Come to the 2009 SolarFest

The Shoreline Solar Project will host the sixth annual SolarFest, a renewable energy and sustainable living fair, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 18 at Meridian Park School, 17077 Meridian Ave. N, in Shoreline. The all-day event is free to the public.

A free kick-off event at 7 p.m. July 17 will feature keynote speaker and artist Chris Jordon, as well as live and silent auctions at the Shoreline Conference Center, 18560 First Ave. NE.

SolarFest will include a “Kid Zone” featuring hands-on activities. Presentations will be given and documentaries will be shown throughout the day.

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring “The Taste of Shoreline” at the festival where fairgoers can sample menu items from area restaurants, diners and grills. Food will be available for purchase.

Shoreline Solar Project is a nonprofit dedicated to the practical application of renewable energy and sustainable living choices. For more information, visit www.shorelinesolar.org.

Garden Tots program begins

Preschool-aged children ages 2-5 are welcome to be part of the Kruckeberg Garden’s new Garden Tots program starting on Friday, July 11, and continuing throughout the summer.

Children can drop in for a fun exploration of plants in the garden. Each week will feature a simple plant activity, a themed garden exploration and a craft project. A fee of $5 per family will be charged. The program is free for Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation members.

The Kruckeberg Garden is located at 20312 15th Ave. NW in Shoreline. Call 206-546-1281 for more information.

Shoreline student is D0-IT scholar

Anna Ewing of Shoreline was recently selected to participate in DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology) Scholars as a 2009 “Phase 1” student.

Ewing is one of more than 50 college-bound high school students who will come together on the University of Washington campus beginning July 14 to participate in the annual DO-IT Scholars Summer Study program. DO-IT is funded by the state of Washington, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education. Other donors include the Boeing Company, Microsoft and the U.S. Department of Labor.

DO-IT Scholars will spend 10 days living on the UW campus and participate in a program designed to promote college and career success. The students will learn about challenging careers in fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

DO-IT Scholars targets high school sophomores and juniors with disabilities who are interested in pursuing higher education. The program seeks to encourage their participation in challenging academic programs and careers. Students apply to the program during the fall with recommendations from their parents, teachers and counselors. Each year, approximately 20 new students enter the program.

For information about Scholars or other DO-IT programs and activities, visit www.washington.edu/doit, e-mail doit@u.washington.edu or call 206-685-3648.

Church collects donated clothing

What do seven pairs of women’s shoes, eight pairs of men’s slacks and 11 blouses have in common? They were among the first 88 items collected and delivered to Matthew House in Monroe by the members of St. Dunstan’s Church of the Highlands Parish in Shoreline.

Matthew House gives the donated clothing to family and friends visiting someone incarcerated at the Monroe Correctional Complex. The Washington State Department of Corrections maintains a strict dress code for all visitors. A person not meeting the dress code may be referred to Matthew House. This includes adults or children, women and men.

St. Dunstan’s Parish plans to continue to take clothing to Matthew House monthly. All clothing donated must meet the Department of Correction requirements. See the “Visiting Guidelines” at www.doc.wa.gov/facilities/monroe.asp.

St. Dunstan’s Church is located at 722 North 145th St. in Shoreline. The church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. For more information about the church, contact the parish at 206-363-4319 or office@st-dunstans-episcopal.us.