06/11/03

Dear Neighbors,

It's time again for our Annual Neighborhood Meeting and we hope you can join us on the evening of June 12th. This year, our event will feature an art exhibit by well-known artist T.F. Chen who will display several lovely paintings of the neighborhood.

It's a busy time for our community and we have many things to tell you about in addition to the Neighborhood Meeting. Here's a summary of items included in this message:

  • Annual Neighborhood Meeting: Join us on Thursday, June 12th! Details below.

  • Batting Cage at the Playfield: Come to the Annual Neighbors meeting and learn the Parks Department decision on the proposed Little League batting cage project at the Playfield. Neighbors are hopeful that the project will be approved at the proposed third base side of the field in the northeast corner of the Playfield and that the cage can be installed for the remaining All Stars Season. Both the Laurelhurst Community Center Advisory Council and LCC submitted letters of support as well as many, many neighbors. Support at the May 29th community meeting was overwhelming.

  • Traffic Advisory on June 14th—Avoid Montlake Boulevard! The UW’s commencement ceremony is coming up on Saturday, June 14th. Don’t get caught in the traffic mess. Details below.

  • Comment on Tree Removal Plan at the Center for Urban Horticulture: Do you think the Center for Urban Horticulture (CUH) should remove 20 of the beautiful Cornelian cherry trees that grace the entrance to CUH and the neighborhood? Details about the proposal and how to comment below.

  • Interested in the City’s Plans to Eliminate Canadian Geese? Information below.

  • Interested in politics or gardening?—A group called Laurelhurst Neighbors for Rational Politics has formed in the neighborhoods and there is interest in establishing a new gardening club. Details below.

  • Fun things to do at Magnuson Park: Mark your calendar for the 4th Annual Run/Walk to benefit Children’s Hospital, a Canine Festival, a celebration of kites, the first in a series of Peace Concerts and more. Get involved with sailing at Magnuson. Details below.

  • Seattle Audubon introduces BirdWeb: Check out the link below and learn more about birds in your backyard and in the state.

  • Gardening and Plants: Get the latest gardening reading list, learn about the Plant Answer Line and the upcoming Solstice Plant Sale. Details below.

Just cursor down to whatever interests you for details about the above items. We apologize that this message is so long, but there's a lot going on and we only send out one message a month.

We are still updating our email list from the information provided from the dues statements, but that process is not yet complete, so please forward this message to other neighbors in case they haven’t been added yet. We now have 942 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. The LCC board of trustees meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month at St. Stephens. All calls and concerns from neighbors are discussed and neighbors are always welcome to attend.

Jeannie Hale, LCC President

===========LAURELHURST ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOODMEETING============

Thursday, June 12th

Please join us for the Laurelhurst Annual Neighborhood Meeting on Thursday, June 12th at the Laurelhurst Community Center, 4554 NE 41st Street. Come at 6:30 p.m. to view the paintings of Laurelhurst homes by well-know painter Dr. T.F. Chen. There will be an informal reception at 6:45 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. Kids are welcome!

The Laurelhurst Community Club is proud to present the artwork of Dr. T. F. Chen at this year’s community meeting. After an exhibition in Seattle and before an upcoming show in Portland, Dr. Chen stumbled upon the beauty of the Laurelhurst community, and proclaimed it “a true paradise!” Dr. Chen was so inspired by the enchanting landscape, that he rearranged his busy schedule in order to stay a while and paint the beautiful land. Please come view the completed artworks depicting your very own community at this year’s Annual Neighborhood Meeting.

Recognized as "one of the twenty most influential artists in the world today," Dr. Chen was honored with a Global Tolerance Award from the Friends of the United Nations for his lifetime of work towards peace and his bold, powerful multicultural artwork. Chen's works are featured in over 100 textbooks and other media; and are collected widely privately and publicly.

Here's the lineup of topics and speakers:

  • Protecting our Community from Mosquitoes and other County Business: King County Council Chair Cynthia Sullivan will brief neighbors about how to avoid the debilitating affects of the West Nile Virus by reducing the number of mosquitoes in the neighborhood and by taking precautions. Learn the facts and protect your family. Council Chair Sullivan will also answer questions about other County issues.

  • Children's Hospital Expansion: Representatives from Children’s Hospital will brief the community about plans to improve and expand its ambulatory care facility, efforts to mitigate the impacts on the neighborhood and its Master Plan for further expansion.

  • Rebuilding the Center for Urban Horticulture: Tom Hinckley, Center Director, will update neighbors about planning underway to rebuild the Center for Urban Horticulture after the eco-terrorist arson attack in May 2001.

  • Laurelhurst Sidewalk Safety Program: Last Spring, LCC implemented this program to inventory and repair neighborhood sidewalks that pose safety risks to neighbors. The plan is to reduce the cost of sidewalk repairs to neighbors by ¾ with City and LCC contributions to make necessary repairs. Hear an update about the program and the 1st phase Sidewalk Safety Inventory.

Questions? Contact Shahina Piyarali at 526-8005 or shahinapiyarali@hotmail.com or Jeannie Hale at 525-5135 or jeannieh@serv.net.

======TRAFFIC ADVISORY ON JUNE 14—AVOID MONTLAKE BOULEVARD=======

On June 14, over 45,000 people will attend this year’s UW graduation ceremony at Husky Stadium. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are advised to avoid Husky Stadium between noon and 6 p.m. At approximately 3:30 p.m., Seattle Police will begin to set up traffic controls which will close Montlake Boulevard between NE Pacific Street and NE 45th Street to through traffic to help move cars parked in the stadium lots away from the area after the ceremony. Traffic approaching the closure will be detoured around the area. This restriction, which is similar to traffic routing for Husky football games, will be in effect until approximately 5:00 p.m. Transportation information can be found at http://depts.washington.edu/commence/general.html#Parking. For further information, contact Lisa Quinn at lquinn@u.washington.edu or 206-616-2051.

=======TREE REMOVAL PLAN AT CENTER FOR URBAN HORTICULTURE=====

Background: In 1984, 42 Cornus mas (Conelian cheery) trees were planted at the UW’s Center for Urban Horticulture (CUH). Originally, the idea was to screen the Center from passing drivers. As the trees matured, they became a wonderful amenity to the community—gracing the entrance to the Laurelhurst community with an abundance of exquisite blossoms and cherries each year attracting birds and butterflies. This exquisite stand of healthy trees also offers a noise and traffic buffer to nearby neighbors and screening of the institutional use.

The Issue: As part of the ongoing effort to rebuild Merrill Hall at the UW's Center for Urban Horticulture (CUH) after the eco-terrorist fire on May 21, 2001, CUH is considering the removal of half of the Cornelian cherry trees (one tree has already been removed). There are currently 41 remaining trees and 20 would be removed under the Plan A option so that the entrance to the new facility will not be blocked from view. The Plan B option calls for removal of 8 trees. For unknown reasons, CUH did not include the option of retaining all of the trees, but there is an indication that some modification of the plan could be made.

Comment on the Plan: If you would like to comment on the tree removal proposal, please email Tom Hinckley, Director, Center for Urban Horticulture at hinckley@u.washington.edu or write to him at Box 354115, UW, Seattle, WA 98195.

Further Info: Go to http://depts.washington.edu/urbhort/, then click on “Project Updates” and then click on “Other Proposed Site Changes.” Visit the trees at CUH. The 20 trees slated for removal under Plan A are flagged by blue ribbon. The 8 trees slated for removal under Plan B are flagged by an orange ribbon.

Where is LCC on the Issue: LCC wrote to Tom Hinckley urging preservation of the beautiful stand of trees because of the benefits provided to the community and consistency with the mission of CUH. LCC also thanked CUH for the early notice provided on the project to allow neighbors to comment.

============COMMENT ON THE CITY’S GOOSE KILL PLAN=======

The Issue: The Canada goose population in Seattle parks is down by about 75 percent from three years ago, when the City hired federal wildlife agents to round up and kill thousands of the birds to control their numbers. This practice has continued each year and is scheduled to resume in the next couple of weeks.

What happens is that during the molting season when Canada geese lose their flight feathers and are unable to fly, agents lure the geese and babies onto the backs of trucks where gas chambers have been installed.

The problem is what to do with the abundance of geese. Each goose leaves behind as much as three pounds of do-do each day, creating slippery and unsanitary areas and health risks. Opponents of the gassing—the Humane Society and PAWs—advocate more humane methods to control the goose population. These groups cite evidence that killing geese is both an ineffective and expensive method of controlling the population of Canada geese in Seattle parks and have offered the assistance of 60 trained volunteers to implement effective non-lethal solutions. But, City officials are again proceeding with plans to round up and kill thousands of birds this summer.

To Comment: To comment on the City’s Goose Kill, call or email Parks Superintendent Ken Bounds at 206-684-8022 or ken.bounds@seattle.gov and Mayor Greg Nickels at 206-684-4000 or click on this link to email the Mayor: www.cityofseattle.net/mayor/citizen_response.htm.

Further Info: For further information, contact Jennifer Hillman, Progressive Animal Welfare Society, at 425-742-4009 x259 or Jenniferh@paws.org or Katherine Bragdon at kbragdon@seanet.com.

=========INTERESTED IN POLITICS OR GARDENING?=======

Two new groups forming in the neighborhood

Laurelhurst Neighbors for Rational Politics: A new group has formed in the neighborhood to address dissatisfaction with the current political system, get folks involved and get educated on the issues. The next meeting will be at Ruth Little's house, 5023 48th Ave. NE, on Wednesday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m. For further information, contact Betsy Boyle at 205-524-1486 or, better yet, email her at BoyleEliz@aol.com. Please let Betsy know if you can attend the upcoming meeting so they know how many chairs to set up.

Laurelhurst Gardening Club: Are you interested in being a part of a new gardening club in the neighborhood? If so, please contact Catherine Kalke at CKalke@comcast.net.

============FUN THINGS TO DO AT MAGNUSON PARK==============

Sail Sand Point: The season for sailing is here at Magnuson Park! Sail Sand Point now has new boats, storage lockers, expanded boat access and storage areas, and new programs.

  • Volunteer: Sail Sand Point provides opportunities for volunteers. Volunteer hours = free sailing time! If you're in High School, volunteer and get your required hours the fun way! For info go to http://www.sailsandpoint.org/index.php?pg_id=71.
  • Classes: If you haven't registered for sail camps or classes; visit the Sail Sand Point’s website soon, as classes are filling fast. The address is http://www.sailsandpoint.org/index.php?pg_id=2 and you can register online. Classes are offered for children and adults.
  • Boat Storage: The Boat Access/Storage areas have been expanded. If you have been waiting to store your boat in the East Storage area (next to the seaplane ramp), now is the time. There is plenty of room, yet folks are asked to be considerate of the larger/heavier boats for this area. The west area also has space available. Visit the web site to get a contract for 2003 at http://www.sailsandpoint.org/index.php?pg_id=25.
  • Lockers: Indoor storage lockers are now available for your sails, blades and other boating gear. These lockers are available on a first come, first serve basis. Don't wait; they'll be gone before you know it! http://www.sailsandpoint.org/index.php?pg_id=25
  • For further information: Contact Deb Sullivan at deb@sailsandpoint.org or call 206-525-8782.

4th Annual Run for Children’s Run/Walk: June 14 at 9 a.m. at Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE. This event features a 10K run, 5K fun run/walk, a children's dash, and family entertainment. Proceeds benefit Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center uncompensated care fund. Registration fee: $20. Register online at http://www.runforchildrens.org by noon, June 12 or register at Fiorini Sports at University Village. For further information go to the website or contact the Laura Brigman Guild at 206-528-2777.

Canine Festival: Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15 at Magnuson Park. A weekend festival of conformation all breed, speciality and obedience atches, four National Canine Association shows, performance, education, seminars, clinics, hobby booths, demonstrations, canine good citizen, AKC CAR innovative canine ‘pet jac’ (microchipping) to bring together all-breed and specialty clubs, pet owners, future pet owners, legislators, city officials and dogs representing over 100 breeds. Adult admission $5; children under 16 FREE. The exhibitions portion of the festival is free. This weekend is a nonstop festival of a splendid variety of breeds and the myriad ways in which canines enrich our lives. For further information, call Elaine Young at 206-324-6327 or Pat O’Hanley at 425-333-5100.

Seattle Celebration of Kites: Come to Kite Hill on June 15 and see many kinds of kites take to the sky. A perfect way to spend Father’s Day too! Enter from NE 65th Street, continue 1/2 mile east to boat launch, and continue to Kite Hill. This free event is sponsored by the Washington Kitefliers Association.

Seattle Peace Concert: Noon on June 29—First of three summer concerts at Magnuson Park. Enter park at NE 65th Street entrance, continue to the swim beach. Free. Sound by "Fudd" and Motorbark - Naked Elbo, Harvey Swanson, Rockin Teenage Combo, Dub Championz. For further information, contact Seattle Peace Concerts at 206-729-5232 or seapeace@seapeace.org or go to http://www.seapeace.org.

============SEATTLE AUDUBON INTRODUCES BIRDWEB ==========

Would you like to know more about the birds you observe in your yard or throughout Washington? Log on to BirdWeb at http://www.birdweb.org/birdweb/, Seattle Audubon's online resource guide to the birds of Washington. BirdWeb is an all-inclusive, online database of the some 350 species of birds that occur regularly in the Evergreen State, plus notes on more than 100 rarities. For each bird species, users will find color photographs, range maps, and information about the bird’s habitat, behavior, diet, breeding, distribution and conservation status.

================GARDENING AND PLANTS================

Gardening Reading List: “Gardening: A beginner’s Reading List,” was recently published by the Seattle Public Library and was created by Keiko Frank, gardening librarian at the Seattle Public Library and Brian Thompson, acting manager of the Miller Library at the Center for Urban Horticulture (CUH). For your copy, stop by the Miller Library at CUH or any branch of the Seattle Public Library.

Plant Answer Line: The CUH Plant Answer Line is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call UW PLANT, 206-897-5268 or email your question to hortlib@u.washington.edu.

Summer Solstice Plant Sale: The Arboretum Foundation is sponsoring its annual Summer Solstice Plant Sale on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Graham Visitors Center in the Washington Park Arboretum. A stupendous selection for summer gardens, including drought-tolerant plants, plants for container gardens and more. A special treat: complete container gardens created by area gardening celebrities and others. Celebrity designers and others will be on-hand to answer your questions about drought-tolerant gardening and container gardens! For further information, contact the Arboretum Foundation at 206-325-4510 or gvc@arboretumfoundation.org or go to www.orgsites.com/wa/arboretumfoundation/.