As with many restaurants and bars in our community, the Four Spoons Cafe is asking the community for support to get through what is hopefully the last months of Phase 2 pandemic regulations in Seattle.

Per local Greenwood resident Mark:

“We had another great breakfast this past weekend and recommend calling (206-297-6384) or stopping on by for a fabulous meal from Four Spoons Cafe on 85th NW and Dibble Ave NW. The Four Spoons owners would like neighbors to know they are open Thursday-Sunday at 8am for a delicious breakfast to go. Friday night dinners coming soon—Get more details on instagram @fourspoonscafe

They are also raising funds on GoFundMe to help get them through this pandemic.”

Thank you to all Greenwood-Phinney residents for being such amazing advocates for our small businesses throughout this pandemic, your actions and generosity has truly made a difference.

The Ballard High School music program has been busy recording and mixing a virtual concert that showcases over a dozen ensembles in a wide variety of styles and that promises to offer a little something for everyone. The free performance airs online Friday, January 22 at 7 p.m.

“It will be a nonstop evening featuring an incredible range of performances from our music ensembles,“ says Courtney Rowley, director of choirs.

A link to the performance will be posted on this page on January 22nd.

Enjoy dinner and a show—Those wishing to enjoy a restaurant meal with the concert can purchase a takeout dinner box ($55, serves 2) from Tom Douglas Restaurants, and a portion of proceeds benefits the performing arts program at Ballard High School.

Boxes will be available for pre-order (with 24-hour notice) and be ready for pickup Wednesday Jan. 20 through Sunday, Jan. 24, between 2-6 p.m. Pick up at the Serious Takeout Ballard Warehouse Kitchen at 14th & 52nd.

The Collage Concert dinner box (serves 2 people) includes:

• Slab-of-smokey-bacon wrapped savory herb meatloaf
• Beecher’s cheddar and chive mashed potatoes
• Big Dinner sweet onion gravy
• Garlic roasted broccolini
• Stacy’s Kozy pudding cups

Columbia City-based cycling nonprofit Bike Works has announced that they will host an online trivia event on January 21^st at 5:30 PM featuring an impressive panel of cycling champions: Heidi Franz, Andy Hampsten, Jennie Reed, and Nelson ‘The Cheetah’ Vails.

This event will support Bike Works’ youth, community, and environmental programs. Bike Works promotes the bicycle as a vehicle for change to empower youth and build resilient communities. This year, they are celebrating 25 years of making cycling accessible to the Seattle community.

Tickets are available on a sliding scale at: bikeworks.org/event/bicycle-trivia-night. Trivia guests will compete for a chance to win prize packages from Wahoo, Metier Brewing, Miir, and Bike Works.

Franz is a professional racing cyclist, currently riding for the UCI Continental Team Rally Cycling. She resides in West Seattle.

Hampsten, professional road bicycle racer and winner of the 1988 Giro d’Italia, was inducted into the US Bicycling Hall of Fame in 2017.

Reed is a World and US champion track cyclist. She has competed in 13 World Championships, and won a silver medal in the 2012 Olympics in the Team Pursuit. She is a King County resident, hailing from Redmond.

Finally, Vails is a retired road and track cyclist, who won a silver medal in the 1984 Olympics. He is the first African American cyclist to win an Olympic medal and was inducted into the US Bicycling Hall of Fame in 2009. Vails portrayed a New York bicycle messenger in the 1986 film Quicksilver, a role informed by his real work as a messenger, when he was known as “The Cheetah.”

Thanks to Bike Works’ 25^th anniversary sponsors: evo, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, PMI Worldwide, Recology King County, Relevant Concepts Marketing Group, Sound Credit Union, Spin (Electric Scooter Sharing), Vulcan Inc., and Washington Bike Law.

On this day, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. by closing schools and offices, but it is important to remember that MLK Day is about more than just having a day off. It has come to be recognized as a day of service nationwide, so take some time during these 24 hours to do something that honors King’s values and his revolutionary place in American history.

Below are nine meaningful ways to celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., courtesy of Tiffany Curt on hellogiggles.com.

1. Educate yourself, because history classes rarely gave us the whole truth.

The ways in which the topic of race in America is taught in history classes around the country varies drastically, so make sure that you have a good understanding of why there is a day dedicated to MLK. Read some of King’s books, read books about him written by Black authors, explore his more radical ideology, and take note of his letters, which paint him as more than a peaceful martyr.

2. Talk to your older family members.

For Black Americans—especially those with relatives who grew up in the South—talking to your older family members could be especially enlightening. Many of us have grandparents who are living history, and who may very well have attended a protest or watched King on television. Since you may not be able to see older family members in-person this year due to COVID-19, make a special effort to call them on your day off and engage in an open and honest dialogue.

3. Talk to the problematic folks.

We all know some problematic people—and they are often the people closest to us. If you are someone who benefits from the systems oppressing minorities and Black Americans, then you have a duty to end the cycle of ignorance. Educate yourself, and equip yourself with various ways to fight white supremacy. Then pass this information along to those family members, friends, and neighbors who have trouble understanding the importance of racial justice, be it through an online conversation, virtual meet-up, or phone call.

4. Do some good.

It is a day of service, after all—but make sure that giving back to the community doesn’t begin and end with January 18th. This year, you might want to read up on some tips for how to safely volunteer during the pandemic and look into virtual opportunities as well. Simply start by searching for volunteer opportunities and finding those in-need near you. The Corporation for National and Community Service allows you to search its database for local and national MLK Day volunteer opportunities.

5. Create.

Use King’s message of acceptance and justice for the marginalized to inspire your art. Write. Paint. Make music. Whatever mode of expression you prefer, use the day as a springboard to let your talent be your activism—like other artists who are taking a stand against hate.

6. Support organizations that fight for racial justice.

In the midst of educating yourself and those around you, don’t forget to support organizations that make it their mission to fight against racial injustice. Join a protest, raise funds, and learn more about the work that Black Lives Matter and other organizations are doing to empower Black communities.

7. Support a Black-owned business.

You can’t have equality without equity, and Black business owners often face additional barriers to their success because of their race. For a day that is about giving back, you can also empower individuals by supporting Black businesses in your community or online. It’s a little out of our neighborhood, but former PNA Executive Director Dar’Nesha Weary’s business in Shoreline could use some community support in the wake of continued racist attacks.

8. Go on an informative trip.

If you can make it to D.C., visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History. And if you can’t make it to D.C., search for free events. Many cities have special museum exhibits on MLK Day or even put on concerts dedicated to the spirit of King’s legacy. This year, you can even take an informative trip without having to leave your house. Check out this virtual tour of the National Civil Rights Museum to see and learn all about MLK’s life and legacy.

9. Watch films about King’s life.

Start with Our Friend, Martin because it has been shown in almost every classroom during the month of January. Although it is an animated film, it features historical footage of King at different points in his life. Then watch Ava Duvernay’s Selma to find out that King lived a life that was much more complex than the image we have been sold. Not all of his contemporaries agreed on his methods, and some of King’s views on capitalism and the Vietnam War were considered to be radical during his time.

Okay, we made it. It’s a new year, but lots of things still seem the same. I still don’t know what day it is most of the time, but I am not writing 2020 on things. So I feel pretty good about that. It’s been a pretty wet one out there so far, but at least this isn’t all snow (although the kids may think otherwise).

So now that we’ve made it to 2021, tell us:

What are your goals for 2021?

Send your responses to tips@phinneywood.com and we will share our favorites soon along with your first name and last initial.

Anything you would like to see answered, shoot us an email at tips@phinneywood.com!

Photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash

The Sunset Hill Community Association is one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhood associations–both a voice for issues that affect Sunset Hill and a hub for activities. It was formed in 1922 and in 1929 members purchased land and built the two-story Clubhouse at 3003 NW 66th Street in lower Ballard to provide the residents and children of Sunset Hill with a hall for community activities.

SHCA is excited for the day they can host community gatherings again in their beautiful clubhouse. In the meantime, they have implemented COVID-19 safety procedures that limit large groups. Currently they have one small group of students and tutors renting the upper hall during the week, and they are accepting rental inquiries for the lower floor.

They are also seeking new members! Find out all you need to know about becoming a member and voting in this year’s board election in SHCA’s January newsletter. 

The City of Seattle announced on Monday that $2.17 million in direct cash assistance is now available for hospitality workers who live and work in Seattle who have lost jobs or income (reduced hours) due to COVID-19. People in need of assistance can visit this website to learn if they qualify and apply for resources.

Through this fund, hospitality workers that have experienced economic distress caused by job or income loss due to COVID-19 may be eligible to receive up to $2,000 per family. An individual could receive $1,000, with an additional $200 per dependent, up to $2,000 per family. Eligible recipients must either be employed, laid off, and/or faced reduced hours in the hospitality industry and earn less than 60% of the area median income (AMI) to qualify.

Here are frequently asked questions about this fund.

Here is where workers can apply for the fund.

If you know anyone who may benefit from this, please pass this information on to them.

Photo by Nick Bolton on Unsplash

On Tuesday January 12, the Greenwood Community Council will be holding a community Zoom meeting regarding the Stay Healthy Street Program. SDOT will be presenting, answering questions and taking your comments about making the 1st Ave NW Greenway permanent, and about the program in general.  Below is a summary of what the SDOT representatives will present:

In April 2020, SDOT responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by upgrading 26 miles of Neighborhood Greenways to Stay Healthy Streets throughout the city as a pilot program to allow for socially distanced transportation, recreation, and socialization. Mayor Durkan has since committed to making 20 miles of Stay Healthy Streets permanent.  After evaluating the pilot locations, Greenwood Stay Healthy Street – along 1^st Ave NW – was identified as the most promising route to be made permanent in Northwest Seattle.  We are looking for community input regarding any concerns with the current operation, what types of durable materials you prefer, and how to enhance the street to better reflect the local community.

SDOT spoke to the GCC several months ago when the program was new. At that time most on the call were supportive, but there were a few trouble spots identified. If you are affected by the 1st Avenue NW Greenway in any way, please contact GCC at this email address so they can figure out how to address your concerns at the meeting or through a separate problem-solving session. 

Tuesday January 12, 7:00-8:30 pm
To join the Zoom meeting, click here