.gov/home/showdocument?id=23770

About the Mail Boss Brand

Current estimates are that over 300 Mail Boss Locking Security Mailboxes have been installed throughout SeaTac through a prior private effort spearheaded by local resident and current council member Peter Kwon. To date, NONE of these mailboxes have been penetrated, although there is evidence that several have tried.  These mailboxes are constructed from heavy gauge steel and offer proprietary features to prevent ‘fishing’ and lock failures. 

The Mail Boss brands reputation as a leader in the locking mailbox industry has been on a meteoric rise lately. Click on the following link to view some of the latest positive independent reports: 

https://www.mailboss.com/media-features/

More coverage on the Mail Boss Blog

Storm Returns to SeaTac

Making this the fourth consecutive year in which the local Women’s National Basketball Team will hold an open practice in SeaTac, the Seattle Storm announced the details of this year’s Kaiser Permanente Community Practice on Thursday, July 12 at the Seattle Christian School. Located just to the north of Angle Lake at 18301 Military Road, the event will take place from 6-8 p.m., is free and open to the public. 

The event is part of the StormFit presented by Kaiser Permanente. “The Kaiser Permanente Community Practice offers youth a special opportunity to connect with our players in a fun environment to learn about basketball,” said Storm President & GM Alisha Valavanis. “We are honored to continue this partnership with Kaiser Permanente, the City of SeaTac and Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority.”

Hosted by the City of SeaTac and Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority, the Community Practice is a fun event for kids and families to go behind the scenes at a Storm practice. The event will feature an opportunity to watch Storm players practice, participate in games and contests for prizes, collect autographs, meet Doppler the mascot and view a special performance by the Storm Dance Troupe. Giveaways include water bottles, t-shirts for the first 200 participants courtesy of Kaiser Permanente and tickets to Seattle’s home game against New York on Aug. 17 for StormFit Night presented by Kaiser Permanente.

Here’s an opportunity for you and your family to join with your neighbors to get up close to ‘The Storm’!

Having Independence to Make Choices

The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and announced the separation of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain. With this, a new nation was formed—the United States of America. History verifies Thomas Jefferson as the composer of the original draft. Once completed, Jefferson submitted his draft to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams for their changes. Eventually, it made its final destination to Congress where it was amended for the last time. Today, we see in its detailed wording why Congress was declaring independence from Great Britain.

The most quoted line from the Declaration is "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Our forefathers were declaring they not only deserved freedom, but were willing to continue fighting for it.

Freedom is a great definition of independence, as it is the result of the choices we make in our life. The power of choice is one of the greatest freedoms we have in our country – and presented to you now the simple choice to choose which family focused quality events you will participate in this Independence Day, 2018.  The choices are as follows:

Click HERE to Download

10:00 am - Angle Lake Manor Club Parade 

Pull up a chair to watch or you may choose to decorate your trike, bike, scooter, wagon, dog, yourself (!) and join the parade! Starting at the corner of 33rd Av S & S. 194th St turning right and proceeding down S 192nd St, then right on 39th Av and back around to S 194th St ending at the Manor Club Beach Lot for a patriotic sing along and ice cream social. Yum!

11:00 am – Bud Jones Memorial Run/Walk Around the Lake

Compete against your neighbors for bragging rights and prizes – or earn the trophy as the fastest runner to complete the course around the perimeter of the lake first. Race will begin at Post 35.  Registration opens at 10:45 am; Walkers depart at 11:00; Runners start at 11:30 – awards presented at noon.

01:00 pm – Live Music Starts on Stage at the Public Park 

01:00 pm – Dock / Beach Decoration Judging

Let those creative juices flow in a competition to come up with the most impressive Independence Day dock display. Wow the socks off our judges to win a prize of $100 for First Place! $75; $50; $25 awarded for 2nd – 4th and Beach Towel presented for 5th  – 10th place. 

03:00 pm – Swim Races

Okay all you guppies; minnows; barracudas; sharks; flounders; whales or whichever aquatic species you perceive yourself to be. Time to get your swim suits on and get ready to compete for prizes as the fastest of all swimmers!  We'll be assembling at 2:45 on the shores at Gregg and Marsha Louvier's Beach (the large Lighted Cross from the water, or Post 46 from 46th Street). Plenty of parking on the grass. Cash prizes awarded to the fastest children, other valuable prizes will be awarded to fastest adults!

03:30 pm – Boat Races (aprox.)

Immediately following the swim races – attention will shift to boat racing. If it floats then you can race it! Just show up in some kind of water craft and we’ll find a category to put you in and you’ll be ready to join in the fun and paddle, pedal or row your way to victory.  Prizes will be awarded for fastest competitors.

7:30 pm – Decorated Boat Parade

Pontoon boats; ski boats; outboard motor boats – and hey, if you think you can keep up in a row boat or peddle boat, then fall in line with the parade of boats that will circle the lake spreading additional holiday cheer! In similar fashion with our Annual Christmas Boat Parade except we’re asking that you decorate your boat in patriotic red, white, and blue affair instead.  And while Santa Clause won’t be there, Uncle Sam just may make an appearance!

10:00 pm – The 4th of July Finale 

We are pleased to announce the return of ‘Ring of Fire’ along the shore and the fireworks display returning to the center of the lake! To ensure the fireworks show starts on time, please ensure that you remain at least 100 yards from the fireworks barge. The Board Members of the Angle Lake Shore Club also wish to remind our neighbors that possession and discharge of private fireworks is illegal within SeaTac city limits.

A special shout out in recognition to the many volunteers who donate their time to help plan, coordinate and execute these events. Speaking on behalf of the community, your efforts are most appreciated!

Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day Celebration.

In The Middle...

We are weeks away from the Nation’s Independence Day Celebration. This year the holiday falls in the middle of the week with the ALSC events occurring throughout the middle of the day and the return of fireworks to the middle of the lake. However the display will be far from "middle of the road"!

In 2018, the fireworks show will be staged from the ALSC/Private partnership barges. The launch platform will be comprised of three of the barges constructed via our highly successful collective community effort which included a fundraising campaign to generate the necessary $42,000 for materials and many volunteers coming together over several weekends to build. The use of these barges is being graciously offered at no charge to the City and their contracted fireworks vendor.

  

By launching the shells from the middle of the lake this creates the clearance necessary to allow keeping the public beach and swim areas open the entire day for community enjoyment. It will also afford better viewing for spectators watching the display from the new Angle Lake Nature Trail,  enabling an even greater opportunity for a getting a good view of the show.

You may also notice the absence of a ‘boom shack’ from the platform. Typically, pyrotechnicians operating the show will shelter behind an onboard barrier for protection. The new vendor, Halo Fireworks, is a leader in their industry in that they will be using advanced technology that enables  firing shells remotely. This allows the pyrotechnicians to remain land based while firing the water based display. This technology will result in fewer barges required, reducing support effort needed and may ultimately introduce new opportunities for display variations to continue to wow spectators well into the future.

We hope you are as excited as we are for these new features to accompany our long standing traditional events. A complete outline of events, times and locations will be posted here next week. We hope you’ll join us for one or more of these activities!

Back to School Backpack Fair Needs Help

The following article was submitted by Shore Club Member Patricia Morinelli requesting community financial support and/or volunteer assistance to help serving local area school children in need. 

The Angle Lake Family Resource Center needs YOUR Help with the Back to School Resource Fair!

SeaTac is full of hard-working parents trying to make their paycheck stretch to meet all of the needs of their family. As rent and the cost of food and transportation increase, it is difficult for families to have extra money in the budget to cover school supplies. We all know these supplies are essential to their success, and we want kids in our community to be successful.

That is why we created the Back to School Resource Fair (BTSF), a one day event designed to help kids start off the school year successfully. It is attended by almost 3,000 community members, and this is the 12th year the ALFRC has put on this event.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Over 2,100 backpacks filled with school supplies are given out to low-income students
• Kids receive free full-dental check-ups through Kids Cavity Prevention Program
• Children get free back-to-school haircuts provided by stylists from Gene Juarez
• Needy families connect to community resources that will help them throughout the school year and beyond
• Multi-generations of community members get to connect and share a meal

In the past, local organizations, agencies, and businesses have come together to leverage resources and build community support for the greater good of our families. We have never asked for individual contributions for this event, but due to our lack of response this year in terms of corporate sponsorships, we need help from the community.  Please help by providing a financial contribution to support this important event. All donations are tax deductible. (LCSNW Tax ID# 93-0386860)

Online donations can be made HERE. Please type BTSRF in the Comments section.

We also need help stuffing and distributing the backpacks to the students. Click the following link to download the current Back to School Resource Fair Volunteer Schedule.  If you have any further questions about the volunteer schedule or the event itself, please contact Patricia Morinelli, Community Member of the BTSRF Coalition, at (206) 241-4650 (home) or (206) 914-0012 (cell).

Too Early To Talk Tapas?

Frequently voted as one of the MOST fun ALSC events each year!

Dessert Station 2016

However each year we're faced with uncertainty and seem to pull it together at the last minute. So this year, event organizer Jim Todd has decided something different. We’re actively seeking volunteer stations in May instead of waiting until the end of July!  

An even numbered year means we’ll be traveling the EAST-WEST leg of the lake. We’re seeking lakeside homeowners along this route from cove to park who will commit their yard to host one of four stops or as the final dessert station destination. 

The advantage of being a host station is that you get to attend for FREE; the Club generally reimburses you for your expenses up to $600 (depending on ticket sales); and you get to meet and visit with all the participating guests. Recruit friends or family to help create and serve small appetizers and offer refreshments while you are left to mingle. This is a great opportunity for you to catch up, reacquaint or meet new neighbors. If you’re on the fence, please contact the event organizers, Jim Todd or Sandy Goulet who will happily address any questions you may have. Else, reach out to any previous station hosts to inquire about their experience.  

If you’ve enjoyed the tapas as a participant – why not discover the joys of being a host station?

Wooldridge Girls Go All In (And Then Some!) At Angle Lake Derby

Editor’s note: The following article including photographs originally appeared in Northwest Sportsman Magazine and is reposted here by permission of the content author.

By Grant Wooldridge

My four young gun girls are continuing strong in the local trout circuit! Pictured are my four daughters, named Avey (7), Anna (5), Kirsten (4) and Lily (2). The oldest three fished and won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for girls under 8 years old at the annual Angle Lake Shore Club Fishing Derby!

THE WOOLDRIDGE FAMILY FISHERS — AVEY, ANNA, KIRSTEN, MOM ANGIE AND YOUNGSTER LILY — WERE ALL IN (AND THEN SOME!) DURING THE ANNUAL ANGLE LAKE SHORE CLUB FISHING DERBY, HELD APRIL 22

We woke up before dawn on Sunday April 22nd. I cooked up some breakfast for the kids and off we headed to our boat. I had been building this up for a few weeks and the girls were excited, as Avey and Kirsten had won 1st and 2nd place last year in their first derby.

KIRSTEN AND DAD GRANT WOOLDRIDGE SHOW OFF A RAINBOW.

Before last year it had been over 30 years since I had fished this local fishing derby as a kid and now the excitement was renewed with little ones of my own. The goal today was to make fishing fun so that I had some fishing pals for the future. I figured it wasn’t raining, so we were off to a good start anyway.

BEST WAY TO LURE KIDDOS ONTO THE BOAT? CANDY! IN THIS CASE, SWEDISH FISH FOR THE LI’L ANGLERS.

We set off trolling our way to the sign-up dock with a simple split shot, swivel, leader and red Wedding Ring set-up. We had a few rigs tied up with a Ford Fender flasher as well. We used cut nightcrawlers, a little PowerBait and some pink maggots that Avey picked out.

AVEY AND ANNA HOIST A NICE PAIR OF TROUT.

This actually brought us great results as the day went on. As luck (read that as skill) would have it, Avey had the largest fish of the day (13 inches) after the first pass. She just lost out for the derby’s largest by one larger fish! Pretty good for 7 years old.

THE GIRLS POSE WITH THE DAY’S CATCH, FOUR LIMITS. NOT INCLUDED IN THE PIC IS LILY, WHO NEEDED TO BE FISHED OUT OF THE LAKE DURING A HECTIC DOUBLE HOOK-UP SANS NET. 

Now I made sure we had plenty of good eats necessary for successful fishing trips with kids including Swedish Fish, gummy worms and some sparkling sodas. This certainly magnified what was already a quality father and daughter(s) experience. These little ladies proceeded to limit out before the derby count was due!

BACK AT THE DOCK, ANNA DISPLAYS A GOOD RAINBOW. 

The girls were having a blast! I was having the girls do the netting for their sisters, which ended up losing us the net but made for good experience.

AVEY’S 13-INCHER WAS THE SECOND LONGEST CAUGHT DURING THE DERBY. 

Of course once we were without the net, we proceeded to get a double going. My beautiful wife Angie and I were helping the attempt to get two fish in the boat at the same time without a net when we heard a larger splash – there goes my 2-year-old floating past the boat! I swooped her up as fast as a lightning bolt, and most importantly we landed both fish. Good lesson in having the little ones always wear their PFDs.

WITH THEIR DAD’S SUPER-FISHY 20-FOOT ALASKAN XL IN THE BACKGROUND, THE WOOLDRIDGE GIRLS LINE THEIR CATCH UP BACK AT THE DOCK. 

Once back at the derby location, we measured our catch and were entered into the catch record for the day. The girls won 1st, 2nd and 3rd in their age class and actually would have done well in any age class with their decent catch. Sure enough, we went home with prizes of kites, goodies and beach toys.

QUITE A HAUL FOR THE WOOLDRIDGE GIRLS! AVEY, ANNA AND KIRSTEN PLACED 1-2-3 IN THE UNDER-EIGHT GIRLS COMPETITION. 

What a great day on the water fishing out of the very awesome but a tad overkill Wooldridge 20’ Alaskan XL. A huge thank you to all those at the Angle Lake Shore Club who put on such a great event.

Editor’s Postscript: Visit the ALSC Photo Album to view all the other photos captured by our Club Photographer, Tani Rae and guests, Valerie Vavrik and Bruce Goulet.

A Cart Reserved For Heros

On the morning of May 10th, the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Group volunteer builders and their supporters will gather at Angle Lake Park between the hours of 7:00 am and 9:00 am for a ceremonial departure of the latest patriotic baggage cart destined for the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). 

Fallen Soldier Cart Departure Ceremony

Angle Lake Park

May 10th, 0700 - 0900

Guest Speakers:
Nathan Engel, Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Group
Father Jim Northrop, Saint Thomas Parish
Daniel Brosch, SFO Fallen Soldier Cart Lead, Master of Ceremonies
Michael Siefkes, SeaTac Mayor
Erin Sitterly, SeaTac Deputy Mayor
Kevin Rose, WA State Patriot Guard Riders

The cart will travel in a motorcade procession from SeaTac, WA, May 10, 2018 and arrive in Burlingame, CA, May 12, 2018 for an afternoon delivery and dedication ceremony at SFO. The public is invited and encouraged to join with other community members at Angle Lake for this free event.

Alone on the airfield, one cart is reserved for heroes.

With blue paint, red carpet and American flag curtains, a customized cart built exclusively to carry the remains of fallen service members along their journey home to their final resting place. It’s the most visible component of the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program, which ensures the remains of a deceased soldier are treated with respect and dignity upon arrival.

The cart’s exterior features plaques representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Inside are plaques for the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. On the top of the cart, visible to airline customers, is a large decal that says “Alaska Airlines Honoring the Fallen” along with a star and emblems for the five armed services.

Through years prior, Alaska Airlines has deployed dedicated carts in Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Washington, D.C. and Dallas. This latest cart is directed to San Francisco. While the carts remain under Alaska’s care at each of these locations, they are available for any airline to use when transporting soldiers’ remains.

Angle Lake Station - Transit Oriented Development

This summer Sound Transit is expected to release a request for proposals (RFP) for development of a transit oriented facility on the property located on the northeast corner of 26th Avenue South and South 200th Street, next to the existing Sound Transit Angle Lake Station and Park & Ride Facility.

The first step in the RFP process is to collect input from local stakeholders and residents on the types of development are considered priority for the area. For instance there may be a strong preference for more retail or entertainment spaces, affordable housing for artists or any other various uses. Your  feedback is vital in guiding Sound Transit staff to evaluate the most preferred future development proposals so the highest quality development can occur next to the Angle Lake Light Rail Station resulting in essential access for residents and workers between Angle Lake and the rest of the region. 

Residents, commuters, and others with an interest in this RFP are encouraged to stop by Sound Transit's information table, located on the Angle Lake Station Plaza next to the parking garage, on April 26 and May 2 between 4 and 7 p.m.

Can’t make it in person? 

Please direct your comments to Anthony Avery, Senior TOD Project Manager via email at anthony.avery@soundtransit.org or by phoning (206) 689-4881.