A Polar Plunge in 2021?

“Is the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge happening this year?” The short answer is no…  and yes. 

Some of us around here like to ring in the New Year with a brisk (OK – freezing, freaking cold) dip in Angle Lake. However, due to the current COVID-19 public health emergency, and social distancing protocols, pursuant to the Governor’s and public health officials’ orders and acting with abundant caution, the Shore Club is not organizing a plunge event for 2021.

NOTE: DO NOT WEAR ANY FACE COVERINGS WHILE IN THE WATER

However, an unsponsored, informal Polar Plunge at Angle Lake Manor Beach will still take place. Several of our regular ‘die-hard’ participants are determined not to go a year without their New Year’s Polar Plunge. As one planned participant stated "Please let it be clear we are independent of any organization and NOT the organizers of this event." 

If you decide to do so, there is an open invitation for you to join them for the HIGH NOON plunge. Otherwise, you are encouraged to consider dropping off non-perishable foodstuff and/or cash donations from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm to benefit our local food bank 

Angle Lake Manor Beach 

New Years Day, January 1st

Food Bank Contributions accepted 11:00 am -12:30 pm

Plunge at High Noon, 12:00 pm

SeaTac Police Department Seeks Volunteers

 No response is a response. Either you’re not interested or you don't care. 

This month, the King County Sheriff’s Office notified all contract cities, including the City of SeaTac, that it is seeking help in filling positions on the Independent Investigation Team (IIT) with Non-Law Enforcement Community Representatives as part of fulfilling the requirements of Initiative 940. 

To provide some background, Washington’s Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act (LETCSA) requires that an independent investigation team (IIT) investigate the use of force by a police officer when it results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm. The goal is to enhance accountability and increase trust between law enforcement and the community. The objective is to have an IIT stood up and engaged in the event of an incident as described above and will conduct an investigation in the same manner as a criminal investigation. 

The IIT will consist of qualified and certified law enforcement investigators and at least two non-law enforcement community representatives. Because they will need to respond to each event regardless of the time of day or day of the week, a pool of community representatives will be needed to ensure at least two are available 24/7. The IIT will operate completely independently of any involved agency’s administrative investigation to conduct criminal investigations of police use of deadly force incidents.  If an independent investigation is required, individuals will be selected from the roster to serve on the IIT for that specific incident. This is a non-paid volunteer position with a term of four (4) years. 

Responsibilities of the Community Representatives include:

• Willingness to serve as a community representative, when called upon, after an officer-involved use of deadly force.
• Participate in the selection of IIT certified law enforcement investigators.
• Attend any relevant orientation or training related to the position, which will be provided at no expense. These will be coordinated between the City and KCSO.
• Pass background and conflict-of-interest checks.
• Review and sign a confidentiality agreement before being appointed to any IIT.
• Attend any IIT briefings.
• Review the investigative file when completed.
• Review media communications and press releases prior to their release.

If you are interested in further information about the Independent Investigation Team volunteer opportunities or to apply, please refer to the City of SeaTac Webpage at: https://www.seatacwa.gov/government/city-departments/city-manager/citizen-representatives-needed-for-internal-investigative-team

The City of SeaTac will begin review of applications on January 4, 2021.

The Angle Lake Shore Club Needs a New Leader!

With both sadness and gratitude, we must announce that our intrepid leader of the last 13 years, Lonnie Goulet, has decided to resign as president of the shore club. 

I ask everyone to remember his vibrant, creative years at our helm. So much of what the club has achieved in the last baker’s dozen years came from Lonnie’s enthusiasm and drive and his willingness to go the extra mile. We can’t replace that but ask you to consider whether you might take a shot at leading the club into the next exciting era.

There is not another Lonnie but we know there is someone in our club able to step into his shoes. Just bring your own socks. The rest of the board will remain intact and able to ease the transition for our next President. We ask you to think about whether you’d enjoy putting your mark on the festivities the club organizes around our lake. Perhaps you have ideas for new events of interest. Maybe you want to make sure that the fireworks, fishing derby, Tapas, et al continue on for all to enjoy. Maybe it’s just your time to give back your energy to our great community. If so please step up!!

The duties of the president include chairing our board meetings - about 8-10 each year (in non-covid years), presiding at the Christmas Party and other events, and organizing things like the fireworks. Having some organization skills would be good since someone has to keep us on track. Lonnie did hold the presidency for 13 years but if our next leader only stays a couple years that’s ok too. It’s a fun group to work with and we’d love to see what happens when you put your stamp on our club. So, old or young, woman, man, doesn’t matter - just a little leadership to help our community stay vibrant.

If you have questions or would like to discuss possibilities please shoot me an email at  jimmijett@gmail.com and let’s talk. We’d love to see where you take us next!

Jim Todd
VP ALSC