08/21/02

Dear Neighbors,

 

Summer is coming to an end and it’s time to start thinking about the new school year and the gardening challenges that come with the change of season.  Construction at Children’s continues, along with an opportunity for you to attend a meeting of its advisory committee.  There are several 5K runs/walks at Magnuson Park for you and your family to consider, plus many other fun things to do at the Park and in the neighborhood. 

 

Here’s a summary of what we’d like to tell you about this month.  Just cursor down to whatever interests you for additional information.   

 

·         Children’s Advisory Committee Meeting:  Monday, September 23rd from 7-8:30 p.m. at Children’s.  Details below.

 

·         Neighborhood School Supplies Drive:  Help neighborhood teen, Emma Schachter, by contributing school supplies for homeless and low-income youth.  Details below.

 

·         Purchase School Supplies at Office Depot—5% of your purchase goes to the school of your choice.  Details below.

 

·         Time to Get School Year Immunizations:  New vaccine required this year for K-5 students.  Details below.

 

·         Volunteers needed for the Laurelhurst Sidewalk Safety Program:  Details below.  Help keep Laurelhurst safe!

 

·         Compost Bins available at Reduced Prices:  Reduce waste and create a sustainable garden!  Details below.

 

·         Get on the List to Purchase Zoo Doo—Limited supply.  Details below.

 

·         Learn about Several Fund 5K Runs and Walks at Magnuson Park:  These events benefit a variety of causes.  The PAWSwalk coincides with a Bark in the Park festival for dogs.  Details below.

 

·         Other Fun Things to Do at Magnuson Park:  Concerts, arts and culture, Children’s Garden Work Party, the United Way Day of Caring, Friends of the Seattle Library Fall Book Sale and the Plant Amnesty Fall Plant Sale—just to name a few.  Details below.

 

·         Don’t forget to vote!  The statewide Primary Election is Tuesday, September 17, 2002.  The polls are open on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  If you would like to vote absentee, download an absentee ballot request form at http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/absentee.htm.  Fill it out and mail it to King County Records and Elections as directed on the form.  You may also request an absentee ballot by phone 206-296-VOTE (8683) or by fax 206-296-0108.  Seattle voters will be asked to approve a housing levy on the Primary Ballot.  For information about this measure, go to http://www.yesforhomes.com or call 206-956-9238.

 

Please forward this message to neighbors who may not be on our email network.  We now have 703 on our list!  As always, we appreciate your support and commitment to the neighborhood.  If you have questions about this message or any other neighborhood concerns, please email back.  We want to hear from you!

 

Jeannie Hale, LCC President

206-525-5135

 

======================CHILDREN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING===================

 

The Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center Master Plan Standing Advisory Committee will meet on Monday, September 23rd from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in Small Dining Room #3 (next to the cafeteria) at Children’s Hospital, 5th floor.  Parking is now available in the new parking garage on the fifth level.  The group will receive an updates on 45th Avenue NE mitigation efforts associated with the new garage construction, the inpatient care expansion project and future expansion plans.  Neighbors are welcome and you will have an opportunity to comment on everything going on.  For further information, contact Sarah Erickson at seric2@chmc.org or 206-527-3881 or Cliff Louie from the Department of Neighborhoods at 206-684-0209 or cliff.louie@ci.seattle.wa.us.

 

===========================YWCA SCHOOL DAYS PROGRAM=========================

Help Laurelhurst Teen Collect School Supplies for Low-Income Youth

 

Each year, hundreds of local youth start the school year without even the most basic school supplies.  Children from homeless and low-income families rarely have pencils, paper, crayons or notebooks.  The YWCA School Days program strives to provide these supplies to K-12 grade youth so they can focus on learning rather than worry about material needs or the social stress of being poor.

 

Laurelhurst teen, Emma Schachter, took the challenge to organize a neighborhood school supplies drive.  Emma will be a freshman at Roosevelt High School this fall.  She thought with so many school-age children in the neighborhood, it would be easy for families to pick up extra items like pencils, notebooks, glue, etc.  Can you help?  Whatever you contribute will make an immeasurable difference in a young person’s life.

 

Items Needed:  Please choose items from the following list or consider purchasing a backpack full of various supplies:

Wide-ruled paper                              3-ring binder (no “Trapper” style)

Pee-Chee folders                             subject dividers

School box                                         college-ruled paper

#2 pencils                                          colored pencils

lunchbox                                             erasers

crayons (box of 8)                             lunch bag

paste/glue                                          pens (blue or black)

safety scissors                                              pocket dictionary (optional)

ruler                                                     pocket calculator 4 function (optional)

box of tissues

 

How to Deliver Supplies:  Emma will set up a drop-off station at her house for delivery of school supplies.  She lives on NE 41st Street, between Surber Drive and 41st Avenue NE.  This is across from the Battelle property on Belvoir Place.  You can drop off items between noon and 2 p.m. on August 24th and August 31st.  Or, just contact Emma at 206-523-5588 or smooches88@foxinternet.net to make arrangements to drop off supplies at a different time. 

 

Questions?  Contact Emma Schachter at the phone and/or email address above. 

 

============AN EASY WAY TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE SCHOOL OF YOUR CHOICE=========

Office Depot’s 5% Back to Schools Program is Back!

 

Help schools in the area get the supplies they need with Office Depot’s 5% Back to Schools program.  With the help of our customers, Office Depot has been able to give millions of dollars in school supply credits back to thousands of schools.

 

Don’t let your school be left out!  Whether you’re buying supplies for the office or the coming school year, Office Depot will donate 5% of your purchase back to the school of your choice.  The more people you get involved, the more your school will earn.  Be sure to encourage all teachers, students, and colleagues to participate.

 

The eligible shopping period is July 21st through September 30th.  Valid for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. 

 

For further information or to shop online, go to http://www.officedepot.com/.

 

======================TIME TO GET SCHOOL YEAR IMMUNIZATIONS===================

 

Now is the time for Seattle families to prepare for going back to school and to get 2002-2003 school year immunizations.  Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date.  

 

New requirements for this fall:  Hepatitis B vaccine is now required for students enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grade and students entering kindergarten through second grade will be required to show proof of having received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, one dose of mumps-containing vaccine, and one dose of rubella-containing vaccine.

 

For information on special back-to-school immunization clinics in King County as well as Public Health immunization clinic sites, addresses and phone numbers, call the Public Health Hotline at 206-296-4949 or visit: www.metrokc.gov/health/immunization/backtoschool.htm.

 

Please remember to bring your shot record with you to all clinics.

 

Parents or legal guardians have the right to choose not to immunize their child, based upon medical, religious or philosophical reasons.  Parents or legal guardians must sign the appropriate box on the Certificate of Immunization Status form to exempt their child from receiving vaccines required for school entry.  There is a risk when choosing against vaccination.  In addition to the potential risk of becoming infected with a vaccine-preventable disease if he or she is exposed to the illness, a child who is not fully immunized also may be excluded from attending school or childcare during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease.

 

===================LAURELHURST SIDEWALK SAFETY PROGRAM =====================

 

The Laurelhurst Sidewalk Safety Program is underway.  The plan is to educate neighbors about sidewalk safety problems, develop an inventory of Laurelhurst sidewalks where problems exist and to develop a plan for the City, the Laurelhurst Community Club and neighbors to work together and to share some of the cost of safety repairs.  Brochures about the program are available at the Laurelhurst Community Center.

 

How you can help:  Volunteers are needed to help with the neighborhood sidewalk inventory.  We are basically asking neighbors for help in identifying:

·         Cracks in sidewalks (especially where the sidewalk is no longer level);

·         Sidewalk overgrowth that in unsafe for walkers and those with strollers;

·         Unsafe/slippery grates on sidewalks;

·         Need for curb cuts or ramps at corner locations for wheelchairs and bicycles; and

·         Other problems that contribute to unsafe sidewalks.

 

Questions? Contact Karl Weyrauch at 206-525-5562 or karlweyrauch@hotmail.com.  You can obtain a sidewalk safety inventory form at http://www.scn.org/neighbors/laurelhurst/issues/StreetRepair/StreetRepair.html.  Just click on “Build an inventory.”

 

=========================COMPOST BINS AT REDUCED PRICES======================

 

Seattle Public Utilities, King County and Suburban Cities continue to offer compost bins at 60% off through the end of the year!  Order the RPM composter on the web at http://www.rrpm.com/kingcowa1.htm or call Recycled Plastic Marketing at 425-867-3200.

 

Seattle/King County Residents pay: $25.00 for the 12 cubic foot size ($69.95 retail) or $35.00 for the 21 cubic foot size ($84.95 retail).  All Prices Include Sales Tax.  Shipping for Seattle/King County Residents: $13 per bin.

 

Why Compost at Home?  Composting yard waste and kitchen scraps is one of the best and easiest things you can do to reduce waste and grow a healthy, sustainable garden.  Using compost in your garden recycles nutrients and organic matter that help grow trouble-free plants with less water, fertilizer or pesticides.  Compost also builds healthy soil that absorbs and filters runoff, protecting streams from erosion and pollution.

 

Composting at home can also save you time and money.  You won't have to bag and drag yard waste to the curb for collection, pay to have it trucked to composting facilities or buy finished compost.  Composting your food scraps keeps them out of costly landfills and reduces your garbage bills.

 

Natural Lawn & Garden Hotline:  For questions about getting started, composting problems, and help with your composting project call the Natural Lawn and Garden Hotline at 206-633-0224 or email lawn&gardenhotline@seattletilth.org. 

 

Seattle Public Utilities' Backyard Composting Program:  Contact Natural Soil Building Program, Seattle Public Utilities at 206-684-4684 or carl.woestwin@ci.seattle.wa.us.

 

===========================PURCHASE ZOO DOO COMPOST=========================

 

Now's your chance to purchase a load of that rich, multi-species feces known as Woodland Park Zoo Doo.  The pungent compost has cooked away hot as ever through the summer, producing endless mounds of the richest, most exotic compost in the Pacific Northwest.

 

What is Zoo Doo?  Zoo Doo is a fully composted blend of animal manures mixed with straw bedding, grass, leaves and wood chips from the grounds of Woodland Park Zoo.  Elephants, ponies, hippos, elk, llamas, wallaroos and many other herbivores (plant eaters) animal contribute to Zoo Doo.  Adding this rich, dark Zoo Doo to your soil will enhance water and nutrient retention, and will improve soil texture.  It is completely organic and smells slightly sweet.  Zoo Doo will enhance water and nutrient retention.

 

How to Purchase Zoo Doo:  Due to ever-increasing popularity, there will be a drawing for appointments to this fall’s sale.  Dr. Doo is accepting entry cards only from August 26 until September 6.  Remember, you may submit one request only.  Phone orders will not be taken.  However, if you just need more information, be sure to call the poop line at 206-625-POOP (625-7667).

 

This is how it works: send a postcard to: Zoo Doo, Woodland Park Zoo, 601 N. 59th Street, Seattle, WA 98103. Include the following information:

 

Pick-up Dates:  Pick-up dates are September 21 through September 29.  Dr. Doo will randomly select as many cards as supplies of Zoo Doo allow and will contact you only if your lucky card was selected.  The Fecal Fests traditionally sell out.  And remember, you load your Zoo Doo yourself, using shovels the zoo provides.

 

Loading Procedure:  At the Zoo Doo yard, you will be directed to the appropriate site for loading.  Tools will be available for your use in loading your truck, trailer or container.  Rubber boots are highly recommended as the area is often muddy.  The Compost Coordinator is an experienced composter. Please feel free to ask questions or directions about Zoo Doo or composting.

 

Cost:  Prices for pick-up trucks are 8x4 bed $50; 6x4 bed $40; 6x3 bed $35. Garbage cans are $6 to $10, and bags are $3 to $6 depending on size. Limit one full truck per person. Two-gallon and pint-sized buckets also are available in the ZooStore for $10.95 and $4.95, respectively.

 

Further information:  If you have questions or need more information, call the poop line at 206-625-POOP (625.7667) or visit our ZooDoo Web site at http://www.zoo.org/zoo_info/special/zoodoo.htm.

 

====================FUN 5K RUNS AND WALKS AT MAGNUSON PARK==================

 

·         You Gotta Have Guts 5K Run/Walk—August 24, 2002:  This third annual run/walk on August 24th benefits the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.  The start/finish line is located near the children's playground, enter at NE 74th Street.  Day of event registration is from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.  The race starts promptly at 9:00 a.m..  The Awards Ceremony with door prize giveaways begins at 10:00 a.m.

 

            Registration:  $20 before August 21st; $25 after.  Online registration closes August 22, 2002 at 11:59 p.m.  Go to http://www.ccfa.org/chapters/northwest/ to register online.

 

            Further information:  Contact the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Northwest Chapter at 206-574-0698 or northwest@ccfa.org or go to http://www.ccfa.org/chapters/northwest/.

 

·         Memory Walk 2002—September 8, 2002:  Support the Alzheimer's Association of Western and Central Washington State and have fun doing it at the 10th Annual Seattle Memory Walk!  The three-mile walk-a-thon will be held at Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE.  Funds raised will be used to educate, support and advocate for individuals, families and communities affected by Alzheimer’s disease and to build awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other related degenerative disorders.

 

            Form a Team:  It takes a minimum of five people to form a team.  Businesses, families, sports teams, church groups and organizations are invited to form teams for the event.  Individuals are, of course, welcome.  Register online at http://www.alzwa.org/mw_2002/seattle_walk_day.htm/ to receive a team captain packet or additional information. 

 

            Prizes:  Raise $50 and earn a Memory Walk T-Shirt.   Raise $150 and earn a Memory Walk Sweatshirt.  Special premium prizes for top individuals, top teams, top family teams, best team banner or T-Shirt.  Prizes will be based on funds turned in by 10 a.m. the day of the Walk.  Each team member is responsible for his or her own fundraising.  Ask relatives, friends, old classmates and business associates to sponsor you!

 

            Logistics:  Turn your donations in at 9 a.m. the day of the event when individuals and team captains check in.  Donations must be turned in by 10 a.m. to qualify for prizes.  The walk starts at 10 a.m. and will extend from Air Hangar 30 past historic naval buildings and along the shore of beautiful Lake Washington returning to Hangar 30 for the Finish Line celebration.  There will be prizes, food and entertainment at 11 a.m. 

 

            Further information:  Go to http://www.alzwa.org/mw_2002/seattle_walk_day.htm or call 206-363-5500.

 

·         PAWSwalk and Bark in the Park—September 14, 2002:  Take part in PAWSwalk, meet dog celebrities, attend PAWS University with your canine companion and hear live music.  Festivities start at 9 a.m. at Magnuson Park in Building 30.  Enter at NE 74th Street.  PAWSwalk at Bark in the Park is PAWS' major fundraiser for dogs and the people who love them.  This fun walkathon is a great way to spend the day with your canine pal.  After the walk, you can visit Bark in the Park, a festival for dogs, featuring music, contests, and activities and over 50 animal friendly vendors.  There will be interactive areas for you and your dog and you can learn about animal CPR. 

 

            PAWSwalk Registration:  Time is running out!  Pre-registration for PAWSwalk ends on August 31st.  The cost is $15.  Go to http://www.barkinthepark.com/pawswalk/ to register.  Make sure you sign up online or have your registration postmarked by August 31, 2002.

 

            Logistics:  Take your choice of an invigorating 5K walk, or a leisurely 1.6 K ramble.  Dogs of all ages and sizes can enjoy this event.  Water for dogs and humans will be provided along the walk route.  Treats will be available for dogs.  Exciting prizes are available for top pledge collectors.

 

            Further information:  Contact Katherine Crowley-York at 425 742 4009 or katc@paws.org or go to www.barkinthepark.com.

 

·         Elephant Stampede 5K Run/Walk—September 22, 2002:  A 5K run sponsored by St. Bridget’s Church to benefit a community in Namitembo, Malawi, Africa.  Registration begins at noon at Magnuson Park, with warm-up at 12:30 p.m. and the start of the run/walk at 1 p.m.  Free barbecue following the event.  This is a great family event!

 

            Background:  Five years ago, St. Bridget’s adopted a sister parish in Namitembo, Malawi, Africa and made a commitment to the people there to help them build classrooms and housing for teachers.  After the housing and classrooms were built, funds raised were also used to help build a water supply system and a community center.  Electricity and new toilet facilities have now been installed in the teachers’ housing.  The plan now is to build a school for 900 students in a neighboring village, where students currently sit on the dirt floor in 2 classrooms.  Due to the widespread famine in the region, St. Bridget’s is also providing funds to feed 900 families a month, while also looking after the old, infants and AIDS victims.  You can help to improve the lives of those in this area of Africa by participating in the run/walk.

 

            Registration:  Registration can be done at Super Jock 'N Jill, 7210 East Green Lake Drive N or at St Bridget's Parish Church, by mail, or in person the day of the event.  Contact Adrienne Paetzke at 206-522-3470 or amp7502@aol.com for registration information, or if you would like to volunteer and help us put on the event!

 

            For further information:  Contact Adrienne Paetzke at the number and/or email address above or call Brian Oster at 206-729-9972.

 

·         Move for Mental Health 2002—September 28, 2002:  You are invited to participate in Seattle’s second annual, Move for Mental Health 2002, a 5K run/walk to raise awareness about mental illness at Magnuson Park on Saturday, September 28th starting at 9 a.m.  Choose from a 5K run/walk (USATF certified course, chip timing provided) or a one-mile untimed stroll along the scenic shores of Lake Washington.  Registration is $20.  For further information, contact WAMI Advocates for the Mentally Ill & Community Psychiatric Clinic at 1-800-782-WAMI or aa-wami@qwest.net or go to http://www.nami-wami.com/MFMH/move-wami2.htm

 

====================OTHER FUNS THINGS TO DO AT MAGNUSON PARK=================

 

·         Children’s Garden Work Party—August 24, 2002:  Calling all kids and families.  Join your neighbors and friends for the first work party for the new Children’s Garden at Magnuson Community Garden (a four-acre area just north of the Junior League Playground) on Saturday, August 24th from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.  Bring your favorite garden tools, gardening gear and energy.  Adult gardening tools, snacks and beverages will be provided.  Please RSVP to Cindy Hazard at 206-527-0584 or hazarddean@hotmail.com.

 

·         Summer Concert Series--Kids Day with Chris & Tad, August 25, 2002:  Bring your kids to Magnuson Park from 2-4 p.m. for the last of eight concerts in the annual series.  This FREE concert features Young Fresh Fellows' drummer Tad Hutchison, and Chris Ballew formerly of the Presidents of the United States of America.  The event will be held outside at the Community Activities Center, Building 406.  For further information, contact the Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange at 206-522-9529 or space@sandpointarts.org or go to http://www.sandpointarts.org.

 

·         Seattle Peace Concert—September 8, 2002:   Enjoy live music at Magnuson Park from noon to 6 p.m. on September 8th.  This FREE “Wild Card Concert” in the beach area will feature Stolen Ogre and others.  Those attending are encouraged to bring food bank donations for Northwest Harvest.  For further information, email seapeace@seapeace.org or go to http://www.seapeace.org.

 

·         United Way Day of Caring—Friday, September 13, 2002:  Day of Caring is a fun way for you and your co-workers to get out in the community and bring help to the people who need it most.  It is the largest single mobilization of volunteers across King County and puts people to work at hundreds of projects at various nonprofits.  Contact Lisa Brown to get your company involved:  lbrown@uwkc.org  or 206-461-3644.  Volunteers are especially needed to help take care of all of those working on the Promontory Point Habitat Enhancement Project at Magnuson Park.  Help distribute water, tools and just cheer on the many companies donating time to creating the finest park in our region.  If you can help out, please contact Bonnie Miller at 206-524-8713 or bmiller@serv.net.

 

·         Project 18—August 16-September 28, 2002:   Sand Point Arts & Cultural Exchange (SPACE) presents the second annual exhibition entitled, Project 18 at Magnuson Park.  Site-specific outdoor sculptural installations by local emerging artists are featured at this free exhibition.  For further information, contact the Sand Point Arts & Cultural Exchange at 206-522-9529 or space@sandpointarts.org or go to http://www.sandpointarts.org.

 

·         Visit the Butterfly Garden at Magnuson Park!  You can look forward to the enchantment of watching butterflies in a natural setting in this butterfly garden at Magnuson Park.  The butterfly garden was designed by Northwest Montessori School students and is part of the planned rehabilitation of Promontory Point, in the southeastern part of the park as a Northwest native plant sanctuary.  For further information, contact Jan Thorslund at 206-524-4244 or jthorslund@northwestmontessori.org.  Visit the garden and/or volunteer to help out at a work party.  If you love butterflies, check out the Butterfly Web Site at http://butterflywebsite.com/.  Also, visit the school’s website at http://www.northwestmontessori.org/.

 

·         4th Annual Fall Intro to Racing Clinic—September 14-15, 2002:  Northwest Women's Cycling's fourth annual fall racing and skill-building clinic, taught by top local racers, gives women cyclists the opportunity to become better riders in a friendly, supportive environment.  The clinic covers racing essentials for training and bike fit, to pack riding, bike handling, race strategies and more.  A combination of lecture and on-the-bike drills give participants a chance to immediately practice and refine what they learn.  All levels of fitness and riding experience are welcome at this two-day event at Magnuson Park in Building 11. 

 

            Cost: $50 for both days, $35 for one day

 

            Further information:  Contact Kim Wilson at kimwilson111@aol.com or go to http://www.nwwc.org/clinics.html where you can also register on line. 

 

·         Friends of the Seattle Library Fall Book Sale—September 20-22, 2002:   This popular book sale at Magnuson Park is open to the public on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Friday night is open to members only from 6:30-9:30 p.m.  New members may join at the door or online at http://www.spl.org/friends/booksale.html.  Purchasing your $15 membership in advance is recommended due to the popularity of the Preview Sale.  Members may buy up to 25 items on Friday night.

 

            Nearly 75,000 items are offered for sale to the general public.  Sorted by subject, books are donated by book stores, private individuals, and the library.  In addition to books, sheet music, tapes, CDs, records and videos are all available.  Don't miss the books for 10-50 cents in the Bargain Area or the real treasures in the "Better Books" area that includes recent releases, books of special interest, and rare and collective editions.

 

            Further information:  Call Quick Information at 206-386-4636 or the Friends’ voice mail at 206-386-4098 or just email book.sale@spl.org.  Volunteers are always needed in case you have time to donate.  If you have books to donate, call 206-523-4053 or drop them off at your local branch library.

 

·         Plant Amnesty Fall Plant Sale—September 21-22, 2002:  This plant sale at Magnuson Park includes education and fun.  The event, beginning at 10 a.m. each day, features seminars on horticultural topics, expert pruning demonstrations, the Bizarre Yard Art Contest, Father Weedo Sarducci, and more.  

 

            Further information:  Contact Plant Amnesty at 206-783-9813 or info@plantamnesty.org or go to  http://www.plantamnesty.org