Honoring a July 4th Tradition

A Tribute to Russ Austin

Angle Lake recently lost a long-time resident, former Shore Club President, and friend to many on the lake. Russ Austin enjoyed life to the fullest and loved the Angle Lake family where he lived with his wife (Patti) and their sons for the last 35 years. Family and community were a priority in Russ’s life and Angle Lake celebrations, including the 4th of July, were some of his favorites. He always looked forward to helping set the mood for the Fourth of July fireworks by placing flares on and around the lake, a tradition his family will be continuing this year in his honor. Russ will always be loved and will always be missed.  

In memory of Russ Austin, the Shore Club will help to continue supporting the Angle Lake July 4th flare tradition that he so loved. Flares will be left on your dock or dropped at your beach. We ask that you participate by igniting your flare at precisely 10:10 pm on the evening of July 4th and enjoy with your family the display of unity in honoring a tradition he loved so much.

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Please note that due to the persistent threat of the Corona Virus and the Governor’s orders aimed at prohibiting any large social gatherings, all of our other long time cherished Independence Day traditions have been canceled. 

This includes cancelation of the Manor Club Kiddies’ Parade; Bud Jones Run/Walk 5K ‘Round the Lake Race; Organized Dock Decorating Competition; and support for the large Fireworks Display over Angle Lake. We recognize and acknowledge that this is certainly disappointing news for many, however, safety for our members and our community is always our first and foremost priority. Please stay safe by observing our current laws regarding social distancing and the prohibition of discharging personal fireworks within SeaTac City Limits.

Local Grocer Keeps On Motor In'!

Happy 95th birthday wishes for Donald Malmberg!

Donald Malmberg was born in Sumas, WA on June 23, 1925, and moved in 1930 to what would later become the City of SeaTac. He went to school at Angle Lake Elementary and Highline High School and graduated in 1949 from the University of Washington. He served in the South Pacific in the Navy during WWII.

Don and his wife Irene operated the Malmberg family’s Bow Lake Grocery Store and Motor Inn on Pacific Highway and 188th St for many years until their retirement. Many locals enjoyed time spent chatting with Don at “the corner store”. His dry sense of humor and outgoing personality made him many friends in the community over the years. Don also served on the city council for the newly formed City of SeaTac for a few years.

Don resides in the Angle Lake neighborhood, but due to COVID-19 is still “snowbirding” in Arizona. He would love any birthday wishes that are sent his way. His Arizona address is 17814 W. Arizona Drive, Surprise, AZ 85374.

Giving hope and good thoughts that Donald is able to return to the cool waters of Angle Lake sometime soon.

Sensational Accomplishments Warrant Celebration

Congratulations Graduates! 

We are so proud of the class of 2020, it is an honor to recognize the following local graduates for their outstanding achievements:

Elliot James Wicks

Seattle Lutheran, High School Diploma

Grandson of Jodi Wicks

Graham Buyagawan

Seattle Christian, High School Diploma, Grand Honors

Sawyer Buyagawan

Seattle Christian, High School Diploma, Grand Honors

Sons of Jenn and Norm Buyagawan

Emmaliyah Chea 

Tyee, High School Diploma 

Highline College, Associate’s Degree

Daughter of Leah Chea

Jaclyn Hill 

The University of Washington, Bachelor’s Degree

Foster School of Business, Undergraduate Degree

Daughter of Julie and Clyde Hill

We're happy to be celebrating your success. We are all excited for you and your future. 

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This year’s graduates were only kids when the first iPhone came out. Facebook wasn’t around to capture their births, but by 2009, when today’s high school graduates turned 7, there were 350 million users documenting smiles before the first day of school.

So perhaps it’s not surprising that their final months of high school, or for others, the end of their college careers, have unspooled on the Internet. But this particular iteration of online life has brought mostly sadness. If you’ve studied for four years, dreaming of the final weeks of school, with its freedom and light, pranks and parties, how do you settle for a sign on the lawn declaring, “Congratulations, Class of 2020!”?

They’ve known hardship before. Situated demographically on the leading edge of Generation Z, they can’t remember a time when the twin towers touched the clouds over Manhattan, or when the United States was not at war. They lived through the Great Recession.

Now, college graduates are launching themselves into the worst job market since the Great Depression. Some high school graduates are, too. Others face the possibility that a virus that destroyed the end of high school may also disrupt the start of college.

And yet they moved on, writing their final papers and logging on for their last classes. They gather with family and friends via Zoom for virtual commencement ceremonies. The “Congratulations, Class of 2020!” signs pale against expectations, yet eyes still fill with happy tears when they are delivered.

The pandemic has upended the final months for the Class of 2020 in ways tiny and profound, academic and economic, social, and emotional. These graduates each have their own slice of the story that they, and we, will be telling for decades to come.

Phase 1; 2; 1.5?

King County is now in a modified Phase 1

State health officials have granted their approval for a modified approach for restarting commerce in King County. Restaurants and retailers will now be allowed to serve customers in their establishments, in addition to other modified openings for a wide range of businesses and activities.

The plan drafted by King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci, and King County Board of Health Chair Joe McDermott were approved by state Department of Health Secretary John Wiesman on Friday, June 5th. This allows limited and modified openings for a wide range of businesses, recreation, and personal activities in King County.

Businesses are required to follow the state Department of Health’s specific guidance but must adjust their occupancy to the levels identified below. The State defines an establishment’s capacity as the fire code. The intent is to limit business operations to a level that allows for social distancing. Additionally, businesses in retail, professional services, and real estate must take steps to reduce indoor operations to thirty minutes. This is not meant to be timed to the second – no one is expected to have a stopwatch – but customers should be informed why it is important to limit close interactions.

“This important step in our COVID-19 response reflects all the sacrifice and hard work that our community has put into fighting this disease,” said Dow Constantine, King County Executive. “The success of this guidance depends on business owners and community members embracing public health best practices, and understanding that one size doesn’t fit all. By opening our economy carefully and deliberately, we make sure to stay healthy and continue down the path to full recovery. ”

Here is an overview of what’s happening in key sectors across King County:

Restaurants:

• Outdoor dining activities are allowed at 50 percent of capacity with all tables and chairs maintaining 6 feet of distance, though additional seating will be allowed provided it follows Public Health – Seattle & King County’s best practices. 
• Indoor dining services may operate at 25 percent of capacity, provided such tables and chairs are more than 6 feet away from each other.

In-store retail:

• All non-essential retail activities may operate but an establishment’s occupancy may not be higher than 15 percent of capacity.
• Businesses are directed to provide signage encouraging indoor visits to less than 30 minutes, with face-to-face interactions limited to 30 minutes.

Personal services: Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Barbers, Estheticians, Master Estheticians, Manicurists, Nail Salon Workers, Electrologists, Permanent Makeup Artists, Tattoo Artists, Cosmetology Schools, and Esthetics Schools:

• All activities may operate but the number of clients served will be limited to no more than 25 percent of capacity or one person if it is a single bed/chair studio.

Professional services: Accountants, architects, attorneys, engineers, financial advisors, information technologists, insurance agents, tax preparers, and other office-based occupations that are typically serving a client base:

• All activities allowed but an establishment’s occupancy should not be higher than 25 percent of capacity.
• Businesses are directed to provide signage encouraging indoor visits to be less than 30 minutes, with face to face interactions limited to 30 minutes.

If you are a business operator and would like more information on these new policies, call Public Health’s Business Compliance Line at 206-296-1608. Otherwise, if you're a consumer, it's best to call ahead to confirm the business is open and what restrictions may be in place.

And for Fans of the King County Library System - their start safe opening plans may be viewed HERE.